The Richmond Flying Mummies were announced tonight as the newest members of the Northwoods League. The unveiling included the introduction of the club’s home uniforms and on-field caps. The team is set to play at Historic Don McBride Stadium in Richmond, Ind.; and returns baseball to town after a two-year absence. The name is a nod to the city's two Egyptian mummies that are on display and the Wright Brothers' aviation history in Richmond (they lived in town between 1881 and 1884), which blends ancient mystique and the thrill of flight. The two mummies were acquired in 1889 and 1929 from Cairo and are displayed at the Wayne County Historical Museum and the Joseph Moore Museum of Natural History. The home uniform features gold and black horizontal stripes to mimic bandages, photo by Marc Viquez, Stadium Journey "The Flying Mummies represent resilience, surprise, and that unbeatable rush of a comeback win,” said President/Managing Partner Matt Bomberg. “Richmond is ready to unwrap something truly special.” The logo, designed by John Worthen of Worthen Design, showcases a dynamic mummy character framed by the wings of a Wright Brothers-inspired plane. The mummy dons an old-fashioned leather helmet, aviator goggles, and a red scarf. The custom typography pairs a sleek script for “Flying” with a playful, wrapped-style font for “Mummies,” creating a look that stands out on both jerseys and caps. The official team colors are linen gray, mummy gold, nightfall black, and Richmond red (a nod to the Richmond High School Red Devils athletic teams). The mummy image has a meaner look that is not typical for minor or summer collegiate logos. The newly unveiled home uniform features vertical striping reminiscent of mummy bandages, paired with the team name in white, accented by bold brown and black outlines. Bomberg noted that the black top alternate will showcase the city name across the chest and the mummy head logo, where the TV number is, and will be matched with gray pants. While the red jersey top highlights the mummy head logo on the left chest, a TV number is opposite it. It will be paired with white pants and a red cap. Team merchandise fills a table at the introduction, photo by Marc Viquez, Stadium Journey The club introduced three on-field caps in black and gray (there will be a red version as well). They feature the mummy head by itself and the letter “R” with a wrap-style font, scarf, and aviator glasses, which took a little extra work to design, according to Bomberg. “We had the scarf coming across the letter R in red, but it looked more like the letter “P” instead of an “R”, so we had to get creative." Jacob Sparks submitted the first entry for Mummies, and Bobbie Williams submitted that the name should have a flying or aviation theme. The other finalists in the name the team balloting were the Groove, Wampus Cats, Starlight, and Plastic Dinos. The Groove came in second place in the fan voting. A secondary logo features two crossed bats wrapped in bandages, photo by Marc Viquez, Stadium Journey The city last fielded a summer collegiate team in the Richmond Jazz, who competed in the Great Lakes League from 2016 to 2023. Before that, the Richmond River Rats represented the city in the Prospect League from 2009 to 2015. Professional baseball also has roots here, dating back to various teams that played between 1946 and 1952, followed by the Richmond Roosters of the Frontier League, who took the field from 1995 to 2005. ——— Follow all of Marc’s stadium journeys on Twitter   @ballparkhunter   and his   YouTube channel .   Email at Marc.Viquez@stadiumjourney.com

Photos by Chris Tuck, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.43 Ernst-Abbe-Sportfeld Roland-Ducke-Weg 1 07745 Jena, Germany Map It FC Carl Zeiss Jena website Ernst-Abbe-Sportfield website Year Opened: 1924/2024 Capacity: ~15,000 Carl Zeiss Jena Few names evoke DDR football ostalgie more than Carl Zeiss Jena. When spoken aloud, “Carl Zeiss Jena” carries a mellifluence that belies its industrial origins. The iconic club badge, in use since 1976, with its vivid blue, yellow, and white colours, is recognisable to football fans across Europe. The city of Jena is located in Thuringia, in central Germany. It was part of the old DDR until reunification in 1990. This growing city, famous for its optical industries, sits in a valley through which the River Saale flows, overlooked by rugged, rocky mountains. The original Ernst-Abbe-Sportfeld opened in 1924, complete with a running track. In 2020, the rebuild began, and the striking new stadium was officially opened in July 2024. Mercifully, the famous old Jena stadium clock tower was saved, an iconic reminder of footballing times past. The new Ernst-Abbe-Sportfeld (aka, Ad Hoc Arena) was recently voted the best stadium in the world in a poll by Stadium DB, ahead of Real Madrid’s Berna b è u Stadium . The Jena men’s team currently plays in the 4th tier of German football (Nordost). They were DDR-Oberliga champions, three-time cup winners, and in 1981, UEFA Cup Winners’ Cup finalists, narrowly losing to Dinamo Tbilisi. As for many former East German giants, those halcyon days are now a distant memory. Their Frauen side competes in the Women’s Bundesliga. Stadium Journey’s visit coincided with a match against Union Berlin Frauen in front of 1384 spectators. Food & Beverage 3 The city centre has a variety of food outlets to use before or after your stadium journey. The L’Osteria sits under the Jena Tower on Johannisstraße, and although not a ‘local’ option, the spaghetti bolognese offers an alternative to ‘another’ bratwurst. Inside the stadium, water is €3.50, cola is €4, and Köstritzer Pils 0.5L costs €5. Nachos and a dip €5. Bratwurst €4 oder Rostbrötchen €5. All available from various kiosks on the outer concourses of the stadium. Atmosphere 3 The highest attendance was reported to be around 27,000 for a Champions League match v Atletico Madrid. Another claim to fame is the world javelin record fell at the old ground by Czech athlete, Jan Železný. The new stadium, designed by Lau Dirsat Architekten, was built at a cost of around €60 million and has a capacity of just over 15,000. Three stands are completely new, and one was incorporated from the previous iteration. Home ultra fans are at the North end of the stadium, which is standing only. Neighborhood 3 As the club and stadium names demonstrate, the optical industries are intrinsically linked with the city of Jena. Carl Zeiss (1816–1888) was a German industrialist and scientific instrument maker. Carl founded the Zeiss company in 1846. Ernst Karl Abbe (1840 -1905) was a social reformer and optical engineer who was co owner at Carl Zeiss AG. Their statues can be found in the city and cultural references are everywhere. For €6, take a lift to the 29th floor of the Jena Tower for spectacular views, including Zeiss' current HQ and the Ernst-Abbe-Sportfeld. Ernst-Abbe-Sportfield View from the Top of Jena Tower, Photo by Chris Tuck, Stadium Journey There aren’t too many must-see tourist destinations in the city. You could probably find enough to do in Jena for a day, although longer if you’d enjoy hiking in the surrounding forests. Fans 4 “We are Jena, we are Jena…” to the tune ‘we are sailing’ is sung loudly and gets in your head for days to come! Home fans have a bitter rivalry with Erfurt, a city around thirty miles west of Jena. Union fans brought the noise for this fixture; nearly half the crowd had travelled south from Berlin. German international Bernd Schneider is one of many famous footballers to have played for Jena. Two new scoreboards are visible to fans from all parts of the stadium. At the old version of the ground, in 1978, Jena had the first ever electronic scoreboard in the GDR! Access 5 A river walk towards the match always feels very civilised. Fulham has the Thames, Bremen has the Weser. Whilst smaller in scale, the walk or cycle south from the centre of Jena along the River Saale is a charming route to the ground. The walk, through leafy parkland, takes just 15 minutes. Most fans stop along the way to drink their bottles of beer and discuss the upcoming fixture. If it’s a rainy day, trams 1,4, or 5 from Paradiesbanhof to Sportforum take just ten minutes. To get to Jena itself, there are train services and Flix Bus options from Leipzig or Frankfurt. Access into the stadium is through electronic turnstiles. Once inside, there are steps up into the stands with the usual additional amenities available. Return on Investment 3 A trip to the fan shop in the centre of town or outside the ground could be an expensive one. Scarves are €19 and home shirts are more than €60. They have a wide range of branded goods available. FC Carl Zeiss Jena Club Shop, Photo by Chris Tuck, Stadium Journey Tickets are available in the fan shop/ticket centre at the stadium or the fan store in Jena city centre, as well as online or by telephone hotline. Ticket prices range from €10 to €20. Extras 3 The club still produces an informative printed programme for all home matches. An excellent way to commemorate your visit. Club name changes were almost a historical imperative across East German football. SG Stadion Jena, SG Carl Zeiss Jena, BSG Mechanik Jena, BSG Motor Jena, and SC Motor Jena are just a few iterations from days gone by. As with many modern stadia, the venue seeks to serve the wider community seven days a week. Corporate events, conferences, congresses, sports events, stadium tours, Christmas parties, and catering are all available in three exclusive, individually customisable event areas. Final Thoughts The city of Jena is certainly off the beaten track in European ground-hopping terms, which means you need a good reason to visit. This famous old East German football team, soaked in history, and its brand new award-winning stadium will give you all the reasons you need!

Photos by Paul Baker, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.29 Bridgewater Ice Arena 20 Bedford Park Bridgewater, MA 02324 Stonehill Skyhawks women's hockey website Bridgewater Ice Arena website Year Opened: 1995 Capacity: 500 Stonehill Hockey Editor's Note: For the 2025-2026 season, Stonehill moved the majority of their men's hockey games to Warrior Ice Arena in Boston. The men's team will play only one game at their former home at the Bridgewater Ice Arena this season. The women's team will continue to use the BIA as their primary home. Although they will play a portion of their home schedule in Boston at Warrior, they will play 12 of their 16 home games in Bridgewater. This review was written during Stonehill's first season at the BIA in 2022, and is from a men's game. On April 5, 2022, tiny Stonehill College, a private Catholic school located in Easton, Massachusetts with an enrollment of 2,500 undergraduate students, announced it was moving all of its athletic teams to the NCAA Division I level, effective in the fall of 2022. Prior to 2022, Stonehill was a member of the Northeast-10 Conference in NCAA Division II. The hockey team would begin life in Division I as an independent, as Stonehill’s new home, the Northeast Conference, does not support hockey. While in D-II, Stonehill won three NE-10 conference championships Both the men’s and women’s hockey teams play their home games at the off-campus Bridgewater Ice Arena. This public rink, located 12 miles from the Stonehill campus, features two NHL-sized rinks, a full-service café and seating for 500. The complex also plays host to numerous high school teams as well as the Bridgewater Bandits of the USPHL. Stonehill’s athletic teams competed for years as the Chieftains. In 2002 the school decided to change its nickname. After considering several options, Stonehill officially changed its nickname to the Skyhawks in 2005. This name has no connection to a bird or animal but does have a connection to the school’s history. After the school’s property was purchased by the Congregation of Holy Cross, an airfield on site was leased to the Navy during World War II and to private companies afterwards. The airfield was closed in 1955 as the college grew, but the Navy continued to use the land for training exercises and would employ the Skyhawk aircraft between 1954–1995. Food & Beverage 3 There is a snack bar located at the back end of the lobby. The menu here isn’t as extensive as other snack bars you’ll find in community rinks, but there are enough choices here to keep all fans satisfied. A combination of breakfast and lunch foods are available here. Breakfast sandwiches, burgers, chicken nuggets, grilled cheese sandwiches and meatball subs can be purchased here. If you’re just looking for a snack, an assortment of muffins, candy, popcorn and pop tarts are available. Pepsi products are featured, with hot chocolate and coffee popular choices in this chilly rink. Many fans bring their own beverages in, with lots of Dunkin’ coffee observed in the stands. There are also vending machines in the lobby should the snack bar not be open during your visit. Atmosphere 1 The game day atmosphere at a Stonehill hockey game is a bare bones one to be sure. With the facility’s physical limitations, you wouldn’t really expect anything more. A simple scoreboard at the far end displays basic game information, while a surprisingly good sound system plays music during play stoppages. The PA announcer goes about his business in an understated manner. There are no promos or contests during the game to distract and there is little to no noise from the sparse crowd in attendance. There is little evidence at Bridgewater Ice Arena that a Division One hockey team even plays here. The USPHL’s Bridgewater Bandits are the primary tenant, with a sign advertising their presence on Bedford Street along with a large banner hanging at center ice. The pro shop here sells Bandits gear, but no Stonehill swag. The only mention that the Skyhawks even play here are a pair of banners hung in a far corner of the rink. Neighborhood 2 Given Bridgewater Ice Arena’s location in an industrial park, you wouldn’t expect any attractions or lodging options in the immediate vicinity of the rink. However, there are places to be found a short drive away. Downtown Bridgewater is about two and a half miles away to the north, with Route 44, a local route connecting Providence and Plymouth, passing by three and a half miles to the south. Numerous dining and lodging options can be found in either direction. Barrett’s Alehouse and Fireside Grille are local favorites located close to Bridgewater Ice Arena. Visitors to Stonehill looking to explore more than just the immediate neighborhood may gravitate to Boston, a 45-minute ride north or Cape Cod, a 30-minute ride to the southeast. A half-hour drive can also bring you to the historic seaside towns of Plymouth or New Bedford. Visitors to the area will find plenty to do in any of these locations, even during the winter months of the hockey season. Fans 1 It’s early on in Stonehill’s Division One tenure (Stadium Journey attended the Skyhawks’ third ever home game at BIA). An individual associated with the team stated that crowds so far have numbered between 75-100 fans. These numbers appear to be accurate, which places the Skyhawks firmly at the bottom of the NCAA attendance rankings. Hopefully the team will be able to create a following as the program continues to grow. Most of the fans in attendance appear to have a connection with the players on the ice. With the BIA located a dozen miles from campus, there is little to no representation from the student body at games. The women’s team, which began play this season, has been enjoying slightly larger crowds in their inaugural season. Access 4 Bridgewater Ice Arena is located 12 miles from the Stonehill campus in suburban Bridgewater, Massachusetts. Situated in a small industrial park just off Route 18, it is very easy to get to from any direction. Interstate 495 passes just a few miles to the south of the rink. Directions to the rink can be found here . There is plenty of free parking in the lot adjacent to the facility. The Skyhawks play in the east rink, one of two rinks in the facility, which will be on your right as you enter the lobby. Seating consists of metal bleachers that run along the length of one side of the rink. There is some standing room at the near end of the ice. Nets are hung at both offensive zones, but the center sections are free from obstruction. Rest rooms are located just off the lobby and are more than large enough for a typical Stonehill hockey crowd. Be warned that the rink is very chilly, so dress appropriately. Return on Investment 5 There is no charge to watch a Skyhawks hockey game. Parking is also free in the arena parking lot. It’s entirely possible to go to a Division One hockey game without spending a cent. Even if you decide to get a snack while at the game, you certainly won’t be breaking the bank. Extras 0 There isn’t a whole lot going on at a Skyhawks hockey game that can be considered extra. This experience is about as bare bones as it gets. Final Thoughts The trend in Division One hockey in recent years has been for the smaller schools to move out of community rinks and into new rinks built on campus. As tiny Stonehill College begins competition at the sport’s top level, they find themselves at one of these community rinks. It’s proving to be an inauspicious beginning for the Skyhawks. Here’s a guess that the Bridgewater Ice Arena won’t be a long-term home for Stonehill. Follow Paul Baker’s stadium journeys on Twitter and Instagram @PuckmanRI.

Before Jacob Slichter was in the rock band Semisonic, and before he penned his book about his experiences, So You Wanna Be a Rock & Roll Star:How I Machine-Gunned a Roomful Of Record Executives and Other True Tales from a Drummer's Life ( You can buy Jake's book here ) , he was a Chicago Bears fan. Jake took a moment to discuss his favorite team and some other fun stuff. STADIUM JOURNEY: Let's start with the glory. What was it like to play at RFK Stadium? What do you remember? Did you check out the crowd when you were playing, or did you stay completely focused on the skins? Who'd you hang with backstage? JACOB SLICHTER:   We played RFK Stadium for a radio festival right as “Closing Time” reached the top of the alternative radio charts.  I will never forget how unprepared I was for the moment when 40,000 people joined us on the first chorus.  It almost knocked me off my drummer’s throne. Closing Time... STADIUM JOURNEY: Stuck on the glory. Did you meet any super famous people who surprised you and were genuinely down to earth? JACOB SLICHTER:   We met a lot of famous people: Aimee Mann and Sheryl Crow, both of whom we toured with and both of whom were astonishingly down to earth (and amazingly talented).  I’ll never forget meeting Beatles producer George Martin, to whom we were introduced as he was having dinner after a very long day.  He had woken that morning in London, flown to Toronto, done a bunch of promotion for a new album of his, and then here he was, being introduced to some band of whom he’d never heard.  Yet he was so gracious.  He spoke to us, standing, for twenty or so minutes before we finally let him go.  I had a similar experience with Lionel Richie at a Grammy after-party.  All of these interactions were immensely instructive. STADIUM JOURNEY: What comes first: Your love for music or the Bears? JACOB SLICHTER:  Music, lol. STADIUM JOURNEY: What are your fondest Bears memories? Who were your favorite players? Was Soldier Field your home away from home? JACOB SLICHTER:  I’ve never attended a Bears game in person.  I became a sentient Bears fan just after Gale Sayers suffered his career ending injury.  There wasn’t much offense to root for, so I’d watch the television and wait for Dick Butkus and the defense to take the field.  My greatest memory was watching them win the Super Bowl with a few friends and other Bears fans crowded into a Pizzeria Uno somewhere in San Francisco’s Marina district.   STADIUM JOURNEY: You went to Harvard. Did you attend any football games? Is the Harvard/Yale rivalry the real deal, or is it more of a syllabus requirement? JACOB SLICHTER:  I went to two Harvard/Yale games and never felt any passion for it. STADIUM JOURNEY: How was the music scene at Harvard? Were you in a band there? JACOB SLICHTER:  I was in a few cover bands before pairing up with current bandmate, Dan Wilson, and another friend, Hal Movius.  I wouldn’t say the music scene at Harvard was anything special.  The Boston scene, however, was and remains very special. STADIUM JOURNEY: When you were touring, were you able to fit the Bears in? In general, what's life like on the road? JACOB SLICHTER:  Fitting the Bears into one’s schedule is like fitting in coffee with the ex who broke your heart and still treats you horribly.   STADIUM JOURNEY: How'd the book come about? Were you keeping a journal all along? What was the process? JACOB SLICHTER:  I only started keeping an actual journal about halfway through, but the first half of the journey was seared into my memory. STADIUM JOURNEY: I know you're working on a sequel. How's that going? JACOB SLICHTER:  It’s not a sequel but something else entirely.  It’s coming along very slowly. STADIUM JOURNEY: If you could play any position on the football field, which would you choose and why? JACOB SLICHTER:  I used to imagine myself playing safety, which is kind of like being the drummer in a pop band.  It’s the thing no one notices until things go terribly wrong.  But in the end, I think there’s a reason I avoided playing sports.  I’m not someone who wants to defeat someone else.   Jon Hart is @manversusball

The United Football League is adding teams in Louisville, Ky.; Columbus, Ohio; and Orlando, Fla.; for the 2026 season. They will all play in smaller, soccer-specific venues, aiming to create a more vibrant atmosphere with 10,000 to 15,000 fans per game. ​ The Columbus Aviators will play at Historic Crew Stadium, the Louisville Kings will play at Lynn Family Stadium , and the Orlando Storm will play at Inter&Co Stadium . Each venue has a seating capacity of under 25,000. ​ Louisville will share its field with the USL Louisville City FC in the 15,304-capacity Lynn Family Stadium, starting in the 2026 season. The market had been discussed for several months, and it will be the first time the city will host a spring football team. “Columbus, Louisville, and Orlando are true football cities with deep sports roots. We’re proud to bring professional football to these communities – in energetic, fan-driven stadiums built to create an authentic gameday experience and strengthen the foundation of this league for years to come,"   said Mike Repole, co-owner of the United Football League. ​ ​The Aviators will relocate to the former home of the Columbus Crew and utilize it as a stadium for gridiron football. Crew Stadium has a seating capacity of 19,968.  The Storm returns spring football to the city, having previously been home to the Orlando Guardians, which played at Camping World Stadium in 2023. Beginning in the 2026 season, the Houston Roughnecks will be renamed the Houston Gamblers (the name the city used in the USFL in 1984 and 1985 when Jim Kelly was their quarterback) and will play at the home of the MLS Houston Dynamo, Shell Energy Stadium . Simultaneously, the Arlington Renegades will relocate to the home of MLS FC Dallas, Toyota Stadium,  and be known as the Dallas Renegades. ​ Team uniform designs will be released at a future date. The regular season begins on February 27, 2026. ---- Follow all of Marc’s stadium journeys on Twitter   @ballparkhunter   and his   YouTube channel .   Email at Marc.Viquez@stadiumjourney.com

Photos by Gregory Koch, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.57 Jamie L. Roberts Stadium 47777 Mattapany Road St. Marys City, MD 20686 St. Mary’s (MD) Seahawks website Jamie L. Roberts Stadium website Year Opened: 2019 Capacity: 800 The Other St. Mary's When sports fans think of St. Mary’s College, they usually think of the school in Moraga, California that produces the occasional basketball upset of Gonzaga. However, there is another school of that name as well, St. Mary’s College of Maryland. Unlike other schools of that name, this St. Mary’s is a public university that gets its name not from a Catholic saint but from St. Mary’s City, Maryland, where it is located. St. Mary’s City was the first colonial settlement in the State of Maryland, and the fourth-oldest permanent English settlement in what was then the Thirteen Colonies. Today, half of the city is a state-run historical preservation and reconstruction area similar to Colonial Williamsburg in Virginia and Plymouth Plantation in Massachusetts, also known as Historic St. Mary’s City, while the other half is occupied by the modern-day SMCM campus. Although the original St. Mary’s City was once a thriving port town, its population had dropped to just 100 by 1644. Today, almost 400 years later, the population is just 733, almost all of them associated with either the college or the historic site. SMCM’s athletic teams are known as the Seahawks, and they compete at the NCAA’s Division III level in the United East Conference. Jamie L. Roberts Stadium is home to several of the Seahawks' outdoor sports teams, including track and field, lacrosse, field hockey , and soccer. The stadium is actually two fields with a common concourse running in between - one turf and one grass. This review will cover the experience at a St. Mary's soccer game, which will be played on the grass field The stadium is named after Jamie L. Roberts, a multi-sport athlete at St. Mary's who was tragically killed in a collision during a cross-country bike ride to raise money for cancer research. Food & Beverage 4 There is a concession stand at Jamie L. Roberts Stadium, but it was closed when we visited. A Kona Ice truck was parked outside the stadium selling its usual wares. A food truck was also present selling a more extensive menu. Cheeseburgers were $12, wagyu burgers or bison burgers $16. and hot dogs are $4. Several baskets with fries are available as well- chicken tenders for $16, and chicken nuggets or corn dog nuggets for $12. If you just want fries, that will cost you $5. while mozzarella sticks and pork lumpia (a Filipino spring roll) are $10. Soda and water are available to drink for $2 each. Fans can also bring in their own food and beverage, except for alcohol. One downside is that there was no announcement of the food trucks in the stadium so you would just have to notice them from the concourse and go down to get some. Atmosphere 3 Walking through the gates at Jamie L. Roberts Stadium will put you in a small area with a promotions table and some other signage such as a plaque honoring Jamie L. Roberts. From there, you will take steps or an elevator up to a concourse running between the turf and grass fields. Soccer plays on the grass field, which will be on your left as you come in. There are some chairbacks seats at midfield, with the remainder being metal bleachers without backs. It is general admission, but the chairbacks never fill up so you should have no trouble getting one. Unlike the turf field, the grass field does not have a track, so you will be up very close to the action and be able to hear a lot of the chatter. A scoreboard shows only the most basic information like the score and clock. Neighborhood 3 St. Mary’s City contains precisely two things – the St. Mary’s College campus and Historic St. Mary’s City , which is a historical reconstruction park similar to Colonial Williamsburg and Plymouth Plantation. It is a popular field trip site for Maryland schoolchildren, and tens of thousands of others visit the site every year as well. It is well worth a visit for the colonial history buff, but for just about anything else, you’re going to have to go into a neighboring town like Lexington Park. There are some places to eat up and down Three Notch Road (Route 235) and Point Lookout Road (Route 5), and some hotels that are mainly used by people visiting the historic site, but you’re going to have to drive at least 10-15 minutes to get there. Fans 4 While friends and family do show up to St. Mary's soccer games, there are also locals and some St. Mary's students. The crowds here are pretty good for the Division III level, and in fact there are some low-level Division I teams where the crowds would be smaller and less rowdy than they are here. The fans are loud at times, but at other moments are almost completely silent. There is no designated student section, so the students sit scattered throughout the crowd. Access 3 Unless you’re already in town to visit the historical site, getting to the St. Mary’s campus will take some driving. Maryland Route 5 and Maryland Route 235 both serve the area, but it’s a long drive from any major city along mostly local roads. It is two hours from Baltimore and an hour and 45 minutes from Washington, DC. Keep in mind that if you are planning to travel here from areas across the Potomac River or the Chesapeake Bay, particularly the Northern Neck of Virginia or Maryland’s Eastern Shore, places that look close on a map may actually be a long drive away as there are no bridges across either body of water at this location. A map may show that the University of Maryland-Eastern Shore is only about 40 miles away as the crow flies. Still, it would be difficult if not impossible to see both the Hawks and the Seahawks on the same day as getting from St. Mary’s to Princess Anne requires a three and a half hour drive up to Annapolis, across the Bay Bridge, and back down. Likewise, parts of Virginia’s Northern Neck are only about ten miles away as the crow flies, but require almost a two-hour drive as the nearest bridge is many miles away. Once you make it onto the campus, there is a small lot next to the stadium, which is across Mattapany Road from the main part of campus. If that lot fills up (which it will - it is a very small lot), there is another, much larger lot directly across the street. This lot is known as the Guam Lot, likely due to its remote location relative to most of campus, but it is very convenient for attending games at Jamie L. Roberts Stadium. There are several restrooms on the upper concourse, with gender neutral single-person ones on one end by the stairs and elevator, and conventional men's and women's ones on the other end. Return on Investment 4 Attendance at St. Mary's field soccer games is free of charge. So is parking. The only cost will be Kona Ice or food from the food truck if you want any, or whatever food options may be available. That being said, there isn't enough here to earn the top core. Extras 3 ‘Look for the plaque honoring Jamie Roberts. Roberts was a former St. Mary's women's basketball, soccer, and lacrosse player for the Seahawks. Sadly, she was killed in 2014 during a cross-country bike ride to raise money to fight cancer. A second star for the historical markers on the path to the stadium. They recognize the history of the St. Mary's campus and St. Mary's City and its transformation from a historic city to the present time. A third star for the fact that Jamie L. Roberts Stadium is actually two stadiums in one, and if you time your visit right, you can experience both of them in one day. Final Thoughts Jamie L. Roberts is a nice soccer stadium for the Division III level, with modern facilities and good crowds. College soccer fans in Southern Maryland may want to make the trip down here to take in a St. Mary's game.

Photo by Eric Moreno, Stadium Journey Guinness World Records  and Major League Eating  recently partnered with San Antonio, Texas-based Tex-Mex chain Taco Cabana  for a unique event that pitted the best professional eaters in a one-of-a-kind contest. Eaters from all over the world descended upon the Alamo City on Saturday, September 20 in an effort to set a new world record and claim the title of world taco eating champion. In an eight-minute span, Geoffrey Esper of Oxford, MA downed an astounding 51 of Taco Cabana’s world-famous bean and cheese tacos. Esper’s record just edged out Australia’s James Webb, who put down 48.5 to finish in second. At the event, 11-time hot dog eating champion Miki Sudo finished in fourth place with 31.5 tacos downed. “Today, Geoff Esper rewrote the laws of human possibility by downing 51 tacos in eight minutes,” said Major League Eating Chair George Shea at the event. “At the same time, San Antonio witnessed an unparalleled demonstration of exceptionalism as James Webb and Miki Sudo, locked in unison, devoured nine tacos in a single minute to set a Guinness World Record.” The winners split a $10,000 total prize purse. ------ Follow Eric Moreno’s Stadium Journey on Twitter at @EricMoreno6477 .

Photos by Dave Cottenie, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.14 Mattamy Athletic Centre at the Gardens 60 Carlton St. Toronto, ON M5B 1J2 TMU Bold hockey website Mattamy Athletic Centre website Year Opened: 1931 Capacity: 2,538 The Bold Cathedral There is not much remaining of the famed Original Six hockey arenas from the National Hockey League.  Only one remains in use by the NHL team, but one other remains in use in a brilliant rebranding.  Toronto’s Maple Leaf Gardens was built in 1931 and can only be described as a hockey cathedral.  Countless major events took place at the “Cashbox on Carlton.”  In 1999, the Maple Leafs moved into the brand new Air Canada Centre.  The final event at the old gardens was a Toronto Rock, National Lacrosse League Champions Cup Final.  Unfortunately, what to do with MLG took quite a while to figure out.  Eventually, Ryerson University would purchase the building, along with Loblaws to transform the Gardens into a multipurpose facility including the athletic facilities for the university and a grocery store on the ground level.  Rebranded Mattamy Athletic Centre at The Gardens, the facility fully opened in 2012 which included a gym and small arena at the top level.  Mattamy Home Ice now features a capacity of over 2,500 and has been the location of a number of events. Ryerson Institute of Technology was established in 1948 and iced its first hockey team, the Ryerson Rams, the same year.  In 2001 the university completed its final rebrand under the Ryerson name as Ryerson University.  Amid public pressure, the university rebranded fully as Toronto Metropolitan University in 2022 to move away from Egerton Ryerson and his connections to the Canadian Residential School System.  Today, the athletic teams at Toronto Metropolitan are known as the TMU Bold.  The hockey team has earned seven conference championships, with the most recent being in 1963 and has appeared in the University Cup National Championship tournament in 2022 and 2024.  The Bold claim the late John Saunders of ESPN as one of their hockey alumni. Food & Beverage 3 The concession options at Mattamy Home Ice are not overly unique and the typical arena options are what one would find at a TMU Bold game.  Pizza, hot dogs, pretzels and nachos are all available along with popcorn, chips and other light snacks. Coca-cola products are the soft drink of choice at the arena.  A surprisingly decent beer selection is also available at Mattamy Home Ice including Molson Canadian, Coors, Blue Moon, Creemore Lager and Heineken.  Seltzers are also available. Atmosphere 5 As part of the heritage site designation, the original front façade of Maple Leaf Gardens on Carlton remains intact. The cream brick has a classic look and the marquee remains almost like it did in the forties, fifties and sixties. The ground level has a Loblaws grocery store on the east side. The west side of the Carlton Street entrance sends fans into the Loblaw Atrium. Smart looking and properly lit, the atrium is welcoming and houses the ticketing windows for the MAC. With tickets in hand, fans will ascend the escalator to the second level where the recreation facilities and Varsity Court can be found. Two more escalator trips will bring fans to the fourth floor and the entry to Mattamy Home Ice. Throughout the trip to the fourth floor fans can’t help but notice the row of original MLG red seats fastened to the outer wall, high above the atrium. There are also a ton of old pictures illustrating the vast history of the venue. It could take quite a while to get to the seats if stopping to take all of the history in. The hallway at ice level also features some displays that are more TMU centric, displaying some of their own team history and trophies. Entering the seating bowl will no doubt give fans pause. Immediately the iconic roof of Maple Leaf Gardens commands attention and makes fans feel good that it is still Maple Leaf Gardens. The capacity is just over 2,700 which is perfect for the venue. The ice runs from north to south with the perfect picture coming from the west side. The scoreboards and video boards are at each end of the arena and the decor is bright with blue and gold markings making it truly feel like TMU’s home. Contrary to most other OUA hockey venues there are a few alternate seating options. With the concourses behind the seating bowl, there is plenty of space for standing room. Mattamy Home Ice also offers a few corner suites and the north end of the area features the Alumni Lounge. With a strong media program at TMU, the game day production is about as professional as it can get. The Bold do a great job of utilizing cameras and the video boards to enhance the experience. The Bold even utilize the logos of the youth hockey teams that play during the intermissions. The music selections and promotions are what would be expected. The Bold’s mascot, Frankie B. Bold, can be found interacting with the crowd for some games. Neighbourhood 5 Mattamy Athletic Centre at The Gardens is located in the Church-Wellesley neighbourhood of Downtown Toronto.  One of the top tourist cities in the world, Toronto offers more than one person can take in for one visit.  There are a ton of places to eat and drink within steps of Mattamy Athletic Centre.  Some include Fran’s, Druxy’s, Pogue Mahone Pub, Golden Diner, and The Bistro.  Toronto is a sports fan’s dream with a ton of other sports options.  Mattamy Athletic Centre also hosts TMU Bold basketball .  The University of Toronto offers Varsity Blues football , basketball  and hockey  just a short walk away and York University offers Lions football , basketball  and hockey  at the north end of the city.  There are a plethora of professional sports options as well including the Maple Leafs , Raptors , Toronto FC , Toronto Argonauts , Toronto Marlies  and Toronto Sceptres.  Other tourist options in Toronto include Habourfront, CN Tower, Hockey Hall of Fame, Casa Loma, the Theatre District and Eaton Centre.  For fans that wish to stay near Mattamy Athletic Centre, the Holiday Inn Toronto Downtown is right beside the arena. Fans 3 It is difficult to assess USports hockey fans as attendance statistics are infrequently reported and the websites do not gather the information.  That being said, TMU Bold have modest support akin to many other schools in the OUA.  At the time of writing, TMU averaged 200 fans per game, ranking them 13th in the conference.  The previous season, 2023-24, the Bold averaged over 220 fans per game, which ranked them 12th in the conference.  Below the top few programs, most schools average between 100 and 300 fans per game.  There is plenty of opportunity to grow for TMU with a large facility.   Access 4 Mattamy Athletic Centre is located in the Church-Wellesley neighbourhood of Downtown Toronto.  It is approximately two km north of the Gardiner Expressway and two km west of Don Valley Parkway.  However, traffic in Toronto is significant and getting to the arena by car can be a challenge.  There are a number of parking facilities around Mattamy Athletic Centre.  Pre-planning and purchasing parking is highly recommended using an app such as ParkWhiz or SpotHero.  Do not plan on parking in the garage at Mattamy Athletic Centre as it is reserved for Loblaws patrons.  Toronto has a very strong transit system and taking public transit could be the best bet to make the trip to Mattamy Athletic Centre smooth.  The College subway station is west of the Gardens and there are street cars that travel Carlton Street.  Fans should consult the Toronto Transit Commission  website for fares, maps and schedules. Return on Investment 5 The return on investment for TMU Bold hockey is very strong.  Ticket prices for the Bold are $13 each with discounts for alumni and youth.  Tickets are all general admission and TMU students are free.  The product on the ice is solid and the Bold have been very competitive since moving to Mattamy Home Ice.  What puts the return over the top is the opportunity for fans to take in hockey in a legendary hockey venue with plenty of things to peak the historians interest. Extras 4 An extra mark for TMU hosting the 2024 University Cup National Championship. An extra mark for the excellent restoration that TMU and Loblaws undertook to maintain and upgrade Maple Leaf Gardens. An extra mark for the iconic MLG ceiling which has been maintained at Mattamy Athletic Centre. An extra mark for the rivalry that Toronto Metro shares with the University of Toronto Varsity Blues. Final Thoughts Taking in a TMU Bold hockey game is so much more than just a typical university hockey game.  The opportunity to see a game at Mattamy Home Ice @ Mattamy Athletic Centre at The Gardens is the opportunity to see the remnants of one of the last great venues of the NHL that is still standing.  The former Maple Leaf Gardens is not what it once was, but it has been brilliantly restored to a fully functional facility more appropriate for USports hockey. Follow all of Dave’s sporting adventures on YouTube , Twitter , Threads  and Instagram @profan9.

Photos by Dave Cottenie, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.00 Coca-Cola Court @ Mattamy Athletic Centre at the Gardens 60 Carlton St Toronto, ON M5B 1J2 TMU Bold basketball website Mattamy Athletic Centre website Year Opened: 1949 Capacity: 1,000 Basketball in a Hockey Holy Grail Editor's Note: Ryerson University changed its name to Toronto Metropolitan University. This review was written before the rebranding, and will reflect the team's previous name as the Ryerson Rams. Former Toronto Maple Leafs director, the legendary Conn Smythe, pushed for a new arena and for the opportunity for the Leafs to get out of the smallish Arena Gardens on Mutual Street. In 1931, Smythe was rewarded with the opening of the now legendary Maple Leaf Gardens. For more than 60 years, the Gardens was the pre-eminent entertainment venue in all of Canada. The Maple Leafs shared the ice with major concerts including The Beatles and Elvis Presley, Maple Leaf Wrestling, junior hockey’s Toronto Marlboros and a host of other sports teams. The Maple Leafs would play their final game at the Gardens in 1999 before heading to the Air Canada Centre to join the Toronto Raptors. The final sporting event at Maple Leaf Gardens would be the National Lacrosse League championship game in 2000 where the Toronto Rock were victorious. Then the Gardens went dark for a decade. The future of Maple Leaf Gardens would be questioned for years. Not surprisingly, Ontario declared it a Heritage Site in 1991 and Canada would do the same in 2007. Options for the property were limited. Eventually, the Gardens would be sold to the Loblaw Company, parent company of a huge chain of grocery stores, and they would partner with Ryerson University. It was the financial aid of Mattamy Homes Ltd founder, Peter Gilgan, that would help transform the former Maple Leaf Gardens into what it is today, the Mattamy Athletic Centre at the Gardens. The main floor on Carlton Street is a Loblaw’s grocery store. The top level retains much of the design of the old Maple Leaf Gardens and houses Mattamy Home Ice, the home of Ryerson Rams hockey. The middle floor serves as the recreation facilities of Ryerson along with Coca-Cola Court, the home for Ryerson basketball and volleyball. Ryerson University was established in Toronto in 1948. Today, Ryerson has grown to a university with over 40,000 students and has produced many members of the Canadian media. Participating in the OUA, the Ontario conference of USports, Canada’s university sport governing body, the Ryerson Rams have been fielding a basketball team since 1949. Usually considered an “also-ran” in the OUA, Ryerson’s move to the MAC has coincided with its best showings on the court. It is no coincidence that Ryerson has taken home the Wilson Cup as OUA champions in both 2016 and 2017. Food & Beverage 3 A variety of concessions are available on the second floor of the Mattamy Athletic Centre. The Rams Café services fans attending Rams basketball games as well as students using the recreation facilities. The selection of food at Rams Café is decent but not spectacular. Pizza, sandwiches, popcorn, protein bars, chips, chocolate bars and candy are all available. Coke is obviously the soda selection to be had. Vitamin water and other soft drinks are also available. Coffee, a selection of teas, cappuccino, slushies and smoothies round out the soft drinks available. Beer is also available at Rams Café for those who are of legal age. There is a decent seating area in Rams Café which also serves as a great place to meet friends and relax before the game begins. Atmosphere 5 Mattamy Athletic Centre is possibly the best example of repurposing a classic sporting venue that there is on the planet. The Heritage designation required Ryerson and Loblaw to maintain much of the exterior. Carlton Street boasts the main entrance and the cream coloured brick, iconic domed roof and traditional Maple Leaf Gardens marquee remain. The building still fits the neighbourhood perfectly. Upon entering the MAC at the main level, fans are struck with the sleek, modern, Loblaw Atrium. Smartly lit and promoting a variety of Ryerson athletes, the Atrium welcomes fans and nicely transitions to the historic aspects of the MAC. Throughout the entire building fans can see a ton of old pictures from some of the biggest events ever held at Maple Leaf Gardens. The row of red seats along the south wall on the second level might just be the ones that Conn Smythe had put in when he infamously replaced the portrait of the Queen. Up the escalator to the second level is where fans will find Ryerson’s recreation facilities, a small team shop and Coca-Cola Court. The court is located at the west side of the building. Coca-Cola Court is a small, intimate basketball facility, perfect for OUA basketball. The court runs from north to south with two sets of eight row, moulded plastic bleachers on the east and west sides. Fans who wish for the perfect picture of the centre court logo should head for the west side. The court is full of white, blue and yellow with huge painted logos on the north and south walls. The north side proudly proclaims for all to see that “This Is Our House Now.” The north and south walls each have simple scoreboards with the north featuring individual player scores as well. There is also a simple scoreboard on the floor on the east side of the court. To the left of the north scoreboard are the OUA and USports championship banners, including the 2015-16 and 2016-17 Wilson Cup banners as conference champions. The game day production at a Rams basketball game is about what you expect from an OUA basketball venue. There is an in house DJ who plays music during down times and adds sound effects to made free-throws. The PA announcer does a solid job and does not blow away the fans in attendance with too much show or too much volume. Sometimes the Ryerson mascot Eggy the Ram can be found in attendance. Neighbourhood 5 The Mattamy Athletic Centre is located in the Church and Wellesley neighbourhood of downtown Toronto. It is very close to Queen’s Park and the Ontario Legislature as Toronto is also the capital city of the province. There is an abundance of opportunities for fans around the MAC and although it is not Harbourfront, fans will not be left wanting. There are a plethora of restaurants and bars within walking distance of the MAC. Some spots that may be of interest would include Mick E Fynn’s, Fran’s Restaurant and Carlton Restaurant. Toronto is a city where a weekend will not cut it, a whole week is probably necessary to get what may be close to the full experience. For fans hoping for other sporting experiences to pair with a Ryerson Rams basketball game there are a number available. A good place to start would be by going upstairs to Mattamy Home Ice to catch the Ryerson Rams play hockey. A twenty minute walk will bring fans to Ryerson’s main rival, the University of Toronto. The Varsity Blues play football at Varsity Stadium, hockey at Varsity Arena and basketball at the Goldring Centre for High Performance Sport. As far as the professional ranks go, the Toronto Maple Leafs, Toronto Raptors and Toronto Rock all call Scotiabank Arena home. The Rogers Centre is home for the Toronto Blue Jays and BMO Field is home for the Toronto Argonauts and Toronto FC. Across the parking lot from BMO is the Coca-Cola Coliseum, home of the Toronto Marlies. Finally, at the north side of Toronto is York University, home of the Lions. Football is played at York Stadium, basketball is played at the Tait McKenzie Centre and hockey is played at Canlan Ice Sports York. There are also a plethora of other tourist options near the MAC. Casa Loma is to the north and offers a unique experience in the city. The CF Eaton Centre is probably the most recognizable shopping experience in Toronto and is also close by. The theatre district in Toronto is probably second only to New York and that doesn’t even cover the CN Tower, Hockey Hall of Fame and other tourist spots closer to Harbourfront. For fans needing to stay close by, the Holiday Inn is right next door to the MAC. The Courtyard by Marriott is also close by. Fans 2 It is so difficult to assess OUA basketball fans. In many cases the attendance is not reported with the official score. It is reported that fan support for Rams basketball games hovers between 300 and 800 fans, which is pretty good, but probably on the high side. Ryerson is also pretty much a commuter school, with students coming from all across Toronto, rather than just the Ryerson campus. The fans that are in attendance can be pretty laid back as most OUA basketball fans are. The game that was reviewed was a significant mismatch which could account for the small and quiet crowd. Access 4 There are a couple of different ways to get to the Gardens. It is located in the Church and Wellesley neighbourhood of downtown Toronto. It is north of the Gardiner Expressway and west of the Don Valley Parkway. It is also significantly south of highway 401. For fans coming to the Gardens by car, be prepared to do some significant driving through the city. There are a number of paid surface lots around the Gardens. There is also parking beneath which is controlled by Loblaws. The parking around the neighbourhood usually goes for around $10-$15, but the Loblaws parking is quite significant and can go to $40. The best way to get to the Mattamy Athletic Centre may be the subway. The College Station for the TTC is less than a block away. There are also buses and streetcars in the neighbourhood. Fans can check out the Toronto Transit Commission website for fares, schedules and maps. The ticketing window is immediately on the left when entering the MAC off of Carleton Street on the main floor. There are usually not much in the way of lineups. Fans should be aware that at least one window will be a cash only affair. Getting around the MAC is not too difficult at all. Fans must travel to the second level by escalator to reach the Coca-Cola Court. There are elevators for those who are unable to take escalators. The washrooms on the second level are clean and new. There is more than enough space to accommodate the number of fans that are normally in attendance for Ryerson Rams games. Return on Investment 5 As with most USports experiences there is tremendous value in Ryerson Rams basketball games. USports basketball is a hidden gem and the Rams program is currently one of the strongest in the country. Tickets for Ryerson games are $13 for adults, $9 for alumni and Ryerson students and children under 12 are free. The level of basketball is great and it is easy to have a great time on a very small investment. Concession prices are not too bad either. There will be a bit of a cost getting to the MAC but that is offset by the ability to check out a truly iconic venue. Extras 4 Two extra marks for Ryerson maintaining the history of Maple Leaf Gardens. The exterior façade sets the tone and fans of the Maple Leafs and Toronto sports history can spend hours perusing old photos and artifacts. An extra mark for the budding rivalry with the Toronto Varsity Blues. Games against Varsity are now becoming popular and very well attended. Something that USports desperately needs. An extra mark for the unique flexibility that Ryerson has. Coca-Cola Court is a small, intimate venue for basketball. For games that will draw a larger crowd, it is not that difficult to set up a basketball court on Mattamy Home Ice. Final Thoughts Ryerson Rams basketball offers sports fans the opportunity to see a great sports property and a significantly low price in a truly iconic venue. Even Leafs fans who are not into OUA sports need to take the pilgrimage to the Mattamy Athletic Centre at the Gardens to see how well Ryerson has done in preserving this heritage site. Coca-Cola Court screams, go for the Gardens, stay for the Rams. Follow all of Dave’s sporting adventures on Twitter @profan9 and on Instagram .

Photos by Gregory Koch, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.71 Jamie L. Roberts Stadium 47777 Mattapany Road St. Marys City, MD 20686 St. Mary’s (MD) Seahawks website Jamie L. Roberts Stadium website Year Opened: 2019 Capacity: 800 The Other St. Mary's When sports fans think of St. Mary’s College, they usually think of the school in Moraga, California, that produces the occasional basketball upset of Gonzaga. However, there is another school of that name as well, St. Mary’s College of Maryland. Unlike other schools of that name, this St. Mary’s is a public university that gets its name not from a Catholic saint but from St. Mary’s City, Maryland, where it is located. St. Mary’s City was the first colonial settlement in the State of Maryland, and the fourth-oldest permanent English settlement in what was then the Thirteen Colonies. Today, half of the city is a state-run historical preservation and reconstruction area similar to Colonial Williamsburg in Virginia and Plymouth Plantation in Massachusetts, also known as Historic St. Mary’s City, while the other half is occupied by the modern-day SMCM campus. Although the original St. Mary’s City was once a thriving port town, its population had dropped to just 100 by 1644. Today, almost 400 years later, the population is just 733, almost all of them associated with either the college or the historic site. SMCM’s athletic teams are known as the Seahawks, and they compete at the NCAA’s Division III level in the United East Conference. Jamie L. Roberts Stadium is home to several of the Seahawks' outdoor sports teams, including lacrosse, track & field, soccer , and field hockey. The stadium is actually two fields with a common concourse running in between - one turf and one grass. This review will cover the experience at a field hockey game, which is played on the turf field. The stadium is named after Jamie L. Roberts, a multi-sport athlete at St. Mary's who was tragically killed in a collision during a cross-country bike ride to raise money for cancer research. Food & Beverage 1 There is a concession stand at Jamie L. Roberts Stadium, but it was closed when we visited. A Kona Ice truck was parked outside the stadium, selling its usual wares, but there was no announcement of this in the stadium, so you would just have to notice it from the concourse and go down to get some. A food truck may sometimes show up with a more extensive menu. When we visited, it was not present for the field hockey game, but did show up for a soccer match at the stadium later in the day. Atmosphere 3 Walking through the gates at Jamie L. Roberts Stadium will put you in a small area with a promotions table and some other signage, such as a plaque honoring Jamie L. Roberts. From there, you will take steps or an elevator up to a concourse running between the turf and grass fields. Field hockey plays on the turf field, which will be on your right as you come up. There are some chairback seats at midfield, with the remainder being metal bleachers without backs. It is general admission, but the chairbacks never fill up, so you should have no trouble getting one. One downside of the field here is that it is surrounded by a running track, so you are further from the action than you might otherwise be. However, with only a few rows of seats, you will still not be too far away. A scoreboard in the far left corner shows time, score, and time left on penalty cards. The last bit of information is not always seen on field hockey scoreboards at this level, so it is good to have. Neighborhood 3 St. Mary’s City contains precisely two things: the St. Mary’s College campus and Historic St. Mary’s City , which is a historical reconstruction park similar to Colonial Williamsburg and Plymouth Plantation. It is a popular field trip site for Maryland schoolchildren, and tens of thousands of others visit the site every year as well. It is well worth a visit for the colonial history buff, but for just about anything else, you’re going to have to go into a neighboring town like Lexington Park. There are some places to eat up and down Three Notch Road (Route 235) and Point Lookout Road (Route 5), and some hotels that are mainly used by people visiting the historic site, but you’re going to have to drive at least 10-15 minutes to get there. Fans 3 Most of the crowd at a St. Mary's field hockey game will be friends and family of the players on the field. Many of them come to every or almost every home game. A few locals occasionally show up, and of course, the visiting team will be represented as well with their own fans. The crowds here are pretty small, as is to be expected for this level, but they can get loud at times, after St. Mary's goals or big plays. Access 3 Unless you’re already in town to visit the historical site, getting to the St. Mary’s campus will take some driving. Maryland Route 5 and Maryland Route 235 both serve the area, but it’s a long drive from any major city along mostly local roads. It is two hours from Baltimore and an hour and 45 minutes from Washington, DC. Keep in mind that if you are planning to travel here from areas across the Potomac River or the Chesapeake Bay, particularly the Northern Neck of Virginia or Maryland’s Eastern Shore, places that look close on a map may actually be a long drive away, as there are no bridges across either body of water at this location. A map may show that the University of Maryland-Eastern Shore is only about 40 miles away as the crow flies. Still, it would be difficult if not impossible to see both the Hawks and the Seahawks on the same day as getting from St. Mary’s to Princess Anne requires a three and a half hour drive up to Annapolis, across the Bay Bridge, and back down. Likewise, parts of Virginia’s Northern Neck are only about ten miles away as the crow flies, but require almost a two-hour drive as the nearest bridge is many miles away. Once you make it onto the campus, there is a small lot next to the stadium, which is across Mattapany Road from the main part of campus. If that lot fills up (which it will - it is a very small lot), there is another, much larger lot directly across the street. This lot is known as the Guam Lot, likely due to its remote location relative to most of campus, but it is very convenient for attending games at Jamie L. Roberts Stadium. There are several restrooms on the upper concourse, with gender neutral single-person ones on one end by the stairs and elevator, and conventional men's and women's ones on the other. Return on Investment 4 Attendance at St. Mary's field hockey games is free of charge. So is parking. The only cost will be Kona Ice if you want any, or whatever food options may be available. That being said, there isn't enough here to earn the top core. Extras 3 ‘Look for the plaque honoring Jamie Roberts. Roberts was a former St. Mary's women's basketball, soccer, and lacrosse player for the Seahawks. Sadly, she was killed in 2014 during a cross-country bike ride to raise money to fight cancer. A second star for the historical markers on the path to the stadium. They recognize the history of the St. Mary's campus and St. Mary's City and its transformation from a historic city to the present time. A third star for the fact that Jamie L. Roberts Stadium is actually two stadiums in one, and if you time your visit right, you can experience both of them in one day. Final Thoughts While a St. Mary's Seahawks field hockey game is a pretty basic experience, Jamie L. Roberts Stadium is a nice venue for the Division III level. Fans of the sport in the Southern Maryland area will want to make the trip here to check out a game.

Photo by Matt Finnigan, Stadium Journey The Grand Junction Jackalopes are relocating from the Grand Valley. League president Mike Shapiro said efforts were made throughout this year to keep the team in Grand Junction, but plans fell through recently. The franchise began as the Butte Copper Kings in 1978, then played in Casper, relocating to Grand Junction as the Rockies in 2011. The club’s new destination has not been revealed at this time. The team played home games at Suplizio Field and rebranded as the Jackalopes in 2023 when the Pioneer League shifted to an MLB Partner League. The move might come as a shock to many outside the area, but Shapiro shared his thoughts with  local ABC affiliate KJCT. “I think it was a little bit of everything that contributed to this unfortunate situation. “And the overarching issue is the financial performance of the club... One metric is that the league’s attendance average is about 2,100 a game. Regularly, Grand Junction has been at 1,200 a game. And you can see that disparity on an average-out basis. It just doesn’t pencil out for financial profitability, which, again, unfortunately, the team has been losing money every year ... and attendance drives financial performance in this baseball business.” Shapiro added other concerns, including a lack of seating and fireworks nights, the stadium lease, the relationship with the city, and insufficient shading at Suplizio Field. The city only allowed three fireworks during the 2025 season; one night was a rainout and could not be rescheduled. There were also conflicts with scheduling with the JUCO World Series. The JUCO World Series dates forced the Jackalopes to play all 48 home games between June and August, putting the team on the road for the last two weeks of the season. Grand Junction officials are already exploring replacement options and have received interest from potential new tenants. City Parks and Recreation Director Ken Sherbenou  told Yahoo Sports  that having the Jackalopes play at the ballpark was “something sustainable.” “We’re going to be interacting with possible replacement teams as well as possible users to come in and fill that gap,” said Sherbenou. “We have already been contacted by a couple of potential users. So there’s definitely interest out there.” The Jackalopes looked at playing all or some home games at The Diamond at Hamilton Ballpark, home to the Colorado Mesa University baseball team. Talks broke down due to scheduling and facility conflicts between the two sides. The league is expanding to Modesto, California, and is in discussions with the city of Long Beach, California, to field a team for next season. In July, the Northern Colorado Owlz relocated to Colorado Springs and rebranded as the Sky Sox. ------ Follow all of Marc’s stadium journeys on Twitter @ballparkhunter   and his YouTube channel .   Email at Marc.Viquez@stadiumjourney.com

Photos by Dave Cottenie, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.43 Vale Health & Wellness Centre 550 Elizabeth St Port Colborne, ON L3K 5W3 Port Colborne website Vale Health & Wellness Centre website Year Opened: 2013 Capacity: 1,000 Teeder is Sailing into Niagara The Niagara Region of Ontario has a rich hockey history.  There are currently 5 teams in the Junior B Greater Ontario Hockey League that make up the Niagara Region GOHL triangle.  In the southwest corner is the city of Port Colborne, Ontario.  No stranger to hockey, the current Port Colborne Sailors are relatively new to the scene.  The current Sailors were established in 1963 as the Thorold Jaycees.  The Jaycess began in the Niagara District Junior B Hockey League.  In 1975, they became the Paper Bees and in 1979, to coincide with a drop to Junior C, they became the Paper C’s.  In 1982, they returned to Junior B and became the Golden Eagles for 4 years before settling on the Blackhawks.  In 2007, the Ontario Hockey Association reorganized the Junior B level, and Thorold, and with their entire league, joined the GOJHL.  Facing significant renovations for the 2022 season, the Blackhawks moved south to Port Colborne, a move that became permanent the following season.  The rebranded Port Colborne Sailors are currently owned by Scott Barnes. The home for the Sailors is the Vale Health & Wellness Centre.  A community hub, Vale boasts a pair of ice rinks and a swimming pool, and a YMCA Fitness Centre.  It is one of the cleanest venues a fan could find.  Toronto Maple Leafs legendary captain, Ted “Teeder” Kennedy is a Port Colborne native, and his presence is felt throughout the facility as the city’s favourite son. Food & Beverage 3 The main concession is found on the main level and appropriately named the Kennedy Club after Teeder Kennedy.  There is a typical snack bar type menu including fries, poutine, chicken fingers, chicken burgers, and hot dogs.  Other snacks include ice cream, chocolate, candy, chips, and muffins.  Pepsi products, as well as hot chocolate, coffee, tea, protein, and energy drinks, are the beverages available.  There did not appear to be a Blueline Club selling alcoholic beverages in Vale Centre. Atmosphere 3 The Vale Health and Wellness Centre offers an attractive, modern exterior with light siding and a unique protruding overhang.  The Community Celebration of 2013, no doubt linked to the opening of the Vale Centre is commemorated with a large autographed brick sitting on a pedestal to the right of the main entrance. After entering the Vale Centre, the trophy case in the vestibule immediately catches the attention of patrons and, at the very least, warrants a turn of the corner upon entry to the lobby to check out all of the artifacts.  Pictures of Port Colborne teams, Teeder Kennedy, other Port Colborne NHL players, and artifacts can be found in the case.  Other items of note include framed jerseys down the hall of Nick Dobrin and Tyler Crooks.  Both Port Colborne minor hockey players passed too soon, with Crooks actually passing in the line of duty with the Canadian military.  The jacket of local Port Colborne coaching legend Muir McGowan is also framed.  Framed pictures and a jersey of Teeder Kennedy are found right beside the concession window.  Also of note, possibly better viewed from upstairs are massive text art portraits of Port Colborne NHL legends Donald Gallinger, Teeder Kennedy, Harry Dick, Don Simmons, and Bronco Horvath.  Each portrait is made of letters that spell Port Colborne. The best entry to the arena is upstairs, which brings fans to the top of the west seating.  A small merchandise table is found in the lobby just before entering.  Inside the arena, the ice is north-south oriented, and the best spot to get a picture of the centre ice logo is from the west.  Vale Centre has two sets of seating options with seven rows of elevated seating on the west side and 3 rows at ice level on the east side. All seats are typical plastic arena seats, and there is plenty of space on the west side for those who wish to stand.   Vale Centre is possibly the cleanest arena out there. The boards have no advertisements on them, and the ads that are on the wall are neat. There isn’t much in the way of banners other than the Toronto Maple Leafs Teeder Kennedy banner from Scotiabank Arena in Toronto. Protective netting is found on the north and south ends, leaving a clear view on the sides. During the flooding of the ice, the lights are dimmed, and blue lights are used as trim on the upper level.  This gives the pregame a bit of a unique feel.  On the north wall, fans will find the Port Colborne Sports Wall of Fame. An enshrined member of note is the play-by-play voice of the Calgary Flames, Derek Wills. A curiosity is that none of the NHL players in the text art portraits, including Teeder Kennedy, have plaques on the Wall of Fame. The game day production at a Sailors game is fairly simple. Promotions include the 50/50 draw and the frisbee toss, a safer, possibly more challenging version of the chuck-a-puck. The speaker system is decent in Port Colborne; however, the play-by-play voice on the broadcast also seems to double as the public address announcer, which is not ideal. Neighbourhood 3 The Vale Centre is located in the northeast corner of Port Colborne. It is a bit out of the main tourist areas, but there are a number of places available for pre or post-game food and drinks. Some options include Melina’s Family Restaurant, Moe’s Tap and Wings, and The Lock Wood Fried Pizza. The Niagara corridor has a number of other GOHL teams, including the Welland Jr. Canadians, Pelham Panthers, St. Catharines Falcons, and Fort Erie Meteors. All are very close to each other. Other tourist options in Port Colborne include the Welland Canal, Canal Lock #8, and Nickel Beach. For fans who wish to stay in Port Colborne, there are a few independent hotels in the area. Fans 3 Port Colborne had decent fan support. For the 2024-25 season, the Sailors averaged just over 400 fans per game. This ranks them 13th in the GOHL. There were far fewer fans in attendance for the game that was reviewed, an abnormal Sunday evening.   The fans in attendance were fairly quiet and reserved.   Access 4 Vale Centre is located in the northeast corner of Port Colborne, which is one of the easier spots to get to, considering its distance from the waterfront.  It is essentially at the intersection of highways 3 and 140.  It is 10 km south of Welland, which is where the main highway, 406, ends.  There is plenty of parking on site.  For fans interested in public transit, Niagara Transit does have some stops in Port Colborne; however, they are on the west side of the Welland Canal, a significant walk from Vale Centre.  Fans should consult the Niagara Transit website for maps, schedules, and fares.  Getting around Vale Centre is not difficult.  It is a very comfortable arena, and the washroom facilities are adequate. Return on Investment 5 Tickets for the Port Colborne Sailors are $12 for adults, with discounts for students and seniors.  Kids 10 years old and under are free.  Parking is free, and concession prices are decent.  The on-ice product is good, and the Vale Centre is one of the cleanest, most comfortable facilities around.  This all adds up to a solid return on investment, with fans not needing to blow the bank to have some great sports entertainment. Extras 3 An extra mark for the Vale Centre being a community hub for Port Colborne. An extra mark for the numerous ways Teeder Kennedy is honoured at the Vale Centre. An extra mark for Vale Centre as one of the cleanest, well-maintained venues out there. Final Thoughts When heading to the Niagara Region, a stop in Port Colborne is a great idea.  Catching a Port Colborne Sailors game at the Vale Health and Wellness Centre is a great way to watch some solid hockey and not spend much money.  Follow all of Dave’s sporting adventures on YouTube , Twitter , Threads  , and Instagram @profan9.

Photos by Eric Moreno, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.86 Alamodome 100 Montana St San Antonio, TX 78203 UTSA Roadrunners website Alamodome website Year Opened: 1993 Capacity: 64,000 UTSA Roadrunners – Alamodome The University of Texas at San Antonio (UTSA) was founded in 1969. As the university has grown, so too has the athletics department. In 2011, the UTSA Roadrunners  took the gridiron for their inaugural season under the guidance of future Hall of Fame Head Coach Larry Coker . UTSA as a university and as a football program has grown by leaps and bounds in the ensuing decade – they would reach their first bowl game in 2016 under the guidance of former Head Coach Frank Wilson . Under his watch, the team would send multiple players to the NFL, including tight end David Morgan II and first round draft pick Marcus Davenport . A member of Wilson’s last signing class, Riq Woolen , would also find stardom in the NFL, and become UTSA’s first-ever Pro Bowler. Under Head Coach Jeff Traylor , the Roadrunners have reached unprecedented heights, earning back-to-back conference championships in 2021 and 2022, as well as four consecutive bowl game berths. The team moved to the American Athletic Conference in 2023. The team has played every home game at the venerable Alamodome in downtown San Antonio. Under Traylor’s tenure, the Dome has given a significant homefield advantage to UTSA. While it’s definitely showing its age, it is still one of the most unique venues in college football.   Food & Beverage   4 Over the years, the Alamodome has undergone significant renovations and changes in an effort to keep up with the times (more on that in the next section). One area where they have continually tried to improve is in concessions. Over the past few seasons, the Alamodome has made a concerted effort to bring a number of local vendors and restaurants to fill the stands and kiosks throughout the facility. The newest options range from Tex-Mex to fried chicken to barbecue options – with Los Barrios Mexican Restaurant , Earl Abel’s , and The Big Bib BBQ , respectively – as well as national options like Johnny Rockets for burgers and Urban Bricks and Papa Johns  for pizza. In addition, local beverage distributors such as SipIT  and Te Amo Micheladas  offer up frozen mixed drinks and Mexican-style beer cocktails for fans up until the fourth quarter. Another great innovation for this season has been the installation of grab-and-go stands on each side of the field on the main concourse. You can get your traditional stadium fare, your hot dogs, nachos, popcorn, pretzels, bottled sodas, water, and beer, etc. at these stands, which has greatly improved the efficiency at the Dome. My one caveat that keeps this section from having a higher score – and I’ve heard this from numerous fans over the past few seasons – is the cost of some items. Prices are a little higher at the Alamodome than what you would expect to find at a program the size of UTSA. However, there are bargains to be had, so just keep on the lookout.   Atmosphere   4 Prefacing this now, I’ve been a UTSA Roadrunners season ticketholder since day one, and I’ve seen virtually every home game at the Alamodome in the last 14 years. The one area that I have seen the most improvement has been in the Atmosphere section. The parking lots surrounding the Dome have always been home to some of the best tailgating in the State of Texas, and this is said without an ounce of hyperbole. San Antonians love a party, and if you can throw a football game in – especially a winning one – they’re going to show up and show out hours and hours before gametime. If you’ve got time on your visit, spend some time in the lots before kickoff. In the nascent years of the program, you would be hard-pressed to find anything letting fans know that the Dome was UTSA’s home field. In the last few seasons, however, the stadium has put up a lot of signage in and around the outside of the facility, which is a good start. They will also light up the exterior of the Alamodome orange and blue for night games, and inside, the 2021 and 2022 Conference USA Championship banners proudly hang from the rafters all season. The lighting, scoreboards, and LED ribbons have all been upgraded in the last five seasons. The pre-game festivities at UTSA, with the band marching on the field while a hype video plays, followed by the football team’s entrance (which I will put up there with the best of any Group of 5 program in the country) is all top-notch. I freely admit to having a love/hate relationship with the in-stadium DJ, who performs throughout games. When you attend a Roadrunners game at the Alamodome, you might find them to be you’re your new favorite, so to each his own. The Alamodome provides a unique home field that no other program in the nation can offer; its acoustics make even small to medium-sized crowds sound like you’re standing next to a jet engine warming up for takeoff. Perhaps more important, as a football fan who has seen countless games across the state of Texas in my time, I can’t tell you how much the 72 degrees in the Dome in August, September, and October are appreciated. Aside from its age, the one thing that keeps this section’s score from being even higher is the lack of a true team store – merchandise tables are available during games, but that feels pretty bush league for a Division I program.   Neighborhood   5 In numerous past reviews I have extoled the virtues of my city and its downtown area, which is where the Alamodome is located. A walkway under State Highway 281 connects the Dome to the area of San Antonio that is home to the Alamo, Tower of the Americas, the River Walk, Hemisfair Park, the Shops at Rivercenter (which, in itself, is home to an IMAX Theater, a Legoland Discovery Center, and a SeaLife Aquarium), and an abundance of some of San Antonio’s best shopping, dining, and lodging options. For dining options, there are a few in the immediate, walkable area of the Alamodome. Nearby options include Tony G’s Soul Food (of which I’m a big fan), which serves up scratch-made Southern classics like fried chicken, meatloaf, and fried catfish, and The Cherrity Bar , which in addition to serving up award-winning cocktails also offers a legit menu of Japanese food including yakitori, soba noodles, and ramen. There are a few hotels within walking distance of the Alamodome, including a couple that you don’t need to cross the highway for – these are Staybridge Suites San Antonio Downtown Convention Center  and City View Inn & Suites . Both are less than a 10-minute stroll from the Dome’s front door. Again, downtown SA has options aplenty for food and shelter, with your only limitation being your budget.   Fans   3 For the majority of the seasons in the Jeff Traylor era, the UTSA Roadrunners have managed to average a robust and healthy attendance of 28,000-29,000 fans per game. This was rarely if ever the case before his tenure. Their inaugural game in the Alamodome featured a record-breaking 56,000-plus fans for that magical night, and the team has been chasing that vibe ever since. When the team starts to dip and/or the competition is not a recognized brand to casual fans, turnout is pretty light. Such has been the case at the start of this current season, as a combination of a history-making and graduating senior class and a “when it rains, it pours” spate of injuries has seen attendance dip to 20,000-22,000 per game averages. The good thing is that the student section continues to be packed and has, in recent years, been expanded to allow room for the most vocal and passionate fans of the team. And as mentioned, the tailgating in the lots is an experience unto itself thanks to the fanbase here. Regardless, this is a loud group of fans, most of which come to games decked out on in UTSA orange and blue. Their vociferousness can be counted on to cause problems for opposing teams, which has been a boon to UTSA. Sustaining growth in attendance will bump this section’s score higher.   Access   4 As mentioned, the Alamodome is located off a major state highway, and is sandwiched between two major US highways in Interstates 10 and 35. The stadium is a short nine-minute drive from San Antonio International Airport. San Antonio’s mass transit option, VIA Metropolitan Transit, has routes all over the city that end up at the Dome. There are even park and ride locations in other parts of the city, which is often a great option. On site, the Dome has two parking lots open to fans who pre-purchase a parking spot; you cannot purchase a pass in these lots on the day of. However, the Alamodome is situated adjacent to a residential neighborhood, and for blocks and blocks, industrious residents and business owners rent out spaces in driveways and parking lots on game days. Spots in these can be had for as little as $10, depending on how far you’re willing to walk. What keeps the Access score from being higher is the egress situation – there is only one main road out of the Alamodome, and this will bottleneck especially on dates with larger crowds.   Return on Investment   4 Single-game tickets for UTSA games can be found for as little as $6 on the secondary market. This is an incredible bargain for a team that has seen the success the Roadrunners have had. Typical seasons will feature one or two big name out-of-conference opponents at the Dome, and the American Athletic Conference also has some of the more recognizable Group of Five teams anyway. The low-ticket costs are what gives this section the score it has. Parking costs are on the average compared to programs the size of UTSA, but as mentioned in the Access section, bargains can be found if you’re willing to walk a bit. What brings this section’s score down is the aforementioned concession costs.   Extras   3 UTSA brings out pretty much all the traditional pageantry that can be found at most Division I football programs. The award-winning Spirit of San Antonio (SoSA) marching band performs throughout the game and at halftime, while the UTSA Pom Squad and Cheerleaders , as well as the beloved mascot Rowdy , can all be found on the sidelines interacting with fans both before and during games. The student section also raises a giant flag with UTSA’s “Let’s Go 210” (which is the area code for the Alamo City) at the start of the fourth quarter. It’s all fun, but beyond that, there isn’t much else in the way of Extras. The program has started and abandoned quite a few traditions over the years – I think getting the right one started in the coming years will only make this section’s score higher.   Final Thoughts I’ve been to more games at the Alamodome than any other venue – I’ve seen virtually every home game for the UTSA Roadrunners here since 2011, which is all to say I’m very familiar with this facility. I still find a great deal to enjoy about this stadium, however, even with its sometimes glaringly obvious wear and tear. There is no other venue like the Alamodome in college sports, and I do think it belongs on bucket lists. I’m pretty confident that if you come in for a UTSA game, you’ll see what I see and will come away with an appreciation for the program, the venue, and the city. Follow Eric Moreno’s Stadium Journey on Twitter at @EricMoreno6477 .

Photos by Aaron S. Terry , Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.00 Dowdy-Ficklen Stadium 100 Ficklen Dr Greenville, NC 27858 East Carolina Pirates website Dowdy-Ficklen Stadium website Year Opened: 1963 Capacity: 51,000 No Quarter in Greenville Everybody loves Pirates, especially East Carolina football fans, and that love translates into a great game day experience at Dowdy-Ficklen Stadium in Greenville, NC. The festivities now include fireworks during pre-game and whenever the Pirates score, as well as the mascot riding in on a John Deere gator. But the highlight of the day might just be the start of the fourth quarter, when the black pirate flag in the northwest end zone is replaced with the red “No Quarter” flag – more on that later. Dowdy-Ficklen Stadium opened in 1963 and currently holds 51,000 rowdy ECU Pirates fans – their tagline is Rowdy at Dowdy. The stadium has been renovated multiple times since its construction, most recently in 2019 when a brand new, massive five-story press box replaced the outdated structure that had been there before, among other enhancements.  Earlier renovations included adding an enormous video board to the southeast end zone, as well as replacing some of the bleacher seating with purple chairbacks in the center sections on the north and south sides. View from Section 12 - Photo courtesy of Abe Carlile   Food & Beverage   3 There are all manner of food and beverage options available at Dowdy-Ficklen Stadium, including a few food trucks; the problem is that some of the prices are high, and the lines are very long. The venue does have a couple of grab-and-go lines, which are supposed to speed things along, but they don’t help very much. Main dishes include stadium basics like hot dogs, burgers, brats, chicken tenders, and pizza, but since this is North Carolina, you can also find pulled pork nachos or Buffalo chicken nachos if you prefer. Hot dogs are pretty reasonably priced (by sports stadium standards, anyway) at $4.69, while a slice of Pizza Hut pizza is $8.99, and the aforementioned “fancy” nachos are $11.99 – all fair, relatively speaking. Pretzels, however, are $7.49, burgers start at $9.49, and chicken tenders with waffle fries come in at a whopping $13.79. It is also hard to find what you want here, as everything seems to be sold by different stands. Burgers, for example, are only available from certain Black Sail grill stands, while pizza/chicken tenders are only available from specific stands that sell only that item. We ended up settling for brats because all the other lines were way too long. Besides main dishes, there are smaller/snack items, such as basic nachos (i.e., just tortilla chips and cheese sauce), popcorn, and packaged candy at the bargain price (again, relatively speaking) of $3.99.  You can also find peanuts for a little more, as well as drinks such as bottled water, bottled or fountain soda in a souvenir cup (Pepsi products), and beer, mostly domestics but also including Bold Rock Berry, which I hadn’t seen before at a stadium.  I didn’t see anything in the way of dessert-type items, even though I walked around the concourse more than once.   Atmosphere   5 A Pirates game at Dowdy-Ficklen Stadium is absolutely rockin’ – for certain games, the fun starts with a flyover by jets from nearby Seymour Johnson Air Force Base, and the inclusion of fireworks before kickoff only adds to the fun. The team comes onto the field accompanied by cones of fire in front of their team tunnel, and the dance team joins the action by twirling flaming batons of their own. The pirate theme, of course, is ever-present, and definitely leaned into by the staff – there is a great statue of a pirate captain with his cannon outside/above Gate 4, which you can get a picture of, and even the scoreboard things like a skeleton doing the wave during certain big moments during the game. A pirate flag flies at full mast behind the northwest end zone, replaced by the red “No Quarter” flag at the beginning of the fourth quarter – they call this a Red Warning, and the red flag’s hoisting is accompanied by eerie music, special lighting effects, and graphics on the video board; they also add purple and gold banners to the mast as an accoutrement to the red flag. There is also a person dressed in a full pirate costume, with their own cannon, situated behind the northwest end zone, as well as the costumed version patrolling the other sidelines. The highlight of my visit, however, was visiting the video room on the ground floor of the south concourse – located midway along that side, you can walk past a bank of windows showing a bunch of TV screens with different games on them, and you can literally look in and watch the production staff doing their work during the game. Better yet, if you get there early, you can actually GO INSIDE, meet the staff, and check out the equipment, including seeing the servers, the joysticks used to control all the different cameras, etc. – nowhere else have I seen regular fans be able to get such a behind-the-scenes look. Totally amazing, absolutely the best part of a visit to Dowdy-Ficklen.   Neighborhood   3 If you are looking for a place to hang out before or after a Pirates game in Greenville, I would highly recommend Kickback Jack’s; they have a seafood platter that is to die for. Mellow Mushroom is also a popular semi-local choice, as are Nashville Hot Chicken and Red Robin. There are plenty of hotels in town, although none are within 2 miles of the stadium; most of them are located along Highway 13 to the west of Dowdy-Ficklen, or along the Highway 264 loop that circles the city.   Fans   4 During my most recent visit, the Pirate faithful enjoyed a near sellout, with wall-to-wall gold filling almost the entire stadium (except for the visitors in section 12 and part of section 13). They were loud and rowdy well into the third quarter, until the game unfortunately started getting away from the home team. The student section is behind the southeast end zone, on both sides of the band. The students have a lot of spirit and caused the visiting team to commit several false start penalties, thanks to the noise they generated.   Access    3 Getting to the vicinity of Dowdy-Ficklen Stadium is not bad – the major freeways end before you get to Greenville, but will get you pretty close, with I-95 to the west and I-40 to the south/west of the city. In the future, it should get even easier, however, as Highway 264, which runs through the center of town, appears to be turning into I-87. Parking, however, gets pretty hairy – there are, of course, pass lots right next to the stadium itself; the rest of us should look for cash lots to the south or west of the stadium, where you can park for $20 to $25, any of which will mean at least a half-mile walk to the venue, however. Surprisingly, there is some street parking, though, so you may actually be able to park for free – I ended up parking on Cotanche Street, which dead ends at a railroad track. There is a strip mall right next to that, the Charles Boulevard Shopping Center, which had a sign offering $25 parking, but I saw no one actually taking money, so you may be able to park there for free. There are plenty of other streets in this area where you can park as well, and I actually recommend parking near there – this area is about half a mile directly to the northwest of Dowdy-Ficklen Stadium, and will take you right past Minges Coliseum to the open end of the seating bowl (Gate 5 for Sections 12 thru 22 and Gate 4 for Sections 1 thru 11), allowing you to easily access either side. Moving around the concourse is not ideal – for some reason, they decided to number the sections from 12 to 31 and then started over with 1 to 11, meaning sections 11 and 12 are on opposite sides of the stadium. You also are not allowed to walk across the open end, meaning you have to walk all the way around to get to the other side. All that said, pay attention to where you are sitting so you can enter at the right gate, since the numbering is not obvious.   Return on Investment   5 I would absolutely recommend attending an East Carolina Pirates game at Dowdy-Ficklen Stadium; despite the challenges with access and some of the concession pricing, it is well worth a visit. The fireworks and opening pyrotechnics are a great touch, the different flags are a plus, and the multiple mascots/pirate theme really make for a fun day. Tickets should run about $45 each if you buy directly from the school, or a little more if you buy from a third-party site. If you can park for free, all the better.   Extras   5 Continuing the pirate theme, a cannon is shot off when the home team scores, and the ECU logo is superb – a skull overlaid on top of a purple and gold rendering of the state of North Carolina. The gold and purple coloration also really pops on the field, and there are multiple team gear stands on both sides of the concourse, so you can get your pirate on. There are also hydration stations dotted around the concourse to help fans make sure they can stay safe during the game.   Final Thoughts It is totally worth the trip to Greenville to see Dowdy-Ficklen Stadium and the ECU Pirates, even if you are not from the area. While there are more well-known teams from a “better” conference nearby, I am not sure you will have as much fun at them – after all, to Err is Human, but to Arr is Pirate.

Photos by David Welch, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.71 Bank of America Stadium 800 S Mint St. Charlotte, NC 28202 Charlotte FC website Bank of America Stadium website Year Opened: 1996 Capacity: 75,412 For the Crown Charlotte’s first professional soccer team, the Carolina Lightnin’, burst onto the scene in 1981, winning the American Soccer League title in their inaugural season. After the league folded in 1983 and a short-lived follow-up called the Charlotte Gold faded in 1984, the city went without a pro team until the Charlotte Eagles arrived in 1991, establishing a steady presence in the lower divisions. Momentum returned in 2015 with the Charlotte Independence , who competed in the United Soccer League Championship before self-demoting to USL League One in 2022 with the arrival of Charlotte FC. The city’s long-awaited MLS club debuted at Bank of America Stadium to some of MLS’s largest crowds, quickly becoming one of the league’s top draws, and cementing Charlotte’s place on the national soccer stage.   Food & Beverage   4 Bank of America Stadium stays true to its representation of both North and South Carolina, and that identity shows up in its food options. A nacho stand dedicated to Greenville, South Carolina–based Duke’s BBQ sauces serves nachos and mac and cheese, while Charlotte’s own fried chicken chain, Bojangles, has a presence inside the stadium. Carolina barbecue is also featured, with pork sandwiches and wings slathered in the vinegar-based Carolina style. Fans have several self-service choices, from grab-and-go markets to self-pour mixed drink and craft beer stations. The beer program features nearly 25 varieties, with a strong emphasis on local breweries. Grab-and-go markets are located only on the 100 level, while mobile ordering via QR codes posted around the stadium adds another layer of convenience. One fun twist on in-seat concessions is the vendors walking the aisles with frozen margaritas in the team’s blue-and-white colors. Bank of America Stadium does an excellent job showcasing the flavors of the Carolinas. While there are plenty of original options, some of the standard offerings feel a bit underwhelming. The standout choices are found at the grill stations in Uptown Market, Mint Street Market, and Queen City Eatery just inside the main entry on Mint Street.   Atmosphere   4 The match day atmosphere begins long before the gates open; at 703 McNinch Street, Charlotte’s supporter groups host a pre-match tailgate that culminates in a march to the stadium about an hour before kickoff. Though led by supporter groups, all fans are welcome to join. The march starts approximately an hour before kickoff and stops outside of Clutch Kitchen & Pour House to rally fans in the final push to the stadium gates. Much like their MLS rival in the region, Atlanta United , Charlotte FC fans are greeted with what is already part of their stadium’s football culture, but with a soccer twist to it. As Atlanta drapes a scarf around the wings of its large Falcon sculpture outside the main entrance, Charlotte does the same around the necks of the Panthers that guard the points of entry around the stadium. Pre-match festivities are laden with fun traditions, so being in the stadium at least fifteen to twenty minutes before kickoff ensures the full experience. It begins with a coronation, of sorts, of a local celebrity or personality taking the throne in front of the supporters section, to rally the crowd in the moments leading up to kickoff. Soon after, in keeping with the noble identity of the club, a knight emerges from under the stands to light a cauldron, followed by the singing of the National Anthem. Also, in what has become a tradition in itself, during the club’s very first match, a microphone failure prompted the 74,000 in attendance to finish the song together – since then, the featured singer begins the anthem, and the crowd carries it to the end. Finally, just before kickoff, the stadium comes alive as fans turn back to the pitch, link arms, and bounce to the Puerto Rican beats of Farruko’s Pepas.  It truly is a fun way to get the match started. If sitting in the supporters section, do not plan on hearing much from the stadium speakers; between the chants of the supporters and the beats of drums, everything else gets drowned out. Staying dry is also a 50/50 proposition – Charlotte goals are celebrated by tossing water into the air, and while most stick to the rules, a few get carried away and throw cups as well. Signage and announcements make it clear that only water is allowed, and the section does a good job of policing itself; supporters are quick to confront those throwing anything other than water and having them removed. Since Bank of America Stadium was not built for soccer, it lacks proper safe standing in the supporters section. For fans who spend nearly two hours on their feet, the absence of rails to lean on can make things tough. Only the lower bowl is used during matches, which helps concentrate the crowd but still leaves the stadium feeling cavernous. Even with more than 30,000 fans in attendance, the excitement can get swallowed up in a venue built for 75,000. There are a handful of matches each year that call for the upper level to be opened, but for the most part, it is just the lower bowl that is used.   Neighborhood   5 Bank of America Stadium sits at the heart of Uptown Charlotte, framed by the city’s skyline and just steps from Truist Field, home of the AAA Charlotte Knights . The Spectrum Center, home of the Hornets , is also within walking distance, and a short ride takes fans to Bojangles Coliseum, home of the Charlotte Checkers , and Veterans Memorial Stadium, the home pitch of USL League One’s Charlotte Independence . The NASCAR Hall of Fame is less than a mile away. Uptown Charlotte itself is compact and walkable, with a strong mix of art and culture. Murals and installations like Luminous Lane and Sonic Runway add energy to the streets, while museums such as Mint Museum Uptown, Bechtler Museum of Modern Art, Harvey B. Gantt Center, and Levine Museum of the New South anchor the neighborhood. Even everyday spaces get a creative twist, with touches like the Musical Parking Garage giving the district personality and character. Several hotels nearby also make staying downtown easy for visiting fans, allowing them to explore Uptown without worrying about transportation. For dining and local flavor, fans have plenty of options. Rhino Market & Deli, a short walk from Bank of America Stadium, and Mellow Mushroom, known throughout the Southeast for its pizza, are nearby, while Green’s Lunch has been a neighborhood staple since 1926. Charlotte also has a growing craft beer scene, with Wooden Robot close by and larger taprooms at NoDa and Old Mecklenburg a bit further out.   Fans   4 Charlotte is second in the league in attendance, drawing more than 33,000 fans per match. The impact of that crowd, however, often gets lost in the cavernous emptiness of the venue. Much like other clubs throughout MLS, Charlotte FC has several supporters groups rallying behind the team. The Carolina Hooliganz, Mint City Collective, Norcas CLT, South Charlotte, and Southbound and Crown, collectively known as The Royal Family, set the tone for a passionate and engaged fan base. Together, fans and supporter groups create a festive, engaging match day atmosphere, rooted in international soccer traditions. Their chants may be familiar to those who have experienced other supporter sections, but the energy they bring makes being part of it unique to soccer.   Access   3 Bank of America Stadium is conveniently located just off the junction of I-277 and I-77, making it easy to reach by car. Charlotte’s light rail system provides an equally smooth option, with the City LYNX Blue Line stopping at the Carson, Stonewall, and Convention Center stations, all less than a five-minute walk from the facility’s gates. Entry into the stadium is quick and easy, with fans moving quickly through security and ticket scanning before reaching the main concourse, which runs beneath the upper level of the field-level seating bowl. The field-level concourse, however, can be a bit narrow and can be a bit congested in the moments leading to kickoff. After the matches, the streets immediately outside the stadium are closed to vehicles, allowing fans to spill into the roadway and continue the celebration. Surrounding streets do get clogged with departing cars, but traffic usually clears at a steady pace, and with the interstates only minutes away, escaping downtown requires just a bit of patience.   Return on Investment   3 A 2024 study by Lucky Gambler examined the all-in costs of accommodations, souvenirs, tickets, and a basic meal; Charlotte ranked as the third-most expensive MLS experience for a family of four. Ticket prices start at $50 for general admission seats, but when the upper level is open, there does seem to be value to be had, with $15 seats available. Parking adds another layer to the cost – lots near the stadium typically start around $20, but can climb to $40 to $50 for premium spots right outside the gates. For savvy fans, however, a small garage at the corner of Church Street and Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard, about a 10-minute walk away, offers an all-day rate of just $10.   Extras   3 The tailgating scene and supporters' march to Bank of America Stadium set the tone for a top-notch match day, creating excitement that carries into the evening. Charlotte’s pre-match traditions add plenty of flavor; the lighting of the cauldron, the coronation ceremony, and thousands of fans dancing to Pepas all build an electric atmosphere. Even Sir Minty, the club’s playful mascot, gets in on the act, mingling with fans before and after the match. The stadium’s downtown location makes the experience even more convenient. On game days, it is not unusual for multiple events to overlap in Charlotte, making it easy to pair an afternoon with the Knights, a museum visit, or dinner nearby before heading to the match, all within walking distance.   Final Thoughts Charlotte FC has created a match-day atmosphere that is festive, energetic, and reminiscent of traditional European soccer experiences. The passion of the supporters brings it to life, creating an environment any fanbase would be proud of. The one major drawback is the venue itself. Even with crowds topping 30,000, the sheer scale of Bank of America Stadium can dilute the energy and leave the experience feeling less intimate. The supporters and their traditions do plenty to bridge that gap, but the stadium still feels like a borrowed stage rather than a true home. Still, the ingredients are there: a devoted fan base, the vibrant Uptown setting, and traditions that connect fans to the club’s identity. With those elements in place, Charlotte FC has the right foundation to be one of MLS’s most exciting match-day experiences.

Photos by Richard Smith, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.86 Tomlinson-Fillippo Field at Farrell Stadium 855 S New St West Chester, PA 19383 West Chester Golden Rams website Tomlinson-Fillippo Field at Farrell Stadium website Year Opened: 1970 Capacity: 7,500 A Purple and Golden Stadium Farrell Stadium is an American stadium on the campus of West Chester University in West Chester, Pennsylvania. Built in 1970, it serves as the home field for the West Chester Golden Rams football and track and field teams. The field was recently renamed in 2024 to honor two distinguished alumni, Robert “Tommy” Tomlinson and Tom Fillippo, cementing the legacy of two standout players and supporters of the university. The stadium has a seating capacity of 7,500 and features a FieldTurf playing surface. The stadium's recent upgrades, including a new state-of-the-art video scoreboard and a reimagined game-day experience, are breathing new life into the West Chester football program. West Chester is the largest of the 10 state-owned universities belonging to the Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education (PASSHE) and the sixth largest university in Pennsylvania West Chester competes as a member of the Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference (PSAC). Food & Beverage 3 The food and beverage options at Farrell Stadium are what you would expect at a Division II football game. A concession stand is located under the main grandstand, offering standard stadium fare like hot dogs, hamburgers, fries, and drinks. While the offerings are not particularly unique, they are sufficient to satisfy basic cravings. The line is usually pretty long, but from our experience, it moves quickly and efficiently. The recent "reimagined" game-day experience for students includes a dedicated "Purple Pit" with food trucks, which is a great addition that adds some variety to the food scene for that section of the crowd. Atmosphere 4 The atmosphere at Farrell Stadium is on the rise. With the recent naming ceremony for Tomlinson-Fillippo Field and the unveiling of a new video scoreboard, the university is making a clear effort to enhance the game-day experience. The reimagined football experience aims to create a family-friendly, high-energy environment for everyone, from students to alumni and the local community. The stadium is made up of two simple grandstands. One is the larger home stand and the other a slightly smaller visiting team stand. There were so many Golden Rams in attendance, many of the home fans ended up sitting in the visitor stands. The "Ram Walk" pre-game festivities and a dedicated "Kids' Zone" contribute to a festive and welcoming vibe. The stadium feels well-maintained and has a picturesque backdrop during the fall, which adds to the overall experience. There is a really good marching band, cheerleaders, and a fun mascot (Rammy) who gives a little more flair to Golden Rams games. Neighborhood 4 West Chester University is located in the borough of West Chester, Pennsylvania, a charming and historic college town. The stadium is located on the university's south campus, which is an easy walk or drive from the main campus and the bustling downtown area. The town itself is full of restaurants, bars, and shops, offering plenty of options for pre- or post-game activities. The classic college town feel adds a great dimension to the game-day experience, making it more of an event than just a game. Fans 4 The Golden Rams have a passionate and loyal fan base. The recent changes have been embraced by the community, and game attendance is growing. The fans are engaged and loud, especially in the student section, and are knowledgeable about the team. They are supportive of both the players and the new initiatives from the university, making for a positive and friendly environment. Access 3 Getting to Farrell Stadium is fairly straightforward. It's located just off South New Street in West Chester. Parking is available in designated lots and is cashless, with a flat fee of $10 per car. General admission seating is on a first-come, first-served basis. The stadium has a strict bag policy, so be sure to check the regulations before you go to avoid any issues. While there are a lot of cars on game day, the university has a good system in place to handle the traffic flow. Return on Investment 4 Tickets to a West Chester Golden Rams football game are a great value. With tickets costing only around $5 to $10, you get to experience a high-quality Division II football game in a stadium that is actively investing in improving the fan experience. The combination of a strong football program, a solid game-day atmosphere, and a great location makes this an excellent value for your money. Extras 4 A statue of former Golden Rams quarterback Michael Horrocks, who was a co-pilot on United Airlines Flight 175 and died in the September 11 attacks, stands at the north endzone of the field. This is a powerful and touching tribute that adds to the stadium's character. The ability to walk around the whole stadium is a nice little extra. There is also a nice hill where one can sit and watch the game. Some fans even found some other lawn areas around the stadium to sit and watch the game. The West Chester Marching Band is an extremely good band and provides a good show. All of the fan enhancements really show and provide a great atmosphere for fans. Final Thoughts Tomlinson-Fillippo Field at Farrell Stadium is a great example of a school taking steps to enhance its game-day experience. The recent renovations and the "reimagined" football experience demonstrate a commitment to both the team and the community. While the concessions may be fairly standard, the atmosphere, neighborhood, and overall value make this a worthwhile visit for any fan of college football. It's clear that the West Chester Golden Rams are building something special, and it's exciting to see what the future holds for this historic program and its home stadium.

Photos by Paul Baker, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.43 Matthews Arena 238 St. Botolph St Boston, MA 02115 Northeastern Huskies men’s basketball website Matthews Arena website Year Opened: 1910 Capacity: 5,066 The Final Buzzer for Hoops at Matthews Arena   How many sporting facilities can lay claim to being the original home to not one, not two, but three major league franshicses? Matthews Arena can. The arena was the original home of both the Boston Bruins in 1924 and the New England Whalers in 1972, as well as the site of the first home game for the Boston Celtics in 1946. Virtually every college hockey team in the area, including all four Beanpot schools, have called this arena home. Originally named Boston Arena, the facility was renamed for George and Martha Matthews in 1982. Mr. Matthews, class of 1956, served as the Chairman of the Northeastern Board of Trustees for ten years.  He passed away on January 11, 2024 at the age of 93.    Muhammed Ali trained here, and many of boxing’s biggest names, including Gene Tunney, Joe Louis, Marvin Hagler and Jack Dempsey fought here. The Frozen Four was held at Matthews Arena in 1960, as was the original Beanpot hockey tournament. More recently, the World Junior Hockey Championships were held here in 1995.   Matthews Arena has always been more than just a sporting venue. Every president from Theodore Roosevelt to John Kennedy visited the site, as have Richard Nixon and Bill Clinton. Charles Lindberg and Amelia Earhart hosted events here. Concerts by artists as diverse as The Doors, Jerry Lee Lewis, Marvin Gaye, Ludacris, Bob Dylan, The Roots, Chuck Berry and Phish were held at Matthews Arena.   Today, Matthews Arena serves as home to Northeastern men’s basketball team, as well as the men’s and women’s hockey teams. Several area high-school hockey teams also call this old barn home.   The basketball Huskies play in the Colonial Athletic Association, and have appeared in the NCAA tournament nine times, most recently in 2019. Six players from Northeastern have played in the NBA. The Northeastern women’s basketball team, which plays at the Cabot Center on campus, has qualified for one NCAA tournament, in 1999.   In May 2024 Northeastern filed a letter of intent  to the Boston Planning and Development Agency to construct a new multi-purpose athletics venue, which included plans for the demolition of Matthews Arena. These plans came as concerns surrounding the structural integrity of the facility increased: scaffolding had been erected to support the east end of the arena earlier in 2024, parts of the arena had been closed off, and the foundation, which was built on reclaimed land that was once part of a wharf, was found to be sinking.   Food & Beverage 3   There is one concession stand in the lobby open for Husky hockey games. Hungry fans can choose from hot dogs, veggie burgers, chicken fingers and grilled chicken sandwiches. Sides, including french fries, nachos, pretzels and popcorn are also available. Coca-Cola products are featured at Matthews Arena.   While the menu at Matthews Arena is not extensive, the prices are affordable, and the quality of food served is decent.   Atmosphere 3   When you have a crowd of 1,000 in a facility that seats 6,000, there’s not a whole lot of energy that can be generated. While Matthews Arena won’t be an overly loud place to watch a game, the staff here put on a first-rate, professional show.   Dominating the views at Matthews Arena is the facility’s video scoreboard. Measuring 50 feet long by 13.5 feet high, the scoreboard is put to good use throughout the game with replays, game stats and promotions. Fans with old-school sensibilities will not enjoy the intrusion of modern technology in the old barn, but Northeastern staff do a nice job integrating modern technology in this historic location.   The student body sits courtside at Matthews, but generally doesn’t make a whole lot of noise. Filling that role falls to the arena’s DJ, band, cheerleaders and dance squad. The school’s mascot, Paws, roams the facility interacting with fans and adding a little bit of shenanigans to the game. Kudos to the Northeastern PA announcer, who adds some energy to the proceedings while pulling double duty as the emcee for promotions during breaks in play. Boston Arena Entrance, photo courtesy of Boston Globe Neighborhood 5   Northeastern University is located on the edge of Boston’s Back Bay neighborhood, one of the city’s most popular tourist and shopping destinations. The Fens neighborhood and South End are also within walking distance of the University. Many of Boston’s major attractions are located close to Matthews Arena.   While there are many dining and lodging options near Matthews Arena, most of them will involve a short walk or drive from the facility, which may not be what you want to do on a chilly winter night in Boston. Fans visiting from out of town will want to check out the Prudential Center and Copley Place, located just a few blocks from Matthews Arena. Symphony Hall is just around the corner, and the Boston Museum of Fine Arts is a short walk away. In addition, most of Boston’s attractions are easily accessed by a short subway ride. Both the Green and Orange lines have stops less than a block from Matthews Arena.   Fans 2   Basketball takes a back seat to the uber-popular hockey program, which also plays in Matthews Arena. While attendance for Huskies basketball can fluctuate quite a bit, the average settles in around 1,000 fans per game year in and year out.   Fans who have visited Matthews Arena for hockey will be surprised by the lack of support and enthusiasm from the student body. The Dog House, the student section located in the upper level of Matthews Arena, sits empty as the students in attendance sit courtside. While they fill their designated section, they aren’t really a big part of the atmosphere here, as they mostly sit quietly and take in the action.   Stadium Journey’s most recent visit took place on a Thursday night during semester break, so there were no students in attendance. The announced crowd of just over 600 fans felt fairly representative based on previous visits. Boston Arena Interior. Photo courtesy New York Times. Access 4   Matthews Arena is located on the eastern edge of Northeastern’s urban campus, near the intersection of Massachusetts Avenue and Huntington Avenue. Despite the fact that Matthews Arena is easy to find, that doesn’t make it easy to get to. The ever-present Boston traffic, never-ending construction projects and streets that date back to colonial days, make Boston a tough city to drive in. If you must drive, it is best to bring a local along who is familiar with the city landscape. Directions to Matthews Arena can be found here .   Many local fans will choose to take public transportation to Matthews Arena. The MBTA, known locally as the “T”, drops fans off just a couple of blocks from the arena. The E-train of the Green line drops fans off at Symphony Hall, and the Orange Line has a stop on Massachusetts Avenue. At just $2.75 for a fare, the T is an affordable and convenient alternative for visiting Husky fans.   Fans visiting Matthews Arena will pass under an ornate entry arch into the main lobby. The ticket office, concession stands, and restrooms are all located here. The arena will be located to your right, accessible by a pair of walkways. Seats at Matthews Arena are separated into loge and balcony sections. All seats have excellent views of the action, although some lower level seats will have an obstructed view of the scoreboard and banners due to the overhang of the balcony.   Fans will have no problem navigating Matthews Arena during a typical game. If visiting during a game with a large crowd, expect lines and delays when accessing concessions or rest rooms.   Return on Investment 4   Tickets for Northeastern basketball games cost sixteen dollars for youth and 19 dollars for adults for all games. Parking can be had for no charge (yes, you read that right, free parking in Boston) at the Columbus Street Garage located a short walk from the Arena. Parking in the small lot adjacent to the arena or in the Gainsborough Garage across the street is $27 for games. There is limited on-street parking in the vicinity of the arena, but finding one of these spots is about as likely as spotting a unicorn.   Many fans will opt to skip the congestion and cost of driving in Boston, and simply take the T to Matthews Arena. Both the Orange and Green Lines pass within a few blocks of Matthews Arena, and a one-way fare is just $2.75. The Number One bus also has a stop at the arena.   If you don’t mind a short walk (less than 1/2 mile) from the Columbus Street Garage to Matthews Arena, a trip to a Northeastern basketball game is a most affordable option for Boston sports fans. Extras 3   They just don’t build arenas like this anymore, and that alone is worth an extra point. The exposed brick, the steel tresses, the entry arch that has greeted Boston sports fans for over a century, and the ornate lobby all harken to an earlier time.   The history of Matthews Arena is worth another point. It bears repeating that this is the oldest indoor rink still in use anywhere in the world. The Boston Bruins started here. The Carolina Hurricanes played their first games here (as the New England Whalers of the WHA). The Boston Celtics played here frequently. Presidents, dignitaries, as well as athletes and musicians have visited this site. There is a history here that just can’t be duplicated elsewhere.   Some of this history is on display at Matthews Arena. In addition to banners honoring the success achieved by Northeastern’s basketball and hockey teams, there are banners reminding fans of where the Celtics and Bruins got their starts. There is also a banner honoring Reggie Lewis, the local basketball star who studied at Northeastern and went on to become an All-Star and captain with the Celtics before passing away of a heart condition while still playing for the team. His funeral was held at Matthews Arena.   Final Thoughts   If you’re going to Matthews Arena for a Northeastern basketball game, do yourself a favor and don’t make any comparisons to the game day atmosphere at a Husky hockey game. Instead, enjoy the top-notch game day presentation and the fantastic way the school mixes modern entertainment within a legendary setting. You’ll also see some really good basketball.   Follow Paul Baker’s stadium journeys on Twitter and Instagram @PuckmanRI.

Photos by Michael Davis, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.71 Globe Life Field 734 Stadium Drive Arlington, TX 76011 Texas Rangers website Globe Life Field website Year Opened: 2020 Capacity: 40,300 Globe Life Field – Texas Rangers Globe Life Field is home to Major League Baseball’s American League Texas Rangers – the Rangers organization began in 1972 when the Washington Senators relocated to Arlington, Texas. The Rangers first home was a minor league stadium built for the Dallas/Fort Worth Spurs, in 1965. Originally called Turnpike Stadium, it was renamed Arlington Stadium in time for the Texas Rangers’ first season as a franchise. Globe Life Field is a retractable roof stadium that opened in 2020, with a seating capacity of just over 40,000; the new ballpark is just across the street from the Rangers’ former home Globe Life Park, now Choctaw Stadium . Globe Life Field’s opening was delayed due to the COVID-19 pandemic, with the first game being played without fans on July 24, 2020. However, although the pandemic pushed back the 2020 MLB season and cost the Rangers fan attendance in their new ballpark, there was a bright side, as Globe Life Field was selected to host the 2020 National League championship series and the 2020 World Series. Baseball Fans were allowed to attend those playoff games, and people finally got to see the Rangers’ new home firsthand. Globe Life Field has hosted many events – these include the National and American League Championships, the 2020 and 2023 World Series, and the MLB All-Star Game, as well as college football games and year-round concerts.   Food & Beverage   5 The Texas Rangers have had food and beverages at their stadium since the 1970s. One of the most common food items at sporting events began in Arlington, as the Rangers were the first team to introduce nachos to fans. The same nacho company, Rico’s, has been supplying the chips to Rangers fans for decades. One of their most recent nacho offerings comes in the form of the Boomstick, a three-pound two-foot-long hot dog covered with chili, nacho cheese, jalapenos, and caramelized onions. In fact, year after year the Rangers have creative items on the menu, enough so that a whole article on just the food offerings could be written. Globe Life Field also has local vendors, such as Hurtado Barbecue, Golden Chick, Pluckers, and a Texas favorite, Whataburger. The Rangers also connect with fans looking for vegan options, who can choose from a full menu including vegan burgers, sandwiches, nachos, and chicken nuggets, all available at the Visiting Vegan stand. Concession prices are a bit high here, but fans are getting plenty of food for what they are paying. Soft drinks include Coke products, along with PowerAde and Dasani as non-carbonated options. In addition, Globe Life Field does not stop at just an abundance of food options, as all sorts of beer and alcohol can also be found by just turning your head. There are several full-service bars and beer carts around the stadium that serve seltzer, wine, mixed drinks, and beer from both national brands and local brewing companies; Hopadillo Hazy IPA from Karbach Brewing Co. and Estrella Jalisco are two of the more popular choices. Overall, there are plenty of choices for any fan that attends a Rangers game, and you get a lot for what you are paying.   Atmosphere   4 Globe Life Field has been criticized and mocked for the outside structure; it’s not an attractive ballpark from the outside, especially when you compare it to the team’s old facility across the street. However, once you are inside the ballpark transforms into one of the better retractable roof stadiums in the country, and the glass used around the stadium lets in enough light that you don’t feel like you’re inside a warehouse. Originally fans compared this venue to the other major league ballpark in the state, Daikin Park  in Houston, but Globe Life Field has a lot more character than the home of the Astros. Globe Life Field has a large videoboard suspended high above right field, which is the main source of gameday information. There are also two other large videoboards showing information during the game – one is a vertically hung auxiliary scoreboard in centerfield, showing the day’s lineup, while the other is situated high above the party porch in left field. As fans enter the ballpark they can walk around the different concourses, and see Rangers history throughout, including a Texas-sized clock and Ranger Hall of Famer uniforms in centerfield. There is also not a better moment leading up to the first pitch than when long-time public-address announcer Chuck Morgan makes his standard announcement, as the umpires and managers wrap up their pre-game meeting – “Ladies and Gentlemen, it is Baseball Time in Texas!”. Chuck Morgan has been the voice of the Texas Rangers for the past 41 years; he is in the Texas Rangers Hall of Fame, and one day Cooperstown should be calling on him to fill his place among the great baseball announcers. The Rangers game presentation is basic and simple – the team has created the Rangers Six Shooters, the team’s spirit squad that cheers from an area in centerfield, along with mascot Rangers Captain, a palomino-style horse dressed in the team’s uniform wearing number 72, marking the first year of the Rangers organization. The staff also entertains by leading fans in singing throughout the game, including the fifth inning “Deep in the Heart of Texas” and the 7th inning stretch “Take Me out to the Ballgame”, plus bonus song “Cotton Eye Joe”. A popular mid-inning activity is the Dot Race, which started at Arlington Stadium with Chuck Morgan stating “As a reminder, this is an exhibition. No wagering, please.” – this is now a Rangers tradition that helps set the experience here apart from what you will see anywhere else. Overall, the ballpark, Chuck Morgan, and the Rangers fans provide an above-average atmosphere compared to other ballparks around Major League Baseball.   Neighborhood   3 The neighborhood has improved over the years, and continues to become a little more attractive each year to hang out in before or after the game. The ballpark is next to Texas Live!, a place filled with various restaurants for fans to visit; the restaurants are Guy Fieri’s Taco Joint, Pudge’s Pizza owned by Rangers legend Ivan “Pudge” Rodriguez, Lockhart Smokehouse, Arlington’s backyard BBQ, Troy’s (owned by Hall of Famer Troy Aikman). There are also two hotels adjacent to the ballpark called Live by Loews and Loews Arlington Hotel & Convention Center – a third Loews will replace the Arlington Sheraton in the near future. Just to the west of Globe Life Field is AT&T Stadium, home of the Dallas Cowboys , while across the street is the aforementioned Choctaw Stadium . The Medal of Honor Museum and Arlington Museum of Art are also both within walking distance of the venue. There are also other places to spend time at while on your visit to Arlington – Six Flags over Texas and Hurricane Harbor Waterpark are both within a mile and a half of Globe Life Field; the International Bowling Museum and Hall of Fame is also within that 1.5-mile radius.   Fans   3 This year, Texas Rangers’ attendance saw a slight decline from the previous season, now ranking 17th in the MLB with an average of 29,593 per game. In general, Rangers fans are like other teams in that winning brings fans to the ballpark – the year and the year after winning their first World Series attendance was close to 35,000. The fans here are loud, knowledgeable, and respond accordingly in all game situations. Globe Life Field’s roof being enclosed adds to the loudness of the fans here, but overall, the fans themselves are a pleasure to watch a ballgame with.   Access   3 Globe Life Field is in the heart of Arlington’s entertainment district. Arlington is in the middle of the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex, making up the fourth-largest metropolitan population in the United States. Two airports support the DFW area, including Love Field near downtown Dallas, about twenty-one miles from Globe Life Field, for Southwest Airlines flights. However, most flights arrive at DFW International Airport, which is ten miles from the ballpark. The City of Arlington is the largest populated city in the United States that does not have public transit, so the only way to get to Globe Life Field from either airport is via rideshare or a rental car. For rideshare, the cost from either airport is about $40 one-way on average. Driving to Globe Life Field is easy, as it is located off Interstate 30. There are plenty of options for parking around the ballpark, with prices ranging from $20 to $40. Pre-paid parking is offered and is a fantastic way to minimize cost and time searching if you book ahead. Also, if you are staying in a hotel near the ballpark, many have a shuttle to the stadium. Once at the ballpark there are six entrances into Globe Life Field. The most common, the north entrance, is adjacent to Texas Live!. Gates open about 2 hours before first pitch. When walking inside the ballpark, there is plenty of signage to help you navigate throughout the facility – the wide concourses provide plenty of space for fans to walk around and see the sights. Note that when buying tickets, however, the lower field-level seats are only accessible to those who have tickets in that section.   Return on Investment   3 Texas Rangers tickets truly depend on the night, opponent, and even specific popular promotional giveaways. Since MLB supply-and-demand flex pricing is a guessing game, the earlier you can lock in a price, the more protected you are against rising costs. For example, the Rangers website lists tickets as low as $23 and as high as $567 for one game, but on a different night the low and high prices rise to $33 and $723 – this doesn’t include service fees, which can add $10 to $20 to each ticket. For some games, it would be more economical to look at third-party sellers, as season ticket holders sometimes sell their seats. Despite all this, however, Major League Baseball is still the most affordable of the major league sports. The parking cost here is average compared to the rest of Major League Baseball, starting anywhere from $20 to $45 for lots around Globe Life Field. However, the parking is also on a flex pricing schedule, so the more popular the game the higher the cost – popular games can add another $10 to the parking cost in the same location as at a different game. Nevertheless, there is pre-sale parking available, which is a good option, especially for out-of-town fans. Globe Life Field’s concessions have the typically high costs commonly seen at sports venues. However, when the Rangers create new food items, or if you choose one of their already popular items like the Boomstick, the food and drink costs can easily go above your normal expectations. The days of baseball being low-cost entertainment are no longer here when it comes to Globe Life Field. However, Major League Baseball still provides the lowest cost among all the major sports.   Extras   5 The obvious extra to Globe Life Field is that the ballpark has a retractable roof – although the venue is an eyesore to some looking in from the outside, the constant 72 degrees indoors keeps fans and players from enduring the Texas summer heat. Other things add to fans’ enjoyable time at Globe Life Field too, such as behind home plate on the main concourse there is a unique opportunity for fans to see and visit with the Texas Rangers longtime public address announcer Chuck Morgan, who welcomes baseball fans to Arlington with his announcement of “It’s Baseball Time in Texas!”. In addition, outside Chuck Morgan’s office are display cases full of Rangers memorabilia. Outside Globe Life Field there are also plaques of Texas Ranger Hall of Fame inductees, on display outside the stadium's northeast entry point, adjacent to the statue of Benjie Molina and Neftali Feliz celebrating the Rangers 2010 American League Championship. There are three bronze statues of Texas Rangers Baseball Hall of Famers Nolan Ryan, Ivan “Pudge” Rodriquez, and Adrian Beltre. Another perk is that former Rangers players sign autographs for an hour before Friday and Saturday night games, in the New Era Alumni Alley behind section 103 in the northwest corner of the ballpark. Globe Life Field’s outfield wall also recognizes numbers of significance throughout Rangers history – the distance markers are the numbers worn by players that are in the Rangers Hall of Fame, namely 29 (Adrian Beltre), 34 (Nolan Ryan),10 (Michael Young), 7 (Ivan Rodriguez), and 26 (Johnny Oates). Lastly, Globe Life Field’s distance from home plate to backstop is 42 in recognition of Jackie Robinson’s retired number throughout baseball.   Final Thoughts Globe Life Field is a solid retractable roof stadium, and on those nights when the roof is open, it becomes even better. Located in the middle of the Dallas Fort Worth Metroplex and close to large DFW International Airport, fans can easily travel to watch baseball in a wonderful location without worrying about the weather.

Photos by David Welch, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.71 Oliver C. Dawson Stadium 300 College St Orangeburg, SC 29117 South Carolina State Bulldogs website Oliver C. Dawson Stadium website Year Opened: 1955 Capacity: 22,000 Fear the Bite South Carolina State football traces its roots back to 1907, though the program did not take permanent shape until 1923. The Bulldogs began as independents before spending time in the Southeastern Athletic Conference during the late 1920s, then the Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Conference from 1935 to 1970. Since 1971 they’ve found a lasting home in the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference (MEAC), where they’ve built one of the league’s proudest traditions. The Bulldogs have played at Oliver C. Dawson Stadium since 1955, when it opened as State College Stadium. Over the decades, Dawson Stadium has been the stage of championship runs and National Football Hall of Fame talent. It was on the shoulders of Pro Football Hall of Famers Marion Motley, Deacon Jones, Donnie Shell, and Harry Carson that much of the legacy of South Carolina State football was built. Behind such talent, South Carolina State captured 19 MEAC titles and six HBCU national championships, cementing its place as one of the giants of football at Historically Black Colleges and Universities.   Food & Beverage   3 Concessions are about what one would expect from a stadium this size. The basics are covered with hot dogs, sausage dogs, and nachos, each with the option to pile on chili and cheese. Standard stadium snacks like chips, peanuts, popcorn, and candy fill out the menu, while drinks are limited to Pepsi products and Gatorade. Alcohol is not available, except in the VIP State Club, which makes the regular stands feel fairly routine. What saves the food experience are the vendors along the south side of the stadium. A row of food trucks and tents add much-needed variety, serving everything from shrimp po’boys and fried fish sandwiches to cheesesteaks, barbecue, wings, and specialty fries. For those with a sweet tooth, there are also tents with shaved ice and other treats. These outside vendors bring energy and flavor, turning what might have been an ordinary concessions setup into something far more memorable.   Atmosphere   3 Other than three sections of seating between the 20-yard lines, seating is general admission throughout the stadium. The stadium has one scoreboard, a videoboard atop the south end seating area that primarily is used to show a video feed of the game, but does have a ribbon showing game time and score along the bottom. Other than the far side chains, there is nowhere in the stadium that notes down and distance.  During breaks in the game, the videoboard is primarily used to run ads, as well as promos for campus events and for students. School mascot Spike is a part of the spirit squad here, but doesn’t seem to be an overly involved part of the entertainment during gameday. The Marching 101, South Carolina State University’s marching band, deserves a lot of credit for the fun college football atmosphere they help create, from their march into the stadium, their pregame performance, and on thru their halftime show.   Neighborhood   3 Orangeburg offers more than just football on fall Saturdays. Edisto Memorial Gardens are a local favorite, with trails that wind past thousands of plant varieties and make for a quiet escape not far from campus. The history of Orangeburg runs deep; Williams South Carolina Civil Rights Museum, located just outside of downtown, tells the story of the state’s civil rights struggle through the lens of the photographer who lived it. In addition, closer to campus nearly a dozen historical markers highlight Orangeburg’s role in that movement, giving visitors plenty of reasons to pause and reflect. When it comes to food, few spots carry more iconic fare than Duke’s Bar-B-Que. Open since 1955, Duke’s has earned its reputation thanks to Southern staples like fried chicken and mac-and-cheese that regulars rave about.   Fans   3 Last season South Carolina State averaged just under 14,000 fans per game, a figure that placed them inside the top 20 nationally at the FCS level, and sixth among all HBCUs. Fans are not necessarily a decisive factor in creating a true home-field advantage here, but they get loud in pivotal moments, and they stay supportive through the ups and downs of the game.   Access   2 Parking around Oliver C. Dawson Stadium can be a headache, even for fans who purchase passes online ahead of time. General access is directed through the Pinckney Street entrance, where visitors are sent to the campus bookstore to pay for parking or pick up a prepaid parking tag. The problem is a lack of clear communication about which lots are open to the public – ask three different attendants and you might get three different answers. The campus bookstore is also the location to buy tickets from if you not already done so. Getting into the stadium itself is much smoother, however, with multiple entry points that keep lines moving quickly. Once inside, though, the concourses present their own challenges; on the south end the walkway does not fully wrap around to the visiting stands, which makes navigating the stadium less intuitive. Adding to the congestion are the concession lines, which often spill into the walkway, leaving fans squeezing by or detouring onto the gravel paths beneath the stands.   Return on Investment   2 Pre-purchased tickets start at $30 for general admission, though prices jump by $10 on game day. On-campus parking runs $30, while off-campus lots can be found for about half that, at $15. Concession prices inside the stadium are what you’d expect, and while the food trucks outside are a little more expensive, the quality and portion sizes usually make them worth it. Overall, a game day at Dawson Stadium offers solid value compared to most FCS programs, though the game-day ticket increase and steep on-campus parking can feel a bit disappointing.   Extras   3 Banners hang from the exterior of Oliver C. Dawson Stadium, celebrating the accomplishments of Bulldog legends including Pro Football Hall of Famers Harry Carson, Marion Motley, Deacon Jones, and Donnie Shell. The exterior of the press box tells the story of the Bulldogs’ success on the field, with each of the school’s MEAC championships recognized. Just like the one outside the Bulldogs’ basketball arena, Smith-Hammond-Middleton Memorial Center , a bulldog statue outside Dawson Stadium is a popular location for fans to grab a photo before heading inside.   Final Thoughts Once solving the mystery of how to access the campus and where to park, South Carolina State offers a college football experience that highlights the traditions and great things about the HBCU experience. Unless you are tailgating there probably is not much reason to arrive super early; as long as you are in your seat about 30 minutes prior to kickoff, you should have enough time to grab a bite, get to your seat, and take in the pregame band performance. The stadium has some challenges both ascetically and navigationally, but putting these factors aside, the complete game atmosphere is one that gives visitors to Oliver C. Dawson a fun and entertaining college football experience.

Photos by David Welch, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.28 Johnny "Red" Floyd Stadium 1500 Greenland Drive Murfreesboro, TN 37130 Middle Tennessee Blue Raiders website Johnny "Red" Floyd Stadium website Year Opened: 1933 Capacity : 27,303 ‘Boro Built, Middle Made Football has been played at Middle Tennessee State University in Murfreesboro since 1911. The program found its permanent home in 1933 with the opening of Horace Jones Field, later renamed Johnny “Red” Floyd Stadium, which has hosted the Blue Raiders for more than nine decades. The team’s golden years came under Charles “Bubba” Murphy (1947–1968), who produced four undefeated seasons and established the program as a powerhouse in the Ohio Valley Conference (OVC) during the 1950s and 1960s, winning seven titles in ten seasons. MTSU remained in the OVC until 1999, when they moved up to the Football Bowl Subdivision. After a brief stint as an independent, the Blue Raiders joined the Sun Belt Conference in 2001, eventually settling in Conference USA in 2013, where they continue their pursuit of a league title. With more than a century of history and plenty of change along the way, football at Johnny “Red” Floyd Stadium has remained a constant in the program’s history.   Food & Beverage   4 The traditional concession stands do not bring much by way of originality, sticking mostly to hot dogs, popcorn, pretzels with cheese, peanuts, chips, and candy. Drinks feature Pepsi products, Aquafina, and Gatorade, with a fairly light alcohol lineup of Bud Light, Michelob Ultra, Bud Light Seltzer, High Noon, and Nutrl seltzers. Blue Raider Beer Garden does offer a stronger beer selection, however, with local options like East Bank Citra IPA, Landslide IPA from Cedar Grove Brews, and Sun Kiss Amber Ale. Where Floyd Stadium really delivers is with the food trucks, trailers, and tents abounding on the west side concourse. Fans can grab Domino’s pizza, barbecue from Meat Sweats BBQ, and chicken or pork sandwiches, nachos, wings, or tenders from Creative Culinary Creations. The most popular stop seems to be Chicken Shack Express, known for its plates of fried chicken tenders, shrimp, catfish, and wings with fries on the side. For those with a sweet tooth, Dippin’ Dots remain a staple, while Whisk and the Whims serves up ice cream and cake creations that add a local touch.   Atmosphere   3 Game day in Murfreesboro kicks off in Walnut Grove with the Blue Raider “Party in the Grove” – this center of tailgating comes alive about three hours before kickoff. The Band of Blue makes its march down Normal Way to the Lucky Bud Horseshoe in front of Peck Hall, where the band and spirit squads line the walkway, and fans gather to cheer the Blue Raiders on as they give the Blue Horseshoe a rub for luck. Activities in the Grove include live music, inflatables, face painting, caricature artists, photos, and craft stations. Floyd Stadium has taken on a bit of a facelift in recent years, but much of the stadium’s bones have remained the same. The facility is a fully enclosed venue mostly made up of aluminum bleachers, with a second tier rising on the east side. There is a small strip of chairbacks between the 40-yard lines to add a touch of comfort, but the overall setup leans heavily toward a no-frills, old-school experience. The new Smith Student-Athlete Performance Center in the north end zone gives the stadium a welcome modern polish, as well. During the game, an in-game host helps keep the energy up with interactive scoreboard features, while the Band of Blue fills in downtime between possessions. A large videoboard in the south end zone handles replays and live action, topped with a ribbon for game information; the east-side ribbon board supplements this with stats, out-of-town scores, and closed captioning, rounding out the in-game presentation.   Neighborhood   3 Johnny “Red” Floyd Stadium sits at the southwest edge of Middle Tennessee’s campus, tucked between Murphy Center (basketball) and Reese Smith Stadium (baseball). For fans looking to grab a bite or drink before kickoff, Campus Pub and Boro Bar & Grill deliver a classic dive bar feel within walking distance, with Boro doubling as a late-night music spot for post-game entertainment. As an alternative, on the opposite side of campus along East Main Street, Boulevard Bar & Grille provides a more family-friendly option. Those wanting a livelier scene will find it a few minutes away in Murfreesboro’s town center, where bars, restaurants, and shops surround historic Rutherford County Courthouse. Beyond food and drink, Murfreesboro also carries plenty of local history – Stones River National Battlefield, less than five miles from campus, marks one of the Civil War’s pivotal clashes, while the nearby Middle Tennessee Museum of Natural History showcases fossils, minerals, and regional relics.   Fans   2 In 2024, the Blue Raiders averaged just 13,000 fans per game, a figure that placed them near the bottom of Conference USA. Their rivalry matchup with Western Kentucky tends to draw the best atmosphere, but most games struggle to generate that same level of energy. The liveliest section is the Blue Raider Beer Garden in the south end zone, where fans crowd the fence and pound against it to rattle visiting teams. Still, the smaller overall turnout limits the noise level inside Floyd Stadium. Midweek kickoffs, a regular feature of Middle Tennessee’s schedule, only add to the challenge of building consistent crowds.   Access   3 Middle Tennessee’s campus sits less than four miles from I-24, which connects Chattanooga and Nashville. While the stadium is not directly off the interstate, local streets make it easy enough to reach. Parking is well distributed across campus, with pay lots near the north end of the stadium and multiple free lots within reasonable walking distance. Shuttles are also available from the free lots for added convenience. Outside the stadium, staff stationed in distinctive blue lifeguard chairs make it easy for visitors to find help and directions. Entry is smooth, with five gates spread around the venue to keep lines short, and the concourses are generally wide enough to handle the crowd. The main flaw comes in the upper deck: with no concessions on that level, fans in the highest seats must trek all the way down to field level for food or drink, a hassle that undercuts the otherwise efficient layout.   Return on Investment   4 End zone seats start at $22, making Floyd Stadium one of the more affordable tickets in Conference USA. Concessions here have seen recent price hikes, but overall remain reasonable and will not strain most budgets. Parking is a mixed bag: spots directly around the stadium run $20, while nearby lots and garages cost about $10. The tradeoff is that MTSU also offers at least five free lots, including the Livestock, Lightning, Founders, Corlew, and Bell Street lots, all within a manageable walk for most fans. That balance of paid and free options helps keep the overall cost of gameday down.   Extras   4 MTSU makes an effort to build out the game day experience beyond just the action on the field. The organized on-campus tailgate, pregame pep rally, and Raider Walk all add energy leading up to kickoff. The north end zone concourse has a series of inflatables set up to help keep younger fans occupied throughout the game. Lightning, the school’s royal blue and silver horse mascot, plays a visible role on game day,  mingling with fans at the Walnut Grove tailgate and helping to keep the crowd engaged once the action starts. While not the most distinctive mascot in college football, Lightning adds a steady presence to the Blue Raider experience. The Blue Raiders showcase their history with banners hung along the lower walls and seating sections, honoring conference championships, bowl appearances, and former players who went on to win Super Bowl rings.   Final Thoughts Even though crowds here may be on the smaller side, the overall game day experience in Murfreesboro does not suffer for it. The festive mood is set early in Walnut Grove, where pregame traditions and tailgates create a welcoming atmosphere for fans. The Smith Student-Athlete Performance Center adds both polish and functionality to Johnny “Red” Floyd Stadium, giving the venue a more modern touch. While on-field inconsistencies in recent years have dampened some of the buzz, the Blue Raiders still provide an engaging college football outing. From traditions to affordable tickets and a fan-friendly setting, a Saturday at Middle Tennessee captures the kind of charm that makes the sport such a special experience.

Wilson Tobs play a home game at Historic Fleming Stadium, Photo by Marc Viquez, Stadium Journey The Wilson Tobs might have found their future home; they have signed a non-binding memorandum or understanding with the city of Smithfield, North Carolina, that says the town will build them a stadium.  The move would be implemented for the upcoming Coastal Plain League season. Under the MOU, the two sides will work together to phase the construction of the stadium over the next three seasons. For the 2026 campaign, Smithfield will supply a baseball field and bleachers at Community Park. The city council said it would appeal to the county for some stadium funding. The Wilson County Tourism Development Authority rejected the club’s $40,000 grant request in July, saying the team has no lease agreement in place at Fleming Stadium.  Team ownership accused the city of refusing to negotiate in good faith, demanding a $500,000 commitment toward stadium renovations that don’t meet league standards.  Wilson leaders backed a $1.75 million renovation plan for Fleming Stadium, with aluminum bleachers seating 600–1,200, that the team argues was inadequate for a full-time tenant.  The move hopes to end the saga for the Tobs, who had hoped to remain in Wilson despite the Wilson Warbirds, a Low-A Milwaukee Brewers affiliate in the Carolina League, relocating to Wilson. The minor league club will move into a $70 million stadium that will be part of a mixed-use multifamily, hospitality, office, retail, and townhomes surrounding the stadium. The Tobs have called Fleming Stadium home since their inaugural season in the Coastal Plain League in 1997. The original Tobs called the ballpark home between 1939-1968 when they were members of affiliated baseball. Smithfield is 30 miles southwest of Wilson along I-95. Stadium Journey reviewed the historic ballpark this past year and said the following. "Fleming Stadium is a historic, old-fashioned baseball stadium that is a fine place to spend a summer night watching the Wilson Tobs. With an old covered grandstand and a small-town community feel, this is baseball as it used to be played. While Fleming doesn't have all the amenities of more modern stadiums, it is still a great place to watch a game." ------ Follow all of Marc’s stadium journeys on Twitter @ballparkhunter   and his YouTube channel .   Email at Marc.Viquez@stadiumjourney.com

Photos by Richard Smith, Stadium Journey, and McDaniel College Athletics Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.71 Coppermine Pantherplex 1400 Panther Dr Hampstead, MD 21074 Carroll Lynx website Coppermine Pantherplex website Year Opened: 1956 Capacity: 1,000 The Lynx and/or Panther Home Carroll Community College began its life not as an independent institution, but as a branch campus of Catonsville Community College (now known as the Community College of Baltimore County-Catonsville). In 1992, the Maryland Higher Education Commission directed the campus to begin the process for achieving degree-granting status, and in 1993, Carroll Community College officially became its own accredited, two-year, degree-granting institution. Its campus is located in Westminster, MD, the county seat of Carroll County. In a significant recent development, Carroll has also embraced a new chapter in its history by adding intercollegiate athletics in 2019. The program started with men's and women's soccer and cross country and has since expanded to include additional sports like volleyball, track & field, and golf. The Lynx compete in the NJCAA Region 20 and the MD JUCO Division 1 Conference. The building that was formerly North Carroll High School in Hampstead, Maryland, holds a significant place in the community's history. The school, which consolidated Manchester and Hampstead high schools and opened in 1956, served as a central hub for the northern part of Carroll County for decades before it was closed by the school board in 2016 due to declining enrollment. Following its closure, the property was purchased and is now being redeveloped into a multi-purpose sports complex known in part as the Coppermine Pantherplex. Carroll Community College's athletic program has started to utilize the facility for practices and games, particularly for its volleyball team. The site is also used by various other organizations, including recreation councils and local sports clubs, providing a renewed sense of purpose for the well-known building and its athletic fields. The Coppermine Pantherplex is located 13 miles from the Carroll campus, and it takes about 20-25 minutes to travel between the locations. Food & Beverage 0 There are no food offerings in the gym. Atmosphere 3 We often say that some small colleges essentially play in a high school-quality gym. Well, this is a team that literally plays in a high school gym. Or at least, a former high school gym. The unique character of this facility is immediately apparent, as it stands as a living testament to its past while simultaneously embracing a new identity. Everywhere you look, the legacy of North Carroll High School is visible, as the faded black and red panther paw prints on the floors exist along with “North Carroll” or “Panthers” branding. However, these historical details now coexist with the vibrant new branding of Carroll Community College. The Carroll Lynx logo and name have been strategically added in key locations. There is only one grandstand being used for Lynx games, and it is a very old wooden one with no seat backs. Even the outside of the school says North Carroll High School in spots, with the nearby water tower still displaying the former school's name. Neighborhood 3 To get from Baltimore’s I-695 to Hampstead, MD, there are a couple of common routes. The most direct way is to take I-795 N (the Northwest Expressway) from I-695. You'll then take Exit 9A towards MD-30 N/Hanover Pike. Follow MD-30 N, which will take you through Reisterstown and into Carroll County. You'll continue on MD-30 N, and it will lead you directly into the town of Hampstead. Another option is to take I-83 N from I-695, then exit onto Shawan Road and follow it to MD-25 N. You'll then take a slight left onto MD-88 W, which eventually leads you to Hampstead. Before or after an event at the Coppermine Pantherplex, you can find a variety of dining options in Hampstead, most of which are conveniently located along the main road that runs through town. If you're looking for a quick bite, there are several fast-food and casual dining places, including options for sandwiches, subs, and pizza. For those who prefer a sit-down meal, the town has restaurants offering Italian, Mexican, and other American cuisines. Nearby Westminster, the actual home to Carroll Community College, has many more options than Hampstead. We recommend one of the few Roy Rogers locations. Fans 2 This is truly a friends and family-only type of sports venue. The one stand was fairly filled with those fans. Access 4 Finding the Coppermine Pantherplex entrance at the former North Carroll High School can be a bit tricky, as it's located at the back of the property. The key landmark to look for is the Carroll County Sheriff's Office Training Center and the Carroll County Sheriff's Office K9 unit. The entrance you're seeking is right next to this facility. To get there, you'll need to drive past the main entrance of the former high school on Panther Drive. Continue on Panther Drive until you reach the rear of the complex. There's a sign for the Coppermine Pantherplex and the training center at the entrance, so keep an eye out for it. Return on Investment 5 There is no price to attend games at Coppermine Pantherplex. Extras 3 It is interesting to watch games at an old, unused high school with the various branding still existing. There are still some trophies and photos left over from past Panther teams. You can even visit the panther statue at the entrance to the school on the main road. Final Thoughts What a unique experience it is to attend a community college sports event at a venue like the Coppermine Pantherplex, which, as a repurposed high school facility, not only offers a glimpse into the past but also serves as a vibrant hub for both community programs and collegiate athletics, creating a cool and unconventional atmosphere that blends nostalgia with a renewed purpose.

Photo by Aaron S. Terry, Stadium Journey The Texas A&M Aggies control their destiny again in the college football playoff, thanks to losses today by Georgia  and LSU . The Aggies were beaten badly by the South Carolina Gamecocks on November 2nd, losing 44-20, after having started the season undefeated in SEC conference play and with only one overall loss to Notre Dame  back in Week 1. Photo by Aaron S. Terry, Stadium Journey Following the 11/2 loss to the Gamecocks , the Aggies  joined several other 1-loss teams in the SEC, namely Georgia , LSU , Texas , and Tennessee , meaning they would need a little help to ensure they could still make the SEC championship game. Then, on November 9th, while Texas A&M was sitting out the week on a bye, Alabama  stunned LSU 42-13, while Ole Miss  took down Georgia 28-10, leaving the Tennessee Volunteers and the Texas A&M Aggies as the current Top 2 teams in the SEC standings. The only other current 1-loss team in the SEC is the Texas Longhorns , who Texas A&M  plays on November 30th – that game will be the 119th contest in that epic rivalry, which has been on hiatus for 13 years ever since the Aggies bolted from the Big 12 to join the SEC. If Texas A&M can beat Texas, as well as win their other two remaining games this season (versus New Mexico State and Auburn ), the Aggies will punch their ticket to the SEC Championship game in Atlanta, and if they win that game, almost certainly earn a spot in the first-ever 12-team college football playoff.

Photos by Richard Smith, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.00 Hank DeVincent Field 1900 W Olney Ave Philadelphia, PA 19141 La Salle Explorers website Hank DeVincent Field website Year Opened: 1978 Capacity: 1,000 Home of the La Salle Explorers La Salle University is a Roman Catholic university located in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. It was named for St. Jean-Baptiste de La Salle. La Salle first admitted women students in 1970, becoming a fully co-educational institution. Nursing and Education are two of the largest majors at La Salle. Sports teams at La Salle are named the Explorers. The name derives from a 1931 mistake made by a local sportswriter. The writer thought the university was named after the French explorer Sieur de La Salle, when in fact it is named after St. Jean-Baptiste de La Salle. The students loved the mistake so much they adopted it in 1932. Athletic teams are now part of the Atlantic 10 Conference. Food & Beverage 0 There are no food options at DeVincent Field. Bring your own food if you wish to enjoy anything. Atmosphere 2 The field is a basic baseball field that is surrounded by trees and college buildings. It is a nice facility for northeast college baseball. Neighborhood 1 The neighborhood is known as the Logan-Ogontz/Belfield neighborhood. Whatever the name, it is frankly not the best. It is not unsafe or very bad, but it is not 100% great and awesome. If you wander away from campus, just be aware of your surroundings. There are not many businesses in the area except for the Explorers Den, which offers a very respectable cheesesteak. There is also a small shopping center that offers parking for games at the corner of Chew and Wister. The university owns this shopping center. The Fresh Grocer and Dunkin Donuts in this center are your only other options before games. Eat before you get to the area is the best advice. Head to center city Philadelphia. Take advantage of options afforded by such a city. I would recommend the Good Dog Bar on 15th Street, close to Rittenhouse Square or Me ‘N’ Mo on South Street. Some of the best cheesesteaks are located at Philip’s Steaks at 2234 West Passyunk Avenue for traditional Philly cheesesteaks. This is not one of the more touristy spots, but is still in a safe neighborhood and offers free parking. Philip’s also has a surprisingly good cheeseburger for a cheesesteak joint. Just remember you have to buy the drinks and fries at a different window than your main entree, which is a strange and unique Philly tradition Fans 3 Fans at DeVincent Field tend to primarily be family or friends of the players. What this means is that weekend and later afternoon games will be busier than early afternoon weekday games. It just means you will see an inconsistent level of fan interaction. The fans who do attend really care about the game and are extremely knowledgeable. Access 3 Access is fair. The university is located not too far from highways such as I-76 and I-95 but far enough that you have to drive through some rough, but not too bad neighborhoods to get there. If you venture too far east the neighborhoods do get worse. Return on Investment 4 It is free to attend games. The seats are close to the action and the view from the field is nice, so it is a good return on investment. Extras 1 The PA announcer does a good job with music and announcements. Final Thoughts This is a nice, simple ballpark offering good baseball with little frills. Don’t go out of your way to attend, but if in the direct area, it may be a good place to spend a nice afternoon.

Surprise...  Nary a Pork Roll in sight, ‪ Marc  and ‪ Dan  return to discuss the latest twist in the new Sixers arena.  They are here to stay.  What happens to the Market Street location and will the Wells Fargo Center still stand? _________________________________________________________________________________ Audio versions of the Stadium Journey podcast can be found by searching HIAC Talk Radio   wherever you look for your favorite podcasts. Video simulcasts of all the Stadium Journey podcasts can be found on Stadium Journey's YouTube page . Join us live as we record every other Monday on our social media streaming channels.

There's been some big news in professional women's hockey recently, as the Premier Hockey Federation was bought out by a group associated with the Professional Women's Hockey Players Association. The PWHPA group announced the immediate dissolution of the PHF and plans to begin a new professional women's hockey league for January of 2024. Stadium Journey's Kelly Levy, Dan Colacicco and Paul Baker are joined by Melissa Burgess of the Victory Press and Ryan Burgess of the Buffalo Beauts to discuss what happened, why it happened and what to expect next. Audio versions of the Stadium Journey podcast can be found by searching HIAC Talk Radio wherever you look for your favorite podcasts. Video simulcasts of all the Stadium Journey podcasts can be found on Stadium Journey's YouTube page . Join us live as we record every other Tuesday night at 7PM eastern at danlaw.tv .

Photos by Gregory Koch, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.57 Nininger Hall E College Street Bridgewater, VA 22812 Bridgewater Eagles website Nininger Hall website Year Opened: 1958 Capacity: 1,000 Fly Like an Eagle, Into Nininger Hall Bridgewater College is located in Bridgewater, Virginia, in the Shenandoah Valley portion of the state. The school has about 1,800 students, and the athletic programs compete in Division III of the NCAA, in the Old Dominion Athletic Conference (ODAC). Bridgewater basketball calls Nininger Hall home. The 1,000-seat arena is located in a building that also contains Bridgewater's health and human sciences department. Food & Beverage 2 There is a concession stand at Nininger Hall, but when Stadium Journey visited, it was closed, as it is staffed by student groups and we visited over winter break. Other fans indicated the menu was pretty basic, so this rating represents our best estimate. Atmosphere 5 Entering Nininger Hall puts you in a lobby with murals and banners honoring Bridgewater athletics. The ticket table is right in front of you, and you will turn left or right to get to the doors to the arena. Once you get inside, most seats are plastic bleachers, all of which have a great view of the court. The stands on one side are slightly elevated up a short flight of stairs from court level but everyone has a good angle. There are a few chairback seats at Nininger Hall, but they are reserved for season ticket holders. The triangular roof of the arena helps trap sound in and make the crowd seem louder than it otherwise would sound. Scoreboards on both baselines show only basic information like the score, clock, team timeouts, and fouls. Halftime entertainment at Eagles games usually involves some sort of contest between fans. Speaking of contests, you may receive a raffle ticket upon entry for a chance to win a prize from the gameday sponsor, which could be anyone from Domino's Pizza to a local golf course. Bridgewater has a small cheerleading squad, although they can usually be found in the stands rather than on the court. There was no band present when Stadium Journey visited. The PA music was standard for the most part, but after the game, they played "Fly Like an Eagle" about Bridgewater's nickname. Overall, a Bridgewater game at Nininger Hall has an impressive atmosphere for Division III. Neighborhood 4 Bridgewater is a small town in the Shenandoah Valley of Virginia, but that does not mean nothing is going on. Most businesses are located along Main Street (Route 42), a short drive away from the Bridgewater campus. Francesco's Italian, El Charro Mexican, and the Cracked Village Pub are all good places to check out. Smiley's Ice Cream is located closer to I-81 and you will probably drive by it on your way in. It serves delicious ice cream made on-site, including special flavors that vary weekly as well as many regular flavors. It is one of the best ice cream places in the Shenandoah Valley in our opinion. We recommend the banana ice cream, made with fresh bananas. . Fans 4 Bridgewater draws a few hundred fans to a typical basketball game, which doesn't fill Nininger Hall but is a good crowd for this level. The fans here are loud and seem even louder because of the triangular roof. They cheer on their team throughout the game and are not afraid to yell at the refs if they feel they have made a bad call. As the ODAC covers a relatively small geographic footprint, there will typically be fans of the visiting team present as well. If you are rooting for the road team, you should not expect any issues from the home fans. Access 3 Bridgewater's campus is located a few miles off I-81 and US 11. Once you get on campus, there is a large lot across the street from the arena, and if this fills up, fans can park in most other lots on campus, as long as it is a weekend or after 5 PM on a weekday. As Bridgewater plays few if any weekday afternoon games, these time restrictions should not be an issue. A small lot is located right next to the arena, but this is reserved for gameday personnel and fans cannot park here. There are a couple of handicapped spaces in this lot for fans who require them. Restrooms are located in the lobby across from the arena doors. Go out the doors and turn right (or turn left from the lobby as you come in.) The women's room is on the left right before the door to the stairwell, and the men's room is inside the stairwell on your left at the bottom of the stairs. You will not have to climb any stairs to get there, just enter the stairwell and it's right there. These bathrooms are of a sufficient size for the crowd. Return on Investment 4 Tickets are $10 for adults, with discounts available for youth and seniors. They should be purchased through the HomeTown Ticketing app in advance and displayed on your phone as you come in, though they will help you purchase them on-site if need be. Either way, it will go through the app, so there is no point in waiting. Officially you need to buy two separate tickets for a doubleheader involving the men's and women's teams, but as they do not clear the arena in between, there is no way for them to enforce this. Overall, a Bridgewater basketball game is a very good value. . Extras 3 The murals in the lobby and the banners in the arena honoring Bridgewater's athletic accomplishments are each worthy of an extra star here. A third and final star for the promotional raffle giveaways from local sponsors. Final Thoughts Bridgewater College may be Division III, but the experience at an Eagles basketball game is on par with many low-level Division I schools. Hoops fans visiting Virginia's Shenandoah Valley will want to check out a game at Nininger Hall.

Photos by Paul Baker, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score 2.57 Elliot Athletic Fields 53 Pearl Hill Rd. Fitchburg, MA 01420 Fitchburg State Falcons football website Elliot Field website Year Opened : 1979 Capacity: 1,200 Fly Falcons Fly Fitchburg State University is a public university in the north central Massachusetts city of Fitchburg. With an enrollment of just over 4,600 students, the school was founded in 1894 as the “State Normal School in Fitchburg” as a secondary-education school for women. Today, FSU offers undergraduate and graduate degrees in 25 disciplines and is part of the Massachusetts State University System.   Elliot Field is part of a larger athletic complex, which also contains Fitchburg State’s hockey arena (Wallace Civic Center) and baseball field (Michael P. Ricchard Field). The football field and complex are named for Robert J. Elliot, who was the college’s Athletic Director from 1942-1967. Mr. Elliot coached FSU baseball teams for 24 years and FSU soccer teams for 15 years. The complex is located about a half mile from campus.   Football has been played at Fitchburg State University since 1984. Currently a member of the Massachusetts State Collegiate Athletic Conference (MASCAC), the Falcons have not enjoyed a great deal of success over their existence. FSU has sported a .308 winning percentage and only nine winning seasons in its 40 years of competition. The Falcons have played in three postseason bowl games, going 0-3 in these games.   Food & Beverage 3   There is a tent behind the concourse that offers some basic concessions. On the night Stadium Journey visited Elliot Field, the stand was operated by Fitchburg State’s softball team, with all proceeds benefiting the team. Pizza slices and a variety of snacks were available for purchase, including chips, candy bars, and cookies. Fans can combine a couple of pizza slices with a drink and chips to make a combo meal to save a couple of dollars.   Cans of Coca-Cola products are sold at the concession tent. A popular location at Elliot Field is the beer garden, located in the southwest corner of the facility, where fans can enjoy assorted brews from local favorite Wachusett Brewery. Stadium Journey recommends their Blueberry Ale.   Atmosphere 2   The game day atmosphere at Elliot Field will look pretty familiar to those who have visited other small college football venues. The party starts in the Wallace Civic Center parking lot, where space is blocked off for fans who would like to partake in some tailgating activities before heading up to the stadium. After a short walk through the woods from the parking lot to the stadium, fans will find the festivities are just beginning. Freddie the Falcon roams the grandstand, greeting fans, the sound system blasts out standard rock anthems, and the PA announcer does his best to keep the energy level high. The cheerleaders post up on the track all game long, doing their thing for the fans. Conspicuous by their absence is the pep band.   A scoreboard in the east end zone displays game information, and there’s plenty of room to roam for younger fans who may need to let out some energy throughout the afternoon. While the crowds may not be the biggest you’ll come across, they are loud and supportive of the home squad. There’s a nice small-town feel going on here at Elliot Field.   Neighborhood 2   Fitchburg is a city of approximately 42,000 residents located in north-central Massachusetts. Once a thriving textile center and the home of many paper mills, the city is one of many northeastern cities that went through difficult economic times when the industries that fueled their economies dried up.   Elliot Field is part of a larger athletic complex about a half mile from the Fitchburg State University campus. Also located here is the Wallace Civic Center and Michael P. Riccards Field. The university is located adjacent to a residential area near Fitchburg’s downtown. There are a great many shopping options in this area, as well as the noteworthy Fitchburg Art Museum. The area and the nearby White Mountains of New Hampshire are popular destinations in the fall due to the spectacular foliage present in the area. Fans looking to stay in the area will need to look towards neighboring Leominster and Route 2 for options.   Fans 3   Crowds at Fitchburg State can vary greatly depending on many factors, including time of year, day of the week, opponent, weather, and more. Stadium Journey visited Elliot Field for the Falcons’ 2025 home opener on a Friday night, with a capacity crowd in attendance. A review of previous seasons shows attendance figures that vary between 500 and 2,000 fans.   What a crowd at Elliot Field may make up for in quantity, they make up for in quality. The fans are supportive, vocal, and enthusiastic. Even though these fans haven’t had a ton to cheer about in recent years, they show up week after week to support the Falcons. There’s a good turnout by the student body as well. With the compact geographic footprint of the MASCAC conference, you’ll be sure to see a good turnout by visiting fans as well. Even at this level of football, fans travel well. This is a place where you can feel comfortable bringing the entire family, or sporting the opposing colors.   Access 2   Elliot Athletic Fields are located in central Fitchburg, about a half mile from the Fitchburg State University campus. The nearest highway, I-190, is about six miles away. Route 12, the local business route, is about two and a half miles from the football stadium. The Montachusett Regional Transit Authority (MART)  Route 4 bus and the FSU Shuttle Bus both stop at the Wallace Civic Center parking lot, providing access to the MBTA Commuter Rail Stop.   Parking is available in a large lot adjacent to the Wallace Civic Center, located about a half mile from Elliot Field. Unfortunately, to get to the field from your car, you must walk a winding path through the woods. Those with mobility issues should be warned that there is an uphill grade to this path, and they may be better served to see if they can park in the smaller lot adjacent to the football field.   Seating at Elliot Field is located on the north side of the field. Most of the seating consists of metal bleachers without backs, with sections at midfield containing plastic bucket seats. There is plenty of standing room at the top of the seating area and in the east end zone.   Restrooms are located in a building a short distance from the field. In addition, there are porta-johns scattered throughout the grounds.   Return on Investment 5   Admission to Fitchburg State football games costs six dollars, with college and high school students receiving a three-dollar discount. Children under 12 and senior citizens are admitted free of charge. Parking is free of charge in the large parking lot near the Wallace Civic Center. Concessions are inexpensive, meaning that taking in a game at Elliot Field is an affordable entertainment option for central Massachusetts sports fans.   Extras 1   A selection of Fitchburg State apparel is available at the ticket booth. Digital programs are available for all fans in attendance.   Final Thoughts   Elliot Field is another example of a fine facility that may be easily overlooked by fans who ignore the lower levels of college football. While far from the bright lights of big-time college football, facilities like this offer quality football at affordable prices.   Follow Paul Baker’s stadium journeys on Twitter  and Instagram  @PuckmanRI.

Photos by Chris Green, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.71 Canadian Tire Motorsport Park 3233 Concession Road 10 Bowmanville, ON L1C 3K6 Canada Canadian Tire Motorsports Park website Labour Day Sprints Weekend website Year Opened: 1961 Capacity: 100,000 Canada’s Labour Day Speed Fest Canadian Tire Motorsport Park (also known as Mosport) is one of the best-known race courses in Canada, and indeed around the world. The fast, sweeping turns at the facility were created for Formula One’s golden days of speed, and the facility hosted the Canadian Grand Prix multiple times throughout the 1960s and 70s. The 2.459-mile circuit is a beacon for the North American racing fan and features some of the best camping around, while also featuring some incredible on-track action. The return of the Trans Am series highlights the annual Labour Day Sprints weekend, which also features the NASCAR Canada Series, FR and F4 Americas, Radical Cup Canada, and others. Food & Beverage 4 The food options at Canadian Tire Motorsport Park are pretty standard, including burgers ($10.50), fries ($7), and chicken fingers ($15.50). There are also various food trucks on site throughout the weekend, and local vendors featuring freshly grilled burgers, kabobs, and BBQ. Drinks are also varied, featuring soda ($4) and energy drinks ($4.50-$5), as well as the best in Canadian beer. The best part about the food here is that the food booths and vendors are located all around the facility, as opposed to being in just one centralized area. As some portions of the track are a bit of a walk from others, this helps those fans who care to venture to the farthest edges, but don’t want to have to walk a mile back to the paddock for a snack. While the main concession options and beer garden are located in the fan zone near victory lane, food trucks are also found by the family camping in Turn 8, as well as outside of Turn 3. Atmosphere 5 Fans at Mosport are among the best in racing, as they camp out from the opening of the gates on Day 1 through the final checkered flag of the weekend – the hillsides at Canadian Tire Motorsport Park are filled with campers and tents as far as the eye can see. The track itself is nestled in the countryside an hour east of Toronto proper, meaning you don’t feel the hustle and bustle of city life, but instead can enjoy comfortable relaxation in and among the forests of Ontario. But for a race fan, the energy is not lost here either, meaning you get the best of both worlds. The weekend also features a fireworks show on Saturday night, as well as a concert for all fans in attendance. Neighborhood 3 Outside the main gates, you’re greeted with beautiful green rolling hills and sprawling farmland all around. However, this also means there isn’t much around Canadian Tire Motorsport Park – the nearest towns are a good 20 to 30-minute drive from the venue; Oshawa and Bowmanville are the closest towns where you can find food, shopping, and lodging. The good news is that both of those areas are rapidly expanding, with homes now only a few miles away from the circuit, where once there was only farmland. Favorite food stops nearby include the Crooked Uncle in Oshawa and Chanterelle Bistro in Bowmanville, while Holiday Inn Express & Suites Clarington-Bowmanville and Best Western Plus Bowmanville are your two closest hotels. For viewing the sights, Clarington Family Outdoor Adventure Park and Ehrenwort Hiking Trail at Camp 30 are the most popular outdoor activities for visitors. Fans 4 Fans at Canadian Tire Motorsport Park are the best Canada has to offer – not only do you get to experience some motorsport-knowledgeable fans, but you also get to see them at their rowdiest (or at least the Canadian equivalent) during the race weekend. They know how to party and know where the best places to watch from are, and best of all, they are as polite and welcoming as you would expect. Most fans here also come to the track throughout the year to see all the different races – whether they’re looking to catch Trans Am or the NASCAR Canada Series, you will see them pack into the circuit. Access 3 Getting to Canadian Tire Motorsport Park is a bit of a drag, as the main highways aren’t anywhere near the track. However, thanks to the continuing construction eastward of the toll highway 407 finally reached the racing circuit, you can now get right to the venue without having to take too many country roads. The track itself is off Highway 20, aka Boundary Road, which you can get to from the east via Regional Road 115, or from the west via Regional Road 57. Once at the facility, parking is plentiful, as is camping; your race ticket will get you into the facility and also includes free parking. Return on Investment 4 The cost of admission at Canadian Tire Motorsport Park is very much worth it when you consider you are getting a top-notch racing experience at the track. You also get to take in some quality racing at one of the most popular racing facilities in North America, which has been steeped in history for years. While getting to the track may be a bit of a drive, as it is an hour east of Toronto without traffic, the escape of going to a race in the beautiful Canadian countryside is worth the trek. Tickets start at $40 to $50 for single-day tickets, with weekend access tickets ranging from $65 to $80. Camping ranges from $55 to $90, an incredibly affordable option for fans. Extras 4 Canadian Tire Motorsport Park recently remodeled their main office building, which now includes several suites and hospitality areas. In addition, fans can get up close to the teams, as entrance into the paddock is included with your race ticket. During the most recent Labour Day Sprints weekend, Trans Am, as well as FR and F4, offered autograph sessions for fans to meet the respective drivers in the paddock area. Victory Lane is located right in the middle of the paddock, meaning fans can celebrate with the winners after each race. Also, most fans take to the track during race weekends at night, walking the circuit and enjoying the evening on the track itself, something not many other tracks allow you to experience. Final Thoughts If you want to escape the hustle and bustle of the city, watch some quality motor racing at a historic track that offers the beauty of the Canadian countryside, and has plenty of options for viewing the action itself, Canadian Tire Motorsport Park is the best option for you – the fans are great, the camping is top notch, and the racing is fast.

Photos by David Welch, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.43 Crocker Field at Bailey Memorial Stadium 503 S Broad St Clinton, SC 29325 Presbyterian Blue Hose website Crocker Field at Bailey Memorial Stadium website Year Opened: 2002 Capacity: 6,500 Swing the Sword In the South Carolina town of Clinton is Presbyterian College, home to the Blue Hose. Originally known as the Blue Stockings, a name a local sports reporter once used to describe the school’s blue socks, the term eventually morphed into Hose. By 1954, the school was most commonly referred to as the Blue Hose, a name that carried a more ferocious tone than Stockings. Football has been played at Presbyterian College since 1913. Much of the school’s football history was written at the original Bailey Stadium, which opened in 1928 on the site where Stanton Hall now stands, before being replaced in 2002 by Bailey Memorial Stadium. The move to a new home field came during a period of transition for the program. Not long after upgrading its facilities, Presbyterian climbed from the NAIA to NCAA Division II in 1993, and later advanced to the Football Championship Subdivision (formerly I-AA) in 2011. The Blue Hose competed in the Big South Conference for 11 seasons before joining the Pioneer Football League in 2020, where they continue to play today. With a century of history behind it, Blue Hose football continues to grow at Bailey Memorial Stadium, the stage for today’s game day experience.   Food & Beverage   3 Concessions here are straightforward, with familiar staples like hot dogs, nachos, and pretzels, plus the option to add chili or cheese sauce. Fans can also grab snacks such as candy, chips, or popcorn, alongside Pepsi products, Gatorade, and Aquafina water. Beyond the basics, local vendors bring in extras like sno cones, smoothies, and fresh-squeezed lemonade, adding a bit of variety. Alcohol choices are limited but cover the essentials, with Michelob Ultra, Hazy Little Thing IPA, Bud Light seltzers, and red and white wines from Franzia.   Atmosphere   3 The game day atmosphere begins in the grassy tailgating fields beyond the outfield fence of Elton Pollak Field, where fans fire up grills, watch early games, and play cornhole or participate in any of the other tailgating staples. Presbyterian’s identity is tied closely to its church history, and that tradition comes alive about two hours before kickoff, when the sound of bagpipes echoes in the distance. Soon after, a bagpiper, joined by cheerleaders and mascot Scotty, leads the team past fans lining the road into Bailey Memorial Stadium. One noticeable absence is a marching band. With Presbyterian’s small enrollment, fielding one would be a challenge, so the stadium relies instead on popular music between plays, as well as presentations during breaks in the action to keep fans engaged. Seating is mostly general admission, which allows for flexibility in finding a good view, though the highest rows in the main stand are less desirable. Visitors sit across the field in aluminum bleachers built into the hillside, where the late-afternoon sun can be tough. An eight-lane asphalt track adds some distance between fans and the field, though not dramatically more than at similar venues. Bailey Memorial has just one scoreboard, located in the south corner. It shows a live video feed along with standard game information, time, score, down and distance, quarter, and timeouts remaining.   Neighborhood   3 Bailey Memorial Stadium sits at the southeastern edge of Presbyterian’s campus, directly across from baseball’s Elton Pollack Field. The campus itself is only about a mile from Clinton’s town center, where a handful of shops and restaurants line the streets; at the center is a replica of the town’s brick, arched train depot, built as a tribute to Clinton’s railroad history. Visitors can also follow a walking tour marked by 15 bronze historical plaques, with narration available through the Distrx app on both Apple and Android devices. For food, locals point to Dempsey’s Pizza and Wilson’s Curb Market, both known for their burgers and sandwiches. Big “D” Butcher and BBQ offer another well-regarded option, while craft beer fans often gravitate to The Lumberyard.   Fans   3 As of last season, Presbyterian averaged just over 2,600 fans per game, a number that has been on the rise. One challenge the Blue Hose face is that Pioneer Football League teams are spread across the country, which limits the number of opposing fans who can make the trip. Additionally, Presbyterian’s undergraduate enrollment is under 1,000 students, one of the smallest in FCS, which limits the size of both the student section and alumni presence at games. Despite this, in the early weeks of this season, the Blue Hose are drawing roughly 4,000 fans per game, an impressive number given its limited pool of fans to pull from.   Access   4 Presbyterian College is a short trip off I-26, which runs locally in South Carolina from Greenville to Columbia. Parking at Bailey Memorial Stadium is in the fields next to the stadium, leaving just a short walk even from the farthest spots. The school recently switched to digital-only ticketing, with QR codes posted around the tailgating lots to encourage fans to buy before reaching the gates. From there, entry is simple – most fans head through the main entrance, while an additional gate at the north end provides another option. Visiting fans do not have an entrance on their side of the stadium; however, they have to trek around the south end of the field to reach their bleachers. Re-entry is allowed as long as fans hold onto their ticket.   Return on Investment   5 Tickets run $25 for adults and $11 for children, and parking for most vehicles is just $5. The only exception is campers or RVs used for tailgating, which carry a $20 charge. Concessions are priced with the same family-friendly mindset, keeping costs low enough that grabbing food or drinks never feels prohibitive. While the quality may not be elite, the affordability makes it easy for fans to return to the concessions more than once without worrying about the expense.   Extras   3 As with several other colleges and universities throughout the Carolinas, philanthropist Irwin Belk donated sculptures of athletes competing in different sports. In addition, just inside the main gates is a 15-foot statue of Scotsman Cyrus, also a donation from Irwin Belk. A plaque just inside the stadium recognizes Presbyterian’s success in Conference Carolinas, noting four conference titles (1966, 1968, 1970, and 1972). In a tribute to the college and its fans, the team gathers after each game in front of the stands to sing the school’s alma mater. A grassy area just within the gates has several inflatables to help keep the youngest Blue Hose fans occupied, if sitting through the game might be too much.   Final Thoughts The Presbyterian Blue Hose football experience is not comparable to the major programs in the state, Clemson  and South Carolina , or even fellow FCS team Gardner-Webb . Still, it does accentuate the passion and excitement of the campus community, alumni, and locals. The atmosphere might lack the pomp and circumstance of a marching band, or stands so tightly packed that most of the day is spent with a stranger’s knees in your back. What the Presbyterian football experience offers, however, is an authentic representation of the love that students, current and former, and the surrounding community have for their football program.