Photos by Chris Green, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.43 Road America N7390 WI-67 Elkhart Lake, WI 53073 Trans Am website Road America website Year Opened: 1955 Capacity: 150,000 The Cheese Capital Cup The summer of racing at Road America includes numerous events for the race fans to attend; a popular one for fans to attend is Trans Am weekend. Held over the past few years as a standalone event, this weekend features the likes of FRP, PSSA, and the Optima Search for the Ultimate Street Car. While not as popular as other track events at Road America, this one is no less worth a visit. And in 2025, the event was dubbed the Cheese Capital Cup thanks to its coinciding with the annual Cheese Capital Festival in downtown Plymouth just a few miles from the track.   Food & Beverage   4 There are a lot of places to eat at Road America, and the ones that exist are an absolute treat for the pallet. Unfortunately, during this event not all the stands are open. Road America is led by The Gearbox, a hillside stand and bar that features some of the best views on the property, as well as the best food around. Being in Wisconsin you can get the best cheese and sausage foods here, as well as a brilliantly tasty breakfast food called eggers ($10). Johnsonville is heavily featured, as it is literally the next town over, and their brats ($9 to $13) are a fan favorite. Sargento cheese curds ($7) are also a popular item, as are the burgers ($9 to $12.50), gearbox melt ($11), and TKA sandwich ($15). Beer is of course plentiful, and a Spotted Cow is a must-have in Wisconsin. Atmosphere   5 The atmosphere around Road America during race weekend is very family-friendly and relaxed; the best in the sport are taking part in some of the most exciting racing around, and despite the tension of the competition, everyone – including the teams and drivers – is in a relaxed and fun-loving mood. There is just something about the beauty of the countryside and the forests around the premises that put everyone in a go-racing-and-enjoy-every-minute-of-it state of mind. In addition, the quality of the on-track action is enough to make any fan excited to see what happens around the next corner. The excitement fills the air every time a car takes to the track, be it for practice, qualifying, or for a race. Road America also features some of the cleanest racetrack bathrooms anywhere. Add to that the incredible track store and free fan shuttle that can take you around to the various viewing areas, and you have a solid basis for calling this one of the best tracks around. In 2025 the track also debuted a new viewing area at the top of the hillside outside Canada Corner called the Road America North Pole, and the old walkover bridge along the front stretch was rebuilt as well – it is now large enough to drive a gold cart over. The race was also named the Cheese Capital Cup in 2025, thanks to it happening at the same time as the Cheese Capital Festival in nearby Plymouth, dubbed the Cheese Capital of the World. Neighborhood   4 The area around Road America is exactly what you would expect to find in rural Wisconsin – rolling hills, farmland, forests, and small towns. The town of Elkhart Lake is quaint and small but is seething with racing history and lore. Famed racing announcer David Hobbs calls this area home, and the fans here are all die-hards who watch everything that happens on the track. If you’re looking for somewhere to stay near Road America, there are a wide variety of small bed-and-breakfasts to pick from in and around Elkhart Lake, as well as some cabins that can make you feel like you’re roughing it…sort of. In addition, the town of Sheboygan is only 20-30 minutes away by car, providing fans a chance to stay in a hotel chain of their choice – Holiday Inn, La Quinta, etc. are all located in Sheboygan. If you’re looking for something to eat, Sheboygan also has a wide variety of restaurants, from Applebee’s to McDonald’s. But by far the most must-see eatery near Road American is the Stop-Inn Tavern at Siebkens Resort in Elkhart Lake, a local bar that all of racing royalty has passed through at some time or another. And, for those looking for something else to see and do, the Kettle-Moraine State Forest is not far from the track, providing some great hiking options. In addition, the Kohler factory is in nearby Sheboygan, and Road America’s location is just a 30-minute drive from the Great Lakes.   Fans   4 Fans at Road America are much like those in the rest of the Midwest: die-hard and series-knowledgeable. They’re also absurdly kind and sweet, willing to help in any way possible when you need assistance with something. They also pack the camping areas around the speedway, making for one brilliant fan block party. While not as popular as IMSA or IndyCar weekends, Trans Am’s weekend at Road America is no less filled with its fair share of motorsports faithful. Access   4 Getting to Road America isn’t as difficult as getting to some sports facilities. That said, it is off the beaten path – at least a 10-minute drive from the nearest highway, Road America requires you to drive down some single-lane roads through the hilly countryside. Once you’re at Road America, you may discover there are several other entrances to the track that you didn’t even know about, which can be frustrating if you have to wait in line for hours; check the fan map of the venue before you go to identify these alternate gates and entrances. The biggest plus at Road America is that the main entrance had a complete makeover in 2016, adding more entrance booths for faster processing of fans and campers.   Return on Investment   5 Road America is one of the best tracks at which you can watch a race. The facility is huge, but you are given plenty of options to watch the race without having to move from place to place. Watching from the right location can give you up to six corners of the track to see all at once, and you also get access to the grandstands all around the track, as well as access to the paddock, with your admission ticket to most races. Tickets for the Cheese Capital Cup weekend start at $25 for Friday, $35 for Saturday or Sunday, and $65 for a weekend pass. Camping starts at $55 and goes up to $325, while on-site cabins are also available for $1010 for the weekend. Fans can also rent golf carts for the weekend for $325 to $540. Various VIP upgrades to hospitality seating are also available, like the Turn 14 Chalet ($35 to $55) and the finish line tower ($295 to $360). Preferred parking near the finish line tower for the weekend is $30.   Extras   5 New for 2025, the Cheese Capital Cup featured a racecar parade from the track into downtown Plymouth on Friday night as part of the Cheese Capital Festival. Once the cars arrived at Stayer Park, fans could get up close and personal with cars from Trans Am and the Optima Search for the Ultimate Street Car, as well as their drivers, for photos and autographs. You can take a trip to Elkhart Lake just a few miles away, and follow the original track layouts through historic markers along the roadside. Before it had its current layout, Road America was once a true street course, running through Elkhart Lake itself, as well as over the hills on the various roadways in the nearby area. Back at the track, where once a zip line ended now stands a high vantage point for fans to watch the action at the track from, inside the final turn. The former zip line landing platform is now a giant viewing zone, and while you may have to climb a lot of stairs to get there, the view is well worth it. Additionally, if you’ve ever wanted to try your hand at racing, you can sign up for racing school at the track. For those who can’t peel their eyes away from their mobile devices, you can also engage with the race on social media, seeing your photos and tweets on the various big screens around Road America by using specific hashtags and handles on Twitter and Instagram. Selfie stations are also set up at various parts of the track for you to capture your weekend memories. And if treetop views and social media aren’t your thing, you can also take a wandering hike through the forest on several pathways that meander through the mountains above Kettle Bottoms and Canada Corner – these trails lead from the top of the peak to the bottom of a newly-cleared pathway along the infamous straightaway. Final Thoughts If you want to see racing history and meet modern-day sports stars, take a trip to Road America – you will not be disappointed by what you find here. For those who want to go a step above that, go camping on the property during race weekend; the fans are nice, the action is top quality, and the weather is almost always beautiful.

Photos by Chris Green, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.71 Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course 7721 Steam Corners Rd Lexington, OH 44904 IMSA website Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course website Year Opened: 1962 Capacity: 65,000 Sportscar Racing at Mid-Ohio IMSA’s return to Mid-Ohio isn’t a full showcase of what the series usually offers. While the headliner WeatherTech Series is missing, Michelin Pilot Challenge has the chance to be the showcase series alongside other support events like Mazda MX-5 Cup and VP Challenge. Mid-Ohio was known for being a top-level destination for car racing, but the quality at the facility has fallen off in recent years. The facility provides exciting racing and has loyal fans, but unfortunately that is where the positives end; the traffic issues getting in and out aren’t much help either. Just hope it doesn’t rain too much, lest the track live up to its nickname of “Mud-Ohio.”   Food & Beverage   3 The food here ranges from the standard burgers ($8 solo, $14.50 combo) and hot dogs ($6, $10) to chicken tenders ($9.50, $12). Sides range from $2.50 to $8.25 for chips, candy, cookies, or fries. Drinks (soda and water) are standard as well, costing from $4 to $8. The main concession stands in the infield and the paddock are the main attractions, while some food trucks also fill up the infield fan area. Atmosphere   2 The atmosphere at Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course has declined greatly from a facility standpoint in the last few years. Where once existed great sightlines for fans, you now have catch fences and high barriers in a lot of places. The former Honda bridge in the back section of the track was removed and not replaced in the winter of 2021, leaving fans with less mobility around the track to get different viewpoints. The bathrooms are also far from clean, and their age shows as well, though the paddock restrooms were renovated and expanded for the 2023 season. Unfortunately, most of the facilities on site are also made of wood, and haven’t been upgraded in decades, meaning the carpenter bees have exploded in population in the past few years. In addition, where paved pathways once existed in the parking areas, they are now cracked and falling apart, making for a bumpy drive around the track, which has resulted in many a flat tire. The dirt paths are also never watered down, meaning dust covers everything at the track if it doesn’t rain during the weekend.   Neighborhood   2 Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course isn’t in a major city, nor is it near a thriving metropolis. Instead, it is quite literally in the middle of farm country outside of Mansfield – this biggest town near the track is also not that big of a place, but has its own mall and several places to eat and stay. While nice, the track is separated from civilization, giving a bit of an isolationist feel to the facility. One of the track’s entrances actually features a driveway that goes through a farm field, while another road leading to the front entrance goes through Lexington, a small town with a 35 mile per hour speed limit – this small town does embrace race weekend, however, with local shops and restaurants putting out their best for race fans who pass through. For food, driving into Mansfield will bring you to Texas Roadhouse and Olive Garden, two popular stops for drivers and teams. For hotels, Hampton Inn & Suites Mansfield South and The Inn on Smith’s Hill are also popular stays. For sights, the Ohio State Reformatory, located outside of Mansfield, was the filming location of the popular “Shawshank Redemption”, and even offers tours. Another popular stop is Cedar Point theme park, an hour and a half north in Sandusky.   Fans   3 The fans at Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course are known for packing the hillsides on race day. Even if they don’t know the drivers on track, they’ll pick their own favorite car and cheer for that team, whether they’re first or last during the race. In addition, if you get lost most are more than willing to help you find your way. While the crowds may not be as big as durin g IndyCar ere, IMSA weekend still brings a ton of locals, as well as series-loyal fans, to the facility. Access   3 Getting to Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course isn’t exactly easy, as the track is in the middle of nowhere. It is also a fair driving distance from the highway, all down one-lane roads with speed limits that average about 40 miles per hour. And once you get to the track, all the parking is in grass or dirt fields, with some spots on the hills – your rarely-used parking brake will come in handy at Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course, as many parking areas are on hillsides with noticeable slants, which will become slippery if it rains. Needless to say, getting out after the races takes a lot of work and patience, as traffic is quite an ordeal. The one-lane road coming in and out, as well as the single bridge leading from the infield to the outer portions of the venue, mean you may spend hours walking or driving before you even reach the main gates.   Return on Investment   3 While it may take some travel to get to the track, going to Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course, a track steeped in history and sporting tradition, is still worth the trip. There are plenty of places to watch from where you can see big sections of the track, and the beautiful hillside scenery makes for a great backdrop during a race. Tickets start at $45 for Friday or Saturday, $55 for Sunday, or $75 for a weekend pass. VIP hospitality is available for $500, while car corral VIP packages range from $170 to $270. Infield parking is $40 while camping spots range from $275 to $450.   Extras   3 Something that really gets fans engaged is the large fan zone in the interior of the track. With displays, shopping for souvenirs, and driver interaction events, fans can get up close and personal with their favorite drivers and teams. In addition, autograph sessions throughout the weekend give you the opportunity to meet your favorite drivers up in the paddock areas for the MX5 Cup and Pilot Challenge series. Fans can also wander throughout some of the garage areas to see their favorite teams at work, preparing their cars for the on-track action. Perhaps the most unique thing about Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course, however, is that the garages feature a fan walkway above that looks down on the old-fashioned wooden and open-air rooms; this gives you a unique bird’s eye view of the teams working on their machines, a view that few other tracks offer, especially for sportscar racing. Final Thoughts If you want a quick, action-packed racetrack that features great camping, a Mid-West hillside forest setting, some of the loudest and most passionate fans in racing, and one that is far from the hustle and bustle of city life, Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course is the place for you. Just be ready, as you may leave in a long line of traffic (fair warning), and you shouldn’t expect the most modern of facilities.

Photos by Chris Green, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.86 Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course 7721 Steam Corners Rd Lexington, OH 44904 SpeedTour Events website Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course website Year Opened: 1962 Capacity: 65,000 Thunder In Central Ohio Mid-Ohio was known for being a top-level destination for car racing, but the quality at the facility has fallen off in recent years. The facility provides exciting racing and has loyal fans, but unfortunately that is where the positives end; the traffic issues getting in and out aren’t much help either. NASCAR recently left the facility altogether for greener pastures, so IndyCar and IMSA  are now the top events for fans at this track. However, the annual Trans Am, SVRA, and F4/FR SpeedTour weekend is a stacked weekend slate.   Food & Beverage   3 The food here ranges from the standard burgers ($8 solo, $14.50 combo) and hot dogs ($6, $10) to chicken tenders ($9.50, $12 combo). Sides range from $2.50 to $8.25 for chips, candy, cookies, or fries. Drinks (soda and water) are standard as well, costing from $4 to $8. The main concession stands in the infield and the paddock are the main attractions, while some food trucks also fill up the infield fan area. Atmosphere   2 The atmosphere at Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course has declined greatly from a facility standpoint in the last few years. Where once existed great sightlines for fans, you now have catch fences and high barriers in a lot of places. The former Honda bridge in the back section of the track was removed and not replaced in the winter of 2021, and the other crossover bridge in Thunder Valley is blocked off, leaving fans with less mobility around the track to get different viewpoints. The bathrooms are also far from clean, and their age shows as well, though the paddock restrooms were renovated and expanded for the 2023 season. Unfortunately most of the facilities on site are also made of wood, and haven’t been upgraded in decades, meaning the carpenter bees have exploded in population in the past few years. In addition, where paved pathways once existed in the parking areas, they are now cracked and falling apart, making for a bumpy drive around the track, which has resulted in many a flat tire. The dirt paths are also never watered down, meaning dust covers everything at the track if it doesn’t rain during the weekend.   Neighborhood   2 Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course isn’t in a major city, nor is it near a thriving metropolis. Instead, it is quite literally in the middle of farm country outside of Mansfield – this biggest town near the track is also not that big of a place, but has its own mall and several places to eat and stay. While nice, the track is separated from civilization, giving a bit of an isolationist feel to the facility. One of the track’s entrances actually features a driveway that goes through a farm field, while another road leading to the front entrance goes through Lexington, a small town with a 35 mile per hour speed limit – this small town does embrace race weekend, however, with local shops and restaurants putting out their best for race fans who pass through. For food, driving into Mansfield will bring you to Texas Roadhouse and Olive Garden, two popular stops for drivers and teams. For hotels, Hampton Inn & Suites Mansfield South and The Inn on Smith’s Hill are also popular stays. For sights, the Ohio State Reformatory, located outside of Mansfield, was the filming location of the popular “Shawshank Redemption”, and even offers tours. Another popular stop is Cedar Point theme park, an hour and a half north in Sandusky.   Fans   3 The fans at Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course are known for packing the hillsides on race day. Even if they don’t know the drivers on the track, they’ll pick their own favorite car and cheer for that team, whether they’re first or last during the race. In addition, if you get lost most are more than willing to help you find your way. While the crowds may not be as big as d uring IndyCar h ere, Trans Am and SVRA still bring a ton of locals and series-loyal fans to the facility. Access   3 Getting to Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course isn’t exactly easy, as the track is in the middle of nowhere. It is also a fair driving distance from the highway, all down one-lane roads with speed limits that average about 40 miles per hour. And once you get to the track, all the parking is in grass or dirt fields, with some spots on the hills – your rarely-used parking brake will come in handy at Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course, as many parking areas are on hillsides with noticeable slants, which will become slippery if it rains. Needless to say, getting out after the races takes a lot of work and patience, as traffic is quite an ordeal. The one-lane road coming in and out, as well as the single bridge leading from the infield to the outer portions of the venue, mean you may spend hours walking or driving before you even reach the main gates.   Return on Investment   4 While it may take some travel to get to the track, going to Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course, a track steeped in history and sporting tradition, is still worth the trip. There are plenty of places to watch from where you can see big sections of the track, and the beautiful hillside scenery makes for a great backdrop during a race. However, the decline in facility upkeep is noticeable, weighing down the return you get on your ticket investment, even if it was already low thanks to this event being a SpeedTour weekend.   Extras   3 Something that really gets fans engaged is the large fan zone in the interior of the track. With displays, shopping for souvenirs, and driver interaction events, fans can get up close and personal with their favorite drivers and teams. In addition, autograph sessions throughout the weekend give you the opportunity to meet your favorite drivers up in the paddock areas for the F4 and FR series. Fans can also wander through some of the garage areas to see their favorite teams at work, preparing their cars for the on-track action. Perhaps the most unique thing about Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course is that the garages feature a fan walkway above that looks down on the old-fashioned wooden and open-air rooms; this gives you a unique bird’s eye view of the teams working on their machines, a view that few other tracks offer, especially for sportscar racing. Final Thoughts If you want a quick, action-packed racetrack that features great camping, a Mid-West hillside forest setting, some of the loudest and most passionate fans in racing, and one that is far from the hustle and bustle of city life, Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course is the place for you. Just be ready, as you may leave in a long line of traffic (fair warning), and you shouldn’t expect the most modern of facilities.

Photo by Eric Moreno, Stadium Journey The largest sports and entertainment venue in Corpus Christi, Texas, American Bank Center , will soon have a new name. On Monday, June 23, the venue’s management company, the Oak View Group, announced that Corpus Christi-based law firm Hilliard Law had won the new naming rights. “Oak View Group is moving to the next phase of the naming rights process and has selected Hilliard Law to enter into exclusive negotiations to formalize an agreement for the American Bank Center,” said DeAnna Richarte, Director of Marketing for the arena. According to information from the Oak View Group released during Corpus Christi’s City Council on June 24, the agreement with Hilliard Law extends for 10 years. Over that course of time, the law firm will pay $13.3 million for the facility’s naming rights. “Following a comprehensive and strategic research process that included several factors, this marks a significant step forward in establishing a long-term partnership that will enhance the visibility and future of the venue and the region,” Richarte said. The Corpus Christi-based American Bank has been the venue’s naming rights partner since 2004. The financial institution announced in 2024 that it would be moving on from its sponsorship of the venue. This prompted a search for a new partner, which was coordinated in part by the city of Corpus Christi. Home to several of the city’s sports teams, such as the Texas A&M-Corpus Christi Islanders  basketball squads, the Corpus Christi Tritons  of Arena Football One, and the Corpus Christi IceRays  of the North American Hockey League, the venue has been a fixture along the shores of Corpus Christi Bay since the late 1970s. ---------- Follow Eric Moreno's Stadium Journey on Twitter at @EricMoreno6477 .

Photos by Paul Baker, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.29 Eastwood Field 111 Eastwood Mall Blvd Niles, OH 44446 Mahoning Valley Scrappers website Eastwood Field website Year Opened: 1999 Capacity: 6,000 25 Years of Baseball at the Mall   The Mahoning Valley Scrappers were a victim of the Great Minor League Contraction of 2020. The team, who had been members of the Class A Short Season New York-Penn League since their founding in 1999, suddenly found themselves relegated to a new circuit: the MLB Draft League. For a team that had enjoyed a stable relationship with the nearby Cleveland Indians over their entire history, this move into the unknown came as a big shock.   The MLB Draft League plays a hybrid amateur-professional schedule. For half the season, the league operates as a standard summer collegiate league serving as a showcase for some of the nation’s top draft-eligible prospects.  After the draft each year, the league’s rosters are filled with paid players who have exhausted their amateur eligibility. The six teams in the MLB Draft League were all part of affiliated baseball before 2020.   Eastwood Field, named for the mall it sits behind, also serves as home for the Youngstown State Penguins  baseball team. During their time in affiliated baseball, the Scrappers won one championship, in 2004.   Food & Beverage 4   The Scrappers offer a good variety of concessions for visiting fans. While the main stands on the concourse stick to the basics (hot dogs, pizza slices, chicken tenders and fries), variety can be found at the many smaller stands and portable carts scattered throughout the ballpark. A pair of portable carts on the main concourse sell nachos and tacos, while another offers smashburgers. Fans looking for hot dogs will find cheese dogs, corn dogs, jumbo dogs and chili dogs sold throughout Eastwood Field. The Gibson Bar and Grill, located at the end of the right field concourse, sells grilled sausages and bratwurst.   Pepsi products are featured at Eastwood Field. Fans looking for an adult beverage will find a full selection at all the stands, both permanent and portable. Mixed drinks are also sold throughout the ballpark. A selection of local beers augment the national brands sold here. Fans can purchase refillable beer steins or beer bats should a plain old stadium cup not suffice.   Atmosphere 3   The game day atmosphere at a Scrappers game will feel very familiar to those who have traveled around minor league baseball. There’s an emcee who (very loudly) coordinates the between inning promotions and keeps the presentation moving. The PA announcer mixes in a bit more wackiness to his delivery, and the DJ provides music and sound effects after virtually every pitch. A video board in right-center field provides game information, player stats, and is integrated into the promotional schedule. The team’s mascot, Snappy, roams the ballpark participating in promotions and interacting with fans. It’s a non-stop attack on the senses that is all too common in the minors these days.   The team has a very robust promotional schedule, with events happening most days of the season. Stadium Journey attended Eastwood Field on “Major League” night, with bobbleheads handed out to fans and the players decked out in specialized jerseys. Games happen between innings as well, keeping the casual fan and youngsters in attendance interested.   Neighborhood 4   You would figure Eastwood Field would rate highly in this category, considering it is located in the largest mall complex between Pittsburgh and Cleveland. If you factor in the total footage of the indoor mall, strip malls and other shops on the Eastwood Mall site, the total square footage totals over 3.2 million square feet. Located on the complex are numerous hotels, restaurants, and of course, shopping options. Among the lodging options onsite are a Hampton Inn & Suites and a Holiday Inn Express & Suites. Visiting fans looking for a place to eat after the game will find a Primanti Bros., as well as countless other national chains in the same parking lot as the ballpark.   Beyond the mall, Mahoning Valley contains a variety of summer attractions to round out any trip to the area. Native son William McKinley, the 25 th  President of the United States, was born in Niles, and the National McKinley Birthplace Memorial Museum is located here.   Fans 4   Mahoning Valley averaged just over 2,500 fans per game in 2024, which placed them fourth in the six-team MLB Draft League in terms of attendance, and in the top 20 of all summer college teams nationwide. This figure represented a slight increase over the 2023 season, and was comparable to the team’s final season in affiliated ball, when they averaged about 2,700 fans per game.   The crowd at a Scrappers game will look familiar to veteran minor league baseball fans. It’s a good mix of die-hard baseball fans, locals out to enjoy an inexpensive night of entertainment with friends and coworkers, and families taking advantage of the value and entertainment factor present at minor league baseball games. As always, people watching is part of the fun of being at a ball game.   Access 3   Eastwood Field is located in the northwest corner of the Eastwood Mall complex, close to the intersection of State Routes 82 and 11. Although driving is the most convenient and popular method for getting to a Scrappers game, Western Reserve Transit Authority’s  #28 bus stops at the Eastwood Mall.   Most fans will enter Eastwood Field via the main entrance, which empties onto a small and crowded concourse. The field is not visible from the concourse, and stands line both edges of the concourse. Stretching in both directions will be various concession stands, portable carts, sponsor tables, rest rooms, and everything else you would expect to see at a minor league ballpark. When there’s a decent crowd in attendance, it can be quite a hectic and crowded place.   The seating bowl stretches from foul pole to foul pole. The main seating area consists of individual folding plastic stadium seats, with a few sections of bleachers located further down the right field line. These sections are the general admission sections. There is a walkway about a third of the way up the seating bowl. A large picnic area takes up a bunch of real estate on the left field side of the ballpark. A small berm on the right field side of the park and a kids play area on the left field side give younger fans a place to burn off some excess energy.   Nets stretch in front of the majority of the seating bowl, obstructing views. Rest rooms are dated, but large enough for the typical Snappers crowd. As mentioned before, the concourse can be busy and crowded at times, but the ballpark is easy to navigate around. With a capacity of 6,000, the ballpark offers a great variety of seating options for visiting fans.   Youngstown is located almost exactly halfway between Pittsburgh and Cleveland, making it very easy to include on a ballpark roadtrip to the area.   Return on Investment 3   Ticket prices for a Scrappers game begin at $15 for Premium Box seats, with Lower Upper Box seats priced at $12. General admission seats in the bleacher sections are priced at $7. Purchasing tickets on game day will add one dollar to the price.   Parking will cost you an additional $5 in the lot adjacent to Eastwood Field. The area of the mall parking lot dedicated to the ballpark is fenced off. If you think you are clever and try to park your car somewhere else at the mall, it won’t matter. The Scrappers charge a “walk-in” fee for those folks trying to beat the system. Seriously. There’s a manned turnstile on the sidewalk next to the entrance where cars enter the lot. On the plus side, if you’re driving a Toyota, parking is free, courtesy of a local dealership and Scrappers sponsor.   Concessions prices are comparable to other facilities in the area.   Extras 2   There is a display of famous players to come from the Mahoning Valley area at the end of the concourse. Included in this display are Baseball Hall of Famers Bud Fowler, Billy Evans and Elmer Flick.   Pennants commemorating the Scrappers’ past championships are displayed on the façade of the press box.   Final Thoughts   While Eastwood Field may not stand out from its peer facilities in any way besides its location in a mall, the staff here have adapted to the Scrappers’ new reality with a fun game day experience, and local baseball fans have continued to show up, despite what could be seen as a demotion to summer college ball. A visit to Mahoning Valley is certainly a worthy inclusion in any Stadium Journey passing through the area.   Follow Paul Baker’s stadium journeys on Twitter  and Instagram  @PuckmanRI.

Photo Courtesy of Kim Montuoro Since 2019, Massachusetts native, current Astoria, New York resident Julie Goldberg has been competing at the Nathan’s Famous Hot Dog Eating Contest at Coney Island on the Fourth of July. This year, Goldberg just missed making the finals, but she'll be watching from the sidelines with her mentor Crazy Legs Conti, arguably the most colorful character to ever speed eat competitively ( check out Stadium Journey's interview with Crazy Legs Conti here ). A few days before the big day, Goldberg took a few minutes away from her training table to answer a few questions. STADIUM JOURNEY: You have a PhD in poli sci. How'd you get into competitive eating? How long have you been doing it? Are you a lifer? JULIE GOLDBERG: I'm finishing up my PhD. I'm about halfway through my dissertation and on track to finish by the end of the year, fingers crossed. Before I moved to New York in 2017, I was living in Florida with my now 14-year-old border collie. I had a herding dog, but nothing for her to herd, so I took her running with me, about 40-plus miles a week. Needless to say, I've always had a huge appetite, but at the time, I was insatiable. My friends and family encouraged me to get into competitive eating, and as fate would have it, when I moved to NYC, I met Crazy Legs Conti, one of the OGs of competitive eating. We started training together, and I won my first qualifier for Coney in 2019. I'm a lifer, so long as I keep having fun. STADIUM JOURNEY: Do you have a pre-competition ritual? Do you fast, or is everything business as usual? JULIE GOLDBERG: In theory, I like to stay well-hydrated and eat lightly the day before, and a granola bar or banana the morning of. In practice, things don't always go as planned, and "being good" leading up to the competition hasn't always translated into better results for me. I've done everything right and have had disappointing results. In 2023, I won the DC qualifier and matched my personal best of 9.5 hot dogs in 10 minutes, but sort of went off the rails beforehand. I flew to DC from NYC and arrived several hours before the contest. I didn't want to venture into the DC heat too early, so I stopped at a bar in the airport for a beer. I intended to leave after one, but the bartender brought me a couple of freebies, and I couldn't bring myself to pass them up. I left the airport with plenty of time to spare and took home the women's trophy. What a thrill that was. STADIUM JOURNEY: What's your technique? Do you dip your buns in water? Do you eat the buns and meat separately? Please explain how you came up with your technique. JULIE GOLDBERG: Traditionally, I've eaten my hot dogs Solomon style - that is, splitting the dog from the bun, breaking the dog in half before eating, and dunking the bun in mildly hot Tang before swallowing as Crazy Legs taught me. I recently started incorporating keeping the dog and bun together and dunking them in Tang for at least part of the contest to mix things up. STADIUM JOURNEY: How do you feel after a competition? Are you hanging out after, or are you going straight home? JULIE GOLDBERG: There's always a time after a competition when you don't feel great because your belly is full and you have nitrates coursing through your body. Most of the contests I've participated in have been followed by an after-party of some sort. I generally suck up any discomfort and indulge the opportunity to hang out with my competitive eating buds. STADIUM JOURNEY: Describe your relationship with Crazy Legs Conti. What are your favorite establishments to dine out at with him? JULIE GOLDBERG: Crazy Legs and I first bonded over our love for Boston sports and then our love for hot dogs. Most of the time, when we meet up, it's to watch a Boston game on TV, so the establishments change often. I will say my favorite dining experience with him was at Madison Square Garden. He magically got us into a friend's private suite for a Celtics-Knicks game, which just happened to be my first NBA game ever. The food was awesome, and the Celts won! STADIUM JOURNEY: Which eaters do you hang with, if anyone, away from competition? JULIE GOLDBERG: I usually only see other eaters at contests, and I always look forward to seeing everyone. George Chiger is my competitive eating brother, though. We recently saw each other at a strawberry shortcake contest, and he took the brotherly initiative to check out my car for me. Larell Melee is essentially the mom of Major League Eating, and we have a tradition of going to the Perfect Pint in midtown Manhattan throughout the 4th festivities. I wish I got to see everyone more often, but we're all scattered across the country. STADIUM JOURNEY: Were you an athlete before competitive eating? Which sports, if any? Which Boston teams did you follow? Were you spending a lot of time at Fenway as a kid? JULIE GOLDBERG: I'm an armchair quarterback. I haven't played any team sports because I have terrible depth perception and coordination, but I've run three full marathons and twentyish half marathons. I'm a diehard and will root for any Boston team, but I live and breathe for the New England Patriots, and the Red Sox have a special place in my heart. I've never gone to Fenway until I was an adult. I was the youngest of three, so my family spent a lot more time cheering on the Pawtucket Red Sox at McCoy Stadium - RIP - but still holds the record for longest professional baseball game at 33 innings. We also went to a ton of Worcester Ice Cats - also RIP - games at the Worcester Centrum. STADIUM JOURNEY: What are the similarities between political science and competitive eating, if any? JULIE GOLDBERG: I would say you have to enjoy political science and competitive eating to ingratiate yourself in those worlds. They're also similar in that you need to know when to turn them off for your well-being. I'd like to think I've learned diplomacy from both as well. So much so that this Boston diehard can admit that the chicken buckets at Yankee Stadium are top-tier ballpark fare.  STADIUM JOURNEY:                                                                                                    Since we're talking political science. As far as a competition between U.S. Presidents, who are the top five finishers?                                                                     JULIE GOLDBERG:                                                                                                          1. Lincoln 2. FDR 3. Washington 4. Jefferson 5. Kennedy STADIUM JOURNEY:                                                                                                      As far as eating venues, what spots are must-stops? Recommendations, please. Need 'em.  JULIE GOLDBERG:                                                                                                      Jack Jones, a gastropub in Astoria, is my absolute favorite local place. I go there once a week and I'm always amazed by how delicious the food is. Jacob's Pickles on the Upper West Side is my favorite place for Southern cuisine. If you ever find yourself in Burrillville, Rhode Island, stop by Wright's for a family-style chicken dinner. You will not be disappointed.

After a somewhat longer than brief hiatus Paul and Dave are back! The return of Stadium Journey's Obstructed Views heads into Red Sox Country ... for a Blue Jays Affiliate! How can they make this work? Grab a beer and join Paul and Dave for the latest episode of Stadium Journey's Obstructed Views for the New Hampshire Fisher Cats at Delta Dental Stadium. You can find Stadium Journey's review of Delta Dental Stadium and the New Hampshire Fisher Cats game day experience here.

Photos by Terry McCutchen, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.57 ONEOK Field 201 N Elgin Tulsa, OK 74120 Tulsa Drillers website ONEOK Field website Year Opened: 2010 Capacity: 7,833 Tulsa Time Located in the historic Greenwood District near downtown Tulsa, Oklahoma, ONEOK (pronounced One-Okay) Field has been home to the Tulsa Drillers since 2010. ONEOK also serves as the home pitch for FC Tulsa of the USL and hosts numerous college baseball games and concerts. The construction of ONEOK replaced the venerable Tulsa County Stadium, later renamed Driller Park, which was originally a W.P.A. project located in the Tulsa Fairgrounds. Serving as the Double-A affiliate of the Los Angeles Dodgers , the Drillers have played in Tulsa since 1977, after the Lafayette Drillers moved from Louisiana. Prior to 1977 Tulsa was home to the Triple A Tulsa Oilers, meaning that Tulsa has hosted professional baseball continuously, except for a break during WWII, since 1932. The Drillers have been affiliated with the Los Angeles Dodgers since 2014, following many years under the Colorado Rockies and Texas Rangers , respectively. Food & Beverage 4 As you enter the park, the smell of concessions wafting through the air is intoxicating. There are over 10 different concession areas from which to choose including the more traditional Golden Driller Grill (Hornsby burger basket, chicken tenders and fries, Driller Dog, nachos, and Frito pie; $4.79 to $12.49) and the more specialty House Divided (Boomtown Coneys, burgers, and specialty Driller Dogs; $12.99 to $36.99). Snack and side items are also available at all the concession stands with options of popcorn, candy, peanuts, chips, French fries, and mac-and-cheese ($2.99 to $6.29). ONEOK offers numerous drink options from bottled water to Pepsi products and beer ($3.49 to $7.79). Soft drinks are available in either a souvenir cup or a cheaper Styrofoam cup option. Alcoholic drink offerings include Bud Light, Michelob Ultra, Miller Lite, Blue Moon, Coors Light, Estrella, Busch Light, and White Claw. Atmosphere 4 The Driller organization creates a gameday atmosphere that is fun and interactive. With exciting music playing when the gates open and staff members, plus Hornsby the mascot, posted near the gate to greet patrons for high fives and photo opportunities, the expectation is immediately set for a positive experience. Fan interaction during breaks in play continues throughout the game, as there is an activity planned at least once per inning. Examples include Hornsby’s entrance on a golf cart, the traditional dizzy bat race, a sporting goods mascot race, Simba, and kiss and dance cams, as well as other trivia and challenge games presented on the scoreboard. On hot summer days, there is also a Splash Zone in centerfield behind the batter’s eye that is free for fans to enjoy. Neighborhood 5 The historic Greenwood District north of downtown Tulsa, once known as Black Wall Street, was one of the wealthiest black neighborhoods in the US in the early 1900s, until being devastated by a race riot in 1921. Today, the neighborhood has a mix of historical landmarks, lively entertainment options, museums, and new construction as the area continues to progress into the future. Just a few of the attractions within walking distance of the ballpark include the John Hope Franklin Center for Reconciliation , Bob Dylan Center , Woody Guthrie Center , Center of the Universe , and Greenwood Rising Black Wall Street History Center . In addition, the BMX Hall of Fame and Museum , Outsiders Museum , Tulsa Zoo , and the popular public park The Gathering Place are all just a short drive away, and worth the trip if time allows. After game drinking hangouts are easily accessible as well; Historic Cain’s Ballroom , built in 1924, plus other bars such as McNellie’s Irish Pub , Arnie’s Bar , Fassler Hall , and Elgin Park Brewery (across the street from the main gate) are all within blocks of ONEOK. No matter what your palette desires, you should be able to find a restaurant within blocks of the stadium to satisfy you. Eating establishments within a long fly ball include Sweet Lisa’s Soul Food Cafe , Honey Love Wings , Noche Woodfired Grill , Lone Wolf Banh Mi , and Sisserou’s Caribbean , as well as many others. Fans 4 Driller fans are both knowledgeable and loyal – Tulsa has averaged over 5000 fans consistently since the MiLB restructuring and Covid-19, ranking the team in the top 10 of both total and average fan attendance annually. The stands are filled with a mix of young families with children, professional adults, and older couples, all enjoying the American pastime. Children can also enjoy the freedom of open space and the playground in the outfield, while fans desiring a more serious baseball experience can do so from the comfort of their stadium seats. The fans here know baseball, and root for their hometown team. Their appreciation for mascots Hornsby and Oily, a throwback to previous generations of the team, also shows their bond with the team. Access 5 Tulsa, as the second largest city in Oklahoma with a metro population of just over 1 million and approximately 130 miles northeast of Oklahoma City, is easily accessible from any destination via Tulsa International Airport, or from major thoroughfares such as Interstate 44, Interstate 40, or Highway 75. ONEOK Field sits merely 8 miles from the airport, which is normally less than a 15 minute rideshare or drive, depending on traffic and possible construction. Downtown Tulsa and Greenwood are surrounded by an inner-dispersal loop consisting of I-244, Highway 64, and Highway 75, meaning that getting to the ballpark is fairly simple no matter from which direction you enter the city. There are three different points of entry into the stadium – the main gate and the “Oil Derrick” gate are both located along N. Elgin Avenue on the west side. In addition, the Osage Casino Hotel entry is located on the north side of the stadium along Greenwood Avenue. Return on Investment 5 The Drillers offer many promotions and giveaways during the season to help fans feel like they are getting more than quality baseball for their investment. With $2 Tuesdays, limited to outfield tickets, hot dogs, popcorn, and ice cream novelties are only $2, allowing fans to catch a game on a limited budget. Other notable promotions include Happy Half Hour, Kids Sunday, and Thirsty Thursday $3 drink offers. Ticket prices range from $10 to $28 including online purchasing fees when purchased through the MLB ticketing website, which is on the lower end of Double-A price structures. When considering the availability of plenty of free parking, as well as concession prices that are average to below average in price, the ROI at OneOK Field is near the top of minor league teams. Extras 5 The splash pad in centerfield deserves special recognition; only those who have experienced a hot Oklahoma summer day would understand. Free parking near the entrance to the ballpark is worth noting. While there are some businesses that offer cheap ($5 to $10) parking options just blocks away, there is also street side parking for no charge. Extra credit is also added for the friendliness and accommodation of the staff. Oklahomans are known to be friendly, and the ballpark staff does nothing but reinforce this image. The neighborhood and availability of American history within blocks of the stadium create a perfect setting for baseball fans and visitors to spend an entire day, or more, without ever needing a vehicle. The team store has a plethora of souvenir options, especially caps – Tulsa has as many different hat styles to choose from as many major league team. The most recent game I attended was also extremely cold, so to warm fans’ spirits and bodies, the Drillers provide patrons with unlimited free hot chocolate. Final Thoughts The Tulsa Drillers offer a wonderful gameday experience in a beautiful urban setting. Based on the promotion and giveaway schedule, most games offer either a discounted experience or a souvenir upon entry. The in-game entertainment keeps fans of all ages engaged and helps bridge the gap between innings. For pure baseball fans, Tulsa offers quality Double-A baseball with teams of the Texas League visiting. At any point in the season, top prospects on both teams will be playing, so witnessing the future of major league baseball up close becomes a privilege. This writer has found that ONEOK Field should be on any baseball fan’s bucket list, and can be combined with several other nearby destinations for weekend or longer baseball-themed trips.

Photo by Eric Moreno, Stadium Journey Beginning July 1st, the Frost Bank Center  – home of the NBA’s San Antonio Spurs – will begin the latest round of renovations to the two decades-old facility. The project, which was announced to the public on June 17th, will look to enhance the game-day experience for fans. The effort, which will be privately funded, is highlighted by the construction of a 4,000-square-foot private space that will be called the “Superbox” – this area will offer guests an all-inclusive food and beverage experience. “We’re always paying attention to what our fans tell us, and this project is a direct response to that feedback,” said Max Brodsky, Corporate Communications Coordinator with the Spurs Sports & Entertainment (SS&E). “The Superbox upgrades will improve flow and layout for food and beverage service, while also giving the space an updated look with new finishes, fixtures and furniture.” The Frost Bank Center has been the home arena for the Spurs since 2002. The facility has undergone numerous renovations over the years, including a recent effort to upgrade the venue’s Terrace Club in 2023. “It’s all about creating a better overall experience for our guests,” said Brodsky. “These enhancements are privately funded through SS&E and our partnership with Aramark. They are not connected to any public funding or bond efforts. We expect the refreshed space to be ready for fans to enjoy by the start of preseason this fall.” ---------- Follow Eric Moreno's Stadium Journey on Twitter at @EricMoreno6477 .

Photos by David Welch, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.71 Fifth Third Park 300 W. Henry Street Spartanburg, SC 29306 Hub City Spartanburgers website Fifth Third Park website Year Opened: 2025 Capacity: 5,000 Look LettUs Cook The 2025 Minor League Baseball season marked the return of affiliated baseball to Spartanburg, South Carolina, for the first time in 31 years with the arrival of the Hub City Spartanburgers. Baseball in Spartanburg dates back to 1904, when the city fielded a team called the Spartans. Over the years the team adopted several names, including the Red Sox and Pioneers, and initially played at Wofford College before relocating to Duncan Park in 1926. In the early 20th century, Spartanburg played independently across various leagues before settling into the South Atlantic League. The city had brief affiliations with the St. Louis Browns (1946) and the Cleveland Indians (1947–1955), but it would be the affiliation with the Philadelphia Phillies that lasted 31 years (1963-1994) which would leave a lasting impression on the city, which is still evident today. During the three decades without affiliated baseball, Spartanburg remained active in the sport through summer collegiate leagues, including an earlier incarnation of the Spartanburgers. Now affiliated baseball has returned to Spartanburg; Hub City rejoins the South Atlantic League as the High-A affiliate of the Texas Rangers .   Food & Beverage   4 Fifth Third Park does a good job blending traditional ballpark fare with unique, regionally inspired options – Firebox Corner offers not just pepperoni and margarita pizzas, but also a deep-fried version topped with “Fairy Dust” (grated Parmesan), while Bojangles Chicken Crossing serves a small sampling of the southern chain’s menu, including Cajun chicken sandwiches, Chicken Supremes, and Bo’s Bird Dogs. The star of the show, however, is the Spartan Burgers build-your-own burger bar. With nearly 70 available toppings, fans can stick to the basics or get adventurous with options like Nutella, jelly, or Froot Loops; burgers can also include veggie or meat patties. The standout “Spartanburger” is topped with pimento cheese, a fried green tomato, and onion straws, with additional food carts behind home plate specializing in sausage varieties and multiple styles of nachos. The biggest downside of the otherwise strong concessions here is the “grab-and-go” setup – with items being left under heat lamps, it can leave some of the food cold. Though the Carolinas are traditionally Pepsi country, Coca-Cola products are the stadium drink of choice. Other non-alcoholic options include Monster energy drink, Powerade, and fresh-squeezed lemonade from a stand near the left field gates. Adult beverage selections are broad; along with typical domestic beers are craft-style options including beers from New Belgium, Wicked Weed, Sierra Nevada, and Golden Road’s Mango Cart. Seltzers, canned cocktails, and individual servings of wine are also available, and the Cabooze Bar Cart behind home plate offers handmade mixed and frozen drinks. While the beer list is extensive, more local brews would be nice to see.   Atmosphere   4 The Spartanburgers celebrate the city’s railroad legacy with their Hub City moniker, in reference to the city being a hub of railroads in the south. The tracks that run just beyond the third baseline are reminiscent of the early days of baseball, when fields were commonly found adjacent to the town’s train depot. Upon first sight of Fifth Third Park, the neon “Spartanburg” sign atop the stadium, in diner script, pops with city pride. The seating bowl is bi-level; the lower level is individual plastic chairbacks from midway up each line, with mesh-backed seats behind home plate. There are also several additional seating areas, including high top tables, group seating, concourse suites, drink rails, and a grassy berm stretching from left to left-center field. Though the rows are a bit steep, the seating bowl does provide excellent sightlines and plenty of leg room. The outfield wall plays pretty consistent in right, but center field is a poke at 411’. Left field is a touch short at 328’ but it is protected by a wall approximately 15 to 18 feet high. The scoreboard, situated in right-center field uses a 1950s, drive-in themed display to provide game statistics, information on the pitcher’s pitch count, pitch speed, and pitcher and batter individual statistics. Hub City does a good job keeping the burger and railroad themes going throughout the game. Strike outs are celebrated with the ringing of an “order up” style bell, the stadium announcer refers to base runners as “burgers”, and home runs are celebrated with the sounding of a train whistle – this really ties in both themes of the team well; even in-game entertainment pieces use burger-themed contests. Spartanburgers game definitely have an atypical game presentation for baseball, but it goes a long way in creating a fun stadium atmosphere. For example, the stadium’s public address announcer uses the power of the microphone to stir the energy of the crowd with chants and prompts to get loud between pitches. In an era where baseball has become more of a laid-back experience, this approach works well in creating a fun game atmosphere that feels more like a basketball game than baseball. The concourse is kept lively by Steve the Conductor, who makes his way around the concourse dressed in overalls and a conductor’s cap; Steve greets fans and gets them to join him in belting out a loud “Choo-Choo!” rallying call.   Neighborhood   4 Fifth Third Park is a short walk from downtown Spartanburg, an area with an artsy vibe and plenty of personality. Sculptures line the sidewalks and the Spartanburg Music Trail highlights local musicians via QR codes – there are 11 markers, including one honoring The Marshall Tucker Band, most notable for their song, “Can’t You See”. Downtown also has a strong collection of locally-owned restaurants along a section of Main Street, which is closed to traffic so tables can be set up for spacious outdoor dining. Music fills the air day and night, providing both pre and post-game options for food, drink, and music. One establishment of interest in the area is FR8yard, an outdoor bar and music venue that has seats from Duncan Park. Downtown Spartanburg also seems to be in the midst of a revitalization, as empty store fronts appear to be in the process of being filled. The Children’s Museum of the Upstate, Hub City Railroad Museum, and the free to play Sparkle City miniature golf course are all family-friendly points of consideration in the area.   Fans   4 Excitement around town is high with the return of professional baseball. Early attendance numbers over 3,000 fans per game, with crowds swelling to over 4,000 for weekend matchups, especially when rivals like the Greenville Drive  visit. If this trend continues, the Spartanburgers will finish among the South Atlantic League’s top five in attendance this season.   Access   3 Spartanburg is at the junction of two interstates that run though the southeast, namely I-85 which runs regionally from Atlanta to Charlotte, and I-26 that runs from the South Carolina coast in Charleston to Asheville, North Carolina. Fifth Third Park is just south of downtown Spartanburg. Some streets around the stadium shut down leading up to gates opening, so the easiest approach is from the north side of Morgan Avenue. This provides for the easiest access to the multi-level parking deck just beyond the left field confines, and this garage provides direct access into the ballpark. There is also some street parking within walking distance if you arrive early enough; street parking is free after 5 pm. Primary entry points can be found in the right and left field corners of the stadium, with the left field gates being the most popular. There is also a home plate gate, but it is more out of the way, so it doesn’t get nearly as much use as the other points of entry. Even with many concourse level suites and food carts, there is still plenty of room for fans to move around without feeling as though they are packed in shoulder to shoulder. Fifth Third Park is not completely circumnavigable, however – fans can only walk to center field and roughly three-quarters of the way down the right field line. In future years, though, office space and housing will begin to pop up in the open grassy area beyond right and center field, which may help to tie both sides of the field together with one continuous walkway.   Return on Investment   3 Tickets start at just $5 for weekday berm seating, increasing to $8 on Fridays and $10 on weekends and holidays. Fees typically add 21–28% to the ticket price. Parking seems reasonable at $10, but if you are willing to walk, free spots can be found in the downtown area – street parking is free after 5 pm. Concessions seem reasonably priced, in line with typical ballpark prices. Apparel and other souvenirs do seem to be on the expensive side, however, but nothing that isn’t in line with current industry standards.   Extras   4 Mascots Chuck the Burger, an anthropomorphic cheeseburger, and a yet-to-be-named Carolina Parakeet have an on-going playful rivalry that sees the feathered mascot constantly chasing Chuck around the field, concourse, or other parts of the stadium. While not engaged in the chase, both mascots are busy taking countless photos with fans around the stadium, as well as helping host mid-inning games. A display inside the home plate entrance features vintage wooden seats from Shibe Park, home of the Philadelphia Phillies  from 1909 to 1970; the seats were later reused at Duncan Park. The display includes photos chronicling Spartanburg’s baseball history, with a separate exhibit behind home plate commemorating the Spartanburg Mill League in the early 1900s. A large children’s play area is located down the left field line, providing a great space for kids to burn off some energy during the game; the climbing wall there incorporates a colorful mural of Spartanburg into its design. There is a specific focus on using art as part of the wow factor at Fifth Third Park, from the mural-covered walls to the baseball-themed chandelier just inside the Home Plate Gate, and the giant bobbleheads placed at each of the outfield gates – all of these add to the artistic beauty of the stadium.   Final Thoughts A new team and stadium usually bring a lot of buzz to a city, and the Hub City Spartanburgers really deliver on that. Fifth Third Park is not just a fun spot to watch baseball; it feels like a celebration of Spartanburg. The diner and railroad themes, mixed with the recognition of the city’s baseball past and artistic vibe, bring into the ballpark much of what has shaped Spartanburg into the city it is today.

Photos by David Welch, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.71 Great Dane Stadium 645 Mullinax Road Alpharetta, GA 30004 United Futbol Academy Gunners website Year Opened: 2018 Capacity: 5,600 United 4 Life In the northern Atlanta suburb of Alpharetta, the United Futbol Academy (UFA) Gunners have found a home at Great Dane Stadium, on the campus of Denmark High School. UFA fields teams at the select, elite, and academy levels. The club joined the Women’s Premier Soccer League (WPSL) as part of the league’s 2024 expansion. The WPSL is a summer, semi-professional women’s soccer league made up mostly of current or recently graduated collegiate players. Founded in 2010, the Gunners maintain a developmental partnership with Arsenal FC , the three-time Premier League champions; this relationship includes visits from Arsenal staff, who work directly with UFA coaches and players to support technical training and overall development. Food & Beverage 3 Food at Gunners matches is provided by a single vendor, Beto’s Tacos, located just inside the stadium entrance. They offer tacos and quesadillas with chicken, pork, beef, or vegetarian fillings, alongside bottled water and Coca-Cola. Additional drinks, namely Gatorade and more bottled water, are available at a nearby table. While the food is of high quality, the lack of variety is a drawback. The presence of only one vendor limits the range of options for fans. Atmosphere 2 Great Dane Stadium is a typical high school football stadium, featuring a large home section of aluminum bleachers opposite a smaller visiting section; the pitch is encircled by an eight-lane track. The setback created by the track does create a bit of separation from the stands and the match. The stadium’s multi-use nature also results in a busy field, with lines for football, lacrosse, and soccer. There is one traditional scoreboard at the north end of the stadium that tracks match time and score, but unlike traditional soccer timers, the clock counts down rather than up. Also, UFA does not announce substitutions or goals, which can create some disconnect with who is coming into a match, or who may have scored a goal. Neighborhood 2 Denmark High School sits in the far northern suburbs of Atlanta, in southern Forsyth County, where suburban neighborhoods begin to give way to rural landscapes. The school is surrounded by subdivisions with majestic homes, as well as by farmland and undeveloped land. The immediate area lacks much in the way of unique dining or entertainment options, consisting mainly of national chains. Also, despite having an Alpharetta address, the school is actually closer to the town of Cumming, roughly 15 minutes away, which has a developing downtown and several locally owned restaurants. Meadow Woodfire Grill, Dominic’s Wood Fire, and Los Compadres are among the most highly regarded. Fans 2 UFA draws between 100 and 200 fans per match; this seems to be an average turnout in the Peachtree Division, outside of clubs like Decatur FC and Chattanooga FC . Most fans at Great Dane Stadium appear to be family members of players or younger UFA athletes, giving the stands a community-focused, youth-club feel. The supporters are vocal and encouraging, cheering for saves, shots, and 50-50 balls, while voicing frustration at questionable calls. While they bring enthusiasm, the fan base does not quite reach the level of a formal supporters group. Access 3 Great Dane Stadium is in the northern reaches of the Metro Atlanta city of Alpharetta, in southern Forsyth County. The most direct access to the stadium is using Georgia Highway 400, but this route can become extremely congested during the evening commute. Those heading south on 400 receive some relief from commuters, but will still have to contend with a degree of traffic. If using GPS to navigate to the stadium, the directions likely lead to the back of campus, and may not signify the turn into the parking lot, so be on the lookout for your first chance to access parking. Parking is just a short walk to the entry point, which opens into a spacious gathering area and long ramps to access the seating area. Most seating here is limited to just one side of the stadium, which does have the benefit of not facing the setting sun, unlike the smaller visiting bleachers behind the team benches. To help expedite entry into the stadium, you should purchase tickets online ahead of time. Tickets are not available for purchase at the gate; they must be bought online. Though this is not necessarily a hindrance, it is a slight annoyance. Return on Investment 5 Tickets are reasonably priced and in line with other teams in the WPSL. After fees, general admission runs just under $6, with free entry for children. Parking is also free, making it a very budget-friendly family outing. Food prices do seem to be a bit high, but when considering the quality of what is served, the prices appear justified. Extras 2 For young soccer fans with energy to spare, a training pitch near the south end of the stadium becomes a popular gathering spot during games. Following the match, UFA players and coaches show their gratitude to the fans by hosting a meet-and-greet, signing autographs and allowing fans to take photos with players. Final Thoughts While the United Futbol Academy Gunners match day experience may not have some of the extras found at a couple of other Peachtree Division clubs, it is comparable to several of their atmospheres. UFA provides fans with an affordable, family-friendly environment to enjoy summer soccer in suburban Atlanta.

Photos by Paul Baker, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.43 Doran Park 220 Sandwich Rd Bourne, MA 02532 Bourne Braves website Doran Park website Year Opened: 2006 Capacity: 3,000 Where Stars are Bourne   The town of Bourne has a lengthy baseball history dating all the way back to the 1860’s. Several teams representing Bourne competed in the Cape League throughout the 20th century. In the modern era of the Cape League, generally considered to have begun in 1963, Bourne was initially represented by the Clouters and Canalmen. From 1972-1988 the town of Bourne was without a team after the folding of the Canalmen. In 1988, the Cape League expanded to ten teams, welcoming Bourne and Brewster into the circuit. The name “Braves” was selected to honor the second major league baseball team to call nearby Boston home.   Doran Park is the newest ballpark, opening in 2006 behind the Upper Cape Regional Technical High School. Before moving to Doran Park, the Braves played at various sites in Bourne, including The Massachusetts Maritime Academy and Coady Field. The field is dedicated to longtime Sagamore Beach resident and avid baseball fan George Doran Sr.   Since joining the Cape League in 1988, the Braves have won three championships, in 2009, 2022 and 2023. Some notable alumni to play in Bourne include Pete Alonso, Kevin Youkilis, Mark Mulder, Bill Mueller and Mitch Moreland.   Food & Beverage 4   The Braves operate a snack bar out of a building on the third base side of Doran Park. The menu hits all the expected notes, with hot dogs, burgers and sausage sandwiches the main attractions. For the younger fans in attendance, Lunchables are sold. Items are cooked to order on a small gas grill next to the concession stand. Assorted snacks and ice cream treats are sold at the concession stand. Coca-Cola products are featured. Alcohol is not allowed at Doran Park.   There are a couple of unique items worth mentioning here. Since we’re on Cape Cod, no baseball experience would be complete without sampling some clam chowder. Quahog Republic provides the local treat here at Doran Park. If you’re feeling adventurous, order the “Brave Burger.” It’s a cheeseburger with Uncrustables as buns. Snack bar staff report that not a whole lot of Braves fans are brave enough to order the Brave Burger, but they do sell a few each night.   Atmosphere 3   For baseball fans used to the noise and commotion of your typical major or minor league baseball game, going to a came on Cape Cod will be a shock to the system. Gone are the between inning shenanigans, the annoying mascots and the non-stop distractions present at most ballparks. In the Cape League, the game is the focus. The only extraneous noise you’ll hear at a Braves game are the occasional lineup and sponsor announcements. Any noise at Doran Park is generated entirely by the fans in attendance.   Neighborhood 3   Doran Park is located behind the Upper Cape Regional Technical High School in Bourne on the eastern shore of the Cape Cod Canal. The campus has a very large footprint in a very highly traveled area. There are no places of interest directly adjacent to Doran Park. However, this is Cape Cod, and you won’t have to travel too far to find some excellent dining options, lodging choices and attractions.   If you cross back over the Cape Cod Canal via the Bourne Bridge, you’ll find yourself in the village of Buzzards Bay. Located here are campgrounds, trails, and a bustling downtown scene. You can find some incredible seafood in the many restaurants and clam shacks in the area. A little further down the road is Onset Point, which offers the quintessential Cape Cod experience on the Massachusetts mainland.   Just north of the ballpark, the village of Sandwich offers more fantastic seafood, ice cream and sandy beaches. Just be warned that the traffic in this area can be intense, especially on weekends and during peak tourist season. Give yourself plenty of extra time to get around town, especially if you need to travel over either of the bridges that span the canal.   Fans 3   The combination of success on the field and the completion of the seating areas around Doran Park has helped increase attendance in recent seasons. Over the past three seasons the Braves have averaged over 1,300 fans per game. This has placed Bourne seventh in the Cape League each season, an improvement over previous years when they would typically bring up the rear of the league.   Fans here are typical of those you would find elsewhere on the Cape, with a mix of locals and tourists taking in the action. As with other ballparks in this league, crowds grow as the season wears on into the meat of the tourist season. If you wish to avoid the larger crowds, get to a game in June, before school lets out and the heavy tourist season begins. Part of the fun of watching games on the Cape is the people watching, including the many young fans in attendance chasing foul balls around the facility.   One thing to know about Cape League fans: while they are enthusiastic and knowledgeable, they are hardly cutthroat. The typical Cape League fan is laid back and interested in watching some of the highest quality summer ball in the nation. Great plays by both teams are met with appreciation and applause. Sportsmanship rules the day on the Cape.   Access 4   The most difficult aspect of reaching Doran Park is dealing with Cape Cod traffic during the height of the summer tourist season. Since Doran Park is located close to the only access points onto the Cape (Bourne Bridge and Sagamore Bridge), fans will need to fight the ever-present traffic just to get to the ball field. Once you arrive at Upper Cape Regional High School, access becomes much easier. Doran Park is located behind the school, with parking available in a large lot a short walk from the field.   The landscape around Doran Park has undergone some changes in recent years. It has taken some time, but the berm on the first base (visiting) side of the field has been finished. In front of the model homes that are used to learn HVAC and electric wiring skills is a magnificent, terraced berm. Most fans continue to sit on the third base (home) side of the park, where that berm provides plenty of room for fans to spread out their blankets or lawn chairs. The landscaping and floral designs that adorn the ballpark set Doran Field apart from its peers on the Cape.   The snack bar and rest rooms are located in the building located beyond the dugout. Fans who do not bring their own chairs are able to use the terraces as seating, so there are no metal bleachers to break up the aesthetic here. The team store has been moved from its longtime location underneath the press box to a trailer closer to the parking lot.   One issue fans will have with Doran Park is the fact that there are few unobstructed seats here. Netting runs down both baselines, and thick support poles obstruct views. The dugouts, with their sloping roofs, block more views, and the snack bar takes up some prime real estate on the third base line. For unobstructed views, fans will need to sit far down the baselines, beyond the dugouts and snack bar.   Return on Investment 5   As is the case with all Cape Cod League games, there is no charge for admission at Doran Park. The team will happily accept a donation for admission in exchange for roster sheets, a media guide and a Cape League Magazine. Free parking is also available in the large lot at the high school. Seasoned fans will bring their own refreshments, making it possible to take in the action featuring some of the best collegiate players in the country without spending any money. Even if you purchase refreshments, the prices are reasonable.   Extras 2   In 2024 a total of 415 Cape Cod League alumni played in the Major Leagues. This means that one out of every four players to play in the Majors spent a summer on the Cape. If you are going to a game here, you’re not seeing a few guys who might make it someday, you’re seeing an All-Star game every night of the summer.   Another interesting fact about this field is that much of the work done in building the ballpark, from construction to electrical work to wiring, was done by students. It seems fitting since Doran Park is located at a technical high school.   Final Thoughts   The Cape Cod League is considered to be the premier summer collegiate baseball league in the nation. With one out of every four major leaguers today able to trace his roots to the Cape, the numbers bear out this claim. While the talent is certainly Major League, the feel at the ballparks is small town. This is certainly true in Bourne, where the entire facility has been designed, built and maintained by the students at the technical high school on site.   Follow Paul Baker’s stadium journeys on Twitter  and Instagram  @PuckmanRI.

Photos by Paul Baker, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.43 Guv Fuller Field 790 Main St Falmouth, MA 02540 Falmouth Commodores website Guv Fuller Field website Year Opened: 1964 Capacity: 8,000 Easy Like a Sunday Morning   Organized baseball has been played in the town of Falmouth since before the Civil War. The first report of an organized game in town was reported by the Barnstable Patriot in 1857. Teams representing towns across Cape Cod played against each other throughout the late 19th and early 20th century. Central Park Field, located just steps from the ocean in Falmouth Heights, served as the home of the Falmouth teams until the 1960s. The official “Cape League” began play in 1923. Leagues came and went over the following decades, undergoing numerous forms and with numerous teams representing towns until 1963, when the NCAA officially sanctioned the league.   In 1964 the Commodores moved from the waterfront to a new home at Guv Fuller Field, located in downtown Falmouth. Guv Fuller Field was constructed in the 1930s in conjunction with the Work Projects Administration. The field was dedicated in 1952 in honor of Elmer E. “Guv” Fuller, longtime coach and athletic director at Falmouth’s Lawrence High School. Fuller’s nickname referenced 1920s Massachusetts Governor and Falmouth native Alvin Fuller, who remained a figure in Falmouth High School athletics until his retirement.   In 2004 the baseball diamond was named in honor of Arnie Allen, who began his association with the Commodores at the age of seven as a bat boy. Allen remained with the club for 46 years, serving mostly as the team’s equipment manager. He received the Cape League’s initial Lifetime Achievement Award in 2002.   In the modern era of the Cape League, which is generally considered to have begun in 1963, the Commodores have won six titles. Their most recent title was won in 1980. Dozens of Major Leaguers have played in Falmouth over the years. Some of the more notable players to play in Falmouth include Baseball Hall of Famer Pie Traynor, Darin Erstad, Tino Martinez, Jeff Weaver and Adley Rutschman.   Food & Beverage 2    The Commodores operate a concession stand in the old football press box building far down the right field line. A decent menu is served here, with chicken tenders, hot dogs, empanadas, burgers and veggie burgers available. Fans can also grab some french fries, a fried dough, or an ice cream treat to enjoy during the game.   Cans of Coca-Cola products and water are available at the concession stand. You may be wondering, did he just say “cans” of water? Single-use plastic has been outlawed in the town of Falmouth, so cans it is at Fuller Field.   Fans are welcome to bring their own drinks and snacks to Cape League games. No alcoholic beverages are allowed.   Atmosphere 3   The atmosphere at Fuller Field is similar to most Cape League ballparks. Going to a Cape League game is a bit like stepping back in time. Absent is much of the noise and distraction present at so many ballparks today. The game on the field is the focus here. Music is only played between innings, and PA announcements during the game are limited to lineup details and the occasional sponsor announcement. A small scoreboard in left field shows basic game information. Fans looking for some Commodores swag will find a good assortment of gear in the team store behind home plate.   There are some features here at Fuller Field designed to entertain the more casual fan. There is a game area behind home plate featuring a cornhole setup and a fast pitch booth. There is a large video screen on the side of the press box building should you want to catch a replay or find yourself on the broadcast. Team staff roam the crowd selling 50/50 tickets. On the Cape, more than just a cash prize is up for grabs. Several local sponsors put up prizes for the daily raffle. A mascot named Homer, a person dressed in a Commodores uniform with a giant baseball head, participates in the day’s festivities as well.   Neighborhood 5   The town of Falmouth has a year-round population of over 32,000 residents, making it the second-largest municipality on Cape Cod. Fuller Field is located just off of Main Street, tucked in behind the Police Station, Senior Center and Community Center. Downtown Falmouth is less than a mile from the ballpark. Visitors to the area will definitely want to check out the walkable downtown, which is filled with restaurants, shops and hotels. Also located here is a statue of Katherine Lee Bates, the author and poet best known for writing “America the Beautiful.” Be aware that the area will be crowded (and pricey) during the height of the tourist season.   Falmouth Heights is another popular destination in town. In addition to the aforementioned Central Park Field, the town beach is located here, as well as the finish line of the popular Falmouth Road Race. Woods Hole, is located a 15-minute drive away. Ferries to Martha’s Vineyard arrive and depart here, and an aquarium, waterfront restaurant and shops attract summer visitors.   Beyond the town of Falmouth, Cape Cod is filled with popular destinations, world class eateries and first-rate beaches. There’s no wonder this is one of the more popular summer destinations on the east coast.   Fans 3   Going to a game in Falmouth can feel like crashing a private party. It seems like everyone here knows everyone else. It’s not a bad thing, it’s just the close-knit nature of games on the Cape. These games are community events, and many people here have been involved with the teams for most of their lives. With the tight geographic footprint of the league, it’s not unusual to see a good turnout from visiting fans as well. If you would like to avoid the larger crowds and busier traffic of the summer tourist season on Cape Cod, plan to visit earlier in the season, before the tourist crowds hit the area.   The Commodores generally land in the middle of the Cape League attendance rankings each season, drawing about 1,500 fans per game to Fuller Field. You’ll find a mix of locals, tourists, die hard baseball fans and families out to enjoy an affordable evening of entertainment.   Access 4   Fuller Field is located just off of Main Street near downtown Falmouth. Main Street, also known as Route 28, is the main drag that runs along the south coast of Cape Cod from the Bourne Bridge to the Orleans Rotary. The ball field is tucked in behind a municipal complex. The recently renovated parking lot here contains ample parking for the typical Commodores crowd. Visiting fans will find the rest rooms for the facility inside the Community Center. Plan ahead, it’s a bit of a hike from the bleachers.   Fans will enter Fuller Field in deep right field from behind the old football press box. The field is no longer used for football, but the football bleachers remain. The old wooden bleachers have been replaced with new aluminum bleachers. The old press box building is now the snack bar. Most fans will proceed towards the ball field, where both sides of the field contain bleachers and a berm. Many will settle in on the home (first base) side of Fuller Field. The berms here are not as large as at other Cape League fields, and are not terraced, so if you bring your chairs you’ll be looking to sit at the top or the bottom of the hill. Netting runs past the bases on both sides of the field. Seats further down the lines are free from obstructions.   Return on Investment 5   There is no charge to attend a Commodores game. The team will happily accept a donation, in exchange for which they will give you a program, rosters, and Cape League Magazine. Parking is free in the parking lot adjacent to the Community and Senior Centers. If you purchase food at the concession stand, prices are affordable.   Extras 2   In 2024 a total of 415 Cape Cod League alumni played in the Major Leagues. This means that one out of every four players to play in the Majors spent a summer on the Cape. If you are going to a game here, you’re not seeing a few guys who might make it someday, you’re seeing an All-Star game every night of the summer.   Behind the football bleachers in right field is an informational display describing the migratory patterns of the osprey and Falmouth’s Osprey Project, which strives to create safe nesting areas for these birds that are such a symbol of the Cape. If you look around Fuller Field, you’ll see several Osprey nests atop the light poles surrounding the field.   Final Thoughts   While Guv Fuller Field is rarely mentioned as being one of the better fields in the circuit, it shares many features with the most popular ballparks. Fuller Field’s location in downtown Falmouth makes it a destination location in a league filled with them. With all ten teams located within an hour of each other, there is no need to choose just one field during a visit to Cape Cod. It’s entirely possible to visit them all in a short period of time.   Follow Paul Baker’s stadium journeys on Twitter  and Instagram  @PuckmanRI.

Photos by Paul Baker, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.86 Joseph L. Bruno Stadium 80 Vandenburgh Ave Troy, NY 12180 Tri-City Valleycats website Joseph L. Bruno Stadium website Year Opened: 2002 Capacity: 6,500 The Show at The Joe   The Tri-City ValleyCats were victims of the Great Minor League Contraction of 2021. The team, which began play in 2002, were members of the New York-Penn League from their inception until the folding of the league. During their time in affiliated ball, the ValleyCats qualified for the NYPL playoffs nine times (a league record) and won three championships.   After being bumped from affiliated baseball, the franchise announced that it would be joining the independent Frontier League. In their first four seasons in the Frontier League, the ValleyCats have qualified for the playoffs once, in 2024. Even though the team has been out of affiliated baseball for half a decade, they still boast that 116 players went from “The Joe to The Show.”   The “Tri-Cities” are the three New York Cities that make up New York State’s Capital District: Albany, Troy and Schenectady. The home of the ValleyCats, Joseph L. Bruno Stadium, is located on the campus of Hudson Valley Community College in Troy. The ballpark is named in honor of the New York State Senator who helped secure funding for the facility.   Food & Beverage 5   The two main concession stands are located on either side of the stadium entrance. Standard arena fare passes through these windows, as the menus in these stands consist of burgers, chicken tenders and hot dogs. All the expected snacks can be found here as well (french fries, nachos, pretzels, cotton candy, peanuts, etc.). There’s a good selection of beverages here, from hot beverages for those cold early-season nights, to a complete selection of sodas and beers.   Where Bruno Stadium shines is in the myriad small stands and food carts that line the concourse down both foul lines. Hungry ValleyCat fans will find anything they may need at these stands and carts, from coal-fired personal pizzas to your choice of traditional soft-serve or Mini-Melt ice cream. Vamos Tacos serves up a variety of Mexican favorites, from empanadas to burritos and tacos, to batting helmets filled with nachos.   Buddy’s Grill far down the right field line grills up sausage and pepper sandwiches, ½ pound burgers, bratwurst and salt potatoes. Down the left field line, Rowdy’s at the Joe and the Sam Adams Corner serve up drinks and snacks with dedicated tables and bar rails overlooking the field.   Coca-Cola products are featured at Bruno Stadium. Fans looking for an adult beverage will have no problem finding what they need at any stand in the ballpark. Check out the Taste of New York stand for wine or Vamos Tacos for margaritas. Fans of craft beer will undoubtedly head towards Brown’s Brewing, where a variety of locally brewed beers are sold, including the ValleyCats specialty beer, ValleyCats Pale Ale.   Atmosphere 4   As is the case with most minor league baseball teams, the staff of the ValleyCats do their best to fill the empty spaces in a ballgame with noise and activity to keep the casual and younger fans in attendance interested. The team holds a lot of the usual between innings games and contests, including dress like a ValleyCat, the pizza toss and more. Fans looking for swag can check out the information booth right by the entrance or the well-stocked team store.   Southpaw, the team’s mascot, roams the ballpark interacting with fans and taking part in the promotions. The sound system is good, and the emcee and PA announcer work in tandem to keep the action moving. There’s a well-stocked kids play area down the left field line for those younger fans needing to burn some energy. One drawback is the constant hum coming from the generator plant located just beyond the left-centerfield fence. It can be quite loud and distracting at times.   Neighborhood 3   Hudson Valley Community College is located in a mixed-use neighborhood on the outskirts of Troy, NY. Fans who haven’t visited Bruno Stadium in a while will notice a lot of new development in recent years.   Directly across the street from campus is a small strip mall containing a few eateries and small shops. A few chain restaurants, including a Chili’s, a Denny’s, a Cracker Barrel and an Applebee’s, are located near I-90. Fans looking to stay near campus will find a Residence Inn, Holiday Inn Express and Suites, and a College Suites nearby.   Fans looking for a bit more local flavor can head to downtown Troy, located a ten-minute drive away, or downtown Albany, a 12-minute drive away. Visiting fans looking to complete the Capital District trifecta will have to take a half hour drive to reach downtown Schenectady.   Fans 4   In 2024, the ValleyCats set a high-water mark for attendance since joining the Frontier League, drawing over 3,000 fans per game. This ranked the team third in the circuit. The strong numbers have continued thus far in 2025. The 3,000 fan milestone is an important one, as it has been identified by team ownership as necessary to ensure the viability of the franchise. However impressive this figure may be, it still lags a bit behind what the ValleyCats drew during their affiliated days. In 2019, the team’s last season in the New York-Penn League, the ValleyCats averaged 3,800 fans per game.   A crowd in Tri-City will look very familiar to fans who attend minor league baseball games regularly. There’s a good mix of dedicated die-hard fans, fans with a personal connection with the team (family members, host families), groups and families enjoying an affordable night of entertainment at the ballpark. There’s a good buzz going on in The Joe, and fans are into the action.   Access 4   Bruno Stadium is located on the eastern edge of the Hudson Valley Community College campus in Troy, NY. The campus, located on the southern edge of the city in a neighborhood with a suburban feel, is easily accessible if driving, as it is located near the intersection of Interstates 90 and 787. Once on campus, fans can arrive at the ballpark via either the North Drive or South Drive entrance. Bruno Stadium is located at the far end of the campus at the top of the hill, just be aware of the speed dips as you navigate campus roads. Fans taking public transportation can take the Capital District Transit Authority’s  85 or 224 buses to campus.   Fans can park in one of several lots located adjacent to the ballpark. The lots closest to the park are reserved for season ticket holders. The entry plaza to The Joe contains the ticket offices and team store. Fans will enter the ballpark directly onto the main concourse behind home plate. This concourse stretches from deep left field around to deep right field. Due to the presence of numerous portable carts and extra stands throughout Bruno Stadium, getting around the ballpark can be difficult at times.   Since The Joe is a fairly large ballpark, fans will have many choices for where to take in the action, including a pair of berms on either end of the seating bowl, bar seating at certain points, and group areas. The park is still intimate enough that all seats have good views of the action. A pair of restrooms are located by the main entrance to the ballpark. They are on the smaller side, but are large enough for the typical ValleyCats crowd.   Return on Investment 5   Tickets for ValleyCat games start at just $8 for berm seats, with prices maxing out at $14 for premium box seats. Waiting until the day of the game to get your tickets will increase the price by two dollars.   Parking is free in the lots adjacent to the ballpark. With affordable concessions prices, a ValleyCats game is a very affordable entertainment option for Capital District baseball fans.   Extras 2   As you enter Bruno Stadium, you will be greeted by a mural listing all the players who played in Tri-City and made it to the Major Leagues. The team is proud to share that 116 players made it from The Joe to The Show. Homer’s Bar, located just inside the entrance to the ballpark, features a great view of the game from behind home plate and a mural displaying all the ValleyCats’ championships.   Final Thoughts   Even though The Joe was a victim of Minor League Baseball’s downsizing, it remains a solid facility, and an excellent addition to the growing Frontier League. Here’s hoping that Capital District baseball fans realize that the ValleyCats remain as entertaining as ever, and that the baseball played on the field might actually be better than what they saw in their affiliated days.   Follow Paul Baker’s stadium journeys on Twitter  and Instagram  @PuckmanRI.

Photos by Marc Viquez, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.86 Jack Ruhr Field 14221 240th St E Miesville, MN 55033 Miesville Mudhens website Jack Ruhr Field website Year Opened: 1961 Capacity: 600 Minnesota's Field of Dreams Take one look at Jack Ruhr Field and it all begins to seep in; the small ballpark located off a state road in tiny Miesville, Minnesota, is just off the beaten path, but close enough to the Twin Cities for a quick visit for any ballpark traveler. It’s the one town ballpark that everyone seems to mention as their favorite, even author Todd Mueller described it as the ‘ground zero for Minnesota baseball” in his book Town Ballparks of Baseball. Miesville has a population of 126 people and a history of baseball dating back to the 1920s when amateur games were played on farmland pastors around town. The current ballpark was constructed in 1961 after the league stipulated the town would lose its ball club if a new stadium was not constructed. A total of 25 local businessmen put up $100 to build a new stadium on five acres of land. What may be the most impressive part of Jack Ruhr Field is that everything from field manicuring, ballpark improvements, concession items, and routine maintenance are handled by a group of dedicated volunteers who rent the ballpark from the city. It costs $40,000 to $50,000 to operate the club and a bulk of that money comes from its annual banquet dinner and a bowling tournament that is held the weekend before the Super Bowl. However, the group has found a myriad of ways to improve the ballpark throughout the years. A recent event that attracted 1,200 customers to “The Jack” was a St Paul Saints barnstorming exhibition. The event helped pay to improve the flooring near the main entrance and concession area. Lights were added to the field in 1994 after being transported 174 miles away from the southwestern part of the state for a price of $15,000. A few years ago, a $25,000 twenty-two-foot scoreboard was erected due to a sponsorship from a nearby Treasure Island Resort & Casino. The Mudhens have captured seven Class B State Championships and have made 26 playoff appearances in the State Amateur Baseball Tournament. The president of the club for the first five state championships was Jack Ruhr, who was also instrumental in the construction and maintenance of the field. In 1990, the stadium was renamed in his honor and a plaque near the concession stands is a reminder of his legacy. Food & Beverage 4 The small concession stand offers cheap prices and the best brats in all of baseball. The smoked brats are specially made for the ball club by Greg’s Meats in nearby Hampton, Minnesota, and cannot be found anywhere else. They are finely ground and seasoned a bit differently than your normal brat. After one bite, it would be hard not to order another one before you leave for the night. The ballpark also has award-winning hot dogs, also made by Greg’s, that are grilled up to perfection. They are locally made and have a natural casing and make a perfect snap when you bite into them. There are also dollar bags of fresh popcorn that some say is the best of the town ballparks. The best part is that the prices are inexpensive with brats selling for $4, hot dogs for $3, hamburgers for $4, nachos for $3, and candy and Coca-Cola products for a buck. There are also six different cans of beers and Mike’s Hard Lemonade on sale for $3. The ever-popular Michelob Golden Light is among the most popular beer choice. Atmosphere 4 The 600-capacity ballpark offers covered grandstand seating behind home plate, open-air bleacher seating down the first base line, and one row of stadium seating between both dugouts. The right field and left field lines offer grass seating, except for a picnic area down the left field line. The outfield walls are decorated with local advertisements with corn fields in the back of the right, adding a “Field of Dreams” quality to the ballpark. St. Joseph’s Catholic Cemetery lies east of the stadium’s parking lot and Miesville Fire Station on the opposite side. The dirt parking lot offers enough parking space for cars and includes a championship placard of the club’s championships on the way to the entrance of the field. The concession stand is a popular spot located behind the Mudhens dugout; the small space offers a selection of food and it’s hard not to leave full from the tastiness of the brats, popcorn, and beer. There is also an area for team shirts and caps to the right of the area where there is also a memorial plaque to Jack Ruhr. The press box features at times radio broadcasts for both home and visitors, especially if the rival Red Wing Aces are in town for a game. They usually bring in a crowd from just 15 miles down the road. There is also no love lost between these two foes; it’s a storied rivalry. The crowd is friendly, easy-going, and will conjure up a few conversations about baseball with an out-of-town ballpark hunter like myself. When you settle into a game with a beer and brat in hand and find yourself a seat underneath the grandstand, there is not much different than being at a college or professional baseball venue. Neighborhood 3 Miesville is a town of 126 people, but there are two iconic restaurants near the ballpark. Kings Bar & Grill is among the top burger destinations in Minnesota and features well over 75 different types of burgers from the Bat Girl (peanut butter and jelly), Sacrifice (corn beef, sliced ham, bacon, cheddar, and sour cream), and the Pick Off (shredded pork, barbecue sauce, coleslaw, and gouda cheese). It is also a great place for beer and cocktails and an ideal hang-out destination before or after the ballgame. Wiederholt’s Supper Club is under the fourth generation of ownership and just as close to the ballpark. A few of its popular entrees include prime rib, steak, lobster tail, baby back ribs, and chicken Kiev. The fish burger walleye is another popular choice. Miesville is also near the river towns of Red Wing and Hastings, both places offer antique shops, small restaurants, breweries, parks, trails, and scenic views of the Mississippi River. Treasure Island Resort & Casino is the second largest hotel in Minnesota offering 788 rooms, The Lagoon water park and Wave Spa, an indoor and outdoor concert hall, a 24-alley bowling alley, an arcade, and a lounge. Fans 5 There was a high percentage of rain during our visit to the ballpark and the weather had canceled the previous game a few days ago, but the covered grandstand was packed with fans for the 2 pm start. Many of them have been coming to games for many years and have stories to tell about the men who have suited up in a Mudhens uniform. To say they are knowledgeable would be an understatement; they know the game and they know it well. Access 4 Jack Ruhr Field is located on Route 61 and is about a 45-minute drive from the Twin Cities. Its location is off the main interstate, but the state roads of Minnesota get you to town rather quickly. Inside the ballpark, it is easy to get around from the grass seating down both outfield lines. Return on Investment 4 The price of a ticket is three dollars, the parking is free of charge in the dirt lot behind the right field corner, and concession prices are all under four dollars. Watching amateur baseball with a dedicated fan base and enjoying great conversations is well worth the price of admission. Extras 3 Jack Ruhr gets a point for cooking the best brats in all of baseball–minor league and major league. Many of the town ballparks offer locally made products, but the taste of these brats is the best in the business. Jack Ruhr gets a second point for the volunteer support who put in an effortless amount of time to ensure the ballpark is well maintained from cutting the grass, lining up the field, stocking the concession stand, and other routine repairs. Their work pays off for the many visitors who take in a game each summer. Jack Ruhr gets a final point for having Kings Bar & Grill just down the street; if you are planning a night out at the game and then burgers afterward–or before–it does not get much better than baseball, burgers, and beers in Miesville. Final Thoughts When I first traveled to Minnesota two years ago to visit town ballparks, Miesville always came up with my discussions with fans at the other ballparks in the state. My interest further peaked with Todd Mueller’s book a few months later. Perhaps, if you had one town ballpark to visit and you were located in the Twin Cities, Miesville might just be your place. .

Photos by Marc Viquez, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.00 Bob Warn Field at Sycamore Stadium 931 N 1st St Terre Haute, IN 47807 Terre Haute Rex website Bob Warn Field at Sycamore Stadium website Year Opened: 1978 Capacity: 2,000 The Kings of Baseball in the Wabash Valley Professional baseball has a long history in Terre Haute, dating back to 1884; from 1901-1956, the city regularly fielded minor league teams in the Three-Eye League, a Class B Loop considered one of the finest in the nation. However, midway through the 1956 season, the Terre Haute Huts closed up shop, and a little over a decade later, its ballpark was drastically altered as a football-only facility. For many, it appeared that summer-time baseball would never return, but early this century, many began wondering if some form of baseball could return to the city. Soon, a feasibility study was conducted from a Sports and Recreation class at Indiana State University in 2005, and talk of baseball began percolating again in the Wabash Valley. Around the same time, discussions of renovating the ISU baseball field also developed; within four years, the new and improved Bob Warn Field at Sycamore Stadium debuted for the 2009 season. It was built in 1978 and called Sycamore Field. Warn coached the baseball team from 1976-2006, leading them to six conference championships and an appearance in the 1986 College World Series. The Rex were originally founded by the ISU Foundation in 2010 and sold to six local business people in 2013, who all had ties to the university. Today, it is owned by Wabash Valley Baseball LLC. The name Rex is an homage to Rex Coffee, which was first produced in town by Clabber Girl in 1905. The unique name is a nod to past team monikers, including the Tots, Huts, Stags, Terry-iers, and Awkwards. The Rex have won five division titles and have added two Prospect League titles in 2015 and 2018. Food & Beverage 3 There is one concession area near the main entrance of the stadium. There is not an abundance of choices, and prices are from moderate to high. The area is behind the seating concourse and away from the seating bowl. The options include hot dogs, brats, burgers, chicken sandwiches, nachos, and pretzels. They are all offered in a combo form, including a drink and a bag of chips. Pepsi products are sold, and beer is available either on draft or can. Options include Bud and Bud Light, Michelob Ultra, and Bush Light. Hard alcoholic seltzers and Cutwater varieties are also at the concession stand. Atmosphere 3 The stadium incorporates a salmon stucco exterior design and features a main grandstand and aluminum bleacher seating along the first base side. Blue plastic seat back chairs are situated behind the backstop. Fans enter the stadium behind the right field foul line. This is where you will find the box office, concession stand, restrooms, and merchandise tent. The right field bleachers and grandstand are separated by the visiting team's dugouts. There is no bleacher seating on the left field line, but there is access for fans to watch the game along the fence. The stadium expands to 2,000 for Rex games, and the club does its best to provide a minor league-style atmosphere for the fans who attend each game. It is a step back to a simpler type of wood bat ball and does not feature too many annoyances that might strike a chord with traditionalists. The Rex play on a FieldTurf infield and natural grass outfield.  The Rex attracts a pleasant crowd to their home games. A merchandise tent that offers quite a few different styles of attire, from caps to shirts to sweaters with the Rex logo. A kid's bounce house is behind the area, with a few stools and tables overlooking the right field line. Neighborhood 3 The stadium is north of campus and is adjacent to a cemetery. Before renovations, the tombstones were highly visible from behind the outfield walls. The stadium sits on 3rd Street, the main artery of town, where you will find a collection of local proprietors and national restaurant chains. The stadium is nearly three miles north of I-70, where many of these options are, but downtown Terre Haute is close and has the potential to become a burgeoning hot spot in town. The Candles Holocaust Museum and Education Center was created in 1995 by Holocaust survivor Eva Mozes. The impressive museum features holograms of her memories and stories that visitors can view as if she is still with them. The cost is only $8 a person for adults and is well worth your time when in town. The Terre Haute Children’s Museum is also worth a visit with the little ones, $9 for admission. The Sycamore Winery is not too far from the ballpark and is set on beautiful grounds where visitors can enjoy both wine and beer brewed on-site. The best options are nearby downtown. M Moggers is a venerable establishment that offers typical pub food and drinks across the street from the Terre Haute Brewing Company. A tad bit down the road is J Gumbo’s - my destination for cheap eats and creative thinking; try the Black and bleu dip with nachos, bumblebee stew, Cajun nachos, Jean Lafitte po’boy, creole ratatouille. Rick’s Smokehouse & Grill is another option for smoked ribs and pulled pork. Terre Haute is near other Prospect League clubs in Danville and Lafayette. Danville Stadium  and Loeb Stadium  are two other Prospect League facilities offering lovely vibes during the summer months. Another ballpark, Victory Field , is located a little bit over an hour in downtown Indianapolis and is one the best in the minor leagues. Fans 3 The Rex attracts a collection of casual and dedicated fans to the ballpark. Many come out to enjoy the winning baseball by the club, and many others find it a great way to entertain the kids or socialize with friends during the summer months. The ballpark is never fully packed, but they are impressive in numbers at times that bring a livelihood to the place. Access 4 Bob Warn Field is two and a half miles north of I-70. The best way to get there is to exit onto 3rd Street from the interstate and continue north. You will pass the campus to your right, and once you cross over the bridge, the stadium is on your left. The parking is free and close to the entrance of the stadium. Return on Investment 3 Tickets to Rex games are as low as $8 for adults and $5 for youths. The price of a backstop grandstand seat is $10, reserved seats are $12, and scout seats up against the field are $15. There is a charge to park on the paved lot outside the entrance, but ample free parking on the asphalt lot across the street. Food prices consist of $3 regular hot dogs to $8 cans of domestic beers. Extras 2 Bob Warn Field earns a point for offering team programs for $3, including raffle numbers inside for prizes throughout the game. A second point is for the abundant collection of merchandise with the stylish Rex logo. Final Thoughts Whether it's spring college games or summer collegiate wood-bat baseball, Bob Warn Field in Terre Haute is a great spot to enjoy the action. ------ 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: 3.14 Optimist Park 805 Northclift Drive Raleigh, NC 27609 Raleigh Red Oaks website Optimist Park website Baseball Beneath the Red Oaks The Raleigh Red Oaks are a summer collegiate baseball team playing in the Old North State League, which features 24 teams, all but one off which are located in North Carolina. The Red Oaks play their home games at Optimist Park, a city park in Raleigh. Adjacent to the main stadium are several other baseball fields used by youth organizations, as well as a swimming pool, a climbing wall, and more. The Red Oaks were originally known as the Oak City Gliders, but came under new ownership in late 2024 and changed their name to the Raleigh Red Oaks. The team leans heavily into squirrel imagery, as is depicted in their logo. Food & Beverage 3 There is one concession stand located out of a snack shack at Optimist Park down the first base line. It mostly sells snacks such as candy, popcorn and chips, although hot dogs are also available. To drink, you can choose from bottled water, Gatorade, soda, or non-alcoholic beer. Prices are reasonable, with nothing costing more than $5. Fans can also bring their own food and drink, with the exception of alcohol. This score does get brought up a notch by the food promotions the Red Oaks sometimes stage to supplement the menu. This could be anything from bringing in a local food truck to giving out free donuts. Check the Red Oaks' social media for more details. Atmosphere 4 The Red Oaks' baseball field is located in a secluded, woody area of the larger municipal park that, like the baseball field itself, is called Optimist Park. There is wooden, amphitheater style seating on ledges behind home plate, and many fans elect to bring their own chairs and sit at the top or bottom of the seating area as well. Wherever you sit, you will have an excellent view of the action, although not necessarily a comfortable one. You will be watching through a fence rather than netting, but it is not particularly obstructive. A scoreboard in right-centerfield shows the linescore and other basic information. The Red Oaks have several promotions in between innings to keep fans engaged, such as dancing to the Y.M.C.A. song. There are also several promotional nights throughout the year such as 80s Night which offer extra fun, so check the team's social media for more information on when those are planned. Fans are not permitted to keep foul balls, but can return them to the concession stand for a free popsicle. Kids love chasing after balls to claim their prize. Neighborhood 3 Raleigh is a nice enough city, but Optimist Park is located in a residential neighborhood far from most of the action. If you head south along Six Forks Road a few miles towards I-440, you will find that the North Hills area has a lot to offer. From steakhouses to burgers to tacos to sandwich shops, you will find a lot to eat or drink here. It is a few miles from the stadium, but you will likely go through it on your way to and from the ballpark coming on or off the highway. Fans 3 The Raleigh Red Oaks will draw a hundred or so fans for a typical home game, which given the small size of the seating area is a reasonable crowd. The fans can get involved at times, but at other times it will be pretty silent here. The Red Oaks have a loyal but small fan base that is passionate, yet friendly. Since kids under 12 get in for free, you will find a lot of families here, but people of all ages attend from the very young to the very old and everywhere in between. Access 2 Optimist Park is located in a residential neighborhood a few miles off I-440 and several other interstates that serve Raleigh. Follow the signs on Northclift Road to the Red Oaks parking - GPS apps will frequently misdirect you to the wrong area of the park but the signs will get you where you need to be. The lot should not fill up, but if it does, you can park in one of the others. Restrooms are located back by the parking lot, a couple minutes walk from the seating area. They are clean and sufficient for the crowds, but it will take a few minutes to walk there so plan accordingly. Return on Investment 5 Admission to Raleigh Red Oaks games is just $10, with kids under 12 getting in for free. Parking is free and concessions are highly affordable, if limited. Overall, a Raleigh Red Oaks game is an excellent value. Extras 2 Look for the merchandise table selling Red Oaks gear right next to the concession stand down the first base line. A second star for all the friendly and helpful staff. Final Thoughts The Raleigh Red Oaks have made their quaint home at Optimist Park. A visit here is a chance to see a baseball game in a scenic, bucolic, and unique setting at an affordable price. While it may not be as fancy as many other ballparks in the area, Optimist Park is still a great place to spend a warm summer's night watching some baseball.

Photos by Matt Colville, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.57 Trustmark Park 1 Braves Way Pearl, MS 39208 Mississippi Mud Monsters website Trustmark Park website Year Opened: 2005 Capacity: 8,480 Trustmark Park Just Got Muddy In early 2024, it was announced that the Mississippi Braves would be leaving Trustmark Park and relocating to Columbus, GA, ending a two-decade run of Double-A baseball in the Jackson metro area. The announcement left a gaping hole in the hearts of baseball fans in Central Mississippi, and a void at Trustmark Park. Since its opening in 2005, Trustmark Park has given Mississippians a front-row seat to the rise of the Atlanta Braves’ brightest stars. Over the past two decades, fans in small-town Pearl got to watch the likes of Brian McCann, Freddie Freeman, Ronald Acuna, Ozzie Albies, Austin Riley, Max Fried, and Spencer Strider hone their craft on their journey to the show. The stadium became a proving ground for the South’s Baseball Team, the Atlanta Braves, and a cherished part of Mississippi’s sports identity. So, when the Braves announced their departure in 2024, it delivered a gut punch to the Jackson area’s sports scene, a region all too familiar with losing professional baseball. Before the Mississippi Braves there were the Jackson Mets (1975–1990), who packed up for Binghamton, and the Jackson Generals (1991–1999), who moved to Corpus Christi. Each exit left a void, but none of those losses felt quite as personal as losing the M-Braves. But out of the mud on the banks of the Pearl River, something new rose up to take the field. The Mississippi Mud Monsters of the independent Frontier League began play at Trustmark Park in May 2025, stepping in to fill the void left by the departing Mississippi Braves. The new team’s name pays tribute to the legendary catfish that lurk in the rivers and lakes of Central Mississippi, a region that proudly calls itself the “Catfish Capital of the World.” Now, an exciting new brand of baseball has taken over, and Trustmark Park didn’t just fade into silence – it just got a little muddier.   Food and Beverage   3 Trustmark Park features four full-service concession stands on its open-air concourse, meaning you never miss one pitch of the action. Ghoul’s Grill (1st base side) and Frank N’ Stein’s (behind home plate) feature the usual hamburgers, hot dogs, sausage dogs, and nachos with prices all below $10. Creature’s Kitchen, also behind the home plate area, features catfish and shrimp po’ boys for $8, or you can get a basket of catfish and shrimp for $9. Creature’s Kitchen also features a lighted picnic area with tables and umbrellas for you to sit down and eat your grub. Alternatively, on the first base side you can get Huey Magoo’s famous hand breaded chicken tenders – Huey Magoo’s is a new chicken joint started by some Ole Miss students, who call it the Filet Mignon of Chicken; it is also the official chicken of the Mud Monsters.  You can get their tasty tenders and fries on the first base side, but just make sure you dip them in Magoo’s Sauce. There is also the State Farm Bureau Grill, a full-service restaurant in right field, and only open for select games. Pepsi is the official soft drink provider of the Mud Monsters, while for alcohol selections there are plenty including premium and domestic beer. Nearby Southern Prohibition Brewery in Hattiesburg and Lazy Magnolia provide their local beers, offering plenty of their specialties and IPAs. Or if you need more choices, Frank N’ Stein’s has the largest selection of alcohol and beers on draft. One other thing to take note of is the Mud Monsters sell their own brand of hot sauce called “The Drip”. You can purchase a bottle of this hot sauce in the team store – with its Mud Monsters-themed bottle it makes a great collector’s item.   Atmosphere   4 From the moment you arrive at Trustmark Park – now proudly known as “The Swamp” – it’s clear the stadium has fully embraced its new identity. Gone are the tributes to Braves Country; in their place, bold Mud Monsters signage welcomes fans at every turn. The iconic Ronald Acuna mural at the main entrance has been replaced with a massive, eye-catching giant catfish, setting the tone before you even step inside. Throughout the stadium a swamp-inspired theme takes over, with green and black accents painted across the railings, wall pads, concession stands, and even the bathrooms, transforming the ballpark into a true home for Mississippi’s newest team. It’s remarkable to think Trustmark Park is just over 20 years old, considering how well it has aged. From the moment you step inside it’s evident the ballpark was ahead of its time; built during the early wave of modern stadiums that prioritized open-air, wraparound concourses and fan-friendly layouts. The park features two main entrances, one behind home plate and the primary entrance in right field. As you enter through the right field gates, you're immediately greeted by a spacious team store and a lively Fun Zone packed with inflatables. That concourse stretches from right field to left, offering uninterrupted views of the field from nearly every angle – whether you're grabbing a snack, browsing the team store, or watching your kids at the Fun Zone. With a seating capacity of 8,480, Trustmark Park is the second-largest ballpark in the Frontier League, yet its design ensures an intimate feel. All seats sit below ground level, tucked beneath the concourse, giving fans clear sightlines and ensuring there truly isn’t a bad seat in the house. One of Trustmark Park’s most fan-friendly features is its thoughtful design for comfort in the Mississippi heat. Nearly half the seats in the lower bowl benefit from the shade of the press box and the 24 luxury suites above, offering relief from the sun and shelter from the frequent summer downpours. The concourse is fully covered as well, providing protection from the elements throughout the stadium, with the lone exception being the open-air picnic area behind home plate. With dimensions of 335 to left, 402 to center, and 332 to right, Trustmark Park isn’t exactly a hitter’s paradise. The ball tends to stay true with minimal wind interference, making home runs hard to come by. Down the left field line, a shaded picnic pavilion offers table seating with umbrellas and a great view of the enclosed bullpen. Towering above center field is a massive HD videoboard measuring 28 feet by 68 feet – officially the largest in the Frontier League – delivering crystal-clear replays and crowd prompts, while beyond the outfield the backdrop is mostly residential, with a scattering of homes and a quiet road lining the edge of the facility’s view.   Neighborhood   3 Located just three miles east of downtown Jackson, Trustmark Park sits in the Jackson suburb of Pearl, right off Interstate 20. When it opened in 2005 the ballpark was the center of attention in what was once a wooded, undeveloped stretch of land. In the years since, however, the venue helped transform the area into a lively commercial hub, with shops, restaurants, and retail destinations cropping up around it. Directly across the street fans can explore The Outlets of Mississippi, the state’s largest outdoor shopping center featuring over 75 stores. From athletic gear at Nike and Under Armour to fashion finds at Forever 21, Coach, and Marshall’s, there’s something for everyone just steps from the stadium gates. In addition, next door is Bass Pro Shops and a Sam’s Club, while across the street sits Cavender’s Western Wear. And if you can't get enough Huey Magoo's inside Trustmark Park, there is another of their locations just across the street. You can also take the service road from Trustmark Park over to Exit 48 at Bierdeman Road; while most of the options there are familiar chains like Cracker Barrel and Waffle House, Frisco Deli is a family-run spot known for its hearty sandwiches and laid-back atmosphere. For nearby nightlife, your best option in the neighborhood is Alumni House, a relaxed bar inside the Holiday Inn next to Bass Pro Shop, great for unwinding with a drink after the game. Just steps away, Bass Pro itself offers a uniquely themed restaurant and bar, complete with towering fish tanks and large aquariums. There are also plenty of hotels lining the I-20 corridor in Pearl, so you don't have to venture into Jackson to stay overnight. For a livelier nightlife scene, your best bet is to head about 15 minutes west to Jackson’s Fondren District, known for its eclectic bars, live music, and artsy vibe. Also, while you're in the area don’t miss the chance to explore some of Jackson’s historic landmarks, including the old and new Capitol buildings and the Mississippi Sports Hall of Fame. And of course, if you're heading to a Mud Monsters game, make time to sample some of the best catfish Central Mississippi has to offer. Around the Jackson area local favorites include Harvey’s Fish House in nearby Brandon, Jerry’s Catfish House in Florence (you’ll recognize it by the giant igloo-shaped dome), and Cock of the Walk up at the Reservoir, known for its riverfront views. Or, do you want a true hidden gem? If so head about 30 minutes south to Mendenhall and track down Eason’s Catfish House, a no-frills, hole-in-the-wall spot – just remember the deeper into the woods you get, and the more run-down and rustic it looks, the better the catfish they serve.   Fans   4 Despite attendance slipping in the final years of the Mississippi Braves’ run in the Southern League, a loyal core of diehard fans still showed up night after night. Baseball has always had a strong pulse in Mississippi, and the departure of the M-Braves left a hole many thought couldn’t be filled. But then came the Mississippi Mud Monsters; in their debut season the Monsters have taken the field – and the community – by storm, drawing about 2,000 fans per game and proving there’s still plenty of life at Trustmark Park. Freed from the constraints of being a Braves affiliate, the Mud Monsters have carved out a unique identity of their own. With more creative freedom than a typical minor league club, they’ve embraced quirky, fan-friendly promotions that keep things fresh every night. Their mascot – a giant, lovable catfish named simply “Fish” – has become a fan favorite, constantly roaming the concourse and stirring up excitement during on-field contests. Also, in true off-the-wall Mud Monsters fashion, there’s even a pickleball court set up on the concourse, and fans can grab custom paddles from the team store to squeeze in a quick match while catching the game. The Mud Monsters have fully embraced their fishy identity, with plenty of catfish-themed contests between innings and throughout the concourse. Nearly every Saturday home game features a giveaway; at the most recent one fans received fishing bucket hats, personally handed out by a few of the players themselves. It’s also not uncommon to see players mingling with fans on the concourse, signing autographs, snapping photos, or even grabbing a bite at the concession stand. It all adds up to a charming, small-town baseball atmosphere, something that was often missing during the M-Braves era. So far, the Mud Monsters have been a home run with fans, and there’s hope this new independent team becomes a long-term staple in the Magnolia State.   Access   4 Getting to Trustmark Park is a breeze – if you’re coming from out of town, your best routes are I-20 or Highway 49. The ballpark sits just off the I-20/Highway 49 interchange at Exit 48 in Pearl. As you're driving along the interstate, you’ll spot the stadium nestled next to the giant Bass Pro Shop and the Outlets of Mississippi, right before the I-55 exit into Jackson. Once you take Exit 48, head north on Highway 49 for about half a mile. Then, hop onto Highway 80 and take the first right onto Bass Pro Drive. From there, Trustmark Park will come into view just ahead. Parking is very simple; the ballpark is surrounded by a massive lot with plenty of space, so finding a spot is rarely an issue. Parking is free here as well, which is always a plus. Once inside, the layout is spacious and fan-friendly. The wide concourse allows for easy movement without crowding, and there are drink rails and standing room areas throughout where you won’t block anyone’s view of the field. Even with a few concession stands closed during certain games, lines tend to move quickly and the staff keeps everything clean and organized.   Return on Investment   3 Tickets are easy to come by here, as Mud Monsters games rarely ever sell out. Sigle game tickets can be found for as low as $12 to sit on the outfield berm and in the general admission section, or up to $16 to sit in chairback seats behind home plate, extending to the first and third base dugouts. There are also 3 pavilions available to rent – the first and third base party decks and the picnic pavilion down in left field. I consider this a good return on investment – when the M-Braves left we didn’t know if baseball would continue at Trustmark Park, so just being able to still see baseball here is a plus. The small town feel and fun, fish-themed atmosphere is definitely something that wasn’t evident before.   Extras   4 Being able to play pickleball during Mud Monsters games is a plus; as far as I know this is the only minor league ballpark in the country with a pickleball court on the concourse. Also, if you’re looking to explore a slice of Jackson’s professional baseball past, a visit to the Mississippi Sports Hall of Fame – just five miles up the road – is well worth your time. It’s a must-stop for any sports fan and makes for a perfect pregame detour before heading to a Mud Monsters game. Inside you’ll find a dedicated exhibit on minor league baseball in Mississippi, featuring historic items like the original front office desk and chair used by J. Con Maloney, longtime owner of the Jackson Mets from 1975 to 1990. The museum also showcases vintage jerseys, trophies, and memorabilia from teams like the J. Mets, Jackson Generals, Mississippi Braves, and other clubs that have called the Jackson area home. One of the most anticipated events at Trustmark Park is the annual Governor’s Game between Ole Miss  and Mississippi State , a rivalry clash that always draws a packed house. Southern Miss  also typically makes an appearance each season, and tickets for any of these marquee college games tend to sell fast, as well as at a premium. In addition to hosting high-profile showdowns, Trustmark Park has been the home field for the Belhaven Blazers  baseball program since 2022; Belhaven University, a small NCAA Division III school, is located in downtown Jackson. And of course, another plus for all the past Braves players who have come through Trustmark Park on the way to the show. Over the years, fans in Pearl got a front-row seat to watch the rise of Braves greats like Ronald Acuna, Freddie Freeman, Ozzie Albies, Austin Riley, Max Fried, and Spencer Strider, and the Mud Monsters are definitely continuing the legacy left behind by the M-Braves.

The stars will be in alignment in the Atlanta area from July 12-15 as Truist Park will host the 2025 MLB All Star Week. The celebration gets underway on Saturday, July 12, with the All-Star Futures Game at 4pm in Truist Park. The two teams will feature some of the top high school and college baseball prospects with former Braves legend Andruw Jones and Hall of Famer Chipper Jones leading the two squads. The Futures game will be followed by  the Legends Celebrity Softball Game. Sunday, July 13 is set aside for the Gatorade All-Star Workout Day. Fans will have the opportunity to watch batting and fielding practice as both the American  and National League All-Star squads prepare for both the All-Star Game and the always exciting T-Mobile Home Run Derby. Monday, July 14 at 8pm will find a full house at Truist Park, as individual players will go through head-to-head competition to see who can hit the most home runs, as well as the longest home runs, Fans should bring their gloves, as balls will surely be flying out of the park on a regular basis that evening. The headline event, the 2025 MLB All Star Game, gets underway at 8pm in Truist Park. This will be the 95th edition of the Midsummer Classic, and the third to be played in Atlanta. The previous games in Atlanta took place at Atlanta-Fulton County Stadium and Turner Field. This year’s All-Star Week has one additional game scheduled as a pre-event. Atlanta is home to several HBCU’s (Historically Black Colleges and Universities), as well as being the hometown of Reverend Martin Luther King, Jr. The HBCU Swingman Classic will be held on Friday, July 11at 7pm in Truist Park. The game will pit top players from the both the SWAC AND MEAC athletic conferences against each other. The event will also feature a Divine Nine Step Show, as well as musical performances from two HBCU bands. All Star Weekend also features the Capital One All-Star Village at the Cobb Galleria Centre. The Galleria Centre is linked to Truist Park and the Battery Atlanta by a pedestrian bridge over I-285. The All-Star Village will feature dozens of interactive baseball activities, including batting cages as well as several skills-based competitions. Many MLB alumni will be on hand to sign autographs, pose for photos and to lead clinics for the kids. Mascots from most of the MLB teams will be in attendance to entertain the crowds as well. The All-Star Village will be a one stop shopping opportunity for all sorts of baseball memorabilia. Several ballpark food vendors will have stands set up in the Village to take care of fans appetites. The All-Star Village will be open from 10am-8pm on Saturday and Sunday, and 10am-6pm on Monday and Tuesday. Fans will also want to visit the stores, shops, restaurants and entertainment sites located in the Battery Atlanta, which is located just outside of the gates for Truist Park. This is a baseball-themed mixed-use facility with great food, nightlife and unique shopping opportunities that is open throughout the year. The Nike MLB Draft will take place in the Battery Atlanta on July 13. Tickets and other information about the 2025 All Star Weekend are available at www.mlb.com/all-star-week . Photos by Lloyd Brown and David Welch, Stadium Journey

Photos by David Welch, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.86 Tommy Baker Field 930 Marietta Highway Canton, GA 30114 Georgia Impact website Year Opened: 1957 Capacity: 4,000 Paint the Town Pink Georgia Impact is a soccer club based in Cherokee County, Georgia, fielding both boys’ and girls’ teams at the select, elite, and academy levels. The club joined the Women’s Premier Soccer League (WPSL) as part of its 2023 expansion, marking the return of the league to Georgia following Peachtree City MOBA’s departure in 2021. The WPSL is a summer semi-professional women’s soccer league with players comprised mostly of collegiate players or recent college graduates. Georgia Impact plays its home matches at Tommy Baker Field, located on the campus of Cherokee High School. The field was built in 1956 when the school opened and was dedicated in 1958 to Tommy Baker, a student who had been stricken with polio and tragically passed away after a wheelchair accident at the school. The club has a partnership with Rangers Football Club of Scotland, which provides training support through visits from Rangers Academy staff who work directly with Georgia Impact coaches and players.   Food & Beverage   3 A traditional high school concession stand is located beneath the main stands on the home side of the field, offering standard fare, hot dogs, pizza slices, chips, candy, canned Coca-Cola products, Powerade, and bottled water. As the stadium is located on public school grounds, alcohol is not served. A tent on the concourse also serves hand-grilled tacos and quesadillas. For something sweet, cups of watermelon with Tajín and Chamoy are available. In addition, the Kona Ice truck, with its endless flavors of shaved ice, is a hit with kids, especially as the match winds down.   Atmosphere   3 Tommy Baker Field is a standard high school football facility that is used for multiple sports. The turf is lined for football, soccer, and lacrosse. This does create a busyness to the pitch, but is rather standard for most high school facilities. With field houses at each end of the field, it gives the stadium a rather cozy feel. The nearside touchline is very close to the elevated seating area, creating obstructed views of plays along the sideline. Because of this, sitting either in the front row of the lower section of seating, or as high up as possible, will allow you to see action close to the stands. The stadium has just one scoreboard that is used to show match time and score, which is topped with a modest-sized videoboard that plays a live feed of the game, though that screen can be hard to follow the action on. The match presentation follows basic soccer customs, including kids walking out onto the pitch with the players for pre-match introductions. Half time of the match features skills competitions from Impact’s younger teams, as other members of the program fire t-shirts into the stands with their t-shirt cannon.   Neighborhood   3 Tommy Baker Field is on the campus of Cherokee High School. The field seems a bit out of sight directly behind the school’s basketball gymnasium. Cherokee High School is on Marietta Highway, the main thoroughfare through Canton. Dining along this route includes typical national and regional chains, but one location of interest might be Williamson Bros. Bar-B-Q, one of Atlanta’s highly regarded barbecue spots. For more of a small-town vibe, downtown Canton is a five-minute drive from the stadium, with local coffee shops, boutiques, and restaurants. The Mill on Etowah, a 120-year-old cotton mill once owned by golf legend Bobby Jones’ grandfather, has been converted into a lively community space with green space, a stage and visual screen, Reformation Brewery, and retail spaces. Beyond this area, Canton offers fewer attractions for visitors, but The Mill provides a vibrant local feel.   Fans   2 (Note: This latest review was conducted during a significant rainstorm, which likely affected attendance.) There is no formal supporters’ group here, though younger players in the Georgia Impact system take on that role in spirit, banging on snare drums and occasionally setting off smoke bombs. However, this support is not sustained enough to strongly shape the match day atmosphere. For the most part, the fans at Tommy Baker Field appear to be family members of players, or the families of players in Georgia Impact’s pipeline. The team doesn’t seem to have been able to tap into the community much as of yet, though this does not necessarily lessen enjoyment of the contest.   Access   3 Cherokee High School is accessible via Interstate 575 from Atlanta, or from Highway 515 north of Canton. Traffic coming from the north is rather inconsequential, but if coming from the south, 575 can be a patience tester due to the influx of rush hour traffic during the evening commute to the suburbs. If using GPS to navigate to Tommy Baker Field, the directions likely lead to the less convenient parking lot. Instead, using the entry point at the traffic light and parking next to the gymnasium leaves the easiest access to the stadium. Inside the stadium, a walkway runs behind the home bleachers, connecting both ends. The field-level concourse divides the upper and lower seating sections. While the away side bleachers behind the benches are accessible, most fans sit on the home side.   Return on Investment   4 Tickets purchased online are reasonably priced and in line with other WPSL teams. After fees, general admission runs just under $11, with free entry for children. Parking is also free, making it a very budget-friendly family outing. Concession prices are what would be expected at a high school concession stand, e.g. $3 for pizza or a hot dog. The grilled tacos and quesadillas cost more, but offer good quality and value.   Extras   2 Following the match, the team throws miniature signed soccer balls into the stands. Though this seems like a small gesture, it goes along way in creating excitement with the younger fans in attendance. Georgia Impact has done well to try to ingrain itself locally; the team has hosted club bonding events and watch parties for the community at Reformation Brewery at The Mill on Etowah.   Final Thoughts Among the Georgia-based teams in the WPSL’s Peachtree Division, Georgia Impact appears to have a strong foundation and a clear vision for growth. Its women’s team plays an important role in advancing the professional pathway for female players in the region. With Cherokee High School preparing to relocate and the current campus transitioning to a career academy, it remains to be seen whether Tommy Baker Field will continue to serve as home to the Georgia Impact. Regardless, the club seems well-positioned for continued development and deeper community engagement as it continues to grow.

Photos by David Welch, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.57 Finley Stadium 1826 Reggie White Blvd Chattanooga, TN 37402 Chattanooga FC Women website Finley Stadium website Year Opened: 1997 Capacity: 20, 421 One City, One Club, One Love Chattanooga FC (CFC) was founded in 2009 as a men’s soccer team, but has since grown into a multi-team club. Along with its men’s squad , CFC launched a women’s summer semi-pro team in 2014, competing in the Women’s Premier Soccer League (WPSL). After going on hiatus following the 2018 season during a club reorganization, the women’s team returned in 2022 and continues to compete today. The club will also debut a developmental team, Chattanooga FC 2, in the fall of 2025. CFC Women plays in the Peachtree Division of the WPSL and are the only team in the five-club division located outside of Georgia. Founded in 1998, the WPSL is the longest-running active women’s soccer league in the country and, with 140 teams as of 2025, the largest.   Food & Beverage   3 Only one concession stand is open during CFC Women matches, but the menu covers the basics well; burgers, hot dogs, and fries headline the options. Beverages come from the Coca-Cola line of soft drinks and include Powerade and bottled water. Saturday matches may see a greater variety of food, depending on expected attendance. Beer choices include Miller Light in cans or Michelob Ultra on draft. Those with a more adventurous palate might be more interested in the Tiny Bomb, or the Hutton & Smith Tectonic Sessions and Ingenous IPAs on tap. High Noon seltzers are also offered for those who prefer something lighter.   Atmosphere   3 Finley Stadium has a split-seating design with individual seating structures along both sidelines. For Chattanooga FC women’s matches, only select sections of the south stands are used, which does a good job concentrating fans into a central location in the stadium, toward midfield and close to the pitch. When considering ideal seats, there is little in the way of a bad seat. Weekday matches seem to have limited seating, but when looking at ticket availability for Saturday matches, those seem to allow access to the grassy berm at the east end of the stadium; this makes sense for a stadium the size of Finley given typical crowd sizes. Chattanooga FC has done well to make the stadium their own, with branded signage, crest-covered padding, and kiosks promoting both the men’s  and women’s teams. UT-Chattanooga , who also use the stadium, has minimal branding during pro match days. The stadium has two scoreboards, one at field level showing basic time and score information, as well as a large video board at the east end with a live match feed and score shown. The nature of soccer does not create a lot of downtime during the match that would typically be filled with fan interaction pieces, but the drums, horns, and chants from the Chattahooligans, Chattanooga FC’s supporter group, creates an engaging atmosphere for all, even if you are not seated in their section. Also, in line with the area’s railroad history, goals are celebrated with a blast of the stadium’s train horn. This adds a small, but personalized, touch to the experience at Finley Stadium.   Neighborhood   5 Finley Stadium is in the southern reaches of downtown Chattanooga in the West Village neighborhood. The neighborhood that directly surrounds the stadium is in the process of an ongoing renaissance – while it sits along the Tennessee River, West Village was once more of an industrial area with warehouses and foundries, but has now begun to develop into one of the up-and-coming parts of town. For example, First Horizon Pavilion was the one-time Ross-Meehan Foundry, which has now been converted to an open-air events space that typically sees weekend events. Just next door is Naked River Brewing Company, the unofficial pre-match gathering spot for the march down Reggie White Boulevard to the soccer stadium, while to the east is Southside Social, an “eat, drink, play” establishment with bowling and over half a dozen other games. Soon, the Chattanooga Lookouts’  South Broad District will be less than a mile away, just on the other side of I-24. Not only will this bring another high-profile piece of Chattanooga professional sports to the neighborhood, but along with it will come several shopping and restaurant options – this will complement the extensive entertainment choices that downtown Chattanooga already has to offer. Downtown Chattanooga is less than five minutes away and is often regarded as one of the top downtown areas in the United States. Attractions there include the Tennessee Riverwalk and Tennessee Aquarium, as well as Coolidge Park with its historic carousel. Dining ranges from upscale restaurants to gems like Main Street Meats, a butcher shop and restaurant combo; North Shore is another hotspot for niche eateries and coffee shops. Chattanooga has several museums, including the International Towing and Recovery Museum and Hunter Museum of American Art. The city is also rich in historical and cultural points of significance, with landmarks tied to key Civil War battles and the starting point of the Trail of Tears at Ross’ Landing, located just downhill from the soon-to-be-retired home of the Chattanooga Lookouts minor league baseball team,  AT&T Field . Just a short walk from Finley Stadium, the Hotel Chalet is on the grounds of the famed Chattanooga Choo Choo, while those a bit more attracted to outdoor adventures might want to check out Ruby Falls, Lookout Mountain, or Point Park, all offering stunning views of the city.   Fans   3 Fan turnout for CFC Women matches seems to draw roughly between 1,000 to 1,500 fans, and they tend to be actively engaged from kickoff to the final whistle. However, what is so special about the fan involvement here is the role the supporters' group, the Chattahooligans, play in setting a fun soccer atmosphere throughout Finley Stadium. With a club like Chattanooga FC who has teams that play in various leagues, including MLS Pro Next  and WPSL, as well as a team now that will compete in the United Premier Soccer League starting in the fall of 2025, the Chattahooligans come out to support not just one team, but the entire club, even on the road. Chattanooga FC is a publicly owned organization; this seems to create a deep tie between the fans and the club.   Access   4 Finley Stadium is conveniently located just off I-24, which runs south of downtown Chattanooga. The largest concentration of parking is on the north side of the stadium, with another lot adjacent to neighboring Chattanooga Market. Chattanooga also has a city-wide bike share program with a bike rack just outside the stadium’s north side, which definitely can be useful for locals or those staying nearby. For CFC Women matches the only entry point is the gates on 19th Street, closest to Reggie White Boulevard. Fans pass quickly through these gates with little to no wait time. Inside the stadium, access to the stands is a bit restricted, however, since fans are concentrated toward the center of the field, roughly from the 18-yard boxes on each end. While it can be a good place for younger fans to be able to run around a bit, the berm at the east side of the stadium is typically not accessible. Ticket availability for Saturday matches might change this, though, so make sure to check availability ahead of time for potential additional seating options. Despite not being able to access the entire stadium, access to the seats that are available is simple; they are easy to get in and out of. The only drawback is the pitch is not visible from the concourse.   Return on Investment   4 General admission tickets run just under $13, and reserved seats at midfield just over $16. If available, berm seating costs less than $10. When purchasing tickets, all prices include taxes and fees. Parking in the lots around Finley Stadium can run $6 to $8, depending on whether it is a weekday or weekend match; Friday games have weekend rates. There is some street parking in the area that is free after 6 pm, so getting to the stadium early can be rewarded with free street parking. Concessions here are well priced and not subject to super-inflated stadium prices.   Extras   3 Flags representing each of the nationalities of the CFC players fly along the side of the supporters’ section. After the match, the entire team rushes to the supporters’ section to celebrate and show their appreciation. Gestures like these go a long way in strengthening the bond between the team and the community, fueling the passion that drives every moment on the field. Chattanooga FC is in the process of completing their headquarters, which will be within walking distance of Finley Stadium – the headquarters facility will feature  office space for the club’s staff and coaches, apartments for the players, a training facility, retail space, a restaurant, and a rooftop bar. This development should go a long way in solidifying the soccer atmosphere of the neighborhood.   Final Thoughts Chattanooga FC’s WPSL team embodies the spirit of a grassroots organization, strengthened by the unwavering support of the community. Despite the challenges of creating an intimate matchday atmosphere in a large stadium, the club succeeds through its deep local roots and authentic connection with fans. The energy and passion of the Chattahooligans also plays a vital role – turning every game into more than just a sporting event, the supporter’s group becomes a reflection of the community’s pride in the Blue.

Photos by Gregory Koch, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.43 Durham County Memorial Stadium 750 Stadium Drive Durham, NC 27704 Tobacco Road FC website Durham County Memorial Stadium website Year Opened: 1958 Capacity: 8,500 Soccer on Tobacco Road Tobacco Road FC, based in Durham, North Carolina, competes in USL League Two, the fourth tier of soccer in the United States. USL League Two is primarily an amateur and semi-professional league featuring players 23 or younger, and most players are college-age or have recently exhausted their college eligibility and are hoping to receive a professional contract. Tobacco Road FC plays their home games at Durham County Memorial Stadium, an 8,500 seat facility that opened back in 1958 and was renovated in 2010. The stadium also hosts several other local high school and college teams, including Shaw College football , who plays their home games here despite being located in neighboring Wake County. Food & Beverage 2 There are several concession windows at Durham County Memorial Stadium, although only one was open when we visited and it closed at halftime. This stand served a pretty basic menu consisting of candy, popcorn, hot dogs, cookies, soft drinks, and bottled water. The cookies are called "Frisbee cookies", have sprinkles, and are quite large. Prices are reasonable with nothing being more than $5. Both cash and card are accepted but there is a $1 processing fee for using a card. There was also a sign on the concourse directing fans to a stand that supposedly sold fried Oreos, but no such stand existed in the direction the arrow was pointing. There was a tub containing soda bottles underneath the sign that someone could theoretically take and drink for free, although we don't recommend this as they had been sitting out in the Carolina heat for quite some time and were probably gross. Atmosphere 2 There are large sets of bleachers on each side of Durham County Memorial Stadium, although only one side is open for Tobacco Road FC games. With only a couple hundred fans in attendance for a typical home game, even this one set of bleachers is far too large, with the crowds spread out over a great distance. The setup is typical of a stadium from the 1950s in that it is a mix of concrete and metal. While this is a throwback to another era of stadiums, it was not an era known for having the best stadium designs. A running track surrounds the field, so even the front rows are not particularly close. They are also elevated, which is not a bad thing given the viewing angles. Since Durham County Memorial Stadium, hosts many different sports, there are a lot of different lines on the field. Just remember that soccer is the yellow ones and ignore the others. The field is oriented east-to-west rather than north-to-south like most other soccer stadiums. This means that the sun sets behind the goal on the left as you face the field and there will be no shade anywhere in the bleachers in the evenings until the sun sets. The sun will also be in your eyes as you look towards that goal, so bring wear a hat and sunglasses. It does provide some pretty spectacular views of sunsets though. There is not a whole lot going on here other than the game itself. Fans sitting up close will be able to hear the coaches at the nearby benches shouting at the players and referees and everything that is going on on the field. A scoreboard behind the goal to the right of the bleachers shows only the clock and team scores, although it pretty large for this level and seems capable of showing more elaborate things if they wanted it to. Neighborhood 3 Although Durham is a fine city, Durham County Memorial Stadium is located on the northern fringes of it, far from Downtown and the heart of the action. Duke University Hospital is right next door, but there is not much in the vicinity that you would actually want to visit. There are some chain places on nearby Roxbury Street, as well as Koumi Japanese Restaurant, but we recommend driving about ten minutes south to Downtown Durham where you will find many more options. Downtown is a fantastic area, but the fact that is so far away from the stadium with not much in between means the rating here is purely average. Fans 2 Tobacco Road FC drew a couple hundred fans for the game we attended, spread out throughout the giant set of bleachers. This is far from ideal, and those fans who did attend were mostly silent throughout the match. There was one kid in attendance blowing a noisemaker and squeezing a squeaky toy to cheer on her team, but other than that, it was very quiet. Part of this is that the layout of the stadium is just not conducive for good crowds, but even taking that into account, the crowd atmosphere here is not good. If Tobacco Road does start to draw crowds, there are plenty of seats to put them in here, but right now they are not. Access 4 Durham, North Carolina is easily accessible via I-85, I-885, and I-40, with Durham County Memorial Stadium located on the northern edge of the city. A large parking lot is available on the south side of the stadium. It is half-gravel, half-paved, but the paved part never fills up so you shouldn't have to drive on the gravel. There is a giant pothole in part of the lot that is roped off, preventing fans from getting through that part of the aisle, but you should be able to go around. Although there appear to be several gates to the stadium, most of them are actually exit only. You will enter on the left end by what are signed as ticket booths, although you actually buy your ticket at a table in the stadium itself if you did not buy it online beforehand (more on that in the next section.) There are several restrooms in the stadium which are more than sufficient for the crowds Tobacco Road FC draws. If they ever come close to selling out the stadium, the restroom capacity might pose a problem, but they do not have to worry about that right now. Return on Investment 4 Tickets to Tobacco Road FC games are just $10, an excellent deal. You can buy online in advance, but the single game ticket will not list any particular home game. Just show the receipt at the table as you come in and they will let you pass. Concessions are very affordable as well, if limited, and parking is free. A Tobacco Road FC game is an excellent value overall, but there isn't enough here to earn the top score. Extras 0 There are no real extras here unfortunately. Final Thoughts A Tobacco Road FC game isn't the fanciest experience, and Durham County Memorial Stadium is a classic 1950s stadium with little charm, but a visit here can still be a fun way to spend a summer night watching soccer at a low price. The team has potential to do a lot more than they are currently doing, and we hope that they will find opportunities to grow the fan experience here.

Photos by Marc Viquez, Stadium Journey If you fancy yourself in Louisville for the day, leave sometimes for an evening at the races. During June, fans can watch four races, hear live music, and enjoy food specials at Churchill Downs.  Twilight Thursday At The Downs opens at 5 PM and allows visitors the opportunity to walk around the spacious grounds, along with taking in the ambiance of the historic racetrack. The tickets are $10 at the box office, and the parking is free of charge. Eight races take place, and in between fans, can grab a bite to eat at one of the rotating local food trucks in The Paddock. Each week is different, but four trucks are parked near table tops. Along with the trucks, fans can enjoy $2 domestic beers and a selection of cocktails, with many featuring bourbon from Woodford Reserve. Live music is performed on the Paddock stage. Once it is post-time, visitors make their way to the general seating area of the Paddock, where they will place bets as low as 10 cents. The first race starts at 5 PM, and the last starts at 8:23 PM. As the thoroughbreds near the finish line, the roar of several thousand fans spread out in the box seats comes alive with anticipation. Many hope to go home a few dollars richer, but many enjoy the ambiance of the historic racetrack that has been housing horse racing since 1875. In between racing, fans can get an up-close look at the horses near the track. It is not uncommon to pet a few on the head as they make their rounds around the dirt track. Also, don’t hesitate to ask a few locals about the historic venue; they will be more than happy to give you information. The Southern hospitality is on display, and many show up wearing pink and yellow dresses along with large floppy hats. Once it is over, grab a souvenir at the gift shop near the entrance. The large store has a lot to choose from shirts, shot glasses, plaques, glasses, posters, and large floppy hats for men and women. The best part is that traffic moves smoothly out of the parking lot after the event has concluded. Other special events at Churchill Downs during the Spring Meet Events from May 8 to June 28 of this year include Downs After Dark on select Friday nights, Teacher Appreciation Day on June 19, and Stephen Foster Day on June 28.  When you have concluded your tour of the Louisville Slugger Museum, tasted enough bourbon at the Evan Williams Experience, or dined out somewhere in NuLu, head over to Churchill Downs for a nightcap. ------ Follow all of Marc’s stadium journeys on Twitter @ballparkhunter   and his YouTube channel .  Email at Marc.Viquez@stadiumjourney.com

Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.57 Empower Field at Mile High 1701 Bryant St Denver, CO 80204 Denver Broncos website Empower Field at Mile High website Year Opened: 2001 Capacity: 76,125 The Stadium with a Real Altitude The Denver Broncos are one of the most storied franchises in the NFL. They were one of the teams to join the NFL in the NFL-AFL merger and enjoyed great success , winning championships in both leagues. The team is a two-time Super Bowl Champion and appeared in the game on four other occasions. Empower Field at Mile High Stadium has a seating capacity of 75,125. It features 8,200 club level seats and 144 luxury suites. The seating bowl at the stadium is in the shape of a horseshoe in keeping with the team’s equine-based moniker. It features a ribbon board down each of the sidelines and a huge HD scoreboard at the south end of the stadium measuring 220’ X 40’. Open captioning is projected on 4 ribbon boards in each corner of the stadium for those with hearing impairments. Throughout their existence, the team has played in a venue known as Mile High Stadium in recognition of the field’s presence in the Mile High City and its elevation of 5,280 feet above sea level. This has always been an advantage of the home team, as visiting teams often have difficulty acclimating to the altitude and getting winded easily. The first Mile High Stadium was built in 1948 and served the team through 2001. The present facility opened in time for the 2001 season. In the era of corporately tagged stadiums, Mile High Stadium has been known as Invesco Field (2001-2011), Sports Authority Field (2011-2018), Denver Broncos Field (2017-2018) and its present name of Empower Field since the beginning of the 2019 season. The Mile High Stadium portion of the name has been retained throughout all these changes. This review was done prior to the rechristening of the stadium, when it was still Denver Broncos Field at Mile High Stadium. Food & Beverage 3 Mile High Stadium offers a wide variety of food and beverages to suit all tastes. They include nachos ($5), hot dogs ($5), brats ($9), cheesesteaks ($10), burgers ($9), pulled pork sandwiches ($10), pork belly BLT’s ($15), french dip sandwiches ($12), corned beef sandwiches ($15), chicken tenders ($9), pizza ($7.50), tacos ($10) and tamales ($8). Snacks include popcorn ($5), peanuts ($4.75) and pretzels ($5). The stadium offers Coca Cola brand sodas for $5, bottled water for $7.50, domestic beers for $7, premium beers for $9.25 and wine for $7.50. Atmosphere 4 The Broncos begin building a great atmosphere for the fans before you even enter the stadium. The south end of the complex includes the Sports Legend Mall, which is the ground zero for pregame tailgating. It includes space for vendors, a stage for musical entertainment and the Ring of Fame, which includes plaques honoring the elite Broncos of the past. As you move closer to the stadium you will encounter one of the centerpiece art installations at Mile High. The Stampede features seven bronco horses charging up an elevated stream similar to the waters found in the nearby mountains. Another defining feature at Mile High is located at the northern end of the complex. The Mile High Monument is a miniature replica of Mile High Stadium. It includes exhibits highlighting the defining games and outstanding performances that have taken place inside of the stadium. The pregame Fun Fest takes place here with performances by the Stampede Drumline, the Broncos Dance Team and appearances by the Broncos cheerleaders and Miles the Mascot. Once inside the stadium your eyes will be drawn to the top of the video board in the south end zone. You will see a white bronco raising up on its back legs. This is Bucky the Bronco, a fixture of the first Mile High Stadium that has found a new life at the new venue. You will also notice the stadium seating grid is in the shape of a horseshoe in keeping with the team name. The atmosphere reaches its zenith during the pregame introduction of players. The team is led out onto the field by an Arabian gelding named Thunder, who also charges through the end zone after a Broncos score. The crowd reacts to entry of the team with a demonstration of Rolling Thunder, the stomping of the feet on the metal bleachers, which makes the whole stadium shake. Neighborhood 3 Empower Field at Mile High Stadium is in the Sun Valley neighborhood in between downtown Denver and the Rocky Mountains, just west of I-25. This gives fans in the West stands a birds eye view of the downtown Denver skyline and fans in the East stands a view of the beautiful view of the Rocky Mountains as a backdrop to the stadium. Amongst the stadium’s neighbors are the Pepsi Center, home of the NHL’s Colorado Avalanche and the Denver Nuggets of the NBA, Elitch Gardens Amusement Park and the University of Colorado Auraria campus. If the schedule works out, you can often attend a doubleheader of a Broncos game followed by a nightcap of an Avalanche/Nuggets game next door. Fans 5 Denver Bronco fans are amongst the most loyal and loudest fans in the NFL. They have sold out the 76,125-seat stadium for every game since its construction. The waiting list for season tickets presently has 85,000 names on it and has an expected wait time of 10-15 years. The fans show their loyalty by their presence in some of the most frigid conditions this side of Green Bay during the November and December portions of the regular season and the playoffs. The Denver fans are known for their bright orange attire as a show of support for the team (it also shows up very well on TV games when there is a blizzard going on). Their capability of creating noise when needed is known as Rolling Thunder and is created by the fans stomping their feet on the metal flooring of the stadium. This causes the stadium to vibrate. Access 3 The home of the Broncos can be easily accessed via I-25 and taking exit 201-C coming from the north or the south. Once off the freeway, finding parking can be problematic as there are only 7,500 spaces at the stadium itself. These typically are reserved for season ticket holders. An additional 15,000 spaces are available at nearby lots serving the Pepsi Center, the Denver Aquarium and the Aurora Campus. The Denver Rapid Transit District (RTD) light rail system is a very popular option, as its C, E and W lines service the Mile High Stadium Station. The stadium is also one of the few NFL venues that can be accessed via bike. The South Platte Bike Trail runs right by the east side of Mile High Stadium. The stadium has more than 360 bike racks available for fans who choose this mode of transportation. Once at Mile High Stadium, it is important to know your seat location before entering the venue. Because of its horseshoe shape, the stadium does not have a 360 degree concourse. You will also find the main concourse to be somewhat confusing, as you enter at one level, then need to go down a level to reach a majority of the food and beverage stands and the lower level of the stands. Empower Field at Mile High Stadium utilizes the same security precautions as all other NFL stadiums. It is best to travel as light as possible into the stadium, with any belongings in a clear plastic bag. Return on Investment 4 Ticket prices for Broncos games are amongst the highest in the NFL at an average price of $297.This is due to the decades-long record of sellouts over the years. Sometimes tickets can be found in the $40-$50 range when the game features an opponent with a poor record or a non-traditional opponent from another conference. Parking is $30 in the main Broncos parking lot on a first come, first serve basis, while lots at the alternate lots average $15-$20. The best buy travel-wise is to buy a day pass on the RTD light rail for $6. The concessions prices are about average for the NFL, but they do offer a wider menu selection with many regional favorites. Extras 3 The Colorado Sports Hall of Fame is in Mile High Stadium. It salutes athletes who grew up in Colorado or had their sports careers in the state. Membership covers all sports and includes athletes from high school sports all the way up to the professional level. Empower Field at Mile High Stadium hosts a wide variety of non-Broncos events throughout the year. These include the Rocky Mountain Showdown football game between Colorado State University and the University of Colorado, CONCAF Gold Cup soccer contest and the state championship football games for every level of Colorado high school football. It was also the site of then Senator Barack Obama’s acceptance speech after he was named as the Presidential nominee at the 2008 Democratic National Convention. The Bud Light Rooftops are located on the 500 level of both the east and west stands. They offer full bar service and heated high-top tables along with terrific views of both downtown Denver and peaks of the Rocky Mountains Final Thoughts A great team history, great fans, a diverse menu of food and beverage items, along with the natural beauty of the nearby Rocky Mountains makes Empower Field at Mile High Stadium a high priority for anybody’s NFL bucket list. It also makes a great add-on activity for your ski vacation in late fall and early winter. Make sure you arrive early to enjoy the western hospitality and the many pieces of stunning public art that dot the stadium complex.

Photos by Dave Cottenie, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.86 Huntington Bank Field 100 Alfred Lerner Way Cleveland, OH 44114 Cleveland Browns website Huntington Bank Field website Year Opened: 1999 Capacity: 67,407 The Dawg Pound Editor's Note: On September 3, 2024, Huntington Bank and the Cleveland Browns announced a 20-year partnership that included stadium naming rights. These rights continue whether the Browns play at their present stadium or move to a proposed domed stadium in Brook Park . It is difficult to argue that there is an NFL fanbase that has endured more heartache than the Cleveland Browns. Founded in 1946 and named after legendary coach Paul Brown, the Browns, more than any other NFL team, would hold steadfast to their traditions. Success came early for the Browns with four AAFC championships and four NFL championships, all before the Super Bowl era, ending in 1964. Outside of Paul Brown, legendary running back Jim Brown has captured the hearts of Clevleanders. However, with the purchase of the browns by Art Modell in 1953, the decline of the Browns would begin. Modell famously fired Paul Brown in 1963 and an ostracized Jim Brown abruptly retired in 1965. The Browns would come close to the successes they enjoyed in the forties and fifties with the Kardiac Kids of the late seventies and a pair of heartbreaking close calls for quarterback Bernie Kosar in the late eighties with trips to the Super Bowl thwarted by “The Drive” and “The Fumble.” With other professional teams in Cleveland gaining new facilities in the nineties, the Browns were left with decrepit, massive Cleveland Stadium, owner Art Modell moved the Browns to Baltimore to become the Ravens in 1995. The NFL immediately recognized the value of the Cleveland market and the steadfast loyalty of the fanbase and announced an expansion team to be granted to Cleveland for the 1999 season. The lynchpin to the Browns expansion team, which would retail all records, trademarks, and championships, was the building of Cleveland Browns Stadium. New Browns owner Art Lerner would see his team take the field in the 1999 season in the new stadium owned by the City of Cleveland with a capacity of over 67,000. The new Browns have not enjoyed much success in the past 23 years. Al Lerner died in 2002. The Lerner Family sold the Browns to Jimmy and Dee Haslam in 2012 and they remain current owners of the team. To go along with a lack of success, the Browns are most known for one of the most recognizable fan groups in the entire NFL, the Dawg Pound. Food & Beverage 4 As with any major sports venue, concessions are at the front of the consciousness of the team. The Browns offer concession options that are on par with other major sports venues. Some options include the Burger Kitchen, Tenders Love & Chicken, C-Town Eats, Michael Symon’s B-Spot, Here We Go Nachos, Meat and Cleaver, and Great Lakes Cheesesteaks. All of the expected stadium items can be found along with some items that will peak the interest of those looking for something more. The unique options at Great Lakes Cheesesteaks are one of the best choices, which include Cleveland Nachos (nachos with parmesan fondue, green onions, bacon, and thyme) and the local favorite, Polish Boy, a brat topped with coleslaw, BBQ sauce fries, and crispy onions. Cleveland Browns Stadium has a large selection of beer in multiple bar areas. Goose Island Beware of the Dawg may be the choice. A curious feature of beverages at Cleveland Browns Stadium is the lack of Coke or Pepsi. RC Cola, 7Up, and Dr. Pepper make up the soft drink selections. Atmosphere 4 The exterior of Cleveland is an attractive, almost modern-looking, silver/chrome siding with plenty of glass. There are plenty of huge player banners that hang from the exterior for fans to see as well. For many years Cleveland Browns Stadium was known under the corporate name FirstEnergy Stadium. For the 2023 season, the name has reverted to Cleveland Browns Stadium. It is obvious that the Browns and/or the City of Cleveland are looking for a new corporate partner for stadium naming rights as there is little to no signage on the exterior that says “Cleveland Browns Stadium.” The Cleveland Browns Hall of Fame can be found on plaques on the exterior of the stadium along Alfred Lerner Way, the hub of pregame activity before a Browns game. Two spots fans will assuredly want to see before entering the gates are the Otto Graham statue in the southwest corner of the stadium and the Jim Brown statue in the southeast corner of the stadium. Entering Cleveland Browns Stadium brings fans into the main concourses, which are fairly spacious and have plenty of orange highlights to give color to the otherwise dark breezeways. Several banners are honoring Browns players who are members of the Pro Football Hall of Fame. Other highlights include a Joe Thomas mural honoring his 10,363 consecutive snaps played in the NFL. Inside the seating area, fans will find the three tiers of seating around the field which runs from west to east. The lower bowl is continuous with separated second and third tiers. The south side is the spot to get that perfect center logo picture, which for the 2023 season was Brownie the Elf. The fascia of the third deck is where the Browns showcase their highest honors. The 1946, 1947, 1948, 1949, 1950, 1954, 1955 and 1964 championships are listed in the southeast corner. The rest of the fascia notes the members of the Browns Ring of Honour, including Paul Brown, Frank Gatski, Leroy Kelly, Bobby Mitchell, Joe DeLamielleure, Mike McCormack, Lou Grozaand new for the 2023 season, and Joe Thomas. Each end of the stadium features large videoboards which are crystal clear. The other main attraction at Cleveland Browns Stadium is in the lower bowl behind the east endzone, The Dawg Pound, the preeminent team supporter section in the NFL, is found there and has found a bit of a life of its own. The gameday production at a Browns game is as good as any in the NFL. In the pregame, the Browns enter from the northwest corner through some bulldog statues with gates. The requisite pyro and smoke machine along with flagbearers and cheerleaders are part of the entry. In the pregame, a guest takes a guitar, painted in the fashion of the visiting team, and smashes it against a podium to the delight of the 65,000 fans in attendance. The Browns mascots, Chomps and Brownie, can be found throughout the stadium, interacting with fans. Neighborhood 5 Despite what seems like a popular narrative, Downtown Cleveland is one of the most underrated areas in the country. Cleveland Browns Stadium is located on the lakeshore, on the northwest side of Downtown Cleveland. There are a ton of options for pre or postgame fare for those who are not tailgating. Some options include Nuevo Modern Mexican & Tequila Bar, Masthead Brewing Co., Harry Buffalo, Margaritaville, Leather Stallion, and the Winking Lizard. For fans looking for other sporting options, there are plenty. Just up the road at Progressive Field, fans can find the Cleveland Guardians of MLB. Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse is shared by the Cleveland Cavaliers of the NBA and Cleveland Monsters of the AHL. College basketball is also not that far away from the Cleveland State Vikings . There are also plenty of tourist options that are not based on sports, including the Great Lakes Science Center, USS COD, International Women’s Air & Space Museum, and the must-see, Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. For fans wishing to stay near the stadium the Hilton Cleveland Downtown, Cleveland Marriott Downtown, and Doubletree Cleveland Downtown are all close by. Fans 5 Cleveland Browns fans are among the most ardent and loyal in all of sports. In the 2022 and 2023 seasons, the Browns have averaged more than 67,000 fans per game. Although that ranks the 19th and 20th in the NFL in 2022 and 2023 respectively, that does account for 100% of the capacity. Browns fans are loud and proud and show up regardless of the weather conditions, which should not be underestimated. The Dawg Pound is also the most famous fan area in the NFL. Access 4 Getting to Cleveland Browns Stadium is not difficult for a downtown stadium. Cleveland Browns Stadium is located along Lake Erie, on the northwest side of Downtown Cleveland. Cleveland Browns Stadium is surrounded by 3rd Street, Alfred Lerner Way, and Erieside Ave with Lake Erie just beyond to the north. The stadium is north of Cleveland Memorial Shoreway and north and west of I-90 so fans will have to traverse the city a bit when coming from out of town. There are plenty of parking options with the Pier to the north and plenty of downtown garages. The best option is to use a parking app and prepay for parking to ensure a spot. For fans who wish to take public transit to the game, there are a few options. The rapid transit and Amtrack and buses are found to the south. Fans should check out the Greater Cleveland Regional Transit Authority website for fares, maps, and schedules. Getting around Cleveland Browns Stadium is not too difficult and washroom facilities are decent. With security protocols in professional sports consistently changing, Stadium Journey recommends fans consult the Cleveland Browns website for the most up-to-date security protocols, including prohibited items. Return on Investment 3 The Cleveland Browns are not a cheap experience, as are all NFL experiences. According to the Fan Cost Index, the Browns are the 17th most expensive experience in the NFL at $593, above the NFL average. Tickets for the Browns begin at $70 and go up to $294 for the lower sidelines. Dawg Pound seats are $189. Concessions are what one would expect for the NFL and parking is going to go for over $20 for sure. Although the return that the Browns give the fans is solid, the steep investment is difficult to get over, as is the case for all NFL experiences Extras 2 An extra mark for the Dawg Pound, a revolutionary fan experience that began at Panorama at the grassroots and has been copied throughout the NFL. An extra mark for the perseverance of the Browns fans as they have struggled with many seasons of non-competitive teams since the team’s return in 1999. Final Thoughts The Cleveland Browns are a solid NFL experience at Cleveland Browns Stadium. Being part of a fanbase that is as ardent passionate and loyal as any in the NFL is an attractive part of the Browns experience. Cleveland is also a great tourist destination and fans will enjoy making a full weekend of it. ---- Follow all of Dave’s sporting adventures on YouTube , Twitter , Threads and Instagram @profan9.

Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.00 Highmark Stadium 1 Bills Drive Orchard Park, NY 14127 Buffalo Bills website Highmark Stadium website Year Opened: 1973 Capacity: 71,608 Saying Goodbye to The Ralph With the merger of the AFL and the NFL, a new stadium was required for the Buffalo Bills to remain part of the league. A move from the old War Memorial Stadium, or Rockpile as it was known, required owner Ralph Wilson to explore some relocation possibilities. This hastened the stadium project and Rich Stadium was built in 1973. The capacity, which was the major drawback at the time, was inflated to the modern-day 71,000. Over the years, owner Ralph Wilson became one of the most iconic in the NFL and the Bills would go on to enjoy some dubious success appearing in four straight Super Bowls in the 90s. After the death of Ralph Wilson, and the scare of possible ownership by Donald Trump, the Bills would settle into the sports portfolio of Terry and Kim Pegula, who also own the Buffalo Sabres among other properties. The naming rights of Rich Stadium would change hands a few times and the stadium would be known by the name of the founder for quite some time. In 2021, the stadium was renamed Highmark Stadium. There is not much time left for the former Ralph Wilson Stadium as a brand new, 64,000-seat, $1.4 billion stadium has been approved and will be built across from Erie Community College in Orchard Park. Food & Beverage 4 The concession scene at Highmark Stadium is decent. All of the expected stadium items can be found including hot dogs, burgers, popcorn, and others available. Some local favorite brands can also be found in the stadium including Dinosaur BBQ, La Nova Pizza, and Buffalo Wings. Pepsi products are the soft drink of choice and on most gamedays, especially later in the season, Tim Horton’s coffee would be the necessary item for warming up. In what most Canadians would find a curious development, the most prevalent beers at Highmark Stadium seem to be Molson Canadian and Labatt’s Blue, for decades fierce competitors. There is plenty available for fans to keep full, however, with such a massive tailgating scene in Orchard Park, many do not worry too much about what is available for eats. Atmosphere 3 Highmark Stadium is one of the simplest in the NFL. The exterior is not overly sophisticated and there isn’t too much about the venue itself that inspires creativity or excitement. The east entry is where the Bills Store can be found and just outside of it, fans will find the 716 sign and a Bills logo on the turf, perfect for photo ops. The Founders Plaza also features a bronze statue of Ralph Wilson which is a spot fan will want to see. On the inside, it is clear why Highmark Stadium is up for replacement. The seating bowl is wide open, not a positive characteristic when the elements of a Western New York winter are factored in. The lower bowl, which is clearly the best place to sit for some protection from the wind, features plastic stadium seats, while the upper bowl has bleacher benches with rounded backs. The field runs from west to east and the main videoboards are found above the east and west end zones. For that perfect fifty-yard line logo picture, fans will want to sit on the south side. The interior of the seating bowl gives fans a massive look at the Bills Wall of Fame. Buffalo legends are enshrined on the facia and include the names of Jack Kemp, Pat McGroder, Tom Sestak, Billy Shaw, Ralph Wilson, Elbert Dubenion, Mike Stratton, Joe Ferguson, Marv Levy, Joe DeLamielleure, Robert James, trainer Edward Abramoski, Bob Kalsu, George Saimes, Jim Kelly, Fred Smerlas, Kent Hull, Darryl Talley, Jim Ritcher, Thurman Thomas, Andre Reed, Steve Tasker, Bruce Smith, Booker Edgerson, Phil Hansen, Bill Polian, Van Miller, Lou Saban, Cookie Gilchrist and (unfortunately) O.J. Simpson. The gameday production is not over the top. At the game reviewed, a local high school marching band performed and four Apache helicopters partook in a flyover. The Bills enter the field from the east, through a number of Bills logo structures that blow smoke and pyro. The cheerleading squad, the Jills has been disbanded for a number of years under suspicious circumstances regarding being severely underpaid. Overall, there is not much that really stands out about the gameday production and there is more of a focus on the game itself, which is not a bad thing. Neighborhood 2 Highmark Stadium is located on the outskirts of Orchard Park, south of Buffalo. All of the lures of Downtown Buffalo is lost on the location of the football stadium. Highmark Stadium is immediately surrounded by parking lots. Although the Bills boast one of the top tailgating scenes in the country, there are very few options for fans before or after the game to get food or drink. The SUNY Erie Community College campus is to the west of Highmark Stadium. A couple of small options include Polked Yolk Abbott, O’Neills Stadium Inn, Danny’s South, and Louie’s Texas Red Hots. A better idea would be to stop in Buffalo proper and find an option there. There are a number of sporting options in Buffalo, but nothing really out as far as Highmark Stadium. Downtown, fans can find the homes of the Buffalo Sabres , Buffalo Bandits , and Buffalo Bisons . Canisius College plays hockey downtown at LECOM HarborCenter and basketball on their campus at Koessler Athletic Center . The University at Buffalo can be found in Amherst, northeast of Buffalo, where the Bulls play on campus. Football is found at UB Stadium and basketball is at Alumni Arena . Fans may also consider the Seneca Buffalo Creek Casino downtown. There are a few options for hotels in Orchard Park. The Stadium View Inn and EconoLodge Buffalo are the closest. Fans 4 Buffalo Bills fans have the most fascinating dichotomy. Support for the Bills is stronger than ever with their most recent winning incarnation. Support was always strong for the Bills who have that “little engine that could” mentality, determined to remain afloat with the NFL giants coming from one of the smallest markets in the league. Special attention must be paid to the hardiness of the fans who brave the worst elements in the NFL. On occasions when there is tremendous snow, Bills fans will volunteer to shovel the stands to make the stadium slightly more hospitable. The Bills Mafia moniker has struck a chord in Buffalo and is a badge that is worn with pride. Bills Mafia has claimed hundreds of thousands of dollars in donations to various charities, most notably to charitable organizations deemed important by opposing players. The dichotomy comes on gameday, where Bills fans are among the loudest, rowdiest, and most drunk in the NFL. The tradition of destroying tables at the tailgate is no longer newsworthy; it happens so often. Bills fans can be rude, crude, and merciless. Access 2 Highmark Stadium is one of the toughest stadiums to enter and exit. The rural stadium, located west of Highway 219, has few entry points. Due to the early nature of the tailgate, getting into the parking lot is actually much easier than getting out with fans trickling in at different times. Upon leaving after the game, fans should allot at least one to two hours just to get out of the parking lot. It is curious how difficult it is to get out of Highmark Stadium when college venues in similar situations seem to have it all figured out. There is some public transit that Abbott Road and some gameday transit available. Fans who are interested should check out the Niagara Frontier Transportation Authority website for fares, maps, and schedules. Getting around Highmark Stadium is not terribly difficult, however, the concourses can get crowded with the weather being an issue and during halftime. Washroom facilities are hit and miss as there are still some washroom facilities that feature the dreaded troughs. Return on Investment 3 With the recent success, the Buffalo Bills have enjoyed comes greater scarcity and cost with regard to tickets. The entire 2022 season stock of tickets was sold out very quickly and tickets on the secondary market are starting at around $130 per ticket. According to the Fan Cost Index for 2022, the Buffalo Bills are well below the NFL average of $590 and are the 27th most expensive experience in the NFL at $520. However, the NFL is an extremely expensive ordeal and the “once in a lifetime” pricing model is a detriment to their experience. Combine the price with the very real possibility of some less-than-comfortable weather and there is plenty to be desired with the return on investment for the Buffalo Bills. Extras 3 An extra mark for the Buffalo Bills galvanizing their existence in Western New York with the approval of the new stadium to be built near the current Highmark Stadium. An extra mark for the members of Bills Mafia making significant financial donations to numerous causes that have affected both Bills players and their opponents. An extra mark for the growing recognition and appreciation of the four Bills Super Bowl appearances in the 90s. An extra mark for Highmark Stadium is the only NFL stadium in New York State. An extra mark LOST for O.J. Simpson is still being recognized on the Bills Wall of Fame. Final Thoughts It will be interesting to see what a brand-new stadium will bring to the Buffalo Bills experience. There were plenty of opposing views as to what the new stadium should look like and where it should be. Until that time, the Bills are still making memories at the former Ralph Wilson Stadium. NFL fans who have yet to visit Highmark Stadium may want to make their way there before it is too late. ----- Follow all of Dave’s sporting adventures on Twitter @profan9 and on Instagram .

Photos by Eric Moreno, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.57 American Bank Center 1901 N. Shoreline Blvd Corpus Christi, TX 78401 Corpus Christi Tritons website American Bank Center website Year Opened: 1978 Capacity: 10,000 Corpus Christi Tritons – American Bank Center Known as the “Sparkling City by the Seas,” Corpus Christi, Texas has long been a vacation destination for Texans seeking a reprieve from summer heat, thanks to the cooling waters of the Gulf. The largest city along the Texas gulf coast has also often found itself the home of numerous minor-level professional sports leagues looking to gain a foothold in the Lone Star State. This is especially true of pro arena/indoor football. No less than five teams have called the Sparkling City their home, including the current Corpus Christi Tritons . Founded in 2024 as members of American Indoor Football, they would become inaugural members of the new Arena Football One (AF1) league in time for the 2025 season. Like the rest of their arena and indoor counterparts, the Tritons call the venerable American Bank Center their home. Since opening in the late 1970s, American Bank Center has seen numerous renovations over the years, all with the goal of having this venue remain the city’s premier entertainment venue. Read on to learn more about it.   Food & Beverage   2 I was almost tempted to have this score be an incomplete rather than what I gave it; I have been to multiple events over the years at American Bank Center and have eaten a lot of the food here. This time around, something was a little different. It probably had to do with the game I attended being the last one of the season for the Tritons; none of the concession venues in the upper level were open and only three of the stands on the main concourse were. At these stands you can get chopped brisket sandwiches, popcorn, candy, pepperoni and cheese personal pizzas, nachos, and soft pretzels. Fountain drinks, bottled water, and beer are offered too, and there is also a bar where alcoholic offerings are on the menu. The items they have are fine, so what keeps the score as low as I have it? The reason is I couldn’t buy a hot dog anywhere in the venue – the one true food staple of American sports was not on the menu at any of the open kiosks. This might just be my pet peeve, but it did impact my enjoyment of the event. I know I’ve had them at American Bank Center before, so again, it may have just been the time of the season.   Atmosphere   2 The one true draw in terms of atmosphere at American Bank Center is its location. I would hazard that very few venues in North America allow visitors to gaze out onto palm tree-lined beaches and rolling waves every time they visit. The north side of American Bank Center is also walled with windows overlooking Corpus Christi Bay, and that’s a good thing. Aside from that, there is not much else that would denote this facility as home of the Tritons; this is to be expected though. The team does have a small merchandise table for fans interested in picking up gear, but not much else. Still, come for the view – it is really hard to beat.   Neighborhood   4 American Bank Center is located in Corpus Christi’s scenic downtown; it’s location on Shoreline Boulevard puts it right on the path of virtually all the city’s iconic attractions. Visitors can spend a day at either North Beach or McGee Beach, two of the prime spots in the area. Must see attractions include the Texas State Aquarium, USS Lexington Museum, and Corpus Christi Museum of Science & History. All offer a great opportunity to visit and see some of the best attractions the area has to offer, and are great ways to spend time before or after Triton games. Also in the area is Whataburger Field, home of the Corpus Christi Hooks , the double-A affiliate of the Houston Astros . The seasons overlap, so if you plan your visit, you should be able to catch a minimum of two games in Corpus Christi. For places to dine, you’re going to have your pick of fresh seafood options near American Bank Center. These include Railroad Seafood & Brewery, Landry’s Seafood House, and Pier 99 Restaurant. It’s a virtual must when you come to the Texas Gulf Coast to sample some of its legendary seafood; any one of the aforementioned options will get you a great meal, and all are within five minutes of the arena. However, if you want something a little different, I can’t recommend Snapka’s Drive Inn enough. This place is as old school as it gets and features a classic Americana menu with some great Tex-Mex thrown in. For lodging, Shoreline Boulevard offers an abundance of options – these include the Omni Corpus Christi Hotel  and DoubleTree by Hilton Corpus Christi Beachfront . Vacation rentals are also extremely popular in Corpus Christi, so your budget is your only limit here.   Fans   2 This is another area where I’m almost tempted to give the score an incomplete. Since the Tritons are still in their relative infancy, it’s safe to say they have yet to build up a significant fanbase. This is especially true for a city that has seen nearly half a dozen of these types of teams come in, and then fold in short order. That being said, I feel like there was a decent enough crowd at the most recent game I attended. The number was pretty good, but American Bank Center can be especially cavernous, so it felt eerily empty. I think the Tritons will need time to grow fans. Hopefully, this version of the Arena League will be able to sustain itself, and the Tritons will be able to hang around for a while.   Access   3 Corpus Christi is just about a two-hour drive from San Antonio and a little over a three-hour drive from both Austin and Houston. This makes it the most accessible city on the Texas Gulf Coast for visitors. As mentioned, American Bank Center is conveniently located in downtown Corpus Christi. As you approach the city it is unmissable, sitting prominently near the surf line. Corpus Christi International Airport is a short 10-minute drive from American Bank Center. It has daily flights to and from Dallas and Houston, for those not wishing to drive. Once onsite, parking is ample and plentiful in lots around the venue.   Return on Investment   3 Single-game tickets for the Corpus Christi Tritons start at $21 per person, though deals can be found on the secondary market. Parking will cost $15 in the lots at American Bank Center, but concessions are where the bargains truly lie, as the most expensive food items offered top out at just $7. If you’re in the area and looking for an inexpensive way to spend an evening, a Tritons game might be what you’re looking for.   Extras   2 I know that during the season, the Tritons offer several theme nights and giveaways; at the most recent game I attended, however, that was not on the agenda. With that said, the team does offer up a few of the tried-and-true staples of sports, such as their dance team, the Corpus Christi Sirens, and their mascot King Triton. The Sirens are perched in the south end zone and perform during the half, while King Triton can be found on the main concourse before the game, and down on the sidelines during it, for photo ops.   Final Thoughts I’m a football fan, so I will take the game where I can find it. Arena football, even as niche as it is, can still be a lot of fun, especially for younger fans. With that said, I would not put the Corpus Christi Tritons on anyone’s bucket list, yet. However, if they and the new AF1 can make this work, that might change in a few years. With that said, I think you should try to make your way to American Bank Center at some point; it’s still a great venue and the location is hard to beat. Follow Eric Moreno's Stadium Journey on X at @EricMoreno6477 .

To paraphrase the great Mark Twain, the rumors of Matthews Arena’s demise may have been greatly exaggerated. Earlier this week, Northeastern men’s and women’s hockey announced that they would be playing the 2025 portions of their upcoming schedules at their longtime home rink. As has been widely reported on Stadium Journey and elsewhere , Matthews Arena is scheduled to be demolished and replaced with a new facility due to structural deficiencies. The facility, which has been in use since 1910, is the original home of the Boston Bruins, the Boston Celtics, the Carolina Hurricanes, the Beanpot Tournament, and has served as home to most of Greater Boston’s college and High School hockey teams at some point in their history. Today, Matthews Arena serves as home to Northeastern’s men’s and women’s hockey teams and the men’s basketball team. In March, Northeastern submitted plans for a replacement for Matthews Arena . The review process and bureaucratic red tape pushed back the demolition and construction timeline, which will now start in 2026. With estimates of total construction time set at 30 months, the new facility will not be completed until the start of the 2028-2029 season. So, what will the Huskies do in the meantime? The men’s basketball team will simply move over to the Cabot Center alongside the women’s team, as they did during the pandemic. The situation for the hockey teams is much more complicated. Although there is no shortage of suitable rinks in and around Boston, coordinating schedules with their tenants will be difficult. Northeastern may have to play a road-heavy schedule for two seasons before moving into their new home. As it stands right now, the final hockey game at Matthews Arena is scheduled for Saturday, December 13 against Boston University. For visiting hockey fans who missed Matthews Arena’s farewell tour in 2024-25, this means, much like so many of our classic rockers, we have another farewell tour and another final chance to visit this grand old barn before it’s no more.   Follow Paul Baker’s stadium journeys on Twitter  and Instagram  @PuckmanRI.

Photos by David Welch, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.86 Decatur High School Stadium 310 N McDonough Street Decatur, GA 30030 Decatur FC website Year Opened: 2008 Capacity: 4,500 Loud and Proud for the Black and Gold Decatur FC is a semi-professional women’s soccer club based in Decatur, Georgia. Founded in 2024, the club competes in the Peachtree Division of the Women’s Premier Soccer League (WPSL). As of the 2025 season, the WPSL is the largest women’s soccer league in the world, featuring over 150 clubs, and is also the longest-running active women’s soccer league in the United States. The WPSL is part of the third tier of the U.S. women’s soccer pyramid, classified as an amateur and semi-professional league. It serves as a development platform for aspiring professionals, providing high-level competition and exposure during the summer months. Like many WPSL teams, Decatur FC is primarily made up of collegiate players. The club offers these athletes a valuable opportunity to train, grow, and compete throughout the summer and prepare for the start of their upcoming season in August.   Food & Beverage   4 At first glance, the concessions here might seem limited, but a closer look reveals high-quality offerings. Ford’s BBQ serves pork and brisket sandwiches, while vegetarians can enjoy a lentil sandwich; both come with two sides such as potato salad, chips, or slaw. Super EME offers quesadillas and burritos with a self-serve toppings bar that includes onions, several sauces, Pico de Gallo, guacamole, and slaw. Cups of fresh fruit, mango, pineapple, and watermelon are also available, with optional Tajín seasoning or Chamoy sauce. Beverages are a bit of a hodgepodge, with each stand selling their own drinks including Coca-Cola products, ginger ale, Gatorade, bottled water, coconut water, and Capri Sun. Given the stadium is on a high school campus, it shouldn’t come as much of a surprise that alcohol is not sold at Decatur FC matches. Gourmet popsicles from the popular King of Pops are also available.   Atmosphere   4 Decatur High School Stadium is a multi-purpose facility used for various sports, with football and lacrosse lines visible on the turf in addition to the soccer lines. Bleachers line both sides of the field, with the larger home section on the near side and the smaller, visitor section across the way. Seating on the visitors’ side of the stadium does provide the most relief from the sun, which sets at the far end. Apartments run along the exterior of the far side of the stadium, and fans often gather on balconies to watch from above, creating a unique addition to the atmosphere. The stadium’s scoreboard is tucked into the northwest corner of the facility. The scoreboard shows basic time and score information and is topped with a video board. While it doesn’t have a video feed of the game, the screen is typically used to show graphics of players subbing into the match, or to celebrate goals. Soccer does not have breaks in the action that would typically be filled with in-game entertainment, but Decatur FC has put in a lot of work off the pitch to help create the atmosphere in the stadium. For example, the players and coaches put on weekly free youth clinics, which not only go a long way in growing the game, but also help draw more fans into the stands, so there is more of a buzz during matches.   Neighborhood   5 The City of Decatur is one of Atlanta’s true neighborhood communities. The city square is about a five-minute walk from the stadium; this area is full of locally owned restaurants, brew pubs, and the renowned music venue, Eddie’s Attic. If grabbing a bite to eat, Grindhouse Killer Burger is directly across the street from Decatur High School Stadium, and the Iberian Pig in Decatur Square has a highly regarded Spanish tapas menu. The Brick Store Pub is well known for its extensive beer menu, and the area around the square is also home to numerous boutiques, bookstores, and coffee shops. For barbecue enthusiasts, some of Atlanta’s top BBQ joints like Fox Bros. Bar-B-Q, Community Q BBQ, and City Barbecue are just a short drive away. Decatur’s charm, walkability, and access to Atlanta also pair perfectly with a soccer outing.   Fans   4 Decatur is a proud community that throws its full support behind its hometown teams. In its first season in 2024, Decatur FC twice set a WPSL attendance record, with its largest attended game drawing 2,126 fans. And if the 2024 attendance is not impressive enough, this season’s opener drew 2,250 fans, again breaking the league record. The city is a strong supporter of the club – not only does the City of Decatur have their name and logo across the front of the kit, but banners are also attached to streetlights around the downtown area. In addition, MLS’ Atlanta United’s supporter groups, particularly the “Footie Mob”, lend a hand to Decatur FC in helping create a festive match experience. The support for Decatur FC runs deep and is one of the reasons the team was awarded WPSL’s “Franchise of the Year” award in its first season.   Access   4 Decatur is a city that prides itself as being Georgia’s most bikeable city; downtown Decatur has miles of protected bike lanes. Public transit is also easily accessible, with a MARTA train station just a short walk from Decatur High School Stadium, making it convenient to travel to matches without a car. Tickets are only available for purchase online, so coming prepared by purchasing prior to entering the venue might help save some time getting through the gates. Once inside the facility, fans enter a somewhat small plaza area where many often gather before heading to their seats – this area is also home to a souvenir tent, so can be a bit congested. From that point, fans can either take the rear walkway to the concession stands or go directly to the field concourse to get to their seats. The rear concourse does completely encircle the pitch, making the smaller far side bleachers behind the team benches accessible. Children tend to use the walkway closest to the school as a play area of sorts, however, so that side can be a touch more of a challenge to navigate.   Return on Investment   4 Adult tickets run just a shade under $13 after fees are added, and children’s tickets are under $7. Members of Atlanta United’s supporter groups are offered discounted tickets. Free parking is available in the school lot just south of Decatur High School Stadium. There is also street parking, and any metered parking is free after 6 pm; with Decatur matches mostly starting at 7 pm, this could be a good option. Parking at any of the pay lots around Decatur’s city square is also just a short walk from the stadium. Concession prices are a bit more expensive than what would typically be expected at this level, but the quality of the food more than justifies the higher prices.   Extras   2 Decatur FC invites its young fans on to the pitch during half time to take shots on goal, or simply to join an impromptu game. Decatur FC has also partnered with local businesses to provide up to 250 free tickets per game for community groups. This goes a long way in building a fanbase, which in turn helps build the excitement around the team and its matches.   Final Thoughts What Decatur FC has done in just its second year in existence is nothing short of amazing. Not only have they built a club that has been successful on the pitch, but has also quickly ingrained itself into the fabric of the Decatur community. The bond Decatur FC has already built with its community is evident, and goes a long way in creating a fun and worthwhile soccer experience down south.

Photos by Michael Rusignuolo, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.14 Meritus Park 50 W Baltimore Street Hagerstown, MD 21740 Flying Boxcars website Meritus Park website Year Opened: 2024 Capacity: 4,000 Replacing a Classic in Style Meritus Park had some pretty big shoes to fill in Hagerstown. The city's former ballpark, Municipal Stadium, was built in 1930 for the Hagerstown Hubs. It provided a home to all the subsequent teams in town for nearly a century until the Hagerstown Suns fell to MLB Commissioner Manfred's contraction axe in 2020.  The ballpark would be demolished two years later.  Plans to bring baseball back to Hagerstown moved quickly, and just four years later, the newly minted team (the "Flying Boxcars," named for the military cargo plane produced locally in the post-war period) and ballpark (named for local healthcare conglomerate Meritus) had their first season in 2024. While nothing can ever quite replace Historic Municipal Stadium, Meritus Park earns high grades, giving fans a modern and welcoming new home to Hagerstown baseball for the future Food & Beverage 4 Meritus Park does a great job of offering a selection of reasonably priced food and drink, with the option to get more fancy if you so choose. The park has a better-than-average food selection, with aeronautically themed concession stands serving up reasonably priced ballpark standards ($3-$12), as well as more expensive seafood and BBQ specialties ($10-$21). There is also a grab-n-go concession by home plate, as well as a cheesesteak cart. There is a wide selection of booze to choose from. Even the regular concessions have a good selection of beers on tap ($6.50-$16), but the two outfield bars are your mecca for adult beverages. The Meinelschmidt Bar, in left field, features a dizzying array of cocktails, beers both local and international, and canned alcoholic drinks, with TV screens to watch the game; while the Power Alley Pub in right-center has a similar spread, with see-through chain-link outfield fences to keep tabs on the game. Coke products are available for non-imbibers. I always recommend trying out local brews, so grab one such as the Antietam High Heat Lager ($9) from one of the outfield bars, and I found the adventurous Brisket Burnt End Sausage ($10) from Skylines on the third-base side worth a try. Atmosphere 5 Meritus Park hits all the right notes as a ballpark, delivering everything you'd want for a visit to a ballgame. The various entrances empty out onto the main promenade that rings the park above the seating bowl. A second level for the press and luxury boxes rises above home plate, running from first base to third base. And the main video scoreboard sits in the left-field corner. The seating area stretches from short left field to short right field, and there are additional areas to sit in the two outfield bars, as well as a reservation-only picnic area in center field. The concession stands are evenly spaced around the park, with a center point at the home plate entrance, where picnic and high-back tables let you enjoy your food if you don't want to eat at your seat. One thing never discussed enough is whether the park is the "right" size. A lot of indie-league parks go whole-hog and build massive ballparks that aren't befitting the realistic crowds you can expect. One thing that Meritus Park has going for it is that this park feels exactly the right size for Hagerstown. Pilot mascot Stryker leads the on-field fun between innings. There are the standard minor/indie leagues races and contests of dubious skill to fill the time, as well as a couple of unique offerings, such as a race between the two sides of the park to pass inflatable donuts the length of their seating areas and a charming(?) alcohol-themed character race sponsored by a local liquor store, a holdover from the late, lamented Municipal Stadium. The areas in the last rows around home plate are your best bet for shade for day games, but most of the seats outside of the outfield will be in the shade for evening contests. There's not a bad seat in the house, so choose wherever you'd like. Neighborhood 3 One's mind doesn't jump to this little burg just over the border into Maryland as a travel destination, but it punches above its weight class. Some of the best places to eat in town are only a few blocks away from the stadium, including Chic's Seafood, The Broad Axe Bar & Grill, The Rhubarb House (soups a specialty), and Schmankerl Stube (Bavarian). In addition to being a Civil War buff's Mecca (just up the road from Antietam and less than an hour from Gettysburg), Hagerstown itself has some things to hold your interest as well, including railway and aviation museums, a kids' museum, a fine arts museum, and a history museum of the town's namesake. Right next to the park is the art installation, the Mural of Unusual Size, which is worth a peak before or after the game. Also, the affiliated Frederick Keys ballclub is about a half hour to the east. The Crown Hotel is right down the street from the park downtown, and new owners seem to have turned around its previous unsavory reputation. A short drive east on Route 40 has a half-dozen hotel options of various price points, as does I-81 a little to the southwest. Fans 4 In their inaugural year, the Flying Boxcars experienced some of the typical ups and downs of a new franchise: Their attendance was up with the novelty of a new park, and their performance on the field was down, as often befalls a new team. While the team is still struggling for wins, the good news is that the bloom isn't off the flower at the gates. The Flying Boxcars remain atop the Atlantic League for attendance, averaging more than 75 percent capacity for each game. Considering a sellout means 1/10th of the population of the city is at the game, that's pretty darn good. The crowd is supportive of their struggling team, but they seem more like a Rockies crowd going to a social event first and a ballgame second. Meritus, like Coors, appears to be the most happening club in town, and I'm sure the owners aren't complaining too much. Access 4 The new park is located in the heart of downtown, just south of Route 40, and it is a breeze to visit and get around. Downtown is well-serviced by I-81 and I-70 for drivers. A small bus service can get you to the park from the surrounding area, there's an Amtrak station downtown and regional airports spotting the area, but the closest major airports are Dulles or BWI.  The main parking for Meritus is the new Hub City Garage, just a block or so from the park, with its own walkway to one of the outfield entrances. It has similar pricing for various parking lots and decks further around downtown. The park has several entrances, so it is easy to get in and never seems to get too crowded. A main promenade circles the park, so there's not much trouble getting around, although a couple of walkways beyond the outfield are a tight squeeze. Return on Investment 5 The team makes it affordable to get in the door, which is important for independent clubs catering to families and social butterflies. Ticket prices are more than fair, running from $16-19 (children under 5 are free). Cheap food options abound ($3 for a basic dog / $5 for a large soda / $6.50 for domestic beer), though the specialty food and drink can get pricey if you choose to go that way. Parking is pretty much $10 in all lots, unless you use one of the unofficial lots, at your own risk. And they even still give away free game-day programs and scorecards. Extras 4 For a new park, there are little details that help make Meritus look more lived-in than you'd expect.  There are the expected modern ballpark amenities with well-stocked team stores and a kids' play area out in right field. Also in right field is a neon statue of the eponymous Fairchild C-119 that lights up during night games. The outfield bars also have bar games for those distracted from the action on the field, and a performance area by the Meinelschmidt Bar sometimes provides pre- and post-game entertainment. With a tip of the hat to history, the Hall of Fame near home plate celebrates big MLB stars that traveled through Hagerstown in their affiliated past, such as Brice Harper, Mike Mussina, and Juan Soto. And a special call-out to Erin Shank at State Farm, who somehow managed to buy a scoreboard sponsorship of every... foul... ball. By the third inning, I could recite her ad copy flawlessly with my eyes closed. It’s a little annoying, but this kind of small-town promotion is part of what makes minor and indie ball so unique. Final Thoughts Meritus Park could never fully replace Municipal Stadium in Hagerstown's hearts and minds, but it brings baseball into the new century there, with a gem of a modern park that seems tailored for its home.