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- Dwyer Stadium – Batavia Muckdogs
Photos by Michael Rusignuolo, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.14 Dwyer Stadium 299 Bank St Batavia, NY 14020 Batavia Muckdogs website Dwyer Stadium website Year Opened: 1939 Capacity: 2,600 Muck in Name Only Dwyer Stadium (named for Edward D. Dwyer, a long-time president of the Batavia ball club) encompasses a field that has been used for professional baseball in Batavia, New York since 1939. The current 2,600 seat incarnation was erected in 1996 and is primarily the home of the NY-Penn League Batavia Muckdogs, the only in-place charter franchise of the league, and owner of one of the most memorable monikers in minor league baseball. In addition to giving a home to the Muckdogs (for the last two years the short-season, single A affiliate of the Miami Marlins, after long affiliations with the Cardinals and Phillies), the park also hosts games for Genesee Community College teams, as well as local high schools. While the neighborhood is strictly small town New York State and the park is showing its age in places, Dwyer Stadium serves up a good, affordable baseball experience for families and baseball fans alike. Food & Beverage 3 Dwyer Stadium has a good selection of food and drink, especially for a short season A-ball field. The main concession area is located in the home plate plaza by the main entrance, along with a beer concession, a small treats concession by the kids area, and a beer-and-peanuts stand under the third base bleachers. The main concessions deliver standard ballpark and regional fare, including Zweigles’ red and white hot sausages, burgers, fries, pizza, and chicken. The choice of the grub has got to be the Muckdog Signature Dog (red or white hot with “Muckdog Sauce” and onions for a reasonable $3.50). Or–how can you resist?–“Muckdog Chow,” a red hot, white hot, burger, or cheeseburger, served on top of macaroni salad and homefries, smothered in Muckdog Sauce, and served in a big plastic dog bowl, all for $5.75. Small and large Budweisers are available at most concessions for $4 or $5.50 respectively, and the specialty beer concessions serve up Southern Tier Farmers Tan, Rohrbach’s Muckdog Red Ale, Rohrbach’s Highland, Genny Light, and Brooklyn Summer Ale for $4.75 for a small and $6.50 for a large. The beer booths also deliver 16-oz cans for $5, and 25 ounces for $7. You’re at their park, so you might as well give the fine Muckdog Red Ale a try. Atmosphere 3 Dwyer Stadium has one main entrance to the right of the ticket booth. It opens out into an entrance plaza behind home plate on the first base side in a wide walkway that runs from outfield to outfield outside of the seating area, with two openings at first and third base. Both walkways end in tented picnic areas just before the home and visitor bullpens and clubhouses, in left and right field respectively. The only cover in the park (besides those tents) is the seats under the grandstand behind home plate, which is topped with the press box. The gates open an hour before game time, and home team fans can seek autographs at the dugout on the third base side. Wherever you’re sitting, you’ll have a good view of the field and the open sky beyond the outfield walls. Mascot Homer, the dog, and the fan relations crew run the between-inning entertainment, which includes the minor league standard races, quizzes, and contests. One unique event during my most recent visit was a lucky young fan getting to hit the owner in the face with a shaving cream pie, which showed the good-natured relationship between the team management and the community. All that said, there are signs of wear around the park that need addressing. The scoreboard has seen better days and is missing some lights; the visitors’ clubhouse in right is missing an “I” in its sign, rendering it “Vistor” and the sound system in the bleacher seats is reminiscent of the NYC subway speakers in the 80s; nearly unintelligible. Neighborhood 2 The park is located as part of a neighborhood Little League complex, which gives you an idea of the surrounding area. It is very much in a small town in Western New York, and perhaps the best you can say for Batavia is that it is under an hour drive to both Rochester and Buffalo. In town, there are a couple of standard small-town historical attractions, the Batavia Downs Racetrack, and the Darien Lake Amusement Park is a short drive out of town. Meat-lovers are in luck, as there are quite a few steakhouses and BBQ places in town, including Larry’s Steakhouse, T.F. Brown’s, Center Street Smokehouse, and Alex’s Place. Bar stops include Tully’s, O’Lacys, and City Slickers. For those with kids (or kids at heart), Oliver’s Candies (with hand-made chocolates, candies, and ice cream) is a must-visit downtown. A surprising amount of chain hotels are mostly right off the NY Thruway, including Best Western, Comfort Inn, Hampton Inn, Quality Inn, Super 8, Days Inn, Clarion, and Red Roof Inn. Fans 3 A regional holdout from when seemingly every little burg in Western NY was home to a NY-Penn League franchise, Batavia still seems to have a good deal of local enthusiasm for its team. “Muckdogs Home Tonight” lawn signs are regularly seen while driving around town, and they still put in a respectable showing in the park. The fans are mostly local families and not baseball purists, to be sure, but they are involved with the game and show support for their local pride and joy as you might expect. Access 4 Batavia is an easy exit off the NY Thruway (I-90), as well as state roads 98, 63, 33, and 5. A large, free parking lot is right next to the stadium, and additional parking is also free in the adjacent parks. It is under an hour to both Rochester and Buffalo, and Batavia is about 2.5 hours to Toronto, and four hours to Albany or Pittsburgh. Those not driving can take the Batavia Bus Service Route 2 or 3 from downtown to the UMMC Station ($1), and a small regional airport (Genesee County) is north of town. In the park, an inner walkway in the seating area splits the box seats below from the general admission seats above, and a wide outer concourse runs from outfield to outfield around the diamond to get people where they need to be. Return on Investment 4 The strength of minor league ball is its value for the dollar, and the Muckdogs are no different. Box seats are $7.50, and general admission seats are $6.50, so there’s no sticker-shock there. Coupon books of eight games are available for both kinds of seats and bring the cost per game down to $5.75 and $4.75 respectively for box or GA seats. Group rates for 20 or more get the price down to $5.50 per person, and all-you-can eat seats are available on the Hot Corner picnic area for $15 or $17.50 per person, with slightly expanded menu choices for the higher amount. Nearly all the food items (even the special items) are under $5. Small beers go for $4, and 20 oz cans go for $7, and the large specialty beers don’t top $6.50. It is just an affordable experience all around. Extras 3 For a low minor league park, Dwyer Stadium has a more than average amount of extras. In addition to the standard stadium commemorative plaques (on the outside of the park by the ticket window), there is a revamped Batavia Wall of Fame and three plaques dedicated to Batavia as the birthplace of the NY-Penn League, Gene Baker (first black manager in professional baseball), and Whitey Loos (local baseball star in the 40’s and WWII casualty) on the main concession building. A boosters’ plaque is by the main entrance, and a small art installation called “I Am Someone in the Crowd” is located on the back of the home third base bleachers. The press box behind home is dedicated to Wayne H. Fuller (long-time PA announcer). A small shed by the main entrance houses the team store and fan relations booth, and a modest kids area is located down the right field line. Booths sell programs in the main entrance plaza, and in a nice tip of the hat to scorers, a slanted resting shelf is located underneath the game lineups to make it easier to prepare your scorecard. Final Thoughts Dwyer Stadium is full of little surprises for the visitor and provides a straight-forward, cost-conscious evening of baseball for all comers.
- Farris Center – Central Arkansas Bears
Photo Courtesy of Carolyn Stapleton Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.71 Farris Center 201 Donaghey Ave. Conway, AR 72035 Central Arkansas Bears website Farris Center website Year Opened: 1972 Capacity: 5,500 Farris Assessment The Farris Center is the home of the University of Central Arkansas Bears basketball program. The arena opened in January 1972 and seats 6,000. Nestled in the typical college town of Conway, Arkansas, the Farris Center is a multi-purpose arena that also houses many classrooms. As with any arena of its age renovations took place in 2010 that included new scoreboards and signage. Two years later a new floor was added to the building. The school’s only NCAA Tournament appearance took place in 2005 at the Division II level. However, its most famous alumni is 6-time NBA champion and Basketball Hall of Famer Scottie Pippen. Food & Beverage 2 The Farris Center is a small venue, and as a result the concession selections are sparse to say the least. Sadly, most high school facilities will have better concessions. The selection is extremely limited, and I could only find one concession area the entire time I was there. The few stands the Farris Center does have carry soft drinks (Pepsi products), popcorn, hot dogs, nachos, and candy. Atmosphere 2 This gym is a very small one, although that is not necessarily a bad thing. The atmosphere in the Farris Center is lively despite its size. While it is not the most fun atmosphere you will find, it is great for families who want an inexpensive college basketball experience. The PA announcer was a plus in this category, as he did a good job of keeping the crowd engaged in the activity on the court. The classrooms in the hallways around the gym area also add a sort of academic feel to the setting, reminding us something we often forget: That colleges are for more than just sports. Neighborhood 2 The Central Arkansas campus is very pleasing to the eye. It is obvious that the school, like many others across the country, has made campus beautification a priority. However, there is also very little on campus for non-students to do. Conway is a traditional college town though, so you will not have to go far to find something to do. It has many of your chain restaurants, but also some nice local places like Mike’s Place and Stromboli’s. Woolly Hollow State Park is nearby for those who enjoy the outdoors, and the Faulkner County Museum for those who would like to learn the history of the area is also worth checking out. Fans 3 The crowd was bigger than one might expect given the size of the facility and the town. The fans were also very invested in the game, which is always nice to see at smaller venues. The fans were particularly when you consider how many of them were there. The stands were less than half full and the top level of seating was actually blocked off. While the fans in the stands were invested in the game, many others were in the hallways socializing. It was an interesting, unique aspect of the experience. It sounds like a negative, but it did not feel like one. Access 3 Parking can be found pretty close and cheaply. As with many venues, the farther you are willing to walk, the more likely you can find free parking. The seating is a bit uncomfortable, and I found it difficult to stay in my seat for extended periods without stretching my legs. The lobby and hallways around the gym were a bit awkward, and it took a little exploring to get from the lobby to the actually seating in the arena. This is not a huge problem though, because it is a very short exploration. The restrooms are extremely old-fashioned, but they were also extremely clean and well-kept. Return on Investment 5 From what you have already read, you might be thinking that a trip to the Farris Center is not worth your time. However, the return on investment is strong when you consider that a general admission ticket costs just $2. Courtside tickets were only $8. You will not find any other venue where a family of five can get in for $10. Say what you want about the size of the Farris Center, but its value is one of the best out there. Extras 2 One extra point goes to the Farris Center for allowing local elementary school students perform at halftime. These students danced their hearts out for everyone, and the crowd was just as enthused for them as they were for the game. It is important for college basketball programs to be involved in the community. Another extra point is for Scottie Pippen’s jerseys, which hang in the hallways of the Farris Center where he played college ball. The fact that Pippen came out of a place as small as Central Arkansas just proves that greatness can come from anywhere. His Team USA, Chicago Bulls and Central Arkansas Bears jerseys hanging in that hallway add a neat bit of history to this arena experience.
- PK Park – Eugene Emeralds
Photos by Sean Rowland, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.14 PK Park 2760 Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd Eugene, OR 97401 Eugene Emeralds website PK Park website Year Opened: 2009 Capacity: 4,000 A New Chapter in Ems Baseball The city of Eugene may be best recognized for two things: The University of Oregon and a storied track and field history. Little known outside of the Pacific Northwest is the lone professional franchise in the city, the Eugene Emeralds. Dating back to 1955, the Ems have had a storied history, much of it spent in the single-A Northwest League. A true relic in the ballpark world, Eugene played in Civic Stadium, a WPA facility that was configured for baseball only in the late 1960s. Since then, the venerable wooden ballpark would be home to summer baseball in the Emerald City, and the rare structure was admired by old-timers and ballpark enthusiasts. Unfortunately, the place started deteriorating quickly, and the Ems made a controversial decision. With the University of Oregon restarting their baseball program at a new on-campus facility, Eugene sadly moved away from its long time home after the 2009 season. Civic Stadium still stands (barely) and a grass-roots campaign, Friends of Civic Stadium, is trying to keep the place alive. In the meantime, the Emeralds are looking for their first league title since 1980, as they have now spent the last several years across town in PK Park. While the Ems are clearly a second tenant with the stadium’s focus and visuals centered on the Ducks, it is still a beautiful park in which to watch baseball. Food & Beverage 4 While there is only one main concession stand at PK, there are several side carts with decent options and a somewhat hidden spot featuring many choices. Down at field level near the picnic area known as “Levi’s Landing,” the nearby stand is open to all fans and not just reserved for those at the landing. The lines are much shorter and the offerings are the same, with a few bonus items like a grilled BBQ chicken sandwich ($7.75) or an avocado turkey burger ($8.00). Playing up the Sasquatch theme, a few Jack Link’s jerky choices are available, too. For the best value on these generally high food prices, head to the Ems Shack, where $8 is enough for a meal, as both the Thai ginger chicken wrap and the Southwestern wrap are very good (they are available in a bowl, too). As for beer, you are in Oregon, where it is nearly a crime not to drink a local craft brew. Eugene has an abundance of great breweries to try, as draft products from OakShire, Ninkasi and GoodLife are all on tap. Despite being in the confines of a single-A ballpark, be sure to have lots of cash on hand, with a small craft beer costing $7 and the large premium running $9. Atmosphere 4 At PK Park, it is blatantly obvious who this ballpark caters to: the University of Oregon. Logos and wordmarks from the well-funded university are splashed all over the stadium, and while aesthetically it looks good, the Emeralds have been relegated to a second tenant. A few touches try to change that (like the Sasquatch peering from outside the women’s bathroom), but in the end, there is a real shadow from Autzen Stadium in the distance. With that being said, PK Park is a really nice baseball stadium and a great place to watch the Emeralds. Instead of spreading out the seating bowl, all of the forest green chairbacks are located between the bases in a steeply pitched set-up that features excellent sightlines. Adding to the ambiance is a nice looking wooden roof that covers most of the seats. While the Emeralds play baseball in the dry season, there are still some nights this roof comes in handy. The outfield does not have much of a visual; however, the scoreboard sits on a pair of snazzy lightpoles that are incorporated into the design. For games starting in the early evening, it is hard to see the numbers on those boards, as the setting sun shines directly upon them. The baseball atmosphere in the park is decent with the frequent (almost too frequent) playing of an old-school organ. The highlight of attending an Emeralds game is their hilarious green mascot, Sluggo. For the good mascots, they are able to entertain the young ones during the game. Sluggo, does well to entertain everybody, and I found myself laughing several times at his antics. Just search YouTube for some of his best work, but the move of the night for me was seeing him throw water balloons into the visiting team’s dugout. Neighborhood 3 Oregon’s second largest city is located in the southern end of the Willamette Valley. Similar to the rest of the state, Eugene is full of people who love the outdoors, and opportunities are plentiful with many biking paths, along with spots to run, hike, raft or climb. The Emerald City is also very green and environmentally-conscious. Walking around town, you are sure to see some interesting people, as this is a quirky and eccentric place to visit. With the nearby University, the center of Eugene has a large college town feel, and there are several places to enjoy a drink or bite to eat. On the other side of the Willamette River, PK Park can be found in a separate university athletic complex. In the Barlow neighborhood, this section consists of Autzen Stadium, Pape Field and pavement, lots and lots of pavement. Parking lots for the football stadium make up much of the area, and this leaves PK Park a little soul-less in terms of the neighborhood. With downtown a few miles away, this side of the river contains Alton Baker Park, which includes a children’s museum. For food, check out the O Bar and Grill. Fans 3 Similar to other Northwest League teams, the Emeralds only average a few thousand fans, and on the night I attended, about half of the park was full. Ducks apparel outnumbers those wearing hats or shirts with the Emeralds logo on them. Despite what seems like a generic approach to the Ems, the crowd is quite lively and they are into the game. Along with good support, little things like clapping at the result of a helpful second strike gives the perception that these fans care about their players and the game. Access 3 I-5 is the north-south highway that connects the major cities in Western Oregon, and this interstate leads right into Eugene. While getting to the ballpark from downtown is simple, it is a little awkward coming from the north, as drivers have to backtrack a bit after getting on I-105. The best directions are to just follow the well laid-out signs and arrows for Autzen Stadium, and that will lead you right to PK Park. Because of the football stadium, parking is abundant, but I was surprised at how far the actual lots are from the ballpark. I did not expect having to walk 5-10 minutes for a stadium with so much parking. Instead, the new soccer stadium gets the luxury of being next to the main lot. Another gripe is driving through the uneven and bumpy gravel lot. Inside, concourses are open and wide, with plenty of room to walk around. Though there is just one set of bathrooms, the space is quite large. In fact, women often comment how incredibly large the bathroom is. Just watch out for that Sasquatch! Return on Investment 4 Prices for the most part are reasonable for this level of baseball and the location. Most tickets cost $10, while the parking is a $3 charge. The exception is the aforementioned concession prices, which are surprisingly high, and I didn’t appreciate the little charges (like $1 for a cheese cup or $3 for a pickle). Otherwise, there is certainly value to an Emeralds game, and a visit to PK Park is well worth it. Extras 1 A few years ago, the Emeralds brought on the excellent design company Brandiose to re-brand the team. What followed was a terrific new logo and scheme that focused on Eugene’s eccentricities, along with their nature as an outdoor city. The green coloring and Sasquatch-based logo really spoke to the Emeralds and the team has run with this change, continuing to execute great ideas and promotions. This is not necessarily worth a bonus point, but it should be noted that PK Park has FieldTurf. While, the surface is important for a rough climate like in the Pacific Northwest, it just seems strange to watch players slide on fake grass and fake dirt. Final Thoughts While the most authentic experience at PK Park may be an Oregon Ducks baseball game, the Eugene Emeralds have done their best to set up shop at their relatively new home. With one of the best mascots in baseball and a terrific modern field, the Ems continue to produce a good experience for fans during the summer.
- Mall of Asia Arena – Barangay Ginebra San Miguel
Photos by Chuck Utech, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.00 Mall of Asia Arena Mall of Asia Complex Bay City, Pasay City 1309 The Philippines Barangay Ginebra San Miguel website Mall of Asia Arena website Year Opened: 2012 Capacity: 20,000 Mall of Basketball If you like your basketball to be one part rugby, one part three point shooting, and one part rock concert, then the Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) is for you. Here is a quick primer. The PBA played its first game in 1975 and is the first professional basketball league in Asia, and second oldest in the world, behind the NBA. The PBA features 10 teams. Rules are a mix of NBA and international. A season is comprised of three “conferences” called the Philippine Cup, Commissioner’s Cup, and Governors’ Cup. Winning all conferences in a given season is called a “Grand Slam.” Each conference has particular roster requirements and ends in playoff with a champion. The Philippine Cup rosters are comprised of players of Filipino descent. This Cup is widely thought of as the most prestigious of the three. For the Commissioner’s Cup, the ninth and tenth place teams from the previous conference are allowed one import no taller than 6′ 11”. The remaining teams have a 6′ 9″ restriction. In Governors’ Cup play, the rule is 6′ 5″ for all teams. Barangay Ginebra San Miguel (Ginebra) has been a member of the PBA since 1979, beginning as Gilbey’s Gin. They are by far the most popular professional team in the Philippines. They have won eight championships. Unlike basketball in the United States, there are no home arenas. There are two main facilities that host PBA games, the Smart Araneta Coliseum (site of the Thrilla in Manilla) and the Mall of Asia Arena (MOA). In times where Smart Araneta and MOA are busy, Philsports Arena and Cuneta Astrodome are used instead. MOA is the crown jewel of venues in the Philippines. In addition to a regular PBA slate, it is the home of the University Athletic Association of the Philippines and served as the main venue for the 2013 FIBA Asia Championship. In 2013, the NBA played a preseason game to a capacity crowd featuring the Houston Rockets and Indiana Pacers. In just two short years it has also hosted concerts of international acts such as Taylor Swift, Bruno Mars, Lady Gaga, Nicki Minaj, Aerosmith, and the Jonas Brothers. Boosted by a nearby first class shopping experience and excellent atmosphere, a trip to MOA is highly recommended if you’re looking for a sporting event in Manila. Food & Beverage 5 Food and beverage of all types is available and easily accessible from a plethora of concession stands at Mall of Asia Arena. The main concessions popular with the local crowd feature standard arena food. Tubs of popcorn are 70 and 95 PHP (standard conversion is about 43 PHP to 1 USD). A bacon cheeseburger is 100 PHP while a hot dog wrapped in bacon served on a bun is 80 PHP. Local beer San Mig Light and San Mig Pale Pilsen is served in a 12 ounce cup for 65 PHP. Looking for something different? Try Kobe Kroquette. These are deep fried mashed potatoes with panko coating. They come in different varieties. I sampled a mix and match 3 pack for 75 PHP. I asked for the most popular and was given ham and cheese, crabstick, and seaweed, which are served with tonkatsu sauce. They are quite enjoyable. Searching for a different type of ethnic cuisine? Next down the line is Jamrock Patty Cafe and their famous Jamaican patties. These are a beef-stuffed delicacy with a pastry crust. A regular patty is 65 PHP or with cheese is 75 PHP. In addition, there are stands for pizza, tacos, chicken sandwiches and ice cream. Starbucks and Krispy Kreme also have booths. Cost is very affordable. Want a mixed drink? Tanduay Rhum has a booth and a rum and Coke is only 100 PHP. Atmosphere 5 One main gate on the south side of the complex allows inside access. There is a huge line, but security is quite efficient in moving everyone inside. There are essentially five levels for seating: Patron, lower box, suites, upper box and gallery. Patron seating includes courtside and is on the main floor. Escalators escort fans to their desired section. I recommend sitting in the box seats. The gallery seating does allow for the lowest price at 125 PHP, but is also in the 500 level. Lower box seats are 550 PHP and allow for a great view and crowd experience. Mall of Asia Arena features a large, state of the art center court hanging video board. Live action is shown as well as game statistics. Music during a regular season game is a standard instrumental beat that is usually played at all venues in The Philippines. During the playoffs, both teams have drum lines that sit on each side of the gallery and duel all game, replacing the instrumental beat. Popular music is played during breaks and intermissions. Because the PBA does not play more than a doubleheader in any night, the crew for all venues is mainly the same. Both teams are announced as “Your” team. Inside, the announcer is very well understood. He speaks English nearly throughout except when asking for everyone to rise for the National Anthem. Although fan support may be lopsided, the announcer does a great job of hyping big plays for both teams. “Japeth Aguilar for THREEEEE!” Also the voice is quite discernible for explanations such as “technical foul on the bench for disrespecting a game official.” Sound is distributed well in MOA, which is excellent, because even during roars from the crowd, the announcer can make his call. During intermissions a team of three guys appear on the court and shoot t-shirts into the crowd with a slingshot. I appreciate that they shoot those high into the cheap seats. At halftime, one of those fellas sports a harness with backboard on hoop on top and they pass around a small ball to fans to shoot. Made baskets win a prize… a two day supply of Vitamin C. In addition, they have a game where two contestants are at mid court, attached to a bungee cord. The goal is to advance to their respective hoop, dragging the other along, and make a basket. That is very entertaining. Want to challenge a friend at a three point shooting contest? On the second level is a regulation hoop and three point arc. Free of charge, one can hoist as many jumpers as they can. Two staffers grab rebounds and send balls back on a rack for continued shooting. Neighborhood 4 Located two blocks from Manila Bay, MOA sits in a shopper’s paradise. Across the street is the spacious Mall of Asia. The mall is currently the 10th largest in the world. It is estimated that 200,000 people visit the mall daily. Nearby are hotels, casinos and a business district. Fans 4 I really do not know if I have enough superlatives to describe the PBA fans. They are supportive, smart, and quite vocal. The fan experience alone is well worth the price of admission. It is very enjoyable. There are two main chants one can expect to hear at a Ginebra game. “D-Fense!” and “Ginebra!” (EE-NEH-BRAH!). When a team makes a big shot, fans from that squad will hold up a jersey or handmade banner (ranging from poster board and magic marker to a fancy, stitched felt sign) of the player. Same with a great steal or block. Most of the “super” fans are behind the respective hoops. They are quite mindful to not keep the sign up too long and impede the view of the spectator behind them. Access 3 MOA is easy to get to, whether by taxi, bus, or jeepney, but it is located on the Western side of Metro Manila. A 45-60 minute taxi ride is approximately 300 PHP. There are bus and jeepney stops as well as a railway nearby. For visitors unfamiliar with the area or travel, I recommend a taxi. There is plenty of parking outside the arena and across the street at a mammoth parking ramp. Outside parking allows for tailgating. Again, there is a long line for getting in the gate, but it moves briskly. Outside food, drink and items like strollers and umbrellas are not allowed inside. They can be checked at the entrance. Inside the arena it is very handicap accessible. There are plenty of guards and security as well as assistants to make sure getting to a seat is a breeze. The concourses are wide and also afford views of the bay and surrounding area. Smoking? The second floor has a large smoker’s lounge which also serves beer and soda. The arena and mall both feature taxi bays for a quick exit. Return on Investment 4 A PBA game at MOA is a joy. One can sit in a box seat, enjoy a variety food, drink and spend less than 1000 PHP. The entertainment level is high for the cost. Since there are hotels as well as casinos fairly close by so one staying in that district could go to a game for a significantly lower price. Extras 3 It is disappointing that there are no programs for PBA games. The tickets are generic. There is however, merchandise available. T-shirts and jerseys of the teams are available ranging from 300-650 PHP. In addition, Team Philippines hats are available for 395 PHP. Goods are still on sale from the 2013 preseason NBA game as well at a reduced cost. Restrooms in MOA are easy to access, large and sparkling clean. Views from the arena of the area are special, and even more so after dark. The environment is supportive, family-friendly and fun. Viewing a game at MOA is a definite must.
- Cuneta Astrodome – San Mig Super Coffee Mixers
Photos by Chuck Utech, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.86 Cuneta Astrodome Roxas Blvd Manila, The Philippines 1300 San Mig Super Coffee Mixers website Cuneta Astrodome website Year Opened: 1993 Capacity: 12,000 Basketball Mix Editor’s Note: No surprise, the team name has changed three times since this review. They are now (2020) known as the Magnolia Chicken Timplados Hotshots. If you like aggressive, physical basketball, The Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) is for you. Here is a quick primer. The PBA played its first game in 1975 and is the first professional basketball league in Asia, and second oldest in the world, behind the NBA. The PBA features 10 teams currently. Rules are a mix of NBA and international. A season is comprised of three “conferences” called the Philippine Cup, Commissioner’s Cup, and Governors’ Cup. Winning all conferences in a given season is called a “Grand Slam.” Each conference has particular roster requirements and ends in a play-off with a champion. The Philippine Cup rosters are comprised of players of Filipino descent. This Cup is widely thought of as the most prestigious of the three. For the Commissioner’s Cup, the ninth and tenth place teams from the previous conference are allowed one import no taller than 6′ 11”. The remaining teams have a 6′ 9″ restriction. In Governors’ Cup play, the rule is 6 ‘5″ for all teams. The San Mig Super Coffee Mixers began play in 1988 as the Purefoods Hotdogs. Twelve championships and 12 name changes later, they are arguably the second most popular team in the PBA behind Barangay Ginebra (which owns San Mig and the San Miguel Beermen also). The Mixers are coached by Tim Cone, who is the all-time leader in championships among coaches. The Mixers have won the last three conferences and are seeking a Grand Slam. Unlike basketball in the United States, there are no home arenas. There are two main facilities that host PBA games, the Smart Araneta Coliseum (site of the Thrilla in Manilla) and The Mall of Asia Arena (MOA). In times where Smart Araneta and MOA are busy, PhilSports Arena and Cuneta Astrodome are used instead. With a groundbreaking in 1991 and completion in 1993, the Cuneta Astrodome (named after past public official Enrique Cuneta) regularly hosted PBA games from 1993-1998 and ever since 2000. Although it is a substitute facility, it has a proud history and has held events such as WWE, political and evangelical gatherings, musical concerts, and has served as a venue for the Southeast Asia Games. It underwent a renovation in 2006. Cuneta is showing some wear and tear over the last 20 plus years, but it still is a solid venue for an event. Food & Beverage 2 Traditional concession stands do not exist. Instead, vendors seek you out peddling hot dogs, popcorn, chips, bottles of soda, and bottled water. It is easy to know where the vendors are– instead of a traditional bellowing of “Hot dogs! Pop Corn! Coca-Cola!” they simply make a noise with their mouths almost like a duck call. It’s a very effective technique. The cost is reasonable. A hot dog served with customary mayonnaise and ketchup is 50 PHP, a large tub of cheese popcorn is 75 PHP. A large bag of chips is 50 PHP as is a 16 ounce bottle of Coca-Cola. A 12 ounce bottle of water is 25 PHP. Currently the exchange rate is around 43 PHP to the USD. Prices are fine, especially when factoring in the convenience of so many vendors eager to assist. The menu is limited, but the hot dog is very good. There are no beer sales inside. Walking in, signs are posted prohibiting bringing in outside beverage or food. Atmosphere 3 Two main gates allow access into the Astrodome. It essentially has three levels for seating: Patron, Box, and Gallery. Each gate is then divided to be level specific and there isn’t easy access in between the levels. The Patron seats include VIP and lower box seats. Box seats were part of the 2006 renovation and are fairly comfortable. They are a little small, especially with the drink holders, but okay. When buying tickets there on the day of the game, the agent does not allow for choice of seat. They just ask what level and give the appropriate ticket for the level requested. I recommend sitting in the box seats. The gallery seating does allow for the lowest price at 110 PHP, but the view from the first few rows of bleachers are obstructed somewhat by a metal fence that separates the box seats from the gallery. The Cuneta Astrodome does have a central, overhanging scoreboard along with projection screens up in the gallery that display the game action. The main scoreboard has a rather manual, antiquated system of displaying the numbers of the participants. It then uses a colored light to denote if they are in the game, and a different color to denote how many fouls they have. Music during the game is a standard instrumental beat that is played at all venues in The Philippines. Popular music is played during breaks and intermissions. Because the PBA does not play more than a doubleheader in any night, the crew for all venues is mainly the same. Both teams are announced as “Your” team. Inside Cuneta, the announcer is very well understood. He speaks English nearly throughout except when asking for everyone to rise for the National Anthem. Although fan support may be lopsided, the announcer does a great job of hyping big plays for both teams. “Henry Walker for THREEEEE!” Sound is distributed well in the Cuneta Astrodome, which is good, because even during roars from the crowd, the announcer can make his call. During intermissions a team of three guys appear on the court and shoot t-shirts into the crowd with a slingshot. I appreciate that they shoot those high into the cheap seats. At halftime, one of those fellas sports a harness with backboard on hoop on top and they pass around a small ball to fans to shoot. Made baskets win a prize… a two day supply of Vitamin C. In addition, they have a game where two contestants are at mid court, attached to a bungee cord. The goal is to advance to their respective hoop, dragging the other along, and make a basket. That is very entertaining. Neighborhood 2 Located near Manila Bay, Cuneta Astrodome sits in a commercial district. It is about a mile south of the American Embassy, also located on Roxas Blvd. I don’t recommend much travel around the area on foot, especially by yourself. Visitors should be mindful as there are a plethora of panhandlers, mainly women and children, who are not shy to ask for handouts. Although it is called the Cuneta Astrodome, it is not a dome. It is a rectangular three-story building that looks more like a warehouse than a venue that hosts world class events. When you arrive, you may have no idea that you are actually there as the name cannot be seen from Roxas Blvd. On the outside of the dome, there is a post office, and a few restaurants. They feature cheeseburgers for 35 PHP (buy one get one free) as well as chicken and hot dogs. There are about a dozen street vendors immediately outside. They have a wide variety. Dimsum, chips, sweet corn and barbecue, are joined by local delicacies like quail eggs and balut. Balut is a developing duck embryo that is boiled and eaten in the shell. Many locals grab a balut egg before entering the dome for the protein they need to get through the game. Fans 5 I really do not know if I have enough superlatives to describe the PBA fans. They are supportive, smart, and quite vocal. The fan experience alone is well worth the price of admission. It is very enjoyable. There are two main chants. “D-Fense!” and “Laban San Mig!” that the fans use as a go San Mig type of cheer. When a team makes a big shot, fans from that squad will hold up a jersey or handmade banner (ranging from poster board and magic marker to a fancy, stitched felt sign) of the player. Same with a great steal or block. Most of the “super” fans are behind the respective hoops. They are quite mindful to not keep the sign up too long and impede the view of the spectator behind them. Even from outside the area, you’ll have no problem hearing the loud cheers ebbing and flowing with each play. Access 2 Cuneta Astrodome is easy to get to, whether by taxi, bus, or jeepney, but it is located on the western side of Metro Manila. A 45-60 minute taxi ride is approximately 300 PHP. There are bus and jeepney stops as well as a railway nearby. For visitors unfamiliar with the area or travel, I recommend a taxi. There is essentially no local street parking. Inside the arena is somewhat handicap accessible. There are plenty of guards and security as well as assistants to make sure getting to a seat is easy. After the game, there is not a traditional taxi stand. Using a taxi app is recommended; I got the attention of a gentleman who saw I wanted a taxi. He flagged me one immediately and got me off and on my way before a throng of people closed in. Return on Investment 5 A PBA game at Cuneta is enjoyable. I sat in the middle price range of seats (410 PHP for a doubleheader) and the cost of a ticket, taxi to and from, a couple hot dogs and waters was just over 1000 PHP. The entertainment level is high for the cost. There are hotels as well as casinos fairly close by so one staying in that district could go to a game for a significantly lower price. Extras 1 It is disappointing that there are no programs for PBA games. Also, there are no merchandise sales at the dome. The tickets are generic. The extra star goes to the friendly staff and security. The environment is supportive, family-friendly and fun.
- PhilSports Arena – Air21 Express
Photos by Chuck Utech, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.71 PhilSports Arena University of Life St Pasig, The Philippines NLEX Road Warriors website PhilSports Arena website Year Opened: 1981 Capacity: 10,000 Rare Air Editor’s Note: Since publishing this review, the team Air21 Express were sold and renamed the NLEX Road Warriors. Welcome to basketball in the Philippines! The Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) played its first game in 1975 and is the first professional basketball league in Asia, and second oldest in the world, behind the NBA. The PBA features 10 teams. Rules are a mix of NBA and international. A season is comprised of three “conferences” called the Philippine Cup, Commissioner’s Cup, and Governors’ Cup. Winning all conferences in a given season is called a “Grand Slam.” Each conference has particular roster requirements and ends in a play-off with a champion. The Philippine Cup rosters are comprised of players of Filipino descent. This Cup is widely thought of as the most prestigious of the three. For the Commissioner’s Cup, the ninth and tenth place teams from the previous conference are allowed one import no taller than 6′ 11”. The remaining teams have a 6′ 9″ restriction. In Governors’ Cup play, the rule is 6′ 5″ for all teams. FIBA (International Basketball Federation will crown a World Champion in August, and then current teams draft and prepare for the next three conferences. The Air21 Express joined the PBA in 2011 and are led by 41 year old Asi Taulava, considered an all-time PBA great. He has had a very high profile career in the PBA dating back to 1999, and has been a member of several Philippine Nation squads. Taulava can easily be identified as he is one of the larger players in the league, and sports a blonde mohawk. The Express won their first play-off series in team history last conference in 2014, before being eliminated by the Super Coffee Mixers. Unlike basketball in the United States, there are no home arenas. There are two main facilities that host PBA games, the Smart Araneta Coliseum (site of the Thrilla in Manilla) and The Mall of Asia Arena (MOA). In times where Smart Araneta and MOA are busy, Philsports Arena and Cuneta Astrodome are used in their place. Built in 1981, PhilSports (also known as The Ultra, and the PSC) regularly hosted PBA games from 1985-1992 and 1999-2007. Now it is relegated to a role as a substitute facility. The stadium is showing age, but as a venue needed to pinch hit from time to time, it does suffice. In 2014 it did host the deciding Game Four in the finals. Food & Beverage 2 There are essentially no traditional concession stands inside PhilSports Arena. Instead, there are scores of vendors scouring the seats to sell hot dogs, popcorn, chips, bottles of soda and bottled water. The cost is reasonable. A hot dog with customary mayonnaise and ketchup is 50 PHP (about $1.15 in US dollars), a large tub of cheese popcorn is 75 PHP. A large bag of chips is 50 PHP as is a 16 ounce bottle of Coca-Cola. A 12 ounce bottle of water is 25 PHP. Price is not an issue, especially with the convenience of so many vendors eager to assist fans. While the menu is limited, the hot dog is tasty. There are no beer sales inside. Walking in, signs are posted prohibiting bringing outside beverage or food into the building. Atmosphere 3 Three main gates allow access into PhilSports. The arena essentially has three levels for seating: Patron, Box, and Gallery. Each gate is level specific and there isn’t easy access in between. The Patron seats include VIP and lower box seats. The courtside VIP seats are blue, plastic lawn chairs. The Box seats are a hard colored material that is akin to a seat used on a third grade schoolhouse desk. There are no drink holders and seats are fairly uncomfortable. The Gallery is first come, first served, bench seating. I would recommend that for a first time visitor or family. Seats in the Gallery are 125 PHP (about $2.87 US dollars). Unlike more modern arenas, PhilSports Arena does not have a central, overhanging scoreboard. It does feature two small score indicators in opposite corners and projection screens that display the game action. Those are located in the Gallery behind each basket. Music during the game is a standard instrumental beat. Popular music is played during breaks and intermissions. Both teams are announced as “Your” team. The announcer is very well understood. He speaks English nearly throughout except when asking for everyone to rise for the National Anthem. He also gives great explanations of referee calls (“Warning on coach Ryan Gregorio for resentment to a call”.) Another good explanation was given when a player was assessed a Flagrant Foul One. PBA rules state he must sit for three minutes of play. Sound is very good in the PSC. During intermissions a team of three guys come out on the court and shoot t shirts into the crowd with a slingshot. I appreciate that they shoot those high into the cheap seats. At halftime, one of those fellas sports a harness with backboard on hoop on top and they pass around a small ball to fans to shoot. Made baskets win a prize… a two day supply of Vitamin C. Neighborhood 1 Located in the heart of Metro Manila, PhilSports Arena sits in a fairly residential district. I would not recommend much travel around the area on foot, especially if you are by yourself. Across the street, there is a restaurant named Dinky’s that serves local barbecue. There is essentially no local street parking and no tailgating. Outside there is a vendor selling dim sum, but they were not set up to sell anything except bottles of water at the time I was there. Fans 5 The fans are supportive, loud and knowledgeable. The fan experience is well worth the price of admission. They cheer their team, refrain from excessive abuse, and engage in friendly back and forth with the opposing squad. It is quite enjoyable. A chant of “D-Fense” is very common. When a team makes a big shot, fans from that team will hold up a jersey or handmade banner (ranging from poster board and magic marker to a fancy, stitched felt sign) of the player. The same thing happens with a great steal or block. Most of the “super” fans are behind the respective hoops. When buying tickets, fans are advised as to what side each team will be sitting on so they can plan accordingly. Officiating in the PBA can be sketchy. I appreciate how the fans let the coaches do the majority of the complaining. They focus on supporting their team. They are very loud and very proud all game long. Access 2 PhilSports Arena is easy to get to, whether by taxi, bus, or jeepney and is more centrally located to allow a faster experience. A 20-30 minute taxi ride is approximately 200 PHP. There are bus and jeepney stops nearby. Jeepney is essentially a crowded public transportation system in The Philippines. For visitors unfamiliar with the area or travel, I recommend a taxi. Inside the arena is not handicapped accessible. There is a lack of ramps for anything outside the courtside. Security is prevalent. One thing that is disconcerting, however, is that in the upper Gallery, there are only two main doors, located behind each hoop. The others are chained off. When I was there in a full house for the finals, leaving would have been difficult in a time of panic. Return on Investment 5 A PBA game at PhilSports Arena is still enjoyable. I sat in the middle price range of seats (350 PHP for a doubleheader) and the cost of tickets, taxi to and from, a couple hot dogs and waters was well under 1000 PHP (about $23 US dollars). The entertainment level is high for the cost. Extras 1 Unfortunately, there are no programs for PBA games. Also, there are no merchandise sales. The tickets are generic. The extra star goes to the friendly staff and security. It is a family friendly environment inside and the staff takes great pride in the game day presentation.
- Big Rock Stadium – Morehead City Marlins
Photo Courtesy of Erin Ju Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.43 Big Rock Stadium 2714 Mayberry Loop Rd. Morehead City, NC 28557 Morehead City Marlins website Big Rock Stadium website Year Opened: 2010 Capacity: 1,800 Catch a Big One at “The Rock” Established in 2010, the Morehead City Marlins are still the new kids on the block in the Coastal Plain League. Big Rock Stadium was also built in 2010, and has a distinctly different look from other CPL stadiums. Most CPL stadiums are former minor league stadiums, but Big Rock was built primarily for the Marlins. The field itself was built for the local American Legion team, but the local Big Rock Blue Marlin Tournament provided the money to build the stadium portion once the CPL expansion was announced. In the few short years that Big Rock Stadium has been in operation, it has become a favorite night out for vacationers in Morehead City and other neighboring beach towns. Food & Beverage 3 There is one main concession stand directly behind the home plate seats. There are a few other stands, but more on that later. At this stand, you will find your most common food for reasonable prices: burgers ($4), hot dogs ($2.50), and even Chick-fil-A sandwiches ($4). You can also get sunflower seeds, Cracker Jacks, and other snacks here. Big Rock is a Pepsi stadium, and drinks are sold by the bottle or in souvenir cups. The other options at Big Rock include a kettle corn stand, a frozen yogurt bar, and a snack bar. Both the yogurt and the snack bar are located in the picnic area/beer garden in left field. The snack bar looks similar to the main concession stand, but only has snacks and drinks. This is so people can get snacks without having to leave the picnic area. The frozen yogurt bar is right next to the snack bar and features cups of frozen yogurt, along with a toppings bar. With frozen yogurt (Froyo) being all the rage right now (2013), it’s a wonder more stadiums don’t try this. There is a picnic area in left field that appears to double as a beer garden. There is a beer stand there, along with a bar along the field wall. Beer is $3-$4, a good price for a stadium. It is worth noting that Big Rock operates on the wristband system, where anyone buying alcohol must have a wristband. Be sure to pick up yours over near the main concession stand if you plan to drink. Atmosphere 3 Being a new ballpark, Big Rock Stadium doesn’t have the feel of some older CPL parks. There is no wooden grandstand or larger wooden beams around the park. It is just a simple stadium with metal bleachers and a great picnic area. Simply put, there is not a bad seat in the stadium. There are three sections of metal bleachers with backs. The outer two are general admission, and the center is for season ticket holders. There is a walkway in front of all the seats, and thankfully, an accompanying sign that tells fans not to stand in that walkway. The stadium is very busy, which is good for non-baseball fans and kids. As soon as you walk through the gate, you see the visitor bullpen and large marlin as part of an ad for a local outdoors store. The staff is all very friendly and welcoming to both in-town fans and visitors. Personally, I love hand-operated scoreboards. Even though it’s a new stadium, Big Rock has a classic hand-operated scoreboard. There is one video board, but it mostly displays a welcome message to the night’s group or sponsor. Neighborhood 4 While Big Rock Stadium is in a residential area, the surrounding neighborhood is full of both chain and local restaurants. US-70 is only minutes from the stadium, and is most likely the road you are taking to the game. West of the stadium, US-70 is full of national chains, such as Buffalo Wild Wings or Olive Garden. East of the stadium, US-70 is the gateway to local seafood. There are two iconic seafood places in Morehead City: The Sanitary and Captain Bill’s. Both have waterfront seating, but each has something just a bit different, and everyone has a favorite. The Sanitary is a restaurant as well as a fish market. It is slightly more expensive than its counterpart. Their signature dish is the deluxe shore dinner. The first course is a choice of soup or shrimp cocktail. The main course is a fried seafood platter, which includes fried fish (chef’s choice), fried shrimp, fried oysters, fried scallops and soft-shell crab. This is more than enough for a meal and is a great way to sample the local fare. Captain Bill’s is a more casual restaurant for those who still want great local seafood. Their sampler includes your choice of clam strips, popcorn shrimp or fried trout with two sides and hush puppies. As an added bonus, Captain Bill’s serves alcohol (the Sanitary does not). If you continue east down US-70, you will enter the town of Beaufort (pronounced Bo-fort – there is a SC town spelled the same, but pronounced Byu-fort). Beaufort is filled with several other waterfront restaurants and other unique dining options. If you arrive in the area early, go for a walk around Beaufort. Fans 3 The single reason that the CPL can operate a team in a beach town is because they only play in the summer months. Most of the fans are families on vacation who are looking for an inexpensive night out. Some families are more into the game than others, but this isn’t exactly a rabid fan base. Like most CPL teams, most fans are just there taking in a baseball game or having a family night out. Access 4 US-70 runs straight through Morehead City and most of North Carolina. Despite what GPS directions will tell you, N 20th Street is the best way into the park. Do not let a computer tell you different. Being just minutes from a major highway, the access is pretty easy from almost anywhere. Big Rock Stadium is a new stadium, so the restrooms are clean, as expected. Parking is free, but be sure to get to the game early. The fans will often come early. I arrived 30 minutes before first pitch, and I barely found a spot. Return on Investment 4 Adult tickets are $7, while kids are $5. This is pretty much on par with the rest of the league, which is known for being a great value. Concessions are much cheaper than most sporting events. $7 for admission and $2.50 for a hot dog is a steal in the world of sports. Along with the great location of the beach, this is a great value. Extras 3 Fin the Marlin is the mascot. Fin mostly hangs out in the picnic area but occasionally visits other parts of the park. Fin also participates in on-field games, as most mascots do. The PA announcer was good, but he seemed to have a long list of product placements to read after what seemed like every pitch. Every foul ball is brought to you by an insurance agency, every inning features several local businesses, and every game has a chicken batter. The chicken batter is a batter that is chosen pre-game and, if he strikes out, someone in the audience gets a coupon for free chicken. This is a clever promotion, because it makes the fans root for this batter to strike out every time he comes to bat. Again, Morehead City is a great place for a team. The ballpark is perfectly placed away from all the craziness of the beach, but close enough to reach the people there and allow the fans options for after the game. Final Thoughts The Marlins have a great concept. They offer a night out, at the beach, for a great price. You can’t go wrong with those three together. If your travels take you to North Carolina’s Crystal Coast, be sure to enjoy a game at Big Rock Stadium.
- The Ballpark – Old Orchard Beach Raging Tide
Photos by Paul Baker, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.71 The Ballpark E. Emerson Cummings Boulevard Old Orchard Beach, ME 04064 The Ballpark website Year Opened: 1984 Capacity: 5,500 Second Act at The Ballpark The Ballpark was built in 1984 to be the home for the AAA Maine Guides, which lasted only five seasons before moving to Moosic, PA. The park was unable to attract another baseball team, and was utilized as a summer concert venue as it sat mostly dormant. Over the years, the ballpark sat neglected, overgrown with brush, and was falling apart. It became a popular spot for drug use, fires, and vandalism. A lightning strike at the site caused a significant amount of fire damage in 2007. The town of Old Orchard Beach considered plans to sell the land for development, and it was a mainstay on Ballpark Digest’s endangered ballparks list. The tide turned for The Ballpark in 2008, when a volunteer group called the Ball Park Group began to clean up and renovate the ballpark for special events and ballgames. The Raging Tide moved to Maine and began calling The Ballpark home in 2011. Food & Beverage 2 There is one concession stand at The Ballpark, and it offers a very limited menu consisting of hot dogs ($3), burgers ($4/$4.50), French fries ($3), and nachos ($2.75). Fans looking to snack can choose from cotton candy ($2), popcorn ($1.50), chips ($0.75), or candy bars ($0.75). Bottles of Pepsi products can be bought for $2. Ice cream novelties are available for $2.50. Fans looking for a more adult alternative can choose from several varieties of beer and wine. The beer garden at The Ballpark has bottles of Coors Light ($4), Corona, Guinness, and Heineken for $5. Angry Orchard Cider and glasses of wine are available for $5, and Cayman Margarita can be had for $6. Fans looking to purchase Raging Tide gear will be happy with the selection of t-shirts, hats, and novelties available at the souvenir stand. Atmosphere 1 Try as you may, there is just no way to create a festive atmosphere when a couple hundred people are scattered in a 5,000 seat concrete stadium. To their credit, the Raging Tide staff do try, with music, games, and promotions throughout the game. The staff are very friendly and genuinely grateful to see the fans that do show up. Unfortunately, there is only so much they can do, and their efforts generally fall flat. Add to the mix one of the saddest looking mascots in creation, and the atmosphere at a Raging Tide game is not the most electric you will ever come across. Neighborhood 5 The Ballpark is located in a secluded, wooden area adjacent to the Old Orchard Beach High School and behind the Old Orchard Beach Police and Fire Departments. There is little to see or do in the immediate vicinity of The Ballpark, but that changes in a hurry as you head towards the ocean. About a mile away from the ballpark is the Palace Playland, the Pier, and other Old Orchard Beach attractions. The area, once one of the largest tourist destinations on the east coast, has been destroyed and rebuilt several times due to hurricanes, fires, and blizzards. The current incarnation of the beachfront is significantly smaller than past versions, but still attracts a great deal of tourist traffic during the summer, particularly from Quebec. It is not uncommon to hear conversations taking place in French during the summer months. The year-round population of Old Orchard Beach is under 9,000, but swells to almost 75,000 during the summer. Interestingly enough, Old Orchard Beach is the closest oceanfront beach to Montreal, explaining the lure of the area to French Canadian tourists. In fact, most shops in the area have signs in their windows proclaiming “ici nous parlons Francais” (we speak French here). The Futures League season begins in June, when the tourist industry is just getting started. If you venture to the area later in the year, you may be dealing with an entirely different crowd. Fans 2 Crowds at The Ballpark can vary wildly from night to night. In their three seasons in Old Orchard Beach, attendance has averaged in the 500 range. On weekend nights the Tide can attract close to 1,000 fans, and crowds less than 100 have also been reported. The fans that do show up are knowledgeable about the team, and enthusiastic about their efforts. Access 3 Old Orchard Beach is easily accessible via Interstate 95 (Maine Turnpike). Simply take the Interstate 195 exit, which will quickly turn into route 5. The Ballpark is located just off of Route 5 behind the Police and Fire Stations. Fans seeking alternate methods of transportation to the seaside town will be pleased to know that Amtrak’s Downeaster train stops just feet from the beach during the summer months. From there, The Ballpark is a short cab ride away. Once inside The Ballpark, there is more than enough room to spread out. With a capacity of 5,500, The Ballpark is the largest facility in the Futures League. The concourse is located underneath the grandstand, and is more than large enough to accommodate even the largest Raging Tide crowd. One major drawback of the concourse area is that it isn’t paved or landscaped, so fans with unsteady gait should step carefully. Also, if you can help it, don’t look up. The underside of the seating bowl is not the most attractive view one will come across at a ballpark. Despite the great efforts of the volunteers who have tirelessly worked at renovating The Ballpark, it still has an unfinished feel to it. The concession stands and locker rooms at The Ballpark are built to resemble the pine cabins typically seen in lodges and campgrounds in this area. The bathrooms are new, clean, and more than large enough for any Raging Tide crowd. Return on Investment 4 Tickets at The Ballpark cost $5 for adults, $3 for seniors, and $2 for children aged 7-12. Children under 7 are admitted for free, as are active members of the military. Free parking is available in the large parking lot adjacent to The Ballpark. Food will not cost you an arm and a leg either, so a night at a Raging Tide game is a very affordable alternative to many other activities in the area. Extras 2 The experience at The Ballpark is a bare bones one, to be sure. The staff are friendly and helpful, which goes a long way towards covering up the shortcomings of the ballpark. Still, ballpark aficionados will undoubtedly enjoy visiting this once endangered field. The locker rooms here are located in a separate building located behind and underneath the seating bowl, meaning that the players have to walk the concourse through the crowd after the game to get to their lockers. It was an autograph hound’s nirvana back in the day, and that tradition continues today. The Raging Tide players were more than accommodating to any children wanting their items signed. Final Thoughts After spending a day at The Ballpark many fans will marvel over the fact that this ballpark was ever considered adequate for AAA baseball. It’s even more unbelievable that Sports Illustrated once called The Ballpark the best ballpark in minor league baseball. It’s entirely made of concrete, it’s cold, and it’s ugly. It was only used for five seasons before the Guides moved on to the greener pastures of Moosic, PA and the equally unattractive Lackawanna County Stadium. Still, it’s a monumental achievement that it is still standing and in usable condition. Kudos to the volunteers who gave their time, energy, and money to preserve a ballpark that would have easily faded away into history. Follow Paul Baker’s stadium journeys on Twitter and Instagram @PuckmanRI.
- Marvel Stadium – Carlton Blues
Photos by Lloyd Rothwell, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.14 Marvel Stadium 740 Bourke St Docklands, VIC 3008 Australia Carlton Blues website Marvel Stadium website Year Opened: 2000 Capacity: 53,359 The Blues at Etihad Stadium Etihad Stadium opened in the year 2000 and is home to five AFL clubs (Carlton, Essendon, North Melbourne, St Kilda and Western Bulldogs), as well as the Melbourne Victory of the A-League and the Melbourne Renegades cricket team of the Big Bash League. Etihad has a capacity of 53,359 and features a retractable roof; the only such venue currently used by the AFL. Although technically a multipurpose venue, Etihad was built primarily for AFL and effectively replaced Waverly (VFL) Park. The stadium has been used for international one-day cricket, international rugby league, NRL, and international rugby union (including the 2003 Rugby World Cup and 2006 Commonwealth Games 7s). Currently privately owned, the AFL is set to assume ownership in 2025. In September 2018, the stadium was renamed for a fourth time, to Marvel Stadium. Carlton was founded in 1864 and is arguably one of the most successful clubs in AFL history, having won a record equalling 16 premierships, the most recent in 1995. The Blues were a powerhouse through the 1990s, fielding a side chock-full of stars and coached by four-time premiership coach, David Parkin. Pulling on the famous navy blue jumper in this era were players such as Stephen Kernahan, Greg Williams, Stephen Silvagni, Anthony Koutoufidies and Craig Bradley, to name just a few. The first decade of the 2000’s was a pretty lean time for Carlton with off-field dramas as much to blame as on-field performances. Shrewd recruitment and greater stability in management saw some improvement in more recent times, with three successive finals appearances between 2009 and 2011. Carlton had a long and storied 109-year history at Princes Park before moving to Etihad in 2005. Some home games are also played at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) to accommodate larger crowds. Food & Beverage 3 The overarching feature of the food and beverage at Etihad Stadium are the exorbitant prices. Unfortunately this is a major complaint of AFL fans in Melbourne as the cost of taking a family to the football continues to rise. A basic pie or sausage roll costs $4.80, a hot dog $6, hot chips $6.60, and wedges $8.50. It only gets worse from here with a cheeseburger priced at $9, bacon and cheeseburger $10.50, and fish and chips $11.50. Add drinks and the pain in your hip pocket continues to grow. Soft drinks cost $5.20 while the cheapest full strength beer is Carlton Draught at $7.20, which is apparently only available for day games. There are more options on the ground level so if your seats are on the second or third levels, consider getting your food before you head up the stairs or ramps. Probably the only deal worth mentioning in terms of value is the Locker Room Bar and Cafe (much more a bar than a cafe) which has express lines offering four Carlton Draughts for $28. Atmosphere 3 Hosting five different clubs makes it difficult to create a unique atmosphere for the Blues; indeed at the entrance there are plaques detailing each of the clubs that calls Etihad home. There is little in the way of Carlton paraphernalia either inside the stadium or in the area surrounding the venue. The venue does provide a slight nod to AFL history with the northern end known as the “Lockett End,” recognising the AFL’s greatest ever goal scorer, Tony Lockett, and the southern end the “Coventry End,” named for Gordon Coventry, the man Lockett passed to gain the record. The western side of the ground is adjacent to the Yarra River and West Gate Bridge, with nice views from behind the level three seats. The seats themselves are quite small and cramped, and are an irritant if people need to get in and out of your row. The higher levels provide a good view but you should be prepared for quite a climb up either the stairs or ramps. The ground level rows towards the back of the seating bowl are impacted by the level two overhangs. It won’t really affect your view of the game but will be in your sight line. Video screens are located in opposite corners. Neighborhood 3 The Docklands area of Melbourne is an urban renewal project by the Victorian Government. Historically linked with maritime usage, the government hopes the area will become a tourist mecca for the city. So far this hasn’t quite materialised. There are plenty of cafes and restaurants in the area but appear to mainly rely on game day traffic. Etihad is close enough to the Central Business District that heading back into the city is most likely your best option after the game where you can experience all that Melbourne has to offer. Fans 3 Given their history of success over the years Carlton has built a solid fan base and attracts a crowd on average of between 35,000-45,000 spectators. However, the game I attended most recently the fans seemed to only really get loud as they built a lead on the scoreboard. As with most AFL clubs, the fans proudly display their colours. There’s no doubting the commitment of Carlton fans but as a crowd they do not make for a particularly boisterous sporting event. Access 4 There are several options for parking nearby although as they are provided by commercial parking operators, expect to pay $20. The closest train station is Southern Cross which is only a short walk from the ground. Etihad is also walkable from the city meaning you’ve got several easy options to get to your game. The stadium is quite easy to move around however it is worth reinforcing that it is somewhat of a chore to climb up to level three. Return on Investment 3 Tickets to see Carlton play at Etihad don’t come cheaply. Prices range between $25 and $62 with the average around $45. Add to this the price of food and you’re looking at an expensive game of AFL. Extras 3 Carlton at Etihad receives three extra points. Worth noting are the aisle numbers which are particularly effective in helping you find your seat, the overall ease of entry into the stadium and the junior games at halftime. There are also a few promotional activities during the breaks. Final Thoughts Etihad is a modern stadium that receives plenty of use throughout the year. Given it is one of only two AFL venues in the city of Melbourne it is worth a visit but make sure to budget accordingly.
- John Smith Field – Sacramento State Hornets
Photo Courtesy of The State Hornet Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.29 John Smith Field College Town Drive and Sinclair Road Sacramento, CA 95819 Sacramento State Hornets website John Smith Field website Year Opened: 1953 Capacity: 1,200 College Ball in Sacramento The Sacramento State Hornets baseball team plays at John Smith Field, an on-campus facility in California’s capital city. It was dedicated to the former manager in 2010 after 32 years at the helm of the Hornets program. Though most of the Sac State programs play in the Big Sky Conference, the baseball team is the only one that plays in the Western Athletic Conference (WAC). The Hornets appeared in two Division II College World Series in 1986 and 1988. They made their first ever appearance in the D-I NCAA Tournament in 2014 after winning that year’s WAC Tournament. The appearance was short-lived as they beat Arizona State before ultimately falling to hosts Cal Poly in the regional stage. Food & Beverage 1 It’s the bare minimum at John Smith Field. Hot dogs, nachos, bottled soda and a variety of candy are served out of a trailer. A less than appealing prospect on a hot day. Most weekday games start at 3pm, fortunately between meals. Though not encouraged, I’m sure you can bring in water and small snacks as well. Atmosphere 2 There is nothing particularly unique about the Hornets’ home, although it is a clean, updated stadium and a fine place to catch a game. Seating stretches from 3rd to 1st base and is mostly metal bleachers. With no covering, the seats can get extremely hot in the Sacramento sun. There are two rows in front of the bleachers that are reserved seats with flip down chairs. Most of the fans sat in general admission. One added feature is the parking garage beyond the left field fence where some fans park at the top and watch from their lawn chairs. Unfortunately this is not the garage/lot that is free on game days. The sagging “Sacramento State Hornets” banner in right-center field is just sad. The walk up music is loud and clear but is such a contrast to the dead silence of the crowd. Neighborhood 4 The baseball field is a part of the greater sports complex, very near the football, softball and soccer fields. The closest bar is Stingers. It is your typical college bar that serves up food all day long and is within walkable distance to John Smith Field. My favorite nearby bar is the Capitol Beer and & Tap Room, just across the American River. Just a few miles away is my favorite brewery in Sacramento, Track Seven. They have 8 or 10 taps that are constantly changing. They don’t serve food but do have food trucks that rotate; sometimes burgers, sometimes tacos. There are plenty of restaurants nearby serving the college community. Hot City Pizza is the spot for pizza while Evan’s Kitchen is ideal for brunch. Cafe Rolle serves up French-style sandwiches and other cafe foods and Bandera is Capitol Beer’s neighbor, great for a date night. Though you can imbibe nearby the venue, if you have time, a trip downtown might be in order. You can visit the California State Capital, just five miles from the university as well as enjoy the rest of the downtown Sacramento area. As the sixth-largest city in California, Sacramento has nearly half a million residents so it follows that there will be historical and social value in your surroundings. Fans 1 There are plenty of seats available at John Smith Field. The crowd consisted of less than 50 people, most of which were family members of either team. Fans though were engaged throughout even during a hot day. I have to wonder if the 3pm start time negatively affects attendance due to students still in class. Access 4 From Highway 50, exit at Howe Ave/Power Inn and from 80, exit at J Street. The surface streets off of the freeways are easy to navigate. Parking is free in Lot 10 (6-8 minute walk) which is across the street from Hornet Stadium, for games Monday through Thursday. For games held on Friday through Sunday, parking is free on the top level of Parking Structure I (the one right beyond the left field wall). There is one entrance located behind the 3rd base dugout where you can also purchase your tickets. Once inside, getting to your seat is a breeze as there are few fans and plenty of access. The restroom option is a strange one. It looks like a small trailer and is less than appealing. In fact, it was rather spacious and more than served the fans in attendance. The nearest light rail station is the Power Inn station. The light rail serves most of Sacramento and can get you to downtown or Midtown easily. The nearest Amtrak station is downtown at the corner of 5th St and H St. Return on Investment 3 ROI is good considering the free parking and the $8 general admission ticket. Concession prices are reasonable but I’d avoid buying food if possible. With the Hornets being one of the better teams in the WAC, you’d certainly be in for some quality baseball. Extras 1 There are two things of note that create an extra point for me. There is a wall of accomplishments underneath the bleacher seating, complete with pictures and stats of recent conference acknowledgements. Another cool thing is being able to sit right next to the play-by-play announcer as his table is set up near the home dugout.
- Angel of the Winds Arena - Everett Silvertips
Photos by Dennis Morrell, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.43 Angel of the Winds Arena 2000 Hewitt Ave Everett, WA 98201 Everett Silvertips website Angel of the Winds Arena website Year Opened: 2003 Capacity: 8,149 Everett Tips *Editor’s Note-This review originally appeared on Stadium Journey in 2014. Since that time, the Silvertips’ home arena has been renamed Angel of the Winds Arena. At the time of this review, the arena was named Comcast Arena, and will be referred to by that name throughout this review. Just 30 miles north of Seattle, a burgeoning community sits just off the eastern shore of Possession Sound. With a population of 105,000, Everett supports both an AquaSox baseball team (class A short season) and Silvertips major junior hockey club, members of the Western Hockey League (WHL), part of the top major junior circuit in the world. While the Silvertips continue to garner strong support, attendance has slipped since their first six season where figures topped 6,000 per game regularly. For the 2013-14 season, the team is averaging 4,664 a game, still good for 8th in the 22-team league. Comcast Arena is the home of the Silvertips and offers an experience worthy of a visit. The intimate setting and sightlines provide for an enjoyable outing and having a competitive team helps bring the entire package together. Food & Beverage 3 There are a few neat treats to enjoy at Comcast Arena, but most everything you would expect to consume at a sporting event is here. Pepsi products are the soft drink of choice with fountain variety at $4 for regular size and $4.50 for a large size. For just $8, though, you can get an All-You-Can-Drink cup. Bottled soda, water, and Monster Energy drinks are $4. For beer lovers, Bud Light, Budweiser, Coors Light, Molson Canadian for common selections and some local brews such as Kokanee and Scuttlebutt Power Play Ale are on hand. Draft beer is $8 while regular bottled beer is $7 and large bottled beer is $11. Even more beer options can be found at the Ice Box Lounge behind section 113. I had an oversized hot dog at $5.50, which was not as tasty as anticipated. Regular sized hot dogs are $4 with a kiddie dog for $2. Regular nachos are $4.25 while nachos grande are $5.75. A large soft pretzel is $3.75 and an accompanying cup of cheese is $1.50. Pizza slices are $6.50 and $7 depending upon the type. Near section 118, there is a concession area featuring seafood and Mexican food. Make sure you take a peek at the menu here. Among the offerings are a pulled pork sandwich or salmon burger (both served with fries) or fish & chips, each of the three at $10. A bowl of clam chowder is just $6. Burritos and quesadillas are $9 while a taco salad and three tacos are $10. There are a few additional special items which caught my attention. They include Fruit-on-a-stick for $6-$7, Mini Donuts (18 of them) for $5.50, a caramel apple for $5, and stir fry for $10. Most food and drink stands only accept cash (such as fruit-on-a-stick). Generally, concession prices are a little higher than expected for a minor league hockey venue. The Ice Box Lounge, located behind section 113 on the other side of the concourse, provides plenty of standing areas and high tables to accommodate at least 100 patrons. As for finer dining choices inside the arena, there are two options. The Arena Grill is a table-service venue located near sections 205 and 206 and available exclusively to suite holders and those with club seats. Reservations can be made at (425) 322-2726 or online. The Octane Lounge provides a contemporary bar atmosphere with full cocktail service. It is located at the 200-level at the southeast corner of the arena near section 210 and 211. It is available to the public 90 minutes before game time (unless being rented for the night). Atmosphere 4 The arena is nestled in the heart of downtown at 2000 Hewitt Avenue, the north edge of the block bordered by Oakes Avenue to the west and Broadway to the east. The corner of Hewitt and Oakes provides the facility’s most grand entrance. It is arguably the epicenter of activity in this quaint community. From the outside, the building does not look like much, but get inside and it has some character. It is intimate with sections close together and built nearly on top of the ice instead of spread back. This is likely due to the small footprint the building has in a city block. Built into part of a steeply-graded hill, of which you will see several throughout downtown, Comcast Arena’s main entrance is on the northwest side of the arena at Hewitt Avenue and Oakes Avenue. There is a bit of a downward grade with steps from the street to get you to the front door. A secondary entrance is along the south side of the arena along Wall Street. Inside the main entrance and to the right is the pro shop, across from section 105. The main box office is to the left of the entrance. There are two bowls of seating, the 100 level and the 200 level. The main concourse feeds to both with entrances to the sections leading to steps which take you to the 100 level seats and stairwells which take you up to the 200 level seats. The 100 level has approximately 15 rows while the upper level has about 18 rows on average. If you are sitting in the 200 level near the top, there are walkways behind the last row which include restrooms. This nice feature prevents the need to descend down the stairwell and then back up wasting time and energy. The main concourse is appropriately marked and not too cluttered with signage. Directional signs are clean and simple and guide you to where you want to go. Elevators are available in several areas to take patrons who need them to the upper levels. If you are concerned about missing the game while in the concourse, know there are a few televisions above and within some concession stands. These are not plentiful though. As for choosing where to sit, consider the following layout as if you were sitting at the center red line, across from the team benches and behind the penalty boxes. You would be sitting in section 108. These tickets are known as the lower club and are $29 for regular games, $34 for premium games (not for every one of the games against the following opponents, but mostly for games when the Silvertips face Seattle, Portland, Spokane, Moose Jaw, and Victoria). Check the website to see the premium game schedule. More on sections and pricing can be found at the end of this section. While sitting in section 108, look to your left behind the goal. Section 103 is found there, the end where the Silvertips shoot twice. The sections at this end surround the glass rising upward to a high 200 level and a full second level of seats. Look to your right behind the goal and section 100 is where you can sit directly behind the net where the opponent shoots twice. While there is a full 100 level with multiple sections of seats, the concourse is at the top of the 100 level and is the only area of the concourse where you can view the ice and the action on it. Across the concourse in this area is The Ice Box Lounge, a place to stand and talk to other fans while listening to the game. This area also provides a view (separated by glass floor to ceiling) of the activity at the adjacent community rink. Both benches are in front of section 118 with the home team bench adjacent to section 117 while the away bench is adjacent to section 119. Penalty boxes are in front of 108 for both teams. Regular single ticket prices for Silvertips games range in price from $10-$29 for regular opponents and increase to a range of $10-$34 for premium games. 200 level, upper bowl seats on the corners and ends are $10 and $14 respectively for all games regardless of a premium night or not. The only exception is the upper club level in part of section 205 and all of section 206. These two areas are $22/$24 and are in the upper corner across from the benches and closest to the penalty boxes, both of which are to the ticket holder’s right. The benefit to these seats involves access to the Arena Grill during the game, it has food and drink service and slightly wider and more comfortable seats than the majority of the sections. The real benefit for these seats probably comes by being a season ticket holder with parking pass, team merchandise discounts and ticket exchange benefits. The red seats are the three sections on each side of the ice in the upper level parallel with the side boards. I believe these are the best seats for the money at $16/$19, particularly like section 208 as the best section to view a game. Consider getting a first row seat in this section as the sightlines over the ice are best from this spot. The remaining price levels are all 100 level, lower bowl seats. Most of the seats are green seats surrounding the rink at $19/$22 with two exceptions. The first row of seats around the glass are silver seats priced at $24/$29 with just two sections reserved for lower club and all seats including the first row price at $29/$34. Sections 108 (behind the penalty boxes) and 118 (behind the team benches) are lower club or blue seats. There is excellent pitch in the rows on both levels, but there are particularly better views from the upper level where you can see more of the ice without feeling too removed from the action. Aisles are wide and seats are comfortably padded with cup holders down below and in front of each seat. Concourse width is narrower than expected at the longer sides of the rink, but opens up nicely in the corner and on the end behind section 113. Keep in mind, before the game when fans are entering, the entrances are jammed full of people trying to decide which way they want to go. Once the game begins, things are less cluttered. Once in your seat, you will notice an appropriately-sized scoreboard with video capabilities for live action and replays. A loud foghorn lets you know a home goal has been scored. Banners recognizing team accomplishments are hung above the goals on both ends of the ice denoting the team’s regular season and playoff accomplishments. During the game you will enjoy the nice mix of popular canned music and organ music with an appropriate volume level. There is something to be said for the right level of music and the Comcast Center does a good job of maintaining this. Along where you might expect to find messages boards and game information there are static advertising signs throughout, almost overwhelming above what one might expect. I get the team looks for as many revenue streams and opportunities as possible. Seems this element is a little overdone at Comcast Arena. As with most venues, promotions to generate interest in fans showing up early and engaged during the game are plentiful. There seems to be some sort of promotion at every game. Neighborhood 4 Comcast Arena is in the heart of downtown Everett, just a few miles east of Possession Sound. There are many options for shopping and eating near the arena. For the eats and drinks, consider the following choices: The Austin Bar & Grill for great steaks and burgers, Port Gardner Bay Winery for wine tasting beginning at 4:30 Tuesday through Saturday, or Sidekicks for burgers, sandwiches and a variety of brew choices. Also worth visiting is Cask & Vine, featuring beer and wine accompanied by food pairings, Brooklyn Brothers Pizzeria for excellent pizza selections, Ynot Sports Pub & Grub for great burgers and an upscale pub atmosphere, and Fish Tale Brew Pub for great seafood choices. Fans 3 Fans are proud and supportive of their team and it is shown both in how they dress for the game adorned in their favorite Silvertips jersey or hat and in the volume with which they express their support. Access 3 Like most downtown arenas, street and garage parking are plentiful, but at a price. You can park for $5 at a garage just across and down the street from Comcast Arena along Oakes. The closer to game time, the deeper into the underground structure you will need to drive for your spot. There is a smattering of surface lots within walking distance, some as much as $10. Street parking is available and is free after 6 PM during the week and all day on the weekends. If you have to get there early on a weeknight game, you will pay $2 for up to two hours of street parking or $5 for up to four hours of street parking. Streets are in good condition and provide access to the wonderful shops, restaurants, and bars surrounding the arena in areas north and west of the arena. As for bathrooms, there are a total of eleven (11) and they seem to be congested far more than they should be. Lines extend well outside the restrooms at intermission, but far more problematic and for a longer period of time. It seems they have a shortage of facilities and have not managed the queue well as it inhibits those fans walking the concourse at intermission. Line queues at concession stands also contribute to the congestion. The message is consider this when determining when to go to the restroom or getting food or drink. You might have to miss some of the game to do either in order to avoid long waits. The area behind section 113 at The Ice Box Lounge is particularly crowded during breaks. Return on Investment 3 The food and drink prices are a little high in many cases, but there are some reasonably priced options. If spending money on food and drink is a staple of your evening at a hockey game, consider promotions with special pricing. Tickets are also a little on the high side. In being one of the top draws in the WHL, getting tickets in advance through the team website will cost you in ticket processing fees. Merchandise is on the fair to high side with many items being under $10, but authentic jerseys at $225 with personalization for another $60. Extras 4 Game Program: For $3, fans can pick up a game program on the way in the arena at the entrances or at the team shop. This is a must buy for information on the match and a cheap souvenir to take home with you to remember the evening. Mascot: The Silvertips mascot, Lincoln, plays a major role in each event and is integral in getting fans up for the game ten minutes prior to puck drop. About ten minutes before puck drop, the arena goes dark and Lincoln orchestrates a rumbling cheer. He initiates a sequence which gets one side of the arena yelling “GO” while the other side then yells “TIPS”. It may not sound like much, but it was pretty impressive to hear the crowd-coordinated chant build to a loud crescendo leading up to the home team stepping onto the ice. His antics throughout the game involve shooting t-shirts into the crowd, participating in on-ice contests, and riding along the “Fanboni” between periods with groups of Silvertips supporters. He is entertaining. Merchandise: The range of prices and variety of options is plentiful and in this jam-packed store most if not all of the inventory displayed makes the store incredibly small. It is to the point it is uncomfortable to walk around without brushing into the clothing racks and displays. Maybe it is a lack of a stock room or perhaps they choose to display so much to show they have plenty of stock, but it is uncomfortable and cluttered. The team could do a better job of merchandising appropriately instead of showcasing just about every item they have including back stock. Pucks are available for under $5, cowbells for $9.20, adult t-shirts from $15-$29, replica jerseys for $70-$100. While there are some good price points, there are some prices which are way out of line. Website: The Silvertip website is pretty comprehensive which is good in many ways, but it can be a little overwhelming at the home page. Still, you will find good information there including details on the special nights where ticket prices are a little higher for premium opponents and dates, views of the each from each section and the array of merchandise available at the game. Snohomish County Sports Hall of Fame: Behind section 115 and 116 along the main concourse is this tribute to local amateur and professional sports figures. Even though football coach Dennis Erickson was the only inductee I recognized, the number of artifacts and stories accompanying the exhibit was enjoyable to visit. Consider at least a walk-by before the game.
- Dozer Park – Bradley Braves
Photos by Chris Patton, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.00 Dozer Park 730 SW Jefferson St Peoria, IL 61605 Bradley Braves website Dozer Park website Year Opened: 2002 Capacity: 7,500 Bradley Braves Baseball The Bradley Braves baseball team shares Dozer Park with the St. Louis Cardinals Class A affiliate, the Peoria Chiefs. The stadium opened in May 2002, and Bradley’s first game in the facility was on March 26, 2003. Originally known as O’Brien Field, Caterpillar purchased naming rights in 2013. The current name refers to Caterpillar’s bulldozers. Dozer Park has 7,500 chair back seats, along with grass seating down the left and right field lines and behind the left field wall. There are also multiple picnic tables around the concourse. The Braves play in the Missouri Valley Conference. The most notable player in Bradley history is MLB Hall of Famer, Kirby Puckett. The late Minnesota Twin played in Peoria in 1981. Puckett’s opponent in the 1987 World Series, former Cardinals first baseman/outfielder Jim Lindeman, donned the Bradley red and white as well, from 1981-83. Food & Beverage 3 While only one of the many concession stands in Dozer Park is open for Bradley games, they do serve the entire menu. Yes, the entire menu does include alcohol, a rarity at college baseball games. Draft beer options are Bud Light, Miller Lite and Leinenkugel’s Summer Shandy (each $6). During the cooler portion of the college baseball season, $5.50 spiked coffee or hot chocolate might hit the spot more than a cold beer. A large Pepsi product in a souvenir cup is $5. Hamburgers, cheeseburgers, veggie burgers, turkey burgers, pork chop sandwiches, chicken tenders, and corn dogs all sell for $6 or less. Combo meals featuring one of the above items, French fries and a soft drink are all $9 or less, a nice deal for ballpark food. Atmosphere 3 Dozer Park is just over ten years old and a nice facility. Unfortunately, the most recent game I attended included an hour long rain delay. By first pitch, the stands were practically deserted and most of the remaining fans watched the game from the cover of the concourse. With the eerie quiet, it felt like the game was being played in the middle of the night. Inside the main entrance to Dozer Park is a merchandise stand and marketing table. The small stand features Bradley gear for sale, including t-shirts with the new school mascot, Kaboom the Gargoyle. The Chiefs merchandise store is not open during Bradley games. The marketing table contains picture schedules, posters and laminated cards for baseball bingo. The bingo winner receives a coupon for free pizza. The 7,500 green seats feature cup holders. Seats in rows 20 and 21 are under an overhang from the press box and suite level. These seats remain nice and dry in the event of a rain shower. Legroom is ample. The field at Dozer Park features grass and clay. The Bradley players and coaches are in charge of getting the tarp on and off the field. Dimensions are 310 feet down the lines, 375 feet to the power alleys and 400 feet to straightaway center field. The Braves use the Dozer Park video board, a luxury not available to most mid-major, college baseball programs. The screen features information about the players and airs videos for between inning contests. Neighborhood 4 Kelleher’s Irish Pub and Eatery is located on the historic riverfront, two blocks away from the park. The restaurant is housed in an old warehouse. They feature traditional Irish fare, along with American bar food. Kelleher’s touts their 20 micro or import drafts and 90 different bottled beers. The stadium is on the eastern edge of Peoria’s downtown. Peoria features a wide variety of nightlife for fans looking for a late night on the town. Just across the river in East Peoria, the recently developed area features nearly every dining and shopping chain possible. Fans 2 The trade off of playing in a shiny, off-campus facility is that students have to travel to attend games. They can’t just spill out of the dorms and into the game. The team needs to be winning and playing an exciting brand of ball to ensure lively, invested crowds. In all fairness to the Bradley student body, I attended a weeknight, non-conference game that featured an hour-long rain delay before the first pitch. Once the game started, there were only a handful of students in attendance who weren’t working at the game. Parents of the players make up the majority of the crowd. Access 5 Free parking is available on multiple streets around the ballpark. There are also nearby office lots that might be available for use, depending on the day and time of your visit to Dozer Park. Check the signs on the streets and the lots to make sure you won’t come out of the game to find a ticket on your windshield. Unlike the concession stands, all of the concourse bathrooms are open. The facilities are clean and spacious. Return on Investment 2 Admission is $6, which seems high, when many competing programs offer free admission. Free parking helps to make up for the admission charge. A pretzel and Pepsi in a souvenir cup totals $8.50. The souvenir cup features the Peoria Chiefs instead of Bradley. The cup is a leftover from seasons ago because it still shows the Chiefs as a Cubs affiliate. The Chiefs have been a Cardinals affiliate since 2013. It might be in your best interest to wait until the summer and visit Dozer Park for a Chiefs game to get the most entertainment for your dollar at this ballpark. Extras 2 While most everything in the park references the summer tenant, the Braves have two prominent areas where their history is on display. On the third base side of the concourse, there are two, wall-length posters featuring photos, names and records of great players in Bradley baseball history. Down the right field line, next to the retired Chiefs numbers, are the names and numbers retired by the Braves. Along with Puckett’s number 14, Bradley has retired the numbers of former pitcher Mike Dunne (#11) and longtime coach Leo Schrall (#2). Final Thoughts Dozer Park is a comfortable and fan-friendly stadium with a view of the downtown Peoria skyline. It is well worth checking out on a sunny day or a clear night. Unfortunately, it feels like Bradley is an afterthought at their own home field.
- Melbourne Cricket Ground – Richmond Tigers
Photos by Lloyd Rothwell, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.00 Melbourne Cricket Ground Brunton Ave Richmond, VIC 3002 Australia Richmond Tigers website Melbourne Cricket Ground website Year Opened: 1853 Capacity: 100,024 Historic Melbourne Cricket Ground The Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) is one of the greatest sporting venues in the world. Known to locals simply as, The ‘G, the venue opened in 1853. With a capacity of 100,024, it is the largest stadium in Australia. Owned by the Victorian State Government and managed by the Melbourne Cricket Club, the stadium is home to numerous cricket (Victorian Bushrangers and Melbourne Stars) and AFL teams (Richmond, Collingwood, Melbourne and Hawthorn). The MCG plays host to three of the biggest sporting events in the land; the traditional Boxing Day cricket test match, the AFL Grand Final and the AFL Anzac Day match between Collingwood and Essendon. Not only that, the MCG was the main stadium for the 1956 Summer Olympic Games and 2006 Commonwealth Games. The final of the 1992 ICC Cricket World Cup between Pakistan and England was also played at the MCG, as will the final of the 2015 ICC Cricket World Cup. The venue has also hosted international soccer (football) and rugby union. Regular upgrades have kept the MCG at the forefront of modern stadium trends. Most recently, this has included the opening of the Great Southern Stand in 1992 and the rebuilding of the Members, Olympic, and Ponsford Stands in the early 2000s. AFL has been played regularly at the MCG since the formation of the Victorian Football Association in 1879. The MCG has almost exclusively hosted the AFL Grand Final since 1901. Numerous clubs have called the MCG home over the years, ensuring a regular stream of football at The ‘G. Richmond FC was formed in 1885 and joined the VFL, precursor to the AFL, in 1908. The Tigers most successful period was the late 1960s and early 1970s during which time they won four premierships. Since then they have experienced only sporadic success, with a sole finals appearance in 2013 their best effort over the past 10 years. After many years at nearby Punt Road Oval, Richmond has now called the MCG their home ground since 1965. Food & Beverage 3 The ‘G offers all the standard food and beverage offerings, along with some additional offerings. Also, don’t discount the food stands outside the ground. As with most stadiums in this day and age, items are priced at a premium. In most cases expect to pay around $10 for your food and an average of $8 for a beer. There is a reasonable amount of variety on hand, including outlets for Crust Pizza and Red Rooster. The menu is limited but the quality is good and with a pretty quick turnover, freshness is relatively good. In my opinion value for money is best with these two options. This is in contrast to some of the stands selling wraps, baguettes and pastries which didn’t look they were moving at all. The baguette, with smoked leg ham, tasty cheese, Dijonnaise and lettuce, appeared to be little more than a glorified ham and cheese roll for the hefty sum of $9.50. Soft drinks and bottled water are priced at $5 with coffee and hot chocolate $4.90 for a large that in most instances would be a small or a medium at best. Atmosphere 5 As you enter and move through the stadium you can feel the history. Statues of past greats dot the concourse surrounding the venues. There are numerous exhibits on display inside the venue adding to the sense of occasion and atmosphere. Indeed the National Sports Museum is located within the MCG. Entry is included in the price of your ticket. On game day the museum opens two hours prior to the first bounce and closes at game time. While the ‘G itself is a marvellous venue with its own sense of atmosphere, there is not a lot to personalise the experience to the Tigers. The AFL has pursued a centralised stadium policy which has resulted in the nine Melbourne based clubs sharing only two stadiums; the MCG and Etihad Stadium. While this ensures a good quality of venue with larger capacities, obviously there are less unique features to be experienced. Get to the game early, visit the museum and enjoy exploring this great venue. Once in your seat, enjoy seeing the warm up and the two teams enter the arena through their personalised banners. Richmond attracts good crowds; in most cases expect around 40,000 fans. The stadium and playing surface are especially large, meaning that you’ll often be some distance from the action, particularly if you’re seated at ground level. In these cases you’ll likely need to take advantage of the large video screens at either end. If you are at ground level in the vicinity of the goal posts there is some netting up during warm up, but this is removed prior to game time. Neighborhood 5 The MCG sits adjacent to the Melbourne city centre, creating a multitude of options for pre or post game activities. The MCG itself is located within Yarra Park with a number of other sporting and entertainment arenas in the surrounding precinct; Melbourne Park Tennis Centre (Australian Open), Hisense Arena (ANZ Championship Netball), AAMI Park (NRL and Super Rugby) and the Myer Music Bowl. There are often opportunities for sporting double headers within the precinct. Most areas of the city are within easy walking distance. There are plenty of pubs and restaurants in the nearby suburbs of Richmond and East Melbourne. Further back are Flinders Street and Southbank, both of which offer quite trendy establishments which should cater to most tastes. The Crown Casino is about a 20 minute walk away. Melbourne is a trendy city; well known for quality coffee and good shopping. Further afield are South Melbourne which has some nice cafes and St Kilda which is home to numerous attractions. Fans 4 Richmond is one of the better supported clubs in Melbourne. Their crowd is knowledgeable, good humoured, passionate and engaged throughout the game. Club gear is always on show, if not jerseys, then certainly beanies and scarves. There is plenty of banter between Tigers fans and opposition fans without it turning into genuine animosity. The crowd is mostly family friendly with any negative comments largely profanity free. Access 4 The MCG is conveniently located close to the Melbourne Central Business District with easy access via train or tram. Walking is also an easy option if you’re close by. Indeed the walk along the Yarra River is quite pleasant if approaching from the west. If driving, car parking is available in Yarra Park for $10. The venue itself can obviously cater to large numbers of people. However, various areas will still be quite congested if you’re moving about between quarters. There are plenty of ushers and security staff who are quite visible although if you’re early enough you should still be able to get a decent look at the ground from different vantage points. Return on Investment 4 Tickets to Richmond games vary between $25 for general admission through to $60 for category one seats. Most seats offer a good experience although in such a large stadium the nosebleed seats are a long way up. Overall, the stadium and Tigers offer good value for money. The venue itself is unique within Australia and the Tigers crowd makes for a great AFL experience. Extras 3 The MCG is specifically awarded extra points for the long history of the ground and the celebration of the history of sport. The National Sports Museum definitely deserves a visit. The museum has numerous exhibits over two levels in the Olympic Stand and is also the home of the Sport Australia Hall of Fame. If not on game day, make the museum a part of your trip to Melbourne. If you choose this option then also take a tour of the venue. Final Thoughts The MCG is a must-visit venue in Australian sport. If you’re in town during the AFL season, then a Richmond home game presents a great opportunity to experience this special stadium.
- Hanson Field – Western Illinois Leathernecks
Photos by Paul Swaney, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.29 Hanson Field Stadium Dr Macomb, IL 61455 Western Illinois Leathernecks website Hanson Field website Year Opened: 1950 Capacity: 17,168 Go Necks! In 1903, Western Illinois fielded their first ever football team. The team’s mascot is a bulldog, but the team is nicknamed the Fighting Leathernecks. Western Illinois is the only public school in the United States to be granted permission to use Fighting Leathernecks, which is commonly associated with the United States Marine Corps. The home of the Fighting Leathernecks has been Hanson Field since 1950. The venue currently has a capacity of 17,168. The stadium is named for former football head coach and athletic director, Rock Hanson, who was a member of the Marines. The Western Illinois Bulldog also takes its name from Hanson, and is usually referred to as Colonel Rock. The field is surrounded by a track and a sidewalk surrounds the track, providing an opportunity to stand along the fence for a good view, but also having the effect of making the action on the field seem far away from the stands. The school competes in the Missouri Valley Conference, joining in 1985. Western Illinois has won five conference championships (1988, 1997, 1998, 2000, and 2002). Food & Beverage 3 There aren’t many options on the concessions menu, but there is some meat. The ribeye sandwich ($5) is very good, and well worth the price. Other options include the butterfly pork chop sandwich ($4), grilled brat ($3), and grilled hot dog ($2). Pizza is available with pepperoni, sausage or plain cheese ($3 a slice). Popcorn and candy is also available ($2). Coca-Cola is the soda provider. Bottled water and Powerade are also on hand ($2 per bottle). Hot chocolate is also available and very good on a cold night or autumn afternoon. Atmosphere 3 The atmosphere for Western Illinois football begins as you park your car and make your way through the tailgating. This is one destination where you definitely want to pack up the car and be ready to spend some quality time with purple and gold clad fans. You’ll find enough tailgaters to make you think you may be at an FBS-level football game. Be sure to arrive at least an hour early to the stadium if you would like to see the marching band perform in front of the student union building on the southwest side of the stadium. This may also be a good meeting point if you’re not tailgating. Once inside the stadium, consider taking a lap once around the track. In the northwest corner you’ll find the statue dedicated to former track & field coach, and two-time Olympic gold medalist Lee Calhoun. Calhoun won the 110m hurdles at the 1956 (Melbourne) and 1960 (Rome) Summer Olympics. The marching band plays a short show before the game and also at halftime. They also have some of the best seats for any marching band in the country, situated at the 50 yard line on the east stands, behind the visiting team’s bench. The student section is just one section over, helping to provide a loud and intimidating environment for the opponents. Seating is almost entirely metal bleachers (and some wood bleachers), with the exception of one section beneath the press box on the west side stand (Section D). Here you’ll find purple chairbacks, although the leg room is less than average. If you have a bad back you may shoot for these seats, but long-legged fans should stick with the bleachers. The school does offer chair rentals if you want something sit on in the bleachers for just $5. The stadium is dedicated to soldiers who fought in World War I and World War II, with the names of those from Western Illinois who died listed on a plaque on the southwest side of the stadium. Neighborhood 3 Macomb, Illinois is located just 41 miles from the Iowa border, about an hour and a half southwest of Peoria, Illinois. Hanson Field is located on the Western Illinois Campus, near the basketball arena, Waste Management Court at Western Hall. If it’s a nice day, consider taking the walk south of the stadium and taking a stroll through the Main Building, erected in 1899. There is a small, but inviting downtown area, about a mile away where you can find some bars and restaurants. Aurelio’s serves good pizza and Italian food. I really liked Pag’s Pizza. It is a modest place, serving only pizza, pasta, and soda, but the thin crust pizza is very well done. Chicks on the Square has four television screens if you want to stay up on what’s happening elsewhere in the sports world. They are famous for their “chicken lips,” which are essentially large chicken tenders served in a Buffalo-style sauce. They were pretty busy on my most recent visit, so be prepared for a possible wait here on gameday. Fans 3 The student section is known as the Purple Haze and is located next to the marching band on the east side of the stadium. There are a few hard core fans among them, but overall it is an underwhelming congregation with many of the crew leaving at halftime during my most recent visit. The alumni tend to sit on the west side of the stadium, behind the WIU bench. You will likely hear a few cowbells being rung in this section, and they tend to be very friendly, including to visiting fans. This group cares about their team, but also will not overwhelm you with the noise they are able to produce. The best fans in the house definitely are the band members, who cheer loudly and also contribute their musical interludes. Access 5 There is plenty of parking on the north side of the stadium, and it is free. There are attendants present to ask if you want a tailgate spot or regular spot. There is no charge regardless, it just depends on whether you plan to lay out a spread. Inside the stadium, the concourse that encircles the track is roomy. In most cases, you will have to climb some stairs to reach your seat. If you need assistance, then the southwest gate would be your best entrance point. Restrooms are large and clean, and can be found in the northeast and southeast corners of the stadium. Return on Investment 4 General admission tickets will cost you just $10, and reserved chairbacks will cost you $15. There is a $5 increase for homecoming and family weekend. Parking is plentiful and free. Concessions are reasonably priced. A program will cost you $2. Overall, there is good value if you are attending a game at Western Illinois, and well worth the overall cost. Extras 2 One extra point for the unique and deserved statue of track & field star Lee Calhoun. Statues always provide a unique experience when visiting a new stadium, and this one certainly adds something of interest. One additional extra point for the unique Leatherneck nickname, combined with both a live bulldog mascot, and the more traditional bulldog mascot suit. Final Thoughts If you find yourself in the western part of central Illinois, or southeast Iowa or northeast Missouri, then consider making the trip to Macomb to seeing the Fighting Leathernecks on a Saturday. It may be an unspectacular gameday experience, but there is good value in a visit to this FCS stadium.
- University Field - Hofstra Pride
Photo by Ed Pelle, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.29 University Blvd Hofstra Blvd Hempstead, NY 11550 Hofstra Pride website University Field website Year Opened: 1990 Capacity: 400 The Lions of Long Island If you should ever find yourself roaming the fertile central plains of Nassau County, consider visiting Hofstra University, a private institution that has played baseball since 1938, although the program had a three year hiatus due to World War II. The University was built upon a large former estate that was owned by a Dutchman. This led to Hofstra adopting the nickname of Flying Dutchmen until 2004 when they officially became the Hofstra Pride. Despite the name change, the university hasn't completely divorced itself from its previous incarnation. In several locations around campus you will see the words "Home of the Flying Dutchmen, House of the Hofstra Pride." Hofstra plays its baseball at University Field which has recently undergone some renovations and is located north of Fulton Street near the Mack Sports and Exhibition Complex main entrance. Hofstra's most well-known baseball alumnus is former New York Mets, Montreal Expos and Baltimore Orioles player Ken Singleton. New York metro area fans are probably more familiar with his current work as New York Yankees broadcaster for the YES Network. Food & Beverage 0 There is no food or beverage offered to fans at Hofstra home games and there aren't any other options within close walking distance. Some people will bring food for the players, but eating it is off limits to the general public. Atmosphere 2 University Field has a bit of a disjointed feel to it, as if its individual parts were thrown together in some haphazard way. The first feature you might notice is its irregular field dimensions. The playing surface is 322 feet down the left field line, 337 feet down the right field line and 380 feet in center field. In left center field there looms a 30 foot high chain link "monster" that renders it virtually impossible to hit a home run in that area. The infield playing surface is artificial turf while the outfield is natural grass. A very noticeable line where the surfaces meet at the edge of the infield not only looks odd aesthetically, but it can affect game play. In 2010 the Pride constructed a new seating area behind home plate with 400 individual seats. This is the ballpark's best feature and makes it comfortable to watch a game. Some fans will congregate down the third base line, but that's about the only other option for seating. Down the first base line and in right field are trees that obstruct the viewing area. In the far corner of right field there is an unsightly area where the gardening and road maintenance equipment supplies are kept. Neighborhood 3 The area surrounding Hofstra University is a tale of two cities with Hofstra being the dividing line. To the south and west are areas considered "rougher" by most Long Islanders. Most visitors to Hofstra or the Nassau Coliseum will head east on Hempstead Turnpike toward East Meadow or north toward Museum Row and Roosevelt Field Mall when looking for post or pre game attractions. For people traveling with children, the Long Island Children's Museum is located just one block west of Nassau Coliseum on Museum Row and is well worth the $12 general admission. It has two large floors filled with interactive exhibits. The museum sits next to Nunley's Carousel which costs a mere ($2) per ride. The carousel has been relocated here from its prior home in nearby Baldwin where it had been operated for 55 years. Most native Long Islanders have ridden the carousel at some point during their life. For older visitors, the Cradle of Aviation Museum, which contains a planetarium, might be a better option at $14. One of Charles Lindbergh's plane is on display here as well as a lunar module that was produced on Long Island. The street on which these attractions are located is dubbed Charles Lindbergh Boulevard because he took off from nearby Roosevelt Field which was then an airfield on his world famous transatlantic flight in 1927. For post game food or drinks one doesn't have to venture far from Hofstra to find a great place. Located a mere 15 feet from Shuart Stadium's north end on Hempstead Turnpike is the Social Sports Lounge and Kitchen a bar and restaurant. Owned by Wayne Chrebet, this bar offers top shelf drinks and gourmet versions of sports bar classics. Some examples include marinated skirt steak ($13.95), bacon stuffed burger ($11.95), rigatoni alla vodka ($13.95), Cap'n Crunch crusted chicken fingers ($8.95), soy Thai calamari ($10.95) and shrimp dumplings ($8.95). Fans 1 The fans that come out to these games are generally of the friends and family variety. While there is nothing wrong with that, developing a fan base that extends beyond this is essential to the health of the program. College baseball teams that are in the Northeast generally tend to have difficulty with drawing as the weather can be rough during the early months of the season. I like to think of this category as a work in progress for Hofstra. Access 3 Getting to Hofstra is relatively easy. The university is located just off of Hempstead Turnpike, which is one of the major roadways that cut across Nassau County East-West. If you head north on Uniondale Avenue from Hempstead Turnpike you will reach the parking area to your left at the first available turn. Parking is free for baseball games. Conveniently, the Meadowbrook Parkway is located less than a half mile away and has exits that intersect with Hempstead Turnpike. Use exit M4 and head west toward Hofstra if using this method of travel. Public transportation is an option as there are five NICE (Nassau InterCounty Express) bus lines with stops at Hofstra University. These routes are the 43, 45, 70, 71, and 72. You could also take the Long Island Railroad to Hempstead if you didn't mind a brisk 20 minute walk, or take one of the above buses east toward Hofstra University from the area near the train station. Return on Investment 5 Hofstra does not charge admission for baseball games or any kind of parking fee. While there might not be any food available to purchase, the only costs for the consumer would be those associated with travel to and from the game. Extras 2 If you should travel anywhere on Hofstra's campus other than the baseball field, you will be in for a pleasant walk on a neatly manicured backdrop filled with interesting architecture and dozens of statues and plaques. Due to its location in what feels like the nexus of Long Island, there seemingly is always something else going on nearby. Final Thoughts Since the decision to disband its football team, Hofstra University has struggled to find another popular sport to help fill that void. The men's basketball team was anticipated to be the leader in this regard, but has fallen on hard times for a variety of reasons. Could baseball be the sport that energizes the alumni base and brings the Pride back to the forefront of the local sports scene? There is some work to be done here before that can occur, but it is not entirely inconceivable.
- Nick Denes Field - Western Kentucky Hilltoppers
Photos by Eric Taylor, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.86 Nick Denes Field Avenue of Champions Bowling Green, KY 42101 Western Kentucky Hilltoppers website Nick Denes Field website Year Opened: 1969 Capacity: 1,500 Welcome to Western Just a few hundred feet from the watchful eye of Pearce-Ford Tower sits yet another athletic facility in Bowling Green, Kentucky on the campus of Western Kentucky University that offers up a large dose of the college/university look and feel. The Pearce-Ford Tower is the 13th tallest building in Kentucky standing 130 feet and 27 stories tall that serves as a female dormitory known as PFT to students and Bowling Green locals. Western Kentucky offers up this college/university look and feel about as well as any school in the Commonwealth of Kentucky. Football (Houchens Industries-L.T. Smith Stadium) and basketball (E.A. Diddle Arena) are represented well on campus with great structures that lack pretentious and ostentatious personalities while simultaneously providing fans with architecture that is rich in both charm and tradition. Baseball's Nick Denes Field's understated beauty does nothing but strengthen the above claims about Western Kentucky's athletics facilities. With brick wrapped around the entire outside facade of the ballpark, the Nick pays homage to what a baseball field should be. The one game that can be directly affected by the architecture of the stadium is baseball and the Nick takes this position seriously. The walls are tall, the grass is as green as envy, and the shadows fall on the field in the middle of a late afternoon game as if God Himself felt the need to put a finishing touch on the atmosphere that can't be designed in blueprint or AutoCAD. Food & Beverage 4 A bratwurst, nacho and souvenir soda will run you $13. You could eat the bratwurst OR the nachos, but then again, you could use soap in the shower OR just let the water run over you. Do us all a favor in either situation and have both. The price tag for concessions is a little high, but you get a good selection of food and with the price of admission hovering at a very affordable $3 for youth/$5 for adults, it is easily a fair trade. There is nothing you can order that is exclusive to Nick Denes Field, but the food is good and worth paying the prices to get a taste of the ballpark. PRICE LIST: Souvenir Soda ($4.50), Bottled Soda ($3.50), Small Soda ($2), Bratwurst ($4.25), Large Popcorn ($4.25), Nachos ($4), Hot Dog ($3.50), Candy ($2.50), and Sunflower Seeds ($2.50). There's a good selection with no exclusive WKU flavor, and the 21-and-up decks on each baseline that the student journalism guys in the press box agreed we would call the Cold Beers Deck bumps up the overall food and beverage. Basically, it's a place for anyone who enjoys an adult beverage at a college baseball game to do so in his or her own designated area. According to a Bowling Green Daily News article from March of 2012, these Cold Beers Decks accommodate 100-125 people. There is a grill and beer is sold in this area. Anyone inside Nick Denes Field has access to this deck, but there is someone there to check your ID before entering, so if you are 14 years old and are thinking of sneaking up there, don't try it. Atmosphere 4 With Big Red running around shaking his hula hoop tire gut to the beat of every hip hop and country song that plays while a player makes his way to the plate, it's tough not to give this facility and surrounding presence a high rating. The sound system is no glorified boom box either. The sound is fantastic which keeps Big Red shaking his money maker the entire game. The Cold Beers Deck is a pretty cool idea for those who like to have a beer at a game, and adds to the overall atmosphere. Western Kentucky sells beer at football games at well, so the skill of sneaking in a beer to a game is not needed. If you are like me and don't drink and are not a fan of dealing with drunk people at a sporting event, don't you fret. You can have a great time anywhere you sit. The Cold Beers Deck is very laid back and relaxed so you can count on a great atmosphere to sit back and take in a game. WKU junior Josh Holland has total control behind the public address microphone. It's as if the day he was born, rather than cry, he just bellowed, "Pleeeeeeeease welcome to the worrrrrrld... YOURRRRR.... JOOSSSSSSH. HOLLLLLLLAND!!!!" From the moment you step inside Nick Denes Field from Big Red Way's left field entrance you can smell and hear baseball. You can even hear and smell it before looking to your left to take in the lush grass, the tall green walls and the large 25-foot wall in center field that also acts as the batter's eye 400 feet from home plate. The walls grow taller from left-to-right field, crowning in dead center, then slowly becoming shorter as you make your way to the right field foul pole. The net behind home plate extends a little wider than most ballparks to cover most any seat not in the Cold Beers Deck. The netting removes the stress of losing teeth from a screaming foul ball. So go ahead and buy that second bratwurst and nachos. You won't need a free hand to snag any errant foul balls. Neighborhood 4 Western Kentucky has a great campus and the ballpark sits right on the edge of it. Not so far away from campus that you can't tell you are on campus, but not too deep in the center that traffic is nightmare on game days. A short 0.7 of a mile from Big Red Way is a great local restaurant in the downtown area on East 8th Avenue called Mariah's. I can tell you first hand that the pork chops are great, the burgers are fantastic and the atmosphere is wonderful. It's not a hole-in-the-wall restaurant. The salads have cold black eyed peas in them and yes, even this is delicious, but in the event you shiver at the thought of this, by all means, just order your salad sans peas. Fans 4 The fans really bring energy and understand the game. A good Thursday evening crowd after the students have already headed home for the summer shows there's good backing from the locals. Access 5 There's really nothing negative to say about the access. Parking can be a bit of a challenge, but not terribly so. Access to restrooms is easy, there are no steep mountains to climb to get to your seats, and food is only a few steps away. Return on Investment 5 Two words that will warm my heart until the day I die: cheap tickets. There is really no way around a great return on investment when you place "affordable for the family" and "baseball" in one sentence. The concession prices are little high, but when you can get a family of four less than $20, it's a win for all involved. You may be out a few bucks on concessions, but that's an issue you can plan for before you get to the ballpark. A ticket price is what it is. If you want in, you pay the price, but you don't HAVE to buy a hot dog. You won't be sorry if you do get the hot dog or the nachos, but it's not a prerequisite to enjoying the game. Extras 1 Western Kentucky has everything a baseball game needs with no extras. I'm going to give one extra star because the Cold Beers Deck is something unique to the college baseball experience in this region, so one bonus star for the Hilltoppers. Final Thoughts Western Kentucky has always had a firm grasp on the perfect college appearance. From nearly every administrative and academic building standing on campus to the athletic facilities, Western gets it right every time. Very little on campus has a dated appearance and the athletic facilities follow suit. Western Kentucky falls in the mid-major category, but the facilities are a major bright spot for the city of Bowling Green. The architecture of Nick Denes Field serves the game of baseball well. The architecture of a baseball field needs to be well thought out and submissive to the game that relies so much on the blueprint of the field. Nick Denes Field does just that.
- Allianz Stadium – NSW Waratahs
Photos by Lloyd Rothwell, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.86 Allianz Stadium Driver Avenue Moore Park, NSW 2021 Australia NSW Waratahs website Allianz Stadium website Year Opened: 1988 Capacity: 44,000 Waratah Experience Continues to Improve at Allianz Stadium Allianz Stadium is home to the Waratahs, who have been the NSW state rugby representative team since 1882. When Super Rugby began in 1996, the ‘Tahs commenced operation as a professional franchise. Super Rugby has grown to include 15 teams across three conferences, with 5 teams each from Australia, New Zealand and South Africa. The competition will expand again to 18 teams in 2016 with the addition of another South African team plus franchises based in Argentina and Japan. Previously known as perennial underachievers, the ‘Tahs broke through to win their first Super Rugby championship in 2014. The stadium, originally known as the Sydney Football Stadium (SFS), opened in 1988 and is situated next door to the Sydney Cricket Ground. The SFS was built as Sydney’s main rectangular stadium to replace the old Sydney Sports Ground, a multi-purpose venue which served as the home of the Eastern Suburbs Roosters rugby league club. The Sydney Cricket and Sports Ground Trust, a NSW State Government entity, manages both venues. Current tenants include the Waratahs, Sydney FC and the Sydney Roosters (NRL). After ANZ Stadium opened in 1999, many major events have shifted west, although Allianz Stadium also still hosts occasional NRL finals games, club rugby union finals and other one-off events. These have included Sydney 2000 Olympic football, Rugby World Cup 2003 and Rugby League World Cup 2008. Up until then Allianz Stadium hosted many major footballing events including rugby league grand finals, rugby union tests and football internationals. Despite a relatively short history, its high usage has meant Allianz has been home to many historic moments across each of the football codes. One of the most storied moments in Australian rugby occurred at Allianz in 1994 when a last-minute George Gregan tackle on All Black flyer Jeff Wilson ensured Australia retained the Bledisloe Cup. 2015 sees the beginning of some welcome upgrades for Allianz. For starters, new video screens are being installed at either end. At 27m by 10m, these so-called ‘super screens’ are said to be the largest in Australia for the sports of rugby union, rugby league and football. Further upgrades said to be on the way include upgraded seating, improved food outlets and a clear membrane roof. The Waratahs recently signed a deal that will see them based at Allianz for a long time to come. Food & Beverage 3 The area of the stadium most in need of improvement is the food and beverage. The current offerings are of average quality and high prices that continue to rise and simply can’t be justified. Hot items available include hot dogs ($5.90), meat pies ($5.30), chicken souvlaki ($10), beef burger ($8.80), sausage rolls ($4.80), hot chips ($5.80), and tempura fish and chips ($10.50). Under the “healthier choice” maxim are sushi pack ($10), wraps ($10) and sandwiches ($7.60). Single serving pizzas are available from Domino’s for $9, with Meatosaurus, Hawaiian and Margherita options. There is also a gourmet sausage outlet, with prices set at $10. Snacks include crisps ($5.20), chocolate bars ($4.20) and ice creams (from $3.60). Drinks are via Coca-Cola and include 600ml soft drinks ($5.40) and water ($4.70). The various bars serve draught beer ($7.40), light beer ($6.60), house wine ($7.30), pre mixed spirits ($10), and cider ($7.50). Note that a carry tray will cost an additional $1. Be sure not to leave your decision to purchase food too late as once the halftime rush is over the various outlets will begin to close. Atmosphere 4 When it first opened, Allianz Stadium was described by commentators as “space-age” due to its unique curved roof design. Most punters will only have access to the lower seating bowl as the upper deck is normally reserved for members and corporates. Most seats still offer a good view, although the general admission sections at either end are fairly average. The new video screens will be a good addition once installed (March 2015) as the previous screens were quite small. The player’s tunnel is on the western side of the ground and as the television coverage is from that side, the sponsor’s logos on the playing surface face in that direction. The light towers and MA Noble and Don Bradman Stands of the SCG are visible from your seat as you look south. The eastern stand is named the Nick Shehadie Stand, after Sir Nicholas Shehadie; former Lord Mayor of Sydney, Wallaby, Chairman of the NSW Rugby Union and President of the Australian Rugby Union. While the venue will not be filled for a Waratahs match (average crowd is around 20,000), the stadium still provides a good experience with plenty of noise and a fun atmosphere. Neighborhood 5 During the later years of the amateur era, NSW Rugby called Concord Oval home. Concord was often decried for its location in Sydney’s inner west, particularly the lack of atmosphere surrounding the ground. One of NSW and Australian rugby’s great warriors, Simon Poidevin, once said that the allure of playing at Concord which backed onto Parramatta Road opposite the Burwood Bus Depot could never compete with the pubs of Paddington surrounding Moore Park. Indeed, “Poido” was right. Allianz Stadium is centrally located minutes from the Sydney CBD, right next door to the Sydney Cricket Ground and Fox Studios / EQ. Within the EQ are many cafes, restaurants, and bars. PJ Gallagher’s is a popular option. The surrounding suburb also features impressive parklands including Centennial Park. Venture further afield and you will find a plethora of dining and drinking options in the nearby suburbs of Paddington and Surry Hills. Of course, Sydney is one of the great cities of the world and if you are from out of town you will definitely be doing sightseeing trips to see iconic landmarks such as the Sydney Opera House and Sydney Harbour Bridge. Sydney has world famous beaches. Bondi Beach is close by or catch the ferry from Circular Quay to Manly Beach for the day. Fans 4 Sydney is a notoriously difficult sporting market to crack. The casual fan is fickle and attaches themselves to a winning team, yet happily jumps ship should the team’s on-field fortunes nose dive. However, the ‘Tahs have a solid base of supporters who focus their attention on the game rather than being distracted by any kitschy attempts at crowd engagement. The noise is in fact louder than expected, but there is no pointless chanting to be experienced here. Access 3 Accessing the Moore Park venues can certainly be a headache. Without a direct train line, many from the northern and western suburbs are reluctant to utilise public transport. If you do, the walk from Central Station is 20 minutes (uphill), however, on the positive side, there any many good pubs to stop at on the way. Many fans choose to drive. Traffic is always an issue so plan accordingly, especially if there are other events in the precinct. Parking is available across the road in the parklands or in Fox Studios for $25. Entering the stadium is easy with a pleasant concourse. A number of the SCG Trust Walk of Honour statues are here, as well as a team store selling merchandise for the Waratahs, Roosters, and Swans. There are no issues with moving around inside the stadium. Bathrooms are big but many need upgrading. Ushers guard the rows leading down to the more expensive reserved seats for the entire game. Return on Investment 3 A Waratahs game at Allianz is certainly not a cheap day out. General admission for adults is located at either end of the ground and will cost $22. Reserved seating in the corners is classified as the Silver category and will set you back $35. The somewhat mislabelled Gold category is basically sideline within the in goals and is priced at $50. The majority of sideline seating is classified as Premium and priced at $70. There are discounts for children and pensioners, with family passes also available. Sure the product is good, but once you throw in parking and food, you’re up for plenty. Extras 4 With Allianz Stadium right next door to the Sydney Cricket Ground, there is often the potential for a double header with the Sydney Swans – or even maybe cricket early in the season. Programs are available at the entrance for $5. The Waratahs have a mascot known as ‘Tah Man. There will often be a guard of honour as the two teams run out comprised of junior clubs from around the state. Also, there is likely to be a short game or activity at half time to keep you entertained during the break. Final Thoughts The Waratahs seemingly turned the corner in 2014, putting to bed the old Horror-Tahs tag. Playing an exciting brand of rugby won the team many admirers. Fans can only hope the team can recapture that form for 2015 (they didn’t start well). We’re also interested to see whether further improvements to the stadium infrastructure improve the game day experience.
- Molineaux Stadium – Wolverhampton Wanderers
Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.43 Molineux Stadium Waterloo Rd. Wolverhampton, England WV1 4QR United Kingdom Wolverhampton Wanderers website Molineux Stadium website Year Opened: 1889 Capacity: 31,700 Wandering Around Molineux Ever since seeing relegation from the Premier League in 2012, Wolverhampton Wanderers have plummeted down the English football ranks, playing the 2013-14 season in the third tier, better know as the “Sky Bet League One.” However, under new manager Kenny Jackett, order is looking to be restored, as they are favourites to be promoted back into the Championship. The Wanderers have always been apart of England’s rich footballing history, as they were founders of the Football League in 1888. Not only this, but the East Midlands club can be thanked for the development of continental soccer, as they helped create the European Cup, or what is now called the “UEFA Champions League.” During an eleven year spell, between 1949 and 1960, the Wanderers won the League three times and the domestic cup twice. As for the stadium, Molineux has played host to Wolves ever since 1889, and in recent years, has been renovated to 31,700 in a hope to give Wolves a stable base, something that has always been lacking. As for the ground, it is…well, weird. In 1990, when Sir Jack Hayward took over the club, it paved a way for new developments. He modernised all the stands to meet the FA’s regulations and brought the capacity to 28,525. At the time, it was one of England’s finest stadiums. However, over the years, it has slowly declined–much like the team–and now looks grotty. The Billy Wright and Steve Bull stands are weirdly shaped, almost bending outwards from the pitch. The view from where I sat on the Steve Bull stand was admittedly very good, yet was rather cramped! The newly renovated Stan Cullis on the other hand, looks rather swanky, though it is still awkwardly shaped, placed to the right of the pitch, rather than in the center. Food & Beverage 3 As I say in all my reviews of traditional English stadiums, the food and beverage is poor and overpriced. And Molineux slips right into this category. A beer and hot chocolate came to a staggering £6.50 ($10.75) – one of the highest prices I have ever encountered. Bearing in mind that League One clubs are small, Wolves really do stretch the limit on their prices for fans. As for food, burgers, chicken burgers are £4.50, which is extortionate considering the quality. As for the service, there are many areas to buy food from inside the ground, and the queues are dealt with swiftly. Other foods include £3 ($5) pies, in a range of varieties like “Meat and Pie” and “Cheese and Onion.” Overall, the food is, well, okay, with prices like that of Premier League clubs. The facilities are fine, including the catering, serving a range of Wrights Pies including; Steak and Ale, Chicken Balti, Moroccan Chick Pea (all £3.60), Hot Dogs (£4.50), Sausage Rolls (£4) and Vegan Sausage Rolls (£4), Teas & Coffees (£2.30), Bovril or Hot Chocolate (£2.40). Atmosphere 3 The fans pack the grounds before the match and various vendors set up shop selling merchandise and food. There is also live music and big screen TVs outside the entrance for pre-match party atmosphere. Everyone in the crowd is more than likely wearing a bright yellow kit with the Wolves logo. If every stand sung and roared like the fans on the “Jack Harris” stand, the rating would undoubtedly be five-star. However, this was not the case. Before the match, all the home fans came together to sing “Hi, ho, Wolverhampton” which hit me hard, as the noise was incredible. Yet after that, the atmosphere fell flat. The only exception was the “Jack Harris” stand, situated by the away fans, who sung their hearts out whilst the team were doing well and were incredible. As it’s a small stand, the fans packed together and this really stood out, intimidating the away fans. When the team were losing however, Molineux fell silent and the fans started getting on at the team, which only encouraged the travelling team. Now, I understand that the fans are disgruntled at the situation they currently find themselves in, and this has clearly affected the noise in the ground. When in the Premier League, Molineux was a fortress and it really played 12th man for the team, as Wolves managed to beat teams like Man United, Chelsea, and Liverpool. Neighborhood 3 Around the ground, the area is fine, and I have no complaints. In and amongst the area, there are a few pubs – dominated by home fans as you expect. Eating is fine, as there are a quite a few local takeaways, which I advise as the food is cheaper and an overall better quality. If wanting to make a day out of your visit to Wolverhampton, this can be achieved by visiting Bentley Retail Park. After taking a trip there on a previous day, there is a top class Hollywood Bowl bowling alley, cinema, and other cheap fast food outlets, such as KFC and McDonald’s. Fans 4 After seeing their team be very mediocre for the past decade, it’s easy to understand that Wolves fans are frustrated. However, I have to applaud the Wanderers’ support, as it is just magnificent. Even in League One, fans continue to fill Molineux, which provides a special experience for away fans, as many traveling teams are used to crowds of around 5,000, not 30,000! Wolves have always been a well-supported team and this is shown by the ambition of the owners, as they have plans in the future to extend Molineux to over 50,000, which is a little unrealistic at this stage. As for away days, Wolverhampton are easily the best in League One, filling out away ticket allocations every week. My only issue with the fans is something quite remarkable. The fans in the Jack Harris Stand started hurling abuse at their own set of fans around the ground. Now you’re probably thinking “What?” But this was the case. These fans started ironically jeering and swearing at the other home fans in the other stands when they finally started singing. This amazed and shocked me, as it was really uncalled for. However, if you look at it in another perspective, I suppose it shows that the fans were desperate for the atmosphere to improve and to get behind their beloved team. Access 4 Parking direct outside Molineux is something I heavily advise against, unless you want to get there two hours in advance! The traffic around the ground can be very busy, so if wanting to park, I advise to park around 15 minutes away from the ground and walk the rest, as it saves so much time. There are many car parks in this area, though what we did was book a spot at a car park in advance online, for only £3 ($5). This saved so much time and was great value, as we were only fifteen minutes away from the ground and was guaranteed a place. The other popular form of transport includes going by train. Wolverhampton Train Station is a fifteen minute walk from the ground and eliminates the obstacle of possible heavy traffic. If wanting to add a special touch to your experience, it is possible to get a train to Birmingham Train Station and then a tram to Wolverhampton, where you can walk to the ground. Return on Investment 4 Ticket prices range in two categories and an adult can attend a game for as low as £25 in Category B. The highest price ticket is £46 in Category A; depending on your price point and the view you want of the pitch, the choose is yours. Tickets for 65 plus range from £15 to £26.60 and fans under 17 can get in from as low as £6 to £26.50. Extras 3 Firstly, Wolves is a unique club, as they have their own museum. Opened in 2012, the museum presents a lot of content for diehard Wolves fans and also the neutral. For example, there are a few interactive activities, like “Beat The Goalie,” in which you compete to score past a computer generated keeper. Outside the ground are three quite stunning statues. The first is of club legend Billy Wright. This bronze figure captures Wright running with a ball tucked underneath his arm, giving the experience a historic feel. The second is of historic manager Stan Cullis and this again gives the overall experience a special feel, as this is magnificent. The third statue is of Sir Jack Hayward who was the club’s owner from 1990 to 2007. Additionally, inside the ground are a number of Sportingbet.com betting parlours. Also, outside the ground is the programme £3 ($5) and admittedly this is a very poor one, as the printing quality is shoddy and the actual material is a cheap paper, which makes it so flimsy. Final Thoughts Overall, I found visiting Molineux a great occasion, as it was special to see a packed house for a third-tier football match. The atmosphere was special throughout the first half, and the quality of football was unexpectedly incredibly high. My only issue is the lack of care for the stands and also the ticket prices. In my opinion, visiting Molineux is something I wouldn’t advise against as it has some nice features, yet this isn’t a ground that stands out as amazing, as it needs a lot of improvements.
- Phoenix Municipal Stadium – Oakland Athletics Spring Training
Photos by Meg Minard, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.86 Phoenix Municipal Stadium 5999 E. Van Buren St Phoenix, AZ 85008 Oakland Athletics website Phoenix Municipal Stadium website Year Opened: 1964 Capacity: 7,897 Farewell to Phoenix Muni 1982-2014, Oakland Athletics Spring Training Phoenix Municipal Stadium (known as Phoenix Muni to locals) closed its doors as the Oakland Athletics Spring Training facility in 2014. The Athletics will move their spring training games to Hohokam Stadium in Mesa, AZ in 2015. Phoenix Muni opened its gates in 1964 for SF Giants spring training games. Besides the Giants and the Athletics (beginning the 1982 season), it has also hosted the Phoenix Firebirds (former AAA team of the SF Giants). The ASU Sun Devils will begin play at this stadium in the 2015 season. It was renovated in 2003 which included more comfortable seating, better access to concessions and team shops, and created private indoor suites and a covered patio suite. One point of note is when the New York Giants moved from the Polo Grounds in New York to San Francisco, they brought with them the light poles for Muni, and they still stand today. Like its parent club, the Athletics spring training is more about the baseball than any other frills or gimmicks. It continues to be just basically baseball which, for this author, is quite refreshing. Food & Beverage 3 Your standard ballpark fare is here: dogs, burgers, peanuts, pizza, pretzels. A Division Champs Combo which includes a big dog, a beer/soda, and a small bag of peanuts is $13.75. Pepsi is the soda provider at Phoenix Muni. Other options include a BBQ pork sandwiches, nachos, pizza, foot long dogs, corn dog, and nachos grande, and Asian noodles ranging from $3 – $8. Standard beer options include Bud, Bud Light, Coors, Coors Light, etc. There are two Angelo’s Italian ice/gelato carts on the concourse. There are several craft brew carts throughout the concourse so be sure to check those out if standard domestic beer is not your preference, though they can be pricey at $11. Vendors parade the stadium stands and offer snacks such as churros, sno cones, ice cold beer, and lemonade among others. Specialty items include Honeybear’s BBQ sandwich $8 and Loco Patron Chicken Tacos $8. I was told Honeybear’s BBQ sandwich is pretty bad (dry), at least at the game I attended. Perhaps it was just a bad batch. The third baseline concourse offers a nice spot to get some food and beverage with picnic tables in which to enjoy your nourishment. It has Blue Moon ($10) and Coors Light (other concessions are available as well). It appears most concessions are cash only. Atmosphere 5 Since Phoenix Muni is one of the oldest ballparks in the Cactus League (Spring Training in AZ), it has lots of history. And that will continue when the ASU Sun Devils arrive in 2015. Historical events are etched in the concourse floor. Most folks ignore them or don’t realize they are there. Do take the time to stroll around the concourse and read the etched messages in the floor to read the history this stadium offers. There are banners honoring individuals who have been recognized in the MLB Hall of Fame as well as the World Series championships of the Oakland Athletics. Will these be replaced by the many retired numbers of ASU ballplayers? If you want to sit in the shade (recommended on those hot AZ spring days) choose upper box seats above row four for tickets. Most seats are the traditional plastic green fold down variety. Bleachers with backs are in the outfield. The scoreboard is small and hard to read; it provides minimal information: balls, strikes, outs, hits, runs, errors. Bring binoculars if you care about reading the scoreboard. The music volume level is absolutely fine during the game allowing fans to talk with their neighbors vs. yelling at them. The bullpens are on the field beyond the first and third bases. There are beautiful geological formations of Papago Park beyond the left field. Watching a game here is about baseball. Not the other stuff. That said, there are a few promotions and giveaways during the game. Neighborhood 3 There’s still not much to see or do walking distance from the arena. Phoenix Zoo (about ½ mile from stadium) Desert Botanical Gardens (about 1 mile from stadium) Both worthwhile visiting before or after the game (the zoo closes at 5pm so that might be a better pregame visit). A minimal number of local or chain restaurants are within walking distance. There’s a Ladybug Café, a Starbucks, a Filiberto’s Mexican Restaurant, and Samis Gyros all ½ mile from the stadium. Besides that, there’s just not much close by. The Phoenix area does offer nine other spring training venues as well as a plethora of other attractions to see and do. Fans 5 One just has to admire Athletic fans for following their team even though the current ownership does not appear interested in investing in the team or their regular season stadium. The fans are engaged, respectful, energizing, easy to talk with and very knowledgeable of their team and the game. They are helpful when asking questions about the play at hand and/or Athletics information. And they are passionate even booing an appealed call that didn’t go their favor. Attending an Athletics game is worth it regardless of the venue in which the team is playing because of the fabulous fans. Access 3 If you have a fear of heights (like this author does) then you will have trouble. The parking lot is across a four-lane street. One must walk across a bridge to get to the stadium. If you do have a fear of heights, try the light rail or have a friend drop you off on the stadium side of the street. Handicapped parking is available on the stadium side of the venue so no difficulties for those folks. A light rail station is ½ mile from the stadium – Valley Metro’s Light Rail. There are bus routes available as well. Plenty of bathrooms are available and they are clean with a minimal wait after the game. There is ample seat and leg room in the seating areas. The concourse does get crowded during the game making strolling through them a chore. We’ll see how that translates when ASU occupies the facility. Return on Investment 4 Tickets range from $12 – $24 for a spring training game. If you live in the area, the Oakland Athletics also offer some season ticket packages as well as 10-game packages. The food prices seem high to me. Getting to a stadium to see a game where the game is more the focus than the other promotions is always a plus in my book. And watching the last season the Athletics played in the venue is worth the expense. Do check out a game here when the ASU Sun Devils take the field in 2015. Extras 4 Watching a game at Phoenix Muni is about the baseball being played on the field. The definition of a fan is a person(s) who is enthusiastically devoted to something. I’ll give the Athletic fans a few extra points as they are not only devoted, they are passionate and they deserve some credit. Also notable is the history that is displayed throughout the stadium, including the light poles from the Polo Grounds and the etchings on the floor of the concourse. Final Thoughts This is a final farewell to Phoenix Muni as a superb venue in which to watch an Athletics spring training game. It’s a bit sad as it is a great ballpark. A future review will see if the ASU Sun Devils provide the same presence and experience.
- H.O. Clemmons Arena – Arkansas-Pine Bluff Golden Lions
Photos by Sean MacDonald, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.71 H.O. Clemmons Arena 1500 L.A. Prexy Davis Dr Pine Bluff, AR 71611 Arkansas-Pine Bluff Golden Lions website H.O. Clemmons Arena website Year Opened: 1982 Capacity: 4,500 Fine Stuff at Pine Bluff In 2010, the University of Arkansas-Pine Bluff Golden Lions won the opening game in the NCAA Tournament, the last time it was played before the First Four was introduced. The Lions went on to lose their first round match to eventual champion Duke and returned to relative obscurity in the Southwestern Athletic Conference (SWAC), widely considered to be the worst of the 32 conferences in Division I basketball. That doesn’t mean they should be ignored though, and although we at Stadium Journey left them as one of our last college basketball venues to review, they are definitely not the least. The Golden Lions play in H.O. Clemmons Arena, part of the Health, Physical Education and Recreation Complex on campus. Built in 1982 and renovated in 2006, the arena is named for Hubert O. Clemmons, who served in the university’s athletic department in various capacities for 56 years. He coached the basketball team from 1957-77 and was responsible for bringing them back into the SWAC in 1997 after a 20-year absence. Although Clemmons Arena is a typical campus facility, it offers the dedicated sports traveler a unique experience and is worth a visit for those who might be in the area. Food & Beverage 2 There is a single concession stand with a plastic menu listing standard options. The most expensive items are $4, including all-beef hot dogs, Polish sausage, Frito pies, and small nachos with cheese. Judging from what I saw, the nachos should be avoided, as they do not seem to be filling, but the other choices are acceptable. I tried a hot dog and found it to be better than average. Add chili to any order for $1. Other snacks include pickles for a dollar, popcorn and jumbo cookies for $2, chips for $1.50, or peanuts for 75 cents. Being a campus venue, no alcohol is for sale, but you can have bottled water or bottled soda for $3. Atmosphere 3 The court has large stands on both sides that are set back about 15 feet from the sideline, so seats slightly off the floor are a better option. One side has about eight rows of dark seats with chair backs, which seemed to be reserved, while the rest are general admission benches. The most important thing is to sit on the side closest to the main entrance as the speakers from the scorer’s table across the court are pointed in that direction and if you sit on the other side, you will not be able to hear the announcements very well. During the media timeouts the 80-member band that takes up the baseline benches will often strike up a tune and there are dancers on the benches next to them who have an interesting routine. There are also your typical cheerleaders, some of whom can do about 15 consecutive backflips in what is an impressive display. One thing I like is that the P.A. announcer gives updates on other UAPB athletic events as well as SWAC basketball games taking place. It’s a verbal out-of-town scoreboard if you will. Neighborhood 2 Pine Bluff is a rural community about 40 miles south of Little Rock. There is not much near campus, which is surrounded by a residential area and several churches. The closest attraction is the Arkansas Railroad Museum, which is open from 9 am to 2 pm from Monday to Saturday. In terms of eateries, the Colonial Steak House is just two miles south of campus and gets very good reviews, while Gino’s Pizzeria seems more suitable for those on a budget. If you are visiting on a weekend, make sure to get your beer on Saturday, as Arkansas doesn’t allow alcohol sales on Sunday. Fans 3 There was a crowd of over 4,300 at the game I attended, a great turnout for a school with an enrollment of about 3,300 students. Many of the fans are long-time supporters who know each other and there is camaraderie apparent as many fans greet friends throughout the game. The student body is well represented, but not particularly interested in the game itself. Early in the second half a sizable group left after some angry words were shared. Many others followed anticipating some fisticuffs perhaps, only to return minutes later disappointed as “nothing happened.” Not something I have seen before or want to see again. Access 4 UAPB’s campus is just north of downtown along University Drive, with the HPER building on the west side along L.A. “Prexy” Davis Drive. Do not use the 1200 University Drive address that you might find online, that is the general university address. Parking is free and there is a lot right next to the arena, and another, more open one at the corner of Watson and Davis. You can ignore the warning signs threatening you with a towing, as the lots are not checked during the evening. Inside there are two entrances to the gymnasium with one right next to the main entrance and the other hidden in an opposite corner. As mentioned, use the first one and sit on that side to hear the speaker. Should you prefer muffled sounds, you should not cross to the other side inside the gymnasium but exit the gym and find your way to the second entrance. Return on Investment 3 Tickets were listed at $15, quite high for this level, although that included two games as the Lady Lions played before their male counterparts and I was charged only $10 for the men’s game, typical for low-level Division I college hoops. Of course, the SWAC is not great basketball, but it is still Division I and you won’t regret your outlay here. Extras 2 I’m giving a point for the band which had 80 members and kept the crowd entertained during the breaks as well as the eight dancers next to the band who were very energetic in their sparkling silver uniforms. As well, a point for the banner celebrating the 2010 opening game win which is the largest in the entire gymnasium. Final Thoughts H.O. Clemmons Arena is not a place that most sports fans are going to put on their list of must-see venues, but that doesn’t mean it should be ignored. The crowd is lively and the game is probably the most interesting thing going on in Pine Bluff. If you are in Central Arkansas and the Golden Lions are at home, consider a visit and back the SWAC.
- Joe Nathan Field - Stony Brook Seawolves
Photos by Ed Pelle, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.86 Joe Nathan Field Circle Rd Stony Brook, NY 11794 Stony Brook Seawolves website Joe Nathan Field website Year Opened: 2011 Capacity: 1,000 Shock the World Stony Brook University officially began competition in NCAA Division I athletics in 1999 with little to no fanfare. In the years that followed several of the programs made strides in adapting to the new, more difficult level of competition, but the athletics department lacked a singular defining win that would make news on a national level. The men's soccer team did qualify for the NCAA Tournament three times prior to 2012, as did the men's lacrosse team, with a 2010 run to the NCAA Tournament Quarterfinals. The Stony Brook baseball team had also been a successful program with three conference titles prior to 2012, but the culmination of the 2012 baseball season saw the Seawolves make an improbable run to the College World Series in Omaha as the lowest seeded team remaining in the field. No team from the Northeast had accomplished this feat in 26 years and even Big Ten power conference commissioner Jim Delaney had previously complained that teams from the north would not be able to compete with their rivals from the South, demanding changes to the NCAA structure of college baseball. The team adopted the simple mantra of "shock the world" and won on the road at a regional in Miami, Florida and then again at a Super Regional at LSU. After defeating LSU on the road some fans of the prohibitive favorite from Louisiana even began to display "Geaux Seawolves" signs at the College World Series in a gesture of respect. The run to the College World Series is to date the most well-known accomplishment of Stony Brook Athletics and made the program known to more casual fans who resided outside of the Long Island area. Stony Brook baseball plays its games at Joe Nathan Field, which is dedicated to former MLB player and the most prominent baseball figure in the program's history after a large donation by Nathan to upgrade the facilities. The renovations were completed prior to the 2011 season. The current configuration of the field seats 1,000 and has a full FieldTurf playing area. Although Joe Nathan is known for his career as a relief pitcher for several MLB organizations, he began his professional career as a shortstop and was converted to the position despite protesting against the switch. Food & Beverage 1 As is usually customary in the Northeast where there are usually no concessions, supporters bring food for the team. What is unusual at Seawolves games is that supporters tend to bring food for everyone in attendance. The phrase "you can't complain if it is free" seems apt here, though incoming athletic director Shawn Heilbron has stated in interviews that he would like to address this issue by adding better seating and amenities for baseball. Atmosphere 3 Located at the northern most corner of campus adjacent to the softball field, Joe Nathan Field is a symmetrical playing surface 330 feet long down the foul lines and 390 feet from home plate to dead center. There is a bullpen along the third base side and a bullpen behind right field. If you were to circumnavigate the park you would not be able to watch the action from the outfield area as it is fenced off. Fans tend to cluster in the stands behind home plate, though some will prefer to stand along the foul lines. Along the third base line bullpen are large signs highlighting each victory stage in the 2012 post season run. The field of play is entirely artificial which is a significantly better approach than those baseball fields which only have an infield diamond artificially installed. The seating provided for the fans is of the aluminum bench variety with a small press box at the top of the stands behind home plate. Neighborhood 3 Located on the north shore of Long Island, Stony Brook is a quiet town that is very close to the Long Island Sound. Historically the north shore of Long Island had been home to some of the most influential aristocrats and many of these historic estates are still in existence. One such estate belonging William Vanderbilt has been turned into a museum in nearby Centerport. Admission is $7 for adults, $6 for seniors and $3 for children under 12 years of age. There is also a planetarium that Suffolk County, who oversees the property, built there in 1970. For pre or post game libations there are two great sports bars within walking distance of Joe Nathan Field on the other side of the train tracks. The Bench Bar and Grill has several large televisions placed throughout the establishment with sports programming always on. They have 25 beers on tap daily and a full menu of lunch and dinner dishes. Some highlights are steak and mushrooms ($19.99), St. Louis BBQ ($18.99), bourbon glazed pork chops ($16.99), seared tuna ($17.99) and rigatoni chicken alfredo ($15.99). Jake Starr Cafe is located one block east and has a similar set up with sports themed television programming, a full bar and an extensive menu. I would highly recommend a deluxe burger platter here with several combinations at starting at $11.75. Fans 3 Interest in all things Stony Brook has been on the upswing in the last few years. Since the 2012 post season run, baseball fans have turned out in larger numbers than ever. Often visitors to campus on other business will ask if the baseball team is in, and the location of the field hoping to see the Seawolves play while they are in town. Access 3 One of the great things about the Joe Nathan Field is its proximity to a Long Island Railroad terminal. It is very easy to walk from the station to the game. Most people in attendance will drive in headed north on Nicolls Road. Once you make a left on North Boundary Road right before the train trestle you are looking at the center field fence of Joe Nathan Field. Parking is available right next to the field without charge. You could even travel to, or from Southern Connecticut easily on the Bridgeport-Port Jefferson auto ferry which is a sponsor of Stony Brook Athletics. The terminal is only four miles away in neighboring Port Jefferson. Return on Investment 5 There is no charge for baseball games and parking adjacent to the field is also free. The only costs here would be transportation to and from the venue. The opportunity to see high level NCAA Baseball up close for free cannot be understated. Extras 2 Behind the grandstand is a tree with two flat large rocks next to it. This shady outpost is constantly one of the most popular spots to watch the action from, though it may not have even been placed there by design. Stony Brook has a very large, interesting campus filled with modern buildings, large outdoor art pieces and a hospital on the eastern side of campus. Taking one of the free campus buses through the University would give you a sense of just how much is going on here. Final Thoughts After the post season run in 2012 the pressing question was, could this success be the product of a team that had all its parts magically come together at the right time or was this run the dividend of many years of hard work by the people involved with Seawolves athletics. As a few seasons have passed since 2012 it seems apparent that a consistent high level of play is the new benchmark for the baseball team. The future seems bright as the University has taken a renewed interest in providing a better experience for the fans in every athletic program.
- Brooks Field – UNC Wilmington Seahawks
Photos by Harrison Huntley, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.00 Brooks Field Riegel Rd Wilmington, NC 28403 UNC Wilmington Seahawks website Brooks Field website Year Opened: 2005 Capacity: 3,000 UNCW's Diamond Hawks Brooks Field brings along an interesting story. Home to the UNCW Seahawks since its opening in 1957, it has also hosted two separate minor-league baseball teams. Two teams tried their hand at placing a team in North Carolina's port city, yet both were forced to fold shortly after their arrival due to the lack of a stadium. The Seahawks are the constant in all of this and they continue working on their goal to reach Omaha. While their stadium is fine for the previous standards, but to reach the level of a consistent contender, the overall stadium experience falls just a bit short. Food & Beverage 3 The park's concession stand is located behind the first base bleachers. The spread is pretty standard: pizza, hot dogs, chicken sandwiches, and other snacks. Coca-Cola sponsors the Seahawks and beverages can be purchased in 20 ounce cups. Most notably, there are three combo options that can really save you money. Be sure to take advantage of those if you buy concessions at the park. Atmosphere 3 UNCW games are a no-frills baseball experience with an absence of on-field activities and contests. The seats are either plastic seats or metal benches. The PA system has an echo on either side which gets a little troubling, but it's not too bad. Overall, there is nothing that really stands out from the experience. Neighborhood 4 While the campus may not be in downtown Wilmington, businesses, hotels, and restaurants have flocked to the area and created a college town neighborhood. One of my personal favorites is Two Guys Grille. Two Guys is a beach themed restaurant featuring American cuisine. Famous for their Philly Cheesesteaks, Two Guys offers salads, burgers, and other sandwiches. There are many more local and chain restaurants in the immediate neighborhood, and also in downtown Wilmington. The city is home to a lively downtown area with many shops and restaurants. Fans 3 Most of the fans are family and friends of the players and that is not at all a bad thing. It does, however, mean that they are much more controlled in their cheering. There are few traditions or chants to be heard. They know all the players by first name and are always supportive. Access 3 Finding the campus of UNCW couldn't be easier. Interstate 40 becomes College Road which runs right along campus. The problem is once you are on campus, you must navigate the maze of campus roads to find the stadium. Once at the stadium, there is ample parking along the intramural fields. Restrooms can be found below the press box behind home plate. They are a bit cramped, but accessible. Return on Investment 3 Tickets are $7 for reserved seating behind home plate and $5 for general admission elsewhere. If you must have a chair back, then opt for the $7 tickets. The general admission seats are metal benches and if that doesn't bother you, then you can save a couple of bucks. The food is reasonably priced (especially considering the combos) and parking is free, so no complaints there. Extras 2 The historical markers around the stadium present a nice nod to previous teams and the success they enjoyed. I give another point for the kindness of the staff. Everyone I talked with was very friendly and willing to help with anything I needed. Final Thoughts If you are simply a fan of the game and enjoy baseball without distractions, then this would be a good field to visit. The Seahawks continue to improve their on-field product and have begun to consistently reach the NCAA tournament. Hopefully in time, they will improve the fan experience. The current atmosphere is not a bad one by any means, but considering other programs in the state, it probably could be better.
- Milford Ice Pavilion - Sacred Heart Pioneers
Photos by Paul Baker, Stadium Journey Stadium Info Milford Ice Pavilion 291 Bic Drive Milford CT 06460 Sacred Heart Pioneers men’s hockey website Milford Ice Pavilion website Year Opened: 1975 Capacity: 1,000 Pioneers at the Pavilion The Milford Ice Pavilion, or “MIP”, has been the home of the Sacred Heart Men’s and Women’s Ice Hockey programs since their inceptions in 1993. Featuring general admission bleacher seating, the cozy confines of the MIP ensure that fans are right on top of the action. Sacred Heart, with its 6000 total students, is the second largest catholic university in New England. The Pioneers compete in the Atlantic Hockey Conference along with several other small universities in the northeast. The Athletic Department as a whole made headlines last year with their hiring of former major league baseball player and manager Bobby Valentine as their Athletic Director. Food and Beverage 3 Marty’s snack bar is located adjacent to the bleachers at the MIP. Voted best snack bar of any ice arena in Connecticut, it certainly has one of the most ambitious and impressive menus that you will ever see in a snack bar of it size anywhere. All the standards are here, featuring bottles of Coca-Cola products, juices, waters, and Powerades of every color of the rainbow. Fountain sodas are also available for those who prefer their beverages that way. For those looking for something a little more substantial, pizza, burgers, hot dogs, BLT’s, grilled cheese, French fries, chicken nuggets, and egg sandwiches are available. Marty’s also boasts a wide variety of sandwiches, such as chicken parmesan, sausage and peppers, meatball, and steak and cheese. Fans looking for snacks will be pleased to find assorted baked goods, cookies, nachos, popcorn, and pretzels. Try the house special heated chocolate chip cookie with whipped cream and a cherry on top to satisfy that sweet tooth. For those feeling a bit too chilled by the cold ice rink temperatures, different varieties of soup are available. The menu at Marty’s is so vast that it would be impossible to list all the items sold here. The snack bar opens bright and early in the morning to serve all the hockey moms and dads carting their pee-wees off to an early morning skate all day long through the Sacred Heart games in the evening. Prices are very affordable, with no item costing more than $5. If you need to eat while at a Pioneer game, you won’t need more than $10 to completely fill up. There are major arenas with less variety in their menus than is seen at Marty’s. The quality is decent, the prices are good, and lines move quickly. Atmosphere 2 There is not much of a game-time atmosphere during Sacred Heart games at the MIP. What energy there is here is entirely due to the presence of the Sacred Heart pep band. They are very active throughout the game, and do their best to both pump up the home squad and intimidate the visitors. Unfortunately, with the small size of the crowds at the MIP, their efforts largely are for naught. Shuttle busses are available from the nearby SHU campus, but few students make the trek from Fairfield to Milford. Attending a game at the MIP is a no-frills, basic experience. There are no in-game promotions, giveaways, or extras here. Music doesn’t blast over a high-grade PA system during play stoppages. In fact, there are several times during a game that the PA system is playing music at the same time the pep band is performing. Those looking for an elaborate in-game presentation will not find it here. Another factor working against the Pioneers here is the fact that they can hardly even be considered the primary tenant in their own rink. There is a striking trophy case in the MIP lobby, but every item inside it is from the various youth teams that call the Milford Ice Pavilion home. Inside the arena are located several banners commemorating local high school teams and the aforementioned youth teams. Sacred Heart banners can be found, but they are mixed in with all the others, and given no preferential treatment whatsoever. This NCAA Division I program is on an equal footing in this regard with a team made up of 8 to 10 year olds. It doesn’t make for much of a home ice advantage. Neighborhood 2 The Milford Ice Pavilion is located just off Interstate 95 on the edge of a residential area. There is nothing to do in the immediate area of the arena, so fans looking for food or lodging in the immediate area will follow Bic Drive south to Route 1, located about a mile away from the MIP. Route 1 runs parallel to Interstate 95 a short distance from the MIP, and there is no shortage of places to eat or stay on this route. Unfortunately, the majority of the eateries on this road belong to national chains. For fans willing to search a little harder, there are gems to be found in the area. Milford, however, is not considered to be a destination city. Hockey fans travelling to the area will most likely continue on to New York, Hartford, or nearby New Haven. New Haven is located 15 minutes to the east of Milford, and has a multitude of museums, fine architecture, and a growing reputation as one of the finer culinary cities of its size in the nation. Fans 1 Crowds at the Milford Ice Pavilion average in the 200-300 range, and would be best described as a “friends and family” type of crowd. Despite the availability of shuttle busses for students to get to the game from campus, there is a minimal turnout from the student body. What students do turn out are generally there to watch the game, not to get engaged in the antics seen at so many other college venues. With several opposing teams located a short distance from the MIP, a decent turnout from visiting fans happens regularly, with the visiting fans at times outnumbering the locals. Access 3 The MIP is located on the southern coast of Connecticut in the area known as the “Gold Coast”. The Sacred Heart campus is located 12 miles away in neighboring Fairfield. This area of Connecticut is very heavily traveled, as New York City is only an hour’s drive away on Interstate 95. Fans traveling to the area by air can fly into New York or Hartford, located just over an hour to the north. From either of those cities, travel by car is the most efficient method to arrive at Sacred Heart. The Milford Ice Pavilion couldn’t be much easier to get to. If driving, take exit 35 off of Interstate 95. Turn onto Bic Drive, and the MIP is a third of a mile ahead on the right. The town of Milford has a train station that is a regular stop on Amtrak’s busy Northeast corridor route, located 3 miles from the MIP. Local bus routes do not directly serve the MIP. Driving is the only practical method for arriving at the MIP. Once inside the MIP, there isn’t a whole lot of room to roam inside this small facility. All the bleachers are located on the same side of the rink, with a walkway at the bottom of the seating area providing access. Access to the other 2/3 of the arena is restricted to the teams playing that day. Fans requiring accessible seating will find room at either end of the rink to suit their needs. Bathrooms at the MIP are very small, cramped, and due to the heavy use that the arena gets throughout the day, not the cleanest facilities you will come across. Return on Investment 4 An evening at a Sacred Heart hockey game is a very affordable alternative to local professional hockey in the area. Tickets are sold as general admission for $8. Youth tickets are $5, and visiting students and seniors are admitted for $4. Sacred Heart students can attend Pioneer games for free. Parking in the MIP lot is free, and there is more than enough room in the lot for the average SHU crowd. Concessions are varied and reasonably priced. On average, it will cost you less than twenty dollars to attend a Pioneer game, get something to eat, and enjoy college hockey played at its top level. Kudos to the staff at SHU for their fan appreciation efforts during Seniors’ night, as all fans were admitted to the last game of the season free of charge. Extras 0 A hockey game at the Milford Ice Pavilion is a no-frills experience. Final Thoughts At the Milford Ice Pavilion, the hockey is the thing. Fans looking for elaborate in-game entertainment, promotions and creature comforts seen at larger venues will have to look elsewhere. With several other Division One programs and professional hockey teams in the immediate vicinity, Sacred Heart hockey often struggles to gain attention in the local market. Fans looking for affordable, family friendly hockey played at a top level will find exactly what they are looking for here. Follow Paul Baker’s stadium journeys on Twitter and Instagram @PuckmanRI.
- John A. Ryan Arena - Bentley Falcons
Photos by Paul Baker, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 1.86 John A. Ryan Arena 1 Paramount Place Watertown, MA 02742 Bentley Falcons hockey website John A. Ryan Arena website Year Opened: 1985 Capacity: 1,250 Hockey in the JAR-o The John A. Ryan Arena, or JAR as it is known locally, is a public skating arena located in the Boston suburb of Watertown, MA. In addition to serving as the home of the Bentley University Falcons, the JAR is home for several local high school teams and local youth hockey teams. Food & Beverage 1 There is a small snack bar located near the entrance to the Ryan Arena. Only your basic items are available here, with the menu consisting of pizza slices ($2.50), nachos ($4.00), and hot dogs ($2.75). Fans looking for snacks will be happy to find pretzels ($3.50), cotton candy ($3.00), candy bars ($1.50), and fried dough ($4.00) available. Cans of Coca-Cola products ($1.50) are available for purchase, but most fans choose coffee or hot chocolate ($2.00) to help deal with the very cold temperatures inside the JAR. Many fans in attendance opted to bring in their own hot drinks from the local Dunkin’ Donuts. As you might expect from a small snack bar, the food offerings are chosen for their value, not their quality. Atmosphere 1 The atmosphere inside the JAR is about what you would expect when you attend a game at a local rink. Standard arena rock plays over a tinny PA system during play stoppages, not one, but two mascots roam around, and there is a decent turnout from the student body. Unfortunately, for the most part, students do not sit in an organized section, gathering in small groups to watch the game. As a result, their cheers and taunts tend to be disorganized, and fall flat. For most of the game, the crowd is rather quiet, making for a lifeless experience. In fact, despite the fact that I was seated three sections away, I could clearly hear Bentley’s play-by-play commentator describing the action on the ice. Neighborhood 3 The town of Watertown may be best known today as the site of the gunfight and apprehension of the Boston Marathon bombers that effectively shut down greater Boston for the better part of 24 hours in April 2013. When not in the news, Watertown is a working class suburb known for its quiet neighborhoods, diverse population, and good public schools. The JAR is located in a commercial area in downtown Watertown. Within a short distance are several grocery stores, shops, and places to stop and grab a bite to eat. While Watertown is hardly considered a destination city, there is more than enough to keep local fans happy and occupied. Given Watertown’s proximity to Boston, most fans from out of town should choose to explore the nearby city rather than remain in Watertown. Fans 2 Crowds for Bentley hockey games average somewhere in the range of 400-600 per game. Shuttle busses are available to bring students to the JAR from the nearby campus, and there is usually a decent turnout from the student body. The student section at the JAR is known as the “Falcons’ Nest”, but unfortunately most students seat themselves in small groups throughout the seating area. As a result, there is no cohesive voice coming from the stands. What chants and taunts that students do try and muster up end up disorganized and flat. There does not seem to be a lot of representation from the greater Boston hockey community at Bentley games, as crowds lag greatly behind other area programs. For the most part, Falcon crowds appear to be of the “friends and family”variety. Access 3 While the Bentley University campus is located in Waltham, MA, the Ryan Skating Arena is located in the neighboring town of Watertown, MA, a short ten minute drive from the Bentley campus. The town of Watertown is located six miles outside of Boston on the northern bank of the Charles River. Being this close to Boston, Watertown has several public transportation options. While the Boston subway system, known locally as the “T”, does not serve Watertown directly, Falcon fans looking to use public transportation to get to Ryan Arena will find several MBTA bus lines serving the area around the arena. In fact, Bus 558 has a stop at the corner of Paramount Place, just a short block away from the Ryan Arena. Other busses are available to transport people to and from downtown Boston. Fans driving to the arena (which is not recommended in the narrow, congested streets of most Boston suburbs) will take Interstate 90, also known as the Mass Pike. Exit 17 will deposit you about a mile from the arena. Return on Investment 3 A trip to the Ryan Arena will certainly not break the bank. Free parking is available in the small lot adjacent to the rink. Be sure that you actually park in the Ryan Arena lot, as several other lots near the rink belong to local businesses, and they advertise an aggressive towing policy. Tickets to Bentley games are affordably priced at $7 for adults and $3 for seniors and children. Concessions are reasonably priced, and fans have the option to bring in their own beverages if they choose. Extras 0 The hockey experience at the JAR is as bare bones as you will find anywhere in Division One. Final Thoughts Given the amount of top-notch college and professional hockey available in the greater Boston area, Bentley has a hard time attracting a whole lot of attention for their program. Fans who travel to the Boston area with limited time and resources would be well advised to concentrate their efforts at the other wonderful arenas in the area. Those fans who enjoy traveling to many different arenas will find the Ryan Arena a serviceable, no-frills facility. Follow Paul Baker’s stadium journeys on Twitter and Instagram @PuckmanRI.
- John F. Savage Arena – Toledo Rockets
Photos by Paul Swaney, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.57 John F. Savage Arena 2801 W Bancroft St Toledo, OH 43606 Toledo Rockets website John F. Savage Arena website Year Opened: 1976 Capacity: 7,300 Rocket Men In November 2008, Toledo University unveiled the work of $30 million in renovations to Savage Arena, as well as the new Sullivan Athletic Complex. What emerged was an arena with a new scoreboard, new playing floor, suites, loge seats, new sound system and lighting, and a glass-enclosed lounge serving dinner for up to 200 spectators during a game. The Sullivan Athletics Complex includes the Varsity T Hall of Fame, the Rocket Shop, as well as a new ticket office. The end result is a beautiful facility which makes for a great day of college basketball. Savage Arena is home to both the men’s and women’s basketball teams, as well as the Rocket volleyball team. The venue seats 7,300. Food & Beverage 4 It’s a fairly typical concession array for a college basketball arena with one notable exception. Savage Arena is unlike the vast majority of collegiate venues in that they serve beer. This includes Budweiser, Bud Light, Yuengling, Coors Light, LaBatt Blue, and Mike’s Hard Lemonade ($6 for a 16-ounce cup). Wine is available as well. Outside of that aberration, you’ll find brats ($4.50), hot dogs ($3.50), soft pretzel ($3.25), popcorn ($3.50), chicken tenders ($5.50), grilled chicken ($5.50), and pizza ($4). None of these are exceptionally good or bad, and the prices seem to be on par with other similarly-sized facilities. They occasionally also offer BBQ beef sandwiches ($5.50) on a limited basis. Atmosphere 4 They’ve really done a good job with the renovations at Savage Arena. You enter the building and are greeted with the Varsity T Hall of Fame, with images of the many great athletes that have worn the midnight blue and gold over the years. The basketball team has made only four appearances in the NCAA Tournament, but I take some personal pride in seeing my first cousin, Jimmy Swaney among the Hall of Fame honorees. Swaney guided the Rockets to back-to-back tournament appearances in 1979 and 1980, including their only Sweet Sixteen appearance (1979). You’ll also find a life-size photo of Jimmy and all his afro glory in the concourse. That one concourse wraps around the arena, winding behind the seating area along the sidelines and within view of the court along the baselines. You’ll notice many banners hanging in the arena, with the vast majority being gold and belonging to the women’s basketball team (including the 2011 WNIT Championship). Blue banners hang for the men’s accomplishments. The scoreboard is center-hung with four-sided video, and player stats. It is the perfect size for this arena, and gives fans everything they would need to add to the enjoyment of the game. There’s one other small scoreboard above the Toledo student section on the end nearest the Toledo bench. The student section is bleacher seating, while every other seat offers a chairback with above average leg room, but no cup holder. Loge seats and the front row of courtside do offer cup holders for your drink. One additional unique touch is the Joe Grogan Room, a restaurant/club area that is available for fans with club seats, loge seats, or suite access. The pep band is very good, and should be given more opportunity to play. There is also a nice team shop, Rocky’s Locker, near the athletics hall of fame that is worth your while to visit if you are looking for a souvenir from your visit. Neighborhood 3 As you approach the University of Toledo campus, you’ll find plenty of chain restaurants, and hotels, including the Ramada Toledo Hotel and Conference Center. There are several bars and restaurants that are more unique to the area, but they are more likely places you would drive to rather than walk. Jed’s on Campus offers great wings, along with burgers, sandwiches, and wraps. Fans 3 The student section is interesting in that it is segregated between the two ends of the court. On one end, nearest the opponent bench, the fans stand the entire game and cheer adamantly supporting their Rockets. On the other end, closer to the Toledo bench, the students seem more indifferent, some stand and some sit, and their enthusiasm is based on how the game is going. The remainder of the arena is engaged as you might expect. Even with a lot more luxury seating options, the arena can get loud when the Rockets go on a run or need a defensive stop. Access 4 Parking is a breeze. As you enter campus, you will be given the option to either park on your left in the nearby parking garage, or drive forward toward a lot. Both options are $5, but you will want to choose the parking garage on your left. Primarily this is so you won’t have to be delayed by pedestrians when exiting the lot. In either case, parking and exiting is pretty painless. You can expect to be on your way within five minutes of reaching your car. Inside the arena, the concourse is wide and easy to move around. Bathrooms are large and clean. Return on Investment 4 Tickets are very affordable with seats going for $7 for an adult seat, or $3.50 for a child. This is a great place to take the family for an athletic event. There is a pesky $1.50 “web fee” for each seat when ordering tickets online that I find mildly annoying, but the overall price is hard to argue with. When you add in parking and concessions, a family of four can easily see a game for around $50. Extras 3 One extra point for the floor being named Bob Nichols Court. Nichols coached the Rockets for 22 years, including the golden era of Toledo basketball in the 70’s and early 80’s. He passed away in 2013, and the tribute of naming the floor after him is well deserved. Another extra point for the cool rocket design that is part of the main seating area, adding a great aesthetic component to the arena before the game. One final extra point for the competitiveness of MAC basketball. There always seems to be great balance in this conference, and it produces great games. Final Thoughts I have personally attended a game at nearly every basketball arena in the MAC, and Savage Arena is one of my favorites. The renovations really turned out well and have produced an excellent home for the Toledo Rockets and their supporters.
- Olympia Ice Arena - American International College Yellow Jackets
Photos by Paul Baker, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.43 Olympia Ice Center 125 Capital Dr, West Springfield, MA American International College hockey website Olympia Ice Center website Year Opened: 1998 Capacity: 2,200 AIC at the OIC American International College is a small liberal arts college of with an enrollment of just over 2100 located in Springfield, MA. AIC’s sports teams are known as the Yellow Jackets and compete in NCAA Division II, with the exception of the men’s ice hockey team, which competes at the sport’s highest level. The Yellow Jackets are members of the Atlantic Hockey Conference, which features teams throughout the northeast, and play their home games at the Olympia Ice Center, located in West Springfield, MA. The Olympia Ice Center houses three NHL-sized rinks, and hosts several local high school teams as well as American International, local youth hockey, and senior leagues. Over 100 high school games are played at the rink each year, as well as the Massachusetts State Interscholastic playoffs. Food and Beverage 3 The Olympia Ice Center boasts a single snack bar in the main lobby. The snack bar boasts a decent menu, featuring items such as pizza slices ($2.95), nachos ($3.00), hot dogs ($2.25), and chicken tenders ($3.95). Since the OIC hosts games at all hours of the day and night, breakfast items such as bagels with cream cheese ($2.00), donuts ($1.15), and breakfast sandwiches ($3.95) are offered. Fans looking for snack items will be pleased to find pretzels ($2.00), French fries ($2.50), curly fries ($2.75), fried dough ($2.95), and assorted sizes of popcorn ($1.50/$2.00/$2.50). A wide variety of Pepsi products ($2.00), coffee ($1.90), tea ($1.65) and hot chocolate ($2.00) are also sold here. It’s an impressive menu, quality is decent, and lines move quickly. One thing that the Olympia Ice Center offers that sets it apart from other arenas of its size is the Top Shelf Lounge, located upstairs off the main lobby. The top shelf is a full service bar and a great place for weary parents and hockey fans to hide from the action taking place below. The Top Shelf overlooks one of the three rinks at the AIC. Unfortunately, it does not overlook the main rink, which is where the Yellow Jackets play. There is, however, access at the top of the grandstand of the main rink directly into the Top Shelf Lounge. Atmosphere 1 The Olympia Ice Center and the American International Yellow Jackets offer a no-frills, no-distraction game day experience. There are no in-game promotions or extraneous game day activities going on here. In fact, the only “extras” you will hear at an AIC game is PA announcements of game events (scoring plays and penalties), and music played during play stoppages. The sound system is excellent, and it is a shame that it is not utilized more often. The main arena at the Olympia Ice Arena is surprisingly spacious, with seating located on both sides of the arena. On the near side are several sections raised about eight feet over the ice surface featuring individual seating. The far side of the rink features concrete bleachers with plastic benches for seating that run for the entirety of the hockey rink. Given that the arena can sit over 2,000 for hockey games, and crowds generally hover in the range of 200-300, the OIC can seem very empty and quiet. As is the case with many other small schools that play their home games off campus, AIC offers busses to get students to their games. Unfortunately, few students seem to take advantage of this offer. Neighborhood 3 Nearby Riverdale St. is the main drag in West Springfield, and contains numerous chain restaurants. Within walking distance of the OIC are several restaurants, most notably Five Guys Burgers for those traveling with the family, and Hooters for those not traveling with the family. Fans looking to sample more local cuisine will have to search among the chains, but there are options to be found. Downtown Springfield is a short ten minute drive up Interstate 91 across the Connecticut River. Unfortunately, options for dining do not improve dramatically on the river’s eastern bank. A short drive from the Olympia Ice Arena is the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame, a must see attraction for any sports fan. Located directly across the street from the Olympia Ice Arena is the Comfort Inn and Suites. Fans travelling from out of town can’t get any closer to the action than a stay here. However, with the amount of youth tournament hockey being held at the OIC regularly, the guess here is that you will be fighting for elbow room with swarms of traveling youth hockey players at most local hotels. Fans 1 Crowds at the Olympia Ice Center can best be described as “friends and family”. Announced attendance averages in the 200-300 range, with capacity of the arena set at 2200. The result is that the crowd often appears even smaller than it actually is. Despite the presence of busses to shuttle students to the arena from the downtown Springfield campus, turnout from the student body is minimal at best. Given AIC’s centralized location within the Atlantic Hockey Conference, it is not unusual to see visiting fans turn out in numbers rivaling the home fans. Access 4 Olympia Ice Center is located six miles from the American International College campus. Getting to the OIC is easy, as it is located just off of Interstate 91. Fans arriving to Springfield from the east or west will take Interstate 90 to I-91, and fans traveling from the north or south will follow I-91 to exit 13. The Olympia Ice Arena is located less than a mile off of the exit. The city of Springfield dubs itself as “the crossroads of New England”, and they may just be right. Located at the intersections of interstates 91 and 90, Springfield is only a 90 minutes’ drive west of Boston, a half mile north of Hartford, and 90 minutes east of Albany. New York City is a mere 2 and one half hour drive away. Bradley International Airport is located only 18 miles away across the Connecticut state line and is served by all major airlines. The headquarters of Peter Pan Buses is nearby, as well as Springfield’s Amtrak station. West Springfield is located a short five minute drive from downtown Springfield. Despite the ease in arriving in Springfield by alternate methods of transportation, the OIC is not served by any of these methods, and travel by car is pretty much the only way to get here. The interior of the OIC is modern and bright. Those fans needing accessible seating will find many options along the boards of the main arena and will have no problems getting around the facility. Bathrooms are plentiful, large, and clean. There are no lines, even during intermission. Return on Investment 4 A night at an American International hockey game is an affordable option to the many professional sporting events in the area. Parking is free in the large lot surrounding the OIC, and tickets are only $5 for adults, and $3 for seniors and students. Factor in inexpensive snacks at the concession stand, and it is possible to enjoy a night of competition at college hockey’s top level for under ten dollars. Extras 1 An extra point is awarded for the extras to be found throughout the Olympia Ice Center. There is a video arcade located just off the main lobby, which turned out to be a favorite location not only for the youth hockey players present, but of the college students as well. An extra favored by the adults in the crowd is the Top Shelf Lounge overlooking the second rink. If it overlooked the main rink it would be a prime vantage point to be sure. Final Thoughts The Olympia Ice Center is an impressive facility that hosts teams from throughout Massachusetts and beyond. With its three NHL sized rinks, it is not unusual to see several games going on simultaneously. This makes for a busy and festive atmosphere at the Center. Unfortunately, the AIC Yellow Jackets have not been able to capitalize fully on the hockey momentum going on here. Fans looking for the creature comforts and in-game entertainment offered elsewhere will not find that kind of atmosphere present here. Fans looking to watch college hockey played at its top level at an inexpensive price will undoubtedly enjoy their time at the Olympia Ice Center. Follow Paul Baker’s stadium journeys on Twitter and Instagram @PuckmanRI.
- ANZ Stadium – Sydney Thunder
Photos by Lloyd Rothwell, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.29 ANZ Stadium Edwin Flack Ave Sydney Olympic Park, NSW 2127 Australia Sydney Thunder website ANZ Stadium website Year Opened: 1999 Capacity: 82,500 Thunder Sticks ANZ Stadium was opened in 1999 as Stadium Australia and was built to serve as the main stadium for the Sydney 2000 Olympic Games. The capacity was originally 110,000 however after renovations following the Games the stadium now seats a maximum of 82,500 people (oval configuration). Located at Sydney Olympic Park, ANZ Stadium is arguably the premier sporting venue in NSW particularly when it comes to the various football codes, hosting events such as the NRL Grand Final, NRL State of Origin, FIFA World Cup Qualifiers, and rugby union test matches. The venue also features retractable seating allowing the playing surface to be configured as either rectangular or an oval. While the Sydney Cricket Ground remains the stadium of choice for major cricket games in the harbour city, ANZ Stadium has played host to a Twenty20 International. In addition to representative sporting events, ANZ also sees numerous tenants play regular or semi-regular games including Greater Western Sydney Giants (AFL), Sydney Swans (AFL), Canterbury Bulldogs (NRL), South Sydney Rabbitohs (NRL), Wests Tigers (NRL) and the NSW Waratahs (Super Rugby). The Sydney Thunder was formed in 2011 as one of two Sydney based teams for the new Big Bash League (BBL), Australia’s domestic Twenty20 cricket competition. This league is played over a six week period during the height of summer to maximise exposure to families enjoying the traditional holiday period. The Thunder represents Western Sydney and regional areas of NSW. They have yet to experience much on-field success and have generally been overshadowed by their more glamorous cross-town rivals, the Sydney Sixers. In fact, at the time of the match attended for this review, the Thunder had lost their past 16 games. Twenty20 cricket has taken off in recent years and is a shortened version of the game designed to maximise excitement and entertainment. While many traditionalists have found T20 difficult to accept, it is clear that it is attractive to a whole new market who finds a dynamic three hour game much more interesting than the rigours of a five day test match. Domestic cricket in Australia has traditionally been state-based, however the BBL was restructured around cities to conform to the international norm. All eight BBL teams are therefore brand new identities. The league is still experimenting with how to maximise the performance of its product. The 2012-13 season saw a downturn in crowd attendance with many critics blaming scheduling, however this looks to have been reversed for the 2013-14 season. Food & Beverage 3 ANZ Stadium is well equipped to deal with large crowds, meaning an abundance of food and beverage outlets, although not all are open during Thunder games. The offerings are fairly standard for a venue of this nature, and are quite pricey. Hot food includes burgers ($8.70), pies ($5.20), sausage rolls ($4.80), hot dogs ($5.80) and hot chips ($5.70). Also available are assorted sandwiches ($7), baguette sandwiches ($10), Caesar salad ($12.50) and fruit salad ($8.90). Soft drinks (600ml) are provided by Coca-Cola ($5.20) and bottled water is $4.60. Crisps and other small confectionery items such as ice creams and chocolates can also be purchased. Several combos are on offer and include a sausage roll, pie, hot dog or burger, with hot chips and a drink for between $14 and $17.50. There is also a sushi / water combo for $14. Alcohol is served at several bars with fairly standard options including beer (Toohey’s New $7 or Light $6.50) and wine $7.20. Note that a disposable carry tray is an additional $1. While the bars do a steady trade, many patrons seem to shun the food on offer at the stadium, instead opting to bring their own snacks or meals from the many takeaway options located nearby. The easy conclusion to draw is that while the variety is reasonable for a venue of this size, it is expensive. Atmosphere 3 ANZ is a great venue for sport, no doubt about it. Many amazing moments have occurred here during a relatively short period of time. However, there really is no escaping the fact that this stadium is much better suited to football these days. The pitch faces across the oval to allow for more seats to be situated at either end which makes sense, but is a bit awkward. Also, because so many different sports and teams use the venue, there is little that can be done to create much of an atmosphere that is specific to the Thunder. There is a mascot and cheerleaders, but in such a large stadium the crowd can’t really connect with them. The atmosphere is also not very intimate as crowds average around 10,000. Most of the seating is limited to lower bowl in an attempt to combat this, but it still feels like a cricket game is being played in a large football stadium. Neighborhood 4 ANZ Stadium is the centrepiece of Sydney Olympic Park. Many of the venues used during the Sydney 2000 Olympics are on site including Allphones Arena and the Sydney Olympic Park Aquatic Centre – both legitimate venues and attractions in their own right. Over 5,000 events are held within the precinct each year. There are also numerous hotels, bars, and restaurants within the park. My recommendation is certainly to take advantage of this prior to the game, particularly in relation to food. As well as fast food there are options covering Thai, Vietnamese, Japanese, Italian, and modern Australian cuisine. Personally I like to enjoy a great steak at Ribs and Rumps (8 Dawn Fraser Ave). It is worth mentioning that Sydney Olympic Park is big and you need to be prepared to walk a bit to find your preferred restaurant as well as from the parking station if you choose to drive. Fans 3 The Thunder fans are really committed to their team. They’re engaged in the game and decked out in Thunder-green merchandise. However, crowds only average 10,000 per game which is the lowest of any BBL team. Lack of on-field success is obviously a factor here, but parent body Cricket NSW must be concerned regardless. Western Sydney should be an ideal location for a BBL franchise with a large population including many people with Indian and Sri Lankan heritage who are normally heavily attracted to cricket. There is no doubting the difficulty in establishing a brand new sporting identity from the ground up, however the Thunder have yet to hit the mark in attracting fans. Access 4 While SOP hosts many events, not many seem to coincide with Thunder games. However, this is worth checking when deciding to attend a game. If there aren’t any clashes, parking and getting around the precinct is quite easy. Casual parking is $4 an hour or $20 per day. The P1 parking station is probably your best bet. Public transport is also easily accessible with the train station only a short walk away. Given the size of the venue compared to the size of crowd, moving around the stadium is easy and bathrooms are plentiful. While ushers will check tickets before entering any reserved seating areas, once past this point you can probably choose your seat without too many hassles. Return on Investment 3 Ticket prices are reasonable. Reserved seating is $30 for adults with reductions for juniors and concessions, along with family deals. I recommend this option because you are seated at either end of the pitch; in my opinion the best place from which to watch cricket. General admission is very reasonably priced at $20 for adults and $5 for children 15 or under. The Thunder has also created a section called “The Beach” which has been built on one side of the stadium adjacent to the playing surface. This is the most expensive place to sit with adults paying $40 for a seat here. Despite the novelty, given the location, I don’t think this would be worth it. Overall, the return on investment is average. Hopefully the Thunder can attract more fans and create a better atmosphere which would make for a more exciting event. Extras 3 The Thunder receives three extra points. The first is because they play trial games in the lead up to the BBL at suburban grounds in their catchment areas including Blacktown, Western Sydney, and Wollongong in regional NSW. The second extra point is for the practice nets located outside the stadium on the side near P1 – get here early and see the players warming up. The third extra point is for the Thunder attracting Mike Hussey to their team for the 2013-2014 season. Hussey is one of Australia’s best cricketers of recent times and although he has now retired from international cricket, still has incredible ability. He has been largely responsible for keeping the Thunder competitive recently. Final Thoughts The Thunder does a lot of things right. They are very active on social media and connect well with their fans across their catchment area. Their fans are committed and have bought into the Thunder identity. ANZ Stadium is also a great sporting stadium, however whether it will truly be accepted as a cricket venue remains to be seen. Hopefully the Thunder can start to win and attract more people to games which will certainly help.
- Freitas Ice Forum - Connecticut Huskies
Photos by Paul Baker, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.29 Freitas Ice Forum 509 Stadium Road Storrs, CT UConn men's hockey website Freitas Ice Forum website Year Opened: 1998 Capacity: 2,000 Freitas Ice Forum The Mark E. Freitas Ice Forum, named after Husky hockey player, benefactor, and class of 1981 alumnus Mark Freitas, opened in 1998 to replace the outdoor UConn Ice Arena and coincided with UConn hockey’s elevation to Division One status. Food & Beverage 2 There is a snack bar located in the lobby, which is staffed by a local non-profit group raising funds for their charity. It’s not an uncommon practice in arenas and stadiums across the country, but I was surprised to see it in such a small venue as the Freitas Forum. There are two registers present to serve the entire crowd, and these two are plenty on most nights. Short lines do form during intermission, but there is plenty of time to get your food and return to your seat before the next period begins. The menu here is basic, consisting of hot dogs ($4), nachos ($4/$6.50), pretzels ($4), peanuts ($4), popcorn ($3.50/$5.50), and assorted snacks. Coca-Cola products are featured ($3.50/$4.50/$6.00), with bottled water ($4) also available. Since the arena is often a very chilly place to be, coffee and hot chocolate are also offered ($3). Alcoholic beverages are not sold at the Freitas Forum, per NCAA regulations. As you might expect for an operation of this size, the quality of the food items is not the greatest. Atmosphere 2 Upon entering the Freitas Forum, it appears to be the type of standard local rink you would find in any town or city. The walls are aluminum, as are the bleachers. Credit should be given to the game day operations staff at UConn for taking what could be a boring, plain backdrop and attempting to infuse some life into the game day experience. You will find your typical hard-rock music during play stoppages, some giveaways and promotions during intermissions, and a great deal of staff around for a venue of this size. Too much intrusion from the PA announcer or DJ would certainly feel out of place in such a small venue as the Freitas Forum, so kudos to the staff here for striking a nice balance. Neighborhood 3 The tiny town of Storrs, Connecticut is dominated by the university. Storrs’ population of 10,000 is overshadowed by UConn’s undergraduate enrollment of 16,000, with an additional 5,000 enrolled in graduate programs. The university is located over a sprawling 4,000 acres, and is largely self-contained, which is a necessity given Storrs’ rural location. Fans looking to stay in Storrs will find their choices limited. Most fans who come to the area will do so as a day trip, moving on after the game to the larger cities of Hartford, 45 minutes away or Boston, located 90 minutes from the UConn campus. The twin casinos of Foxwoods and Mohegan Sun are located a short 45 minute drive from Storrs. Fans 2 Fans at UConn, as in much of the rest of New England, know their hockey and are into the action throughout the game. Rules need not be explained, and heaven help the referee who isn’t calling the game well. The stands were full of families, alumni, and good old hockey folk. It says a lot about the support a team has when an arena can be half filled for a Saturday afternoon game during the winter semester break. There were not many students to be found on this afternoon, but again, that is entirely due to the fact that classes were not in session. Access 2 The University of Connecticut is located in rural Storrs, Connecticut, a village in the town of Mansfield. The campus is a 45 minute drive from Hartford, the capital and largest city in the state. Fans wishing to drive to the UConn campus will be well served in knowing that no highway serves Storrs directly, and a drive through the scenic eastern Connecticut countryside is necessary no matter what direction one is coming from. The closest interstate is route 84, which runs in a north-south direction connecting Hartford with the Massachusetts Turnpike. From I-84, fans will have to navigate local highways to the UConn campus. For fans traveling by train or bus to UConn, be aware that there are no stations in the town of Storrs. However, the Union Station Shuttle transports round trip from the Storrs campus to Union Station in Hartford. The closest airport to the UConn campus is Bradley International Airport just north of Hartford. Shuttles are available to the airport from the university. The Freitas Forum is located on the southwest edge of the University of Connecticut campus in eastern Connecticut. Adjacent to the hockey rink are several other athletic fields and buildings, as well as the impressive Shenkman training center and Gampel Pavilion, the largest on-campus basketball arena in New England. For fans requiring special seating once at the Freitas Forum, access to much of the rink is not available to you. The seating areas are only accessible by climbing a set of stairs to reach the seats. However, fans requiring special seating will be pleased to know that the handicapped seating is located directly on the glass at the end of rink. There are one set of bathrooms located in the main lobby. The restrooms are surprisingly large for a venue of this size. There were no lines to be found, even during intermission. Return on Investment 4 Tickets to a UConn hockey game are very inexpensive for collegiate hockey at this level, with reserved seats going for a mere $8. Reserved tickets will get you a seat on the larger side of the arena, where there are nine rows of metal bleachers. The last row of the bleachers has seatbacks, while the other rows consist of only benches. The remainder of the arena consists of general admission seating, which cost $7. There are six rows of bleachers on the far end of the arena, also consisting of metal benches without seatbacks, with the exception again being the last row, which has seatbacks. There are five rows of bleachers on either end of the rink. Seniors can attend a UConn game for $4, and tickets will cost students a mere $3. Parking is free in the spacious lot adjacent to the Freitas Forum. The lot is large enough that there is no backup after the game, and fans can be on their way home quickly. The prices at UConn rank them as one of the most affordable options in all of college hockey. Extras 1 The Freitas Forum does not contain a lot of the bells and whistles one would find in many athletic venues these days. There are a few trophy cases scattered around the spacious lobby that showcase mementos from UConn hockey’s short history. Final Thoughts At UConn, hoops are king (and queen), and football is gaining quickly in popularity. Hockey, in many regards, seems to be nothing more than an afterthought. The Huskies have only been playing at the Division One level since 1998, and have not enjoyed a winning season since 2000. The hockey program does not offer scholarships, and it is difficult to maintain a winning program with such a restriction. Granted, the basketball teams cast an enormous shadow over the rest of the athletic program, but the hockey team cannot escape this large shadow with the restrictions currently in place. The Freitas Forum, while perfectly serviceable, does not match up with the top-notch facilities enjoyed by many other athletic programs at the university. Follow Paul Baker’s stadium journeys on Twitter and Instagram @PuckmanRI.
- Androscoggin Bank Colisee – Portland Pirates
Photos by Paul Baker, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.57 Androscoggin Bank Colisee 190 Birch St Lewiston, ME 04240 Androscoggin Bank Colisee website Year Opened: 1958 Capacity: 4,000 Temporary Home for the Pirates The Androscoggin Bank Colisee, formerly known as the Central Maine Youth Center, is perhaps best known as the site of one of sport’s most iconic photographs, that of Muhammad Ali (at the time known as Cassius Clay) standing over Sonny Liston, taunting Liston after knocking him down during their heavyweight championship boxing match on May 25, 1965. Although the Colisee is located in the small city of Lewiston, it has hosted its share of notable teams and events. The Maine Nordiques of the long-defunct North American Hockey League called the Colisee home from 1973 to 1977, and the Lewiston Maineiacs of the Quebec Major Junior League played here from 2003-2011. In addition, the Colisee has hosted the NCAA Division III Frozen Four and annually hosts the Maine High School State Championships. The Boston Celtics would regularly play exhibition games here during the 1960’s. As mentioned before, the Heavyweight Championship of the world was decided here in 1965. The Portland Pirates came to the Colisee as an interim tenant while their home rink, the Cumberland County Civic Center, was renovated following the 2013 American Hockey League playoffs. Renovations were to be so extensive as to make the rink unavailable until well into the 2013-2014 season. Originally, the Pirates were to begin the season with a road-heavy schedule, playing their first 13 home games in Lewiston. However, a contact dispute between the Pirates’ ownership and the CCCC board of trustees over concession revenues forced the team to look for a temporary home for the remainder of the 2013-2014 season. In stepped the Colisee, providing the Pirates with a consistent home in the Portland area for the entire season. As of this writing of this review in December, no resolution to the contract dispute has been reached, leaving the future of the Pirates very much in doubt. Food & Beverage 3 For an arena of its size, the Colisee has more variety in its concessions than one might expect. Still, the menu does not vary too far from standard arena fare. Recent renovations included the addition of the new Tim Horton Food Court, where the hungry hockey fan can purchase hot dogs ($3), chicken nuggets ($5), hamburgers ($3.50), pizza slices ($3.50), as well as various sides and snacks. Pepsi products are featured here, with 16 ounce bottles selling for $2. For fans seeking adult beverages can find pony-sized cans of Miller Lite ($4), Sam Adams ($5), and Labatt Blue ($7) at the pizza stand. Other stands sell Dippin’ Dots and pretzels for fans looking for snacks. There is a small souvenir stand near the entrance to the arena, selling a nice variety of Pirates gear. Atmosphere 3 The Colisee does not offer anything out of the ordinary as far as game presentation goes. The typical arena rock music blares from the speakers during play stoppages, and there is an emcee roaming the arena giving away items to fans and chatting with players during intermissions. The Pirates hold 50/50 and jersey raffles during each game. The mascot, Salty Pete, is available throughout the game for photo ops with young fans. For the most part, fans here are quiet and respectful. It is possible to hear the players barking out instructions to each other throughout the game, as it is very quiet in the Colisee during game play. Unfortunately, the game atmosphere at the Colisee lacks much of the passion and edge that was present at the CCCC. An interesting aspect of the Colisee’s physical layout is the fact that the locker rooms are quite small, especially by today’s standards. This requires the visiting team to spill out past the constraints of the locker room into the hallway under the stands for their exercise bikes, glove racks, skate sharpeners, and other equipment. Fans walking in this area are likely to run into several members of the visiting squad going through their pre-game routines. While this is a charming, old-school type of quirk, it can only be viewed as a nuisance for the players. The Pirates are a team in limbo for the 2013-2014 season. As a result, the front office is in the unenviable position of trying to market the team to what is potentially a lame-duck market while trying not to alienate their traditional fan base. While attending a Pirates game at the Colisee, it is clearly evident that all references to the city of Portland have been removed from uniforms, team gear, literature, and in-game announcements. Neighborhood 2 Lewiston is the second largest city in Maine, located 45 minutes northwest of Portland. Its twin city, Auburn is located across the Androscoggin River, and the two cities are usually linked together as a single entity. The combined population of Lewiston/Auburn is roughly 60,000, making it one of the smaller cities in the American Hockey League. The Colisee is located on the outskirts of the downtown area of Lewiston, a former industrial city on the Androscoggin River. Like many similar cities in the northeast, the downtown area suffered from neglect once the economy faded and businesses closed. The area around the arena is mostly residential, with businesses concentrated along the riverfront. Fans looking for dining options or lodging in the immediate vicinity of the Colisee will be disappointed, as there is nothing to be found right next to the arena. With Bates College located less than a mile away, the lack of any eateries was fairly surprising. Fans willing to take a short drive to the riverfront in Lewiston or across the river into Auburn will be rewarded by several dining options. In particular, the area around the Auburn mall features several national chain restaurants and hotel chains for the out of town hockey fan. Most fans will opt to stay in Portland, where the options are much more plentiful. Fans 2 It is a difficult task to assess and grade Pirates fans at this point. Even though the Pirates have committed to play the entire 2013-2014 season in Lewiston, their immediate future is still very much in limbo. Lewiston is located only a 45 minute drive from the Pirates’ fan base in Portland, yet very few of the fans make the drive north on I-95 on a regular basis. Likewise, fans in Lewiston have been slow to embrace the Pirates, as they are most likely only a temporary stop for the team. The Pirates have averaged only 2500 fans per game through the first three months of the season, ranking the team only 29th out of the 30 AHL teams. The Pirates had a relatively small season ticket holder base while playing in Portland, and less than half of these season ticket holders have renewed their plans for the year in Lewiston. Access 2 Interstate 95 runs through Lewiston, connecting travelers to Bangor, located two hours to the north, Portland, 45 minutes to the south, and points beyond. The city of Boston is only a two hour drive from Lewiston. The Oak Street Bus Station offers routes to Bangor and Boston, at which point travelers can connect to other destinations. Although there is a small airport in Auburn, most travelers will choose to fly out of the nearby Portland International Jetport. The Colisee is located at the edge of the downtown district, and the traveling hockey fan will need to wind through the city streets for approximately a mile before coming to the arena. There are three small lots adjacent to the Colisee for events, and they are more than adequate for a typical Pirate crowd. In addition, there is on-street parking available in the immediate vicinity of the arena, and many locals choose this parking option. The Box Office is located in an enclosed area at the entrance to the arena. Once inside, fans climb a narrow stairway to enter the newly renovated concourse/food court area. This area contains the majority of the food stands, a small pro shop, and a skate shop. Fans can access the seating area by passing through two vomitories, one on either side of the rink. There is a walkway in the front of the seating bowl that runs around the entire rink. Seats in the first couple of rows can offer obstructed views due to fans passing directly in front of these seats. Luckily, Maine fans know their hockey etiquette and rarely move about during play. Seats consist of individual wooden seats, except for the four corner sections, which consist of metal bleachers without seat backs. The last two rows of the seating bowl are plastic benches which have been crammed into a small space in an attempt to increase capacity. Fans should avoid these seats whenever possible. Bathrooms are located underneath the seating bowl, accessible by narrow hallways which run parallel on both sides of the rink. There are a men’s and women’s room on each side of the arena. The bathrooms are cramped, but adequate for the size of the crowds at the Colisee. Fans requiring handicapped seating will be pleasantly surprised by their seating location at the Colisee. Due the the age and layout of the arena, handicapped seating is located directly on the glass! Return on Investment 4 Tickets for Pirates games cost $12 for adults, and $10 for children and seniors. Purchasing your ticket on game day will add an extra $2 to your price. Parking in the lots adjacent to the arena costs $3, although on-street parking is plentiful and free right next to the Colisee. Many locals choose this option rather than spend the extra cash. With inexpensive concessions, affordable ticket prices, and cheap parking, going to a Pirates game will not break the bank. Extras 2 For fans interested in the history of the Colisee, there is a reproduction of newspaper articles from the Heavyweight Championship fight held here in 1965. Included in this exhibit is the photograph of Muhammad Ali towering over a fallen Sonny Liston after knocking him out in the first round of their bout. It is one of the most iconic sports photographs of all time, and it is amazing to think the fight took place in an arena so far off the beaten path. This exhibit is worth a look for any sports fan. A second extra point is awarded for the old-timey feel of a game at the Colisee. It’s not often that fans can get as close to the players during their pregame routines as is possible here. With hockey players being the friendly and accommodating people they are, it is entirely possible for fans to get up close and personal and have conversations with their favorite players before they take the ice. Final Thoughts What’s next for the Pirates? In its current configuration, the Colisee does not measure up as a venue for this level of hockey, and cannot be considered to be a long-term home for the Pirates. As of this writing, there are several rumored potential future homes for Portland’s hockey team: The Pirates and the Cumberland County Civic Center work out a lease agreeable to both parties, and the Pirates move back into downtown Portland next season. Enter into a partnership with the Maine Red Claws of the NBA’s Developmental League on the long-awaited Thompson Point Project, allowing the Pirates to move back within Portland City Limits. The Pirates break ground on a new arena in suburban Saco, adjacent to their current practice facilities. The Androscoggin Bank Colisee undergoes extensive renovations which allow the Pirates to remain in Lewiston. The Pirates team with interests in neighboring Biddeford to build a casino/arena complex. All of these potential sites are located within Portland’s established territory, so Pirate fans need not fear that the Pirates will be moving out of Maine anytime soon. Still, you never know… Follow Paul Baker’s stadium journeys on Twitter and Instagram @PuckmanRI.
- Roy Stewart Stadium – Murray State Racers
Photos by Eric Taylor, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.71 Roy Stewart Stadium 1401 North State Route 121 Murray, KY 42071 Murray State Racers website Roy Stewart Stadium website Year Opened: 1973 Capacity: 16,800 The Track Roy Stewart Stadium, built in 1973 and named for the former long-time football coach and athletics director, is affectionately known as “The Track” to long-time fans and alumni. The Track holds a respectable 16,800 people. The largest crowd to see a game since 2000 is 11,276 on October 28, 2000 versus Tennessee Tech. The largest crowd to see a game at The Track is 16,600 on Halloween versus Eastern Kentucky in 1981 (Frank Beamer was Murray’s head coach). A couple of high-profile coaches have paced the sidelines of Roy Stewart Stadium before becoming the household names we know today. Houston Nutt was head coach at Murray State from 1993 through the 1996 season before leaving for Boise State for one year and heading to Arkansas in 1998. Frank Beamer began coaching the Racers in 1981 and left Murray State after the 1986 season to take over at his alma mater, Virginia Tech. In other words, Frank Beamer’s last job before taking over at Tech was Murray State. Sure, that was 26 years ago, but you see me working over here. The playing surface was AstroTurf from 1996 through the 2006 season. FieldTurf was installed in 2007, and continues to be the artificial grass of choice for the Racers. 2007 also brought a new surface for the track that surrounds the field, new play clocks, and new goal posts. The first year of football at Murray State was 1924 and the first game was played on September 15th of that year, with the Races eking out a 27-25 win over Western Carolina. The Racers have won eight OVC titles to go along with five NCAA playoff appearances. Food & Beverage 3 Concession prices are very affordable. Don’t expect to pay any less for concessions at The Track than you would at your local high school game. On the other hand, don’t expect to find a selection any greater than a high school game. I still say the low cost outweighs the lack of snacking options: Soda: $2.50 (Regular), $3 (Large) Hot Cocoa/Coffee: $2 Water/Gatorade: $2 Chips: $1 Candy: $1.50 Popcorn: $2 Nachos: $3 Racer Dog: $3 Hamburger: $4 Atmosphere 4 Considering the skyline from your seats consists of breathtaking views of Cracker Barrel, Goody’s, Home Depot, Qdoba, Subway, Radio Shack, Big Lots, among other great American franchises, the atmosphere still has the charm of a small college football town. Racer One, the official horse of Murray State football, running around the track after each Racers touchdown is unique and adds a great amount of pageantry to the afternoon. Another plus — some may call it a minus — is there is no replay board and/or Jumbotron anywhere in sight. Some may say it would resemble a high school atmosphere. In my opinion, it resembles what college football was 15 years ago, at even the highest level. There was no need for huge high-tech ribbon boards, high-def screens the size of a city block. The only thing needed for a great college atmosphere was a cloudless blue sky, colorful leaves falling on crunchy grass, and an air temperature that is neither too cold nor too hot. Speaking of beautiful leaves, I give yet another nod to Murray State for the path of trees along the back of one end zone that provides an autumn backdrop that assures you that the pageantry of college football is served well in Murray, Kentucky. Neighborhood 3 You won’t be deciding on where to eat with much excitement, but you won’t be relegated to just fast food, either. The Cracker Barrel across the street is probably not the worst place in the world to eat, but if you’re in the mood for something unique, you will have to drive about 40 miles to Paducah. If you are looking for the standard fare of chain restaurants, you are within walking distance to most. Qdoba, Captain D’s, Subway and Burger King are also available for a quick bite before or after the game. Murray State’s campus is safe, welcoming, and a nice place to take in a college football game. Again, you won’t be blown away by any hipster coffee shops or a strip brimming with nightlife, but you will find a college campus full of proud students and alumni who are ready to welcome you to a college football Saturday at The Track. Fans 3 The Track is far from a sold-out house, but the fans that come out to watch a game are there to actually watch the game, not to be seen. Nothing stands out as far as gameday traditions — not counting the horse, but this is about the fans and I don’t believe I’m allowed to count the horse — or mass amounts of tailgating, but the fans in attendance don’t let the surrounding empty seats keep them from cheering for their Racers. Access 5 The Track is right in the heart of Murray, Kentucky. Driving in the from the east, the stadium comes into view to the right at about the exact same time Kroger and Burger King become visible on your left. There’s a good chance you could watch the Racers in action on the field from one of the Hinkle Chair rocking chairs on the front porch of Cracker Barrel, as the only set of seats stands behind the north sideline. Return on Investment 4 If buying from Ticketmaster, the most expensive ticket is $25.50, with the cheapest ticket being $12.50. If you are traveling to see your team play at Murray, or if you are in the area and looking for a game to attend on a fall Saturday, you can do so without spending an arm and a leg. This isn’t an SEC Saturday atmosphere, but it does football Saturdays justice. Extras 4 I think the lack of extras give Murray State a few bonus points. Some people want the creature comforts of a modern stadium like the Jerry Dome in Dallas, while some people are Wrigley Field/Fenway Park types. Both types of stadiums are great in their own way, so long as you know what you’re getting into before you arrive at your venue of choice. It’s no different if you are visiting The Track on a given autumn Saturday. Final Thoughts If you are looking for the theme park shopping mall feel of a Cowboys Stadium, a Murray State game will leave you very disappointed at the end of the day. On the other hand, if you go to Murray, Kentucky expecting a campus and stadium overflowing with a throwback charm that has recently faded from the college game, you will be very pleased with your visit.