Photo Courtesy of UBBulls.com Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.86 Alumni Arena 175 Alumni Arena Buffalo, NY 14260 Buffalo Bulls website Alumni Arena website Year Opened: 1982 Capacity: 6,100 The Bulls of Buffalo Alumni Arena, a key piece of the State University of New York at Buffalo’s recreation and athletic complex, is located on the north campus of the university in suburban Amherst, New York. Built in 1982, the facility is part of a vast and sprawling campus which, incredibly, is almost perfectly designed for car travel – and that’s within the campus itself! Alumni Arena is primarily home to the men’s and women’s basketball teams, wrestling team and men’s volleyball team. An extensive renovation was performed in 2012, adding new chairback seating to reduce capacity to 6100, as well as additions of new lighting, video scoreboard, improved training facilities and a renovated concourse. Food & Beverage 4 Upgrades to the concession fare boost this score to a respectable four stars. The team has added numerous hot food items, including a personal pan pizza (cheese $4.75, pepperoni $5.00), the UB BBQ pulled pork sandwich ($4.75), Italian or Polish Sausage topped with kraut or peppers/onions ($4.25), and Buffalo’s famed Beef on Weck sandwich ($5.50). Combos come with soda pop and chips. Pepsi products are sold here ($2.75) as well as Tim Hortons coffee, hot chocolate, and cappuccino. ($2.75). No alcohol is served in this facility. Atmosphere 3 The atmosphere here is a hit or miss sort of thing. Go during winter break when the students are away and the place can feel like a mausoleum. Catch a big game when the arena is full and things will be rocking. Unfortunately, the team has never been to the NCAA tournament since its promotion to Division One. The Bulls’ closest call came back in 2005, when in the MAC tournament finals UB held an 18 point lead against Ohio in the second half, only to see it evaporate, and Ohio won on a buzzer beater. An elusive MAC title and a trip to The Dance would undoubtedly elevate the program and its fan support. Neighborhood 2 The massive campus was built on a swamp as part of the larger master plan to transform this suburb into a huge planned community. That population explosion never happened, nor did a long promised Metrorail extension to ferry people from this campus to downtown Buffalo. Arriving by car is the preferred method for getting to the UB campus. Restaurant choices are abundant, but all are located some distance from campus, as even getting off the campus and into civilization can be a chore. Zetti’s Pizza on Maple Road is a good campus hangout. Duff’s famous wings on Sheridan/Millersport is a Buffalo institution. Just north up Millersport is Elmo’s, offering terrific pub fare. Go west about a mile on Maple Road, and you will happen upon Boulevard Mall. Casual dining eateries and national chains abound there, so take your pick. Fans 3 Another score upgrade is in order for the fans, who are embracing the team and the program in greater numbers, with the team enjoying another competitive season, and an arena which is warmer and friendlier on the eyes and contains more amenities. It is still a work in progress, however. More student support, drawing on a base of over 20,000 who attend here at UB, would be a huge step. Access 3 Hopefully one day we can report that the Amherst extension of the Metrorail has been funded and built, but for now driving is the best way to get to Alumni Arena. Once you follow the signs up Millersport and onto the ring road surrounding the campus’ academic spine, things get a bit dicey. There are massive parking lots, many of which are full on game night evenings, as the campus is in continuous use. Find a spot and then hoof it up to the arena, as there are few spots actually close to the building itself. Additionally, the Slee concert hall is right next door, and when there is a performance going on at the same time it adds to the congestion. Departing after the game can also be difficult to navigate, but once off campus and on the ring road or Millersport, things move quickly. Return on Investment 3 A 300 level ticket is priced at $15, and 100 and 200 level seats run $25. The ushers are pretty laid back here so upgrading from the nosebleeds is not a problem. Parking is free, and concession prices, while not dirt cheap, aren’t eye poppingly expensive either. Extras 2 Place a star for the Bulls Team Shop on the main concourse, which is a nicely appointed merchandise store. A second star is awarded for an amenity which has yet to be finished but is now underway- an interactive museum and Hall of Fame. Located in the arena lobby and concourse, the Hall of Fame is advertised via a huge banner in the lobby. Once completed, fans will be able to search inductees via a touch screen and view exhibits. Final Thoughts The building is hardly an architectural marvel, but a brutalist box shaped structure sitting amidst a campus which does not inspire the senses. UB Athletics has, however, taken great steps to improve the venue, soften the look and feel of public spaces and add amenities to enhance the game day experience. Find a weekend game, preferably one being televised on one of the ESPN’s, with something at stake, and you’ll happen upon a game night atmosphere worth checking out.

Photo Courtesy of GoZags.com Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.29 Patterson Baseball Complex E Spokane Falls Boulevard and N Cincinnati St Spokane, WA 99202 Gonzaga Bulldogs website Patterson Baseball Complex website Year Opened: 2007 Capacity: 1,300 The Little Brother to Gonzaga Basketball Gonzaga baseball finally found a home on its native campus with Patterson Field, opening for the 2007 baseball season after the previous stadium had been torn down in 2003. The new stadium is located on the very southeastern tip of the Gonzaga campus. Despite Gonzaga baseball doing exceptionally well in the past few seasons, often being ranked in the low 20’s in national standings, the program has never had the same love and attention that Gonzaga’s basketball program has. Gonzaga baseball continually finds itself in the shadow of the Bulldog’s big successes in basketball ; Gonzaga students focus so much on the culture and hype surrounding basketball that the baseball team is often neglected entirely. However, this is not all bad news. Gonzaga baseball has quickly become a favorite for locals in the area as Spokane doesn’t have its own major league team. For many fans, Gonzaga fills that role. As a result, even without a large student presence, games are often packed with dedicated and enthusiastic fans who make the experience fun and unique and perfect for a family outing. Food & Beverage 3 While Patterson shows its strength in many ways, food is not one of them. Meal options here never stray from standard baseball fare. A meal here will run you about $5-$8 as most of the food is reasonably priced. A small food window on the lower floor of the stadium offers hamburgers, hot dogs, popcorn, pretzels, nachos, pizza, candy and sodas. However, there is a great little kettle korn stand run by a few Spokane locals that sets up shop inside the fenced area of the stadium and delivers a good snack for a reasonable price. Atmosphere 3 Patterson Field is more than adequate as a baseball stadium but nothing to write home about. Ten rows of seating run around the field from first base to just before third base and can seat about 1,300 people. However, from third base running all the way to the end of the field is a nice, well manicured lawn where families with younger kids often bring a picnic and watch the game while enjoying a lunch on the grass. Its a nice touch to an otherwise average field. There is little in the way of entertainment between innings aside from the occasional commentary from the announcers. Neighborhood 3 Patterson Field is situated on the very southeastern tip of Gonzaga’s campus and rests right on the outskirts of one of Spokane’s industrial districts. While it’s clear from the moment you arrive that you are on a college campus, it’s far from the heart of Gonzaga and sits in the looming shadow of Gonzaga’s basketball stadium, making it feel as if Patterson was a bit more of an afterthought than anything. If the food here doesn’t suit your fancy, there are several great options located just a few blocks north of the ballpark where you can grab a quick bite before or after the game. Jack and Dan’s, a long running sports bar and a local Gonzaga favorite is just a quick walk up the street and is a great place for a beer. Fans 4 While students at Patterson may not show the same enthusiasm they have for the basketball program, the local fans here are as good and enthusiastic as you can find at any other top tier college baseball venue. The stadium is rated to hold 1,300 people, but even on a good day the ballpark sees roughly half of that. The stadium is usually filled with easy going fans and families looking for a fun afternoon outing. Passionate supporters of both the home and away teams come to cheer and cheer loudly and generally make the experience more enjoyable. The weather at the beginning of the season can often be brutally cold, but the local Spokanites are seasoned veterans of harsh Eastern Washington winters and regularly brave the cold to see their favorite baseball team play. Access 4 Just a short drive out of downtown Spokane, Patterson Field is as centrally located as it gets. With a free parking lot built for the basketball stadium just next door, parking is never an issue. The entrance to the stadium sits just on the edge of the parking lot, making the entire trip from home to ballpark as easy as possible. Return on Investment 4 While tickets are always free for Gonzaga students, a trip to Patterson will run you $5 for every adult and $3 for kids. All seating is general admission so everything is on a first come, first served basis. Compared to other venues, this is a steal. An entire outing for a family of four can cost as little as $16, making it clear why Gonzaga baseball is a Spokane favorite. If you are looking for a fun, inexpensive family outing, Patterson Field is a great place to come and watch an up and coming baseball team. Extras 2 There is a nice kiosk for Gonzaga baseball apparel that sells shirts, hats, jackets and the occasional pair of socks. Prices are reasonable and the options are similar to anything you might find from rival teams. There is a great walking/biking path that goes from downtown right to the stadium that can make getting to the ballpark a fun day trip just by itself.

Photo Courtesy of Cal Poly Athletics Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.43 Robin Baggett Stadium Sports Complex Rd San Luis Obispo, CA 93405 Cal Poly Mustangs website Robin Baggett Stadium website Year Opened: 2001 Capacity: 1,734 The Wizard's School San Luis Obispo is in a region that has a lot going for it. Wine, craft beer, beautiful beaches and wonderful restaurants are just a few of the things that make this city on the central coast special. But what doesn't come to mind when you think of the central coast is baseball. California is loaded with both major and minor league baseball teams, as well as some great college programs. Does that mean Cal Poly doesn't have a lot to offer in terms of baseball? Absolutely not. The program is still relatively new to the top level of college baseball. Prior to jumping to D1 in 1995 they won the DII World Series in 1989. In 2001, Baggett Stadium opened to the team knocking off #1 Stanford in 12 innings. Baggett Stadium has an official capacity of 1,734, but can be expanded to a capacity of 3,042. Average capacity has increased gradually to over 1,505, making it into the top 40 in the country at the end of 2014. All of that together means there is life in the baseball scene on California's central coast. Food & Beverage 3 For such a generally unknown venue, Robin Baggett stadium has a pretty strong offering of food options at great prices. Short of a $7 tri-tip sandwich, almost everything on the menu is under $5. Burgers, dogs, garlic fries, sweet potato fries, tacos, burritos and more are available for $3-$5 across the board. Wash it down with Coke products, hot coffee or cocoa or some local Jamba Juice again for under $4. The variety and the value make this a pretty solid selection, despite the small setting. Atmosphere 4 Eliminate the setting and measure the ballpark alone, and this is a pretty average college venue. Drop it in the middle of the mountains and add a loyal and knowledgeable fan base, and now you have Baggett Stadium. Surrounded by the Santa Lucia mountain range on the backside of the Cal Poly campus, focusing on the game here might be difficult. The San Luis Obispo community embraces the Mustangs in all sports and baseball is no exception. Attendance ranks particularly high at this park, and the fans know and love their team. Yet just across the street, you'll find cow pastures and green space. You'll even get to drive through the beautiful Cal Poly campus to arrive onsite. It's all a relaxing aura of grassroots west coast baseball. Adding to the atmosphere are two monuments to Cal Poly baseball history. The first is a marble paneled wall recognizing Cal Poly baseball greats and the history of the stadium and program. The second may take you a minute to recognize. A statue of a bearded legend stands just inside the main gate with the inscription "Osbourne Earl Smith." If you're a casual baseball fan, you may have to look at the face and back to the inscription a few times before you recognize Ozzie Smith. The baseball legend was a star at Cal Poly long before he was performing his wizardry at shortstop for the Padres and Cardinals. Neighborhood 4 If you've never been to the San Luis Obispo area, it's more than worth the visit. While other California cities get all the credit, the corridor from Pismo Beach through San Luis Obispo up to Paso Robles is an area rich in culture and scenery. Beaches to the south and wineries and rolling mountains to the north, all surrounded by wonderful restaurants, you can't really go wrong in this area. Downtown San Luis Obispo is an artsy college town full of food and drink options. High Street Market & Deli, Ciopinot, Novo, Big Sky Cafe and a smorgasbord of other options line the streets of San Luis Obispo. Central Coast Brewery, SLO Brewing Company, The Library, Black Sheep and Mother's Tavern serve up delicious local beverages to quench your thirst. Really, you can't go wrong by parking on the streets of San Luis Obispo and exploring the many options there. Fans 3 The fans may not be anywhere near that of elite college baseball programs around the country, but they are a pleasant surprise for such an off the beaten path venue. Constantly ranked in the top 50 in attendance, Baggett Stadium provides a surefire home field advantage for the Mustangs. The fans are knowledgeable, engaged and pleasant to visitors. Down the third base line there is an exclusive membership based clubhouse known as Krukow's Klubhouse. A large portion of the most loyal fans hang out here and call the players by first name. If you're looking to purchase local beer, you have to be a member of this prestigious club to have the option to buy it. But fans will be well distributed everywhere else in the bleachers as well. Overall, the fan base is a loyal and knowledgeable one. Access 3 Unless you live along the central coast, there's no quick way to get to San Luis Obispo. San Francisco, Los Angeles and Fresno lie hours away in all directions. Fortunately, any way you travel to San Luis Obispo is scenic. From San Francisco or Los Angeles you'll travel the beautiful California Route 101 or the famed Pacific Coast Highway. From Fresno you'll shoot straight down 41 to 101 through miles of farmland and mountains. The campus is located off of 101 and the ballpark is at the back of campus. You'll get a brief scenic drive through campus to the stadium lot. Parking is $6 and there aren't really any other non-campus lots to take advantage of. From the lot it's just a short walk to the stadium entrance. Once inside, the concourse is wide and comfortable. There won't be any congested areas anywhere in the park. One downside is that there is only one indoor bathroom at the end of the 3rd base line, but there are several portable toilets located in the club area. Overall, it's a pretty easy stadium to get around with just enough amenities to work. Return on Investment 4 Tickets fall at a very reasonable $8-$10 with seniors and children discounted down to $5. Prices can vary slightly based on the opponent, so plan accordingly. Parking is locked in at $6, but food is almost all under $5. Overall, this means $20-$25 covers everything you'll need for the day. For a D1 baseball program in such a wonderful setting, this is absolutely worth the price. Extras 3 The most memorable part of a trip to Robin Baggett Stadium is without a doubt the setting. Not many parks can claim to be surrounded by beautiful green mountains, and the Santa Lucias provide just that touch. It's hard to not be enthralled by the natural beauty around you while taking in a ballgame. The statue and tributes to 1974 through 1977 superstar Ozzie Smith add just the touch of history to the park. Not many programs can claim such a recognizable face as their own, and it adds quite a bit of legitimacy to the Mustangs brand. Couple that with the monument to the history of the program and large imagery on the back of the grandstand featuring Smith and other Cal Poly stars, and you get a sense of tradition when entering the park. Final Thoughts While Baggett Stadium certainly won't stand up to big time college baseball parks on a straight comparison, it's full of its own central coast charm. A summertime trip to the wine country of Paso Robles or to Pismo Beach could easily due with a detour to Robin Baggett Stadium to take in a Mustangs game.