Photo courtesy of the City of San Antonio The year 2024 will go down as a monumental one in San Antonio and South Texas, especially in terms of the state of its sports venues. A once-in-a-lifetime confluence of circumstances – both planned and unforeseen – have created a moment in time that is going to impact four (and potentially five) of the city’s venues and three of its major sports teams: the San Antonio Spurs , San Antonio Missions , and UTSA Roadrunners . These factors include a looming deadline from Major League Baseball, the relocation of a university institution, and the accrual of public land all happening at the same time. Officials with the City of San Antonio unveiled a long-rumored master plan in November dubbed “ Project Marvel .” Should it come to fruition, it would create a new entertainment district that would reshape the city’s downtown area. The ultimate goal would be the construction of a new arena for the Spurs on a site currently occupied by UTSA’s Institute of Texan Cultures at HemisFair Park, a massively renovated Alamodome for the Roadrunners, and the two sites connected by a land bridge rising over the highway that currently divides them, allowing pedestrians access to both venues. The owners of the Missions have their own visions of a downtown stadium as well, and are currently in the middle of negotiations to acquire land parcels needed for the site. The new ballpark would meet MLB’s standards and allow the team to move away from Nelson Wolff Municipal Stadium , and more importantly keep the club in the Alamo City. These are unprecedented times in the city, and it has taken a herculean effort to keep track of all of the moving pieces to these massive projects. Madison Iszler  is a business and real estate reporter for the San Antonio Express-News . She’s done a fantastic job covering these stories and I asked for her help to make sense of all the moving parts in these stories, as well as to share her insight on the forces behind them. I would recommend following her online on X here  for all the latest updates. Photo courtesy of Madison Iszler   EM:  We’ll just jump right in and do a broad overview to start with. What is ‘Project Marvel’ and what can you share about how it affects the sports teams in San Antonio? MI: Project Marvel , I think, should be transformational for all of downtown should all the pieces of it pan out. There are a couple of big facilities involved. There’s the Alamodome . We don’t know a lot about that yet, as far as what it entails and what other events the city would try to attract with that. Also, expansion of the [Henry B. González] Convention Center , which has been expanded before, and then the Spurs [arena] , which I think most folks are most excited about. There are some other minor projects like apartments, restaurants, parking, and the land bridge, which could potentially connect the Alamodome with the rest of downtown. So, there are a bunch of different things with a bunch of different timelines and probably costing a lot of money.   EM: Hypothetically, if there were no obstacles at all in the way, when would some of these plans ideally get started? MI:  The City Manager, Erik Walsh, has said they’re furthest along with the Convention Center piece. They laid out kind of a rough timeframe for everything when this was first unveiled to the City Council. It’ll take a while, but they are being aggressive with certain pieces. So, the Spurs arena , for example, said that construction could start in 2028, which is fairly soon. The Alamodome  would be the last piece of the puzzle, because they said they couldn’t start on [renovations] until the Final Four [which is scheduled to be held at the Alamodome in 2025].   EM:  Obviously, money and how things will be paid for is going to be a pretty major hurdle to overcome for this project. What are some other things that might be in the way that could disrupt Project Marvel? MI:  Yeah, the money is a big one. Where does it come from? What types of mechanisms will be used? Will voters be asked to pay for anything? That’s a big piece. There is also a lot of construction going on downtown right now. The Alamo Visitors Center and Museum , what’s going on at HemisFair . The Final Four is going to be a big deal downtown. There’s a bunch of stuff being built right now. So, I think just in terms of logistics, figuring out how that’s going to work. I was just working this week on a story on parking  and how the infrastructure aspect of Project Marvel will work. I think that’s another roadblock. City officials have said that’s part of all of this. They’re going to look at how they’re going to get people in and out of the area more easily and how much more parking they’re going to need. That is definitely a question I’ve been getting from our readers – “Where the heck am I going to park?”   EM:  One of the unique aspects of this, that I’m not sure many other big cities have to factor in with their major pro sports franchises, is how Bexar County – which San Antonio resides in – will have a say in the new Spurs arena. The Frost Bank Center site, rather infamously some might say, was built using County-owned land. So, the Spurs moving impacts the County greatly. Where are things currently with the County and their involvement in the project? MI:  [Bexar County Judge] Peter Sakai has said that he wants to see a plan for redeveloping the Frost Bank Center before he commits to anything, as far as funding. One of the potential financing sources city officials had raised [when presenting Project Marvel] to the council was maybe a county venue tax. Obviously, they would need the county on board for that. The Spurs lease [at the Frost Bank Center ] runs through 2032, so they could leave earlier than that. If the city is going to start construction in 2028, it’s not going to take that long to build, so the Spurs could definitely leave before 2032. It’s not clear right now if the county is going to be on board and it’s not clear what the plan around the Frost Bank Center would look like.   EM:  Shifting gears, I know there is a lot more that will need to happen before we see developments from Project Marvel, but let’s talk about the Missions . This seems to be a lot closer to getting moving than the other downtown venues. What can you tell me about where things are now? MI:  At this point, it seems that the holdup is a parking lot that [the San Antonio Independent School District] owns. It’s part of the footprint of where the ballpark would go. The owners of the Missions  have indicated that they need that as part of their plans. [The school district] hasn’t decided if they’re going to sell it. There’s been a lot of back and forth over the past couple weeks. The City and the County have signed off on financing for the ballpark. Weston Urban [owners of the Missions ] own the land around the area, but there’s this little, tiny hole that still needs to be filled. The school district came out with a list of demands that are conditions for them to sell. I don’t know what the city and the county and Weston Urban have been willing to budge on or not. It was quite a lengthy list of demands. [EDITOR’S NOTE: On Monday, December 16, all of the parties came together and agreed on a cost for the land in question .]   EM:  The Missions  are really motivated right now by what is essentially a ticking clock  from Major League Baseball. They have an urgency to get things done. What about everyone else involved in this process? MI:  That’s a good question and one that I’d like to get answered myself. Right now, the Missions  aren’t talking. They kept saying, as you referenced, that they’re under a deadline and they wanted to get a deal done so that they could communicate that to MLB. It’s unclear to me if that meant them just sending the most basic of documents and saying here is where we want to put it and the city and the county are okay with it and then MLB saying you’re good to go. Or does MLB want more details, like how are you going to pay for it? Do you have all the parcels of land you’ll need? I just don’t know, and the Missions  have not said. My impression at this point, given that the Missions  haven’t been yanked yet is that they’re fine. They got the city and the county to sign off, but I’m sure if the school district doesn’t sign off, then that’s another story. I don’t know what happens if they don’t approve.   EM:  I could go on and on with you about this for forever, but I’ll wrap up with the big question. I’ve heard some of these ideas and plans for more than a decade. Why now is all of this looking like it has momentum to happen? MI:  The City Manager has said that it’s kind of a mix of factors. He and other tourism folks have said that the city is losing out in terms of conventions. So, that part of Project Marvel is factored into that. UTSA also approached the city about what to do with the Institute of Texan Cultures site, so that’s part of it. Also, the Spurs lease runs out at the Frost Bank Center in 2032. That’s fairly soon. Also, downtown has been in a weird place since the pandemic. It’s been hotel and tourism dominated for a while. People that live in San Antonio don’t really go downtown, and it’s been quite clear for some time that companies don’t want to go there [for office space]. In cities like Dallas and Houston, they have a bunch of corporations in their downtowns, while we don’t have that. Also, the city has a ton of land in their control. It’s a huge footprint to work with. I’m definitely excited to keep writing about this and to see what happens with some of the pieces. ---------- Follow Eric Moreno's Stadium Journey on Twitter at @EricMoreno6477 .

Photos by Chris Green, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.86 Lucas Oil Indianapolis Raceway Park 10267 US Hwy 136 Indianapolis, IN 46234 Lucas Oil Indianapolis Raceway Park website NASCAR Camping World Truck Series website Year Opened: 1960 Capacity: 30,000 NASCAR Returns to (Smaller) Indy Racing at Lucas Oil Indianapolis Raceway Park, aka Indianapolis Raceway Park or IRP, has long been a staple of NASCAR’s lower divisions. Both the NASCAR Truck Series and Xfinity Series ran there for years while the Cup Series took on the big oval a few miles away. However, a long absence saw the track somewhat forgotten. However, true fans yearned for a return to the short oval and were duly rewarded in 2022 – the ARCA Menards Series and NASCAR Truck Series made a triumphant return to the speedway this year, showcasing the best in the sport’s rising talent on one of the Midwest’s best short tracks. Food & Beverage 3 The food options here are limited; some local food trucks were in attendance at the track, and the raceway’s concessions stands are small, leading to longer lines. However, the options are solid enough and affordable compared to larger sports stadiums. A beer will cost you $10, but other drinks are less expensive, such as water, Gatorade, sodas ($5), energy drinks ($7), and coffee or hot chocolate ($3). Steak burger combos ($15) and chicken tenders with fries ($10) are the two big items on the menu, with others such as hot dogs ($6), nachos ($6), popcorn ($10), and jumbo pretzels ($6) offered as well. Atmosphere 4 There is just something about Midwest short track racing on a Saturday night – the atmosphere is electric, and with the return of NASCAR you could feel the energy getting more and more palpable. The fans here are hardcore race loyalists, and the facility itself showcases the best of Midwest motorsports. The short track itself is worn, making for good racing. The stands are tight and close to the track, giving you a feeling like you’re right on top of the action. The turn-one viewing berm offers fans with general admission an alternate viewing angle, getting you closer to the cars than most NASCAR facilities. In addition, the backstretch features a picturesque view of farm fields and silos, making for a true feeling of being in the country’s heartland. Neighborhood 3 There isn’t a lot around the track itself. Located west of Speedway, Indiana, you will have to venture into the farmland of outer Indianapolis to find this facility. With that said, you’re not but a few minutes from shopping and dining, as well as hotels to stay at. You have the same options as you would at Indianapolis Motor Speedway, being just a few miles west of the large track. Fans 5 The fans here are without a doubt some of the best in racing – they’re motorsports loyalists, cheering for their favorite drivers with zest. Diehards to the core, many of them have grown up among the tracks of the Midwest, and many more can tell you the history of Indiana’s motorsports triumphs. You will also be treated to the Midwest hospitality Indiana is famous for, which goes a long way in making this a family-friendly facility. Access 4 To get to Lucas Oil Raceway Park you can take either I-74 or I-465 as your main routes, with access via US-136 or the Ronald Reagan Parkway. Parking on-site was free and plentiful for this year’s event. The track is also easy to navigate once you’re inside, and traffic flow leaving the event was similarly hassle-free. Return on Investment 5 Tickets to this race are incredibly affordable; general admission, making up the majority of the lower half of the main grandstands, is $35, with reserved seating, aka the upper half, costing just $45. Coupled with free parking and generally affordable concessions prices, you have a solid return on investment. On top of that, you get two races for the price of one, showcasing the best young talent NASCAR has in its pipeline. Extras 3 The track is also the site of the Lucas Oil drag strip, home to NHRA every year. In addition, while here you have the ability to walk to the viewing mounds at turns 1 and 4, offering a better view up close in the corners. Finally, victory lane takes place on the front stretch, right in front of the fans, giving you a great view of the post-race celebrations. Final Thoughts Look no further than Lucas Oil Raceway Park when looking for a good evening of top-tier racing on a Midwest short track. This track has it all, and you can’t get a better deal for NASCAR Trucks and ARCA action in one night. The facility oozes history, and the fans make sure every event is memorable. There are few places that can match the excitement of this facility, and racing diehards flock to it for good reason.

Photos by Dave Cottenie, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.86 Welland Stadium 90 Quaker Rd Welland, ON L3C 7K6 Welland Jackfish website Welland Stadium website Year Opened: 1989 Capacity: 3,241 Ripples in the Pond Are they ripples, or are the Welland Jackfish making waves?  A relative newborn in the over 100-year-old Intercounty Baseball League, at a mere five years old the Jackfish are bringing a different approach to the league and showing how successful it can be.  After moving to the Niagara city of Welland from Burlington in 2019, the ownership triad of Ryan Harrison, Dan Pokoradi, and Jason McKay decided to take a page out of Jesse Cole’s Savannah Bananas book and build an IBL team differently.  Using the facility to their advantage, arguably the best in the league, the Jackfish have responded with success on the field (2023 Dominico Cup Champions) and success at the turnstile. The home for the Jackfish is Welland Stadium.  Part of the Welland Sports Complex, Welland Stadium has been home to the affiliated Welland Pirates of the New York-Penn League as well as several independent teams.  Built in 1989, the City of Welland-owned stadium provides a backdrop for baseball that is consistent with what is found in the USA for the lower-tier affiliated Minor League teams.  Nicknamed The Pond, Welland Stadium helps provide the Welland Jackfish with the best atmosphere in the IBL. Food & Beverage 3 The concession options at Welland Stadium are not over the top, but they hit the spot. Ballpark favourites including pizza, hot dogs, burgers, popcorn, and nachos are all found at the lone concession window. Pepsi products are available for soft drinks in bottles. The beer selection is far better than expected with some products from Newark Brewing to go along with OV and Coors The most popular beer, by far, is the Welland Jackfish Pond Water by Newark Brewing, a special product for the team.  New to the 2024 lineup is Slippery Fish Light Lager also by Newark Brewing. Concession lines can be long at times, but additional concession points have helped. Atmosphere 4 Part of the larger Welland Sports Complex, which also houses a few other baseball diamonds,  Welland Stadium has a fairly nondescript exterior.  With a low profile exterior with a light block and green siding roof, Welland Stadium is not intimidating at all and is deceiving as the playing surface is below the parking lot ground level.  The grounds around the building are well maintained with shrubs and flowers, appropriate for a city nicknamed Rose City. After entering the main gate at the southwest side of the stadium, fans enter an exterior concourse to the main stadium.  Completely open, the concourse allows fans to travel in a widened horseshoe and ends with berm seating along both left and right field.  The seating area has seven rows of brand-new plastic stadium seats, followed by four rows of steel bleachers with backs and supports for 2,500 fans.  Bar seating behind third base is an option for larger groups with high-top tables and stools and the new Newark Brewing Barge along the first base side offers a patio-like atmosphere.  The Jackfish make the most of the stadium with plenty of Welland Jackfish markings and banners.  Banners on light standards promoting team players are a unique feature in this league and the slogans “Hooked on Fun” and “Your 9 Inning Vacation” can be found all over the stadium.  The Jackfish also make use of an LED video board beyond the left-centrefield fence, another unique feature in this league.  The highlight for the team is probably the 2023 Dominico Cup Championship banner that hangs in right field honouring the first championship in team history. The Jackfish produce a gameday atmosphere unlike any other in the IBL.  Following the Savannah Banana model, there is constant promotion happening.  From races and contests to the 50/50 to the unique “Kiss The Fish” promotion, each half-inning has something happening.  The mascot, Jacques, is found participating in promotions or interacting with fans.  The PA system at Welland Stadium is good and is used to not only play walk-up music for the home team but for the visiting team as well.  Visitor walk-up songs are comprised of overplayed, maligned tunes as well as silly, kid songs. Overall, the experience in Welland is unlike any other in the league. Neighbourhood 3 Welland Stadium is part of the Welland Sports Complex, a larger baseball facility. It is located on the edge of the city in a fairly residential area. The roofs of people's houses are seen beyond the right field fence. Welland only has a population of 55,000 but also draws from the Greater Niagara area including St. Catharines, Thorold, and Niagara Falls. The Welland Sports Complex, where Welland Stadium is located, has a few other ball diamonds on it and is central to the local community baseball scene. There are a few spots for pre and post-game food and drinks on nearby Niagara Street. Large chain restaurants like Boston Pizza, Swiss Chalet, Harvey’s, and Tim Hortons are all within a congregated area. A couple of unique spots fans may want to try include M.T. Bellies and Mr Mike’s Steakhouse. There isn’t much in Welland as far as other sports options go. The Junior B Welland Jr. Canadiens of the GOJHL play in the winter months.  The greater Niagara region also has other options. The Meridian Centre in St. Catharines is home to the Niagara IceDogs  of the OHL and Niagara River Lions of the CEBL. Brock University also fields hockey and basketball  teams. Other attractions include the iconic Horseshoe Falls in Niagara Falls, as well as all of the other tourist attractions in Niagara Falls, and there are plenty of wineries in the region. Fans who wish to stay near the park can hit the Travelodge on Niagara Street or head across the Welland River to the Holiday Inn. Fans 5 The efforts of the Welland Jackfish have been rewarded at the turnstiles.  Steady growth over time has brought the team to the place where they are the only IBL team that reports attendance.  In the 2024 season, the Jackfish averaged over 1,900 fans per game and the game that was reviewed was a sellout.  Anecdotally, this is the best attendance in the league and possibly by a significant margin. Welland fans are also atypical of Southern Ontario and are fairly boisterous and easy to get riled up.  Chants of “Let’s Go Jackfish” are not uncommon and widely supported.   Access 4 Getting to the Welland Sports Complex is not difficult.  A short drive off of Highway 406 will bring fans to the complex with ease.  Welland is not that big to begin with so even getting through the city will not be difficult.  Traffic should not be an issue.  The complex has plenty of free parking, so finding a spot will also not be an issue.  For fans wishing to take public transportation, buses run on nearby Niagara Street.  Fans should check out the Niagara Region Transit  website for fares, maps, and schedules.  Getting around Welland Stadium is not too challenging, although bigger crowds do mean more challenges getting around.  The washrooms are adequate for the facility.  Return on Investment 5 The Welland Jackfish not only provide the best experience in the IBL, but they also provide the best return on investment.  Reserved Seating is an option at Welland Stadium.  Brand-new plastic stadium seats go for $15. Bleacher seats are $13 and lawn seating is also $13.  Berm seating for kids 10 and under is $5.  Walk-ups will cost an extra $1.  The concession prices are very reasonable and the parking is free.  The grand calculus shows an atmosphere that is second to none in the IBL and a top-notch return on investment. Extras 3 An extra mark for the  “Kiss the Fish” promotion where, out of East Coast tradition, one lucky fan must kiss a fish to be officially “hooked”. Truly an original promo. An extra mark for the Jackfish thinking outside the IBL box and changing the face of the league. An extra mark for the Jackfish branding. A Jackfish is a nickname for a pike, which can be found in the local rivers. The colours are bold and bright and plenty of fans are sporting Jackfish merchandise Final Thoughts The Welland Jackfish have taken a different approach to baseball in the IBL and have been rewarded at the turnstile.  Taking advantage of Welland Stadium and having a more active environment for baseball has the other teams in the league taking notice.  Changes could, and should be in the works in the future for the other teams in the league.  Making ripples at the pond, indeed. ---- Follow all of Dave’s sporting adventures on YouTube , Twitter , Threads  and Instagram @profan9.

Photos by Marc Viquez, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.00 Capital Credit Union Park 2231 Holmgren Way Ashwaubenon, WI 54115 Green Bay Rockers website Capital Credit Union Park website Year Opened: 2019 Capacity: 3,359 Green Bay’s Quirky Home for Baseball The Northwoods League is full of older ballparks that have been heavily renovated and brand-new ballparks built to house multiple sports franchises and other events. The league’s newest ballpark Capital Credit Union Park is easily one of the quirkiest places for baseball during the league’s summer months of June and July. The Green Bay Rockers, formerly the Green Bay Bullfrogs and Booyah, call the $14 million venue home. The ball club shares it with the Green Bay Voyageurs FC of the USL League Two and it would appear that the venue is more suitable for soccer than baseball. The most striking feature is the 282 distance from home plate to right field which would make Yankee Stadium green with envy. However, many other anomalies include permanent soccer lines on the synthetic turf, a 45,000 square foot video board that takes up most of the outfield wall, two trucking containers that are listed as 19 feet, 19 inches (a nod to the founding year of the Green Bay Packers), but it’s 22 feet high, and there is only 19 feet from the backstop to the first row of seats in the grandstand. There is still a smell of paint in the stadium that fills the air, numerous activities for the kids, and there are plenty of regional items at the concession stand. The most distinct is booyah, a chicken stew popular in town that shares its name with the ball club. There is also a 2,000-gallon booyah kettle located at the third base entrance of the stadium. After three seasons, new ownership changed the name of the ball club to the Rockers. The decision to rebrand appeared to be a connection between Boomerang Management, who also owns the ballpark and nearby EPIC Events Center, to create a synergy between the two venues. The new events center houses a lot of concerts and there may be a few performances at the ballpark as well. That could easily be sustainable because Capital Credit Union Park is not your average ballpark. It features a synthetic turf, a short distance to right field, and a small set of seating rows. It is easily adaptable to football games, soccer matches, and a few concerts. It is loved by the casual fan or loathed by the baseball purist. However, let’s find out more about the home of the Green Bay Rockers. Food & Beverage 4 There are two main concession stands located in the stadium offering an array of traditional ballpark food but plenty of regional items and local beers. The cup of booyah is probably the item worth checking out first. It’s homemade by the club’s chef and features chicken, potatoes, and vegetables in a deeply rich broth. It’s also served on the booyah burger and poutine. A more widely known area delicacy is fried cheese curds, brats, and chicken brats. There are also the classics: hot dogs, burgers, and loaded nachos. Fans have the option of paying a small fee to include a drink and fries or chips with any sandwich. Behind home plate is Backstop Barbecue, a portable stand that features pulled chicken and pork sandwiches along with mac and cheese. Fans can enjoy mac and cheese and one of the pulled meats in a baseball helmet. The beer selection includes 16 and 32-ounce domestic beers. Imports and craft beers will fetch $6 for a 16-ounce pint. The two craft beer brands are nearby Badger State Brewing Company and Stillmank Brewing Company. Fans can enjoy Green Chop IPA, Wisco Disco, WI Bien Mexican Lager from Stillmank or BRW-SKI, Buzzy Badger Coffee Ale, and Walloon Witbier from Badger State. Atmosphere 4 The ballpark is full of interesting and distinct features that set it apart from any other facility in the league. The main entrance is located on the third base side where the official team store is located; fans walk up a small set of stairs to the main concourse where there are small portable stands and tabletop seating chairs. The grandstand is only seven rows deep and extends from the right to the left field line. Home plate is 19 feet feet from the first rows of seats and it almost feels like you can get your glove out and call a few pitches. Down the right field line is the Bud Light Bleachers where a few taps or beers are available for the fans. Behind the left field wall are berm seats for 687 fans and a kids' zone with inflatable rides. Two trucking shipment containers are stacked on each other in the right field corner that houses a hand-operated scoreboard and room for advertisements. The containers were selected for both their affordability and resistance to wind. Just to the left of them is the massive video board that broadcasts more advertisements in vivid color and player information. It dominates the stadium’s outfield wall and is the focal point in the yard. The official team store offers a plethora of merchandise from team jerseys, to t-shirts, and caps. Compared to other Northwoods League ballparks, this is pristine with official jerseys only selling for $30–that also includes the club away lumberjack design tops. The stadium also houses a club level above the backstop concourse that has 288 exterior seats and 16-person suites. Food and drink are available for patrons who opt for this ticket pricing point and include at times brisket, mac and cheese, fried fish, and a much smaller kettle of the team’s homemade booyah. Neighborhood 4 Capital Credit Union Park is located in the town of Ashwaubenon on the outskirts of Green Bay on Holmgren Way, just a little over a mile from Lambeau Field. The club does not play at the same time as the Packers, but Lambeau is not a ghost town during the summer. The facility is home to the Packers Hall of Fame, stadium tours, 1919 Grill and Taproom, and one of the largest fan shops in the NFL. Adjacent to the stadium is Titletown, a community development that features places to eat, drink, and play games. The area offers a large grass hill that kids enjoy rolling down on during the summer months and a massive playground and replica football field. The sprawling community is expanding and within a few years will offer residential homes, lodging, and more businesses. Kroll’s West is known for the best burgers and their version of booyah, the Badger State Brewing Company offers a large open green space with games, and the Green Bay Distillery features Wisconsin dishes in a family-friendly environment. If you have the chance, Booyah’s old ballpark is being utilized by the De Dere Dodgers of the Wisconsin State League. Joannes Stadium is located 5 miles away and features $3 ticket prices and $2.50 drafts of local beer. The club will rebrand to its original name the De Dere Blue Ribbons in 2020 and attract around 400-600 people per game. Fans 3 The Booyah attract crowds of 1,467 so far this season which is just below the league average and seventh in the league. The majority of the fans are at the ballpark enjoying the social aspect of the ballpark, getting the kids out for the night, or just checking out the nightly promotion. There is a lot outside the play on the field to keep them entertained and there are a few of them keeping their eye on the ball from their seats. Access 3 The stadium offers one main concourse that does not wrap around but offers enough room to move around to find your areas of need: bathrooms, exits, informational booths, and concession areas. Parking is located in the various business lots for free and usually houses a member of the Booyah staff directing motorists into a parking spot. Return on Investment 4 The cheapest ticket is $8 for the grass berm seating behind the left field wall. The tickets for the grandstand are either $12 or $15 and bleacher seating is $20. The club-level seats sell for $45 and offer a buffet table of food. The parking is free of charge, but the earlier you arrive the closer you will secure a close spot to the stadium. The price of a jersey is only $30 and concession items are reasonable. The beer batter promo offers half off beer during one inning of play. Extras 3 The Booyah receives a point for its interesting dimensions which feature a 22-foot-tall digital video wall, shipping containers, and a backstop that is only 19 feet from the first row of seats. The price of a jersey sells for $30 and that is more than half the price of similar jerseys sold at other league venues in the state. The team shop also houses an array of merchandise and styles. The homemade booyah is tasty and a must if you attend a game. A cup sells for $3 and is a perfect side dish to a sandwich or local craft beer. Final Thoughts Capital Credit Union Park is by far one of the most curious places to watch a baseball game during the summer months. Its design and features best suit a soccer match but it’s full of popular areas and affordable food and concessions items that make it a nice destination for fans in the area. Its colorful blue paint and catchy name should be a welcome destination for anybody looking for a night of baseball with friends or family. However, I am sure a few baseball purists would dissent to such a ballpark design. ------ Follow all of Marc’s stadium journeys on Twitter @ballparkhunter   and his YouTube channel .  Email at Marc.Viquez@stadiumjourney.com

Photos by David Welch, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.29 Center Parc Stadium 755 Hank Aaron Dr SE Atlanta, GA 30315 Georgia State Panthers website Center Parc Stadium website Year Opened: 1996 Capacity: 24,333 Panthers Football What came to life in 1996 as the center of the sports world at the Centennial Olympic Games, then would next be transformed into Turner Field and home of the Atlanta Braves for the next 18 years, has found new life in the form of Center Parc Stadium, home of Georgia State Panthers football. Shortly after the Braves announced they were leaving downtown for the northwest suburbs of Atlanta, Georgia State University finalized a deal to purchase the property, with plans to develop the area into the new home of Georgia State football. Simply named “Georgia State Stadium" at first, it would be the third incarnation of the stadium. Since undergoing its most recent remodel, the newly branded Center Parc Stadium has been home to not just Georgia State football, but also the MEAC/SWAC Challenge, the Atlanta Legends of the now defunct American Association of Football, and the Georgia High School Association annual state football championship games. Food & Beverage 3 Food and drink options inside the stadium are much as what would be expected at most any stadium in the country – hot dogs, burgers, pretzels, nachos, pizza, cotton candy, and soda. Alcohol selections include seltzers ($11), premixed canned spirit drinks ($12), wine by the glass ($9) or carafe ($34), and what was termed “Adult Capri Sun” ($14), a large bag of a spiked, fruity concoction. Beer selections include choices from the Budweiser and Yuengling families of beers, ranging from a $6 value beer to $11 for 24 oz domestics. Local brewery Three Taverns also has a handful of kiosks around the stadium that offer some of their craft beers. The most popular food choice at Center Parc Stadium seems to be the rather non-descript, candy striped food truck parked near the main entry plaza, specializing in fried foods: funnel cake, three types of corn dogs, and what appeared to be the most popular option, chicken tenders with tots served with “Magic Sauce”. As it turns out, “Magic Sauce” is a spicy sweet-n-sour sauce. It was decent, but at $18 not necessarily considered a must have. Prices at Center Parc Stadium are consistent with expected prices at most other stadiums. In general they are about twice what you might expect to pay if the offerings were not at the stadium. With numerous concessions stands and standalone food and drink kiosks, lines are commonly short and there is not a lot of wait time. Atmosphere 3 One does not need to look far to find the game-day atmosphere at Center Parc Stadium. Approximately two dozen tents dot the plaza area directly outside the main gates. In one location fraternities have their tents set up with music pumping, beer pong tables set up, and reveling in other similar tailgating activities. Nearby, alumni had their own tents set up with slightly more subdued events. This tailgating area is also the center of the pre-game Panther Walk which leads players into the stadium, while pep-squads lead fans in cheers and the band belts out the school fight song. Inside the gates, the transformation from Turner Field to Center Parc Stadium feels like a swinging pendulum. On one hand Georgia State has created a very cozy 24,000-seat football stadium that puts fans right on top of the action on the field. On the other hand, the rest of the stadium that once sat an additional 30,000 fans is still there, not used. It creates a sense of emptiness, even though what is available for football seating is close to two-thirds full. There are many other reminders of the stadium that once was, and it is difficult not to notice. The most glaring reminder is the empty steel framework that once supported stadium signage. It still does today, but the signs that are there now do not fit the framing and have an awkward look to them. Georgia State does a good job with game presentation – there is a good mix of the traditional sounds of a football game, from the marching band that is intertwined with piped in hype music that gets fans on their feet dancing. The train horn that blares throughout the game: to get the game started, after big plays, and when a stop is needed from the defense, adds nicely to the gameday ambiance. Something that seems to be missing was the lack of game statistics. Other than the score boards at each end of the stadium that give the score and down and distance, the large replay board was never used to show any type of statistics. It’s mostly showing the game that is going on right in front of you. It’s good for replays, but the lack of statistics seems like a missed opportunity for those who are into the analysis of the game. Neighborhood 3 The Summerhill neighborhood that surrounds Center Parc Stadium were all but deserted by the time the Braves left the area. The stadium was mostly surrounded by empty, weed-infested lots and homes which had been long neglected. As new housing started to rise out of what had been parking lots surrounding the stadium, new businesses did as well. Soon, what had once been a desert of pre- and post-game activity now has more choices than one could ever need. Halfway Crooks provides a “micro-gastro-brewery” vibe – their biergarten offers a variety of beer styles and an appetizer/sandwich centered food menu. Other new restaurants have popped up down Georgia Avenue and offer something for all pallets. Hot Dog Pete’s offers a wide variety of regional hot dogs and vegan options, Junior’s gives pizza options, and Woods Chapel has a boutique bar-b-cue feel. While there are many new, quality food options in the areas directly around the stadium, Daddy Dz BBQ Joynt , one of Atlanta’s best BBQ establishments, is just a mile away. From where the neighborhood once was to where it is today, there has been a 180-degree turnaround. There does seem to be a bit of a disconnect between the stadium and the newly established restaurants just outside the main gates, which did not have the feel of fans flocking to these establishments in anticipation of the Panther Walk prior to kick off. A downtown stadium seems to have a tougher time in creating a gameday feel than what one might expect to experience in a more traditional college town. Fans 3 The overall fan interest in Georgia State football seems to be a bit passive, but of the fans who are in attendance, they are actively engaged with the game. Fans crank up the volume when a 3rd -&-short stop is needed, even when not prompted to do so. With an undergraduate enrollment of just shy of 29,000, student attendance takes up of two-and-a-half of the end zone sections. Georgia State is largely a commuter campus with students coming from the surrounding communities for classes, so they don’t have a large on-campus student body given the size of their enrollment. This impacts their student attendance at games, which really goes a long way in creating a gameday atmosphere. Accessibility 4 Getting to Center Parc Stadium is very direct. Located right off Atlanta’s Downtown Connector (I-75/85), it is easily accessible by vehicle. Fans coming from the east or west can just as easily use Interstate 20. Multiple exits funnel to the parking lots just north of the stadium. For those who would rather take public transportation, Atlanta’s subway service MARTA has a Georgia State station which is a 1-mile, direct walk to the stadium. The challenge of getting back on to the highways that surround the stadium after the game is not as daunting as it once was. Just like any other downtown stadium though, the highways often are clogged with city traffic. Return on Investment 4 The basic ticket price is $20, which is one of the most affordable in the Sun Belt Conference. Parking at $15 is a tick higher than I’d consider ideal, but given the affordability of the ticket price it makes the overall cost very reasonable. Food and drink prices are comparable to what you’d expect to pay at most major sporting events. Extras 3 The large team shop is one of the first things that greets fans as they come through the gates into the plaza. It offers anything a fan might expect to find at the game. Pounce Town sits off to the left of the plaza, and provides a football themed activity area to help keep kids entertained, when the game itself might not be enough to sustain their attention. One of the most prominent traditions are the blasts of the train horn that sounds throughout the game. It serves to pump-up the crowd while paying homage to Atlanta history when it was nicknamed “Terminus”, as it was the end of the Western & Atlantic Railroad. Atlanta United FC has a similar historic tie-in to the city’s railroad history with their driving of the golden spike prior to the start of their matches. Final Thoughts What Georgia State is trying to create in a game day atmosphere is difficult for a school in their shoes. Football, more-so than other college sports, tends to thrive on the game day feel in what might be considered college towns, meaning communities where the college or university is THE attraction. Being in downtown Atlanta that feel just isn’t there. The fact that the university made the investment into purchasing the stadium and surrounding area is evident they are willing to invest in the football program, but it lacks a true college football experience. The hardest thing Georgia State faces when it comes to the stadium is that it’s always going to be seen as Turner Field. Even the highway signs leading to the stadium still bare the name. There are just so many baseball memories tied to it Atlantans will always think of it as “The Ted”.

Photos by Google Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.29 Vicarage Road Vicarage Rd Watford, Hertfordshire WD18 0ER Watford FC website Vicarage Road website Year Opened: 1922 Capacity: 20,877 Up Close and Personal at Vicarage Road Vicarage Road is a stadium in the English town of Watford (Hertfordshire) in the greater London area. The nickname of the stadium is ‘The Vic’ and that name has been adopted by most of the Watford FC supporters. Since the completion of the new Sir Elton John Stand in 2014, the stadium offers seating for 20,877 spectators. Since 1922 Vicarage Road has been the home of Watford FC. The first match ever to be played at ‘The Vic’ was on the 30th of August 1922 against Millwall. Between 1997 and 2013 the stadium was shared with the rugby club Saracens. In January 2002 Watford became the owner of the stadium, but due to financial problems they had to sell the property, and the stadium was rented again. Thanks to donations from supporters and former owner Sir Elton John it was Watford FC took over the stadium again in September 2004. Vicarage Road has four different stands. The stadium has been rebuilt stand-by stand in the past three decades. The only two-tiered stand at The Vic is the Graham Taylor Stand, built in 1986, with a capacity of 5,771 seats. Behind the goals, you will find the Vicarage Road Stand (1992, 5,796 seats) and the Rookery Stand (1995, 6,960 seats). The newest stand is the Sir Elton John Stand which was opened in 2014. It is by far the smallest of the four stands with a capacity of just 3,100 seats. Food & Beverage 4 The stadium offers a wide range of food selections that have improved in recent years and you will find your basic everyday football snacks along with some local traditional dishes. The prices are a little bit higher compared to other venues in the league ranging from £4.50 to £7.50 The hot food includes a wide selection of pies from the traditional steak, chicken balti, and butter and bean. There are also vegetarian pies and vegan pasties, sausage rolls, hot dogs, and cheeseburgers; fans can add chili or barbecue chicken toppings to their hot dogs and burgers for an additional price. The variety continues with pie, mash, and gravy along with hot sub rolls, and chicken or beef curry served with rice and naan bread. Southern fried chicken and chips, vegetarian Jackfruit curry, and chips with cheese or chili or barbecue chicken are also available at the concession stands. As with any other venue in the league, fans can pick up a bag of crisps or confectionaries for a small price. The stadium offers is tea, coffee, and hot chocolate for those colder games along with soft drinks and water. All draft pints and red ales are £5 with half-pints fetching £2.80. Carlsberg and Somerby’s bottles sell for £5.20 and the wine sells for £6.20. Fans can also get pre-mix spirits and mixers for £6.20 served in the Vbar only. Atmosphere 4 As you might expect of a ground having one of the smallest seating capacities in the league, the inside of the stadium feels compact. Whilst empty, all seats inside the stadium are in the club colours: red, black, and yellow. There’s very little room beyond the sidelines and behind the goals which gives Vicarage Road an intimate character. The stands (which are almost fully enclosed) are right on top of the field making Watford fans feel like they are truly part of the action. The home fans are housed in the Rookery Stand and are most vocal in this part of the ground. The away supporters are located at the Vicarage Road Stand of the stadium. The Rookery Stand includes both restaurants the View and the Gallery along with matchday offices. The Graham Taylor Stand includes the Sir Elton John suite along with restaurants Horizons, the Grill, and the Carbon. The Sir Elton John Stan is home to a sensory room for fans on the spectrum along with the Hornets Shop team store. The Vicarage Road Stand is home to both the family stand and visitor supporter section. The 100-page program sells for £3.50. Neighborhood 2 Vicarage Road borders residential homes at the Watford General Hospital and does not feature the abundance of watering holes and restaurants that some fans might be abundant accustomed to at other grounds in the league. However, there are few places to grab a pint of a bite to eat before or after the game that is within reasonable distance by foot or near mass transportation stations. O’Neill’s, formerly The Flag, is near the Watford Junction Station and is home to a large outside seating area that is perfect early in the season. They also have a large selection of beer and a great food menu. The Mood Under Water is a casual eatery with small plates and local cuisine. The No. 8 Red Lion is the closest pub to the grounds. The Horn offers live music and an outdoor patio, and The Oddfellows is ideal for a pint or two. The Warner Bros Studio Tour offers tours of actual film sets and learn the special effects tricks used in the Harry Potter films. The Lincolnsfields Children’s Centre is home to the Forties Experience, an exhibit with 1940s artifacts, period decor & music, open to the public one Sunday per month. Fans 4 The nickname of the Watford fans is ‘The Hornets’ and their club mascot is Harry the Hornet. During the 2014-2015 season in the Championship Watford had an average home gate of around 17,500, but will surely sell out every home game in the Premier League. Their rivals are Luton Town, but they are playing in League Two at the moment. The closest Premier League ground to Vicarage Road is White Hart Lane, home of Tottenham Hotspur FC. Access 3 Driving by car to the stadium is easily reached via the M25 ring road London (exit 5 of the junction M1 motorway). Upon entering the town via the city center it will take less than 10 minutes to get to the stadium. There is no parking on the grounds and street parking is restricted for on which residents on match day. Waterford town center does have several car parks including Church Car Park, Gade Car Park, and Sutton Car Park which are all within a 10-minute walk of Vicarage Road. Watford High Street is a 10-minute walk Watford Junction is a 20-minute walk in the metropolitan line of the London Underground and is 10 to 20 minutes and one mile from the stadium. Return on Investment 3 Prices at Vicarage Road vary from £32 for a seat behind one of the goals ends, to £32 for the Sir Elton John Stand and £38 for the Graham Taylor Stand with concessions for O.A.P’s and under 16’s. We find these ticket prices quite expensive for attending a football match in the second-highest league of English football. Extras 3 The club offers stadium tours, but there are many more interesting grounds in the greater London area. The Vicarage Road stadium has also a club shop (which is located inside the Vicarage Road Stand). second-highestoffersMatchday programmes are on sale for every game priced at GBP 3.00. We were fortunate enough to be at the match where fans ran onto the pitch after the team secured their promotion to Premier League status, adding to our particular experience. Final Thoughts Watford fans are great and this is a nice stadium overall The grounds are at near capacity crowds that are up close and personal to the players on the pitch. The cheering echoes throughout the stands and the atmosphere is full of history at the facility that blends both modern and classic styles.

Photos by Michael Davis, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.00 Globe Life Park in Arlington 1000 Ballpark Way Arlington, TX 76011 Texas Rangers website Globe Life Park in Arlington website Year Opened: 1994 Capacity: 48,114 Globe Life Park’s Final Season Globe Life Park, originally called the Ballpark in Arlington, has been the Texas Rangers’ home since 1994. On April 11 of that year, a sold-out crowd of 49,119 witnessed the Texas Rangers beat the Milwaukee Brewers in their brand-new ballpark. The Ballpark was a welcome sight, replacing the old minor league stadium turned MLB venue, Arlington Stadium. The new ballpark was designed to be retro-style, incorporating features of baseball’s classic ballparks. The right field Home-Run Porch was designed in honor of the old Detroit Tigers Stadium, while the white steel frieze that surrounds the upper deck was from pre-1973 Yankee Stadium . The out of town manual scoreboard was taken from Fenway Park , the non-symmetry was classic Ebbets Field, and arched windows come from the White Sox’ previous field Comiskey Park. The Rangers added their own unique features in Greene’s Hill, a sloped section of grass beyond center field to be used as the batter’s eye and named after former Arlington mayor Richard Greene. The signature office spaces complete the center field corner of the ballpark. The Ballpark has changed over the past 25 years with renovations, but for the most part has remained true to its original state. There have been four name changes over the years, although local fans still use the original name or call it Rangers Ballpark. Globe Life Park has become the home that the Texas Rangers envisioned when it opened in 1994. Since the ballpark opened, the Rangers have won seven division titles and two American League Championships. Four of the five players that have worn the retired Rangers uniforms called Globe Life Park home. There was also an All-Star game here in 1995, Kenny Rodgers’ perfect game, Rafael Palmiero’ s 500th home run, and Adrian Beltre’s 3,000th hit, although arguably the biggest moment ever here was the last out in the American League Championship Series versus the New York Yankees; Neftali Feliz’s strikeout of Alex Rodriquez to send the Rangers to their first World Series in 2010. The Ballpark has hosted numerous events besides Rangers baseball. The Big 12 Baseball Tournament was held inside the ballpark in 2002 and 2004, and other local college baseball teams from the University of Texas-Arlington and Texas Christian University have played regular season games inside the Globe. The 2019 season at Globe Life Park is the Final Season for Texas Rangers baseball here, as the Texas Rangers and their fans will soon move into their newly updated ballpark, Globe Life Field. Globe Life Field will provide the Texas Rangers and their fans with the most updated amenities – the new facility will have a retractable roof for those brutal summer temperatures in North Texas, the field will be turf instead of grass, and the safety netting will extend down the foul lines. In addition, the new Texas Live! will bring outside atmosphere to the new ballpark that was lacking during the warehouse days. Food & Beverage 5 The Texas Rangers and Delaware North Sportservice are pioneers in the improvement of not only Globe Life Park but all sport venue food services, leading the rest of Major League Baseball in upgrading its game menus to be more than just traditional hot dogs and ballpark nachos. Although the nachos staple was introduced to the sports world by the Texas Rangers at the old Arlington Stadium, that same company, Ricos, continues to provide the chips and has a production plant nearby Globe Life Park. Besides nachos, the Texas Rangers in 2015 unleashed the Boomstick – a two-foot-long hot dog slathered in chili and cheese that costs $27. The Rangers have made unveiling new concessions offering an annual tradition; last year the Dilly Dog (a hot dog nestled inside a cored-out dill pickle and fried in corn dog batter) was the headliner for $10, and this final season highlighted a 2-lb chicken strip, vegan offerings including a burger and street tacos, and the visually striking RWB dog – a ballpark frank lined with red and blue relish. Next season, the Rangers and Delaware North Sportservice will continue to be together; this agreement will carry over the menu from Globe Life Park and create new opportunities. The biggest announcement showing that these two identities will continue in creating a better food and beverage atmosphere for fans is from Delaware North general manager Casey Rapp. He mentioned that the upper deck food options at the current Globe Life Park are “pretty generic” – in the new ballpark however, he said the food options will be more diverse. Baseball and food lovers should be prepared for the Globe Life Field food options as being the best in baseball starting in 2020. Although the food menu here is creative and pricey, Globe Life Park has plenty of the normal stadium food fare, with plenty of options on every level of the stadium. There is barbecue, burgers, pizza, garlic fries, and chicken tenders, but visitors who want to visit the Texas State Fare stand can also get deep-fried Oreos and Twinkies among other items; some of these food items are in the $10 to $25 range, and this is where the Dilly Dog was offered to fans. Globe Life Park allowed outside food and drink items, however, rumors have it that this will no longer be in place for Globe Life Field. Overall, Globe Life Park provides the best food options in Major League Baseball – the only problem is that they came needing a Texas-sized wallet. Texas-Sized Food at Globe Life Park, Photo by Michael Davis, Stadium Journey Atmosphere 4 There is no doubt that Globe Life Park is a great venue for baseball; the groups of Rangers fans entering through the large red-brick facades and trellises hanging from the rooftop bring memories of the ballparks of old. Also, the large concourses with murals of past Rangers players generally bring a great energy of anticipation, and when there are large crowds the atmosphere is one of the best in sports. The fans that arrive early as the gates open have plenty of things to do – the large pro shop in centerfield is a good place to start, or get a table inside the air-conditioned Rebecca Creek Saloon next door. Or, just outside both the pro shop and restaurant, fans can take photos with a statue of Nolan Ryan. There is also something special in hearing the Rangers PA announcer Chuck Morgan announce, “It’s Baseball Time in Texas”; this is one of the sweetest things to hear in the ballpark. Chuck will continue to be the PA Voice of the Rangers at Globe Life Field. Besides Chuck Morgan, the Rangers employ in-game entertainment with the Texas Six Shooters, a group of young ladies that send t-shirts into the crowd, wave Texas flags after a Rangers score on Greene’s Hill in centerfield, and dance to Cotton Eye Joe on the dugout during the 7th inning stretch. In addition, the team’s mascot, Ranger Captain, a horse in a Rangers uniform, is visible throughout the ballpark and the community; these will continue when the Rangers move to Globe Life Field next year. But overall the atmosphere depends on the fans, and there have been plenty of games where the atmosphere has been the best and then stale later. Nevertheless, the memories at Globe Life Park are second to none for Rangers fans, and that means a better atmosphere than most MLB ballparks. Neighborhood 3 The immediate neighborhood around Globe Life Park is warehouses, office building, and parking lots – anything outside of those was on the outskirts, on the other side of AT&T Stadium on Collins Street. There is no public transportation in the city of Arlington so there is plenty of foot traffic, but no nearby gathering places until last year when Texas Live! opened across the street. Texas Live! is a $250 million world class dining entertainment district which opened in 2018 across from Globe Life Park – this entertainment venue will become an extension for the Rangers’ new home Globe Life Field which is set to open in March 2020. There are plenty of food and drink options inside Texas Live! such as Lockhart Smoke House, PBR Texas, Pudge’s Pizza, and Troy’s, as well as the outdoor concert venue Arlington Backyard. In addition, Loews Hotel opened in August 2019, providing a close luxury hotel besides the Sheraton-Arlington. If you prefer to be away from the congestion of Collins Street, but still want to find a couple of restaurants that would be a good pre or postgame hangout, you can visit the old downtown area of Arlington between E. Abram Street and E. Division St, only a couple of miles from AT&T Stadium. In this small area there are plenty of options such as Flying Fish, Twisted Root Beer Company, J Gilligan’s Bar and Grill, Babe’s Chicken, and Grease Monkey Burger Shop. There are also two local craft breweries to visit here as well; Legal Draft Beer Company and Division Brewing. Globe Life Park is in the Arlington Entertainment District which consists of Six Flags over Texas, Hurricane Harbor, and the Dallas Cowboys’ ATT Stadium. Fans 3 Texas will always be a football state. However, there are plenty of Rangers fans that come out to the ballpark, and just like most baseball fans, to be a constant force for 81 game seasons depends a lot on how the team plays on the field. The cliché that everyone loves a winner is true – the Texas Rangers attendance was the highest the season after the team won back to back American League Championships. Yet, the final season of the Ballpark brought in 16K less per game, and the MLB scheduler didn’t help the Rangers either, scheduling the popular teams like the Chicago Cubs , Boston Red Sox , and New York Yankees on days that could have brought in the same number of fans, giving the other lower games a higher attendance rate. There are those loyal Rangers fans that have been coming out since Arlington Stadium in the 70s, however, and Globe Life Park is “a cathedral”, a word used by former President and Texas Rangers owner George W Bush. The Texas weather was a mighty deterrent though for fans during those afternoon day games, but for the fans that did show up you see a ton of team apparel – Rangers red, white, and blue being heavily present; Texas Rangers jerseys, shirts, and caps are everywhere. Rangers fans are also vocal and supportive, and become some of the best in baseball – just ask the fans that have experienced Rangers playoff games, or those back-to-back American League Championship years. Access 3 Globe Life Park in Arlington is easily accessible off Interstate 30, and between the cities of Dallas and Fort Worth. The Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport is only 15-20 minutes away. The constant killer on access is the lack of public transportation; Arlington, Texas is the largest populated city in the state that does not have good public transportation for its citizens. This leads to ridesharing ($25 Uber ride from DFW), or taxis and rental cars. The good news for drivers, however, is that there is plenty of signage leading up to the park from the highway. Parking is ample around the field, with prices ranging from $10 to $40. For fans staying in the area around the ballpark, however, there is the Arlington Trolley, which makes stops at nearly all the hotels in and around Globe Life Park in Arlington, and shuttles you from attraction to attraction and back again. Return on Investment 5 The 2019 Texas Rangers average ticket was $54, which ranks them in the lower 1/3 of MLB pricing charts. Single game tickets start as low as $17 for upper level seating and can run as high as $300 for the Commissioner boxes near the infield. That said, the secondary market is a great place to look for those non-premier games during the week, where tickets can be found for as low as $10 including fees. The prices are sure to increase next season with the move to Globe Life Field, and the option of bringing your own food and drinks may also change. Globe Life Park is a gorgeous and perfect venue for baseball; the ROI here for the Rangers continues to be the best option when compared to the other sports teams in the DFW area. Extras 5 Arlington’s “Cathedral for Baseball” gave millions of Rangers fans 26 seasons of incredible memories; the ballpark’s infrastructure is one that truly represents the state of Texas and is one of the best in sports. A main concern for the future of Globe Life Park is because of the architectural masterpiece that has been a staple in Arlington for almost 3 decades. The ballpark has been renovated inside many times over the years to provide fans different amenities, and the Texas Rangers Hall of Fame near centerfield was a staple that provided the history of Rangers baseball as well as an educational place for young campers during the summer. The Rangers, the innovator of the original dot on the old Arlington Stadium videoboard, changed to live human dots, Texas Legends, and mini dots. The creation of Texas Live!, the new mixed-use entertainment complex which opened last year, also brought a better atmosphere to Globe Life Park on game days, and will continue into the future at Globe Life Field. Final Thoughts The erection of Globe Life Park revitalized baseball in North Texas. Although, the Texas Rangers were playing two decades prior to Globe Life Park, the Texas Rangers weren’t a national interest in baseball outside of the Dallas – Fort Worth area. There are many die-hard fans that loved Arlington Stadium, but realized that the new ballpark in Arlington would give the Texas Rangers instead credibility, among the other MLB ballparks and fans. For a quarter-century, Globe Life Park did more than just make baseball in North Texas creditable. Globe Life Park became place that represented the very heart of all Texans. Although, many fans will enjoy the new amenities of Globe Life Field, it will always be bittersweet not being in Globe Life Park. Final Opening Day 2019, Photo by Michael Davis, Stadium Journey

Photos by Paul Swaney, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.57 Taffy Abel Ice Arena 1000 College Dr Sault Ste Marie, MI 49783 Lake Superior State Lakers website Taffy Abel Ice Arena website Year Opened: 1995 Capacity: 3,880 Hockey by the Lake Lake Superior State University, located in Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan, has an enrollment of about 3,000 students. They are one of the smaller schools in Division I hockey, and in 1988, they did the impossible. That Lakers team, led by the goaltending of Bruce Hofford, became the smallest school to win the NCAA hockey championship. Even more remarkably, the school was able to win championships again in 1992 and 1994. Those banners hang proudly in Taffy Abel Arena alongside two NAIA championship banners (1972 and 1974), but the program has lost some of its success in recent years. However, hockey is still very much in the blood of this town and the university’s students. Taffy Abel Arena, named for Sault Ste. Marie native Clarence “Taffy” Abel, is a part of the larger James Norris Physical Education Center. The Center also includes the basketball arena, the Ronald “Bud” Cooper Gymnasium. Food & Beverage 4 If you have ever been to Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, then you probably have had a pasty, which is basically personal-sized meat and vegetable pie. The pasty on the menu at Taffy Abel Ice Arena may not be the best you have ever had, but it’s certainly a unique local addition to the menu. Outside of the pasty, it’s a pretty basic menu at Lakers games. Pizza, hot dogs, nachos ($3.50), popcorn ($2), and soft pretzels ($2) are on the menu, just like you’ll find at most arenas. Coca-Cola is the soft drink provider with fountain drinks available ($2), as well as energy drinks ($2.75), water ($2.25) and juice. Coffee, hot chocolate, and hot cider ($1.50) are on hand if you want to warm up. Unlike many college arenas, beer is also available for $3.50, discounted to $3 for each additional beer you order. Atmosphere 3 Your first impression of the seating area may be that it looks a little bit like it was sponsored by IKEA. The bright royal blue and “gold” (which is really yellow) is omnipresent throughout the arena. That impression aside, it really is a comfortable little arena. Fans will find comfortable blue plastic seats with above-averageno-frillsleg room, although there are no cup holders. Because this is a border town with Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario you will hear O Canada and the Star Spangled Banner before every home game, something that makes the experience feel somewhat exotic if you’re not from the area. The team benches are on opposite sides of the ice, something that is fairly common in college hockey. If you want to sit behind the visiting team, then section D will be where you want to aim, or section P to sit behind the home side. A small pep band does its best from one corner of the arena to interject some energy into the game, but they end up being just a little too small to make a real noticeable difference in the atmosphere. The scoreboard is small and basic, with only essential information and no video capabilities. Overall, it is a no frills presentation when you go to a Lake Superior State hockey game. That can either be a huge plus, or a slight drawback depending on how much the hockey purity appeals to you as a fan. Neighborhood 3 With a population of just over 14,000 (2010 census), Sault Ste. Marie is certainly a small town, but there are a few places worth checking out while in downtown, which is about a five minute drive from the LSSU campus. Huge ships pass through the Soo Locks, the busiest canal in the world as far as the weight that passes through it. It is an amazing sight to see a five-minute1,000-foot-long boat pass by the town of mostly two-story buildings. The main downtown drag is Portage Avenue. Soo Brewery is a great spot for travelers who like to sample local beers on their sports trips, with 10 locally made beers on tap ($3.50 a pint). Next door is Maloney’s, where you can find a sandwich, burgers, good fish and chips, or the odd Mexican dish. There are several TVs and a pool table here as well, and 10 beers on tap. Further down the street is The Alpha, a slightly more divey bar, with $2 drafts if you’re merely looking to belly up to the bar before or after a game. The Antlers Restaurant is a local landmark, and any fan of taxidermy should be sure to stop in for a meal and a chance to see more than 200 mounted animals. The Ramada Plaza Hotel Ojibway is located on the same downtown stretch and has reasonable rates of about $100 a night in a perfect location for fans who may be coming in for a weekend of hockey. Fans 3 Lake Superior State averages about 2,000 fans per game at Taffy Abel Arena, ranking them in the bottom third for Division I college hockey. The pep band and student section are both small and disappointing, hurting the overall atmosphere somewhat. Fans no doubt love hockey in this area, and they are a knowledgeable bunch, but they are lacking that extra level which could make this arena a tough place to play. Access 4 Taffy Abel Ice Arena is a part of the larger James Norris Physical Education Building, which houses Cooper Gymnasium where the basketball and volleyball teams of Lake Superior State play. It’s a large building with a very large parking lot. Parking is free, and getting in or out of the arena is no trouble at all, as there is plenty of personnel to guide you to your parking space, and to ease the egress of traffic afterward. Inside the arena, it is a little tricky. A walk around the entire arena will take you up and down as you alternate between walking beneath the stands or around the seats. In some places, the concourse can be rather narrow, and if it is a full house, then the lines for the concessions can obstruct the walkways during intermissions. The restrooms are of adequate size and are clean. Return on Investment 5 Single-game tickets are only $12 for adults or $6 for all of those aged 18 or under. Students and kids under 18 can purchase a full season ticket for $95, while non-student adults will pay $199 for a full slate of games. With few other sports options, I would think that anyone who could afford it would spring for a season ticket, although single games are certainly reasonably priced. Add in parking, a drink, and a pasty, and you’ll still spend less than $20 on a Division I hockey game. It is a great bargain. Extras 3 The chance to sit beneath three championship banners certainly adds to the experience and is worth an extra point. Seamore the Sea Duck, makes his rounds throughout the crowd. He covers a lot of territory during the contest, seemingly giving every fan a chance to interact with this big blue-clad bird. One final extra point for all of the displays of the hockey past of Lake Superior State. There is also a jersey of every former player to have made it to the NHL, a chance for fans to reminisce about former players and dream of current players making their way to the top level of hockey. Final Thoughts Just an hour north of the iconic Mackinac Bridge, Lake Superior State is the most accessible of the Upper Peninsula college hockey venues for hockey fans in the Lower Peninsula of Michigan. Combine a trip to LSSU with a stop on historic Mackinac Island during the early part of the season (October). For residents of the Upper Peninsula or across the International Bridge to Ontario, you will certainly get your money’s worth if you go to see a game at Taffy Abel Ice Arena.

Photos by Gregory Koch, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.71 Carson Park 100 Carson Park Dr. Eau Claire, WI 54703 Eau Claire Express website Carson Park website Year Opened: 1937 Capacity: 3,800 An Old Classic in Eau Claire Baseball has been played at Carson Park in Eau Claire, Wisconsin in some form or another since 1937. Located in a scenic park on a peninsula on Half Moon Lake, Carson Park seats 3,800 fans and is currently home to the Eau Claire Express of the summer collegiate Northwoods League. The stadium previously hosted affiliated minor league baseball with the Eau Claire Bears (later known as the Braves) of the Northern League from 1937 until 1962, excluding a few years during World War II. Hank Aaron played here during that time, and famous Express alumni include Kole Calhoun and Jordan Zimmerman. Food & Beverage 4 There are several identical concession windows on the concourse behind home plate underneath the grandstand. Meals include classic options like burgers, hot dogs, brats, chicken strips, and a pulled pork sandwich. Snacks include all the usual classics like French fries, cotton candy, popcorn, and more, plus the Upper Midwest Classic of deep-fried cheese curds, which will be a unique item for fans visiting the area but are a standard concession item in this part of the country. Bottled water and fountain soda are also available at this concession stand. The prices are affordable, with most things under $5 and everything $7 or less. There is a separate stand on the concourse closer to first base which sells beer, including the custom beer of the Northwoods League, Five Tool Ale. A cart inside the seating area sells snacks so fans can buy from there without missing any of the game if that’s all they want. The box seats also come with waiter service so fans sitting there can order from their seat and have them brought to them. Atmosphere 5 Just walking up to Carson Park can give you a sense of how old this place is. The tan exterior just has those old-time ballpark vibes, and once you get in, you get even more of a classic stadium sense. Like many of the ballparks of its era, there is a covered grandstand behind home plate with a few rows of chairback box seats close to the field and some traditional bleachers further down the line. Although a couple of large sets of bleachers are visible beyond the left field fence in fair territory, these are part of the football stadium next door and are not part of the baseball stadium. A scoreboard in right-center field shows the linescore and other basic information. In terms of the other goings-on at Carson Park, they rival if not exceed the atmosphere at many minor league games. There are on-field contests or other antics during many inning breaks and music is played between almost every pitch. The songs range from your usual country music to more unusual selections like “C is for Cookie” and the “Campfire Song Song” from SpongeBob. There are also numerous promotional nights to encourage fans to show up, ranging from the Zooperstars to Willy Wonka Night. The Express also has a mascot named Trax, who is supposed to be a railroad engineer but more closely resembles a terrifying abomination of some sort. Then again, he’s so terrifying and unique that it’s kind of cool. Neighborhood 3 Carson Park is a scenic park, also known as Carson Park, on a peninsula in Half Moon Lake. Other attractions in the park include a playground and several museums. If you want to head into the main part of Eau Claire, you will find many more options along Menomonie Street right by the stadium. The Roadside Ice Cream and Diner is right by the entrance to the park and serves great ice cream and comfort food. Valley Burger Company is just down the road, as is the Eau Claire Ale House. There are plenty of hotels to stay at in the area as well. This is your typical Upper Midwest town, nothing more, nothing less. Fans 3 The Express draw reasonably well and while they rarely sell out, there will still be many fans in the seats. Those in attendance are knowledgeable not just about the Express but about all the teams in the Northwoods League and are both friendly and extremely passionate about their team. It can get somewhat loud at times but is always family-friendly. The crowd here tends to skew older than many stadiums, with a lot of fans who have been following the team for years, but there are a good number of young families as well. Access 2 The stadium Carson Park is in a park of the same name, which is on a peninsula, so you will likely access it from the mainland via Menomonie Road, which is the local name for US 12. If coming from out of town, you will take Interstate 94, then exit and drive several miles to the stadium. There is a spacious lot next to the stadium which also serves other areas of the park, and then you will walk up a ramp to the entry plaza. Getting around the stadium is a bit complex, with multiple areas that have been built over the years, and it’s not always signed well where to go, although the staff will be happy to help you if necessary. There are restrooms on the third base end of the concourse which can get a bit crowded at times, especially between innings, but the wait is never too long, just a bit cramped. Return on Investment 4 Tickets start at $9 for general admission seating in the bleachers down the line. Reserved seats in the grandstand cost $11, while box seats closer to the field cost $14. These prices are about what you’d pay for a minor league game, maybe a little less, but the experience here is comparable to minor league games, so it’s still a good value. Concessions are pretty affordable, and parking is free, so an Express game is a pretty good deal. Extras 5 Look for the Hank Aaron statue and Eau Claire Baseball Hall of Fame on the entrance plaza outside the stadium. Each of these is worthy of a star. There are free programs and roster sheets on the concourse. Check out the Carson Park history banner on the concourse down the right field line. Finally, there is a play area for kids in left field. Final Thoughts Carson Park is certainly an old stadium, but old does not mean bad in this case, just historic. Although the stadium no longer meets the ever-increasing standards to host affiliated minor league baseball, the fan experience here is comparable to what you would see at a professional stadium. Baseball fans in the Chippewa Valley region of Wisconsin and the surrounding area should check out the Express here in Eau Claire. Carson Park is a great place to check out a ballgame on a nice summer night.

Photos by Paul Swaney, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.71 Oestrike Stadium 2051 N Huron River Dr Ypsilanti, MI 48197 Eastern Michigan Eagles website Oestrike Stadium website Year Opened: 1971 Capacity: 2,500 Strike Out to Oestrike Stadium For more than 40 years, the Eastern Michigan Eagles have played their home baseball games at Oestrike Stadium. Like many collegiate venues, the stadium was named for a former coach, Ron Oestrike, who led the team from 1965-1987. The facility has undergone a series of renovations dating back to 2000 when lights were installed thanks to a donation from the William G. Clark Family. The Eagles won their inaugural night game against local rival Michigan on a walk-off home run by Nick Soliz. In 2007, the infield was replaced by Pro Grass , a synthetic surface that cuts down on the maintenance cost for the university, but also takes away from part of the splendor of baseball, most notably when someone silently slides into a base. In 2012, the stadium is getting a new brick exterior, which should add to the overall aesthetics of Oestrike Stadium. The stadium could also use a new scoreboard and some upgrades to the outfield wall. There were no dimensions posted on the wall, and nothing to brand the stadium in Eastern Michigan style. I have seen pictures in the past where they have hung banners for former greats like Bob Welch and Chris Hoiles, so that would be a good touch to bring back. All and all, this is a pleasant little facility to see a game, with a covered grandstand, and a team that is typically in competition for a Mid-American Conference (MAC) championship. Food & Beverage 2 There is a lone concession cart on the first base side of Oestrike Stadium. Here you can find some basics to keep you sustained during the game. They have brats ($3), hot dogs ($2), popcorn ($2), candy ($1), and chips ($1). The popcorn was actually better than expected, and the brat was as well. For cold early season contests you can grab a cup of coffee or hot chocolate ($1 each). Bottles of Pepsi products, Gatorade, and water are on hand as well ($2). Atmosphere 3 I started off a little disappointed with my visit as I arrived about 10 minutes before the scheduled starting time of 5pm, only to find out that the game had been pushed back an hour. I checked the team’s website that afternoon, so some better work by the EMU athletic department would have saved me an hour of sitting around unnecessarily, especially since I rushed through an early dinner in order to be at the game on time. Hopefully this is a rare occurrence and not the norm. All of the seating at Oestrike Stadium is metal bleachers, which are under a covered grand stand. It reminded me of a newer version of the classic Bosse Field in Evansville, Indiana. There were also several fans standing along the right field line against the fence, a good view if you prefer to be on your feet. Screens completely cover the seating area, so I found myself among the standing fans down the line for much of the game. It’s an odd field with the synthetic surface on the infield, and real outfield grass juxtaposed. The pitching mound is also real dirt, but the home plate area is not. It is funny to see the batters dig in at the plate out of habit, but to no avail. The team has had success at times, with nine MAC Championships (most recently in 2008) and four MAC tournament championships. The sound system is decent, and there is an interesting quirk as the radio play-by-play announcer apparently doesn’t fit inside the press box, so you can hear much of his call during the game action, something I rather enjoyed. Neighborhood 3 Depot Town, located just a couple of miles away, is definitely the place to go for something to eat before or after a game. I have two favorites that I highly recommend. First is Sidetrack Bar & Grill, which has 26 beers on tap, including many local options. They also have very good burgers and sandwiches, salads, and your typical pub food. This is the more kid-friendly option of my two recommendations. My second recommendation is just across the street, Aubree’s. They have an outstanding selection of draft beers, including several local options. They have plenty of activities to keep you entertained including a pool table and trivia game. The food is decent, but nothing special. I tried their pizza as well, it has a buttery crust and a comforting greasy quality. Fans 2 There weren’t many people in attendance (maybe 100 people or so), and with the exception of one local and supportive fan sitting behind the home team dugout, they tended to be pretty quiet. In fact, the opposing fans outnumbered the home fans in attendance by my estimation. You’ll hear an eagle screech when the team scores, which is a rather irritating sound, but it seemed to be popular with those in attendance. Access 3 Parking is free, and can be found just across the street in the same lot used for football games at Rynearson Stadium. Restrooms unfortunately are in the form of two outhouse port-a-potties found behind home plate – not very appealing at all. I ended up not buying a bottle of water, just so I could avoid that experience. Return on Investment 4 There was no admission charge, and no charge for parking. It is very hard to argue with that. Concessions, while far from spectacular, were reasonably priced. You could easily bring a family of four to a game and pay under $20 even with a snack and drink for everyone. Extras 2 One extra point goes to what seems to be a tradition for the EMU Eagles baseball team. As the head coach (Jay Alexander) meets with the umpires and opposing coach to exchange lineups, the team assembles, almost as if they are going to take a team picture. When the coach is through, he runs over to the team and jumps into a collective chest bump. It was a lot of fun to see, and the Eagles do it on the road as well, as I had the opportunity to see them several times during the 2012 season. I’ll give another extra point to the efforts by the donors, alumni, and university to improve this facility. There are still more renovations to be done, but it is nice to see them invest in the baseball program. I am looking forward to making return visits to see Oestrike Stadium continue to evolve. Final Thoughts The experience of attending an Eastern Michigan University Eagles baseball game at Oestrike Stadium is unlikely to be something that will be particularly memorable, but fans of college baseball should make the stop when they can to this convenient and improving little ballpark.

Photos by Michael Davis, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.00 Neyland Stadium Phillip Fulmer Way Knoxville, TN 37996 Tennessee Volunteers website Neyland Stadium website Year Opened: 1921 Capacity: 101,915 Saturdays on Rocky Top There are only three college football stadiums in the country accessible by water – the largest and most recognized is situated on the shore of the Tennessee River in Knoxville, Tennessee. Neyland Stadium has been home to the Tennessee Volunteers since 1921; with a current seating capacity of 101,915, this stadium is the 6th-largest in the country and 3rd in the Southeastern Conference. Neyland Stadium has been home to six National Champions, with the Vols having a 77.5% overall home winning percentage. Neyland Stadium is named in honor of Robert Neyland, a Volunteers coach from 1926-1952. Neyland arrived in Knoxville as an Army captain in the university’s ROTC department, and started as a part-time football coach. He ended his career at Tennessee as a legendary head coach and full Brigadier General. There is a statue of him located just inside the main gate of the facility. The stadium has undergone 17 renovations, the most recent before the 2022 season including new lower-west club and upper-north social deck spaces, bringing Neyland to its current seating capacity. Other upgrades included the restoration of the historic V-O-L-S letters along the top of the facility’s south end (2022), a second videoboard on the upper-north deck (2022), and bronze statues honoring four of Tennessee’s Black football trailblazers (2021). Other changes also eventually enclosed what once was a horseshoe-shaped stadium, elevated the bleachers, and added premium seating opportunities in the venue’s 120 suites.   Food & Beverage   3 The concessions inside Neyland Stadium are basic sports venue food. However, this is all you really need when it comes to watching football with over 100,000 fans. There are basics such as hot dogs (Hebrew National), hamburgers, pretzels, popcorn, Papa John’s pizza, and Coca-Cola brand products throughout the stadium. Calhoun’s BBQ Shack also offers its basic menu, but adds the local flavor of pulled pork sandwiches and pulled pork nachos. Neyland Stadium started alcohol sales in 2019, which has been an ongoing debate over the last 5 years. The current beer list consists of Budweiser and Coors products, Dos Equis, Michelob Light, Miller Lite, Yuengling, and Sweetwater Hazy IPA. The concession prices here are in line with other SEC stadiums.   Atmosphere   5 There aren’t many college football stadiums that carry a game day atmosphere like Neyland, illustrated by the constant sell outs, the traditions of Tennessee football, and the 100K fans in orange that migrate to Neyland no matter the opponent. Neyland Stadium is one of the few stadiums that can be accessed by water. The Tennessee River offers a unique opportunity for pre-game gatherings – the “Vol Navy” consists of more than 200 boats that dock on the Tennessee River along Volunteer landing during pre-game, a practice commonly referred to as sailgating (the University of Tennessee, along with the University of Washington and Baylor University , are the three college football stadiums where sailgating is a pre-game ritual). The atmosphere on game day starts long before the gates open at Neyland Stadium – fans can start their day by visiting Volunteer Village, which is free to all fans regardless of whether they have a game ticket. Volunteer Village offers live music, food trucks, and other activities. The Volunteer Village Fan Fest opens 3 1/2 hours before kickoff, but make sure you don’t miss the other pre-game activities, such as the Vol Walk, and the football team walk over to Neyland Stadium, which occurs two hours and fifteen minutes before kickoff. The Pride of the Southland Band also marches down Volunteer Boulevard 90 minutes before kickoff. Once all these activities are completed, walking into Neyland Stadium would be next on the agenda. When walking into Neyland Stadium, you can feel the energy and magic with the orange and white checkerboard design in both end zones. The retired numbers of past greats are easy to see on the ribbon scoreboard and the bright 4 letters on each side of the south end zone scoreboard that simply say V-O-L-S. All of college football has exciting team entries, but Tennessee has one of the most iconic – the team enters through a T-formation created by the Pride of the Southland Band, while 100K fans sing “Rocky Top,” a song that any visitor fan will be singing on the way home. The Southeastern Conference generally has great football game day atmospheres, but it is hard to compete with a game in Knoxville.   Neighborhood   4 Neyland Stadium is on The University of Tennessee’s campus, nestled between the downtown area of Knoxville and the Tennessee River. The location provides easy walking distance access to most of Knoxville’s attractions, dining, and lodging. World’s Fair Park, the former site of the 1982 World’s Fair is where you can visit Sunsphere Tower; the observation deck there is an interesting way to spend some time. There is also the Knoxville Museum of Art and the Women’s Basketball Hall of Fame, both within walking distance of Neyland Stadium. A popular spot for dining is Calhoun’s on the River, located just up Neyland Drive by the Gay Street Bridge – this popular Tennessee BBQ spot fills up quickly on game day. For upscale dining, there is also Ruth’s Chris Steak House, a little past Calhoun’s towards downtown. Speaking of downtown, you can also find Downtown Grill and Brewery close by, for a variety chose of food and a full list of local craft beers. In addition, there are numerous options for lodging, being in a downtown area, depending on availability. There is the Hyatt Place Knoxville/Downtown, Hilton Knoxville, or the Hampton Inn & Suites Knoxville, all close enough to Neyland Stadium that you can walk to the venue. However, finding vacancies could be a problem as they are all booked well in advance.   Fans   5 Tennessee has sold out 75,000 of their season tickets allotment with 15,000 on the waiting list. The average attendance in 2023 was over 101,000, which fills Neyland Stadium. Volunteer fans not only show up to Neyland Stadium but they are also heard – the fans are loud throughout the game. Neyland Stadium is a sea of orange with attire that can only represent the University of Tennessee, and the constant playing of “Rocky Top” by the Pride of the Southland Band only seems to make the decibel level go higher. Tennessee fans are fun, and energetic, and show Southern hospitality throughout the game, yet their presence is a large part of the high winning percentage in Knoxville, giving visiting opponents an environment that is not in their favor.   Access   3 The population of Knoxville is around 190,000, so with more than 100,000 fans descending on Knoxville on game day, things can be very crowded as far as access. The closest airport is Knoxville Airport about 10 miles away, but prices during football weekend can be high and seats limited. Nashville is a 2 1/2-hour drive away but could be an easier place to fly into for fans traveling by air. As with most major college football stadiums, the parking lots immediately surrounding the stadium are reserved for major donors and season ticket holders; the best parking option is to use the downtown parking areas. On game day the city of Knoxville and the area Transit Authority provide off-site parking with shuttle service to the stadium. Taxis, Uber, and shared riding is also available. The best way to figure out how to get to Neyland stadium when coming to Knoxville is to go to the Tennessee game day parking website , as things can change from season to season. The best advice is to get to the stadium early, so you can avoid the large crowd that is around Neyland Stadium. Once inside the facility, however, things aren’t exactly easy to migrate around, due to the crowd size. The earlier you can get inside the stadium, the easier time you will have to find your seat and other items. UT operates with a clear bag policy, and stadium security regulations limit fans to one clear plastic bag no larger than 12 inches by 6 inches by 12 inches, or a one-gallon, clear, resealable plastic storage bag per person.   Return on Investment   4 The ticket prices at Neyland Stadium are similar to other large college football schools. Ticket prices are separated into non-conference and conference games; non-conference games can range between $40 and $75, while the prices increase for SEC games, running between $75 and $120 per ticket, and the bigger the visiting team the higher the price. The Georgia  and Alabama games are high-demand games with prices being in a high-level tier on the secondary market, coming in at the expected premium prices. The cost of parking is decent, ranging between $15 and $40 depending on the location. Lodging will be your biggest expense, as hotels in Knoxville are all booked and very expensive on game weekends. One suggestion is to search for one of the many hotels in the Gatlinburg area, which will be much cheaper and are not located too far from Knoxville. Overall, the cost of seeing a Tennessee football game in Knoxville is worth the price, however.   Extras   4 The experience of seeing 100,000 people as an ocean of orange singing Rocky Top in unison is something very few stadiums can match. The City of Knoxville and the Tennessee River provide a unique location for Neyland Stadium, and the venue is also home to twenty-four former players enshrined in the College Football Hall of Fame, with the numbers of Johnny Majors (# 45), Reggie White (# 92), Peyton Manning (# 16), and Doug Atkins (# 91) retired on Neyland Stadium’s ribbon board.   Final Thoughts Neyland Stadium has everything that any college football fan loves – the atmosphere, the large fan base, and the traditions. The facility is known as one of the most easily recognized college stadiums, due to its orange checkerboard end zones. There are very few college stadiums that can match Neyland Stadium – this is a stadium that I strongly believe should be on any sports fan list to visit in their sports journey.

Photo By Lance Sutehall, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.14 Dunn-Oliver Acadome 1595 Robert C. Hatch Dr Montgomery, AL 36104 Alabama State Hornets website Dunn-Oliver Acadome website Year Opened: 1992 Capacity: 7,400 The Hornets’ Nest The city of Montgomery is home to the campus of Alabama State University, one of the oldest historically black colleges and universities (HBCUs) in the nation. Alabama State’s athletics are known as the Hornets and they play in Division One’s Southwestern Athletic Conference (SWAC). The venue is named for Charles Johnson “C.J.” Dunn and James Oliver, two of the Hornets’ most prominent coaches. The Hornets have called the venue home since 1992. Alabama State has made four NCAA Tournaments at the Division One level, last making the big dance in 2011. Food & Beverage 2 The concession stands have a limited menu that includes nachos ($9), hot dogs ($4), popcorn ($4), candy ($2), chips ($2), and Coca-Cola brand bottled beverages ($4). Alcohol is not sold at the Acadome. Atmosphere 4 When entering the Dunn-Oliver Acadome you first see trophy cases showing off the athletic successes of the Hornets sports programs over the years. Once you walk into the seating bowl you might imagine that you are walking into a hornet's nest. The ceiling looks like a honeycomb of a bee hive and the three-point arcs also have the pattern on the floor.  There is a lot of black and gold throughout the arena with the seats alternating between those colors, the out-of-bounds area of the court is black, the free-throw lane is gold, and the banners that are displayed on the walls are also gold. There is a hornet at center court of the playing floor. You know instantly it’s the home of the Alabama State Hornets basketball program. The walls have banners showing postseason successes and the numbers of retired players. There is a modern scoreboard on one end of the arena. Alabama State’s cheerleaders, dance team, and band do an amazing job of keeping the energy up during a game. Stinger, the Alabama State mascot, walks around the arena keeping families entertained. Neighborhood 3 The campus of Alabama State University is located in Montgomery which is the capital of Alabama. The capitol building is located less than two miles north of the university. Other landmarks worth checking out in Montgomery include the Rosa Parks Museum, the Freedom Rides Museum, the Civil Rights Memorial, and the Scott and Zelda Fitzgerald Museum.  Dining options include Wintzell’s Oyster House, Dreamland BBQ, and Bibb Street Pizza Company. Chain hotels such as Embassy Suites, SpringHill Suites, and Hampton Inn are located in downtown Montgomery. Fans 3 Alabama State fans are passionate about the Hornet's athletic teams and are appreciative of the athlete's efforts. Helped by the atmosphere created by the band, cheerleaders, dance team, and Stinger, the fans are engaged throughout the game. Access 4 Coming from I-65, turn onto I-85 and get off exit 1 onto Arba Street. Turn right on S Decatur Street and make a left on Carter Hill Road. The Acadome will be on your left and is hard to miss.  From I-85 westbound, get off at exit 1 and turn left onto S Union Street. Make a left on Carter Hill Road and look for the Acadome. Parking is free and there is plenty of room to walk around once inside the building. Return on Investment 4 Tickets are only $10 for a men’s and women’s basketball doubleheader. Even if you drop $10 on concessions you will only spend $20 for a day of SWACtion as well as hear performances from an amazing marching band.  Extras 2 There are plenty of museums around Montgomery to visit if you have some time to check them out. The venue hosted high school basketball regionals for several years but stopped hosting a few years ago. Final Thoughts You will not go wrong with spending a day at the Acadome as you will get to see competitive Division One basketball with an amazing band and not break the bank while doing so.

Photos by Aaron S. Terry, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.14 Gulfstream Park 901 S Federal Hwy Hallandale Beach, FL 33009 Gulfstream Park website Year Opened: 1939 Miami’s Other Track Hialeah Park in Miami is probably the most well-known live horse racing venue in the state of Florida, but not far away is another track, Gulfstream Park, which offers many more racing days on the calendar – Gulfstream Park offers live racing from July to October and again from December to May, while Hialeah only has live racing from November to February. Food & Beverage 4 Gulfstream Park offers a wide range of concessions for folks at the races, but unexpectedly most of them come from the same main stands. If you stand in front of the concessions stands for a minute or two you will see the board flip between three different menus – chicken wings, chicken tenders, hot dogs, and wraps, followed by pizza, subs, and calzones, and finally stir fry bowls with an Asian flare. This is for the stands inside the clubhouse (lower level), with prices ranging from $5 to $15 for main dishes, but if you walk outside you can find more basic stands that just have hot dogs, pizza, and small snacks for $3 to $6. If you sit up on the club level (which requires a pricier ticket) you can enjoy buffet-style food and a full bar. Atmosphere 3 The atmosphere at Gulfstream Park is nice – the scenery is great with the lake in the middle the palm trees, and a few high-rises in the background, and there are multiple seating areas you can choose from, most of which are under cover if not indoors – some of the ones outside have fans blowing to help keep you cool, although it is so hot here they don’t help much. There are of course plenty of betting machines, mostly self-service, and there is also a large simulcast viewing room inside, with dozens of screens on the wall if you want to take in races at other tracks, and plenty of individual seats at tables in front of them so you can keep notes. Neighborhood 4 There is very little entertainment within walking distance of Gulfstream Park, other than the attached casino, given the enormous footprint the track and its accompanying parking lots take up, but there are plenty of great restaurants within a short drive. Being in Miami Cuban food is a great option, and you will see plenty of those eateries in the area, as well as numerous great seafood places. There is also a wonderful Mexican restaurant closer to the airport (about 20 minutes from the track) called Chevys Fresh Mex, which is worth a look if are headed that way. In addition to the restaurants there are plenty of hotels in the area, most of them closer to the beach, and if you are looking for something to do before or after the races, Miami also has several professional sports teams, including the Miami Dolphins , the Miami Marlins , and the Miami Heat , as well as the University of Miami Hurricanes which share a stadium with the Dolphins . Since Gulfstream Park offers racing throughout most of the year, you should be able to double up with one or more of these other teams if desired. Fans 2 Gulfstream Park doesn’t have many racegoers in attendance, possibly because the races begin around noon or 1 p.m. instead of at night – but with ten or so races on the card, you may see a bump in attendance as the sun starts to go down. Access 4 The big knock for Miami horse racing is simply the traffic – it takes a very long time to get to Gulfstream Park, but once you get on-site you can park very easily right next to the racetrack. The parking lot itself seems a little run down with a few potholes in places, but it is largely empty, so there is plenty of room. Once inside there is even more room to roam around, with plenty of seating in any of the various sections. Return on Investment 3 There is no cost for admission at Gulfstream Park, and you can buy a basic program for only $1 (the more detailed program runs $5). However, there is nothing here that is too out of the ordinary – just a basic racetrack in a pretty setting. Extras 2 You can get pretty close to the horses here, though depending on the length of each race (they vary across the card), the starting gate might be on the other side of the track. There is also an inner track as well as an outer track, making races on the inner track a little harder to follow – but they have several giant videoboards around, so you can watch the action that way if you can’t quite make out the leaders with the naked eye.

Photos by Lloyd Brown, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.29 TQL Stadium 1501 Central Pkwy Cincinnati, OH 45214 FC Cincinnati website TQL Stadium website Year Opened: 2021 Capacity: 26,000 TQL In Cincinnati Football Club Cincinnati (FC Cincinnati) has been in existence since 2015. At that time, they played at the USL’s Champions level of competition. They played their home matches at Nippert Stadium at the University of Cincinnati. The team was an immediate success, as the population of Queen City has a large ethnically diverse population, and soccer was their game of choice. By 2019, they had applied for membership at the MLS level. This application was approved, with the requirement that a soccer-specific stadium be built for the team in the first few years of membership in the MLS. The team immediately went to work on getting a venue built. After much discussion of several sites and some trading of property with the local school system work got underway on building a new stadium in the neighborhoods just northwest of downtown Cincinnati. There were still some delays, as the team changed architects, choosing Populous as their new designer. Finally, the $250 million stadium opened in 2021 as West End Stadium. It offers a soccer-specific stadium with a capacity of 25,513. A majority of those seats are chairback seats with cupholders. The stadium includes 59 suites, a 3,100-person standing area for the supporter groups, and 4,500 premium or club seats. The stadium seats feature the team’s kit colors of blue with the accent color of orange. One side of the pitch features the winged lion crest of the team in bright orange on the seating area, while the opposite side of seats spells out “FCC.” Just before their first season in the new venue, Total Quality Logistics (TQL), signed on as the naming rights holder for the stadium. TQL is a freight brokerage and third-party logistics firm. Food & Beverage 4 TQL Stadium has an extensive set of food and beverage items available for FC Cincinnati fans. There are 14 concession stands, 20 portable carts, and three bars to serve the appetites and thirst of the crowds. There are enough vendors spread throughout the stadium that you should not experience any long lines. The lineup of food vendors at the matches includes LaRosa’s Pizza, Rhine Roost, Gomez Tacos, AJ’S Philly Cheesesteaks, Frisch’s, Smokehaus, Queen City Eats, Buffalo Wings and Rings, and Skyline Chili. There are also three grab-and-go-style convenience outlets in the stadium. Alcoholic drinks are available at the Heineken Supporter’s Bar, the Coors Light Bar, or the Rhinegeist Bar. Atmosphere 5 TQL offers an excellent electronics package. The exterior of the stadium features ribbed steel girders with LED lighting attached so that the outside skin can feature multiple colors and spell out a variety of messages. Inside the facility are two massive scoreboards at each end of the pitch. They are the widest videoboards in the MLS, as they measure 150 feet each. There are also ribbon boards fronting the front decks on either side of the pitch. The stadium also offers an up close and personal view of the action on the pitch. Most seats are within 15 feet of the pitch, with no seats more than 130 feet from the pitch. This is accomplished by having a 34-degree to the stands. One of the most appreciated aspects of the design of the TQL Stadium is the canopy that covers the entire seating bowl. This allows the fans to stay dry and protected from the rain and snow that can occur during the early spring games. It also provides shade and protection from the sun during the summer portion of the schedule. Neighborhood 5 TQL Stadium sits on Central Parkway, which is the dividing line between the West End and the Over the Rhine neighborhoods. Cincinnati is unique in that it has a large residential population mixed with businesses and shops. The Over the Rhine neighborhood has the reputation of being the largest entertainment district in the city, as it is filled with restaurants, museums, bars, and theatres. Many of the buildings in this area are on the National Register of Historic Places. The West End is more residential. The ownership of FC Cincinnati had to make many concessions in the size of the stadium, as well as scale back the exterior lighting planned for the stadium in response to the demands of the neighborhood associations that border the venue. The Pitch Cincy is a soccer-themed bar located across the street from TQL Stadium. It offers food trucks, a rooftop patio, and a video wall to televise multiple soccer games from around the world. Also close by is the Cincinnati Music Hall, which offers a wide range of musical concerts throughout the year. Fans 5 The roads on the east side of TQL Stadium are closed to traffic three hours before the matches start so that the team can set the pregame entertainment zone. This area includes food and drink vendors, numerous soccer-related skills contests, team merchandise tables, and plenty of music. The East Fan Plaza opens two hours before the match and closes 30 minutes before the start. One of the most impressive aspects of the pregame celebration period is the Supporters March. The March begins with each supporter group setting out from their home neighborhoods. They all meet up at Washington Park, which is a few blocks from the stadium. They then march as one unified group into the stadium. The capos and drummers from each group work very hard at coordinating this pregame tradition. Each supporter group has the responsibility of designing its tifo, or banner, before each match. For the most part, the supporter groups are based on geography or heritage. These include Auxilia One (FC Cincinnati fans in the New York City area), Die Innenstadt (inner city residents of Cincinnati), Norden (northern suburbs of Cincinnati), and Hanger 937 (residents of Dayton, Ohio that support FC Cincinnati). Other groups include Briogaid (Irish/Celtic fans), the Queen City Mafia (American football fans that like soccer), and the Knights of the Bailey (made up of the capos and drummers that coordinate the chants and songs during the matches with all the groups mentioned above). FC Cincinnati has a local and regional network of 19 Pub Partners for each match. The drinking establishments agree to have their TVs and big screens tuned to the FCC match during both home and away matches. This allows the team to build their brand in communities outside of Queen City, while the pubs get more business from the promotion the team gives them. Access 4 Getting to an FC Cincinnati game may be the most difficult part of the game-day experience. This is because the stadium is in the middle of a downtown area in a midsize city. The streets around the stadium are narrow, as they typically serve a residential population. There are several parking lots scattered around TQL Stadium. There are 2,000 parking spots within two blocks of the stadium. The remaining lots are not managed by the team. This means the parking fees can vary dramatically. Many people who live close to the stadium prefer to just bike to the matches. TQL offers free bike racks outside of the stadium for these fans. The most cost-effective and stress-free way to get to TQL on gamedays is to take the Cincinnati Bell Connector Streetcar. This streetcar circulates throughout the city regularly. There is a streetcar stop at Washington Park, which is a four-minute walk from the stadium. Best of all, this service is free! There are six entry gates at TQL Stadium. They open 90 minutes before the match start. Once inside, the stadium concourses are 30 feet wide and are very easy to navigate. The aisles are well-marked and easy to follow. The legroom is better than average, and all seats have cupholders. A majority of the seats in the stadium feature chairback seating. Accessibility for people with disabilities is a priority at the stadium. Entry gates offer a separate lane for people with disabilities so they will not have to stand for long lengths of time. Once inside, every restroom has wider stalls for those who have impairments. The team also has assistive listening devices or noise-deadening headphones for people who have sensory issues. The ribbon boards that front the upper-level seating offer close-captioned messaging throughout the matches. Return on Investment 4 Tickets for FC Cincinnati games come at several price points. The most expensive seat for an individual match is $59 for a seat on the upper level at Midfield. Other levels include $44 for upper-level seats on the sides, $35 for lower level in the corners, $32 for lower levels seats at one end of the pitch, and $25 for upper-level seats at one end of the pitch. Not surprisingly, the Supporter Group standing seats at the other end of the pitch on the lower level are the cheapest at $19. We found the food and beverage prices were quite reasonable. Parking lot prices varied in our research. The Bell Connector streetcar can’t be beat as far as price as it is free. It also offers a convenient drop-off/pick-up location just a four-minute walk from the stadium. Extras 3 FC Cincinnati has one of the largest team stores in the MLS. It measures 9,000 square feet and offers two levels of shopping. At 59 suites, TQL Stadium qualifies as having the most suites of any MLS stadium that does not host an NFL team. In addition to MLS matches, TQL Stadium has hosted CONCACAF Third Round and Gold Quarterfinal Matches. Final Thoughts FC Cincinnati has one of the most fervent fan bases in the MLS. TQL Stadium rewards that loyalty with a venue that is a terrific place for fans to enjoy the Beautiful Game.

Photos by Marc Viquez, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.86 Roy Kidd Stadium Roy and Sue Kidd Way Richmond, KY 40475 Eastern Kentucky Colonels website Roy Kidd Stadium website Year Opened: 1969 Capacity: 20,000 Roy Kidd Stadium is in a League of its Own Roy Kidd Stadium on the campus of Eastern Kentucky University in Richmond, Kentucky, maybe one of the most unusual-looking football stadiums in college football. The home of the Colonels football program is a nine-story structure that seats 20,000 plus and is separated into upper and lower seating that suspends fans over the field of action. Built-in 1969 and originally named Hanger Field, the stadium features a few nods to its late 1960s roots: gunpowder gray seats, plenty of sharp right angles, and interior signage that looks like it is straight from an abandoned shopping mall. There are also plenty of ramps that lead fans from its entrance to the top levels of the structure. It is a facility that includes racquetball and basketball courts, a gymnasium, and classroom space for 2,000 students. A few updates have been made to the stadium that includes synthetic turf, a new Daktronics LED video display board, and a custom audio system. Grass seating is available on the eastern portion of the end zone, along with bleacher seating for visiting fans. The football program has produced a record of 225-58-1 and two national championships (1979 and 1982) since its inception. Food & Beverage 3 There are three main concession stands inside the structure near the entrance of the stadium that offer a standard array of menu items, including hot dogs, pretzels, popcorn, pizza, cheeseburgers, and nachos. The stadium also serves up giant smoked turkey legs, fried chicken sandwiches, and walking tacos to add to the mix of food items. During the cold months, cups of hot cocoa and coffee hit the spot. The stadium offers cans of beer on the newly renovated visitors’ side for $5. The options include Bud, Bud Light, Miller Light, Coors Light, and Rolling Rock. This is the only section of the stadium where fans can both purchase and drink alcoholic beverages. Local Apollo Pizza sets up a food truck just outside the main entrance in this section for more variety. Atmosphere 3 Roy Kidd Stadium offers a unique, architecturally designed structure that stands out along the main street of the campus. The look and feel are of its time in 1969. The stadium features a system of ramps that leads fans from the small ticket windows to the main concourse, this system of ramps also leads fans to the upper-level seating section (closed off during our visit) and to the lawn section of the stadium. The main concourse is fully enclosed from the upper-level section of seats and provides a somewhat sterile atmosphere with signage that looks as if it dates from the stadium’s first season of operation. There are large wall photographs of Roy Kidd himself, who won 314 games at the school from 1964 to 2002; he also has a statue near the lawn seats behind the north end zone. There is a small merchandise stand and an information booth. Outside in the seating area is a collection of fans who add much life to the building; the steep seating area puts fans almost above the playing field and atop the gridiron action. Due to the upper-level seating being closed off, the majority of fans create a lively atmosphere in the lower seats of the stadium. An LED video display is situated in the south end zone of the stadium. Expansion in 2017 on the east side of the stadium added over 3,000 new bleachers and a concourse that features modern concessions and bathroom facilities. Also, a new pedestrian-only walkway was constructed from the hill beyond the north end zone that leads onto the concourse level. This area of seating provides a great view of the main grandstand structure and design; here, fans can see the signage that honors the 1979 and 1982 National Champion plaques and is close to the action of the play on the field. Neighborhood 2 Roy Kidd Stadium is right on campus and adjacent to the basketball arena, McBrayer Arena. It is an easy walk for students and alumni to enjoy football at their school. As for the downtown, that is a different story. There is not too much action. Just north of campus on Main Street, or about a mile from McBrayer Arena, are several bars and grills. Jerzees, Madison Garden, and Paddy Wagon Irish Pub are all in this area and are known as gathering places. Fans 3 The fans are a devoted bunch who will brave the cold weather to watch the Colonels play a football game. Much of the noise generated is from these fans, who are a devoted bunch. It is hard to spot an individual who is not wearing maroon at the game. Access 3 There is a large parking lot that serves the football field and other sports venues that is a short walk to Roy Kidd Stadium. The stadium features a unique series of ramps–a product of its time–and no elevators. This could be a hindrance to fans who have trouble walking, but the staff provides golf carts that lead them to their seats. The bathrooms include separate entrances and exits. Return on Investment 3 EKU ticket prices are $13 for general admission, $18 for lawn reserve, and $8 for youth (ages 4-12). No parking fee is charged for games, and concession prices are rather affordable. A tall can of beer is $5, a pretty fair price at a college football game. Extras 3 The stadium design is of great curiosity; the design and feel of the structure can be somewhat cumbersome, but it is still fascinating to view signage, doorways, and ramps that date back to the stadium’s original season 50 years ago. The updated visitor side bleacher area creates a modern touch for football games at Roy Kidd Stadium. The concession stand that serves beer is close to the seats, and the views of the main grandstand add to the vibe. There is a large lawn seating area that is ideal for warmer days at the beginning of the season. The name of the stadium itself is named in honor of former head coach and College Football Hall of Famer Roy Kidd, who coached the Colonels from 1964-2002, producing a record of 314-124-8 record and 16 Ohio Valley Conference titles. Kidd led the team to four straight national championship games between 1978 and 1982, winning twice in 1979 and 1982. In 39 seasons, his teams only suffered two losing campaigns. A career that is deserving to be adorned in a football stadium, perhaps we could use a little more on all levels of sports. Final Thoughts This is an interesting facility that should continue to suffice the needs of football enthusiasts on the campus of Eastern Kentucky for years to come. If you’re in the area, consider a visit to Roy Kidd Stadium.

Photos by Richard Smith, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.43 Cox Pavilion 4505 S. Maryland Dr. Las Vegas, NV 89119 UNLV Rebels Women's Basketball website Cox Pavilion website Year Opened: 2001 Capacity: 2,500 Home of the Runnin' Rebels The Cox Pavilion is the home of women’s basketball and volleyball at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas (UNLV). Opened in 2001, it allowed the women’s programs to move from the too-spacious Thomas & Mack Center into a space more suitable to the teams. A few games a year of women’s basketball are still played at the Thomas & Mack Center. Thomas & Mack Center and Cox Pavilion are co-located with each other and share box offices and parts of a concourse. A temporary wall is set up to separate the two venues in the concourse area and is obviously moved around as needed. They are located on the north end of the main UNLV campus. UNLV was established in 1957. It is located in the Las Vegas suburb of Paradise, Nevada, in what is technically unincorporated Clark County. The university has strong science, business management, and law programs. The William Harrah College of Hotel Administration is annually ranked among the top hospitality programs in the United States due to the university's proximity to the Las Vegas Strip. When the university was known as Nevada Southern University they had adopted the "Rebel" athletics moniker and utilized a mascot dressed in a southern Confederate uniform named Beauregard. The Confederate symbolism is gone but the “Rebel” mascot still roams the sidelines of most sports events. Famous UNLV graduates include Cecil Fielder, Randall Cunningham, Jimmy Kimmel, Suge Knight, and Guy Fieri. Food & Beverage 3 There is one simple food stand as part of the Cox Pavilion setup. The Cox Cafe is moderately priced with "Rebel Dogs" going for $4, pretzels $3, nachos $3, and popcorn for $3. The Kids Meal at $9 is a nice option that includes the hot dog, snack, and small soda. Sodas are $3 and $4, with bottled water also $3. This is Vegas, so you should probably eat before or after a game at Cox Pavilion. But if you need to grab something quickly, the choices are not overwhelming but fairly priced enough. Atmosphere 2 Unfortunately, the crowds for most women's basketball programs are not very large. UNLV is no exception here with a moderate size crowd filling in the basic two-grandstand setup here. The UNLV Pep Band provides some atmosphere at the games and the Rebel mascot can usually be seen as well. The venue can get pretty noisy, even with small crowds so watching a game here is still a good time. Neighborhood 5 Well, you are in Las Vegas, so the neighborhood is pretty good. The arena is not walkable from the strip, although if staying at the Hard Rock Casino a walk is possible. That would be the ideal choice if coming here especially to watch a UNLV game. The Las Vegas Strip is world famous with a bevy of food and entertainment options available. Mid-strip is always a solid choice. If you have a car it is always good to wander off the strip. That is where one of the best buffets in town is located. Head to the M Resort far south on Las Vegas Boulevard for their Studio B Buffet, which includes unlimited beer and wine. I also always recommend staying and playing in downtown Las Vegas. The prices are cheaper and the gambling is better. It is a bit grimier, but the area has a true life of its own. The D Hotel is a nice lodging choice there. Make sure to stop into Pizza Rock, Triple Seven Brewpub, and American Coney Island for great food. If just in a drinking mood, make sure to check out Oak and Ivy (in the very cool Downtown Container Park) and the iconic Atomic Liquors. There are also numerous bars in the Fremont East neighborhood, so that pretty much everyone can find a spot they will enjoy. Fans 3 There are just not enough fans for women's college basketball. That is unfortunate as the action and sportsmanship are amazing to witness. The UNLV fans who are at the game do a great job of making noise and celebrating their team. The game I attended was between semesters so there should be more students in attendance when school is in session. Access 4 Access to the venue is pretty good. Located right around the Paradise Road and Tropicana Road intersection the venue has plenty of free parking available. Las Vegas can get very crowded so plan ahead, especially if you need to cross parts of the Strip or North Paradise Road, near the Las Vegas Convention Center, when a large conference is in town. The I-15 interstate is not far away down Tropicana Road. Return on Investment 4 Tickets can be had for a fairly cheap price of $8. For the great entertainment value, as well as coming with free parking the return on investment is solid. . Extras 3 One of the NBA Summer Leagues often uses the Cox Pavilion. There are signs on the wall noting this. It is nice to see games at an arena where so many future and upcoming basketball stars have played at. I enjoyed seeing the volleyball and women's basketball teams having banners showing all of the current teams. That is a nice touch that makes you feel like rooting for the home team. The best extra is that you are in Las Vegas. Only minutes away is a large amount of entertainment, food, and gambling options that make this sports venue a unique sports choice. Final Thoughts The intimate atmosphere of this simple gym is an excellent choice while in Las Vegas when you want to witness some pure sports entertainment.

Photo Courtesy of Harry Potter Wordl Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.86 Hogwarts Quidditch Pitch Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry Hogwarts, Scotland Gryffindor Lions website Hogwarts Quidditch Pitch website Year Opened: unknown Capacity: 10,000 Quidditch Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry started over 1,000 years ago. The exact time frame of the construction of the Quidditch Pitch and stands are unknown. Quidditch is a dangerous, yet popular, game played by witches and wizards all over the world. It is played on special flying broomsticks, uses three types of balls (one scarlet quaffle, two black bludgers, and one golden snitch) with seven players on each team. The pitch is used by all four teams of the school: Slytherin, Hufflepuff, Ravenclaw, and Gryffindor. Teams fervently compete against one another to win the Inter-House Quidditch Cup every school year. The venue’s darkest moment, and indeed one of the darkest moments in Wizarding history, came not during a quidditch match but when it hosted the Third Task of the Triwizard Tournament in 1995. The pitch was converted into a giant hedge maze with the championship trophy in the middle. Unbeknownst to the participants, the trophy had been converted into a Portkey, which set off the death of Cedric Diggory, the return of Lord Voldemort, and the beginning of the Second Wizarding War. Food & Beverage 5 A feast of unique choices are available for consumption at Quidditch Pitch. Golden plates and goblets are filled with roast beef, roast chicken, pork chops and lamb chops, sausages, bacon and steak, boiled potatoes, roast potatoes, fries, Yorkshire pudding, peas, carrots, gravy, ketchup. Anything your taste buds desire. Pumpkin juice or butterbeer for drinks! We don’t recommend the Polyjuice as you’ll end up leaving the match as someone (or something) other than you arrived. Goblets of eggnog or firewhiskey in the cooler weather are great suggestions to warm fans up. And for the sweet tooth there are Bertie Bott’s Every Flavored Beans, peppermint humbugs, chocolate frogs, cauldron cakes, pumpkin pasties, fizzing whizbees, and plenty more. The extraordinary and unique characteristic of the refreshments at Hogwarts Quidditch Pitch is the portions automatically refill. Atmosphere 4 The oval-shaped pitch is immaculately green and three 50-foot-high hoops emerge in each end of the field. The stadium’s seats rise extremely high on either side of the pitch so fans can watch the flying broomsticks’ soaring action. A high row and a center-pitch location provide the best view. Remember to bring binoculars or omnioculars, aka magic binoculars, as fans can be a distance from watching the match, the two black bludgers and scarlet quaffle. In an unusual twist for a live venue, spectators can hear the commentator call the match. The quality of commentators varies significantly, from the passionate, biased Lee Jordan to the excellent Professor McGonagall to the quixotic Luna Lovegood. And that last one is putting it nicely. Mascots or between-action entertainment is not needed, as thankfully, it is all about the fast-paced match being played. The atmosphere is especially high-charged when Gryffindor and Slytherin face off against each other. Neighborhood 2 The closest town to Hogwarts Quidditch Pitch is Hogsmeade, an enchanted town filled with shops and places to eat. Derish and Banges sells magical instruments and Honeydukes is a popular sweet shop for students which offers succulent-looking sweets, wizarding candy, and the owners make their own fudge. Zonko’s, a joke shop, is always an adventure, even for magical folk. The Three Broomsticks is a lively pub in town. Stadium Journey recommends not going to the Hog’s Head for a pint as it is quite filthy and the clientele are of a particular sort you’d be advised to avoid. When in town, be sure to visit the Shrieking Shack, a historic haunted building. Also, a visit to the post office to see the owls (300+) might be worth a stop, if that’s you’re thing. On a sunny spring day, the grounds around the pitch are perfect for playing wizard chess, Exploding Snap, a casual game of Gobstones or practicing dueling pre or post match. However, stay away from the perilous Whomping Willow on campus. Hotels, motels and BnB’s are not near the pitch nor the school. If taking the Hogwarts Express train to the school, the Leaky Cauldron (a wizard pub offering food, drinks and rooms to rent) is a few stops on the tube from Kings Cross station. Though many lodging places closer to Kings Cross are nicer, those are in the Muggle world; not the Sorcerers’ one, therefore not quite as interesting. Although not close at all to Hogwarts, other Quidditch teams to visit if in United Kingdom are the Chudley Cannons, Wimborne Wasps, Puddlemere United, Holyhead Harpies (all down south in England or Wales) or an even more exciting international team such as the Irish National Quidditch team is a short flight over the Irish Sea. One can always head to Easter Road in Edinburgh, home of the Hibernian FC, and watch a football match; different sport but closer to Hogwarts (at least in the same country). Fans 5 For security reasons, attendance is limited to Hogwarts personnel including students, professors, house-elves, and mischievous ghosts. Dementors are not permitted. Students turn out in great numbers to fill the stands. They sit with their respective houses and get thoroughly involved, waving flags, brandishing banners, and shooting off magical Filibuster fireworks. Tumultuous applause is awarded after amazing blocks and superb flying. The pitch has been the site of a number of fan incidents over the years, including a professor who was secretly Voldemort in disguise attempting to curse a player off his broomstick and a group of Slytherins disguising themselves as dementors to disrupt a match. Access 2 Getting to Hogwarts Quidditch Pitch can be tough as it is hours by train (Hogwarts Express) from Kings Cross station. The tricky part about this method is you need to know how to get to platform nine and three-quarters. Due to protective enchantments, Hogwarts is not accessible via Apparating, Portkey, or Floo Powder, although some of these may have been lifted with the end of the Wizarding War and final defeat of Voldemort. Restrooms are located in the school castle. For the ladies, we recommend not using the one on the second floor just above the Great Hall as you may run into Moaning Myrtle who sometimes floods the floor. If getting lost in the school castle (the spiral staircases randomly move), check the Marauder’s Map. The clear bag policy is not in affect and fans do not need to walk through metal detectors nor be wanded (Muggle wand!) when entering the stadium. Muggle technology is less than useful in this magical environment. Return on Investment 5 Admission and concessions are free to all Hogwarts personnel. The excitement of watching a quidditch match is nothing less than exhilarating, bewitching and thrilling. Extras 4 A merchandise shop is located not far from the entrance and offers scarves (no half and half scarves are for sale – real fans don’t like them). Other items offered are Filibuster fireworks, sparkling roaring pinwheels, rosettes, moving player figurines, team robes and hats in various sizes (all four house garments are for sale), quidditch gear, and much more. Prices range from five sickles to ten galleons (though a few trinkets are priced at 19 – 29 knuts). Watching a match in a historical, magical venue and school is always something worth writing home about. Having refreshments automatically refill is certainly worth an extra mention. Always refreshing at a sports venue, spectators can actually hear the commentator call the match. Final Thoughts Only scorcerers are able to witness a quidditch match at Hogwarts Quidditch Pitch, much to the despair of us other sports fans. If you are in Scotland, are a sports fan, and are a witch or wizard, put visiting Hogwarts for a quidditch match on your bucket list! ** A special thanks to Gregory Koch who helped with wording of the historical references and tried his best to keep me on track with actual book facts (he didn’t always succeed). Thanks Gregory! Additionally, thanks to J.K Rowling for creating such an entertaining read beginning more than 25 years ago.**

Photos by Marc Viquez, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.57 Progressive Auto Sales Arena 1455 London Road Sarnia, ON N7T 7N2 Sarnia Sting website Progressive Auto Sales Arena website Year Opened: 1998 Capacity: 5,500 Sarnia is Buzzing with the Sting The Progressive Auto Sales Arena is home to the Sarnia Sting of the Ontario Hockey League. It has a seating capacity of 5,500 and sits on the campus of Lambton College. The building debuted in 1998, four seasons after the Sting arrived, and features 43 luxury suites, two full-size NHL rinks, and a full-service restaurant. In 2017, the arena received a new scoreboard, renovated the suites, added team colors and murals on the concourse walls, a new dressing room for players, and, in 2023, new dasher boards and a Kahlenberg goal horn. The franchise began operations in 1969 as the Cornwall Royals in the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League. The team captured the Memorial Cup in 1972, 1980, and 1981. The following year, the club transferred to the Ontario Hockey League and, in 1992, relocated to Newmarket, Ontario. The Royals would spend two seasons before being sold and moved to Sarnia. The renamed Sting played at the Sarnia Arena, now known as the Pat Stapleton Arena, while plans were drawn for a modern facility that would open in October 1998. Food & Beverage 4 The arena offers an array of food and drink options during the hockey game. There are several Stammer’s Stations located in the corner of the concourse offering a bulk of items from pizza slices, hot dogs, burgers, nachos, chicken tenders, boneless chicken bites, crispy chicken tenders, fries, and poutine. Many of these items can be upgraded for a few dollars more as a combo with fries and a drink (Pepsi products). The alcohol selection includes domestic and premium tall cans of Coors/Miller Lite, Coors Original, Molson Canadian, Molson OV, and Sting Light Lager. Other options include hard root beer, seltzer, and wine. The Rink Side Restaurant has its menu and drink options included with an additional price of a ticket. The team offers a carving station of sliced roast beef, grilled onions, and horseradish sauce on a soft bun. Atmosphere 4 The Progressive Auto Sales Arena is primarily made for hockey, and it is evident by the open concourse design, the sunken ice rink, standing-room-only railings, and details on the walls that showcase the Sting colors of black and yellow from former players, concession stands, and aesthetics. It is cramped due to the single concourse that wraps around the entirety of the building but features a team store stocked with jerseys, shirts, stuffed animals, hats, and other paraphernalia. The Rink Side Restaurant is separate from the seating bowl, offering fans views of the arena with a full-service bar, and various banners are on display honoring past players and individuals who have made their mark on hockey that are from Sarnia. Buzz and Honey are the official mascots of the team. They can be seen throughout the game, providing hugs and photo opportunities with fans. There is also a corner bar area that offers fans a little nook to enjoy a beer while talking with others during intermission. There is also the goal horn that is deafening after a Sting goal. Neighborhood 3 The arena is on the campus of Lambton College and within walking distance of the Lambton Mall and other retail stores and restaurants. Don’t be surprised to see fans in Sting game shopping at Walmart or Canadian Tire stores after the game. Several national chains include burger joints Harvey’s and Swiss Chalet Chicken. However, there are a few casual restaurants: Lonzo’s Kitchen, Crabby Joe’s, Twisted Arm, Chuck’s Roadhouse, and Stoke’s Inland Grill. Downtown Sarnia is about a 10-minute drive from the arena. The Pat Stapleton Arena still houses Junior B hockey, while Imperial City Brewhouse and Refined Fool Brewing Company are worth checking out. Fans 4 The main concourse is cramped and gets dense during intermission. It is full of fans dressed in Sting gear, young fans blowing horns and ringing cowbells, and other fans enjoying a bite to eat or drink. It has been a down year for the club in the standings, but the crowd is still “buzzing” during home games. Access 3 The arena is easily accessible from 402 and 40 on the east side of town. The arena is nestled into the campus buildings, with plenty of parking in lots surrounding it. Once inside, the main concourse is small and gets packed during the first and second intermissions of the game, leading to long lines or weaving in and out of traffic to get back to your seats. Return on Investment 4 There are three-tier ticket pricing: $16 for the Energy Zone behind the goalie, $24 for regular seats, and $28 for club seats. Parking is free for the game, and concession prices range from $4 for a medium pop, $5.50 for a hot dog, and $9.75 for a domestic can of beer. The meal deals include fries and pop and sell between $12 to $15. Extras 3 The Sting earns a point for the aesthetics around the building that tie it to the team. Murals, team colors, banners, and bee-themed areas let fans know they are at the home of the Sarnia Sting. The Sting retired Steven Stamkos’s number 91. Stamkos went on to star for the Tampa Bay Lightning after his junior playing days and led the team to back-to-back Stanley Cups in 2020 and 2021. The team also honors local player Shawn Burr and former NHL referee and current analyst Kerry Fraser. The Platinum Club offers a diverse menu, great views of the two rinks, and a party area for the kids. There is a full-service bar. Final Thoughts Progressive Auto Sales Arena is a quaint, hockey-friendly building that offers what many want out of a night of junior hockey. It is not flashy, offers vast concourses, or some of the bells and whistles an hour away in London and Windsor, but it does not have to. It is a cozy place to watch hockey with a few thousand rabid fans. ----- Follow all of Marc’s stadium journeys on Twitter @ballparkhunter and his YouTube channel . Email at Marc.Viquez@stadiumjourney.com

Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.71 Little Caesars Arena 2465 Woodward Avenue Detroit, MI 48201 Detroit Pistons website Little Caesars Arena website Year Opened: 2017 Capacity: 20,491 It’s Still Deee-Troit Bas-ket-ball The public address announcer for the Detroit Pistons of the NBA takes great pleasure when the Pistons get possession of the ball after it goes out of bounds. The sweet sounds of John Mason’s “Dee-troit Bas-ketIball” is as iconic in the Motor City as the Bad Boys themselves. However, since the seventies the Pistons were the victim of a bitter ownership feud between Pistons owner Bill Davidson and Detroit Red Wings owner Mike Illitch. When the Red Wings moved out of Olympia Arena, the Pistons protested what they viewed as poor conditions at Cobo Arena and moved out of Detroit proper to Pontiac to play in the ridiculously massive Pontiac Silverdome. In 1988 the Pistons would leave Pontiac for a more appropriate venue in Auburn Hills at The Palace of Auburn Hills . The Palace was a terrific venue for the Pistons and they would see their greatest franchise moments there including their three NBA Championships and over 300 consecutive sellouts. With the Pistons changing ownership to Tom Gores after the death of Bill Davidson, and the Red Wings building a new arena, the opportunity presented itself to move back downtown after four decades away. Mike Illitch was always a proponent of bringing businesses back downtown and he always put his money where his mouth was. Little Caesars Arena is the new home for both the Red Wings and the Pistons and is just on the other side of the Fisher Freeway from close neighbors Ford Field, Comerica Park and the Fox Theater. John Mason has joined the Pistons and his iconic call can still be heard throughout basketball games. It may be a bit of an unfamiliar locale, but it is still Detroit Basketball. Food & Beverage 4 In any new arena, or arena that has a significant renovation, concessions seems to be front and center, and Little Caesars arena is no different. Upon entering the arena it is not hard to find an LCA staff member that is willing to show the different concession options on the arena map that they carry with them. Little Caesars Arena offers a few larger concession areas as opposed to many small stands. The Classics concession has all of those arena options that fans would expect including hot dogs ($4.75), popcorn ($4.50), pretzels, brats and nachos. Other concession areas fans may consider include the Coop, which features a variety of chicken options, Kid Rock’s Made in Detroit, Mike’s Pizza Bar, Mac & Cheese and of course Little Caesars Pizza ($6.75). One of the most popular spots is the District Market, which offers a variety of different stands in an urban market type of setting. There are a variety of craft beer selections available at Little Caesars Arena. The traditional, Budweiser and Bud Light as well as Blue Light can be found but Bell’s and Goose Island products are also easily found as well as Founders’ All Day IPA. Beer is found from $9.00 to $11.50. Other cocktails and daiquiris can be found throughout also. Soft drinks feature Coca-Cola products ($6/$7.25) and bottled water and hot beverages are also available. One of the great parts of the Little Caesars Arena concession scene is that there are great concession options on the upper level as well as the lower level, which is not necessarily commonplace. Atmosphere 5 Little Caesars Arena attempts to meld a modern arena with something from a different era. The exterior of the Little Caesars Arena attempts to bring you back to old Olympia Arena in Detroit, which the Pistons and Red Wings shared. A healthy mix of glass and brick, the exterior of Little Caesars Arena is very attractive. The west side of the arena features the Chevrolet Plaza which has a huge video screen and is a terrific meeting spot between the arena and parking garage. There are also a number of restaurants around the arena, one of which, curiously, features a large outdoor patio which would not be used during either hockey or basketball seasons. The exterior is filled with LED screens which change content based on the event being held. For Pistons games, the exterior looks much more like the home of the Pistons than for other events. On the inside of Little Caesars Arena, there is a distinct clash of styles. The exterior is an old school Detroit warehouse feel, similar to Ford Field. The use of brick and very high open ceilings along with large windows to allow natural light in gives the arena a whole different feel. The details are significant with large pictures of key athletes and displays of historic memorabilia, right down to the manhole covers that honor specific Pistons or Red Wings athletes. The feel of walking through a promenade or outdoor mall is strong when walking through the concourses. The interior is far different, with a significantly modern feel. Around the seating bowl, the use of lighting is very strong, blue or red for the exterior of the seating bowl. The upper concourses retain a view of the lower concourses giving the arena an open and airy feel. Inside the seating bowl, fans are immediately greeted with the massive, crystal clear video board and the sheer volume of banners hanging from the rafters. Piston greats Chauncey Billups, Chuck Daly, Ben Wallace, Joe Dumars, Dennis Rodman, Isiah Thomas, Vinnie Johnson, Bob Lanier, Dave Bing, Richard Hamilton, Bill Laimbeer, Bill Davidson and Jack McCloskey are all honored and have banners hanging with the 1989, 1990 and 2004 NBA Championship banners. The arena floor is in a north-south orientation and that perfect picture of the court will come from the east side of the court. The seats in Little Caesars Arena are large and padded with red leather. The Pistons put together a solid show as part of their game day experience. The Pistons do a phenomenal job of using their new LED light technology as part of the show, not the least of which is creating an LED colored ceiling which changes for different events. The Pistons Entertainment Team helps entertain the crowd with the Pistons Dancers performing at breaks and welcoming fans as they enter the arena. The Pistons Drumline plays as part of the pregame intros welcoming the teams and the mascot Hooper makes his way around the arena and flies the Pistons flag at the beginning of the game. Upon exiting the arena at the end of the evening or afternoon, the Pistons Drumline plays in the concourse to hopefully send off the Pistons faithful back to their transportation happy. Pistons PA announcer John Mason is now a local legend with his call, especially his “Deee-Troit Bas-ket-ball” when the Pistons get the ball on a side out. Neighborhood 4 Little Caesars Arena is located north of the Fisher Freeway, I-75, in an area of Detroit that is still undergoing some significant gentrification. Both Comerica Park and Ford Field are on the other side of the highway, well within walking distance, in an area that has been better developed over a significant period of time. The whole area is now being referred to as District Detroit. Technically, the arena is at the south end of the Midtown neighborhood. There are a number of options for fans for both pre and post game fare. Some options include the restaurants that are in Little Caesars Arena as well as Harry’s, Detroit One Coney Island, the Detroit Beer Co, Cheli’s Chili Bar and the infamous Hockeytown Cafe. Little Caesars Arena is located near the Greektown neighborhood, which features the Greektown Casino. Other entertainment options nearby include the Fox Theatre, the Fillmore Detroit and the Detroit Opera House. Other sporting options nearby include the NHL’s Detroit Red Wings, which share Little Caesars Arena, the Detroit Tigers of MLB who play at Comerica Park and the Detroit Lions of the NFL who play at Ford Field. All are in walking distance. Traditionally, Ford Field hosts the Quick Lane Bowl on December 26th and features NCAA football teams from the Big Ten, ACC and or MAC. The closest NCAA basketball venue is Calihan Hall, which is the home of the Detroit Mercy Titans of the Horizon League. Fans who require accommodations near Little Caesars Arena may want to consider The Inn at 97 Winder, the Hilton Garden Inn or the Greektown Hotel. Fans 3 At one point in time, Detroit Pistons fans were the cream of the crop. Recording over three hundred consecutive sell-outs across the eighties and nineties, The Palace was rocking and a rough place to play as an opponent. Tough economic times throughout Michigan and Detroit would take its toll on the Pistons and attendance began to fall off from the regular 22,000 fans to around 15,000. Unfortunately with the move to Little Caesars Arena the attendance figures have not really improved. Considering that at the time of this review, the Pistons were greatly improved from the previous season, holding down a top four playoff spot and playing in a brand new building, this is definitely a disappointment. Curiously, attendance for Red Wings games are as strong as ever. Access 3 Little Caesars Arena is located immediately north of I-75, the Fisher Freeway, between Highway 10 and I-375. It is immediately north of Downtown Detroit proper, in Midtown. The Fisher Freeway is a sunken highway with a few streets that cross over the highway. The downtown part of Detroit, south of the highway, can get very congested also, especially if there are events at the theatres, Comerica Park or Ford Field. All of this adds to a very congested drive to the arena from the south. There is parking on both sides of the highway, but it can be very pricy. Although, parking is not too difficult to find, there are ads all over the arena to pre-book and pre-pay for parking. There is a lack of private lots outside of the large garages and during a busy day it is very conceivable that fans who have not planned appropriately will have difficulty finding parking. Parking is expensive and will range from $25 to $40 and above. For fans who require public transit, there are buses that travel Woodward Ave as well as light rail, the QLine. Fans can check the QLine and Detroit Department of Transportation websites for fares, maps and schedules. There is also a shuttle bus that heads to the arena from the Greektown Casino. Ticketing windows are best found in the Chevrolet Plaza, which offers a great deal of space. Security and entry into major sports stadiums and arenas is in a constant state of flux. When heading to an event at Little Caesars Arena, it is highly recommended that fans consult the Detroit Pistons and Little Caesars Arena websites to find out the most current security procedures. The concourses in Little Caesars Arena are fairly wide and getting around the arena is not too difficult. The washrooms are adequate for the arena size. Return on Investment 3 As far as compared to other major sports, the NBA remains one of the better bargains. Tickets can be found on the primary market for as little as $14 and can go up to $275. As with other teams and leagues, ticket prices will fluctuate for various dates and visiting teams. For example, the cheapest ticket available for the defending NBA champion Golden State Warriors when they come to Little Caesars Arena is $75. Both concession and parking prices are on the expensive side. Fans will find the experience at the Pistons enjoyable, and for the most part feel that they received their monies worth. However, rapidly rising costs across all sports is becoming a significant impediment and should not be discounted when questioning the lower than expected attendance numbers. Extras 4 An extra mark for PA announcer John Mason and his iconic “Deee-Troit Bas-ket-ball” call. An extra mark for the Pistons working with the city and the Detroit Red Wings to bring the Pistons back downtown and contribute to the reinvigoration of downtown Detroit. An extra mark for the use of LED lighting, which Little Caesars Arena uses to perfection. An extra mark for Piston promotions. The game which was reviewed was Star Wars Night and a great time for kids young and old. Final Thoughts Although The Palace of Auburn Hills was a solid home for the Detroit Pistons, the lure of a brand new arena in a new era of Detroit ownership cooperation was too much for the Pistons to pass up. Overall the move to Little Caesars Arena is a positive one for the Pistons and will be a great home for the team for years to come. For those who long for the Palace, fear not, there is much the same at LCA and it is still Deee-troit Bas-ket-ball!

Photos by Paul Baker, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.57 GoMart Ballpark 601 Morris St Charleston, WV 25301 Charleston Dirty Birds GoMart Ballpark website Year Opened: 2005 Capacity: 4,500 A Toast to the Dirty Birds   Professional baseball has been played in the city of Charleston since 1910. Numerous franchises in numerous leagues called West Virginia’s capital home before the Charleston Wheelers arrived in town in 1987. Originally a co-op team with a roster made up of players from several franchises, The Wheelers won a South Atlantic League championship in 1990.   The team was rebranded as the Charleston Alley Cats in 1995, but was unable to find a consistent MLB affiliate or even consistent ownership, as the team was sold numerous times. With the construction of Appalachian Power Park in 2005 the team was rebranded as the West Virginia Power. But still, stability eluded the franchise, as the team was dropped from affiliated baseball with the Great Minor League Baseball Reorganization of 2020.   A new ownership group led by Andy Shea, who was also the owner of the Lexington Legends, purchased the team in February 2021. Both teams joined the independent Atlantic League for the 2021 season. In September 2021 the team was rebranded as the Charleston Dirty Birds, a reference to the canary in a coal mine. During their first three seasons in the Atlantic League, the Dirty Birds have qualified for the playoffs once.   Food & Beverage 3    Concession stands are located on either side of the ballpark. The menu here doesn’t stray too far from standard ballpark fare. Fans can get a little taste of West Virginia by purchasing a pepperoni roll, a favorite local snack. On the plus side, prices are very reasonable throughout the facility.   Pepsi products are featured at GoMart Ballpark. For fans who enjoy an adult beverage during the game, local craft beers from Stone Brewing are featured alongside the national brands.   Atmosphere 4   The Dirty Birds put on a typical minor league baseball show, with not a lot going on throughout the game to distract one’s attention from the action on the field. There’s a scoreboard in left-center field that is put to good use with graphics, photos and videos, the sound system is decent, with the typical music and PA adding to the atmosphere. The team’s mascot, a giant canary, roams the concourse interacting with fans.   There’s a kids zone behind home plate where younger fans in attendance can let off some steam, a mini golf course located down the left field line where fans can get in a quick nine holes, and some art work throughout ballpark by local artists that gives the ballpark a little flavor. The first base concourse is meant to evoke memories of Eutaw Street in Baltimore. It’s a nice, small facility in a nice, small town.   This all sounds pretty average so far, so why the above-average score? Three words: The Toast Man. Local politician Rod Blackstone has been taking up residence behind home plate at Charleston professional baseball games since 1992, dating back to the days of the Charleston Wheelers and Watt Powell Park. Blackstone leads the cheers in the sections behind home plate, punctuating visiting team strikeouts by yelling “You Are Toast!” and throwing pieces of toast in the air. How integral to the team is the Toast Man? When GoMart Ballpark was built in 2005, they made sure to include a power outlet and room for Blackstone’s table and toaster.   Neighborhood 2   GoMart Stadium is located in the East End of Charleston, West Virginia’s downtown. The CAMC General Hospital is behind the first base side of the facility and the state capitol building is about two miles away. Despite the ballpark’s downtown location, there’s not a ton of dining or lodging options right near the ballpark. Charleston is a small city of about 50,000 residents, so getting around the area isn’t too difficult if you’re staying in the area.   Capitol Street (ironically located in the opposite direction from the capitol building from the ballpark) is a historic dining and shopping area of the city. It’s located less than a mile from GoMart Ballpark. The Greater Charleston area offers many outdoor activities for fans visiting during baseball season.   Fans 4   The Dirty Birds have ranked in the middle of the Atlantic League attendance rankings since their arrival in the circuit, averaging about 2,500 fans per game in 2023 and 2024. The crowd is pretty typical of most minor league crowds around the country, with a mix of diehard fans, casual fans enjoying an affordable night out, with families and groups scattered throughout the ballpark.   As mentioned before, sitting behind home plate with the Toast Man and the rest of the Dirty Birds’ superfans will give a visiting fan a totally different perspective of the Charleston game day experience. Their presence lifts this score above the average.   Access 5   Interstates 64 and 77 meet and combine in Charleston and run a short distance from GoMart Ballpark. Exit 100 drops visitors off about three blocks from the park, while the onramp to the interstate runs right along the third base side of the facility. Parking is located in a pair of lots right across the street to the ballpark’s entrance. Fans using public transportation can take the 11 or 14 bus to the stop at the corner of Morris and Smith Streets.   The box office and main entrance to GoMart Ballpark are located in the right field corner of the ballpark on Morris Street. After a quick security check, fans will enter a concourse meant to evoke images of Eutaw Street at Camden Yards. The team store and concession stands are built into the buildings that run along this concourse.   The 360-degree concourse that runs along the top of the seating bowl allows for views of the field from most points. Lines to the concession stands and restrooms are not usually an issue here. Seating consists of individual plastic chairs with cupholders. Sections furthest down the foul lines consist of metal bleachers with backs. There are picnic tables and areas for fans to mingle scattered throughout the ballpark. Fans who wish to roam around the facility will find plenty of standing room areas.   Return on Investment 5   Tickets to Dirty Birds games are very affordable, priced at $8 for general admission seats, $10 for box seats and $11 for premium seats in the sections behind home plate. Weekday games are discounted by one dollar. Purchasing your tickets on the day of the game increases the cost by two dollars.   Parking in the lots across the street from the entrance to the ballpark costs $5. With reasonable concessions prices, an evening at GoMart Ballpark is a most affordable entertainment option for central West Virginia sports fans.   Be aware that GoMart Ballpark is a cashless facility. Fans can convert cash into a card at the box office, team store, or fan assistance table.   Extras 2   The Michael C. Paterno Wall of Fame is located on the back side of the press box, honoring some of the more notable players from the area or those who passed through town during their careers. Among the notable names to be found here are Dave Parker, Kent Tekulve, Tommy John and Trevor Hoffman. Of course, the Toast Man is immortalized here as well.   Nods to Charleston’s baseball history can be found all over GoMart Ballpark, from the former team logos painted on the back of the press box to the Charleston Charlies gear sold in the team store.     Final Thoughts   GoMart Ballpark may not be the type of ballpark that makes anyone’s “Best Of” list. But it does many things well. It’s inexpensive, cozy and thanks to The Toast Man and the cast of regulars in Section 107, incredibly entertaining. This ballpark suits the Atlantic League, the city of Charleston and its baseball fans perfectly.   Follow Paul Baker’s stadium journeys on Twitter  and Instagram  @PuckmanRI.

Photos by Paul Baker, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.43 Brown Stadium 400 Elmgrove Ave Providence, RI 02906 Brown Bears football website Brown Stadium website Year Opened: 1925 Capacity: 20,000 Brown Bears Den Football has been played at Brown University since 1878. In the early years of the program, football games were played at Adelaide Park in the Elmwood neighborhood of Providence or on a makeshift field on campus. The squad eventually moved to Andrews Field, a combination football/baseball/track stadium across the street from present-day Brown Stadium. The Bears played there from 1899 to 1925. Brown Stadium is located on Elmgrove Avenue on Providence’s East Side about ¾ of a mile from the school’s other athletic facilities and over a mile from campus. The stadium was financed entirely through subscriptions and built to be expandable to a capacity of 32,000. The planned construction of a larger grandstand on the north side of the facility never occurred, and Brown Stadium’s capacity has remained at 20,000. For the 2021 season a new FieldTurf surface was installed and named for Richard I. Gouse, class of 1968, the field’s primary donor. The Bears have won or shared four Ivy League championships over their long history, most recently in 2008. Perhaps their most noteworthy team played in 1926, when the “Iron Men”, a team that consisted of eleven players who played both ways for two entire games, finished with a 9-0-1 record. In 1914 Brown played in the Rose Bowl, losing to Washington 14-0. Five persons affiliated with Brown football have been enshrined in the College Football Hall of Fame, including John Heisman. Food and Beverage 4 There have been many changes in the concession offerings at Brown Stadium. In addition to the usual stadium fare sold in the stands underneath the concrete grandstand, there are a variety of food trucks ringing Brown Stadium. It’s a welcome improvement from the basic fare offered here for years. Behind the north grandstand fans will find a lineup of food trucks. Among the offerings here are gourmet empanadas, gyros and falafels, chili dogs and Brazilian food. Additional food trucks located in other parts of the stadium sell coffee and hot beverages as well as frozen lemonade. It’s an eclectic mix with something for everyone. Coca-Cola products are featured at Brown Stadium. Fans looking for an adult beverage can check out the Narragansett Beer Garden in the northeast corner of the stadium, where assorted brews from the local favorite are available. Atmosphere 3 Let’s face it. Brown Stadium is way, way bigger than the Brown Bears need it to be. With a capacity of 20,000 and an average attendance of 4,000, There’s usually a ton of empty space that just swallows up any noise or excitement generated by a crowd here. But when you hit it right, a game at Brown Stadium can be a lot of fun. During Stadium Journey’s most recent visit a crowd of 10,000 fans took in a game against Harvard on a beautiful fall afternoon. There was a buzz in the stands not normally seen here. The student body showed up in force and was loud throughout the first half, despite many of them arriving late and leaving early. Unfortunately, this experience is the exception and not the rule at Brown. Brown, like all the other Ivy League schools, try their best to be wacky and irreverent, but their efforts generally fall flat. All the familiar pieces are here, including a pep band that performs throughout the game, a cheerleading squad and a (sometimes) active student section. With rivalries that go back over a century, there’s a fun give-and-take between fans from the opposing sides. During play stoppages field goal contests, t-shirt tosses and even chocolate tosses keep the energy going. Neighborhood 5 Brown Stadium is located over a mile away from the main university campus in the affluent East Side neighborhood of Providence, Rhode Island. The East Side is known for its old-school charm away from the bustle of the downtown area. While there aren’t any restaurants directly adjacent to Brown Stadium, there are several spots nearby worth a look. The East Side is known for its quaint spots and bohemian vibe, and you won’t be disappointed as you explore the area. Hope Street, Thayer Street, Wayland Square and Wickenden Street all boast excellent shops and eateries not far from Brown Stadium. Of course, downtown Providence, known as one of the top mid-sized cities in the country for foodies, is only two miles away at the bottom of College Hill. If looking for sporting options while visiting Providence, you have several options. Brown’s other sports facilities, including Meehan Auditorium , Pizzitola Sports Center and Murray Field are located about ¾ of a mile away near the main campus. The Amica Mutual Pavilion is located downtown, serving as home to the American Hockey League’s Providence Bruins and Providence College basketball . Fans 2 There can be a great deal of fluctuation in attendance from game to game depending on who is in town, but over the years the average yearly attendance at Brown football games settles in at about 4,000 fans per game. You can imagine that in a facility the size of Brown Stadium that a smaller crowd can get swallowed up by the size of the place. Likewise, there’s not a significant turnout by the student body for Brown football games. Even when there is a big turnout, as there was during Stadium Journey’s 2022 visit, many of the students arrived late and left early. Most of the fans in attendance are locals who have been coming to the East Side for years. With the Ivy League’s compact footprint, it’s not unusual to see a good turnout from the visiting side. Access 4 Brown Stadium is located in Providence’s East Side neighborhood, about ¾ of a mile from the university’s other athletic facilities and about a mile from campus. Getting to the stadium requires navigating the crooked streets of the East Side no matter from which direction you are coming. The most straightforward way to get to Brown Stadium is to take the Gano Street exit (Exit 3) off of Interstate 195. Detailed directions can be found here . Traffic can slow down on these side streets, but it’s generally pretty simple for fans to navigate the area. For fans utilizing public transportation, RIPTA’s number 40 bus stops right at the stadium on Elmgrove Avenue. There’s a decent sized parking lot adjacent to Brown Stadium where fans are allowed to tailgate, but many fans will forego the $25 price tag and find free parking on the neighborhood streets surrounding the stadium. Spots can usually be found within a few blocks of the facility. Strangely enough, the main entrance at Brown Stadium is not located in the giant grandstand, but on the opposite (visiting) side of the stadium. The majority of the seating at Brown Stadium is contained in the large trapezoid-shaped concrete grandstand on the southwest side of the facility. At its apex there are 72 rows of aluminum bleachers, so there is plenty of room to spread out. Additional seating is located on the northeast side of the field, where a smaller structure consists of more aluminum bleachers. A paved walkway connects the Elmgrove Street entrance with seating areas on both sides of the field. Rest rooms are located underneath both grandstands. They are decidedly small and dated (you don’t see the old-school troughs in many places anymore), but are large enough to handle a typical Brown football crowd. Likewise, lines form at the concession stands at halftime, but are generally not an issue. Return on Investment 4 Tickets to Brown football games are reasonably priced, with all seats priced at $15 for adults and $10 for youth and seniors. Ticket prices are the same whether purchasing reserved seats or general admission. Waiting until game day to buy your tickets will increase the price by five dollars. For visiting fans who wish to tailgate before the game, Lot 88 is located next to the main entrance on Elmgrove Ave. Parking in this lot will cost you $25. For those balking at that price, there is ample free parking on the streets surrounding the stadium. Since Brown doesn’t usually attract huge crowds for football, you should be able to find a spot a short walk from the game. All fans are given a free program upon entrance to Brown Stadium. Concessions are reasonably priced, making Brown an affordable entertainment option for Rhode Island sports fans. Extras 2 Brown Stadium’s unique seating area earns an extra point. You would be hard pressed to find another seating bowl like this trapezoidal structure. Consisting of a lung-splitting 72 rows at its apex (and nary an elevator in sight), this concrete behemoth contains the university seal, several ornate “B” logos and a pair of bear heads on its façade. Brown displays their long and illustrious history throughout Brown Stadium. Banners honoring championship teams, record setting accomplishments and noteworthy players are hung throughout the facility. Final Thoughts Brown Stadium is quickly approaching its 100th season of use. Despite its long history, Brown Stadium just doesn’t seem to get the love that some of the Ivy League’s other facilities get. Perhaps it’s due to Brown’s lack of consistent success on the gridiron, but Brown football seems to be little more than an afterthought, even in Providence. Still, college football fans could do a lot worse than taking in a game in a laid-back atmosphere on a gorgeous fall afternoon in Rhode Island’s capital city. Follow Paul Baker’s stadium journeys on Twitter and Instagram @PuckmanRI.

Photos by Joseph Oakes, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.43 Regency Furniture Stadium 11765 Saint Linus Dr Waldorf, MD 20602 Southern Maryland Blue Crabs website Regency Furniture Stadium website Year Opened: 2008 Capacity: 4,200 Welcome To Crustacean Nation Regency Furniture Stadium is the home of the Southern Maryland Blue Crabs of the Atlantic League. The Atlantic League is an independent league that is not affiliated with a Major League team. The stadium first opened in May, 2008 when the Blue Crabs knocked off the Lancaster Barnstormers 3-2. It is an aesthetically pleasing ballpark designed with sloping red roofs, similar to Churchill Downs, which pays homage to Southern Maryland’s tobacco barns. Food & Beverage 4 The Blue Crabs offer a wide variety of concession offerings at the “Taste of Maryland” concession stands, of which there are two. These offer chicken tenders, pizza, hamburgers, cheeseburgers, and hot dogs. As the team name indicates, Maryland is famous for its crabs, so there is a Crab Pretzel. Side dishes include souvenir helmet fries, cheese fries, and regular French fries, as well as, nachos, popcorn, cracker jacks, sunflower seeds, and peanuts. Bottles of Pepsi products and bottled water are offered, including juice boxes for kids. Alcoholic options include domestic and craft beers, and seltzers. Atmosphere 4 Regency Furniture Stadium follows the design of many ballparks its size with a concourse above a single seating bowl. Behind home plate, however, there are two levels of suites (one upper and lower), which block the concourse view of the action. Restrooms and concessions are located on the concourse behind the seating bowl. Down the lines, past the bases, seats are angled toward home plate, which greatly aids the viewing experience! There is a large open grassy seating area in right field and a party deck with tents above the wall in left field. The concourse goes all the way around the ballpark, but the outfield concourse and grass hill areas could use some upkeep. There is a manual scoreboard in left field, which is always a nice touch to see, and a large video board in right field. Large sponsor signs dot the outfield all the way around the park. There are also two scoreboards on either side of the suites on the overhang behind the plate, which keeps folks in the outfield from having to turn around. Just above sections 1 and 2 in right field is a kid’s play area. However, the team charges $7 per child (cash only) to enter. This seems outrageous since most ballpark’s do not charge to enter the play area. Above sections 24 and 25 in left field is the Legends Club restaurant, which can be rented out. There is also a small pool with bumper boats in left-center field, but they could use an upgrade. Neighborhood 2 Regency Furniture Stadium has a Waldorf, MD address, but is located equidistant between Waldorf and La Plata, about 15 miles north of the Virginia-Maryland state line. There is not much in the immediate vicinity, except for a neighborhood on one side and St Charles High School on the other. La Plata has the closest hotels (Holiday Inn Express, Best Western) and restaurants including Texas Roadhouse, Dunkin, Dairy Queen, Chick-fil-A, and Texas Ribs & BBQ, just to name a few. Waldorf is larger and much busier due to its proximity to DC, and also has many hotel and restaurant options. Southern Maryland is a fairly rural and beautiful part of the state. If you are willing to drive an hour or so south, there are many lighthouses, state parks, and water access areas. Fans 3 Blue Crabs attendance is typical of many minor league ballparks. The stadium fills up pretty well on the weekends, and fans are into the game. While many fans are families and groups enjoy a night out, we noticed several groups of season ticket holders who wore team gear and were knowledgeable of the teams and players. Access 4 Regency Furniture Stadium is located less than 35 miles from downtown Washington DC, between La Plata and Waldorf, MD. Despite being so close to the nation’s capital, this is a fairly rural area and access is pretty easy. The stadium itself sits adjacent to St. Charles High School, a few miles off of US 301. Once you are at the stadium, parking is free and security into the ballpark is pretty much non-existent. The staff are extremely friendly and welcome you. Once inside, the concourse is easy to navigate and you have access all around the ballpark. Due to the suites being on the concourse level, field action is blocked from the concourse behind the plate. However, from anywhere else, the concourse offers a great view of the action. Return on Investment 4 Single-game tickets are $15 each, and all tickets in 2021 are general admission, allowing fans to sit wherever they want. Tickets for active-duty military, veterans, seniors (65+), and children under 12 are $11, while tickets for healthcare workers and first responders are $5. Throw in free parking and reasonable concessions, and you have an affordable night at the ballpark. Extras 3 One extra point for family restrooms and a mother’s nursing room for those with small children. One extra point for the friendly staff around the ballpark. The kid’s play area should only get ½ point due to the team charging $7 cash per child to enter. Final Thoughts The Southern Maryland Blue Crabs are within the footprint of both the Washington National and the Baltimore Orioles. If you don’t feel like fighting big city traffic and forking out a lot of money, the Blue Crabs are just the spot for you!

Photos by Gail, Dan, and Steve Ohnsman, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.71 Estadio de Roberto Walker Clemente 65 Avenida Infanteria Carolina, Puerto Rico 00985 Gigantes de Carolina website Year Opened / Año abierto:   2000 Capacity / Capacidad: 12,500 Estadio Clemente La frase tan utilizada “El béisbol es vida” sigue siendo cierta en Puerto Rico. El Estadio de Roberto Walker Clemente lleva el nombre del nativo de Carolina, Roberto Clemente, quien se hizo famoso entre todos los fanáticos del béisbol como un gran jugador y, más aún, un gran humanitario. A finales de la temporada de 1972, se convirtió en el undécimo jugador de la MLB en registrar 3.000 hits. Lamentablemente, el 31 de diciembre de 1972, insistió en volar a Nicaragua para asegurarse de que los suministros en el avión fueran entregados adecuadamente a los sobrevivientes del terremoto de Nicaragua. El avión, muy cargado, despegó de San Juan, falló un motor y se estrelló frente a la costa al intentar regresar al aeropuerto. El Estadio Clemente fue construido en el año 2000 y está ubicado a 18 millas al este de San Juan y 11 millas al este de SJU (Aeropuerto de San Juan). Las áreas residenciales y comerciales rodean el parque, aunque está ubica do próximo  a la autopista 3. Cuenta con un hermoso exterior con una enorme estatua de Clemente en la entrada y un amplio estacionamiento. Clemente Stadium Entrance, Photo by Steve Ohnsman, Stadium Journey   El huracán María causó grandes daños a Puerto Rico en 2017. FEMA financió $18,400,000 para reparar y renovar el estadio. El Estadio de Roberto Walker Clemente ha sido un sitio de partidos de la MLB y, si los fanáticos puertorriqueños se salen con la suya, este se convertirá en el hogar de un equipo de expansión en el futuro. Es un estadio de usos múltiples, y sede de los G igantes de Carolina. Food & Beverage / Bebida y Alimenticia 3 El estadio ofrece comida tradicional puertorriqueña “criolla”, que incluye múltiples versiones de pollo frito con papas fritas ($12), hot dogs cubiertos con palitos de papa en un combo ($8) y palomitas de maíz ($5). Los productos de Coca-Cola y la  agua embotellada cuestan $3. Miller Lite es (lamentablemente) la única cerveza que se ofrece: una por $4 y tres por $9. Las bebidas con licor comienzan en $10; los dobles cuestan $13. Durante la serie de campeonato, las colas eran largas y requerían paciencia. Los camareros deambulan por el estadio para vender bebidas alcohólicas pero no comida. En general, los precios son muy altos para muchos nativos. Atmosphere / Atmósfera 4 Primero: ¡el ruido! Los partidos de playoffs con un estadio lleno de fanáticos con silbatos, bam bams, bocinas y cencerros crean MUCHO ruido. Si te sientas en el nivel inferior, la configuración del micrófono del locutor PA debe estar configurada al MÁXIMO y, junto con la música grabada, el volumen literalmente duele los oídos. Nuestra solución fue trasladarnos al piso superior, donde la vida era más tranquila; sin embargo, allí no hay baños ni puestos de comida; un ascensor en el lado de la tercera base ayuda a evitar subir las escaleras. El estadio tiene asientos de plástico en todas partes, sin portavasos. Es tiempo de reemplazar los asientos ya que la pintura se ha desgastado de los brazos metálicos.   Las vistas del atardecer en el jardín derecho son magníficas. El marcador muestra información útil sobre los jugadores durante todo el partido. Lo inusu al es que el estadio está orientado al sur. Roberto Clement Stadium Sunset, Photo by Steve Ohnsman, Stadium Journey Neighborhood / Barrio 3 El Estadio Clemente fue construido en un área abierta al este del Río Grande de Loiza, con edificios comerciales más cercanos y luego áreas residenciales a un cuarto de milla de distancia. Disfrutamos de una cena en Taco Riendo (Mexicano) al sur del estadio, junto con Sorriso Pizzeria , que ofrece pizzas creativas y un bar de servicio completo. Los hoteles/alojamiento son muy limitados alrededor del estadio; la mejor opción son los hoteles cerca del aeropuerto de San Juan. Estadio Yldefonso Sola Morales está a unos 50 minutos en auto, así que si estás en la isla, visítalo también para ver más "El béisbol es vida." Fans / Aficionados 5 ¡En Puert o Rico abundan los fanáticos apasionados y conocedores del béisbol! Durante la serie de campeonato de liga, la experiencia sube un nivel más. La tradición local es "cuanto más ruido, lo mejor." ¡Incluso las bocinas de aire que funcionan con baterías son disfrutadas y respetadas! Varios fanáticos comen en el estacionamiento antes de los partidos. Access / Acceso 3 Conducir hasta el área del estadio es bastante fácil, ya que hay dos autopistas principales justo al sur. Entrar al estacionamiento ($4) puede ser un poco arduo: dos o tres carriles. Los mapas muestran una línea de autobús con una parada aproximadamente a ¾ de milla al oeste del estadio. El aeropuerto de San Juan (11 millas) es el aeropuerto más cercano. Cuando hay mucha gente, los pasillos suelen estar abarrotados. La taquilla se encuentra en la planta baja, justo a la derecha de las escaleras. Un pequeño remolque cercano ofrece souvenirs, gorras y camisetas. Los baños son aceptables. Los Gigantes de Carolina no tienen programas a la venta. Return on Investment / Retorno de la Inversión 4 Puerto Rico tiene una larga historia de honrar a las personas mayores que pueden comprar boletos a mitad de precio, ¡incluso para la serie de campeonato! Recomendamos las entradas generales como mejor valor. Los precios de los alimentos son elevados, según los estándares Puertorriqueños.   . Extras 4 Puerto Rico tiene una larga historia de honrar a las personas mayores que pueden comprar boletos a mitad de precio, ¡incluso para la serie de campeonato! Recomendamos las entradas generales como mejor valor. Los precios de los alimentos son elevados, según los estándares Puertorriqueños. Final Thoughts / Pensamientos finales El Estadio Clemente es de lejos el más atractivo de todos los estadios de béisb ol puertorriqueños. Después de descubrimos que los asientos del piso superior eran mejores para mis oídos, disfrutamos de los cuatro partidos de la serie de campeonato. Los fans son geniales. ¡Definitivamente vale la pe na una visita! Muchas gracias a Jim Minard por su ayuda con la traducción.

Photos by Gail, Dan, and Steve Ohnsman, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.71 Estadio de Roberto Walker Clemente 65 Avenida Infanteria Carolina, Puerto Rico 00985 Gigantes de Carolina website Year Opened: 2000 Capacity: 12,500 Clemente Stadium The oft-used phrase “Baseball is Life” continues to be true in Puerto Rico.  Estadio de Roberto Walker Clemente is named after Carolina’s native, Roberto Clemente , who beca me famous to all baseball fans as a great player, and even more so, a great humanitarian.  Late in the 1972 season, he became the 11th MLB player to record 3,000 hits.  Sadly, on December 31, 1972, he insisted on flying to Nicaragua to ensure supplies on the plane were properly delivered to the Nicaraguan earthquake survivors.   The heavily loaded plane took off from San Juan, one engine failed, and it crashed off the coast attempting to return to the airport.   The Clemente Stadium was built in 2000 and is l ocated 18 miles east of San Juan and 11 miles east of SJU (San Juan Airport).  Residential and commercial areas surround the park, though it is located off Highway 3.  It features a beautiful exterior with a huge Clemente statue at the entrance  and a large parking lot. Clemente Stadium Entrance, Photo by Steve Ohnsman, Stadium Journey   Hurricane Maria caused extensive damage to Puerto Rico in 2017 .   FEMA funded $18,400,000 to repair and renovate the stadium.   Estadio de Roberto Walker Clemente has hosted MLB games, an d if the Puerto Rican fans have their way, this will become the home to an expansion team in the future.  It is a multi-purpose stadium, home to the Gigantes de Carolina. Food & Beverage 3 The stadium featu res traditional “Criollo” native Puerto Rican food, including multiple versions of fried chicken with French fries ($12), hot dogs topped with potato sticks in a combo ($8), and popcorn ($5).  Coke products and bottled water go for $3.  Miller Lite is (sadly) the only beer offered – one for $4 and three for $9.  Drinks with liquor start at $10; doubles cost $13.  During the championship series, lines were long and required patience.  Wait staff wander the stadium to sell alcoholic beverages but not food.  Overall, the prices are very high for many natives. Atmosphere 4 First – the noise!  Playoff games with a stadium full of fans with whistles, bam bams, horns, and cowbells create a LOT of nois e.  If  you sit in the lower level, the setting for the PA announcer’s microphone must be set at MAXIMUM, and along with the recorded music, the volume hurts one’s ears.  Our solution was to move to the upper deck where life was more peaceful – however, there are no bathrooms nor concession stands there; an elevator on the third base side helps avoid treks on the stairs.  The stadium has plastic stadium seats throughout – no cup holders.  It is time to replace the seats as the paint has worn off the metal arms.   The sunset views in the right field are magnificent.  The scoreboard displays useful information about the players throughout the game.  An unusual factor is that the stadium faces south. Roberto Clement Stadium Sunset, Photo by Steve Ohnsman, Stadium Journey Neighborhood 3 Clemente Stadium was constructed in an open area east of the Rio Grande de Loiza, with commercial buildings closest and then residential areas a quarter mile away.  We enjoyed dinner at Taco Riendo ( Mexican) south of the stadium, along with Sorriso Pizzeria ,  which offers creative pizzas and a full-service bar.  Hotels/lodging are very limited around the stadium – the best bet is hotels near the San Juan airport.   Estadio Yldefonso Sola Morales is about a 50 min drive, so if you’re on the island, visit that one too for some more “Baseball is Life.” Fans 5 Passionate, knowledgeable baseball fans abound in Puerto Rico!  During the league championship series, the experience goes up yet another level.  Local tradition is “the more noise, the better.”  Even battery-powered air horns are enjoyed and respected!  Several fan s tailgate in the parking lot before the games. Access 3 Driving to the ballpark area is quite easy, with two major highways just south.  Entering the parking lot ($4) can be a bit arduous – two or three lanes.  Maps show a bus line with a stop about ¾ of a mile west of the stadium.  San Juan Airport (11 miles) is the nearest airport.  With large crowds, the aisles are often crowded.  The ticket booth is located on the ground level, just to the right of the stairs.  A small trailer nearby offers souvenirs, hats, and shirts.  Restrooms are acceptable.  The Gigantes de Carolina do not have programs for sale. Return on Investment 4 Puerto Rico has a long history of honoring seniors who can buy tickets at half-price, even for the championship series!  I recommend general admission tickets as a better value.  Food prices are on the high side, based on Puerto Rican standards.  . Extras 4 The exterior of the stadium and sunset views offer “photo ops” along with the Clemente statue.  Plenty of parking is available.  Native/criollo food is good.  The scoreboard offers a good level of information.  Fan enthusiasm/knowledge is a plus; the noise volume is a negative. Final Thoughts Clemente Stadium is far and away the most attractive of all the Puerto Rican baseball stadiums.  Once we figured out that the upper deck seats were better for my ears, We enjoyed all four championship series games.  The fans are great.  It's definitely worth a visit.

Photos by Michael Davis, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.14 L. Dale Mitchell Park 401 W Imhoff Norman, OK 73072 Oklahoma Sooners website L. Dale Mitchell Park website Year Opened: 1982 Capacity: 3,180 There's Only One Oklahoma Baseball L. Dale Mitchell Park is located on the campus of the University of Oklahoma in Norman, Oklahoma. The park has been home to the University of Oklahoma baseball program for over 25 years, having opened on February 27, 1982 with a seating capacity of 3,180. The ballpark was named in honor of former Oklahoma letterman Dale Mitchell, who is the Sooners’ career and single-season batting title holder. The playing surface is field turf and a pitcher’s park, with spacious outfield dimensions of 335 feet down both lines and 411 feet to straight away center. The largest crowd ever at L. Dale Mitchell Park was 4,544 on May 4,1995 against the arch-rival Texas Longhorns. The Oklahoma baseball program has won 23 conference titles and has 36 NCAA Tournament appearances, with L. Dale Mitchell Park hosting the NCAA Regionals in 2006 and 2009. The Sooners have hosted a regional in Oklahoma City on three occasions, and last hosted one in 2004 at Bricktown Ballpark. The program has appeared in 10 College World Series, and won National Championships in 1951 and 1994. Food & Beverage 3 L. Dale Mitchell Park’s concessions are about as basic as you can get for a college venue. There are two permanent concessions stands on the main concourse, one on each baseline called “Ballpark Favorites.” These stands serve exactly what their namesake suggests – stadium favorites such as hot dogs, chili cheese dogs, nachos, popcorn, and pretzels; these items range from $4.50 to $7. The Sooner nachos and chicken tender basket are the highest priced items on the food menu, costing $9 – the Sooner nachos include chili, cheese, and sour cream. There is also a cash only mobile stand, located on the first base side, that offers hamburgers, cheeseburgers, funnel cake, corn dogs, French fries, frozen lemonade, and shaved ice. The ballpark serves Coca-Cola products, including Coca-Cola, Coca-Cola Zero, Diet Coke, Sprite, and water. The price for soda is $6 for the souvenir cup, $4.25 for the regular size, and $5 for a 20-oz. bottle. Bottled water costs $4.50 for the same 20-oz. bottle. Atmosphere 3 The typical college baseball atmosphere is present at L.Dale Mitchell Park, with most of the games held on weekends, affording the opportunity for families and children to spend some quality time at the ballpark. The press box and suites are located behind home plate, and free programs are given out upon entry into the park. There are baseball posters and schedules on the main concourse behind home plate, along with the lineup card for both teams. The home team dugout is located on the third base side of the field. During the game, there are contests between innings, plenty of music, including the singing of “Oklahoma” in the top of the fifth, and the traditional seventh inning stretch song, “Take Me Out to the Ballgame.” During select games, members of the Oklahoma Pom Squad are present and participate in activities. Neighborhood 3 The University of Oklahoma is a coeducational public research university located in the city of Norman, Oklahoma. The city of Norman is 20 miles south of Oklahoma City, and has a population of 120,284, listing Norman as the 3rd largest city in the state behind Oklahoma City and Tulsa. The OU campus has a student population close to 31,000. L. Dale Mitchell Park is located on the south side of campus between the Lloyd Noble Center and Traditions Square Apartments. The neighborhood around the ballpark is more residential, with the fast food chain Sonic being the closest restaurant, but there is also a Rudy’s BBQ down the road. The location is secluded; to get to anything with larger crowds you need to go to the other side of campus, to the popular Campus Corner area. The Campus Corner area is on the opposite side of campus from the ballpark, to the north off W. Boyd Street. This area has numerous restaurants, including Oklahoma’s well-known Hideaway Pizza. Volare is another pizza choice that fans seem to enjoy, and The Porch, The Library Bar and Grill, O’Connell’s Irish Pub & Grill, and Seven47 are great drinking holes with food. In addition, Pepe Delgados is a great choice for fans that are looking for Tex-Mex. The Mont is also a good recommendation, located just off E Boyd Street on Classen Blvd; here you can enjoy a brunch on their patio. Also, just north of the Campus Corner area is Main Street in downtown Norman, where I would suggest The Garage for people looking for a great lunch burger. The Oklahoma City area has so much to offer to visitors that a lot of people are surprised when they visit. Bricktown is a great spot for the traveling baseball fan; this neighborhood is home to Chickasaw Bricktown Ballpark , home of the Oklahoma City Dodgers (Pacific Coast League team for the LA Dodgers ). Oklahoma City will probably be on most tourist lists, but Norman, Oklahoma has a few tourist attractions of its own. The first stop is The University of Oklahoma campus – the campus, besides being a beautiful campus to walk around during baseball season, is home to a couple of nice museums, including the Sam Noble Museum of Natural History and the Fred Jones Jr. Museum of Art. These two museums will surely make it a wonderful educational trip. However, a visit to the University of Oklahoma wouldn’t be complete without a visit to the school’s football program. Heisman Park is located outside Oklahoma Memorial Stadium, and is a great photo op for fans. In terms of lodging, the Riverwind Casino is about 4.5 miles from L. Dale Mitchell Park, and might be the closest lodging. However, there are plenty of places to stay near campus, including Hampton Inn-Norman and Fairfield Inn & Suites, which are both just down Ed Noble Parkway from W. Main Street near Interstate 35. Fans 3 The Sooner faithful are a strong fan base, so no matter what sporting event you are attending the fans are supportive. Fans of all ages show up with their Crimson and Cream, from young girls in their OU cheerleading outfits to adults decked out in their OU novelties from head to toe. The fans cheer and jeer at the appropriate times during games, participate in the singing of the National Anthem, “Oklahoma,” and “Take Me Out to the Ballgame,“ and have a good time overall. Access 4 Access to L. Dale Mitchell Park is relatively easy. This is partly due to the ballpark being located on the southernmost part of campus, away from the main artery streets of Norman. It is a short drive from Interstate-35 to the campus, and there are plenty of ways to get to the ballpark. The easiest route to L. Dale Mitchell Park is to take exit 108A/B from Interstate 35 onto Route 9, then take a left onto W. Imhoff Road at the third traffic light. From here, L. Dale Mitchell Park will be on your left, across from the Lloyd Noble Center (OU’s basketball arena); there is free parking during baseball games in the Lloyd Noble Center parking lot. The main entrance at L. Dale Mitchell Park has 2 entry gates – one behind home plate and one next to the ticket office. The gates and ticket office open 1.5 hours prior to the first pitch. If ADA seating is needed, please call the OU ticket office at (800) 456-4668. L. Dale Mitchell Park’s main concourse is above the seating levels; the venue has two levels of seating with a walking concourse between the levels. The lower level seating features chair backs, while the upper level is equipped with benches. The biggest feature of the ballpark’s infrastructure is that the park is built into a grass berm. The seating is built around the infield, however, the rest of the grass berm seen beyond the seating area is very well utilized, as fans can bring blankets or chairs and sit along the top of the berm. L. Dale Mitchell Park is easy to navigate because the walkway and seating rows are spacious enough to move around. Due to the ballpark having been built into a grass hill, the slope is the only potential negative when moving around the park, and having to climb stairs to get to the main concourse can be a challenge for people with physical limitations. Return on Investment 3 The University of Oklahoma’s baseball ticket prices compare well with their Big 12 counterparts – ticket prices for reserve box seats are $15, while adult general admission costs $10. There is also a $2 discount for youth (5-18) and senior citizens, while children under 5 are admitted free of charge. Parking is free across the street at the Lloyd Noble Center , and the concessions aren’t professional sports inflated prices, so you can expect reasonable affordability for the food and drinks. The overall return on investment is above average for a day at L.Dale Mitchell Park. . Extras 3 Free parking, along with the ability to watch the game for free from beyond the outfield fence offers an old-time nostalgia like the knothole gang generation. Also, the banners of past players in the concourse connecting the present with the past is a nice mainstay, keeping OU tradition alive while the school continues to usher in new generations of players and fans. In addition, there is a friendly atmosphere here, spending the day at a ballpark watching a game without all the major league amenities. Final Thoughts L. Dale Mitchell Park is a tremendous place to spend an afternoon watching competitive college baseball. The Sooner game day staff does a wonderful job providing a safe yet fun-filled day for Sooner fans at the ballpark. If you are in the Norman area, There’s Only One Oklahoma Baseball, so a quick stop to watch Sooners baseball is well worth your time.

Photos by Richard Smith, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.14 Physical Education Complex 2500 W. North Ave Baltimore, MD 21216 Coppin State Eagles website Physical Education Complex website Year Opened: 2009 Capacity: 4,100 The Eagles of North Avenue Coppin State University is a Historically Black College and University (HBCU) located in Baltimore, MD. The school is a publically-funded State of Maryland university. It was founded in 1900 and was eventually named in honor of Fanny Jackson Coppin, an African-American woman who was a pioneer in teacher education. Famous alumni include NomaD and former NBA player Larry Stewart. The Coppin State Eagles compete in the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference (MEAC). The MEAC is a collegiate athletic conference whose full members are HBCUs in the Southeastern and the Mid-Atlantic United States. The Eagles were the 1976 NAIA National Champions before joining the NCAA. In 1997, the Coppin State Men’s Basketball team defeated the University of South Carolina in the opening round of the NCAA Men’s Division I Basketball Championship becoming just the third #15 seed to defeat a #2 seed. In the 2007–08 season, Coppin State became the first team in NCAA College Basketball history to reach the NCAA Tournament with 20 losses. The boring-ly named Physical Education Complex was built in 2009 and became home to the Coppin State University basketball team in the 2009–2010 season. The arena replaced the Coppin Center. Food & Beverage 2 There are concession stands on either side of the stadium. Chicken and hot dogs are the two main selections, in case you’re looking for something filling. Snacks include nachos, popcorn, chips, and pretzels. Concession stands are cash only. The offerings are basic but good. Atmosphere 3 The very open and spacious concourse circles around the seats. All the seats are blue and yellow and provide a nice look and atmosphere. There is a four-sided scoreboard hanging above the center court with a video screen on one end of the arena. The Coppin cheer and dance squad will also help the atmosphere. There may also be the Coppin Pep Band to help out the atmosphere. Neighborhood 2 The neighborhood right near the university can be pretty rough. It is a good idea to be extremely aware of your surroundings in this part of the city. Mondawmin Mall is located across the street from the arena itself. An early development of the influential Rouse Company, the mall was one of the earliest enclosed malls in the country. You may also recognize it from scenes in the film Species II. Unfortunately, the mall area was in the heart of both the 1968 and 2015 riots in Baltimore. That is not mentioned to scare you but make you aware that one needs to be careful. Baltimore is a great metropolitan city, with many fun and exciting places to spend time both before and after a game. Relatively close to the stadium is the Mt. Washington neighborhood that straddles I-83 South (known as the Jones Falls Expressway, or the JFX, by locals). The Mt. Washington Tavern (5700 Newbury Street) is an excellent restaurant with both fine food and bar food type menu. The place is large, and there always seems to be room for more. Towson is another good option for visitors. There are many shops, restaurants, and attractions in this area. Also check out the Hampden neighborhood, with its variety of quirky shops and restaurants. Fans 4 The fans are good and knowledgeable. Depending on the opponent, the crowd sound and participation level can differ. The team tends to start with a bad non-conference record because they play so many games at bigger teams for the paycheck. It unfairly starts them in a hole by the time the MEAC season begins. Access 2 The university is located a bit away from the closest major highway in the area, the Jones Falls Expressway, known locally as the JFX. The best option for visitors is to head towards the Maryland Zoo in Baltimore, located not far away. From the north take the JFX South to Exit 6 (North Avenue). Turn right and go to 2500 West North Avenue. From the west take I-70 East to I-695 South and follow to Exit 15 (Rt 40 East). From Rt 40, turn right onto Hilton Parkway – Hilton Parkway eventually turns into Hilton St. Turn right on North Avenue and follow to the 2500 West Block. Return on Investment 5 Tickets are nicely priced and parking is low or free depending on the game. Tickets go on sale at the ticket window, located in the Physical Education Complex, approximately one hour before tipoff. Tickets are $10 for adults, $5 for children 12 and under, $5 for high school students with a valid student ID, and $5 for non-Coppin State students with a valid ID. Prices and access may be different for Homecoming and Morgan State games. Coppin State students are admitted free of charge with a valid student ID for all games including Homecoming. This is a fair value for a nice level and quality of basketball. Extras 4 There are historical displays around the venue celebrating the history of the men’s and women’s teams at Coppin. Pay special attention to the ones mentioning long-time coach “Fang” Mitchell, who was quite a character around the area. There are some nice banners above the court, especially the NAIA championship banner. The side of the arena offers a nice window view of the nearby road and offers a good amount of light into the arena. HBCU schools always offer a great atmosphere from the cheer and dance squads. Final Thoughts The Coppin State University’s Physical Education Complex is one of my favorite arenas to watch a basketball design. It is a well-designed arena that offers a great deal of basketball atmosphere.

Photos by Dave Cottenie, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.43 Alumni Stadium 26 Lang Way Guelph, ON N1G 2M7 Guelph Gryhons football website Alumni Stadium website Year Opened: 1970 Capacity: 8,500 Gryphon Pride In 1964 an amalgamation between the Ontario Agricultural College, Ontario Veterinary College and MacDonald Institute formed the University of Guelph.   The modern post-secondary institution welcomes over 29,000 enrolled students and sits in Guelph, Ontario, between Toronto and Kitchener-Waterloo.  The OAC fielded its first football team in 1950 as the Aggies and would eventually become the Guelph Gryphons.  Typically a contending program, the Gryphons have brought home the Yates Cup as OUA conference champions four times (1984, 1992, 1996 and 2015) and the Vanier Cup as USports National Champions in 1984. Home for the Gryphons is Alumni Stadium.  Opened in 1970, and able to accommodate 8,500 fans, Alumni Stadium has seen a number of changes over the years to make it one of the best football facilities for USports in the country.  The latest renovation included a football pavilion with the largest donation coming from former coach Stu Lang, giving the Gryphons a new wrinkle for recruiting.  The University of Guelph does as much as possible with Alumni Stadium, and it is definitely a point of Gryphon Pride. Food & Beverage 3 Alumni Stadium does not offer a distinct concession stand within the facility.  However, the University of Guelph does create a unique “tailgate party” atmosphere on the opposite side of Lang Way during games.  A number of food trucks are in the square for fans to purchase food.  It is accessible during the game as well.  For the game that was reviewed, a Domino’s Pizza food truck and Mexican cuisine food truck were in attendance.  There are also trucks run by UofG food services.  They offer hot dogs, chips, soda, ice cream, chocolate, soft serve ice cream, freezies, pretzels and mini donuts.  Fans in the tented business/accessible seating are able to purchase alcohol. Atmosphere 4 The University of Guelph had done just about everything possible to make Alumni Stadium as good as it could possibly be.  The main grandstand was built in 1970, but has been well maintained with a full on black paint job with a massive Gryphons logo and other red and yellow accents.  It is not massive as compared to the huge stadiums in the NCAA, however it does have a presence.  The field is oriented from north to south and the grandstand is on the west side.  Lang Way is west on the other side of the grandstand and is closed off for the tailgate party, which is accessible after passing security and ticket scanning at the north side of the grounds.  One spot of note outside the stadium is Champions Corner.  Located at the northwest end, outside of the grandstand, Champions Corner features an embedded plaque for each championship the Gryphons have brought home, across the entire athletic department.  A feature such as this is unique to Guelph and not found at other universities in Canada.  On gameday, large inflated sock people welcome fans to the game from Champions Corner.  A small play field towards the south provides some pregame activities for fans to enjoy.  Also a photo op at the “Proud To Be A Gryphon” sign will complete the experience.  One of the player entrances into the stadium is labeled “Gryphon Door” sure to make Harry Potter fans happy.  A temporary table selling Gryphons swag is a spot to stop as well as having a seat at the massive Gryphons branded Muskoka Chair should be done before entering the stadium. Inside the field, the attention to detail remains with the grandstand well maintained with 33 rows of aluminum benches across five sections.  The field is surrounded by a full running track, pushing fans a little further from the action on the field than is ideal, however, it is not a big deal.  The east side of the field has berm seating, which should be open for the biggest games of the season.  The Gryphons also actively honour former players with honoured numbers on the east fence, visible from the grandstand.  Players with honoured jerseys include Sam Benincasa, Mark Brown, Parri Cici, Steve McKee, Mike Hudson, Gerry Organ, Mike Shoemaker, Kyle Walters, Jeremy Oxley, Nick Fitzgibbon and Mike O’Shea.  Although many schools honour past players in their athletic hall of fame, it is truly unique to view such honours from the grandstand.  Gameday also features a number of flags in the northeast corner for Gryphons who have won major awards.  The northeast corner also features Celebration Corner, with a large bell.  It looks like this is a new development and not part of the gameday production for the game that was reviewed. The gameday production at a Gryphons game is not overly unique.  The Gryphons mascot, Gryph, can be found roaming the crowd and interacting with fans and cheerleaders.  The cheer team does help rile up the crowd and cheers from the sidelines.  On Gryphon touchdowns, a student will run a lap of the track with a flag in tow, finishing off with 10 pushups which are counted down by the crowd and PA announcer. Neighbourhood 3 Alumni Stadium is located on the campus of the University of Guelph, south of downtown.  The immediate area is surrounded by campus buildings, residences and athletic facilities.  There are Tim Hortons and Starbucks locations on campus, but for fans wishing to find something with more substance, they will have to travel either north or south.  Some options that are not that far include Guelph BBQ, The Fat Duck, Bardo Guelph, Boathouse Tea Room or Royal Electric Bar. There are other sporting options to be found in Guelph.  The Gryphons field a full complement of teams including hockey  and basketball , which are on campus, just south of Alumni Stadium.  During the summertime the Guelph Royals  of IBL take the field.  However, probably the biggest draw is the Guelph Storm  of the OHL, who play downtown at the Sleeman Centre.  Other tourist options in Guelph included the Guelph Civic Museum, University of Guelph Arboretum, River Run Centre and the birth home of “In Flanders Fields” author, John McCrae.  Across the road from Alumni Stadium is Cutten Fields golf course.  For fans wishing to stay near the university, the Delta is a good option. Fans 3 Attendance for Gryphons football is very elastic, usually with anywhere from 1,000 to 8,000 fans.  Some factors include weather, and number of students on campus.  The homecoming game routinely sells out, however a game in late August, like the one that was reviewed, will have limited support due to the students not yet being on campus.  A Thanksgiving weekend game is also going to attract a limited number of fans.  The fans in attendance are supportive and can get loud at appropriate times.   Access 4 Alumni Stadium is located at the north end of the campus of the University of Guelph, surrounded by Lang Way, Ring Road and College Avenue.  Campus is south of Highway 7 and east of Highway 6 and it is not too difficult to get to, however, travelers will have to drive a bit through the city.  Parking can be found across College Ave, east of the stadium on Ring Road, or south of the stadium near the hockey arena.  Parking should be free on gameday.  For fans who wish to take public transit, there are Guelph Transit bus stops on College Ave and Gordon Street.  Fans should consult the Guelph Transit  website for fares, schedules and maps. Getting around the stadium is not too difficult, however the stairs in the grandstand and accessing the washrooms underneath may not be easy for those with mobility issues. Return on Investment 4 Gryphons football tickets go for $20.  University of Guelph students are free, staff are $5 and youth are $10.  VIP tickets run for $25.  Tickets will be $5 more expensive when purchased at the stadium on gameday.  Concession prices are decent and parking should be free.  The Gryphons put together one of the best gameday atmospheres for university football in Canada and catching a game will have fans leaving with a sense they got their money’s worth. Extras 3 An extra mark for the Gryphon Door. An extra mark for raising the facility bar in USports football. An extra mark for Alumni Stadium being the home for the Hamilton Tiger-Cats  of the CFL for one season while Tim Hortons Field was being built. Final Thoughts The Guelph Gryphons football program and their home at Alumni Stadium show that a USports football program can take a step to the next level and provide an atmosphere worthy of the school.  Whether student, alumni, fan or visitor, taking in a game at Alumni Stadium will definitely leave fans with a sense of Gryphon Pride. Follow all of Dave’s sporting adventures on YouTube , Twitter , Threads  and Instagram @profan9.

Photo Courtesy of City of Melbourne/Australian Open Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.14 Melbourne Park Batman Ave Melbourne, Australia 3000 Australian Open website Melbourne Park website Year Opened: 1988 Capacity: 80,735 Grand Slam Down Under Tennis's Australian Open is nicknamed 'The Happy Slam' by the players and for most visitors who come as tourists from abroad. Nothing brings a smile to your face more than going from being stuck indoors in a freezing winter climate to kicking back in the warm sunshine while downing a local brew and watching two world class players slug it out below you. The venue is Melbourne Park, which not only sports 22 tennis courts, but also features nearby lawns and is adjacent to the Melbourne Cricket Ground in Yarra Park. It is right next to the Yarra River, where one of the tournament's former champions, Jim Courier, once dove in after his title run. While taking causal walks to the tennis site on the river side, you can see rowers from the various clubs practicing, little kids running down sandy pathways headed to a children's museum, joggers and cyclists on their daily workout, and people of all sorts sitting on benches and napping in the mild weather. The Australian Open is the most accessible of the four tennis Grand Slams from three perspectives: it's the closest to any of the city's central business districts so it is in walking distance of numerous good hotels, restaurants and bars; it isn't impossible to get a good, reasonably priced ticket to a secondary stadium and also take in few matches on outer courts without being totally squeezed out; and the people who work there aren't on occasion stuck up (which can be a problem in Paris or London for the French Open and Wimbledon) or rude (as in the case of some New Yorkers at the US Open ). Like most Australians, people who work at the facility are genuinely nice and helpful. Even though it can get hot, the weather is usually very good and because Australians are so diligent about protecting their skin from burning due to the hole in the ozone layer above their continent, there is enough shade, weather and free sunscreen available. The center court, Rod Laver Arena, seats 15,000, and has a retractable roof. The second stadium, Hisense Arena, also has a retractable roof and seats 10,000. The third stadium, Margaret Court Arena, (which will also soon have a roof) seats 5,000, while Show Courts 2 and 3 seat 3,000 apiece. The other side courts range in number of seats, but if you don't try and enter a five-set classic too late, it�s quite possible to get on all of them. Perhaps most importantly, the sightlines on all the major courts are excellent so don't be concerned about obstructed views. Food & Beverage 3 The site has a broad selection of eating and drinking options, and the famous Aussie love of beer is in evidence all over the grounds. A number of food outlets are located in Laver Arena itself, as well as near the grassy garden square inside the south entrance. Prices are reasonable for a sporting event, with items ranging from about AU $5-$15. The typical stand offers burgers, chicken and hot dogs for at or under $10, while drinks, coffee, cookies and snacks are about $5. For typical Aussie fare, try a meat pie, also about $5. If you're hungry for a proper meal but don't want to pay too much, hidden away in the northeast corner of Rod Laver Arena is a booth offering Thai food -- it's a good choice, with chicken and rice for $15. There's also full dining available at a restaurant just off the side of the arena with main courses and pizzas for $20-$35. Atmosphere 4 The Australian Open is the most relaxed of the Grand Slams, with a friendly, holiday atmosphere and spectators out to have a good time. The two main stadiums are large but not oversized, and the third stadium, Margaret Court Arena, has a cozy feel. Multicultural Melbourne draws out lots of support for players from many nations, including particularly enthusiastic supporters for Chile, the Balkan countries and Poland. Costumed fans are also common around the grounds, and there's usually a crowd of people sunbathing and watching tennis in front of the big screens. It's hard not to join in the locals' enthusiasm for both the tennis and having a good time. Neighborhood 5 The Australian Open is the only Grand Slam where you can walk right into the heart of an attractive and fun city within 10 minutes. There are a variety of restaurants with every type of cuisine available. There are laid back cafes and coffee houses, swank bistros and rocking clubs and bars. There are hotels of all types from 1 star to 5 stars, but the cheaper ones tend to be further away from the tennis site, although everything is connected to public transport. There are museums, art galleries, theaters and there always seems to be festivals and community events going on. And of course there is plenty of shopping, from high-end boutiques and department stores, to small local shops, to the gigantic outdoor market - Queen Victoria. Fans 4 There is plenty of energy at the tournament, as fans come there expecting to eat, drink, be merry and cheer their lungs out. There is a pretty large international population of fans, which make it more enjoyable as you can travel court to court and hear Swedes, Serbians, Chinese and other nationalities cheering on their players or singing in their language in support of their national heroes. The Aussies do that plenty as well, and even have longstanding fan clubs (such as the famous "The Fanatics") who paint their faces, buy blocks of tickets and chant enthusiastically all match long. On occasion, certain groups of fans have become too unruly (some Serbian and Croatians who immigrated to Australia formed local fans clubs and have yet to put aside their age old hostilities and have actually battled on site), but security has tightened to the point where it's become extremely rare for any conflict to reach a tipping point. Access 5 Australia is far away from most parts of the world but once you're there the Australian Open is fairly easy to reach. There is one international airport at Melbourne, which is about a half an hour drive from the city. Flights from abroad are pricey, but flights inside the country are fairly inexpensive. The tournament grounds are close to town, about a 15-minute walk and 5-minute tram ride or taxi from the central Flinders Street Station, as well as the smaller Jolimont and Richmond stops. A free tram operates from the central business district to Melbourne Park, running until an hour after play ends. There are separate stops for Rod Laver Arena and Hisense Arena, which are at opposite ends of the grounds. Parking is available at two lots, but space is limited. Taxis stop at the south entrances, and there are drop-off points at this location for cars as well. In the grounds, line-ups for food and facilities are common, but tend to move quickly. Return on Investment 4 If you are looking for a super cheap ticket to watch pro tennis, the sport's four Grand Slams are not the place to go. There are plenty of events around the world where you can get a ticket for $20 and under: in fact, at the WTA Championships in Istanbul (the women's tour season ending event) you can buy a courtside seat for some nights for as little as $35. But the tennis majors do not have a price that far down in the major arenas, so courtside seats at Laver Arena can cost as much as $700 and that's face value without service charges. But here are affordable options if you don't want to attend the semifinals or finals and are willing to go during the first 8 days of the tournament. Single session tickets start from $80 (US) and ground passes from $32 (US). There are also package deals available which makes every ticket cheaper. Ground passes get fans access to Margaret Court Arena, as well as the Show Courts 2 and 3 and the back courts. There's also a good deal on a Family Grounds pass for about $100, which covers four people (at least 2 kids). At Rod Laver Arena, the cheapest single session ticket starts at $80 US for the first two days for the day or night session, jumps to $95 for Wednesday and Thursday, go up to $125 on Friday, and then to $150 from Saturday to the Monday of the second week. The middle weekend is by far the busiest time, so buy your tickets early. Pricing for Hisense Arena is the same for the first eight days of the tournament at $80 for the cheapest seats, which is a darn good price considering that many of the game's best players compete there and because there tend to be more competitive matches than they have on Laver the first five days, as Laver emphasizes the game's top 6 players or so, who often win in blowouts until the second week. There are family packages for four (at least 2 kids) at Hisense for around $190 US, a very good deal considering it gives you the option of big show court matches and everything else outside of Laver. Once the quarterfinals begin on the second Tuesday prepare to break the bank for Laver tickets, which start at $145 for the cheap seats and keep getting higher until the end of the event, when a bleacher seat for the women's final goes for $290 and the men's final goes for $420. None of the quoted prices include ticket agency charges. If you are thinking of going, realize this: after the first six days of the tournament, it's slim picking for singles matches on the outer courts so unless you love doubles and mixed doubles, don't buy a grounds pass after Saturday. Grand Slam tennis is not for the light of wallet, but if you can manage to get to the Australian Open during the first five days of the tournament before the crowds descend on Saturday and buy a grounds pass, take public transport, only have one meal, a snack and say a beer, then it's possible to leave there having spent around $75, not exactly like going to a Thursday afternoon baseball game between two bad teams where you might be able to get in and out for $40. But the Australian Open is not a run in the mill event: it's like attending a playoff game in any sport, so expect to come up with playoff seats money. If you want to attend the final, expect to come up with Super Bowl and World Cup final money. Extras 4 There is shopping and places to sit and relax on the grounds, and plenty to see nearby. Fans can gather in the Garden Square to watch the Rod Laver Arena action on a big screen, or head over to the new viewing bridge that is situated above the practice courts to watch their favorite players sweat. Live bands play daily, and there are kids courts as well. Final Thoughts If you get to the tournament early enough during the day time in the first week and are willing to stay until all the day time matches are complete, it's possible to watch 12 hours straight of high-level tennis from the world's best. For hardcore tennis fans, that's worth every penny, even if you buy an arena ticket, a T-shirt, eat two meals and shell out $200. That's still less than $20 per hour for entertainment, which can be less than you spend at a bar on a Saturday night. But if you buy a second week night session ticket for you and your partner for around $300, decide to dine at one of the onsite restaurants and drop another $100, buy two sweatshirts for $150, have a few cocktails for another $50 and unfortunately get treated to two garbage matches, the $600 won't seem worth it. However, if you dare to buy a ticket to the men's final and get treated to a historic match like the Novak Djokovic versus Rafael Nadal five-hour plus final in 2012, then you remember that match for the rest of your life and be able to fondly tell your grandchildren about it. Then, laying out $600 or so won't seem like a steep price. There is nothing like a Grand Slam environment whether you are a tennis lover, a marginal fan or a newcomer. Step inside the grounds and you will immediately feel the energy. The Aussies love their tennis, so if you live in Australia the experience is akin to attending a test match in cricket between Australia and top rival England. If you are from outside Australia, you'll remember your experience as fondly as you will your visit to the Great Barrier Reef.

Photo Courtesy of Football Federation of Amenia Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.43 Vazgen Sargsyan Republican Stadium 65 Vardanants St Yerevan 0070, Armenia FC Pyunik website Vazgen Sargsyan Republican Stadium website Year Opened: 1935 Capacity: 14,403 As Beautiful as Mount Ararat Itself Vazgen Sargsyan Republican Stadium was built between 1933 and 1935 under the auspices of architect Koryun Hakoyan. It was then known as the Dinamo Stadium but after major renovation in 1999, including a new roof, it became known as the Republican Stadium (Hanrapetakan Stadium). However in October of that year, the Armenian Prime Minister and a number of other politicians were assassinated in an attack on the parliament and the stadium was officially renamed as the Vazgen Sargsyan Republican Stadium in his honour. It’s a very beautiful stadium with neoclassical colonnades curving seductively around the arena. The external fascia of the main stand is a real architectural treasure. The modern roof could have looked incongruous against the classical lines, but instead it has a beauty of its own which complements the older parts of the stadium. With the mighty Hrazdan Stadium out of commission, all of Armenia’s international matches are now played at the Republican Stadium. It was Armenia’s 2003 match against Spain which produced the stadium’s record gate of 16,000. In 2008, through the Israeli company Green Diversified Ltd, the Republican was brought up to UEFA standard with a new pitch, VIP section, and security systems. In my opinion it is one of the most architecturally important stadiums in Europe and a visit comes highly recommended. FC Gandzasar of the Armenian Premier League were only formed as recently as 2002. Their home stadium, the Kapan City Stadium was opened in 1963 and was also home to Lernagorts Kapan before their demise. In 2013 Gandzasar opened a new training facility on the edge of Kapan, however, lack of facilities at their home stadium means that for the 2017 season at least the club are forced to play their home games in the capital, Yerevan, a six hour drive away. FC Pyunik have achieved so much in a relatively short period of time having been formed as recently as 1992. Initially they were called Homenetmen Yerevan and in their first season they shared the first Armenian Premier League title with Shirak Gyumri. In 1995 Homenetmen rebranded as Pyunik which is the Armenian word for Phoenix. However, the club ran into problems and did not compete in the 1999 and 2000 seasons. The club were reborn in 2001 with a new owner, Ruben Hayrapetyan. Rather than rejoin the League in the second tier Pyunik absorbed First League champions FC Armenicum so they were restored to the Premier League. It was the start of huge success for Pyunik, they would win 10 straight league titles between 2001 and 2010. They have only won one championship since, in 2014/15, but to highlight their domestic dominance their 14 titles is ten more than the next nearest challenger, Shirak Gyumri. Pyunik have also won eight Armenian Cups and nine Super Cups. Food & Beverage 1 No kiosks of any sort are present in the stadium. The only food available is through vendors selling water, nuts and seeds. Atmosphere 1 Despite free admission there is a spartan crowd of around 300 at the Republican Stadium. In a stadium which holds almost 15,000 people there is little noise other than the odd barracking of officials over contentious decisions. The Republican Stadium is really beautiful, with sweeping neoclassical curves and columns. The 1999 roof really sets off the stadium and complements the overall design. There is a stadium scoreboard behind one of the goals. It is fairly modern, but just displays the score. The external fascia of the main stand is a real architectural treasure. Generally only the main stand is open for league games due to the low attendances. Neighborhood 4 Yerevan is a compact and interesting city with amazing views to the fabled Mount Ararat (which is actually in Turkey). The stadium is around two miles from central Yerevan so it makes sense to stay in the city and just travel out to the game. It feels like a safe city and I neither saw or heard of any problems whilst I was there. Around Republican Square there are many restaurants and bars which for a capital city offer good value for your money. There is a relatively new pedestrian area along North Avenue which is vibrant and packed with restaurants and shops. As you would expect from a capital city there are many interesting things to see. There is the Matenadaran, a museum housing ancient manuscripts and the moving Genocide museum and memorial commemorating the 1915 genocide by Turks on the people of Armenia. The Republic Square area is a vibrant and pleasant place to spend an evening. Away from the city to the north lies Lake Sevan and the stunning south Caucasus mountains. To travel through the mountains we used Hyur Service who were good value and punctual. Fans 1 All games in the Armenian Premier League are usually free to attend. With widespread corruption in the past all clubs struggle to attract a crowd and the average attendance in a league season is typically less than 500, among the lowest for any European league. There is no chanting at all, and the atmosphere is very quiet and expectant. During my most recent visit you could even hear the players calling to each other it was so quiet. This is certainly an interesting and unique aspect of this stadium compared to many others in Europe. Access 4 It is a one level stadium so you enter at pitch level and climb steps to your chosen row. You enter the stadium on the right hand side of the entrance and you can sit where you like as no admission is charged. The closest metro station is Zoravar Andranik, which is located less than a mile west of the Republican Stadium. It would take 15 minutes to walk from here. Numerous buses stop close to the stadium at a bus stop called Vardan Mamikonyan on Khanjyan Street. Perhaps the best option is to grab a taxi which will cost less than $5 from central Yerevan. Zvartnots Airport is around eight miles west of Yerevan, and you can catch bus number 108 into the city centre or hail a taxi, which are very cheap. Your hotel may also arrange a transfer. There is a car park outside the stadium which for league matches will not be busy. Entry is free, you just walk in. There are no concourses so all seats have a pitch view and if you need toilets they are found close to the entrance. Return on Investment 5 It’s free to get in so you cannot have any complaints. Yes more could be done to raise money from refreshments and souvenirs, but that does not appear to be the Armenian way. Extras 1 A team sheet is available from the press area, but it will be in the Armenian script known as Arasan. Final Thoughts It is quite a strange feeling going to a match where it costs you nothing and there is no attempt to sell you anything! Then again in terms of aesthetics, the Republican Stadium is up there in my top ten all time stadiums visited.

Photos by Sean MacDonald, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.29 Es Con Field Hokkaido F Village Kitahiroshima, Hokkaido, Japan 061-1116 (+81) (0)11-857-3939 Hokkaido Nippon Ham Fighters website Es Con Field Hokkaido website Year Opened: 2023 Capacity: 35,000 Hamming It Up in Hokkaido In 2016, the Hokkaido Nippon Ham Fighters began considering a new stadium as they wanted to leave the Sapporo Dome, a multipurpose facility that they shared with Consodale Sapporo of the J.League. Japanese ballparks are generally functional rather than aesthetically pleasing, but Fighters management wanted to change that. They recognized the trend that combines sports venues with other forms of entertainment to increase attraction to those who are not necessarily sports fans. Most Japanese ballparks are functional rather than aesthetic, and they wanted to change that. They spent a lot of time looking at stadiums in the United States and employed HKS, an American architectural firm that designed Globe Life Field in Arlington. Rather than remain in Sapporo, the Fighters found a large open space in nearby Kitahiroshima, where their vision could be fully realized. The result is more than a ballpark, with a new neighborhood being constructed around it. Es-Con, a local developer, bought the naming rights, and the result is Es Con Field Hokkaido, simply the best ballpark in Japan. It opened in 2023, and Stadium Journey paid a visit in the summer, coming away more than a little awestruck. Food & Beverage 5 The most impressive aspect of Es Con Field is the variety of food and beverages. When you walk in, you will be handed a Gourmet Guide, which lists all of the options inside the stadium. Some boards show what is available in each section. Unlike in North America, food is not overpriced at sporting events, so you can try a few things here without breaking your budget, particularly given the weakness in the Japanese yen (approximately 150 yen to a dollar at the time of writing). It is impossible to list all of the options as there are 47 listed in the Gourmet Guide. If you have lived in Japan, you will recognize some of the vendors, such as Mos Burger and Mister Donut, but there are still dozens of concessions that are local to the area. Some less common foods are croquettes that start at 250 Yen, rice balls that start at 380 yen, and squid tempura for 480 yen. Giant yakitori sticks are just 490 yen, while five pieces of karaage (fried chicken) are 600 yen. That's about four bucks. Come hungry. In addition to these typical concessions, several full-service restaurants are open to the public. Fans wait in line to sit down at these places, which are exactly like eateries in a city. The aroma of food wafting through the concourses is exciting, and you would need to spend several games here to try a few of these establishments. One example is an okonomiyaki restaurant where customers sit at a counter that is right next to the concourse, while on the upper level, there is an izakaya that has a long line. Get there early if you want to try one of these unusual spots. In terms of drinks, draft beer (known as nama) is available everywhere, including from young ladies who patrol the seating bowl and serve it to you out of a keg on their back. At 750 yen, it is far cheaper than beer at ballparks in America, and no tipping is required. Behind the center field wall, there is a craft beer brewpub that had the biggest line of all, though some other concessions did have some craft offerings. You can also order sours (shochu mixed with a fruit drink such as lemon juice) and even whiskey and return highballs. Those not interested in alcohol have a typical choice of soft drinks such as oolong tea, ginger ale, and Calpis. The only potential problem I saw was that the venue is cashless, a rarity in Japan. I was able to use my credit card, but if you have trouble with yours, you can convert cash to a value card that can be used. Atmosphere 4 You will first see the stadium as you pass by on the train from Chitose Airport. It looks like a massive airplane hangar and resembles US Bank Stadium in Minneapolis. The signature feature is the 230-foot high glass window beneath a large, retractable roof that mimics certain types of houses in Hokkaido. The roof was closed for the game I attended and is likely closed for most games during Japan's hot, humid summer. It is open when no games are being played as the field is natural turf (a rarity in Japan), and they need some natural light when there isn't a game. The roof weighs 10,000 tons and takes 25 minutes to open. If you ride the shuttle bus from Kitahiroshima Station, you will be dropped off on the south side of the stadium, which is the first base gate. You can buy your ticket here, but before entering, walk around to see F Village , the neighborhood that is being built on the east side of the stadium. It features a running track, a playground, a dog park, some food shops, a miniature ball field, and even an adventure park that requires separate admission fees but looks to be quite a bit of fun. I recommend getting there at least 2 hours before the first pitch to see everything, or you can make a day of it. Rather than returning to the first base gate, continue around to the third base entrance, and you will pass by the team's enormous flagship store. I went in briefly, but it was too crowded to do much shopping before the game; afterward, it was a bit more reasonable. Again, with the weak yen, prices are reasonable, especially for smaller items such as caps. Once inside, you will quickly realize that this is not a typical Japanese ballpark. The asymmetric outfield is only the second in Japan, while there are four distinct levels of seating, with a capacity of 35,000. Seats are padded in some sections, and there are cup holders, essential for all the beers that you will be drinking. The seats behind the plate are inaccessible to those without a ticket, but they look to be very comfortable. Tickets for this section were not available at the box office, and the secondary market in Japan is not as liquid as elsewhere, so if you want to sit here, you will have to do some research. A large electronic scoreboard is above the seating bowl at each corner, a change from most parks in the country, which have just one centerfield scoreboard. In addition, bullpens are visible here. The only pro ballpark in Japan to have this feature. In the left field corner is Tower 11, so named because both Yu Darvish and Shohei Ohtani wore #11 when they played for the Fighters, and a mural of these two is nearby. There is a hotel here with rooms that overlook the stadium (much like Rogers Centre in Toronto), as well as a sauna that is open to the public and provides a view of the field. There is also a museum here that requires separate admission and is not related to baseball. Tower 11 is also open on non-game days. Japanese baseball generally lacks the between-inning promotions that you see in the major leagues, but some mascots and cheerleaders appear from time to time. The size of the stadium does limit the noise, and the oendan (cheering groups) are not in their typical outfield seats. The visiting oendan was below me; their cheering was somewhat muffled, while the Fighters supporters were high up on first base. It made things quieter than I am used to in Japanese ballparks. Neighborhood 4 The aforementioned F Village is the highlight; there is not much else in the area. There are a few restaurants, including a couple that serve yakitori and an izakaya at the Kitahiroshima Station. If you decide to walk to the stadium from here (about 20-25 minutes), you will pass a few more eateries and some convenience stores, where you can load up on snacks. Kitahiroshima is only about 20 minutes from Sapporo, so you are better off returning there for some post-game entertainment. You will most likely be staying in Sapporo, which has many attractions of its own. It hosted the 1972 Winter Olympics, and the Clock Tower dates from that period. The Sapporo Beer Museum is free to tour and offers tastings at the end. The museum features beers that are not available outside of Hokkaido. There is also a sake museum, Japan’s signature liquor. Hotels are plentiful, and if you are staying for a while, you might find small apartments available on Booking.com that allow you to have a kitchen, a washing machine, and more space than a typical Japanese hotel room. In terms of restaurants, there are thousands to choose from, with the Nijo market area a seafood-lover's paradise. One change is that most restaurants in Japan are now non-smoking, which makes it much more pleasant when dining out. Fans 3 Japanese baseball fans are a different breed, and the Fighters fans are some of the most passionate I have seen. At the game I attended, a crowd of 23,500 was on hand, far fewer than I had anticipated. Even the oendan was not as loud as I recalled, though I think the size of the stadium hurt the acoustics. With the team struggling in last place in the Pacific League, maybe it wasn't surprised by the relatively poor turnout. Of course, those in attendance were polite and in good cheering form, as their team won easily, but I still have to dock a couple of points here. When the team returns to glory, I’ll revisit and update here. Access 4 As discussed, Es Con Field is in Kitahiroshima, just over 15 minutes from Sapporo on the Rapid Airport train (the slower Chitose Line is also an option). From the station, you can walk for 25 minutes or take a shuttle bus for 200 yen. Given how hot it is in Japan in the summer, the bus is a better option, and it drops you off in front of the first-base gate sponsored by Coca-Cola. It is where you will pick up the bus after the game, but if you attend a nighter, then walking back is more pleasant once the sun has set. Note that buses are plentiful, and I did not have to wait even though I arrived about two hours before the first pitch. Concourses are spacious, but some spots jam up as game time approaches. Some concessions have long lines, but others are quick. Restrooms and other facilities are as clean as you would expect in Japan. There are escalators to get you from level to level, as well as stairways. It is quite easy to get around, and you should not have any problem finding your seat as all sections are numbered clearly. Return on Investment 5 I picked up my ticket at the box office at the Coca-Cola gate, which is a hard stub with a picture of the stadium. It is much more preferable to getting one at a local convenience store. I paid 4,600 Yen (about $31) and was happy with my seat on the second level, near an aisle, which is essential for getting the beer girls' attention. With everything here so affordable and the overall experience one of the best in Japan, this is a great way to spend your money and get a lot in return. Extras 5 There are so many additional features here that you need to take your time to appreciate everything. Outside the first base gate is a Hokkaido sign that provides a good photo opportunity. The Fighters have been around for a while, and their history is displayed on several panels on the lower concourse. They have won a few pennants, and those are hanging above this area. In addition to the Tower 11 mural, other artworks can be found around the ballpark. The onsen and sauna are open to the public and are reasonably priced if you want to watch part of the game while soaking your muscles. Another point for the ingenuity of including F Village, which should make the Fighters attractive to those who may not follow baseball otherwise. There is still work to be done, but when complete, Es Con Field Hokkaido will be a destination in itself. Final Thoughts Overall, Es Con Field is the best baseball stadium in Japan. However, it is not the best stadium experience, which I believe you can find in Koshien, home of the Hanshin Tigers . Still, there is so much to see and do here that you should make a day of it, arriving a few hours before the first pitch to wander around F Village and maximizing your time inside the stadium. Research the food options to have an idea of what to eat when you get there. Then, sit back and enjoy the action.