Photos by Paul Baker, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.86 Fitton Field 1 College St Worcester, MA 01610 Holy Cross Crusaders football website Fitton Football Field website Year Opened: 1924 Capacity: 23,500 Fitton Field Football In 1843 Father James Fitton donated a large parcel of land in Worcester, Massachusetts to the Archdiocese of Boston. This land became the site of the College of the Holy Cross. The college later named its sports complex, containing a football field and baseball stadium, after Father Fitton. The College of the Holy Cross is a small school with an enrollment of under 3,000 students possessing an impressive sporting history. With a football history dating back to the 1800s, the Crusaders rank 64th in the nation in all-time victories. Football has been played at the College of the Holy Cross since 1884. After playing at various sites around Worcester, including what is now Fitton Baseball Field , the Crusaders football team moved to the current location of Fitton Field in 1908. Originally, wooden stands surrounded the field. In 1924 steel structures were erected, and in 1986 the wooden seats were replaced by the metal bleachers in place today. As a result of the piecemeal expansion over the decades, Fitton Field is a hodge-podge of irregularly sized metal bleachers. For a time, this tiny school competed among the national powers, finishing in the Associated Press top 20 rankings five times and appearing in the Orange Bowl in 1946. Today, Holy Cross is a member of the FCS’ Patriot League, a league proud of its high academic standards. The Crusaders have won ten Patriot League titles and have appeared in the Division 1AA/FCS playoffs six times, reaching the national quarterfinals in 2022. Six Holy Cross alumni are enshrined in the College Football Hall of Fame. Food & Beverage 3 A rotation of local food trucks provides the concessions at Fitton Field on fall Saturdays, covering all the basics and making sure there is a solid variety week in and week out. During Stadium Journey’s most recent visit, eight trucks were counted, serving all your stadium favorites from hot dogs, hamburgers, and nachos to tacos and mac and cheese. Other food trucks offered fried dough and ice cream while another sold slushies. Permanent stands tucked under the grandstand offer beverages. Pepsi products are featured at Fitton Field, along with wine and beers from local favorites Harpoon and Greater Good. Fans preferring national brands can enjoy a Coors Light or Blue Moon instead. Atmosphere 3 The game day atmosphere at a Holy Cross football game can be a bit of a hit-or-miss experience. There are many solid features present throughout the game, but some aspects do remind you that Holy Cross is indeed a small school playing in a big venue. Tailgating begins well before the game in the Freshman Fields to the north of the stadium and in the outfield of Hanover Insurance Park adjacent to the stadium. The tailgating seemed to be going strong well into the game, as many fans appeared to spend their whole afternoon in the parking lots rather than in the football stands. There is a video scoreboard in the south end zone that is put to good use with replays, features, and game information. There are games and contests during play stoppages, and t-shirts are tossed into the stands every time the Crusaders score a touchdown. The tiny pep band and cheerleading squad perform throughout the game but don’t add a whole lot to the game-day atmosphere due to their small size. The students in attendance tend to spread out throughout the stadium rather than congregating in their assigned sections, minimizing their energy somewhat. The PA announcer seems to be performing as much as delivering game information. Neighborhood 2 Fitton Field, located on the northern edge of the Holy Cross campus, sits adjacent to a residential area outside of downtown Worcester. As a result, there are not many dining options to choose from near the ballpark. If visiting Worcester from out of town, there are other neighborhoods more worthy of your attention. As you may expect, a great deal of attention is being given to the Canal District , the site of the new Polar Park , as a great deal of development is happening in that area. Located less than two miles from Holy Cross, there are several options for dining in that neighborhood. Shrewsbury Street is home to “Restaurant Row,” where over 40 eateries ranging from fine dining to diners, from brew pubs to Italian bistros are lined up along a two-mile stretch of road. Located less than a ten-minute drive from Fitton Field, it’s a great place for a stroll on a nice fall afternoon. Visitors will find lodging options nearby in the downtown area. Fans 4 The Crusaders enjoyed a remarkable season in 2022, finishing the regular season 12-0 and reaching the national tournament quarterfinals before bowing out to the eventual champion South Dakota State. Local fans responded in a big way, packing Fitton Field with an average crowd of just under 12,000 fans per game, ranking them in the top twenty in the national attendance rankings. Stadium Journey visited Fitton Field for the 2023 home opener, with an announced crowd of over 13,000 in the house. Holy Cross fans are knowledgeable about the team and enthusiastic in their support of the Crusaders. Fitton Field can be a sea of purple on game day. While supporting the home team strongly, Crusader fans are welcoming to visiting fans. With the Crusaders featuring several local teams on their annual schedule, there’s often a good turnout from visiting fans as well. Fitton Field is a place where you can feel comfortable sporting the colors of the opposition. There’s a solid representation of the student body for football games at Fitton Field. While the students are known to leave early consistently, they make their presence known while at the stadium. The “White-Out” game has become a popular event on the schedule, with thousands of students descending on Fitton Field wearing all-white outfits. Access 3 The College of the Holy Cross is located in Southwestern Worcester, at the junctions of Interstate 290 and Route 146. Fitton Field is located on the northern edge of campus, directly off Interstate 290. Easily accessed by car, there is ample parking near the stadium. While the Holy Cross campus is not accessible by public transportation, it is a short 5-minute drive from downtown for those who arrive in Worcester via bus or train. Fitton Field has a cold, industrial feel to it. The large facility, which seats over 20,000, is made up almost exclusively of steel and aluminum. From the metal bleachers that make up all of the seating to the exposed grandstand structure underneath, Fitton Field certainly harkens back to an earlier time. Small buildings housing concession stands, locker rooms, facility sheds, and restrooms are tucked into every available corner underneath the grandstand, giving the place a temporary feel even though it is close to a century old. Restrooms, while dated, are more than plentiful enough for a typical Crusader crowd. As you might imagine in a facility that is approaching a century of use, it’s not the most accommodating place for those with accessibility issues. There is a small seating area for those requiring handicapped access. Much of the area around the stadium consists of stairs and hills, making it difficult to traverse for those with special needs. Return on Investment 3 Tickets for Holy Cross football games are sold in three tiers: Reserved seats (sections 3-9 and 23-28) which cost $25, and general admission seats priced at $20. Premium “cushioned” seats in the center sections will cost an additional five dollars. Since Fitton doesn’t come close to filling up on game day, it seems that most fans sit pretty much wherever they want. Parking is plentiful in the parking garage directly adjacent to Fitton Field, the Freshman Fields to the north of the stadium, or the lots on the far side of Hanover Insurance Park. Parking costs $35 in the garage and $25 on the grassy lots. Frugal Crusader fans can find limited on-street parking around Fitton Field. Concession prices, while a bit pricey, are in line with other similar facilities in the area. Extras 2 An extra point is awarded for the sense of history at Fitton Field. Several honored numbers are present along the top of the visitors’ bleachers. For a team that has been playing intercollegiate football for over 100 years, more such touches would be a welcome sight. Crusader conference titles and NCAA Tournament appearances are commemorated on the façade of the north end zone. Final Thoughts Fitton Field harkens back to the school’s glory days, and much like Holy Cross football, has seen better days. Holy Cross would be better served by a much smaller, more modern facility. There is not anything necessarily wrong with Fitton Field, it just feels too big and too cold for the needs of the program today. ----- Follow Paul Baker’s stadium journeys on Twitter and Instagram @PuckmanRI.

Photos courtesy of Holy Cross athletics (photo #2 ) and Paul Baker, Stadium Journey (all others) Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.00 Freshman Field 1 College Street Worcester, MA 01610 Holy Cross softball website Freshman Field website Year Opened: 1981 Capacity: 500 'Sader Softball   The College of the Holy Cross is a private Jesuit liberal arts college located in Worcester, Massachusetts. Founded in 1843, it was the first Catholic college in New England and is one of the oldest Catholic institutions of higher learning in the country. Today Holy Cross boasts an enrollment of over 3,000 students who study in 64 academic programs. The 175-acre campus is a registered arboretum and features spectacular views of the city of Worcester below.   Freshman Field has been the home of Holy Cross softball since the program’s inception in 1981. Freshman Field was the name of the large, open, grassy area behind Fitton Field. Historically, the field was used as a training ground for the school’s less experienced athletes (i.e. the freshmen), providing them for a place to practice and compete. The softball team became regular visitors, and as the program grew, they were given a permanent spot in the corner of Freshman Field. And the name stuck.   Since 1985 the Crusaders have competed in Division One and have been a part of the Patriot League since its inception in 1991. The Holy Cross softball squad has not experienced much success over their history, winning only two conference titles (one shared, one outright), and making no appearances in the NCAA Tournament. Entering the 2025 season, the Crusaders sported an all-time record of 481-1113-6, a meager .303 winning percentage.   Food & Beverage 0   There are no concessions available at Freshman Field. Veteran Crusader fans will bring their own food and drinks to enjoy during the game. You’ll be sure to see a lot of warm beverages from the local Dunkin’ here during chilly March and April afternoons.   Atmosphere 2   As you would expect, the game day experience at Freshman Field is a very basic one. Most of the noise and energy comes from the players themselves. If you’ve never experienced a college softball game, it’s really a lot different from what you would find at a baseball game. The players sing and chant throughout their game, with different songs for each player and for different situations throughout the game. The battle between the dugouts can be as entertaining as the action on the field.   The Holy Cross staff do their best to augment the action with the limited resources they have at hand. Music plays over what is, frankly, a substandard sound system, while the PA announcer makes lineup and sponsor announcements while trying to add a little energy to the proceedings. Having a sound system that seems to cut in and out throughout the game does not help these efforts. A scoreboard in left field provides fans with basic game information.   Neighborhood 2   Worcester is the second largest city in all of New England but has never enjoyed much of a reputation as a destination location. That all began to change when the city announced that the Pawtucket Red Sox would be moving to the brand-new Polar Park , located just 2.5 miles from the Holy Cross campus.   The Holy Cross campus is located in southwestern Worcester about three miles from downtown. There isn’t much in the immediate area of campus in terms of dining or lodging options, but the city of Worcester contains many excellent options.   Worcester’s acclaimed “ Restaurant Row ” on Shrewsbury Street is home to over forty different eateries, shops and salons. It’s a favorite destination for locals looking to enjoy a night on the town. Fans will find additional options in the downtown area around the DCU Center . The up-and-coming Canal District, anchored by the new Polar Park , is rapidly growing and worth a look. Likewise, fans looking for lodging options should head downtown, as there is nothing around Holy Cross.   Traditionally overshadowed by its neighbors in Boston and Providence, Worcester is carving out its own niche as an affordable, attractive alternative to those cities.   Fans 2   College softball isn’t a big deal in this part of the country, but Holy Cross appears to draw crowds very comparable to other area schools. A quick scan of box scores show crowds in the 100-200 fan range. From this writer’s perspective, those figures seem accurate, if maybe a bit inflated. This is the type of crowd we at Stadium Journey like to refer to as a “friends and family” crowd, meaning that virtually everyone in attendance has a connection with a player on the field.   A drawback to the design of Freshman Field is that the only available permanent seating consists of a set of metal bleachers located far down the right field line. Most fans will opt for the standing room along the right field fence, where they can duck into their cars to escape the cold Worcester March and April weather for a bit. Other fans choose the hill that overlooks the field on the left field side. There aren’t a lot of prime vantage points for fans at Freshman Field. Still, the fans are enthusiastic in their support of both teams, as you are likely to find family members of the visiting fans here at Holy Cross as well. As you might imagine, crowds increase over the course of the season as the weather warms up.   Access 3   Freshman Field is located on the northern edge of the Holy Cross campus, at the foot of Mount St. James. Also located nearby is Fitton Football Field  and Fitton Baseball Field . While somewhat isolated from the rest of the campus and from the center of the athletic complex, Freshman Field is still easily accessible.   The Holy Cross campus is located in southwest Worcester, near the junction of Interstate 290 and Route 146. Driving is the primary method for getting to the Holy Cross campus. The Worcester Regional Transportation Authority’s 29 and 42 buses stop near Fitton Baseball Field on Southbridge Street, a short walk from the softball field.     There is ample parking inside the Freshman Field complex or along Kimball Road, which runs along the third base side of the field. Those fans who are worried about protecting their windshields can park in a small grove across the street.   There are no permanent restrooms at Freshman Field. A row of port-a-johns behind the bleachers will have to suffice. Thick chain link fencing and the presence of dugouts, equipment sheds and batting cages obstruct views from many spots around the ballpark.   Return on Investment 5   Admission to Crusader softball games is free of charge, as is parking. With no concessions on site, you will not have to reach for your wallet even once while visiting Freshman Field.   Extras 0   There isn’t much happening at Freshman Field that can be considered extra. This is a pretty bare-bones game day experience.   Final Thoughts   Freshman Field is a basic facility that does just what it is asked to do, and little more. But if you’re looking for an inexpensive and entertaining place to spend a weekend afternoon, a Crusader softball game will certainly fit the bill.   Follow Paul Baker’s stadium journeys on Twitter  and Instagram  @PuckmanRI.

Photos by Paul Baker, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.43 Fitton Baseball Field 1 College Street Worcester, MA 01604 Worcester Bravehearts website Fitton Field website Year Opened: 1905 Capacity: 3,000 A Great Fitt for Ten Years Baseball has been played on the site of Fitton Field at the College of the Holy Cross in Worcester, MA, since 1905. The ballpark is named in honor of the Reverend James Fitton, who donated the land on which the baseball and adjacent football stadium is located. In addition to the Holy Cross baseball team , the Futures Collegiate Baseball League’s Worcester Bravehearts play at Fitton Field. The name “Bravehearts” refers to the hearts in the city’s official seal and the city’s nickname as “the heart of the commonwealth.” Fitton Field has also hosted professional baseball in the past, as the Can-Am League’s Worcester Tornadoes spent eight seasons here before folding in 2012. The Bravehearts joined the Futures Collegiate Baseball League in 2014. The team instantly became one of the more successful teams in the circuit, annually leading the league in attendance by a wide margin and winning championships in 2014, 2015, 2018 and 2019. Despite the success experienced by the Bravehearts, there was real concern about the viability of the team once the city of Worcester committed to build Polar Park and move the Red Sox’ AAA team to town. Despite the presence of the top Red Sox farm team just two miles away from Fitton Field, Worcester continues to be one of the better draws in the Futures League. Food & Beverage 5 For a small ballpark like Fitton Field, there is a really good variety of food items available at a Bravehearts game. Concessions are sold out of a stand on the first base side of the ballpark near the entrance. All your ballpark staples can be found here, including ¼ pound hot dogs and burgers, BBQ chicken sandwiches, chicken fingers, and sausage and pepper sandwiches. Fans looking for a more unique item will find grilled chicken Caesar salads on the menu and on Friday and Saturday games, lobster rolls. Portable carts serve up fried dough and some of the largest, freshest servings of cotton candy this writer has ever seen in a ballpark. An ice cream truck sets up shop behind home plate serving assorted treats. Pepsi products are featured at Fitton Field, in both bottles and fountain varieties. A good selection of adult beverages are also sold at Braveheart games. National brands, including Coors Light, Sam Adams, Bud Light, Budwieser and Miller Lite are sold in both cans and draft. In addition, local brews from Wachusett, Wormtown and Greater Good are sold at the beer stand. Sparkling wine, White Claw, Del’s Shandy and Carlson Cider are also available. Atmosphere 4 While most summer leagues in New England tend to put on a minimal show and let the game itself be the focus, teams in the Futures League tend to present the game in a fashion similar to their minor league counterparts. The Bravehearts are no exception, with lots of distractions presented throughout the game geared towards the younger fans in attendance. The team’s mascot, Jake the Lion, is a constant presence throughout the game, both roaming the stands interacting with fans and taking part in between-inning shenanigans. T-shirt tosses, pie eating contests, races with the mascot and hot dog tosses are just some of the things that go on at Fitton Field. At one point every game, all the kids in the stands get a chance to run across the outfield. After each Bravehearts run, the entire stadium, players included, clap their hands to the team’s victory song. Neighborhood 3 Fitton Field, located on the northern edge of the Holy Cross campus, sits adjacent to a residential area outside of downtown Worcester. As a result, there are not many dining options to choose from in the immediate vicinity of the ballpark. Historically Worcester has not been considered a city to spend a whole lot of time in, but that is changing as the city experiences a revival. As you may expect, a great deal of attention is being given to the Canal District, the site of the new Polar Park , as a great deal of development is happening in that area. There are many options for dining in that neighborhood, which is located a short drive from Fitton Field. Visitors to Worcester would be well-advised to check out Shrewsbury Street, home to “Restaurant Row,” where over 40 eateries ranging from fine dining to diners, from brew pubs to Italian bistros are lined up along a two-mile stretch of road. Located a five-to-ten-minute drive from Fitton Field, it’s a great place for a stroll on a nice summer afternoon. Fans 4 There was a great deal of consternation around the Bravehearts when the Worcester Red Sox announced they were moving to town. After all, the Bravehearts were annually among the national leaders in attendance for all summer collegiate teams, averaging over 2,000 fans per game. The team energized the baseball community and had a dedicated fan base, but would the mom-and-pop Bravehearts be able to compete with the juggernaut Red Sox organization? Since the arrival of the WooSox, attendance at Fitton Field has declined, but has not bottomed out as feared. The team is averaging about 1,300 fans per game in 2023, holding steady since the arrival of the WooSox and good for the top half of the Futures League attendance rankings. By positioning themselves as a more affordable, family-friendly alternative to the big-money WooSox, the Bravehearts continue to attract both die-hard fans and families to Fitton Field. Access 3 Out of towners may be surprised to learn that Worcester is the second largest city in all of New England, behind only Boston. Worcester is centrally located in New England, less than an hour's drive from Boston and 45 minutes to Providence. Four major airports are located about an hour from Worcester, and the city is served by Amtrak train service, Greyhound Bus Lines, and Peter Pan Bus Lines. Both train and bus terminals are located in downtown Worcester, a five minute drive from the Holy Cross Campus. Fitton Field is located on The College of the Holy Cross campus in Southwestern Worcester, at the junctions of Interstate 290 and Route 146. Fans using public transportation can catch the 25 bus to city hall or the 42 bus downtown. Both bus routes stop at Southbridge Street at the bottom of College Hill adjacent to Fitton Field. There is ample free parking near the stadium in a parking garage adjacent to the ballpark. Fans will enter the ballpark on the first base side of the field, at the top of the seating bowl. Concessions and merchandise stands flank the sides of the entrance, and a building housing the bathrooms is located on the third base side. The majority of the seating at Fitton Field is made up of individual seats. There are a few sections of metal bleachers with backs down either foul line. The concourse can get a bit crowded with all the tents and tables set up all over the place. Fans requiring accessible seating will find Fitton Field easy to navigate. Return on Investment 4 Tickets for Worcester Bravehearts games are priced at ten dollars for general admission seats and twelve dollars for premium box seats. Tickets for children under 12 are discounted by two dollars, with seniors and veterans admitted for $5. Members of the Kids Club are admitted for free. Fans can purchase all you can eat tickets for $25. Parking is free in both the garage next door to the ballpark, as well as on the streets near the campus. Add in affordable prices for food and beer, and a night at the Worcester Bravehearts will certainly not break the bank. Extras 1 The connection between the team and community is strong, as several longtime fans who have passed away are memorialized on the wall behind the press box. Outside the box features such as a post-game home run derby and the annual “fans make the rules” games are popular additions to the schedule. While not worthy of an extra point, if you are going to Fitton Field during the latter part of the 2023 season you should get a kick out of the scoreboard, which caught on fire during the early days of the season, but still overlooks the field. A temporary scoreboard is located at ground level behind the center field fence. Final Thoughts When the Worcester Red Sox moved into the city and built their $159 million ballpark a mere two miles from Fitton Field, everyone wondered what would become of the Bravehearts. Central Massachusetts baseball fans need not worry. The Bravehearts are alive and well and continue to thrive in the Heart of the Commonwealth. Follow Paul Baker’s stadium journeys on Twitter and Instagram @PuckmanRI.

Photos by Richard Smith, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.14 Sports Illustrated Stadium 600 Cape May St Harrison, NJ 07029 New York Red Bulls website Sports Illustrated Stadium website Year Opened: 2010 Capacity: 25,189 Running With The Red Bulls Major League Soccer (MLS) started in 1995, and one of the founding teams was the New York/New Jersey MetroStars which played in Giants Stadium. The New York Bulls are the successor to that franchise having been purchased directly by Austrian company Red Bull GmbH, producers of the Red Bull Energy Drink. After briefly being Red Bull New York they changed to the more American style New York Red Bulls name. The soccer venue opened in 2010 after a lot of political activity and is now the home to the Red Bulls. Located in Harrison, New Jersey, just on the other side of the Passaic River from Newark, Sports Illustrated Stadium seats 25,000 seats and is also owned by Red Bull GmbH. The stadium has also been home to other events such as the Premier Lacrosse League, local commencements, and many concerts. In December of 2024, New York Red Bulls and Sports Illustrated Tickets , a fan-first, live event ticketing marketplace, proudly announced a landmark, 13-year partnership. Food & Beverage 4 SI Stadium offers a variety of food options at a variety of concession locations. You will not go hungry at a Red Bull match. Soft Drinks can be found at most stands and you can fill and refill your drinks fairly easily on your own. A $40 season-long free refill cup can be purchased, as well as single-day cups. Red Bull Energy Drinks are also found throughout the stadium and are sold at the same general price as outside of the stadium. There is a wide variety of beer available inside the stadium. Atmosphere 5 SI Stadium offers a great atmosphere for fans. The enclosed nature of the stadium offers decent protection from the weather for fans, as well as keeping the sound loud and enclosed. The loudness of the venue is pretty great and you should expect to hear the Rage Against The Machine song “Bulls on Parade” quite often. This writer didn’t complain, although some may not enjoy the reliance on loud and aggressive music. There is also a live DJ spinning the tunes. On the west side of the stadium before the gates open, BULLevard, the Red Bulls pre-match activity area, is a place for kids to get their energy out. You may also find this a place for some giveaways from various companies. We enjoyed a unique peanut butter confection we had never heard of before (and forgot its name already) by some food company. There are stairs that will immediately take you up to the tight concourse as soon as you enter. There are elevators also available, but not escalators. There is a great deal of team history displayed along that concourse including the Metrostars greats. The supporter sections keep the sounds loud even without the PA system. Neighborhood 3 The area of Harrison that soccer-stadium is located within used to be solely an industrial area, but it has become better over the years. That is partially due to the stadium, but also due to it’s proximity to Newark as well as a nice, new PATH train station that can get you to New York City in minutes. In the local area, there is a Five Guys Burger and a good Korean taco restaurant, named Takorea, that are worth a stop before or after the match. There are a few other restaurants in the area, as well as an Element Hotel. Newark is also a quick walk away via a bridge. You could even park there at a place like Iberia Tavern & Restaurant and walk over after enjoying a nice meal. The New Jersey Performing Arts Center (NJPAC) and the Prudential Center are also close by. Fans 4 The Red Bulls have a great following and have good attendance averaging over 20,000 fans per game. Red Bull fans are led by the three main supporter groups. Empire Supporters Club, Garden State Ultras, and the Viking Army. Access 4 This writer was expecting the worse in accessing the Harrison area, but it was better than expected. Parking in Harrison is pretty easy if you follow to this exact address on your GPS: 890 S 3rd St, Harrison, NJ 07029. This will take you to the back way into the Harrison Parking Center where parking is a decent $15. Walking from the garage to the stadium is a little funky due to construction but it will be easy to figure out. There are closer lots for $20 but expect to wait in them as traffic is worse closer to the building and there are many tailgaters and parties there. The PATH train station is located between stadium and the Harrison Parking Center and is a great option to get to the stadium. The construction in the area is mainly because of the updated PATH station but it looks like that will all be worth it when finished. As mentioned before, parking in Newark at one of the many public lots or the Iberia Tavern & Restaurant lot is an option. We would recommend you check the Prudential Center or NJPAC calendar of events before doing so. Return on Investment 5 Tickets can be had for under $20 making the New York Red Bulls a great value. With parking for $15, this is shockingly a great value for a sports event in the New Jersey/New York area. There are more expensive seats, depending on the experience you desire from the SI Stadium experience. Extras 4 The supporter sections are a great extra as they are very active and loud. We enjoy the various rivalries for the Red Bulls (the I-95 Cup with Philadephia Union, the Hudson River Derby with New York City FC, and the Atlantic Cup with DC United) The Red Bulls are an original MLS franchise and they do not forget the great players from the Metrostars days. Watching Harrison, NJ change to a different city is a bit fascinating on its own. Final Thoughts A trip to Sports Illustratd Stadium for a New York Red Bulls is a great way for a sports fan to see high-level teams at a decent value.

Photos by Meg Minard, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.57 Walt Kammann Baseball Field 2020 S Ave 8 E Yuma, AZ 85365 Arizona Western Matadors website Walt Kammann Baseball Field website Year Opened: 1964 Capacity: 150 (Approx) AW Matadors The Arizona Western Matadors play their baseball games as an ACCAC (Arizona Community College Athletic Conference) member and an NJCAA participant.  They play their home games at Walt Kammann Baseball Field on the campus of Arizona Western College in Yuma, AZ. Walt Kammann was a notable figure in Yuma, AZ, who was known for his famous sausage recipe. In 1958, he participated in the Yuma Rotary Club's "International Buffet" competition and won multiple times with his sausage recipe. This success led to the creation of the annual Walt Kammann Sausage Fry, an event that has grown significantly over the years and continues to be a cherished tradition in Yuma. The event supports community initiatives, including school scholarships and youth programs. The Matadors competed in the 1996 NJCAA Div 1 Championship in Grand Junction, CO.  They were Conference Champions in 1995 and 1996, Region 2 Champions in those years, and in 2017 and 2018. Food & Beverage 2 The stadium has a small concession truck that sells basic baseball snacks:  hamburgers, hot dogs, nachos, popcorn, candy, chips, and non-alcoholic drinks ranging from $2 - $4.  It’s inexpensive, and the selection is enough to hold you over till dinner.    Fans can bring their own snacks and drinks into the park area. Atmosphere 2 Walt Kammann Baseball Field provides a typical ACCAC game day experience with the focus on the game.  The field has one set of shaded bleachers behind home plate, 10 rows high, with four steps to get up the seating.  The infield perimeter has plenty of places to park a wheelchair and a few yellow park benches for fans to sit.  Smart fans even bring their lawn chairs and umbrellas and sit in the shade on the first base side. Smart Fans Sitting in the Shade at an AW Matadors Baseball Game, Photo by Meg Minard, Stadium Journey A scoreboard in left-center field shows balls, strikes, outs, and the line score.   Some advertisements are on the left and right outfield walls, indicating strong support from the city and its businesses.  Fans get a distant glimpse of the Gila Mountains or Laguna Mountains beyond the outfield, making a pleasant, natural backdrop.  The venue does not have lights; the team only plays day games here. A medium-thick net (no chain link fence) runs dugout to dugout to protect fans from foul balls. The Matadors have an announcer though he is hard to hear if you're not sitting near the speakers. Check the weather before attending a game, as it can get brutally hot later in the season.   We recommend visiting in the early part of the season when it’s a little cooler; bring an umbrella to block the sun. Neighborhood 2 Yuma is in the southwest corner of Arizona, bordering Mexico and California on the banks of the Colorado River.  Walt Kammann Baseball Field sits next to the school’s soccer and softball fields and across the street from Mary A. Otondo Elementary School.  There are no hotels and restaurants within five miles of the park; however, downtown Yuma is just ten miles west, and plenty of choices are found on the way there.  Mexican fare is the way to go when in Yuma.  Eduardo's Mexican Food downtown and Chretin's Mexican Restaurant are good choices, though there are plenty more.  Prison Hill Brewery (Yuma’s only brewery), Pint House Bar & Grill (American), The Garden Café (excellent for breakfast or lunch), Burgers & Beers , or Lutes Casino are other recommended places for food. Popular attractions in the area include Yuma Territorial Prison State Historic Park and Colorado River State Historic Park.  Yuma has plenty of hiking trails with the West Wetlands Loop the easiest, and it is also dog-friendly.  For places to stay, the Homewood Suites by Hilton (a team sponsor) is seven miles west of the college campus.  A Comfort Inn & Suites and a Best Western (about five miles from the ball field) are a little closer.  Yuma has almost every brand of hotel and a multitude of RV parks if bringing your camper. Fans 3 The fans at Matadors games tend to be those in the friends and family category.  Plenty of fans show up and usually fill the bleacher set behind home plate.  They support good plays by either team and subtly comment on the umpires’ questionable calls.    Access 3 The college is a few miles off I-8.  Parking at the ballfield is in a small dirt lot on the first base side, just across from the elementary school.  The school is seven and a half miles from the Yuma Airport (YUM) , a small regional airport with commercial flights to and from Phoenix and Dallas.  Fans can take the YCAT Bus 2 to the school; remember to check return and weekend times.  It's a short walk from the parking lot to the bleachers, with a small, slight decline on an uneven surface. Restrooms are available in a separate structure a short distance away. Return on Investment 5 Attending an AW Matadors baseball game is free and worth a visit if you simply enjoy the game of baseball.  There’s no charge for parking, and concession prices are minimal.   You spend what you bring for snacks and the cost of transportation to the field.  That’s it. Extras 3 The ACCAC uses wooden bats for its baseball games, creating the satisfying crack of the bat rather than the metallic ping.  Among the notable MLB players who have worn a Matadors jersey are Benjie Molina and Sergio Romo.  Interestingly, the flagpole stands near the visitor’s dugout instead of the traditional location in the outfield. Flag Pole by Visitors Dugout at Walt Kammann Baseball Field, Photo by Meg Minard, Stadium Journey Final Thoughts Attending an Arizona Western Matadors baseball game is a no-frills event.  If you enjoy the game for the game, we recommend visiting if you live in or near Yuma or are traveling through during the springtime.

Photos by Marc Viquez, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.00 Fishers Event Center 11000 Stockdale St. Fishers, IN 46037 Indy Freight website   Fishers Event Center website Year Opened:  2024 Capacity:  7,500 Fishers Freight Bring the Muscle to the Indy Market The Fishers Freight are members of the Indoor Football League and play at the Fishers Event Center. The team was officially announced in October 2023 and is owned by Jim Hallett, who also owns the ECHL Indy Fuel . The football team announced their name on December 15, 2023, opting for a city name instead of Indianapolis. The Freight is an expansion franchise in the IFL, and began its inaugural season in 2025. The team has played only four games as of this writing but has attracted impressive crowds to their home arena. The team’s colors of high visibility yellow, steel blue, and black make for a picturesque color combo that should be a hit for fans of the football team. Food & Beverage 4 The Fishers Event Center offers multiple food and beverage spots on the first and second floors. The Fuel Zone locations offer fans grab-and-go options for food and beverages. Customers pick up their items and pay for them with their credit card. There are a few kiosks where cheesesteaks and supreme nachos are prepared to order. The arena’s food court is divided into two sections: District Eats for quick bites like freshly made burgers and pizza held individually under warmers, and District Drinks for refreshing beverages, both alcoholic and non-alcoholic. Other items include giant-sized brats, barbecue pork sandwiches, ham and cheese kolaches, burgers, and hot dogs. Kickin’ Chicken prepares fried chicken and pork tenderloin sandwiches in front of customers for their sandwiches. There is plenty to wash down all the food with Coke products, beer, wine, hard seltzers and ciders, and mixed cocktails. The historic railyard of the town inspires the Railyard Pub. The elevated bar offers packaged beers and signature cocktails: Kentucky lemonade, margaritas, and Moscow mules. The local beers include Full Day Ray, Sun King, and King Jugg varieties, within 3 miles of the arena. King Jugg makes the official Fishers Freight Crew Ale . All of the beer comes by the can and is available in the grab-and-go from the refrigerators.  Atmosphere 4 The atmosphere at The FEC for Freight game is lively and engaging. Fans have an open view from a majority of the second level above the seating bowl. It is phenomenal, noting that games are enjoyable even for those who may not typically follow indoor football.  The sleek and modern design of the building, most notably its sound system and wide open concourses, is impressive. The seating bowl is near capacity, the aisles are packed during intermission, and when a goal is scored, the entire building cheers in unison. The team has non-tradition football field that is colored grey with navy blue endzones. The venue features a standard four-screen scoreboard that is basic compared to others across the league Bandit, the team’s official mascot, walks around the concourse, providing photo opportunities to all fans, young and old. The Garage Team Shop offers an impressive selection of Freight merchandise from jerseys, caps, t-shirts, and foam fingers. The arena features a premium club and suites on the west side and large club seating on the southeast corner of the upper concourse. There are also two bars on opposite ends of the arena: The North Club Market and the Nickle Plate Market. Fans enjoy a drink or two during intermission or take a break from the action during the game. The bag policy includes clear plastic, vinyl, or PVC. It does not exceed 12” x 6” x 12”. Bags cannot be tinted with color or include oversized content that prevents visibility into the clear bag. Only non-clear bags that are smaller than 4.5” x 6.5” will be permitted into the stadium. Any type of non-clear bag exceeding 4.5” x 6.5” in size will not be allowed. Overall, attending an Freight game at the Fishers Event Center promises an exciting and memorable experience with a vibrant atmosphere that appeals to newcomers of the indoor sport that has been absent for two decades in the area. Neighborhood 4 The FEC is in Fishers, Indiana, off of I-69. The arena is within a 15-minute walk to   The Yard at Fishers District,   which features a variety of restaurants and bars. They include quick bites such as Shake Shack, Chicken Salad Chick, Torchy’s Tacos, and Bibibop Asian Grill. However, if desiring a little more ambiance, the 1933 Lounge, The HC Tavern and Kitchen, and Sangiovese Ristorante are fine choices. Sun King Brewery is located at The Yard and includes The Fishers Test Kitchen, local chef-inspired cuisine, and rotating test concepts. A few blocks across the interstate are a few more choices, including Full Day Ray Restaurant and Brewery, Parks Place Pub, and King Jugg Brewery. Indiana’s only IKEA and Top Golf locations are within eye-sight of the arena, along with Portillo’s, a spot for iconic Chicago food: Italian beef, Vienna beef hot dogs, sandwiches, and ribs. Fans 4 The fans are not here for curiosity of the football game, but want to see a win. The chants are loud on first down plays for the offense and third down plays on defense. They applaud the rough and tumble play on the field and are becoming knowledgeable of iFL rules that include the two-point deuce and out of bound kick-offs coming back to the 20-yard. Access 4 Like its predecessor, fans cannot walk around the upper concourse, as the premium club and suites take up the majority of the western portion of the building. Fans enter from the ground floor and access staircases to the upper concourse. There is enough room to walk around, but it narrows out at the North Club Market bar area. There are a few standing-room-only spots towards the northern part of the concourse that have slightly obstructed views of the ice. Fans can either prepay to park or scan their phones on signs in the lot to make a payment, eliminating the need for gates and minimizing traffic congestion. There is signage where fans can scan a code to access the website and pay $10 or $20, depending on location. Many of the concession stands are grab-n-go, providing easy access in and out. When purchasing a beer, staff members open up your cans at the point of purchase. The longest lines are for the cheesesteak and nacho kiosks, where items are made in order. Return on Investment 4 Ticket prices are $24 and $38 before fees on the team’s website, while parking is $10 in the general admission lot and $20 in the VIP lots closer to the arena's entrance. Menu prices include $6 for a hot dog to $13 for a chicken sandwich with a fry basket. Macro beers are $10, and microbrews are $13. The team shop offers plenty of merchandise: jerseys, caps, t-shirts, and mini-footballs.  Extras 4 The FEC earns a point for convenience with its parking fees, freshly made chicken sandwiches at the Kickin’ Chicken stand, and sensory kits for fans with sensory sensitivities.  The arena also earns an extra point for the grey and blue football field. Final Thoughts The Fishers Freight returned indoor football to the Indianapolis area after a 20-year hiatus. The product, game day atmosphere, and half-time show are what fans expect in the IFL. The crowd and atmosphere are here to see their team win and not just for a night out with friends and family. The franchise is off to a great start at the Fishers Event Center. ------ Follow all of Marc’s stadium journeys on Twitter @ballparkhunter   and his YouTube channel .   Email at Marc.Viquez@stadiumjourney.com

Photos by Dave Cottenie, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.43 TD Station 99 Station St Saint John, NB E2L 4X4 Saint John Sea Dogs website TD Station website Year Opened: 1993 Capacity: 6,308 Maritime City of Champions? The Saint John Sea Dogs were founded in 2005 as an expansion team to the QMJHL, now known as the Quebec Maritimes Junior Hockey League.  In 2011 they won their first Memorial Cup as Major Junior Champions across the Canadian Hockey League and in so doing, became the first Atlantic Canada team to achieve the feat.  The Sea Dogs would hang a Memorial Cup Championship again in 2022 as well as posting the curious moniker “City of Champions” in the arena.  It is undeniable that the Sea Dogs have enjoyed a great deal of success in New Brunswick, but does it warrant the self-proclaimed “City of Champions” title often used in reference to Edmonton, Alberta or Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania?  The previous era of hockey in the Maritimes saw plenty of American Hockey League teams take residence, including the Saint John Flames, who brought home a Calder Cup banner in 2001. All of these banners hang in the home of the Sea Dogs, TD Station.  Built in 1993 as Harbour Station and owned by the municipally owned Harbour Station Commision, TD Station currently has a capacity of over 6,300.  The naming rights were purchased by TD in 2019.  TD Station is the central arena for the city of Saint John and has been the home to the local hockey and basketball teams as well as concerts and shows. Food & Beverage 3 Concessions at TD Station are decent for a venue of this size, but they are not overly spectacular.  All of the expected arena items can be found including pizza, hot dogs, chicken fingers, poutine, burgers, ice cream, pretzels and popcorn.  A Tim Hortons stand offers coffee and Timbits.  Pepsi products are the soft drink of choice and local favourite, Moosehead products are the go to beers. Atmosphere 4 TD Station has a very attractive exterior with plenty of brown brick and large glass windows when viewed from the main entrance at the south.  A concrete arch gives the main entrance a bit more of a grand feeling.  Banners celebrating the Sea Dogs’ 20th anniversary and famous players who wore the blue and silver are found outside of the arena and on the entry doors.  Entry into the arena brings fans to a smallish lobby which is dominated by the Saint John Sports Hall of Fame.  Some scouring by fans will bring them the entries for former NHL players Randy Jones and Andrew McKim.  Further entry brings fans into the main concourse, which wraps around the arena and is a comfortable size. The main seating features two seating levels; a lower level with blue seats and an upper level with less attractive green seats.  The ice surface is west to east oriented and the best spot to get that perfect centre logo picture is from the north side. The concourses are open and the ice surface can be seen while traversing around the arena.  A four-sided videoboard hangs above centre ice and is of decent quality.  The infamous “City of Champions” sign is by the press box on the north side.  To go with traditional, plastic arena seats, the Moosehead Light Ice Bar is available at ice level on the east side, and thirteen luxury boxes are found above the upper deck.  Three conference championships, five division championships, four regular season championships and the 2011 and 2022 Memorial Cups are memorialized by large banners that hang on the east side, above the ice.  There are plenty of markings for former Sea Dogs around the arena as opposed to retired numbers, including Charlie Coyle, Mike Hoffman, Thomas Chabot and Jonathan Huberdeau.  The gameday production at a Sea Dogs game is not overly spectacular.  The PA system had some issues at the game that was reviewed and was inconsistent at best.  The announcements are done in both English and French and the mascot, Fleaburn, can be found on the ice for pre-game festivities, and moving around the arena, interacting with fans. Neighbourhood 3 TD Station is located in Uptown Saint John.  There are a number of places for pre and post game food and drink.  Some options include Vito’s, Mix Resto Bar, Rocky’s Sports Bar, Saint John Ale House, Churchill’s Pub and Steakhouse, Uptown Pub Down under and Cask & Kettle.  The Sea Dogs are really the only game in town.  There is not even a USports presence in Saint John, although Fredericton and Moncton are both not too far away.  As far as other tourist options go, The Saint John City Market, Partridge Island Lighthouse and New Brunswick Museum are all options.  Fans wishing to stay close to the arena may choose the Chateau Saint John or the Delta. Fans 3 Fan support for the Sea Dogs has taken a pretty significant dip in recent years.  At the game that was reviewed, the Sea Dogs welcomed over 3,000 fans, a decent increase on the 2,500 average for the 2024-25 season.  This ranked the team 11th in the eighteen team QMJHL in a venue that is larger than many in the league.  This is also a far cry from the championship years.  The fans in attendance are knowledgeable and supportive.  It must be noted that the 2024-25 Sea Dogs finished at the bottom of the league and the game that was reviewed was one of the final games of the season.   Access 4 TD Station is located in Uptown Saint John.  It is found on the north side of Station Street, at the confluence of Main and New Brunswick Route 1.  It is not terribly difficult to get to the arena, although the area is very hilly and walking the area can be a bit challenging.  There is parking on site.  For fans wishing to take public transit, there is a Saint John Transit stop an 8 minute walk away from the arena at Mercantile Centre.  Fans should consult the Saint John Transit  website for fares, maps and schedules.  TD Station is also attached to the Saint John pedway system, which offers tunnels and bridges connecting a number of uptown facilities and protecting patrons from the harsh winter elements.  Getting around TD Station is not too difficult and the washroom facilities are adequate for the building. Return on Investment 4 Saint John Sea Dogs tickets start at $20 with discounts for fans under 25 years old and under 9 years old, a clear attempt to lower the age of the fanbase.  Concession prices are decent in TD Station.  Fans will have a good time and the product on the ice is solid.  Extras 3 An extra mark for historic banners remaining in the rafters of TD Station including retired numbers of the Saint John Mill Rats, a former member of the Canadian Basketball League, and the 2001 Calder Cup Championship for the Saint John Flames. An extra mark for the unique name, TD Station. An extra mark for TD Station being connected to the Saint John pedway system. Final Thoughts Whether or not fans agree that Saint John is the “City of Champions,” taking in a Saint John Sea Dogs game is a must for all hockey fans and can easily be paired with catching other QMJHL teams in the Maritime area. Follow all of Dave’s sporting adventures on YouTube , Twitter , Threads  and Instagram @profan9.

Photos by Lloyd Rothwell, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.86 Jubilee Stadium Jubilee Ave Carlton, NSW 2218 Australia St George Illawarra Dragons website Jubilee Stadium website Year Opened: 1936 Capacity: 20,500 The “Red V” at Kogarah The St George Dragons and Illawarra Steelers merged in 1999 to become the St George Illawarra Dragons. Given the uncertainty around the future of stand-alone NRL clubs at the time, it was felt that the history and financial backing of the Dragons would combine well with the expanded geographical footprint and traditional player nursery of the South Coast and create a more sustainable and successful entity. That being the case, the current-day Dragons now have three home grounds; Jubilee Stadium, WIN Stadium Wollongong, and ANZ Stadium (which they share with South Sydney, Canterbury, and the Wests Tigers). The original Dragons, the “Red V,” formed in 1920 and are of course, one of the most successful clubs in rugby league. Indeed they hold a record that is unlikely to ever be matched in professional sport; 11 straight premierships from 1956 to 1966. The Steelers entered the competition in 1982 and despite a strong history of the Illawarra producing great players, never experienced a great deal of success. The merged entity is billed as a joint venture, however arguably skews towards the St George side, especially to the casual observer. Jubilee Stadium opened in 1936 but didn’t officially become the home of St George until 1950. The current capacity is 20,500 following several improvements over the past 20 years. The Dragons sometimes technically host one game each season at the Sydney Cricket Ground for a heritage round and one at Allianz Stadium against the Sydney Roosters for Anzac Day, but otherwise play a minimum of four games at both Kogarah and Wollongong, with the remainder at ANZ Stadium. Food & Beverage 3 No surprises here, standard offerings at quite high prices. Expect to pay in the order of $15 for a meal combo with hot chips and a drink with your choice of meat pie, sausage roll, hot dog, or chicken nuggets. Individually each item is a minimum of $5.50. Beers are a choice of either Cascade Light ($6) or Great Northern ($6.50). Wine is also $6 while pre-mixed spirits are $10. You’ll have to fork out $1.20 for your carry tray so don’t throw it away after you’ve bought the first round. Atmosphere 4 Jubilee Stadium is dominated by a grandstand that runs the length of the western touchline and flows into a seating bowl at the northern end of the ground. The eastern sideline has perimeter seating and a grass hill. A video board and separate scoreboard are located at the northern end of the venue. As the sole tenant, visitors are left with no doubt that they are in Dragons territory. There is plenty of red and white, with some additional nice touches such as a photo opportunity and an honour board. There is also a Walk of Fame. Jubilee Stadium is a suburban stadium and as such is a smaller venue, although regular upgrades over the years mean it fares well when compared with similar stadiums around Sydney such as Remondis Stadium , Penrith’s Pepper Stadium , Leichhardt Oval, and Brookvale Oval. Average crowd sizes are between 12,000 and 15,000. Neighborhood 2 The suburb of Carlton is located around 15km south of the Sydney Central Business District. There are not a lot of exciting opportunities for action in the immediate area adjacent to the stadium. However, worth mentioning are the St George Leagues Club (124 Princes Hwy Beverley Park) on the other side of the highway which has several restaurants and bars. Much of the area around Jubilee Stadium is residential, although there are some shopping strips further back towards the Carlton and Kogarah railway stations. Fans 4 The Dragons are one of the best-supported clubs in the NRL. As well as having a large pool of local fans, they draw supporters from all over Sydney and even have registered supporter groups in Melbourne and Brisbane. The most passionate area of home team fans is at the scoreboard end of the hill, with most standing for the entirety of the game chanting, holding banners, and waving flags. The grandstand is dominated by season ticket holders and members, many of whom have sat in the same seats for many years. The atmosphere is largely cordial although there is some level of profanity in the general admission areas. Access 2 While Jubilee Stadium does not score well in this category it is not a reflection of the stadium. Entering the stadium and moving around is not an issue at all. Jubilee Stadium has quite wide and accessible concourses for a suburban stadium. However, the gridlocked surrounding streets and lack of parking are an issue. Hint: get there early if you want to be able to score a parking spot anywhere nearby. Take your pick of streets and hope for the best. Traveling by train is an option, although the nearest station at Carlton is still a 10-minute walk. Return on Investment 3 Ticket prices at Kogarah are fairly comparable to other NRL stadiums, with General Admission starting at $25 for an Adult and ranging up to $50 for “Gold level” reserved seating. Having said that, the only GA area is the hill so you will likely be fighting for space. I’d be likely to spend a little more for a reserved seat in front of the hill to get the best atmosphere but still be relatively comfortable. The usual discounts for families and pre-purchase apply. There is little money to be saved on food but not having to pay for parking if you chance driving is always nice. Extras 2 There is some level of fan engagement inside and outside the stadium along with various stalls and merchandise stands, however, the real strength of a visit to Kogarah is the fans and the game itself. Final Thoughts With suburban stadiums potentially being phased out of the NRL, Jubilee Stadium is one venue that should continue to survive. The facilities are pleasantly up to standard and the fans help make a Dragons game an exciting and fun experience.

Photo by Eric Moreno, Stadium Journey As the WNBA closes in on its 30th anniversary, fan interest in the groundbreaking league has never been higher. Whether it’s attributed to a host of exciting new talents like Caitlan Clark or Angel Reese, or just the evolving tastes of sports fans, no one can doubt its popularity right now. Victory Live , a ticketing technology company, recently analyzed the sales figures for WNBA tickets on the secondary market. Their findings confirmed the optics of the league’s surge in fan interest, determining that the average ticket price (ATP) is up 43%, rising from an average of $122 per ticket in 2024 to $173 per ticket in 2025. Clark’s Indiana Fever  can take credit for much of the growth, as fans came out in droves to see her and the team at home and on the road. The Fever appeared in eight of the top 10 games by ATP, according to Victory Live. The team that saw the biggest jump, however, was the Dallas Wings . As an away team, the Wings saw a massive 89% increase in ATP and were the number one home team for ATP, with an increase of 54% from 2024 to 2025. With the Wings bringing in number one overall draft pick Paige Bueckers, this trend does not look like it will be slowing down any time soon. Photo by Eric Moreno, Stadium Journey The Wings are joined in the top five home game ATP by the Connecticut Sun  ($224), Indiana Fever ($201), Washington Mystics  ($198), and the Golden State Valkyries  ($197) who are entering their inaugural season in the WNBA. Indiana leads the way as an away team, with an ATP of $282 for 2025; they’re joined in the top five by the Chicago Sky  ($185), Las Vegas Aces  ($185), New York Liberty  ($175), and the Dallas Wings ($140). For the 2025 season, Victory Live has compiled a list of the top 10 highest-priced regular season games (with a minimum of 100 tickets sold). Topping the list is the Dallas/Indiana clash at College Park Center on 8/1/25, with tickets selling for an ATP of $384. Other top games in 2025 include: Date Home Team Away Team Venue ATP 08/01/2025 Dallas Wings Indiana Fever College Park Center $384 07/16/2025 New York Liberty Indiana Fever Barclays Center $351 06/07/2025 Chicago Sky Indiana Fever United Center $341 07/27/2025 Chicago Sky Indiana Fever United Center $328 07/15/2025 Connecticut Sun Indiana Fever TD Garden $327 Courtesy of Victory Live ---------- Follow Eric Moreno's Stadium Journey on Twitter at @EricMoreno6477 .

Photos by David Welch, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.57 Chappell Park 701 Peavine Creek Drive Atlanta, GA 30322 Emory Eagles website Chappell Park website Year Opened: 1995 Capacity: 500 Fly Higher Tucked into Atlanta’s Druid Hills neighborhood is the campus of Emory University. Known for its academic excellence, athletics still plays a meaningful role in Emory’s campus culture. Baseball at Emory has roots stretching back to the early 1900s, though the program went dormant for a period before returning in 1991. However, it wasn’t until 1995 that the Eagles finally gained an on-campus home field in Chappell Park – the facility was funded through the generosity of alumnus Robert E. Chappell, Jr., and dedicated in honor of his father, Robert E. Chappell, Sr. While Emory may not be known for producing many professional baseball players, its connection to the sport runs deep; Hall of Fame broadcaster Ernie Harwell is an Emory alum, as is John Dowd, the attorney who led the investigation into Pete Rose’s betting scandal. Emory competes in the NCAA’s Division III as part of the University Athletic Association (UAA), a conference formed in 1986. The UAA includes institutions across Georgia, Massachusetts, Missouri, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, and Illinois, all highly regarded for their academic rigor.   Food & Beverage   1 There is a small concession table at the entrance to Chappell Park, offering only basic snack options such as chips and candy, as well as a few beverages like Coke, Diet Coke, and Dasani bottled water. A vending machine here might be a better fit, simply due to its ability to provide a wider range of choices.   Atmosphere   2 Upon entering Chappell Park, fans are greeted by a cluster of crepe myrtles that make up a small picnic area. The park is a cozy, intimate venue featuring a single section of built-in bleachers behind home plate that are adjacent to the picnic tables behind the third base side of the field. The first base side does not have permanent seating, though it does offer the most shade – fans on that side typically bring tailgating chairs or lean against the baseball office wall. Some fans also choose to sit on the stone wall outside of the stadium, which runs along the left field line. A traditional inning-by-inning scoreboard sits just beyond the right-center field fence. The field dimensions run slightly short of typical collegiate standards, with the foul lines at 325 feet, the gaps at 370 feet, and centerfield at 395 feet. Overall, the field seems to play fair. The game presentation is as minimalist as it gets. There are no between-inning promotions, sponsor ads, nor walk-up music – just baseball. In true traditionalist fashion, Chappell Park also has no lights, meaning all games are played during the day.   Neighborhood   4 Emory is in Atlanta’s Druid Hills neighborhood, just to the east of downtown Atlanta.  Chappell Park is backdropped by Emory’s Greek housing beyond the centerfield fence and around left field, with the towers of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention behind home; it is certainly a prominent reminder of the connection between the university and the high-level work being done just feet away. The area immediately surrounding Emory feels more like a small college town than a section of a major city. Just east of campus Emory Village offers a few restaurants, cafes, and shops, while to the north, Emory Point adds even more options, including The General Muir, one of Atlanta’s most highly regarded delis. A short drive away, Decatur’s town square provides a livelier college town vibe with more food, drink, and entertainment options – the city of Decatur’s town square is only a short drive away from Chappell Park . Located just over six miles from downtown Atlanta, there is no shortage of attractions. One of the closest is the Fernbank Museum, which features both indoor and outdoor exhibits, including a trail through a 75-acre forest.   Fans   2 Even with an on-campus location, fan support for Emory baseball seems to be limited. Emory’s reputation as an elite academic institution draws students, and student-athletes, from across the country and around the globe, but as a result, smaller crowds are the norm, and visiting fans often outnumber Eagles supporters.   Access   3 Without stadium lights, home games need to start at 3 pm, and this early start time helps fans avoid the worst of traffic before the game – the return trip, however, often coincides with Atlanta’s evening commute. Parking here is also a bit of a challenge; the Peavine Parking Deck is the recommended location, but it requires a bit of a walk to the field. Many fans opt to park along Peavine Creek Drive, though it is unclear whether these spots are sanctioned spots, due to an absence of signage.   Return on Investment   4 There’s no charge to attend Emory baseball games, and parking in the recommended decks costs $8. Considering admission is free, it is a very reasonable outing overall.   Extras   2 The outfield fence displays the Eagles UAA and South Region championship titles, as well as the retired number 4 of Clyde “Doc” Partin, a former physical education professor at Emory who was instrumental in the growth of the school’s athletic programs. Behind the grandstand along the back walkway are four seats from the 1996 Olympic games, which were held in Atlanta. While there is no signage explaining their significance, it is a nice nod to both Emory’s and the city’s Olympic legacy.   Final Thoughts Chappell Park may not have all the bells and whistles of larger college ballparks, but it offers a charming, traditional baseball experience in a beautiful collegiate setting. Emory’s blend of academic prestige, athletic tradition, and neighborhood charm makes for a low key, yet enjoyable, afternoon at the ballpark.

Photos by David Welch, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.14 Propst Arena At The Von Braun Center 700 Monroe St SW Huntsville, AL 35801 Huntsville Havoc website Propst Arena at The Von Braun Center website Year Opened: 1975 Capacity: 6,600 Havoc Rising The southern United States may not be the first place that comes to mind when thinking of hockey hotbeds, but Huntsville has proven there is room for the sport to thrive deep in the heart of football country. Professional hockey first arrived in Huntsville in 1993 with the ECHL’s Huntsville Blast. However, the team would relocate to Tallahassee after just one season. After a brief hiatus, hockey returned for the 1995-96 season with the newly formed Southern Hockey League (SHL), where the Huntsville Channel Cats captured the league’s only championship. Though the SHL folded after one year, the Channel Cats, who would also play as the Tornado, found a new home in the Central Hockey League (CHL), where they competed through 2001. Following another two-year break, the Channel Cats were revived in the Southeast Hockey League (SEHL), again winning the league's lone championship before that league was also disbanded. Out of the SEHL’s collapse, the Southern Professional Hockey League (SPHL) was born via a merger between the Atlantic Coast Hockey League and World Hockey Association 2. The Huntsville Havoc emerged from this transition in 2004, and have since become a cornerstone of the league, winning three SPHL championships, trailing only the Knoxville Ice Bears  and Pensacola Ice Flyers . Originally opened in 1975 as part of the Von Braun Center, the arena underwent a $15 million renovation in 2008 and was renamed Propst Arena. It now includes a convention center and the Mars Music Hall.   Food & Beverage   4 Propst Arena offers a wide variety of food and beverage options to satisfy most fans. What is a bit disappointing though is that it seems to lack local restaurant representation. Concession stands serve up familiar favorites like chicken tenders with fries and various styles of hot dogs, like the New Yorker, slaw dog, and chili cheese. There is also a solid selection of Hispanic-inspired dishes including tacos and elotes, alongside barbecue options such as BBQ sandwiches and nachos. Snack options range from popcorn and candy to funnel cake and soft pretzels. The Bud Light Café, located in the main atrium, features a full sports bar menu with appetizers like onion rings, quesadillas, mozzarella sticks, and entrees including burgers, wings, kabobs, kielbasa, and chicken sandwiches. Alcohol selections are extensive, featuring local craft brews from Yellowhammer Brewing, such as Straight to Ale and Stone Brewing, plus the Havoc-branded House Blonde. Fans can choose from about twenty beers on tap or the 24-ounce “beer stick,” a mini hockey stick filled with draft beer, adding a fun twist to the drink options. Mixed drinks are also available, making Propst Arena a well-rounded spot for food and drinks during the game.   Atmosphere   4 Despite its age Propst Arena has a very modern feel; fans are welcomed into a glass-fronted atrium as they pass through security and onward to have tickets scanned. The area is also used to house a souvenir shop and pregame festivities. Inside the arena seating is divided into three distinct sections – ice level suites around the glass are made up of individual high-top tables and chairs, backed with five rows of vinyl seats below the interior concourse. Above the walkway is the main seating area on both sides, which resembles a bell curve pattern. Unfortunately, for fans who enjoy standing throughout the game, there are limited options; the most ideal areas for fans to stand are all curtained off during the game. The excitement of the game begins early on, however, with a fan-interactive pregame light show and hype video that is projected directly on the ice. Throughout the game stoppages in play take on a fun, minor league-feel, with fans dressed as soda cans racing the length of the ice and the promotional crew tossing Styrofoam pucks into the crowd, as well as scoreboard games and dance cams. Intermissions are also filled with on-ice contests, as well as with what has been dubbed the “fanboni”.   Neighborhood   4 Propst Arena is in the quickly developing downtown area of Huntsville; the arena is directly across the street from Big Spring Park. The park is home to the Huntsville Museum of Art and is a popular place for people to come feed the koi and ducks in the pond, or simply enjoy a sunny afternoon. The area is highly populated with hotels and restaurants. Probably the biggest attraction in Huntsville, though, is the US Space and Rocket Center, which is just a short ride from downtown. Huntsville also has a strong minor league sports scene, with the Rocket City Trash Pandas  (MiLB) and Huntsville City FC (MLS Next Pro) joining the mix in the spring.   Fans   5 A sign near the ice proudly proclaims Huntsville as “The Hockey Capital of the South”, a well-earned moniker. Hockey fandom in the south might not get bigger than it is in Huntsville – Havoc fans are very tuned in to the finer nuances of the game. Fans cheer after their team clears the zone during power plays and big hits, and are quick to applaud a save by the goalie. Fans help create a festive atmosphere during the game also; they are always quick to blast their vuvuzelas (plastic horns), or rattle their cow bells. At the time of this review Huntsville has led the SPHL in attendance every season since the 2014-15 season, boasting a 43-game sellout streak.   Access   4 Propst Arena is easily accessible from I-565 and US 431 which intersect just outside of downtown, creating a bit of traffic congestion before games. Parking is easily accessible in the Church Street garage just across the street. The downtown area does have a decent amount of pedestrian foot traffic, so the streets around Propst Arena can be a bit slow for cars. Lines to get into Propst Arena can be a bit long, but move quickly; fans also have spacious areas to congregate in, and can navigate the arena without creating significant congestion. The interior concourse can make for some obstructed views for those seated in the front few rows of the upper level of seating, but for those who might find the restrictions of a seat too much, the portal adjacent to the main foyer provides a great view without blocking the sight lines of those in seats.   Return on Investment   4 Parking in the Church Street garage, across the street from the arena, goes for just $5. Tickets start at just $10 before Ticketmaster fees are added on top, but those fees quickly turn a $10 price into something closer to $30. Concession prices here do seem a touch high as well, but the items available are of a bit higher quality than that found at most sports venues.   Extras   4 Fans can scan a QR code on their way into the arena to be part of the pregame light show during player introductions. Mascots Ruckus and Chaos make their way throughout the arena during the game, stopping for what seems like endless photo ops with fans. The pregame introductions at Propst Arena might rival any of those at the NHL level; between the fan interactive nature of it and the whole ice being used to project the introduction video, it is all is top notch. From one end of the arena to the other, banners hang in honor and recognition of retired numbers in Huntsville history, as well as President Cup Championships.   Final Thoughts Huntsville, Alabama might seem like an improbable place for hockey to thrive, but a visit to Propst Arena easily disproves that notion. The atmosphere is lively, the energy is high, and the experience delivers on all fronts. From the game presentation to the crowd engagement, everything comes together to create a memorable experience. When considering unaffiliated, minor-league hockey, it is hard to beat what the Huntsville Havoc have to offer.

Photos by David Welch, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.43 Tormenta Stadium 100 Tormenta Way Statesboro, Georgia 30458 South Georgia Tormenta FC website Tormenta Stadium website Year Opened: 2022 Capacity: 3,500 For the 912 In the face of a brewing storm, the ibis is the last animal to leave its home and the first to return. It was this bravery that South Georgia Tormenta FC set out to establish a professional soccer team in the heart of football country. Founded in September 2015 in Statesboro, Georgia, South Georgia Tormenta FC began play in USL League Two, then known as the Premier Development League, hosting matches at Georgia Southern University’s Bo Pitts Field. After three seasons in USL2, the club made the jump to USL League One, the second tier of the United Soccer League system, just below the USL Championship. The move to USL1 presented an opportunity for Tormenta to grow both at a competitive level and with building their soccer-specific stadium. Photo by David Welch, Stadium Journey Tormenta goes well beyond just their USL1 team; in true international futbol club style, Tormenta also has a women’s club and youth academy.   Food & Beverage   4 The depth of food and beverages here is somewhat limited, but the quality exceeds expectations. It would be easy just to have the typical stadium concessions, such as hot dogs, candy, and nacho chips with gelatinous nacho cheese dip, but Tormenta makes a concerted effort to provide quality food, featuring the local Sugar Magnolia Bistro & Bar including a food truck on site. Sugar Magnolia’s stadium menu includes grilled hot dogs topped with chili, cheese, and slaw, or in any combination. Shoestring fries can have chili or cheese added, or can be topped with truffle oil instead. Chicken tenders or pizza sticks are also available. The bakery and café branch of Sugar Magnolia also has a presence, offering a collection of confections like Rice Krispie treats, cake pops, handmade ice cream sandwiches, and more. Beverages go beyond the typical Coca-Cola lineup and include lemonade, sweet tea, and a combination of the two, an Arnold Palmer. Hot chocolate and coffee are also on hand for the chilly, early-season matchups. Alcoholic selections include Coors and Miller products, Dos Equis, and Heineken, along with Angry Orchard, High Noon seltzers, and VMC canned margaritas and palomas. The VIP section, “The Nest”, also has a limited selection of handmade mixed drinks.   Atmosphere   3 Tormenta Stadium is still a work in progress – dirt and gravel mounds still remain around the exterior of the stadium, and construction on housing, dining, and entertainment aspects that will be integrated into the stadium will soon begin in earnest. However, what the stadium lacks in polish it makes up for in ambition. The end goal is to create a community built around the “eat-play-live” model, attracting fans to arrive early, stay after the match, or even call the surrounding development home in the apartments that will overlook the pitch at its south end. The goal is for the third phase of the development to be completed toward the end of 2026, just in time for the USL adoption of their new promotion/relegation model for the 2027 season. Currently, seating is limited to the east side of the stadium, plus the VIP Nest at the north end. The setting sun can be challenging early for those in the stands, but once the match starts, this issue seems to resolve itself. The hot Georgia summer sun can also impact the overall comfort of the experience, but matches here are held at night, so it does help alleviate some the punishing summer Georgia heat. The stands were designed to get fans as close to the action as possible, less than five feet from the touchline, helping to amplify the crowd’s energy. Fan engagement is strong, with halftime recognitions, youth skills competitions, and theme nights. The supporter section “Category 5” fuels the energy during the match with drums, bells, and plumes of magenta and blue smoke following Tormenta's goals, while LED stadium lights strobe in sync, celebrating with the crowd. Photo courtesy of Paige Gill What Tormenta currently lacks in a physical stadium structure is more than made up for in the overall fan experience. It is easy to get caught up in the passion and care Tormenta regulars have for their team. In the future, as the stadium and surrounding development begin to take shape, it will just add to the overall atmosphere that surrounds the match.   Neighborhood   3 The current master plan for Tormenta Stadium is that it will be an “eat-play-live” community, with the stadium as the focal point. A brewery, concert venue, and apartments will tie “The Clubhouse” family entertainment center and Tormenta’s training facility to the stadium. Besides the pitch, already completed are two phases of Eagles Corner shopping centers that include Huey McGoo’s Chicken Tenders, Eggs Up Grill, Starbucks, Crumble Cookie, and the nation’s busiest Publix supermarket. A second similar, but larger, center is further down Tormenta Way and has some food options, including Wayback Burger, Blaze Pizza, Hibachi Express Ramen, and Chick-fil-A, along with more retail shops. If seeking more of Statesboro’s local tastes, the Blue Mile leads to downtown and is home to Del Sur, Gnats Landing, Azul Tex-Mex Express, and Dolan’s Bar-B-Que. Downtown Statesboro also has its concentration of eateries, such as Vandy’s Bar-BQ, Bull and Barrel Steakhouse, or Sugar Magnolia’s brick-and-mortar location. Alternatively, if looking to grab a drink downtown before the match, both 1910 Wine Bar and Eagle Creek Brewing Company are viable options. For a full day or weekend in Statesboro, there is a good chance the Georgia Southern baseball  or softball teams could be hosting a weekend series, which you can hit up before heading over to Tormenta Stadium. As the development begins to rise out of the Georgia red clay that currently surrounds Tormenta Stadium, it will provide visitors with more options for food, drink, shopping, and entertainment, only bolstering the current soccer experience. Fans   3 With a population of about 33,000, Statesboro is one of the smallest cities to host a professional sports team. That presents challenges, but it also strengthens the bond between the team and the community. Tormenta’s supporters group, Category 5, fills a small section of bleachers along the near end line – they start beats on plastic work buckets, ring bells, and let out blasts from a vuvuzela. They do not necessarily seem to have organized chants that add another level to the fandom, but remain engaged throughout, and amp up their enthusiasm as the match reaches its waning moments. Photo by David Welch, Stadium Journey Access   3 Statesboro is a bit of an island in the southern Georgia countryside, about an hour west of Savannah. Tormenta Stadium is just off the corner of possibly the busiest intersection in Statesboro at Veterans Memorial Parkway and US Highway 301. Parking is available along Tormenta Way and next door at The Clubhouse, which is just a short walk away. A campus shuttle bus stop is also located just outside the venue, providing easy access from campus. Within the facility, the bleacher sections can be a bit tight to navigate, especially the front row, but there are plenty of access points to the east side bleachers, which does make moving around a bit easier.   Return on Investment   5 Attending a Tormenta match is affordable and well worth the price of admission. General admission tickets start at $15 for adults and $5 for children, with only a modest $1.50 convenience fee per ticket. Parking is currently free, and concession prices are kept reasonable, especially considering the restaurant-quality food served here.   Extras   3 The Tormenta mascot, Bolt, is on hand to interact with kids and take photos with fans. 2022 saw Tormenta win the USL1 title not just with their men’s team, but their women’s team also won the USLW title the same year, and those championships are recognized in the stadium. The connection to the community here cannot be understated – the appreciation the players show fans after the match goes a long way in strengthening that communal bond in representing not just Statesboro, but South Georgia and the coastal Low Country.   Final Thoughts Tormenta owner Darin Van Tassell often refers to four pillars of international language – food, music, art, and Sport – as elements that bring people together. These pillars are woven into the fabric of the Tormenta experience: the music that will eventually energize the pregame atmosphere outside the stadium, the artistry behind the stadium’s design, the diverse food offerings inside and outside the venue, and, of course, the beautiful game itself. Together, these elements bring people from various backgrounds in a common language. While Tormenta Stadium is still a work in progress, it is clear that as the ongoing development takes shape, it will only bolster the game-day atmosphere. However, what is most evident about the experience that surrounds Tormenta FC is the connection between the team and the Statesboro community—it is evident that the Tormenta organization is a part of the fabric of the city and is sincerely appreciated by Tormenta’s fans. Players are lovingly greeted after the match by adoring fans as they return to the locker room, and one-time Tormenta players who left for other opportunities are welcomed back with open arms, much like family members returning home. Stadium rendering courtesy of South Georgia Tormenta FC At first thought, professional soccer and rural South Georgia seem to go together like a square peg in a round hole, but a visit to Tormenta Stadium quickly proves otherwise.  The experience is less about the location and more about the connection between team and community, something even a casual visitor to Tormenta Stadium will notice.

Gary Noll Gary Noll, born Deaf in a New Jersey Deaf household, is a huge New Jersey/New York Sports fan.  He proposes and raises awareness of Deaf and ASL (American Sign Language) sports events.  Gary is an advocate of accessibility, diversity, equity, and inclusion, including promoting captioning and ASL communication technology during NJ/NY metropolitan sporting events. Metropolitan New Jersey/New York Sports Stadiums and Their Efforts to Host Deaf Awareness Events in 2025 and 2026: 1. Yankee Stadium, Bronx, New York   The New York Yankees baseball team will host its second annual Deaf Awareness Event on September 23 and 27, 2025.  Deaf and Hard-of-Hearing fans can purchase special event tickets , which include a Yankee ASL baseball cap.   Last year, the Yankees had over 600 fans in attendance for their first annual Deaf event, where the organization handed out a Yankee ASL t-shirt and a performer signed (ASL) the national anthem. Yankees ASL T-shirt Table, Photo by Gary Noll This year’s expected participants include Gallaudet University, NTID (National Technical Institute for the Deaf), RIT (Rochester Institute of Technology), Lexington School for the Deaf, American Society of Deaf Children, NY School for the Deaf-Fanwood, and others. 2. Citi Field, Flushing, New York New York Mets baseball plans to host the Deaf Awareness Event again in 2026.   The Mets event planners are expected to start this August for next year’s amazing event.  We expect ASL interpreters from Sign Nexus LLC, New York City, to be available throughout the stadium and live ASL interpreters to broadcast on the video screen as was done in 2023.  3. Sports Illustrated Arena, formerly Red Bull Arena, Harrison, New Jersey New Jersey/New York Gotham FC , National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) is expected to host its first annual American Sign Language (ASL) event in September 2025.  The organization is currently identifying the logistics and management of this much-anticipated event. 4. Prudential Center, Newark, New Jersey  New Jersey Devils hockey hosted a successful 6th annual ASL night on March 24, 2025 vs. Vancouver Canucks.   The 300+ fans who bought the special event game tickets received an ASL t-shirt.  The College of New Jersey Deaf and Hearing Connection , the Hearing Loss Association (HLA)  of Essex County, New Jersey, and a few others participation made a difference in these events.  Expect the NJ Devils hockey to host their 7th ASL night next year, in March 2026. New Jersey Devils ASL T-shirt, Photo by Gary Noll 5. Madison Square Garden, New York City, New York The New York Knicks basketball organization is considering hosting an event for the Deaf and American Sign Language (ASL) community, though a specific date has yet to be determined. Gary and other deaf support groups have engaged in several meetings with the Knicks to discuss this initiative. However, the final decisions on which themes and group events are included in the calendar rest with the Madison Square Garden (MSG) governance board and other members of the organization. One of the major concerns is the ticket costs. Much the same can be said for the New York Rangers, though an event at a New York Knicks game seems more achievable. 6. Barclays Center, Brooklyn, New York Gary and other support groups have asked and made presentations for a 2025 and 2026 NY Liberty (WNBA) and Brooklyn Nets (NBA) Deaf or ASL event.  Barclays Center’s Management, BSE Global, is not yet ready to undertake and embrace this request.  7. UBS Arena, Belmont Park, New York After hosting successful Deaf Awareness Events  in the past, the NY Islanders hockey expects to host its third annual Deaf Awareness Event during the 2025/2026 season, but it’s still too early to set the dates. Overall, the sports venues in NJ and metro NY have made good progress on having the national anthem ASL performers on Deaf, Hard-of-Hearing, and ASL Awareness events. Even the Big East men’s basketball tournament at Madison Square Garden (MSG) and the US Open Tennis  at Billie Jean King National Tennis Center offers accommodations for deaf fans. Gary expects (crossing fingers) an ASL performer will sign the national anthem at the 2026 World Cup tournament at Met Life Stadium, East Rutherford, New Jersey. Gary Noll continues advocating for better disability access for the deaf and hard-of-hearing .  Gary Noll and Mr. and Mrs. Met at Citi Field

Photos by Paul Baker, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.86 Paul E. Tsongas Center 300 Martin Luther King Jr. Way Lowell, MA 01852 Boston Fleet website Paul E. Tsongas Center website Year Opened: 1998 Capacity : 6,500 Finally, One League - Boston   For many years, the women’s hockey world has been at war with itself. While the stated goal of all parties was the same – a single league where all the world’s best players could compete – the plans for achieving this goal diverged greatly, and the factions went their own separate ways, with the PWPHA Dream Gap Tour and the Premier Hockey Federation the results. For several years the groups operated in direct competition with each other.   In the summer of 2023, a group of investors backed by the Mark Walter Group, who included such notable names as Los Angeles Dodgers owner Stan Kasten and Billie Jean King, purchased the PHF and effectively dismantled it, creating the Professional Women’s Hockey League (PWHL). They established six teams in the United States and Canada. The league  began play in January of 2024. The league stated goals of playing in professional quality facilities and providing salaries that would allow players to work as professional hockey players, not needing part time jobs to supplement their hockey income.   For season two the league rebranded all the teams, scrapping the generic “PWHL-city name” monikers used in season one. The Boston team was christened the Fleet to reflect the city’s maritime heritage and to evoke a sense of unified strength and resilience. The name also alludes to the concept of an armada, symbolizing the collective spirit of Bostonians, players and fans.   The Boston team announced they would be playing the majority of their schedule at the Paul E. Tsongas Center at UMass Lowell. The arena, named for Lowell native and United States Senator Paul Tsongas, is located on the UMass Lowell campus on the banks of the Merrimack River. Senator Tsongas, who was instrumental in securing funding for the facility, died in 1997 just before the opening of the arena. Since opening, the Tsongas Center has served as the home for a pair of American Hockey League teams, the Lock Monsters and Devils, as well as the UMass Lowell Riverhawks  hockey team.   Food & Beverage 4   Concessions have traditionally not been the strength of the Tsongas Center game day experience. However, the facility continues to expand and improve the options, all of which are available for PWHL games.   There are concession stands on either side of the facility which offer your basic arena fare. Hot dogs, hamburgers and chicken nuggets are sold at these stands, along with a wide variety of snacks. You can package your chosen item with some chips and a drink to save a few dollars. Sal’s Pizza operates a stand at the south end of the arena, where they sell oversized cheese, sausage and pepperoni slices.   For the most unique concession items at Tsongas Center, head to the small BBQ stand at the north end of the arena, where brisket, pulled pork and pulled chicken sandwiches are sold. You can also top your fries or nachos with your choice of meat. Judging by the lines seen all game long at this stand, this is your best bet for a bite at a Fleet game.   Pepsi products are featured at the Tsongas Center. The craft beer selection is strong, with a wide variety of beers sold at all concession stands. Among the brews featured are beers from Fiddlehead, Lord Hobo and Harpoon Brewing.   Atmosphere 5   The PWHL has enjoyed incredible support and large crowds throughout its first two seasons. Let’s hope the trend continues, as the sporting landscape is littered with teams and leagues that started strong and faded into obscurity. With the financial support enjoyed by the PWHL, here’s betting the success will continue.   The crowds that have come out to Lowell have been enthusiastic and vocal in support of the Boston squad. Like every other sport, women’s hockey has its share of dedicated and knowledgeable fans. The turnout from local youth squads is impressive and bodes well for the future of the league.   Fans visiting the Tsongas Center can expect a professional game day presentation. There is a video board hanging at center ice that is put to good use with hype videos, replays and graphics. It’s a solid board but seems a bit small when compared to those in similarly sized buildings. There’s a good sound system which fills the arena with music during play stoppages, and contests held throughout the game to keep fans engaged. Judging by the noise created by the crowd, they don’t seem to need much help in this area. Neighborhood 3     The University of Massachusetts-Lowell campus straddles the Merrimack River near downtown Lowell. Located on the south bank of the river, Tsongas Center is a short distance from LeLacheur Park , home of UMass Lowell baseball. Other UMass Lowell athletic facilities, including Costello Athletic Center  and Cushing Field, are located on the opposite side of the river.   The city of Lowell was a major center for manufacturing during the Industrial Revolution. As a result of this rich history, Lowell contains many buildings of historical significance, several of which have been preserved by the National Park Service and have been preserved as the Lowell National Historical Park. Fans arriving early to Tsongas Center can walk along the Riverwalk and observe some of the rapids that powered the old mills. Fans of American literature should be sure to check out the memorial for native son Jack Kerowac, located within the national park just a short distance from the arena.   Fans looking for a place to gather before or after a game for a bite to eat or drink will have to travel into downtown Lowell or beyond. The area around Market Street, about a mile from the ballpark, has some good and varied options. Lowell suffers from a bad reputation that lingers from decades ago. As is the case with many cities, there are safe areas and areas to avoid. Statistically, Lowell is as safe or safer than most New England cities of similar size. You can feel safe visiting the area around the ballpark and the downtown area.   Fans 4   The Fleet are averaging over 4,500 fans per game near the end of their second season. While this figure places them below the league average, the Fleet have garnered solid support, as evidenced by merchandise sales and growing crowds.   Boston was arguably the home of the most successful teams in previous women’s professional leagues, supporting the PHF’s Pride  and the CWHL’s Blades  in strong numbers. The Boston area has always been a women’s hockey hotbed, and there should be no worries about support for professional hockey, as the region supports numerous college and youth programs. The teal held two games inside Boston city limits at Agganis Arena, which drew sellout crowds. Access 4     The Tsongas Center is located on the south bank of the Merrimack River a short distance from UMass Lowell’s baseball stadium, LeLacheur Park . Interstate 495 travels a few miles to the south of Lowell, meaning that to reach the Tsongas Center one has to drive through the city. Between the adjacent Ayotte Garage, several surface lots and some on-street spaces, there is plenty of parking nearby.   Fans will enter Tsongas Arena into a large indoor lobby, which houses ticket booths and a merchandise stand. A pair of staircases bring fans up to the concourse, which runs along the top of the seating bowl. The former 360-degree concourse is now blocked at one end by the Durkin Pavilion. It is not possible to completely circle the rink, nor can you view the rink from all points on the concourse due to the presence of luxury boxes lining one side of the venue. All seats at the Tsongas Center consist of plastic folding stadium seats and offer excellent views of the action.   Access around the facility is decent, although the concourses can get crowded and lines can get long at times. Restrooms at the Tsongas Center are plentiful and clean. There is ample handicapped seating along the top of the seating bowl. Fans should be aware that the stairs leading from the concourse to the seats are not of uniform size. If one is not paying attention, there exists the very real possibility of tripping or worse, spilling your beverage.   The Tsongas Center has implemented a new clear bag policy as of March 2025. You can find the details here .   Return on Investment 3   Tickets to PWHL Boston games are affordable, ranging in price from $22-$62 dollars. The majority of seats are priced at under $40. Parking in the Ayotte Garage adjacent to the arena will cost you an additional $25. There is on-street parking in the neighborhood around Tsongas Center, which will run you $20 during games.   Concessions are similarly priced to other mid-sized arenas in the area. It is recommended that you take advantage of the combo meals offered at all the stands to save a few dollars. Extras 4   An extra point is awarded for the next step in the evolution of women’s professional hockey and the great support it has received in its first two seasons. While the transition from the PHF to the PWHL has not been entirely smooth, the crowds and media attention received by the new league has been nothing short of amazing.   While the initial reaction to the rebranding of the Fleet was mixed due to the similarity of the logo and colors to the Whalers, it’s kind of refreshing to see a Boston hockey team in colors different from the traditional black and gold.   If you are a fan of local hockey, check out the displays of Lowell and UMass Lowell hockey located all around the arena. The lobby contains a tribute to Senator Paul Tsongas, who was instrumental in the building of the facility.   If you visit Lowell on a day where the weather cooperates, do yourself a favor and take a walk behind the Tsongas Center and explore the Riverwalk. A stroll along the river to view the rapids and the historic mill buildings is highly recommended.   Final Thoughts   While the Tsongas Center has not been an ideal location for the Fleet due to its location far outside of Boston, it is a quality home for professional hockey. The PWHL has been an overwhelming success in its first two seasons, and the Boston market has proven to be worthy of inclusion in the league.   Follow Paul Baker’s stadium journeys on Twitter  and Instagram  @PuckmanRI.

Photo by Paul Baker, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.43 Glay Field 164 Eaton St. Providence, RI 02908 Providence College softball website Glay Field website Year Opened: 2016 Capacity: 300 PC Softball   Providence College is a private Roman Catholic university founded in 1917 by the Dominican Order and the Roman Catholic Diocese of Providence. The goal of the college was to provide a center of higher learning for the Catholic youth of Rhode Island. Originally a male-only school, PC became co-educational in 1971. With a total enrollment of almost 5,000, it offers its students 47 undergraduate majors and 17 graduate programs.   Glay Field is named for Wilmot Glay, a Providence College student from Liberia who was enrolled in the class of 1978. He played on the soccer team and passed away in 1975 of a rare bone disease. Glay Soccer Field was opened in 1976 and formally dedicated in 1977. When a campus transformation project was undertaken in 2013, the softball field, which was built on the site of the old soccer field, kept the soccer field's name.   The first softball team at Providence College played in 1979. The team has not enjoyed a ton of success, claiming only 12 winning seasons over their 44-year history. The Friars have made one NCAA Tournament appearance, in 1994. They finished third in their regional.   Food & Beverage 0   There are no concessions offered at Glay Field. Veteran Friars softball fans will bring their own snacks and drinks to enjoy during the game. You’ll be sure to see many hot coffees from the local Dunkin’ on cold March and April afternoons. There are a pair of vending machines in nearby Accinno Hall.   Atmosphere 3   You’ll get a pretty standard game day presentation here at Glay Field. As is the case with most smaller softball games in this part of the nation, much of the energy at a Friars softball game comes from the players on the field and the fans in the stands, who are not shy about expressing their support for their favorite players. The players sing, chant and make sure there’s a lot of noise during the game. The battles between the dugouts can be as entertaining as the action on the field.   Glay Field has a good sound system, and music plays throughout the game. The PA announcer presents game information and adds a bit of energy to the proceedings without being too obtrusive. A scoreboard in right-centerfield displays basic game information. The Friars gameday staff won’t hit you over the head with a lot of noise or distractions, and that wouldn’t make sense here, anyway. Neighborhood 3   Glay Field is not located near Providence College’s other on-campus athletic facilities, which include Schneider Arena , Alumni Hall , Lennon Family Field, Ray Tracey Track and Anderson Stadium . While those facilities all line the northern edge of the PC campus along Admiral Street, Glay Field is located on the southwestern edge of the campus near Eaton Street, about a half mile walk from the bulk of the athletic department.   The Elmhurst neighborhood where Providence College is located is a residential, working-class neighborhood, so visiting fans will need to venture out a bit to find some of the city’s excellent dining, entertainment and lodging options. Luckily, downtown Providence is only about two miles from the PC campus. In addition to all the city’s attractions, the Amica Mutual Pavilion , home of the Friars basketball team, is located here.   For fans wanting to stay near campus, Stadium Journey recommends The Abbey, known for their collection of signature burgers and selection of 92 draft beers and LaSalle Bakery, where some of Providence’s finest baked goods can be found. Otherwise, head downtown towards Federal Hill, Providence’s version of Little Italy, for more great dining options.   Fans 2   Friars softball draws what we at Stadium Journey like to call “friends and family” crowds. This means that there aren’t a whole lot of people at the ballpark taking in the action (the Friars generally draw between 100-200 people), but those fans who are in attendance are connected to the players on the field in some way. As a result, these crowds are generally very knowledgeable about the teams and very enthusiastic in their support.   Glay Field’s location in the middle of campus means that you’ll get some people who will stop and check out the game as they move about campus, but they usually won’t stay for the whole game. Students will watch the game in this manner, especially on a beautiful spring Rhode Island day. When there's a party going on in one of the nearby houses on Eaton Street, the students milling about the ballpark can be as entertaining as the game itself. Glay Field may be a really small facility, but it’s just the right size for Friars softball. Access 3   Providence College is located in the residential Elmhurst neighborhood of Providence, about a mile from Route 146 and Interstate 95. To get to Alumni Hall, fans will need to do some driving through the city, but the campus is still pretty easy to find. Fans using public transportation will be pleased to know that RIPTA’s number 55  bus has stops at Providence College and along Admiral Street, about a mile from Glay Field   A major relocation project started in 2013 moved Glay Field from its old site next to Schneider Arena to a new spot where the old soccer field was. The soccer team then moved to Anderson Stadium, which was built next to the arena. Before the project, Huxley Avenue bisected the Providence College campus. The street was purchased from the city of Providence and covered up. Fans wishing to visit Glay Field can park on Eaton Street or in various places around campus. The garage adjacent to Anderson Stadium is usually the most convenient spot for parking.   The seating at Glay Field is located right behind home plate. The center sections consist of individual stadium seats, with some bleachers on either side. There is standing room available around the field. The restroom situation is a bit complicated. There are no facilities on site. If you need to take a break for the bathrooms, please don’t wait until the last second. The closest restrooms are in the Ryan Business Center, a decent walk from the softball field. There are also bathrooms in nearby Accinno Hall, but they are on the third floor, up two flights of stairs. Plan your trips wisely.    Return on Investment 5   There is no charge for admission to a Providence College softball game. With no concessions on site and free parking, you won’t need to reach for your wallet once while visiting Glay Field. Extras 1   An extra point is awarded for Glay Field’s location in the center of campus. It’s a shame that more schools don’t do something like this, as having the field surrounded by dorms and classrooms creates a cozy backdrop. The presence of Shanley Hall just beyond the right field fence gives off Camden Yards vibes. The area around Glay Field is nicely landscaped, and downtown Providence is visible beyond the centerfield fence in the distance. It’s a nice place to spend a few hours on a nice spring afternoon.   Final Thoughts   Glay Field is a small facility located right in the middle of the Providence College campus. It provides the Friars softball team with a picturesque, cozy home field. While Glay Field will never be considered among the top facilities in the nation, it’s worth a visit for anyone who enjoys traveling to unique ballparks.   Follow Paul Baker’s stadium journeys on Twitter  and Instagram  @PuckmanRI.

Photos by Andrew Kulyk, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.71 Tahoe Blue Event Center 75 Highway 50 Stateline, NV 89449 Tahoe Knight Monsters website Tahoe Blue Event Center website Year Opened : 2023 Capacity : 4,200 Lake Tahoe - An Unlikely Hockey Mecca Think of Lake Tahoe and the immediate impression that comes to mind is a resort community which attracts winter sports enthusiasts and naturists. Straddling the California/Nevada state border and into the adjoining city of Stateline, Nevada stand a good number of high rise mega casinos, which at one time provided easy gambling access to traveling Californians looking for their true gaming experience. While this might be an unlikely home for hockey, this region has been in search of minor-league hockey in the past. In the 1990s teams played in nearby Reno, and that city was an aspirational site for future ECHL expansion until the mid-2010s. Nearby Carson City also offers a resident population base to support a professional hockey team. It all came together in 2023 when the ECHL awarded an expansion team to the South Tahoe region. Nicknamed the Tahoe Knight Monsters, the team began play in the fall of 2024 in the brand new Tahoe Blue Event Center, a $100 million multi-purpose entertainment facility with a capacity of up to 5000 patrons, and funded through a public and private partnership. Food & Beverage 5 The first recommendation is to come hungry, and second, explore and check out all the concession stands dotting the 270 degree single level concourse before making a selection. The food here is varied, with plenty of tasty things to choose from. The more unique choices? A brisket cheesesteak, which can be enjoyed with peppers, onions and cheddar, or the signature loaded mac n cheese version. Hungry fans can choose between Andouille sausage or a traditional Nathan’s hot dog. A sandwich called Italian Toast features several meats, cheese, lettuce, and pesto on toasted focaccia. They name their pizza dish Left Coast Pizza, and it features pretty ample slices. One of the more unusual food offerings for a sporting venue is an actual soup bar, offering six different soup tastings in two sizes or encased in a bread bowl. The best dessert selections are at The Baked Bear, which offers ice cream sandwiches, scoops in a variety of flavors, cookies and brownies, and all sorts of toppings. Alcohol includes several local craft beers and cider on the menu, as well as a local bourbon aptly named The Sportsmen’s Whiskey. Atmosphere 4 Let’s start with the building. It is gorgeous. The exterior design and the spacious concourses mimic that of a combination ski lodge and symphony hall. Elegant. Warm. Cozy. Lots of glass and views of the spectacular natural scenery which abuts this beautiful community. The seating bowl itself is rather ordinary. The building features a single-level seating bowl, with several suites and small batches of club seating in each end zone. The most unfortunate design flaw is a massive white wall dominating one of the end zones, which is softened only via the HD scoreboard. An LED ribbon board also rings the top of the seating bowl. Like the concourses, the seating bowl is a 270-degree ring, with one end zone reserved for dressing rooms, team facilities, and building operations not accessible to the public. Their adopted mascot, “Tessie”, a replication of the legendary sea serpent which allegedly inhabits Lake Tahoe, is an integral part of game ops presentation. Tessie roams the concourses welcoming fans and participating in photo opportunities. The entire feel of a Knight Monsters game is geared to family and kids. Neighborhood 3 A tale of two cities... South Lake Tahoe on the California side, is a bustling area of hotels, shops, restaurants with patios, and a streetscape packed with locals and tourists alike, a true urbanist experience. Traverse across the border into Stateline, and that neighborhood is dominated by four mega-casinos - Bally’s, Harrah’s, Golden Nugget, and Harvey's, all self-contained entertainment and gaming facilities that look tired and dated, all with massive parking ramps attached which look and feel even more tired and dated. The streets are clean, manicured, and landscaped, and devoid of people save for those scampering from car to arena. The one shining element of this streetscape is the arena itself, right in the middle of all these skyscrapers. Fans 5 When the Tahoe Knight Monsters descended onto this community, hockey fans responded. They snapped up season tickets, and there is now a waiting list. They pretty much fill this arena on a nightly basis. Everywhere there is swag, young and old alike wearing jerseys, hockey gear, and caps fearing their beloved Tessie. The fans are loud, knowledgeable, and into the game. No doubt that the ECHL made a great choice siting their newest franchise, an affiliate of the NHL Vegas Golden Knights, here in this market. Access 3 Public transportation is pretty much a non starter. The Tahoe Transportation District offers several bus routes from points north, south and east into Stateline, but service stops mid-evening and is impractical for patrons when games end anytime past 9pm. So auto transportation is pretty much the only way to get to the arena. Parking options mean paying to enter any of the ramps adjacent to the four mega casinos in immediate proximity to the Tahoe Blue Events Center, or the surface lot directly behind the arena. There is no street parking available. Patrons wishing to grab a free parking spot would need to search in South Lake Tahoe on the California side of this city, and that would entail at least a mile walk. Return on Investment 2 Coming to a Knight Monsters game? Prepare to pay and pay and pay for the experience. To begin with, there is the parking. Expect to pay $25 to pull into any of the nearby casino ramps, none of which are controlled by the team. One may check out the parking apps to try and score a sweeter deal. There are no parking options where one can park for free or at a more competitive rate. Then there are the ticket costs. The team uses a dynamic pricing formula which means varying prices depending on the day and opponent. On this Saturday night, the last regular season game, ticket costs run from $38-$82. These are not resale quotes but prices for primary purchases from the team itself. On the team website, there is a family four-pack for $140 available. To put that in perspective, some NHL teams offer that same four-pack at a lower price point. Then the awesome concessions we listed also come at a cost - that Nathan’s hot dog will set one back $12, and the Left Coast Pizza $10. Their soft drink, popcorn, nachos and basic fare comes at more reasonable prices. Extras 4 Probably the coolest advertisement in the building comes in the form of a roulette wheel, or two of them two be exact, taking up the entire face of circles at each end and promoting nearby Harrah's casino. Celebrity alert! Amongst the primary ownership group is none other than Heisman Trophy recipient Tim Tebow, who played several seasons in the NFL, then moved on to a minor league baseball career, and became a cultural icon for his very public Christian religious beliefs. A very simple Tebow hockey jersey is on display at one of the team merchandise stands. Final Thoughts Undoubtedly the most enduring gift the Tahoe Knight Monsters give this community is a sense of identity. This is largely a transient town, a place for seasonal residents, a destination for tourists and gaming enthusiasts. Yet the focal point of a team, a professional team, to compete, to cheer for, to wear the colors for, serves as a reminder for people looking to unite. Small wonder this team has done so well at the gate, even though fans must pay a premium for the privilege to be a part of all this. The Tahoe Knight Monsters should easily take their place as a signature franchise of the ECHL for years to come.

Photos by Matt Colville, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.29 Wesley Barrow Stadium 6500 Press St New Orleans, LA 70126 Southern University at New Orleans Knights website Wesley Barrow website Year Opened: 2012 Capacity: 650 Baseball on the Lakeshore Southern University at New Orleans, also known as SUNO, opened its doors in 1958 on 17 acres in the Pontchartrain Park neighborhood of New Orleans, close to Lake Pontchartrain. SUNO replaced the original Southern University in New Orleans (in Uptown) from 1880 until 1914 when it moved to Baton Rouge, where it remains to this day. Pontchartrain Park remains one of the oldest black neighborhoods in New Orleans – SUNO was built to serve the African-American residents of New Orleans and the surrounding area. The college athletics program at SUNO began in 1986 and is nicknamed the Knights; SUNO competes in five men’s and women’s sports in the NAIA HBCU Athletics Conference. Baseball is the newest sport on campus, beginning in 2024. However, the athletics program and the college in general have faced several hardships, the most notable being Hurricane Katrina, which flooded the grounds with 11-15 feet of water and destroyed the campus. The college was rebuilt three years later, but just before the pandemic in 2019 the athletics program was slashed – it ultimately returned in 2022. The Knights baseball team plays just off-campus at historic Wesley Barrow Stadium. The stadium is named after Wesley Barrow, a longtime manager for the Negro League’s New Orleans Black Pelicans, who also played in the stadium. You can't talk about baseball in New Orleans without mentioning Wesley Barrow Stadium – the original facility was built in 1957 and was a centerpiece for the baseball community of New Orleans for over 50 years; serving as the home field for multiple high schools, youth leagues, and the many small colleges in the area.  All that changed when Hurricane Katrina gutted the entire facility, leading to its demolition and subsequent reconstruction. Major League Baseball would purchase the site and partner with the New Orleans Recreation Department (NORD), providing $6.5 million to rebuild the entire facility to serve as one of the homes of the MLB Urban Youth Academy, a year-round program that provides baseball and softball instruction for youth in underserved and urban communities. There are five Academies throughout the country, with the New Orleans Academy opening in 2012. In addition to hosting the MLB Urban Academy, Wesley Barrow Stadium is one of the neutral site homes for Xavier and Dillard University, both located in New Orleans and also serves as home to many of the high schools in the city, as many New Orleans schools do not have their athletic facilities. Today the facility is just as active as it was in its heyday, and on any given night in the spring you can expect to find back-to-back games being played on most nights, as well as on weekends.   Food and Beverage   2 There is a concessions table located on the concourse behind home plate, which has an extremely limited selection – only candy, chips, and popcorn are sold. For some of the high school and college games they will sell hot food out of the permanent stand built into the stadium, but it was closed during my most recent visit. You are also welcome to bring your food and drink into the venue; my recommendation would be to get something at one of the many fine restaurants in New Orleans, and you will be able to find plenty.   Atmosphere   4 Wesley Barrow Stadium is a beautiful and imposing structure built from steel, granite, and cinderblock that still retains its original look. From the outside, you’ll see the huge MLB logo with the Urban Youth Academy banner hanging at the main entrance, behind home plate. When MLB took over the stadium they went all out detailing the history of baseball in New Orleans, so along the outside of the stadium you’ll find five hanging murals above the grandstands, honoring some of the Crescent City’s biggest ballplayers, such as current Angels skipper Ron Washington or former San Francisco Giant and Mississippi State great Will Clark, all of whom lived in the area and played baseball here growing up. In addition, all through the concourse you’ll find various signs and plaques detailing some of the past teams and players who have come out of New Orleans, and who played in this stadium. You’ll see old signage from the old New Orleans Black Pelicans negro league team, as well as a plaque on the wall dedicated to the original stadium, all while seeing the MLB’s logo and branding scattered throughout the facility. It is really impressive, and probably quite intimidating for some of the small visiting teams that play here. Once in the seating area Wesley Barrow Stadium still retains its original charm, while still looking new. Metal grandstand seating for 650 wraps around home plate, with every seat in the facility covered by a steel awning to protect you from the rain. So, you are in luck if you are at a game and that frequent Louisiana thunderstorm creeps up. For some games they also have buntings along the rails – instead of the traditional red, white, and blue buntings, the buntings here are in Mardi Gras colors of gold, purple, and white. Along the outfield wall, the wall pads are void of any local sponsors or business logos, with only the MLB logo on the right field wall pad. There isn’t much in terms of the view beyond the outfield either – beyond right and center field you can see the James Bartholomew Golf Course, while beyond left field there is a practice field used by the Youth Academy, as well as a softball field.   Neighborhood   3 Wesley Barrow Stadium is located in the Pontchartrain Park neighborhood of the 7th ward of the city, away from many of the tourist spots in the city, such as the French Quarter and Bourbon Street. The Pontchartrain Park neighborhood is mostly residential with just a golf course and driving range in the vicinity. The Gentilly neighborhood is one block over from the stadium, and you can find a few less touristy-type spots in that neighborhood. A few of my favorites in that area include Original Fiorella’s Café and Opelousas Seafood, while another one of my favorites nearby is Walker BBQ, famous for their BBQ po’ boys, located in New Orleans East. City Park is also nearby for those who like being outdoors. One of the top 20 largest urban parks in the country at 1,300 acres, you can spend a whole day in City Park walking or riding a bike along the miles of trails. The bayous of Bayou St. John nearby are also popular with people kayaking during the spring and summer months. The University of New Orleans is also right across the street to the north, so you may be able to catch a UNO baseball game at Maestri Field  if they are playing on the same day. You are also only about a 15-minute drive from the city, where all the usual New Orleans tourist spots can be found; you can spend all weekend in the city and still have plenty to do. Unfortunately, there is no streetcar access to the French Quarter from Wesley Barrow Stadium, but if you drive to City Park you can hop on the streetcar and take it into the city, and experience New Orleans at its best.   Fans   3 When baseball began at SUNO it was met with great fan support; there are only five sports at SUNO, so each sport is given equal focus. The most recent game I was at probably had less than 200 people in attendance. I saw an older mix of alumni but I also saw plenty of students there, so the Knights do have some student support. It also helps that the Knights put out a competitive baseball team in just their second year, off to a decent start at 20-15 so far. Also, because this is one of the main high school baseball stadiums for New Orleans high schools, it’s not uncommon for them to schedule 2-3 games in one day, on top of the SUNO game, so you’ll find the occasional group of people strolling in waiting for the next game to start. In addition, the Academy also has practices and some rec league games as well. If it’s a Saturday during baseball season, you can always expect Wesley Barrow Stadium to have baseball going on, whether it is youth league, high school, or college.   Access   4 Wesley Barrow Stadium is located on the north side of the city, away from most of the tourist sites in New Orleans. If coming from out of town I-10 will be your best bet – your GPS will advise you to take Exit 241 for Morrison Road, or Exit 240 for Chef Highway. I would not advise either of these exits, however, especially at night, as New Orleans East is notorious for crime. Instead, I would advise you to travel a few exits up to where I-10 splits off to I-610 and take the Franklin Road or Elysian Fields Exit to get to the stadium. Travel north for about 3 miles and take a right onto Leon Simon Drive, and you’ll see UNO Lakefront Arena  and Maestri Field , home of the UNO Privateers. One block over across the street is Wesley Barrow Stadium.   Return on Investment   4 Tickets to SUNO games are free for most games, although I have been to a game where they charged for tickets, which was $6. I guess it depends on who they are playing and if there is a high school game going on before or after the SUNO game. Parking is free for every game though, and with cheap concessions, I consider this a good return on investment. The layout of the stadium is vintage and has that old-school design in it, like a Rickwood Field . There is also plenty of historical signage and MLB logos around the ballpark to keep the baseball purist interested.  So, if you just enjoy walking around old ballparks then I recommend a visit to Wesley Barrow Stadium.   Extras   3 One extra for the stadium’s affiliation with the MLB Urban Youth Academy – just being able to see the MLB logos on everything definitely makes the facility stand out, not to mention all the big coaches like Ron Washington, who are constantly coming through here training and scouting players. Another extra for the school’s recovery from Hurricane Katrina; is the fact the school didn’t close down after Katrina is an understatement. It may be 20 years later, but it took this neighborhood years to recover from the destruction, and Wesley Barrow Stadium is a big part of the neighborhood’s recovery from the storm. Another extra just for all the games that are played here, and have been played here, over the years – the ballpark has been a staple of the community for over 60 years now. What the Superdome is to football for the city, Wesley Barrow Stadium is to baseball for the city. In addition to SUNO, you can find New Orleans schools like Dillard University, Xavier, and Loyola University playing neutral sites here throughout the spring. You’ll also find JUCO baseball games and high school games being played here almost every night of the week. If you ever played baseball in New Orleans, there is a good chance you came through Wesley Barrow Stadium.

Photos by Gregory Koch, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.14 Bridgewater Baseball Field Hatcher Dr Bridgewater, VA 22812 Bridgewater Eagles website Bridgewater Baseball Field website Capacity: 500 Fly Like an Eagle, Into Bridgewater Bridgewater College is located in Bridgewater, Virginia, in the Shenandoah Valley portion of the state. The school has about 1,800 students, and the athletic programs compete in Division III of the NCAA, in the Old Dominion Athletic Conference (ODAC). Bridgewater's baseball team competes at the 500-seat Bridgewater Baseball Field, which is part of the Jopson Athletic Complex and includes the softball and football fields. It was originally known as Riverside Field as Riverside Drive, and the North River lies beyond the outfield fence. Food & Beverage 1 According to the Bridgewater athletic website, there is a concession stand at the baseball stadium. However, if there is one, it was not open when we visited. Fans are free to bring their food, and many do. However, alcohol is not allowed. Atmosphere 2 There is a set of bleachers behind home plate at Bridgewater Baseball Field. However, as of the time of our visit in March 2025, it was blocked off by caution tape and fans could not sit there. Instead, they must bring their chairs and sit behind the netting that runs from dugout to dugout, or find someplace to stand in this area. Arrive early if you want to find a good spot. It can be hard to see much through the netting, and the angles aren't great either. There isn't a lot going on here other than the game itself. Music is played between batters, and the PA announcer will announce the starting lineups and batters coming to the plate, but that is about it. There is a scoreboard in left field that shows the line score and other basic information. Neighborhood 4 Bridgewater is a small town in the Shenandoah Valley of Virginia, but that does not mean nothing is going on. Most businesses are located along Main Street (Route 42), a short drive away from the Bridgewater campus. Francesco's Italian, El Charro Mexican, and the Cracked Village Pub are all good places to check out. Smiley's Ice Cream is located closer to I-81 and you will probably drive by it on your way in. It serves delicious ice cream made on-site, including special flavors that vary weekly as well as many regular flavors. It is one of the best ice cream places in the Shenandoah Valley in our opinion. We recommend the banana ice cream, made with fresh bananas. . Fans 2 Bridgewater only draws a few dozen fans to a typical home game, and as the ODAC covers a small area, many of them will be cheering for the opposing team. As the fans are crowded into a small area, the crowd can seem larger and louder than it is, but that isn't saying much. This is low-level baseball, and most of the fans here are friends or family of the players on the field. Access 2 Bridgewater's campus is located a few miles off I-81 and US 11. Once you get on campus, there is a parking lot next to the stadium, but be warned that the closest spots are in foul ball territory. Park there at your own risk. The fact that there are no bleachers in the stadium that fans can sit on brings this score down significantly, although in practice at the Division III level, many fans bring their chairs anyway. Still, it is nice to at least have the option to sit in the bleachers, and it's not like there aren't any - they're just closed off. Restrooms are located in a building at the top of a small hill behind the stadium and are generally sufficient for the crowds. Return on Investment 3 There is no cost to attend a Bridgewater baseball game. You may pay for concessions if the stand is open, but you can also bring your food or just eat before the game. Unfortunately, there isn't enough here to earn an above-average score on value, even with free admission. . Extras 1 Look for the sign on the right field fence honoring Bridgewater baseball conference championships and postseason appearances. Final Thoughts Bridgewater Baseball Field is one of the most basic baseball venues you will ever see. Even for Division III baseball, this is basic. The bleachers aren't open, so be sure to bring your chair if you do attend a game here. Bridgewater's other athletic facilities are at the high end for Division III, so there is an opportunity for improvement here if the school wants to put in the money and effort.

Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.43 Hoglund Ballpark 1651 Naismith Dr Lawrence, KS 66045 Kansas Jayhawks website Hoglund Ballpark website Year Opened: 1988 Capacity: 2.500 Catching a Jayhawks Game at The Hog It has been an exciting season for the Kansas Jayhawks baseball team. The team tied a record with 5-straight home runs in a game against Minnesota, attracted a stadium record crowd of 2,660, and currently has a 24-6 record. The baseball program has never looked so good or promising at Hoglund Ballpark, AKA The Hog. The ballpark opened in 1988 and is named after former Jayhawk shortstop Forrest Hoglund. He played baseball from 1954-56, including serving as team captain as a senior. After graduating from Kansas, he chose to get married and go to work in the oil and gas industry over playing minor league baseball with the New York Yankees.  Before the Hoglund Ballpark, the team played at Quigley Field from 1959-1987. After its final season, more than $450,000 in renovations were made, including the addition of closed-deck bleacher seating, a new press box, restrooms, concession stands, and lighting. It was then renamed Hogland-Maupin Stadium until 1997. Two years later, $1.8 million in renovations were made to increase seating capacity, along with a new press box, expanded dugouts, and the construction of a plaza entrance. The stadium received extensive renovations during the 2024-2025 academic year, including the installation of artificial turf, a new video board, and an audio system. There have also been improvements in attracting college students with food and drink specials on Friday and Saturday games. The baseball program is one of the oldest on college baseball. The first baseball team began play in 1866 and have played almost consistently since. The Jayhawks made their lone appearance in the College World Series in 1993 and have made four NCAA tournament appearances, the last being in 2014. Food & Drink 3 Hoglund Ballpark has a concession stand underneath the grandstand in between the main entrance and the seating bowl staircase. The selection includes Pepsi products and alcoholic beverages: beer and canned cocktails. The ballpark does not accept cash. The items available include cheeseburgers, brats, barbecue pork sandwiches, nachos, pretzel bites, and hot dogs (6 and 12 inches). There are also boxes and buckets of popcorn, chips, Cracker Jacks, and peanuts available. For the warm weather days, frozen lemonade and Dippin' Dots are sold at the concession stand. The alcoholic beverages are behind the first base bleachers and include tall cans of Busch Light, Michelob Ultra, and Ranch Water Hard Seltzer. A specialty beer by local Free State Brewing Company produces a Pale Ale beer that features the Jayhawks logo on the can. Atmosphere 3 The ballpark holds 2,500 people, and on Friday and Saturday nights, the crowd is near capacity and features a raucous student section behind the Kansas dugout on the first base side.. During our game on Sunday, most of the students were not at the game, but the ones who braved the windy conditions filled the aluminum bleacher seating with plenty of banter. Fans enter through the main entrance behind the home plate and must follow a bag policy consisting of clear bags no bigger than 12x12 and clutch bags smaller than 6x9 inches. The seating bowl features reserved chair-back seats that stretch from dugout to dugout and general admission seats from third to first base.  A few points of interest include a concession stand at the entrance offering shirts, jerseys, caps, and other paraphernalia. There are in-between inning promotions of t-shirt tossing and a hot dog race on the field where three fans don outfits. Of course, there is also baseball which provides most of the entertainment. Another popular area is the MVP Club in the third base corner. It is designated for donors of the program; they have access to an all-you-can-eat menu, sweets, fruits, and various drinks. There is an outdoor deck and indoor lounge area with flat-screen TVs and couches for a premium stadium experience. Fans are allowed inside the stadium three hours before first pitch for batting practice, but must leave the stadium an hour before the game and re-enter with a ticket. On warmer days, expect tailgating in the large parking lot across the street behind the outfield walls. Neighborhood 4 The campus is well worth walking around, especially when the ballpark is within a few hundred feet of the Phog Allen Fieldhouse. The historic home of the Kansas basketball team is worth visiting if you can walk inside. The football field is further away and is under construction, with a finished date this fall. Lawrence has a population of close to 100,000, and downtown is a foodie's paradise with local dishes and Global cuisine. There are 71 points of interest located up and down Massachusetts Street. However, the downtown area is close to 3 miles from the ballpark and campus. The options include pub fare: Dempsey’s Burger Pub, Rick’s Place, and Red Lyon Tavern. There are spots for pizza: Rudy’s, Pizza Palace, and Papa Keno’s. If you are looking for Mexican food, check out Molcajetes and Taqueria La Pasadita. International restaurants include Gaia Sushi, Pokelona, Ramen Bowls, and Globe Indian Food. Free State Brewing Company and Black Stag Brewery are the two craft breweries downtown. The Granada Theater was built in 1928 as a vaudeville theater, but was renovated a concert hall in 1993. Downtown is also full of markets and shops, including home decor, art, jewelry, antiques, groceries, and clothing. There is also a vibrant music scene and The Bottleneck, Gaslight Gardens, and The Granada are choice locations for live music while in town. The street is walkable and offers spots to pick up Jayhawk merchandise and do a little grocery shopping. One can spend a few hours up and down Massachusetts Street before or after a Jayhawks baseball game. Fans 4 The crowds have surged during the season, with record numbers attending the previous two games before our visit. The students have come out by the masses, filling up the third base general admission area and speaking their minds through the game. A few students made their way to the Sunday game and were the loudest at the ballpark. The rest of the fans in attendance made their collection of noise as they bundled up in jackets and blankets. Even though the crowd was thin, the fan support was impressive. Access 4 Hoglund Ballpark seats less than 3,000 people and features an open seating bowl with concessions, bathrooms, and merchandise tables underneath. The reserved seats are red, while the general admission seating is backless aluminum bleachers. Parking is free on the weekends on a first-come, first served basis. Vehicles are subject to a ticket if parked one hour before the first pitch unless parking is purchased during the week . There is a pay lot on the other side of the Phog Allen Fieldhouse. Return on Investment 3 General admission tickets are $10, reserved tickets are $15, and children’s tickets are $8 for games. The concession prices range from $6 for a hot dog to $12.50 for a cheeseburger. The cost of beer and mixed cocktails is $10. The price for a cap ranges between $24 to $35. The winning baseball and large crowds improve this area of the FANFARE score. Extras 4 The ballpark earns a point for the numerous students chasing foul balls in the parking lot behind the first baseline. On a good day, one kid alone could harvest up to 5 balls. A second point for the t-shirt toss during the 4th inning and then the hot dog race later in the game. The last point is for the student section that swells during Friday and Saturday games. Final Thoughts  Hoglund Ballpark is a standard college baseball facility that offers enough comfort for an enjoyable baseball experience. Is it on par with other ballparks in the Big XII? Perhaps not, but on the Kansas campus, all anyone needs is a winning baseball program to provide all the comforts. ------ Follow all of Marc’s stadium journeys on Twitter @ballparkhunter   and his YouTube channel .  Email at Marc.Viquez@stadiumjourney.com

Photos by Jim Flannery, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.71 InnovationPlex 2001 Chaplin St E Swift Current, SK S9H 5A8 Swift Current Broncos website InnovationPlex website Year Opened: 1967 Capacity: 3,239 Hockey at Speedy Creek Editor's Note: On July 19, 2022, Innovation Credit Union, the facility's naming rights holder, announced that they were refreshing the name of both North Brattleford's CUPlex and Swift Current's Innovation iPlex to InnovationPlex. The Swift Current Broncos began operations in 1967 when the Centennial Civic Centre opened its doors as part of the many celebrations that took place around Canada to commemorate the nation’s 100th birthday. Due to financial issues, the Broncos moved to Lethbridge in 1974 and remained there until 1986 when they were bought and returned to their original home in Swift Current. While the Broncos were in Lethbridge, the Civic Centre suffered some hard times, including a 1976 wind storm that tore the building open on both ends, requiring major repairs. More recently, the Centennial Civic Centre received a $14 million face lift and expansion in 2007-08 and was rebranded the Credit Union i-plex. The additions on the east and west ends almost doubled the square footage of the facility, creating a curling rink, increasing seating capacity around the hockey rink and adding a number of new bells and whistles to the facility to bring it into the 21st century. The Broncos have had some highs and lows since returning to Swift Current. In 1986, their first year back, there was a tragic bus crash that killed four of the players. Two years later, in 1989, they had a high point, winning the Memorial Cup. But that high point was later brought low again by the revelation of sexual abuse charges against Broncos head coach Graham James, who spent three years in prison due to his actions against members of his team. The Memorial Cup win and the players lost in the 1986 crash are both honored by banners hanging from the rafters, reminding fans of the good times and the bad. And these days it is more good than bad, with the Broncos solidly in the WHL Eastern Conference playoff picture the last few years, giving the fans plenty to cheer about. Food & Beverage 3 When you walk into the Credit Union i-plex’s main entrance, on the southwest corner of the arena, you’ll find yourself in the main arena lobby. To your right is the Stable, the team’s store. Straight ahead is the rink itself, and to your left is the main concession stand. All the usual arena options are here: potato chips, fries, poutine (fries with gravy and cheese curds), burgers, candy, and bottled pop. The prices, relative to larger venues, are quite reasonable, with the single burger selling for $4.50 and a bottle of your favorite Coke product for $2.75. The chicken fingers ($6) also come highly recommended. There is a second concession on the east end of the stands with the same selection, so fans don’t have to make the trek all the way across the building to get their munchies. In addition, there are also three locations around the stadium providing beer and hi-ball options for the adult audience. Two locations are to the north and south of the east concessions; one is in the main lobby, adjacent to the main concessions. Atmosphere 4 In a small facility like the Credit Union i-plex, it doesn’t take a lot of people to get the energy up in the place. A couple thousand people, many with cowbells, can get the place rocking in no time at all. What I have typically found in junior hockey arenas is that the crowds are usually fairly subdued until something important happens, but when it does, things get boisterous in a hurry, showing the fans to be engaged in the action. With the game viewable from standing room in the main lobby right at ice level, audience members downstairs almost feel like they’re right in the game, just inches from the play. And even the worst seats in the main viewing bowl are only 11 rows back from the ice, so there isn’t a bad seat in the house. As I’ve observed in many WHL rinks, there is also a row of standing-only spots marked out around the perimeter of the seating bowl in addition to the end boards in the lobby area. Many fans apparently prefer to stand to watch the game and some even bring their own stool for use in their designated standing location. The building itself is tidy and clean throughout, making for a pleasant experience. All of this adds up to a positive environment to take in a game. Neighborhood 2 The Credit Union i-plex is located on the southeast corner of Swift Current, right on the edge of town. The neighborhood to the north and west is residential while to the south and east are essentially prairie farmland. Bottom line is that the immediate area provides absolutely no pre or post-entertainment or dining options. The good news is that you’re not too far away from anything in Speedy Creek (as Swift Current is sometimes known). The i-plex is only a couple kilometers south of the Trans-Canada Highway and along that highway you’ll find the bulk of the commercial district for the city. Along the north and south service roads you’ll find all the typical franchise restaurants you might expect in a city, plus a couple mom-and-pop places as well. Word is that the Original Joe’s, at 935 Central Ave. N., adjacent to the west end of South Service Road, is the place to go after games, with the local Boston Pizza (1601 North Service Rd. E) a close second. Fans 4 Swift Current is a small city of just over 15,000 people. To fill the Credit Union i-plex’s seats to capacity, they need to draw about 20 percent of the city’s population. The fact that they routinely flirt with sellouts over the course of any given season tells you how dedicated the residents of Swift Current are to their team. As a result, the fans in the stands at Broncos games are well informed about the team, the players, and the sport. Many fans can be seen in their Broncos gear and they are ready to have some fun. They come to cheer their boys on to victory and they express their displeasure when things don’t go their way. Overall, they are very fun to be around and help to create a great atmosphere for hockey. Access 4 Situated on the corner of Chaplin St. and Memorial Dr., the Credit Union i-plex is easy to get to from anywhere in Speedy Creek. You’re only a couple kilometers east of downtown and all of the surrounding residential communities are very close by. There appears to be ample parking in the i-plex parking lot and the parking is free, saving you a couple extra bucks to spend on Broncos merchandise. After the game, the lot clears out quickly. I was able to get back on the street and on my way in well under 10 minutes. Inside the building, the main lobby appears to have plenty of space for the crowd in between periods and the concessions are queued up effectively to keep them from interfering with foot traffic. Leaving the lobby, you’ll go up stairs to the top of the stands to make your way to your seat. The upper corridor is a little tight along the sides, but opens back up at the ends behind the luxury boxes. Return on Investment 4 Game day tickets are $18 for adults, $9.25 for students (13-18 years old) and $7.25 for children. For such a bargain price, the opportunity to check out the next generation of hockey superstars before they become famous is a bargain. The product on the ice is excellent, presented in a pleasant environment, and definitely worth the money. Extras 5 The Broncos mascot, Charlie Horse, participates in a number of on-ice ceremonies and give-aways and also makes his way through the stands to entertain the kiddies throughout the game. Considering the modest size of the arena, the scoreboard is impressively large, with quality monitors on all four sides, providing a live action feed of the game as well as replays of the big moments. There are a number of points of interest through the arena and lobby harkening back to times past. The Broncos’ championship banners, including the 1989 Memorial Cup banner, hang proudly from the center spine of the rink. There is also a banner in tribute to the four players killed in the 1986 bus crash. The four-leaf clover logo displayed on the banner, with the jersey number of one of the players on each lobe of the clover, can also be found on the shoulder of the Broncos uniform. In the lobby, to the immediate left of the main entrance, you’ll find the Swift Current Broncos Hall of Fame display, featuring the names and faces of all the key contributors to the Broncos legacy, such as former NHLers Brian Trottier, Dave “Tiger” Williams, and Joe Sakic. On the far side of the concession stand, there is another tribute to the fallen four from 1986. A poster-sized memorial featuring Broncos jerseys with the players numbers, names and photos again reminds fans of that dark day in December, 1986 when the team tragically lost four of its own. The team’s store, The Stable, is located just to the right of the main entrance. Everything Broncos can be purchased here, from jerseys to hats to pucks to keychains. And for fans who love their cowbells, there are two different sizes of cowbell to choose from. If you’re looking for something to do prior to the game, the Saskatchewan Hockey Hall of Fame is located on the upper floor of the i-plex with an entrance on the northwest corner of the building for the price of a donation. Have a walk through and see displays about great Saskatchewan hockey figures like Gordie Howe, Glenn Hall, Ed Chynoweth, and Fred Sasakamoose. Something else I always appreciate seeing is recycling bins and the i-plex has them placed throughout the arena. Final Thoughts The Credit Union i-plex is approaching its 50th birthday but the recent updates have given the building a more modern look and feel. The interior design still has a distinctly small-town feel while maintaining some of the more upscale features many fans have come to expect in stadiums. There have been ups and downs in Broncos history and the arena has not shied away from paying tribute to both, giving the building a good sense of its place in junior hockey history.

Photos by Jim Flannery, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.86 VisitLethbridge.com Arena 2510 Scenic Dr S Lethbridge, AB T1K 1N2 Lethbridge Hurricanes website VisitLethbridge.com Arena website Year Opened: 1974 Capacity: 5,479 Rock You Like a Hurricane Editor's Note: As of August 6, 2024, the arena's naming rights were acquired by the Lethbrige Lodging Association and will be called the VisitLethbridge.com Arena. ENMAX Centre opened its doors in 1974, in anticipation of the 1975 Canada Winter Games. The Sportsplex (as it was then known) was designed for a multitude of purposes. The stadium converts easily to a number of different applications for curling, concerts, hockey, basketball, banquets, etc. Beginning in 2009, the ENMAX Centre underwent a major facelift, with $34 million in upgrades. New features included new luxury suites, a new scoreboard and sound system, new press facilities, new locker rooms for the teams, and a new restaurant and lounge on upper level of the north end.  Now in its 50th year of operation, the facility’s upgrades keep it looking and feeling like a more modern arena.   The Lethbridge Hurricanes ice hockey began their history as the Winnipeg Jets in 1967 and have been in operation ever since. They changed their name twice while in Winnipeg before moving to Calgary and becoming the Wranglers in 1977. They remained in Calgary until 1987 when they relocated to Lethbridge and were renamed once again, becoming the Hurricanes, a name they have stuck with now for more than 30 years. They are a member of the WHL (Western Hockey League). Food & Beverage 3 There are five primary concession stands around the arena: two each on the east and west sides and one on the north end. Depending on which concession you step up to, you’ll find some different menu options. The three stands to the north of the building all share a fairly standard arena menu that includes fairly conventional concession fare, including hot dogs ($5.50), popcorn ($6.75 for a regular), and fries ($5.25). Pizza ($7.50) is also available at some spots. If you’re looking for something in particular, you may want to shop around at each stand as the menus do vary from place-to-place.   There are also a few other specialty stands, including a concession with specialty cocktails (Pina Coladas, Caesars, etc), one with specialty coffees, a Hawaiian shaved ice stand and a roasted nuts stand. There is also a modest selection of beer on tap ($7.50), coolers, hi-balls and wine ($7.75-$8.50) available at the stands. All things considered, the main concession stands are fairly pedestrian in their pricing, options, and quality, but there’s usually also a feature item on the menu, so you might give that a shot if you’re looking for something unique. Upstairs in the Canadian Western Bank Lounge there is a row of seats right up front allowing fans to watch from the lounge’s vantage point as well as a number of tables that give you a view of the ice surface. Further back, there are more tables for a real dining experience with a detailed and delicious-looking menu. The lounge opens two hours before game time, so this is an excellent option for pre-game dining in a very nice location prior to a Hurricanes game. Atmosphere 3 The vibe at the ENMAX Centre is fairly laid back, as it seems to be at most WHL arenas. There are cheers at the right times but the stadium, typically around two-thirds full, is pretty quiet otherwise. Another issue is the seating. After checking a number of different seating locations around the stadium, one thing that stood out, particularly in the corners, was legroom that can most charitably be called “cozy.” In spite of the seats themselves being new and quite comfortable, the lack of legroom makes it awkward to stay facing forward without having to slide your knees to one side or the other. The legroom is snug for a person who is five-foot-eight; it could be downright unpleasant for a six-footer. Additionally, there are about 50 seats in the upper decks of Sections “AA” and “SS” where about half of the view of the rink is completely blocked off by the luxury boxes. You can still see the game on the video feed on the scoreboard, but it makes this handful of seats less than ideal. Aside from those flaws, sight lines from everywhere else in the building are excellent and the venue’s overall atmosphere is fun and inviting. Also on the plus side, there are a number of touches that help provide a sense of Lethbridge’s hockey history. The rafters at the south end of the stadium are lined with championship banners, including eight earned by the Hurricanes over the years. On the west wall of the concourse is the Hurricanes Hall of Fame, with the names of all the award winners who have earned accolades over the years. ENMAX Centre - Banners Behind the Goal, Photo by Jim Flannery, Stadium Journey Neighborhood 5 You really can’t ask for a better location than that of the ENMAX Centre. Located right on Scenic Drive, one of the major thoroughfares for Lethbridge, the stadium is also just a couple blocks from Mayor Magrath Drive and most of the key shops and services in town. You are within walking distance of fast food, casual dining, bars, pubs, shopping; pretty much everything is right there.  From Five Guys Burger and Fries to Boston Pizza to Brown’s Social House and everything in between, there is something for everyone. A few blocks to the east of the rink is Legend’s Pub , with a good selection of beers and excellent pizza. North of the arena along Mayor Magrath you’ll find the Kingsman Alehouse , with an even better beer selection and a menu full of quality English pub-style food. Fans 3 The fans are obviously dedicated, as they supported the team through a six-season playoff drought from 2010 to 2015. But it’s a relatively small group of fans. With the stands only filled to 60 or 70 percent capacity, the place feels a bit empty at times.  Still, the people who are there clearly know their hockey, as most Canadian audiences do. They cheer at the right moments, boo at the right moments and appear engaged throughout the game. Access 4 Parking at the ENMAX Centre is outstanding, however, the city has begun to charge $5 per vehicle in the last couple years for non-season ticket holders, which is a hassle and makes the event a little less cost effective. There is also reserved parking for fans attending the luxury suites. If you’re looking for a free alternative—and you’re willing to walk an extra couple blocks—the parking is free in the neighbourhood directly north of ENMAX Centre. Having said that, getting in and out of the parking lot is a snap, with traffic clearing out quickly and easily following the game (you can typically get back on the streets from the middle of the lot in about five minutes or fewer).  With the stadium situated on a major artery, next to a second major artery, getting to and from the ENMAX Centre from anywhere in Lethbridge will be a quick trip. After a game, it is possible to get to the extreme north end of town in fewer than 20 minutes. If you’re looking to bus in, there is a stop right in front of the stadium, again making getting to and from the venue simple. Approaching ENMAX Centre, Photo by Jim Flannery Return on Investment 4 With game-day tickets available for $25.50 a seat for adults and $14.25 for youths, pricing for walk-ups is excellent, providing great value for your viewing dollar. There aren’t many better deals out there for this level of competition and entertainment. An excellent value for your money. The two dozen luxury boxes are leased by ENMAX Centre and are a hot item, so if you’re interested, make your inquiries to the facility well in advance.  Season ticket sales for the devoted fan go on sale in the spring, with early bird deals as well as loyalty pricing for returning season ticket holders. Extras 5 ENMAX Centre has a number of great touches to add to the experience of taking in a Hurricanes game.  The Hurricanes have a souvenir stand in the northeast corner of the main concourse called Top Shelf, where fans can pick up hats, tee-shirts, jerseys, and various knick-knacks, all at fairly typical prices. A nifty feature that I’ve seen in many junior hockey arenas is standing room spots all the way around the perimeter of the concourse, which are sold in the same manner as the seats. Apparently many fans prefer to watch games from these standing positions, rather than the seats, so this gives the audience one more unique viewing option. As a facility and franchise with very close ties to the community, ENMAX Centre makes several community tables available around the concourse, allowing community-based fundraisers and awareness campaigns an opportunity to bring their message to the fans.  The Hurricanes also have a mascot, Cane, to keep the kids in the audience entertained and to help out with various promotions and giveaways during the game.  Also of note, among the upgrades to the facility are the new scoreboard and sound system. The scoreboard provides a hi-res video feed of the on-ice action which is readily visible to everyone in the stands. The excellent sound system beams music and public address announcements to the audience and has characteristics that put it on par with the systems in NHL-quality stadiums around North America. It’s always nice to see recycling bins at stadiums and ENMAX Centre is no exception, allowing the fans to be green while enjoying a night out. Final Thoughts When all is said and done, this is a great place to see the stars of tomorrow doing their thing. If the team can find ways to draw more fans to games with creative marketing strategies, it’ll bring the energy up in the building and make it that much more entertaining.

Photos by Eric Moreno, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.14 Daikin Park 501 Crawford St Houston, TX 77002 Houston Astros website Daikin Park website Year Opened: 2000 Capacity: 41,168 Houston Astros – Minute Maid Park Editor's Note: On January 1, 2025, the stadium was renamed to Daikin Park after Japanese conglomerate Daikin, the world's largest manufacturer of air conditioners, agreed to acquire the stadium's naming rights. The agreement will run through 2039. The Houston Astros were the first Major League Baseball (MLB) franchise to call the Lone Star State their home when they were founded in 1962. The then Houston Colt .45s spent three seasons at Colt Stadium while awaiting the completion of the “Eighth Wonder of the World,” the Houston Astrodome . For close to four decades, the ‘Stros held court at the most unique ballpark in the country, if not the world. However, the facts of life are that everything ages, everything changes. So, at the dawn of the 21st century, the Astros bid adieu to the dome and headed to their new digs in downtown Space City. The now-named Minute Maid Park has been the site of unprecedented success for the home team, including four wild card berths, six division titles, five pennants, and two World Series titles. Baseball Hall of Famers Jeff Bagwell  and Craig Biggio  spent large chunks of their careers in the Juice Box, while all-time greats Randy Johnson  and Iván Rodríguez  chased championships in the twilight of their respective careers in Houston. As Minute Maid Park enters its 25th season of existence, the experience still feels new and special. Read on to learn more about the venerable Juice Box.   Food & Beverage   5 Anything and everything you could want to eat or drink can pretty much be found at Minute Maid Park. Virtually every stand can get you your hot dog, popcorn, soda, beer, etc. – whatever you’re hankering for, you’re pretty much going to be able to get. National chain spots Chick-fil-A, Pluckers Wing Bar, Papa John’s Pizza, and Shake Shack have a presence at the ballpark, while local spots Killen’s BBQ and Taqueria Arandas offer up the quintessential Texas menu items of barbecue and Tex-Mex. In addition, local breweries Karbach, St. Arnold’s, and Ziegenbock also all have stands in Minute Maid Park offering up their wares. You can get quesadillas, pupusas, Mexican street corn, sausage sandwiches, chopped brisket-top baked potatoes, Cajun po’ boys, and loaded mac and cheese bowls at various spots in the ballpark. However, some of the new items to look out for this season include the Pennant Pickle Dog (available at all “Home and Away Stands” in the park), which is a footlong hot dog topped with Texas chili, jalapeño slaw, and fried pickle chips. Also be on the lookout for the Slova-Chos (located at the Slovacek’s Sausage cart on the main concourse), which are ranch-dusted kettle chips – this stand also offers Crawford Bock beer cheese, sauteed peppers and onions, and a choice of one of Slovacek’s signature sausages. Lastly, look for the Curveball Corn Dogs at the H-Town Grill kiosk; these are mini corn dogs loaded with chili, cheese, and diced onions (only in America, y’all).   Atmosphere   4 The Astros and Minute Maid Park continue to find ways to make game days feel like big-time events each season. A lot of this is due to the massive amount of success the ball club has experienced in the last decade-plus. From the moment you walk up to the Juice Box, everything becomes a celebration of baseball and the Astros. The energy is palpable once you are on the main concourse and can see the field. As you make your way through the walkways you see artwork, Instagram-worthy photo opportunities, and multiple team stores, including areas where you can get a custom jersey and/or custom baseball bat right there on the spot. As you make your way over to the left field side of the stadium, you’ll come across Hall of Fame Alley, home of the Astros Hall of Fame . Displays capture the legacy and careers of Houston greats like Nolan Ryan, Mike Scott, Lance Berkman, J.R. Richard, Terry Puhl, and more. For baseball fans, it’s a great trip down memory lane. Also, once in your seats, you’ll be able to see the banners representing all the team’s championship success above the train tracks in left field (more on this in the Extras section) – the team’s greats are also represented by the retired jersey numbers above the massive scoreboard in center field. Lastly, in past reviews I’ve mentioned a little about the ballpark’s history – built on the site of the former Houston train depot, many of those details were left here, from the brickyard to the vaulted ceilings in the alleyways, to the aforementioned train. All of this adds to Minute Maid’s unique charm.   Neighborhood   5 Space City is the fourth-largest metro area in the United States, and with that comes all the cosmopolitan trappings of it being such. Houston boasts four of the big five pro sports leagues in the country, being home to the Houston Texans , Houston Rockets , and Houston Dynamo , so you always have a chance to double up on games if you plan your visit to Minute Maid Park just right. In terms of things to do besides sports, you can find everything – take a trip to the Museum District to visit a collection of some of the finest museums in the country, or visit Discovery Green , Hermann Park , or Buffalo Bayou Park  to take in some of the finest urban green spaces this side of Central Park. If you have young ones on the trip, the first two options are must-dos. Lastly, if you want to escape the heat and take in a little shopping, The Galleria is the place to be. For dining and lodging, Houston is incredibly diverse, so whatever your tastes and whatever your budget, you’re going to find something that works for you. In the immediate vicinity, you’ve got a wide selection of eateries such as the famed Vic & Anthony’s Steakhouse , Irma’s Southwest , and Biggio’s Restaurant & Bar . Hotels range from the four-star Westin Houston Downtown  to the Club Quarters Hotel Downtown, Houston .   Fans   4 The Astros are currently averaging close to 34,000 fans per game, which places them firmly in the top 10 in all of MLB. As mentioned, the rising tide of the club has raised the ships of all fans in Houston – Astros hats, shirts, jerseys, etc. are more visible now than at any point in the team’s history, and those attending games here are likewise decked out in their ‘Stros gear. The last few seasons I’ve come to Minute Maid Park, the crowds have been loud and energetic; I don’t think casual fans would automatically include Houston among the best baseball fans in MLB, but I think it’s time to start that conversation.   Access   4 Located conveniently in Houston’s downtown, Minute Maid Park is sandwiched between two major highways Interstate 10 and Highway 69. I always caution visitors to Houston about its traffic, so if you’re driving to a game, consider that when making your way here. Once in the area parking is plentiful, but it will cost you. If you’re flying in, George Bush Intercontinental Airport  – one of the busiest, yet highest-rated airports in the U.S. – is only a 20-minute drive away. If you choose not to drive, the Houston METRO  has a rail stop adjacent to the ballpark, which could save you a bit of a headache. Also, if you’re staying downtown and want to walk, the Downtown Tunnels  are open Monday through Friday and will give you a respite from the weather.   Return on Investment   4 Single-game tickets for the Astros at Minute Maid Park start at just $7 per person – depending on the day and the game – which is a tremendous bargain. However, concessions are a little on the steep side, to be honest, and parking varies depending on how close to the park you want to be (I saw parking recently ranging from $10 to $50 per car). You’re also going to spend a bit if you decide to opt for a souvenir. However, given the caliber of baseball, the Astros have been playing the past few years, when you come here you’re paying to see a championship team loaded with All-Stars.   Extras   3 Aside from the various photo ops throughout the stadium and the Hall of Fame, there is also the previously mentioned home run train . As could be surmised by its name, the replica 19th-century train goes off along a short 56-foot length of track every time the Astros a) take the field in the first inning, b) hit a home run, and c) win. It’s pretty basic, but it’s also pretty fun to see. The other extras are the team’s cheerleaders, the Houston Astros Shooting Stars , and their beloved mascot Orbit . Both are around throughout the game and are ever ready to interact with fans in the stands and on the concourse.   Final Thoughts I have been to more Astros games over the years than any other baseball team; I’ve also been to a ton of games at Minute Maid Park. Still, all these years later it remains one of my top handful of places to see a game – the games feel “big” here, and the fans have always cared about their team, even in the down years. For baseball fans, the Juice Box should be added to your bucket list, especially given all of the other things there are to see and do in Space City. Follow Eric Moreno's Stadium Journey on Twitter at @EricMoreno6477 .

Photos by Jim Flannery, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.57 SaskTel Centre 3515 Thatcher Ave Saskatoon, SK S7R 1C4 Map It Saskatchewan Rush website SaskTel Centre website Year Opened: 1988 Capacity: 15,195 Rush Into Saskatoon Until 2016 the province of Saskatchewan was home to just a single professional sports franchise: the Roughriders , playing in Regina as part of the Canadian Football League. But since then, the Saskatchewan Rush have been residing in Saskatoon.   The Rush were playing in Edmonton in 2015 when they won their National Lacrosse League division for the third straight season, went to the Champion’s Cup for the second time, and won their first championship. A few weeks later, the team announced that they were relocating from Edmonton to Saskatoon.   After the move, the team went to the finals again for three straight years, winning twice, and giving their new fans a ton to cheer for. They won their division yet again in 2019, although their playoff run was cut short and they were leading the division in 2020 when the pandemic shut the league down, cancelling the season. So, the fans have gotten used to success.   The Rush now play indoor (aka “box”) lacrosse at SaskTel Centre. The arena has undergone a number of renovations, expansions and improvements since it opened its doors in 1988, with seating capacity more than doubled in that time, such that the facility can now hold more than 15,000 people. As a result, SaskTel Centre has played host to a number of high-profile events, including the men’s and women’s Canadian curling championships, the 2010 World Junior Hockey Championships, the Memorial Cup and any number of first-rate concerts and exhibitions. Food & Beverage 4 Concession stands around SaskTel Centre have improved over the last few years, adding some variety to what used to be a pretty unremarkable selection. On the main concourse, every concession has a different menu; upstairs in the mezzanine are three concession stands offering more conventional fare. Prices are pretty reasonable as well. At The Classics concession on the main floor, you can get a Loaded Burger for $10.50 or trade up to a Bison Burger from $19.50. A 21 oz fountain drink is $4.75.   You’ll also find several specialty locations offering pizza and a variety of fancy adult beverages from wine to whiskey to cocktails.   The Original 16 Lounge is also open on the upper floor during the game. The lounge is a quieter place to have a beverage and relax, with a few tables and TVs showing the game out in the arena. Atmosphere 3 Box lacrosse is one of the best spectator sports ever created. It has everything that a sport needs to be entertaining: speed, power, finesse, subtlety, aggression, and a healthy dollop of rough-and-tumble to round it all off.   So it comes as no surprise that there’s some good energy in the building when the Rush take the floor.   There is always music playing at NLL games, which adds extra juice to the atmosphere and helps keep the fans engaged throughout the event. This is apparently a rather polarizing subject with most fans either loving it or hating it and not many in between.   Adding to the atmosphere are a number of touches around the arena. The three league championship banners and one conference championship banner are hanging from the rafters as well as a banner commemorating the team’s first and only retired jersey number (Jimmy Quinlan’s number 81). Unfortunately, these banners are tucked so high up in the rafters that they can only be seen from a couple of sections in the lower bowl—dropping them down to the same level as the hockey banners are found would make them much more prominent. Saskatchewan Rush Banners, Photo by Jim Flannery, Stadium Journey On the downside at SaskTel Centre, if you’re sitting high up in the balcony along the sides of the arena your view of the scoreboard is obstructed by the press box. TV monitors and smaller scoreboards are located in several locations to help address this issue but you’ll be getting a little less detail. Views of the game don’t appear to be blocked, however, so you’ll still have a good look at the main event.   Additionally, views from Section 8 in the upper bowl can be badly obstructed by curtains drawn around the unused portion of the upper bowl, which is close to half of the seating up there. You may have to relocate if the arena crew is unable to draw those curtains back for you. Neighborhood 2 The location of SaskTel Centre was very controversial when the arena was announced in the late 80s. Located in the Agriplace Industrial Park north of the Saskatoon International Airport, it is a couple kilometers north of the city proper, which means anyone visiting will be in for a trip, either by car or bus.   Although there are several industrial businesses around SakTel Centre, there is virtually nothing in the way of food or entertainment options in the area. A few blocks away you’ll find a Tim Horton’s, a Subway, a Husky House and, across Highway 11 in the Travel J truck stop, there is a Denny’s.   In other words, if you’d like a bite to eat before or after the game, you’ll again be going for a drive, as there really isn’t much locally.   The good news is that Circle Dr. on the north end of Saskatoon is only a couple kilometres south of the rink. This is a major artery for the city, so you can find lots of dining options there. For example, on the southeast corner of the intersection between Highway 11 and Circle Dr. you’ll find Wendel Clark’s Classic Grill and Bar and the dining and other entertainment choices just grow from there as you travel east, west or south.   Fans 4 While in Edmonton, the Rush were never really able to establish a fan base big enough to justify the cost of playing in the big city; in 2015, the Rush were sixth in the NLL in attendance with an average crowd of 6,568 in an arena that holds 16,000.   Things improved for the Rush after the move, however. In their first season in Saskatoon, the team drew over 11,000 fans per game. And from 2017-2020, they averaged better than 13,700 per game, putting them in the Top 4 in league attendance.   Times have gotten tougher since the pandemic, however. After losing the 2021 season entirely due to a league-wide shut down, it seems the city has forgotten about lacrosse. Between 2022-2024, the team brought in around 8,000 per game, right around league average. And for the 2025 season, they’ve dropped to only 6,500 fans per game, in spite of being in playoff contention.   The fans who are still coming out to see the Rush enthusiastically embrace their team. In-game rituals are well established, such as a chest-thumping routine many fans have adopted following Rush goals, inspired by a scene from the movie “Wolf of Wall Street.”   There are also lots of people wearing Rush gear throughout the arena. The fan base has shrunk in recent years, but the ones who continue to show up are hard core. Access 3 In spite of being on the outskirts of town, access to SaskTel Centre is pretty easy. The arena is located in between Highways 11 and 16, so getting there is relatively simple, although it may be a bit of a drive from the south end of town.   There are 4,000 parking spots around the facility and they are free, so there is ample parking for those who drive. Getting into and out of the parking lot can be a hassle due to a limited number of entrances and exits, however, with the reduced crowd numbers recently, traffic flows fairly well before and after the game.   There is also transit service to SaskTel Centre, making that an option as well for those who don’t want to drive.   Once inside, you’ll find that the almost 30-year-old building struggles to accommodate big crowds. This is much less of an issue when the place is less than half full.   The concourse has a couple pinch points where passing through can be a challenge, particularly around the Rush souvenir table. Washrooms—particularly the men’s—can also get quite busy between periods. Pro tip: The upstairs concourse, which wraps around about half of the stadium, is far less busy than the main floor, as they’re only opening about half of it to fans, what with the much smaller crowds these days. If you’re looking to get away from the crush of the crowds, find your way up there. Return on Investment 4 With ticket prices as low as $32 in the balcony Family Zone and the best seats in the house a bargain at $70 apiece, attending a Rush game is a terrific value. Seats are available at all price levels, although the lower bowl seems to fill up pretty quickly, so plan accordingly.   The seats themselves are comfortable and provide a great view of the floor regardless of location, so there really isn’t a bad seat in the house (except possibly in Section 8, as noted above). If you sit high enough you’ll lose your view of the scoreboard, but you won’t lose sight of the game itself. Extras 5 The Rush provide a solid product over and above the game itself.   There is a stand set up in the concourse for souvenir collectors, for all your Rush hat, shirt and knick-knack needs. The downside of these tables is that it chews up some of the concourse, which is tight to begin with, but it has tons of stuff and looks to me to be an upgrade in size and scope from the stand the Rush had back in Edmonton. Saskatchewan Rush Merchandise at SaskTel Centre, Photo by Jim Flannery, Stadium Journey The team’s mascot, Rowdy the Bison, keeps the kids entertained with his antics on the floor during breaks in the action and touring the stands.   The Rush have a dance team, the 016 Electric Crew, who helps with giveaways and maintain a presence around SaskTel Centre throughout the game. They perform several routines on the floor during breaks in the action to help keep the audience fired up.   You’ll see the Rush’s Championship banners hanging in the SaskTel rafters, helping to make the place look like home. Also, SaskTel Centre lights the exterior of the building in Rush green so there’s no doubt who is playing on game day.   The Rush are good at running special game day promotions. For instance, they held a Marvel Super Heroes night this season where everyone got a comic book tying the NLL with the Marvel comic universe and fans were encouraged to dress up as their favourite superhero.   After games, the Rush and 016 Electric Crew come out onto the floor for an autograph session with any fans who want to hang around for a bit. This is a great feature of the NLL and gives fans a chance to meet the team.   The inner walls of the concourse feature TVs allowing people to check out what else is happening in the sports world as well as game action when they’re out getting a snack.   If you’re sufficiently inspired by the game that you need to get some ink, Headrush Tattoo has a location set up here with some of the best tattoo artists in the province ready to create something special for you.   Recycling bins are provided throughout the concourse for fans to drop their cans and bottles in.   As an added bonus, you’ll also find a cell phone charging station in the concourse for SaskTel customers with low batteries and there is also free Wi-Fi for SaskTel customers. Final Thoughts The lacrosse community in the Saskatchewan is still relatively small, so seeing people with little knowledge of the game come out and have a great time is gratifying.   Box lacrosse truly is nothing short of excellent. Expect a good time and a great game.

Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.57 Madison Square Garden 4 Pennsylvania Plaza New York, NY 10001 New York Knicks website Madison Square Garden website Year Opened: 1968 Capacity: 19,812 Big Apple Basketball While New York City boasts some of the most iconic buildings in the world, including the Empire State Building and One World Trade Center, a trip to the city would not be complete without a stop at Madison Square Garden. Nestled in the heart of the city that never sleeps and opened in 1968, Madison Square Garden hosts a plethora of events throughout the year. From the Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show to countless performances by Billy Joel, the Garden seems to be holding a different event each night. In addition to the New York Knicks, the New York Rangers and the New York Liberty call the Garden their permanent home. Although each of these events offers its own set of benefits, attending a New York Knicks game at the Garden offers an unparalleled experience. From the passionate fans to celebrities sitting courtside, there is a truly unique and unparalleled atmosphere that surrounds a Knicks game. The hefty price of admission is well worth the priceless experience once inside Madison Square Garden and is a must see for any sports fan. Food & Beverage 5 The quality and array of food inside Madison Square Garden is fantastic and is sure to please any basketball fan. The Garden has all of the basics covered when it comes to food, including hot dogs ($7) and popcorn ($6.25). If you are looking for something a little bit more adventurous, check out Hill Country BBQ, which serves delicious pulled pork sandwiches ($14). The Garden also offers a rather unique sushi stand, with selections ranging in price from $3.50 to $19. For dietary restrictions, there is a dedicated gluten free stand, where plenty of options are available, including gluten free hot dogs ($7). A number of Coca Cola products are available for purchase at MSG. For adult fans, both domestic ($11.50) and imported ($12.25) beer is available throughout the Garden, including Budweiser, Shock Top, and Brooklyn Lager. Mixed drinks ($12) can also be purchased in the concourse. Although the concessions are pricey, they are worth the cost. Hill Country BBQ always produces a great product and is the best bang for your buck. Atmosphere 5 From the moment you catch a glimpse of MSG on the streets of New York, you can feel the special nature of attending a Knicks’ game. MSG fits perfectly within the confines of two city blocks and is aesthetically pleasing both inside and outside the venue. Once inside, the seating bowl is divided into two main sections, the 100 level and the 200 level. Both of these seating levels provide great views of the court. The concourse on the 100 level is spacious and provides ample room to wander, whereas space is more limited on the 200 level. All the seats are comfortable and padded, although there are no cup holders. Additionally, the Chase Bridge extends out over the 200 level and provides amazing views of the court. A gorgeous jumbotron, which provides video and game statistics with pristine quality, is located directly above the court. The Knicks do an incredible job of keeping fans engaged throughout the game. From the spectacular introductions, which include a digital display on the court, to the in-game promotions, such as the “Air Elite Dunkers.” With the central location of MSG, a number of celebrities are bound to be in attendance each night and are featured on the jumbotron. All of the seats at MSG provide a great view of the action and make each fan feel as though they are part of the crowd. The seating in the Chase Bridge provides a unique view of the court and is one of the more unique features of Madison Square Garden. Neighborhood 5 The neighborhood surrounding Madison Square Garden provides an endless amount of options for both before and after the game. New York City is full of great restaurants, with every type of cuisine and price point represented. A hidden gem, especially for fans with dietary restrictions, located only a few blocks away from MSG is Friedman’s Restaurant, which serves up American classics, such as chicken and waffles. If you are craving Italian food, Lugo Cucina serves up a great selection of grub at a reasonable price. Not only does New York City have great food, it also has some of the best entertainment in the world. Although it is not extremely well known, the Upright Citizens Brigade Theater provides great comedy every night for an extremely low price, with appearances from famous comedians being a common occurrence. The Modern Museum of Art, or the MoMA, is another popular attraction in the area. As expected, there are plenty of hotels located around the Garden. The biggest limiting factor in selection, however, is price, since most rooms are fairly expensive. Hotel Pennsylvania is located directly across the street from Madison Square Garden and provides economical rates but below average service. Fans 5 No matter the night or the opponent, the New York Knicks’ fan base will be out in full support of their hometown team. Madison Square Garden fills up for each Knicks’ home game, which puts them at the top of NBA average attendance. There never seems to be an empty seat in the house, even on weekday games against mediocre opponents when the Knicks are not performing at their best. The fans at Knicks’ games are both boisterous and engaged with the game. The crowd is knowledgeable of what is occurring on the court and creates a clear advantage for the Knicks. Celebrities consistently make appearances at Knicks’ games, which gets the crowd excited as well. A favorite event of the fans is the t-shirt toss, with most fans going wild in an attempt to get one. Access 4 Madison Square Garden is one of the most accessible venues in all of sports via public transportation but is one of the least accessible via car. The public transit options to MSG are virtually limitless. Penn Station, which serves the 1, 2, 3, A, C, and E lines of the New York City Subway, the PATH to New Jersey, Long Island Railroad, New Jersey Transit, Amtrak, and several bus lines, is located directly below MSG. Additionally, these public transit options can take passengers to any of the three airports in the New York City area. In short, do not drive to a New York Knicks’ game. Parking is extremely difficult to come by and bringing a car into the heart of Manhattan is not worth the hassle. With the amount of public transportation options, it does not make any logical sense to drive to Madison Square Garden. All gates are equally easy for entry into Madison Square Garden, with each one being extremely accessible. The Knicks’ seem to have the operation down to a science and are able to function on game night seamlessly. The concourses at Madison Square Garden provide ample room for the movement of fans, including those patrons waiting to purchase food. Restrooms are kept clean and are never too crowded. Additionally, the Garden is wheelchair accessible once inside. Return on Investment 4 Although the experience at a Knicks’ game is priceless, the total cost of attending a game can get quite pricey. Even when the Knicks are not doing well on the court, the price of admission is high. Usually the cheapest ticket on the secondary market is around $50 or $60, with the upper limit of ticket prices being virtually nonexistent. Additionally, it is easy to spend $20 or $25 on food, which means that spending around $100 per person for a Knicks’ game is most definitely possible. A big savings, however, is that most fans do not pay to park since public transportation is so popular. The best place to get tickets is online on a secondary market. Extras 4 Two extra points are awarded for the friendliness of the staff at the Garden. It is a common occurrence to hear and see employees assisting fans with any and all needs. An additional point is awarded for the magnificent display of banners in the rafters at MSG, which recognize the history of the Knicks as well as the Rangers, Liberty, and Billy Joel. A final extra point is awarded for the amazing atmosphere of attending a game at Madison Square Garden. Final Thoughts Seeing a Knicks game at Madison Square Garden is a must for any basketball or sports fan who is in New York City. Although it comes at a substantial monetary cost, the memories that come with the experience are truly magical and will last a lifetime.

All Photos Courtesy of University of Colorado The University of Colorado has announced that it will place a statue of the football program's all-time winningest coach, Bill McCartney, outside Boulder's Folsom Field this fall.  CU will announce later the date of the statue's debut. "Coach Mac's imprint on this university transcends his incredible accomplishments on the football field," said Athletic Director Rick George in a statement issued by the University. "This statue and the scholarship created in his honor will stand as a permanent monument to those accomplishments and the many lives he touched during and after his time as head football coach. It also further demonstrates our ongoing commitment to honoring CU football's illustrious past." McCartney coached the Buffaloes from 1982 to 1994, compiling a 93-55-5 (.624) record over those 13 seasons.  McCartney came to Boulder after serving as Bo Schembechler's defensive coordinator at the University of Michigan from 1977 to 1981.  During his time at CU, McCartney guided the Buffs to their only national championship in 1990.  The team also won Big Eight Conference titles in 1989 (the program's first in 13 years), 1990, and 1991.  McCartney recruited numerous NFL players and stars to CU, including the Buffs' first Heisman Trophy winner, Rashaan Salaam, in 1994. The statue will be placed near the Buff Walk on Folsom Field's east side.  It'll be just the second statue outside the stadium; the other memorializes former CU Head Coach Fred Folsom, for whom the stadium is named and which is located on its south side. A scholarship in McCartney's name is also being created.

Photos of Sean MacDonald, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.29 The Ballpark at America First Square 11111 South Ballpark Drive South Jordan, UT 84009 Salt Lake Bees website The Ballpark at America First Square website Year Opened: 2025 Capacity: 8,000 Ballpark First, Square Coming Soon  The Salt Lake Bees had one of baseball's best stadiums in Smith's Ballpark but there were some problems with the surrounding area and other concerns that prompted the Larry H. Miller Company, owner of the franchise, to move the club. In a rather unique choice for a minor league franchise, they built their community in South Jordan, about 20 miles southwest of Salt Lake City.  This sports-anchored, mixed-use development is known as Daybreak and the 200-acre site will eventually include apartment buildings, restaurants, and shops, making it similar to The Battery in Atlanta. However, at this time, only the ballpark is ready, with the surrounding area in various stages of construction.  When complete, it promises to be a summer sports destination for those visiting the Beehive State, but at this point, much work remains to be done. Stadium Journey paid a visit to The Ballpark at America First Square for their second-ever game and were impressed with some aspects, but look forward to when the full dream is realized. Food & Beverage 4 For a minor league ballpark, the selection here is incredible. It would take the entire review to mention every concession stand and offer, so a few highlights will be presented. Closest to the main entrance is Home Plate Chicken, where a spicy chicken sandwich basket with fries is $10, possibly making it the best bargain at the ballpark. A Buffalo chicken sandwich is $12, while chicken tenders and fries are $15, five bucks more than tenders with a waffle. You can also get a jumbo hot dog here for $8. As you can tell, these prices are a bit much for a minor league stadium, and that is why a point is docked. Smith's Ballpark may no longer be the team's home, but Smith's Ballpark Market is one of the concession stands, so named because Smith's is a local grocer. Here you can find a cheeseburger basket for $15, a mini corn dog basket for $9, and a veggie (black bean and corn patty) burger for $9. A single slice of Little Caesar's pizza runs $8, and if you are a family of four, you can get a bundle of four burgers or dogs with fries for $35, and $50 if you add soda or water. Franx has a couple of specialty dogs: all-star footlong for $11 and Chicago style for $10. In the left field corner is J. Dawgs, a food truck with polish or beef for $9 and fries for $6. There is also a Mediterranean stand here where hummus nachos are $15, or you can build your salad or bowl (choose from rice, chickpeas, mixed greens, tomatoes, olives, feta, pepperoncini, and tzatziki sauce), also from $15.  The Changeup offers a variety of Mexican entrees such as enchiladas, burritos, or quesadillas between $16-$18, while a churro sundae is an unusual option at $11. Bumble's BBQ tempts with brisket sandwiches for $16, a buck less will get you pulled pork or chicken. They also have Mac and Bees bowls, with the traditional for $10, while adding meat will add $3-$6 to your order. Dugout Pizza is a grab-and-go concession with $14 cheese or pepperoni personal pies (a meat pizza is an extra 50 cents), while a meatball sub is $10. Those looking for a healthier option can try a Caesar salad for $8. Snacks are available at most stands and start at $5 for peanuts, Cracker Jack, or churros, and go up to $8.50 for a popcorn box. Coca-Cola products are available for $6 for bottled soda and $5 for water. Beer starts at $12.5 for typical canned options and goes up with premium or draft. Again, this is not a comprehensive list of all available items but should give you an idea of what to expect before you arrive. With nothing around the ballpark at this point, you might want to eat along the way should you find the prices here to be a bit more than you are willing to pay. Atmosphere 5 At the main entrance, the red brick exterior is covered with silver plating along the top that has mountain scenery etched on it, a unique look for a ballpark. The stadium design is typical if a bit small for AAA, with a capacity of 8,000 including the right field berm. This makes it the fourth smallest at this level, behind Tacoma, St. Paul, and Sugar Land.  After entering, you will see one of many premium areas, this being the Founders Suites, four private rooms right off the main concourse behind the plate. These offer very comfortable seats above the seating bowl, with dedicated concessions included right next door.  Another premium area are the suites at field level directly behind the plate, all of which have food and beverage service. This means that the seating sections behind the plate are quite limited as the dugouts and field level suites take up much of the space, so there are no front-row seats in these areas available to the general public. Up top are the premium decks, one above the first base and one above the third. Both were empty for the game we attended and hence available to all fans, but few knew about them or bothered to explore them. For some reason, an usher was at the bottom of one set of stairs, implying that it was not open to all fans, but when I inquired, she said anyone could go up. So have a look as the views from up here are among the best in baseball. Between the premium decks is the Terrace Club, the third premium area that requires a wristband to enter. Here you will find an unlimited buffet and soft drinks, while alcohol is available at prices cheaper than in the rest of the stadium. Of course, most travelers will not be able to access these areas, but they are worth knowing about. The last section down the lines turns in to face the field, a welcome change from the old-style ballparks where you would have to turn your neck to watch the action should you be sitting well down the lines. The entire seating bowl is protected by netting, though of course, pop fouls do reach the seats on occasion.  The scoreboard is large and sits above the left field fence and below it are two rows of seats where home run hopefuls gather. The bullpens are underneath these seats, and you can stand above and watch the pitchers warm up.  In the left field plaza is the unique feature, a miniature golf course, which will have a nominal charge but looks to provide a bit of fun before the game. There is also a small kids area here and a separate concession stand with kids meals, which might attract a few adults given how expensive regular concessions are. You can walk around the entire concourse, going out to center field and reaching the berm in right field, where many families will spend the evening. Bring a blanket and get there early to claim your space.  As you walk back along the first base concourse, you will see a few picnic tables for those who want to spread out to enjoy their meals. The mascot is Bumble and he made his way around the ballpark greeting fans and keeping them entertained. As this was only the second game, there were no on-field promotions between innings, though there were a couple of scoreboard ones such as the dance cam and cap shuffle. Presumably as the club gets its bearings, these will appear. Drink rails abound and are ideal for those who like a bit of space and don't mind standing for a few innings. This also allows you to talk to the ushers at the top of the sections; the one I met was quite informative and friendly and made the experience that much more enjoyable. One thing missing here is team history; the franchise has been in Salt Lake City for over 30 years and there should be something acknowledging those who have gone on to the majors. The Ballpark at America First Square may have a long name (America First is a credit union; they also hold the naming rights for Real Salt Lake's stadium) but it is a beautiful stadium with an incredible backdrop and this is its highlight. Neighborhood 2 There is nothing near the ballpark, other than parking lots and the transit stop. If you are landing at SLC from the south, a left-side window seat will give you a clear view of the ballpark in the distance, as there are no buildings surrounding it. However, just over a mile away are a few eateries and bars, with The Break Sports Grill being the most appealing. Next to that is Cupbop, where you can get Korean BBQ in a cup. Farther down SR85 in Herriman are Slackwater Pizza, Station Bar, Garage Grill, and Salt Flats Bar. As these are not walkable, we recommend driving rather than using transit should you be looking to explore the area postgame. Utah also has several In-N-Out locations and some are within a short drive of the ballpark should you be coming from a state that lacks this fast-food restaurant with a cult following. In terms of lodging, your best bet is to stay in Salt Lake City or West Valley and drive or take the light rail. Eventually, the area around the ballpark is expected to be much more vibrant, but it will probably take a couple of years before that is fully realized. Fans 4 For the second ever game at the ballpark, attendance was somewhat muted with just 2,725 on hand after nearly 7,000 attended the night before. Of course, this is to be expected for a midweek game in April. Last season, the team averaged 6,300 at Smith's Ballpark, an excellent number for AAA baseball.  Will attendance match that this year? With a capacity of just 8,000 and ticket prices rivaling major league teams, no. The first homestand saw an average of 4,069, which is a good total but unlikely to continue. The problem here is that ticket prices are much higher than they were last year, more than tripling in some cases. It is clear that the owners are trying to maximize revenue rather than attendance figures, but this category should not be punished for that choice. Of course, the Bees are not a new franchise as the team has been in town since 1994. The fans are experienced and know what they are watching, and there were plenty of families and groups taking advantage of premium areas. It remains to be seen if they will continue to show up given the distance and cost. Access 4 South Jordan is a suburb that is about 30 minutes by car from the airport and also reachable on the TRAX Red Line, taking about 45 minutes from downtown and 75-90 minutes from the airport. One thing to be aware of is that the light rail uses a single track, so if the train you want is in front of the train you are on, you will have to wait for the next one, which takes 15 minutes. Some fans use one of the Park and Ride lots in nearby West Jordan and take the train the last few stops, thus saving the $15 parking fee that is charged for any lots around the stadium. If you are driving, SR85 runs next to the ballpark, while SR154 is three miles east and takes you straight from the airport. If you have a game ticket, you can enter via the outfield gate; otherwise head around to the front where the box office trailer is located. We recommend this option to get a look at the impressive facade mentioned above. Inside, the concourse is spacious and no major lines are at the concessions or restrooms. The fact that the upper deck is open to the public when not in use is also a bonus. Return on Investment 1 Tickets start at $18 for the berm, a bit much for minor league baseball at any level. These go up to $26 for seats in the sections farthest down the line, while seats in the next section over are $45. Yes, forty-five dollars to sit 250 feet away from the plate for a minor league game. Other options are the second deck are $35, outfield seats at $30, and bullpen seats at $39. Want to be above the dugout? That'll be $51. That is unreasonable for what is supposed to be a family-friendly and affordable experience. Seats behind the plate appear to be sold out to season ticket holders; one game I checked had resale tickets in these sections for $121 and up. Again, this review is for the Salt Lake Bees of the AAA Pacific Coast League, not the New York Yankees. I realize the motive here is to maximize revenue, but it seems like the team is going to lose a significant portion of their fan base with these prices. For those traveling, the obvious thing to do there is pay $18 and stand for a while or sit at one of the drink rails. To be fair, there are ticket specials such as 4 berm seats for $40 on Tuesdays and a Sunday Brunch where you get a ticket and a meal for $47, but these require planning and the schedule to work out for those making a road trip. There are also last-minute ticket specials that you can register for, though it is not clear what these entail.  When you add in the parking and overpriced concessions, a night at the ballpark for a family of four is going to cost over $150. Perhaps everyone in Utah just won the lottery, but this is far too much for the product on the field and is the biggest detriment to the new ballpark. Extras 3 Of course, as with any ballpark in Utah, a mountain backdrop is essential and merits a point as does the facade out front. The miniature golf course is also worth a point. Final Thoughts Overall, The Ballpark at America First Square is the initial step in what promises to be an intriguing question - can a minor league stadium be the centerpiece of a suburban development? Right now, prices are too high and the lack of a surrounding neighborhood means fans are traveling a long way just for the game. As time passes, the area will improve and I expect adjustment in the cost to make this a more attractive sports destination. We will revisit in a year or two to see how things have progressed.

Photos by Richard Smith, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.86 Bulle Rock Golf Course 320 Blenheim Ln 2003 Havre De Grace, MD 21078 Big Ten Women's Golf website Bulle Rock Golf Course website Year Opened: 1998 Capacity: n/a Taking a Rip Bulle Rock Golf Course in between Havre de Grace, MD, and Aberdeen, MD hosted the 42nd Big Ten Women's Golf Championship in 2025. The course also hosted the 2025 event as well. Bulle Rock is named for the first thoroughbred racehorse brought to North America in the early 18th century. Bulle Rock has consistently been ranked as Maryland’s No. 1 public golf course since opening in 1998. The course was designed by Pete Dye. Bulle Rock hosted five consecutive LPGA Championships (now known as the Women’s PGA Championship) from 2005-09, including Annika Sorenstam’s third consecutive victory in 2005 by three strokes over 15-year-old amateur Michelle Wie. The course is listed as Number 94 on Golf Digest's 100 Greatest Public Courses. Food & Beverage 3 There is some food for sale at the clubhouse and on weekends a few food trucks are around. I would not expect to get my main meals here at the site. Atmosphere 4 The atmosphere is fairly sedate. Fans are to stay quiet as the competitors are on the course. This is standard for golf so it should not be a surprise. Fans can walk around the whole course but need to stay away from players and on and very near to cart paths only. There are not many places to sit around the course. It was nice seeing decent fan support for these quality athletes far from a nearby campus. Neighborhood 3 A short drive away back over I-95 is an abundance of restaurants and hotels in both Aberdeen and Havre de Grace. Aberdeen, home to the Army’s massive Aberdeen Proving Grounds, is a center of business activity. Olive Tree is a better version of a well-known Italian chain, while Mamie’s Cafe is an old-school Baltimore-style restaurant that offers free desserts with all meals. The Greene Turtle, Panera Bread, and Super Chicken Rico are some other choices with which you can’t go wrong. Chap's Pit Beef is also located nearby and is a good spot if you want to properly fill your belly before the game. Havre de Grace is a charming town with many shops and restaurants. Tidewater Grill is one of our favorites for a bit of food. There is also an outpost of Abbey Burger Bistro. Fans 3 In general, golf fans are very courteous and respectful of everyone in attendance. There were limited fans as it is not a professional, well-known event. It seems most of the fans were family of the competitors or alumni of the various schools. Access 5 I-95 runs nearby so access is good. The main entrance is off Route 40 but you can also get in the back way off of Paradise Road and Chapel Road. There are manned gates at the back entrance but if you tell the guards you are here for the tournament they will let you in. That way will see you winding through new housing developments in the area. Parking is free but not plentiful. There should be overflow parking but it is not like it was for the LPGA events in the past with nearly unlimited parking. It still should not be an issue. Return on Investment 5 All the rounds of the event are free to attend so the return on investment is very good. Extras 4 The Route 40 entrance is an extra in itself as it winds along a stream and through a cool railroad tunnel. Seeing the flags of all the Big Ten schools is cool to see away from what we view as the normal sporting venue. Knowing that this course was home to some quality LPGA events in the past is very fun for a sports fan. Bulle Rock Golf Course is a thing of beauty and would be ideal to play if you are into golf. It is not a private course with many tee times available for under $100. Final Thoughts The Big Ten Women's Golf Championship is a great event and being able to wander and see so much action around a beautiful course is a wonderful event for any sports fan.

Photos by Eric Moreno, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.43 Toyota Center 1510 Polk St Houston, TX 77002 Houston Rockets website Toyota Center website Year Opened: 2003 Capacity: 18,055 Houston Rockets - Toyota Center In 1971, the then San Diego Rockets relocated to Houston, giving the Lone Star State its first NBA franchise. Over the ensuing decade, stars would emerge that would help bring legitimacy to Space City’s squad, including Hall of Famers Elvin Hayes and Moses Malone, who would guide the Rockets to a conference championship in 1981. The 1984 NBA Draft would bring Houston Cougar alum Hakeem Olajuwon, and “The Dream” would team up with fellow future Hall of Famer Ralph Sampson – the duo would be known as the “Twin Towers” – to lead the Rockets to the 1986 NBA Finals. It would be under the guidance of former player Rudy Tomjanovich and Hall of Famer Clyde Drexler that Houston would break through, capturing back-to-back NBA titles in 1994 and 1995. At the start of the 2003-04 season, the Rockets moved into their new state-of-the-art home in downtown H-Town, Toyota Center. Stars such as Tracy McGrady, Yao Ming, and James Harden have taken the court at Toyota Center, and recent seasons have seen a rise in the team’s fortunes. Through the ups and downs, Toyota Center has kept up with the times and is still a premier spot in the NBA.   Food & Beverage   4 Toyota Center boasts an impressive array of food and beverage concession offerings; fans attending games can choose from traditional offerings like burgers (cheese, plain, or bacon and cheese), hot dogs (the team often features themed dogs based on that day’s opponent), barbecue plates and sandwiches (Plates!), loaded baked potatoes, nachos, and chicken tenders. Pizza Hut and Dippin’ Dots have stands offering pared-down menus of their wares. Spots such as Corona Bar and Sire Spirits Social Club offer great spots for fans to grab an adult beverage and socialize during games. The only thing keeping the score from being even higher is the cost; the lowest ticket item I could find was still about $7. The one area where you can save a few bucks is with the bottomless fountain drinks and popcorn buckets.   Atmosphere   5 The atmosphere at Toyota Center is among the best I have experienced. Right off the bat the team puts on a pre-game concert with a DJ near the main entrance, along with games and activities for fans. IN addition, inside there are multiple team stores (Rocket Shops) throughout the arena for fans to pick up souvenirs. On the upper concourse you’ll find a great area for young fans to explore. The Sky Court offers pop-a-shot games, a court and hoops for fans to play on, and an area for younger fans to create art and signs for the game. Also on the upper concourse, visitors can see the Rockets Championship Court – the team was able to salvage center court from the long-gone Houston Summit, the home court where the Rockets won their championships. Fans can also take photos on the court alongside a locker room set up, complete with lockers and jerseys of all the Rockets all-time greats. Speaking of which, the rafters of Toyota Center are filled with retired jersey numbers and championship banners. The pre-game and halftime festivities are also a lot of fun, and add greatly to the atmosphere at Toyota Center.   Neighborhood   5 Houston is the fourth largest city in the United States, as well as the most diverse and most cosmopolitan city in Texas. With that in mind, you’ve got an embarrassment of riches to choose from during your visit to Space City. For sports fans, the city is also home to virtually all the other major professional sports leagues. The Houston Texans , Houston Astros , Houston Dynamo FC , and Houston Dash  all call the city home, along with four Division 1 college sports programs in the University of Houston , Rice University , Texas Southern University, and Prairie View A&M University . If you plan your visit right, you should be able to get in at least one other game at one of the many venues in the area. When looking for things to do before or after Rockets games, again, you have a wealth of options to choose from – a couple of recommendations I would advise visiting include Space Center Houston  and the Museum of Fine Arts, Houston . Space Center Houston is the hub for NASA and its endeavors. The tours are amazing, the sites are awe-inspiring, and everything at the center feels monumental and important. There is plenty to do for visitors of all ages. The Museum of Fine Arts, Houston is a world-class art institution and is home to works from some of the most celebrated artists in history. Conveniently located in the Museum District, the museum is a great way to spend time before games and, if needed, to get out of the Houston heat for a while. Options for dining and lodging are also in abundance. Virtually every cuisine you could think of has a five-star option in Houston; the same with places to stay on your visit. The only limits for both are going to be your budget and your imagination. A few eating and sleeping options within walking distance of Toyota Center include China Garden , a decades-old Asian restaurant, and The Palm , the H-Town location for the upscale steakhouse chain. Hotel options include Hilton Americas-Houston and Athens Hotel & Suites ; both are less than a five-minute walk from the arena.   Fans   4 The Rockets fortunes on the court have improved in recent years and along with that, so have the team’s attendance figures at Toyota Center. During the 2023-24 season the Rockets averaged over 17,500 fans per game, markedly up from the previous season, and they are up even more this year. At the games there are a ton of fans decked out in Rockets gear and jerseys. By and large, this is a loud, energetic, and engaged crowd. It has not always been a die-hard fanbase, but when times are good, they are there.   Access   5 Toyota Center is conveniently located – its Downtown site puts in within walking distance of a lot of great activities and attractions in Space City. It is also only about a 30-minute drive from George Bush Intercontinental Airport, one of the busiest hubs in the country, allowing for flights to and from Houston to pretty much everywhere in the world. There are plenty of public parking lots in the area around the arena, but these tend to get a bit pricey, so I cannot speak highly enough about the city’s public transportation option, Houston METRO . The light rail system that crisscrosses the city has multiple routes and stops in and around Toyota Center. I’ve written ad nauseum about the traffic in Houston, so for a mere $1.25 per person per trip, you could skip all of that and save money on parking, too. It's almost too good to pass up.   Return on Investment   4 Single-game tickets for the Houston Rockets wildly vary in cost. On average, you can expect to pay between $85 and $150 if you’re buying from the team; bargains can be had on the secondary market, however. Concession costs are also a little on the higher end, but you can still find bargains, such as the bottomless popcorn and soda refills. This is pretty much on par with the rest of the NBA, though. The parking costs are also pretty high, but the public transportation options can offset that. All in all, with the Rockets being back in contention again, you’re getting what you pay for at Toyota Center.   Extras   4 The Rockets pull out a lot of stops when it comes to Extras. They have the team mascot, Clutch the Bear (and his sidekick, Mini Clutch), the team’s dance squad, the Clutch City Dancers , an in-arena DJ , and a dunk team. All of this adds immensely to the in-game experience for fans. Couple this with all the previously mentioned experiences that are built into the atmosphere here, and you’re in for a great time at Toyota Center.   Final Thoughts Toyota Center is one of my favorite venues in all of sports; it’s still a great spot despite its age. When you factor in its location and its proximity to the multitude of great options that H-Town has to offer, I think anyone visiting Toyota Center will come away feeling the same. Definitely add it to your sports bucket list. Follow Eric Moreno's Stadium Journey on X at @EricMoreno6477 .

Photos by Richard Smith, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.43 Mustang Beach 11005 Owings Mills Blvd Owings Mills, MD 21117 Stevenson Mustangs website Mustang Beach website Year Opened: n/a Capacity: n/a A History of Horses There are times when something good can spring from something so bad. Stevenson University and its wonderful athletic facilities are "the good". The events of March 1984 were "the bad", at least for the residents of Maryland. At 2 am on March 29th of that year, fifteen Mayflower moving trucks arrived at the Baltimore Colts training facility in Owings Mills, a northwest suburb of Baltimore. Workers loaded all of the team’s belongings, and the trucks left for Indianapolis, arriving later that day to a massive welcome. The move happened in the dark since the Colts’ owner, Bob Irsay, feared the Maryland legislature would pass an eminent domain bill that would have legally barred the team from moving. The bill passed later that day, but it was too late, as the locally beloved franchise was already gone. In the early years after the Colts left, the former training facility had seen some of its land sold off by the then-property owners, Baltimore City. The main building and field were also used as a training center for local police officers. Football returned from 1994 to 1995 as the Baltimore Stallions of the Canadian Football League (CFL) used the training center. The Stallions were quite a success, easily the most successful of the United States' CFL expansion teams, with strong attendance numbers and appearances in the CFL Grey Cup Championship Game in both years they were in town. 1995, they even won that championship, but when the Cleveland Browns agreed to move to Maryland, the Stallions realized that they needed to move on. Move they did, back to Canada, and they are still known today as the Montreal Alouettes. In 1996, the newly renamed Baltimore Ravens team took up residence in the Owings Mills facility. The team would move to a new center, also in the Owings Mills area, called the Under Armour Performance Center in 2004. That new facility is referred to as “The Castle” for its architectural style. Villa Julie College has always been a bit of a quirky place. Originally located in the Greenspring Valley of Baltimore County and its Stevenson neighborhood, the college was an all-girls school until 1972 and did not even offer bachelor's degrees until 1984. It was also entirely non-residential. Eventually, the college desired to add housing and more of just about everything, so a new campus was added in Owings Mills. This expansion dramatically increased the college’s offerings and student population. In 2008, they decided they needed a new identity and changed their name to Stevenson University. The old campus is still in use. The Owings Mills campus just happened to be right next door to the old Baltimore Colts training facility. Stevenson acquired the building and land and used it as the center of their athletic department. In 2006, it reopened as the Caves Sports and Wellness Center. Some of the locker rooms and facilities are similar to the ones left behind by the Ravens, with necessary remodeling done. In addition, in 2010, the 38,000-square-foot Owings Mills Gymnasium was added. Mustang Stadium is located in front of Mustang Beach. Mustang Beach is also home to a men's beach volleyball team. This review is for the women's team, but it would likely be the same experience. Food & Beverage 0 There is one permanent food stand at Mustang Beach. Atmosphere 2 There is a wonderful atmosphere at Mustang Beach. There are no regular seats, but you may not mind. Sit along the beach courts, take your shoes off, and enjoy the action. Neighborhood 4 Owings Mills is a suburb of Baltimore, so there are plenty of shopping centers and restaurants in the area. Many good options are within easy walking distance, such as Subway, IHOP, and Five Guys Burgers and Fries. The Owings Mills station of the Baltimore Metro subway system is located about a mile away from campus. Fans 3 There were not many fans at the game, but it was also cold and gloomy. Not a great day for beach volleyball. Being a largely commuter university, there may not be too many students at the games. There are residence halls near the beach, so some students' attendance is always possible. Access 4 Owings Mills Boulevard has an exit off nearby Interstate 795. The stadium is a pretty quick one-mile trip from the highway. I worried about traffic in an area that is pretty busy even on normal days, but the traffic was no problem. The university has plenty of parking in the area, and there are no issues here. Parking is free. Return on Investment 5 Admission is free. With free parking, Stevenson University beach volleyball is a good value. Extras 2 The former home of three professional football teams, the Caves Sports and Wellness Center is worth a quick trip. Try to remember 1984 and the pain and struggle that local football fans went through for years. Next to Mustang Stadium is a statue of a Mustang, the university’s mascot. This is a good meet-up spot and photo opportunity. Final Thoughts Besides being on a historic football ground, Stevenson University’s Mustang Beach offers the fans great value, as well as a nice place to watch lacrosse.

Photos by Richard Smith, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.86 Harford Varsity Softball Field 401 Thomas Run Rd Bel Air, MD 21015 Harford Fighting Owls website Harford Softball Field website Year Opened: n/a Capacity: 500 The Fighting Owls of Bel Air Harford Community College is located in Bel Air, MD, roughly between Baltimore and the Delaware state line. It plays in NJCAA Division I, the highest athletic level for two-year colleges, and is part of the Maryland Junior College Athletic Conference. The Harford Varsity Softball Field is in the same Thomas Run Park area as the baseball field and the Harford Stadium, home to soccer and lacrosse. The nearby APG Federal Credit Union Arena also opened in the last few years. The Aberdeen Arsenal of the Atlantic League of Professional Baseball played the 2000 season at Thomas Run Park's baseball fields. The Arsenal departed to make room for the Aberdeen IronBirds, an affiliate of the Baltimore Orioles owned by Cal Ripken, Jr. Food & Beverage 1 There technically is no food offered at the Harford Varsity Baseball Field, but with the nearby Wawa convenience store a short walk down the paved path between fields, I count it as the field’s concession stand. The food offerings vary from hoagies, soup, quesadillas, and hot dogs. And the prices are better than most concession stands. Atmosphere 2 There is not much to the Harford Varsity Softball Field. There are two extremely small stands on each side of the plate. Your best bet is to bring a lawn chair and watch the game further down one of the lines. There is not much else in terms of atmosphere, as it is a JUCO-level softball game. The team does have a PA announcer and plays walkup music for players. Neighborhood 4 Harford Community College is in a suburban location and has plenty of free parking. The area is safe and has many restaurants nearby. Naughty Dogs is within walking distance and has a fun, cheap bar for pre- and post-game refreshments, along with food such as pit beef. If you are in the mood for Mexican, La Tolteca is located just a brief distance away and is a consistently good food place. Travel to Bel Air and there are multiple chain and local options. Zen 16 Sushi Cafe and MaGerks Pub & Grill are some great options. A quick drive in the other direction is Aberdeen. Olive Tree is a better version of a well-known Italian chain, while Mamie’s Cafe with Love is an old-school Baltimore-style restaurant that offers free desserts with all meals. Super Chicken Rico is another choice with which you can’t go wrong. Fans 2 The attendees at most games are family members or other athletes. There may be a few residents who attend the games. The fans are knowledgeable and friendly to visitors. Access 4 Harford is located just a few miles off of I-95, one of the largest highways in the northeast. But State Route 22 can be very crowded with commuters traveling between Aberdeen Proving Grounds (APG) and central Harford County. APG has become a very large Army base after the last round of federal base realignment and closure activities. So leave some extra time getting to the campus. There is plenty of free parking. Towson University in Northeastern Maryland is a brand new extension campus of the well-established state university that recently opened across from the Harford campus. Return on Investment 5 Games are free to attend, so the return on investment is pretty high. The low cost of concessions at nearby Wawa also makes the cost to watch a good level of softball game pretty high. Extras 2 The Harford Sports Complex also has another softball field. a baseball field, as well as a convertible field that can hold softball and/or baseball games. Harford Stadium, home to the school’s lacrosse and soccer teams, is also located next door. If you get a chance to peek into the nearby APG Federal Credit Union Arena, it is worth a visit, as this is quite an impressive facility for a junior college. Final Thoughts The simple Harford Varsity Softball Field does not necessarily impress, but it offers good sports action at no cost to the fans. Nothing fancy, but it makes a good stop for softball fans.