Everton are set to move into their new Bramley Moore Dock stadium for the 2024/25 season. It is an ambitious project that will leave the Toffees with one of the most impressive footballing homes in England. The Blues will be able to host up to 52,000 thousand fans. However, they could begin life in their new stadium as a Championship club depending on how their fortunes pan out. Everton's goalscoring struggles this season Everton are firmly involved in the Premier League relegation battle for the second year running. Last year Frank Lampard narrowly guided the Blues to safety. In this campaign, Sean Dyche is the man tasked with repeating the feat. The main reason for Everton's woes this season is their struggle to regularly score goals. The Blues are the league's lowest goalscorers and have averaged less than a goal per game. After 30 games this season, they had found the net just 23 times. A large part of their troubles can be owed to Dominic Calvert-Lewin's long-term injury issues. He has rarely been available for Everton this season. Neil Maupay was signed by Lampard in the summer window to provide an extra attacking option. However, he has struggled to perform at Goodison Park. The French striker has found the net on just a single occasion this term. Games involving Everton tend to not involve many goals for either side now that Sean Dyche's defensive tutorship is taking effect. Expert football tipsters at SBP offer advice on a range of football betting markets including goalline selections. A host of leading tipsters offer services including Peter who offers tips relating to Asian goal line bets. He averages a profitable return of 16 units per month. Statistics and strong research take precedence in relation to the tips that are offered. For example, in the Premier League teams like Everton will typically produce low-scoring contests, while leading teams like Manchester City score in abundance. Ultimately, Everton have become too predictable, they rarely look dangerous offensively and often rely on their defence to secure points. The issues will not end this summer If Everton are to survive a successive relegation dogfight this year then it certainly is a huge relief for the club. However, it will certainly not signal the end of their issues in regard to the insecurity of their Premier League status. The club still have financial issues looming over them which will make it difficult to invest in the transfer market. Several players could also leave if the Toffees do not find a way to become more ambitious and avoid a relegation battle next time around. Huge investment has gone into the new stadium project while ironically investment is hugely lacking on the pitch. Everton have for many years spent poorly on players who have not been a success at the club. Such players have left either for free or on measly fees. This has put the club in a position in which they cannot make significant expenditures in order to comply with Financial Fair Play regulations. Everton have a huge task ahead if they are to ensure their Premier League status ahead of their Bramley Moore Dock christening. It would certainly be disappointing if one of the country's most impressive stadiums played host to Championship football.

Below is the transcript of an interview from Eyes Everywhere on March Madness (EEMM), an independent college basketball watchdog group, and freelance dance teacher Danny Moves. The interview was conducted prior to the 2023 season. EEMM: Is Danny Moves your real name? MOVES: I consider it my real name, but it’s my stage name. EEMM: So, it’s an alias? MOVES: It’s the name that I’m registered under with Screen Actors Guild. EEMM: You have no basketball experience whatsoever yet you’re meeting with elite college coaches all over the country. Why? MOVES: Correct, I have no basketball experience, nor do I want any. I’m a dance teacher. EEMM: That’s one we haven’t heard before [laughing]. I’ll ask again: Why are you meeting with these coaches? MOVES: I’m teaching them dance moves. EEMM: You’re kidding. MOVES: Absolutely not. I work with coaches on their post-game locker room celebration dance moves. Dancing is an effective bonding tool. When players see their coach dancing, they become more relatable. If players like their coach more, they play harder, and that leads to more wins, at least in theory. EEM: So what you’re saying is that a dancing coach will help win games? MOVES: Yes. Just look at New York Giants football Coach Brian Daboll. He’s a dancing fool, and he completely turned around his team in just one season. EEMM: Were you his teacher? MOVES: No. But with my help, I could diversify his routine and take it to an entirely different level. The Giants could make the Super Bowl, and he’d win Dancing with The Stars. EEMM: Who were your favorite coaches to teach? MOVES: Impossible to answer. There are so many. I had quite a journey with Jim Boeheim, Syracuse’s coach. He’s the oldest coach in D 1, and he’s, ah, very set in his ways. Last year, his team didn’t make the NCAAs. It was a fragile situation. EEMM: What happened? MOVES: He was very resistant. He stood me up twice before we had an actual session. When we did meet, he said, “I don’t know who you think I am, but I’m not Dick Vitale!” EEMM: How'd you get through to him? MOVES: Eventually. I showed Coach Boeheim footage of Coach K dancing at a corporate appearance, and I played some Bruce Springsteen music videos. I heard that he loves The Boss. Anyway, after he saw the Glory Days video, he finally gave in, and we worked on some low impact moves very similar to the ones that Bruce does in his Dancing in The Dark video, with a few flourishes. Coach Boeheim got into it, and he gave me a Syracuse basketball sweatshirt, which I cannot wear, at least in public, because I must be unbiased. EEMM: Who compensated you for this? MOVES: Coach Boeheim’s employer, Syracuse University. EEMM: Do coaches ever pay you out of their own pocket? MOVES: It’s less common, but it happens. UMass Coach Frank Martin paid me out of his own pocket. He was between coaching jobs, and he was looking for a competitive edge. EEMM: What was Coach Martin like to work with? MOVES: Coach Martin was great, but he lives to talk. Everything is a passionate sermon. After a lot of encouragement, I got him to take his verbal skills and transfer it to his body. The result: Frank Martin is a magnificent break dancer. He can really spin on that bald head of his. I expect his dancing to eventually play huge dividends for UMass basketball. EEMM: Did any coaches refuse your instruction? MOVES: Well, besides Coach Boeheim, who eventually came around, no. But Arkansas’s Eric Musselman refused to stop removing his shirt. He’s the Magic Mike of college basketball. He’s really proud of his torso. But, and I told him this, he takes off his shirt way too often. It has become a crutch, and he has lost the element of surprise. I want my students to never be predictable. I challenged Coach Musselman to keep his shirt on. We developed some new moves, quite acrobatic in fact, but ultimately, Coach Musselman insisted on removing his shirt at the end of each routine. He explained that it’s his signature move, and his players love it. Coach Musselman seemed satisfied with our sessions. He sent me an autographed photo of himself, shirtless of course. EEMM: What’s next for you? MOVES: Well, Miami’s Jim Larranaga is perfecting his moonwalk, so that’s exciting. I'm also looking to expand. Right now, my clientele consists solely of men’s college basketball coaches, but I want to step into the women’s game. I’d love to hire a female instructor at some point. I’d also like hope to branch out to football. For reasons I can't explain NBA and hockey coaches refuse to dance, which is an enormous mistake. Jon Hart is @manversusball

Here at Stadium Journey, we often spend a lot of time visiting some of the world’s biggest and best sports venues. While we are at these venues we are also often seeing some of the largest and most well-known sports, but you also may have noticed we like to visit all sports. If there is a set of stands and someone is doing a sports activity, we are interested and will try to cover it for you here. When finding sports to cover we often spend time scouring the schedules of amateur and professional schedules of teams in each writer’s area, as well as while on vacation and trips. Sometimes we even forget to check for some events, such as tournaments and other special attractions. This writer was very lucky to have checked all necessary schedules and found a great event that Stadium Journey recommends. This is not a regular review as the event does rotate venues each year. We also covered the CAA Men's Tournament the prior week and wrote a review as that was scheduled for a few years at the Entertainment & Sports Arena in Washington, DC. The Colonial Athletic Association (CAA) recently held its end-of-season basketball championship at SECU Arena on the campus of Towson University, just north of Baltimore, MD. T Monmouth won the tournament and will be representing the CAA in the NCAA Tournament. The event was a fun one to attend and we can definitely recommend such an event to our readers.

Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.57 Western Financial Place 1777 2nd Street North Cranbrook, BC V1C 7G9 Kootenay Ice website Western Financial Place website Year Opened: 1998 Capacity: 4,654 Kootenay Ice The Kootenay Ice arrived in Cranbrook, B.C. in 1998 after two years in Edmonton. They have subsequently become one of the most consistent and successful franchises in the Western Hockey League, having never missed the playoffs and making it to the Memorial Cup three times, including a win in the national junior finals in 2002. In their relatively brief history, the Ice have produced a number of players who have made the jump to the NHL, including Nigel Dawes, Mike Comrie, Jarret Stoll and Mike Green, making this one of the teams to watch year after year. The Ice have been playing in Western Financial Place since 2000. Formerly known as the Cranbrook Recreational Complex, or Rec Plex, Western Financial Place is a multi-purpose facility housing the hockey rink where the Ice play as well as a public swimming pool, a racquetball court and an in-house restaurant called Coyote Jack’s. Food & Beverage 4 The regular concessions within the arena are pretty standard fare. Popcorn ($3.75 for a small), potato chips ($1.75), pop ($3.00 for a small) and coffee ($2.75 for a small) are all featured on the menus of the four stands in the corners of the concourse. You’ll also find Molson Canadian on tap ($6.00) and a small selection of canned beer and coolers ($6.50-6.75, depending on what you order). Outside of the arena proper in the building’s lobby, you’ll also find two more concession stands. The first is Coyote Jack’s Express, with a paired-down menu from the Coyote Jack’s restaurant menu. Here you’ll find a selection of burgers ($3.99 for CJ’s Classic Burger), chicken ($5.75 for CJ’s Chicken Strips), as well as fries ($2.75) and poutine ($4.75). The other concession is Shivers, which features a variety of ice cream and smoothie choices. A regular cone is $2.75 and a smoothie is $4.50. Your final option is upstairs in Coyote Jack’s Bar & Grill. With a fully appointed menu and a comfortable sports lounge atmosphere, it’s a great place to stop by before or after the game. You can also buy a spot at the windows in the lounge overlooking the rink and watch the game from there, providing you with an excellent view of the action. Atmosphere 4 In the first half of the 2013/14 season, the Ice have drawn around 2,500 fans per game, a relatively small crowd for a WHL team, and all the moreso when you consider the historical success Kootenay has enjoyed. Add in the fact that Western Financial Place seats more than 4,200 and it seems pretty empty in there. Still, drawing 2,500 fans to a game in a town of only 19,000 people has to be considered a fairly impressive feat. As with most of the WHL rinks I’ve been to, the stands remain relatively quiet for much of the game, with pockets of loud-and-proud fans here and there and all the appropriate reactions to both good and bad results on the ice. That means the people there are definitely engaged and knowledgeable, which makes it nice to be in amongst them. Western Financial Place, being the community’s rec plex, has a real community feel to it, a feeling that is emphasized by walls lined with Cranbrook sports-related photos showing the rich history in this town. The place is also clean and tidy, making it quite comfortable overall. Neighborhood 3 Western Financial Place is situated in the middle of a residential neighbourhood, so there isn’t much around it, aside from housing. The good news is that, in a city of 19,000, everything is pretty close by. The downtown is only a couple blocks to the west on 2 St. N and a couple blocks further along from there brings you to the Crowsnest Highway (also known as Cranbrook St. or Van Horne St., depending on where you are) which is the primary run of commercial stores and services in town. Heading north from Western Financial Place will likewise bring you to the Crowsnest Highway on the north end of town. Downtown is a pretty quiet place in the evening, but there is the odd bar or restaurant open for business. Along the Crowsnest Highway you’ll find just about every restaurant chain in Canada as well as a handful of local establishments. We tried the Cancun Mexican International Restaurant (303 Cranbrook St. N.) for supper and it was quite good. The Cancun is situated a block off the highway on the outskirts of the downtown core, and is about a five-minute drive from the arena. One other helpful tip for those who don’t know: Western Financial Place shares a parking lot with the Cranbrook Curling Club. Curling clubs always have a lounge and are generally very welcoming of anyone just walking in off the street, unless there’s a tournament going on or the lounge has been rented for some other special event. If it’s just a typical evening at the club, head upstairs and you’ll find yourself a nice little setup with lots of room to hang out and get your drink on. Fans 3 As noted above, the crowds seem a little small relative to the size of the venue, but they’re clearly dedicated and know what’s going on. Personally, I prefer my crowds to be a little more demonstrative when it comes to showing their enthusiasm, but this crowd seemed fairly subdued for the most part. Again, as noted above, this seems to be fairly typical of junior hockey crowds around western Canada. When all is said and done, though, the fans here seem friendly, pleasant and dialed into the event. Access 4 The parking lot at Western Financial Place appears to be more than adequate for the number of vehicles coming to the game and the $2.00 parking price is relatively nominal, so this is probably your best bet. With the arena situated fairly centrally in Cranbrook, you’re never more than a few minutes’ drive away. There is also a bus stop right alongside the facility, so that is also an easy option. Once inside, the main lobby of the complex is quite roomy and the main concourse also has plenty of space for the crowds. The west concourse is a little on the tight side, with the row of luxury boxes reducing the width of the hallway. Getting out of the parking lot after the game took less than 10 minutes, so the lot and surrounding roadways are well set up to move traffic out and on its way. Return On Investment 4 Seats for Kootenay Ice games are $22 each at the door, a bargain compared to most every professional sport out there. That cost can get you virtually any seat in the house that isn’t owned by a season-ticket holder and they’re all nice and cozy to the ice surface, so there isn’t a bad seat in the place. Or you can grab a spot along the concourse rail where many people choose to watch from the standing room locations. As an added bonus, the mountain scenery around Cranbrook is nothing short of gorgeous so the trip alone provides extra value. Great views plus great team plus great atmosphere equals great value. Pretty simple equation there. Extras 3 As noted above, the walls of Western Financial Place are lined with pictures from Cranbrook’s rich sports history. There are also pictures, biographies, and jerseys of the several Cranbrook natives who made it to professional hockey, including Frank and Danny Spring as well as Rob and Scott Niedermayer. Over the north goal line is the long string of championship banners that the Ice have earned in their short team history giving the arena an extra sense of history and serving as a constant reminder of the level of excellence that this team has consistently delivered to its fans. Team mascot Shivers, an abominable snowman, roams the stands and concourse during the game, entertaining the kids in the crowd and helping with the various giveaways and contests that happen during the game. One thing I was surprised and disappointed by was the lack of a team store on the premises. Apparently there used to be one, but team merchandising has now moved a few blocks away towards downtown to 1st Impressions, a store located at 11a – 14th Avenue S. So if you’re like me and like to get yourself a souvenir of any new venue you’ve visited, you’ll find yourself out of luck. That’s a surprising mistake in marketing, in my opinion. British Columbia has a reputation for being a very green-conscious province, but there didn’t seem to be any recycling bins in Western Financial Place. There is the possibility that all their refuse is sorted and handled off site, but there also don’t seem to be any signs indicating that that might be happening either. I found that a little disappointing as well. Final Thoughts The Kootenay Ice are a very successful hockey team playing in a town with a rich hockey history. That makes for a game-watching experience that brings a lot of high expectations and value to it and Western Financial Place makes the whole experience well worth it.

Photos by Eric Moreno, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.57 Dan Law Field at Rip Griffin Park 2901 Drive of Champions Lubbock, TX 79409 Texas Tech Red Raiders website Dan Law Field at Rip Griffin Park website Year Opened: 1926 Capacity: 4,368 Welcome to Wreck 'Em Country! Texas Tech University has a long and storied tradition as an athletics program. The football team is undoubtedly what the university has been known for the longest, probably followed by its basketball program. However, the Red Raiders baseball team has achieved its own amount of success – the team has won the Southwest Conference (in 1995) and the Big 12 (in 1998), and made the College World Series in 2014 and 2016. The center of the universe for the Red Raiders is Dan Law Field at Rip Griffin Park. The Red Raiders have called the venerable park home since Calvin Coolidge was in the Oval Office. While the park has naturally undergone several upgrades and renovations since then, the most recent in 2012, the facility still retains a great deal of the charm that distinguishes it from other ballparks in the conference. Food & Beverage 3 While the concessions at Rip Griffin Park lack a signature item or unique vendor, your food and beverage needs will be met by what is offered. There are two main concessions stands beneath the grandstand at Rip Griffin Park; the Red Raider Grill and the Dugout Grill. At both of these you can expect to find your standard food items, such as hot dogs (from Wienerschnitzel), soda (a large souvenir cup is $6), popcorn, chips, candy, soft pretzels, and nachos. At the Dugout Grill you can also purchase combo baskets; the Triple Play features chicken tenders, curly fries, and cheese sticks. Next door to the Red Raider Grill is a separate (cash only) food kiosk that sells fresh, hand-squeezed lemonade, sno cones, fajitas, and brisket. Costs at this kiosk range from $4 to $8 per item; this is not so bad considering that Texas Tech is a major Division I university. Atmosphere 5 On game days, Rip Griffin Park is a sea of red. Many games are a complete sell-out, and tailgaters (yes, tailgaters) often fill the open areas in and around Rip Griffin Park for hours before the first pitch.The venue itself complements the overall atmosphere, with its red brick facade and accents, making the ballpark look like it is from another era. With the crowd, the architecture, and the energy that is dispelled when these elements combine, you feel like you’re at a high-level minor league stadium. Neighborhood 3 Lubbock is a college town dropped square into the middle of the vast emptiness of West Texas – if college towns are your bag, then you’re in luck. While Rip Griffin Park is located on the campus of Texas Tech University, just on the other end of campus, on University Drive, there are ample restaurants and establishments that serve adult beverages. If you’re looking for things to do while you’re in Lubbock, either before or after the game, there are a number of attractions that will pique your interest. The National Ranching Heritage Center is a 19-acre facility that includes dozens of historic ranch and farm buildings. Also in town is the Buddy Holly Center, which honors the life and legacy of this legendary musician, and one of Lubbock’s favorite sons. For families, there is the Science Spectrum & Omni Theater, a massive museum that is loaded with all the stuff that kids of all ages love: dinosaurs, hands-on gears, levers, pulleys, bubble experiments, and more. The city also runs a prairie dog town, which is sure to be a favorite for the kids. Fans 4 Texas Tech fans are rabidly devoted to their team. As mentioned, they turn out in droves for games at Rip Griffin Park; the team consistently ranks among the best attended in Division I. According to the university, the Red Raiders recently ranked 13th among Division I baseball programs in attendance, with an average of 3,665 per home game. They also set an attendance record of 4,898 during a game last season, when they hosted East Carolina University in a Super Regional match-up. Regardless, Tech fans are passionate about their teams – all of them. They cheer when their team is at bat, they cheer when they are on defense, and they razz the umpires when necessary. The fans at Rip Griffin Park are great fans, and you won’t be able to help but get caught up in their energy and enthusiasm. Access 3 Make no mistake about it, Lubbock is a drive from just about everywhere. If you’re flying, Dallas or Albuquerque are your best bets. Driving in, Rip Griffin Park is right off Highway 82, which intersects with I-27. From 82, it’s just a short trip down Drive of Champions to the stadium. Once you get to the venue, there is ample parking in the lots directly across from the ballpark, and there are several walk-up windows for tickets. This is as no fuss of an experience as you are going to find in Division I college sports. Return on Investment 4 During conference play, you can get tickets for as low as $12, and as high as $17 for general admission seating. Earlier in the season and on weekdays, tickets are even less. Depending on the item, the concessions are relatively inexpensive. Couple that with no cost for parking, and this all adds up to an affordable day at the ballpark. Extras 3 Like all great ballgame experiences, there are tons of extras involved in attending a game at Rip Griffin Park. There are in-between inning contests, interactive fan experiences like the Twitter DJ contest (fans tweet out which song they like using the hashtag #TTUDJ), and the roving band of boosters known as the Saddle Tramps. The Saddle Tramps, bedecked in trademark red, ring the giant ceremonial Bangin’ Bertha bell, as well as fire off faux pistols each time the Red Raiders score a run. The Tramps add greatly to the overall atmosphere of the game. Final Thoughts It has to be said that Dan Law Field at Rip Griffin Park is truly a hidden gem on the landscape of college baseball. The facility itself is absolutely beautiful; the way they blend the old with the new is remarkable – there is something really special about the red brick, and the turf grass playing surface looks really sharp. Lubbock might be a bit out of the way, but if you find yourself on the plains of West Texas, make some time to visit Rip Griffin Park. It is one you should not miss. Follow Eric Moreno’s Stadium Journey on Twitter at @EricMoreno6477 . Visit Eric Moreno’s writer’s portfolio site at ericmoreno.contently.com .

Photos by Marc Viquez, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.29 Jimmy John’s Field 7171 Auburn Rd Utica, MI 48317 United Shore Professional Baseball League website Jimmy John’s Field website Year Opened: 2016 Capacity: 4,500 Four of a Kind in the USPBL The United Shores Professional Baseball League debuted in 2016 and set up home in Utica, Michigan in the suburbs of Detroit. The independent baseball league is home to four franchises that all play games at the $15 million Jimmy John’s Field. The Utica Unicorns, Birmingham-Bloomfield Beavers, Westside Wooly Mammoths, and the Eastside Diamond Hoppers all rotate and play 75 games for 15 weeks from May to September ensuring a game every weekend. The mastermind behind the USPBL is Andy Appleby who owns General Sports and Entertainment and funded the stadium construction. Appleby is the former owner of the Ft. Wayne Wizards (Midwest League) and Derby County Football Club (Football League Championship) and has borrowed many elements of his experience and included them into the stadium to enhance the game-day experience. These elements include seven Founders Level and five Premium Dugout Suites on field level underneath the 2,000 seats that stretch from first to third base. Home plate is 37 feet from the suites, the closest in all of professional baseball. The stadium also offers 12 Private Patio Cabana Suites, 18 On Field Diamond Tables, three Picnic and Group Areas, and grass berm seating behind right field. The AAA Clubhouse is a full-service bar featuring flat-screen televisions, tables, couches, and lounge areas. The USPBL has sold out 102 out of its first 150 games during the league’s first two seasons and has attracted 3,325 fans per game over that time–only West Michigan and Lansing have attracted more during that same span in the state of Michigan. Food & Beverage 4 Jimmy John’s Field has lots of great menu options, but surprisingly not Jimmy John’s sandwiches. The ballpark is home to two full-service bars: Patron Bar that specializes in frozen margaritas and The Backstop Bar on the upper concourse. The food is reasonably priced, with most items ranging between $5 and $7, while the snacks are in the $3-$4 range. The ballpark offers smoked turkey wings, pulled pork nachos, and pulled pork sandwiches from Big Bone BBQ stand. The Southwest Cantina offers street tacos, New Mexican corn, and cantina bowls. Snacks and desserts include cookies, pretzels, cheese poppers, ice cream, gelato, nachos, cotton candy, popcorn, potato chips, and peanuts. The popcorn stand sells prepackaged bags in all of the clubs’ colors of red, green, and purple. Pepsi products are sold throughout the ballpark. The Short Hops Craft Beer Garden is located on the lower concourse, third base side featuring Michigan craft brews such as Midlawn Brewing (4 Hops Pale Ale), Sherwood Brewing Company (Cracker Jacked Ale), and Brooks Brewing (Pinch Hopper IPA). The area also allows visitors entrance after 9 P.M. and a 24-ounce souvenir cup. Atmosphere 4 There are plenty of options for visitors at Jimmy John’s Field. The 2,000 fixed seats provide a higher vantage point of the game, while the large grass berm seating area offers plenty of legroom behind right field. The wraparound concourse allows fans to view the game from different areas that are distinct from one another. There are usually two mascots walking around the ballpark. Ribbi (frog), Lancelot (unicorn), and Buzz (beaver) might even battle with one another for some great photo moments. Anyone of these mascots can also be seen outside on the main street or parking lot before the game greeting customers as they pull up to the ballpark. Appleby created a lot of nice details to ensure the ballpark’s success. There are copious vantage points to enjoy the ball game, but all areas are not open to the general public as many of these sections cater to corporate sponsors, their workers, and large groups. However, it is one of the most appealing and surreal ballparks in the country. The stadium added a dance crew for the current season that is made up of a 26-member senior dance crew that performs at most games. The four teams also have their own distinct theme songs, and J.J., The Field General, is a golden retriever who is among the line of bat dogs who also brings water to the umpires and retrieves balls when needed. A new speed pitch machine featuring life-size replicas of a pitcher and batter was added for the kids, who also get to enjoy the whiffle ball and playground area in the left field corner of the ballpark. It is not unusual to see a few kids and their parents swing for the fences and run around the bases. Neighborhood 4 Downtown Utica has seen a boom in commerce with the addition of Jimmy John’s Field, the main strip is a few blocks from the ballpark and houses a few places to enjoy a bite to eat or something to drink before or after the game. Danny J’s Brick Tavern offers wood-fired pizzas, sandwiches, and salads; Hogs Hollow Smokehouse is a funky little joint specializing in barbecue, and great Irish fare can be enjoyed at Shamrock Irish Pub. There are also Cactus Jacks, Muldoon’s, and The Locker Room Saloon as other options in downtown Utica. Fans 4 The fans have responded overwhelmingly to the new ballpark with various sold-out games and positive word of mouth. However, housing three teams may divide up the allegiance of the fans, but everyone in attendance during our visit was enjoying their time and it looks as if the Unicorns are the early favorites among the four-ball clubs. Access 5 Jimmy John’s Field is located on M-59 between I-75 and I-94. The ballpark is very easy to navigate around the wraparound concourse. Stairs and elevators take patrons to their seats. Bathrooms are conveniently located throughout the stadium and signage is clear and visible. Return on Investment 5 Tickets to Jimmy John’s Field are broken up into six different price points. The lowest tickets are $6 lawn seats behind the right field fence and the most expensive are the $35 front row club seats. In between, customers will find affordable price options when purchasing a ticket to the game. They include the $20 drink rail, $12 backstop, $15 infield, and the $20 platinum club. However, the price of each section goes up to $1 to $2 on game days with the exception of front row club seats. Parking to all games is free around the ballpark and street parking is available up against the street in downtown Utica. There is even a free shuttle service that brings people to and from their cars before and after games. Extras 4 One extra point for the field suites that are underneath the main seating section and are less than 40 feet from the backstop. Another extra point for the Wiffle ball baseball field tucked behind the right field corner. The giant smoker that provides a wonderful aroma down the third baseline is worth an extra point for your nose. The final extra point for providing free parking for patrons. Final Thoughts There is a lot to say about Jimmy John’s Field and the USPBL. There have been leagues in the past that have operated out of one baseball stadium, but those stadiums were nowhere near the caliber of Jimmy John’s Field. The customer is greatly pampered and surrounded by a friendly staff and all the best features of the minor league experience. Appleby hopes to build similar baseball stadiums in the Midwest and other parts of Michigan, with each housing four teams. He is one of the first individuals to successfully create a league consisting of one home ballpark with multiple teams. If he can harness this success to other ballparks around the Midwest, he might very well be the smartest person in all of minor league baseball.

What happened to those World War II military assets? And what the heck do they have to do with hockey? Join Dave and Paul and grab a good beer to find out all the details and what any of it has to do with the Rensselaer Engineers! You can find Stadium Journey's review of the Houston Field House and the RPI hockey gameday experience here.

Every four years, countries and teams from around the globe gather to decide which country is truly the World Champion in the World Baseball Classic. The 2023 World Baseball Classic (WBC) will get underway on March 8, with the Championship Game being held on Tuesday, March 21 at Loan Depot Stadium in Miami, Florida. This is the fifth time that the WBC has been held. Teams from 20 countries will take part in the tournament, with first-round games being played at the Tokyo Dome in Japan, Taichung Intercontinental Stadium in Taiwan, and Chase Field in Arizona. Winners from this round will move on to the Quarterfinals at LoanDepot Stadium, which will be held March 17-18. Winners of this round will play in the Semifinal Round on March 19-20. The Championship Game will then follow on March 21. In the U.S., the games will be carried by FOX Sports, FOX Sports 1, FOX Sports 2, FOX Deportes, on TUBI, and the FOX Sports app. Major League Baseball and the Major League Baseball Player’s Association are partnering with the World Baseball Softball Confederation to make sure the world’s best players are representing their home countries. This will have a significant impact on spring training, as more than 100 MLB players will miss time from their major league team’s preseason camp to take part in the WBC. These players include Ronald Acuna and Miguel Cabrera (Venezuela), Kenley Jansen (Netherlands), Shohei Ohtani (Japan), Mike Trout and Mookie Betts (USA), Joc Peterson (Israel), and Vladimir Guerrero, Jr (Dominican Republic). For the game schedules, ticket information, and any other questions concerning the World Baseball Class, go to www.mlb.com/world-baseball-classic. Let’s play ball!

Discussing the recent announcement of the Arena Football League. The AFL looks to have 16 teams to kick off in May 2024. Will it be a success or should we be skeptical? Audio versions of the Stadium Journey podcast can be found by searching HIAC Talk Radio wherever you look for your favorite podcasts. Video simulcasts of all the Stadium Journey podcasts can be found on Stadium Journey's YouTube page. Join us live as we record every other Tuesday night at 7PM eastern at danlaw.tv.

Folsom Field, Photo by Matt Finnigan, Stadium Journey The Coach Prime effect is real. The University of Colorado has sold more than 30,000 tickets to the Buffaloes' April 22 spring football game, according to the Boulder Daily Camera. This, despite the fact that CU is selling tickets for $10 for the first time since the 1980s and with the Buffs having posted a 1-11 record. The difference? Deion Sanders. Since being named CU's head coach on December 3, 2022, Sanders has reinvigorated a program that desperately needed it. He assembled ESPN's top ranked transfer recruiting class for 2023, thanks in large part to bringing two-way star Travis Hunter. The nation's top recruit a year ago, Hunter was this season's top transfer. He came to Boulder from Jackson State University, where Sanders coached two seasons. Sanders also recruited ESPN's 23rd ranked recruiting class overall, highlighted by five-star cornerback Cormani McClain. The excitement around both the program and Sanders has made CU's 2023 spring football game a hot ticket. CU's spring football attendance records date back to 1953, with the Buffs' previous high attendance for a spring game of 17,800 fans coming in 2008. In 2022, CU estimated attendance for the spring game at 1,950. CU's Folsom Field seats 50,183. With more than 60 percent of those seats sold for the spring game and free admission for CU students, Sanders might have a full stadium for his first spring game in Boulder.

The Hamilton Bulldogs have a storied, albeit tumultuous, history bouncing up and down through the leagues over the decades. The latest chapter seemed to bring the promise of stability; a position in the Ontario Hockey League as one of the ‘big-market’ clubs, playing in a large arena in a large city. But in the pursuit of that permanency, the Bulldogs are upping sticks and leaving Hamilton for a while. The team, who won the league in the last season before Covid, and then again in the first season after it, will be moving to the nearby city of Brantford for at least three years. The cause is a wholesale renovation of their home FirstOntario Centre, badly needed as the ‘80s-era venue is slated to become the centrepiece of a neighbourhood redevelopment project. The renovation will tear back the arena right down to the studs, before rebuilding it in place. The plan has not been without controversy; American sport development group OVG originally planned to work during the off-season, preventing disruption to playing schedules. However, the group changed their aims abruptly and apparently with little warning to the Bulldogs or their fellow arena tenants Toronto Rock Lacrosse Club and Hamilton Honey Badgers Basketball Club. The 17 500-seat arena should be reopened in 2025, unrecognisable and modern compared to the current state of the facility. The work is to include a completely rebuilt exterior, new concourses, a redesigned seating bowl, new dining and back-of-house facilities, and a new suite level. On a larger scale, the arena will anchor a complete redesign of its city block, with residential, commercial, and cultural development exceeding $500 million. In the interim, the Bulldogs have landed in the nearby city of Brantford, famous as the birthplace of hockey legend Wayne Gretzky. They’ll play out of the Brantford Civic Centre, near the city’s downtown and casino districts. The 3 500-seat arena is to receive $9 million in renovations to bring it up to OHL standards, and will host the Bulldogs for at least three years. Darkly, the Bulldogs have not officially stated they intend to return to Hamilton, though that is the general expectation. Management have complained publicly about the lack of transparency that led to their unexpected removal from the arena. Still, the prevailing thought is that the Bulldogs will return to Hamilton when work is complete. So far, season membership sales in Brantford have been very popular, surpassing 2 000 tickets. But the Bulldogs aren’t the only ones displaced by the construction. The National Lacrosse League’s Toronto Rock, who only moved to Hamilton in 2021, are now searching for a temporary home. The leading candidate is rumoured to be Kitchener’s Memorial Auditorium, but nothing has been announced as yet. On the basketball front, the Hamilton Honey Badgers, part of the young CEBL league, will permanently leave the city. They’ve relocated to the Toronto suburb of Brampton, playing out of the CAA Centre (a former OHL rink itself). Though most expect the Bulldogs and Rock to return to Hamilton soon enough, the future is murky at this point. Meanwhile, for the ageing arena at the heart of Hamilton’s central business district, a new era is set to dawn.

Photos by Paul Baker, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.43 WesBanco Arena 214th St Wheeling, WV 26003 Wheeling Nailers website WesBanco Arena website Year Opened: 1977 Capacity: 5,406 Nail City Hockey The Wheeling Nailers are the longest-tenured minor league hockey franchise outside the American Hockey League, having competed in various lower-level leagues since 1981. The team began to play in the Atlantic Coast Hockey League as the Carolina Thunderbirds, based in Winston-Salem, North Carolina. The Thunderbirds won three league championships in the ACHL. After a season in the All-American Hockey League, the Thunderbirds were one of the five founding members of the East Coast Hockey League, which was later rebranded as the ECHL. The Thunderbirds relocated to Wheeling, West Virginia in 1992. After a trademark dispute with the Seattle Thunderbirds of the Western Hockey League, the team held a “name the team” contest. The moniker “Nailers” was chosen to honor the city’s long history of nail manufacturing. While the Nailers have had some success on the ice, including conference championships in 1993 and 2016, they have yet to win the Kelly Cup. The Nailers play at the WesBanco Arena, previously known as the Wheeling Civic Center. Built in 1977 at a total cost of $7 million, the facility entered into consecutive ten-year, $2.5 million naming rights deals in 2003. Food & Beverage 5 Concessions at WesBanco Arena offer some unique choices you wouldn’t expect to find at an arena of this size. Permanent stands are located on either side of the arena. Burgers, cheesesteaks, grilled chicken sandwiches, and buffalo chicken sandwiches can all be found at the Lunch Box stand. For something a little different, check out the Mac and Cheese Bacon burger, quesadillas, or chicken and waffles here. The River City Grill offers fried Mac and Cheese Bites, walking tacos, nachos, and funnel cake fries. Chicken nuggets, wraps, and pretzels round out the menu. Instead of boring old french fries, hungry Nailer fans can choose tater tots. Nailers fans flock to the Vocelli’s pizza stands for fresh slices from this local favorite. Tito’s Sloppy Doggs offers a variety of hot dogs with assorted toppings, as well as chicken tenders and seasoned french fries. Fans with a sweet tooth should head over to Flurry’s Ice Cream stand, where a variety of homemade flavors are available. Coca-Cola products are featured at WesBanco Arena. A good selection of beer is available. At selected games, cans of Yeungling can be purchased for a dollar. Generations Pub, a full-service bar/restaurant located on the east side ground level (below sections 205-208) opens two hours before the opening faceoff. Generations Pub offers a basic bar menu such as sandwiches, burgers, and pizza. Reservations are not needed. A full listing of available concessions can be found here. Atmosphere 3 Veteran hockey fans will find a lot that is familiar here at WesBanco Arena. There’s an in-house DJ who orchestrates giveaways and promotions during play stoppages. The team sponsors jerseys and 50/50 raffles at all home games. There’s a mascot who roams the stands interacting with fans, and the team runs promotional nights throughout the season. The Nailers play to a dedicated fan base, while not the largest you may find in the ECHL, is certainly knowledgeable and passionate about their team. Neighborhood 2 WesBanco Arena is located in downtown Wheeling, West Virginia. This downtown area has seen better days, and there is little activity in the area around the arena before or after Nailers games. Most fans will not stick around the downtown area after games and will head elsewhere for food or lodging. A couple of places of note near WesBanco Arena are DiCarlo’s Pizza, located a block from the arena, which is a popular gathering spot before games for its delicious cuts of pizza. It is a regional style where the cheese is sprinkled on the cooked sauce and bread as it comes out of the oven. Wheeling Brewing Company is located about a five-minute drive from the arena in Centre Market. Stadium Journey recommends the Panhandle Ale. Fans 3 Wheeling is the oldest continuously operating team in the ECHL, entering its 30th season. The team is averaging just under 2,200 fans before the pandemic, which is the lowest total in the league. This figure represents a marked decline from previous seasons, which generally average between 2,400-2,700 fans per game. Typical to most minor league teams, the Nailers market their game day presentation towards families. The crowds at WesBanco Arena are a mix of families, casual fans, and die-hards. There’s a good mix of the old-time hockey vibe and the energy younger fans bring to an arena here. Access 4 WesBanco Arena is located on the banks of the Ohio River and is easy to get to from Interstates 70 or 470. Parking is readily available in a parking garage next door to the facility or a pair of surface lots less than a block away. There is limited on-street parking available for fans arriving early. Directions to the facility can be found here . Fans will enter WesBanco Arena into a large lobby, which contains the ticket offices and a pro shop. From here, stairs take fans up to the main concourse which circles the arena. The ice is not visible from the concourse and features a great many stairs to access all areas of the arena. It’s readily apparent that this building was constructed before the advent of the ADA, but the team does offer accommodations to those fans who require them. All seats in the seating bowl are gray folding stadium-style chairs. A walkway circles the ice about halfway up the seating bowl, splitting the seating bowl into upper and lower levels. A small video board hangs at center ice, utilized for replays, crowd shots, advertisements, and game stats. Smaller boards hanging at either end of the rink display scores and time. Return on Investment 4 Tickets for Nailers game range in price from $15-$25, with the majority of tickets in the arena available for $20 or less. Active members of the military can purchase tickets for between $13 and $18, and children’s tickets cost $11-$15. Visitors to Wheeling may want to check out one of the Nailers’ overnight packages , which include a night’s stay at one of several local hotels and game tickets. Contact the Nailers box office for further details. Parking costs five dollars in the garage right next door to WesBanco Arena. Concession prices are in line with other facilities in the area. Extras 3 A pair of extra points are awarded to the Ohio Valley Athletic Conference Hall of Fame and Museum, located at WesBanco Arena. Among the displays tucked into virtually every corner of the concourse are displays honoring local athletes who have achieved notoriety on the local, national, and international stage. Among the many honorees are such notable names as John Havlicek, Phil Niekro, and Lou Groza. It’s worth arriving early at WesBanco Arena to check out all the memorabilia displayed on the concourse. Also worth a mention is the 70s-era paint job on the concourse that is visible behind the many displays at WesBanco Arena. Final Thoughts It may be surprising that the longest-tenured ECHL franchise resides in Wheeling, West Virginia, a town of only 28,000. But therein may lie the secret of this franchise’s success. Perfectly blending a small-town atmosphere with a lower-level minor league hockey experience, the Nailers and WesBanco Arena have survived where so many other franchises at this level have failed. ---- Follow Paul Baker’s stadium journeys on Twitter @PuckmanRI .

Photos courtesy of Furman Athletics' Instagram post February 4, 2023 “No person in the United States shall, on the basis of sex, be excluded from participation in, be denied the benefits of, or be subjected to discrimination under any education program or activity receiving federal financial assistance.” - Title IX of the Education Amendments Act of 1972. Throughout the 2022-2023 academic year, athletic departments around the country have celebrated the 50th anniversary of Title IX legislation, which made it illegal for any institution receiving federal financial assistance to discriminate based on sex. As part of their celebration, the Furman Paladins athletics department paired their “Weekend at the Well” women and men’s basketball games with the Women in Sports Foundation’s annual National Girls & Women in Sports Day. Members of all Furman’s women’s athletic teams took part in the weekend’s celebration by conducting clinics for children around the concourse of Greenville’s Bon Secours Wellness Arena and signed autographs for fans prior to the start of the women’s game. Furman volleyball and lacrosse players practiced fundamentals with children, while kids worked on their striking skills with members of the women’s tennis team. Soccer players worked on passing drills and softball players displayed the basics of fielding. In an Instagram post, Furman’s women’s basketball coach Jackie Carson commented that her daughter felt so confident in her tennis skills now, she felt she could beat her mom now. The centerpiece of Furman’s celebration of National Girls & Women in Sports Day, and the 50th anniversary of Title IX, was the women’s inter-state rivalry basketball game between the Wofford Terriers and Furman Paladins. As might be expected with rivalry games, the 9-14 Paladins gave the 19-6 Terriers all they could handle – in a game that saw 11 lead changes with no team ever leading by more than 6 points, the women of Furman basketball had a chance to force overtime as time expired, but could not get a last gasp three-pointer to go down. The events of the day were a perfect example of the role this type of community outreach plays in inspiring the next generation of female athletes. Each generation had someone come before them to pave the way for the generation behind them. Furman was just one of hundreds of schools using the week to celebration the contributions of women and girls in the sports world.

David Ruckman of David C Ruckman Creative joins us to talk about his latest rebrand of the Charlotte Knights and the design process. Audio versions of the Stadium Journey podcast can be found by searching HIAC Talk Radio wherever you look for your favorite podcasts. Video simulcasts of all the Stadium Journey podcasts can be found on Stadium Journey's YouTube page. Join us live as we record every other Tuesday night at 7PM eastern at danlaw.tv.

McCoy Stadium Sunset. Photo by Paul Baker, Stadium Journey. Since the relocation of the Pawtucket Red Sox to Worcester, MA, baseball fans have wondered what was to become of beloved McCoy Stadium. Rumors circulated about an independent baseball team moving to the old ballpark or of a plan to convert the facility into a soccer stadium, but nothing came to fruition. The answer finally came this past November, when Pawtucket voters approved a measure to demolish the stadium and build a $300 million high school on the site. The Pawsox had planned to close out their time in the Ocean State with a final season in 2020, but the COVID-19 pandemic forced the cancellation of the entire season. Many fans felt that they never had a chance to say goodbye to their team or the ballpark. Before McCoy Stadium comes down, the administration of Pawtucket Mayor Donald R. Grebien wants to give fans one last chance chance to enjoy the stadium. PawSox Celebrate a walk-off home run in McCoy Stadium's final game. Photo by Paul Baker, Stadium Journey. Barry Richard of 1420 WBSM reports that there are plans for a final celebration at McCoy. "We are planning on having it around this coming Fourth of July and hoping to make it a multi-day celebration," stated Pawtucket Administration Spokesperson Grace Voll. For many years, a highlight of every PawSox season were the fireworks held on and around the Foruth of July. "The goal is to tie it into the fireworks display, but I don't have anything confirmed, and that could change," Voll said. Voll said nothing is definite yet regarding the ultimate demolition of McCoy Stadium. "We still don't have a timeline on demolition. I would say it is more likely to happen after the summer," she said. McCoy Stadium closed with a whimper. Sending it out with a bang seems a much more appropriate way to say goodbye to this Rhode Island landmark. McCoy Stadium Grandstand. Photo by Paul Baker, Stadium Journey.

TO READ IN ENGLISH, SCROLL DOWN Uno stadio intitolato a Pelé in tutti i 211 paesi affiliati alla Fédération Internationale de Football Association. La proposta è stata lanciata dallo stesso presidente della FIFA, Gianni Infantino, nel corso della cerimonia funebre della leggenda brasiliana, cerimonia tenutasi allo Stadio Vila Belmiro del Santos FC, in Brasile, lo scorso 2 gennaio. La stessa Fifa ha deciso di rinominare il campo presente nella sua sede di Zurigo, in Svizzera, “Estádio Pelé – Fifa Zurich”. Prima federazione a recepire le indicazioni di Infantino quella di Capo Verde. L’Estádio Nacional di Praia, la capitale del paese, è stato così intitolato “Estádio Pelé”. Hanno poi seguito l’esempio del piccolo stato dell’Africa Occidentale la Guinea Bissau (che ha deciso di rinominare l’Estádio Nacional di Bafatà, la seconda città più grande del paese, “Rei Pelé”) e la Colombia (che ha modificato il nome dell’impianto di Villavicencio, capoluogo della regione di Meta, in “Bello Horizonte - Rey Pelé”). ------------------------------------------------------ A stadium named after Pelé in all 211 countries affiliated to the Fédération Internationale de Football Association (FIFA) was recently proposed. The proposal was made by the president of FIFA, Gianni Infantino, during the funeral ceremony of the Brazilian legend held at the Vila Belmiro Stadium of Santos FC, in Brazil, on January 2. FIFA itself has decided to rename the field at its headquarters in Zurich, Switzerland, “Estádio Pelé – FIFA Zurich." The first federation to follow the indications of President Infantino is Cape Verde. The Estádio Nacional in Praia, the capital of the country, was thus named “Estádio Pelé." The small West African state of Guinea Bissau (which decided to rename the Estádio Nacional of Bafatà, the second largest city in the country, “Rei Pelé”) and Colombia (which changed the name of Villavicencio facility, capital of the region of Meta, in “Bello Horizonte - Rey Pelé”) have also both followed the proposal.

Photos by Marc Viquez, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.43 Indiana Farmers Coliseum 1202 E 38th St Indianapolis, IN 46205 Indy Fuel website Indiana Farmers Coliseum website Year Opened: 1939 Capacity: 6,300 A Tradition of Hockey at Indy’s Coliseum The Indiana Farmers Coliseum went through $53 million in renovations between 2012-2014 in order to welcome professional hockey back to the building. The Indy Fuel of the ECHL is affiliated with the Chicago Blackhawks of the National Hockey League and has found a niche in a city that favors basketball, football, and minor league baseball during the winter months. Indianapolis has had a strong history of hockey in its city and a majority of it has been played at the Indiana State Fairgrounds Coliseum. The building debuted the same year as the city’s first professional team in 1939. The coliseum is located on the Indiana State Fairgrounds and served as home to various minor league franchises up until 2012 when it was closed for major renovations that would alter its interior structure, but maintain its historic exterior. The Fuel has tossed their hats to the list of professional hockey clubs that have called the coliseum home from the Indianapolis Capitals, Chiefs, Checkers, and Ice. The city’s biggest connection to hockey royalty is to Wayne Gretzky who began his professional career with the Indianapolis Racers of the World Hockey Association in 1978 for eight games before being sold to the Edmonton Oilers. The Great One would return to the city to drop the puck for the 2018 ECHL All-Star Game held at the building. Gretzky is among a list of hockey legends who got their start or spent their time in the Circle City and include Dominik Hasek, Mark Messier, Dave Keon, Glen Hall, Alex Delvecchio, Marcel Pronovost, Terry Sawchuk, and Sid Abel. All of these men are enshrined in the Hockey Hall of Fame in Toronto. Food & Beverage 4 The food at the Coliseum has improved over the past five seasons since the Fuel entered the league and there are some interesting items that are worthy of consumption when at a game. The concession areas, located on the main wraparound concourse, have a simple look, but some of the new food items are quite tasty. The menu items have changed since our last visit two years ago and offer much more variety along with updated flat-screen monitors showcasing selections and pricing. The Legacy and Slapshot burgers, pork tenderloins, and pulled pork and spicy chicken sandwiches range in price between $10-$12, All sandwich items are served with a side of fries. There are a few kiosks that offer more options including beef and chicken stir fry, grilled brats and Polish sausages, and nacho supreme. Hot dogs are served in adult and kid sizes at concession stands. Snacks and held bites include chili cheese fries, barbecue loaded fries, mini corn dogs, and chicken tenders and fries The Jose Cuervo Bar is located at center ice in Section 209 and offers mixed drinks and draft beers in a bar-like setting, while at the same time, offering wide-open glimpses of the game. There are a few more wide-open spots on the main concourse where fans can stand and watch the game. In other areas of the building, fans can pull up a stool, enjoy food and drink, and take in the game. The Coliseum offers 16 and 24-ounce domestic beers for $7 and $9. Craft beers from local Centerpoint and Sun King breweries are available in 16 and 24 ounces for $9 and $11. If you do prefer a pint or can of beer there are options for White Claw seltzer, Jack Daniels punch, and Bramble Mule cocktails. Local Whiskey Tango bourbon is also available. If you do not drink, Pepsi products are available in the arena. Atmosphere 4 The Coliseum has a seating capacity of 6,800 and has been retrofitted from its original designs that date back almost 80-years-ago. The interior’s aesthetics has been dramatically altered with the installation of the original terrazzo floors, exposed walls, and steel support beams, and the inclusion of 96 original wooden theater seats. The upper concourse does not wrap around entirely around the building and that is due to the age of the building and construction efforts to keep the interior within the realms of historical value. However, the ones who are in this area do get a nice view of the ice, but there could be a few more concession points to serve some of the fans in this seating area. The Jose Cuervo Bar is a nice spot to watch the game with a gathering of fans while enjoying something to drink. The building’s main lobby is located on ice level and all fans must depart to their seats up to two flights of stairs at both ends. The lobby consists of ticket booths, the official souvenir shop “The Garage,” and a few nostalgic nods that include historical photos, original ticket booths, and a few wooden stadium seating. However, there could be more nods to the facility’s history with perhaps championship banners, more historical photos, and paraphernalia. Neighborhood 2 The Fairgrounds are not located in the best part of the city; the best bet would be to drive less than 3 miles north to South Broad Ripple, or SoBro as the hipsters say it, where there are plenty of local restaurants, bars, and nightlife to entertain guests after a hockey game. Twenty Tap features poutine, Bahn mi sandwiches, vegetarian buffalo wing bites, and fried cheese curds to go along with one of the more prestigious selections of beers on tap and a couple that is made downstairs in the basement. Next door is Fat Dan’s which specializes in smoked chicken wings, pulled pork and brisket sandwiches, decadent burgers with various fixings, and craft beer selections. Also in this area is one of the Fuel’s official sponsors, The Sinking Ship. It’s a hockey bar with a menu that stretches from grass-fed stuffed burgers, and Cuban sandwiches, to seitan gyro wraps and wings. It is one of the area’s most eclectic spots and definitely a happening spot for hockey talk. Upland Brewing Company has a small taproom that is somewhat unassuming but orders a Champagne Velvet Pilsner or Free Time Lager on tap. Fans 4 Indianapolis does have a niche hockey market that comes alive when rivals from Cincinnati and Ft. Wayne come to town. The crowd can become even more frenzied on promotional nights that range from Blackhawk Night to Nickelodeon Night at the Coliseum. Average crowds have been creeping towards 4,000 a game the past five seasons and when there are only 6,800 seats available, the near-capacity crowd might make one think that they are indeed in a hockey town. Access 3 The Coliseum is located at the Indiana State Fairgrounds at the corner of 38th Street and Fall Creek Parkway. There are two access points into the building that may cause a line on either street, but there are more exits available after the game for quick access out of the fairgrounds complex. At times, there may be other events taking place, it may get a little confusing navigating to your parking lot. Inside the building, the main concourse does get a tad congested on busier nights in the building which may lead to the narrow corners of the concourse being somewhat cumbersome to maneuver through between intermissions. Thankfully, during game time, the concourses are quite clear of traffic. After the game, various exits and interior staircases open up for everyone to exit quickly from the building to the front of the main entrance. There are plenty of staff members who guide motorists to various exit points and back on the main streets of 38th and Fall Creek Parkway. Return on Investment 4 Ticket prices range from $12 to $45 per game, slightly higher than division rivals in Cincinnati and Ft. Wayne, but both teams play in much larger arenas. The majority of the upper-level tickets are $12 and $15 and that is a reasonable price for a minor league hockey ticket, along with secure $5 parking, not too much to ask for, or a night of ECHL hockey. The return on investment increases with promotional nights that include Fuel Do317 Right which offers $3 beers and sodas, $1 hot dogs, and $7 limited edition t-shirts on select Friday nights, $2 Tuesdays where select concession items are just two bucks, and All-You-Can-Eat hot dogs, burgers, popcorn and nachos during each Thursday game. If with the kids, take them to Nickelodeon Night, or if it is guys' night out, the popular Blackhawk Night is an ideal choice, both games draw near-capacity crowds to the building. Extras 3 The Coliseum gets an extra point for the renovated wooden seats that are available as a seating option in the building. It is a nice nod to the building’s history and the seats are quite comfortable for their age. The Coliseum has improved its concession items from the last two visits and the variety has improved from the concession stand favorites to kiosks around the concourse. All items range in price from $8 to $12 apiece with the chicken sandwich served with a side of fries. A third point for the team’s introduction on the ice through fire and Metallica’s song “Fuel,” is sort of what one expects from a team called the Indy Fuel. Final Thoughts There are times when the building is packed with hockey fans and one believes that Indianapolis is indeed a hockey town. The team does a grand job of providing various promotional nights to lure fans to the building. The exposed piping and steel beams provide aesthetics unparalleled in the ECHL. The Fuel does what it needs to do in terms of marketing itself to the populace of Indianapolis; it should continue that trend in the upcoming years.

We have all seen the articles, snippets, and quick memorials for Pelé. In a news cycle that quickly moves on to the next sensationalized attention-grabber of information. They are quick to tell us his official name was Edson Arantes do Nascimento, who was born in Brazil on October 23, 1940, and was a football legend and Brazilian treasure. I think he deserves more time and to be brought up more frequently for changing the face of soccer in the United States. Pelé’s arrival in the United States changed the course of soccer in the United States of America. Pele came out of semi-retirement when he signed with the New York Cosmos of the North American Soccer League for $1.67 million a year for the 1975 season and was the highest-paid athlete on the planet. The league struggled to gain credibility since forming in 1968, which included 36 franchises coming and going. His first game with the team brought on 21,000 plus and was watched by 10 million viewers on CBS. The game put the sport on the national radar of the country, and for the next three seasons, Pele and the Cosmos would draw fans wherever they played. When he played his final game, a record crowd of 77,000 people packed Giants Stadium in a match against his former club Santos. However, the success would be fleeting with the league expanding to multiple markets that would play in giant football and multi-purpose stadiums. Salaries skyrocketed, and clubs ceased operations rapidly. The league would cease operations in March 1985, and the Cosmos would fade from history a few months later after an ill-fated independent schedule. However, the cast had been set with youth soccer involvement exploding through the country; many of those players would become members of the US Men’s Soccer Team in 1990 when they qualified for the World Cup for the first time in 40 years. In 1994, the USA would host a successful World Cup, proving that the country could be a soccer nation. Soccer might still be played in high school football venues in front of 2,000 fans, or perhaps the indoor version of the game would still be considered the top echelon of soccer in this country. Today, Major League Soccer thrives with a majority of soccer-specific venues and a passionate fanbase with 29 clubs. Would that have been the case without Pele’s success with the Cosmos? Pelé is one of the most successful and popular sports figures of the 1900s but should be discussed and referenced throughout the 2000s. In the United States, he doesn't seem to get the recognition he deserves for not only being the best player but also for his undeclared dignity in soccer. He wasn’t just labeled one of the greatest players of all time but was given the title of “the greatest” by FIFA. He was a superior player & human being that was also named Athlete of the Century by the International Olympic Committee in 1999. In addition, he was voted world player of the century by the International Federation of Football History and Statistics. To have titles like these but still not be a household name in the 21st century is why he holds the title (in my opinion) of one of the most underrated and appreciated players in the United States.

It’s the end of the year episode, and the gang talks about their favorites from the year 2022: the best games, venues, facilities and biggest surprises. All that and more on the year-end finale podcast for 2022! You can find all of our fantastic video content on Stadium Journey's YouTube page. For audio versions of the Stadium Journey podcast, visit HIAC Talk Radio.

Photo by Aaron Terry, Stadium Journey The 2022 Bowl Season Kicks off with Two Thrillers Orlando, FL – December 16, 2022 In what may turn out to be one of the better matchups of the 2022 college football bowl season, the #24 ranked Sun Belt Champion Troy Trojans took on the #25 ranked Conference USA Champion UTSA Roadrunners in the Cure Bowl on the first day of bowl action; both teams had records of 11-2 coming into the contest. After falling behind by double digits in the first half (including a safety scored against them on a bad snap), Troy rallied in the 4th quarter to win 18-12, despite 4 sacks on their QB and starting inside their 10-yard line on 4 separate drives. UTSA was ultimately doomed by penalties and a total 5 turnovers, and was unable to score in the second half – most notably they turned the ball over on downs after a first-and-goal from the Troy 2 with about 7 minutes left in the 4th, in what could have been the go-ahead score. The Cure Bowl is held at Exploria Stadium, a soccer-specific stadium that is normally home to Orlando City SC , Orlando City B, and the Orlando Pride, but which began hosting the Cure Bowl in 2022 after the game was moved from nearby Camping World Stadium; the 2022 Cure Bowl is sponsored by Duluth Trading Company. Coincidentally, the other bowl game on this first day of the 2022 bowl season was also a matchup of two teams with the same record coming in, as the 6-6 Miami (OH) Redhawks took on the 6-6 UAB Blazers in the HomeTown Lenders Bahamas Bowl. That contest also came down to the wire, with 4 lead changes occurring in the 2nd half as UAB overcame 3 turnovers to win 24-20; one of those turnovers even gave Miami (OH) a first-and-goal from the UAB 4 after a muffed punt during the 3rd quarter, which the Redhawks turned into a touchdown 1 play later. The Bahamas Bowl is also held at a soccer stadium, that being Thomas A. Robinson Stadium in Nassau. The Bahamas Bowl was previously sponsored by Popeye’s and Makers Wanted, and in 2017 and 2020-2021 had no title sponsor, before being picked up by HomeTown Lenders for 2022. The 2022 Bowl action continues on December 17th with a whopping 7 different contests throughout the day all across the country, by far the busiest day of Bowl Season, and culminates on January 9th with the National Championship at SoFi Stadium .

Photos by Jon Hart, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.14 Pope Physical Education Center 180 Remsen Street Brooklyn Heights, NY 11201 St. Francis Brooklyn Terriers website Pope Physical Education Center website Year Opened: 1971 Capacity: 1,200 Brooklyn Basketball Located in the oversized shadow of the mega Barclays Center, nestled in the idyllic Brooklyn Heights, Brooklyn’s St. Francis offers an awesome basketball experience. With a capacity of just 1,200, it’s very intimate. You’re practically on the court. You might even have to toss a ball back onto the court, so look alive! If you want a chair back, you’ll have to sit on the sideline facing the team’s benches. There’s no seating behind either team’s basket. St. Francis, which plays out of the one-bid Northeast Conference, is a low mid-major. On any given night, however, these Terriers can compete with the Goliaths. Earlier this 2018 – 2019 season, they lost by five at Boston College. In short, the Terriers have talent… but they’ve never danced in March Madness. In 2014-15, they came close, winning the NEC regular season championship but stumbling in their conference tournament. Food & Beverage 3 On game days, the St. Francis cafeteria offers pizza, pasta, and other Italian standbys from a local pizzeria. An array of packaged treats are also available. Prices are reasonable. If you’re craving an alternative, there are plenty of options on Montague Street to sample at half-time. If you can muster it, save your appetite. Brooklyn Heights has some of the finest cuisines anywhere. Atmosphere 3 Folks are into it at St. Francis. There’s almost no choice, as you’re practically on the court. St. Francis doesn’t have a band, but they have cheerleaders and a mascot, who might be one of the most mellow in all of the college sports. Neighborhood 4 Just a quick walk from the must-walk or bike Brooklyn Bridge, Brooklyn Heights is one of the most unique neighborhoods in New York City. With its picturesque brownstones, it’s wonderful for a stroll or a bite. In that realm, there are a plethora of dining options. Henry Street, a gem of a block, offers a gamut of options. If you’re looking for cheap, solid eat, Fuscati Pizza is the spot for a slice. Heights Falafel offers middle eastern goodies. On the higher end, there are long-time neighborhood favorites Noodle Pudding and Henry’s End. If you want to stare at your phone or watch others do just that at a coffee spot, there are plenty of those. If you don’t mind a longer stroll, Lucali in nearby Carroll Gardens is highly recommended for elite, New Haven-quality pizza. Fans 3 Terrier fans run the gamut, from students to neighborhood hoops junkies to kids, who are often allowed on the court during game breaks to shoot free throws or scrimmage. St. Francis offers a very family-friendly experience. When games get tight, Terrier diehards chant. For regular season games, the Terriers seem to get about 600 fans, give or take. Thus, getting a seat on game day shouldn’t be a problem. However, come conference tournament time, attendance is certain to increase. Access 3 Brooklyn Heights is steps away from almost every imaginable public transportation option. For drivers, you might have to hunt and peck for a parking space. Either that or prepare to pay for one of the many garages or lots in the area. If you decide to go this route, Icon on Livingston Street is recommended. Return on Investment 3 St. Francis puts on a good show, and it won’t break the budget. Tickets are $10 for adults and $5 for kids. Extras 3 In a way, St. Francis has two head coaches. Glenn Branca is the head coach. Ron Ganulin is an assistant. However, Ganulin was the head coach for the Terriers from 1991-2005. Often, during games, both pace opposite ends of the sidelines. There’s no Jumbotron at St. Francis, but they have a mural, a montage of popular Brooklyn images. Final Thoughts St. Francis’ facility isn’t the Carrier Dome, to say the least, but that’s a good thing. You’re close. You can hear the coaches, the bounce of the ball, and the rim reverberate. Bottom line: St. Francis offers big basketball in a small place. When St. Francis finally dances, the serene neighborhood of Brooklyn Heights will go ballistic. ----- Jon Hart is @ManVersusBall

Stadium Journey is always working to expand coverage of the world's sport stadiums. Check back frequently to see more posts!

Photos by Eric Moreno, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.00 Toyota Stadium 9200 World Cup Way Frisco, TX 75034 FCS National Championship Website Toyota Stadium website Year Opened: 2005 Capacity: 20,500 FCS National Championship – Toyota Stadium Since 2010, the NCAA’s Football Championship Subdivision (FCS) National Championship has been held in the North Texas city of Frisco at Toyota Stadium, home stadium of FC Dallas of the MLS. The 2021-2022 season culminated with a clash between the dynastic North Dakota State Bison and the underdog Montana State Bobcats. The weather on the day was not accommodating and the final score was not what the thousands who came in from Bozeman, Montana, would have wanted. However, the event had parking lots packed with fans from both Big Sky states well before the sun rose across the horizon, and between the Bobcat fans and the diehards from Fargo drew an announced crowd of 18,942. In the pre-pandemic era, the city of Frisco rolled out the red carpet for both schools. In the past few years, however, the festivities are decidedly more scaled down, yet the game is still a very big deal and definitely has that air about it. Read on to learn what makes the FCS National Championship a must-see event for any college football fan. Food & Beverage 4 Toyota Stadium has a great selection of food and beverage options for game attendees. The main concessions area lines the concourse near the east and west entrance gates; here you’ll find everything that a sports fan could want to consume during a game. The Eastside Kitchen, the Corner Kick, and Midfield Market concessions kiosks all feature traditional game day items such as Ultimate Nachos ($11), turkey legs ($10), chicken finger and French fry combo baskets ($10.50), hot dogs ($6), pretzels ($2.50), and draft and bottled beer ($10). There are also numerous free-standing beer and alcohol stands scattered throughout the stadium, as well as hot chocolate ($5) stands, which are much appreciated on cold winter days. Atmosphere 5 Quite frankly, the atmosphere at the FCS National Championship Game was on par with anything I have ever experienced in college football, so far. Obviously, the crowd size doesn’t compare to any of the palaces of college football, but the energy and excitement that came from the crowd was palpable. While there was not much in the way of signage in and around the city of Frisco denoting the National Championship, when you get near the stadium itself the gravity of the circumstances can truly be felt. As mentioned, the parking lots around the stadium were filled to the brim with Bison and Bobcat loyalists, and they were there well before the game even thought about starting. This was despite the cold (which probably is not the right adjective for these folks from up north) and rain that was omnipresent throughout the weekend. Toyota Stadium was completely decked with National Championship signage and paraphernalia for both competing teams. One wall was also covered with a blowup of the FCS playoff bracket that showed the teams’ marches toward the championship game. Speaking of which, the stadium converted its two team stores into selling merchandise for the game, which all sold like metaphorical hot cakes. The reason for the score in this section is really all about the energy from the crowd. I’m not sure if this can be repeated at the game every year – North Dakota State’s fans travel for sure, and Montana State hadn’t been in the title game since 1984, so I’m sure that played a part in their fans’ travel plans. Still, for those who were fortunate to attend this time out, I’m sure it will be a game they’ll never forget. Neighborhood 4 Voted by Money magazine as the number one city in America to live in, Frisco is also one of the fastest-growing cities in the country. While it is part of the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex, it seems as far from the big city feel of Dallas as you can get. Driving up Main Street you still get the feel of the small town that Frisco used to be. You can see the shops that still fill up the main square, and you can still see the water tower with the sign that bears the logo the city uses (and the logo is everywhere). Long story short it’s quaint, and yet you’re only 20 minutes from Dallas proper and 30 minutes from Fort Worth proper. So, if you get tired of small-town charm, you can do it up in the Big Cities. With all that being said, if you want to stay in Frisco there are still options for you in terms of entertainment, dining, and lodging, of course. For kids of all ages, you have to – have to – visit the National Videogame Museum. This interactive, hands-on museum (yes, you get to play with everything) gives visitors a tour through the history of their favorite electronic pastime, and best of all, it culminates in the arcade where you can play the museum’s whole extensive collection of games. Also, while you’re in town, sports fans should make a visit to the National Soccer Hall of Fame. This is especially true since it is literally built right into Toyota Stadium and can be seen behind the south end zone. Visitors can see the history of American soccer, much of which is due to the patron saint of the sport in this country, Lamar Hunt – a statue of whom resides directly opposite the museum on the north side of Toyota Stadium. The Hall of Fame also offers a unique interactive experience that allows visitors the chance to experience key moments in U.S. soccer history. When it comes to food, the entertainment district right around Toyota Stadium has numerous options for you that are within walking distance. One great option is Super Chix Chicken & Custard – this place does chicken sandwiches (a la a certain fast-food chain from the south) with a twist; Chicken Cordon Bleu, Crispy Avocado, and Korean BBQ are just a few of their options, along with chicken tenders as well as frozen custard. It’s the definition of fast casual dining. Also, if you’re looking for a little of that famous Tex-Mex cuisine, the Blue Goose Cantina is right around the corner from the stadium; it’s a great spot for pre or post-game quesadillas, nachos, fajitas, and margaritas. For hotel options, there are also several chain hotels that are within walking distance of Toyota Stadium; this is great if you are lucky enough to book early and don’t want to pay for parking. The Candlewood Suites Dallas-Frisco NW Toyota Center and the Holiday Inn Express & Suites Dallas-Frisco NW Toyota Stadium are literally right behind the stadium, and are imminently affordable. If these two are booked, however, there are easily a half dozen other hotels in the same area. Fans 5 As has been mentioned numerous times since the start of this review, all the grades are skewed due to the involvement of the fans. I have been to bowl games and soccer matches in this stadium and nothing so far has compared to the fan engagement that I saw during this game. I’m especially blown away due to where the two teams that played in this game come from – it is nearly 1,500 miles from Bozeman, MT to Frisco, TX; it’s also almost 1,100 miles from Fargo, ND. Now, I’m not saying that all 18,000 people who were in the stands drove here or were from those two states, but there were a lot of Montana and North Dakota license plates in the parking lots that day. Bottom line, the fans were great, they were loud, and they made this a great experience. Fans in Line to Enter Toyota Stadium, Photo by Eric Moreno, Stadium Journey Access 3 Frisco is 20 minutes from downtown Dallas and 30 minutes from downtown Fort Worth. It’s also just over 20 minutes from Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport. Once on site, there are four main parking lots for fans to choose from. The one drawback when it does come to being away from the big cities is the lack of public transportation – your options are virtually nonexistent. That said, if you don’t want to drive to the game your best bet is going to be utilizing a rideshare service. One other factor to be aware of; there are only two main thoroughfares to access the parking lots, and as it starts getting closer to game time, traffic starts to back up considerably. You’ll need to take this into consideration when heading to games at Toyota Stadium. Return on Investment 3 Single seats for the National Championship Game start at $90 per person and rise accordingly based on location in the stadium. Parking was set at $25 per car. Concessions were kept at their MLS prices, but this is still not a bad deal considering the circumstances of the game. You’re still going to spend a good amount of money, but it probably pales in comparison to the FBS version of the title game. Extras 4 In numerous previous reviews I’ve mentioned my fondness for the extras that go along with the sport of college football – these were all present and accounted for the FCS National Championship Game. Both Montana State and North Dakota State brought all their accompanying pomp and circumstance to Frisco with them. The Bobcats brought their spirit squad, their marching band, the Spirit of the West, and their mascot, Champ. The Bison did the same with their cheer squad, their band, the Gold Star Band, and their mascot, Thundar. All of this just added to the atmosphere and gravity of the game. The Spirit of the West, Photo by Eric Moreno, Stadium Journey In addition to what the teams brought, the stadium itself also offered up such extras as firing off ceremonial fireworks during the player introductions and during the post-game celebrations. The NCAA also gave fans the opportunity to take pictures during the game with the FCS National Championship trophy. Final Thoughts This game was definitely a bucket list event for me, and it did not disappoint. The energy from the crowd on both sides more than made up for the bad weather and the lopsided score. Congratulations go out to the North Dakota State Bison for their record breaking ninth National Championship, and congratulations to the Montana State Bobcats for an unbelievable season of their own. This is an event I would absolutely take in again. If you’re a sports fan, I would encourage you to make the trip to Frisco for the game; if you’re a college football fan, this is a must-attend event and definitely one you should add to your bucket list too. Follow Eric Moreno’s Stadium Journey on Twitter at @EricMoreno6477. Visit Eric Moreno’s writer’s portfolio site at ericmoreno.contently.com.

Photos by Chris Green, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.71 Road America N7390 WI-67 Elkhart Lake, WI 53073 NASCAR Cup Series Road America website Year Opened: 1955 Capacity: 150,000 Mid-American 4th of July Power Road America is often regarded as one of the greatest race tracks in the world, let alone the USA. Its annual schedule features NASCAR on the Fourth of July weekend. Fans from all over the Midwest flock to this track to witness some of North America’s best sports action, in a beautiful setting that proves to be both fan friendly and easy to navigate. Food & Beverage 5 There are a lot of places to eat at Road America, and the ones that exist are an absolute treat for the pallet. With over 20 concessions stands located around the course, Road America is led by the Gearbox, a hillside concessions stand and bar that features some of the best views on the property, as well as the best food around. Being in Wisconsin, you can get the best cheese and sausage foods there, as well as a brilliantly tasty breakfast food called eggers. The addition of the IndyCar Series to the Road America schedule means even more food options are now available around the race course. Of course the beer is also cold and tasty, perfect for sitting under a tree feeling the cool breeze as the cars go speeding past. Atmosphere 5 The atmosphere around Road America during race weekend is very family friendly and relaxed. The best in the sport are taking part in some of the most exciting racing around, and despite the tension of the competition, everyone – including the teams and drivers – is in a relaxed and fun-loving mood. There is just something about the beauty of the countryside and the forests around the premises that put everyone in a “let’s go race and enjoy every moment of it” state of mind. In addition, the quality of the on-track action is enough to make any fan excited to see what happens around the next corner. The excitement fills the air every time a car takes to the track, be it for practice, qualifying, or for a race. Road America has also undergone a recent renovation, including the addition of new entrance gates, a new store, and brand-new shower and bathroom facilities in the camping grounds. Neighborhood 4 The area around Road America is exactly what you would expect to find in rural Wisconsin – rolling hills, farmland, forests, and small towns. The town of Elkhart Lake is quaint and small, but is seething with racing history and lore. Famed racing announcer David Hobbs calls the small town home, and the fans here are all die-hards who watch everything that happens on the track. If you’re looking for somewhere to stay near Road America, there is a wide variety of small bed-and-breakfasts to pick from in and around Elkhart Lake, as well as some cabins that can make you feel like you’re roughing it…sort of. In addition, the town of Sheboygan is only 20-30 minutes away by car, providing fans a chance to stay in a hotel chain of their choice (Holiday Inn, La Quinta, etc. are all located in Sheboygan). If you’re looking for something to eat, Sheboygan has a wide variety of restaurants, from Applebee’s to McDonald’s. But by far the most must-see eatery near Road American is the Stop-Inn Tavern at Siebkens Resort in Elkhart Lake, a local bar that all of racing royalty has passed through at some time or another. And, for those looking for something to see and do, the Kettle-Moraine State Forest is not far from the track, providing some great hiking options. In addition, the Kohler factory is in nearby Sheboygan, and Road America’s location is just a 30-minute drive from the Great Lakes. Fans 5 Fans at Road America are much like those in the rest of the Midwest – die-hard and series-knowledgeable. They’re also absurdly kind and sweet, willing to help in any way possible when you need assistance with anything. They also pack the camping areas around the speedway, making for one brilliant fan block party. Over 250,000 fans packed the track during NASCAR race weekend, making it a race unlike any other on the schedule. NASCAR Cup Series at Road America - Fans Watching From the Hill, Photo by Chris Green, Stadium Journey Access 4 Getting to Road America isn’t as difficult as getting to some sports facilities. That said, it is off the beaten path; at least a 10-minute drive from the nearest highway, Road America requires you to drive down some single-lane roads through the hilly countryside. However, with the addition of IndyCar to the schedule, the facility has greatly increased its signage nearby. The entrance is so sudden and not easily marked that in the past one would be liable to drive right past it, were there not a major race going on that weekend. Now, however, with the new signs it is much easier to get on the right path to the entrances. Once you’re at Road America you will also discover that there are several other entrances to the track that you didn’t know about to begin with, which can be frustrating if you had to wait hours in line. Check the fan map of the venue to identify the alternate gates and entrances. The biggest plus at Road America is that the main entrance had a complete a few years ago, adding more entrance booths for faster processing of fans and campers. But what sets the track apart from others is the ease of which traffic flows from the track after major events. After the packed NASCAR weekend, long lines eased out of the track without much trouble, meaning there wasn’t much backup for fans going home. Return on Investment 5 Despite being practically in the middle of nowhere Wisconsin, Road America is one of the best tracks at which you can watch a race. The facility is huge, but you are given plenty of options to watch the race from without having to move from place to place. Watching from the right location can give you up to six corners of the track to see all at once, and you also get access to the grandstands all around the track, as well as access to the paddock, with your admission ticket to most races. Extras 5 Where once a zip line ended now stands a high vantage point for fans to watch the action at the track inside the final turn. The former zip line landing platform is now a giant viewing zone, and while you may have to climb a lot of stairs to get there, the view is well worth it. Additionally, if you have ever wanted to try your hand at racing, you can sign up for racing school at the track. You can also take a trip to Elkhart Lake, and follow the original track layouts through historic markers along the roadside. Before it had its current layout, Road America was once a true street course, running through Elkhart Lake itself and over the hills on the various roadways in the nearby area. If you can’t peel your eyes away from your mobile device, you can also engage with the race on social media, and see your photos and tweets on the various big screens around Road America by using specific hashtags and handles on Twitter and Instagram. However, if treetop views or social media aren’t your thing, you can also take a wandering hike through the forest on several pathways that meander through the mountains above Kettle Bottoms and Canada Corner – these trails lead from the top of the peak to the bottom of a newly-cleared pathway along the infamous straightaway. Final Thoughts If you want to see racing history meet modern-day sports stars, take a trip to Road America. You will not be disappointed in what you find. In addition, if you want to take a step above that, go camping on the property during race weekend. The fans are nice, the action is top quality, and the weather is almost always beautiful – it’s hard to find a better place to see racing in North America than Road America. The new NASCAR Fourth of July race weekend creates the perfect mix of celebrating America with watching one of the world’s top racing series at one of the world’s top racing tracks.

Photos by Richard Smith, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.71 Heiges Field House 333 Lancaster Drive Shippensburg, PA 17257 Shippensburg Red Raiders website Heiges Field House website Year Opened: 1971 Capacity: 2,768 Up With The Ship Shippensburg University of Pennsylvania (Ship or SU) is a public university in Shippensburg, Pennsylvania. The university offers more than 100 undergraduate programs and more than 50 master’s degree programs. Many of the original historic buildings of the campus, including Old Main, are listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Famous alumni of the school include Brent Grimes, former National Football League cornerback; Rob Davis, the Director of Player Development of the Green Bay Packers; and best-selling author Dean Koontz. The Lady Raiders are members of the Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference (PSAC) and have been members of the PSAC since its foundation in 1951. The Dixon trophy is awarded to the top athletic program in the 18 universities Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference. Shippensburg has won the trophy seven times, the most by any PSAC member. The field hockey team at Ship has been the most successful team on campus winning the national championship in Division II twice in the last six years. Football has been a strong team as well. The mascot is “Big Red,” a red-tail hawk wearing a pirate hat. Heiges Field House was the second-largest wooden-domed structure in the world when it opened. The arena is the home to the school’s volleyball, wrestling, and basketball programs, as well as housing swimming in the attached pool. From 2004 to 2007, the Red Raiders posted a 37-3 record in home basketball games, which led the students of Shippensburg at the time to nickname Heiges Field House, “The Dungeon.” The arena has a wooden playing surface designed by the same floor designer as the University of North Carolina and the University of Kansas. The Lady Raiders volleyball team has thrived in “The Dungeon” in recent years. Food & Beverage 0 There is no permanent food stand open for volleyball games. There may be stands open for certain, bigger games. Atmosphere 2 For volleyball matches, the team only uses one of the grandstands within the arena. The arena feels very open and has a typical atmosphere for a Division II level school. The field house roof is on perfect display at all times with its cool style and large fans coming from it. Neighborhood 3 Shippensburg is a nice little town located just to the north of Chambersburg, Pennsylvania, as well as the Maryland border. There are a few food and drink options in the immediate vicinity. You can’t go wrong with CJ’s American Pub & Grill for dinner and then stopping by Goose Bros. Ice Cream for dessert. There are other options as it is a small college town with quite a few varieties of places to go. Nearby Chambersburg has many more local and chain options. Fans 3 Heiges Field House usually does not fill for volleyball games. Most of the crowd seems to be made up of friends or family of the players. Access 4 Shippensburg is located right off Interstate 81, a major route from the south through to the northeast. Accessing the campus is easy as you get off that main road as it is marked well. The university is located about half an hour from the state capital Harrisburg. It is also about an hour and a half to Baltimore and the same distance to Philadelphia. Parking is fairly plentiful around the university and the field. Parking is usually free but if it is a weeknight when classes are in session, please make sure to check parking regulations. Return on Investment 5 Tickets and parking are free. Extras 2 There are many trophy cases in the small lobby that offer a glimpse of the successes of the various Red Raider teams. The roof is a great extra all in its own. Final Thoughts Shippensburg plays on a good level of volleyball and the opponents of the PSAC do offer some skilled opponents, which makes a game here a good value for the sports fan.

Photos by Eric Moreno, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.14 TPC San Antonio JW Marriott San Antonio Hill Country Resort & Spa 23808 Resort Parkway San Antonio, TX 78261 Valero Texas Open website TPC San Antonio website Year Opened: 2010 Capacity: 5,000 Valero Texas Open – TPC San Antonio The PGA Tour has been making its annual visit to the Alamo City for the Texas Open since 1922. Over the years, some of the greatest names in the history of the sport have hoisted the winner’s trophy, including Walter Hagen, Ben Hogan, Sam Snead, Byron Nelson, Arnold Palmer, and Lee Trevino. Since 2010, the tournament has been held at TPC San Antonio, part of the JW Marriott Hill Country Resort & Spa. Boasting two 18-hole courses, the AT&T Canyons and AT&T Oaks courses (which were designed by Greg Norman and Sergio Garcia), TPC San Antonio and the Valero Texas Open have proven to be a top destination for many of the PGA Tour’s top stars. This is in part due to the temperate weather in San Antonio and the tournament’s spot on the calendar, usually one week before the Masters. For golf fans in the South Texas area, this is annually the biggest event of the year and usually boasts one of the best turnouts for non-major events. Despite being canceled in 2020 and having limited attendance, this again proved to be the case in 2021, with fans streaming out hoping to see Texas Longhorn Jordan Spieth return to the winner’s circle. Food & Beverage 4 The JW Marriott boasts one of the best restaurants in San Antonio in 18 Oaks, which is a traditional Texas Hill Country-style steakhouse. Boasting a menu of aged, prime cut steaks, locally sourced wild game and sides, 18 Oaks has become a destination restaurant beyond just both visitors and guests of the resort and attendees of the tournament. Normally open for lunch and dinner, the hours are adjusted during the tournament and calling ahead for reservations is recommended. For fans looking to experience more of a traditional sporting event dining experience rather than having a sit-down meal, the Texas Open has you covered there, as well. Speckled throughout courses are concession booths that offer your traditional food offerings, as well as some very Texas-centric items like barbecue sandwiches and sausages. There are also multiple full-service bars sprinkled throughout the courses. Both the food and drink stands are run by local nonprofit organizations, with portions of the proceeds benefitting them. All of the prices are pretty reasonable, too. Atmosphere 4 First things first, the TPC San Antonio – both courses – are absolutely gorgeous. With the Valero Texas Open moving to the spring, the San Antonio weather is usually especially great. The courses were designed to take advantage of the native plant life and landscape, so while you stroll alongside the perfectly manicured fairways, just outside of the rough lie native cacti and oak trees. The tournament also set up covered seating areas described as “cantinas” throughout the course. These are largely purchased by corporate sponsors and large fan groups. They are strategically placed near the greens of key holes. These cantinas have dedicated food and drink concessions booths for fans. COVID-19 restrictions limited the fan attendance of the 2021 version of the tournament and limited the seating opportunities alongside the 17th and 18th fairways, but there were still plenty of roped off fairway boxes for fans to watch the action of the tournament. While the galleries are smaller than in years past, the energy is still there and that still greatly helps the overall atmosphere of the tourney. Neighborhood 3 The TPC San Antonio course is on the far reaches of the city of San Antonio’s northside, not very far from the nearby town of Bulverde, Texas. While the resort itself is spectacular, set on 600 acres of prime land, with over 1,000 rooms and amenities ranging from an award-winning spa, to a lazy river, to tennis and basketball courts, it is by and large spoken for during the tournament. Much of the areas are off-limits to visitors due to tour professionals, officials, and sponsors taking up residence on-site for the week. The resort is also set astride multiple residential neighborhoods; with that in mind, you will have to make a drive off the grounds if you want to do any dining, shopping, lodging, or entertaining before or after rounds of the Texas Open. However, the nearby Village at Stone Oaks Shopping Center should have most of what you are looking for. This includes an Alamo Draft House movie theater, a Grimaldi’s Pizzeria, a BJ’s Restaurant & Brewhouse, and more. In terms of nearby lodging, the Candlewood Suites San Antonio North – Stone Oak Area is the closest. The resort is also very close to U.S. Highway 281 (more on that in the Access section) and that is a direct pipeline into Downtown San Antonio, which is the tourism/entertainment hub of the city. Fans 3 While the PGA Tour doesn’t publicize their attendance figures, anecdotally I can say that the smaller crowds for the 2021 edition of the Texas Open, while noticeable, didn’t detract from the overall experience. The crowds and galleries at the Texas Open – like at most PGA Tournaments – tend to gather and follow the biggest-name players. At this year’s event those crowds could be found following tour pros Matt Kuchar, 2021 Masters winner Hideki Matsuyama, Phil Mickelson, and eventual winner Jordan Spieth. The first, ninth, 10th, and 18th greens also were among the most popular gathering spots for the appreciative crowds. Access 2 If there is any area where fans might take umbrage with the Valero Texas Open, it is this section right here. First things first, there really is only one way in San Antonio to get to TPC San Antonio and the tournament, which is by driving or using a ride-share service up north along U.S. Highway 281. Without getting too far into the weeds on the socio-economic status of the Alamo City, I will simply say that this area of the city is its fastest growing. Scores of people have moved to the northern area of the city and planners have responded with a massive upgrade to the infrastructure in the area, including the highway itself. To put it more succinctly, construction is ongoing, and you will experience significant delays on your drive or ride to the tournament. The resort and course are a 30 to 45-minute drive from both the San Antonio International Airport and from the city’s downtown. Also, there are no public transportation options that are available to take you to that area of the city and once there, parking is extremely limited – it is offsite at a nearby church and fans are shuttled to and from the grounds throughout each day. Return on Investment 4 General admission ticketing for the Valero Texas Open is $45 per person per day online or $55 at the gate. The fairway boxes start at $180 per day and include a souvenir Texas Open folding chair and a $40 concessions voucher. Parking at the offsite lot is $15 per car and the shuttle service is free. The costs are pretty much on par with other non-major PGA Tour events. This is a pretty good bargain for the talented group of golfers that come through San Antonio for the tournament each year. Extras 2 This time around, there were not that many bells or whistles that would qualify as Extras for the tournament. This is largely due to the pandemic still impacting everyone’s lives. There is the pro-am event leading up to the tournament proper the Tuesday and Wednesday before the tourney, so for those interested in participating or watching that (though it was limited for 2021), opportunities exist. There is one main store located near the concessions grounds for fans looking to get souvenirs, both of the practical (aka, you can use these during your next round of golf) and ornamental (aka, those you just want to display) variety. The main thing that qualifies as an Extra that fans should stay for is the ceremony for the winner. In addition to a hefty check and a nice trophy, the winning golfer gets a pair of custom-made cowboy boots befitting of the Texas aesthetic. During the closing ceremony, that winner tries on the boots, which is a nice touch to finish out the week. Final Thoughts I used to attend the Valero Texas Open on an annual basis, but somewhere along the way I stopped going. I had never experienced it at TPC San Antonio, so I wasn’t sure what to expect exactly, but my hopes were high. Despite the limited fan attendance, my hopes were not let down in any way. The event feels like a really big deal, and the crowds are into the action. The galleries are still pretty large for the big-name players and they cheer with the great shots and putts. The course and resort are both gorgeous, thanks in large part to the picturesque landscape. Despite the drawbacks of the traffic and parking, the Valero Texas Open is a winner. If you’re a golf fan or just someone who enjoys sports, go ahead and add the Texas Open to your list of must-see events. Follow Eric Moreno’s Stadium Journey on Twitter at @EricMoreno6477. Visit Eric Moreno’s writer’s portfolio site at ericmoreno.contently.com.

The Salem Senators will be one of the four teams in the new Mavericks Independent Baseball League that will play at Volcanoes Stadium in the summer. The historical name harkens back to 1940 when the original Senators brought professional baseball to Salem in grand fashion. The Senators were the last of the four names picked for the new league, and Salem-Keizer CEO Mickey Walker was on the Indy Ball Report podcast and felt the state capital, just down the road from the ballpark, would stand out among other larger cities in the area. “We had a couple of different options to go with and ended up choosing the Salem Senators, because of their history in the Salem-Keizer area. It’s kind of something that people from around here associate with, and going with the Salem Senators felt like it identified with the local community.” The New Salem Senators Logo, Photo Courtesy of the Salem-Keizer Volcanoes. George Waters announced that he would build a venue in “which the city would be proud of.” Waters had just purchased the Bellingham Chinooks franchise and relocated it to the city. He then picked an 11-acre spot of land and broke ground on September 22, 1939. Waters had been in town since 1891 and made a name for himself as a wholesale tobacco dealer and proprietor in town. He had co-owned an amateur baseball club in 1891 that, despite his efforts, was not financially successful, losing $1,500. Little did he know that he would have to wait almost half a century for his next opportunity to run a baseball operation. He bankrolled the $60,000 ballpark and spared no expenses on making it a first-class venue for both players and fans. The aisles were a little wider than other facilities, the lights were of major league caliber, and player comfort extended from the field to the locker rooms. The ballpark also provided ample space for parking cars. “It will be one the classiest fields in the northwest and have a maximum capacity of 10,000 fans,” proclaimed Waters, who predicted attendance numbers of 100,000 for the season. In reality, the facility held 5,600 between the grandstand and the two bleacher sections, based on the city building inspector. It would be 330 feet to left field, 382 feet to center field, and 370 to left field. Home Plate was 45 feet from the grandstand. There would be wide praise given to the new ballpark from both home and visiting fans. Waters Field Entrance, File Photo, The Capitol Journal The knothole section was constructed for kids and provided free admission for all kids to the games. A total of 500 kids under the age of 15 signed pledge cards to attend games. When league officials warned Waters that he could lose significant money, he said that he would personally pay for every boy and girl to enter the game. He wasn’t interested in making a profit with his new venture and would be satisfied with breaking even on the season. “If people like the club, that’s all I care about. I like my town. I’ve been in business for 48 years, and I think I owe the town something.” On May 1, 1940, the first minor league baseball was held at what was known as Waters Park in front of a record crowd of 4,865–the largest crowd at a sporting event in Salem. The Senators scored five runs in the ninth to edge the Yakima Pippins 11-10 in the home opener. Through the first 23 games, the club attracted close to 25,000 in total attendance for an average of 1,080 persons. This did not include the 5,071 paid attendance for a double-header the night before the report. The numbers were not as predicted, at first, but were good enough for the team to finish second behind Spokane in attendance numbers at season’s end. The Senators played average baseball for most of the season but were surprisingly still able to earn the last playoff spot in the league during the last two nights of the season. However, the Solons dropped a twin-bill to Yakima to knock them three games behind Vancouver in the standings. At season’s end, Capital-Journal sports columnist Fred Zimmerman wrote the following, “Whether professional baseball is a financial success… George E. Waters has provided Salem and the vicinity with some first-class entertainment. Sadly, Waters would succumb to a heart attack on October 19, and perhaps he had a premonition, a few months before, when the community honored him at his ballpark. The 70-year-old businessman was deeply moved and at the initial team banquet, stated that he did not expect to live long and was glad to do something for Salem. Ownership would fall into the hands of his wife, Margaret Waters and after a three-year hiatus for World War II, sold it to the Portland Beavers of the Pacific Coast League. It has been reported that Ms. Waters contemplated closing up shop due to having little interest in the sport and insisted that her husband’s involvement with the ball club was too much for his health. However, she operated as the Solons president, being one of the first women in the sport to hold such a title and keep it in operation during World War II. She would sell the team and the ballpark to Portland Beavers GM Bill Klepper for a reduced price of $30,000, more than half of the ballpark’s $65,000 construction in 1946. Salem Knothole Gang, File Photo, The Capitol Journal The only stipulation was that the ballpark would retain the Waters Field name as long as she was alive. This would come into play when she was on her sickbed, and there were rumors that the stadium’s name would be changed. Shortly before she died in 1964, she stated, “Please don’t change the name–not until after I’m gone.” The two years after the war, crowds packed Waters Field. A record 102,956 walked through the turnstiles in 1946, and another impressive 98,247 came back the following year. However, the dip in attendance was a harbinger for numbers to come as 1949 attendance dipped to 67,495 on the season. This prompted the Beavers to either move the club to another city or abandon it completely. Portland’s new GM Bill Mulligan stated in the newspaper that there was only a “slim chance” of survival for baseball in Salem. One rumor had the club relocating to New Westminster, British Columbia. Salem Senators Looking Sharp, File Photo, The Capitol Journal After the 1950 campaign, the Beavers threatened to move the Solons out of town due to low attendance numbers. A group of 832 stockholders called the Salem Senators, Inc. purchased the team from the Beavers for $20,000 to keep the ball club in town. The sale included the team, ballpark, accessories, equipment, and 14 players. Donald A. Young, manager of the ball club’s board of directors made many efforts to keep the team afloat during the rest of the truculent decade. The club was still having attendance concerns in 1951 and was in financial trouble midway through the season and needed to attract 1,800-2,000 fans a game to stay afloat. Young predicted that 62,500 would have to turn out for the final 33 games to turn a profit. The group managed to make it through the turbulent 1954 Western International League that saw three teams drop out during the season. The “Save the Senators” campaign raised enough money to keep the team afloat which saw 4,124 for a July game against Tri-City that also included a pre-game parade that stretched for six blocks. The festivities included two bands, a color guard, a fire engine, a Shrine marching band, and a police escort that snarled traffic in downtown Salem. Salem Outfield View, File Photo, The Capitol Journal The Senators remained afloat during the truculent decade and would lose an average of $10,000 by the time the city condemned the ballpark after a series of inspections in 1965. A large number of rotting beams underneath the stands and repairs might be too high. This resulted in the parent club, Los Angeles Dodgers, closing up shop after the season. After Al Lightner made one last visit to the ballpark, he wrote about it in his daily column for the Statesman on July 21, 1966. He describes the ballpark that featured dugouts peering over acres of waste, debris scattered all over the place, broken glass, rotten wood smell, and team offices vandalized. There are tall, swaying, brown weeds and overgrown grass on the playing field. “Been sick in the stomach region lately? If not, and you care to try, all you need to do is have a peek at what now resides within the taken walls of Walter Field. It’s almost too hard for anyone to believe if he has any knowledge at all of the effort and energy once applied to the plant, items which four years ago earned it the distinction of being one of the finest parks in all lower minor league baseball. There is no evidence of it now.“ The unused ballpark would be sold to Candalaria Investment Company for $89,000 in May of 1966 after directors decided to quit fielding a team. The sale had hoped to keep the initial stockholders out of debt. As Statesmen Sports Editor, Al Lightner wrote, “Professional baseball in Salem had been dying a slow death for years.” Waters Field Grandstand on Fire, File Photo, The Capitol Journal If baseball was dying a slow death, then the ballpark went quickly as it was set ablaze on the night of November 11, 1966. The fire could be seen for miles and the grandstand was engulfed in flames while the bleacher sections suffered little damage. The abandoned park was wide open allowing trespassers free access. The damage could have been much worse, but the electricity had been shut off for quite some time. This also resulted in many believing the blaze was the work of arson, but there was never a suspect charged. Quickly, what was left was cleaned up and promptly carted away to reveal an empty parking lot, void of any activity. Waters Field Fire, File Photo, The Capitol Journal The fire ended all activity at Waters Field, although it was unlikely that anything would continue before the blaze. The site would be picked for a U.S. Post Office in 1975, and a specialized logo with a baseball theme was picked to honor the erstwhile structure. George Waters would have been deeply saddened by the destruction of his ballpark. He probably looked at it as his legacy to the city and to provide a playground for baseball and other events. Sadly, it has been gone much longer than it was in operation, but the Senators’ name will be revived once again this summer at another ballpark. I am sure Waters would be happy about that. ——– Follow all of Marc’s stadium journeys on Twitter @ballparkhunter and his YouTube channel.

Photos by Michael Davis, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.57 Trinity Forest Golf Club 5000 S Great Trinity Forest Way Dallas, TX 75217 Trinity Forest Golf Course website AT&T Byron Nelson Tournament website Year Opened: 2014 The AT&T Byron Nelson Returns Home to Dallas There are two PGA stops in the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex, the only metropolitan area that host two events. The older of the two tournaments began in 1944 with the event’s namesake, Byron Nelson from Fort Worth, Texas, winning the inaugural event at Dallas’ Lakewood Country Club. The tournament has been played at various courses throughout the Dallas area. In 2018 the tournament celebrated its 50th Anniversary under the current name, with the opening of the tournament being played at Trinity Forest Golf Club in South Dallas – the move returned the tournament to Dallas after 35 years in Irving’s Las Colinas area. The Trinity Forest Golf Club is located nine miles south of downtown Dallas off interstate 45 in the heart of the largest urban forest in the United States. The course is links style and sits on an area of less than 150 acres. Designed by Bill Coore and Ben Crenshaw with the intention to bring elite championship golf back to the City of Dallas, the new Trinity Forest Club course features dramatic green complexes and bunkering, with tall native grasses on a rolling meadow. The course is also the home course for the SMU men’s and women’s golf teams; the private course was an instant success, with club memberships owned by Tony Romo and Jordan Spieth. In addition to the golf course, the Trinity River Audubon Center and Trinity Forest Golf Club partnered to implement a Blackland Prairie Restoration Plan, restoring 75 acres of Blackland Prairie with native grasses and vegetation, to create additional habitat opportunities for native plants and animals. Food & Beverage 4 There are plenty of food and drinks throughout the course, either in the built-up suites or in the general-public concessions tents; most tents are operated by local groups as fundraisers. The concessions menu here has variety but lacks the overall wow that has been the staple at sports venues. The prices for various menu items are as follows: smoked chopped brisket sandwich or smoked link sausage sandwich $9, cheeseburgers $8, jumbo hot dogs $5.50, pulled pork sandwiches $8.50, deli hoagies, classic club subs, or chicken Caesar salad wraps $8, and jumbo hot dogs $5.50; a Bavarian Pretzel or peanuts cost $5. The one wow concessions stand would be the Korean BBQ stand called Bibigo – this concessions tent serves Shrimp Kimchi Bao, Sweet and Spicy Chicken Skewers, Jap-Chae (noodles with beef and vegetables), and Bibi-Cones (ice cream cones filled with Bulgogi or Kimchi rice). These items aren’t low in price either, ranging from $8 to $12 each. Coca-Cola is the beverage sponsor of the AT&T Byron Nelson, and sodas cost $5 for 16oz, with Smart Water at $7.50 and Dasani bottled water or Powerade for $4.50 if you want something besides soda. There are also plenty of alcoholic beverages throughout the course – Michelob Ultra is a proud sponsor of the event and is readily available, along with Estrella Jalisco, Texas’ own Ziegenbock, and Houston’s brewery Karbach Love Street. These beers are $8, while a glass of wine is $15. Grey Goose is another sponsor, and their Grey Goose 19th Hole is open to the public and is located at the corner of the 13th green and the 14th tee. This location serves Grey Goose cocktails and soft drinks, and has both an air-conditioned indoor patio and an outdoor patio. In addition, the Katy Trail Ice House Pavilion is another open-to-the-public pavilion that has a beer garden style layout and views of the 4th green and 5th tee. Atmosphere 4 The AT&T Byron Nelson has always been a go and be seen type of event for the DFW Metroplex, with most people’s idea of the event being to attend the golf tournament as a large social event. All ages and backgrounds from all over DFW can be seen walking the course throughout the weekend. From the moment patrons step off the shuttles on South Great Trinity Forest Way, the AT&T Byron Nelson atmosphere begins. The main entrances have photo ops for fans to start their day – for example, last year there was a big 50 sign for fans to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the Byron Nelson tournament, and this year (2019) had a Mother’s Day photo set-up, with pink hats given to all the moms in attendance. The tournament’s merchandise pavilion is also at the entrance, for fans to pick up items either before they go on the course or for when they are ready to leave on the shuttles. The box office, will call, and volunteer headquarters are also all near the shuttle drop-off. All patrons being shuttled in and walking thru the main entrance will arrive on the course at the 13th fairway, and there are anti-dust trail paths throughout the course. Fan’s options are to either find a golfer and be part of the gallery around the course, or set up in an area that not only has one green, but offers multiple greens and tees – this set up provides fans with more action, and allows them to get more involved in the golf action being played around the course. In addition, the course provides a kid zone, so parents can watch the golf action without distraction. There are also plenty of photo spots and course information signage creating more of an event than just the golf. Like Trinity Forest’s predecessor at Las Colinas, there are plenty of suites around the course creating a party type crowd around the course. The atmosphere has toned down compared to the course at the Four Seasons, however, a lot of this has to do with the wide-open course at Trinity Forest; Trinity Forest is a link style spreading more fans across the course, instead of the few holes that Las Colinas held for fans to collaborate. The atmosphere has the potential to become even better than it was at Las Colinas, though, as long as the AT&T Byron Nelson continues to improve and give the golf fans of the Metroplex the best place to enjoy the PGA in Dallas. Neighborhood 3 There really is no neighborhood around the Trinity Forest Golf Club located southeast from downtown Dallas. However, since patrons are shuttled nine miles to the course from Fair Park in Dallas, this section will focus on that area. Fair Park is part of the state fairgrounds, and like Trinity Forest Golf Club doesn’t offer much in the immediate neighborhood except The Old Mill Inn Restaurant. This eatery was built in 1936 and serves a variety of southern home cooking options. However, fans here are within a four-mile radius of several great Dallas neighborhoods, so there are plenty of wonderful places for sightseeing, eating, and enjoying yourself during the week of the AT&T Byron Nelson. Deep Ellum, The West End, Trinity Groves, and Uptown are all part of the downtown Dallas experience. Deep Ellum is a neighborhood filled with arts and entertainment venues, and has one of the best BBQ spots in the state of Texas, Pecan Lodge. The Angry Dog is another great little spot for travelers, especially those from Upstate New York, as Binghamton Spiedies are on the menu. Deep Ellum Brewery Company and Braindead Brewing are up-and-coming spots for people who enjoy craft beers. The West End Historic District is also a must for newcomers to Dallas, as this is the area where the Kennedy Assassination happened, near the Sixth Floor Museum at Dealey Plaza. This museum gives you the chance to relive the November 22nd day in 1963 or talk to people on Dealey Plaza about a conspiracy theory. There is so much at The West End to choose from; check out this site for more information: https://www.dallaswestend.org. If you are not searching for history, then visit Trinity Groves. Trinity Groves is a revitalized area with various restaurants and shopping. There are plenty of restaurants on the way thru Uptown on McKinney Avenue, but The Rustic on Howell Avenue is a good place because parking is much more accessible than on McKinney Ave. In addition, not many people think of Dallas as serving great pizza, but Campisi’s Restaurant on Mockingbird Lane will change your mind. If Trinity Forest Golf Club was located at the state fairgrounds, the rating for the neighborhood would max out. However, having to travel nine miles to a course that hasn’t been developed, and doesn’t have a safe neighborhood, means a modest average overall neighborhood rating at this time. Fans 4 The estimated attendance for this year’s tournament is about 200,000 for the four-day event. However, the negative reviews from fans that attended last year about the lack of shade and parking, along with this year’s inclement weather, makes the 200K number a modest hopeful reach. In general, though, the golf fans here are passionate – the calls of “Get in the hole!” on the greens are impressive, while the same calls as the players hit off the tee are just silly. But there are plenty of live moments on the course that television just can’t duplicate, such as the roar of a massive golf crowd when an athlete sinks a long putt or aces a hole-in-one during the tournament. In general golf fans have a kind demeanor, as there is no my team vs. your team attitude that other sports tend to engender; golf fans just like to enjoy the day on the course while watching some amazing professional golfers make some incredible shots. Access 3 The Trinity Forest Golf Club is located nine miles south of downtown Dallas, just off Interstate 45 at 5000 Great Trinity Forest Way, Dallas, TX. There are corporate parking lots near the course, but general parking is located at the Texas State Fairgrounds in Fair Park via Gate 15. The entrance to the parking lot is at the intersection of Haskell and Beeman; shuttles to and from the golf course are complimentary and take about 12 to 15 minutes each way. Both the parking lots at Fair Park and the golf course itself can be reached via public transportation by the DART system. The DART system connects DFW airport to points around the city of Dallas, and DART has stops at Fair Park where patrons can access the shuttles to the course. Otherwise, ride the Green Line rail south to Buckner Station, and from Buckner Station take the Route 466 West bus to the Pemberton Hill/AT&T Byron Nelson stop. Route 466 West shuttles will run every 15 minutes from 7 am to 7 pm. For Patrons wanting to use Uber/Lyft, spectators will be dropped off and picked up in a designated lot a short distance from Trinity Forest Golf Club’s main entrance. Then when you are ready to leave for the day, request your ride upon leaving the tournament, and your Uber or Lyft driver will let you know which spot they will be waiting in for pickup. Note that there are security checkpoints in the public parking lots, as well as at the main entrance for the tournament. Once at the gates to the tournament, access flows thru with little wait. Spectators can bring in items such as umbrellas (without sleeves), binoculars, and chairs (without bags). Bags larger than 6” x 6” x 6” will not be allowed in, and mobile devices must always be kept on silent, but there is a designated “Cell Phone Zone” where calls may be placed or answered. The link style course provides fans easy walking and the opportunity to quickly move around to different holes based on the action. Return on Investment 4 Daily Grounds tickets for the AT&T Byron Nelson begin at $45, and there are two single day hospitality (climate-controlled) tickets to choose from: $125 for Harwood District Club tickets (any day) showing views of the number 3 green, or $250 for tickets in the largest structure on the course, the Michelob Ultra Club (day specific), but the latter includes a complimentary buffet with beer, wine, and soft drinks. The 360-view tower has views of the number 5 green, number 6 tee, and the number 15 green. The tournament also offers free daily tickets to Military personnel, First Responders, and Youth (17 years and under). Public parking is free at the Texas State Fair Grounds at Gate 15. Patrons will be shuttled from the parking lots, and spectators will not need a ticket to ride the shuttle (admission tickets are available at the main entrance ticket booth). The concessions prices are typical of events like this, so there isn’t any savings when it comes to food and drinks. However, the new course is easy to navigate and the Salesmanship Club of Dallas will continue to improve the fan experience, to return the highest ROI that was a constant when the tournament was at the Four Seasons Las Colinas. Extras 3 One point for reutilizing a wasted and unusable landfill into the Trinity Forest Golf Club course. The course began as a wasted and unusable landfill while the City of Dallas sat in default on a state-mandated requirement to remediate the land, at an approximate cost of $12 million. By partnering with the golf course developers, the city reduced its remediation burden to roughly $4 million, and used the remaining funds to invest in community projects. In addition, there isn’t anyone that can do fundraising better than the Salesmanship Club of Dallas. The Salesmanship Club of Dallas is the chief fundraiser for the AT&T Byron Nelson, and has been the heart and soul of the tournament since 1968. Since that time the event has raised over $160 million and transformed more than 100,000 lives, making it the most successful charity event on the PGA Tour. And to continue the theme of how much the AT&T Byron Nelson reaches into the local community, the event supports the Bush Institute’s Warrior Open. This tournament began in 2011 for United States military personnel seriously wounded or injured since September 11, 2001 – since 2011, more than 140 warriors have participated in the Military Service Initiative’s Team 43 Sports, which includes the Warrior Open and the annual W100K bike ride. Former President George W. Bush is even a participant in the golf tournament. But the biggest extra from the new venue is being able to witness a different type of golf course. The course itself will continue to improve and become challenging for players, while the course infrastructure will only get better each year, improving the fan experience. For example, the tournament recently added shaded viewing areas with structures and decks to combat the first-year complaints of no shade. Final Thoughts Over the years the AT&T Byron Nelson Tournament, while being played at the Four Seasons Las Colinas, became a Dallas area block party combined with a PGA Tour event. The patrons would settle in a party mood on the first two holes, then finish the celebration at the last two holes. The Par-3 17th hole was the one fans enjoyed most and could change the tournament on a Sunday – the hole’s water hazard, in front of the green, was an easy way for a golfer to lose the tournament. The fans surrounded the fairway and that hole in suites and villas that were set up to party. The Trinity Forest Golf Club, however, gives a much different feel, with its wide-open field where fans can see more than one hole from one spot. The biggest fan complaint in the first year was the lack of shade around the course, so Byron Nelson Tournament officials have erected misting systems and increased shaded areas by bringing in some trees to alleviate this concern. While it is still too early to decide if moving the tournament from Las Colinas to South Dallas was the best decision, the Trinity Forest Golf Club course has the potential to become a great golf venue once the infrastructure develops, and golf patrons adapt to the change that has the PGA back home in Dallas.

Photos by Meg Minard, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.14 Magness Arena 2240 Buchtel Blvd Denver, CO 80208 Denver Pioneers website Magness Arena website Year Opened: 1999 Capacity: 7,200 Crimson and Gold University of Denver (DU) Pioneers are more known for their ice hockey, lacrosse, and skiing teams; not so much their basketball team. That doesn’t mean a fan should forego attending a basketball game at the impressive Magness Arena which opened in 1999. The school colors of crimson and gold are proudly displayed in the arena and along the walkways outside the venue. DU Pioneer murals and banners are prominently hung along the concourse walls and from the rafters above the court. Most of the banners and the history shown in the concourse (there’re many to see and view) are not of the men’s basketball program but from the other fine sporting teams and programs the University of Denver has developed. Take some time to stroll the concourse to see and read the DU Pioneers’ accomplishments presented here. Beginning in 1904 the basketball team played at a regional level. After WWII, the team was in an NCAA Div 1 position until 1979 when they moved to Div II and NAIA levels. The Pioneers moved back up to Div 1 in 1998 and have been in the Sun Belt Conference, the Western Athletic Conference and are currently a member of The Summit League (beginning in 2013). Food & Beverage 3 Although not all food concession stands are open for a basketball game at Magness Arena, there is still enough open for a snack or meal when attending a match. Three choices of burgers with fries or a chicken finger basket go for $8.75, fish and chips are $9, pizza, bratwurst or a hot dog run $4.50 – $5.50. Snacks include popcorn, nachos, candy, and soft pretzels ($3.50 – $5.50). Pepsi is the soft drink provider with drinks running $4.25 – $6.50. Bottled water and hot chocolate/coffee are also for sale ($4). Alcohol is served at Magness Arena. The concession stands offer the domestic Budweiser and Coors brands, while Shock Top, Canadian Molsen, and Colorado Native are available at some stands ($7.75). A separate cocktail kiosk offers hard liquor, beer, wine, hard cider, and margaritas ($7.50 – $9). Visa, MasterCard, and cash are accepted at all stands. Atmosphere 3 Magness Arena provides an enjoyable, safe environment in which to watch a game. All seats are crimson colored and are either cushioned folding chairs or stadium-style, fold-down seats (cushioned as well). Most have cup holders and except for court side or handicapped sections, legroom is minimal. The seating area surrounds the court, however, for low attendance games, the end zones are blocked off with black curtains. Select seats in section 11 if wanting to face the logo center court and look at the player benches. A four-sided, center hung video board televises the game live and the quality is pretty crisp and clear. Two LED video boards which display players on court and their stats (points, assists, rebounds, fouls, etc) are mounted in opposite corners of the arena and dot matrix scoreboards are in the opposite corners of the venue. Cheerleaders and a pep band are present. Giveaways include things like T’s for 3’s or if the Pioneers get 80 points or more, everyone gets a coupon for a Smiling Moose sandwich. Half time entertainment at the game of this review was a basketball contest between two local elementary schools (always enjoyable to watch). The music is a tad on the loud side (sometimes can’t hear what the announcer is stating clearly) but for the most part is only played on breaks and at half time. Magness Arena is kept chilly so remember to bring a jacket and gloves (yes, even to a basketball game). Neighborhood 3 I did not notice a hotel within walking distance (1/2 mile) to the arena. However, there are many along the RTD light rail line. There’s a LaQuinta Inn & Suites one light rail station away (without light rail, it’s maybe a 1.2 mile hike to DU). Many eating establishments are within walking distance (1/2 mile or less) of the University. Fast food chains of Qdoba, Ben & Jerry’s Ice Cream, Starbucks, Jimmy John’s, etc are close by. Two non-fast food places I can recommend are Crimson and Gold Tavern and Spanky’s Urban Roadhouse. Both are sports bars with 5+ TVs showing a variety of sporting events. Food and service is fine at both places, nothing fancy – a good salad or burger and a beer. Jerusalem Restaurant, an award winning Middle Eastern inn, is just a few blocks away and also worth a visit. For those into craft brews, Fermaentra, a small, independently-owned brewery is also just a few blocks away and offers a variety of artsy, world class brews. Plenty of sporting venues are in the Ritchie Center (the sports complex of the University of Denver – including Magness Arena) and surrounding area: lacrosse, tennis, gymnastics, soccer, and more. Take a stroll through the campus and neighborhood to see the playing fields and the buildings that are rich with beauty and tradition with 21st century buildings mixed with those built from the 1890s – 1950s. The Pepsi Center is a little over 6 miles from Magness Arena (and accessible via the light rail) so if in town and a little Nuggets action is desired, take the E line down or head south on I-25. Fans 3 Pioneer basketball fans are a delightful mix. The biggest fans are the players, cheerleaders, and pep band. Lots of families with children in tow are present. Some students attend – not many – I expect when the Pioneers play local rival Colorado College this may increase, even in basketball. Plenty of alumni and retired fans attend the games as well. All fans are respectful of visiting fans, players and each other. It is a safe place to visit. Access 4 Getting to the arena is extremely easy via either light rail or vehicle. Light Rail lines E, F, H drop you off at the University station. The light rail fare went up on 1/1/2019 ($10.50 all-day pass) so it is actually less expensive to drive and park ($5) and since the basketball arena doesn’t fill up, it’s pretty easy getting out after a game. The arena is right off the I-25 / University Ave exit. In addition, one can find neighborhood parking just two blocks away at no charge. Some close-by metered parking can be found which is monitored Mon – Sat; free on Sundays. Denver International (DIA) is the closet commercial airport about 30 miles from the university. The concourse does not get packed during half time so people movement is free flowing. Plenty of clean restrooms are handy with almost no lines. Return on Investment 4 Individual tickets run $12 – $17, so it’s very affordable sports entertainment. With the ability to park for free ($5 at the most) and average concession prices, attending a game is worth the price. Hopefully the team will start winning more games and then the dollars spent will become an even better entertainment investment. Extras 2 The court has a picturesque city skyline with mountain peaks in the background, quite fitting for Denver. A small merchandise stand with clothing and trinkets is on right upon entering the west entrance (the side across from the soccer and lacrosse fields by the carillon tower). Final Thoughts Watching some basketball at the University of Denver offers an opportunity for fans of any age to enjoy college level play at very affordable prices. Minimal student influence deprives the game of some college atmosphere, but the experience is still a positive one.

Photos by Richard Smith, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.43 Gallaudet Softball Complex 800 Florida Ave NE Washington, DC 20002 Gallaudet Bison website Gallaudet Softball Complex website Year Opened: 2012 Capacity: 500 Lady Bisons of DC Gallaudet University is a federally-chartered private university for the education of the Deaf and hard of hearing located in Washington, D.C. The school is named for Thomas Hopkins Gallaudet, a pioneer in the education of the deaf. Founded in 1864, Gallaudet University was originally a grammar school for both deaf and blind children. In 1954 the school became Gallaudet College and in 1986 it was renamed Gallaudet University. The physical campus is on the National Register of Historic Places. The most popular majors at Gallaudet University are business, visual and performing arts, communication studies, physical education, and psychology. The Bison are a member of the North Eastern Athletic Conference (except for the football program which plays in the Eastern Collegiate Football Conference) and play at the Division III level. The Gallaudet Softball Complex opened on March 18, 2011 against D.C. rival Catholic University. Dugouts were added in 2014 and permanent seating in 2017. Lights and a press box are planned future additions. Food & Beverage 1 There are no permanent food options at the softball complex. It looks like a potential concession stand is on design plans. Until any potential upgrade, there is a table setup and a grill for small food offerings. The table may only be there when a baseball game is going at the neighboring baseball field and/or on weekend games. The prices are reasonable. Atmosphere 2 This a pretty simple small college softball field. A small metal bleacher sits right behind the home plate and protective screen. There is a very simple scoreboard located in right center. There is not much else in terms of atmosphere. The university’s baseball field, Hoy Field, is located just a few feet away. If you are lucky, both teams will be in action so you can go from one game to another quickly. Neighborhood 3 The Kendall Demonstration Elementary School, a day school serving deaf and hard of hearing students from birth through grade 8, is located right behind the right center field fence of Hoy Field. The wonderful Union Market is located next to the university campus, although on the opposite end from Hoy Field. The market is worth a stop. The 1930s Union Terminal Market has been renovated into a gourmet food hall with numerous local vendors selling a variety of food products. Favorites of mine are Buffalo & Bergen, DC Empanadas, Peregrine Espresso and TaKorean’s Korean Tacos. Besides Union Market there is very little to do in the immediate neighborhood of Gallaudet University. Be careful driving around before or after the game as there are some dangerous neighborhoods in the area, although many are gentrifying quickly. Not too far away is a stellar cocktail bar, Smith Commons, located in the Atlas Arts District. The dizzying array of complicated drinks will amaze you. And did I mention you are right in the middle of Washington, DC? The amount of attractions, museums, restaurants and other sights are astounding. Spend some time pre or postgame seeing the many things around this great city. Fans 2 Many of the school’s fans are deaf. But this does not mean that they are quiet. Fans of the university can be boisterous and are proud of their school just like at any other university. Other fans at the Galluadet Softball Complex tend to primarily be family or friends of the players. You may see an inconsistent level of fan interaction. Access 3 For weekend games there should be plenty of parking near the Kendall Demonstration Elementary School. Weekday games will take a bit more planning as you will have to find spaces that are open to visitors. The closest Metro station is the NoMa-Gallaudet U New York Ave Station. A few years ago I would not have recommended walking the short distance between the station and campus, but the safety of the area has improved dramatically. One should still use a good amount of caution and use common sense. The biggest problem with using the Metro, is the system itself. The Metro is frustratingly overpriced compared to systems in other cities. But it really does get you to nearly all parts of the city, except for Georgetown. Just be careful on weekends when trains run less often or are in single track mode, as you may encounter some extended wait times. The system is having maintenance, mechanical and money issues so expect delays and other issues at all times. It is unfortunate, but way too true. Return on Investment 3 The price, free, is certainly reasonable. And you will probably not have to pay for parking. So, the value is certainly good. The Division III level of softball is not especially high, but the school’s conference has a nice variety of opponents. Extras 3 The grounds of the university are on the National Register of Historic Places. Take some time to check out the university facilities. Parts of the campus are also on the District of Columbia Inventory of Historic Sites and Historic American Buildings Survey. The Kendall Demonstration Elementary School has a very interesting statue located in front of their main building. Since it is next to the campus, one should check in and look at this large piece of art. The baseball and softball fields also share space with the school’s football and track stadium. The field is very nice and often hosts local recreating soccer games. Final Thoughts The Gallaudet Softball Complex is a pretty simple softball stadium. But the low cost of attendance means that this is a good value for the fan.