Photos by Gregory Koch, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.14 John Moxie Memorial Stadium Circle Dr Staunton, VA 24401 Staunton Braves website Year Opened: 1900 Capacity: Unknown Home of the Braves The Valley Baseball League is a collegiate summer wood bat baseball league consisting of 11 teams up and down Virginia’s Shenandoah Valley. One of these teams is the Staunton Braves, who play at John Moxie Memorial Stadium. Located within Gypsy Hill Park, baseball has been played on this site since at least 1900. The Staunton Braves were a charter member of the Valley League in 1923, and other than a few years when the league shut down due to World War II and COVID-19, they have played here ever since. Food & Beverage 5 There is one concession stand located behind the press box which serves an extensive variety of food. Hot dogs, chili dogs, corn dogs, burgers, sausage, chicken tenders, and pizza are all available to eat. Snacks include gummy bears, assorted candy, sunflower seeds, hot pretzels, cracker jack, cookies, peanuts, chips, and pickles. Drinks include soda, water, and Red Bull. Unusual for a Valley League venue, beer is available in a beer garden down the left field line. Make sure to pick up a wristband first if you are going to drink alcohol. Other than beer, nothing is more than a few dollars, making the food a great value here. If you buy a burger or ice cream, you will need to pick it up at another tent across the concourse. While this may not seem like the most efficient system, it actually keeps the line moving as people can move off while their food is being made and the people behind them can order. As a result, the concession lines typically do not get as long here as elsewhere in the Valley League, and they move faster. Atmosphere 5 A trip to a Staunton Braves game at John Moxie Stadium is like taking a step back in time. Baseball has been played on this spot since at least the start of the 20th century, and you can just sense the history in this place by walking in. The layout is nothing fancy – a few sets of bleachers and a very basic scoreboard in the outfield, but it dates back to a time when ballparks were simpler than today. The outfield fence is covered in advertising boards other than a bright blue batter’s eye in center field. In addition to the bleachers, fans often set up lawn chairs throughout the stadium, including in front of the bleachers and at the edge of the concourse above a hill. Speaking of the concourse, it doubles as a service road for deliveries to the stadium and may be the only concourse in the country with speed bumps. If you arrive early enough, you may see the Domino’s Pizza car driving on it to drop off pizzas to the concession stand, but for the most part it is closed to traffic during the game. The concourse curves around a hill behind the press box, so it is located at the bottom of the stands on the first base side but at the top of the stands on the third base side. The sun sets in center field during the game, so it is right in the eyes of fans, as well as the catcher, batter, and home plate umpire, for the first inning or two before it goes behind the trees. A couple Valley League traditions are worth noting here. Your game ticket doubles as your raffle ticket for a chance to win various prizes from sponsors throughout the game. Additionally, fans are not permitted to keep foul balls but can turn them into the concession stand for a free soda. The exact prize for turning in a ball may vary from game to game – when we visited, one fan mentioned that earlier in the week, fans received a soda and a hot dog for turning in the ball, and he was very disappointed that they were not giving away hot dogs that night. The Braves do a great job of keeping fans engaged, with various between-innings contests and giveaways. When the team scores a run, they play the Tomahawk Chop and the crowd claps and chops along. Neighborhood 3 Like many Valley League towns, Staunton is a small city nestled in the scenic Shenandoah Valley. Downtown Staunton is just a short drive away from the stadium and includes several options such as Queen City Brewing, and restaurants ranging from classic southern eateries to taco restaurants and even a pupuseria. There are a couple of unique museums in Staunton, the Jumbo Antique Fire Engine Museum and the Camera Heritage Museum. If you are interested in the history of fire engines or photography, it will be well worth visiting. Although Staunton doesn’t have all the glitz and glamor of a major city or even a suburb, it does have that small town charm you see in most of the Valley League. Fans 5 Staunton ranks near the top of the Valley League in attendance, and fans flock to John Moxie Memorial Stadium every night to watch the Braves play. As is typical of the Valley League, a significant portion of the town comes out to watch the games, everyone from young families with small children to older people who have been following the Braves for decades. The fans are active, especially when the Tomahawk Chop plays following a Braves run. Some of them have been known to heckle the players and umpires at times as well, but nothing too unfriendly and certainly not profane. Access 3 John Moxie Stadium is located a few miles off I-81, although you will have to do a bit of driving on local roads to get there. Some of the intersections near the ballpark can be quite confusing if it is your first time driving them, so allow extra time in case you get lost. Once you get to the stadium, parking is available in a large lot down the first baseline next to the adjacent football stadium. From there, you will enter through the first base gate and walk up the concourse (literally “up” as it is on a hill) to the bleachers and your seat. Restrooms are available in a building down the first baseline between the baseball stadium and the adjacent football field. The women’s restroom is on the baseball side and the men’s restroom is on the football side. They are small but a sufficient size for the crowds. Return on Investment 5 Free tickets are available to Braves games at local businesses who sponsor the game. Check the Braves website for specifics. If you are unable to make it during business hours, or don’t feel like spending money on gas and going on a scavenger hunt to get your ticket, they are available for just $5 at the gate, with discounts available for children and seniors. Concessions are affordable as well and parking is free, making a Braves game a great value for the whole family to go out to a ballgame. Extras 3 There is a team store called the Wig Wam behind the press box. Free roster sheets are available at the entrance and more extensive programs are available for just $4. There are two comfy lounge chairs located behind home plate. Fans can sign up for a drawing before the game and a lucky winner and one of their guests will get to sit in the best seats in the stadium, if not the whole Valley League. Final Thoughts What John Moxie Memorial Stadium lacks in flashiness it makes up for in charm. Baseball has been played at this site for over a century, and the Braves will be celebrating their centennial season next year (2023). Although Moxie Stadium doesn’t have the amenities of modern stadiums, and it certainly would never be mistaken for one, it is a gorgeous, historic stadium to watch a game on a summer’s night at a great price.

Photos by Google Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.29 Bloomfield Road Seasiders Way Blackpool , England FY1 6JJ Blackpool FC website Bloomfield Road website Year Opened: 1899 Capacity: 16,616 Welcome to the Seaside Blackpool FC is currently a member of the EFL Championship and plays at Bloomfield Road. The club first used the grounds in 1900 and has called it home every year since the 1901-1902 season. The team was founded in 1887 and previously played at Raikes Hall Garden and the Athletic Grounds. Bloomfield Road has changed dramatically since football was first played in 1899. Back then, it was nothing else but a grandstand with a playing field. However, fans came out in droves and had to be pushed back by linesmen and officials. All four of its stands have been rebuilt with the latest renovations taking place with the Jimmy Armfield South Stands in 2010, which resulted in a capacity of 16,616. Blackpool is England’s main beach resort, and the club is nicknamed “The Seasiders”, although they are also called the “The Tangerines” based on the orange colour of their kit stripe, first worn in 1923. The club won the 2020-21 Football League One Play-Off championship and was promoted to the Championship. They have spent time in the top four leagues in England, with one season in the Premier League in 2010-211. They are the first ever club to gain promotion from every division within the Football League via the play-off system. Food & Beverage 3 The usual assortment of concession items is available at Bloomfield Road once you walk through the gates. The typical fare includes pies (meat and potatoes, cheese and onion, and Cornish pasty), rollover hot dogs, and something new, a chicken biryani meal. The biryani has been inspired by other grounds in the league and adds a tasty option at the game. Snacks and confectionery include Walker Crisps varieties, chocolate, and sweets. The non-alcoholic drinks include Pepsi, Pepsi Max, 7Up Free, and Tango Free. Tea, coffee, hot chocolate, and Bovril are ideal for cold, wet, or foggy games during the season. The alcoholic beverages include Heineken at selected kiosks, John Smith’s, Strongbow, Fosters, and Strongbow Dark Fruits. Atmosphere 3 The atmosphere at match days is very impressive, with crowds of around 11,000 dissenting upon Bloomfield Road hours before the game. The streets are packed, fans decked out in tangerine color kits are mulling about, and local pubs are packed with home and away supporters. It is ideal to arrive early to soak in the atmosphere of this coastal town. There are four main grandstands at the grounds: Armfield South Stand, Matthews West Stand, East Stand, and Mortensen North Stand (The Kop). The Matthews Stands contains the players' tunnel, the East Stand houses away fans, and The Kop is home to the family section and club shop. The seating is steep but close to the action on the pitch. It is slightly uncomfortable, but many fans cheer on the home side doing battle down below. There are also five hospitality lounges at the stadium: Heineken Lounge, Moretti Lounge, Club 1953, and Club Matthews. The Club 1953 is for home fans only and is more relaxed than the others that are located on the halfway line. There are also executive boxes with padded seating, balcony views, and a full-course meal. The club does feature a mascot named Bloomfield Bear, who is available for photos and hugs with the smaller fans. The team’s official team shop offers a wide selection of merchandise before, during, and after the game. Programmes are available at the grounds and sell for £3 Neighborhood 4 The neighborhood surrounding the stadium is a mix of residential and commercial units. There are options to grab something to eat or drink before the match, which includes local and national brands. There is also a selection of tourist attractions that should make a visit worth your trip. The Old Bridge House is a 5-minute walk from the stadium. It is a nice gathering place with food, drink, and large-screen TVs. The Velvet Coaster is on the coast and close to the South Train Station. The Bridge is where you will find Blackpool fans decked out in tangerine. Away supporters will find solace at The Manchester, The Castle, Bloomfield Brewhouse, and The Bridge. Pleasure Beach is an amusement park with thrilling rides and one large roller coaster. The Blackpool Tower offers stunning views from its observation deck overlooking the city and the coastline. SeaLife Blackpool has 50 displays and 1,000 aquatic seals. Sandcastle Water park offers 18 slides in an 84-degree tropical climate for the family. There are also three giant piers located at the beaches. The Blackpool FC Stadium Hotel is located on the grounds and fluctuates in pricing on gameday, but an ideal lodging place for your football experience in town. Other lodging options near the stadium include The Rimini, Travelodge, and Bloomfield Brewhouse. Fans 3 The average attendance for home matches is well over 11,000. The fan experience is similar to other football clubs in the league, and the passion can be felt when “The Tangerines” are marching toward promotion. Away supporters sit in the South Stands, and there are plenty of chants, songs, and other forms of revelry at a game. Access 3 Mass transportation is the best option to attend the match. The Blackpool South station is one mile from the stadium and runs hourly. The Blackpool North Station runs more frequently and is a 25-minute walk from the stadium. Bus routes include services from numerous lines from the town center bus station and offer 10-15 minute walks to the grounds. Parking is limited at the stadium, but there are a few lots near the stadium. The Lonsdale Road Car Park and the Bloomfield Road Car Park are two options. They require a pre-payment of £13 and arrival should take place well before the start of the game. Bloomfield Road is a cashless stadium, except for the team shop. The venue accepts paper and tickets from your phone at all of the gates. Once inside the stadium, the concourse becomes crowded during half-time, but it's easy to move around since the stands are rarely filled for games. Return on Investment 4 The price of a ticket depends on what stand you want to watch the game. An adult ticket starts at £25 in the Southwest Family Stand and increases to £45 in the West Stand. If you are with the kids, the ticket prices in the family stand are £5-£10, with kids under 5 years of age admitted for free. Programmes are sold for £3, the car lots cost £13, and concession stand prices are reasonable. Extras 3 Blackpool earns a point for one of the better programmes in the league. The return of Bloomfield Bear is a bonus for the kids before the match. Stadium tours are available that last 1-2 hours and cost Programmes are sold for £10. Final Thoughts Attending a Blackpool match is a fun experience in a great location in England for Championship football. It is an ideal destination if you are with the family, but great if you are ground-hopping alone or with a few friends. Bloomfield Road has plenty to see, along with the rest of Blackpool.

Photos by Gregory Koch Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.14 So Sweet a Cat Field 107 Larchwood Ave West Long Branch, NJ 07764 Monmouth Hawks website So Sweet a Cat Field website Year Opened: 2007 Capacity: 500 (estimated) So Sweet a Field Hockey Stadium Located just a mile from the Atlantic Ocean and 50 miles from New York City, Monmouth University is right in the heart of New Jersey. The Monmouth field hockey team plays its home games on campus at So Sweet a Cat Field. The stadium is named after an animal belonging to Jane Freed, whose large donation helped fund the stadium, but it is not the kind of animal you would expect. It is not a reference to how good Freed's pet kitty was, but the name of one of her racehorses. Food & Beverage 0 There is no food or beverage for sale at So Sweet a Cat Field, but fans are free to bring their own. Atmosphere 2 So Sweet a Cat Field is pretty basic, even by college field hockey standards. Two small sets of bleachers are located along one sideline, straight ahead as you come in. Many fans of the visiting team will sit in the near set, as it is across from their bench. Monmouth fans will sit on the other set for the same reason. The bleachers are very close to the field and low to the ground - the bottom row will have your feet on the grass. There is not much going on here besides the game itself. The PA announcer will announce the lineups before the game, and the goalscorers, but that is about it. Neighborhood 4 Located just a mile from the Jersey Shore, there is plenty to do in the vicinity of Monmouth University's campus. Although it is in a residential neighborhood, the beaches of Long Branch are just a five-minute drive away. While these won't be helpful later in the season when the temperature of air and ocean is chilly, it is extremely popular early in the season, over Labor Day Weekend before it cools off. Long Branch and West Long Branch offer numerous restaurants, serving everything from tacos to pizza to Portuguese. While it is more lively when the weather is warm, it can be nice to experience the area without the crowds later in the fall. Fans 2 Monmouth field hockey may draw a hundred fans a game, but about half of them will typically be fans of the other team. It is almost exclusively friends and family of the players, though an occasional Monmouth student may show up. Even compared to other college field hockey programs across the country, this is low attendance. Access 3 Monmouth University is about 15 minutes off the Garden State Parkway via Exit 105 or a 90-minute train ride from New York City. If you do choose to drive, parking is available in a lot right next to the stadium for free. It shouldn't fill up, but if it does, other lots are available nearby. You will need to walk along the grass to get to the bleachers, but beyond that, getting around isn't a problem. Restrooms are located in a shed in the far left corner of the field, near the American flag. They are not signed until you get over there, but people will direct you if you ask. Return on Investment 4 Admission to Monmouth field hockey games is free, as is parking. You won't pay anything for concessions because there aren't any. However, there isn't enough here to earn the top score. Extras 0 There are no real extras here. Final Thoughts A Monmouth field hockey game is a pretty basic experience, even compared to other college field hockey venues. While the stadium may have the best name of any venue in the sport, the experience here is not as impressive. Still, if you are a fan of the sport and are in the area, you may want to head down to So Sweet a Cat Field to check it out.

Photos by Marc Viquez, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.29 Ross-Ade Stadium 850 Beering Drive West Lafayette, IN 47907 Purdue Boilermakers website Ross-Ade Stadium website Year Opened: 1924 Capacity: 62,500 Boiler Up! at Ross-Ade Stadium Ross-Ade Stadium was dedicated on November 22, 1924, and named in honor of Purdue alumni George Ade and David E. Ross, two principal benefactors. At the time of its construction, the stadium had a capacity of 13,500. Today, the stadium holds 57,236 people. The first addition was made in 1930 when 5,000 seats were added to the north end zone. A permanent grandstand on the west side was built before the 1949 season, increasing the seating capacity to 51,295. A series of more renovations saw the capacity reach its apex of 62,500 by 1969. However, capacity decreased in 2014 when 6,100 seats were removed from the endzone in 2014. During the 2017 season, lighting was installed so that games could be played at night for the first time. The stadium features a horse-shoe design with an open-air end zone, including food trucks, a massive patio with bench stool seating, and beverage kiosks. In addition to the grandstand, there is a giant student section. The Boilermakers began its football program in 1887 and played games at Stuart Field in 1892 until Ross-Ade’s completion. The program has captured 12 conference championships and 1 national title in 1931. There have been 294 players selected in the NFL Draft, 4 members of the NFL Hall of Fame, and 3 Super Bowl-winning quarterbacks (Len Dawson, Bob Griese, and Drew Brees). Food & Beverage 4 Ross-Ade has a wide selection of food and beverage that includes hot dogs, burgers, Domino’s Pizza, soft pretzels, pork tenderloin sandwiches, nachos, and chicken tenders. Sweet treats include elephant ears, ice cream, and Kona Ice. Popcorn is enjoyed from a plastic oak and barrel bucks, a nod to the annual football trophy against rival Indiana University. Multiple concession stands and kiosks feature Budweiser products. Fans can also enjoy local craft beer from People’s Brewing Company called Boiler Gold. Pepsi products are sold at the stadium. In the endzone, the Famous Frank’s food truck offers an array of distinct hot dogs with toppings, including fries, mozzarella sticks, cheesesteak, and jalapeño poppers. One example is the Fat Frank which features mozzarella sticks, steak, cheese whiz, and french fries. Atmosphere 4 The campus comes alive on game day, with tailgating beginning in various lots and residential lawns hours before kickoff. There are many who won’t attend the game but enjoy food and drink with a few hundred friends. Homeowners stand outside with paper signs advertising parking fees. Students and alumni dress up and begin drinking early in the school tradition “Breakfast Club”. Fans are dressed in old gold and black, including many in overalls. The smell of food off the grill and sounds of music from the parking lot adds to the excitement of game day in West Lafayette. Once inside, fans grab their seats and enjoy the sights of the marching band that includes the “World’s Largest Drum”, the Boilermaker Special locomotive, and creates various formations that includes the official fight song “Hail Purdue”. Before kickoff, fans grab their keys and shake them and shout “IU Sucks” after the band plays the “Horse and Hail Fire” song. There is not a bad seat in the house; bleacher-seating puts fans on top of each other and a giant video board stands in the open end zone. There is additional seating in this area that includes a large patio with food and drink options. Neighborhood 4 The Chauncey Village neighborhood features quite a bit of funky little shops and restaurants, plus some great nightlife destinations. Von’s Shops offers an impressive array of new and used books, clothing, and other items in an eclectic building and storefront. Next door is Von’s Dough Shack, where customers choose their type of calzone and enjoy it fresh from the oven. If you are not the creative type, there are 34 varieties to choose from off the menu. Across the street is the famous Triple XXX Family Restaurant, where one can enjoy a peanut butter burger or homemade root beer inside its small, cozy, and narrow booths. The small building features narrow countertops and bar stools. If you are a craft beer fan, People’s Brewing Company is located 3 miles north of the campus and is one of the better places for local beer in the state. Brokerage Brewing Company offers a full menu, highlighted by kahlua pork nachos and sandwiches. Lafayette Brewing Company is the other craft beer option in town, with $2 off of pints on Wednesday nights. Fans 4 To say that Boilermaker fans are passionate would be an understatement. The town comes alive on football Saturdays that include massive tailgating before and during the game. Inside the stadium, the passion continues with near-capacity crowds, and the Ross-Ade Brigade student section is among the best at the conference. Expect to hear a lot of “Boiler Up!” chants during the game. Access 3 It is advisable to arrive at least a couple of hours before kickoff, perhaps even 3 hours earlier. Game day traffic is not hard to navigate, but it can become cumbersome. There are plenty of lots that offer parking for $20 to $30 a car, including homeowner lawns a few blocks away from the stadium. Free parking is available but requires a walk of about a mile. The local police make sure that signage leads motorists to and from the stadium but arrive early to find a spot and perhaps walk around the numerous tailgating lots before the game. However, it is advisable to wait some time after the game to drive out of the stadium. Once inside the stadium, the concourse gets dense before the game and during half-time. Moving around in your seats requires long walks up the aisles for certain seats and bleacher-style seating. It is not different from other college football venues of its era and is somewhat expected for die-hard and casual fans. Return on Investment 4 The cost of a ticket is as low as $25 – $35 for low to high-demand games and as high as $75 – $90 for games against Big 10 foes. The cost of parking is $20 a few blocks away from the stadium and free if you want to walk a mile on foot. The atmosphere, numerous traditions, and the frenzied crowd are more than enough to provide a traditional college football experience. Extras 3 The Purdue football experience earns extra points for school traditions that feature the jingling of keys, shouting out “IU Sucks!”, and pre-game Breakfast Club. A second point is awarded to the “World Largest Drum” that is on display, along with the Boilermaker Special locomotive in the endzone during the game. A final point is for the town to create a wonderful game day atmosphere on Saturdays. Final Thoughts Ross-Ade Stadium is a basic horse-shoe-shaped venue, but it does what it needs to do on game days. The fan support is strong and additional renovations are planned to update the century-old stadium. Still, there is a lot to enjoy at the game unless you are a fan of the opposing team. The Purdue football experience is among the best in the area and more than “sneaky good”.

Photos by James Clotfelter, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.00 Gateway Center Arena at College Park 2330 Convention Center Concourse College Park, GA 30337 College Park SkyHawks website Gateway Center Arena at College Park website Year Opened: 2019 Capacity: 5,000 More Than Just An Airport Serving as the permanent home of the G League College Park Skyhawks and the WNBA's Atlanta Dream , Gateway Center Arena is a part of the Georgia International Convention Center. This 5,000-seat arena is part of a redevelopment in the airport city of College Park. Since 2019, Gateway Center Arena has proudly served its local community.   Food & Beverage 4 Being the smaller venue that it is, there is not an abundant number of concession stands. And while only three concession stands were being operated on the concourse, they offered a wide variety of distinctive options. They offer the stadium fundamentals like hot dogs, burgers, pretzels, pizza, soda, and popcorn that you would expect from every stadium. But they also present items that are not traditionally in smaller arenas, like chicken wings cooked to order, Jambalaya, Catfish, Buffalo Shrimp, and Impossible Sliders. The lemon pepper wings tasted fresh and came with six wings and waffle fries, but all this and a 32oz drink cost $20 which seems steep. In terms of alcohol, both import and domestic beers are on the menu alongside mixed drinks and wine.   Atmosphere 3 Gateway Center Arena would be considered an appropriate venue for this level of basketball. The arena’s concourse and seating wraps 3/4th the way around the court, with the concourse lying above the seating bowl. Restrooms are found in the corners, and a small team store is right in front of the entrance to the stadium. Like the team store, the two main concession stands sit next to the entrance. Kiosks for drinks, popcorn, pizza, and oddly enough a make-up station are along the concourse above the sideline. A standing room is available on the concourse with tabletop railings above the seating bowl.   My favorite part of the arena would be the ticketing strategy the Skyhawks implement for their games. Rows “AA”, “CT” (tables next to the floor), “BB”, “A”, and “B” are all reserved seating and are considered “VIP” tickets. These are usually used for season ticket holders. The rest of the arena, row C-M, is general admission seating. That means you can sit in whatever section you want, whether that be the corner, behind the basket, or center court. This is a strategy I wish more lower-level teams would implement. There are two video boards, one in each opposite corner that show scores, stats, and video promotions.   Gateway Center Arena Corner View, Photo by James Clotfelter, Stadium Journey Neighborhood 2 There is not much in terms of a neighborhood for before or after the game. The arena is a part of the Georgia International Convention Center Property, which is a pretty large development adjacent to Hartsfield International Airport. Being next to the Airport there are plenty of hotels to choose from in the area, and some chain restaurants to accompany the airport travelers. The neighborhood does not have a walkable district, as the area is pretty car-heavy due to the airport. If you are traveling to Atlanta and would like to attend a game, I would advise you to stay in the Buckhead area, as it is a short drive from I-85, and this is a popular neighborhood within the city for food, bars, shopping, and entertainment. Fans 3 The Skyhawks are still a relatively new franchise in the Atlanta area. Founded in 2019, the Skyhawks have entered a crowded basketball market with Atlanta having the NBA’s Hawks, and two division one programs in Georgia Tech and Georgia State. Therefore, the Skyhawks have marketed themselves as southside’s team, and due to that most of the fans in attendance are local families that reside in the immediate area. The fans are welcoming and laid back, they cheer when given a reason on the court, and they are very knowledgeable about their team. Skyhawks appear to sit in the middle of the pack in terms of G League attendance. They all wish to see the players on the court make it too, or make it back to the big stage, being State Farm Arena, a brief MARTA ride away. They are not the most passionate fans in the world, but they are happy to have a team and are very welcoming to anyone visiting. Access 3 There are many ways to get to Gateway Center Arena. If driving in from out of town, or in the Atlanta perimeter, Exit-2 of I-285 will spit you out on Camp Creek Parkway, which is the road that the complex is on. I-85 is also an option as Exit-72 will also put you on Camp Creek Parkway east of the arena. No matter which direction you plan on traveling to, give yourself plenty of time to get to the arena, as with Atlanta in general, but especially next to the airport, traffic can be horrendous. The arena has parking right in front of the main entrance, and the concourse is as easy to navigate as it comes.   Return on Investment 3 In terms of the value of a ticket, general admission tickets are the way to go. At just $15 you can sit in any section you want if it is above row “C”. It is $10 to park, which seems more than reasonable for onsite parking. However, the food prices seem high. The pizza kiosk is $10, hotdogs are $5, burgers are $11, BBQ burger is $12, catfish is $18, honey wings are $18, and cheese nachos are $14. In terms of drinks, sodas are $5, domestic beers are a reasonable $7 with craft and imports being $8, dingle mixed drinks are $12, and doubles are $20. Some of these prices seem slightly steep, but nothing completely unreasonable for a stadium.   Extras 3 We love general admission being the entire bowl, which allows fans not to spend extra to gain the view they desire to obtain. There is also a VIP section situated on the opposite baseline for season ticket members.    Final Thoughts The Skyhawks have made a home in College Park. It seems as if they have created their fanbase, even in this crowded basketball market. Gateway Center Arena provides a casual, comfortable, and intimate setting for visitors to experience high-level basketball.

Photos by Paul Baker, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.57 Alumni Field 77 Arch Street Keene, NH 03431 Keene Swamp Bats website Alumni Field website Year Opened: 1941 Capacity: 4,100 Keen on Keene The Keene Swamp Bats have competed in the New England Collegiate Baseball League since 1998. Over their two decades in the circuit they have become one of the flagship franchises in the league, annually ranking among the top four teams in attendance. The Swamp Bats have qualified for the playoffs 17 times, winning the Fay Vincent Cup as league champions four times, second only to the Newport Gulls . Seventeen Swamp Bat alumni have reached the Major Leagues. The Swamp Bats play their home games at Alumni Field on the campus of Keene High School. In addition to hosting the Swamp Bats, the athletic fields adjacent to Alumni Field host several of Keene High School’s varsity teams. The defining feature of Alumni Field is its covered wooden grandstand, which was built in 1948. Food & Beverage 4 Jerry’s Hard Ball Café is located behind home plate, and puts out an impressive variety of food for a stand at this level of baseball. All the standard ballpark fare can be found here, including hot dogs, burgers, sausage and pepper sandwiches, pizza and grilled chicken sandwiches. Sandwiches are served plain, or various toppings can be added for a charge. Fans looking for healthier options will be pleased to find garden salads on the menu, either with or without grilled chicken, as well as veggie burgers. The Swamp Bats also offer healthy meals for kids in the form of their “batter box.” These souvenir bags are filled with a pizza slice, peanut butter and jelly sandwich or salad, along with carrot sticks, water, and fruit. Kids get to keep the bag and refill it at later games at a reduced price. Fans not so concerned about healthy options can choose from a large variety of candy, snacks and ice cream. Popcorn can be purchased in a souvenir Swamp Bats megaphone. Root beer floats are another popular item on hot New Hampshire nights. Coca-Cola products are featured at Alumni Field. Alcohol is not sold at Swamp Bat games. Atmosphere 4 Everything in Keene starts with the setting. Norman Rockwell couldn’t have dreamed up a setting that says “New England” more accurately than this. Surrounded by pine and maple trees, with a barn just beyond the right field fence, Alumni Field boasts a most picturesque setting. Of course, the giant wooden grandstand that runs the length of the first base line from home plate past first base sets the tone in this bucolic setting. Usually the game day experience at a summer college baseball game in these parts is rather laid back and reserved, fitting in perfectly with the New England setting. Keene breaks from this template with a whole lot of activity throughout the game, including between inning contests for the kids and raffles and giveaways for the adults. While the shenanigans going on at Alumni Field don’t approach the level of distraction present at a typical minor league game, it helps keep the younger fans in attendance involved. Neighborhood 2 Alumni Field is located amongst the athletic fields of Keene High School in rural Keene, NH, a city of just over 20,000 citizens. There isn’t much to do in the immediate vicinity of Alumni Field, but just a couple of miles away downtown Keene features several restaurants, shops, and the campus of Keene State College. Keene is a popular destination in the fall, both for the magnificent foliage in the area and to witness the Keene Pumpkin Festival, which set a world record in 2017 with 30,851 lit jack-o-lanterns on display. Fans 4 Keene has ranked in the top four of the NECBL in attendance in every season of their existence. The Swamp Bats average in the neighborhood of 1,500 fans per game, and these fans are some of the most dedicated you will see. Fans will come to Alumni Field hours before game time to stake out their favorite spots, and many regulars have been sitting in these spots for years. It’s not unusual to see several generations of a family taking in the action from all corners of Alumni Field. During the game, these fans do not just sit quietly to watch the game. Many fans bring their own noisemakers (cowbells seem to be the preferred item in Keene), and cheer not only the home team, but outstanding efforts from the visitors as well. Sportsmanship is very much alive at this level of baseball. Access 3 Keene isn’t somewhere you stumble upon accidentally. Keene is located in southwestern New Hampshire, about a 90 minute drive from Manchester. The area is not served by any interstates, with the closest one being I-91, which runs north-south across the state line in Vermont about a half hour away. Several state routes converge in Keene, but they are all of the two-lane, winding variety. Most visitors to Keene will arrive via the Franklin Pierce Highway, otherwise known as Route 9. If you are heading to a Swamp Bats game, you are most definitely driving there. Once arriving at Alumni Field, you will find ample parking either the parking lot directly behind the ballpark, or in a nearby lot by the high school. Just be careful not to park too close to the field, as home runs leave Alumni Field with great regularity, threatening the windshields of cars parked too close. The Swamp Bats provide shuttles from the lots to the field’s entrance, a nice extra for those fans who need a lift. You will need to walk all the way around the baseball field to enter into the concourse, located behind home plate. After passing by the snack bar, rest rooms, and souvenir tables, you will see a large, covered grandstand along the first base line. This grandstand makes up the majority of the permanent seating here, although there are two small sets of bleachers behind home plate, and another large set of aluminum bleachers along the third base line. Many fans choose to sit along the edge of the field in their lawn chairs or blankets. Some fans are known to arrive hours before game time to stake out prime locations. It’s not unusual to see lawn chairs lined up all the way down both foul lines. There is plenty of spare room to roam at Alumni Field, and the youngsters that attend the game make the most of it, playing their own games of catch in the grass or chasing foul balls around. Combine this action with the game at hand, the sights of the mountains in the background, the smells of the grill, and you have an ideal setting for a ball game. Return on Investment 4 Tickets to see the Swamp Bats at Alumni Field cost five dollars. Seniors are admitted for three dollars, and children 10 and under are admitted free of charge. The Swamp Bats offer a family pass, which admits two adults and all their children for ten dollars. Parking is available at no cost in the lot directly behind the ball field. This lot tends to fill up quickly, but there is another lot within a short walking distance adjacent to the high school. This lot connects to Alumni Field via a paved path. Factor in inexpensive food prices, and you have the makings of an affordable night out for the whole family. Extras 4 The Swamp Bats keep fans engaged with an enriched schedule of promotions and giveaways not often seen in the summer leagues. In addition to the usual 50/50 raffle, the Swamp Bats run contests between most innings. The team gives away a roster sheet to all attendees, and several nights feature additional giveaways as well. An extra point is awarded for the shuttles to and from the parking lots. After the game, the Swamp Bats open a gate in the outfield fence, letting fans walk across the field into the parking lot instead of taking the long way around the field. If you like home runs, you’ll love Alumni Field. With the center field fence only 352 feet from home plate, the long ball is virtually guaranteed. A final extra point is awarded for the setting at Alumni Field. From the classic 1948 wooden grandstand to the barns just beyond the right field fence to the views of the mountains in the distance, it’s hard to find a more picturesque setting anywhere. Final Thoughts It’s readily apparent once you step foot into Alumni Field why it’s one of the marquee venues in the New England Collegiate League. Take an unforgettable setting, add in great fan support, enthusiastic staff and tons of extra features and you have all the elements of a fantastic place to catch a ballgame. The baseball taking place on the field is top notch, as well. 149 NECBL alumni have reached the Major Leagues, including 34 so far in the 2018 season. Follow Paul Baker’s stadium journeys on Twitter and Instagram @PuckmanRI.

Photos by Sean MacDonald, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.86 Yokohama Stadium Yokohama Koen Naka-ku, Yokohama 231-0022 Japan Yokohama BayStars website Yokohama Stadium website Year Opened: 1978 Capacity: 30,000 Baseball in the City by the Bay (Stars) Yokohama is famous for being the port where Matthew Perry (the admiral, not the actor) landed in 1854 in what turned out to be a successful attempt to open Japan to the world. A century and a half later, the most important American export continues to thrive here, as the Yokohama BayStars do battle in the Central League, one of two circuits that comprise Nippon Professional Baseball (NPB). Before delving into the local stadium, a bit of background on Japanese baseball is warranted. There are some similarities to the structure of the American game such as having two leagues (6 teams in each, Pacific with the DH, Central without), interleague play, and three playoff rounds. But there are just as many differences: tie games are called after 12 innings, there is no minor league development system (each team has just one junior squad), and teams have at least one day off per week. In comparing fans, you might find the most obvious contrasts. In Japan, fans segregate themselves, with the home team fans sitting on the first base side of the stadium while the visitors sit on the third base side. Each team has its own vocal cheering section, called “oendan,” which occupies the unreserved outfield seating area, singing songs and cheering loudly while their team bats. Each player has his own cheer tune and you have to learn them to fit in. Most fans bring some sort of noise maker and even a boring game will be loud from the first pitch to the last. There are countless other differences that are best left to be discovered when you pay a visit to a Japanese ballpark. And a good place to start would be none other than Yokohama Stadium. Food & Beverage 4 Perhaps the best thing about Japanese ballyards is that you can bring your own food and drink in. Even alcohol is allowed, as long as you empty the can into a cup upon entering. As such, when rating the food at a stadium, the outside offerings must be considered along with the concession stands inside. Yokohama Stadium has more than enough variety, particularly with an excellent selection of food items outside the stadium. A must-try is the Kachi Hosshey (Winning Star), a baked good shaped like a star with lemon icing that was very tasty. This was just one of many items in the Hometown Festival area, a large collection of food and souvenir stands on the north side of the ballpark, which is only set up during weekend and holiday games. Among the many options inside the stadium is Mikan Kori, which is shaved ice topped with mandarin oranges – very refreshing on a humid afternoon. For those with less adventurous taste buds, there’s a McDonalds in the first base concourse and a KFC along the third base side. A good place to grab a bite while sitting down is the Victory Court restaurant inside the stadium. Located on the second level of the concourse behind home plate, this is a cafeteria style eatery where you grab a tray and place your order before carrying it to your seat. Menu items include recipes that are recommended by the players (I tried a beef bowl designed by pitcher Daisuke Miura which was rather unappetizing, hence the penalty point here) as well as your standard stadium fare such as hot dogs (known as the “Bay Dog” here).One clever promotion here is the Harper soda, a combination of I.W.Harper whiskey and soda water.Yokohama currently has Brett Harper on their squad and when he hits a homer, the Harper soda is half price for the rest of the game. If you are in your seat, you may notice vendors walking by with large boxes. These are bento, which come with a variety of small snacks (sushi, chicken nuggets, vegetables are just a few examples) and rice. There are nine different types being paraded around the park, plus a few more available at the concession stands. These can act as complete meals and are reasonably priced. If you want to try something truly offbeat, there is the unagi sushi bento which is steamed eel smothered in a special sauce – a real Japanese delicacy. Finally, Yokohama is famous as the site of Japan’s largest Chinatown, and you can pick up some prepackaged shumai and other Chinese delights that are quite tasty and make for perfect pre-game snacks. In other words, when you come to Yokohama, come hungry. Atmosphere 3 The team doesn’t draw very well. On the absolutely perfect Saturday afternoon I visited, there were only 17,502 in the 30,000-seat stadium. Due to ticket prices being quite high for the good seats, most people sit well down the lines, and with the majority of fans rooting for the home team, the first base side is crowded while the third base seats are relatively empty. I always find this disconcerting, and it adversely affects the atmosphere of the stadium in my opinion. It’s not just Yokohama that suffers from this, but on the day I was there, I really didn’t get a feeling that I was at a pro game. That’s not to say all is bad. There are nice views of the Landmark Tower, an iconic Yokohama building, beyond the left field fence and the staff here are helpful and friendly. If they could squeeze another few thousand people in here, it would greatly improve the overall experience. Neighborhood 5 Yokohama is one of Japan’s best cities and has far more tourist attractions than Tokyo. Chief among them is Chinatown, which is just 400 meters from the stadium. Motomachi, where foreigners first settled, is close by and well worth a look. A few minutes more and you reach Yokohama Port, which includes the Akarenga, or Yokohama Red Brick Warehouse. Originally a customs house, it is a long, red brick building that houses a shopping mall, restaurants, and event facilities. If you want to enjoy the outdoors, try Yamashita Koen, a narrow park that borders the water and can be quite refreshing on a hot day. All of these attractions are within a mile of the ballpark and close to each other, so if you are taking in a night game, be sure to spend the afternoon here. Closer to the stadium, there is Certe, a Japanese-style shopping mall. It’s easily reached by a pedestrian bridge just outside the north exit of Kannai station and has two spots inside you might want to visit. The first is the BayStars’ team shop, which is on the second floor and hard to miss as you enter the mall from the pedestrian bridge. Team shops here have far more variety than you will find back in the United States, and are great places for souvenirs, and not just of the baseball variety. For example, you can buy chopsticks that are made out of broken bats. The second place that might be worth visiting is Yankees, a sports cafe located on the 6th floor of the building. Don’t be fooled by the name, the friendly owners are unabashed BayStars’ supporters and have a large TV for the live games, with recordings of past games (only Yokohama victories naturally) when the team isn’t playing. The food offerings should appeal to the western palate and there’s plenty of selection, as well as drinks for post-game parties. Just a couple of blocks away from the stadium is BayStars Dori, a small street that contains a commemorative display honoring the team’s 1998 Nippon Series title, the only one in the franchise’s more than 30 years in Yokohama. There are hand prints from each player on team (Bobby Rose and Kazuhiro Sasaki are two names you might recognize) and an etching showing the squad throwing their manager in the air in the traditional Japanese celebration. Fans still flock here before the game to remember the good times. I’ll stop here, but could go on much longer. If you are coming to Japan, make sure to spend at least a full day in Yokohama, one of Japan’s best-kept secrets. Fans 3 Despite having the worst team in the Central League (CL), the fans here enjoy themselves. I went to a Saturday afternoon game and was amazed at how many families were there. I wish there were more of them though. The low attendance was disappointing and the cheering section wasn’t that impressive. To their credit, they handed out the cheer songs for each player so you can participate with even rudimentary Japanese. It may have been the surprisingly hot weather or the fact that their team was shutout, but the fans were pretty quiet except for one promotion, a dance contest. After the 5th inning, the camera scans the crowd and the more outgoing fans dance up a storm, trying to win audience approval and tickets to a future game. This was the most energetic I’d seen them and gets them a bonus point. Access 4 In Japan, fans don’t drive to baseball games, they take trains, so parking is not an issue. Yokohama Stadium has the best access of any stadium in the Kanto area, being just three minutes from Kannai station on the Negishi line. The Yokohama Subway also has a Kannai station just 5 minutes away, while the Minato Mirai line’s Nihon Odori station is just 3 minutes north. There are three ticket windows and each sells tickets for a specific area. If you want to sit on the first base side, use the box office next to gate 2, while visiting fans would use the one by gate 6 to get seats on the third base side. Those who prefer the noisier outfield must use the ticket window between gates 7 and 8. Just behind here is a quiet tree-covered park where you can relax before entering the ballpark, as well as the Hometown Festival mentioned previously. Make sure to enter the gate printed on your ticket. Within the stadium, moving from one seating area to another is not allowed and tickets are checked upon entering the seating bowl, so you will be limited in your wanderings. In particular, you cannot move from the outfield seats to the infield or vice versa. This is common in Japanese stadiums though and doesn’t affect the rating. There are excellent wheelchair seating locations just a few rows from the field but still behind the protective netting. As an aside, Japanese ballparks generally use far too much netting, but Yokohama gets it right, with a full net behind the plate and then a triangle of netting to the dugouts that protects those down low but allows fans in the higher seats a clear view. You can re-enter the stadium should you need to leave by getting a stamp on your hand. On the concourse near home plate, there’s a small kids park for toddlers and their parents who can’t sit through 3 hours of baseball. I saw several families relaxing here and it’s a smart idea that should be taken up elsewhere. At each end of the concourse there is a small raised area reached by a staircase that offers benches in front of TVs. Many people escape the elements and watch a few innings here. The main problem with access is the cramped concourse, particularly on the first base side with all the home fans. Restrooms are also limited and there are lines for the men’s, so a point is docked for these two minor annoyances. Return on Investment 3 There is only one seating bowl here with nine seating options that are mostly described by letters. SS seats are the best, following by S, FA (field level A), FB, A and B; the other three options are unreserved infield and outfield seats and well as two sections of reserved seats in the outfield. The structure of the stadium is unique, with the field level seats being quite flat and facing second base rather than home plate, but the other seats in the infield rise very steeply and offer great views of the field and beyond. Tickets here can be expensive, going as high as 6,500 yen ($80) for the SS seats, which are the dark blue box seats that come complete with drink holders. These seats provide an excellent visual contrast from the old and uncomfortable orange chairs that make up the rest of the seating bowl, but they are a bit much for a Japanese baseball game. The remaining seats range from 5,500 yen for the field level seats between home plate and the bases down to 1,800 yen for the unreserved outfield seats. The best value in my mind are the 3,500 yen B seats, which are the upper level between home and the bases. On a hot day, a breeze blows through that doesn’t reach the lower parts of the bowl but keeps you refreshed if you are sitting up high. The field is artificial turf, except for the areas around home plate and the bases, which are dirt. The infield area is colored brown but the underlying material is the same, so there are no funny bounces. The scoreboard is rather old and has a simple video screen along with the linescore and lineups. There are ads on fences that line the top of the seating bowl as well as on the fence, although this is typical in Japanese parks. Extras 5 This is where Yokohama Stadium and the BayStars really excel. There are so many interesting features that you need to show up well before the game to explore the area. First Yokohama is the only team in the country that doesn’t use a corporate name in their moniker. Other teams are known primarily by their owners, such as the Yomiuri Giants, who are run by a large newspaper conglomerate. Despite trying to change this perception by adding regional names (Hokkaido Nippon Ham Fighters or Tokyo Yakult Swallows), the business name usually dominates. Yokohama manages to avoid this trap and seem to have a more loyal, local following because of it. Outside gate 3 is YY Park, a small area where the mascots and cheer girls congregate before the game. The dance team instructs fans on cheering and then puts on a 15-minute show to get fans ready. When season ticket holders enter the stadium, they can try their luck on the Hero Photo lottery. A small bingo-like device dispenses a ball and if a special colored ball emerges, you are allowed to take a photo with the game hero afterwards. This only happens if Yokohama wins, so I wasn’t able to see it. Another unique extra is the lights, which are shaped like the letter Y, standing for Yokohama of course. I thought this was a brilliant touch. The scoreboard has a cool app called Sta-Pri, which is short for Stadium Print, as in a photograph. If you are captured on the scoreboard, you are asked to pose and a picture is taken. You can pick up this picture later to keep as an excellent souvenir. There are many other little touches that really make being a fan here special. The BayStars know how to create a fun environment for all types of fans and I hope that they can convince more locals to enjoy the unique experience of BayStars baseball. Final Thoughts This is the first review for a Japanese stadium and it can be difficult to communicate just how different the overall experience is here. I’d like to compare these venues to each other rather than to their counterparts in North America. Certainly most Japanese ballparks are lacking when compared to the newfangled stadiums that dot the MLB landscape, but when looking within Japan, there is no doubt that Yokohama Stadium is an excellent place to get acquainted with the game that arrived on these shores so long ago.

Photos by Gregory Koch, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.71 Prince George's Community College Baseball Field Prince Pl Largo, MD 20774 D. C. Grays website PGCC Baseball Field website Year Opened: 2019 Capacity: 500 The Other District Team Founded in 2005, the Cal Ripken Collegiate Baseball League features six teams in the Washington, D.C. metro area. One member, the DC Grays, is the second of two summer league teams by that name. The first Grays team played in the Clark Griffith League from 2006 to 2009 when the league folded, although they only played in the District for one of those years. After an absence in 2010, the second and current version of the Grays was founded in 2011 and joined the Ripken League for the next season in 2012. The Grays played their first two seasons at Hoy Field on the campus of Gallaudet University before moving to the Washington Nationals Youth Baseball Academy in Southeast D.C. in 2014. In 2024, the Grays moved out of the District entirely. Now, they play at the baseball field at Prince George's Community College (PGCC for short) in Largo, Maryland. The turf field at PGCC opened in 2019 and is a simpler home than the Youth Academy. The Grays nickname pays homage to the old Homestead Grays, a Negro League team that used to play in the District. Food & Beverage 4 Concessions at a Grays game are sold out of a food truck that is parked up the left field line, near the foul pole. Most of the truck's selections are Mexican food such as tacos, quesadillas, and burritos, but a steak sandwich and a veggie burger are also available. Most meals come with fries. Bottled water and soda are available, including Jarritos, a popular Mexican soda known for its wide range of flavors. A meal and drink will cost about $15, which is reasonable for a food truck and cheaper than what you'd pay at most professional stadiums, but is on the high end for this league. Food is made to order so it may take a while to be ready, but you shouldn't spend much time in line waiting to order and you can see the field from the truck. They will also give you an estimate for how long your food will be, so many fans choose to leave and come back. Atmosphere 2 Although the baseball field at Prince George's Community College only opened in 2019, it certainly doesn't feel that way. There are several sets of rusty bleachers with no steps in the middle to climb up or down. A few new-looking tables are located up the left field line and are a popular area to sit at. These are first come, first serve, so arrive early if you want one. All seats are located behind a thick fence which makes it difficult to see the action, and some are partially obstructed by the dugout or its fence as well. This makes the sightlines not ideal. A Grays game is a pretty basic experience. You will get to see a game, and that is about it. You will be able to hear a lot of the conversations on the field, which baseball purists will certainly enjoy, but if you're looking for the excitement of a professional baseball game, you will not find it here. The PA announcer can be difficult to hear at times, especially as you get further up the lines. There are no lights at the PGCC Baseball Field, so Grays games typically start at 5 PM so they can be completed before darkness falls. Neighborhood 3 This year, the Grays moved out of the District of Columbia to Largo, Maryland, a suburb of DC in Prince George's County. This is a typical suburb, with several shopping centers located a short distance away from the PGCC campus. There are many eating options to choose from here, but most of them are chain restaurants. Local pizza chains Ledo's Pizza, known for its square pies, and Pizza Boli's, are close by and are quite popular. The amusement park Six Flags America is about a ten-minute drive away for fans looking to make a whole day out of their experience in Largo. Fans 2 The Grays only draw a few dozen fans to a typical game. These are typically locals, and many have a connection to the PGCC community. The crowd is not very active either, though they do occasionally get lively. It seems most locals are unaware of this team's existence. The fact that they moved out of the District to Largo was only announced shortly before the season, which perhaps has impacted attendance. Access 2 The PGCC campus is located a short drive off the Capital Beltway (I-495). If coming to a weekday game, be aware that traffic around 5 PM will be horrible, so we recommend arriving early to avoid this. It should be less bad on the weekends, but still give yourself extra time. There is a small paved parking lot past the outfield fence, but when this fills up, fans will have to drive through a gate at the end of the lot and onto a gravel road that runs beyond the outfield fence. They will then park along the grass to their right. However, there is no signage indicating to do this, so fans are often unaware of where to park. This gate is also where fans will enter the stadium on foot after parking in the lot. There is a gate in right field that is closer to the seating area, but it is locked. However, there is no indication of this until you get there. Restrooms are available just inside the locked gate in right field and are sufficient for the small crowds the Grays draw. Return on Investment 5 Admission to all Grays home games is free. While most clubs in the Cal Ripken League charge a small price for tickets, free is even better. Prices at the food truck are reasonable as well, making a Grays game an excellent value. Extras 1 The picnic tables down the left field line make for a unique place to watch a baseball game, especially while eating something from the food truck. Mexican food is not known for being neat, but being able to eat it at the tables helps. Final Thoughts Moving out of the District has hurt the fan experience at a D.C. Grays game, at least for now, and it is a pretty simple experience here at Prince George's Community College. Baseball purists will certainly enjoy it, and it's hard to argue with free baseball on a warm summer evening. One hopes that with more time in their new stadium, the team will have the opportunity to improve things here.

Photos by Peter Miles, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.57 Boris Paichadze Dinamo Arena 2 Akaki Tsereteli Ave Tbilisi 0112, Georgia FC Dinamo Tbilisi website Boris Paichadze Dinamo Arena website Year Opened: 1976 Capacity: 54,549 Visiting a Boyhood Dream There was a time when Dinamo Tbilisi were a real European powerhouse. State sponsored by the Soviet Ministry of Internal Affairs, they had some magical players that formed the backbone of the Soviet national team. The likes of Aleksandre Chivadze, David Kipiani, Vitaly Dareselia, Tengiz Sulakveledze, and Ramaz Shengelia won many Soviet caps between them. Four of them would win Soviet Union Footballer of the year award between 1977 and 1981. Their zenith in European competition was their 1981 Cup Winners Final win over East German side Carl Zeiss Jena. From the formation of the Soviet Top League in 1936 to the breakup of the Union in 1991, Dinamo were one of only three clubs never to be relegated from the top flight, the others being Dynamo Moscow and Dynamo Kiev. Dinamo Tbilisi’s undoubted star player in those early years was Boris Paichadze who scored over 100 goals for them and was voted Georgia’s greatest player of the 20th century. Dinamo’s home stadium is named after him and his statue stands outside the entrance gates. Since their 70’s heyday, Dinamo continue to produce wonderfully talented players who progress to a bigger stage like Temuri Ketsbaia (Newcastle United), Shota Arvaladze (Rangers), Kaka Kaladze (AC Milan), Georgi Kinkladze (Manchester City), and Levan Kobiashvili who enjoyed an extensive career in the Bundesliga with Freiburg, Schalke, and Hertha and is the only Georgian player to date to win 100 international caps. Originally Dinamo played at the old Central Stadium which could only accommodate 35,000, so with the club’s golden era of the 1970’s a bigger venue was needed. The Vladimir Ilyich Lenin Dinamo Stadium, built on the same site, was opened in 1976 and designed by architect Gia Kurdiani. It could hold 75,000 people and contemporary reports suggest an attendance of 110,000 watched Dinamo’s epic win over Liverpool in 1979. In 1995 the stadium was renamed in honour of Georgia’s greatest player Boris Paichadze and an international match against Germany that year also reputedly saw 110,000 gather. In 2006, the stadium was turned into an all-seater arena-style stadium with a drastically reduced capacity of 54,549. Food & Beverage 1 The kiosks offer chips (3 Georgian Lei, approximately $1.20), nuts (2 GEL), popcorn (2 GEL), Coca-Cola (2 GEL), water (1 GEL), Burn energy drink (3 GEL), and Cappy orange juice (3 GEL). Kiosks may not always be open, depending on the game, so plan ahead and make sure you have eaten before the match. Atmosphere 3 The stadium is visually stunning with blue and white seats all around and the club “D” badge picked out on the opposite side of the main stand. The entrance is easy to access and has a statue of Boris Paichadze at the gates. There is a PA announcer and music is blared out before the game. There is a scoreboard that shows the team line ups at the start of the game, then displays the score interspersed with adverts. Neighborhood 5 Tbilisi is separated into old and new town and both are walking friendly and easy to navigate. Taxis are cheap and plentiful around the stadium. There are many choices for restaurants offering western dishes as well as hearty traditional fare. Tbilisi is a buzzing and vibrant modern city with an obvious tourist market. The stadium is very central to great nightlife, restaurants, and attractions. There are plenty of choices with the recommended hotel being the closest to the stadium. There are more options over the river in Mtkvari where Hotel Iliania, Radisson Blu, and City Partner Hotel Primavera are good value options. Fans 3 The small band of Tbilisi ultras are entertaining and passionate. The fans housed in the main stand are subdued by comparison. The Georgian League is not well attended in general and this powerhouse club only averages between 1,000 and 1,500 spectators for a league game. All supporters are housed in the main stand except for the small band of around 50 Dinamo ultras in the far corner who bang drums, light a flare or two, and display banners supporting the disputed territory of Abkhazia. During my most recent visit, about fifteen minutes into the game the police scurried towards one end of the stadium, and suddenly around 50 fans from opponents FC Samtredia arrive. Sadly a handful of them choose to display an “M13 Ultras” banner with a prominent swastika. Disappointingly there was also no attempt to remove it. Access 4 There are few more centrally located stadiums in Europe, and it couldn’t be easier to reach. As the crowds are low for league matches there is no restriction from moving around within your section. The stadium is centrally located and also within easy walking from the city center and central rail station, which is less than half a mile away. You can catch a bus if you don’t feel like walking and the numbers 11, 15, 20, 21, 27, 33, 46, 84, and 86 all serve the stadium. The nearest bus stop is on Akaki Tsereteli Avenue. If you are not located in the city center, then there is a metro system. The two nearest stops to the stadium are Station Square 1 on the Akhmeteli–Varketili Line (Red line) or Station Square 2 which is on the Saburtalo Line (Green line). Tbilisi International airport is around 10 miles southwest of the center and is a modern facility with many international airlines arriving there. There is only street parking available around the stadium. Probably the best option for arriving by car is to park at the central station and walk from there. There are ticket kiosks to the side of the main entrance and the tickets are very cheap indeed costing 2 GEL (80 cents). There is a cursory bag check at the entrance but it is very low key. There is a lengthy list of items that are not permitted in the stadium on Dinamo’s website, including flags and flares, but in reality these are present in the stadium. You can sit anywhere in your ticketed section for league games as there are so many seats to choose from. Everything is clean and modern and as the Georgian National stadium it’s also UEFA compliant for disabled spectators. Return on Investment 5 It has been a bit of a boyhood dream to visit this stadium such was the awe the name of Dinamo Tbilisi was held in when I was young. To walk to this legendary stadium and enter it for so little money is a real treat. Tickets for the main stand are 2 GER (80 cents), which represents an extremely good value. The VIP seat tickets were 5 GER. Extras 4 The club have an English media manager and have adopted a few things used to promote the club. They issue a modest, but glossy and attractive programme for 1 GEL (40 cents) and also have an English language Twitter feed. Final Thoughts The Dinamo Arena is a legendary venue, steeped in history, but also very modern. You will certainly enjoy a visit to this stadium and great city should you choose to make the trip.

Photos by Greg Venuto, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.57 Ball Arena 1000 Chopper Circle Denver, CO 80204 Colorado Avalanche website Ball Arena website Year Opened: 1999 Capacity: 18,130 Ball Arena Is The Home Of Champions Ball Arena, formerly the Pepsi Center, has seen its basketball and hockey teams win championships over the last two years. Most recently the Denver Nuggets won their first NBA championship over the Miami Heat in June of 2023. In June of 2022, the Colorado Avalanche won their third Stanley Cup in six games over the Tampa Bay Lightning. Both the Avalanche, who play in the NHL's Central Division and the Nuggets are contenders once again. Ball Arena has been the home for winter professional sports in the Denver area since 1999. It serves the Denver Nuggets of the NBA, the Colorado Avalanche of the NHL, and the Colorado Mammoth of the National Lacrosse League. The arena features 95 suites and 1,900 club seats. Empower Field at Mile High (home of the Broncos) is just a 15-minute walk across the parking lots. The building, which hosts over 250 events a year, is owned by Kroenke Sports & Entertainment was started in 1999 by businessman Stan Kroenke to be the parent company of his sports holdings. Kroenke also owns the Nuggets and So-Fi Stadium in Los Angeles. A facelift has been planned for the arena and also the surrounding neighborhoods. Among the changes planned are new premium seating tiers, including “enhanced general seating” and a more expensive ledge seat in the first row of the upper bowl. The goal is to turn the area into green spaces with better infrastructure and upgraded housing and tourism venues. The ambitious project could take 25 years to complete. The Avalanche began their existence as the Quebec Nordiques, one of the few teams to make the move from the WHL to the NHL. After the 1995 season, the team was sold to a new ownership group and relocated to Denver, where the team was renamed the Avalanche. The newly relocated team got off to a rousing start, as it won the Stanley Cup in its first season in its new home. The Avalanche have won three Stanley Cups, three Conference Championships, and nine Division Championships. Before the 2013 - 14 season, the octagonal scoreboard that was in use since the arena's opening was replaced with a new four-sided rectangular scoreboard. The two center faces measure 27 by 48 feet long, while the two end faces measure 21 by 25 feet wide. The Avs honor their elite players from the past with banners hanging from the ceiling. The names include Ray Bourque, Patrick Roy, Joe Sakic, Peter Forsberg, Adam Foote, and Milan Hejduk. Bourque, Roy, Sakic, and Forsberg are also members of the Hockey Hall of Fame. In addition, the Avalanche have banners hung for each of their division, conference, and Stanley Cup seasons. Food & Beverage 3 Food and Beverage was one of the more disappointing aspects of Ball. The choices seemed fairly generic and there was not enough local Denver fare. In the upper bowl, lines were often long for food and bathrooms and there did not seem to be enough carts. The width of the concourses hindered some of the opportunities for better options. Ball Arena is heavy on alcohol but lacking in food choices. Premium cocktails are $17 for a single and $22.50 for a double. Lemonade is $6.50 and water is $5.50. The southwest wrap is $14 and a garden salad is $12.50 and a basic dog is $6.50. Atmosphere 4 The main entrance to the stadium is off 9th Street and there are two more entrances off 11th Street (one is only for access to the Lexus Club). The gates open only one hour before events. Ball does employ the latest technology as nothing has to be removed from pockets as fans rapidly pass through the detectors. Once inside the main entrance, there is a small lobby area with a team store to the left and escalators straight ahead which lead up to the lower seating area. The Arena was lively for the pregame warmup with the only complaint being the music was a bit too loud. The noise level was not as onerous in the upper bowl. The Avalanche have an organ but during the game, it is rarely utilized. The Avalanche does not employ many special effects or music to ignite the crowd. A nice touch was the fan's use of their cellphone flashlights to illuminate the arena just before the teams hit the ice for each period. Neighborhood 3 There is nothing wrong with the neighborhood but not without a plethora of things to do nearby as the arena is surrounded by parking lots. The Larimer Square area (on the National Register of Historic Places) is a 12-minute walk and probably the best spot to pregame with some bars and restaurants. Union Station, with Amtrak and trains arriving from Denver Airport, is about a 15-minute walk and also offers restaurants and hotel options. The light rail E and W lines depart from there and are just two stops away. Fans 4 The supportive crowd is enhanced by the mascot, Bernie (St. Bernard), and he is assisted by the Skyline Drumline from behind the goal the Avalanche defend twice and lead the "Let Go Avs" chants. The Avalanche sell out Ball every night. Average attendance is 18,098 up a tick from 17,991 last season. The official Avalanche team store is Altitude Athletics with one location right at the main entrance. The main store, Chopper Circle on the South side, is open Monday-Saturday 12-5 pm. There are five locations in total inside the building. Access 4 Parking is not an issue with 10 lots surrounding the stadium. Parking prices range from $25-$35. Access by car is doable. From the North - Take I-25 South, exit Speer Boulevard; proceed South and turn right on Chopper Circle From the South - Take I-25 North, exit Auraria Parkway, Ball Arena will be on the left-hand side of Auraria Parkway. The Ball Arena (Elitch Gardens stop) is served by the E & W light rail lines. The MallRide provides a free shuttle service on the 16th Street Mall. The Mall extends approximately two miles and accesses both northbound and southbound light rail service at Union Station and the 16th Street Mall. Due to the ongoing reconstruction of the 16th Street Mall, MallRide vehicles are currently operating on 15th and 17th Streets. Denver is one of the most bike-friendly cities in the country. Ball Arena has bike racks immediately outside of the arena. Fans wishing to rent a bike will find a B-Station located a block south of the arena. Rideshare drop-off and pick-up are available along Auraria Parkway between 9th and 11th Street only. Return on Investment 4 Ticket prices run the gamut from $39 for the last few rows in the upper bowl behind the goals to $209 at the center ice lower bowl before fees for a weeknight game. In 2022, the Avalanche ($390.74) was on the better end of the Fan Cost Index as only 10 teams were less expensive. Fan Cost Index comprises the price based on four average-price tickets, two small draft beers, four small soft drinks, four regular-size hot dogs, parking, two game programs, and two least-expensive, adult-size adjustable caps. In the upper bowl, one negative is the view of center ice on both sides from the sections between the blue lines is obstructed by a glass partition and railing that hinders rows 6 and 7. Extras 3 There are some interesting pieces of art inside the Ball Arena. There are several statues and 3-D visuals on the west concourse. The Grand Atrium is home to a large aerial sculpture depicting hockey and basketball players. The team also has some of the most impressive graphic projections on the ice during the pregame introductions. The rafters are an impressive sight with 3 Stanley Cup Banners, 3 for Conference Championships, 3 for earning the President’s Trophy, and 12 for Division Championships. A Kids Zone behind section 375 offers youngsters the opportunity to test their skills on one of many hockey and basketball simulators. Final Thoughts Ball Arena is a great place to visit while in Denver to take in a hockey game. The fans are enthusiastic and the team is usually at the top of the standings. With the proper upgrades, the building can be more fan-friendly but the trade-off will be an increase in prices. ---- Follow Greg Venuto’s stadium journeys on Twitter @VenutoGreg and Facebook.

Photos by Paul Baker, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.43 Forges Field 83 Jordan Rd Plymouth, MA 02360 Forges Field website Year Opened: 1972 Capacity: 500 Pilgrim Baseball The Plymouth Pilgrims, the newest members of the New England Collegiate Baseball League, play their home games at Forges Field, a town-owned complex containing 5 baseball fields, 2 softball fields, 3 soccer fields, a football field, and a golf course. The land that Forges Field is located on was once owned by the Jordan family, founders of Jordan Marsh department stores. The Pilgrims were founded in 2013 by former Newport Gulls owner Dave Dittmann. ‎ Food & Beverage 2 If you aren’t careful, you may miss most of the concessions available at Forges Field. Located near the entrance to Forges Field are two small tables selling Domino’s Pizzas and assorted snacks and drinks. But with a little searching, bigger and better things can be had. There is a concessions stand at Forges Field located a short walk from the baseball field, down by the football field. This stand is open for all Pilgrims games. Available here is a greater variety of food, including all your ballpark staples, including hot dogs, hamburgers, nachos, and assorted snacks. Coca-Cola products are sold here. For those looking to save a few dollars, combo meals are offered. Veteran fans simply bring their own items into Forges Field, saving themselves a few dollars in the process. Either way, you aren’t going to spend a ton of money on concessions at a Pilgrims game. Atmosphere 3 This is the area in which the Pilgrims shine brightest. Despite the small size of the ballpark, the staff here try to put on a show worthy of any minor league team. Gobbles the turkey roams the park, interacting with the fans and leading a trail of kids wherever he goes. There are between inning contests for the kids and a PA announcer orchestrating the whole affair. He may seem to be trying a bit too hard to be clever, but he helps to create an atmosphere that is pretty unique in the laid-back New England Collegiate Baseball League. Another area in which the Pilgrims excel is their connection with the community. The Pilgrims have a long list of sponsors who tie in with the promotional schedule and sponsor individual games. Depending on when you visit Forges Field, you may be on the receiving end of some unique and fabulous items. Promotions for 2014 include free cranberries, chocolate, hats, ice cream, golf balls, and even lobster rolls. Discounted concessions are available on selected nights, as are free movies and popcorn after some games. The atmosphere at Forges Field is one of the livelier in the NECBL. Neighborhood 2 I’ll be perfectly honest with you here. If you are visiting Forges Field, you aren’t interested in staying anywhere near there before or after the game. There just isn’t anything in the area. You are going downtown where the action is. Now, in a small town like Plymouth, “action” is a relative term, but there are many attractions in the area, especially for history buffs. Forges Field is located on the edge of the Myles Standish State Forest, the largest publicly owned recreation area in southeastern Massachusetts. Spread out over 26 square miles, the forest is filled with campgrounds, bike paths, and nature trails. It does not, however, have restaurants or hotels. For those, head to the historic center of Plymouth, where you will find plenty of museums, places to eat, hotels, and historic places of interest. Fans 2 Plymouth ranks in the middle of the pack in terms of attendance in the NECBL, averaging between 400-500 fans per game. The people who come to Pilgrim games are similar to what you will find in most of the summer collegiate games in the area. They are passionate about their team, and many have a connection with the team through volunteer efforts, hosting players, or sponsorships. There is a strong family presence, as you would expect with a summer league team. There is a lot of open space for kids to roam here at Forges Field, with several sports fields adjacent to the main ball field. There is also a playground located behind the field filled with youngsters and relieved parents. Many of the kids present spend their time chasing foul balls through the woods that surround the field. Access 2 You are not going to stumble across Forges Field accidentally. Despite being relatively close to Route 3, there are no exits close to the ballpark. Fans travelling to see the Pilgrims play will have to wind their way through several miles of winding rural roads to get to the sprawling recreational complex. There is plenty of parking near Forges Field, and the area around the field is landscaped beautifully with paved paths to access all areas of the ballpark. The field itself is not built up, and is pretty much what you would expect from a community ball field. There is no press box here, and the Pilgrims set up several portable folding tables from which they sell concessions, souvenirs, and tickets. The team and town have teamed up to make many improvements for fans since the Pilgrims landed here. Several new wooden bleachers have sprung up around the infield, giant new dugouts have been built (unfortunately, these dugouts block some prime viewing spots), and new netting has been installed along both baselines down past the infield. For fans wishing to bring their own lawn chairs, there is room to spread out along the outfield lines, past the grandstands and picnic tables. Rest rooms are available in the same building as the concessions are located, a short walk from the baseball field. Return on Investment 4 Admission to a Pilgrims game is very affordable at $2, and parking is free in the lots adjacent to the field. Concessions are affordable as well, making a night out at Forges Field a very affordable alternative to other options in the area. Veteran fans will bring their own coolers with refreshments to further decrease the cost of attending a Pilgrims game. Extras 2 Despite the abundance of activity going on at a Pilgrims game, it’s a very laid-back atmosphere at Forges Field. Extra points are earned for the plethora of giveaways throughout the season. The NECBL and other college leagues in the area present their games in an “old-school” manner, keeping the focus on the game instead of the extraneous activity found at so many minor league parks today. Final Thoughts While the facility at Forges Field is little more than a glorified community diamond, the Plymouth Pilgrims staff work hard to make the game day experience an enjoyable one for the fans. The Pilgrims come closer to providing a minor league atmosphere than most summer college teams, but they still straddle the line between that carnival-like atmosphere and old-school baseball successfully. The facility may be one that attracts only the locals and the most dedicated of ballpark chasers, but any fan will enjoy their time at Forges Field. Follow Paul Baker’s stadium journeys on Twitter and Instagram @PuckmanRI.

Photos by Eric Moreno, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.43 Reckling Park 1968 University Blvd Houston, TX 77005 Rice Owls website Reckling Park website Year Opened: 2000 Capacity: 7,000 Rice Owls – Reckling Park One of the most prestigious academic institutions in the country, Rice University has a long history of fostering educators, Nobel laureates, and Pulitzer Prize winners. The school also has a long history of success in athletics, as well, including on the baseball diamond. The Rice Owls fielded their first baseball team in 1913, and beginning in 1914 they were members of the fabled Southwest Conference until its collapse in 1996. Since 2006 – until this next season when they will level up to the American Athletic Conference (AAC) – Rice has been a member of Conference USA. In the latter half of the 20th century up until the middle of the 21st, the Owls have seen a tremendous amount of success on the field. Led by such former big leaguers as current head coach Lance Berkman , Jose Cruz, Jr. , and Norm Charlton , the Owls have won 18 regular season conference championships (the most recent happening in 2015), made the NCAA Tournament a whopping 23 times, and in 2003 they completely climbed the metaphorical mountain and were crowned National Champions. Since 2000, Rice has done its winning from within the friendly confines of Reckling Park. Tucked inside the campus of Rice University and within eyesight of the skyline of the Texas Medical Center, Reckling Park is quite frankly a gorgeous spot to see a ballgame. Food & Beverage 3 When it comes to food and beverages, Reckling Park does enough to scratch your ballpark itch by playing the proverbial hits. There are two main spots in the park to get your grub and drink on. The main concessions area is located on the concourse behind home plate, and offers the usual suspect lineup of ballpark favorites – you can get hot dogs, hamburgers, fries, candy, popcorn, soft pretzels, sunflower seeds, canned beer, bottled water, sports drinks, and fountain sodas. Nothing flashy, nothing spectacular, but solid. The second spot is a little more upscale, as down the first base line is The Roost. A de facto beer garden, this stand offers up the same food and drinks as the other stands, but in a covered patio area. The ballpark also has a Kona Ice shaved ice truck parked inside that is quite popular with fans, which makes for a nice treat during the hot, humid days of early spring in H-Town. Atmosphere 4 I will say right off the bat (no pun intended) that I’m a sucker for stadiums with a nice, clean brick façade. To me that just screams old school elegance, and harkens back to the golden age of sports. For baseball, a sport steeped in nostalgia and history, facilities like Reckling Park add to the gravitas of what is happening on the field. Once through the main gates as you take the short steps up from the main concourse to the seating area, the field opens up and you are transported into what makes baseball special. The open skies, the green grass (field turf, to be fair), and young fans crowding the fence line looking for autographs and/or foul balls; Reckling Park has all of it. In addition to the overall aesthetic, the park has a few nice features to add to the atmosphere; there’s the Roost area as well as some berm seating for fans in left and left-center field. The Owls prominently display their championship wins – naturally including the 2003 National Championship – on signage in the outfield. Also, on the main concourse is the Rice team store, for those looking to get their team/school gear. Neighborhood 5 As mentioned, Reckling Park is right in the middle of the lush and beautiful Rice campus. The tree-lined walkways leading to the ballpark are populated with public art, and crisscross the campus and its stately academic buildings. Within eyesight is historic Rice Stadium , and within walking distance is Tudor Fieldhouse . With baseball and basketball overlapping seasons, you have a good chance of double-dipping sports at Rice. That’s also totally doable if you’re interested in checking out a Houston Astros or Houston Rockets game while you’re in Space City. Speaking of Space City, the reason the city has earned this moniker is something everyone should visit at least once when heading to Houston – Space Center Houston is the hub for space exploration in the United States. Home to NASA, Space Center is a fantastic site to take in before or after catching an Owls game. Consistently rated as the top tourist destination in the city, Space Center has something for everyone. When you’re looking for food and lodging options, Rice Village, the area around the university, has plenty to offer you. Restaurants such as Miller’s Café – specializing in burgers, sandwiches, and salads – and Poke in the Bowl – which offers, of course, poke bowls – are just a couple of options that are a short drive from the ballpark. For lodging options abound, including most of the recognizable chains; within a five-minute drive from Reckling Park are Westin Houston Medical Center and Hilton Houston Plaza/Medical Center . Fans 2 For a program that has found as much success as the Rice Owls, it is quite unfortunate to see how sparsely attended their games regularly are. Since 2014 the Owls have drawn just under 3,000 fans per game; this is just about half the capacity for the ballpark. Baseball inherently needs a crowd to keep the energy up for a game. Most fans in the stands are decked out in their Rice purple, however, there are also quite a few sporting Astros gear. It will be interesting to see how the attendance is impacted when Rice moves to the AAC next season. Access 3 Rice University, like many of the other sporting facilities in H-Town, is quite convenient to get to. The campus is located between Interstate 69 and State Highway 90, and there is plenty of signage telling you how to get to the school – once you enter Rice Village you can’t miss the athletics compound. Once you get on site, parking is plentiful; I’d recommend parking near the football stadium and strolling through the campus if time permits. Parking there will cost you $10, which is a nice bargain. If you choose not to drive, ridesharing options are a good option, as is Houston’s public transportation service . As always, I like to offer the advice to visitors to Houston to be wary of the city’s notorious traffic. You will be stuck in it, that’s just a fact, so, plan accordingly when heading to the game. Return on Investment 4 Single-game tickets for Owls games start at $10 for general admission ($15 for premium matchups). The Owls regularly play host to some of the biggest and best baseball programs in the state, including the ones from Austin and College Station . You can also expect the competition to ramp up even further next season with the move to thee AAC. Given that, the low cost for parking, plus some of the most affordable concessions I’ve seen, and you are getting a really great bargain at Reckling Park, especially when you also consider the great ballpark itself. Extras 3 Baseball doesn’t normally lend itself to Extras, outside of a few things. However, Reckling Park isn’t without some special offerings to make the in-game entertainment that much more special. The main one that is offered up is a play area for kids just outside the third baseline – this area is full of inflatable bounce houses that are sure to entertain really young fans. One small feature that I truly enjoyed seeing, and it is such a small detail, are the boards behind home plate that have the day’s handwritten lineups for each team, as well as the current conference standings. Again, it is such a small detail, but it reminded me of simpler time in baseball history. Final Thoughts This was my first visit to Reckling Park, but I can pretty much guarantee it won’t be my last. The park, if I haven’t made it clear yet, is really beautiful. I can only hope more fans will start coming once the move to the new conference takes place. I can only imagine what it would be like to see it filled. Regardless, if you’re a baseball fan or just a sports fan looking for something fun to do, catch an Owls game at Rice when you can. Follow Eric Moreno's Stadium Journey on Twitter at @EricMoreno6477 .

Photos by Meg Minard, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.86 PayPal Park 1123 Coleman Avenue San Jose, CA 95110 Map It San Jose Earthquakes website PayPal Park website Year Opened: 2015 Capacity: 18,000 Vamos San Jose PayPal Park es el campo de casa de los San Jose Earthquakes de la MLS. El lugar específico para el fútbol se inauguró en 2015 como Avaya Stadium y cambió su nombre al comienzo de la temporada 2021 a su nuevo patrocinador, PayPal. La ciudad ha sido el sitio del fútbol desde 1974 con equipos en varias ligas. Los Earthquakes comenzaron en 1996 como uno de los miembros originales de Major League Soccer. El equipo ha ganado dos títulos de la Copa MLS (2001, 2003) y dos Supporters’ Shields (2005, 2012). El personal y los aficionados hacen que valga la pena presenciar un partido, ya que todos son amables y serviciales, y parecen complacidos de que hayas visitado su equipo y su estadio. Uno de los mejores partidos para asistir es cuando Los Ángeles FC viene a la ciudad, ya que generalmente hay una buena contingencia de visitantes del equipo visitante que hace que el estadio retumbe. Food & Beverage / Bebida y Alimenticia 5 PayPal Park ofrece una impresionante variedad de opciones de alimentos y bebidas. Un gran lugar para encontrar estas sabrosas y únicas opciones de comida es en el perímetro del área de césped de dos acres, llamada epi-center fan zone. Se sienta detrás del marcador masivo. Aproximadamente de doce camiones de comida locales se alinean en el perímetro y ofrecen una amplia variedad de platos: sándwiches calientes de pollo, barbacoa coreana, barbacoa ahumada a fuego lento, sabrosos tacos, teriyaki y sushi, hamburguesas y papas fritas, brochetas y otras delicias mediterráneas, y más. Los camiones varían en cada partido, así que examínelos todos antes de tomar una decisión. El estadio tiene puestos de comida tradicionales debajo de los asientos que ofrecen todos los favoritos del estadio y algo más. Pretzels, maní, papas fritas, Cracker Jack, hot dogs, hamburguesas y similares están a la venta. Las opciones únicas incluyen un asador que ofrece sándwiches frescos de cerdo o pavo, un puesto de pizza con pizzas especiales y churwaffles (waffles de pan de maíz dulces y salados). Los productos RC Cola y 7-Up son los refrescos a la venta. Las opciones de cerveza nacional incluyen Bud, Bud Light y Coors. Las cervezas importadas y artesanales incluyen Stella Artois, Sierra Nevada Pale Ale, Sierra Nevada Tornada, y 805. También se sirven licores fuertes y vino. Un puesto de margaritas especiales se encuentra en el borde de la zona de fanáticos del epicentro. Muchos puestos de comida venden más variedades de cerveza enlatada y agua mineral. Otros dos bares que vale la pena mencionar son el acertadamente llamado Scoreboard Bar, que mide más de 310 pies, lo que lo convierte en el bar exterior más grande de América del Norte. El Skyy Lounge está en el nivel superior a la izquierda al salir del elevador. Los fanáticos pueden disfrutar de una bebida viendo el partido sentados en taburetes frente a una barra de bebidas en esta área. Mi recomendación es probar la BBQ coreana y/o los churwaffles. Atmosphere / Atmósfera 4 La estructura tiene forma de U. Un enorme marcador de video está en la parte superior de la U. Detrás del marcador hay un área de césped popular (zona de fanáticos del epicentro) donde se alinean los camiones de comida locales, se realizan espectáculos y juegan los niños. Los camiones de comida emiten olores increíbles. Este es el lugar para estar antes del partido para actividades y para observar a la gente. Las sillas azules claras, azules oscuras y grises (los colores del Earthquakes) se extienden por el área de descanso. Bastante interesante es que el patrón contiene el mensaje codificado en binario “GO EQ.” !Estamos en Silicon Valley! Un fan mucho más inteligente que yo descubrió el código y ganó un viaje a la final de la Copa del Mundo de 2018. Los asientos están ligeramente acolchados, tienen portovasos y hay un espacio decente para las piernas entre las filas. Los fanáticos suben un tramo de escaleras para llegar al área de asientos y luego a sus asientos. Las secciones de asientos tienen de 28 a 30 filas de asientos. El estadio tiene un ascensor para llevar a los fanáticos a la cima y bajar caminando. La repisa/pasarela superior es estrecha y abierta. Esto asusta a los fans con acrofobia. PayPal Park Top Level Ledge, Photo by Meg Minard, Stadium Journey La capacidad es la más baja de la MLS con 18,000 sillas, lo que ofrece a los fanáticos una experiencia íntima el día del juego y otorga a cada asiento una buena vista del partido. Las suites están en el nivel inferior más cercano al terreno de juego. Es difícil entender al maestro de ceremonias y lo que está diciendo. No estoy muy seguro de si es el sistema de sonido, si es demasiado alto o si está hablando una mezcla de español e inglés. Los vendedores de comida suben a los puestos vendiendo churros, algodón de azúcar, palomitas de maíz y otros bocadillos. Asegúrese de verificar el clima antes de dirigirse al partido. El viento a veces puede hacer que sea un poco frío. Neighborhood / Barrio 4 El lugar está justo al lado del aeropuerto de San José. Hay algo, pero no mucho, que hacer a poca distancia. El centro de San José, que tiene un montón de actividades, está a solo 2 ½ – 3 millas al sureste. Un hotel Element (marca Marriott) está justo al otro lado de la calle. Un centro comercial está al otro lado del estadio y ofrece The Smoking Pig (barbacoa y cerveza), In-N-Out (hamburguesas de comida rápida), Chipotle (comida rápida mexicana) y Starbucks. Otras opciones recomendadas más lejos son BJ’s Brewery, Henry’s World Famous Hi-Life y The Farmer’s Union (gastropub). Floodcraft Brewery (en Whole Foods Marketplace) y Uproar Brewery son buenos lugares para comprar cerveza artesanal. Varias otras cervecerías también están cerca. Abundan las atracciones turísticas para el visitante o el aficionado local. Algunos puntos de interés en San José incluyen el Happy Hollow Park and Zoo, el Children’s Discovery Museum, San Jose State University, Winchester Mystery House, y el Tech Museum of Innovation . Otros deportes que puede visitar durante la temporada de fútbol son los San Jose Sharks (NHL), San Jose Barracuda (AHL), San Jose Giants (MiLB) o cualquiera de los deportes de los Spartans de la Universidad de San José. El estadio Stephen Schott , sede del equipo de béisbol de los Broncos de Santa Clara, está al otro lado de las vías del tren, justo detrás de PayPal Park, al igual que sus estadios de baloncesto y sóftbol. Fans / Fanáticos 3 Aunque parece que los asientos están vacíos, muchos fanáticos permanecen en el área del césped. Asistieron un promedio de 13.300 aficionados por partido en la temporada 2022. Todavía no hemos vuelto a las cifras previas a la pandemia. Los Earthquakes tienen dos grupos de aficionados; cada grupo se sienta detrás de cada poste de la portería. Los San Jose Ultras han apoyado ruidosamente y con orgullo al equipo desde 2003. La Seismic Union, formada en 2021, es el grupo de seguidores que ocupa el lado norte del estadio. Los grupos ondean banderas, golpean tambores, cantan canciones y se ponen de pie y animan al equipo durante los 90 minutos. Por la distancia al aeropuerto y la seguridad de los vuelos que llegan y salen, no se permite la pirotecnia. Todos los fanáticos y el personal son extremadamente amables y acogedores. Es bastante fácil entablar una conversación y charlar sobre el equipo y el estadio. Access / Acceso 4 Llegar a PayPal Park es muy fácil en automóvil, avión o autobús. Está junto a la Interestatal 880 y Coleman Ave. Hay estacionamiento disponible en el lado noroeste del estadio. Haga clic aquí para obtener direcciones e instrucciones de estacionamiento. El servicio de transporte gratuito LuxBus está disponible desde y hacia los partidos, recogiendo y dejando en el centro de Market Street y St John (cerca de San Pedro Square). Si viene desde el aeropuerto, tome el autobús 60 de VTA (sur hacia Winchester) hasta Coleman y Earthquakes Way. Es gratis desde el aeropuerto; cuesta $ 2.50 para Volver y se requiere el cambio exacto. Los estacionamientos abren tres horas antes del partido. La taquilla abre dos horas antes y las puertas abren una hora y media antes del partido. Pasar por seguridad es rápido y fácil. Un elemento menor, pero desearía que tuvieran bancos o un lugar para sentarse mientras esperan que se abran las puertas. Se permiten bolsas transparentes del tamaño de un estadio (14” x 6” x 14”). Una linea para Clear Secure está en la entrada principal. Una vez que atraviese la puerta principal, la entrada se abre y la zona de diversión del epicentro está a su izquierda. El vestíbulo de la planta baja es bastante amplio y es donde se encuentran los baños. A excepción del Skyy Lounge, ni las concesiones ni los baños están en el segundo nivel. Return on Investment / Retorno de la inversion 3 Las entradas para seguidores cuestan alrededor de $27. Los precios de los boletos suben a $ 147 más o menos para los asientos del club de campo. El estacionamiento cuesta $ 25 y más. Me parece alto, pero es California y es Silicon Valley. Mi asiento estaba en la esquina superior por $37. Es una sede de la MLS más pequeña, por lo que cada asiento tiene una vista decente. Obtener boletos de grupo (10+) o boletos de temporada reducirá el precio. Los precios de la comida, la cerveza y los refrescos son comparables con otros lugares de las grandes ligas en el Área de la Bahía. La experiencia del día del juego es agradable; los fanáticos y el personal son geniales para conversar. Es una buena inversión para su entretenimiento deportivo. Extras 4 Vale la pena mencionar algunos otros elementos. Ver aviones despegar y aterrizar desde su asiento es único. Para la temporada 2022, la organización de los Earthquakes brindó una oferta Beer and Cheer a los poseedores de boletos de temporada con todos los beneficios. Esta oferta permitió a esos fanáticos una cerveza, refresco o agua gratis en el Scoreboard Bar o en el Skyy Lounge en cada juego. El club planea extender la sección de Ultras hasta el nivel del campo para las próximas temporadas. Es bueno ver a los Earthquakes mostrar aprecio por su apasionado apoyo. Vale la pena mencionar nuevamente el patrón del asiento. Incluye tres tonos diferentes de azul/gris, así como algunos asientos rojos para rendir homenaje a la historia de la NASL del club en los años 70 y 80. Y el patrón que contiene el mensaje codificado en binario “GO EQ” es una característica única. Finalmente, un “tambor de herencia” se encuentra en el borde de la zona de fanáticos del epicentro. En el momento de su construcción en 2019, era el tambor más grande del deporte profesional. El club lo utilizó durante la temporada 2019. PayPal Park Heritage Drum, Photo by Meg Minard, Stadium Journey Final Thoughts Presenciar un partido en PayPal Park es ciertamente único. El color del patrón de los asientos, la zona de fanáticos del epicentro y los camiones de comida, el personal excepcional, el fácil acceso y el ambiente íntimo ayudan a que asistir a un partido aquí sea una velada agradable. Muchas gracias a Jim Minard por su ayuda con la traducción.

Photos by Meg Minard, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.86 PayPal Park 1123 Coleman Avenue San Jose, CA 95110 Map It San Jose Earthquakes website PayPal Park website Year Opened: 2015 Capacity: 18,000 Vamos San Jose PayPal Park is the home ground of the MLS San Jose Earthquakes. The soccer-specific venue was known as Avaya Stadium when it opened in 2015. It has gone by its current name (PayPal Park) since the start of the 2021 season. The city has hosted soccer since 1974 with teams in various leagues. The Earthquakes started in 1996 as one of the original members of Major League Soccer. The team has won two MLS Cup titles (2001, 2003) and two Supporters’ Shields (2005, 2012). The staff and fans make witnessing a match incredibly worthwhile as they are all friendly and helpful and seem pleased you have visited their team and stadium. One of the better matches to attend is when Los Angeles FC comes to town as there is usually a good contingency of away team visitors which makes the stadium rumble. Food & Beverage 5 PayPal Park offers an impressive variety of food and drink choices. A great place to find these savory and unique food choices is on the perimeter of the two-acre grassy area, called the Epi-Center Fan Zone. It sits behind the massive scoreboard. Twelve or so local food trucks line the perimeter offering a wide range of cuisine: Hot chicken sandwiches, Korean BBQ, slow smoked BBQ, tasty tacos, teriyaki and sushi, burgers and fries, kabobs and other Mediterranean goodies, and more. The trucks vary each match so peruse them all before making a choice. The stadium has traditional concession stands under the seats offering all your stadium favorites and then some. Pretzels, peanuts, chips, Cracker Jack, hot dogs, burgers, and the like are all for sale. Unique choices include a carvery offering fresh sliced pork or turkey sandwiches, a pizza stand with specialty pizzas, and churwaffles (sweet and savory cornbread waffles). RC Cola and 7-Up products are the soft drinks for sale. Domestic beer choices include Bud, Bud Light, and Coors. Imported and craft beers include Stella Artois, Sierra Nevada Pale Ale, Sierra Nevada Tornada, and 805. Hard liquor and wine are also served. A specialty margarita stand sits on the edge of the Epi-Center Fan Zone. Plenty of concession stands sell more varieties of canned beer and hard seltzer. Two other bars worth noting are the aptly named Scoreboard Bar which is over 310 feet, making it the largest exterior bar in North America. The Skyy Lounge is on the upper level to the left as you exit the elevator. Fans can enjoy a beverage watching the match sitting on stools in front of a drink rail in this area. My recommendation is to try the Korean BBQ and/or the churwaffles. Atmosphere 4 The structure is U-shaped. An enormous video scoreboard is at the top of the U. Behind the scoreboard is a popular grass area (Epi-Center Fan Zone) where local food trucks line up, entertainment is performed, and kids play. The food trucks emit amazing smells. This is the place to be before the match for activities and people-watching. Light blue, dark blue, and grey chairs (the Earthquake’s colors) span the seating area. Interestingly, the color pattern contains the binary-coded message “GO EQ.” It IS in Silicon Valley. A fan way smarter than me figured out the code and won a trip to the 2018 World Cup Final. The seats are slightly cushioned, have cup holders, and have decent legroom between the rows. Fans walk up a flight of stairs to get to the seating area and then up to their seats. The seating sections have 28 – 30 rows of seats. The stadium has one elevator to take fans to the top so they can walk down to the higher level rows. The very top ledge/walkway is narrow and open. This is scary for fans with acrophobia. PayPal Park Top Level Ledge, Photo by Meg Minard, Stadium Journey The seating capacity is the lowest in MLS at 18,000, offering fans an intimate game day experience and granting every seat a good view of the match. Suites are on the lower level closest to the pitch. It’s hard to understand the emcee and what he’s saying. I’m not quite sure if it’s the sound system, if it’s too loud, or if he’s speaking a mix of Spanish and English. Food vendors climb the stands selling churros, cotton candy, popcorn, and other snacks. Be sure to check the weather before heading to the match. The wind can sometimes make it a bit chilly. Neighborhood 4 The venue is right next to the San Jose Airport. There’s some but not a whole lot to do within walking distance. Downtown San Jose, which has a ton of activities, is only 2 ½ – 3 miles southeast. An Element Hotel (Marriott brand) is right across the street. A shopping center is on the other side of the stadium and offers The Smoking Pig (BBQ and beer), In-N-Out (fast food burgers), Chipotle (fast food Mexican), and Starbucks. Other recommended choices further away are BJ’s Brewery, Henry’s World Famous Hi-Life, and The Farmer’s Union (gastropub). Floodcraft Brewery (in a Whole Foods Marketplace) and Uproar Brewery are good spots for craft beer. Several other breweries are also nearby. Plenty of tourist attractions abound for the visiting or local fan. Some points of interest in San Jose include the Happy Hollow Park and Zoo, the Children’s Discovery Museum, San Jose State University, Winchester Mystery House, and the Tech Museum of Innovation . Other sports you may be able to visit during soccer season are the San Jose Sharks (NHL), San Jose Barracuda (AHL), San Jose Giants (MiLB), or any one of the San Jose University Spartans sports. Stephen Schott Stadium , home of the Santa Clara Broncos baseball, is on the other side of the train tracks just behind PayPal Park as are their basketball and softball stadiums. Fans 3 Though it appears the seating is empty, many fans remain on the lawn area. An average of 13,300 fans per game attended in the 2022 season. Attendance is not quite back to the pre-pandemic numbers yet. The Earthquakes have two supporters’ groups; each group sits behind each goal post. The San Jose Ultras have loudly and proudly supported the team since 2003. The Seismic Union, formed in 2021, is the supporters’ group that occupies the north side of the stadium. The groups wave flags, bang drums, sing songs, stand up and cheer on the team for the entire 90 minutes. Because of the distance to the airport and the safety of the arriving and departing flights, pyrotechnics are not allowed. All fans and staff are extremely friendly and welcoming. It’s quite easy to strike up a conversation and chat about the team and the stadium. Access 4 Getting to PayPal Park is very easy via car, plane, or bus. It is off Interstate 880 and Coleman Ave. Parking is available on the northwest side of the stadium. Click here for directions and parking instructions. Free LuxBus shuttles are available to and from the matches, picking up and dropping off at downtown Market Street and St John (near San Pedro Square). If coming from the airport, take VTA bus 60 (south towards Winchester) to Coleman and Earthquakes Way. It’s free from the airport, costs $2.50 to get back, and exact change is required. The parking lots open three hours before the match. The box office opens two hours before and the gates open one and a half hours before the match. Getting through security is quick and easy. A minor item, but I wish they had benches or a place to sit while waiting for the gates to open. Clear stadium-sized (14” x 6” x 14”) bags are allowed. A Clear security line is at the main entrance. Once through the main gate, the entrance opens up and the Epi-Center Fan Zone is to your left. The downstairs concourse is plenty wide and is where the restrooms reside. Except for the Skyy Lounge, neither concessions nor restrooms are on the second level. Return on Investment 3 Supporter’s tickets are around $27. The ticket prices go up to $147 or so for field club seats. Parking is $25 and up. It seems high to me, but it is California, and it is Silicon Valley. My seat was in the upper corner for $37. It is a smaller MLS venue, so every seat has a decent view. Getting group tickets (10+) or season tickets will reduce the price. The food, beer, and soda prices are comparable with other major league venues in the Bay Area. The game day experience is an enjoyable one; the fans and staff are great to chat with. It is a good investment for your sports entertainment. Extras 4 A few other items are worth noting. Watching planes actually taking off and landing from your seat is unique. For the 2022 season, the Earthquakes organization provided a Beer and Cheer offer to full-benefit supporters season ticket holders. This offer allowed those fans a free beer, soda, or water at the Scoreboard Bar or the Skyy Lounge each game. The club plans on extending the Ultras section down to the field level for future seasons. It’s nice to see the Earthquakes show appreciation for their passionate support. The seat pattern is worth mentioning again. It includes three different shades of blue/gray as well as a smattering of red seats to pay homage to the club’s 70s and 80s NASL history. And, the pattern containing the binary-coded message “GO EQ” is a one-of-a-kind feature. Finally, a “Heritage Drum” sits on the edge of the Epi-Center Fan Zone. At the time of its construction in 2019, it was the largest drum in professional sports. The club used it during the 2019 season. PayPal Park Heritage Drum, Photo by Meg Minard, Stadium Journey Final Thoughts Witnessing a match at PayPal Park is certainly unique. The seat pattern coloring, the Epi-Center Fan Zone and food trucks, the exceptional staff, easy access, and the intimate setting all help make attending a match here an enjoyable evening out.

Photos by Aaron S. Terry, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.71 Joe Aillet Stadium 1450 W Alabama Ave Ruston, LA 71270 Louisiana Tech Bulldogs website Joe Aillet Stadium website Year Opened: 1968 Capacity: 28,019 The Bulldogs and Dawgzilla Joe Aillet Stadium in Ruston, Louisiana opened in 1968, replacing Tech Stadium, which had been home to the Louisiana Tech Bulldogs football team since their inception in 1901. Joe Aillet Stadium was part of Louisiana Tech’s new athletics complex, which now includes a baseball stadium, softball field, and soccer field across the street, as well as the track and field right next to the football stadium. The football stadium was originally named Louisiana Tech Stadium, but was renamed in 1972 after former head coach and athletic director Joe Aillet. The Lousiana Tech Bulldogs currently complete in Conference USA, and provide a great atmosphere for football, drawing lots of fans and providing a high level of energy during games. Joe Aillet Stadium includes the Davison Athletics Complex, Charles Wyly Athletic Center, and Dawgzilla, the 25 foot by 45 foot high def LED video board in the north end zone. Food & Beverage 4 Joe Aillet Stadium’s concessions offer plenty of options to fit most tastes – perhaps not everything you could want, but plenty of choices to meet your needs while attending a game here. Main dish options include hot dogs, Cajun sausage, nachos, pulled pork, burgers, pizza and chicken wings from Johnny’s Pizza House (a local favorite), Chick-fil-A chicken sandwiches, sandwiches from McAllister’s Deli, and tacos from The Truppy Taco food truck. These items range from $4 up to $8, with the best deal being the Chick-fil-A chicken sandwich for $4 – a bargain given this is barely more than they charge normally. Besides the above, you can also find snack and dessert items such as popcorn, peanuts, chips, pickles, kettle corn, packaged candy, Dippin’ Dots, shaved ice, cookies, and Rice Krispies treats for $2 to $7. You can also find bottled water, soda in bottles and from the fountain, and several flavors of iced tea and lemonade for $3 to $7; I did not see any alcohol for sale inside the facility. Atmosphere 4 Joe Aillet Stadium provides a great atmosphere for football, drawing large crowds wearing blue, with a little red sprinkled in (both colors are technically acceptable, but blue is much more prevalent) – you may even get gently hassled by Bulldog fans inside the local Walmart, if you try to choose the less dominant color. From the outside the facility may look a little dated, but once you walk in the bold, blue end zones, the colorful signage, the antics of La Tech’s Band of Pride, and the sound of 28,000-plus screaming fans will bring a smile to any football fan’s heart. Joe Aillet Stadium has grandstands with metal bench seating along both sidelines, with additional seating for donors and other VIPs at the top of the Davison Athletics Complex behind the south end zone. The north end zone is reserved wholly for La Tech’s video board, which is named “Dawgzilla”. The venue gets pretty full on gameday, and the fans bring a lot of energy, so this stadium is definitely worth a visit despite not being in one of the Power Five Conferences. Dawgzilla, Photo by Aaron S. Terry, Stadium Journey One of the best aspects of attending a game here is that, for night games, the staff puts on a pretty spectacular fireworks show at halftime, which is nice because that means you don’t have to stay late to watch it – check out the video below for a sneak peek: Neighborhood 3 Joe Aillet Stadium is located on Louisiana Tech’s campus, so there isn’t much in the immediate vicinity except campus buildings and other athletics facilities, such as La Tech’s basketball arena, soccer field, baseball diamond, and track. There are a couple of fast food places within a few blocks, but if you are looking for something more interesting, there are a number of local places about 10-12 blocks east along Alabama Ave, such as Nana’s Soulfood, RAW Restaurant (sushi and sashimi), and Sundown Tavern, which features craft beer and live bands. There are also some more traditional eateries, such as Applebee’s, on 1-20 at exit 85 (either exit 84 or exit 85 would be your choice to get to Joe Aillet). If you plan to be in town for the day or for the weekend, in the same area as Nana’s Soulfood are a couple of museums, the Louisiana Military Museum and the Lincoln Parish Museum. Neither is very big, and both have limited hours (the Louisiana Military Museum is only open from 10-4 Tuesday thru Saturday, and the Lincoln Parish Museum is only open from 10-4 Tuesday thru Friday), but both are worth a look if you have some time. The Eddie G. Robinson Museum in nearby Grambling is also worth a look, as it celebrates the career of one of college football’s most successful coaches. The closest hotel to Joe Aillet Stadium is the Super 8 on Tech Drive, but exit 85 has several others, including a Fairfield Inn and Suites, a Courtyard by Marriot, and a Hampton Inn. Fans 4 La Tech fans are solid – though the stadium can’t hold that many, most of the seats are full, and fans here bring a lot of noise and energy. As mentioned previously, most of the fans wear blue, and many of them stay in their seats until the end, even if their team isn’t performing particularly well that day. The student section here at Joe Aillet is particularly worthy of note – you can find them on the east side seated next to the Band of Pride, who are easy to spot thanks to the lettering over their tuba bells spelling out L-O-U-I-S-I-A-N-A T-E-C-H. In the student section, you will of course find a few diehards with their chests painted in support of the Bulldogs, but also a couple of students waving homemade flags, along with my personal favorite, the whole section waving their cell phones back and forth during night games, in tribute to classic rock bands of old. Band of Pride, Photo by Aaron S. Terry, Stadium Journey Access 4 Getting to Joe Aillet Stadium is pretty easy, thanks in part of the small capacity and general lack of traffic in Ruston. Located only about half a mile off the freeway, there is plenty of parking next to the stadium or across the street for $10 if you get there early; if not, you should be able to park for free about 5-6 or 6 blocks away, either on neighborhood streets or at the cemetery on Colvin Street. Note that will call is located on the west side, so if you don’t have your tickets with you, you may want to park on that side; otherwise you will have to walk all the way around. Once you get inside Joe Aillet Stadium, there is plenty of room to walk around beneath the grandstands, and there are plenty of restrooms and concessions stands, so lines shouldn’t ever be too long. Also, there is a walking path on each side between the upper and lower levels of the grandstand, so you shouldn’t have too much trouble getting to your seat, or getting out for a snack during the game. There is also a ramp at the end of each grandstand for those who need it. Return on Investment 4 Single-game tickets to games at Joe Aillet Stadium start at $25, which is pretty reasonable for this caliber of football, and there are plenty of concessions options for fans on a budget. In addition, $10 (or free) parking is also very reasonable, so all in all, seeing a game here represents a great value for football fans of any stripe. Extras 3 The halftime fireworks are a big plus, and the fans deserve mention for their strong support of the team. The vivid colors on both the field and in the concourse also add to the pageantry that is college football today. Final Thoughts If you live in or near northern Louisiana, you actually have your choice of 3 different college football stadiums along the I-20 corridor between Shreveport and Ruston – the Independence Bowl, Malone Stadium (home of the ULM Warhawks), and Joe Aillet Stadium. For my money, the latter is the best of the bunch, so if you are in the area, take a trip down to Ruston to see the Bulldogs in action, and be sure to wear blue. Go, Dawgs!

Photos by Dave Cottenie, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.14 University of Windsor Stadium 2555 College Avenue Windsor, ON N9B 2Z5 Windsor Lancers football website University of Windsor Stadium website Year Opened: 2005 Capacity: 2,000 Lancer Life In the shadows of the Ambassador Bridge which links the cities of Detroit, Michigan and Windsor, Ontario sits the University of Windsor. Formerly a Roman Catholic private university, the name of the institute was changed from Assumption University to the University of Windsor in 1967 to take advantage of the opportunity for public funding. With the new moniker came a new dedication to athletics and the Windsor Lancers were born. Formerly known as the Purple Raiders, the Windsor athletics program would take a huge step forward in 1968 with the fielding of the Windsor Lancers football team under Canadian University star and CFL alum, Gino Fracas. Fracas is credited with building the program with his more than twenty years of service and helped bring success to Windsor with their CCIFC Championship in 1968. The Lancers would eventually join the OUA and enjoy their only Yates Cup as conference champions in 1975. Windsor has also produced three Hec Crichton winners as the top player in all of Canada. Andrew Parici, Scott Mallender and Daryl Stephenson were successful in bringing the prestigious award to the Blue and Gold. The current home for the Lancers is Alumni Field at University of Windsor Stadium. Built in 2005, the stadium is the perfect home for Lancer football. At a capacity of 2,000 fans in the grandstand, with room for more on the berms, Alumni Field also services other Lancer athletic programs including soccer and track and field. Food & Beverage 3 The concession situation at University of Windsor Stadium is not too bad. There is a BBQ on site with burgers, sausages and other items. Soft drinks and pizza are also available at another stand. The north end zone features the Lancer Garden. Fans who are of age are able to purchase and consume beer in this area which is fenced off from the rest of the stadium. Fans are unable to bring alcoholic beverages into the stands. Atmosphere 3 Compared to many other OUA football facilities, University of Windsor Stadium is a solid venue and would definitely be considered permanent. The large concrete structure is similar to Varsity Stadium at the University of Toronto. Located with the rest of the athletic facilities on campus and the Human Kinetics building, University of Windsor Stadium is well maintained and nicely landscaped. Surrounded by a mix of chain link and wrought iron fencing, Alumni Field is situated from south to north, with the grandstand on the east side and berm seating on the west side. The Ambassador Bridge towers over the university campus in the north and the traffic coming from the bridge on Huron Church Road can be seen from the seating area. Being a fully functional track and field facility also makes University of Windsor Stadium very spacious. The grandstand is far from the action as eight lanes of track are between the grandstand and the field. The simple scoreboard at the south end is functional but not spectacular. The grandstand is quite long as it stretches the entire field, but only nine rows of bleacher seats makes the stadium still feel cozy. Upon entering the stadium area from the north, fans are greeted with some inflatables for the younger fans, a band playing some game day tunes and a performer on stilts welcoming patrons to the Lancers. When the game starts, the Lancers enter the field through a large white inflatable and are aided by Winston, the Lancers mascot. A few strange items accompany the Lancer experience. The strange first down sound, which lacks description, is blasted over the subpar PA system, is not appealing to fans. The team is also flanked upon entry by a smoke-blowing golf cart. Definitely unique, but not really adding to the atmosphere. Neighbourhood 3 University of Windsor Stadium is segregated among the University’s athletic facilities and not very close to pubs or restaurants. Probably the only venue within walking distance is the McDonald’s on Huron Church Road, which can be seen from the Alumni Field grandstand. However, heading toward the riverfront will give fans the opportunity to find some decent spots on both Wyandotte St and University Ave. The Barrel House, Dominion House and Rock Bottom Bar & Grill are all good options. There are a few other spots where fans can find other sports options. The St. Denis Centre can be found right behind University of Windsor Stadium and inside, the Dennis Fairall Fieldhouse is where the very successful Lancer basketball teams play. A short drive to the Capri Pizzeria Recreation Centre will find the home for Windsor Lancer hockey. The WFCU Centre is the home for the OHL’s Windsor Spitfires and is also a short drive from campus. If none of these options are satisfying, fans may consider hopping the border where all of the sports options of Detroit, Michigan are close. Other entertainment options in Windsor include the Canadian Historical Aircraft Association and Caesar’s Windsor. For fans who need a place to stay in Windsor, the Holiday Inn and Best Western are pretty close to campus and good options. Fans 3 The Windsor Lancers have traditionally been a team that either just makes the playoffs or just misses the playoffs in the OUA. As a result, the Lancers often struggle at the gate. The Lancers usually draw between 1,500 and 2,500 fans per game, but have not ranked higher than 6th place as compared to other OUA teams. The fans in attendance can often be considered die-hard and are typical of most Southern Ontario fans. Access 4 Getting to Alumni Field is not overly difficult. The stadium is adjacent to Highway 3, or Huron Church Road, the main street that leads to the Ambassador Bridge. Fairly recent renovation of Highway 401 have brought the main highway even closer to the river, meaning traveling Highway 3, which has plenty of traffic lights, has been reduced. There is some parking available on campus on the opposite side of College Ave and behind the St. Denis Centre. Parking will cost fans a little bit, but should be less than $10 for the game. Public transit is a little bit of a walk from the stadium. There are buses that run on Wyandotte, Felix, Tecumseh and Campbell. Fans interested in public transit should check out the Transit Windsor website for maps, fares and schedules. Tickets for the Lancers can be purchased at the tent outside of the stadium. There is plenty of space to walk around and elevators are available to get to the top of the grandstand. The washroom facilities are more than adequate for the crowd on hand. Return on Investment 4 Going to an OUA football game offers great value for the sporting dollar. Tickets will run between $10 and $15, which is cheaper than some other programs. General admission tickets go for $12. Concession prices are not terrible, but parking will cost a couple of bucks. On the field, the Lancers can be an exciting experience, but can be prone to a mismatch if squaring off against the wrong opponent. However, OUA football is an excellent way to spend a sunny fall afternoon. Extras 2 An extra mark for the three Hec Crighton Award winners to have played for the Lancers. An extra mark for legendary Lancers coach Gino Fracas, who would build the program from scratch. His influence on USports football was such that the award for the top volunteer assistant coach is named after the legendary Windsor coach. Final Thoughts Catching some Windsor Lancer football at Alumni Field at University of Windsor Stadium is a great way to spend a fall afternoon. Fans have a great opportunity to pair some Windsor football with other sporting events in Windsor or Detroit to make for a fantastic doubleheader or weekend. Checking out the Lancer Life is a good idea and offers great value for the money. Follow all of Dave’s sporting adventures on Twitter @profan9 and on Instagram .

Photos by Gregory Koch, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.29 Calfee Park 700 South Washington Ave Pulaski, VA 24301 Pulaski River Turtles website Calfee Park website Year Opened: 1935 Capacity: 2,500 Along the Appalachian League Trail: Pulaski Located in Southwest Virginia, the Pulaski River Turtles are an Appalachian League baseball team that plays their home games at Calfee Park. The stadium opened in 1935 and was built by the WPA following the Great Depression. It was extensively renovated in 2015. Until 2020, the Appalachian League was an affiliated minor league at the Rookie-Advanced level, and was many players' first professional stop. The Pulaski club was affiliated with many major league teams over the years, most recently the Yankees from 2015 to 2020. After the 2020 season, Major League Baseball eliminated the Rookie Advanced level and the Appy League became a summer collegiate league for rising freshmen and sophomores affiliated with USA Baseball's Prospect Development Pipeline. Although the quality of play has gone down, the experience has stayed similar or perhaps even gotten more enjoyable as teams adopt their own identity rather than use that of the parent club they are many miles away from. Food & Beverage 4 Most of the concessions at Calfee Park are served at a food court area down the first base line by the entry gate there. At the main stand, you will find an extensive menu including chicken tenders, cheeseburgers, and a barbecue sandwich (which in these parts invariably means pork), plus hot dogs, chili dogs, and pita pizza. Healthier options include a club wrap (with ham, turkey, cheese, lettuce, tomato, mayo, and bacon) and assorted salads. Many of the meal options also come with fries or chips. Soda (Pepsi products), bottled water, Gatorade, slushies, and chocolate milk from local vendor Duchess Dairy are also available. For fans of age, "adult refreshments" (i.e. beer) can be purchased too. Other stands sell different items. One stand in the food court area sells ice cream and another sells hot candied nuts and lemonade. A stand down the third base line has cheesesteak. You will certainly not go hungry at Calfee Park as there is plenty to eat here. Atmosphere 4 Most seats at Calfee Park are chairbacks, although there are some general admission bleachers down the left field line. All seats are behind netting except part of the bleachers, although it is not intrusive. There are some club seats behind home plate which include in-seat waiter service, and reserved seats on either side, but the remainder of the seating is general admission. The lower and upper sections to the right of the club area (as you face the field) are reserved, as is the lower one to the left. Oddly enough, the lower sections down the first base line have a worse view than general admission seats, as the suites to the right of them are raised higher, inexplicably blocking the view of a significant portion of right field. Do not waste your money sitting here, although if you do, you should have no problem sitting in the general admission area instead. Many of the lower sections below the concourse are marked as reserved but no longer are. The seating down the third base line is partially covered, which is nice on a hot day, while the seating down the first base line is not. There are may on-field contests between innings, some of which involve the mascots. When not participating in contests, Slider, a river turtle, and Calf-E, a cow (named after the stadium) can be seen roving the stands and interacting with fans. They also appear in short vignettes on the videoboard. That same board, in left centerfield, shows player stats as well as the pitch speed to two decimals (which seems impossibly precise) while a smaller scoreboard in right-centerfield just shows the linescore. Neighborhood 2 Calfee Park is located in a residential area of Pulaski with several houses overlooking the field. Supposedly David Justice hit a home run to one of the houses in right field when he played minor league ball here, although this may just be a legend. In any case, there is not much to do in the immediate vicinity, so you will have to drive to the Main Street area to do anything else. Even along Main Street, there is not much going on and many local businesses have closed since the pandemic. Compadres Mexican and The Dawg House (which serves hot dogs) are some local restaurants fans might enjoy. Fans 3 The River Turtles average about 1,300 fans a game, which puts them towards the middle of the Appalachian League. The crowd is a mix of young families, longtime fans who have seen many affiliated teams come and go over the years, and everyone in between. Kids can be seen lining up along the wall by the left field bleachers or hanging out near the visitor's bullpen by the left field gate hoping to get their hands on a ball, but are generally good about not getting in the way of other fans. The crowd can get loud at times, but is generally not too involved. That is about what you'd expect for this level. The fans are just here to enjoy baseball on a warm summer's night, and there's nothing wrong with that. Access 3 Pulaski is located off I-81 in the southwest part of Virginia via exit 94. You will then drive through residential neighborhoods, up and down hills, for a few miles, and perhaps wonder if your GPS has gotten you lost. It hasn't, this is just where the stadium is. There are several lots surrounding the stadium, both behind home plate and in left field, and gates in each location. The one near home plate will put you closer to the concession stands and most of the seating area. You will have to do some walking, including stairs or ramps, to get there from the left field gate but it is nothing too difficult. Restrooms are available near both entrances and are of a sufficient size for the crowd. The concourse is pretty narrow in some places but is generally not an issue due to the crowd size. Return on Investment 5 Club seats behind home plate are $15, and as mentioned above, include in seat wait service. Availability for these seats for single game seats is very low. Reserved seats in sections 1 and 3 are $11 above the concourse or $12 below. As mentioned, some of the lower rows of Section 1 are obstructed by the club, so we don't recommend you sit here. General admission seats are $5 and will get you in anywhere except sections 1 and 3 plus club and suite areas, although some sections are still marked reserved. Seniors can buy general admission tickets for just $1, although this must be done at the box office on gameday. Concessions are affordable and parking is free Overall, a Pulaski River Turtles game is an excellent value. Extras 2 Look for the team store on the concourse selling River Turtles merchandise. A second star for all the history at Calfee Park. Baseball has been played here since 1935, and many great players have made Pulaski their first professional stop on their trip to the majors. Notably alumni include David Justice, Mike Stanton, Mark Wohlers, and most recently, Anthony Volpe, who played here in 2019 during Pulaski's final season of affiliated ball. Final Thoughts On a summer night in the Blue Ridge Mountains of Southwest Virginia, a Pulaski River Turtles game is definitely an experience worth checking out. Although the team is no longer playing affiliated ball, they have managed to form their own identity, and baseball fans in the area should definitely head down to Calfee Park for a game.

Photos by Paul Baker, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.86 Eldredge Park 78 Eldredge Park Way Orleans, MA 02653 Orleans Firebirds website Eldredge Park website Year Opened : 1913 Capacity : 4,000 Filling the Hill for Over a Century Eldredge Park, in Orleans, MA, is the oldest ballpark in the Cape Cod League, and one of the oldest continuously used ballparks in the country. Featured in pictorials in Sports Illustrated and Baseball in America, it was named the best summer collegiate ballpark in the nation by Baseball America in 2004. Eldredge Park has been described as a “Norman Rockwell painting come to life”. The land for the park was donated to the town of Orleans by baseball enthusiast Louis Winslow "Win" Eldredge, “in consideration of [his] affection for and interest in the young people of Orleans and [his] desire to provide a playground for them.” The park quickly became a popular community gathering place. Thanks to the nearby transatlantic telegraph cable station, fans at Eldredge were among the first Americans to receive the news that Charles Lindbergh had touched down safely in Paris. Constructed in 1913, Eldredge Park is a most uniquely designed ballpark. There is virtually no permanent seating anywhere at the facility. Most of the seating here is located on a large, terraced hill, known as “The Hill at Eldredge Park”, which runs the length of the first base side of the field. Fans coming to watch the Firebirds play are encouraged to bring their own blankets or lawn chairs and pick out their favorite spots from which to watch the action. For much of their existence, Orleans’ team was known as the Cardinals. In 2009, several Cape League teams decided to cease sharing names with a Major League squads, and their name was changed to Firebirds. The team has won 4 Cape League championships in the Modern Era, which began in 1963, and is the only league franchise to boast two baseball Hall of Famers (Carlton Fisk and Frank Thomas) among their alumni. In 2022 42 Firebirds alumni played in the Major Leagues. Food & Beverage 3 Nauset Food Services operates a concession stand at Eldredge Park. The "Fire Pit" is located in the parking lot atop the right field berm. The menu here covers all the basics, including burgers, hot dogs and sausage and pepper sandwiches. Veggie burgers, nachos and pizza slices are also sold here. A good variety of snacks, featuring chips, candy, peanuts, popcorn, pretzels and ice cream novelties are also available. Fans looking for something a little extra can top their hot dog or burger with cheese, peppers and onion for an extra dollar. Coca Cola products are sold at the Fire Pit. Alcoholic beverages are not sold at Eldredge Park. Atmosphere 4 The atmosphere at a Firebirds game is very similar to what you will find in other Cape Cod League venues. The bells and whistles present in so many minor league ballparks today are nowhere to be found on the Cape. PA announcements are limited to upcoming batters, lineup changes, and sponsors advertisements. Children have room to play and chase foul balls. Families and locals mix, enjoying a laid-back night at the ballpark. It’s a baseball purist’s dream. Neighborhood 4 Orleans is a small town located on the “inner elbow” of Cape Cod. It has a population of just over 6,000 year-round residents, and swells to several times that size during the summer months. Eldredge Park is located next to Nauset Regional Middle School, about a mile from downtown Orleans. Fans looking to explore what Orleans has to offer should head north on Route 28 South (you read that right, don’t try and understand, it’s a Massachusetts thing) to where routes 28, 6, and 6A come together. There you will find numerous fine seafood restaurants and tourist attractions. If you wish to avoid the large summer crowds, come to the area early in the season in June before schools let out. Everything will be open, and the crowds will not have arrived yet. The area boasts several excellent beaches and seasonal tourist attractions. Many beautiful homes dating back to colonial times are present along the waterfront. The destination town of Provincetown is located a half hour to the north through the Cape Cod National Seashore. Fans 4 Orleans consistently ranks at or near the top of the Cape League’s attendance rankings, averaging about 1,500 fans per game. They have a dedicated fan base with some interesting traditions. Since virtually all of Eldredge Park’s seating is general admission lawn seating, fans are allowed to come to the ballpark early, in some cases VERY early, to leave their blankets or chairs on the ground and reserve their spots in advance. The fans then return at game time to the spot they chose hours earlier. One complaint that is heard at times is that some fans will reserve their spot early in the day, only to not show up until the game is well underway, thus depriving other deserving fans of a prime location. During the season’s prime dates in July and August, these spots can become very valuable indeed. Seeing Eldredge Park’s terraced hills filled with locals and tourists alike enjoying a game under the stars is a fantastic sight and gives Orleans a well-deserved reputation as one of the top ballparks in the league. Access 4 Eldredge Park is very easy to get to, located about a mile off of route 6. Simply take the exit for Route 6A, follow it to Eldredge Park Way, and the ballpark will be on your left. Adjacent to the ballpark is a skate park, basketball courts, tennis courts, and a playground. There is ample parking beyond the right field fence, and plenty of room for fans to spread out their lawn chairs and blankets. As mentioned earlier, most of the seating is in the form of lawn seating. The team has placed a new set of bleachers near home plate, and another new set of bleachers beyond the right field fence. While the many children attending the game scale the terraced berm like mountain goats, fans with an unsteady gait should be careful, as there are no paved paths anywhere at Eldredge Park. The field is located very close to Route 28, necessitating large nets to be placed around the infield to protect passing cars. The screens at Eldredge Park extend from home plate 180 feet down each baseline. They are an inconvenience to fans, to be sure, but they are a necessity here. The placement of the field so close to the road also means that there isn’t a whole lot of room for fans to sit on the third base line. The great majority of fans will choose seats on the roomier first base line. Fans wishing to not look through the nets will have to sit far down the baselines. With the presence of a busy road (Route 28) so close to the field, children who are chasing foul balls must be reminded to not chase the balls into the street, which the Firebirds do throughout the game. In addition, there are several signs present reminding fans of this important safety rule. Return on Investment 5 As is the case at all Cape League games, there is no charge for admission at Eldredge Park. The team welcomes donations from fans, and in return you will receive a yearbook and roster sheet. Parking is also free, and regular attendees at Firebirds games will bring their own cooler with drinks and snacks. It is entirely possible to see a game being played by several future major leaguers without paying a cent. For those fans purchasing food at the Fire Pit, concessions are reasonably priced. Extras 3 A recent addition to Eldredge Park is “The Catch,” a statue located on the top of the hill near home plate, which depicts a young fan stretching to catch one of the numerous foul balls that land in the area. The original configuration of Eldredge Park located home plate in what is today its left-field corner. After generations of batters struggled to hit against the visual backdrop of a setting sun, the orientation was changed in the mid-1960s. The newly reconfigured park opened for the 1967 CCBL all-star game. The hill was terraced in the mid-1980s, giving the park its current look. Final Thoughts Baseball has been played at Eldredge Park since 1913. As a member of the Firebirds' staff put it, "we have three things going for us in Orleans. We have the best beaches on the Cape, we have the hill, and we have the history." While many towns on the Cape will debate the merits of their own beaches against those in Orleans, there is no disputing the unique nature of the terraced hill at Eldredge Park. Being a part of a late summer crowd in Orleans alongside virtually the entire town is indeed a special experience. In the 2022 major league season 362 Cape Cod League alumni suited up in the major leagues. That's almost one out of every six players to play in the majors. Needless to say, some of the best amateur ball being played anywhere can be found in the small parks on Cape Cod. With all ten ballparks located within an hour's drive of each other, it's a baseball fan's dream come true. Follow Paul Baker’s stadium journeys on Twitter and Instagram @PuckmanRI.

Photos by Aaron S. Terry, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.57 Wildcat Stadium 145 Main St Durham, NH 03824 New Hampshire Wildcats football website Wildcat Stadium website Year Opened: 1936 Capacity: 11,015 130+ Years in Durham The New Hampshire Wildcats have fielded a football team since 1893, and currently play at the FCS level in the Coastal Athletic Association. The Wildcats play their home football games at Wildcat Stadium, an on-campus facility which includes a running track around the field – the venue is also used by the school’s lacrosse and track and field teams. The stadium holds 11,015 fans and was opened in 1936. This is the third football venue used by the Wildcats during their history.   Food & Beverage   5 The main concession stand (603 Eatery) at Wildcat Stadium has a large selection of choices, including hot dogs, burgers, chicken sandwiches, steak and cheese subs, pulled pork, chicken tenders, pizza, mac ‘n cheese, and chili as main dishes, plus snacks such as fries, nachos, popcorn, pretzels, cookies, candy, and brownies. The prices are reasonable, as the most expensive main dish item is only around $9, which is pretty good nowadays as sports stadium prices go. Drinks include soda, PowerAde, bottled water, coffee, tea, hot cocoa, and seven choices of beer and hard seltzer ($7 and up) – on the home side, alcohol is only sold at separate “quick stands”, which also sell popcorn, hot dogs, and pretzels, so if you are looking for a little shorter line for food, you can grab something to eat at one of those quick stands instead of at the main stand.   Atmosphere   4 Wildcat Stadium is a great venue, especially for the FCS level – what you may notice as you first walk in is all the different sections of seating. The home side has a subtle press box, faced with brick and bracketed by peaked roofs on each end, so it blends into the stands. The student section is below the press box, on the left side if you are facing it, easily visible due to the UNH banners being waved by the students in the front row. There are also field-level suites behind one end zone (white tents), as well as the Bud Light Beer Deck next to the visiting stands – the beer deck has white Christmas strung over blue tailgating tents, so would be a great place to visit (standing room only) if you need to get out of the sun. You can also watch from the small hill in front of the videoboard. The field itself is surrounded by a dark blue and grey track, and the medium-blue UNH end zones really pop against the green of the field and the surrounding trees.  There is a large videoboard behind one end zone (the ticket booth/will call is underneath it) – a single videoboard works fine here, as there isn’t any real seating behind that end zone (although a few people do watch from the grassy area on that end). The Wildcats have a great mascot, and of course cheerleaders, both of whom mostly hang out in front of the student section. But what really sets Wildcat Stadium apart is the pre-game festivities – the cheerleaders lead the team onto the field, which is pretty typical, but the honor guard sports a 13-star flag representing New Hampshire’s status as one of the 13 original colonies. The band also spells out “USA” as the National Anthem is played, and “UNH” prior to that, which is always fun to snap a photo of. The aforementioned honor guard also fires off a vintage cannon every time the Wildcats score.   Neighborhood   3 Wildcat Stadium is surrounded by several of the school’s other athletic facilities, but there are a bunch of restaurants starting about a mile away along Main Street toward the east-southeast, including Hop + Grind for burgers or The Spot for health food, plus a couple of pizza places.  There are several hotels in that area as well. In terms of attractions, there are a lot of parks and other nature areas for those who want to take a hike or otherwise enjoy the local scenery – New Hampshire has a lot of natural beauty and a lot of greenery for visitors to enjoy. There is also a children’s museum and the Woodman Museum about six miles away, the latter being a collection of four historic houses showcasing local history. And if you want to visit the coast, the beaches of New Hampshire and Maine are less than half an hour away.   Fans   3 Wildcat Stadium has a pretty loud student section, and the stands are pretty full on the home side – certain games can easily sell out. The visiting side may appear mostly empty during some games, depending on the opponent, although you will see plenty of fans in the aforementioned Bud Light Beer Deck, some of whom likely walked over from the home side, as you are allowed to walk all the way around the field at Wildcat Stadium. There is also a pretty solid tailgating scene before the game, mostly in the large parking lot behind the videoboard, but also some tailgating in the lots behind the visitor stands.   Access   3 There is a lot of traffic around the stadium even if you arrive several hours before the game, and there doesn’t appear to be any cash parking nearby – all the lots I saw were reserved and/or had to be pre-purchased. I did see some fans walking from further away, so there is parking around, but just not close. Once you get into the stadium, however, moving around is pretty easy – there are bathrooms and concessions on the home side, although no bathrooms I saw on the visiting side. There is of course the aforementioned beer deck on the visiting side, and you are welcome to walk around the stadium as you please during the game.   Return on Investment   4 Tickets to UNH football games at Wildcat Stadium start at $31 using the UNH athletics website – this a is reasonable price for FCS football, and lets you attend a game here for between $50 and $60, per person, including parking and typical food and drinks. I consider this a good return on investment for the modern stadium, as well as the amenities and festivities you will see here.   Extras   3 The Bud Light Beer Deck is a nice feature, and is something you may not often see at a college football game. The multiple different seating options are also a plus, in case you want to watch the game from a few different vantage points – even though there is a track around the field itself, it stills feels like you can get really close to the action at Wildcat Stadium.   Final Thoughts There aren’t many great football experiences in this particular part of the country, unless you want to drive down to Massachusetts and see Boston College or the New England Patriots . But if you are looking for a pleasant day or evening in a scenic country setting, you can’t do worse than taking in a Wildcats football game in Durham, NH. The stadium is great, and you will have a wonderful time. Go C-A-T-S!

Photos by Jared Goodman, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.57 Knoxville Civic Auditorium and Coliseum 500 Howard Baker Jr. Ave. Knoxville, TN 37915 Knoxville Ice Bears website Knoxville Civic Auditorium and Coliseum website Year Opened: 1961 Capacity: 6,500 Good ‘Ole Hockey Top When one mentions Knoxville, Tennessee, the first thing that comes to their mind probably isn’t hockey. Football, the Volunteer brand more likely than not, is what’s usually at the front of everyone’s brains. But hockey has a decent following in the region nonetheless, perhaps fueled by the success of the nearby Nashville Predators of the NHL. Two hours east of Music City, fans are coming out in droves to see the independent Knoxville Ice Bears tear through their league each night at the Civic Coliseum. The Ice Bears were founded in 2002 as one of the charter members of the Atlantic Coast Hockey League. They spent just one season before moving to the South East Hockey League for the 2003-04 campaign. After another single-season stint in the SEHL, the Ice Bears finally joined their present circuit, the Southern Professional Hockey League, in 2004. During their tenure in the SPHL, Knoxville has become the league’s winningest team, securing four President’s Cups and an equal number of regular-season titles. For the entirety of their existence throughout three leagues, the Ice Bears have called the Knoxville Civic Coliseum their home, ripping through opponents here on a nightly basis. The multi-purpose arena was built in 1961 and has a capacity of 6,500. The building has hosted hockey since its opening from the Knoxville Knights (1961-1968), and Knoxville Cherokees (1988-1997), and since 1992 has been the partial home to the Tennessee Vols hockey club. Before the 2019-2020 season, the coliseum went through $11 million in renovations that included the replacement of the original ice floor, the installation of a center-hung scoreboard, remodeled restrooms, the LED sports lighting has been updated to reduce glare and shadows on the rink. Food & Beverage 5 There’s an unprecedented amount of variety present among the concessions at the Civic Coliseum, so you don’t ever have to worry about going hungry during Ice Bears games. Some of the main dishes available include cheesesteaks, ultimate nachos, chicken or beef tacos, barbecue sandwiches, Polish sausages, pizzas, and hot dogs, which no venue is considered well-rounded without. There are still other items from flatbread pizzas, smoked sausages, taco salads, grille chicken salads, taco salads in a tortilla bowl, and chicken tender baskets with fries. Snacks are also served at most of the counters, from peanuts and popcorn to pretzels and potato chips. Dippin’ Dots has a cart in the arena too, as does a local coffee shop called Pedal Java. The Hockey Top Sundae is a brownie topped with ice cream, whipped cream, chocolate syrup, and peanuts. Alcohol is also prevalent throughout the building and includes beers, cocktails, and bottled beers from brands like Yuengling, Budweiser, Michelob, Miller Lite, Shock Top and Blue Moon are on tap for anywhere from $5-$15. Pepsi-branded sodas are $4.50 and bottled water is $4. Atmosphere 5 The Knoxville Civic Coliseum, while itself a dated venue, is a genuine old-timey barn that’s fantastic for hockey. Built-in 1961, the Coliseum had seen three franchises take the ice before the arrival of the Ice Bears in 2002. In general, the venue was already accustomed to the sport when the team made its debut. Entering the arena, you’ll be funneled into what’s called “Exhibition Hall.” This part of the building is non-ticketed, so you’ll need to get your hand stamped if you enter the seating bowl and wish to get back to the main lobby. There are a few concession options in Exhibition Hall, but there are also plenty of options in the two concourses located behind the sidelines. The Coliseum’s seating bowl consists of folding wooden seats, with enough space to hold 6,500 spectators. However, an entire end zone (sections FF through KK) has a partially obstructed view of the ice. Any fans sitting in these areas are unable to see part of the surface behind the goal line. Also, underneath this end zone is where you’ll find the venue’s restrooms. Wooden Seats at Civic Coliseum, Photo by Jared Goodman, Stadium Journey Whatever the Civic Coliseum lacks in flair, the Ice Bears have made up for in the area of the fan experience. The team has nailed their game day presentation, from the pre-game festivities to the in-game effects. One of the coolest bits comes during the ceremonial puck drop when orange lights flood the ice and Rocky Top is blasted over the sound system. This hit is instantly recognized by Tennessee Volunteers fans, as it’s popularly played at all Vols sporting events. It’s pretty great that the Ice Bears have adopted this tradition as well. During the game itself, the PA announcer and the sound effects work in tandem to create an amusing and fun atmosphere for everyone. One example where this is executed perfectly is when a fight breaks out on the ice: the PA guy declares the scuffle a “minor disturbance,” and the Beastie Boys’ Fight for Your Right to Party starts playing immediately. Neighborhood 4 The Civic Auditorium and Coliseum are located just east of downtown Knoxville off of the James White Parkway, a stone’s throw from Volunteer Landing on the Tennessee River. It’s a quick 3 or 4-block walk to Gay Street, the site of most of Knoxville’s happenings. Here, you’ll find the famous Tennessee Theatre, the popular shopping and dining spots of Market Square, and the retro excitement of the Sunsphere. A remnant leftover from the 1982 World’s Fair when it was held in the region, the Sunsphere is today the most recognizable structure on the Knoxville skyline. It’s worth the short elevator ride to the top to take in the commanding views of the downtown area. Additionally, sports fans must take the opportunity to visit the Women’s Basketball Hall of Fame when in Knoxville. The Hall of Fame is the only facility of its kind dedicated solely to women’s basketball, and that’s thanks in part to legendary Lady Vols’ coach Pat Summit. This informative museum is also home to the world’s largest basketball, a fiberglass monstrosity that weighs approximately 10 tons. Fans 3 Although the crowd, in general, is pretty mellow, there are a few groups of fans that are die-hard Ice Bears fans. One particularly loud devotee chants “ICE. BEARS.” when the pre-game skate begins. The PA announcer, seemingly aware of his presence, gives pause to let the guy do his thing. A small group, cleverly named “Knocksville", is also parked behind the away team’s bench. During the game, they yell in chorus about how much the visiting team “sucks.” One fan even occasionally bangs on a drum to get the team, and the crowd, involved in the action. There’s never a dull moment during Ice Bears games, thanks to these supporters who never say die. Access 4 Knoxville is the heart of eastern Tennessee and is situated at the intersection of three major interstates. I-40, which runs west-east, provides access to Nashville and Asheville. I-75 goes to Kentucky in the north and Chattanooga in the south, while I-81 terminates just east of the city and winds in a northeasterly direction toward Virginia. The James White Parkway provides direct access to the Civic Coliseum from I-40, so the quick flow of traffic means getting to the game couldn’t be easier. Once you’re within spitting distance, you’ll find ample parking available at the venue’s lots and garages. The cost is $5, and only cash is accepted. Return on Investment 2 Ticket pricing is broken into four tiers: Silver, Gold, VIP, and Box for adults, seniors, and youths. Adult tickets range from $18-$36, seniors are $16-$36, and youth prices are $10-$36. Depending on your price points the choice is yours as to how much you want to pay for a ticket but with your prices as low as $10, it makes for an inexpensive night for a family of four. Parking is $5. Once at the game, you’ll find the food options to be fairly priced as far as sports venues go. Extras 2 The Knoxville Civic Coliseum earns a point for being able to maintain an old-timey feel while still offering modern amenities. The coliseum earns points for having just created a new mobile app, showing that the Ice Bears are committed to staying current and retaining relevance with their fan base. Final Thoughts Whatever the Civic Coliseum lacks in flair, the Ice Bears have made up for in the area of the fan experience. The team has nailed their game day presentation, from the pre-game festivities to the in-game effects. While it’s not the most glamorous hockey barn out there the Bears still offer a rewarding game day experience for fans of all ages. Anyone who enjoys the sport should find a way to get to a game on “good ‘ole Hockey Top.”

Photos by Paul Baker, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.57 Byrne Field at Maxfield Sports Complex 120 Lesle Dr White River Junction, VT 05001 Upper Valley Nighthawks website Maxfield Sports Complex website Year Opened: 2016 Capacity: 1,500 Nighthawks of the Upper Valley The Upper Valley Nighthawks are the newest team in the New England Collegiate Baseball League, one of the premier summer leagues in the country. Run by former Laconia Muskrats General Manager Noah Crane, the team plays their games at Byrne Field at the Maxfield Sports Complex in Hartford, Vermont. The Maxfield Sports Complex is a community recreation center containing regulation baseball and softball fields, four little league fields, a multi-purpose baseball/softball field, tennis courts, basketball courts, a walking/jogging trail and several multi-purpose fields. The baseball field at Maxfield Sports Complex is named for Jack and Dorothy Byrne, local residents and philanthropists who have donated millions of dollars to agencies throughout the Upper Valley of New Hampshire and Vermont. Food and Beverage 2 There is no permanent concession stand at Maxfield Sports Complex. For Nighthawk games, some local food trucks are brought in to feed hungry baseball fans. Local favorite Wicked Awesome BBQ is the centerpiece here, offering pulled chicken and pork sandwiches along with sausage and pepper sandwiches. The sandwiches are very popular, selling out on the night this writer visited. If BBQ doesn’t do it for you, there is a hot dog cart here selling Kayam franks, and a snack cart selling cotton candy and kettle corn flavored with local maple syrup. Cans of Coca-Cola products along with bottled water and Gatorade are sold here. A popular item with the younger fans was the chocolate milk sold at the popcorn stand. There are no alcoholic beverages sold at Maxfield Sports Complex. Atmosphere 3 Veteran fans of the NECBL will find the game night atmosphere in the Upper Valley very familiar. It’s a low-key, laid-back atmosphere, with the game serving as the center of all attention. Much of the extraneous noise found at minor league ballparks is missing here. For the Nighthawks’ arrival in 2016, many improvements were made to the facility, including lights, bleacher seating and a pressbox. Most fans will seek out the bleachers behind home plate, with many fans choosing the unobstructed views further down the right field line. The team does hold some between innings contests for the younger fans, including the very popular race against the mascot. The team also holds a nightly 50/50 raffle, proceeds from which go towards the operation of the team. Neighborhood 2 Maxfield Sports Complex is located on Route 5, just two miles from the intersection of Interstates 89 and 91 and downtown White River Junction. As you might expect at the junction of two interstates, there are several hotels in this area. There are several places to eat in the area, both in White River Junction and across the Connecticut River in Hanover, New Hampshire. Many visitors to the area choose to head a little further north to Dartmouth College, where the downtown area of Hanover has numerous fine dining options. Fans 3 The Nighthawks are averaging just under 400 fans per game in their inaugural season in the Upper Valley, good for the middle of the pack in the New England Collegiate Baseball League. As is the case in most summer leagues, the crowd at a Nighthawks game is mostly made up of locals, many of whom have a strong rooting interest due to their connection with the team. It’s not unusual to find yourself sitting next to a house parent or team sponsor. Access 3 Maxfield Sports Complex is located in the small town of Hartford, Vermont. Hartford is located in the Upper Valley region of New England, at the junction of the White and Connecticut Rivers. Interstates 89 and 91 meet here, and the sports complex is just a couple of miles from I-91. There is parking at the complex for 215 cars in either of two lots. One lot is located near the entrance, with the larger lot located a short walk from Byrne Field. Beware the spots right near the field, as they are prime foul ball (and smashed windshield) territory. The grounds are nicely manicured, with paved sidewalks accessing the areas between the various fields. Seating at Byrne Field is in the form of several differently shaped metal bleachers scattered around the ball field. There is room for fans to bring their own chairs to set up and watch the action, and fans can circle the entire field if they desire. There is plenty of room for children to roam and chase foul balls. With another field located adjacent to Byrne Field, many children choose to organize their own game here rather than watch the big boys play. There is a small building next to the field containing a pair of new, clean restrooms. Return on Investment 3 Admission to a Nighthawks game costs five dollars, with free parking in either of the two lots near the field. With reasonable food prices, a night at Maxfield Sports Complex will definitely not break the bank. Extras 2 On the night this writer visited White River Junction, there was a live band set up next to the field that played in between some innings. I am not sure if this is a common occurrence at Nighthawks games, but it’s definitely worth an extra point. It’s something a lot of teams should consider doing rather than the same old piped-in music. An extra point for the lovely Green Mountain backdrop to the ballpark. Final Thoughts Veteran fans of the NECBL will find Maxfield Sports Complex a very comfortable, familiar place to watch some quality baseball. With the Green Mountains providing a picturesque backdrop, it’s a great place to spend a summer evening. Just hope that the wind is not blowing in from the sheep farm next door… Follow Paul Baker’s stadium journeys on Twitter and Instagram @PuckmanRI.

Photos by David Hegler, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.71 Kaiser Permanente Arena 140 Front St Santa Cruz, CA 95060 Map It Santa Crus Warriors website Kaiser Permanente Arena website Year Opened: 2012 Capacity: 2,505 Sea Dubs Right down Highway 17 and near the Pacific Ocean in Santa Cruz, California resides an unassuming-looking metal barn. But don’t judge something by its outward appearance. Once you step inside, KP Arena (Kaiser Permanente Arena) is anything but unassuming.  Amazingly, it was built in just 78 days between September and December of 2012 for just $3.5 million, opening just two days before Christmas 2012 with a Santa Cruz Warriors win over the Bakersfield Jam. The arena proved to be an instant draw, cashing in on 39 sellouts in its first 53 games. The arena is used for much more than the Santa Cruz Warriors (who are locally known as the “Sea Dubs”). It also serves as the home arena for the UC Santa Cruz men’s and women’s basketball, has hosted team USA’s FIBA World Cup games and, due to the coronavirus causing wide ranging restrictions in Santa Clara County, was home to Stanford University’s men’s and women’s basketball teams for several games during the 2020-2021 season. Speaking of COVID-19, it even served as a vaccination hub in early 2021.  Still, what most endears fans to this simple arena is the Sea Dubs. To date, the Golden State Warriors G-League affiliate has just one championship under its belt, in 2015, but what it lacks in championships it makes up for in heart and community. Night after night, throngs of supporters pack KP Arena to capacity and applaud as their beloved Sea Dubs battle for supremacy while trying to prove themselves to the rest of the NBA. After all, every game is an audition for bigger and better things for each of these young men.  Food & Beverage 3 The arena serves all of the usuals as well as locally brewed craft beer. They ingeniously neglect to label the prices for the food mart, rightfully thinking that once a customer seizes the item and brings it to the cashier that their minds will have already been made up (or maybe that’s just the case for this particular writer!).  The food is pretty standard arena fare with warm pretzels and nachos. Interestingly, despite it being so close to the Pacific Ocean, none of their food is inspired by the sea. Atmosphere 3 From the outside, KP Arena looks like a metal barn. Inside is a different story as it’s filled with activity and vibrancy. Hired rooters romp, stomp and cajole the crowd to cheer louder and louder. It’s a special feeling knowing that you contributed to the outcome of a game just by stomping your feet on the bleachers. Three of the four sections that surround the court are plastic-covered bleachers (which is much better than unforgiving metal) with a smattering of fold-down seats in front. There is a good-sized video board that features each squad’s starting lineup. Interestingly, there are two disco balls that hang on either end of the court. Perhaps the operators of the facility want to be prepared for any schools that want to hold dances there? Neighborhood 3 While it can get crowded, this part of Santa Cruz is safe, friendly and scrumptious, with several well-regarded restaurants scattered throughout town. Just a little over a mile north of KP Arena and across the San Lorenzo River on 1020 Ocean Street is Marianne’s Ice Cream , long regarded as one of the best ice cream shops in Santa Cruz County and quite possibly all of Silicon Valley.   Marianne's Ice Cream, Photo by David Hegler, Stadium Journey Marianne’s is far from the only well-regarded restaurant in town. Just down Front Street from the arena is Pizza My Heart and Oswald Restaurant. If you’re in the mood for a quick tour of a museum, then the Santa Cruz Museum of Art & History (also on Front Street, just past Oswald Restaurant) just might be for you.  There are numerous hotels throughout the city, including two right on nearby Cowell Beach, the Sea & Sand Inn and the Dream Inn, each boasting a three-star rating. They are both within walking distance of the famed Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk . Fans 3 The arena is about 90% capacity on most nights, with the majority of fans sitting in their seats the whole game. All through the contest, hired rooters liven up the crowd, implying the fans to cheer louder and louder. It truly gives the arena an electricity that all teams hope for. Access 3 At $2 an hour, parking is very cheap near KP Arena. Most of the parking garages and parking lots roll with that price and are within half a mile from the arena. There are bus stops all along Front Street, including one right in front of the arena. There is a bag check and metal detector at the entrance. The concourse can get pretty crowded at halftime as the food is good enough to draw quite a crowd. There are handrails at the ready for those that need assistance getting to the top of their section. While the bathrooms are small, they are well lit, clean and all essentials are in good shape. Return on Investment 3 The bleachers behind the basket are just $35 and while they are not padded, the plastic covering is certainly better than the unforgiving metal that often greets guests at other venues. The most expensive seats in the arena come with armrests and they usually go for around $60. As they say, you get what you pay for and whether it’s $35 or $60, the overall experience pays for itself. With the Sea Dubs’ mascot, a giant turtle named Mav’Rik, roaming around the arena taking selfies with fans and riling up the crowd along with the hired rooters, it certainly feels like a family-friendly atmosphere. Extras 1 At the game of this review, there were not a lot of extras, but after the game, the organization allowed fans to stick around and attempt free throws. I’m not sure if this is a regular occurrence, but the lines were quite long, so obviously this was a popular extra. Final Thoughts All in all, this is a very good environment to watch a basketball game. With NBA tickets being so very expensive these days, the G-League offers an excellent source of excitement in the sport as each player on both squads gives their all to reach the bigger league.

Photos by Sean MacDonald, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.00 Mazda Zoom Zoom Stadium 2-3-1 Minami Kaniya Minami-ku, Hiroshima, Japan Hiroshima Toyo Carp website Mazda Zoom Zoom Stadium website Year Opened: 1962 Capacity: 56,000 Zoom Zoom Over to Mazda Stadium The Hiroshima Carp are the first team in my time in Japan to build an entirely new stadium to replace an existing one. The previous incarnation was an old-style ballpark right across the street from the Atomic Bomb Dome, and many locals were outraged that it would be replaced. But the new ballpark should silence all but the most strident objectors, as Mazda Stadium is the best baseball stadium in the country, a fitting result as Hiroshima is one of Japan’s best cities too. The official name is Mazda Zoom Zoom Stadium Hiroshima but this is usually abbreviated to just Mazda Stadium, thankfully. It was opened in 2009 to rave reviews and has been called an “American-style” ballpark. This is true to a point, at least as much as possible in rigid Japan. Food & Beverage 5 The food options here are exceptionally varied and it is worth trying as many as possible. I considered the Philly Cheese Steak until I saw the cheese they were using, which was of the melted processed variety and consequently not that appealing. I sampled a number of light options over the three days I spent here and particularly enjoyed the Carp Udon (noodles) for 500 yen. There are tables nearby the concession stand as it is difficult to eat noodles while holding the bowl; one poor lady dropped hers all over the floor and to add insult to injury, her cell phone fell into the pile of noodles as she bent down to clean up the mess. The concourse is rife with different concession stands, each one offering something unique. Definitely take the time to look around beforehand before choosing as you will be surprised at the variety. If you want to bring food in, there are small street vendors selling food items right next to the stadium, including draft beer that you can take inside. It’s half the price you’ll pay once you’ve entered, so well worth it if you plan to imbibe. Atmosphere 3 The cheering sections are separated from the rest of the seating bowl which is a unique layout in Japan and one that I personally prefer, but it might hurt the overall atmosphere for a first-time visitor. I also found the stadium to be extremely hot during day games with little opportunity to cool off. A minor quibble as Hiroshima is a very hot place at the end of August, but I found it tiring. Still, it was packed with great fans for all three games and there is a good local flavor here that is difficult to find in any of the larger cities ballparks. Wear red if you want to fit in. Neighborhood 4 There is little in the immediate vicinity of Mazda Stadium, but within a few minutes’ walk are a number of small eateries that might make for good post-game choices, if you can get a seat. Hiroshima Station is not that far away, but even then, it is not the typical downtown that you see elsewhere in Japan. There’s little nightlife around the station and not much worth seeing. Still, most of Hiroshima’s interesting points are not that far from the ballpark when taking the tram. Do take the time to view the underground shopping area right next to the station though, as there are many Carp-related posters, including some on the poles which shows how crazy this town is about their team. Fans 5 Carp fans are my favorite. They have the most energetic cheer, which involves their fans alternating standing up and sitting down while chanting. Keep in mind that about half stand while the other half sit, then they quickly reverse roles. It is quite an eye-catching act and given that the Carp haven’t made the playoffs in nearly 20 years, they get full points for maintaining good spirits in the face of adversity. Access 3 Mazda Stadium is a 10-minute walk from Hiroshima Station and well-signed in English. Or you can just follow everybody else; there are plenty of red-clad fans making the trek even two hours before game time. As you draw near, you’ll walk up a bridge that leads to the main entrance. However, you’ll need a ticket if you choose this approach as there is no box office here. If you need to buy a ticket, stay to the right of the bridge and walk over to the ticket window, which is not immediately obvious and requires you to cross a couple of streets. Although the gates open 4 hours before game time on the weekend, the reserved seating areas down below are closed off until 2 hours before, which is rather silly. That is a long time to spend walking around, so most fans sit in the shade and wait patiently for the aisles to be opened. When they do, it creates a funny scene as hundreds of fans make their way down the aisles at the same time. The infield concourse is not that wide, particularly when the crowds are meandering before the game. There are other minor annoyances as well. To get to your seat, you have to enter the exact aisle that is printed on your ticket. But they don’t have ticket checkers at every aisle, so they’ve added some fencing and created one entrance for every 3 aisles. This pushes the standing areas back quite a bit and reduces the amount of available space for standing as the pillars now block the view in many spots. As well, once you are in the main bowl, you can’t move from section to section as there is no walkway. So taking pictures in a variety of areas can be difficult once fans are in their seats. Oh, and don’t bother trying to get into a section for which you have no ticket, even well before the game. This is Japan and rules are rules. Restrooms are plentiful and there were no waits at any time, despite a nearly full house. Return on Investment 4 As I was walking back to my hotel before the Friday night game, I chanced upon a kinken shop. These are stores that offer a variety of tickets that involve discounts on items such as shinkansen trips, movies, or drinks. They also have sports tickets on occasion so I decided to see if anything was available. Surprisingly, they had one seat in a section called the Royal Box for 5,000 yen. These tickets are usually not available to the general public, so I was intrigued, but the saleslady wouldn’t show me the ticket itself, which I found peculiar. She pointed out the approximate location on a stadium map, and it seemed to be behind home plate in the first few rows, so I chanced it and forked over the money. Turned out to be a fortunate decision as the seat was three rows behind the plate. The only problem is that the first two rows are those that are shown on TV, so most of the evening I was surrounded by idiots who would come down, get on their cell phone, and then wave as the pitch was tossed. Then, having been spotted by their friend on the other end of the call, they’d leave satisfied with their fleeting fame. Morons. But still a great price for a great seat. Of course, there are plenty of other seating options, 17 in all, which I won’t list here. Some of them are very interesting though; the Coca-Cola Terrace seats are sold in sets of 5 for 20,000 yen and allow you a table to enjoy your food while the Nesoberia Seats are large cushions in the outfield that are sold in pairs only for 7,000 yen. The Carp are a big draw here and most sections are sold out on game day, so if you want to sit in a certain section, make sure to buy tickets well in advance. Otherwise the best bet is the infield unreserved seats at 1,600 yen. These are in the second deck but if you get there early you can pick your spot and sit in the shade for the whole game, and it’s not that far from the field. The cheering groups each have their own special section called Carp Performance and Visitor Performance, which sit as entirely separate areas from the other sections. Brilliant idea that opens the outfield seats to fans that prefer to sit there without the music blaring and also allows for a wider variety of seating options in general. This gets them a bonus point in this section. The unreserved seats in the second deck are open at the same time as the gates since fans want to get there early to save their favorite spot. At this time, you must have a ticket to go upstairs but once the rest of the seating area is open, you can go up to take pictures. There is no upper concourse in the second deck, there’s just a small walkway for getting between the sections. Again you need to know which aisle to use as you can’t walk between sections. Since these are unreserved seats, make a note of your seat number and aisle and leave something on top of it should you wish to go touring. You get a nice view of the surrounding hills and can see the trains going by beyond the left field fence, and it is a bit cooler here too. Extras 4 One of the features I like here is that the scoreboard highlights the baserunners in green so you know who is on what base. Just a little thing but something I’ve not seen elsewhere. In the outfield concourse there are a couple of statues of Soichiro Amaya making great catches, complete with a fake fence. These aren’t related to the two incredible plays that happened during the 2010 season, but just an interesting coincidence. They’ve set it up so that you can pose on this side of the fence and act surprised. There’s even a popcorn tub spilling its load or a soda pop with the contents in the air to complete the illusion. Very cool. After the 5th inning, fans sing a song while doing a silly dance, led by their mascot Slyly. What I found interesting is that all the beer vendors have to do the dance too. Each one goes to the bottom of the aisle, removes his keg, and then dances and sings. We all know that selling beer is the noblest profession and these fine individuals shouldn’t be forced to perform such humiliating antics. One point penalty for that. Final Thoughts Overall, this is a great place to watch a game. A beautiful setting, close to transit, excellent sightlines that aren’t ruined by protective netting, plenty of good eats, and a wide variety of seating options. Yeah, it’d be better if you had more freedom to explore before the game, but what can you do. Mazda Stadium definitely makes Hiroshima a key sports destination in Japan; let’s hope that it begins a trend towards fan-friendly facilities around the country.

Photos by Paul Swaney, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.57 Munn Ice Arena 509 Birch Rd. East Lansing, MI 48824 Michigan State Spartans men’s hockey website Munn Ice Arena website Year Opened: 1974 Capacity: 6,470 The Funn of Munn Munn Ice Arena, opened in 1974, provides the perfect home for Michigan State Spartans hockey. The exterior of the building is rather nondescript and would be easy to miss if it’s your first time in East Lansing. The arena is named after former football coach and athletic director, Clarence “Biggie” Munn. It is great for MSU to have a facility dedicated only to ice hockey, but it was built in a way that many remarks that it resembles a bomb shelter. Even with the unremarkable exterior, however, the modest capacity of 6,470, combined with outstanding sightlines and a festive atmosphere inside make a trip to Munn Ice Arena a must for fans of college hockey. Food & Beverage 3 There are four large concession areas located in each corner of the concourse above the seating area. It's a rather uninspired menu, with just the standard arena basics available. The quality is probably a little better than expected with Kowalski hot dogs being a good bet. Fans will also find Johnsonville brats, slices of pizza, soft pretzels, and standard nachos Drink choices include Pepsi products. Combo meals are available and will save you $1 compared to items purchased individually. For example, the hot dog combo includes a hot dog, 32-ounce pop, and a box of popcorn. Atmosphere 4 The bottom line is that Munn Ice Arena is a fantastic place to watch a hockey game. Fans enter at the concourse level and all of the seats (except the suites above) are below you. Ten sections of green plastic seats line each straightaway. The majority of these seats were installed in the summer of 2015, providing much better comfort for fans, Legroom here is about average, and unfortunately, there are no cupholders with the seats. The seating areas at the ends of Munn Ice Arena consist of five rows of the same plastic seats, and then 13 rows of metal bleachers. There is a bit more legroom here and a fantastic pitch between the rows. However, with no backs to the bleachers, they can get a bit uncomfortable as the game progresses. If this is an issue for you, consider purchasing a seat in Row 18 (the back row) so you can have a little support. The sightlines are terrific, so this should be your target if you end up in the bleachers. A new video board was installed over center ice in December 2014. The video screens are mainly used to show live-action, replays, hype videos, and advertisements. Standard game stats are shown on digital scoreboards in each corner. More advanced stats are included in the ribbon boards along the fascia of the luxury suites and press box. Neighborhood 4 Munn Ice Arena is nestled within the heart of the sports complexes at Michigan State. Nearby you will find Spartan Stadium , McLane Baseball Stadium, DeMartin Soccer Stadium, and the Breslin Center, among other athletic facilities. Your go-to spot when in East Lansing is the Harrison Roadhouse, located just a little over a ½ mile from Munn Ice Arena. They have wonderful burgers and a good beer selection, along with TVs to keep up with the games. It's an easy walk if the weather isn't too bad, but this is Michigan, and it can be frigid on the right day. The main drag in East Lansing is along East Grand River Avenue, where you can find several familiar restaurants and bars. Try Dublin Square, which is just off Grand River on Abbot. They are a fairly typical Irish-style pub, as the name suggests, and offer really good sandwiches, and a decent selection of local and Irish beers. Fans 3 The Michigan State Spartan hockey program has struggled somewhat under the tenure of coach Tom Anastos, with their last appearance in the NCAA tournament coming in 2012. However, the fans continue to fill the majority of seats in the arena and cheer on their team. This includes a solid student section and the always entertaining Michigan State pep band. However, attendance has been dropping, and there is a little less buzz inside Munn Ice Arena than there was when Michigan State was competing for conference championships and NCAA tournament bids. Access 4 It is easy to get to Munn Ice Arena, as it is just northeast of I-495, and just south of Michigan Avenue. Being so close to the football stadium offers ample parking available for game time. Parking is $5 at Spartan Stadium. Inside the arena, moving around is no problem at all, and the washroom facilities are just fine. Return on Investment 4 The green plastic seats found along the sides of the area, as well as the first five rows of the corners, cost $22. If you sit in the corners on the metal bleachers, then the cost is just $20. Sections P, O, and N are the "family" section, with seats going for just $10. The Spartans shoot just once on this end, but otherwise, the seats are just as good in terms of the view of the game. Keep in mind entrances to the arena are behind each end section, so if you sit in the back rows, you'll likely want to have your jacket on for the whole contest as cold winter air blows into the seating section. Combined with $5 parking and typically-priced arena concessions, everything comes out to be just about the right price for the entertainment value as compared to other similar Division I hockey experiences. Extras 3 An extra mark for the Spartan band adds a richness to the game that makes it different from your average hockey game. A good pep band helps to make college hockey special. An extra mark for the vast history on display at Munn. There are large murals commemorating Spartans who have played in the Olympics and National Championship winning goals, and National Champion team pictures. The two Hobey Baker Awards awarded to Ryan Miller and Kip Miller are on display. There is a huge collage of pictures of MSU championship teams and a collage of Spartans in the NHL. There are also two memorial displays for former athletic director "Biggie" Munn, and former hockey coach, and the winningest coach in the NCAA, Ron Mason. The Spartans have won three National Championships in hockey (1966, 1986, and 2007), which adds some mystique to the building and game day experience. Final Thoughts Munn Ice Arena is a great place to see a college hockey game. The sight lines are fantastic, the pep band is energetic, and the program has a great deal of history on display. If the Spartans can get back to their winning ways, Munn Ice Arena will once again be rocking.

Photo Courtesy of Katie Gimore Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.57 Bill Snyder Family Stadium 1800 College Ave Manhattan, KS 66502 Kansas State Wildcats website Bill Snyder Family Stadium website Year Opened: 1968 Capacity: 52,200 Putting the Wild in Wildcats Bill Snyder Family Stadium, home to the Kansas State Wildcats opened in 1968 and has become one of the loudest football places on the plains. The seating capacity here is 50,000, and most of that noise stays inside the stadium making it a big home-field advantage for the Wildcats. Over the past 25 years, the Wildcats have enjoyed a near .800 winning percentage at home. The facility has had many upgrades over the years since being constructed for a mere $1.6 million. These upgrades include a new press box, a playing surface, and upgraded seating areas. The major renovations before the 2013 season are just the second in a five-phase master plan that is expected to be completed in 2025. The Wildcats have not sat idly while the rest of the college football teams race to build the most significant and fanciest facilities. Future phases of their plan could include a new strength gym, retail and condo space, seating additions, sound and video upgrades, a recruiting lounge; everything but a literal football factory that spits out more gritty underdog players to continue the Snyder legacy of teams that surprise the nation’s collective football conscience. Food & Beverage 4 There are many options inside the stadium to have a nice meal while enjoying a Wildcats football game. Standard stadium fare such as hot dogs, burgers, nachos, and pizza is sold throughout the stadium. Prices are on par with most other big-time college football venues. The south end of the stadium offers a wider variety of items such as BBQ, ice cream, kettle corn, turkey legs, and vegetarian options. The BBQ sandwich here is quite tasty, and for $8, you get your choice of three styles of meats with the option of fixings. Pepsi products are sold here for the typical stadium prices. A souvenir cup is worthwhile so you can wet your whistle while cheering loudly with the K-State faithful. Concession stands are abundant throughout the facility and wait times are minimal, even at peak times. Atmosphere 5 The atmosphere here at Bill Snyder Family Stadium is something to be seen live rather than on television. Nicknamed the “Little Apple,” the entire town of Manhattan is decked out in grey and purple on game days. The population of Manhattan, Kansas, is around 56,000, but that doubles on game days. Traffic is heavy going in with fans arriving super early to tailgate. Outside the stadium on all sides, tailgating can be seen as far as the eye can see. The smells and sights are as good as you will see in the Big 12. Inside the stadium, heavy metal music plays over the loudspeaker at key times to get the fans cheering loudly. A song, such as “Crazy Train” before a kickoff is enough to pump any football fan up. On this day, a hundred or so motorcycles rode around the perimeter of the football field before the game for the once-a-year Harley Day at the stadium. Willie the Wildcat is the official mascot and does an admirable job with fans at the game. After each Kansas State score, he will do as many pushups as K-State has points followed by a pose and chant. This can get quite entertaining during high-scoring games. The biggest tradition of them all here at Kansas State is the Wabash Cannonball. This song gets fans bobbing back and forth in unison. This may seem silly but when 50,000 people all do it at once, it’s a sight to see. Neighborhood 3 The stadium is not quite on campus, which makes for more tailgating room, but less college culture. Fraternity houses, which can always be counted on to contribute some debauchery, are much too far from the stadium for people to enjoy their antics. Instead, the area surrounding Bill Snyder Family Stadium is a lot like the rest of Kansas; expansive and flat. Fortunately, the next three phases of the master plan promise to bring vast improvements to the neighborhood immediately surrounding the venue. A neighborhood that needs no improvements is Aggieville, the downtown district diagonally across from the main campus gates. This place has everything you’d expect in a college town: local boutiques, fun restaurants, numerous bars, and plenty of people milling around. If coming to town for a morning game, stop at Varsity Donuts and bring a dozen to your tailgate. Their unique and various treats are sure to please everyone. Fans 4 Kansas State football fans suffered through some historically bad years, yet have always been supportive. The Bill Snyder years have been a reward for fans' persistence. Fans are into the game from the opening kick until the end of each game. It is a loud venue and enjoyable yet nothing over the top towards opposing fans. The Wabash Cannonball is one of those fan traditions that you must see live once. Fans also take part in a first-down chant when the Wildcats earn a first down. Access 3 The only bad part of attending a game is the commute. Manhattan sits about five miles off I-70, and on game days, the side highway from the interstate to town is clogged with traffic. Although lots surround the stadium, most of them are reserved, so expect to pay a bundle for parking within a few blocks of the stadium, or wear comfortable shoes for a long walk from the car. Free parking can be had in residential areas around the stadium but watch signs carefully. Some streets do not permit street parking without a residential permit. I was able to find a spot by the soccer stadium for free while the church across the lawn was charging $30. Renovated bathrooms and concessions mean short lines, but the line to get out of town after the game will make you forget how much you enjoyed the stadium experience. Bill Snyder Highway (really, K-177 is named after the coach) could use the same expansion that the stadium has gotten. Return on Investment 3 Tickets for most games are reasonable and on par with most power five conference schools. The games against Texas or Oklahoma will be a little pricier than a random mid-September game vs a non-conference opponent. Parking seems a bit high ($20-$30), but the ability to tailgate can make it worth it. Inside the stadium, food and beverage prices are on par with normal stadium prices at any division one football game. Extras 3 The west side of the stadium is a beautiful sight on its own, but if you climb to the highest levels of the stands and look out beyond the field and north end zone, you get a fantastic view of the Kansas landscape. A grain elevator stands guard over a golden pasture, and in the near distance, hills of flint rock meet baby blue skies chock full of puffy clouds. Anyone who naively says Kansas isn’t scenic or beautiful doesn’t know what they’re missing. The pregame presentation by the Wildcats band is a good one and worth a couple of bonus points. Final Thoughts The experience at Bill Snyder Family Stadium is pleasant and unassuming unless you see it in person. It truly is electric and even the most hardened traditionalist will find themselves having a superb time here.

Photos by Marc Viquez, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.29 Climate Pledge Arena 334 1st Avenue North Seattle, WA 98109 Seattle Storm website Climate Pledge Arena website Year Opened: 1962 Capacity: 13,500 Storm Season Hits the Climate Pledge Arena The Climate Pledge Arena is a brand new building, not quite. The $1.5 billion redevelopment has transformed it into a state-of-the-art and one of the most highly sustainable sports facilities in the nation. The changes to the infrastructure have made attending a Seattle Storm game quite an experience in the WNBA. The arena opened in 1962 as part of the World’s Fair and featured a distinctive tent-like roof that is still prominently displayed today. The building would be known as the Seattle Civic Coliseum (1964-1994), and after the first major renovations, the Key Arena (1995-2018). The Storm would debut in 2000 and adopt the colors of their former NBA tenant, the Seattle Super Sonics of green and gold. Sadly, the Sonics left for Oklahoma City in 2008, and the ladies have been the only source of professional basketball in town but have captured four WNBA championships. Also, having legendary players Lauren Jackson and Sue Bird helped promote the Storm brand; both have their numbers retired in the rafters. Food & Beverage 5 The food and beverage options at Climate Pledge Arena up the ante on the typical stadium food and combine local flavors from a series of Seattle-area restaurants. The combination offers fans a unique look at items such as pizza, burgers, and corndogs. All of the food and beverage options are located on the main concourse, and many of them are easily visible by signage in space. Fans can enjoy crispy chicken sandwiches on brioche buns that feature various sauces, 1st Avenue nachos serve up chili lime carnitas and ancho chicken along with a ton of other vegetables to pour on your nachos, and the Uptown Market provides all beef hot dogs, chicken tenders and fries, and the local Seattle hot dog. The Din Tai Fung Market is a popular location specializing in Asian cuisine. You will find sweet and sour spare ribs with rice, popcorn chicken, pork and vegetable buns, chicken fried rice, and spicy chicken wontons. A few of the items come in portable boxes that make transportation of it to your seat a little more effective than the standard hot dog and chicken tender and fry basket. Just Poke offers Hawaiian ahi poke bowls and spam musubi. Molly D Burger Grill cooks mouth-watering burgers and homemade peanut butter and jelly corn dogs. The Impossible Burger is for vegetarians and vegans and serves burgers and Korean bowls, and Sound Pizza has pillowy focaccia-like square slices with garlic and parmesan fries. The arena also offers a wide range of alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages. Besides Pepsi brands, fans can enjoy plant-based energy tea, sparkling water, and Aquafina in non-plastic containers. If you're looking for a beer or something a bit stronger, various grab-and-go locations have Pacific Northwest breweries. They include variances: Black Raven, Georgetown, Fremont, Pike, and Hop Valley. If you're looking for a macro brew, grab a course, Corona or Modelo. Atmosphere 3 Climate Pledge Arena is a venue where fans enter at the top and then make their way down to the main concourse. Don’t be fooled by the lack of atmosphere at the top of the building; it gets lively on the bottom floor. It is where fans will find various spots for food, beverages, trendy sections, and a living wall. The building’s goal is to be the most progressive, responsible, and sustainable arena in the world. It includes the absence of fossil fuel consumption for daily use, solar panels on the arena’s atrium, waterless urinals, a 15,000-gallon cistern to convert rainwater to ice at the hockey rink, and a 95 percent diversion rate on waste and recyclable materials. The Living Wall is worth viewing when at a game. It measures 1,700 square feet and boasts 25 to 30 different species of plants from the Pacific Northwest. It stretches 200 feet and is 14 feet tall. It is a popular photo op for fans and is watered through recycled plastic bottles and rainwater. The lower seating bowl is open for WNBA games, featuring the distinctive dual-suspended scoreboards that provide digital content. Its design is unique to the building and connects fans to the opposite sides of the seating bowl. They’re also banners of the Storm’s retired numbers and championship titles. Neighborhood 5 The Climate Pledge Arena is in the Seattle Center, the arts, educational, tourism, and entertainment center in town. It is on the site of the 1962 World’s Fair and is within a few yards of the Space Needle and other places to visit while in town. The International Fountain, also built for the World’s Fair, runs all year long; the Artists at Play playground is ideal for kids, along with the Seattle Children’s Museum and Pacific Science Center. The Museum of Pop Culture is home to pop culture experiences that include iconic TV moments, rock n roll music, science fiction, and much more. The Armory Food & Event Hall houses a Seattle Kraken team store plus places to dine: Blue Water Taco, Kabab, Cool Guys Fry Bar, Wing Dome, and Premier Pies. The Fishers Pavillion is home to summer concerts and music festivals. During our visit, several artists sponsored by radio station KXEP performed on stage. Samples of drinks, food, and merchandise were available. Memorial Stadium is also located in Seattle Center and is home to the Seattle Cascades of the AUDL. The Seattle Monorail provides patrons a short trip to downtown Seattle and drops fans off at the Westlake Station, providing access to the Seattle Market and piers, along with the light rail link to T-Moible Park and Lumen Field for a Seattle Mariners and Seahawks game, respectively. Fans 4 Attendance figures are down from the previous year, but the Storm are still averaging well above the league average of 5,646. They are currently welcoming 8,000 plus fans to home games that include only lower-bowl seating. The support is strong, with a tradition of everyone standing until the first basket is scored by the home team. Many cheer passionately and jeer when the Storm turn the ball over. Access 5 Climate Pledge Arena offers free public transit to all county buses and water taxis, Sound Transit buses and light-rail trains, the Seattle streetcar, and monorail to all events, including Storm games. The free passes are available two hours before and after the event; fans will have to link their Ticketmaster account to the Climate Pledge Arena app. The Seattle Monorail connects fans to the arena from downtown at the Westlake Center Mall light-rail stop. The Westlake stop is also accessible to city buses and a few blocks from the City Market. If driving to the event, the arena offers 1,110 spaces in the Underground Arena, 5th Avenue, and 1st Avenue North garages for parking. The price can range from as low as $20 to $50 within reasonable walking distance. The Skyway Luggage Employee Lot 2500 Elliot Avenue can be as low as $5. All tickets should be purchased before the event to secure a spot. If parking downtown and using the monorail, the price tag could be closer to $10. Return on Investment 4 The price of a ticket changes per game and, depending on who is in town, could be in the $30 range; however, closer to game time and select nights, a ticket could fall to $11. It is based on the website TickPick , which I use and never charges additional fees (Stadium Journey is also not endorsed by the website). Fans can upgrade their tickets to either the Symetria or WaFd Bank Club for an additional $25. The private, premium club space provides locale Seattle craft beer offerings. Food prices are on the higher side, with a Hop Valley Kraken Stash IPA selling for $16.99 a can. Their food is of first-class quality with many items locally sourced and made fresh on the spot. The price of public transportation is free to and from all games, but concession prices are high in price. The food is of high quality and varies from traditional to local cuisine. Perhaps it provides a fan to splurge due to savings on tickets and transportation fees. Extras 4 An evening at a Seattle Storm game at the Climate Pledge Arena is advantageous for free public transportation, touring the living wall along the main concourse, and visiting Seattle Center stores. The area offers restaurants, museums, a children's playground, and the Space Needle, among the options before or after a basketball game. Final Thoughts Climate Pledge Arena is a building that stands out among the rest of the WNBA and the nation. The interaction with fans and the team provides an ideal atmosphere for a first-time visitor, and the neighborhood is worth spending a few hours at before or after the game. When you add free mass transportation to the game, visiting the building is a must in Seattle. ----- Follow all of Marc’s stadium journeys on Twitter @ballparkhunter and his YouTube channel . Email at Marc.Viquez@stadiumjourney.com

Photos by Michael Davis, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.57 Alex Box Stadium at Skip Bertman Field 3277 Gourrier Ave Baton Rouge, LA 70820 LSU Tigers website Alex Box Stadium at Skip Bertman Field website Year Opened: 2009 Capacity: 10,326 Tigers in the Box Alex Box Stadium at Skip Bertman Field is located on the Louisiana State University campus in Baton Rouge. Alex Box Stadium has been the home stadium of the LSU Tigers baseball team since 1938. However, the current ballpark was constructed in 2009 and lies 400 yards south from the original site. Alex Box Stadium is named for Simeon Alex Box, an LSU letterman on the 1942 team, who was killed in North Africa during World War II. Alex Box earned the Purple Heart and Distinguished Service Cross during his service. Skip Bertman Field was added to the stadium’s official title on May 17, 2013, prior to a game against Ole Miss. Skip Bertman was a former LSU head baseball coach and athletic director. Alex Box Stadium has a natural grass playing surface featuring a seating capacity of 10,326. There is artificial turf in the foul territories. The field size is 330 ft down the lines with a 365 ft power alley, and a 405 ft center field with a 10-foot fence. Alex Box Stadium continues to lead college baseball in attendance, as it has for 23 consecutive years. The Box has hosted 25 NCAA regional tournaments, 10 NCAA regional series, and 4 SEC tournaments. The largest paid attendance according to LSU is 12,844 against Notre Dame, although there is a statement by LSU that the largest actual attendance figure is 11,401 on June 8, 2013 vs Oklahoma in a Super Regional matchup. Food & Beverage 4 There are numerous concessions stands available throughout the stadium. There are permanent concession stands on both sides of the baselines on the lower level concourse and the main concourse above the first level seating area. These concessions have your ballpark favorites, as well as a few regional items. Entree items include the Tiger burger ($7), hot dogs ($4), sausage po-boys ($8), and chicken tender baskets ($10), with the regional item being the Cajun Jambalaya ($8). The rest of the menu consists of snacks and sides, such as nachos ($5), chili cheese fries ($6), French fries ($4), popcorn ($5), and peanuts ($4.50). In addition, for the frugal person a bottomless popcorn for $8 is a great way to snack during the game. The options besides the main concessions are located on the lower level with a Chick-fil-A stand selling $7 chicken sandwiches and $3 waffle fries. BurgerSmith’s food truck is also on the lower level (third base side) and serves great burgers ($9), fried okra ($5) and alligator sausage ($9). LSU concessions serves Coca-Cola products – a 22oz soda costs $4.50, but for $7 you can receive a 32oz souvenir cup with a free refill. There are two choices of Dasani bottled water; a 1-liter bottle is available for $5.50 while the 1/2-liter costs $3. There are plenty of water fountains to refill bottles, so the smaller bottle would be frugal. Other beverages sold are frozen lemonade, Powerade, and both coffee and hot chocolate; these beverages range around $5 in cost. There’s no alcohol sold inside Alex Box Stadium, but overall, the food and beverages here are above standard, and provide fans with enough options while inside The Box. Atmosphere 5 From the moment you arrive at Alex Box Stadium the atmosphere begins. The main entrance gives fans an opportunity to visit Gerry Lane Championship Plaza, which pays homage to the LSU baseball national championship teams. The next item for fans is a large Mike the Tiger statue and the Wally Pontiff Jr. Baseball Hall of Fame. As you enter the stadium, you can either walk the outer concourse along a fence that has a baseball design, or make your way up to the main concourse between the lower and upper tiers behind home plate. As you look out over the stadium’s ballfield, you see the Intimidator billboard in right field, LSU’s Tiger Stadium in center, and the new updated video-scoreboard over the left field landing. In addition, if you walk down to the lower level concourse, at each end in the outfield you’ll find a large playground. LSU fans that arrive when the gates open also collaborate near the Tigers pitching mound in right field; this area has plenty of players warming up and they are available for photos. The LSU game day crew keep fans engaged between innings with low-key on-field events and piped in music, but during the game it is all about the LSU faithful. The LSU fans energy and spirit are very well in tune with what the Tigers are doing on the playing field – there are plenty of L-S-U or Geaux Tigers chants throughout the game. The large active crowd inside a beautiful college ballpark that could outdo some professional ballparks creates an atmosphere that is simply the best in college baseball. Neighborhood 4 Alex Box Stadium is on the LSU campus, a few miles south from downtown Baton Rouge, Louisiana. The campus enrollment is close to 31,000 and consists of more than 250 buildings constructed in the style of Italian Renaissance architect Andrea Palladio; the campus occupies a 650-acre plateau on the east banks of the Mississippi River. The area just off the interstate isn’t much to see, but on the north end of campus off Highland Road is Chimes Street – Chimes Street is a good place to find many local bars and restaurants to enjoy yourself. There are plenty of food options available with Chinese food, sushi, BBQ joints, southern cuisine, and sports bars where you can watch other games. The closest spot for a pre-game or post-game meal near The Box is Walk-On’s Bistreaux & Bar on Burbank Drive. Walk-On’s is a great spot for food and drinks, but others nearby on Burbank Drive are Mellow Mushroom for pizza, or if you’re looking for buffalo wings, there is Plucker’s off Nicolson Drive. For fans who enjoy local breweries, try visiting Tin Roof Brewing Company. No matter where you are in Baton Rouge, you will be able to find food and beverage to your liking within a short drive. Baton Rouge has plenty of lodging, but there are a couple of places within walking distance from campus. Near Walk-On’s and down Nicholson Drive from the stadium is a 3-star hotel, Staybridge Suites Baton Rouge, while on the east side of campus is the Cook Hotel and Conference Center at LSU. There are plenty of attractions near the Louisiana State University campus – the first attraction is inside Alex Box Stadium in the form of the Wally Pontiff Jr. Hall of Fame. The Hall of Fame is a place that provides fans the history of LSU baseball. However, a trip to LSU wouldn’t be complete unless you take a visit to Mike’s habitat to see Mike the Tiger. Mike the Tiger is a famed live Bengal Tiger residing between Tiger Stadium and the Pete Maravich Assembly Center. There are also plenty of options off campus, such as the Magnolia Mound Plantation, a wonderful tourist spot to visit between the LSU campus and downtown Baton Rouge. Downtown Baton Rouge also has both the old and new capitol buildings, the latter being one of the tallest buildings in Baton Rouge, and there is also the L’Auberge casino, Baton Rouge Zoo, and much more to see in Baton Rouge besides the game. However, one of my favorite tourist spots is the USS Kidd, a Fletcher-class destroyer from WWII, now a National Historic Landmark/museum ship berthed on the Mississippi River. Fans 5 The LSU Tigers fan base is one of the loudest and most dedicated, and possibly the best fan base in college sports, across the board. Tigers fans are loyal baseball fans that consistently fill The Box for home games – LSU has dominated NCAA baseball attendance, leading the nation in average home crowd since 1998. In fact, the back side of the Intimidator sign states, Baseball at The Box: College Baseball’s Greatest Fans. The fans are always involved in the game from clapping in support of the pitcher when the batter has two strikes, or the Geaux Tigers chants throughout the game, and the fans energy just continues beyond that. LSU fight songs are also piped in, including “Fight For LSU” and “Hey Fighting Tiger.” There are very few college baseball fans that match the fan participation at LSU’s Alex Box Stadium. Access 4 Alex Box Stadium is located on the southwest side of the LSU campus. Nicholson Drive is the main route to the stadium and can be directly accessed from I-10. The lots directly around Alex Box Stadium are reserved primarily for season ticket holders and can only be purchased as a full-season pass; otherwise the parking cost is $10 per vehicle if space is available. There is free parking available in Gourrier South, The Hayfield, or Levee South to the west of the stadium, and there are two ways to reach these parking lots; drive on Gourrier Ave past the stadium’s reserved lots and the parking lots will be towards River Road and the Rec fields. Or, to avoid congested traffic at the stadium reserved lots, take Skip Bertman Drive to River Road, then turn onto Gourrier from the west heading east. No matter which direction you decide to take the free parking is a short walk to the stadium. Alternatively, the “Old Front Nine” grass lot at the corner of Nicholson Drive and Burbank Drive across from The Box also provides free parking, and this a great spot to utilize for accessing both Walk-On’s sports pub and Alex Box Stadium. The main entrance to Alex Box Stadium is located directly behind home plate via the Gerry Lane Championship Plaza. The Wally Pontiff Jr. Hall of Fame and LSU ticket windows will be located to your left (third base side). There are entrance gates down both first and third baselines, but these entrances are on the lower concourse and show no view of the ballfield. The upper concourse, though, is above the seating levels and has a view the game as you walk around. There are plenty of restroom facilities throughout the ballpark and lines are non-existent. An elevator is available behind home plate for the club suites. In addition, despite the stadium being close to capacity daily, there is plenty of room to navigate. Note that LSU’s security measures follow the Geaux Clear policy, meaning nothing is allowed in except clear totes (plastic, vinyl, or PVC) no larger than 12”X 6”X 12”, 1-gallon clear zip top bags, or small clutch purses no larger than 4½” X 6½”, and seat cushions with no pockets and not larger than 16” (see www.LSUsports.net/GeauxClear). Overall, the access is easy for the number of fans that attend Tigers baseball. Return on Investment 5 There are a couple of ways to look at the return on investment at Alex Box Stadium. For as low as $12, you can have a ticket to one of the premier college baseball venues in the country, and if you are lucky enough to obtain a bleacher or reserved seat, the cost will be $18. There is also plenty of free parking near the ballpark. The concessions costs are reasonable but not overly cheap, however the atmosphere for attending a Tigers baseball game at The Box is unmatched in college baseball. Extras 5 The LSU baseball experience is unheard of in college baseball – the whole LSU baseball experience is an extra that only a couple of other baseball programs could possibly match. The LSU fans dominate in attendance over the last two decades and the atmosphere is simply amazing. In addition, the Wally Pontiff Jr. LSU Baseball Hall of Fame is a wonderful museum for fans to learn about the Tigers baseball program. The museum is open throughout the game for fans to visit, however, Tigers fans are loyal, so you won’t see many fans walking around the stadium during the game action. One of the first things you’ll notice when entering The Box is the “Intimidator” billboard in right field. The image of a growling tiger and the six National Championship years listed is like walking into Boston’s Fenway Park and seeing the iconic Green Monster. There are also multiple large playground areas for families attending the game, as well as the availability to buy LSU apparel around the stadium with two LSU SportShops. Another plus is the honor that LSU has for the country’s military – the Chair of Honor on the concourse is an unoccupied seat in honor of those who are still Prisoners of War (POW) or Missing In Action (MIA), and symbolizes there will always be a place in the stadium awaiting their return. Final Thoughts The atmosphere at Alex Box Stadium is impeccable – all the great things that sports fans hear about watching a game at LSU’s Alex Box Stadium don’t match the reality. The reality of a game at The Box is much better. A trip to LSU’s Alex Box Stadium should be on every college baseball fan’s list, as it is one of the best stadium experiences in all of sports.

Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.71 Arrowhead Stadium 1 Arrowhead Dr Kansas City, MO 64129 Kansas City Chiefs website Arrowhead Stadium website Year Opened: 1972 Capacity: 77,000 KC Masterpiece The Kansas City Chiefs were one of the original members of the AFL, although they spent the first two years of their existence as the Dallas Texans. They moved to Kansas City in 1963 and were one of the most successful franchises in the AFL, playing in both Super Bowls I and IV, winning their one and only Super Bowl on their second attempt. The original home of the Chiefs in Kansas City was the old Municipal Stadium, where they spent their first nine seasons. In 1972, they moved into the brand new Arrowhead Stadium located in the Truman Sports Complex alongside the Kansas City Royals’ Kauffman Stadium. Its seating capacity of 77,000 makes it the largest sports facility in the state, based on capacity. Food & Beverage 4 Like most NFL stadiums, Arrowhead serves up your typical sports fare of hot dogs, nachos, hamburgers and popcorn. But this is Kansas City, so let’s focus on what the city is known for… barbeque! The Chiefs have created BBQ Alley featuring food from KC’s top BBQ restaurants. Smoke Brewing offers up its deep-fried burnt ends; Plowboys BBQ presents its pulled pork sandwich and The Little Pig features its BBQ Sundae (BBQ beans topped with coleslaw, pulled pork and a pickle wedge). Finally, Dickey’s Barbeque Pit serves up chopped brisket, half pound of rack ribs and Frito Pie. On the beverage front, Arrowhead serves Coca-Cola brand sodas. Adult beverages are available at the Craft Corners or Kansas City Cocktail Company locations located throughout the stadium. Atmosphere 4 Arrowhead Stadium has one of the best game day atmospheres in NFL football. The team has done a great job in keeping the stadium as competitive as possible with the newer stadiums in the league. A $400 million renovation in 2010 added many of the extras today’s fans have come to expect as a part of their game day experience. A number of luxury seating areas were created, and the electronics package was upgraded with LED message ribbons and football shaped HD video boards at each end of the stadium. The Chiefs play in the wide open Western Division of the AFC and have done very well under Coach Andy Reid in recent seasons. As a result, the stands are full every Sunday in the fall. Several legendary NFL athletes had their career years while playing in Arrowhead Stadium. They include Len Dawson, Willie Lanier, Derrick Thomas, Nick Lowery, Tony Gonzalez, Priest Holmes, Alex Smith and Emmitt Thomas. Hall of Fame coaches Marv Levy and Hank Stram also paced its sidelines. All of these individuals are immortalized in the Chiefs Hall of Honor found on the concourse level. The Hall is an interactive space recalling the greatest plays and players in Chiefs history and is well worth a visit. Neighborhood 4 Arrowhead Stadium is located in a suburb of Kansas City and does not offer much in the way of dining options or attractions in the immediate area of the stadium. Downtown Kansas City is just 15 minutes away and offers a wide variety of restaurants and tourist attractions. Kansas City offers some of the finest restaurants in the Midwest. Arthur Bryant’s Barbeque has been around for decades and is known as the best… in a town known for its BBQ. Boulevard Brewing Company is an outstanding choice for sampling the craft beers of the region. One of the real treasures located in Kansas City is the Negro Leagues Baseball Museum. It provides a fascinating look at the teams, players and leagues that existed before Jackie Robinson broke baseball’s color barrier. Cross Country Plaza offers just about everything a visitor could ask for in Kansas City… great architecture, more than 180 shops, galleries, restaurants and nightlife. If you are in town for a game after Thanksgiving the nightly Holiday Lights are spectacular. There are two hotels, the Four Points Sheraton-KC Sports Complex and the Drury Inn and Suites-Stadiums, located within walking distance of both Arrowhead Stadium and Kauffman Stadium. Fans 5 Simply stated… the Chief fans are the most loyal and the loudest fans in the AFC. They never give up, no matter how many times their hearts have been broken by a playoff loss or how brutal the late November and early January weather is. They are certifiably loud, as the Guinness Book of World Records ranked Arrowhead Stadium as the loudest stadium in the world at an ear shattering 142.2 decibels. The fans start to charge their energy levels at the Ford Fan Experience. This area provides pre-game entertainment, the Bud Light Beer Garden, a performance by the Chiefs cheerleaders and appearances by Warpaint the Pony and KC Wolf. If that is not enough, the tailgating scene in Kansas City is top rate due to the city’s love affair with its own style of barbeque. The Chief fans crank it up early, as they react to the drumbeat from a Chiefs icon calling them to war. During the National anthem, they change the last words of the refrain to the “land of the CHIEFS!!!” They do not let up after that as they follow the lead of the Chiefs cheerleaders and the team mascot, K.C. Wolf. The attire of a Chiefs fan is nearly as loud as the volume, as the stands are a sea of red and gold. Access 3 When the Chiefs ownership was scouting a place to build their stadium, no land met their needs within the Kansas City limits. Land was identified in suburban Jackson County near the I-70/I-435 interchange that offered enough room for both the baseball and football stadiums. Being close to this interchange offers two major routes to get to the game. There is plenty of parking surrounding the stadiums, but it comes at a steep price. For those who want to avoid the high cost of parking at the stadium, the Kansas City Area Transit Authority offers bus service directly to Arrowhead Stadium. Take Route #47 (Broadway Line) to the stadium. For schedule information go to www.ridekc.org . Once at the stadium accessibility is excellent. There are seven major entry gates at Arrowhead and gates open two hours prior to the game. The concourses at the stadium were widened as a part of the 2010 renovations and the number of restrooms and concessions areas were increased at the same time. Return on Investment 3 The success of the Chiefs franchise comes at a high cost, as the face value of tickets is $35-$200. However, once the season is in full swing the tickets escalate to $500 or more due to high demand. Parking at the Truman Sports Complex is $35 for a pre-paid space, or $60 cash if purchased on game day. Extras 3 One credit must go to the fans in Kansas City for holding the title of loudest stadium. Arrowhead Stadium is one of only four stadiums in the NFL that does not have a corporate name. In addition to the Chiefs games, Arrowhead Stadium has played host to five Big XII Championship games, the annual Border Showdown game (Kansas Jayhawks/Missouri Tigers) and MLS Soccer from 1996-2007. Final Thoughts Despite being one of the oldest stadiums in the NFL, Arrowhead Stadium has stood the test of time well. It keeps reinventing itself by adding such amenities as the Hall of Honor, premium seating locations and a concessions menu featuring BBQ from some of Kansas City’s finest restaurants. They also have one of the most loyal, and officially the loudest, fan base in the NFL, if not the world.

Photos by Marc Viquez Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.29 Franklin Field 7035 S. Ballpark Dr. Franklin, WI 53132 Milwaukee Milkmen website Franklin Field website Year Opened: 2019 Capacity: 4,000 Milk & Baseball in Milwaukee Franklin Field opened in 2019 on the site of the former Crystal Ridge Landfill in Franklin, Wisconsin, in the Milwaukee metropolitan area. It is home to the Milwaukee Milkmen of the American Association. Known as Routine Field during its inaugural season, but after a legal dispute about naming rights left the baseball stadium with a temporary moniker of Milkmen Stadium before settling on Franklin Field in 2020. The stadium blends in well inside The Ballpark Commons, a mixed-use development, home to live, work, and play areas that will include a beer garden, taco restaurant, brew pub, apartments, senior living housing, a hotel, an indoor sports complex, and a performance and wellness village. The Rock Sports Complex features six baseball fields and is home to 2,000 baseball games annually inside the Ballpark Commons. The stadium adds its name to big, bold, and distinctive facilities to the American Association and Wisconsin Brewing Company Park  in Oconomowoc, Wisconsin, and Impact Field  about an hour south in Rosemont, Illinois. All ballparks are spacious, detailed for large social areas, and are alternatives to major league baseball in the metropolitan area. Food & Beverage 3 A main area for food and drink is behind the backstop which offers an array of options for the customers at the game. The food stand is called the Burger Company and sells burgers, fried chicken sandwiches, hot dogs, chicken tenders, brats, nachos, fries, and cheese curds. The unique options are truffle parmesan fries, milkshakes, and milk and cookies. The Barcadi Bar offers alcoholic beverages from beers, hard seltzer, vodka, whiskey, tequila, and brandy. A few of the can and draft varieties include products from MillerCoors, Vizzy, High Noon, Happy Thursday, Terrapin, and Angry Orchard. The ballparks offer additional portable stands throughout the concourse that sell popcorn, grilled corn, and cupcakes. A Mexican food truck is set up near the main entrance. A few more stands are visible but were closed during our visit. Atmosphere 3 The 4,000-seat ballpark offers areas of seating for fans on the wraparound concourse. The Leinenkugel Hop Yard is an impressive two-level area on the third base side of the venue that incorporates repurposed shipping containers, and the semi-private cabana seats behind the seating bowl of the concourse offer lounge seating and service. Visitors enter Franklin Field from the outfield entrance in the left-field corner. They’re welcomed by the Leinenkugel Hop Yard area and the team’s official gift shop as they make their way to the main concourse. Visitors can buy an all-you-can-eat-and-drink ticket to the Hop Yard and choose from an array of local beers and food while enjoying the game from various viewpoints of the enclosed area. The colors of black and white are evident throughout the building, which also extends to the advertisements on the outfield walls. The game day staff members are dressed as milkmen with black bow ties, offering services at portable stands and the main concession area behind the backstop. The seating bowl offers plastic theater-style chairs in the colors of gray and yellow that add a welcome change in look not commonly found at other professional ballparks. On the top of the concourse is private cabana-style seating for groups. A video scoreboard is above the grass berm seating in left field, known as the pasture. The words “popcorn” can be heard over the sound system whenever there's a foul ball. The club offers a free bag of popcorn with every foul ball returned. There is still more grass seating down the first baseline that also features trees that add to the natural beauty of the surrounding area of the neighborhood. In the distance behind the left field wall is a large grassy hill that blends in with the large open areas in the outfield of the stadium. There are plenty of promotions: cow racing, cookie tossing, dizzy bat race, and frozen t-shirt contests. Bo-Vine is the team’s official mascot and can be seen during many of these promotions and in the stands during the game. Neighborhood 3 Franklin Field is inside the Ballpark Commons, a mixed-use development that will be home to live, work, and play areas that will include a beer garden, taco restaurant, brew pub, apartments, senior living housing, a hotel, an indoor sports complex, and a performance and wellness village. Luxe Golf Bays rises above the ballpark down the left field line and is connected to the Dog Haus and Brick Pizzeria & Ristorante. The Dog Haus offers burgers, hot dogs, and sausages with a variety of toppings, along with an impressive menu of draft beers. Brick features Neapolitan pizza and calzones baked in wood-fired ovens. There is also an open-air plaza that is perfect for families to eat and play. Across the street is Coffee Blend Cocktails that will satisfy your sweet tooth. However, a trip up north to Milwaukee is where you will find more attractions, including tours of the Fiserv Forum , the Milwaukee Arts Museum, the Harley-Davidson Museum, and the Miller and Pabst Breweries. The Milwaukee Waterfront is also worth visiting on a nice summer day. The Historic Third Ward is home to restaurants with sidewalk tables, scenic river walks, the Milwaukee Public Market, shops, and the National Bobblehead Museum and Hall of Fame. There is also a collection of local breweries in town: Good City Brewing, MobCraft Beer Brewery, Third Space Brewery, Lakefront Brewery, Sprecher Brewery, and Great Lakes Distillery. Fans 3 There is a good showing of fans who are there for an affordable night out at the ballpark and a few taking a curiosity in the new independent club in town. Fans are keeping score from their seats, many are mingling with friends, and folks are enjoying the new car smell of the ballpark. Access 4 Franklin Field is located 15 miles south of downtown Milwaukee off of S.R. 36 and near the interstates of 94 and 43. General Mitchell International Airport is less than 10 minutes to the east. The best option is by car to a Milkmen's game. The stadium is wide open, and the concourse wraps around the seating bowl. It can become a little congested near the concession stands, but the rest of the stadium offers plenty of room to move around and vantage points for photos from visitors. Return on Investment 4 The Milkmen tickets start at $11 for their version of grass berm seats dubbed “The Pastures” and bleacher and terrace seating sell for $14. Other ticket prices include the Dugout Seats for $18 and Scout seats for $20. The Leinenkugel Hop Yard includes an All-You-Can-Eat area until the 7th inning. Merchandise ranges from shirts for $22 to ball caps for $30, concession items are as low as $4 for a locally made hot dog to $8 for a fried chicken sandwich, and the parking is free of charge. There are daily themes at the games: Thirsty Thursdays, where beer is a buck, Buy-One-Get-One-Free ticket nights, Freinds & Family Deals, and Mexican Fiesta, where the Milkmen become the Lecheros de Milwaukee and wear specialty jerseys. It is incorporated with additional tables, stands, and in-between innings of entertainment. Extras 3 The Milkmen earn a few extra points for creating an atmosphere that blends well with is "America's Dairyland" theme. The team and ballpark's colors of black and white are distinctive throughout the venue. The Ballpark Commons is an active area with restaurants, stores, and golf bays that can create full-day activities for fans at the game. The stadium earns a final point for free parking. Final Thoughts Franklin Field is not your ordinary baseball stadium. It blends in well with the neighborhood, and it will only be challenged by the imagination of its architects. The enthusiasm by the game day staff dressed as milkmen, and the numerous dairyland themes make for an alternative to watching professional baseball in Milwaukee. ------ Follow all of Marc’s stadium journeys on Twitter @ballparkhunter   and his YouTube channel .  Email at Marc.Viquez@stadiumjourney.com

Photos by David Welch, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.43 E.S. Rose Park 1000 Edgehill Ave Nashville, TN 37203 Belmont Bruins website E.S. Rose Park website Year Opened: 2011 Capacity: 500 It’s Bruin Time Baseball was first played at Belmont University in Nashville, Tennessee starting with the 1953 season. The then Belmont Rebels would begin intercollegiate baseball as a National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA) program, spending time in the Volunteer State Athletic Conference for 30+ seasons before heading to the Tennessee Collegiate Athletic Conference for just over a decade, prior to joining the ranks of independent programs for the 1996 and 1997 seasons. Following their jump from NAIA to Division I, Belmont would change their name from the Rebels to the more alliterative Belmont Bruins. The Bruins would spend four years as a D1 independent before joining the Atlantic Sun Conference (ASUN) in 2002. After 11 seasons in the ASUN, Belmont would jump to the Ohio Valley Conference where they would play until 2022, before finally moving to the Missouri Valley Conference (MVC). The E.S. Rose Park athletic complex was built in partnership with the City of Nashville; Belmont University contributed $9 million to the construction and upgrade of the athletic facilities at the city owned park, which the school leases. While not actually on the Belmont campus, the park is just blocks away.   Food & Beverage   3 Outside of the grandstand seating and located between the softball and soccer fields and track, the concession stand here is built into a brick and aluminum structure along the left field side of the stadium. The building also houses restrooms and other park facilities. Concessions at E.S. Rose Park take care of the staples, with hot dogs, candy, chips, and canned soft drinks from the Pepsi family of beverages, as well as Gatorade and bottled water. The menu does go a bit beyond with hamburgers and cheeseburgers as extra entrée, while snacks also include whole pickles and granola. Since E.S. Rose Park is a public city facility, alcoholic beverages are not available.    Atmosphere   3 E.S. Rose Park is made up of three individual brick seating areas – the two sections on either side of home plate are made up of rows of aluminum benches with back supports, and individual chairback seats in the small section behind home plate. A relatively large scoreboard sits next to the visiting team’s bullpen in left field, which gives fans basic line score and ball-strike-out information, but the accompanying videoboard above is not operational. Even though not part of the stadium, a covered picnic area sits upon a grassy berm in left field, and might be one of the best places to watch the game from, as it is the only location that provides a significant amount of shade and protection from the elements. Given the amount of tree growth beyond the berm, the grandstand’s skyline view of downtown Nashville is a bit obstructed, however, a short walk up the right field line does highlight what has come to be known as the iconic “Batman Building” that dominates the Nashville skyline. Other than mid-inning ad reads there is not a lot to distract from the game. There are not a lot of audio drops between pitches or following outs; doing such would appear forced and not add a lot to the game experience, and also doesn’t seem like it would elicit much of a reaction from fans. There really is not a bad seat when it comes to baseball at E.S. Rose Park, but the seats along the home side of the field do have the best views of downtown Nashville, even if this view is a bit blocked by trees. If the need for shade is necessary, the picnic area in left field does have tables that sit higher than the fence line, so it does provide a decent vantage point for the game.   Neighborhood   4 E.S. Rose Park is in the heart of Nashville’s Edgehill neighborhood. Its location on Kirkpatrick Hill, one of Nashville’s highest points, provides fans with amazing views in every direction. The Belmont campus is visible behind home plate, Vanderbilt’s West End Tower rises above the landscape along the third base side, downtown Nashville is not far off in the distance beyond the left field fence, and the gatehouse to the historic 8th Avenue Reservoir is visible beyond the first base side of the field. The area is adorned with both signs and statues of polar bears, which at first impression might just seem like a fun, artistic addition to the area, but actually holds historic relevance to the neighborhood – dating back to the 1930s, polar bear statues were created to advertise Polar Bear Frozen Custard  shops. Two of the four bears currently sit on the corner of Edgehill and 12th Avenue, just outside of the park’s northwest corner. The Edgehill area is no stranger to baseball, being the one-time home of the Nashville Sounds ; Hershel Greer Stadium once stood just across I-65 adjacent to the Civil War-era Fort Nagley. Despite being torn down in 2019, the outline of the infield is still visible. While the immediate area surrounding E.S. Rose Park might be a bit light on locations of interest, there is a bit of everything for everyone within 5 miles of the ballpark. Within a mile are Music Row  (the historic focus of country music), the trendy Gulch district, and Vanderbilt University. Broadway, the heart of Nashville’s entertainment district, and the 12 South neighborhood, with its several boutique shops and restaurants, are both just under 2 miles away from the stadium. Also, visitors wanting to keep up a baseball theme might venture downtown to First Horizon Park , to catch the Nashville Sounds.   Fans   2 Belmont baseball typically draws 100 to 200 fans per game, with the lesser number being typical for early season game before the weather takes a turn for the better. In a bit of an oddity for baseball, there does not seem to be a lot of kids in the crowd. An interesting dynamic is created by the field being in a public park, and there is no fee charged to access the stadium. The game attracts passersby who might just want to sit and watch the game for an inning or so before carrying on with their day. There also doesn’t seem to be a large student contingent of regular supporters, primarily just family and friends of players.   Access   4 The City of Nashville has a highly developed sense of both public transportation and bicycle accessibility. Multiple bus stops can be found along the streets that form the perimeter of the park on Edgehill Avenue and 9th and 12th Streets. Dedicated bicycle lanes make E.S. Rose Park easily accessible for those coming via any type of transportation. The Edgehill neighborhood is just off the junction of I-65 and I-40, so the ballpark is also easily accessible for those arriving from outside Nashville. The main challenge is contending with Nashville traffic, which even on weekends can be considerably backed up. Once at E.S. Rose Park, two smallish parking lots can be found along either side of the adjacent recreation facility. Despite being more convenient, the lot closest to the stadium does presents a bit of foul ball danger, and there also needs to be consideration given to the fact that the park is heavily used by community members, so is a popular place on sunny weekend days, making finding a parking spot for late arrivers a bit more challenging. While the grandstand seating is easily accessible, the sections on either side of home plate are closed-ended. While this is a minor inconvenience, trying to sit near the ends of these sections can create some awkward situations, by making others get up so you can sit past them – the burden this puts on those sitting on the aisle, who constantly have to get up so people can move past them, in essence eliminates sitting on the aisle as a seating option.   Return on Investment   5 With no charge for parking or admittance, the only charge is for whatever concessions might be desired. Like most concession menus, prices are hit or miss when it comes to what seems to be reasonable ballpark prices. There does not seem to be any restriction on bringing outside food or drink, however, so concession prices are only as prohibitive as fans  allow them to be.   Extras   4 A display on the exterior of the seating recognizes the 100th anniversary of Negro League Baseball; the plaque there honors Nashvillians who either played or owned a team in the Negro Leagues. Only a handful of other college baseball stadiums can provide a backdrop that is comparable to that of E.S. Rose Park, though it is a bit unfortunate that as winter turns to spring, the foliage of the trees that border the park block the view of the Nashville skyline. Banners are hung recognizing Belmont regular season and tournament championships, as well as their 2011 and 2012 NCAA regional appearances. Also, the retired number 21 hangs in honor of former coach Dave Whitten, who led Belmont for 29 seasons and to 663 wins. Given the ballpark’s location within the park, there are several other activities to help keep younger fans entertained if the game might not be enough – a playground, basketball court, track, and softball field all surround the outside of the E.S. Rose Park.   Final Thoughts Belmont baseball is a very basic experience that is not going to wow spectators, but what it does is highlight the nature of college baseball and what is beautiful about the game; the chirping and chattering is on full display, and is complemented by the ping of the bat. E.S. Rose Park is probably not a ballpark that visitors will flock to, but given Nashville’s position as a tourist destination, stopping here to complement a visit to Music City is definitely a consideration to make, if looking for an outdoor activity to fill an opening in a weekend schedule.