Photos by Chris Green, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.00 WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca 1021 Monterey Salinas Hwy Salinas, CA 93908 WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca website IMSA Series Year Opened: 1957 Capacity: 11,000 Cali’s Central Coast SpeedFest WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca is a world-famous speedway housed atop the high hills outside of Monterey, California. The speedway has hosted some of the world’s biggest racing stars over various racing series, and continues to be a fan and driver favorite as the years progress. One of the biggest draws of the year, IMSA’s annual spring visit to the track brings large crowds and plenty of on-track action. With no less than four racing series taking to the speedway’s tight turns, fans have a lot of racing action to watch during a weekend. Also, thanks to a recent investment in the track’s infrastructure, fans can expect an even better product going forward.   Food & Beverage   4 Finding something to eat is easy to do at WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca, as the track is home to various food vendors and beverage carts around the property – at nearly every vantage point there is something to eat. The majority of food selections are standard burgers, hot dogs ($6), sausages ($14-$18) and a few salads. One of the most popular spots is the local Mexican food booth that features tacos ($18), burritos ($20), and carne asada fries ($20) – while pricey, the flavor is worth every penny.   Atmosphere   5 The weather in central California is almost always perfect. Rarely seeing the temperature rise higher than the low 80s on race day, the atmosphere at WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca is nearly all-but-guaranteed to be ideal. In addition, the facility is located on the top of the coastal hills outside Monterey, making it a perfect spot for a breezy afternoon. Large oak trees line the track at various places, giving fans somewhere to hide from the sun if it does get warm. Additionally, fans can camp over the weekend at the track, as the property serves as a recreational park during weekends when there’s no racing. The upgrades to the facility in recent years include an improved crossover bridge connecting the paddock to the outside of the front straight. In addition, where once stood a simple wooden bridge now sits a fully golf-cart accessible walkover bridge that features gardens of local flora, as well as great elevated views of Turns 3 and 4. Neighborhood   4 Monterey is like much of the rest of coastal California; beautiful and relaxing. Boasting the weather and scenery of the Bay Area, but with the small town feel of more inland locations, Monterey features a regional airport, numerous locations to stay, and a wide variety of places to eat. In addition, the world-famous Monterey Aquarium is just minutes from WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca, as are Fisherman’s Wharf and Cannery Row. The locals are kind and courteous, always willing to give you directions and recommendations on where to go. And no matter what time of the year you are going, there is always some form of festival or celebration going on, such as Italian Fest, Jazz Fest, or Octoberfest. For great food, check out Gusto’s Handcrafted Pasta & Pizza, or Hula’s Island Grill. Hotels are plentiful, including the Hilton Garden Inn Monterey and Hotel Pacific. Fans   4 The fans in Monterey are big-time race fans, having flocked to WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca for years. They all know the best places to watch from, so asking for a little advice will be met with kind suggestions for the newbie race fan. They also know how to party, putting on some great cookouts overnight in the camping areas. And if you want help understanding what’s going on, you can ask anyone. The fans also cheer loudly with every close pass and thrilling corner on the track, making for an enjoyable race event. Access   3 Getting to WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca is a bit of a difficult task, thanks in part to the traffic coming in and out of the canyon in which the track is located. While the route from either Salinas or Monterey is pretty straightforward, the roads are almost all one-lane thoroughfares, meaning one slow car can make traffic a nightmare. Additionally, getting up the side of the mountain once inside the track’s gates can be daunting to those who aren’t used to driving up steep inclines. New for 2025, traffic in and out of the track is being directed through Boundary Road to the west. Via that route fans are only allowed to enter the facility, while the traditional entrance is limited to camping, and can only be used as an exit during the event. After a certain time, however, Boundary Road turns into an exit-only route, allowing for better traffic flow out of the facility. Parking is plentiful and available at various locations on the property, with additional parking passes available for different parking lots. Once you are at the raceway, moving around is aided by various bridges across the track to get from the inside to the outside of the course; just be sure to bring your hiking shoes, as the hillside walks are pretty impressive. Return on Investment   4 The track itself is very challenging, making for some of the most exciting and closest racing in the sport. The famed corkscrew complex is also world-famous for its difficulty, giving the best of drivers fits on race days. Combining the free autograph sessions, the massive fan zone, and the easy to see victory lane setup, this event offers a lot of up-close access that fans may not get at other racing events. Tickets are generally affordable, with a 3-day ticket running $139.55; individual tickets are available for Friday ($10.35), Saturday ($87.80), and Sunday ($87.80), while tent camping ranges from $118.85 to $232.70. Parking is plentiful and free at the track, but those looking for preferred parking ($61.93) or car corral parking ($82.62) can find better spots for a price. Extras   4 The corkscrew is the biggest draw here, and the hillside viewing at the track gives fans the best chance to view one of the most intimidating corners in all of racing. Spectators can also experience a great fan zone here at WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca, featuring numerous autograph sessions during race weekends. Something that is also different about WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca is the hiking trails on site; walking up the hills to several of the viewing spots can be a workout unto itself. The weather also gives fans a beautiful backdrop from which to watch racing, as the typical morning fog in California creates a dramatic vista in the early hours. During the weekend, several free autograph sessions take place for fans to be able to meet the stars of the various IMSA series on track. Final Thoughts If you want to find a historically significant spot to watch racing that features brilliantly perfect weather conditions, a culturally vibrant city nearby, and the essence of thrilling action on track, you should look no further than WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca. The fans will welcome you with open arms, and the symphony of motors roaring through the mountains will fill your heart with joy. This is definitely a bucket-list track for true racing fans to visit.

Photo by Marc Viquez, Stadium Journey When you think about ballparks in Kansas City, you might think of Kaufman Stadium, which has been the home of the Royals since 1973. Recently rumors of the team moving to a downtown venue have floated around. The stadium with the fountains in the outfield continues to serve as home to major league baseball. However, another stadium in town has stood the test of time for much longer. If you drive by Satchel Paige Stadium at 51st and Swope Parkway, you will see a small stadium with a covered grandstand gearing up to host the Kansas City Hormigas of the Pecos League this summer. What is more interesting is the number of sports the site has hosted dating back well over a century. In 1904 one could have bought an acre of land for $850. The Prosso Preparatory School for Boys was created which included a two-story building with a basement. It is unknown if any sports were played on site, but in 1909 the school shut its doors and soon another organization would establish the site for athletic activities in October 1915. The intersection of 51st & Swope was s boys school in 1905 and a baseball field in 1916. The Kansas City Field Club was organized with 500 members and built a diamond, a swimming pool, a golf course, and tennis courts. The club signed a 20-year lease and remodeled the old school building, including dormitories, lounge area, dining hall, lockers, baths, and showers. The 11-acre site would be the home and devoted entirely to amateur athletics. “It will satisfy a need which Kansas City has been unable to fulfill for years,” said club director W.P. Felix in the Kansas City Post . The baseball field was on the southwest corner of 51st and Swope Parkway, the same location as where home plate is today. The field club had two baseball teams but by the spring of 1920, interest waned due to war efforts depleting many of its members.  It led to the Georgian Gardens Company taking over the property in October. They turned the diamond into a summer garden for outdoor entertainment and then flooded it during the winter for ice skating.  The company’s purpose was to provide copious amounts of entertainment options in Kansas City.  Much of that changed on the night of September 13, 1923, when a fire broke out at the clubhouse and spread quickly. Members and co-workers escaped by sliding down a gutter pipe and through second-floor windows. Durries Crane, the property owner and manager , woke up to a room full of smoke. He tied a white sheet to his bedpost and rappelled to safety, even though the sheet gave way halfway down. The first diamond and grandstand were constructed in 1916 by the Kansas City Field Club, photo Kansas City Public Library. The game was still played on the grounds; the Masonic League operated leagues, and the Order of DeMolay attempted to secure $75,000 to erect an athletic field on the site. In June 1924, a benefit baseball game between Kansas City and St. Louis Masonic temples at Muehlebach Field, with all proceeds going towards the new stadium. It does not appear that it was enough to erect a stadium. For the next several years, the field was used for amateur leagues and summer golf lessons before plans arose in 1936 to resurrect the old Kansas City Field Club with a new concrete ballpark, softball fields, and field lights. The proposed 5,000-seat ballpark would house auto racing, wrestling, boxing, soccer, and football games. Construction was scheduled to take place in early March, but it remains a mystery almost 90 years later why it never occurred. Fortunately, a new ballpark would be erected on the site two years later when Ben and George Goldman built Goldman Stadium. The 4,000-seat covered grandstand was described as the finest amateur ballpark in the country, with all the modern comforts and conveniences for fans watching either a Ban Johnson or American Legion baseball game. A sold-out crowd came out for the first game, and many stood 3-4 rows deep on the ramp. Hundreds watched from the terraces, and many others watched from cars off the Swope Parkway and on top of the bank down the right field line. “If this is typical of the patronage the boys are going to enjoy in their new home, we’ll make immediate additions to the stands. We can build deeper into right field and deeper into left,” said George Goldman after the first game. Goldman Stadium opened up as the home of the Ban Johnson League, photo Kansas City Star 1938. The stadium was equipped with lights for auto racing and night baseball games, much to the chagrin of residents who bickered that the once quiet neighborhood was now a collection of noise, parked cars on the streets, and lights. “This quiet residence section has been changed into an appalling, noisy, absolutely undesirable one,” said resident James R. Irons. “These things have changed a quiet and restful spot for the aged to a place of such noise as should if allowed at all, be far out in the country.” What should have been a magical year of baseball was dampened by resident complaints. The shocked Goldman brothers, who built the stadium for the good of man, were perplexed. Auto racing, followed by night baseball was stricken from the schedule.  The stadium was sold to Athletic Fields, Inc. in September 1940 for $13,500. They planned to continue renting it for Ban Johnson League games but only for day games. Legion Ball attempted day games but left after only five games into the season for another location in town. After the season, the B-J Leagues suspended operations due to not being able to play night games. The Ban Johnson League played at the site from 1938-1940 & 1945-1968, producing huge crowds in the process. With the U.S. entry into World War II, the B-J League suspended operations further, and the stadium’s mortgage defaulted, leading to the city purchasing the property. The neighborhood residence still held firm on no nighttime activities. Little excitement took place until the stadium and property were sold in 1945 to the Kansas City Diocese in the name of Bishop V. O’Hara for $12,500. The grandstand and playing field, which had deteriorated over the last few years, were overhauled. O’Hara’s vision was to have a home for the rapidly growing Catholic athletics and physical education programs in the area. The old bleachers were repaired while new concrete stands were erected down the left field line for football games. The total cost was $100,000, and donations came in from 35 different parishes in the area. Bishop O’Hara was proud of what he saw with the new structure. “It gives me the greatest pleasure as Bishop of Kansas City to open up the C.Y.C Stadium to the Ban Johnson League under whose auspices clean sport will be conducted for and by the youth representing this section of the city.” Once completed, the stadium would be home to six high school teams and eleven parochial leagues. Baseball, football, and softball would be played in the newly named Catholic Youth Council Stadium, CYO or CYC Stadium for short. However, Bishop O’Hara made sure that other local amateur and youth leagues were permitted to use the fields, including the Ban Johnson League, after a 5-year hiatus. Two versions of C.Y.O. Stadium imagined what the stadium would like, neither of them were accurate, photo Kansas City Star 1946. The property was once again full of life and regularly hosted sporting events throughout the calendar year. By 1946, the site was also used for 185 baseball games in the American Legion, Catholic War Vets, and Jewish Center Softball Leagues to a total of 9,705 participants, and total attendance topped 99,722 people in the post-war boom. That number would peak at over 100,000 in the next few years, which included 42 CYC parochial leagues and a few more Catholic high schools using the field. The stadium hosted events Monday through Saturday, with up to six games a day at times. Business was good that there was even talk of expanding the stadium’s seating capacity. There were plans to increase capacity to 10,000 in 1950, which would see the addition of steel bleacher frames and wooden seats down the first base foul and right field lines for $45,000. The campaign also included a field house, swimming pool, and parking facilities for 1,000 cars. However, it appears that these efforts were for not as no other construction took place.  This diagram from 1950 looks close to today's stadium, without additional seating along Swope Parkway, photo Kansas City Star 1950 In 1959, the stadium was renamed in honor of archbishop O’Hara, who passed away in September 1956. He was vital in rebuilding and reshaping the stadium’s objective when acquired in 1945. A plaque was created and placed at the entrance before the inaugural game of the Ban Johnson League that season. O’Hara would continue hosting the occasional college football game, and a few semi-pro teams called it home. The Kansas City Steers used it from 1959-1961, followed by the Kansas City Steers in 1968. The stadium housed other events, including boxing matches, concerts, donkey baseball, Christmas tree sales, and 4th of July celebrations. By 1968, only one of the high schools was using the stadium, and with declining usage, the CYO decided to sell to a land developer who would raze the structure in favor of an apartment complex. However, the plan never materialized. “One way or another, the needs of the community weren’t the same as when it was built,” said CYO president Carl Migliazzo in 1969. The ballpark had been vacant since the Ban Johnson League left after the 1968 season and only Hogan High School used the field. The O'Hara Stadium plaque is removed by members of the Kansas City Archdiocese, photo Kansas City Star 1969 The 1970s were a difficult period for the property, with fewer events taking place. The main grandstand had holes, grass, and weeds had taken over, and the old concession area was filled with straw and silt left behind by a horse club that operated there in 1977, according to Kansas City Star reporter George Kope in a 1980 article. “If you close your eyes really tight, you don't have to look at the tragic effect 12 years of abuse and neglect have brought on what was one of the finest- and busiest amateur sports facilities in Kansas City” Ollie Gates headed a fundraising committee to help renovate the stadium and was part of the movement, including renaming the stadium after the city’s most famous baseball pitcher, Satchel Paige. The ailing Hall of Famer was 75 years old when he appeared at the stadium’s rededication on June 5, 1982. He threw out the first pitch, greeted fans, gave an interview with a local television station, and thanked everyone for the $250,000 pledge towards renovating the stadium. Sadly, it would be the Hall of Fame pitcher's last public appearance; less than three days later, he succumbed to a heart attack at the age of 75, or so people thought. His exact age today is still a mystery. His family asked fans to donate to fund the ballpark instead of flowers. A campaign began to help “Pitch in for Paige” that saw contributions of $20,000 raised within the first few months. A new roof, work on the electrical system, and a power wash of the supports took place in October. “It was a big eyesore in the community. We wanted to do something about that, said Gates to the Kansas City Star  in 1990. “And my main interest was to do something for Satchel Paige. The community needed to do something for him, and it was long overdue.” Due to the effort of Gates and the community, which included all of the major sports teams of the time, a total of $250,000 was donated to renovating the old ballpark. By September 1983, the remodeled Satchel Paige Memorial Stadium opened with a new roof, underground water sprinkler, concession area, and aluminum bleachers replacing the old concrete slabs. Fresh sod was also poured over to cover the weeds. Satchel Paige Memorial Stadium was considered the nicest baseball complex outside Royals Stadium. Everybody wanted to play there, and dates would get booked as early as late January of the season. Once again, the stadium hosted amateur sports from youth sports, rec league softball, and high school baseball. A few more events were held, including the Kansas City Monarchs Old-Timers Game, a Japanese Rugby match, and summer festival concerts. The stadium has gone through its ups and downs this century Well into the 1990s, the stadium hosted a 33-team RBI baseball program, Men’s Senior Baseball Leagues roamed the field, and church leagues were popular. The Kansas City Royals installed a pitching mound, the Kansas City Chiefs played the Los Angeles Raiders in a benefit softball game in 1992, and a new version of the Kansas City Monarchs played in the Jayhawk League during the summer of 1995. After well over a decade of use, the stadiums were still sought after by many in the city. However, after 12-14 years of use, it once again needed renovations. The grandstand was structurally sound, but the scoreboard was broken, the press box was unstable, the concrete was chipping, and the place needed a paint job. The biggest problem was the drainage system; whenever it rained, the team in the RBI program couldn’t play for 7-8 days. Efforts were made to help with the stadium, including Anthony Dickson, the head of the city’s RBI program, to clean up the debris left behind at the stadium. He contacted the Royals head groundskeeper Troy Vance and began working on the field. Soon donations came in once again to help level the field, smooth out the infield, give it a paint job, and replace the irrigation system. The generosity of the community helped keep baseball alive and well on the field. In 2012, the stadium was renovated through the MLB All-Star Legacy funding and public donations. Renovations included an upgraded irrigation system, infield and outfield maintenance, fencing construction and installation, backstop maintenance, installation of a Satchel Paige marker, and other improvements. It hosted the Jr. RBI Classic event for young players to participate in the 2012 MLB All-Star Game at Kaufman Stadium. In 2021, work was needed on the crumbling bleachers, reinforcing the foundation, replacing the concrete, and once again adding a coat of fresh paint.  A large portion of the retaining wall and sidewalk that borders the stadium was collapsing, which could also engulf the entire grandstand. Other luxury improvements included a synthetic field and a digital scoreboard. This summer the Hormigas will become the first summer collegiate club to play at the stadium in three decades. The games will be announced in Spanish, feature a live band for all Sunday games, and feature $1 beers on Mondays and Taco Tuesdays. The Hormigas hope to bring a level of excitement not seen in a while at the old ballpark. Before the club’s arrival work needed to be done on the field that has seen little activity in the past two years. The plumbing was repaired and works properly, while the locker rooms, used for storage, have been cleaned out and are ready for the Hormigas players. A new fence was installed in front of the decaying football bleachers, and a new scoreboard was added. There were a few JV high school baseball games played on the field this past season. Chris Cotten, Kansas City Parks and Recreation Director, who also reached out to Andrew Dunn of the Pecos League about expanding to Kansas City, wants much more for the ballpark’s future. “I would like to build a proper throwback stadium to pay homage to the man, instead of slapping his name on the top of the grandstand and coating it with paint. I want to see more activities, including the return of college baseball.” Cotten added that the water company, KC Water, would rather knock it down since it sits in a 100-year floodplain and is uninsurable through FEMA. He would rather see it knocked down and replaced with a new structure that would stand 500 yards from the floodplain. Baseball has been played on the same site at 51st and Swope for almost 110 years. The stadium has been home to many baseball and athletic activities in its life, but whenever it seems as if it has played its final inning, it makes another rally. It has been resilient and hopes to be around a little while longer. ------ Follow all of Marc’s stadium journeys on Twitte r @ballparkhunter   and his YouTube channel .   Email at Marc.Viquez@stadiumjourney.com

Photos by Richard Smith, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.29 Entertainment and Sports Arena St. Elizabeth’s East Campus 1100 Oak Drive SE Washington, DC 20032 Entertainment and Sports Arena website Year Opened: 2018 Capacity: 4,200 The Colonial Takes Over The Capital The Colonial Athletic Association (CAA) is a very successful college basketball conference. A couple of former conference teams took the league into the spotlight of college basketball’s biggest stage. The George Mason Patriots’ appearance in the 2006 Final Four shocked many sports fans. When Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU) did the same in 2011, the mid-major dam was broken (along with a great two-year run by Butler of the then-Horizon League). The CAA has also had great success in other sports, especially football, where Delaware, James Madison, Richmond, and Villanova have won the Football Championship Subdivision in recent years, while Towson lost in the 2014 championship game. (Richmond and Villanova were football-only members of the conference at this time). Unfortunately, VCU, James Madison, and George Mason (and Richmond for basketball) have since left the CAA for the bigger waters of the Atlantic 10. There have also been a few additions to the conference recently. Richmond had been the longtime location of the CAA Tournament but it has also been held in Baltimore, MD, and North Charleston, SC in recent years. The contract for DC is over after this season but as of now there has not been an announcement for later seasons. The 4,200-seat Entertainment & Sports Arena sits on the former ground of St. Elizabeth’s Hospital. There is a move to develop even more of the former hospital and area which should help the Congress Heights neighborhood. The complex also includes practice facilities for the Wizards and Mystics and plays home to the Capital City Go-Go of the NBA G-League and the Washington Mystics of the WNBA. Food & Beverage 4 There is a good standard selection of food, along with some local items such as crab cake sandwiches. Soda is all Pepsi products and a variety of beers are also available. Prices are fairly high. Atmosphere 4 The Entertainment & Sports Arena features chair-back seating on four sides of the floor, with one side being quite small. The bands will also take up seating during most tourney games. There are two video boards, but no center-hanging scoreboard. Being a pretty small arena makes the place seem smaller than it is, and crowd noise enhances the atmosphere. Neighborhood 3 The Congress Heights neighborhood is currently not one of the greatest areas of the city. The normal fan will not likely want to venture far off the beaten path in this area. The good news is that the area is developing and changes are occurring. In even greater news you are in the Washington, D.C. area with many things to do. The number of attractions, museums, restaurants, and other sights is astounding. Spend some time pre or post-game seeing the many things around this great city. The African American History Museum, as well as the National Portrait Gallery, are great choices. Fans 4 Tournaments will have varying fan bases, so it may change from game to game. But with a central location, there is a likelihood of good fan attendance. I still imagine the extremely-located schools, such as the College of Charleston and Northeastern, may have trouble filling the stands. Elon, Delaware, Towson, and William & Mary have some of the most vocal supporters. Access 3 The Entertainment & Sports Arena is located just off the Malcolm X Avenue exit of Highway 295. It is then a short drive to the arena area. There is paid parking in the large garage behind the arena. Security and police are ever present to keep fans safe. The Congress Heights Station of the Washington Metro is located a few yards away from the area and makes for an additional way to access the venue. Return on Investment 3 Student tickets were available for a decent price and individual session tickets were also reasonable. Packages for the entire series ranged upwards from $80. Numerous Championship Hospitality Packages were available for varying prices, which could have also included the VIP section and food options. The prices seemed fair for what you get in return. Extras 2 There is a souvenir stand that sells merchandise from all conference schools as well as general tournament gear. There will likely be some vendors giving away swag in the concourse. Final Thoughts The arena is a unique urban arena that seems like it is assisting and transforming the entire section of the city. The tournament is a fun place to experience this transformation.

Photos by Gregory Koch and Richard Smith, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.86 CareFirst Arena St. Elizabeth’s East Campus 1100 Oak Drive SE Washington, DC 20032 Washington Mystics website CareFirst Arena website Year Opened: 2018 Capacity: 4,200 A Mystical Night in Washington Editor's Note: On February 6, 2025, CareFirst BlueCross BlueShield, one of the country's largest not-for-profit healthcare organizations, announced a 10-year partnership with Events DC, which includes the renaming of the Entertainment and Sports Arena to CareFirst Arena. The Washington Mystics have played in the WNBA since the league’s second season, in 1998. Originally, the team played in Downtown DC at Capital One Arena, the same arena that is home to the Washington Wizards and Capitals. In 2019, the Mystics moved across the Anacostia River to Southeast DC and the Entertainment & Sports Arena. Located on the grounds of St. Elizabeth's a former state mental hospital, the ESA is a much smaller arena, seating only 4,200, and was seen as more conducive to the crowds the Mystics were drawing at the time. Food & Beverage 4 There are several concession stands at Washington Mystics games selling all the usual arena classics like chicken tenders, hot dogs, burgers, and pizza. The tenders come with your choice of several different dipping sauces and are a fan favorite. Italian ice and frozen custard from Rita's are available for those with a sweet tooth. Pricing is on the high end and only credit cards are accepted. Atmosphere 4 With only 4,200 seats, the Entertainment & Sports Arena is quite small and all seats offer a good view of the action, though they may be quite cramped. Along one sideline, there are two levels of seating, with stairs from the concourse going up to the upper section. On the other sideline is some VIP seating. There is also lower-bowl seating along both baselines. Videoboards are located at either end, and smaller boards in the corners show player stats. The Mystics have a mascot named Pax, who is a panda and entertains fans before the game. She also does things like t-shirt tosses during the game. During breaks in the action, there are several promotions to keep the crowd engaged. There will be contests on the court and the video board, and several fan cams and tosses where Pax and the dance crew will toss promotional items into the seats. Neighborhood 3 Let’s start with the bad news – although the Congress Heights neighborhood is supposedly “on the rise,” it is not quite there yet. Although the immediate vicinity of the arena is perfectly safe, thanks in part to the police and security presence, you do not want to venture too far away unless you are in the safety of a vehicle or public transit. If you must explore the immediate vicinity on foot, most of the restaurants in the area are chain ones. You’re better off hopping on the Metro or taking an Uber and heading to other parts of the District for better options. Speaking of which, once you get outside Congress Heights, there are a lot of things to do in Washington, and most of them are free. Whether it’s taking in the monuments and other sights on the National Mall or visiting one of the many museums, there’s truly something for everybody. All government-run attractions are free, but some privately owned ones are not. Just keep in mind if you plan on touring the Capitol or the White House, you will need to schedule that in advance. Fans 5 In the 2024 season, most Mystics games have been played at or near capacity, leading to calls for them to possibly move back to the larger Capital One Arena. Already a few games with larger crowds have been played there. For now, although the crowd is small in absolute numbers, almost every seat will be full. The Mystics crowd has a tradition of standing until the team scores its first basket, so be prepared to do that, at least if you want to see it. They can get quite loud at times, after big baskets or other plays. Some of this is due to attempts from the team to pump up the crowd, but much of it is organic as well. At this point, a good portion of the crowd seems to be cheering for individual players (who may have been notable in college) rather than teams, although there are a large number of genuine Mystics fans as well who cheer for everyone. Crowds in the WNBA as a whole have been on the rise, and the Mystics are no exception. Access 3 If driving to the Entertainment & Sports Arena, it is about a mile off of Interstate 295 via local roads. There is a garage and a parking lot next to the arena, where parking will cost $20 prepaid or the day of the game. Be warned that getting into the garage can take a few minutes as people pay or scan their passes, and getting out of the garage can take half an hour or longer, especially if you are parked on a higher floor. It is not well organized. The good news is that public transportation is available. The Congress Heights stop on the Green Line is located about a five-minute walk away. Despite concerns about the neighborhood, this walk is safe and there is a police presence to make sure of it. Just be warned that Metro has long headways and frequent track work, especially on weekends and over the summer when the Mystics play the bulk of their games. Plan accordingly and check for any track work on the day of your visit. If coming from outside the area served by the DC Metro, you can park at a suburban station and take the train from there. Parking costs will vary depending on the station and day of the week, but should not be more than a few dollars. If coming from the north, we recommend parking at the Greenbelt or College Park stations, and if coming from the South, we recommend parking at the Branch Avenue station. All of these stations are on the Green Line, so you avoid having to make a transfer. If coming from the east or west, you will likely park at a Silver, Orange, or Blue Line station, which requires a transfer to L'Enfant Plaza. The concourse can get extremely crowded to the large crowds, making navigation difficult. There can also be a wait for the restrooms at times. It seems the arena designers were not expecting the frequent sellouts the Mystics have. Return on Investment 4 If you buy your tickets at face value, they will start at around $25 depending on the game and where you sit. This is not too expensive. However, games do sell out, which will force you to buy resale tickets if you do not buy early enough. This can cost two to four times face value. We recommend buying early to avoid this. Concessions and parking are a bit on the high end, but this is not unexpected in a major city. Ultimately, a Mystics game is still a very good deal, as long as you buy tickets early enough to pay face value. Extras 4 There is a souvenir stand that sells merchandise. There will often be a selection of merchandise that is special to the game you attend and is offered at a lower price. Pax the Panda is a great mascot that is pretty unique to sports arenas. Look for the Mystics' 2019 WNBA Championship banner in the rafters. Before the game, the team host leads the crowd in a call and response. The host will ask "Who are we?" and the crowd will answer "DC". Then the host will say "Whose house is this?" and the crowd will say "Our house', then the game will tip-off. Final Thoughts The Washington Mystics are drawing sellout crowds to the Entertainment & Sports Arena nearly every game and seem to be outgrowing their home there very quickly. Someday soon, they may move back to Capital One Arena, but for now, a Mystics game at the ESA is a great experience, though not as good as it might be in a larger and fancier arena.

Photos by Gregory Koch, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.00 CareFirst Arena St. Elizabeth's East Campus 1100 Oak Dr SE Washington, DC 20032 Capital City Go-Go website CareFirst Arena website Year Opened: 2018 Capacity: 4,200 Go-Go Go to the ESA Editor's Note: On February 6, 2025, CareFirst BlueCross BlueShield, one of the country's largest not-for-profit healthcare organizations, announced a 10-year partnership with Events DC, which includes the renaming of the Entertainment and Sports Arena to CareFirst Arena. Prior to 2018, the Washington Wizards were one of the few NBA teams without a G League affiliate. Dating back to the league’s time as the Development League, the Wizards never had a club to send their younger players to. That all changed when the Capital City Go-Go were founded and the Entertainment & Sports Arena opened. The ESA was built on the former site of St. Elizabeth’s Psychiatric Hospital with the intent of revitalizing the Congress Heights neighborhood. In addition to hosting the Go-Go, the arena is the home to the WNBA’s Washington Mystics and has also hosted events ranging from college basketball to e-sports. Food & Beverage 4 The Entertainment & Sports Arena has several concessions stands serving classic food items as well as items from local vendors. If you’re looking for a meal, your options include a cheeseburger and fries for $12, chicken tenders and fries for $10, hot dog for $6, or a half smoke combo featuring one of the more unique regional items for $10. Snacks include nachos for $6 and bottomless popcorn for $8. Fans looking to indulge their sweet tooth can head to The Orange Cow, a local vendor which has its own stand at the arena. As you might expect from the name, options there include ice cream cups and ice cream sandwiches, both for $6, and a frozen chocolate banana for $4. The last one is one of the more unique options you will find at any arena. Thirsty fans can buy Pepsi products, Gatorade, water, or lemonade, all for $5 each. Beer ranges from $9 to $11 for 16 oz. can. Atmosphere 3 The Entertainment & Sports Arena features chair back seating on all four sides of the floor. There is a second level of chair backs on one of the sidelines which is general admission. All other seats are reserved. There are two video boards, one behind each of the baskets, which also show the score and other basic information. Boards in each of the corners give more detailed player stats. The Go-Go nickname is a homage to the style of music that originated in Washington, so as you might expect there is a lot of go-go music piped in throughout the arena, including a recording of a go-go drum. There is also a real drum that they play on occasion during timeouts. Whether it’s banging the drum or something else, the Go-Go run a number of promotions to keep the team engaged during breaks in the action. Neighborhood 3 Let’s start with the bad news – although the Congress Heights neighborhood is supposedly “on the rise,” it is not quite there yet. Although the immediate vicinity of the arena is perfectly safe, thanks in part to the police and security presence, you do not want to venture too far away unless you are in the safety of a vehicle or public transit. If you must explore the immediate vicinity on foot, most of the restaurants in the area are chain ones. You’re better off hopping on the Metro or taking an Uber and heading to other parts of the District for better options. Speaking of which, once you get outside Congress Heights, there are a lot of things to do in Washington, and most of them are free. Whether it’s taking in the monuments and other sights on the National Mall or visiting one of the many museums, there’s truly something for everybody. All government-run attractions are free, but some privately owned ones are not. Just keep in mind if you plan on touring the Capitol or the White House, you will need to schedule that in advance. Fans 2 Unfortunately, Go-Go games are still sparsely attended. It seems many fans in Washington have not heard of them, or if they have, they have no idea where the arena is. When people have no idea there is even an arena here, it is hard to get them to come to games. As for the fans who do show up, some of them can get quite into it, but the majority of them aren’t all that into it for most of the game. Sure, they’ll cheer for big plays, but the majority of the game, there is no noise from the fans save small pockets of people. Access 4 If you’re planning to take the Metro to the game, the Entertainment & Sports Arena is about a five-minute walk away from the Congress Heights station on the Green Line. Limited parking is also available on site for $10, but you will likely need to reserve this in advance and may need to take a shuttle or walk a bit to and from the lot. Also, keep in mind the entire area around the arena is a new development, and many GPS apps have not updated to reflect this yet. They may instruct you to turn down streets that no longer exist while not showing the new streets that make up the area around the arena. Be sure to allot extra time if you don’t know where you’re going. Return on Investment 3 The kind of deal you get depends strongly on how you buy your tickets. If you purchase directly from the team, ticket prices range from $10 for upper level general admission seats to $35 for front row seats at center court. Court side seats will cost you twice that when they are available, but will only get you marginally closer than the $35 tickets and are probably not worth it. Unfortunately, the Go-Go use Ticketmaster to sell their tickets, so expect the price to go up by around 50% with fees. Even $35 is pretty expensive considering the atmosphere and the quality of play, and that’s not even factoring in the massive fees. However, the good news is that Ticketmaster also offers Verified Resale Tickets, which typically go for significantly less than face value. Lower level sideline seats can go for as low as $6, and rarely more than $10. Of course, you still have to pay fees, but this is significantly more affordable than paying face value. That being said, this is obviously not a sustainable or positive model for the team and they should look to improve the value of attending games. Extras 2 There is a “Pop-a-Shot” located in one of the corners where children can shoot baskets at an inflatable hoop. Small kids often get bored sitting in one place for a long time, and this can be a way for them to let off some of that energy while their parents enjoy the game. Go-Go players are also available to sign autographs for fans from the time doors open until 20 minutes before tip off. Final Thoughts Unfortunately, many people in Washington have no idea the Capital City Go-Go or the Entertainment & Sports Arena even exist. Those who are aware of it will find it a decent enough experience, but being in a mostly empty arena often isn’t much fun for anyone but the most die-hard of basketball fans. The Go-Go and the ESA would do well to market themselves better, and hopefully once the team and arena have been around for a few years, the crowds and atmosphere will improve.

Photos by Matt Colville, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.29 TPC Louisiana 11001 Lapalco Blvd Avondale, LA 70094 Zurich Classic website TPC Louisiana website Year Opened: 2005 Golfing in the Bayous The Zurich Classic of New Orleans is one of the more unique stops on the PGA Tour. Established in 1938, the tournament has evolved over the decades, attracting some of the best golfers to ever play the sport, with winners such as Jack Nicklaus, Byron Nelson, Vijay Singh, Bubba Watson and Rory McIlroy. In 2017 the Zurich Classic introduced its team format, making it the only PGA Tour event where players compete in pairs rather than individually. The Zurich Classic has been played at several golf courses in the area, but in the spring of 2005 the tournament found a new home at TPC Louisiana, a Pete Dye-designed course located in Avondale, 20 miles southwest of New Orleans on the West Bank of the Mississippi River. This course was built through 250 acres of wetlands, offering a scenic layout that embodies the beauty of the Mississippi River Delta. Bringing the PGA to the bayous of Louisiana has created a tournament unlike any other. The relaxed atmosphere, mixed with New Orleans’ signature energy, sets the Zurich Classic apart from more traditional stops on the tour. You’ll hear live bands, local musicians playing on stages, and second-line parades, and well as feel a party-like atmosphere that reflects the city’s love of celebration. The event embraces the laid-back, festive nature of New Orleans, making it one of the most enjoyable stops on the PGA calendar.   Food and Beverage   4 You can’t come to an event in New Orleans without talking about the food, and the Zurich Classic is no exception. The highlight of the culinary options here is the Best of Zurich Classic food option, set up on Hole 13; a covered area bringing some of the finest restaurants in New Orleans. Patrons can also taste dishes from esteemed New Orleans restaurants such as Galatoire’s, Emeril’s, Desi Vega’s Steakhouse, Jack Rose, Palace Café, and City Pork at the 18th Fairway Club, while over at the 17th Fairway Club, Acme Oyster House and Drago’s serve up their renowned seafood specialties. In addition, Patton’s Caterers, a tournament staple, delights guests with offerings like crawfish beignets, oysters, boudin, jambalaya and a local staple in Crawfish Monica. The Walk On’s Party Pavilion is also popular, featuring a covered pavilion overlooking the 17th Green and including Walk On’s signature items. For the general admission ticket there are five concession stands scattered along the course – hamburgers, sausage dogs, and breakfast sandwiches round out this menu, along with a few items unique to the area such as muffaletta and crawfish mac n’cheese. Prices are reasonable, with every item costing $8. Coca-Cola is the official soft drink provider of the Zurich Classic, and the New Orleans institution PJ’s Coffee provides coffee, tea, and lemonade. For alcohol a wide selection of beer is on sale, as well as margaritas and glasses of wine, with prices ranging from $7-$12. A few other food options in the general admission section include Jameson Courtyard between the 8th and 9th holes, a lively atmosphere with signature Jameson cocktails served with smoked pork cheek and pork belly boudin tacos. In addition, Tito’s Golf Club on Hole 18 features an air-conditioned bar with Tito’s signature cocktails, and Skrewball Lounge serves up peanut butter whiskey, while Hoop Tea Lounge offers samples of their new Hoop Tea – needless to say there is a wide alcohol selection at the Zurich Classic.   Atmosphere   5 The golf course here is built in the middle of the swamp, surrounded by cypress and mangrove trees. Attending the Zurich Classic feels like being dropped off in the middle of nowhere, and that’s part of the magic – the shuttle drops you off on the side of the road near a canal drainage ditch, which is the main entrance. Walk a couple of hundred yards down the canal and you’ll enter onto Hole 3; you’ll see a ton of alligators in the canal before you even step foot on the course. The team format adds a different energy to the event – instead of the typical silence and polite applause, the spirit of New Orleans is on full display even at a PGA event. You’ll hear loud cheers, second-line parades, and even live bands. While it doesn’t bring the pure chaos of the Waste Management Phoenix Open, the Zurich Classic still brings a festive, friendly buzz that’s symbolic of New Orleans. The course is also spread out and sprawling; crowds don’t feel crammed like they would at most PGA Tour stops. But you’ll also walk long distances between holes, and there isn’t a lot of places to get any shade on the course. The one plus is that you are below sea level, so you don’t have to worry about walking uphill. Most of the fan zones and party areas are located around holes 17, 18, and 1 and some of the free admission party areas include the 19th Hole near Hole 1, a covered tent with a full-service bar and live bands that play throughout the day. Tito’s Golf Club has couch seating and big screen TV with a patio overlooking the bayou on Hole 17, with excellent views of the Hole 18 tee pads as well. Jameson Courtyard also has an outdoor bar area with courtyard-style seating on the Hole 9 fairway. The Manning Family Kid’s Zone has tons of games and mini golf for kids, as well as an autograph area for kids. Or, if you want to buy a car then you're in luck, because a local Lexus dealership had several different displays set up around the course where you can look at the latest models, and maybe even buy one.   Neighborhood   3 TPC Louisiana sits in the hardworking industrial town of Avondale, on the west bank of the Mississippi River, roughly 30 minutes southwest of downtown New Orleans. Avondale is a shipbuilding hub, home to many residents who work at the local shipyard. While New Orleans – just a short drive away – offers a vibrant nightlife and countless attractions, the West Bank and Avondale also have a few hidden gems worth exploring. However, you won’t find a lot of hotels or lodging in the area, so your best bet is to stay in New Orleans or Metairie. A few local spots to check out in the area include Mosca’s, about 3 miles west of the course, a family-owned Italian eatery known for its Creole-Italian fusion dishes. This place has been serving up plates for 80 years – it looks like a dingy building on the side of the road, but reservations are highly recommended; also make sure you bring cash, as it’s cash only. Just down the road from the course you will find Nola Motorsports Park , the largest auto racing facility in the New Orleans area. It features a 2.75-mile track with 16 turns and a 5,200-foot straightaway, along with one of the largest outdoor karting tracks in the country. The park hosts races throughout the year and also has a mini golf course that is a huge hit with families. TPC Louisiana is also on the outlying bayous that make up Bayou Segnette State Park, where visitors can enjoy activities like boating, fishing, hiking, and camping, while spotting local wildlife such as alligators and bald eagles. The State Park is also popular with people camping here during Tournament Week. You’ll also find many area airboat tours out this way, if you want to go deeper into the Louisiana swamps.   Fans   4 In 2024 the tournament set an unofficial attendance record with over 116,000 spectators over four days, including a single-day record of more than 36,000 on Saturday. Taking place the same weekend as Jazz Fest may be for the best, as the Zurich Classic attracts the same crowd bringing that festive atmosphere; many of the patrons will spend a day at Jazz Fest and a day at the Zurich Classic during this weekend. Also, instead of dress attire like some golf events, here you’ll find patrons wearing Mardi Gras beads, drinking hurricane cocktails, and wearing crazy festival garb. The Zurich Classic also attracts some of the biggest names in golf, so expect large crowds following some of the bigger-name golfers like Rory McIlroy and Scottie Scheffler. The good news is the course is really spread out so you’ll have plenty of room to move around, even with a couple of thousand people standing around a hole watching Rory McIroy tee off.   Access   3 TPC Louisiana is located about 15 miles southwest of downtown New Orleans on the West Bank in the bayous. Coming from the French Quarter or downtown you would take the Crescent City Connection high rise bridge, over the Mississippi River using Highway 90 west through West Bank neighborhoods, shipyards, and sugar cane fields. Public Parking is at Nola Motorsports Park about a mile away from the course. Don’t expect a straightforward in an out experience if you show up in the late morning or during a weekend round, as traffic bottlenecks once you get close to Motorsports Park; it can often take 30 minutes just to move one mile when coming to or leaving the public parking. Once you arrive, you’ll park here and then get on a bus to get shuttled to the golf course. It’s a short ride to the course, less than 5 minutes – the bus will drop you off at the end of a canal near a retention pond, where you cut through some woods and are then on the course.   Return on Investment   4  Daily Grounds tickets are priced at $45, providing full access to the tournament with views of some of the best pairings in golf. For fans seeking more, the ‘Best of the Zurich Classic’ package starts at $185 and includes access to high-end hospitality venues like the Fidelity Bank Fairway Clubs and Oasis. These locations feature all-inclusive food from New Orleans staples like Acme Oyster House, Drago’s, and Galatoire’s, plus open bars with local spirits. The Walk-On’s Stadium Club, at $275, offers a luxury setting on a two-story deck between the 17th and 18th holes, with a climate-controlled lounge, signature Walk-On’s fare, and close proximity to players. While the premium clubs come with a higher price tag, the value is undeniable given the quality of the food, drinks, and access. Fans looking to elevate their experience will find the cost well worth it, especially during a week when the Zurich Classic shares the spotlight with Jazz Fest just across town.   Extras   4 One extra for the number of alligators you’ll see at TPC Louisiana – it’s not uncommon to see multiple gators on the banks basking in the water hazards. A highlight every year is when an alligator disrupts play, like in 2024 when play was delayed 7 minutes while an alligator crossed in front of the tee pad.  One of the most notable alligators associated with the course is Tripod, a three-legged alligator that has become something of a local legend; Tripod is frequently seen near the 16th and 17th holes, and his presence has become a beloved aspect of the tournament experience. A sculpture honoring Tripod now stands near the 18th fairway, commemorating his place as the tournament’s official mascot. One extra also for the unique team format of this tournament, since 2017 this being the only team tournament on the PGA Tour. Some of the past winners of the tournament include Rory McIroy, Bubba Watson, Vijay Singh, Davis Love III, and Jack Nicklaus. Lastly, one extra for the Zurich Classic taking place on the first weekend of the New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Fest, a.k.a. Jazz Fest – one of the largest music festivals in the country taking place at the same time as one of Golf’s biggest events, in one of the most vibrant cities in the country, is definitely only going to create a festive atmosphere.

Photos by David Welch, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.86 Finley Stadium 1826 Reggie White Blvd Chattanooga, TN 37402 Chattanooga FC website Finley Stadium website Year Opened: 1997 Capacity: 20, 421 This is Home Semi-professional soccer first arrived in Chattanooga, Tennessee, in 1992 with the Chattanooga Railroaders, later renamed the Express. The team played in the United States Interregional Soccer League, but it wasn’t until 2009 that Chattanooga FC (CFC) debuted in the National Premier Soccer League (NPSL). Chattanooga finished third in the Southeast Division that year, then won the division eight times over the next ten years. During their 11-season NPSL run, CFC reached the national championship four times and captured the Hank Steinbrecher Cup in 2015. In 2020 Chattanooga FC moved up to the third tier of American soccer by joining the National Independent Soccer Association (NISA) – during their five seasons in the NISA Chattanooga established themselves as a consistent contender in the league, topping the table three times. Another major shift came in 2024 when “The Boys in Blue” joined MLS NEXT Pro, a developmental league affiliated with Major League Soccer (MLS). Since their founding, Chattanooga FC has called Finley Stadium home. Nicknamed Fort Finley by its supporters, Finley Stadium also hosts the club’s women’s team, as well as serves as the fall home of University of Tennessee-Chattanooga football.   Food & Beverage   4 A collection of concession stalls lines the exterior walls of the south concourse. Concession options are solid; fans can enjoy Mac’s various styles of Philly steaks, chicken sandwiches, burgers, sausages, or veggie subs, while Chestnut Bakes offers more traditional stadium foods, such as pizza, popcorn, pretzels, and candy. In addition, The Max sticks to traditional burgers and hot dogs, and Moe’s Southwest Grill brings a limited menu of tacos, burritos, and bowls. Lastly, Fort Finley Market offers more of a grab-and-go, convenience store-like setup, but other than a food truck, local flavors do seem to be somewhat limited here. Access to the Ultra Lounge does offer premium food and drink options in the comfort of a climate-controlled area, along with a large television that shows a live feed of the game, since the lounge doesn’t have a view of the pitch. Drink options at Finley Stadium are extensive; in addition to domestic beer, Fort Finley Market stocks craft selections like Hi-Wire’s Mosaic IPA, Mountucky Cold Snacks Lager, and Wiseacre’s Tiny Bomb Pilsner. Canned cocktails, seltzers, margaritas, and Jack Daniels premixed cocktails are also available, and the stadium proudly serves Chattahooligan Kölsch, named for the club’s supporters. Non-alcoholic options include fresh squeezed lemonade, Powerade, and Coca-Cola products.   Atmosphere   3 Finley Stadium has a split-seating design with individual seating structures on both sidelines. For Chattanooga FC matches, however, typically only the south stands are used. The west end includes a plaza area, while the east end has a grassy berm popular with younger fans. Chattanooga FC has done as good of a job as they can to brand the stadium as their own, with signage, crest-emblazoned padding, and kiosks promoting both the men’s and women’s clubs. UT-Chattanooga branding is minimal on match days. The stadium has two scoreboards, one for basic time and score information and a larger one with a live match feed. What does seem to be missing though is any type of match stats: shots, saves, corners earned, and fouls. When looking for ideal seats, there is little in the way of a bad location. The Midfield Club is made up of three sections of individual chairback seats in the upper tier of the stands, with a lone section of field level chairbacks. The rest of the stadium is comprised of aluminum bleacher seating. The nature of soccer does not create a lot of downtime during the match that needs to be filled with games, contests, or other fan interaction pieces. There are a handful of ad reads throughout, but nothing that distracts from the game.   Neighborhood   5 Finley Stadium is in the southern reaches of downtown Chattanooga in the West Village neighborhood. The neighborhood that directly surrounds the stadium is in the process of an ongoing renaissance, while the area that sits along the Tennessee River was once more an industrial area with warehouses and foundries, much of which has been transformed into the First Horizon Pavilion of the Chattanooga City Market, as well as the neighboring Naked River Brewing Company. To the east is Southside Social, an “eat, drink, play” establishment with bowling and over half a dozen other games. Downtown Chattanooga is less than five minutes away and is often regarded as one of the top small cities in the United States. Attractions include the Tennessee Riverwalk, Tennessee Aquarium, Coolidge Park, and its historic carousel. Dining ranges from upscale restaurants to gems like Main Street Meats, a butcher shop and restaurant combo; North Shore is another hotspot for niche eateries and coffee shops. Chattanooga has as a wide variety of museums, including the International Towing and Recovery Museum, Hunter Museum of American Art, and Classic Arcade Pinball Museum of Chattanooga. The city is also rich in historical and cultural points of significance, with landmarks tied to key Civil War battles and the starting point of the Trail of Tears at Ross’ Landing, located just downhill from the soon-to-be-retired home of the Chattanooga Lookouts minor league baseball team,  AT&T Field . Just a short walk from Finley Stadium, the Hotel Chalet is on the grounds of the famed Chattanooga Choo Choo, while those a bit more attracted to outdoor adventures might want to check out Ruby Falls, Lookout Mountain, and Point Park, all offering stunning views of the city. In coming years the Chattanooga Lookouts’ South Broad District will be less than a mile away, just on the other side of I-24. Not only will this bring another high-profile piece of Chattanooga professional sports to the neighborhood, but along with it will come several shopping and restaurant options – this will greatly complement the extensive entertainment choices that downtown Chattanooga already has to offer.   Fans   4 Chattanooga FC’s supporter group, the Chattahooligans, does an outstanding job creating an energetic and memorable match day atmosphere. Even when weather affects attendance, their passion never wavers; they invite fans to join them in Section 109 to chant, sing, and dance throughout the match. Even those who remain in their seats often follow the Chattahooligans’ lead, rising to their feet for the final minute and during stoppage time in each half. While the Chattahooligans play a central role in setting the tone, the broader fan base deserves recognition as well. In 2024 Chattanooga FC averaged nearly 3,700 fans per match, and their 2025 Open Cup derby against crosstown rival Chattanooga Red Wolves  of USL 1 drew a crowd of more than 12,000.   Access   4 Finley Stadium is conveniently located just off I-24 that runs south of downtown. The largest concentration of parking is on the north side of the stadium, with another lot adjacent to neighboring Chattanooga Market. Chattanooga also has a city-wide bike share program with a bike rack just outside the stadium’s north side, which definitely can be useful for locals or those staying nearby. There are two main entrances, one on 19th Street and a second on Reggie White Boulevard. Three gates on 19th Street help manage crowds efficiently, while the Reggie White Boulevard entrance is often less crowded and quicker to get through. Inside, navigation takes a bit of getting used to. The walkway between the upper and lower sections does not connect directly to the concourse that encircles the pitch, so fans must go back under the stands to move between areas – it is not difficult but can be a touch inconvenient. In general, getting to and around Finley Stadium is manageable, but it does take just a bit of patience (as well as going against conventional wisdom) here and there.   Return on Investment   4 There are several different ticket options at Finley Stadium; prices start at $11 to sit on the grassy berm and $15 in the supporters section. A service fee is applied for each ticket purchased, and tax is also added on. Tickets are well priced and fees seem reasonable, but can start to add up when purchasing multiple tickets. Seats in the most comfortable areas of the stadium do seem a touch expensive , but there certainly are seats that come with great value. Parking runs $15, which does seem a touch high, but not necessarily outrageously so. Concessions are well priced and not subject to super-inflated stadium prices.   Extras   3 It can be difficult for a team that shares a facility with a college football program to establish a home field feel, but Chattanooga FC does their best with the Chattanooga Football Club Hall of Legends. Enshrined are former gaffer Bill Elliott, defender Thomas Clark, and forward Zeca Ferraz. Outside the stadium, kiosk displays allow fans to access information on both the men’s and women’s clubs. Chattanooga FC is in the final stages of completing their headquarters, which will be within walking distance of Finley Stadium – the headquarters facility will feature  office space for the club’s staff and coaches, apartments for the players, a training facility, retail space, a restaurant, and a rooftop bar. This development should go a long way in solidifying the soccer atmosphere of the neighborhood.   Final Thoughts It can be challenging to transform a large football stadium into an intimate environment for soccer, especially at the lower tiers of the American soccer pyramid. Despite this, Chattanooga FC goes above and beyond to provide a high-quality professional sporting experience. Much of the credit for creating this memorable atmosphere belongs to the Chattahooligans and the nonstop passion they bring throughout the match. All in all, it would be hard to be disappointed by an evening spent with Chattanooga’s longest-established soccer club.

Photo Courtesy of C. GT. The Sherbrooke Expos are celebrating 20 years of baseball in the Quebec Major Baseball League. The ball club celebrated with brand new uniforms that feature a home set that looks similar to the San Diego Padres old navy jersey, but who's complaining? It’s all business this season at Stad Amadee-Roy. The Expos new look comes with two pitchers from the Dominican Republic: Ricardo Smith and Francis Jones. Both pitchers played in the Cincinnati Reds organization, with Smith reaching Billings in the Pioneer League and Jones for Greeneville in the Appalachian League. The two men hope to catapult the club to the top of the standings by the end of the season. Stad Amadee-Roy has been the site of baseball since a wooden grandstand was erected in 1910. The first stadium was built in 1938 with lighting that was replaced a year ago. The stadium would fall victim to a fire in September 1951, but a new version would open in time for the 1953 season. It sat 4,000 people and would last serve home to the Pittsburgh Pirates affiliate in 1973. One of its players, relief pitcher Kent Tekulve, is still fondly remembered in town. Photo Courtesy of David Metraux. With no hopes of minor league baseball returning to Sherbrooke, the seating configuration was adjusted to accommodate 1,000 fans. Bench seating was installed over the concrete seating bowl in favor of individual theater-style seating.  The stadium offers a covered brick grandstand, bench seats, a concession stand, alcohol sales, and its most distinguished feature, a giant hill that stretches from the left field foul line and smooths out past the center field wall. It would make the old “Tal’s Hill” at Daikin Park look like an anthill. The hill begins a few feet above the ground in centerfield and inclines to what appears to be a 45 degree angle, rising gently to 15 feet the left field line and foul line. The hill eats most of the foul corner and it's only imaginable how players react when chasing down a ball or playing off the steep hill. “The hill has a reputation that spreads far and wide - everybody has heard about it, even if they have never been to the stadium,” added Pelletier. “People are usually excited when they see it for the first time. While most players seem to enjoy it, some fans would like to see it gone. The majority understands its importance as a historical feature and popular quirk.” Photo Courtesy of Louis-Marie Pelletier. There are more than enough videos on  Jonathan Glaude’s YouTube  showing balls ricocheting off the hill, providing a welcome home-field advantage. The hill has been part of the outfield dimensions since the original ballpark opened almost 75 years ago. Pelletier added that players usually wait for the ball to hit the wall and roll down the hill and it is not troublesome in centerfield where many diving catches take place. “If the play is within the bottom part of the hill, the first 5 feet, they will usually try to lay down to make the catch. Some more athletic players venture up the hill to catch or retrieve the ball, leading to some exciting plays.”  Pelletier added that the hill is protected and will never be flatten or leveled based on it being recoginized as part of the national historic sites in Canada. FULL PODCAST CLICK HERE ---> Ballpark Hunter Podcast with Max Pelletier There are eleven clubs in the league playing in a myriad of facilities, including local fields, a stadium featuring grandstands originally constructed for Expo 67 , and newer ballparks. The $7.8 million Jacques-Desautels Stadium will debut this season for the Brock Baseball Club. The seating capacity will increase from 400 to 800 seats and feature a covered section plus a food court.  However, much is still a mystery to the league and many of its members. Pelletier added that the focus on the Expos is to build a strong team on the field that will attract fans to the ballpark. There is hope to have a strong social media presence in the future and promote the team the same way as the Welland Jackfish , 833 kilometers west in Ontario. New season means new caps and beer, Photo Courtesy of the Sherbooke Expos Besides the new home and away uniforms, fans will be treated to new caps and a 20th anniversary branding that was designed by a local company. The new home whites featured an interlocked S and E with navy blue piping down the front and sleeves. The same logo appears on a solid navy cap. The away jerseys are solid navy with the city name in a curved block letter design. According to its Facebook page, caps sell for $25 CAN. Where does this leave the lonely ballpark traveler cruising along the provincial roads of Quebec? The Frontier League has set up shop in Quebec City and Trois-Rivieres , but maybe a slight diversion to Sherbrooke, or even Thetford Mines, Castor Vale, and Drummondville (three cities with legitimate ballparks) could make for an ideal road trip in French Canada.  ---- Follow all of Marc’s stadium journeys on Twitter @ballparkhunter   and his YouTube channel . Email at marc@stadiumjourney.com

Photos Courtesy of Google Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.43 Forest Glen Park 2303 College Ave. Huntington, IN 46750 Huntington University Foresters website Forest Glen Park website Year Opened: 1950 Capacity: 700 Indiana’s Baseball Best Kept Secret Forest Glen Park on the campus of Huntington University might be the best-kept secret in Indiana. It is a ballpark unlike any other in the state; small in size, it has an ambiance that is different than others in NAIA up to Division 1. The team's media guide mentions that “Forest Glen Park has developed into one of the finest and most unique baseball facilities, not only in the state but also in the midwest.” The ballpark is surrounded by three sides of the water, a scenic incline, lush forestry during the spring and summer, and the walkable trail leading down to the third-base side entrance. The Huntington Foresters are members of the Crossroads League, an athletic conference composed of NAIA private Christian colleges in Indiana, Michigan, and Ohio. The university was founded in 1897 and has an enrollment of slightly over 1,000 students. The baseball team called the site home well before renovations began in 2007. In 2015, several major upgrades were made from dugout to dugout, including new stadium seating, a modern press box, a new concession stand, and restrooms. A new turf, laser-graded outfield, and bullpens were added in time for the 2022 season. Food & Beverage 3 The ballpark has a small concession stand behind the main grandstand. The kitchen offers the basics one would expect at a baseball game, including hot dogs, hamburgers, popcorn, soda pop, and candy. It isn’t a wide variety of food, but enough to keep you from going hungry during a game. Atmosphere 4 The diamond is down a small hill surrounded by trees, trails, and a small creek behind the grandstand. Fans enter the ballpark on the third baseline, and a series of picnic tables dot the area towards the main grandstand. The stadium feels like it was built in the middle of the woods;  the sounds of the babbling brook add a soothing south near the concession stand. The grandstand has stadium-style seating along with bleacher seating and is decorated with past championships and retired numbers. The school’s name is bright and bold on top of the press box. Fans in their seats have a wonderful view of the field, despite being behind fencing. There is more bleacher seating behind the left-field corner wall. The area has a small hill that provides views behind the centerfield wall but also borders a private residence. A ten-inning scoreboard and a small wooden bridge used to retrieve foul balls across the creek complete the ballpark’s aesthetics that hold a capacity of 900 persons. The game-day atmosphere offers music between innings, a PA announcer, and plenty of fans making noise for the boys on the field. There isn’t a lot of advertising or above-the-average promotions blasting from the speakers. Everything about the ballpark is relaxed and pleasant, especially from behind the grandstand near the babbling brook. Neighborhood 3 Huntington, Indiana, has a population of 17,000 plus and a downtown that is slowly rebuilding with a series of independent shops and restaurants. It is recommended to visit either, or a few, of them after you visit a Foresters ball game to complement your trip. Antiqology has a collection of memorabilia from the past century but is known for its homemade ice cream, milkshakes, cola, and root beer. There is also a 100-bottle craft soda available at their shop. Ice cream flavors include cinnamon churro and Jacked Up Tennessee Toffee, but milkshakes include Nutella, Rice Crispy Treat, and peanut butter brownie. A few feet away is The Party Shop, a candy store rich with decadent confectionaries. Nick’s Kitchen is a small diner that is known for inexpensive dinners and giant tenderloin sandwiches. Brick House Grill offers pub-style food and signature steaks. Pizza Junction is located in the old train depot and has some of the best pizzas in the area. There is quite a bit to see in town including the Dan Quayle Vice-Presidential Learning Center, Two-EE’s Winery (their Plonqé is a delicious sweet red wine), historic settlements at the Forks of the Wabash, and scenic walking trails at the Sunken Gardens. Timber Lake offers camping grounds and zip-lining. Fans 3 The fans at the game support both clubs as you can see the colors of both schools in the grandstand. This is not shocking since most of the colleges are within reasonable driving distance for weekend games. Fans are focused on the game and many are friends and family, but there are also quite a bit of local fans and students who make their presence felt throughout the nine innings of play. Access 3 The ballpark is located down a hill and will be hard to access for fans with limited mobility. Although not seen, a golf cart brings fans to the entrance of the stadium, but there is still a walk to the main grandstand. However, once inside the stadium, bathrooms and concession stands are directly behind the grandstand. There is only one entrance in and out of the stadium. Return on Investment 4 A ticket costs $7 for adults, $3 for children, and free for students. Many NAIA baseball teams do not charge admission, but this one is nice enough that you might not mind paying a small fee. Parking is free and each ticket comes with a complimentary game day program/yearbook. Extras 4 Forest Glen Park earns several points including its beautiful setting at the bottom of a tree-covered hill featuring a creek and walking trails. The ballpark earns a second point for the small bridge over the creek to retrieve foul balls. The third and fourth points are for the outfield bleacher seating, a rarity in college ball in the state, and the free seating on the hill overlooking the playing field. The final point is for the free gameday program that’s included with the price of admission.  Final Thoughts Huntington University’s Glen Park in Huntington, Indiana might be the best ballpark you've ever heard of in the state. I say this because no other ballpark is quite of the Huntington University baseball program. Trust me, I've been to almost all of them in the Hoosier State. However, this one stands out among the list of other great baseball stadiums.

Photos by David Welch, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.14 Rudy Abbott Field at Jim Case Stadium 700 Pelham Road Jacksonville, AL 36265 Jacksonville State Gamecocks website Rudy Abbott Field at Jim Case Stadium website Year Opened: 1995 Capacity: 2,020 Fear the Beak Baseball has been played at Jacksonville State University since the program’s founding in 1948 as members of the NCAA’s Division II, playing out of the Gulf South Conference. During their stint in Division II, the Gamecocks would claim back-to-back National Championships in the 1990 and 1991 seasons. Jacksonville State would jump to Division I in the 1995-96 academic year, where they would play as members of the Atlantic Sun Conference. Their first stay in the A-Sun would be short-lived, as the Gamecocks moved to the Ohio Valley Conference in 2003, only to return to the A-Sun from 2021 to 2023. The Gamecocks would leave the A-Sun for good after just two years, joining Conference USA to start the 2023-24 athletic season, when their football program transitioned from FCS to FBS.  The Gamecocks would move from their original baseball field on the east side of campus, to their new baseball facility across campus, just in time for their move to Division I. The facility initially consisted of just three sections of bleachers and a press box tower, but a practically complete rebuild in 2019 transformed the field into a true baseball stadium.   Food & Beverage   4 A lone concession stand is located on the concourse, directly behind home plate. The menu gives fans a wide number of options, from the classic ballpark hot dog (with the option to add chili) to cheeseburgers, chicken tenders, BBQ sandwiches, and stadium nachos round out the entrées. Combo meals of an entrée, fries, and a drink are offered, but cost the same amount as it would if all three were to be purchased separately; there is no discounted rate for purchasing a combo meal. Sides and snacks include fries, chips, and candy, along with the stadium favorites peanuts and popcorn. Frozen sweet treats include frozen lemonade, but it is the Kona Ice truck that draws much of the attention. Beverages include Coca-Cola products, Powerade, sweet tea, and Dasani bottled water. In addition, a full-service bar on the third base side of the concourse serves hand-mixed cocktails, several domestic beers, hard seltzer, and a selection of craft beers from Back Forty Beer Co.   Atmosphere   4 At first glance, the exterior of Rudy Abbott Field at Jim Case Stadium does not appear to be overly inviting. Situated on the corner of passing streets, what would seem to be the front entrance does not appear to be an accessible entry point. The large brick exterior with windows running along the top also seems a bit drab – if the exterior was more functional and part of a grand entry into the stadium, it would certainly add a lot to the initial impression. What the grandstand's exterior seems to lack is made up for by the interior – the interior of the stadium is a nice mix of classic stadium design, with a touch of modern luxurious accommodations. A shingled roof runs along the home plate edge of the visiting team’s dugout on the third base side of the stadium, around to the Gamecocks indoor hitting facility down the right field line. The press box is built directly into the roof behind home plate, giving the stadium a bit of a historic feel; a chain link fence backed with tall evergreens makes up the outfield wall. This setup allows fans to watch the game from behind the outfield fence, while those looking for a more traditional outfield seating option might head for Cocky’s Korner in right field. The stadium scoreboard just beyond right-center field consists of a standard, inning-by-inning scoreboard topped with an LED video board, which gives fans real-time statistical information, pitch count, and team lineups. The inclusion of pitch speed and exit velocities is a nice extra not found at many stadiums. As is the trend with many collegiate fields, the playing surface is comprised of field turf in a striped pattern, in addition to the university’s “JSU” emblem filling the area around center field. The sun sets just to the first base side of home plate, so day games can create a bit of an issue for fans seated on the third base side of the field, as they are contending with the sun for a good portion of the game – if available, purchase seats as far down the line toward home plate as possible to avoid having to contend with its rays. A good option might be trying to sit at one of the few high-top tables on the concourse, or standing at one of the drink rails under the covered portion of the concourse. The game presentation is rather straightforward, mostly with ad reads between innings and some occasional contests. There does seem to be some overuse of the in-game sound effects, which are not all that original, most notably the sound of breaking glass when foul balls are hit out of the stadium; these sound effects do seem to fade away in frequency as the game progresses, however.   Neighborhood   3 Backdropped by Choccolocco Mountain, Rudy Abbott Field at Jim Case Stadium  sits on the westernmost reaches of Jacksonville State’s campus, neighbored by the JSU soccer facility and Pete Mathews Coliseum .   About a mile south of campus is Jacksonville’s town center; this has a handful of restaurants and the Apothecary Draft House, which fans can visit. The most convenient stop for a bite to eat before the game though would be Cooter Brown’s Rib Shack, less than a half mile west on SR-204 (Nesbit Road).   Jacksonville’s rural setting does provide fans making a multi-day visit to Jacksonville with miles of hiking trails to explore the northern reaches of the Talladega National Forest, which runs just east of Jacksonville.   Fans   4 Jacksonville State baseball has a rather supportive fan base – the Gamecocks are in a group of schools averaging 800 to 900 fans per game. On top of the support fans show, they show a knowledge of the finer points of the game, applauding good baseball plays that might be lost on the casual fan; a hit to the right side with a runner on second, or a strong throw from an outfielder to hold a tagging runner, are applauded just as much as a single.   Access   3 Jacksonville, Alabama is a bit off the beaten path. Fans coming from the west through Birmingham or from Atlanta to the east most likely will use I-20. This will leave just under a thirty-minute drive through Oxford and Anniston, Alabama. State Road 21 leads from I-20 right to the JSU campus, while the northern and southern approaches come mostly via state roads and highways. In a break from typical stadium designs, fans enter through the left field side and are led to the sloping concourse of seating that runs from the visitor dugout to the Gamecocks dugout. This open concourse gives fans the ability to leave their seats to run to the restroom or concession stand while keeping an eye on the game the entire way there. Suites, a lounge area, and a party deck make up additional seating down the first baseline toward the Gamecocks indoor hitting facility, so there isn’t much fans can access past the Gamecocks dugout.   Return on Investment   5 Pre-purchased ticket prices run $6 for general admission seating on the grassy berm to $8 for reserved seating; a $1 fee is added to online purchases. While ticket fees can put a damper on well-priced tickets, a dollar is a welcome relief compared to what other venues charge. Ticket prices when buying at the gate run a bit higher, with general admission going for $8 and reserved seats for $10. Even the game day rates are more than reasonable, however, especially considering the free parking. Concession prices are as would be expected, but the combo meals not offering any discount is a bit of a letdown.   Extras   3 Banners showing the namesakes of the stadium, Rudy Abbott (18) and Jim Case (26), hang from the left-center field fence. A display within the concourse also tells the story of Rudy Abbott’s 31-year tenure as Gamecocks head coach – Abbott and Case led Jacksonville State baseball for a combined 53 years, and only one win shy of 1,650. Another display recognizes Jacksonville State’s all-Americans and players who have gone on to play professional baseball. The most notable Gamecock to grace the field in Jacksonville quite possibly has been Todd Jones; Jones would have a 16-year MLB career where he would tally over 300 saves, and is still the Detroit Tigers all-time saves leader with 235. Sunday afternoon games are followed by “Kids Run the Bases”, along with the opportunity to get autographs from their favorite Gamecock players.   Final Thoughts Regardless of the home field they were playing on, Jacksonville State baseball has long established itself as a highly competitive, championship-level college baseball program. It wasn’t until recently, however, that the university was able to invest in upgrading the facilities to give the players and fans the baseball stadium they deserve.

Photos by Richard Smith and Gregory Koch, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.57 Prince George’s Stadium 4101 Crain Highway Bowie, MD 20716 Chesapeake Baysox website Prince George’s Stadium website Year Opened: 1994 Capacity: 10,000 Bowie Baseball Double-A baseball is where the future stars play. Really. Often, Triple-A baseball rosters are filled with minor league veterans who will seldom see the major league team. But the double-A affiliate of the major league team can be the jumping-off point for the stars of tomorrow. Since 1993, the Bowie Baysox have been in operation, with all years being part of the Baltimore Orioles organization. The first year, they played in Baltimore’s legendary Memorial Stadium while their stadium was being built. In 1994, they moved into their Bowie home after some construction delays. This meant they played at a few temporary spots along the way, including at the University of Maryland and the Naval Academy in Annapolis. Before Bowie, the double-A affiliate of the Orioles was the Hagerstown Suns, now a single-A affiliate of the Washington Nationals. In 2025, the Bowie Baysox rebranded to the Chesapeake Baysox. The team also broke ground on its biggest refurbishment since it opened. New clubhouses, indoor batting cages, and an indoor sports facility will be for player development, while a new scoreboard will be for the fans. Food & Beverage 3 Prince George's Stadium has some good food offerings. On weeknight games, they often close some of the stands, making the remaining open ones very crowded. The basic stands have many options for all price ranges. The cheeseburger basket is a value, but the helmet-filled cheese fries are even a greater value Some of the other offerings are pizza by the slice, fish and chips, gyro basket, pretzel, corn dog basket, loaded hot dogs, and a stuffed pretzel. A kids-only meal is available at a stand-alone stand for a reasonable price. This includes a hot dog, drink, chips, and a toy. Local legend and motorsport competitor Travis Pastrana has a stand called Pastrana’s Pit Stop that features multiple pit beef sandwiches, including a classic pit beef sandwich, a beef and cheese pit beef sandwich, and a Chesapeake pit beef sandwich with crab. Atmosphere 4 Prince George's Stadium prides itself on offering a family atmosphere and a place where the entire family can enjoy baseball. The true fan can enjoy the quality play, while the kids can enjoy the carousel, bounce houses, and face painting offered. In-game promotions are also offered to keep the atmosphere fresh and fun. The team tries to keep it happening in between innings, not to distract from the game. There are orange bleachers for general admission sections and green seats for assigned seating. The cheap seats get great views, as well as the fans paying for the more expensive ones. Bowie came along just a couple of years after the local Harry Grove Stadium in Frederick set a high standard for local minor league baseball. It is like a larger Frederick and an older version of Ripken Stadium (Aberdeen Ironbirds). The scoreboard and videoboard are both showing their age and need more modern replacements. A well-stocked team store is located on the concourse, offering a variety of Bowie and Orioles merchandise. Neighborhood 3 There is nothing too exciting about the Bowie neighborhood near the stadium. The stadium sits off of a major highway (US Route 301) and is near many shopping centers and fast-food restaurants. A Home Depot and BJ’s Warehouse are even within walking distance of the stadium. Rip's Country Inn (3809 Crain Hwy, Bowie, MD) is a longtime family restaurant that is very close to the stadium. If you need solid quality, good food, this is a great option. Baltimore is 30 miles away, DC is 18 miles away, and Annapolis is 15 miles away, so you should not be limited by the uninspiring suburban choices right near the stadium. Fans 3 The fans are pretty traditional minor league fans for this area. Some are very knowledgeable about the game, while others are there as part of a family or a group and may be less interested in the actual game. This is a Baltimore Orioles fan base, so expect to hear the loud "Ohhhhhhh" chant during the appropriate place in the National Anthem. Locals feel that the song is to do with as they please while showing support to the home team. It is good-natured, so who could disagree? With the Nationals located close by, you should expect to see many of their fans as well, especially when their Eastern League affiliate, the Harrisburg Senators, is in town. Access 4 Access is the strong suit of Prince George's Stadium. Sitting at the intersection of US Route 301, US Route 50, and State Route 3, one should have no problem getting to the game. Traffic can be a bear at times, as this intersection is right between the triangle of Baltimore, Annapolis, and Washington, DC. Plan a little leeway in timing for early evening games. There is plenty of free parking in the regular lot, as well as the one located on Governors Bridge Road. Return on Investment 4 There are cheaper minor league games to attend. Bowie reflects the busy metropolitan area and has some tickets that are nearly as expensive as the ones down the road at Oriole Park at Camden Yards. The best values are the general admission tickets that start at $11, depending on the game. These seats are close to the action, and give you flexibility to move around and/or get more food. Be on the lookout for ticket promotions and other events that can make your game experience better. The team is active in the community, and there are many ways to attend the game. Extras 4 Free programs are available as you come in and are quite detailed. The Baysox is often one of the first places that the major league club sends rehabbing players since it is close to their home. That is a potential added benefit of attending a game in Bowie. Look for the lighthouse down the right field line, reflecting Bowie’s location near the Chesapeake Bay. There is also a kids’ play area down the right field line near the lighthouse, which includes a carousel among other activities. The large sign on US Route 301 serves to not only notify fans of where the stadium is located but also as a place to learn about stadium activities. Final Thoughts Prince George's Stadium is showing some age in its 30-year frame, but it is still a quality minor league stadium that is presenting a nice level of baseball talent. Hopefully, the planned updates will make quite a difference.

Lilly Barnett, a Texas native, is one of the hardest and most passionate workers in the UMASS athletic department. Not only does Lilly serve as the school's band's manager, but she also twirls batons in the band, both of which are challenging in different ways. Lilly took a few moments to discuss the band and twirling.  STADIUM JOURNEY: So, first things first, what was it like to perform in the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade in New York City this past year? As I recall, it was a very wet one. Describe the experience. LILLY BARNETT: My experience in the 2024 Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade was different than most. Yes, I am one of the baton twirlers for the University of Massachusetts' Minuteman Marching Band, but I was also the travel manager for the UMMB. As a member of the executive staff helping our travel company coordinate food, housing, and transportation for nearly 450 people, it was such an overwhelmingly rewarding experience. When we got to the parade, I didn't even care that it was raining. I was honestly glad it was. If it hadn't rained, those precious hours spent counting hundreds of ponchos with our personnel manager until 2 am would have been for nothing.  As I walked through the rain-soaked streets of New York, all the worries disappeared. The group was running late that morning; someone lost a piece of their uniform, but it didn’t matter because all my stress was gone. I was just doing what I've always loved: twirling batons. The harsh rain and cool wind, the energy of the crowds, the sound of our band, it felt like everything I'd worked for had led to that perfect moment. This role has taught me valuable organizational skills that have helped me secure jobs and internships, but marching through those streets with some of my best friends by my side, rain and all, was by far the most treasured part of the trip and a memory I will never forget. STADIUM JOURNEY: Let's start from the beginning. How did you get into twirling? What's so special about it? Was it something that hooked you immediately? LILLY BARNETT: I began twirling around age 5 or 6 at a local dance studio in the Dallas/Fort Worth area. My passion started small, but when my sister, Maggie Barnett, wanted lessons, I naturally followed. I took private lessons with Karen Hightshoe, and watching her student Mariah Reed practice made me want to be just like her. Their encouragement to try new things is why I stuck with twirling, they instilled confidence in me at such a young age.  I wasn't hooked immediately though. I actually preferred dancing and only twirled because my sister did. I even quit for about a year, thinking it was too hard. But attending competitions with my mom and sister made me realize how much I missed it. Returning taught me valuable lessons: success takes time and hard work, and it's okay to take breaks and come back stronger. As I grew older, I came to appreciate the sport as a form of stress release. In middle school, if someone didn't want to sit with me at lunch, I knew I could go twirl after school and feel better. Even now in college, when I'm overwhelmed with life, jobs, or friendships, I can twirl for a few hours and my problems fade away, at least for a little while. That's what makes it special to me, it's both an artistic outlet and a mental sanctuary. STADIUM JOURNEY: How difficult was it to pick up? LILLY BARNETT: When I started, I had a very hard time. I wasn't born with any natural flexibility or hand-eye coordination whatsoever. Adding to the challenge, I have vertical heterophoria, an eye disorder where one eye's vision is slightly higher than the other. My eyes try to overcorrect and merge two imbalanced images into one, which means when looking at a baton, it isn't always truly where I think it is. Sometimes when I look up, I see two batons instead of one. You can imagine how challenging this becomes when I'm twirling two, three, and even four batons at once.  Ironically, twirling multiple batons eventually became one of my favorite aspects, and where I'm most advanced technically. It was incredibly difficult at first, which is partly why I quit when I was younger. I didn't understand that my eye disorder was making it harder than it might be for others. Success ultimately came through countless hours of practice and developing patience with myself. I had to learn different techniques to compensate for my visual perception challenges, which ultimately made me a more adaptable performer. STADIUM JOURNEY: You're a Texas native. Is Texas a twirling hotbed? Where are the hotbeds? What's the twirling scene like in New England? LILLY BARNETT: Yes, I am from Fort Worth, Texas, and when they say everything is bigger in Texas, they mean it, especially in the twirling world. The differences between competitions in Texas versus New England are striking; there just aren't as many people to compete against up here. For perspective, New England could fit into Texas around 21 times with about half the population.  The south in general I think is a hotbed for twirling. I think it's because The south is a breeding ground for football and marching bands, and with that naturally comes baton twirlers. When I talk to people in New England, many share that their high school didn't even have a football team, let alone marching bands or music programs. The sport is very niche in the northeast, making it harder for younger generations to discover it. That's why I love when the UMass Minuteman Marching Band performs at MICCA Finals in Lawrence, MA.. We interact with so many students and families who've never seen twirling before. You never know, someone in that audience could become inspired and eventually become a UMass Twirler one day. Building that visibility is how we grow the sport in regions where it's less common. STADIUM JOURNEY: At what point, do you start attending twirling camps and competitions? How competitive is the twirling community? LILLY BARNETT:  I started competing almost as soon as I began twirling, but middle school marked a significant turning point when I attended my first camp hosted by Janice Jackson Semmands. After connecting with her, she began giving us private lessons. My mom would drive us six hours to Arkansas specifically to train with her. Janice just connected with us and our style immediately, she knew exactly what to say to help us improve and constantly encouraged us to push our boundaries.  Janice had such an incredible eye and created the best routines. At competitions, judges would recognize her influence, often saying, "I know a Janice routine when I see one." My scoresheets frequently noted the complexity and entertainment value of my routines. Her knowledge and empowerment made her one of the strongest female role models in my life. I grew up competing within NBTA (National Baton Twirling Association), one of the main twirling organizations. The community is definitely competitive, some regions more than others. As I grew older, I discovered in college that what I truly loved was performing at school events rather than competing. That said, the competitive circuit created some of my most enduring friendships. There's something special about bonding with people who understand the unique challenges of the sport. It's been amazing to keep up with all of my twirling friends as I entered college, and it’s awesome to see where they've ended up, whether continuing in the sport as coaches or judges, or applying that discipline to completely different careers. STADIUM JOURNEY: Do colleges recruit for twirling? Discuss your journey to UMASS. LILLY BARNETT: Unlike some other college activities, I don’t think there is a formal recruitment process for twirling. It works more through auditions. Every school handles it differently, but at UMass, you submit an audition video to be reviewed by the marching band's professional staff. Some universities require both a video and an in-person tryout or interview. Generally, it's up to the twirler to seek out opportunities. Growing up, I looked up to collegiate twirlers like Trenton Haltom and Shelby Elder. I dreamed of representing esteemed universities with reputable bands just as they did, but I always appreciated how they emphasized the importance of education coming first. That mindset shaped my college search. I'm a student first, and my education had to be highest on my list of priorities. During my sophomore year of high school, my sister's college search opened my eyes to opportunities beyond Texas. She showed me I could go far from home, get a great education, and still pursue collegiate twirling. When evaluating schools, I prioritized strong journalism and political science programs plus a big school with a large, established marching band program. After meeting with advisors in the College of Social and Behavioral Sciences and Kristi Ochs, the twirler coach at UMass, as well as visiting campus, I knew UMass was my school. I loved the northeast and was excited to explore another part of the country. My family supported me completely in my decision to move over 1,700 miles from home, and that's how I ended up at UMass, balancing my academic goals with the opportunity to continue twirling at a high level. STADIUM JOURNEY: How much time does the band take up? LILLY BARNETT: The marching band commitment is substantial, especially during fall semester. The twirlers rehearse with the band every weekday, Monday through Friday, from 4:40 PM to 6:10 PM, or as Dr. Timothy Anderson, our marching band director, calls it, "band time best time." That's 7.5 hours of structured rehearsal weekly, plus additional time for football games, parades, exhibitions, and special events the UMMB performs at. On game days, we're typically committed for 8-12 hours between preparation, warm-ups, pre-game, the actual game performance, and post-game. Outside of these scheduled rehearsals, I still do my best to practice baton independently for at least an hour every day to maintain and improve my skills. As I'm approaching graduation, I've reduced my competing to focus on job and internship opportunities, but I still prioritize practice time to keep my performance when representing UMass.  My experience is somewhat unique because I'm also on the UMMB Executive Staff as the Band Manager for 2025. This administrative role adds another 200-300 hours of work each semester handling logistics and behind-the-scenes operations. I coordinate various behind the scenes logistical concerns to ensure the band runs at the best of its abilities. So for me, band takes up significantly more time than it does for most twirlers, but the organizational experience is incredibly rewarding and has helped prepare me for my future, which is why I've chosen to be so deeply involved. STADIUM JOURNEY: Do you twirl at all the major UMASS sporting events? It must be very difficult to twirl on the ice, correct? LILLY BARNETT: I primarily twirl at football and basketball games when it comes to UMass sporting events. Football season is our main focus with the full Minuteman Marching Band, where we perform pre-game, halftime, and post-game shows. For basketball, we have a smaller pep band configuration, and the twirlers perform during timeouts and quarter breaks.  You definitely won't be seeing me twirling on ice anytime soon, that's for sure. We occasionally make appearances at other campus events like pep rallies and special university functions, but football and basketball remain where we primarily perform. STADIUM JOURNEY: What are some of your favorite stadiums to perform in? Why? LILLY BARNETT: One of my favorite stadiums was AT&T Stadium in Dallas, where I performed during my high school's football playoff games. The sheer scale of the venue was awe-inspiring, there's nothing quite like twirling in a professional NFL stadium as a high schooler. The Byron Nelson High School marching band was exceptional to be part of, but isn't any 6A high school marching band in Texas? Looking back, I owe so much to directors Jed Weeks, Brad Toth, and Michael Moore for supporting me and allowing me to twirl for their marching band. Without their belief in me, I wouldn't be the baton twirler I am today. That final performance at AT&T Stadium left me with overwhelming gratitude for being part of such a supportive program, and I'll never forget the feeling of walking off that field.  Another memorable venue was Rentschler Field, UConn football's home stadium, where my sister Maggie was the feature twirler for the UConn Marching Band. When the UMMB traveled there for the UConn-UMass game, we performed a combined halftime show with their band. Being able to twirl on the same field with my sister was truly the experience of a lifetime. We had both achieved our dream of becoming college twirlers, which for us represented the peak of our twirling careers. Unlike other sports, there isn't a professional baton twirling league waiting after graduation. When she finished at UConn, that essentially marked the end of her competitive twirling career, as it will for me when I graduate from UMass. So sharing that field at the pinnacle of our twirling journeys was incredibly meaningful. We went from timing each other's routines as kids to performing together at the collegiate level while pursuing the education we'd dreamed about. Our parents flew up to witness it all, which made the moment even more special. My all-time favorite stadium, though, has to be McGuirk Alumni Stadium at UMass. Nothing beats twirling at your home base with the UMass fans. The post-game performances are particularly special, with all the dedicated Marching Band supporters in the audience cheering us on. Some of my most cherished twirling memories have been created in this stadium—Band Day, Homecoming, Senior Day—you name it. There's something magical about performing in a place that feels like home, surrounded by a community that genuinely appreciates what we do.   STADIUM JOURNEY: So someone's hitting Amherst, what are some places to hit? LILLY BARNETT: If you're visiting Amherst, there are so many great spots to check out! As a huge Mexican food fan, I have a regular rotation: Garcia's, Mission Cantina, Bueno y Sano, and La Veracruzana.. These four definitely get me through each semester.  Beyond food, Amherst has a wonderful small-town charm with lots to explore. The Amherst Farmers' Markets when in season are a must-visit too.  The natural beauty around Amherst is truly spectacular. The various hiking trails are also a good way to get out and explore the nature around Amherst. If you're here during the academic year, catching a UMass sporting event or a performance at the Fine Arts Center adds to the authentic Pioneer Valley experience. Jon Hart is  @manversusball

Photos by Paul Baker, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.43 Conaty Park 1150 Douglas Pike Smithfield, RI 02917 Bryant Bulldogs baseball website Conaty Park website Year Opened: 2000 Capacity: 500 Bulldog Baseball   Bryant University is a private university located in the Providence suburb of Smithfield, RI. Founded in 1863 as Bryant College, the school was traditionally known for its business programs. The school now boasts an enrollment of over 3,700 students in 27 majors.   Conaty Park is named for Bill (class of 1967) and Sue Conaty, benefactors of the university’s baseball and softball programs. The part of campus where Conaty Park and many of Bryant’s athletic facilities are now located was the site of the New England Patriots’ training camp from 1976-2002.   Baseball has been played at Bryant since 1969, before the school was even located at its present location in Smithfield. For several decades the team played in Division Two, qualifying for five NCAA tournaments and reaching the College World Series in 2004.   Bryant elevated their entire athletic program to Division One in 2009. After initially competing in the Northeast Conference, the Bulldogs moved to the America East Conference in 2023. Since changing divisions, the baseball team has qualified for the NCAA Tournament four times (2013, 2014, 2016 and 2024) Three Bryant alumni, Keith MacWorther, James Karinchak and Mickey Gaspar have played in the Major Leagues.   Food and Beverage 0   There are no food or beverage options at Conaty Park. Fans are welcome to bring their own items to enjoy during the game. This being New England, you can expect to see lots of Dunkin’ coffees on those cold spring afternoons.   Atmosphere 2   As you might expect at a small ballpark like Conaty Park, there is not an elaborate gameday presentation here at a Bulldogs game. If you are a fan who enjoys being able to hear managers barking instructions to their players, the chatter going on down on the field and being able to talk to your neighbors in the stands, you’ll enjoy your time here.   There’s not much going on at Conaty Park to distract one’s attention from the game. Music plays on an excellent sound system, but it’s not turned up too loud. There’s a surprising abundance of country music played for this part of the country. A scoreboard in right field displays basic game information. The PA announcer does his job unobtrusively. Neighborhood 2     Bryant University is located in Smithfield, RI, about a twenty-minute drive from Providence. Although Smithfield is a very nice place to live, it’s certainly not a destination location. The area near campus has built up a bit over the years, and there are now a few solid dining and lodging choices in the immediate area for visiting fans who prefer to stay local.   Parente’s Restaurant, Blackies, and Laura’s Bar and Grill are popular dining spots near campus. Stadium Journey recommends J’s Deli for their impressive variety of grinders (that’s what we call sub sandwiches here in Rhode Island). Several national chain restaurants and shopping options are located about a 10-minute drive away on Route 44. Fans visiting from out of town may opt to take the 20-minute drive to Providence, which has no shortage of top-notch restaurants and lodging options.   Speaking of lodging options, the story here is similar if visiting Bryant. There is a Holiday Inn Express, a Hampton Inn and Suites and a SureStay Plus right near campus, but visitors may opt to stay in nearby Providence or even Boston, only an hour’s drive to the north. Twin Rivers Casino is in nearby Lincoln just a few minutes from Bryant. If spending time in a casino is on your agenda, the twin resorts of Foxwoods and Mohegan Sun are located an hour away just over the Connecticut state line.   Fans 2   As you would expect at a college ballpark in New England, the size of the crowd at a Bulldogs game can vary greatly depending on the time of year, day of week, or opponent playing on any given day. A perusal of box scores on the Bryant baseball webpage shows attendance ranging from 100 fans in March/April to around 750 fans in May. Stadium Journey’s most recent visit occurred on a gray, overcast Saturday afternoon. While the announced attendance was 740, the eyeball test showed an actual crowd of 250-300 fans. While not an overwhelming number, this is a larger crowd than most teams in the area enjoy.   At Stadium Journey, we often refer to smaller crowds such as this as a “friends and family” type of crowd. Many of the fans in attendance have a personal connection with the players on the field, and as a result are very knowledgeable and enthusiastic in their support. With many of Bryant’s opponents located near Bryant, it’s not unusual to see many visiting fans taking in the action. There’s usually only a modest turnout from the student body. The Bulldogs will often invite local Little League teams to participate in pregame activities. Access 4     Bryant University is located in Smithfield, Rhode Island, 13 miles from downtown Providence. The campus is most easily accessed by car. Visitors to Bryant will simply take exit 15B off Interstate 295. The campus is just over a mile away from the interstate on Route 7. Fans using public transportation to arrive at Bryant will find a Rhode Island Public Transportation (RIPTA)  bus stop on the Bryant campus, offering service every 40 minutes to downtown Providence.   Conaty Park is located on the northern edge of the Bryant campus adjacent to many of the school’s other athletic facilities, including Bierne Stadium , Cowen Stadium and Conaty Softball Field. Parking is available in large lots a short walk from the ball field. Bryant was once primarily a commuter school, so there is a lot of room for parking here. With all the construction going on around the ballpark right now, fans have to walk through Bierne Stadium to get to Conaty Park.   Seating at Conaty Park is contained in an attractive brick grandstand that seats 500. Center sections consist of molded plastic seats, with metal bleachers in the outer sections. All seats are behind netting, but still have excellent views of the action. There is a terraced area down the right field line where fans can set up lawn chairs and take in the action. Some fans opt to hang out on the hill beyond the outfield fence in left field. Rest rooms are located in the Conaty Field House and in Bierne Stadium, both a short walk from the field. The grounds are very nicely maintained and easy to traverse.   Return on Investment 5   There is no charge to attend a Bulldog baseball game. Parking is also free in the large lots near Conaty Park. With no concessions at the ballpark, you won’t spend a single cent during your visit to Bryant. Extras 2     Bryant’s conference titles and NCAA Tournament appearances are commemorated on the outfield walls at Conaty Park. The team’s Division One and Two titles are posted.   A second extra point is awarded for the expansion and modernization of the athletic facilities all around Conaty Park. Since our last visit to Bryant just a year and and a half ago, there were a pair of new facilities plus a major construction project going on at Bierne Stadium.   Final Thoughts   Bryant's athletic program is growing by leaps and bounds. While Conaty Park is one of the older facilities in the Bryant complex, it remains one of the nicer college baseball parks in the northeast.   Follow Paul Baker’s stadium journeys on Twitter  and Instagram  @PuckmanRI.

Photos by Marc Viquez, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.43 Bart Kaufman Field 1873 N Fee Ln Bloomington, IN 47408 Indiana Hoosiers website Bart Kaufman Field website Year Opened: 2013 Capacity: 2,500 Indiana's Baseball Field is a Hit for Hoosiers Bart Kaufman Field is the home of the Indiana University baseball program; an impressive ballpark in the Big Ten and a vast improvement over the Hoosiers old home Sembower Field that was built in 1951. The $19.8 million facility was dedicated in 2013 and is a welcome addition to the sporting facilities on campus. The 2,500 seat venue features a limestone backstop, synthetic turf, lights, home and away locker rooms, and expanded media facilities. An open concourse wraps around to the back of the right field picnic area. In 2018, an LED scoreboard was installed in left field measuring 26.8 feet high and 48.7 feet wide. The stadium was named after former IU ballplayer Bart Kaufman who played from 1960-1962. He finished second in the Big Ten with a .452 batting average to future Detroit Tiger Bill Freehan who batted .585. Kaufman would pledge $2.5 million of his own money towards completion of the Hoosiers new ballpark. Food & Beverage 3 There is one concession stand inside the stadium near the entrance on the first baseline featuring a menu that is very much the standard at most major collegiate ballparks in the Big Ten. The items are affordable and feature all your baseball f avorites. Fans can enjoy hot dogs, nachos, pretzels french fries, boneless wings, and burgers. A separate beer line is next to the condession stand that offers domestic and premium beer in cans. During our visit, there was an additional concession stand on the third base side due to the attendance figure. Atmosphere 3 Bart Kaufman is a good looking and impressive ballpark with crowds usually hovering near the 2,000 mark, which on a warm evening sets the tone for a perfect night. Its design mimics the limestone look that is also featured at the softball complex located next door behind the right field fence and blends in well with Assembly Hall and Memorial Stadium across the parking lot. The stadium offers red plastic seats behind the backstop and aluminum bleacher seating down each baseline. A picnic area is located behind the right field corner and beyond the stadium's wall is grass seating offering fans a free look at the game. The LED scoreboard creates a focal point for the stadium offering crystal clear pictures of players and stats and the opportunity for advertising, social interaction, and in-between inning gimmicks. The visiting bullpen features the script Indiana logo in a distress-style that provides another focal point inside the stadium. Behind the right field wall is a massive lawn area that also houses a picnic area and VIP section. The picnic area features Astroturf and on-field views behind the fence. It was originally part of the outfield before the fences were moved in, but the area feels a bit unutilized. The picnic area is for groups and features a separate bar and all-you-can-eat options. There was a bigger than normal crowd due to a few factors. The arch-rival Purdue Boilmakers were in town, it was Senior Week, graduation ceremonies were taken place later that day, and it was one of better days for baseball with 75 degree weather. Neighborhood 4 There are numerous choices for eating, drinking, and shopping nearby that are within a couple of miles. Mother Bear's is probably the number one place for pizza in town. The pies are baked in a deep dish allowing the cheese to caramelize around the edges. The place always seems to be packed and parking is limited near the restaurant. Lennie's is another fine choice, with a lot more parking, that features sandwiches, pizza, stromboli, and beer brewed by the Bloomington Brewing Company. Kirkwood Ave. is the heart of downtown Bloomington featuring shops, bars, and restaurants bordering the entrance of many of the picturesque grounds of the Indiana campus. A little north of town is Oliver Winery; the beautiful gardens, water fountains and picnic areas around the lake offer a romantic spot for couples or a great place to enjoy wine with friends. Another colorful and touristy area is Nashville, Indiana, located in nearby Brown County offering some of the best biking/hiking trails in the country and an eclectic downtown jam-packed with shops, restaurants, and Quaff On! Brewing Company. Fans 3 Hoosier fans are a dedicated bunch who support their sports teams with a great passion. That can be the case for the baseball team that has averaged crowds around the 2,000 mark since the stadium debuted in 2013. Access 4 Bart Kaufman Field is located in the same parking lot and complex of Assembly Hall and Memorial Stadium and is located off of SR 46 that intersects both I-69 and SR-37. The parking lot is vast providing more than enough spaces to park and once inside there is plenty of room to navigate. The only gripe might be the tall staircase that leads visitors to the main entrance. Return on Investment 3 The ticket prices for adults are $14 for reserve seating behind home plate and $10 for general admission. Ticket prices for youth (ages 3-18) are $7 for reserve seatings and $5 for general admission. Students, staff, and faculty with a valid ID are admitted for free. The prices of a hot dog is $5.99 and a cold domestic beer is $9.99. A merchandise cart offers shirts, caps, and jerseys. A cap costs either $30 or $40, while jerseys will cost $115. Parking is free for all games and the higher crowds would be for games against rival Purdue. Extras 4 One point for the LED scoreboard that provides a very nice touch and focal point at the ballpark. A second point for the script Indiana mural that is another focal point in the visitor’s bullpen down the right field line. The third point is for allowing fans to bring their dogs for Saturday games for free and a final point is for the grass lawn and picnic areas. Final Thoughts Bart Kaufman Field is an impressive addition to the campus of Indiana University. The limestone design, modern comforts, and spacious amenities create a beautiful canvas to enjoy baseball for the foreseeable future in Bloomington. ---- Follow all of Marc’s stadium journeys on Twitter @ballparkhunter   and his YouTube channel . Email at marc@stadiumjourney.com

Photos by Richard Smith, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.86 SECU Arena Auburn Drive Towson, MD 21252 Towson Tigers website SECU Arena website Year Opened: 2013 Capacity: 5,200 Tiger's Den Towson University is the second-largest public university in the State of Maryland. Located just north of Baltimore, it is home to approximately 21,000 college students, of which 18,000 are undergraduates. Their football team played for the 2013 Football Championship Subdivision National Championship, falling short to North Dakota State and their basketball team has also had scattered success over the years, most notably in the early 1990s under coach Terry Truax. Towson is also known for their impressive gymnastics program. They have been the 1968 AIAW Division II National Champions, 1995 and 1998 USA Gymnastics NIT Champions, 3-time Calloway Invitational Champions, 15-time ECAC Champions, and 2007 USA Gymnastics National Champions. The Tigers play in the Colonial Athletic Association (CAA). The volleyball team has been one of the dominant programs in the CAA recently. Towson has really stepped up recently in all sports with their athletic program. A major step forward was moving out of the depressing Towson Center and into the shiny new SECU Arena in 2013. I personally have many great memories of the Towson Center, as I worked there for a few years during college. It certainly had personality, but frankly, it was not a well-designed facility and was showing its age dramatically. During the last year of operation, one of the bleacher sections would not even fully expand. Towson Center is still technically around, as the new arena and the old building are merged together, with locker rooms inside the old building. Food & Beverage 1 The SECU Arena really has subpar food offerings. There is a single concession stand open for volleyball matches offering no real variety and sometimes with a large line. Prices are not great, with $6.25 for a hot dog and $5.25 for a Pepsi. Pretzels are $4.50, and popcorn is $4.50. Please eat before coming to SECU Arena. Atmosphere 3 The lowered seating bowl of SECU Arena makes the sound seem to pop here. It can be pretty loud. It may take time, but this place can be a loud arena. The stands surround the court. The upper seating areas of SECU Arena are not open for volleyball matches. Neighborhood 3 Besides Johnny Unitas Stadium and the old Towson Center Arena, there is nothing right by the arena. Even though you may have to drive to most places, Towson is a semi-urban environment with a very large shopping mall and numerous restaurants in the area. Try the Charles Village Pub in the heart of downtown Towson for good food and drinks. Some other great options are Glory Days Grill, Sushi Hana, and Zia’s. Baltimore is also a quick drive away. Check out the Federal Hill neighborhood, south of the Inner Harbor. There are a few fun restaurants and bars here. Abbey Burger Bistro is one great choice. The beer selection is good, and they offer a dizzying array of burger choices, which are all likely to satisfy. Fans 3 Volleyball matches tend to get a small crowd made up of mostly friends and family. The match we attended was part of a tournament and featured the Tigers playing a team from the Big Ten Conference so the crowd was much larger and louder than usual. It was also apparently the largest volleyball crowd attendance in school history. Stadium Journey does make history! Access 4 Towson is located right off the Baltimore Beltway/I-695. The only negative is that Towson is a maze of roads getting to the Osler and Auburn location of the sports complexes. Parking is free and plentiful, although the closest lots are reserved for those buying season passes for access to them. Return on Investment 4 Tickets start at $5 for special matches, but even the normal price makes for a good investment. Extras 2 Doc the Tiger is a good mascot, providing entertainment for all ages. Stop at the Tiger statue outside of the arena during pregame, as it is a great meeting spot. If you get a chance, you should stop into the old Towson Center to see how much better the new facility is than the one they left. Final Thoughts SECU Arena is a very nicely designed arena for a mid-major volleyball program. If the crowd were to come to support the team a bit more the building could be an intimidating place for opponents to play.

Photos by Richard Smith, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.14 SECU Arena Auburn Drive Towson, MD 21252 Towson Tigers website SECU Arena website Year Opened: 2013 Capacity: 5,200 Tiger’s Den Towson has really stepped up recently in all sports with their athletic program. A major step forward was moving out of the depressing Towson Center and into the shiny new TU Arena in 2013. I personally have many great memories of the Towson Center, as I worked there for a few years during college. It certainly had personality, but frankly, it was not a well-designed facility and was showing its age dramatically. During the last year of operation, one of the bleacher sections would not even fully expand. Towson Center is still technically around, as the new arena and the old building are merged together, with locker rooms inside the old building. There is still much speculation about what the university will do with the old arena section of the Towson Center. It seems to be used mainly as a practice gym currently. Towson University is the second-largest public university in the State of Maryland. Located just north of Baltimore, it is home to approximately 21,000 college students, of which 18,000 are undergraduates. The Tigers play in many sports as a member of the Colonial Athletic Association (CAA) but for gymnastics, they participate in the East Atlantic Gymnastics League (EAGL). The team has been one of the most successful teams at Towson. They have been the 1968 AIAW Division II National Champions, 1995 and 1998 USA Gymnastics NIT Champions, 3-time Calloway Invitational Champions, 15-time ECAC Champions, and 2007 USA Gymnastics National Champions Food & Beverage 2 The TU Arena really has subpar food offerings. There is a single concession stand open for volleyball matches offering no real variety and sometimes with a large line. Prices are not great, with $6.25 for a hot dog and $5.25 for a Pepsi. Pretzels are $4.50, and popcorn is $4.50. Please eat before coming to TU Arena. Atmosphere 3 Much of the lower bowl at TU Arena is retracted to make way for the large floor needs of gymnastics. It does reduce the size of the arena to an lowered capacity. The arena is a good one for gymnastics and the history of the program practically assures a good fanbase. There will often be a few things going on at the same time but it is still fairly easy to keep track of the action. Much of that will depend on if it is a multi-team event. Neighborhood 3 Besides Johnny Unitas Stadium and the old Towson Center Arena, there is nothing right by the arena. Even though you may have to drive to most places, Towson is a semi-urban environment with a very large shopping mall and numerous restaurants in the area. Try the Charles Village Pub in the heart of downtown Towson for good food and drinks. Some other great options are Glory Days Grill, Sushi Hana, and Underground Pizza. Baltimore is also a quick drive away. Check out the Federal Hill neighborhood, south of the Inner Harbor. There are a few fun restaurants and bars here. Abbey Burger Bistro is one great choice. The beer selection is good, and they offer a dizzying array of burger choices, which are all likely to satisfy. Fans 3 The team has been successful for many decades and the fans know this and support the program enthusiastically. Access 4 Towson is located right off the Baltimore Beltway/I-695. The only negative is that Towson is a maze of roads getting to the Osler and Auburn location of the sports complexes. Parking is free and plentiful, although if classes are in attendance they could get harder to find. Return on Investment 4 Tickets start at $8 so the return on investment is good. . Extras 3 Doc the Tiger is a good mascot, providing entertainment for all ages. Stop at the Tiger statue outside of the arena during pregame, as it is a great meeting spot. If you get a chance, you should stop into the old Towson Center to see how much better the new facility is than the one they left. Final Thoughts TU Arena is a very nicely designed arena for a well-performing gymnastics program.

Some things are incredibly special. Like an Eddie Van Halen solo or Gandolfini playing Tony, Greg "Beast" Gurenlian ( @GregBeast32 )  had that "it" quality on the lacrosse field. He's undeniably one of the greatest faceoff specialists the sport has ever seen. Now, "Beast", a proud Penn State alum, is grooming the next generation of faceoff men at his Faceoff Academy  TheFaceOffAcademy.com . Greg took a few minutes to answer a few questions. STADIUM JOURNEY: This is arguably the most important question. Give us the story behind the nickname. Who's responsible? How did Beast come about?  GREG GURENLIAN: I picked up a stick for the first time just before freshman year of high school. In Springfield, (Pennsylvania), most kids start when they’re six years old, so I was way behind the 8 ball. I really sucked, but I was so fired up to play a team contact sport. I just ran around all the time trying to hit everyone. I was strong but skinny, and I didn’t really shoot up height wise until late sophomore year. So, the older players would yell “Beast” as a joke because I was a crappy, skinny player who tried to hit everyone. My own best friends started calling me Greg Beast, putting an endearing spin on what was otherwise a mocking nickname. STADIUM JOURNEY: What were you like as a kid? Was it bis and tris every other day from the very beginning?  Were you an introvert? Extrovert? In between? Were you part of a clique? GREG GURENLIAN: Honestly, most of my life I was just a kid who really wanted to fit in. My parents were pretty strict, which kept me out of a lot of trouble, and I’m grateful for it, but it also turned me into a bit of a socially-awkward, anxiety-filled introvert. I started playing lacrosse because I wanted to be in with the cool kids, which as a 41-year-old man now seems ridiculous. But looking back on life, I’ve always felt a little on the outside looking in. And not many people know this, but I had debilitating social anxiety and it’s taken a lot to overcome that. Coaching has helped tremendously. I still have the same five best friends since I was in grade school, and that’s been a rock for me over the years. As for training, I started lifting in 1998 and the connection of strength training became a real outlet for me. STADIUM JOURNEY: You've accomplished so much, but you've always been impressed by your humility. Who do you attribute this to? GREG GURENLIAN: That’s kind of you to say. That’s all my parents. My house was not competitive at all. We cheered for each other and looked out for one another. Anything I have accomplished in my life of course came from hard work, but I know that I’m where I’m at now because incredibly good people helped me along the way. My parents, coaches, teammates, friends, my wife, etc.. To have the success I’ve had, it really takes a ton of good luck and amazing people at the right time. I’m not better than anyone. I just had tremendous luck and decided to make the most of it. STADIUM JOURNEY: You've probably been asked this question a million times, so what's a million and one. Did you choose the faceoff position or did the faceoff position choose you? GREG GURENLIAN: The FO position one hundred percent chose me, but I readily accepted it. I was so lucky that my first year in high school, my JV coach was a Springfield faceoff legend, Chris Britton. I was not a good player, but he saw potential in me, and I immediately soaked up whatever faceoff knowledge he gave me. I was a natural, fast-twitch athlete, and it just made so much sense to me the first time doing it. It was like a kid picking up a guitar for the first time and feeling at ease because he could naturally play it. My wrestling background certainly helped, and the one versus one-nowhere- to-hide part of it gave me some life. It was a way for me to get on the field and gave me time to develop my catching and throwing skills. STADIUM JOURNEY: Were you considering other colleges besides Penn State, or was it always Nittany Lions or bust? GREG GURENLIAN: My career is a unique one. I’ve been a Penn State fan since I was born. Many aunts, uncles and cousins went there. When I started getting recruiting letters after my junior year, I remember getting one from Penn State, and all I could think of was wow this is my ticket to my dream school. I took other schools like Loyola, Towson and Maryland into strong consideration. But Penn State was what I grew up on, and they have an incredible kinesiology department, which is what I wanted to study. I honestly knew very little about the program. I had only been playing lacrosse for like three years at that point. So, I chose Penn State the university not just the lacrosse program. Best decision of my life. STADIUM JOURNEY: What was the state of the lacrosse program during your time at Penn State? I know it hasn't been that long ago, but the sport has grown exponentially since your time in State College. GREG GURENLIAN: Haha well to be fair it was around 20 years ago at this point. It’s all way different now. Back then PSU recruits were mostly big, strong athletes who might not have been extremely highly recruited. Because of that we had a chip on our shoulder. We were aggressive, and we had a lot of room to improve once we got on campus. That was the Glenn Theil era of Penn State. We were generally in the 12-15 ranking range nationally. But my freshman and junior years we made the tournament for the first time(s), and we won two conference titles in my time there. It’s incredible to see where coach Tambroni and the Athletic Department have taken it now. I’m very proud. STADIUM JOURNEY: So when people think of college lacrosse venues, Klockner Stadium and The Dome immediately come to mind, but Penn State has a great, relatively new venue. What can fans expect at Panzer Stadium? GREG GURENLIAN: A game at Panzer stadium is absolutely electric. Happy Valley is the home of the football white out, packed rec hall matches for the powerhouse wrestling and volleyball programs, one of the world’s most state-of-the-art hockey arenas, and now Panzer stadium is quickly becoming a can’t miss destination to watch college lacrosse. The fan base has fully embraced the program. and even though I’m an extremely proud alumni, man am I jealous that those guys get to play in that environment every home game. STADIUM JOURNEY: What can kids and their parents expect at Faceoff Academy ( TheFaceOffAcademy.com ) ? GREG GURENLIAN: A few things. One, a guarantee that no matter what level your son is at when they come to train with us, we will absolutely make them better. Whether it’s a small technical tweak, advice from our experience or showing them how to break down their opponent. Two, professionalism. We are unique. We don’t teach cheating; we respect the athletes too much for that. Our coaches go through training on how to deliver the system we teach in the best way possible to the athletes, and we are hyper aware that parents trust us with their sons and their future. We take that seriously. We want them to improve on the field while being around good men who their kids can look up to. STADIUM JOURNEY: How much has NIL become part of the college lacrosse equation? GREG GURENLIAN: It will take time for NIL to really push kids to one place or another in this sport. Lacrosse is different than some other sports. The best programs are generally also the best educational schools, and that is one of the main drivers for a lot of recruits. We’re not talking millions of dollars being thrown at kids like in football. Is a 10k check worth a kid choosing one school over another? Probably not. But if lacrosse becomes a revenue generating sport then sure, we could see that down the line. STADIUM JOURNEY:  A lot of lacrosse guys let their hair grow out like they're in a band. As far as I know, you've always said no to flow. Discuss this choice. GREG GURENLIAN: I think it’s pretty obvious that hair is not the only thing that makes me a black sheep in this sport. I shaved my head in-season. I’m a public-school kid who chose his college based on major and family. I didn’t become a faceoff specialist until I became a pro. I was professional strength and conditioning coach back when lifting wasn’t really that big in this sport. I started a camp and clinic business as a faceoff man while I was still playing, which was also an oddity at the time. I didn’t come from an affluent background, or go to prep school, or get highly touted at any level. My parents didn’t fight my battles for me. I fought and clawed my way all the way through my career. So, the hair was probably the last thing I’d think about when it comes to being an odd ball in lacrosse. STADIUM JOURNEY:  Another very important question. You're a well-known pizza connoisseur. Could you give us some destination spots?  GREG GURENLIAN: Haha. I knew things were getting out of hand when NCAA coaches texted me photos of their pizza on Fridays during the pandemic. If you ever stop in Westchester, New York though, there are three spots that I love: Sal’s, Village Pizza, and Villa Maria. Bacon and Pineapple Pizza, lightly cooked. Jon Hart is  @manversusball

Photos by Chris Green, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.43 Inter&Co Stadium 655 W Church St Orlando, FL 32805 Orlando Pride website Inter&Co Stadium website Year Opened: 2017 Capacity: 25,500 The Pride Take the Stage Editor's Note: On June 4, 2019, it was announced that Exploria Resorts (a timeshare entity based in nearby Clermont) had acquired naming rights to the stadium. On January 18, 2024, Brazilian digital bank Inter&Co secured the naming rights to the stadium. When professional soccer came to Orlando in the form of MLS Orlando City SC, many were surprised at the level of support the team received in their new stadium right off the bat. The women’s soccer team, the Orlando Pride, was introduced to the city’s sports scene soon afterward and quickly became equally as popular as the men’s team among the city’s sports enthusiasts. The addition of world-class talent from America and abroad made the team an instant favorite and a perennial title contender. Exploria Stadium, their home, is also arguably the best in women’s professional soccer in the US, having hosted the NWSL Championship in 2017. Food & Beverage 5 The food and beverages at Exploria Stadium for MLS games echo what you will find at Orlando City matches. The standards are all there, from pizza ($12) and burgers to hot dogs ($5-$9.50) and nachos ($7.25), and fans can choose from this traditional stadium fare. However, thanks to fan feedback the team has also added concessions from local restaurants in Orlando, such as 4 Rivers, The Coop, and Cholo Dogs. Exploria Stadium has concession stands throughout the entirety of the main concourse on all sides during games, meaning you usually won’t have to wait too long or go too far to get something to eat or drink. Beer and cocktails range from $10.50 to $19.50, while water ($5), soda ($6.25), and Gatorade ($6.25) are all available. Tacos from Black Rooster Taqueria are $14, with loaded nachos ($15), chips and salsa ($7.25), and chips and guac ($7.25) on offer as well. BBQ from 4 Rivers is the big hit, with pulled pork and pulled chicken sandwiches and nachos all running for $15. Atmosphere 4 The feeling at Exploria Stadium during Orlando Pride games is immediately and wholly impressive from the moment fans walk in. This modern gem of a soccer-specific stadium harkens to proper football establishments throughout England. The north end zone, aka The Wall, is a standing-only supporters section where fans cheer, sing, fly their flags, raise tifos, and erupt with smoke bombs every time the Pride scores throughout the entirety of the game, and the energy never stops regardless of the score on the field. While the lower bowl is the only seating available for Orlando Pride games, leaving the upper levels empty, the seating on the upper east sideline spells out O-R-L-A-N-D-O in yellow seats against their purple counterparts, helping make the emptiness seem like a non-issue. However, while the home fans are loud, it is hard not to notice that filling the upper levels could add that missing factor on game day. Neighborhood 5 What can you say about downtown Orlando? Exploria Stadium is a few blocks from the popular Church Street district, the hub of Orlando’s rebirth as a foodie and entertainment destination. The City of Orlando has become a sports-thirsty destination over the last few years – with the explosion in popularity of Orlando City SC and the Orlando Pride, and a renewed interest in the Orlando Magic and Orlando Solar Bears , the City Beautiful loves sports. The immediate area around Exploria Stadium includes suburbs to the west and the downtown city center to the east. There are tons of hotels nearby, and since the stadium sits only two blocks from I-4, getting to other resorts and hotels in the greater Orlando area is not hard to do either. Fans can easily stay at the Crowne Plaza Orlando-Downtown, Grand Bohemian Hotel Orlando, or the Embassy Suites by Hilton Orlando Downtown, and still walk to the arena with ease. Aside from those lodging options, there are numerous hotels and resorts in the Orlando area, both downtown and to the south towards the theme parks – Disney’s resorts, arguably the farthest from Exploria Stadium, are just 30 minutes away without traffic. If you want to see the sights, Lake Eola Park is just a few blocks away; this park is an Orlando landmark that is also home to a weekly farmer’s market on Saturday mornings, and you can also find another quality farmer’s market on weekends outside of Exploria Stadium. Also, being in Orlando you are just a short drive from Walt Disney World, Sea World, and the Universal Studios theme parks. Fans 4 The Orlando Pride faithful are among the best in sports. For each game, the lower bowl fills with soccer fans from across central Florida who want to get a glimpse of the country’s best stars from international competitions. The Wall becomes the center of the singing and chanting throughout the game, and the whole stadium erupts whenever goals are scored by the Pride players. Orlando Pride fans are also among the most inclusive and family-friendly in professional sports – while other cities have their fans, few fill out the seats like those in Orlando. Access 5 Exploria Stadium, and all of Orlando’s professional sports stadiums downtown, are refreshingly easy to get to. Driving on I-4 you pass within a few yards of Amway Center , and can easily see Exploria Stadium just two blocks beyond, so not finding the facility is almost impossible. But if you do somehow get lost, signs all around downtown point the way to the facility. There is no parking garage nor any parking lots at Exploria Stadium itself. The team owns and/or rents several lots in the area, however, and parking passes can be purchased (usually through third-party sellers) to park there. The Amway Center ’s Geico Garage is also open for parking on Pride game days. That said, there are also countless parking options in the lots and fields around Exploria Stadium on game day in every direction. The City of Orlando also sells parking passes at a special rate for games in various lots in and around downtown Orlando. In addition to the parking, several bus lines pass by Exploria Stadium, and the hub for Orlando’s Lynx bus system is right downtown, a mere 10-minute walk from the stadium’s gates. Fans also can take the SunRail train from the north and south, usually for free, on game days. Some stations drop you off right near the Amway Center , so a walk from the station to Exploria Stadium is short. All of that said, if you get to Exploria Stadium and can’t find somewhere to park or an easy way to get there, you simply aren’t looking. Once inside, fans should note that the team uses a clear-bag policy, so bringing items into the game is going to be extremely limited. Return on Investment 4 Tickets to Orlando Pride matches are lower than those for Orlando City SC , so you are saving right off the bat when it comes to face value for admission. Concessions prices are also relatively affordable, with the average person looking to spend about $10 to $15 for food and a drink. When also considering the incredible atmosphere in the stadium and the ease of finding the facility, you get a great option for a family that wants to see professional soccer with some of the best stars from around the world, without paying MLS prices. Extras 4 The stadium features 49 rainbow-colored seats in the lower bowl, as a tribute to the 49 lives lost in the Pulse Night Club shooting. Pride games also feature The Wall for supporters of the Pride, where a tifo is raised before games, and smoke and music fill the air throughout the event. While walking the main concourse, various local artists have contributed to the decor around the facility as well, and finally, Exploria Stadium features various additional seating and vantage points throughout the stadium for fans to consider, including Disney World’s Lion’s Den and the Sun Pass seating. Final Thoughts While many would discount women’s professional soccer as sub-par to its male counterparts, one could easily argue the opposite. Orlando has become a beacon of what to do right with professional soccer in America, and that success translates to Orlando Pride games at Exploria Stadium. With a talented team, a great facility, and easy access, this is one of the true hidden gems in all of Florida, and perhaps the country.

Photos by Chris Green, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.71 Inter&Co Stadium 655 W Church St Orlando, FL 32805 Orlando City SC website Inter&Co Stadium website Year Opened: 2017 Capacity: 25,500 Vamos Orlando! Editor's Note: On June 4, 2019, it was announced that Exploria Resorts (a timeshare entity based in nearby Clermont) had acquired naming rights to the stadium. On January 18, 2024, Brazilian digital bank Inter&Co secured the naming rights to the stadium. Orlando City SC is everything the MLS wants its teams to be: a team with a beautiful stadium in the middle of a downtown district with nearby restaurants, shopping, and public transportation; an incredibly passionate fan base that shows up and sells out games regardless of the team’s record; and a vibrant city that has embraced its growing sports culture – this is the blueprint the league has asked teams to follow from here on out. Orlando has produced one of the most impressive game day experiences anywhere and continues to do so every game. From the never-ending songs at the wall to the march into the stadium, Exploria Stadium has everything you could imagine wanting in a soccer stadium. Food & Beverage 4 The food and beverages at Exploria Stadium for MLS games echo what you will find at Orlando Pride matches. The standards are all there, from pizza ($12) to burgers to hot dogs ($5-$9.50) and nachos ($7.25), and fans can choose from this traditional stadium fare. However, thanks to fan feedback the team has added concessions from local restaurants in Orlando, such as 4 Rivers, The Coop, and Cholo Dogs. Additionally, the price of each item goes down by a few dollars if you are a member of the Orlando City fan club rewards program, or are a season ticket holder. Exploria Stadium has concession stands throughout the entirety of the main concourse on all sides during games, meaning you won’t usually have to wait too long or go too far to get something to eat or drink. Beer and cocktails range from $10.50 to $19.50, while water ($5), soda ($6.25), and Gatorade ($6.25) are all available. Tacos from Black Rooster Taqueria are $14, with loaded nachos ($15), chips and salsa ($7.25), and chips and guac ($7.25) on offer as well. BBQ from 4 Rivers is the big hit, with pulled pork and pulled chicken sandwiches and nachos all running for $15. Atmosphere 5 There is nothing like Orlando City soccer in the whole state of Florida – from several hours before the gates even open the party begins. Supporters groups march en masse down the streets of Orlando, singing, banging drums, and popping purple smoke bombs as they make their way to the main gates. Once inside, the north end zone transforms into The Wall, the standing-room-only supporters section that is reminiscent of English football pitches. What is nice about this area for regular fans who aren’t members of the fan groups is that each standing-room-only space includes a cup holder, plus marked lines for each person to stand in. The entire stadium’s seats are individual chairs with backs, making every seat from the first row downstairs to the upper-level corners a comfortable one. Exploria Stadium itself is beautiful and easy to navigate. All around the concourse, you can find people holding signs that say they can answer any questions you have. This means no matter how lost you get you can always find your way back. The stadium also utilizes a non-paper ticket method, meaning every ticket is digital – fans simply download the Orlando City or Ticketmaster app and access their tickets that way to get into the stadium. The entire game sees the supporters groups sing in unison from The Wall, keeping the energy up the whole game regardless of the score on the field. Whenever goals are scored by Orlando, the whole stadium erupts, and The Wall fills with purple smoke and waving flags as “Purple Haze” plays throughout the stadium. After each game, the team locks arms and walks to The Wall to salute their fans. Neighborhood 5 What can you say about downtown Orlando? Exploria Stadium is a few blocks from the popular Church Street district, the hub of Orlando’s rebirth as a foodie and entertainment destination. The City of Orlando has become a sports-thirsty destination over the last few years – with the explosion in popularity of Orlando City SC and a renewed interest in the Orlando Magic and Orlando Solar Bears , the City Beautiful loves sports. The immediate area around Exploria Stadium includes suburbs to the west and the downtown city center to the east. There are tons of hotels nearby, and since the stadium sits two blocks away from I-4, getting to other resorts and hotels in the greater Orlando area is not hard to do either. Fans can easily stay at the Crowne Plaza Orlando-Downtown, Grand Bohemian Hotel Orlando, or the Embassy Suites by Hilton Orlando Downtown, and still walk to the arena with ease. Aside from those, there are numerous hotels and resorts in the Orlando area, both downtown and to the south towards the theme parks – Disney’s resorts, arguably the farthest from Exploria Stadium, are just 30 minutes away without traffic. If you want to see the sights, Lake Eola Park is just a few blocks away – this park is an Orlando landmark that is also home to a weekly farmer’s market on Saturday mornings, and you can also find another quality farmer’s market on weekends outside of Exploria Stadium. Also, being in Orlando you are just a short drive from either Walt Disney World, Sea World, or the Universal Studios theme parks. Fans 5 The fans are beyond passionate in Orlando – not enough can be said about their love for their team. From the first kickoff to the final whistle the fans can be heard singing supporters group songs. Whenever a bad call is made, fans erupt with chants of “Ref You Suck!” or “The ref belongs on OBT” (a local reference anyone in Orlando can help fill you in on when you arrive). That said, there is rarely a curse word uttered in the song lyrics, and the fans are all polite to visitors – even fans from the other team are treated with respect and courtesy by all in attendance. But the best thing is that nearly every game is either sold out or near capacity, regardless of the team’s record, which means the experience and enthusiasm will not be any different throughout the season. Access 5 Exploria Stadium, and all of Orlando’s professional sports stadiums downtown, are refreshingly easy to get to. Driving on I-4 you pass within a few yards of Amway Center , and can easily see Exploria Stadium just two blocks beyond, so not finding the facility is almost impossible. But if you do somehow get lost, signs all around downtown point the way to Exploria Stadium. There is no parking garage nor any parking lots at Exploria Stadium itself. The team owns and/or rents several lots in the area, however, and parking passes can be purchased (usually through third-party sellers) to park there. The Amway Center ’s Geico Garage is also open for parking on game days. That said, there are also countless parking options in the lots and fields around Exploria Stadium on game day in every direction. The City of Orlando also sells parking passes at a special rate for games to various lots in and around downtown Orlando. In addition to the parking, several bus lines pass by Exploria Stadium, and the hub for Orlando’s Lynx bus system is right downtown, a mere 10-minute walk from the stadium’s gates. Fans also can take the Sunrail train from the north and south, usually for free, on game days. Some stations drop you off right near the Amway Center , so a walk from the station to Exploria Stadium is short. All of that said, if you get to Exploria Stadium and can’t find somewhere to park or an easy way to get there, you simply aren’t looking. Once inside, fans should note that the team uses a clear-bag policy, so bringing items into the game is going to be extremely limited. Return on Investment 5 Tickets to Orlando City SC games start at $23 for the standing-room-only supporter's section; upper-level end zone tickets start at $23, while sideline seats can range from $36 to $65 and upwards. This means that the investment for a family of four will be upwards of $100 for tickets alone, and one must also add the price of parking and concessions as well. That said, the experience at an Orlando City SC game is incredible, and arguably a must-see whenever visiting the City Beautiful – everything here is well worth the price of admission. Extras 4 Exploria Stadium features 49 rainbow-colored seats in the lower bowl, as a tribute to the 49 lives lost in the Pulse Night Club shooting, and the team also has a mascot that roams the stadium and concourse, greeting fans and young kids in attendance. The Supporters March is also something worth seeing whenever the home team is in town, as a massive crowd takes over the roads in Orlando with smoke and songs en route to their home stadium. In addition, Exploria Stadium features various seating options and vantage points throughout the stadium for fans to watch, including the Disney World Lion’s Den and the Sun Pass seating. Final Thoughts Orlando City SC is what soccer in America is trying to become, and it is a great sight to see. This team has found the perfect formula for fan involvement, stadium location, and overall atmosphere to capitalize on the moment – going to a game at Exploria Stadium is less of an afternoon at a sporting event and more of a life experience. For the truly soccer faithful in America who yearn for the passion and electricity of European fans, this is your next best thing. Few stadiums combine everything needed to make a world-class experience as Exploria Stadium does – it is easy to see why the US Men’s National Team had such high praise for the facility after their World Cup Qualifying game there last year.

Photos Courtesy of Inter Miami CF Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.43 Chase Stadium 1350 NW 55th St Ft. Lauderdale, FL 33309 Inter Miami CF website Chase Stadium website Year Opened: 2019 Capacity: 18,000 Miami CF’s Soccer Stadium is in the Pink Editor's Note: Inter Miami CF's home stadium in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, was renamed from DRV PNK Stadium to Chase Stadium in a naming rights partnership with JPMorgan Chase. This change was announced on February 20, 2024 .  One of the newest teams in the MLS has a home venue that is hard to forget. Inter Miami CF joined the MLS and began to play in the DRV PNK Stadium in Ft. Lauderdale, FL in 2020. The stadium features a pink and gray color scheme in partnership with Auto Nation’s DRV PNK campaign. This program raises funds for research and patient programs in the fight against breast cancer. The team fully supports this program, as their kits and crest feature pink as well. The color pink was also chosen by the team as it is a color that is often seen in the art deco architecture in the Miami area. The 18,000-seat venue is designed to serve as an interim home for the team while their permanent home is under design in the Freedom Park development located near Miami International Airport. Soccer icon David Beckham is part of the ownership group and serves as the team’s President of Soccer Operations. He is also the driving force behind the Freedom Park development. The team reflects Miami’s unique cultural makeup. The official name of the team is Club Internacional de Futbol Miami, as the vast majority of the team’s supporters come from the many Latin communities found in the Miami area. First time attendees to a Miami game could easily feel they are in a stadium in South America. Food & Beverage 3 At the time of our visit, there were stringent COVID protocols in place. The concession stands were offering only prepackaged items, such as candy and bottled drinks. We do not feel that we got a true feel for their regular food and beverage offerings. For this reason, we are scoring this segment as a “3” or average. The price boards did not list the usual offering or prices. Atmosphere 5 The energy level coming from the stands at DRV PNK Stadium is much more passionate than you typically find at an MLS game in other cities. The fans feel the team represents them at a personal level. The game day managers keep this energy level high with Latin music being played during a break in the action and frequent promotion of events that affect the community. A game at DRV PNK Stadium is a community celebration in addition to a sporting event. Neighborhood 2 DRV PNK Stadium’s biggest drawback is the neighborhood surrounding it. It has a private plane airport on the west side of the property, and an industrial area located to the east side of the stadium. The nearest places to eat include Chili’s Grill and Bar and the Moonlite Diner, which are both just off the I-95 exit. Two hotels located near the stadium are the Holiday Inn Express and Suites off of West Commercial Boulevard and the LaQuinta Inn and Suites off of West Cypress Creek Road. There are no attractions near DRV PNK Stadium. Fans 4 There are three main supporter groups for the team. The Siege is very passionate, both in cheering for the team and in taking part in programs that support the community. Vice City is made up of the hard-core supporters who have relocated to the Miami area from locations throughout South America. The third group is the Southern Legion and is probably the most family-friendly of the three groups. This section is made up of parents with kids who proudly wear the jerseys of their youth soccer program. Attendance at Inter Miami games was hurt early in the season, with season ticket holders only and social distancing in place. However, in mid-June 2021 these restrictions were removed, and the team has had capacity crowds. Access 3 The Inter Miami CF staff does an excellent job of creating a smooth flow throughout your visit to the stadium. All parking is by prepaid passes, with your parking lot assignment correlating with where you are sitting in the stadium. This is very important, as there are only four main entrances into the stadium, and the parking assignments keep the flow of fans into the stadium at an even pace, so you should not experience any long lines. Gates open one hour before the kickoff. The concourse beneath the stands is wide enough to allow easy passage going in both directions. Concessions locations are frequent enough that you should not encounter any lines there either. All transactions at DRV PNK Stadium are done digitally, which really speeds up the process. Return on Investment 3 A day or a night out at an Inter Miami game can prove rather costly. This begins in the parking area, where the parking passes run for $25 – $30. There are no neighboring parking lots in the area, so the stadium lots have a captive audience. Ticket prices reflect where you are sitting in the stadium. Seats on the VIP side of the field feature more suite-like accommodations, including suites at field level. Seats on the VIP side of the field start at $70 and can run into the hundreds depending on what type of accommodations you want. The grandstand seats across the field run from $60 – $115, with the prices going up the closer you are to midfield. The North stands at the end of the pitch are reserved for the supporter groups and general admission seats, which cost $35. Tickets in the South end of the pitch cost $40. The one thing that is priceless at the stadium is that fans on the sides of the pitch are covered by a cantilevered roof. Fans at the ends of the pitch are advised to bring a hat and lots of sunscreen, as South Florida experiences hot weather throughout the MLS season. Extras 4 The Freedom Park development will include a 25,000-seat stadium, hotels, several public soccer fields for area youth teams to use, and a park. The completion date for the development has not yet been released. The crest on the team’s kit uses the styles and colors that recall Miami’s architectural tradition. The logo features two great white herons, which are native to this part of Florida, their interlocking legs form an “M.” Once the Freedom Park stadium opens, the Ft. Lauderdale CF team, which plays at the USL One level, will become the primary tenant at DRV PNK stadium. CF Montreal is playing its home games at DRV PNK Stadium until the Canadian border reopens in conjunction with the COVID pandemic. Final Thoughts Even though DRV PNK Stadium is an “interim” stadium as far as the MLS team, we felt that it surpassed many of the permanent stadium experiences we have had in the league. Once we learned the reasoning behind the shocking pink color scheme, we salute the team and Auto Nation for promoting a noble cause in this fashion. Auto Nation contributes to breast cancer organizations every time there is a home shutout by the Inter Miami CF.

Cleveland has a tremendous hockey history, but the Cleveland Barons of the NHL almost blew the whole thing up. Now the Cleveland Monsters are a cornerstone of the AHL, but does an AHL team in an NBA arena work? Grab a beer and join Paul and Dave for the latest episode of Stadium Journey Obstructed Views. 🏒🏒 You can find Stadium Journey's review of Rocket Mortgage Fieldhouse and the Cleveland Monsters game day experience here.

Photos by Meg Minard and Paul Baker, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.00 Rocket Arena 1 Center Court Cleveland, OH 44115 Cleveland Monsters website Rocket Arena website Year Opened: 1994 Capacity: 10,025 Lock Erie Monsters Editor's Note: On Feb 18,2025, Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse, the home of the NBA’s Cleveland Cavaliers and AHL's Cleveland Monsters, rebranded to  Rocket Arena . The change aligned with the brand restage of naming rights partner Rocket, which has unified its mortgage, real estate and personal finance businesses under the "Rocket" name. Professional hockey has been played in Cleveland since 1929. The Cleveland Indians, later renamed the Falcons and then the Barons, were members of the International Hockey League and then original members of the American Hockey League. The Barons won nine Calder Cups as AHL champions before being forced to move with the emergence of the World Hockey Association’s Crusaders in 1972. In 1976 the California Golden Seals relocated to Cleveland, taking the Barons’ name. After just two seasons, the team merged with the Minnesota North Stars, leaving Cleveland without hockey until 1992, when the Lumberjacks joined the IHL. When the Lumberjacks folded in 2001, the Kentucky Thoroughblades relocated to downtown Cleveland, and took the name Barons once again. In 2006 these Barons relocated to Worcester, MA. Dan Gilbert, who owned the Cavaliers and Quicken Loans Arena, purchased the defunct Utah Grizzlies and brought the Lake Erie Monsters to town in 2007. The Monsters won the Calder Cup in 2016. Quicken Loans Arena, originally named Gund Arena, opened in 1994 as part of the Gateway Sports and Entertainment Complex along with adjacent Progressive Field . The building is also home to the National Basketball Association’s Cleveland Cavaliers and the Cleveland Gladiators of the Arena Football League. In December 2017 plans to renovate Quicken Loans Arena were announced. The overall square footage of the concourse will be increased, open spaces will be added to the facility, and other improvements throughout the facility will be made. The project will cost $193 million, with $100 million paid for by county taxes. Note: In April 2019, Quicken Loans Arena name was changed to Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse. Food & Beverage 4 While not every concession stand at Quicken Loans Arena is open for Monsters games, there is still a great variety of options available for hungry Cleveland hockey fans. All the arena basics can be found here, with combo meals available for younger fans. Bottomless buckets of popcorn are available for $7.50, and are a popular item at Monsters games. Souvenir cups of Coca Cola products are sold at these stands, which feature a free refill. Quaker Steak and Lube sells their legendary chicken wings both at a stand on the concourse and at a full-service, sit down restaurant behind section 133. The Za! Stand sells slices of local favorite Georgio’s pizza. Fans looking for nachos should head to Nacho Loco for a wide variety of this stadium favorite. Fans looking for more nutritious options will certainly head towards the Healthy for Life stand, where gluten-free options anchor a healthy menu. Monster fans looking for an adult beverage will gravitate towards the Jack Daniels or Cheers and Beers stands, which offer a variety of draft beers and mixed drinks. The Soucy Brew Works stands features craft brews from local favorite Soucy brewery. A complete listing of all of Quicken Loans Arena’s concessions can be found here . Atmosphere 4 The atmosphere at Quicken Loans Arena is dominated by “The Humungotron,” Cleveland’s enormous video board. The board stretches beyond each blue line, and is put to great use throughout the game with replays, crowd shots, advertisements and game stats. Veteran minor league hockey fans will find much that is familiar here, from the mascot who roams the crowd interacting with fans to the Monster Hockey Girls, who perform throughout the game and lead some of the giveaways. Younger fans can get their faces painted and make signs at the Express Yourself tables on the concourse, and veteran fans will gravitate towards the booster club tables, where jersey raffles and 50/50 tickets can be purchased. Be sure to check out the arena’s pro shop. Despite sharing the arena with the NBA’s Cavaliers, a decent amount of Monsters gear can be found here. Neighborhood 5 In the late 1800s Cleveland’s Central Market area was the center of the city. Just a few blocks from the growing commercial district at the Public Square, Central Market was a bustling residential neighborhood with a busy bazaar. The entire neighborhood was destroyed in a fire in the 1940s. By 1990 the neighborhood consisted of mostly empty commercial buildings and surface lots. City leaders had long eyed this part of Cleveland for a new stadium project. In 1984 voters rejected a ballot issue to fund a 72,000 seat domed stadium for baseball and football. In 1990, the issue was again brought to the voters, and this time the measure passed, providing funding for Jacobs (now Progressive) Field and Quicken Loans Arena. The building of the stadia has spurred a complete revitalization of the Gateway district. There are close to 60 bars and restaurants within a short walk of Quicken Loans Arena, along with a number of major hotels. A few blocks from the arena is the JACK Casino. There are numerous historic structures in and around the area, including the Soldiers & Sailors Monument at Cleveland Public Square and The Arcade, which opened in 1890 as the nation’s first indoor shopping center. Check ClevelandGatewayDistrict.com for a full list of shops, restaurants and parking lots/garages in the area. The site also contains information on walking tours of the historic buildings located in the Gateway District. Fans 4 The Monsters are annually among the AHL’s leaders in attendance. However, sharing a home with a major league team in a large city means that the Monsters have more weekday games on their schedule than most teams in the circuit. Visiting fans will see a great disparity in the size of the crowd between weekday and weekend games. As is typical in minor league hockey, the games are marketed as family entertainment, and you will see many families mixed in the crowd with the diehard fans. Access 4 Located in downtown Cleveland at the intersection of Interstates 90 and 77, Quicken Loans Arena is easy to find. Parking in the area, designed to accommodate full-stadium Indians or Cavaliers games, is more than ample for any Monsters game. Getting in and out of the downtown area is fairly easy. Fans will enter Quicken Loans arena onto a wide concourse. Since the building is designed for much larger crowds than typically attend a Monsters game, getting around is not an issue, even during intermissions. The concourse empties about halfway up the seating bowl. All the seats in the arena are maroon folding stadium seats. Only the lower level is sold for Monster games, as the upper level is curtained off. Return on Investment 3 Tickets for Monsters games range in price from $11-$42, with most tickets priced at $25 or less. A two dollar discount is given to AAA members at the ticket booth. Parking in the many garages and surface lots surrounding Quicken Loans Arena range in price from $10-$15. The Monsters offer many specials to reduce the cost of heading downtown, including 1-2-3 Fridays, featuring one dollar sodas, two dollar hot dogs and three dollar select beers. Kids Games, featuring free tickets for youths, and College nights, featuring discounts for students, also dot the schedule. Be warned that you will be paying major league prices for concessions at Quicken Loans Arena. Extras 4 An extra point is awarded for the banners honoring Cleveland hockey history, dating all the way back to the original Barons. A banner honoring Hockey Hall of Famer Johnny Bower is conspicuous among them. A free program is given to all fans who enter the game, which contains info on Cleveland’s hockey history, activities for the kids, quiet spaces and more. Interesting facts about Cleveland’s history are posted above every vomitory at Quicken Loans Arena. A final extra point is awarded for the Humungotron, the gigantic scoreboard which instantly makes every other scoreboard in the world obsolete. As large as it is, it doesn’t seem to interfere with enjoying the action on the ice. Final Thoughts You would think that sharing your home with a major league basketball team would be a less than ideal situation for a minor league hockey team. This hardly seems to be the case in Cleveland, where the Monsters are regularly among the American Hockey League’s leaders in attendance. While Quicken Loans Arena is clearly too big for the Monsters, the melding of major league amenities with minor league enthusiasm makes a trip to downtown Cleveland a trip worth taking. Follow Paul Baker’s stadium journeys on Twitter @PuckmanRI .

Photos by Andrew Kulyk, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.14 Energizer Park 2100 Market St. St. Louis, MO 63103 St. Louis City SC website Energizer Park website Year Opened: 2022 Capacity: 22,432 St. Louis SC Soccer Editor's Note: On October 31, 2024, St. Louis City SC announced that CityPark will be renamed Energizer Park starting in 2025. Energizer, a St. Louis-based company that manufactures batteries, signed a naming rights agreement for an undisclosed fee and length of time . The city of St. Louis has a rich and storied soccer tradition spanning over a century, both at the amateur and professional levels. So it was a no-brainer that as the MLS was rapidly expanding and in search of new markets, it would be St. Louis that would be high on the priority list. In the early 2010s, plans were put in place for a stadium featuring a hybrid NFL field and soccer pitch, with the primary goal of keeping the NFL St. Louis Rams from relocating. That effort fizzled, and the Rams did indeed move back to their original home in Los Angeles. The focus then became a soccer-specific venue, and a long sought-after site on the western fringes of downtown, adjacent to historic Union Station, was presented to the MLS expansion committee. When the league expanded to 30 teams in 2019, St. Louis was awarded one of the new franchises, aided by a strong presentation with renderings of a gleaming new stadium, and a solid ownership group led by Carolyn Kindle Betz, making this team the first major franchise with a female controlling owner. CityPark opened its doors in the spring of 2023, ushering in a new and exciting era in St. Louis sports history. Food & Beverage 5 Oh, where to begin? The entire array of concessions presentation involves locally sourced products and eateries, not a single corporate chain here and the choices are endless. Union Loafers Café and Bread for the Bavarian pretzel. Nudo on the club level for crab Rangoon. Mayo Ketchup sells empanadas. Pie Guy and Dewey’s offers pizza by the slice. There are no fewer than three taco eateries here, Malinche, La Tiendita, and Padrino’s, even adding frozen margaritas. Amighetti’s, a well-known bistro located on The Hill in St. Louis, brings their classic sandwich loaded with ham, roast beef, salami, and Provel. Even the hot dogs and burgers here aren’t boring. Stands named Farmtruk and The Block add bacon jam and even a burger topped with brisket mac. But what caught our eye was the unveiling of technology we have not encountered on any previous stadium visit anywhere. Several concession stands employ overhead scanning technology. Swipe your credit card for entry to a secured browsing area, grab beverages, handhelds, or chips from serving areas or coolers, and simply walk out. Your purchase is tracked overhead and automatically billed. Atmosphere 5 The jolt of electricity that makes this place roar is a specially designed supporters section in the north end stands. This general admission section features a higher-pitched seating arrangement than the rest of the sections in the stadium, with standing rails in front of each row of seats, and fans practically cascading onto the pitch. The full-throated fans, the drums and instruments, the chants, and the flags, are all in full gear, and that energy spills into the rest of the stadium. It is a complete Euro soccer experience here which is fast being replicated in the newer peer MLS venues. Neighborhood 4 The Downtown West Neighborhood can best be described as a work in progress. The anchor for the district is the historic Union Station, no longer a functioning train station but has been restored and renovated into a mixed-use entertainment hub with a hotel and numerous restaurants and amusement destinations, including a giant Ferris wheel. It looks like this development has gone past its prime, with several storefront vacancies and a lack of substantial foot traffic. The stadium has also leveraged additional adjacent investments, with a good number of hotels, and mid-rise condominiums and housing. Mixed into this are several classic and historic brick structures, many already renovated. St. Louis SC also maintains an adjacent practice field and a team store called CITY Pavilion across Market Street. Local recommended pubs and eateries near CityPark include Maggie O’Briens on Market Street, Syberg’s On Market, which is a local chain, The Schlafly Tap Room on Locust Street, where pre and post-game tailgating outdoors is the norm, Hellcat Pub on Olive Street. Our favorite is the Pitch Athletic Club and Tavern which is part of Union Station, with an entry to the outside street curbside. This soccer-themed tavern is replete with MLS and other soccer memorabilia, lots of big screens, and comfy seating areas. A definite top-tier hangout for fans. Fans 5 It is easy to give the St. Louis City SC fan base top grades, as they have welcomed their new team to their city with open arms. They have sold out their allocation of season tickets for the 22,500-seat venue and have established a waitlist. Fans can purchase a membership for $55 on the team’s website which places them on the waitlist and provides presale access for single game tickets and other perks. In the inaugural 2023 season, this ticket is a hot one, with all games sold out and a robust resale market fetching premium prices. The team’s hot start and winning record in 2023 are further fueling team interest and box office sales. Access 3 We already referenced the neighborhood, but now add that surface parking and ramp parking are pretty ample throughout the district. Spot Hero is a good reference to find a lot in an appropriate price range with $13-$25 being pretty much the norm. There is public transportation access, via bus lines 4 and 94, which will drop fans right at the park. St. Louis has a light rail system called Metrolink, with the nearest stop to the stadium at the Union Station station, which means a roughly ten-minute walk to CityPark. Highly recommended for fans of trains and subways. Legal parking spots on the street are in abundance, with kiosks accepting card payments. On Sundays, street parking is free, so early arrivals can snag a spot and save. Return on Investment 2 St. Louis SC has one of the most expensive pricing structures in MLS, with window prices for most games running anywhere from $85-$175 per ticket. The league has partnered up with SeatGeek as an official ticket supplier, so that site is also the top destination for resale tickets. For the bargain-hunting fan, resellers offer little respite to the wallet. Be prepared to pay. Concessions, while offering a tempting array and selection, are also going at hefty prices. Some examples include domestic beer for $9.50, craft beer for $11, and water for $6.50. A bottomless soda that fans can refill at any self-serve station is $9. The food examples include steak or chicken tacos for $16, smoked sausage with peppers and onions for $16, pepperoni or sausage pizza for $10, and beef kebab for $18. A plain old all-beef hot dog will cost $10. Extras 5 Club seating… St. Louis SC offers three distinct club seat experiences, but the one that caught our attention is the Ultra Club, located in the south end zone. This area has floor-to-ceiling windows that look out onto the pitch on one side and into the St. Louis West neighborhood on the other side. What is most distinctive is the array of LED light panels buttressing the ceiling, visible from the outside as well, and offering fans a superb sensory experience. Pillars of the Valley… St. Louis soccer fans still talk about how five of their local lads helped power the United States soccer team over England in that year’s World Cup, still regarded as a huge upset. But another story emerges from the 50s… when urban renewal projects came into that very same neighborhood, displacing tens of thousands of residents and destroying neighborhoods. This sad story from that era has been replicated in many American cities during that time. So outside the stadium, they built a pocket park and urban sculpture to commemorate the people who were affected during that time. As part of the “Brickline Greenway”, this park delineates property parcels by house number amongst the brick pavers, anchored by the Pillars of the Valley art installation and surrounded by plaques and displays which retell the story. It is poignant. It is moving. It is a must-see for the first-time visitor to this stadium. Final Thoughts What makes a game day here at CityPark is a perfect storm of several elements… a gleaming new stadium with excellent sightlines, comfortable seating, and stunning visuals. An adjoining neighborhood that offers ancillary food, entertainment, and lodging for the visitor. Proximity to the rest of downtown St. Louis, a very walkable and fun city, of course, the MLB St. Louis Cardinals and the adjoining Ballpark Village a must-stop for the sports traveler. Remember too that no trip to St. Louis is complete without a trip to the famed Gateway Arch, a true piece of Americana. Citypark joins some of its other peer newer MLS peer venues in offering a true Euro-style soccer experience in an intimate setting, and it is venues like this one which is helping to grow the sport.

Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.43 Rocket Arena 1 Center Ct Cleveland, OH 44115 Cleveland Cavaliers website Rocket Arena website Year Opened: 1994 Capacity: 20,562 Cavaliers Home Rockets into a New Era Editor's Note: On Feb 18,2025, Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse, the home of the NBA’s Cleveland Cavaliers and AHL's Cleveland Monsters, rebranded to Rocket Arena. The change aligned with the brand restage of naming rights partner Rocket, which has unified its mortgage, real estate and personal finance businesses under the "Rocket" name. When the Cleveland Cavaliers opened their 2019-2020 season, they sported a new name for their home court as well as a massively renovated house. Rocket Mortgage Company took over the naming rights from Quicken Loans over the summer, and the arena completed a two-year, $185 million renovation designed to open the arena up more to the surrounding area, and to provide wider concourses and more concession offerings to its fans. The most readily apparent change is the adding a large glass enclosed atrium, which reflects the downtown skyline and brightens up the inside corridors of the facility. A large concession and social area with seats and tables has been added at the south end of the arena. In addition, the upper concourse is now opened up to allow fans to go 360 degrees around the arena for the first time ever. Previous renovations have included the installation of new seats throughout the seating bowl, the adding of a center-hung video board nicknamed “Humongotron” due to its immense size (31 feet high and 56 feet wide on the side panels) and new graphics and signage. This marks the third change in name for the arena, which opened in 1994 as the Gund Arena (1994-2005) and the Quicken Loans Arena (2005-2019). The 19,432-seat arena is one of the largest in the NBA based on seat capacity. This includes 88 luxury suites. Food & Beverage 4 The concession programs at Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse received a great deal of attention during the renovations. They were redeployed into 8 different “neighborhoods” throughout the arena. This was a major design element in creating better flow on the concourses. The individual food vendors are now located in recessed areas away from the concourse, so that lines do not cause gridlock during busy periods of the game. The concessions areas are mini food courts which feature tables and drinking rails so that fans are not forced to balance their food and drinks in their laps back at their seats. A second major change was to pick food vendors who were easily identified with the area. Among the new stands at the arena are local favorites Flour (wood-fired pizzas), Bandito’s (Mexican dishes), Rocco’s (tacos and nachos), Symon Burger Joint (gourmet burgers, kielbasa and milkshakes), Greenhouse Kitchen (salads, sandwiches, rolls, Market at the Fig (deli selections), Elmore Smith’s BBQ (a BBQ concept started by a former Cavaliers player), and the Launch Test Kitchen, a revolving set of local vendors who have competed in a local culinary competition. The more generic arena fare can be found at the Fan Fuel stands throughout the arena. Adult beverages can be found at the Budweiser Brewhouse located in the Loudville area of the arena. Craft brews from Bell’s Brewery, Fahrenheit, and Saucy Brew Works are also available. Atmosphere 5 When you enter Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse, you will have no doubt in your mind that you are in Cleveland and are there for a basketball game. The Cavaliers and Cleveland taxpayers help foot the bill for the renovations, so the facility is filled with unique features that relate to both the city and the team. Upon entering the arena through the Sherwin Williams gate, you will continue through a short tunnel featuring ever-changing video displays on three sides showing Cavalier and Cleveland imagery. As you make the loop around the concourse you will see art and photos depicting life and landmarks around the Cleveland area. There is also a display of basketballs hung on the wall that feature the logo of each high school located in the metro area. The glass exterior of the building provides fans with great views of downtown Cleveland and the Cuyahoga River from the upper levels of the facility. The Cavaliers also add to the atmosphere of their remodeled home with a large exhibit covering their championship season. The display includes a large section of the arena floor where the deciding game was won, as well as the championship trophy. A separate point of interest for Cavalier fans is the team’s Wall of Honor with plaques featuring the star players who have worn the Cavaliers jersey over the past 50 years. The Cavaliers create a great atmosphere from the pregame activities to the end of the games… even without King James. They will first catch your attention during the pregame introductions, as the sabers attached to the gigantic video board spew fire out all sides above you. Once the game starts Kevin Love and company play an entertaining game of roundball. Over the years the Cavaliers have been very successful in this building, going to the playoffs ten out of their twenty-two seasons. This includes three NBA Finals Series, including the 2016 Series that brought Cleveland its first professional sports title since 1964. There is never a dull moment at a Cavaliers game. During timeouts and changes of period you will be entertained by a variety of performers unlike any other NBA arena. You’ll be thrilled by the Slam Squad and their dunking exploits, enjoy the moves of the Wine and Goldies Dance Squad or the Cavs Dancing Dads, enjoy the beats of the 216 STIX drumline or be laughing at the antics of the team’s two mascots, MoonDog and Sir C.C. Neighborhood 5 The Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse is in the Gateway District of downtown Cleveland. This area features Progressive Field, the home of the Cleveland Indians, as well as five hotels, sixty restaurants, movie theatres, the Fifth Street Arcade, Gateway Center and the JACK Casino. Among the restaurants in the area are The Corner Alley, Pickwick and Frolic, Boney Fingers BBQ, Butcher and Brewer and the House of Blues. Adult beverages are available at Flannery’s, City Tap, the Greenhouse Tavern and the Clevelander Bar and Grill. Two hotels, the Hotel Cleveland Gateway and the Holiday Inn Express Downtown Cleveland, are right across the street from the FieldHouse. Information on all the Gateway district has to offer is available at www.clevelandgatewaydistrict.com. Fans 4 Some of the most passionate fans the Cavaliers have can be found in the top tiers of the Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse. This area is designated with good reason as Loudville. The cheapest tickets in the arena can be found here, and folks sitting in the area are regulars. They routinely spontaneously start a cheer, which little by little filters down to the lower levels until the whole arena joins in. Even though the seats are as far as you will find from the court, the Loudville residents miss very little of the action thanks to the vast size of the video board at midcourt. Access 5 The arena is easily accessed via one of Cleveland’s many freeways or by public transit. From the east: Take I-90/Rte. 2 West. Remain on Rte.2 as I-90 curves left. Exit at Ninth Street and turn left on East Ninth. The parking garage will be on your left. From the south: Take I-77 North and exit at East Ninth Street. Take East Ninth Street north to parking garage. From the west: Take I-90 East to East Ninth Street exit and proceed north to parking garage. Public transit is available via the RTA light rail system. Take the Red Line train to the Tower City Station. Proceed to the arena via the enclosed RTA Skywalk. This will deliver you directly to the Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse. Once at the arena you will find the access and flow of the crowd to be excellent. The recent renovations were specifically targeted towards enlarging the concourses and adding the space in the glass atrium. This is a major improvement, as you no longer stand outside in the frigid Cleveland winters before the doors open. Food vendors now are in areas located back from the concourse, so the food and drink lines do not create gridlock. If you are seated in the upper level of the arena you will be able to encircle the entire arena on the concourse for the first time ever. The FieldHouse is also using technology to improve access within the arena. Tickets will now include a portal number to make it easier for fans to locate their seats. The portal number identifies your seat by location so that you will enter at the portal closest to your row seat. If you are in a seat at the left end of the row, that portal number identifies that end of the row. A separate portal would identify the seat at the right end of the row. This will cut down dramatically on people having to cross in front of their seatmates during a game. Another technological innovation is the addition of self-serve concession areas where you simply scan the item you are purchasing and pay for it with your credit/debit card. Return on Investment 3 The Cavaliers use the AXS/Flash Tickets ticketing system. The average cost for a ticket to a Cleveland game is $48. Parking is available in the Gateway East or the JACK Cleveland Casino Garages for $20-$30. You can save money by taking the RTA light rail system to the Tower City Transit Station. You would then take the RTA enclosed skywalk to the Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse. The cost for an all-day pass is $5.50. The concession prices at the Fan Fuel stands are very reasonable, while the more specialized product stands are more expensive. Extras 5 Anyone who has experienced a Cleveland winter will give an extra to the RTA Walkway for protecting you from the elements. In addition to pro basketball, the Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse serves as the home to the Cleveland Monsters of the AHL. Other sports events that have occurred in the arena are the MAC Basketball Tournament, several stages of the NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament, the 2007 Women’s Final Four Basketball Tournament, and the US Figure Skating Championship (2000, 2009) The in-game entertainment staff deserves an extra for its wide variety of performing groups, games and activities during lulls in the action. The Cavaliers are league leaders when it comes to taking care of their fans with special needs. Real-time captioning of all public address announcements is shown on each of the four corner video boards for persons with hearing impairments. Sign language interpreters may also be requested in advance. For persons with sensory impairments, the team provides earphones, sensory bags, weighted lap pads or access to sensory quiet rooms for guests who become overstimulated. The 2019-2020 season marks the 50th anniversary of the team’s arrival in Cleveland. Numerous special events and promotions are planned throughout the year. Final Thoughts The renovations at Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse have all been directed towards improving the fan experience, as the seating bowl and playing court remained the same throughout the latest changes. If you have not been to a Cavaliers game or the former Quicken Loans Arena recently, you need to come and check out all the changes. It is a virtually new facility that is well designed to meet the needs that fans have come to expect in the 21st century.

Photos by David Welch, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.86 Billy Grant Field at Tommy Thomas Park 1500 N. Patterson Street Valdosta, GA 31698 Valdosta State Blazers website Billy Grant Field at Tommy Thomas Park website Year Opened: 1979 Capacity: 800 Red & Black, All Hail Valdosta State’s baseball program began in 1955, playing as the Valdosta State College Rebels, competing in the Georgia Conference against teams like Piedmont College, Georgia Teachers College (now Georgia Southern), Oglethorpe, and North Georgia. The program transitioned to the Georgia Intercollegiate Athletic Conference before joining the Southern Athletic Conference in the mid-1970s. In 1972, Valdosta State changed their name from the Rebels to the Blazers. Originally members of the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA), Valdosta State made the jump to NCAA Division II in 1979 and would promptly capture the national championship in their inaugural season in the NCAA. Since 1981, the Blazers have competed in the Gulf South Conference.   Food and Beverage   3 Concessions at Billy Grant Field are limited but standard for basic ballpark food, such as nachos with cheese sauce, hot dogs, sausages, popcorn, and various types of candy. Coca-Cola products are available, as are Powerade and Dasani bottled water. Beer is sold, but only on weekends, with options limited to common domestics and Georgia Beer Company’s Amber Ale.   Atmosphere   3 Billy Grant Field has an open design. Surrounded by brick pillars and iron fencing, fans enter through a brick archway into grounds decorated with flowers and shade trees. The main seating area includes three separate aluminum bleacher sections with backrests. The upper rows behind home plate offer some relief from the intense South Georgia sun, via the press box which runs the entirety of the center section of seating. In addition to the bleacher seating, fans also use tailgating chairs in the shade of live oaks along the third base line. The scoreboard beyond the left-center wall displays basic game information such as the game’s line score, outs, and ball-strike-out counts. There is a also center-mounted screen, but it doesn’t appear functional. Mid-inning breaks are refreshingly uneventful, primarily just filled with music until play resumes.   Neighborhood   3 Billy Grant Field is located among several of Valdosta State other athletic facilities, about a mile north of main campus. The surrounding area is a mix of residential neighborhoods, strip malls, and fast-food spots. Downtown Valdosta is a combination of locally owned shops, restaurants, and boutique hotels. Though the city may seem like a pass-through along the I-75 corridor, a short trip off the interstate shows it is much more than just the cluster of fast food and hotel chains that can be seen from the interstate. For added entertainment, the Lowndes County Historical Society Museum includes a display on the city’s professional baseball history, played at nearby Pendleton Park from 1939 – 1958. Wild Adventures Theme Park and the Grand Bay Wetland Education Center offer options for thrill-seekers and nature lovers, while the Georgia Beer Company near downtown is a great stop for craft beer fans.   Fans   2 Fan support is scattered throughout the stadium, with minimal student turnout. Most attendees are player families or local community members. While there is not a lack of enthusiasm from those there, as those in attendance are engaged, the overall atmosphere does not seem to have much of a home field advantage created by the fans here.   Access   3 Valdosta is most directly accessible from Interstate-75 that runs to the west of the city, roughly the halfway point between Macon and Gainesville, Florida. There are multiple Valdosta exits, all which leave roughly a 10-minute drive to the field. Once there, a parking lot runs the entirety of the third base side of the field, which can get a bit crowded if there is a softball game going on at the same time. The parking lot is just a short walk to Billy Grant Field’s gates. With the walkway directly in front of the first few rows of seating, fans passing by on their way to their seats can disrupt the view of the game. If possible, sitting higher up in the stands should help limit this distraction – the upper rows are also where most of the shade can be found.   Return on Investment   4 Admission runs $5, but the caveat is it is cash only. The price of admission is more than reasonable, but the lack of ability to pay with a card is a bit inconvenient. Nevertheless, concessions are fairly priced, so the all-in cost is very affordable.   Extras   2 Near the ramp to the bleachers is a plaque which recognizes the 1979 NCAA Division II Championship team. In addition, attached to the side of the concessions stand is a leaderboard of the pitching and hitting statistics, which is updated on a regular basis.   Final Thoughts Like many of the college baseball facilities that are scattered throughout the countryside of South Georgia, there is not a lot by way of amenities when it comes to baseball at Valdosta State. The overall experience is rather laid back and a bit of a relief, however, from the constant bombardment of ad reads and sounds effects that are commonplace at many other baseball experiences.

Photos by David Welch, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.57 Riddle-Pace Field Luther Dr Troy, AL 36081 Troy Trojans website Riddle-Pace Field website Year Opened: 1931 Capacity: 2,000 One Troy Baseball has been played at Troy University since 1911, but the school would not have a dedicated baseball facility until 1931, when Pace Field was built. Originally members of the Alabama Intercollegiate Conference, which would later become the Southern States Conference, the Trojans joined the NCAA in 1970 as part of the College Division, which eventually evolved into Division II in 1973. Troy quickly emerged as a Division II powerhouse, making seven College World Series appearances and winning back-to-back national titles in 1986 and 1987. The Trojans transitioned to Division I in 1995, playing first in the Mid-Continent Conference, then the Atlantic Sun, before settling in their current home, the Sun Belt Conference. From the late 1930s and throughout the 1940s, the then-simply named Pace Field was home of minor league baseball, serving as the home to the Class D Troy Trojans, who were also known as the Troy Tigers and Troy Dodgers, of the Alabama-Florida League and Alabama League. The most notable player to play at Pace Field at this time was Joe Dobson, who enjoyed 14 major league seasons with the-now Cleveland Guardians , Boston Red Sox , and Chicago White Sox .   Food & Beverage   4 While the concessions options are not really eye-popping here, the burgers, hot dogs, sausages, and brats are all hand-grilled, providing a nice extra touch. Other staples like soft pretzels, popcorn, chips, candy, and the always-welcome stadium pickle round out the menu; off-menu items such as BBQ pork nachos also make an occasional appearance. Beverages include Coca-Cola products, Powerade, and Dasani bottled water. Beer offerings are limited to Bud Light on tap, as well as Michelob Ultra, Bud Light seltzers, and the Troy-branded Trojan Ale.   Atmosphere   4 Riddle-Pace Field’s brick exterior and glass rotunda complement nearby Trojan Arena  and the student recreation center perfectly, really giving the baseball stadium a classy appearance. The field’s layout is similar to that of Sun Belt rival Georgia Southern’s J.I. Clements Stadium – the 30-foot right field wall protects the short 310-foot line, before widening out to a standard 400’ to straightaway center. What right field gives up, left field then takes back with a monster 340-feet down the left field line. A large scoreboard which provides extensive game and player information is melded with the right field wall. When considering seating options, there is not a lot of relief from the hot Alabama sun, but the higher you sit in the grandstand, the better. Field level seats are cushioned and much more comfortable, but offer little relief from the sun. Mid-inning breaks are filled with music and an occasional contest played with a selected fan or Troy baseball trivia question. There are occasional ad reads, but they do seem to be kept to a minimum.   Neighborhood   3 Riddle-Pace Field is nestled in the athletics cluster of Troy’s campus on the northeastern edge, directly neighbored by football’s Veteran’s Memorial Stadium , which can be seen just beyond the third base side of the stadium. There is not a lot nearby in terms of entertainment, but Troy and surrounding Pike County have over thirty historical markers that recognize the birthplace of congressman and civil rights leader John Lewis, as well as war memorials and the area’s historical story. The Troy town center has a small collection of shops and eateries. Even though the downtown area is not all that expansive, it does offer quite the collection of options; B Graves’ southern dishes, Burgers at The Corner, Franchesca’s Italian cuisine, Cajun food at Bayou la Roux, and popular southern college town chain Mama Goldberg’s deli can all be found. In addition, BBQ at Moe’s, plus casual American dishes at Flo’s Kitchen, are all within a block of Troy’s town square.   Fans   4 Attendance numbers might not completely tell the story of fan involvement at Troy baseball games, as the fence from center field to the left-field foul pole is chain-link, allowing fans to watch the game from outside of the stadium. This gathering is affectionately known as "Doubles Alley". Here, tailgaters in golf carts and UTVs gather to take in the game, heckle the outfielders, and honk in celebration of Trojan runs. This set up does encourage students to remain outside the stadium, taking a bit away from the in-stadium fan involvement. Inside the stadium, much like the “Yankees’ Roll Call”, Trojan fans have a unique call for each of the players, which they chant at the top of the 1st inning and again when the players come to the dish for their first plate appearance.   Access   3 Troy, Alabama is in a bit of an oasis when it comes to interstate access. US Highway 231 has the most direct access to town from I-85 east of Montgomery, or you can use US-29 if coming from the west on I-65. A decently sized parking lot sits outside the front gate of Riddle-Pace Field, while two smaller lots are just beyond the right field fence. Lines begin forming outside the lone stadium entrance an hour before first pitch, but after the initial push entry is quick and easy. The concourse under the grandstand is spacious and allows for easy movement of fans, as well as enough space for fans to navigate and others to wait in line for drinks or concessions. The seating area is easily navigable, but due to barriers for premium seating in the RBI Club, some rows do seem to be a bit more challenging to get in and out of than necessary.   Return on Investment   4 General admission seats run $10, with home plate tickets going for $15 and field level seats going for $25, before a $3 service charge per order. When factoring in the lack of parking fees, it does seem to balance the overall cost of attending a game at Riddle-Pace Field, though general admission ticket prices can fluctuate depending on the opponent – some non-conference games can have general admission tickets as low as $1, while games against SEC foes begin at $30. Concessions prices are very reasonable, possibly even a touch under what might be expected at most college ballparks.   Extras   3 A historical marker just outside the stadium’s main gate recognizes the history of Riddle-Pace Field. In addition, under the grandstand, banners and graphics recognize the team and individual accomplishments of past Trojan teams and players – banners pay tribute to the program’s conference championships, NCAA Regional and College World Series appearances, and many other honors, while support pillars display photos of Troy’s All-Americans. The left-center field gap, dubbed Doubles Alley, keeps a running total of the number of doubles the Trojans have hit throughout the season.   Final Thoughts When considering college baseball at what is typically considered the “mid-major” level, the Sun Belt likely is the most competitive conference, with its top teams able to compete with many teams from larger conferences. The atmosphere that fills the air at Riddle-Pace Field is without a doubt an extremely festive college baseball experience, that would be enjoyable for even the most casual baseball fan to experience.

The University of New Haven announced today that it has accepted an invitation to join the Northeast Conference. The school, which currently competes in Division Two, will begin their transition on July 1. Northeast Conference Commissioner Noreen Morris and University of New Haven President Jens Frederiksen announced Tuesday that New Haven would become the conference's 10th full member. The Chargers will become full Division I members in 2028-29. "Making the move to Division I is a bold step, and we're honored that New Haven chose to take that step with us," Morris said. "From the start, it was clear that they share our values -- putting academics, competitive excellence and the student-athlete experience at the forefront." The University of New Haven, whose teams are known as the Chargers, sponsors 20 sports and will be integrated into NEC schedules beginning this year, with the exception of football. Football's addition to the conference schedule is still to be determined. UNH’s home field, Ralph F. DellaCamera Stadium, is best known for its blue turf field. Photo courtesy of University of New Haven Athletics The University of New Haven, which is located in West Haven, Connecticut, has all of its athletic facilities in a compact complex across Boston Post Road (Route 1) from its main campus. Yale's athletic facilities, including the Yale Bowl , Yale Field and Reese Stadium , are about two miles away. During its transition, New Haven will immediately be able to participate in conference championships in sports that do not have automatic qualifiers for NCAA championships. The Chargers will become eligible for NCAA championship competition in 2028-29. The Northeast Conference now contains three teams who are in transition to Division One from lower levels. Stonehill College began their transition period in 2022 and Le Moyne College began theirs in 2023.

Photos by Matt Fiedler, Stadium Journey The NCAA Tournament returned to Providence for the first time since 2016. Amica Mutual Pavilion played host to first and second round games in the West and Midwest regions. The atmosphere was electric especially since local favorite St. John’s was one of the participants. The campus of St. John’s is less than 3 hours from Providence so it was just a short drive up I-95 or a trip on the Amtrak away. Providence is certainly an ideal host for the early rounds of the tournament. The city has a wide variety of great restaurants and bars to pre/post game and also has a great basketball history. Amica Mutual Pavilion is also very easy to get to and centrally located within Providence. The city is also located close to areas like Boston and Newport for fans who want to extend their trip and see some of the other sights of New England. If you’re looking to grab a bite to eat I would recommend somewhere outside of the arena. One area where Amica Mutual Pavilion falls short is its concessions. They mostly carry the staples like popcorn, hot dogs, peanuts, pizza, sausages, and nachos along with candy and pretzels. There are a plethora of options around the arena and in the surrounding neighborhoods. The atmosphere at an NCAA tournament venue is very dependent on teams that get picked for that specific region. This year Providence got very lucky to have St Johns in the bracket which attracted many of their fans. However, Providence is also home to Providence College so there is certainly a built in knowledge and enthusiasm for college basketball in the area. The NCAA tournament is unlike any other event, especially in the first and second rounds because you have fans from several different schools in attendance at once. This provides a unique environment with fans who are dialed into the game and other fans who are waiting for the next session when their school plays. All in all, Amica Mutual Pavilion is a great site for the initial rounds of the NCAA Tournament and when it comes back in a few years it will certainly be worth attending. If you haven’t attended an NCAA tournament it should be on your sports bucket list.

Photos by David Welch, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.57 Bulldog Field Memorial Parkway Normal, AL 35762 Alabama A&M Bulldogs website Bulldog Field website Year Opened: 1997 Capacity: 500 Be a Dog The Alabama A&M University Bulldogs are one of twenty Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) competing in NCAA Division I. The Bulldogs first sponsored baseball in 1947, playing in NCAA Division II as members of the Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (SIAC), where they remained until 1998. The following year, Alabama A&M transitioned to Division I and joined the Southwestern Athletic Conference (SWAC), one of only two conferences composed entirely of HBCUs – the SWAC includes schools from Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Louisiana, Mississippi, and Texas. Alabama A&M has produced a handful of professional players, with the most notable being Cleon Jones, an All-Star and key member of the 1969 World Series champion "Miracle Mets".   Food & Beverage   1 There are no dedicated concessions at Bulldog Field. Occasionally, a food truck may provide options, but fans should plan ahead if they want snacks, or something more substantial, during the game.   Atmosphere   2 There is not a lot to Bulldog Field, a rather modest facility. There are no exterior gates, no press box, and no permanent concessions – just a pair of bleachers set atop a small hill behind home plate. The two sections of bleachers are positioned rather far from the field, creating a noticeable distance between the fans and the action. Barriers stretch from dugout to dugout around the backstop, limiting how close spectators can get. As a result, fans hoping for a closer view often bring tailgating chairs and set up just behind the barriers, for a more intimate game-watching experience. The playing surface is natural grass, with field dimensions relatively short at 315 feet down both lines. A uniform 8-foot fence encircles the outfield, and some interesting fence angles add a bit of character to the ballpark. A functional scoreboard in right-center field displays player photos, stats, and standard game information. The game experience itself is rather unremarkable, with little more than walkup songs played, though this is a refreshing break from the constant bombardment of ads and sound effects that seem to have become common. The game is definitely kept as the focal point. Late afternoon games could create some difficulties, with the sun directly in the face of fans seated in the bleachers; this does create a challenging sun field to contend with. Bulldog Field does not have any lights, so games do have to start early enough to avoid playing in the dark.   Neighborhood   4 Alabama A&M is situated on the northern side of Huntsville. The area surrounding A&M’s campus is within Huntsville, but was named Normal, Alabama in reference to the school’s original name, the State Normal and Industrial School of Huntsville. This area is where the city begins to give way to more suburban and rural surroundings. Bulldog Field is clustered with the rest of Alabama A&M’s athletic facilities, just across Meridian Street from main campus. The university is about four miles from downtown Huntsville and seven miles from the U.S. Space & Rocket Center, one of the city’s most popular attractions. Downtown Huntsville has an immaculate city center with many locally owned restaurants and shops, built around Big Springs International Park, a popular location for many to enjoy the cherry blossoms, feed the koi and ducks, or just enjoy the spring weather. The park is also home to the Huntsville Museum of Art, as well as several hotels. Huntsville is also a hub of minor league sports – the college baseball season overlaps with the final third of the SPHL schedule of the Huntsville Havoc , as well as the start of the season for Minor League Baseball’s Rocket City Trash Panda s (AA - Southern League) and Huntsville City FC in MLS Next Pro. Despite none of these teams not playing in the immediate vicinity of A&M’s campus, they are all just a short drive away.   Fans   3 The Bulldog fans are extremely supportive, especially the students in attendance. Students will call out the steps of strikeout victims, “left-right-left-right” until they reach the dugout, before letting out a collective “OOOOUUUUUUUTTTT!” as the opposing player walks away – the students might be on the small side in terms of numbers, but it is nice to see their contingent at games.   Access   3 Alabama A&M’s campus is accessible via US Highway 431, which runs north-to-south though Huntsville. Bulldog Field does not have lights, so games must be played during the day, though this does help in alleviating traffic during Huntsville’s rush hour. On the other side of the equation though, fans leaving the game will likely have to contend with the evening rush. Bulldog Field is a walkup facility, accessible directly from the adjacent parking lot. There is not much of a physical stadium to navigate, but seating is up a small hill, which can be a bit tricky to navigate for those with mobility challenges.   Return on Investment   4 Admission to Alabama A&M baseball games is free, and there is no charge for parking. The only investment fans make is their time, making it an affordable and relaxed way to enjoy college baseball.   Extras   1 The proximity of the baseball and softball fields allow those in the upper row of seating to be able to look over the back of the bleachers to check on the game on the adjacent field, if they are going on at the same time.   Final Thoughts There is not a lot to an Alabama A&M baseball game when considering the overall game experience, but that doesn’t mean it’s not an enjoyable one, by any means. There are early plans in place to begin upgrading Alabama A&M’s baseball facilities, and partnerships have been formed to help guide that vision – this is a first step in improving the overall experience for both the players and the fans of the Bulldogs.

Photos by Richard Smith, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.43 Woodsboro Bank Arena at the Ronald J. Volpe Athletic Center 601 Blazer Trail Frederick, MD 21701 Hood Blazers website Woodsboro Bank Arena at the Ronald J. Volpe Athletic Center website Year Opened: 2011 Capacity: 1,600 The Blazers Hood College is a private college in Frederick, Maryland with around 2,000 students. Hood was started in 1893 by the Potomac Synod of the Reformed Church in the United States as the Woman's College of Frederick. An all-female institution until 1971, the college initially admitted men only as commuters. This continued until 2003 when male students were extended the option of residential status. Hood College has consistently been ranked in the U.S. News & World Report list for Best University in the Northeast. Hood has had athletics as far back as 1898 (women’s basketball). The Hood Athletic Center opened in November 2011. In March 2015 it was renamed the Ronald J. Volpe Athletic Center in honor of the former president. There are markings inside of the arena noting it as the BB&T Arena, but no other markings mention that name. The college’s website doesn’t even currently mention the corporate name. The Hood Blazers mainly compete in the Middle Atlantic Conferences as part of the Commonwealth sub-conference, which is in NCAA Division III. The Blazers nickname started in the 1920s when the campus elected a rising senior as the "White Sweater" girl as someone who possessed the most sportsmanship and school spirit. Currently, the nickname is represented by a horse with a "blaze" mark on its forehead. Food & Beverage 1 There seems to usually be a small stand located in the lobby selling the most basic of items. You will want to use this for snacks and quick drinks only, so please plan on eating before or after the game. Atmosphere 4 The arena is a small gym that is similar to many high school gyms. It is a simple affair with four stands that surround the court. Currently, the stands behind the benches are not being used. There is a small upper deck stand behind the benches that seem to be for VIPs and is a fairly unusual look for a small gym. There are two very nice scoreboards in the opposing corners of the arena. There is no video presentation but the scoreboards do their job well. The fans are very close to the floor and the atmosphere is pretty good for the level of play. Neighborhood 4 Frederick has a lot of things to offer fans who are visiting. There is plenty of Civil War history, antique shops, great restaurants, wonderful parks, covered bridges, performing arts and culture, and unique shopping. Shopping, lodging, and restaurants are abundant at nearby Francis Scott Key Mall and its surrounding area. Downtown Frederick may offer even better choices. The surprising renaissance of downtown Frederick means that there is an ever-growing selection of restaurants and shopping in the area. Brewer’s Alley Restaurant & Brewery, one of the beer providers in the stadium, has a location on North Market Street if you are on the lookout for a local brewpub. The Roy Rogers fast food is still thriving around Frederick. You must stop in and enjoy the roast beef sandwich, you will never want to have one at Arby’s gain. Also, don’t forget to use the Fixin’s Bar and get a holster of fries. You can also choose from Double-R-Burgers, Gold Rush Chicken sandwiches, or fried chicken. Francis Scott Key is buried across town. The lawyer and poet wrote the lyrics to the United States National Anthem, “The Star-Spangled Banner.” The Appalachian Trail is also nearby for outdoor adventurers. Frederick is also fairly close to both Baltimore and Washington, DC. Fans 4 The fans are pretty vibrant and engaged in the action of the game. The arena can get loud and lively during gameplay. The student section was pretty well-filled and active for the weeknight game we attended. We are unsure if students show up for weekend games as well. The rest of the stands seem to be filled with locals and family members of the players. Hood Blazers Student Section, Photo by Richard Smith, Stadium Journey Access 3 Frederick is located just off of a major highway (I-70), but Hood College is located within the neighborhoods of a fairly old city, with some small roads accessing it. There is also limited parking on this small campus so you may have to search a bit for decent parking. Visitors do not need a parking permit at night, but if attending a daytime event here during a normal school day you may wish to check on parking regulations. Return on Investment 4 The cost of attending a Hood game is $5, cash or check, for adults. Children, Ages 6-17, are $3. Parking should be free. The return on investment is sound and fair for this level of play. . Extras 3 Francis Scott Key’s Grave gives Frederick a pretty interesting extra for the area. The unique upper deck seating, even if reserved for VIPs makes for an interesting look for the arena. Carroll Creek Park, within walking distance of the campus, is a world-class urban park and there are restaurants, live music, public art, and a scenic pedestrian path. Final Thoughts The Woodsboro Bank Arena at the Ronald J. Volpe Athletic Center is a simple gym that has engaging fans and offers a great small college atmosphere for the sports fan.