Photos by Andrei Ojeda, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.14 Dodger Stadium 1000 Vin Scully Ave Los Angeles, CA 90012 Map It Los Angeles Dodgers website Dodger Stadium website Year Opened: 1962 Capacity: 56,000 Sho-Time At The Ravine Upon their arrival in 1958 from Brooklyn, the Dodgers would play their home games at the L.A. Coliseum until 1961. Native Angelinos were quick to embrace the Brooklyn transplants as over 78,000 attended the Dodgers first-ever home game at the Coliseum. But not all of Los Angeles would embrace the former Flatbush Bums arrival particularly when it came to the controversy leading to the construction of Dodger Stadium .   When the dust finally settled, Dodger Stadium would officially open on April 10, 1962. The Dodgers would draw over 2.75 million fans in their gleaming new home.  Year in and year out Dodger Stadium features the highest attendance figures in all of baseball with daily crowds of over 40,000 being the norm. Over the years Dodger Stadium has had many memorable moments such as Shohei Ohtani’s historic   40-40 feat via the walk-off grand slam , Chris Taylor’s Wild Card Clinching walk-off home run to Gibson’s epic Game 1 walk off homer against Dennis Eckersley in 1988, their sweep of the Yankees in the 1963 World Series and who can forget Freddie Freeman’s walk-off grand slam in Game 1 off of Nestor Cortez enroute to World Series triumph number 8! Dodger Stadium is the third oldest yard behind only   Fenway Park  and   Wrigley Field . Despite being the third oldest big league park, Dodger Stadium, affectionately referred to by blue-clad locals as Blue Heaven On Earth, is hardly referred to as a classic. Dodger Stadium maintains a truly unique identity as marked by its signature pastel-colored seating pallet. Food & Beverage 4 Though Farmer John is no longer the hot dog provider after being synonymous with Dodger Baseball for so many years, the famous Dodger Dog remains on the menu now provided by Papa Cantella. Kosher hot dogs and sausages are also available through their stand located in the right field section of the outfield plaza. Some of the most noticeable additions to the dining options   can be found in the outfield plaza including Shake Shack. Some of my favorite dining choices are on the left field side of the outfield plaza. The Smoked Brisket Sandwich and Burnt End Nachos are available at the Think Blue Barbecue stand. The brisket in each item is smoked overnight with the sandwich topped off with coleslaw, providing fans with one of the tastiest items in the yard. If you happen to bring a big appetite with you, Think Blue Barbecue also has an MVP Platter with burnt ends, pulled pork, hot links, coleslaw, potato salad, and jalapeno cornbread. Not only is this one of the tastier items throughout the park, but it's also big enough to feed 2 to 3 heavy hitters. Next to the Think Blue Barbecue stand is the Dueling Dogs featuring a bacon-wrapped dog and a visiting team-themed dog.  Dining areas were recently added to the outfield plaza.  Fans dining in the plaza can watch the game on the new outfield plaza screens with scoreboards providing live stats.  One of the more noticeable addition to the Dodger Stadium food lineup is The Slugger. The much talked about addition to the Dodger Stadium food lineup is a 16 inch jalapeno cheddar dog topped with  corn relish, white cheddar sauce, cilantro crema, and tortilla chips with French fries. Dodger Stadium - The Slugger, Photo by Andrei Ojeda, Stadium Journey Food selections present a differing variety that often matches the theme of that particular game such as a Salvadoran or Filipino menu or Death Star themed cookies during Star Wars Night. Dodger Stadium - Death Star Themed Cookie, Photo by Andrei Ojeda, Stadium Journey Coca-Cola products are the soft drinks of choice. Domestic and imported beers such as Budweiser and Modelo are available throughout the stadium. Two new indoor bars located beneath both the left and right field pavilions are available for fans before and during the games. The bars feature a vast variety of alcoholic drinks and provide screens of the live game action and other sporting events.  A viewing area near the bullpen mounds is also located inside each bar for fans to watch pitchers warm up. Atmosphere 5 It all starts as you enter through the grand entrance to the newly enhanced outfield plaza. As you enter the plaza, you are greeted by two legendary statues, Jackie Robinson and Sandy Koufax. Once past the statues fans will notice two lines that lead to replicas of the 2024 World Champions ring and trophy, two of the more popular photo spots for the 2025 season.   Dodger Stadium - 2024 World Series Trophy Replica, Photo by Andrei Ojeda, Stadium Journey Pregame entertainment in the outfield plaza varies each game with in-game DJ’s blasting beats to performances from various cultural performers. The pregame festivities continue inside the stadium as the pregame hype team keeps the vibes flowing. For a team as storied as the Dodgers, it may seem a bit too much as noted by certain east coast media types perhaps still bitter over last year's World Series result .  As fans roam the outfield plaza one thing they will notice are historical displays paying tribute to significant figures in Dodger history dating back to their beginnings in Brooklyn.  When not fully paying attention to the action on the field, some of the best views of the city, be it the San Gabriel Mountains beyond the outfield or the downtown skyline, can be seen from the top deck and reserve levels. Neighborhood 3 Several nice walking trails along with pregame picnic areas on the grounds of Elysian Park are outside Dodger Stadium and provide some of the natural scenery beyond Dodger Stadium. Aside from Elysian Park’s picnic areas and the scenery it provides the yard, the surrounding area does not offer a ballpark village with pre- or post-game entertainment or dining options that fans have become accustomed to in some of the post Camden Yards era venues. However, The Shortstop, a local dive bar not far from the stadium, is a favorite among Dodger fans. Chinatown and Downtown L.A. are also a short drive from the yard and offer several pre- and post-game dining options. Fans 5 Yearly crowds of over 3 million plus are the norm at Dodger Stadium. With the team coming off the excitement of 2024, in spite of rising ticket costs, there’s been talk of crossing the 4 million mark for the first time in franchise history.  With another big season anticipated, expect crowds of 40 to 50,000 plus on a regular basis. The home nine’s current run of 12 consecutive post-season appearances has done nothing to dull the enthusiasm of the Dodger Blue Faithful. Dodger Blue runs deep throughout many Angeleno’s hearts and throughout Southern California as they are a loud and passionate bunch. The Dodgers, like their purple and gold counterparts at the   Crypto.com  Arena , can attract many a Hollywood crowd. Dodger blue and white are the colors you see decked among the fans who proudly show their passion. Though some are there  to stargaze or “to be seen” as can be the case with any L.A. sporting event, Dodger fans are very passionate about their Boys In Blue as noticed by certain rival players .   Access 4 The recent enhancements to Dodger Stadium have significantly improved access throughout Dodger Stadium. Unlike years past, fans can enter through any entrance and are also free to roam throughout each level of the stadium. Additional elevators located on the left and right field corners of each concourse have been added, as well as additional escalators and stairs in the expanded exterior concourse. A pedestrian walkway has been added atop the pavilions as well as additional ADA viewing areas and a social area overlooking the outfield plaza. More restrooms have also been added to each of the two pavilions. If you choose to drive to the game, five entrances lead to the vast parking lot, which can accommodate up to 16,000 vehicles. Unless you plan on entering through the outfield plaza it’s still a good idea to research your seating location so you have a good idea where you should park. You will also want to purchase parking ahead of time on your mobile app to help reduce entry time, $35 if purchased in advance, $40 at the gate.  Various roads lead to Dodger Stadium which can be accessed by the 5, 110, or 101. Because of its proximity to downtown Los Angeles and the fact that most of the natives rely on their vehicles to get around this sprawling city, you will want to allow yourself more than ample time to drive to the stadium if you want to be at your seat by the first pitch. There’s a reason why Dodgers fans have a reputation, albeit an unfair one, as late arrivers. Another transportation option is the Dodger Stadium shuttle, which runs from outside the west main entrance at Downtown Union Station beginning 2.5 hours before game time. If using the shuttle after the game, regardless where you’re sitting, you will want to catch the shuttle from the outfield pickup stop rather than the Top Deck stop as more buses are available with significantly less wait time.  Union Station can also easily be reached by light rail via the MTA through the Red, Purple, and Gold lines. Return on Investment 3 With a team coming off a memorable championship season along with arguably the game’s most popular player comes the price of success. When attending a game at The Ravine expect a significant dent in your wallet just from the ticket prices alone. Single game ticket prices start at $38. For games against rival teams such as the Giants, Padres and Angels prices start at $53. With the Yankees in town and nights when certain promotional giveaway items are distributed expect the lowest price to start in the triple digits as much as $175. Those Shohei Bobbleheads and replica World Series players rings are just some of the most sought out items fans will be clamoring for. There’s no way around it. Attending a Dodger game will not be cheap. If you’re fortunate you may find some reasonably priced tickets on 3rd party sites.  Extras 5 In past years Dodger Stadium did not offer much regarding displaying their storied history. That recently changed with the outfield plaza enhancements most notably in both pavilion areas. Fans can view memorabilia and displays paying tribute to Dodgers legends and sit in old stadium seats. Gold Glove Awards can also be viewed below the left field pavilion. Fans entering through the Top Deck entrance will walk through the Retired Numbers Plaza featuring statues of the iconic red numbers from the Dodgers uniforms of each Dodger who had the honor of having their number retired including recently retired number 34, belonging to the late former legendary pitcher and longtime fan favorite Fernando Valenzuela. Another addition to the Top Deck before the start of the 2024 season is a   historic Japanese stone lantern . Originally gifted to the Dodgers in 1965, the eight-foot-tall, 3,921-pound Kasuga-style stone lantern was presented to the Dodger organization by Japanese sports columnist Sotaro Suzuki, who is also a member of the Japanese Baseball Hall of Fame. Suzuki worked with team president Walter O’Malley on the Brooklyn Dodgers’ 1956 Goodwill Tour to Japan.   Dodger Stadium Japanese Lantern, Photo by Andrei Ojeda, Stadium Journey Final Thoughts As the season’s second half approaches, the excitement from the 2024 season highlighted by Shohei Ohtani’s memorable 50/50 season to Freddie Freeman’s walk-off slam has fans excited for another exciting run toward more October baseball.   Now in it’s 63rd year, from Gibby to Freddie, what exciting and historical moment will happen next?

Photos by Paul Baker and Marc Viquez, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.14 Huntington Park 330 Huntington Park Lane Columbus, OH 43215 Columbus Clippers website Huntington Park website Year Opened: 2009 Capacity: 10,100 Clippers on the Hunt   The city of Columbus has been represented at the highest levels of the minor leagues almost continuously since 1902, first by the Senators (1902-1930) and Red Birds (1931-1955) of the American Association, then by the Jets (1955-1970) and Clippers (1977-present). For the majority of their existence the Clippers were affiliated with the New York Yankees, winning 7 Governors Cups during their partnership. Since 2009 they have been affiliated with the Cleveland Indians/Guardians, winning an additional 4 league titles during their partnership.   Huntington Park was built in 2009 to replace the aging and obsolete Cooper Stadium, which had been the home of Columbus baseball teams since 1931. The facility is part of the Arena district in the capital city of Ohio, adjacent to Nationwide Arena and Lower.com Field. The mixed-use development also contains several businesses, bars, restaurants, clubs and residential areas. It is located on the site of the former Ohio Penitentiary, which housed over 5,000 prisoners at its height before closing in 1984.   Food & Beverage 4    What you are going to remember most about the concessions experience at Huntington Park is not really the food itself, but the setup of the concession stands. These stands are unique in that the two main stands located near the seating bowl are located so that fans can still watch the ballgame while in line waiting to order food. It was considered a revolutionary design idea when the ballpark opened, but in reality doesn’t work out exactly as intended. Still, the concessions experience at Huntington Park is still a very positive one.   In addition to the two main stands near home plate, there are “end cap” stands at either end of the main building, another in the left field building, as well as several portable carts scattered throughout the rest of the ballpark.   The big stands contain standard ballpark fare, with hot dogs, burgers, chicken tenders and assorted snacks sold at both stands. The presence of bratwurst and grilled cheese sandwiches kicks up the experience a notch. Fans can add chili to virtually any menu item for an extra $1.75. The Donato’s Dugout stand had a long line during Stadium Journey’s visit (definitely due to the $5 pizza special going on that day). The other end cap stand features paninis, wraps and salads, along with ice cream (talk about serving both ends of the nutritional spectrum).   Pepsi products are featured at Huntington Park. Fans looking for adult beverages will find a good selection of mixed drinks, wines and beers, from national brands to craft brews from local favorites such as Fat Head and Outerbelt Brewing. On a hot summer Ohio night, take a stroll into Mooler’s Cooler, a self-serve stand designed like a car wash and take a respite from the heat.   Atmosphere 3   At Columbus, a more subdued, old-school game day presentation is in effect. The Clippers’ staff does not beat you over the head with a lot of noise and distraction, but that’s not to say things are boring here at Huntington Park. It’s just not over the top.   There’s a video board out in right-center field that is put to good use with game information, statistics and graphics. A solid sound system plays music at the usual times, and the PA announcer goes about his duties in a professional, if somewhat subdued, manner.   Between inning shenanigans are kept to a minimum, with the highlight being the hot dog race in the seventh inning. Each hot dog (ketchup, mustard, relish and onion) have cultivated personalities and followings, and each have their own swag available in the team store.   Neighborhood 4 Huntington Park is part of the Arena District that includes the home of the Columbus Crew soccer team Lower.com Field  and the home of the Columbus Blue Jackets hockey club Nationwide Arena . The district offers mixed-used residential and retail space. There are almost two dozen different eateries and bars located within a few steps of the ballpark that are hopping before and after the game. The R Bar is the official hockey watering hole that sits across a small pedestrian bridge offering 16 beers on tap and 32 bottles and cans. Goodwood Brewery and Restaurant and Whistle & Key are also in this area providing outdoor seating and plenty of people-watching. If with the kids, Boston’s Pizza and Ted’s Montana Grill are two nearby choices. The indoor and outdoor concert venue KEMBA Live! and A&R Music Bar are located next to the ballpark, which provides an ideal later-night atmosphere. The boundaries of the neighborhood continue to evolve, as more live, work, and play developments are added. For more complete information, check out the Arena District website .   Fans 5   Over the past few years Columbus has landed among the leaders in all of the minor leagues in terms of attendance, averaging between 7,500-8,000 fans per game. This has placed them in the top three in the International League and the top five in all of Minor League Baseball.   Fans here in Columbus will look and feel very familiar to those who travel the various minor league ballparks across the continent. Columbus has been a minor league city for decades, so the average fan knows their stuff. The Clippers’ longstanding affiliation with the nearby Guardians ensures that the fans in the stands are familiar with the players on the field and supportive of the team’s success. You’ll be sure to see a good number of families, groups and Little League teams in the stands enjoying an affordable night of entertainment in Ohio’s capital city.   Access 4   Huntington Park is located in the Arena District of Columbus, easily accessible via Interstates 70, 17 and 670. While driving is the primary method for getting to the ballpark, Central Ohio Transit Authority’s 3 and 8 buses have a stop right along Neil Street. Fans driving to a Clippers game will find no shortage of parking lots within a short distance of Huntington Park.   Most fans will enter the ballpark via the centerfield gate, although there are additional entrances all around the facility. Here’s where Huntington Park’s design flaws become evident. By placing the main structure and concession stands smack dab in the center of the concourse, there are two small walkways rather than one large walkway. Fans lined up in concession queues and in standing room areas can make it difficult to pass in some areas. The desired effect of unobstructed views of the game even when in line doesn’t really come to pass.   A unique aspect of Huntington Park is that, even though the ballpark does not feature a 360-degree concourse, fans are able to leave the ballpark via a gate in the double-deck stands in right field, walk along Nationwide Boulevard (where they can continue watching the game from outside the park) and re-enter the ballpark in centerfield by scanning their ticket.   Return on Investment 5   Clippers tickets represent an very affordable entertainment option for local sports fans. Tickets can be found for as low as $9, with prices increasing all the way up to a maximum of $24 for loge seats right behind home plate. Plenty of seats are available for $10 or less, and the majority of seats in the ballpark can be purchased for under $20. Discounts are available for children and seniors, and there are ticket deals every day of the week. Check out $5 Fridays, Senior Sundays and more!   Parking is available in the many lots and garages throughout the Arena District for only $7. Concession prices are also very affordable, especially when comparing Huntington Park with its fellow stadiums at the AAA level.   Extras 4   Extra points are awarded for some of the unique design choices incorporated into the design of Huntington Park. The wrought-iron gates along West Nationwide Boulevard allow pedestrians to look into the ballpark from the street, and the right-field double-decker general admission drink rail seats are among the most coveted spots in the entire park. The left-field building offers rooftop seating.     The Clippers honor the history of baseball in Columbus throughout the ballpark. All the former ballparks in the city are displayed in the right field food court, old team banners hang on the concourse, and you can purchase Jets gear in the team store.   A statue of longtime owner Harold Cooper greets fans as they enter the ballpark, and fans will pass the Victory Bell as they move around the concourse.   The Speed of the Game displays throughout the concourse point out just how fast baseball can move at this level, show the minute difference between victory and defeat, and display some of the tools of the trade.   Final Thoughts   When you introduce a new design element into your ballpark and no one copies it, does that mean it’s a failure? Huntington Park has many elements that you won’t find anywhere else in the minor leagues, and while you may debate their effectiveness, there’s no denying that this is a quality minor league facility.   Follow Paul Baker’s stadium journeys on Twitter  and Instagram  @PuckmanRI.

Photo By Richard Smith, Stadium Journey I write for Stadium Journey. That means I attend various sporting events and write about and review that particular venue. The aim is to give future attendees an idea of what their own visit will be like. These official trips are not the end of my stadium “visits”. No matter where I go, it seems stadiums find me. Even on a recent European vacation, far from any sporting event I intended to cover, these structures punctuated my journey, serving as a constant reminder of my passion. I had a long European vacation. First in Germany, followed by a two-week cruise starting in Rotterdam and winding through Norway, Scotland, and England before returning to the Netherlands, was meant to be a break from work. Yet, the architectural marvels of sports venues kept appearing. In Molde, Norway, nestled amidst stunning natural beauty, an incredible seaside stadium dominated the view from our ship. I found out this was Aker Stadion, home to Norwegian Eliteserien club Molde FK. Once docked, I walked around the stadium, and although the team store was closed, I was able to catch a glimpse of one of the teams practicing on the pitch. Photo By Richard Smith, Stadium Journey Photo By Richard Smith, Stadium Journey Later in both Trondheim and Tromsø, both in Norway, I thought about searching out the local stadium, but I thought it was more fun when I stumbled on them. It also meant more walking, and I was already averaging about 30,000 steps per day. You have to walk off that cruise ship food somehow, but a few more steps to see a stadium seemed to be out of the question. Even further north, I actually did stumble upon a remarkably small soccer stadium, high up in the Norwegian wilderness – a testament to the global reach of the sport, even in remote areas. In Honningsvåg, a small city near the famous North Cape of Europe, I saw a small venue called Honningsvåg Stadion. It was barely a “stadium” and I am not entirely sure who played there, but the pitch seemed to be very well cared for. Doing some research, it might be the home of the Honningsvåg T&IF football club, but I am not sure if it is true and what league they play in. Photo By Richard Smith, Stadium Journey Photo By Richard Smith, Stadium Journey Photo By Richard Smith, Stadium Journey As our ship sailed on, and during shore excursions, I caught glimpses of Scottish stadiums such as Inverness Caledonian Thistle F.C.’s Caledonian Stadium and Falkirk F.C.’s Falkirk Stadium. Both looked like ones I would have wanted to catch a match at. The theme continued when I disembarked in the Netherlands. My Amsterdam airport hotel, by pure coincidence, was situated right next to a massive soccer stadium, its imposing presence a familiar sight in an unfamiliar city. This was AFC Ajax’s 55,000-seat Johan Cruyff Arena. The road to my hotel went under the stadium, and I even ate dinner at a restaurant that night attached to the venue. Photo By Richard Smith, Stadium Journey The grand finale of my stadium-spotting vacation came at the very end. I flew to Wales for the highly anticipated first night of the Oasis reunion concert tour. The venue? The magnificent Principality Stadium in Cardiff, home to Welsh rugby. Photo By Richard Smith, Stadium Journey Photo By Richard Smith, Stadium Journey Standing there, soaking in the atmosphere of a legendary band reunited, I couldn't help but smile at the irony. Even when my purpose was purely personal and musical, a stadium was still at the heart of the experience. It just goes to show, whether I'm actively seeking them out for an article or simply enjoying a well-deserved break, stadiums are an undeniable, ever-present part of my world.

Photos by Aaron S. Terry, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.00 Lindquist Field 2330 Lincoln Ave Ogden, UT 84401 Ogden Raptors website Lindquist Field website Year Opened: 1997 Capacity: 6,700 125 Years of Baseball in Ogden Baseball has been being played in Ogden, Utah since the US cavalry introduced a version of the game to the Native Americans living in the region following the Civil War. Professional baseball began here in 1901, with the Ogden team winning the pennant. Ogden played as part of various leagues until a 10-year hiatus occurred during the Great Depression, after which the Pioneer League we know today was born. The Ogden team began their days as the Dodgers, an LA Dodgers affiliate, before moving to Calgary in 1977, and Salt Lake City in 1984, not becoming the Raptors until they moved back to Ogden in 1994. Following the MLB reorganization of minor league baseball following the COVID-19 pandemic, the Raptors emerged in 2021 as an independent team playing in the now-12 team Pioneer League. They play their home games at Lindquist Field, which opened in 1997 and has a capacity of 8,700.   Food & Beverage   4 Lindquist Field has a total of nine concessions areas, including 4 main stands which all serve the same menu, 2 beer carts, and 3 patio areas with full-service bars (one down the right the right field line, one down the left field line, and the 3rd in the top of the stands behind home plate). The food menu is a little limited, but there are plenty of alcohol selections, and the prices are very reasonable. Beer, for example, runs $6 to $10 depending on which brand you choose and whether you want can, bottle, or draft. Beer selections include Budweiser products, Coors, various seltzers, and Arnold Palmers (mix of iced tea and lemonade, with alcohol), while food selections include hot dogs, brats, burgers, chicken sandwiches, and popcorn. Soda and bottled water are also sold. In terms of food, the best day to hit up Lindquist Field is on Sunday, when they have free food day. That’s right, free food day – what can be better than that? On Sunday fans can get any food item for free, and there is no limit; you can go back as much as you want. Note there is a change for beverages, including non-alcoholic ones.   Atmosphere   4 The Raptors offer a great atmosphere for minor league baseball, with lots of the traditional bells and whistles fans have come to expect. The mascot Oggie (dinosaur, not bird) runs the bases with a selected child contestant, and competes in a dance contest with another, and is otherwise ever present in the concourse, high-fiving and taking photos with fans. The team also plays lots of fun music, including sports stadium favorites like Sweet Carolina, but also vintage baseball classics from yesteryear. They also feature the Count from Sesame Street, who appears on video to announce each time the pitcher reaches a full strike “count” during an at-bat. Lindquist Field is backdropped by the Odgen Mormon temple, something you probably won’t see at any other baseball park, and of course the Rocky Mountains are on full display. The park also offers shaded seating, as long as you sit in the main section running from third base, around home, and over to first base – the uppermost few rows there are actually under cover, but anywhere starting around row L or higher should be in the shade. Lower rows may not be covered until later in the game, depending on when it starts, and the section on the far side of third base does not offer any shade or cover. The main section is all plastic bucket-style seats, while the far section is straight metal bleachers, so most fans will sit in the main section, as high up as possible.   Neighborhood   4 A block or two from Lindquist Field is what Ogden bills as its historic 25th street, which offers a few shops and restaurants for fans to enjoy before or after the ball game. However, I also saw several rundown buildings in the vicinity, including some that are boarded up, so I am not sure the area is as nice as it is promoted to be. There are some other attractions in the immediate vicinity as well, such as Union Station and the Daughters of Utah Pioneers (DUP) Museum. Union Station features the Utah railroad museum, an antique car museum, and a rifle museum, as well as several other exhibits, while the DUP Museum celebrates the state’s pioneer heritage. While these are great attractions, the downside is Union Station is only open Wed-Sat from 11 am to 4 pm, and DUP is only open 10 am to 5 pm five days a week (closed Sunday and Wednesday), so you may not be able to visit them depending on when the Raptors game is. Another fun thing to do around town is go "horse-spotting"; all around Ogden there are statues of horses painted by local artists, many within walking distance of the ballpark.   Fans   4 The Ogden Raptors have a great fan base, averaging nearly 3,000 fans per game, good for 2nd best attendance in the Pioneer League. They cheer at all the right moments, are eager to chase down foul balls in the concourse and parking lots, and a good number of them show up in team gear. On that note, there is a HUGE selection of shirts, hats, jerseys, sweatshirts, and other Raptors memorabilia at the team store near the main entrance, a wider selection than this writer has seen at many other minor league parks.   Access   4 Access to Lindquist Field couldn’t be easier, except possibly for a slight traffic snarl coming out of Salt Lake City if you are coming from the south (no issues driving from the north). There is free parking on the street right in front of the stadium, or just across the street in a paved lot. I also saw a lot of people walking from further away, though I am not sure why, as I was able to park on the street right in front of the facility even though it was less than 10 minutes from first pitch. There is plenty of room to move around the concourse in any direction, the stairways up to the seats are plenty wide and navigable, and there are more than enough restrooms to accommodate the crowd. On free food day the concession lines near the main entrance and on the third base side can be a little long, although they move pretty fast since the staff doesn’t have to waste time taking payments. Pro tip – if you walk down to the 3rd/4th stands down the first base line, you will find a much shorter line (since these are more out of the way/hidden from immediate view when you enter the ballpark).   Return on Investment   4 I consider this a great return on investment, especially on free food day. The best tickets, i.e. right behind home plate, run about $22, but cheaper tickets can be had for as little as $9 each. Add in the free parking and low concessions, and you would be hard pressed to find a much better bargain for your sports dollar.   Extras   4 The Raptors have banners hung in the concourse showcasing their history, including one showing a 1968 Ogden Dodger by the name of Tommy LaSorda. The scenic views here are also breathtaking, and you can get really close to the action, especially if you sit in one of the patio areas behind first base or third base. There is also a cool inflatable, featuring a raging Velociraptor, at the main entrance which the kids in particular seem to enjoy taking a photo with.   Final Thoughts I would definitely recommend visiting Lindquist Field for an Ogden Raptors game – the views are great, the staff creates a fun atmosphere, and your experience won’t break the bank, either. A Raptors game in Ogden absolutely checks all the boxes.

Photos by Gregory Koch, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.43 Siegert Field 101 College Parkway Arnold, MD 21012 Patuxent FA website Siegert Field website Year Opened: 2010 Capacity: 2,500 A Soccer Sea of Green in Maryland USL League Two is one of two leagues at the fourth level of American men's soccer, along with the National Premier Soccer League (NPSL). It is a semi-professional league that primarily consists of current and recently graduated college players, looking for the opportunity to move up to a fully professional team. Patuxent FA competes in League Two in the Chesapeake Division, playing other teams in D.C., Maryland, and Virginia throughout the summer. They also have a women's team who plays in the USL W League, and the teams frequently play doubleheaders. Both squads play their home games at Siegert Field, on the campus of Anne Arundel Community College in Arnold, Maryland, just outside Annapolis. Stadium Journey's visit to Patuxent FA was for a men's game, but the experience for a W League game is probably similar. Food & Beverage 4 A varied if eclectic selection of concessions is available at a table next to the bleachers at Siegert Field. Meals include burgers for $7, hot dogs for $4, and half sandwiches at $4 for ham or turkey or $3 for veggie. Snacks include cookies, chips, candy, fruit cups, brownie bites, bananas, and assorted selections out of what is affectionately dubbed the "mystery box" which could include anything from peanut butter crackers to honey buns. None of these cost more than $3. Soda cans and bottled water are $2, and Gatorade is $3. You can also add value with combo meals. A burger combo is $10 and a hot dog combo is $7, each coming with chips and a drink. There is also a Kona ice truck parked by the entrance selling its wares. Fans can bring their own food in as well, except for alcohol. Atmosphere 3 There is bleacher seating at Siegert Field built into a hill along one sideline, which puts fans fairly close to the action. However, they are far larger than they need to be for the couple hundred fans Patuxent FA draws to a typical home game, which cuts down on the atmosphere and experience. As Siegert Field hosts several different sports for Anne Arundel Community College, there are many different lines on the field, but the soccer lines are clearly marked in white, so seeing them should not be a problem. A large scoreboard in the far left corner shows the score and clock and also has space to show saves and shots, although they did not actually do so when we visited. Because soccer has no natural breaks other than halftime, there is little opportunity for promotion during the game. However, Patuxent FA still manages to engage, bringing in players from the youth soccer academy the team also runs, partnering with locals to sing the national anthem pregame, and bringing kids onto the field at halftime for a chance to take shots at the goal. The PA announcer announces goal scorers and cards as well as the amount of stoppage time, none of which are a given at this level. Since the fourth official often does not have a board displaying the amount of stoppage time at this low level, announcing it is especially important. Neighborhood 4 Siegert Field is located on the campus of Anne Arundel Community College in Arnold, just outside Annapolis. While there are some places to visit in Arnold, especially if you head east towards the Chesapeake Bay, your best bet is to make the short drive into Annapolis, about 10-15 minutes away. Annapolis being located on the Chesapeake Bay, there are plenty of great seafood restaurants in the city, including Buddy’s Crabs & Ribs, The Boatyard Bar & Grill, and the Sailor Oyster Bar, all located within a couple miles of the heart of downtown. If you want an authentic sweet treat after your meal, The Boatyard sells the official state dessert of Maryland, Smith Island Cake, which is made fresh on Smith Island daily and brought up by ferry. Fans 2 Patuxent FA has a small fan base, with only about a hundred fans if that showing up to a typical home game. That being said, the fans are very knowledgeable about the team, with many of them coming to every single game. Patuxent FA has its own youth soccer program in addition to the semi-professional teams, and many young kids from the academy will show up in their own Patuxent FA jerseys. Note that when Patuxent FA plays their local rival Annapolis Blues FC , the attendance will likely be significantly larger. This is because the Blues have by far the largest fan base in the league, in addition to being Patuxent's closest opponent geographically. However, as almost all of the additional fans are rooting for the opposing team, this does not work in Patuxent's favor. Access 4 Siegert Field and the AACC campus are located just off US Route 50 via Maryland Route 2. A large parking lot is available next to the stadium which should be more than sufficient for the crowds that show up. Once inside, restrooms are available in a blue building at the top of the bleachers that one might easily mistake for the press box when looking at it from below given its location and design. Don't worry, though, what appear from ground level to be large windows are actually only at the top of the wall, so nobody will be able to see in and watch while you do your business. Due to the large away crowds the Annapolis Blues bring, access may be more difficult when they are playing, but should still not present any major issues. Return on Investment 5 Tickets are just $10 each, or $6 for seniors. If the men's and women's teams are playing a doubleheader, one ticket will get you into both games. Parking is free and concessions are reasonably priced too. Overall, a Patuxent FA game is an excellent value. Extras 2 Look for the merchandise tent by the entrance offering team jerseys. We will award a second star for the chance to see both a men's and women's game on the same ticket. However, keep in mind that when this happens, one game will usually not start until 8:30 PM and will end around 10:30 PM. If you have small children or a long drive home, this may be difficult. Final Thoughts A warm summer night watching Patuxent FA soccer is time well spent. This is a community soccer team in a fine stadium where you can watch a game of soccer, or even two games of soccer, at a great price. For the best experience, we suggest you check out the Annapolis Derby against the Blues, but any game at Siegert Field will be a great experience.

Photos by Paul Baker and Lloyd Brown, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.14 Barclays Center 620 Atlantic Ave New York, NY 11217 New York Liberty website Barclays Center website Year Opened: 2012 Capacity: 19,000 Light It Up For The Champs   The New York Liberty are one of the original eight franchises of the WNBA and the 2024 league champions. This title marked the team’s first in six trips to the league finals. Despite the Liberty’s status as a marquee team in a marquee city, the squad has been nomadic within the five boroughs and beyond. Over their 28 seasons, the Liberty has called Madison Square Garden, the Prudential Center and Westchester County Center home. The team has even played home games at Radio City Music Hall and Arthur Ashe Stadium. Starting in 2019, coinciding with the purchase of the team by Joe and Clara Wu Tsai (owners of the Brooklyn Nets), the team has played at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn.   The Barclays Center was conceived by Bruce Ratner after his purchase of the New Jersey Nets in 2004. His goals were twofold: to provide a centerpiece to his Pacific Park commercial and residential redevelopment project, and to return major league sports to the borough of Brooklyn, which had lacked a team since the Dodgers moved away in 1957. The arena was initially scheduled to open in 2006, but local opposition and financial hurdles delayed construction until 2012.   In 2007 it was announced that London-based banking group Barclays had purchased naming rights to the facility for $400 million over 20 years. This deal was later renegotiated but still surpassed the $200 million figure. Today the Barclays Center is home to the Brooklyn Nets and New York Liberty. In the past the arena has also served as home to the New York Islanders and the G-League’s Long Island Nets. It is currently the nation’s highest-grossing arena outside of sporting events.   Food & Beverage 4    The Barclays Center aims to incorporate authentic Brooklyn foods into the concession experience at the arena. Each stand features selections from local restaurants, vendors and suppliers from throughout the borough.   Famous Brooklyn names such as Nathan’s Hot Dogs, Junior’s Cheesecakes and Table 87 Pizza can be found at concession stands. For a departure from typical arena fare, check out Seoul Bird Fried Chicken, Italian favorites from Parm, Paisano’s Burgers, or barbeque from Mable’s Smokehouse. The Brooklyn Market presented by National Grid features food from a rotating group of local and minority owned businesses.   Pepsi products are featured at Barclays Center. As you might imagine, there’s an impressive selection of adult beverages available throughout the arena. Beers from local Sixpoint and Brooklyn Breweries are featured here.   No matter what kind of food you’re in the mood for, you’ll be sure to find it here. Just be warned, you’ll be paying high-end prices for your meal at the Barclays Center. The exorbitant pricing is what keeps this category from a maximum score.   Atmosphere 5   The Barclays Center has worked hard to cultivate a unique, “Brooklyn” attitude in its game day presentation to set it apart from the rest of the facilities in New York. Whether these efforts work for you will likely depend entirely on your date of birth. Even at a Liberty game, the staff lean hard into this Brooklyn attitude. The music is loud, constant, and beat-driven. Even the Liberty’s awesomely unique mascot, Ellie the Elephant, exudes a street attitude, twerking her way through the game from opening tip to final buzzer.   If you’ve been to an NBA game recently, much of what happens at a Liberty game will feel very familiar to you. The music is turned way up, to the point where it even drowns out the loud New York fans. The video board is incorporated into the presentation, stats are found on the ribbon boards, and the Barclay Center’s emcee and DJ make sure you don’t forget where you are. The team employs a dance squad, the Timeless Torches, a group of dancers all over the age of 40 who perform during stoppages.   Stadium Journey visited Brooklyn on a Sunday afternoon, and kudos to the Liberty staff for incorporating plenty of kid-friendly activities into the day. Stepping in for the Timeless Torches were the Li’l Torches, a group of dancers aged 6-14. There were contests and games during play stoppages geared towards the younger fans in attendance, and there were special giveaways for kids in attendance.   Neighborhood 5   Barclays Center is located at the intersection of Atlantic and Flatbush, right at the heart of Brooklyn. As you might imagine, the list of dining and lodging options is far too extensive to list here. The Atlantic Terminal Mall is located right across the street from the arena, and for a more authentic local experience, check out the pubs on 5 th  Street or further down Flatbush. Suffice it to say if you’re looking for something, you’ll find it. This is New York City, after all.   Prospect Park is a few blocks south of the venue and worth a visit if you have the time, with the Brooklyn Museum and Botanical Garden found near the northeast corner of the park. During the summer months of the WNBA season, the New York Mets play a dozen miles away at Citi Field in Queens, and the minor-league Brooklyn Cyclones play 8 miles away at Maimonides Park at Coney Island. The New York Yankees are just 15 miles away at Yankee Stadium in the Bronx.   As you might imagine, the area around the Barclays Center is extremely busy, especially during game days. Concerns about safety around the arena are a bit overstated, but as always, be aware of your surroundings, especially in a big city like Brooklyn.   Fans 5   All the teams in the WNBA have experienced a surge in popularity and attendance in recent years, and the Liberty is no exception. In years past, only the lower bowl of the arena was opened for games, and not all concession stands were open. During Stadium Journey’s most recent visit in July 2025, the entire arena was accessible, and all points of sale were opened.   Fans here are extremely proud that the Liberty are calling Brooklyn home, and are boisterous in their support of the local squad. With WNBA games far more affordable than their NBA counterparts, you’re more likely to see families at the Barclays Center taking in the action, particularly for an afternoon game.   Thus far in the 2025 season, New York ranks third in the WNBA with an average attendance of just under 16,000 fans per game. This marks an increase of 3,000 fans per game over 2024, is double what the team drew just two years ago, and triple what they drew in 2022. We won’t talk about the team’s average attendance in 2021, which was under 2,000 fans per game.   Access 4   Your opinion on access to Barclays Center will entirely depend on whether you are driving to the arena or taking public transportation. The Atlantic Avenue/Barclays Center station sits right next to the arena, as does the terminus of the Long Island Railroad. Access to the rest of New York City and Long Island is quick and easy.   The same cannot be said if you are driving to Barclays Center. The arena lacks a dedicated parking facility of any type. No garage, no lots. Visiting fans will need to search the area for a place to put their car. Surprisingly, there is plenty of on-street parking in the vicinity of the arena. Finding it may be difficult, but not impossible. Dealing with the New York traffic, however, is another story. Getting to, and even more troublesome, away from Barclays Center is a chore, to put it mildly.   Access within the facility is excellent. Aside from the typical lines that form around security checks, you can get into the building fairly easily when doors open 90 minutes before tipoff.  Concourses are wide and there are numerous points of sale, ensuring that lines move quickly and you can get where you need to go without difficulty.   Critics of Barclays Center will point to the monochromatic color scheme and lack of lighting, which led to the facility’s nickname, the “Darklays Center.” Agreed, it’s not the most visually stimulating place to wander, and if you’re sitting in the upper reaches of the seating bowl you may not be able to read your program, but these don’t really interfere with the enjoyment of the game.   Return on Investment 2   This brings us to the weakest link of the Liberty game day experience; value. You’ll be paying NBA prices for parking and concessions here. For example, two Nathan’s hot dogs, a large popcorn and two large sodas cost this writer a whopping $53. Parking in one of the small garages near the Barclays Center cost $66. The sticker shock in Brooklyn is real.   Luckily, you may be able to catch a break when purchasing tickets. Upper-level seats can be found for around $40-50, and even less on the secondary market. Want to sit in the lower level? Be prepared to shell out triple digits for your seats.   Stadium Journey recommends using public transportation, eating at local restaurants and searching for deals on the secondary market to increase the value of going to a Liberty game.   Extras 4   The design of the arena deserves an extra point. The signature oculus, visible from planes as they land nearby, is unique in sporting facilities. The flagpole from Ebbets Field is planted at the corner of Atlantic and Flatbush.   Photos and artwork throughout the arena commemorate Brooklyn’s sporting past and local talent. Be sure to check out the photos of “The Black Five” and the “Diary of Brooklyn” mural by Jose Paris, among others.   An extra point is awarded for the team’s mascot, Ellie the Elephant. Why an elephant? When the Brooklyn Bridge opened, P.T. Barnum drove a herd of 21 elephants across the span to prove its sturdiness. Also, “Ellie” is a play on Ellis Island.   A final extra point is awarded for all the uniquely Brooklyn touches that permeate the facility,  in design, décor and during the game presentation.   Final Thoughts   It’s been a long time since New York City has seen a hoops title, and fans are showing their appreciation to the Liberty with unprecedented support. Brooklyn sports fans are proud to call this squad their own, and you can expect to see the team supported with open arms and full throats when you visit the Barclays Center.   Follow Paul Baker’s stadium journeys on Twitter  and Instagram  @PuckmanRI.

Photos by David Welch, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.29 Katterjohn Field 898 Longstreet Circle Gainesville, GA 30501 Gainesville Gol'Diggers website Pix Up The Gainesville Gol’Diggers began play in the Sunbelt Baseball League in the summer of 2021 under the moniker of the Gainesville Braves. In 2023 the team rebranded as the Gol’Diggers, a nod to the Georgia Gold Rush of the early 1800s in the nearby Georgia mountains. Since joining the league, the Gol’Diggers have found quick success, capturing back-to-back league championships in 2023 and 2024. Originally playing at Gainesville High School’s Ivey-Watson Field, the team moved crosstown in 2024 to Katterjohn Field, located on the campus of Riverside Preparatory Academy.   Food & Beverage   1 A small concession stand is tucked into the bottom of the press box behind home plate. The menu is limited to steamed hot dogs, chips, candy, and cookies, along with bottled water and soft drinks. It is simple and functional, similar to what you would find at a high school event.   Atmosphere   2 Katterjohn Field has all that would be expected of a high school baseball facility – aluminum bleachers, chain-link fencing, and a small game operations area/press box behind home plate. The field is sunken below the surrounding land, offering a unique setting framed by Riverside Prep’s castle-like buildings in left field, practice fields in right, and the North Georgia mountains rising in the background. While several fans make the trek down the hill from the parking lot to sit in the bleachers or set up tailgating chairs behind the backstop, others opt to stay atop the hill near the parking lot and watch from above. Entertainment during the game is minimal, including walk-up songs, inning-break music, and a few sound effects. While this low-key presentation suits the laidback nature of the game, some sound effects seem to be overused and do not fit the feel of the game’s atmosphere.   Neighborhood   3 Riverside Preparatory Academy is nestled in a residential area near Little River, which flows into Lake Lanier. The campus is about three miles north of downtown Gainesville. Nearby eateries include Mellow Mushroom and City Park Pizza for a convenient pregame meal. Downtown Gainesville, though, offers options like Alpha Gyro Grill (Greek), Collegiate Grill (burgers), and The Inked Pig (barbecue). For a laidback, local hangout, NoFo Brew Co. on the Midland Greenway is popular with locals. In addition, a unique Gainesville landmark, Poultry Park, celebrates the city’s poultry industry with a 25-foot marble obelisk topped by a bronze chicken.   Fans   2 The Gol’Diggers typically draw around 50 fans per game, mostly friends and family of players; the team has not been able to into the community much as of yet. Occasionally, passersby out for an evening walk may stop to watch from the hill beyond left field, but that’s about it.   Access   2 Gainesville is located northeast of Atlanta, accessible via I-985. While not far from the metro area, it can be a bit of a drive if coming from Atlanta or any of its other suburbs. Parking is shared with the adjacent track and football stadium. Katterjohn Field sits at the bottom of a steep hill, which can be a challenge for some fans. As a result, many choose to stay atop the hill and watch the game from up above.   Return on Investment   5 At just $5, admission is very reasonable, especially compared to other teams in the league which charge for tickets. Concession prices are as would be expected at typical high school concession stands, so all in all, it’s a solid value for a summer night of baseball.   Extras   1 Credit to the Gol’Diggers for making an effort to brand Katterjohn Field as their home. Team signage along the outfield fence and around the dugouts adds a touch of identity to the otherwise modest facility.   Final Thoughts There are not a lot of extras when it comes to the summer baseball experience with the Gainesville Gol’Diggers, and that is perfectly okay. With smaller crowds and a laidback vibe, the low-key presentation fits the setting.

Photos by Paul Baker, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.57 Clover Stadium 1 Phil Tisi Way Pomona, NY 10970 New York Boulders website Clover Stadium website Year Opened: 2001 Capacity: 6,362 Boulder Ball at Clover Stadium Clover Stadium opened in 2011 in the town of Pamona, New York as Palisades Federal Credit Union Park.  Located about an hour north of New York in Rockland County on the New Jersey border, the ballpark was built to give suburban New York baseball fans an alternative to the more expensive ballparks in New York City. Fiserv entered into a naming-rights agreement for the ballpark in 2022 and renamed it Clover Stadium for the company’s Clover point-of-sale system.   There was initially some opposition to the construction of this ballpark by local environmental groups. Despite this opposition , the  stadium received the Ward House Award from the Lower Hudson Valley branch of the American Society of Civil Engineers  fo r its design and engineering and the ballpark has become an integral part of the local fabric.   The New York Boulders began their existence in 2011 as the Rockland Boulders of the Can-Am League, winning a championship in 2014. The Can-Am League merged into the Frontier League for the 2020 season. Concurrent with their move to the Frontier League, the team rebranded as the New York Boulders. The Boulders have qualified for the Frontier League playoffs once in their four seasons in the circuit.   In addition to serving as home of the Boulders, Clover Stadium is also the home ballfield for the Manhattan Jaspers, St. Thomas Aquinas Spartans (Division II) and Dominican Chargers (Division II).   Food & Beverage 4    There are six concession stands scattered throughout Clover Stadium. The menus at the two main stands do not stray far beyond typical ballpark fare. Aside from the typical burger/hot dog/chicken finger/pizza slice, you won’t find anything unusual here.   If you’re looking for more unique items, head down the right field line to the Kosher Heaven stand, where you’ll find a lot more than just your standard kosher hot dogs, or the Primo Hoagies stand on the left field side of the ballpark. The shaved ice truck and funnel cake stands by the ballpark entrance are popular destinations.   Coca-Cola products are featured at Boulders games. Fans looking for an adult beverage will find a beer truck located right behind home plate as well as a full draft menu at the Bridge Bar in left field. O’Toole’s Pub on the third base side of the ballpark serves up several local brews, including favorites from Frog Alley and Paradox Brewing.   Atmosphere 4   At Clover Stadium, baseball may be the focus, but it’s not the only thing to do. The younger fans in attendance will undoubtedly be drawn to Boulderberg, the giant playground in right field, or the B-Train, which rides around the ballpark throughout the game. If you need a break from the action on the field, you can play a few holes of mini-golf or take a few swings in the batting cages.   Of course, there’s the focal point of the ballpark, the Bridge Bar in left field. Featuring seats at field level and a full menu of draft beers, it’s the place to be during a Boulders game. You’ll find many other staples of minor league baseball here in Ramapo, including t-shirt tosses and bands pre- and post-game. If you like fireworks, you’ll love a Boulders game. There are fireworks most Thursday, Friday and Saturday night games.   Neighborhood 1   There is really no neighborhood to speak of around Clover Stadium. There are no bars, restaurants or hotels within walking distance of the park. Fans looking for attractions will have to drive a few miles to find these amenities. Visitors to the area may want to check out the village of Sleepy Hollow, just on the other side of the Hudson River, or West Point, located about a half hour’s drive north of Ramapo.   Fans 4   The Boulders are annually one of the better draws in the Frontier League, averaging over 3,000 fans per game in each of the past few seasons. This ranks them among the top five teams in the Frontier League and the top 15 among all independent teams in the nation. Attendance is a bit down thus far in 2025 (Stadium Journey visited in early July) but tends to increase over the summer months.   As you might expect in a ballpark with so many activities geared towards the younger fan, a Boulders game is filled with families and younger fans. It gives the ballpark a great buzz throughout the game. In addition, you’ll be sure to find a good number of die-hard fans around Clover Stadium, along with some casual fans enjoying a night out at the ballpark.   Access 4   Clover Stadium is easy to get to, located right off the Palisades Parkway in southern New York near the New Jersey border. Interstate 287 is only 7 miles away, with the Mario Cuomo Bridge only 12 miles away from the ballpark. Driving is the primary method for getting to a Boulders game, but there are bike racks by the entrance to the park if you take two-wheeled transportation.   The ballpark was built to current ADA requirements and is easy to move around. The main entrance leads into a roomy, open plaza. On weekend games it’s common to see a band playing here before the game. The concourse wraps around the entire park, with the field visible from all spots. Even when there is a larger crowd in attendance the wide concourse is easy to navigate.   Do yourself a favor when visiting Clover Stadium and take a walk around and explore the various features and seating areas. The signature spot is the Bridge Bar in left field, where fans can take in the action from field level while enjoying some cold beverages from the dedicated bar. Fans not wishing to head down to field level can stay up on the bridge, which features some attractive stonework meant to evoke the overpasses on the nearby Palisades Parkway.   The biggest drawback in regards to accessing Clover Stadium is the parking situation. There is ample parking in the many lots around the park, but there are no other options. Egress is adequate given the lack of roads in the area. The issue: the Boulders charge you five dollars to park here. This sort of “captive parking” is never a good look.   Return on Investment 3   Ticket prices to Boulder games start at $10 for bleacher seats, increasing through the many ticket levels until they max out at $18 for premium infield box seats. The majority of the seats in the main seating bowl are priced at $16 and increase by two dollars on fireworks night and another dollar on the day of the game. These prices are a bit more than you may be expecting to pay for independent baseball, but hey, this is New York.   In addition, the team charges $5 for the privilege of parking in the lot next to the ballpark. Don’t like to pay for parking? Too bad! There’s nowhere else to park here. Some concessions are priced a bit on the high side for this level of baseball.   Extras 5                                                                                                 Extra points are awarded for the activities available all around the ballpark for younger fans who may need to burn off some energy at some point during the game. The large playground (named Boulderberg), the mini-golf course and the B-train are all popular spots for the younger fans in attendance to hang out.   An extra point is awarded for the Bleacher Bar, a most unique vantagepoint from which to enjoy a beverage and take in the action. On selected Saturday nights, live music is played after games. If you’re looking for other unique seating areas, check out the Short Porch at field level in right field or the Billboard Monster seats in right-center field.   The batting cages on the concourse are worth another extra point. After you watch your favorite Boulders warm up, you can take a few hacks in the cage yourself!   If your dog loves baseball, you can bring your canine friends to the ballpark free of charge (except on fireworks nights).   The Boulders have banners of all the Frontier League teams running along the concourse. This is no small feat considering the rate at which this league is expanding.   Final Thoughts   Palisades Credit Union Park is one of the nicer ballparks you’ll come across in your ballpark travels. Unfortunately, its location serves to keep it a hidden secret to many baseball fans. If this ballpark was located in a downtown area, it may be listed among the best in all of independent baseball.   Follow Paul Baker’s stadium journeys on Twitter  and Instagram  @PuckmanRI.

Photos by David Welch, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.57 Synovus Park 100 4th Street Columbus, GA 31901 Columbus Clingstones website Synovus Park website Year Opened: 1926 Capacity: 5,500 Everything’s Peachy As the 2024 Minor League Baseball season came to a close, it marked the end of a 19-year run of minor league baseball in Pearl, Mississippi. While it was the end of baseball in one Southern city, it marked a rebirth in another. Columbus, Georgia has a long baseball history dating back to 1885 with the Columbus Stars. Over the years, various ballparks in the city have hosted Major League spring training, beginning with the Cincinnati Reds  in 1866, followed by the Cardinals , Pirates , and Braves . Columbus opened Golden Park in 1926 and within a decade, affiliated Minor League Baseball would arrive with the Columbus Red Birds in 1936, the South Atlantic League affiliate of the Saint Louis Cardinals . In all, throughout its minor league history Columbus has hosted nine different affiliations, the last being the Columbus Catfish in 2008, the Advanced A club of the Tampa Bay Rays , before the franchise moved to Bowling Green, Kentucky and became the Hot Rods . In addition, Golden Park has not only hosted baseball over the years, but it was also home to softball during the 1996 summer Olympics. Golden Park, just off the banks of the Chattahoochee River that makes up the border between Georgia and Alabama, underwent $50 million in renovations in preparation for the return of minor league baseball, taking on the name Synovus Park as it welcomed baseball back to the Fountain City.   Food & Beverage   4 Concessions here keep things simple but creative, with regional flair adding southern character to the menu. Most options are served via self-checkout markets, but there are a good number of mobile carts along the stadium’s outer wall. Menu staples include burgers (with a vegetarian option), chicken tenders or sandwiches, à la carte nachos, grilled sausage, brisket, burnt ends, and flatbread pizza. Converted shipping containers offer local specialties, like the Fountain City Burger (topped with pimento cheese, bacon, red onion jam, and crispy onions) and Columbus Grilled Street Corn (coated with mayo, queso fresco, Tajín, cilantro, and lime). In addition, regional restaurant The Flying Biscuit provides its own take on burgers, sausage dogs, and nachos. For dessert, Whit’s Frozen Custard down the first base line offers the Clingstones’ signature Peach Cobbler, while another cart under the grandstand serves boiled peanuts, a true Southern delicacy. Funnel cakes with peach compote and caramel drizzle are also available. Adult beverages are plentiful; in addition to standard domestic beers, the Right Field Roost features two Clingstones-branded beers: Rowdy Peach IPA from SweetWater on tap and Clingstone Kölsch in cans from Columbus Cannon Brewpub. Hard teas, seltzers, pre-mixed cocktails, and frozen drinks round out the beverage selection. Columbus goes beyond typical ballpark fare, offering distinctly Southern flavors that will not be found in other parts of the country.   Atmosphere   3 Synovus Park blends the charm of a historic stadium with modern amenities. The original design of the grandstand and roof remain largely untouched, preserving its nostalgic appeal. New additions include suites above the third base line, as well as the Aflac Club atop the first base seating. Fixed seating stretches from dugout to dugout, with the central portion covered by the stadium’s classic roof. Standing room here is limited, largely in part to children gathering along the ramps in hopes of snagging loose balls. The team leans into its Clingstones identity with fun touches, like playing “Peaches” by The Presidents of the United States of America as the team takes the field. Mid-inning entertainment is standard, such as scoreboard games and fan contests, but tends to feel somewhat repetitive from game to game.   Neighborhood   4 Synovus Park is part of a larger sports complex that includes the Columbus Civic Center, home to the Columbus River Dragons, an ice hockey team, as well as arena football’s Columbus Lions . The complex also boasts the AJ McClung football stadium and the South Commons Softball Complex, the latter which has recently hosted the NAIA College Softball World Series. The scenic Chattahoochee Riverwalk runs along the back of the complex and connects to downtown Columbus, about a mile away. Most visitors to Columbus flock to Broadway, just a block from the Riverwalk, which is lined with shops, restaurants, and hotels. Highly rated dining options include Frank’s Alley (New York-style hot dogs), Angry Wings & Things (Korean), and Bodega 1205 (Latin cuisine). Coffee shops and other eateries provide options for a range of tastes, while local breweries like Scofflaw Brewing, Cannon Brewpub, and Chattabrewchee also offer food menus.   Fans   3 Baseball’s return to Columbus was met with much excitement. While the Double-A average sits around 4,000 fans per game, the Clingstones have averaged just under 5,000 in their inaugural season. Fans are invested in the ups and downs of the game, but do seem to need a bit of prompting to get loud at key moments.   Access   3 Columbus is located in west-central Georgia near the Alabama state line. Though not adjacent to any major metro areas, I-185 provides direct access from LaGrange and Fort Moore (formerly Fort Benning). There is one primary entry into the parking lot which is located beyond the right field wall and shared with the surrounding sports complex. While this lot is large, designated parking for the stadium is relatively close, requiring only a short walk. There is just one entry point into Synovus Park for general ticket holders, located in the right field corner of the stadium. On a typical night this does not create much of a problem, but during games with popular giveaways there can be a bit of congestion. The stadium has a lower, exterior concourse where most of the concessions are located, as well as a field-level concourse that runs from just beyond the end of each dugout. Ramps access this walkway at each end, which are also accessible from ramps coming from the exterior concourse; note these ramps are rather steep.   Return on Investment   4 Tickets start at $15, which seems to be the industry average for most get-in-the-door prices for Double A baseball. Parking runs just $5, however, which is relatively low for teams who charge for parking. Concessions here do appear to be a touch on the high side, but nothing out of line with what would be expected from similar stadiums.   Extras   4 Just past the entrance, fans are greeted by three archways that are a trademark of Golden Park – the back side facing of these arches tells the history of both baseball in Columbus, as well as in Golden Park. The Clingstone and Columbus signage, along with classic a Coca-Cola ad on the brick walls outside the stadium, do a fantastic job of enhancing the venue’s historic character. The Clingstones’ mascot, Fuzzy, is on hand to greet fans, take photos, and add to the excitement as patrons enter the stadium. Finally, just outside the stadium’s confines, behind home plate, is the children’s play area, including several inflatables for young Clingstone fans to enjoy while parents relax in the Adirondack chairs. Final Thoughts Renovating a historic stadium comes with the risk of it losing its original charm, but Synovus Park succeeds in both honoring its past and offering a comfortable, modern fan experience. While not flashy, its authenticity, character, and thoughtful updates create a great atmosphere for minor league baseball.

Photos by Chris Green, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.43 Road America N7390 WI-67 Elkhart Lake, WI 53073 Trans Am website Road America website Year Opened: 1955 Capacity: 150,000 The Cheese Capital Cup The summer of racing at Road America includes numerous events for the race fans to attend; a popular one for fans to attend is Trans Am weekend. Held over the past few years as a standalone event, this weekend features the likes of FRP, PSSA, and the Optima Search for the Ultimate Street Car. While not as popular as other track events at Road America, this one is no less worth a visit. And in 2025, the event was dubbed the Cheese Capital Cup thanks to its coinciding with the annual Cheese Capital Festival in downtown Plymouth just a few miles from the track.   Food & Beverage   4 There are a lot of places to eat at Road America, and the ones that exist are an absolute treat for the pallet. Unfortunately, during this event not all the stands are open. Road America is led by The Gearbox, a hillside stand and bar that features some of the best views on the property, as well as the best food around. Being in Wisconsin you can get the best cheese and sausage foods here, as well as a brilliantly tasty breakfast food called eggers ($10). Johnsonville is heavily featured, as it is literally the next town over, and their brats ($9 to $13) are a fan favorite. Sargento cheese curds ($7) are also a popular item, as are the burgers ($9 to $12.50), gearbox melt ($11), and TKA sandwich ($15). Beer is of course plentiful, and a Spotted Cow is a must-have in Wisconsin. Atmosphere   5 The atmosphere around Road America during race weekend is very family-friendly and relaxed; the best in the sport are taking part in some of the most exciting racing around, and despite the tension of the competition, everyone – including the teams and drivers – is in a relaxed and fun-loving mood. There is just something about the beauty of the countryside and the forests around the premises that put everyone in a go-racing-and-enjoy-every-minute-of-it state of mind. In addition, the quality of the on-track action is enough to make any fan excited to see what happens around the next corner. The excitement fills the air every time a car takes to the track, be it for practice, qualifying, or for a race. Road America also features some of the cleanest racetrack bathrooms anywhere. Add to that the incredible track store and free fan shuttle that can take you around to the various viewing areas, and you have a solid basis for calling this one of the best tracks around. In 2025 the track also debuted a new viewing area at the top of the hillside outside Canada Corner called the Road America North Pole, and the old walkover bridge along the front stretch was rebuilt as well – it is now large enough to drive a gold cart over. The race was also named the Cheese Capital Cup in 2025, thanks to it happening at the same time as the Cheese Capital Festival in nearby Plymouth, dubbed the Cheese Capital of the World. Neighborhood   4 The area around Road America is exactly what you would expect to find in rural Wisconsin – rolling hills, farmland, forests, and small towns. The town of Elkhart Lake is quaint and small but is seething with racing history and lore. Famed racing announcer David Hobbs calls this area home, and the fans here are all die-hards who watch everything that happens on the track. If you’re looking for somewhere to stay near Road America, there are a wide variety of small bed-and-breakfasts to pick from in and around Elkhart Lake, as well as some cabins that can make you feel like you’re roughing it…sort of. In addition, the town of Sheboygan is only 20-30 minutes away by car, providing fans a chance to stay in a hotel chain of their choice – Holiday Inn, La Quinta, etc. are all located in Sheboygan. If you’re looking for something to eat, Sheboygan also has a wide variety of restaurants, from Applebee’s to McDonald’s. But by far the most must-see eatery near Road American is the Stop-Inn Tavern at Siebkens Resort in Elkhart Lake, a local bar that all of racing royalty has passed through at some time or another. And, for those looking for something else to see and do, the Kettle-Moraine State Forest is not far from the track, providing some great hiking options. In addition, the Kohler factory is in nearby Sheboygan, and Road America’s location is just a 30-minute drive from the Great Lakes.   Fans   4 Fans at Road America are much like those in the rest of the Midwest: die-hard and series-knowledgeable. They’re also absurdly kind and sweet, willing to help in any way possible when you need assistance with something. They also pack the camping areas around the speedway, making for one brilliant fan block party. While not as popular as IMSA or IndyCar weekends, Trans Am’s weekend at Road America is no less filled with its fair share of motorsports faithful. Access   4 Getting to Road America isn’t as difficult as getting to some sports facilities. That said, it is off the beaten path – at least a 10-minute drive from the nearest highway, Road America requires you to drive down some single-lane roads through the hilly countryside. Once you’re at Road America, you may discover there are several other entrances to the track that you didn’t even know about, which can be frustrating if you have to wait in line for hours; check the fan map of the venue before you go to identify these alternate gates and entrances. The biggest plus at Road America is that the main entrance had a complete makeover in 2016, adding more entrance booths for faster processing of fans and campers.   Return on Investment   5 Road America is one of the best tracks at which you can watch a race. The facility is huge, but you are given plenty of options to watch the race without having to move from place to place. Watching from the right location can give you up to six corners of the track to see all at once, and you also get access to the grandstands all around the track, as well as access to the paddock, with your admission ticket to most races. Tickets for the Cheese Capital Cup weekend start at $25 for Friday, $35 for Saturday or Sunday, and $65 for a weekend pass. Camping starts at $55 and goes up to $325, while on-site cabins are also available for $1010 for the weekend. Fans can also rent golf carts for the weekend for $325 to $540. Various VIP upgrades to hospitality seating are also available, like the Turn 14 Chalet ($35 to $55) and the finish line tower ($295 to $360). Preferred parking near the finish line tower for the weekend is $30.   Extras   5 New for 2025, the Cheese Capital Cup featured a racecar parade from the track into downtown Plymouth on Friday night as part of the Cheese Capital Festival. Once the cars arrived at Stayer Park, fans could get up close and personal with cars from Trans Am and the Optima Search for the Ultimate Street Car, as well as their drivers, for photos and autographs. You can take a trip to Elkhart Lake just a few miles away, and follow the original track layouts through historic markers along the roadside. Before it had its current layout, Road America was once a true street course, running through Elkhart Lake itself, as well as over the hills on the various roadways in the nearby area. Back at the track, where once a zip line ended now stands a high vantage point for fans to watch the action at the track from, inside the final turn. The former zip line landing platform is now a giant viewing zone, and while you may have to climb a lot of stairs to get there, the view is well worth it. Additionally, if you’ve ever wanted to try your hand at racing, you can sign up for racing school at the track. For those who can’t peel their eyes away from their mobile devices, you can also engage with the race on social media, seeing your photos and tweets on the various big screens around Road America by using specific hashtags and handles on Twitter and Instagram. Selfie stations are also set up at various parts of the track for you to capture your weekend memories. And if treetop views and social media aren’t your thing, you can also take a wandering hike through the forest on several pathways that meander through the mountains above Kettle Bottoms and Canada Corner – these trails lead from the top of the peak to the bottom of a newly-cleared pathway along the infamous straightaway. Final Thoughts If you want to see racing history and meet modern-day sports stars, take a trip to Road America – you will not be disappointed by what you find here. For those who want to go a step above that, go camping on the property during race weekend; the fans are nice, the action is top quality, and the weather is almost always beautiful.

Photos by Chris Green, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.86 Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course 7721 Steam Corners Rd Lexington, OH 44904 SpeedTour Events website Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course website Year Opened: 1962 Capacity: 65,000 Thunder In Central Ohio Mid-Ohio was known for being a top-level destination for car racing, but the quality at the facility has fallen off in recent years. The facility provides exciting racing and has loyal fans, but unfortunately that is where the positives end; the traffic issues getting in and out aren’t much help either. NASCAR recently left the facility altogether for greener pastures, so IndyCar and IMSA  are now the top events for fans at this track. However, the annual Trans Am, SVRA, and F4/FR SpeedTour weekend is a stacked weekend slate.   Food & Beverage   3 The food here ranges from the standard burgers ($8 solo, $14.50 combo) and hot dogs ($6, $10) to chicken tenders ($9.50, $12 combo). Sides range from $2.50 to $8.25 for chips, candy, cookies, or fries. Drinks (soda and water) are standard as well, costing from $4 to $8. The main concession stands in the infield and the paddock are the main attractions, while some food trucks also fill up the infield fan area. Atmosphere   2 The atmosphere at Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course has declined greatly from a facility standpoint in the last few years. Where once existed great sightlines for fans, you now have catch fences and high barriers in a lot of places. The former Honda bridge in the back section of the track was removed and not replaced in the winter of 2021, and the other crossover bridge in Thunder Valley is blocked off, leaving fans with less mobility around the track to get different viewpoints. The bathrooms are also far from clean, and their age shows as well, though the paddock restrooms were renovated and expanded for the 2023 season. Unfortunately most of the facilities on site are also made of wood, and haven’t been upgraded in decades, meaning the carpenter bees have exploded in population in the past few years. In addition, where paved pathways once existed in the parking areas, they are now cracked and falling apart, making for a bumpy drive around the track, which has resulted in many a flat tire. The dirt paths are also never watered down, meaning dust covers everything at the track if it doesn’t rain during the weekend.   Neighborhood   2 Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course isn’t in a major city, nor is it near a thriving metropolis. Instead, it is quite literally in the middle of farm country outside of Mansfield – this biggest town near the track is also not that big of a place, but has its own mall and several places to eat and stay. While nice, the track is separated from civilization, giving a bit of an isolationist feel to the facility. One of the track’s entrances actually features a driveway that goes through a farm field, while another road leading to the front entrance goes through Lexington, a small town with a 35 mile per hour speed limit – this small town does embrace race weekend, however, with local shops and restaurants putting out their best for race fans who pass through. For food, driving into Mansfield will bring you to Texas Roadhouse and Olive Garden, two popular stops for drivers and teams. For hotels, Hampton Inn & Suites Mansfield South and The Inn on Smith’s Hill are also popular stays. For sights, the Ohio State Reformatory, located outside of Mansfield, was the filming location of the popular “Shawshank Redemption”, and even offers tours. Another popular stop is Cedar Point theme park, an hour and a half north in Sandusky.   Fans   3 The fans at Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course are known for packing the hillsides on race day. Even if they don’t know the drivers on the track, they’ll pick their own favorite car and cheer for that team, whether they’re first or last during the race. In addition, if you get lost most are more than willing to help you find your way. While the crowds may not be as big as d uring IndyCar h ere, Trans Am and SVRA still bring a ton of locals and series-loyal fans to the facility. Access   3 Getting to Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course isn’t exactly easy, as the track is in the middle of nowhere. It is also a fair driving distance from the highway, all down one-lane roads with speed limits that average about 40 miles per hour. And once you get to the track, all the parking is in grass or dirt fields, with some spots on the hills – your rarely-used parking brake will come in handy at Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course, as many parking areas are on hillsides with noticeable slants, which will become slippery if it rains. Needless to say, getting out after the races takes a lot of work and patience, as traffic is quite an ordeal. The one-lane road coming in and out, as well as the single bridge leading from the infield to the outer portions of the venue, mean you may spend hours walking or driving before you even reach the main gates.   Return on Investment   4 While it may take some travel to get to the track, going to Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course, a track steeped in history and sporting tradition, is still worth the trip. There are plenty of places to watch from where you can see big sections of the track, and the beautiful hillside scenery makes for a great backdrop during a race. However, the decline in facility upkeep is noticeable, weighing down the return you get on your ticket investment, even if it was already low thanks to this event being a SpeedTour weekend.   Extras   3 Something that really gets fans engaged is the large fan zone in the interior of the track. With displays, shopping for souvenirs, and driver interaction events, fans can get up close and personal with their favorite drivers and teams. In addition, autograph sessions throughout the weekend give you the opportunity to meet your favorite drivers up in the paddock areas for the F4 and FR series. Fans can also wander through some of the garage areas to see their favorite teams at work, preparing their cars for the on-track action. Perhaps the most unique thing about Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course is that the garages feature a fan walkway above that looks down on the old-fashioned wooden and open-air rooms; this gives you a unique bird’s eye view of the teams working on their machines, a view that few other tracks offer, especially for sportscar racing. Final Thoughts If you want a quick, action-packed racetrack that features great camping, a Mid-West hillside forest setting, some of the loudest and most passionate fans in racing, and one that is far from the hustle and bustle of city life, Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course is the place for you. Just be ready, as you may leave in a long line of traffic (fair warning), and you shouldn’t expect the most modern of facilities.

Photo by Eric Moreno, Stadium Journey The largest sports and entertainment venue in Corpus Christi, Texas, American Bank Center , will soon have a new name. On Monday, June 23, the venue’s management company, the Oak View Group, announced that Corpus Christi-based law firm Hilliard Law had won the new naming rights. “Oak View Group is moving to the next phase of the naming rights process and has selected Hilliard Law to enter into exclusive negotiations to formalize an agreement for the American Bank Center,” said DeAnna Richarte, Director of Marketing for the arena. According to information from the Oak View Group released during Corpus Christi’s City Council on June 24, the agreement with Hilliard Law extends for 10 years. Over that course of time, the law firm will pay $13.3 million for the facility’s naming rights. “Following a comprehensive and strategic research process that included several factors, this marks a significant step forward in establishing a long-term partnership that will enhance the visibility and future of the venue and the region,” Richarte said. The Corpus Christi-based American Bank has been the venue’s naming rights partner since 2004. The financial institution announced in 2024 that it would be moving on from its sponsorship of the venue. This prompted a search for a new partner, which was coordinated in part by the city of Corpus Christi. Home to several of the city’s sports teams, such as the Texas A&M-Corpus Christi Islanders  basketball squads, the Corpus Christi Tritons  of Arena Football One, and the Corpus Christi IceRays  of the North American Hockey League, the venue has been a fixture along the shores of Corpus Christi Bay since the late 1970s. ---------- Follow Eric Moreno's Stadium Journey on Twitter at @EricMoreno6477 .

Photos by Paul Baker, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.29 Eastwood Field 111 Eastwood Mall Blvd Niles, OH 44446 Mahoning Valley Scrappers website Eastwood Field website Year Opened: 1999 Capacity: 6,000 25 Years of Baseball at the Mall   The Mahoning Valley Scrappers were a victim of the Great Minor League Contraction of 2020. The team, who had been members of the Class A Short Season New York-Penn League since their founding in 1999, suddenly found themselves relegated to a new circuit: the MLB Draft League. For a team that had enjoyed a stable relationship with the nearby Cleveland Indians over their entire history, this move into the unknown came as a big shock.   The MLB Draft League plays a hybrid amateur-professional schedule. For half the season, the league operates as a standard summer collegiate league serving as a showcase for some of the nation’s top draft-eligible prospects.  After the draft each year, the league’s rosters are filled with paid players who have exhausted their amateur eligibility. The six teams in the MLB Draft League were all part of affiliated baseball before 2020.   Eastwood Field, named for the mall it sits behind, also serves as home for the Youngstown State Penguins  baseball team. During their time in affiliated baseball, the Scrappers won one championship, in 2004.   Food & Beverage 4   The Scrappers offer a good variety of concessions for visiting fans. While the main stands on the concourse stick to the basics (hot dogs, pizza slices, chicken tenders and fries), variety can be found at the many smaller stands and portable carts scattered throughout the ballpark. A pair of portable carts on the main concourse sell nachos and tacos, while another offers smashburgers. Fans looking for hot dogs will find cheese dogs, corn dogs, jumbo dogs and chili dogs sold throughout Eastwood Field. The Gibson Bar and Grill, located at the end of the right field concourse, sells grilled sausages and bratwurst.   Pepsi products are featured at Eastwood Field. Fans looking for an adult beverage will find a full selection at all the stands, both permanent and portable. Mixed drinks are also sold throughout the ballpark. A selection of local beers augment the national brands sold here. Fans can purchase refillable beer steins or beer bats should a plain old stadium cup not suffice.   Atmosphere 3   The game day atmosphere at a Scrappers game will feel very familiar to those who have traveled around minor league baseball. There’s an emcee who (very loudly) coordinates the between inning promotions and keeps the presentation moving. The PA announcer mixes in a bit more wackiness to his delivery, and the DJ provides music and sound effects after virtually every pitch. A video board in right-center field provides game information, player stats, and is integrated into the promotional schedule. The team’s mascot, Snappy, roams the ballpark participating in promotions and interacting with fans. It’s a non-stop attack on the senses that is all too common in the minors these days.   The team has a very robust promotional schedule, with events happening most days of the season. Stadium Journey attended Eastwood Field on “Major League” night, with bobbleheads handed out to fans and the players decked out in specialized jerseys. Games happen between innings as well, keeping the casual fan and youngsters in attendance interested.   Neighborhood 4   You would figure Eastwood Field would rate highly in this category, considering it is located in the largest mall complex between Pittsburgh and Cleveland. If you factor in the total footage of the indoor mall, strip malls and other shops on the Eastwood Mall site, the total square footage totals over 3.2 million square feet. Located on the complex are numerous hotels, restaurants, and of course, shopping options. Among the lodging options onsite are a Hampton Inn & Suites and a Holiday Inn Express & Suites. Visiting fans looking for a place to eat after the game will find a Primanti Bros., as well as countless other national chains in the same parking lot as the ballpark.   Beyond the mall, Mahoning Valley contains a variety of summer attractions to round out any trip to the area. Native son William McKinley, the 25 th  President of the United States, was born in Niles, and the National McKinley Birthplace Memorial Museum is located here.   Fans 4   Mahoning Valley averaged just over 2,500 fans per game in 2024, which placed them fourth in the six-team MLB Draft League in terms of attendance, and in the top 20 of all summer college teams nationwide. This figure represented a slight increase over the 2023 season, and was comparable to the team’s final season in affiliated ball, when they averaged about 2,700 fans per game.   The crowd at a Scrappers game will look familiar to veteran minor league baseball fans. It’s a good mix of die-hard baseball fans, locals out to enjoy an inexpensive night of entertainment with friends and coworkers, and families taking advantage of the value and entertainment factor present at minor league baseball games. As always, people watching is part of the fun of being at a ball game.   Access 3   Eastwood Field is located in the northwest corner of the Eastwood Mall complex, close to the intersection of State Routes 82 and 11. Although driving is the most convenient and popular method for getting to a Scrappers game, Western Reserve Transit Authority’s  #28 bus stops at the Eastwood Mall.   Most fans will enter Eastwood Field via the main entrance, which empties onto a small and crowded concourse. The field is not visible from the concourse, and stands line both edges of the concourse. Stretching in both directions will be various concession stands, portable carts, sponsor tables, rest rooms, and everything else you would expect to see at a minor league ballpark. When there’s a decent crowd in attendance, it can be quite a hectic and crowded place.   The seating bowl stretches from foul pole to foul pole. The main seating area consists of individual folding plastic stadium seats, with a few sections of bleachers located further down the right field line. These sections are the general admission sections. There is a walkway about a third of the way up the seating bowl. A large picnic area takes up a bunch of real estate on the left field side of the ballpark. A small berm on the right field side of the park and a kids play area on the left field side give younger fans a place to burn off some excess energy.   Nets stretch in front of the majority of the seating bowl, obstructing views. Rest rooms are dated, but large enough for the typical Snappers crowd. As mentioned before, the concourse can be busy and crowded at times, but the ballpark is easy to navigate around. With a capacity of 6,000, the ballpark offers a great variety of seating options for visiting fans.   Youngstown is located almost exactly halfway between Pittsburgh and Cleveland, making it very easy to include on a ballpark roadtrip to the area.   Return on Investment 3   Ticket prices for a Scrappers game begin at $15 for Premium Box seats, with Lower Upper Box seats priced at $12. General admission seats in the bleacher sections are priced at $7. Purchasing tickets on game day will add one dollar to the price.   Parking will cost you an additional $5 in the lot adjacent to Eastwood Field. The area of the mall parking lot dedicated to the ballpark is fenced off. If you think you are clever and try to park your car somewhere else at the mall, it won’t matter. The Scrappers charge a “walk-in” fee for those folks trying to beat the system. Seriously. There’s a manned turnstile on the sidewalk next to the entrance where cars enter the lot. On the plus side, if you’re driving a Toyota, parking is free, courtesy of a local dealership and Scrappers sponsor.   Concessions prices are comparable to other facilities in the area.   Extras 2   There is a display of famous players to come from the Mahoning Valley area at the end of the concourse. Included in this display are Baseball Hall of Famers Bud Fowler, Billy Evans and Elmer Flick.   Pennants commemorating the Scrappers’ past championships are displayed on the façade of the press box.   Final Thoughts   While Eastwood Field may not stand out from its peer facilities in any way besides its location in a mall, the staff here have adapted to the Scrappers’ new reality with a fun game day experience, and local baseball fans have continued to show up, despite what could be seen as a demotion to summer college ball. A visit to Mahoning Valley is certainly a worthy inclusion in any Stadium Journey passing through the area.   Follow Paul Baker’s stadium journeys on Twitter  and Instagram  @PuckmanRI.

Photo Courtesy of Kim Montuoro Since 2019, Massachusetts native, current Astoria, New York resident Julie Goldberg has been competing at the Nathan’s Famous Hot Dog Eating Contest at Coney Island on the Fourth of July. This year, Goldberg just missed making the finals, but she'll be watching from the sidelines with her mentor Crazy Legs Conti, arguably the most colorful character to ever speed eat competitively ( check out Stadium Journey's interview with Crazy Legs Conti here ). A few days before the big day, Goldberg took a few minutes away from her training table to answer a few questions. STADIUM JOURNEY: You have a PhD in poli sci. How'd you get into competitive eating? How long have you been doing it? Are you a lifer? JULIE GOLDBERG: I'm finishing up my PhD. I'm about halfway through my dissertation and on track to finish by the end of the year, fingers crossed. Before I moved to New York in 2017, I was living in Florida with my now 14-year-old border collie. I had a herding dog, but nothing for her to herd, so I took her running with me, about 40-plus miles a week. Needless to say, I've always had a huge appetite, but at the time, I was insatiable. My friends and family encouraged me to get into competitive eating, and as fate would have it, when I moved to NYC, I met Crazy Legs Conti, one of the OGs of competitive eating. We started training together, and I won my first qualifier for Coney in 2019. I'm a lifer, so long as I keep having fun. STADIUM JOURNEY: Do you have a pre-competition ritual? Do you fast, or is everything business as usual? JULIE GOLDBERG: In theory, I like to stay well-hydrated and eat lightly the day before, and a granola bar or banana the morning of. In practice, things don't always go as planned, and "being good" leading up to the competition hasn't always translated into better results for me. I've done everything right and have had disappointing results. In 2023, I won the DC qualifier and matched my personal best of 9.5 hot dogs in 10 minutes, but sort of went off the rails beforehand. I flew to DC from NYC and arrived several hours before the contest. I didn't want to venture into the DC heat too early, so I stopped at a bar in the airport for a beer. I intended to leave after one, but the bartender brought me a couple of freebies, and I couldn't bring myself to pass them up. I left the airport with plenty of time to spare and took home the women's trophy. What a thrill that was. STADIUM JOURNEY: What's your technique? Do you dip your buns in water? Do you eat the buns and meat separately? Please explain how you came up with your technique. JULIE GOLDBERG: Traditionally, I've eaten my hot dogs Solomon style - that is, splitting the dog from the bun, breaking the dog in half before eating, and dunking the bun in mildly hot Tang before swallowing as Crazy Legs taught me. I recently started incorporating keeping the dog and bun together and dunking them in Tang for at least part of the contest to mix things up. STADIUM JOURNEY: How do you feel after a competition? Are you hanging out after, or are you going straight home? JULIE GOLDBERG: There's always a time after a competition when you don't feel great because your belly is full and you have nitrates coursing through your body. Most of the contests I've participated in have been followed by an after-party of some sort. I generally suck up any discomfort and indulge the opportunity to hang out with my competitive eating buds. STADIUM JOURNEY: Describe your relationship with Crazy Legs Conti. What are your favorite establishments to dine out at with him? JULIE GOLDBERG: Crazy Legs and I first bonded over our love for Boston sports and then our love for hot dogs. Most of the time, when we meet up, it's to watch a Boston game on TV, so the establishments change often. I will say my favorite dining experience with him was at Madison Square Garden. He magically got us into a friend's private suite for a Celtics-Knicks game, which just happened to be my first NBA game ever. The food was awesome, and the Celts won! STADIUM JOURNEY: Which eaters do you hang with, if anyone, away from competition? JULIE GOLDBERG: I usually only see other eaters at contests, and I always look forward to seeing everyone. George Chiger is my competitive eating brother, though. We recently saw each other at a strawberry shortcake contest, and he took the brotherly initiative to check out my car for me. Larell Melee is essentially the mom of Major League Eating, and we have a tradition of going to the Perfect Pint in midtown Manhattan throughout the 4th festivities. I wish I got to see everyone more often, but we're all scattered across the country. STADIUM JOURNEY: Were you an athlete before competitive eating? Which sports, if any? Which Boston teams did you follow? Were you spending a lot of time at Fenway as a kid? JULIE GOLDBERG: I'm an armchair quarterback. I haven't played any team sports because I have terrible depth perception and coordination, but I've run three full marathons and twentyish half marathons. I'm a diehard and will root for any Boston team, but I live and breathe for the New England Patriots, and the Red Sox have a special place in my heart. I've never gone to Fenway until I was an adult. I was the youngest of three, so my family spent a lot more time cheering on the Pawtucket Red Sox at McCoy Stadium - RIP - but still holds the record for longest professional baseball game at 33 innings. We also went to a ton of Worcester Ice Cats - also RIP - games at the Worcester Centrum. STADIUM JOURNEY: What are the similarities between political science and competitive eating, if any? JULIE GOLDBERG: I would say you have to enjoy political science and competitive eating to ingratiate yourself in those worlds. They're also similar in that you need to know when to turn them off for your well-being. I'd like to think I've learned diplomacy from both as well. So much so that this Boston diehard can admit that the chicken buckets at Yankee Stadium are top-tier ballpark fare.  STADIUM JOURNEY:                                                                                                    Since we're talking political science. As far as a competition between U.S. Presidents, who are the top five finishers?                                                                     JULIE GOLDBERG:                                                                                                          1. Lincoln 2. FDR 3. Washington 4. Jefferson 5. Kennedy STADIUM JOURNEY:                                                                                                      As far as eating venues, what spots are must-stops? Recommendations, please. Need 'em.  JULIE GOLDBERG:                                                                                                      Jack Jones, a gastropub in Astoria, is my absolute favorite local place. I go there once a week and I'm always amazed by how delicious the food is. Jacob's Pickles on the Upper West Side is my favorite place for Southern cuisine. If you ever find yourself in Burrillville, Rhode Island, stop by Wright's for a family-style chicken dinner. You will not be disappointed.

After a somewhat longer than brief hiatus Paul and Dave are back! The return of Stadium Journey's Obstructed Views heads into Red Sox Country ... for a Blue Jays Affiliate! How can they make this work? Grab a beer and join Paul and Dave for the latest episode of Stadium Journey's Obstructed Views for the New Hampshire Fisher Cats at Delta Dental Stadium. You can find Stadium Journey's review of Delta Dental Stadium and the New Hampshire Fisher Cats game day experience here.

Photos by Terry McCutchen, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.57 ONEOK Field 201 N Elgin Tulsa, OK 74120 Tulsa Drillers website ONEOK Field website Year Opened: 2010 Capacity: 7,833 Tulsa Time Located in the historic Greenwood District near downtown Tulsa, Oklahoma, ONEOK (pronounced One-Okay) Field has been home to the Tulsa Drillers since 2010. ONEOK also serves as the home pitch for FC Tulsa of the USL and hosts numerous college baseball games and concerts. The construction of ONEOK replaced the venerable Tulsa County Stadium, later renamed Driller Park, which was originally a W.P.A. project located in the Tulsa Fairgrounds. Serving as the Double-A affiliate of the Los Angeles Dodgers , the Drillers have played in Tulsa since 1977, after the Lafayette Drillers moved from Louisiana. Prior to 1977 Tulsa was home to the Triple A Tulsa Oilers, meaning that Tulsa has hosted professional baseball continuously, except for a break during WWII, since 1932. The Drillers have been affiliated with the Los Angeles Dodgers since 2014, following many years under the Colorado Rockies and Texas Rangers , respectively. Food & Beverage 4 As you enter the park, the smell of concessions wafting through the air is intoxicating. There are over 10 different concession areas from which to choose including the more traditional Golden Driller Grill (Hornsby burger basket, chicken tenders and fries, Driller Dog, nachos, and Frito pie; $4.79 to $12.49) and the more specialty House Divided (Boomtown Coneys, burgers, and specialty Driller Dogs; $12.99 to $36.99). Snack and side items are also available at all the concession stands with options of popcorn, candy, peanuts, chips, French fries, and mac-and-cheese ($2.99 to $6.29). ONEOK offers numerous drink options from bottled water to Pepsi products and beer ($3.49 to $7.79). Soft drinks are available in either a souvenir cup or a cheaper Styrofoam cup option. Alcoholic drink offerings include Bud Light, Michelob Ultra, Miller Lite, Blue Moon, Coors Light, Estrella, Busch Light, and White Claw. Atmosphere 4 The Driller organization creates a gameday atmosphere that is fun and interactive. With exciting music playing when the gates open and staff members, plus Hornsby the mascot, posted near the gate to greet patrons for high fives and photo opportunities, the expectation is immediately set for a positive experience. Fan interaction during breaks in play continues throughout the game, as there is an activity planned at least once per inning. Examples include Hornsby’s entrance on a golf cart, the traditional dizzy bat race, a sporting goods mascot race, Simba, and kiss and dance cams, as well as other trivia and challenge games presented on the scoreboard. On hot summer days, there is also a Splash Zone in centerfield behind the batter’s eye that is free for fans to enjoy. Neighborhood 5 The historic Greenwood District north of downtown Tulsa, once known as Black Wall Street, was one of the wealthiest black neighborhoods in the US in the early 1900s, until being devastated by a race riot in 1921. Today, the neighborhood has a mix of historical landmarks, lively entertainment options, museums, and new construction as the area continues to progress into the future. Just a few of the attractions within walking distance of the ballpark include the John Hope Franklin Center for Reconciliation , Bob Dylan Center , Woody Guthrie Center , Center of the Universe , and Greenwood Rising Black Wall Street History Center . In addition, the BMX Hall of Fame and Museum , Outsiders Museum , Tulsa Zoo , and the popular public park The Gathering Place are all just a short drive away, and worth the trip if time allows. After game drinking hangouts are easily accessible as well; Historic Cain’s Ballroom , built in 1924, plus other bars such as McNellie’s Irish Pub , Arnie’s Bar , Fassler Hall , and Elgin Park Brewery (across the street from the main gate) are all within blocks of ONEOK. No matter what your palette desires, you should be able to find a restaurant within blocks of the stadium to satisfy you. Eating establishments within a long fly ball include Sweet Lisa’s Soul Food Cafe , Honey Love Wings , Noche Woodfired Grill , Lone Wolf Banh Mi , and Sisserou’s Caribbean , as well as many others. Fans 4 Driller fans are both knowledgeable and loyal – Tulsa has averaged over 5000 fans consistently since the MiLB restructuring and Covid-19, ranking the team in the top 10 of both total and average fan attendance annually. The stands are filled with a mix of young families with children, professional adults, and older couples, all enjoying the American pastime. Children can also enjoy the freedom of open space and the playground in the outfield, while fans desiring a more serious baseball experience can do so from the comfort of their stadium seats. The fans here know baseball, and root for their hometown team. Their appreciation for mascots Hornsby and Oily, a throwback to previous generations of the team, also shows their bond with the team. Access 5 Tulsa, as the second largest city in Oklahoma with a metro population of just over 1 million and approximately 130 miles northeast of Oklahoma City, is easily accessible from any destination via Tulsa International Airport, or from major thoroughfares such as Interstate 44, Interstate 40, or Highway 75. ONEOK Field sits merely 8 miles from the airport, which is normally less than a 15 minute rideshare or drive, depending on traffic and possible construction. Downtown Tulsa and Greenwood are surrounded by an inner-dispersal loop consisting of I-244, Highway 64, and Highway 75, meaning that getting to the ballpark is fairly simple no matter from which direction you enter the city. There are three different points of entry into the stadium – the main gate and the “Oil Derrick” gate are both located along N. Elgin Avenue on the west side. In addition, the Osage Casino Hotel entry is located on the north side of the stadium along Greenwood Avenue. Return on Investment 5 The Drillers offer many promotions and giveaways during the season to help fans feel like they are getting more than quality baseball for their investment. With $2 Tuesdays, limited to outfield tickets, hot dogs, popcorn, and ice cream novelties are only $2, allowing fans to catch a game on a limited budget. Other notable promotions include Happy Half Hour, Kids Sunday, and Thirsty Thursday $3 drink offers. Ticket prices range from $10 to $28 including online purchasing fees when purchased through the MLB ticketing website, which is on the lower end of Double-A price structures. When considering the availability of plenty of free parking, as well as concession prices that are average to below average in price, the ROI at OneOK Field is near the top of minor league teams. Extras 5 The splash pad in centerfield deserves special recognition; only those who have experienced a hot Oklahoma summer day would understand. Free parking near the entrance to the ballpark is worth noting. While there are some businesses that offer cheap ($5 to $10) parking options just blocks away, there is also street side parking for no charge. Extra credit is also added for the friendliness and accommodation of the staff. Oklahomans are known to be friendly, and the ballpark staff does nothing but reinforce this image. The neighborhood and availability of American history within blocks of the stadium create a perfect setting for baseball fans and visitors to spend an entire day, or more, without ever needing a vehicle. The team store has a plethora of souvenir options, especially caps – Tulsa has as many different hat styles to choose from as many major league team. The most recent game I attended was also extremely cold, so to warm fans’ spirits and bodies, the Drillers provide patrons with unlimited free hot chocolate. Final Thoughts The Tulsa Drillers offer a wonderful gameday experience in a beautiful urban setting. Based on the promotion and giveaway schedule, most games offer either a discounted experience or a souvenir upon entry. The in-game entertainment keeps fans of all ages engaged and helps bridge the gap between innings. For pure baseball fans, Tulsa offers quality Double-A baseball with teams of the Texas League visiting. At any point in the season, top prospects on both teams will be playing, so witnessing the future of major league baseball up close becomes a privilege. This writer has found that ONEOK Field should be on any baseball fan’s bucket list, and can be combined with several other nearby destinations for weekend or longer baseball-themed trips.

If you ever pass it on your way through town, the old grandstand on the corner of Chicago Road and Dixie Highway has been there for almost a century. They call it Hap Bruno Field, but the large sign above the entrance reads Chicago Heights Park Department. Little does anyone realize that the ballpark and town have quite a history of baseball. Semi-pro baseball has a long history in town, dating back to 1894. A ball field on 17th and East End Avenue was used for games from 1898 until a group of 1,094 people formed the Chicago Heights Athletic Association and financed the $25,000 modern grandstand in 1927. The grandstand offered 196 box seats and 25 boxes that would also house football and ice skating in the winter. “There wasn’t a single dime of public money [used to build the ballpark],” said Bruno in a 1980 radio interview. “It was all through public subscription. No contributions from any political division. The only thing you did was approach your friends on season tickets, those who would help support the program.” The first game took place at CHAA Field on October 6 of that year, with a crowd of 4,000 people welcoming the new baseball plant with a motor car parade through downtown. The visiting Hammond club won the game 5-3. Various semi-pro teams played in town and at the ballpark, including the Cyclones, Boosters, Owls, Arrows, and a manufacturing team called Lincoln AC. The Chicago Heights Athletic Association played at the ballpark until midway through the 1938 season, when it dropped out of playing baseball. The ballpark would be used by the Arrows and the Owls in 1939. The Owls joined the newly formed Greater Chicago Semi-Pro Baseball League in 1947 under the management of Mario “Hap” Bruno. The 10-team loop’s purpose was to promote a better brand of semi-pro baseball for fans in the greater Chicago area and to help organize hardball for the greater good of the game itself. The high quality of baseball stretched from organized teams like the Chicago Heights A’s and Skokie Indians to company teams from RCA Victor and Lorenz Steel. This was a league that featured former major league ballplayers and included traveling teams. The goal was for every team to have a ballpark similar to CHAA Field and pack it with fans for every home game on Sunday. The first few seasons saw big crowds in the stands, and the Chicago Heights team captured the 1948 league championship. “Chicago Heights stands to enjoy a period of prosperity and player development which will be the greatest in the history of the game in these parts.” The team would become the A's and was managed and financed by Bruno, with a volunteer crew helping with preparing the field, handling ticket sales, parking cars, and shagging foul balls. Fans continued to flock to the stadium for Sunday games; however, by 1952, attendance dropped to around 25 per game. To make matters worse, volunteers disappeared, leaving Bruno as a one-man crew handling the operations. The team needed 100 fans per game at $1.00 admission to pay for the baseballs and umpires. Only one player, pitcher Frank Verka, was being paid, and all the other players wanted to start; otherwise, they wouldn’t show up for games. It led to Bruno folding up the A’s in April of 1953, and after 69 years, semi-pro baseball was over in Chicago Heights. The following year, a six-team VFW circuit was established, along with a one-night Rotary-Lions Teen circuit. Revenue generated by the VFW league helped fund much-needed repairs to the grandstand. Today, Bloom Township High School continues to use the stadium, which once served as the home field of the Southside Vikings of the Northern League. The Chicago Heights Park District renamed the field to Hap Bruno Field in 1996. At the time, Bruno was 91 years old, and his mind was still sharp on the game, dating back to the 1920s. He would pass away one year later, but left a lifetime of memories in town. The old ballpark looks a little banged up and weathered, but for a structure that is 98 years old, she has a lot of life left in her. It might not be much to the many who pass by daily, but it has a story to tell. Perhaps a form of summer baseball will return to continue the tradition set by members of the Chicago Heights Athletic Association almost a century ago. ------ Follow all of Marc’s stadium journeys on Twitter @ballparkhunter and his YouTube channel. Email at Marc.Viquez@stadiumjourney.com

Photo by Eric Moreno, Stadium Journey Beginning July 1st, the Frost Bank Center  – home of the NBA’s San Antonio Spurs – will begin the latest round of renovations to the two decades-old facility. The project, which was announced to the public on June 17th, will look to enhance the game-day experience for fans. The effort, which will be privately funded, is highlighted by the construction of a 4,000-square-foot private space that will be called the “Superbox” – this area will offer guests an all-inclusive food and beverage experience. “We’re always paying attention to what our fans tell us, and this project is a direct response to that feedback,” said Max Brodsky, Corporate Communications Coordinator with the Spurs Sports & Entertainment (SS&E). “The Superbox upgrades will improve flow and layout for food and beverage service, while also giving the space an updated look with new finishes, fixtures and furniture.” The Frost Bank Center has been the home arena for the Spurs since 2002. The facility has undergone numerous renovations over the years, including a recent effort to upgrade the venue’s Terrace Club in 2023. “It’s all about creating a better overall experience for our guests,” said Brodsky. “These enhancements are privately funded through SS&E and our partnership with Aramark. They are not connected to any public funding or bond efforts. We expect the refreshed space to be ready for fans to enjoy by the start of preseason this fall.” ---------- Follow Eric Moreno's Stadium Journey on Twitter at @EricMoreno6477 .

Photos by David Welch, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.71 Great Dane Stadium 645 Mullinax Road Alpharetta, GA 30004 United Futbol Academy Gunners website Year Opened: 2018 Capacity: 5,600 United 4 Life In the northern Atlanta suburb of Alpharetta, the United Futbol Academy (UFA) Gunners have found a home at Great Dane Stadium, on the campus of Denmark High School. UFA fields teams at the select, elite, and academy levels. The club joined the Women’s Premier Soccer League (WPSL) as part of the league’s 2024 expansion. The WPSL is a summer, semi-professional women’s soccer league made up mostly of current or recently graduated collegiate players. Founded in 2010, the Gunners maintain a developmental partnership with Arsenal FC , the three-time Premier League champions; this relationship includes visits from Arsenal staff, who work directly with UFA coaches and players to support technical training and overall development. Food & Beverage 3 Food at Gunners matches is provided by a single vendor, Beto’s Tacos, located just inside the stadium entrance. They offer tacos and quesadillas with chicken, pork, beef, or vegetarian fillings, alongside bottled water and Coca-Cola. Additional drinks, namely Gatorade and more bottled water, are available at a nearby table. While the food is of high quality, the lack of variety is a drawback. The presence of only one vendor limits the range of options for fans. Atmosphere 2 Great Dane Stadium is a typical high school football stadium, featuring a large home section of aluminum bleachers opposite a smaller visiting section; the pitch is encircled by an eight-lane track. The setback created by the track does create a bit of separation from the stands and the match. The stadium’s multi-use nature also results in a busy field, with lines for football, lacrosse, and soccer. There is one traditional scoreboard at the north end of the stadium that tracks match time and score, but unlike traditional soccer timers, the clock counts down rather than up. Also, UFA does not announce substitutions or goals, which can create some disconnect with who is coming into a match, or who may have scored a goal. Neighborhood 2 Denmark High School sits in the far northern suburbs of Atlanta, in southern Forsyth County, where suburban neighborhoods begin to give way to rural landscapes. The school is surrounded by subdivisions with majestic homes, as well as by farmland and undeveloped land. The immediate area lacks much in the way of unique dining or entertainment options, consisting mainly of national chains. Also, despite having an Alpharetta address, the school is actually closer to the town of Cumming, roughly 15 minutes away, which has a developing downtown and several locally owned restaurants. Meadow Woodfire Grill, Dominic’s Wood Fire, and Los Compadres are among the most highly regarded. Fans 2 UFA draws between 100 and 200 fans per match; this seems to be an average turnout in the Peachtree Division, outside of clubs like Decatur FC and Chattanooga FC . Most fans at Great Dane Stadium appear to be family members of players or younger UFA athletes, giving the stands a community-focused, youth-club feel. The supporters are vocal and encouraging, cheering for saves, shots, and 50-50 balls, while voicing frustration at questionable calls. While they bring enthusiasm, the fan base does not quite reach the level of a formal supporters group. Access 3 Great Dane Stadium is in the northern reaches of the Metro Atlanta city of Alpharetta, in southern Forsyth County. The most direct access to the stadium is using Georgia Highway 400, but this route can become extremely congested during the evening commute. Those heading south on 400 receive some relief from commuters, but will still have to contend with a degree of traffic. If using GPS to navigate to the stadium, the directions likely lead to the back of campus, and may not signify the turn into the parking lot, so be on the lookout for your first chance to access parking. Parking is just a short walk to the entry point, which opens into a spacious gathering area and long ramps to access the seating area. Most seating here is limited to just one side of the stadium, which does have the benefit of not facing the setting sun, unlike the smaller visiting bleachers behind the team benches. To help expedite entry into the stadium, you should purchase tickets online ahead of time. Tickets are not available for purchase at the gate; they must be bought online. Though this is not necessarily a hindrance, it is a slight annoyance. Return on Investment 5 Tickets are reasonably priced and in line with other teams in the WPSL. After fees, general admission runs just under $6, with free entry for children. Parking is also free, making it a very budget-friendly family outing. Food prices do seem to be a bit high, but when considering the quality of what is served, the prices appear justified. Extras 2 For young soccer fans with energy to spare, a training pitch near the south end of the stadium becomes a popular gathering spot during games. Following the match, UFA players and coaches show their gratitude to the fans by hosting a meet-and-greet, signing autographs and allowing fans to take photos with players. Final Thoughts While the United Futbol Academy Gunners match day experience may not have some of the extras found at a couple of other Peachtree Division clubs, it is comparable to several of their atmospheres. UFA provides fans with an affordable, family-friendly environment to enjoy summer soccer in suburban Atlanta.

Photos by Paul Baker, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.43 Guv Fuller Field 790 Main St Falmouth, MA 02540 Falmouth Commodores website Guv Fuller Field website Year Opened: 1964 Capacity: 8,000 Easy Like a Sunday Morning   Organized baseball has been played in the town of Falmouth since before the Civil War. The first report of an organized game in town was reported by the Barnstable Patriot in 1857. Teams representing towns across Cape Cod played against each other throughout the late 19th and early 20th century. Central Park Field, located just steps from the ocean in Falmouth Heights, served as the home of the Falmouth teams until the 1960s. The official “Cape League” began play in 1923. Leagues came and went over the following decades, undergoing numerous forms and with numerous teams representing towns until 1963, when the NCAA officially sanctioned the league.   In 1964 the Commodores moved from the waterfront to a new home at Guv Fuller Field, located in downtown Falmouth. Guv Fuller Field was constructed in the 1930s in conjunction with the Work Projects Administration. The field was dedicated in 1952 in honor of Elmer E. “Guv” Fuller, longtime coach and athletic director at Falmouth’s Lawrence High School. Fuller’s nickname referenced 1920s Massachusetts Governor and Falmouth native Alvin Fuller, who remained a figure in Falmouth High School athletics until his retirement.   In 2004 the baseball diamond was named in honor of Arnie Allen, who began his association with the Commodores at the age of seven as a bat boy. Allen remained with the club for 46 years, serving mostly as the team’s equipment manager. He received the Cape League’s initial Lifetime Achievement Award in 2002.   In the modern era of the Cape League, which is generally considered to have begun in 1963, the Commodores have won six titles. Their most recent title was won in 1980. Dozens of Major Leaguers have played in Falmouth over the years. Some of the more notable players to play in Falmouth include Baseball Hall of Famer Pie Traynor, Darin Erstad, Tino Martinez, Jeff Weaver and Adley Rutschman.   Food & Beverage 2    The Commodores operate a concession stand in the old football press box building far down the right field line. A decent menu is served here, with chicken tenders, hot dogs, empanadas, burgers and veggie burgers available. Fans can also grab some french fries, a fried dough, or an ice cream treat to enjoy during the game.   Cans of Coca-Cola products and water are available at the concession stand. You may be wondering, did he just say “cans” of water? Single-use plastic has been outlawed in the town of Falmouth, so cans it is at Fuller Field.   Fans are welcome to bring their own drinks and snacks to Cape League games. No alcoholic beverages are allowed.   Atmosphere 3   The atmosphere at Fuller Field is similar to most Cape League ballparks. Going to a Cape League game is a bit like stepping back in time. Absent is much of the noise and distraction present at so many ballparks today. The game on the field is the focus here. Music is only played between innings, and PA announcements during the game are limited to lineup details and the occasional sponsor announcement. A small scoreboard in left field shows basic game information. Fans looking for some Commodores swag will find a good assortment of gear in the team store behind home plate.   There are some features here at Fuller Field designed to entertain the more casual fan. There is a game area behind home plate featuring a cornhole setup and a fast pitch booth. There is a large video screen on the side of the press box building should you want to catch a replay or find yourself on the broadcast. Team staff roam the crowd selling 50/50 tickets. On the Cape, more than just a cash prize is up for grabs. Several local sponsors put up prizes for the daily raffle. A mascot named Homer, a person dressed in a Commodores uniform with a giant baseball head, participates in the day’s festivities as well.   Neighborhood 5   The town of Falmouth has a year-round population of over 32,000 residents, making it the second-largest municipality on Cape Cod. Fuller Field is located just off of Main Street, tucked in behind the Police Station, Senior Center and Community Center. Downtown Falmouth is less than a mile from the ballpark. Visitors to the area will definitely want to check out the walkable downtown, which is filled with restaurants, shops and hotels. Also located here is a statue of Katherine Lee Bates, the author and poet best known for writing “America the Beautiful.” Be aware that the area will be crowded (and pricey) during the height of the tourist season.   Falmouth Heights is another popular destination in town. In addition to the aforementioned Central Park Field, the town beach is located here, as well as the finish line of the popular Falmouth Road Race. Woods Hole, is located a 15-minute drive away. Ferries to Martha’s Vineyard arrive and depart here, and an aquarium, waterfront restaurant and shops attract summer visitors.   Beyond the town of Falmouth, Cape Cod is filled with popular destinations, world class eateries and first-rate beaches. There’s no wonder this is one of the more popular summer destinations on the east coast.   Fans 3   Going to a game in Falmouth can feel like crashing a private party. It seems like everyone here knows everyone else. It’s not a bad thing, it’s just the close-knit nature of games on the Cape. These games are community events, and many people here have been involved with the teams for most of their lives. With the tight geographic footprint of the league, it’s not unusual to see a good turnout from visiting fans as well. If you would like to avoid the larger crowds and busier traffic of the summer tourist season on Cape Cod, plan to visit earlier in the season, before the tourist crowds hit the area.   The Commodores generally land in the middle of the Cape League attendance rankings each season, drawing about 1,500 fans per game to Fuller Field. You’ll find a mix of locals, tourists, die hard baseball fans and families out to enjoy an affordable evening of entertainment.   Access 4   Fuller Field is located just off of Main Street near downtown Falmouth. Main Street, also known as Route 28, is the main drag that runs along the south coast of Cape Cod from the Bourne Bridge to the Orleans Rotary. The ball field is tucked in behind a municipal complex. The recently renovated parking lot here contains ample parking for the typical Commodores crowd. Visiting fans will find the rest rooms for the facility inside the Community Center. Plan ahead, it’s a bit of a hike from the bleachers.   Fans will enter Fuller Field in deep right field from behind the old football press box. The field is no longer used for football, but the football bleachers remain. The old wooden bleachers have been replaced with new aluminum bleachers. The old press box building is now the snack bar. Most fans will proceed towards the ball field, where both sides of the field contain bleachers and a berm. Many will settle in on the home (first base) side of Fuller Field. The berms here are not as large as at other Cape League fields, and are not terraced, so if you bring your chairs you’ll be looking to sit at the top or the bottom of the hill. Netting runs past the bases on both sides of the field. Seats further down the lines are free from obstructions.   Return on Investment 5   There is no charge to attend a Commodores game. The team will happily accept a donation, in exchange for which they will give you a program, rosters, and Cape League Magazine. Parking is free in the parking lot adjacent to the Community and Senior Centers. If you purchase food at the concession stand, prices are affordable.   Extras 2   In 2024 a total of 415 Cape Cod League alumni played in the Major Leagues. This means that one out of every four players to play in the Majors spent a summer on the Cape. If you are going to a game here, you’re not seeing a few guys who might make it someday, you’re seeing an All-Star game every night of the summer.   Behind the football bleachers in right field is an informational display describing the migratory patterns of the osprey and Falmouth’s Osprey Project, which strives to create safe nesting areas for these birds that are such a symbol of the Cape. If you look around Fuller Field, you’ll see several Osprey nests atop the light poles surrounding the field.   Final Thoughts   While Guv Fuller Field is rarely mentioned as being one of the better fields in the circuit, it shares many features with the most popular ballparks. Fuller Field’s location in downtown Falmouth makes it a destination location in a league filled with them. With all ten teams located within an hour of each other, there is no need to choose just one field during a visit to Cape Cod. It’s entirely possible to visit them all in a short period of time.   Follow Paul Baker’s stadium journeys on Twitter  and Instagram  @PuckmanRI.

Photos by Paul Baker, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.86 Joseph L. Bruno Stadium 80 Vandenburgh Ave Troy, NY 12180 Tri-City Valleycats website Joseph L. Bruno Stadium website Year Opened: 2002 Capacity: 6,500 The Show at The Joe   The Tri-City ValleyCats were victims of the Great Minor League Contraction of 2021. The team, which began play in 2002, were members of the New York-Penn League from their inception until the folding of the league. During their time in affiliated ball, the ValleyCats qualified for the NYPL playoffs nine times (a league record) and won three championships.   After being bumped from affiliated baseball, the franchise announced that it would be joining the independent Frontier League. In their first four seasons in the Frontier League, the ValleyCats have qualified for the playoffs once, in 2024. Even though the team has been out of affiliated baseball for half a decade, they still boast that 116 players went from “The Joe to The Show.”   The “Tri-Cities” are the three New York Cities that make up New York State’s Capital District: Albany, Troy and Schenectady. The home of the ValleyCats, Joseph L. Bruno Stadium, is located on the campus of Hudson Valley Community College in Troy. The ballpark is named in honor of the New York State Senator who helped secure funding for the facility.   Food & Beverage 5   The two main concession stands are located on either side of the stadium entrance. Standard arena fare passes through these windows, as the menus in these stands consist of burgers, chicken tenders and hot dogs. All the expected snacks can be found here as well (french fries, nachos, pretzels, cotton candy, peanuts, etc.). There’s a good selection of beverages here, from hot beverages for those cold early-season nights, to a complete selection of sodas and beers.   Where Bruno Stadium shines is in the myriad small stands and food carts that line the concourse down both foul lines. Hungry ValleyCat fans will find anything they may need at these stands and carts, from coal-fired personal pizzas to your choice of traditional soft-serve or Mini-Melt ice cream. Vamos Tacos serves up a variety of Mexican favorites, from empanadas to burritos and tacos, to batting helmets filled with nachos.   Buddy’s Grill far down the right field line grills up sausage and pepper sandwiches, ½ pound burgers, bratwurst and salt potatoes. Down the left field line, Rowdy’s at the Joe and the Sam Adams Corner serve up drinks and snacks with dedicated tables and bar rails overlooking the field.   Coca-Cola products are featured at Bruno Stadium. Fans looking for an adult beverage will have no problem finding what they need at any stand in the ballpark. Check out the Taste of New York stand for wine or Vamos Tacos for margaritas. Fans of craft beer will undoubtedly head towards Brown’s Brewing, where a variety of locally brewed beers are sold, including the ValleyCats specialty beer, ValleyCats Pale Ale.   Atmosphere 4   As is the case with most minor league baseball teams, the staff of the ValleyCats do their best to fill the empty spaces in a ballgame with noise and activity to keep the casual and younger fans in attendance interested. The team holds a lot of the usual between innings games and contests, including dress like a ValleyCat, the pizza toss and more. Fans looking for swag can check out the information booth right by the entrance or the well-stocked team store.   Southpaw, the team’s mascot, roams the ballpark interacting with fans and taking part in the promotions. The sound system is good, and the emcee and PA announcer work in tandem to keep the action moving. There’s a well-stocked kids play area down the left field line for those younger fans needing to burn some energy. One drawback is the constant hum coming from the generator plant located just beyond the left-centerfield fence. It can be quite loud and distracting at times.   Neighborhood 3   Hudson Valley Community College is located in a mixed-use neighborhood on the outskirts of Troy, NY. Fans who haven’t visited Bruno Stadium in a while will notice a lot of new development in recent years.   Directly across the street from campus is a small strip mall containing a few eateries and small shops. A few chain restaurants, including a Chili’s, a Denny’s, a Cracker Barrel and an Applebee’s, are located near I-90. Fans looking to stay near campus will find a Residence Inn, Holiday Inn Express and Suites, and a College Suites nearby.   Fans looking for a bit more local flavor can head to downtown Troy, located a ten-minute drive away, or downtown Albany, a 12-minute drive away. Visiting fans looking to complete the Capital District trifecta will have to take a half hour drive to reach downtown Schenectady.   Fans 4   In 2024, the ValleyCats set a high-water mark for attendance since joining the Frontier League, drawing over 3,000 fans per game. This ranked the team third in the circuit. The strong numbers have continued thus far in 2025. The 3,000 fan milestone is an important one, as it has been identified by team ownership as necessary to ensure the viability of the franchise. However impressive this figure may be, it still lags a bit behind what the ValleyCats drew during their affiliated days. In 2019, the team’s last season in the New York-Penn League, the ValleyCats averaged 3,800 fans per game.   A crowd in Tri-City will look very familiar to fans who attend minor league baseball games regularly. There’s a good mix of dedicated die-hard fans, fans with a personal connection with the team (family members, host families), groups and families enjoying an affordable night of entertainment at the ballpark. There’s a good buzz going on in The Joe, and fans are into the action.   Access 4   Bruno Stadium is located on the eastern edge of the Hudson Valley Community College campus in Troy, NY. The campus, located on the southern edge of the city in a neighborhood with a suburban feel, is easily accessible if driving, as it is located near the intersection of Interstates 90 and 787. Once on campus, fans can arrive at the ballpark via either the North Drive or South Drive entrance. Bruno Stadium is located at the far end of the campus at the top of the hill, just be aware of the speed dips as you navigate campus roads. Fans taking public transportation can take the Capital District Transit Authority’s  85 or 224 buses to campus.   Fans can park in one of several lots located adjacent to the ballpark. The lots closest to the park are reserved for season ticket holders. The entry plaza to The Joe contains the ticket offices and team store. Fans will enter the ballpark directly onto the main concourse behind home plate. This concourse stretches from deep left field around to deep right field. Due to the presence of numerous portable carts and extra stands throughout Bruno Stadium, getting around the ballpark can be difficult at times.   Since The Joe is a fairly large ballpark, fans will have many choices for where to take in the action, including a pair of berms on either end of the seating bowl, bar seating at certain points, and group areas. The park is still intimate enough that all seats have good views of the action. A pair of restrooms are located by the main entrance to the ballpark. They are on the smaller side, but are large enough for the typical ValleyCats crowd.   Return on Investment 5   Tickets for ValleyCat games start at just $8 for berm seats, with prices maxing out at $14 for premium box seats. Waiting until the day of the game to get your tickets will increase the price by two dollars.   Parking is free in the lots adjacent to the ballpark. With affordable concessions prices, a ValleyCats game is a very affordable entertainment option for Capital District baseball fans.   Extras 2   As you enter Bruno Stadium, you will be greeted by a mural listing all the players who played in Tri-City and made it to the Major Leagues. The team is proud to share that 116 players made it from The Joe to The Show. Homer’s Bar, located just inside the entrance to the ballpark, features a great view of the game from behind home plate and a mural displaying all the ValleyCats’ championships.   Final Thoughts   Even though The Joe was a victim of Minor League Baseball’s downsizing, it remains a solid facility, and an excellent addition to the growing Frontier League. Here’s hoping that Capital District baseball fans realize that the ValleyCats remain as entertaining as ever, and that the baseball played on the field might actually be better than what they saw in their affiliated days.   Follow Paul Baker’s stadium journeys on Twitter  and Instagram  @PuckmanRI.

Photos by Marc Viquez, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.86 Jack Ruhr Field 14221 240th St E Miesville, MN 55033 Miesville Mudhens website Jack Ruhr Field website Year Opened: 1961 Capacity: 600 Minnesota's Field of Dreams Take one look at Jack Ruhr Field and it all begins to seep in; the small ballpark located off a state road in tiny Miesville, Minnesota, is just off the beaten path, but close enough to the Twin Cities for a quick visit for any ballpark traveler. It’s the one town ballpark that everyone seems to mention as their favorite, even author Todd Mueller described it as the ‘ground zero for Minnesota baseball” in his book Town Ballparks of Baseball. Miesville has a population of 126 people and a history of baseball dating back to the 1920s when amateur games were played on farmland pastors around town. The current ballpark was constructed in 1961 after the league stipulated the town would lose its ball club if a new stadium was not constructed. A total of 25 local businessmen put up $100 to build a new stadium on five acres of land. What may be the most impressive part of Jack Ruhr Field is that everything from field manicuring, ballpark improvements, concession items, and routine maintenance are handled by a group of dedicated volunteers who rent the ballpark from the city. It costs $40,000 to $50,000 to operate the club and a bulk of that money comes from its annual banquet dinner and a bowling tournament that is held the weekend before the Super Bowl. However, the group has found a myriad of ways to improve the ballpark throughout the years. A recent event that attracted 1,200 customers to “The Jack” was a St Paul Saints barnstorming exhibition. The event helped pay to improve the flooring near the main entrance and concession area. Lights were added to the field in 1994 after being transported 174 miles away from the southwestern part of the state for a price of $15,000. A few years ago, a $25,000 twenty-two-foot scoreboard was erected due to a sponsorship from a nearby Treasure Island Resort & Casino. The Mudhens have captured seven Class B State Championships and have made 26 playoff appearances in the State Amateur Baseball Tournament. The president of the club for the first five state championships was Jack Ruhr, who was also instrumental in the construction and maintenance of the field. In 1990, the stadium was renamed in his honor and a plaque near the concession stands is a reminder of his legacy. Food & Beverage 4 The small concession stand offers cheap prices and the best brats in all of baseball. The smoked brats are specially made for the ball club by Greg’s Meats in nearby Hampton, Minnesota, and cannot be found anywhere else. They are finely ground and seasoned a bit differently than your normal brat. After one bite, it would be hard not to order another one before you leave for the night. The ballpark also has award-winning hot dogs, also made by Greg’s, that are grilled up to perfection. They are locally made and have a natural casing and make a perfect snap when you bite into them. There are also dollar bags of fresh popcorn that some say is the best of the town ballparks. The best part is that the prices are inexpensive with brats selling for $4, hot dogs for $3, hamburgers for $4, nachos for $3, and candy and Coca-Cola products for a buck. There are also six different cans of beers and Mike’s Hard Lemonade on sale for $3. The ever-popular Michelob Golden Light is among the most popular beer choice. Atmosphere 4 The 600-capacity ballpark offers covered grandstand seating behind home plate, open-air bleacher seating down the first base line, and one row of stadium seating between both dugouts. The right field and left field lines offer grass seating, except for a picnic area down the left field line. The outfield walls are decorated with local advertisements with corn fields in the back of the right, adding a “Field of Dreams” quality to the ballpark. St. Joseph’s Catholic Cemetery lies east of the stadium’s parking lot and Miesville Fire Station on the opposite side. The dirt parking lot offers enough parking space for cars and includes a championship placard of the club’s championships on the way to the entrance of the field. The concession stand is a popular spot located behind the Mudhens dugout; the small space offers a selection of food and it’s hard not to leave full from the tastiness of the brats, popcorn, and beer. There is also an area for team shirts and caps to the right of the area where there is also a memorial plaque to Jack Ruhr. The press box features at times radio broadcasts for both home and visitors, especially if the rival Red Wing Aces are in town for a game. They usually bring in a crowd from just 15 miles down the road. There is also no love lost between these two foes; it’s a storied rivalry. The crowd is friendly, easy-going, and will conjure up a few conversations about baseball with an out-of-town ballpark hunter like myself. When you settle into a game with a beer and brat in hand and find yourself a seat underneath the grandstand, there is not much different than being at a college or professional baseball venue. Neighborhood 3 Miesville is a town of 126 people, but there are two iconic restaurants near the ballpark. Kings Bar & Grill is among the top burger destinations in Minnesota and features well over 75 different types of burgers from the Bat Girl (peanut butter and jelly), Sacrifice (corn beef, sliced ham, bacon, cheddar, and sour cream), and the Pick Off (shredded pork, barbecue sauce, coleslaw, and gouda cheese). It is also a great place for beer and cocktails and an ideal hang-out destination before or after the ballgame. Wiederholt’s Supper Club is under the fourth generation of ownership and just as close to the ballpark. A few of its popular entrees include prime rib, steak, lobster tail, baby back ribs, and chicken Kiev. The fish burger walleye is another popular choice. Miesville is also near the river towns of Red Wing and Hastings, both places offer antique shops, small restaurants, breweries, parks, trails, and scenic views of the Mississippi River. Treasure Island Resort & Casino is the second largest hotel in Minnesota offering 788 rooms, The Lagoon water park and Wave Spa, an indoor and outdoor concert hall, a 24-alley bowling alley, an arcade, and a lounge. Fans 5 There was a high percentage of rain during our visit to the ballpark and the weather had canceled the previous game a few days ago, but the covered grandstand was packed with fans for the 2 pm start. Many of them have been coming to games for many years and have stories to tell about the men who have suited up in a Mudhens uniform. To say they are knowledgeable would be an understatement; they know the game and they know it well. Access 4 Jack Ruhr Field is located on Route 61 and is about a 45-minute drive from the Twin Cities. Its location is off the main interstate, but the state roads of Minnesota get you to town rather quickly. Inside the ballpark, it is easy to get around from the grass seating down both outfield lines. Return on Investment 4 The price of a ticket is three dollars, the parking is free of charge in the dirt lot behind the right field corner, and concession prices are all under four dollars. Watching amateur baseball with a dedicated fan base and enjoying great conversations is well worth the price of admission. Extras 3 Jack Ruhr gets a point for cooking the best brats in all of baseball–minor league and major league. Many of the town ballparks offer locally made products, but the taste of these brats is the best in the business. Jack Ruhr gets a second point for the volunteer support who put in an effortless amount of time to ensure the ballpark is well maintained from cutting the grass, lining up the field, stocking the concession stand, and other routine repairs. Their work pays off for the many visitors who take in a game each summer. Jack Ruhr gets a final point for having Kings Bar & Grill just down the street; if you are planning a night out at the game and then burgers afterward–or before–it does not get much better than baseball, burgers, and beers in Miesville. Final Thoughts When I first traveled to Minnesota two years ago to visit town ballparks, Miesville always came up with my discussions with fans at the other ballparks in the state. My interest further peaked with Todd Mueller’s book a few months later. Perhaps, if you had one town ballpark to visit and you were located in the Twin Cities, Miesville might just be your place. .

Photos by Gregory Koch, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.14 Optimist Park 805 Northclift Drive Raleigh, NC 27609 Raleigh Red Oaks website Optimist Park website Baseball Beneath the Red Oaks The Raleigh Red Oaks are a summer collegiate baseball team playing in the Old North State League, which features 24 teams, all but one off which are located in North Carolina. The Red Oaks play their home games at Optimist Park, a city park in Raleigh. Adjacent to the main stadium are several other baseball fields used by youth organizations, as well as a swimming pool, a climbing wall, and more. The Red Oaks were originally known as the Oak City Gliders, but came under new ownership in late 2024 and changed their name to the Raleigh Red Oaks. The team leans heavily into squirrel imagery, as is depicted in their logo. Food & Beverage 3 There is one concession stand located out of a snack shack at Optimist Park down the first base line. It mostly sells snacks such as candy, popcorn and chips, although hot dogs are also available. To drink, you can choose from bottled water, Gatorade, soda, or non-alcoholic beer. Prices are reasonable, with nothing costing more than $5. Fans can also bring their own food and drink, with the exception of alcohol. This score does get brought up a notch by the food promotions the Red Oaks sometimes stage to supplement the menu. This could be anything from bringing in a local food truck to giving out free donuts. Check the Red Oaks' social media for more details. Atmosphere 4 The Red Oaks' baseball field is located in a secluded, woody area of the larger municipal park that, like the baseball field itself, is called Optimist Park. There is wooden, amphitheater style seating on ledges behind home plate, and many fans elect to bring their own chairs and sit at the top or bottom of the seating area as well. Wherever you sit, you will have an excellent view of the action, although not necessarily a comfortable one. You will be watching through a fence rather than netting, but it is not particularly obstructive. A scoreboard in right-centerfield shows the linescore and other basic information. The Red Oaks have several promotions in between innings to keep fans engaged, such as dancing to the Y.M.C.A. song. There are also several promotional nights throughout the year such as 80s Night which offer extra fun, so check the team's social media for more information on when those are planned. Fans are not permitted to keep foul balls, but can return them to the concession stand for a free popsicle. Kids love chasing after balls to claim their prize. Neighborhood 3 Raleigh is a nice enough city, but Optimist Park is located in a residential neighborhood far from most of the action. If you head south along Six Forks Road a few miles towards I-440, you will find that the North Hills area has a lot to offer. From steakhouses to burgers to tacos to sandwich shops, you will find a lot to eat or drink here. It is a few miles from the stadium, but you will likely go through it on your way to and from the ballpark coming on or off the highway. Fans 3 The Raleigh Red Oaks will draw a hundred or so fans for a typical home game, which given the small size of the seating area is a reasonable crowd. The fans can get involved at times, but at other times it will be pretty silent here. The Red Oaks have a loyal but small fan base that is passionate, yet friendly. Since kids under 12 get in for free, you will find a lot of families here, but people of all ages attend from the very young to the very old and everywhere in between. Access 2 Optimist Park is located in a residential neighborhood a few miles off I-440 and several other interstates that serve Raleigh. Follow the signs on Northclift Road to the Red Oaks parking - GPS apps will frequently misdirect you to the wrong area of the park but the signs will get you where you need to be. The lot should not fill up, but if it does, you can park in one of the others. Restrooms are located back by the parking lot, a couple minutes walk from the seating area. They are clean and sufficient for the crowds, but it will take a few minutes to walk there so plan accordingly. Return on Investment 5 Admission to Raleigh Red Oaks games is just $10, with kids under 12 getting in for free. Parking is free and concessions are highly affordable, if limited. Overall, a Raleigh Red Oaks game is an excellent value. Extras 2 Look for the merchandise table selling Red Oaks gear right next to the concession stand down the first base line. A second star for all the friendly and helpful staff. Final Thoughts The Raleigh Red Oaks have made their quaint home at Optimist Park. A visit here is a chance to see a baseball game in a scenic, bucolic, and unique setting at an affordable price. While it may not be as fancy as many other ballparks in the area, Optimist Park is still a great place to spend a warm summer's night watching some baseball.

Photos by Matt Colville, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.57 Trustmark Park 1 Braves Way Pearl, MS 39208 Mississippi Mud Monsters website Trustmark Park website Year Opened: 2005 Capacity: 8,480 Trustmark Park Just Got Muddy In early 2024, it was announced that the Mississippi Braves would be leaving Trustmark Park and relocating to Columbus, GA, ending a two-decade run of Double-A baseball in the Jackson metro area. The announcement left a gaping hole in the hearts of baseball fans in Central Mississippi, and a void at Trustmark Park. Since its opening in 2005, Trustmark Park has given Mississippians a front-row seat to the rise of the Atlanta Braves’ brightest stars. Over the past two decades, fans in small-town Pearl got to watch the likes of Brian McCann, Freddie Freeman, Ronald Acuna, Ozzie Albies, Austin Riley, Max Fried, and Spencer Strider hone their craft on their journey to the show. The stadium became a proving ground for the South’s Baseball Team, the Atlanta Braves, and a cherished part of Mississippi’s sports identity. So, when the Braves announced their departure in 2024, it delivered a gut punch to the Jackson area’s sports scene, a region all too familiar with losing professional baseball. Before the Mississippi Braves there were the Jackson Mets (1975–1990), who packed up for Binghamton, and the Jackson Generals (1991–1999), who moved to Corpus Christi. Each exit left a void, but none of those losses felt quite as personal as losing the M-Braves. But out of the mud on the banks of the Pearl River, something new rose up to take the field. The Mississippi Mud Monsters of the independent Frontier League began play at Trustmark Park in May 2025, stepping in to fill the void left by the departing Mississippi Braves. The new team’s name pays tribute to the legendary catfish that lurk in the rivers and lakes of Central Mississippi, a region that proudly calls itself the “Catfish Capital of the World.” Now, an exciting new brand of baseball has taken over, and Trustmark Park didn’t just fade into silence – it just got a little muddier.   Food and Beverage   3 Trustmark Park features four full-service concession stands on its open-air concourse, meaning you never miss one pitch of the action. Ghoul’s Grill (1st base side) and Frank N’ Stein’s (behind home plate) feature the usual hamburgers, hot dogs, sausage dogs, and nachos with prices all below $10. Creature’s Kitchen, also behind the home plate area, features catfish and shrimp po’ boys for $8, or you can get a basket of catfish and shrimp for $9. Creature’s Kitchen also features a lighted picnic area with tables and umbrellas for you to sit down and eat your grub. Alternatively, on the first base side you can get Huey Magoo’s famous hand breaded chicken tenders – Huey Magoo’s is a new chicken joint started by some Ole Miss students, who call it the Filet Mignon of Chicken; it is also the official chicken of the Mud Monsters.  You can get their tasty tenders and fries on the first base side, but just make sure you dip them in Magoo’s Sauce. There is also the State Farm Bureau Grill, a full-service restaurant in right field, and only open for select games. Pepsi is the official soft drink provider of the Mud Monsters, while for alcohol selections there are plenty including premium and domestic beer. Nearby Southern Prohibition Brewery in Hattiesburg and Lazy Magnolia provide their local beers, offering plenty of their specialties and IPAs. Or if you need more choices, Frank N’ Stein’s has the largest selection of alcohol and beers on draft. One other thing to take note of is the Mud Monsters sell their own brand of hot sauce called “The Drip”. You can purchase a bottle of this hot sauce in the team store – with its Mud Monsters-themed bottle it makes a great collector’s item.   Atmosphere   4 From the moment you arrive at Trustmark Park – now proudly known as “The Swamp” – it’s clear the stadium has fully embraced its new identity. Gone are the tributes to Braves Country; in their place, bold Mud Monsters signage welcomes fans at every turn. The iconic Ronald Acuna mural at the main entrance has been replaced with a massive, eye-catching giant catfish, setting the tone before you even step inside. Throughout the stadium a swamp-inspired theme takes over, with green and black accents painted across the railings, wall pads, concession stands, and even the bathrooms, transforming the ballpark into a true home for Mississippi’s newest team. It’s remarkable to think Trustmark Park is just over 20 years old, considering how well it has aged. From the moment you step inside it’s evident the ballpark was ahead of its time; built during the early wave of modern stadiums that prioritized open-air, wraparound concourses and fan-friendly layouts. The park features two main entrances, one behind home plate and the primary entrance in right field. As you enter through the right field gates, you're immediately greeted by a spacious team store and a lively Fun Zone packed with inflatables. That concourse stretches from right field to left, offering uninterrupted views of the field from nearly every angle – whether you're grabbing a snack, browsing the team store, or watching your kids at the Fun Zone. With a seating capacity of 8,480, Trustmark Park is the second-largest ballpark in the Frontier League, yet its design ensures an intimate feel. All seats sit below ground level, tucked beneath the concourse, giving fans clear sightlines and ensuring there truly isn’t a bad seat in the house. One of Trustmark Park’s most fan-friendly features is its thoughtful design for comfort in the Mississippi heat. Nearly half the seats in the lower bowl benefit from the shade of the press box and the 24 luxury suites above, offering relief from the sun and shelter from the frequent summer downpours. The concourse is fully covered as well, providing protection from the elements throughout the stadium, with the lone exception being the open-air picnic area behind home plate. With dimensions of 335 to left, 402 to center, and 332 to right, Trustmark Park isn’t exactly a hitter’s paradise. The ball tends to stay true with minimal wind interference, making home runs hard to come by. Down the left field line, a shaded picnic pavilion offers table seating with umbrellas and a great view of the enclosed bullpen. Towering above center field is a massive HD videoboard measuring 28 feet by 68 feet – officially the largest in the Frontier League – delivering crystal-clear replays and crowd prompts, while beyond the outfield the backdrop is mostly residential, with a scattering of homes and a quiet road lining the edge of the facility’s view.   Neighborhood   3 Located just three miles east of downtown Jackson, Trustmark Park sits in the Jackson suburb of Pearl, right off Interstate 20. When it opened in 2005 the ballpark was the center of attention in what was once a wooded, undeveloped stretch of land. In the years since, however, the venue helped transform the area into a lively commercial hub, with shops, restaurants, and retail destinations cropping up around it. Directly across the street fans can explore The Outlets of Mississippi, the state’s largest outdoor shopping center featuring over 75 stores. From athletic gear at Nike and Under Armour to fashion finds at Forever 21, Coach, and Marshall’s, there’s something for everyone just steps from the stadium gates. In addition, next door is Bass Pro Shops and a Sam’s Club, while across the street sits Cavender’s Western Wear. And if you can't get enough Huey Magoo's inside Trustmark Park, there is another of their locations just across the street. You can also take the service road from Trustmark Park over to Exit 48 at Bierdeman Road; while most of the options there are familiar chains like Cracker Barrel and Waffle House, Frisco Deli is a family-run spot known for its hearty sandwiches and laid-back atmosphere. For nearby nightlife, your best option in the neighborhood is Alumni House, a relaxed bar inside the Holiday Inn next to Bass Pro Shop, great for unwinding with a drink after the game. Just steps away, Bass Pro itself offers a uniquely themed restaurant and bar, complete with towering fish tanks and large aquariums. There are also plenty of hotels lining the I-20 corridor in Pearl, so you don't have to venture into Jackson to stay overnight. For a livelier nightlife scene, your best bet is to head about 15 minutes west to Jackson’s Fondren District, known for its eclectic bars, live music, and artsy vibe. Also, while you're in the area don’t miss the chance to explore some of Jackson’s historic landmarks, including the old and new Capitol buildings and the Mississippi Sports Hall of Fame. And of course, if you're heading to a Mud Monsters game, make time to sample some of the best catfish Central Mississippi has to offer. Around the Jackson area local favorites include Harvey’s Fish House in nearby Brandon, Jerry’s Catfish House in Florence (you’ll recognize it by the giant igloo-shaped dome), and Cock of the Walk up at the Reservoir, known for its riverfront views. Or, do you want a true hidden gem? If so head about 30 minutes south to Mendenhall and track down Eason’s Catfish House, a no-frills, hole-in-the-wall spot – just remember the deeper into the woods you get, and the more run-down and rustic it looks, the better the catfish they serve.   Fans   4 Despite attendance slipping in the final years of the Mississippi Braves’ run in the Southern League, a loyal core of diehard fans still showed up night after night. Baseball has always had a strong pulse in Mississippi, and the departure of the M-Braves left a hole many thought couldn’t be filled. But then came the Mississippi Mud Monsters; in their debut season the Monsters have taken the field – and the community – by storm, drawing about 2,000 fans per game and proving there’s still plenty of life at Trustmark Park. Freed from the constraints of being a Braves affiliate, the Mud Monsters have carved out a unique identity of their own. With more creative freedom than a typical minor league club, they’ve embraced quirky, fan-friendly promotions that keep things fresh every night. Their mascot – a giant, lovable catfish named simply “Fish” – has become a fan favorite, constantly roaming the concourse and stirring up excitement during on-field contests. Also, in true off-the-wall Mud Monsters fashion, there’s even a pickleball court set up on the concourse, and fans can grab custom paddles from the team store to squeeze in a quick match while catching the game. The Mud Monsters have fully embraced their fishy identity, with plenty of catfish-themed contests between innings and throughout the concourse. Nearly every Saturday home game features a giveaway; at the most recent one fans received fishing bucket hats, personally handed out by a few of the players themselves. It’s also not uncommon to see players mingling with fans on the concourse, signing autographs, snapping photos, or even grabbing a bite at the concession stand. It all adds up to a charming, small-town baseball atmosphere, something that was often missing during the M-Braves era. So far, the Mud Monsters have been a home run with fans, and there’s hope this new independent team becomes a long-term staple in the Magnolia State.   Access   4 Getting to Trustmark Park is a breeze – if you’re coming from out of town, your best routes are I-20 or Highway 49. The ballpark sits just off the I-20/Highway 49 interchange at Exit 48 in Pearl. As you're driving along the interstate, you’ll spot the stadium nestled next to the giant Bass Pro Shop and the Outlets of Mississippi, right before the I-55 exit into Jackson. Once you take Exit 48, head north on Highway 49 for about half a mile. Then, hop onto Highway 80 and take the first right onto Bass Pro Drive. From there, Trustmark Park will come into view just ahead. Parking is very simple; the ballpark is surrounded by a massive lot with plenty of space, so finding a spot is rarely an issue. Parking is free here as well, which is always a plus. Once inside, the layout is spacious and fan-friendly. The wide concourse allows for easy movement without crowding, and there are drink rails and standing room areas throughout where you won’t block anyone’s view of the field. Even with a few concession stands closed during certain games, lines tend to move quickly and the staff keeps everything clean and organized.   Return on Investment   3 Tickets are easy to come by here, as Mud Monsters games rarely ever sell out. Sigle game tickets can be found for as low as $12 to sit on the outfield berm and in the general admission section, or up to $16 to sit in chairback seats behind home plate, extending to the first and third base dugouts. There are also 3 pavilions available to rent – the first and third base party decks and the picnic pavilion down in left field. I consider this a good return on investment – when the M-Braves left we didn’t know if baseball would continue at Trustmark Park, so just being able to still see baseball here is a plus. The small town feel and fun, fish-themed atmosphere is definitely something that wasn’t evident before.   Extras   4 Being able to play pickleball during Mud Monsters games is a plus; as far as I know this is the only minor league ballpark in the country with a pickleball court on the concourse. Also, if you’re looking to explore a slice of Jackson’s professional baseball past, a visit to the Mississippi Sports Hall of Fame – just five miles up the road – is well worth your time. It’s a must-stop for any sports fan and makes for a perfect pregame detour before heading to a Mud Monsters game. Inside you’ll find a dedicated exhibit on minor league baseball in Mississippi, featuring historic items like the original front office desk and chair used by J. Con Maloney, longtime owner of the Jackson Mets from 1975 to 1990. The museum also showcases vintage jerseys, trophies, and memorabilia from teams like the J. Mets, Jackson Generals, Mississippi Braves, and other clubs that have called the Jackson area home. One of the most anticipated events at Trustmark Park is the annual Governor’s Game between Ole Miss  and Mississippi State , a rivalry clash that always draws a packed house. Southern Miss  also typically makes an appearance each season, and tickets for any of these marquee college games tend to sell fast, as well as at a premium. In addition to hosting high-profile showdowns, Trustmark Park has been the home field for the Belhaven Blazers  baseball program since 2022; Belhaven University, a small NCAA Division III school, is located in downtown Jackson. And of course, another plus for all the past Braves players who have come through Trustmark Park on the way to the show. Over the years, fans in Pearl got a front-row seat to watch the rise of Braves greats like Ronald Acuna, Freddie Freeman, Ozzie Albies, Austin Riley, Max Fried, and Spencer Strider, and the Mud Monsters are definitely continuing the legacy left behind by the M-Braves.

The stars will be in alignment in the Atlanta area from July 12-15 as Truist Park will host the 2025 MLB All Star Week. The celebration gets underway on Saturday, July 12, with the All-Star Futures Game at 4pm in Truist Park. The two teams will feature some of the top high school and college baseball prospects with former Braves legend Andruw Jones and Hall of Famer Chipper Jones leading the two squads. The Futures game will be followed by  the Legends Celebrity Softball Game. Sunday, July 13 is set aside for the Gatorade All-Star Workout Day. Fans will have the opportunity to watch batting and fielding practice as both the American  and National League All-Star squads prepare for both the All-Star Game and the always exciting T-Mobile Home Run Derby. Monday, July 14 at 8pm will find a full house at Truist Park, as individual players will go through head-to-head competition to see who can hit the most home runs, as well as the longest home runs, Fans should bring their gloves, as balls will surely be flying out of the park on a regular basis that evening. The headline event, the 2025 MLB All Star Game, gets underway at 8pm in Truist Park. This will be the 95th edition of the Midsummer Classic, and the third to be played in Atlanta. The previous games in Atlanta took place at Atlanta-Fulton County Stadium and Turner Field. This year’s All-Star Week has one additional game scheduled as a pre-event. Atlanta is home to several HBCU’s (Historically Black Colleges and Universities), as well as being the hometown of Reverend Martin Luther King, Jr. The HBCU Swingman Classic will be held on Friday, July 11at 7pm in Truist Park. The game will pit top players from the both the SWAC AND MEAC athletic conferences against each other. The event will also feature a Divine Nine Step Show, as well as musical performances from two HBCU bands. All Star Weekend also features the Capital One All-Star Village at the Cobb Galleria Centre. The Galleria Centre is linked to Truist Park and the Battery Atlanta by a pedestrian bridge over I-285. The All-Star Village will feature dozens of interactive baseball activities, including batting cages as well as several skills-based competitions. Many MLB alumni will be on hand to sign autographs, pose for photos and to lead clinics for the kids. Mascots from most of the MLB teams will be in attendance to entertain the crowds as well. The All-Star Village will be a one stop shopping opportunity for all sorts of baseball memorabilia. Several ballpark food vendors will have stands set up in the Village to take care of fans appetites. The All-Star Village will be open from 10am-8pm on Saturday and Sunday, and 10am-6pm on Monday and Tuesday. Fans will also want to visit the stores, shops, restaurants and entertainment sites located in the Battery Atlanta, which is located just outside of the gates for Truist Park. This is a baseball-themed mixed-use facility with great food, nightlife and unique shopping opportunities that is open throughout the year. The Nike MLB Draft will take place in the Battery Atlanta on July 13. Tickets and other information about the 2025 All Star Weekend are available at www.mlb.com/all-star-week . Photos by Lloyd Brown and David Welch, Stadium Journey

Photos by David Welch, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.86 Tommy Baker Field 930 Marietta Highway Canton, GA 30114 Georgia Impact website Year Opened: 1957 Capacity: 4,000 Paint the Town Pink Georgia Impact is a soccer club based in Cherokee County, Georgia, fielding both boys’ and girls’ teams at the select, elite, and academy levels. The club joined the Women’s Premier Soccer League (WPSL) as part of its 2023 expansion, marking the return of the league to Georgia following Peachtree City MOBA’s departure in 2021. The WPSL is a summer semi-professional women’s soccer league with players comprised mostly of collegiate players or recent college graduates. Georgia Impact plays its home matches at Tommy Baker Field, located on the campus of Cherokee High School. The field was built in 1956 when the school opened and was dedicated in 1958 to Tommy Baker, a student who had been stricken with polio and tragically passed away after a wheelchair accident at the school. The club has a partnership with Rangers Football Club of Scotland, which provides training support through visits from Rangers Academy staff who work directly with Georgia Impact coaches and players.   Food & Beverage   3 A traditional high school concession stand is located beneath the main stands on the home side of the field, offering standard fare, hot dogs, pizza slices, chips, candy, canned Coca-Cola products, Powerade, and bottled water. As the stadium is located on public school grounds, alcohol is not served. A tent on the concourse also serves hand-grilled tacos and quesadillas. For something sweet, cups of watermelon with Tajín and Chamoy are available. In addition, the Kona Ice truck, with its endless flavors of shaved ice, is a hit with kids, especially as the match winds down.   Atmosphere   3 Tommy Baker Field is a standard high school football facility that is used for multiple sports. The turf is lined for football, soccer, and lacrosse. This does create a busyness to the pitch, but is rather standard for most high school facilities. With field houses at each end of the field, it gives the stadium a rather cozy feel. The nearside touchline is very close to the elevated seating area, creating obstructed views of plays along the sideline. Because of this, sitting either in the front row of the lower section of seating, or as high up as possible, will allow you to see action close to the stands. The stadium has just one scoreboard that is used to show match time and score, which is topped with a modest-sized videoboard that plays a live feed of the game, though that screen can be hard to follow the action on. The match presentation follows basic soccer customs, including kids walking out onto the pitch with the players for pre-match introductions. Half time of the match features skills competitions from Impact’s younger teams, as other members of the program fire t-shirts into the stands with their t-shirt cannon.   Neighborhood   3 Tommy Baker Field is on the campus of Cherokee High School. The field seems a bit out of sight directly behind the school’s basketball gymnasium. Cherokee High School is on Marietta Highway, the main thoroughfare through Canton. Dining along this route includes typical national and regional chains, but one location of interest might be Williamson Bros. Bar-B-Q, one of Atlanta’s highly regarded barbecue spots. For more of a small-town vibe, downtown Canton is a five-minute drive from the stadium, with local coffee shops, boutiques, and restaurants. The Mill on Etowah, a 120-year-old cotton mill once owned by golf legend Bobby Jones’ grandfather, has been converted into a lively community space with green space, a stage and visual screen, Reformation Brewery, and retail spaces. Beyond this area, Canton offers fewer attractions for visitors, but The Mill provides a vibrant local feel.   Fans   2 (Note: This latest review was conducted during a significant rainstorm, which likely affected attendance.) There is no formal supporters’ group here, though younger players in the Georgia Impact system take on that role in spirit, banging on snare drums and occasionally setting off smoke bombs. However, this support is not sustained enough to strongly shape the match day atmosphere. For the most part, the fans at Tommy Baker Field appear to be family members of players, or the families of players in Georgia Impact’s pipeline. The team doesn’t seem to have been able to tap into the community much as of yet, though this does not necessarily lessen enjoyment of the contest.   Access   3 Cherokee High School is accessible via Interstate 575 from Atlanta, or from Highway 515 north of Canton. Traffic coming from the north is rather inconsequential, but if coming from the south, 575 can be a patience tester due to the influx of rush hour traffic during the evening commute to the suburbs. If using GPS to navigate to Tommy Baker Field, the directions likely lead to the less convenient parking lot. Instead, using the entry point at the traffic light and parking next to the gymnasium leaves the easiest access to the stadium. Inside the stadium, a walkway runs behind the home bleachers, connecting both ends. The field-level concourse divides the upper and lower seating sections. While the away side bleachers behind the benches are accessible, most fans sit on the home side.   Return on Investment   4 Tickets purchased online are reasonably priced and in line with other WPSL teams. After fees, general admission runs just under $11, with free entry for children. Parking is also free, making it a very budget-friendly family outing. Concession prices are what would be expected at a high school concession stand, e.g. $3 for pizza or a hot dog. The grilled tacos and quesadillas cost more, but offer good quality and value.   Extras   2 Following the match, the team throws miniature signed soccer balls into the stands. Though this seems like a small gesture, it goes along way in creating excitement with the younger fans in attendance. Georgia Impact has done well to try to ingrain itself locally; the team has hosted club bonding events and watch parties for the community at Reformation Brewery at The Mill on Etowah.   Final Thoughts Among the Georgia-based teams in the WPSL’s Peachtree Division, Georgia Impact appears to have a strong foundation and a clear vision for growth. Its women’s team plays an important role in advancing the professional pathway for female players in the region. With Cherokee High School preparing to relocate and the current campus transitioning to a career academy, it remains to be seen whether Tommy Baker Field will continue to serve as home to the Georgia Impact. Regardless, the club seems well-positioned for continued development and deeper community engagement as it continues to grow.

Photos by David Welch, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.57 Finley Stadium 1826 Reggie White Blvd Chattanooga, TN 37402 Chattanooga FC Women website Finley Stadium website Year Opened: 1997 Capacity: 20, 421 One City, One Club, One Love Chattanooga FC (CFC) was founded in 2009 as a men’s soccer team, but has since grown into a multi-team club. Along with its men’s squad , CFC launched a women’s summer semi-pro team in 2014, competing in the Women’s Premier Soccer League (WPSL). After going on hiatus following the 2018 season during a club reorganization, the women’s team returned in 2022 and continues to compete today. The club will also debut a developmental team, Chattanooga FC 2, in the fall of 2025. CFC Women plays in the Peachtree Division of the WPSL and are the only team in the five-club division located outside of Georgia. Founded in 1998, the WPSL is the longest-running active women’s soccer league in the country and, with 140 teams as of 2025, the largest.   Food & Beverage   3 Only one concession stand is open during CFC Women matches, but the menu covers the basics well; burgers, hot dogs, and fries headline the options. Beverages come from the Coca-Cola line of soft drinks and include Powerade and bottled water. Saturday matches may see a greater variety of food, depending on expected attendance. Beer choices include Miller Light in cans or Michelob Ultra on draft. Those with a more adventurous palate might be more interested in the Tiny Bomb, or the Hutton & Smith Tectonic Sessions and Ingenous IPAs on tap. High Noon seltzers are also offered for those who prefer something lighter.   Atmosphere   3 Finley Stadium has a split-seating design with individual seating structures along both sidelines. For Chattanooga FC women’s matches, only select sections of the south stands are used, which does a good job concentrating fans into a central location in the stadium, toward midfield and close to the pitch. When considering ideal seats, there is little in the way of a bad seat. Weekday matches seem to have limited seating, but when looking at ticket availability for Saturday matches, those seem to allow access to the grassy berm at the east end of the stadium; this makes sense for a stadium the size of Finley given typical crowd sizes. Chattanooga FC has done well to make the stadium their own, with branded signage, crest-covered padding, and kiosks promoting both the men’s  and women’s teams. UT-Chattanooga , who also use the stadium, has minimal branding during pro match days. The stadium has two scoreboards, one at field level showing basic time and score information, as well as a large video board at the east end with a live match feed and score shown. The nature of soccer does not create a lot of downtime during the match that would typically be filled with fan interaction pieces, but the drums, horns, and chants from the Chattahooligans, Chattanooga FC’s supporter group, creates an engaging atmosphere for all, even if you are not seated in their section. Also, in line with the area’s railroad history, goals are celebrated with a blast of the stadium’s train horn. This adds a small, but personalized, touch to the experience at Finley Stadium.   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 it sits along the Tennessee River, West Village was once more of an industrial area with warehouses and foundries, but has now begun to develop into one of the up-and-coming parts of town. For example, First Horizon Pavilion was the one-time Ross-Meehan Foundry, which has now been converted to an open-air events space that typically sees weekend events. Just next door is Naked River Brewing Company, the unofficial pre-match gathering spot for the march down Reggie White Boulevard to the soccer stadium, while to the east is Southside Social, an “eat, drink, play” establishment with bowling and over half a dozen other games. Soon, 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 complement the extensive entertainment choices that downtown Chattanooga already has to offer. Downtown Chattanooga is less than five minutes away and is often regarded as one of the top downtown areas in the United States. Attractions there include the Tennessee Riverwalk and Tennessee Aquarium, as well as Coolidge Park with 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 several museums, including the International Towing and Recovery Museum and Hunter Museum of American Art. 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, or Point Park, all offering stunning views of the city.   Fans   3 Fan turnout for CFC Women matches seems to draw roughly between 1,000 to 1,500 fans, and they tend to be actively engaged from kickoff to the final whistle. However, what is so special about the fan involvement here is the role the supporters' group, the Chattahooligans, play in setting a fun soccer atmosphere throughout Finley Stadium. With a club like Chattanooga FC who has teams that play in various leagues, including MLS Pro Next  and WPSL, as well as a team now that will compete in the United Premier Soccer League starting in the fall of 2025, the Chattahooligans come out to support not just one team, but the entire club, even on the road. Chattanooga FC is a publicly owned organization; this seems to create a deep tie between the fans and the club.   Access   4 Finley Stadium is conveniently located just off I-24, which runs south of downtown Chattanooga. 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. For CFC Women matches the only entry point is the gates on 19th Street, closest to Reggie White Boulevard. Fans pass quickly through these gates with little to no wait time. Inside the stadium, access to the stands is a bit restricted, however, since fans are concentrated toward the center of the field, roughly from the 18-yard boxes on each end. While it can be a good place for younger fans to be able to run around a bit, the berm at the east side of the stadium is typically not accessible. Ticket availability for Saturday matches might change this, though, so make sure to check availability ahead of time for potential additional seating options. Despite not being able to access the entire stadium, access to the seats that are available is simple; they are easy to get in and out of. The only drawback is the pitch is not visible from the concourse.   Return on Investment   4 General admission tickets run just under $13, and reserved seats at midfield just over $16. If available, berm seating costs less than $10. When purchasing tickets, all prices include taxes and fees. Parking in the lots around Finley Stadium can run $6 to $8, depending on whether it is a weekday or weekend match; Friday games have weekend rates. There is some street parking in the area that is free after 6 pm, so getting to the stadium early can be rewarded with free street parking. Concessions here are well priced and not subject to super-inflated stadium prices.   Extras   3 Flags representing each of the nationalities of the CFC players fly along the side of the supporters’ section. After the match, the entire team rushes to the supporters’ section to celebrate and show their appreciation. Gestures like these go a long way in strengthening the bond between the team and the community, fueling the passion that drives every moment on the field. Chattanooga FC is in the process 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 Chattanooga FC’s WPSL team embodies the spirit of a grassroots organization, strengthened by the unwavering support of the community. Despite the challenges of creating an intimate matchday atmosphere in a large stadium, the club succeeds through its deep local roots and authentic connection with fans. The energy and passion of the Chattahooligans also plays a vital role – turning every game into more than just a sporting event, the supporter’s group becomes a reflection of the community’s pride in the Blue.

Photos by Gregory Koch, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.43 Durham County Memorial Stadium 750 Stadium Drive Durham, NC 27704 Tobacco Road FC website Durham County Memorial Stadium website Year Opened: 1958 Capacity: 8,500 Soccer on Tobacco Road Tobacco Road FC, based in Durham, North Carolina, competes in USL League Two, the fourth tier of soccer in the United States. USL League Two is primarily an amateur and semi-professional league featuring players 23 or younger, and most players are college-age or have recently exhausted their college eligibility and are hoping to receive a professional contract. Tobacco Road FC plays their home games at Durham County Memorial Stadium, an 8,500 seat facility that opened back in 1958 and was renovated in 2010. The stadium also hosts several other local high school and college teams, including Shaw College football , who plays their home games here despite being located in neighboring Wake County. Food & Beverage 2 There are several concession windows at Durham County Memorial Stadium, although only one was open when we visited and it closed at halftime. This stand served a pretty basic menu consisting of candy, popcorn, hot dogs, cookies, soft drinks, and bottled water. The cookies are called "Frisbee cookies", have sprinkles, and are quite large. Prices are reasonable with nothing being more than $5. Both cash and card are accepted but there is a $1 processing fee for using a card. There was also a sign on the concourse directing fans to a stand that supposedly sold fried Oreos, but no such stand existed in the direction the arrow was pointing. There was a tub containing soda bottles underneath the sign that someone could theoretically take and drink for free, although we don't recommend this as they had been sitting out in the Carolina heat for quite some time and were probably gross. Atmosphere 2 There are large sets of bleachers on each side of Durham County Memorial Stadium, although only one side is open for Tobacco Road FC games. With only a couple hundred fans in attendance for a typical home game, even this one set of bleachers is far too large, with the crowds spread out over a great distance. The setup is typical of a stadium from the 1950s in that it is a mix of concrete and metal. While this is a throwback to another era of stadiums, it was not an era known for having the best stadium designs. A running track surrounds the field, so even the front rows are not particularly close. They are also elevated, which is not a bad thing given the viewing angles. Since Durham County Memorial Stadium, hosts many different sports, there are a lot of different lines on the field. Just remember that soccer is the yellow ones and ignore the others. The field is oriented east-to-west rather than north-to-south like most other soccer stadiums. This means that the sun sets behind the goal on the left as you face the field and there will be no shade anywhere in the bleachers in the evenings until the sun sets. The sun will also be in your eyes as you look towards that goal, so bring wear a hat and sunglasses. It does provide some pretty spectacular views of sunsets though. There is not a whole lot going on here other than the game itself. Fans sitting up close will be able to hear the coaches at the nearby benches shouting at the players and referees and everything that is going on on the field. A scoreboard behind the goal to the right of the bleachers shows only the clock and team scores, although it pretty large for this level and seems capable of showing more elaborate things if they wanted it to. Neighborhood 3 Although Durham is a fine city, Durham County Memorial Stadium is located on the northern fringes of it, far from Downtown and the heart of the action. Duke University Hospital is right next door, but there is not much in the vicinity that you would actually want to visit. There are some chain places on nearby Roxbury Street, as well as Koumi Japanese Restaurant, but we recommend driving about ten minutes south to Downtown Durham where you will find many more options. Downtown is a fantastic area, but the fact that is so far away from the stadium with not much in between means the rating here is purely average. Fans 2 Tobacco Road FC drew a couple hundred fans for the game we attended, spread out throughout the giant set of bleachers. This is far from ideal, and those fans who did attend were mostly silent throughout the match. There was one kid in attendance blowing a noisemaker and squeezing a squeaky toy to cheer on her team, but other than that, it was very quiet. Part of this is that the layout of the stadium is just not conducive for good crowds, but even taking that into account, the crowd atmosphere here is not good. If Tobacco Road does start to draw crowds, there are plenty of seats to put them in here, but right now they are not. Access 4 Durham, North Carolina is easily accessible via I-85, I-885, and I-40, with Durham County Memorial Stadium located on the northern edge of the city. A large parking lot is available on the south side of the stadium. It is half-gravel, half-paved, but the paved part never fills up so you shouldn't have to drive on the gravel. There is a giant pothole in part of the lot that is roped off, preventing fans from getting through that part of the aisle, but you should be able to go around. Although there appear to be several gates to the stadium, most of them are actually exit only. You will enter on the left end by what are signed as ticket booths, although you actually buy your ticket at a table in the stadium itself if you did not buy it online beforehand (more on that in the next section.) There are several restrooms in the stadium which are more than sufficient for the crowds Tobacco Road FC draws. If they ever come close to selling out the stadium, the restroom capacity might pose a problem, but they do not have to worry about that right now. Return on Investment 4 Tickets to Tobacco Road FC games are just $10, an excellent deal. You can buy online in advance, but the single game ticket will not list any particular home game. Just show the receipt at the table as you come in and they will let you pass. Concessions are very affordable as well, if limited, and parking is free. A Tobacco Road FC game is an excellent value overall, but there isn't enough here to earn the top score. Extras 0 There are no real extras here unfortunately. Final Thoughts A Tobacco Road FC game isn't the fanciest experience, and Durham County Memorial Stadium is a classic 1950s stadium with little charm, but a visit here can still be a fun way to spend a summer night watching soccer at a low price. The team has potential to do a lot more than they are currently doing, and we hope that they will find opportunities to grow the fan experience here.

Photos by Marc Viquez, Stadium Journey If you fancy yourself in Louisville for the day, leave sometimes for an evening at the races. During June, fans can watch four races, hear live music, and enjoy food specials at Churchill Downs.  Twilight Thursday At The Downs opens at 5 PM and allows visitors the opportunity to walk around the spacious grounds, along with taking in the ambiance of the historic racetrack. The tickets are $10 at the box office, and the parking is free of charge. Eight races take place, and in between fans, can grab a bite to eat at one of the rotating local food trucks in The Paddock. Each week is different, but four trucks are parked near table tops. Along with the trucks, fans can enjoy $2 domestic beers and a selection of cocktails, with many featuring bourbon from Woodford Reserve. Live music is performed on the Paddock stage. Once it is post-time, visitors make their way to the general seating area of the Paddock, where they will place bets as low as 10 cents. The first race starts at 5 PM, and the last starts at 8:23 PM. As the thoroughbreds near the finish line, the roar of several thousand fans spread out in the box seats comes alive with anticipation. Many hope to go home a few dollars richer, but many enjoy the ambiance of the historic racetrack that has been housing horse racing since 1875. In between racing, fans can get an up-close look at the horses near the track. It is not uncommon to pet a few on the head as they make their rounds around the dirt track. Also, don’t hesitate to ask a few locals about the historic venue; they will be more than happy to give you information. The Southern hospitality is on display, and many show up wearing pink and yellow dresses along with large floppy hats. Once it is over, grab a souvenir at the gift shop near the entrance. The large store has a lot to choose from shirts, shot glasses, plaques, glasses, posters, and large floppy hats for men and women. The best part is that traffic moves smoothly out of the parking lot after the event has concluded. Other special events at Churchill Downs during the Spring Meet Events from May 8 to June 28 of this year include Downs After Dark on select Friday nights, Teacher Appreciation Day on June 19, and Stephen Foster Day on June 28.  When you have concluded your tour of the Louisville Slugger Museum, tasted enough bourbon at the Evan Williams Experience, or dined out somewhere in NuLu, head over to Churchill Downs for a nightcap. ------ Follow all of Marc’s stadium journeys on Twitter @ballparkhunter   and his YouTube channel .  Email at Marc.Viquez@stadiumjourney.com

Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.57 Empower Field at Mile High 1701 Bryant St Denver, CO 80204 Denver Broncos website Empower Field at Mile High website Year Opened: 2001 Capacity: 76,125 The Stadium with a Real Altitude The Denver Broncos are one of the most storied franchises in the NFL. They were one of the teams to join the NFL in the NFL-AFL merger and enjoyed great success , winning championships in both leagues. The team is a two-time Super Bowl Champion and appeared in the game on four other occasions. Empower Field at Mile High Stadium has a seating capacity of 75,125. It features 8,200 club level seats and 144 luxury suites. The seating bowl at the stadium is in the shape of a horseshoe in keeping with the team’s equine-based moniker. It features a ribbon board down each of the sidelines and a huge HD scoreboard at the south end of the stadium measuring 220’ X 40’. Open captioning is projected on 4 ribbon boards in each corner of the stadium for those with hearing impairments. Throughout their existence, the team has played in a venue known as Mile High Stadium in recognition of the field’s presence in the Mile High City and its elevation of 5,280 feet above sea level. This has always been an advantage of the home team, as visiting teams often have difficulty acclimating to the altitude and getting winded easily. The first Mile High Stadium was built in 1948 and served the team through 2001. The present facility opened in time for the 2001 season. In the era of corporately tagged stadiums, Mile High Stadium has been known as Invesco Field (2001-2011), Sports Authority Field (2011-2018), Denver Broncos Field (2017-2018) and its present name of Empower Field since the beginning of the 2019 season. The Mile High Stadium portion of the name has been retained throughout all these changes. This review was done prior to the rechristening of the stadium, when it was still Denver Broncos Field at Mile High Stadium. Food & Beverage 3 Mile High Stadium offers a wide variety of food and beverages to suit all tastes. They include nachos ($5), hot dogs ($5), brats ($9), cheesesteaks ($10), burgers ($9), pulled pork sandwiches ($10), pork belly BLT’s ($15), french dip sandwiches ($12), corned beef sandwiches ($15), chicken tenders ($9), pizza ($7.50), tacos ($10) and tamales ($8). Snacks include popcorn ($5), peanuts ($4.75) and pretzels ($5). The stadium offers Coca Cola brand sodas for $5, bottled water for $7.50, domestic beers for $7, premium beers for $9.25 and wine for $7.50. Atmosphere 4 The Broncos begin building a great atmosphere for the fans before you even enter the stadium. The south end of the complex includes the Sports Legend Mall, which is the ground zero for pregame tailgating. It includes space for vendors, a stage for musical entertainment and the Ring of Fame, which includes plaques honoring the elite Broncos of the past. As you move closer to the stadium you will encounter one of the centerpiece art installations at Mile High. The Stampede features seven bronco horses charging up an elevated stream similar to the waters found in the nearby mountains. Another defining feature at Mile High is located at the northern end of the complex. The Mile High Monument is a miniature replica of Mile High Stadium. It includes exhibits highlighting the defining games and outstanding performances that have taken place inside of the stadium. The pregame Fun Fest takes place here with performances by the Stampede Drumline, the Broncos Dance Team and appearances by the Broncos cheerleaders and Miles the Mascot. Once inside the stadium your eyes will be drawn to the top of the video board in the south end zone. You will see a white bronco raising up on its back legs. This is Bucky the Bronco, a fixture of the first Mile High Stadium that has found a new life at the new venue. You will also notice the stadium seating grid is in the shape of a horseshoe in keeping with the team name. The atmosphere reaches its zenith during the pregame introduction of players. The team is led out onto the field by an Arabian gelding named Thunder, who also charges through the end zone after a Broncos score. The crowd reacts to entry of the team with a demonstration of Rolling Thunder, the stomping of the feet on the metal bleachers, which makes the whole stadium shake. Neighborhood 3 Empower Field at Mile High Stadium is in the Sun Valley neighborhood in between downtown Denver and the Rocky Mountains, just west of I-25. This gives fans in the West stands a birds eye view of the downtown Denver skyline and fans in the East stands a view of the beautiful view of the Rocky Mountains as a backdrop to the stadium. Amongst the stadium’s neighbors are the Pepsi Center, home of the NHL’s Colorado Avalanche and the Denver Nuggets of the NBA, Elitch Gardens Amusement Park and the University of Colorado Auraria campus. If the schedule works out, you can often attend a doubleheader of a Broncos game followed by a nightcap of an Avalanche/Nuggets game next door. Fans 5 Denver Bronco fans are amongst the most loyal and loudest fans in the NFL. They have sold out the 76,125-seat stadium for every game since its construction. The waiting list for season tickets presently has 85,000 names on it and has an expected wait time of 10-15 years. The fans show their loyalty by their presence in some of the most frigid conditions this side of Green Bay during the November and December portions of the regular season and the playoffs. The Denver fans are known for their bright orange attire as a show of support for the team (it also shows up very well on TV games when there is a blizzard going on). Their capability of creating noise when needed is known as Rolling Thunder and is created by the fans stomping their feet on the metal flooring of the stadium. This causes the stadium to vibrate. Access 3 The home of the Broncos can be easily accessed via I-25 and taking exit 201-C coming from the north or the south. Once off the freeway, finding parking can be problematic as there are only 7,500 spaces at the stadium itself. These typically are reserved for season ticket holders. An additional 15,000 spaces are available at nearby lots serving the Pepsi Center, the Denver Aquarium and the Aurora Campus. The Denver Rapid Transit District (RTD) light rail system is a very popular option, as its C, E and W lines service the Mile High Stadium Station. The stadium is also one of the few NFL venues that can be accessed via bike. The South Platte Bike Trail runs right by the east side of Mile High Stadium. The stadium has more than 360 bike racks available for fans who choose this mode of transportation. Once at Mile High Stadium, it is important to know your seat location before entering the venue. Because of its horseshoe shape, the stadium does not have a 360 degree concourse. You will also find the main concourse to be somewhat confusing, as you enter at one level, then need to go down a level to reach a majority of the food and beverage stands and the lower level of the stands. Empower Field at Mile High Stadium utilizes the same security precautions as all other NFL stadiums. It is best to travel as light as possible into the stadium, with any belongings in a clear plastic bag. Return on Investment 4 Ticket prices for Broncos games are amongst the highest in the NFL at an average price of $297.This is due to the decades-long record of sellouts over the years. Sometimes tickets can be found in the $40-$50 range when the game features an opponent with a poor record or a non-traditional opponent from another conference. Parking is $30 in the main Broncos parking lot on a first come, first serve basis, while lots at the alternate lots average $15-$20. The best buy travel-wise is to buy a day pass on the RTD light rail for $6. The concessions prices are about average for the NFL, but they do offer a wider menu selection with many regional favorites. Extras 3 The Colorado Sports Hall of Fame is in Mile High Stadium. It salutes athletes who grew up in Colorado or had their sports careers in the state. Membership covers all sports and includes athletes from high school sports all the way up to the professional level. Empower Field at Mile High Stadium hosts a wide variety of non-Broncos events throughout the year. These include the Rocky Mountain Showdown football game between Colorado State University and the University of Colorado, CONCAF Gold Cup soccer contest and the state championship football games for every level of Colorado high school football. It was also the site of then Senator Barack Obama’s acceptance speech after he was named as the Presidential nominee at the 2008 Democratic National Convention. The Bud Light Rooftops are located on the 500 level of both the east and west stands. They offer full bar service and heated high-top tables along with terrific views of both downtown Denver and peaks of the Rocky Mountains Final Thoughts A great team history, great fans, a diverse menu of food and beverage items, along with the natural beauty of the nearby Rocky Mountains makes Empower Field at Mile High Stadium a high priority for anybody’s NFL bucket list. It also makes a great add-on activity for your ski vacation in late fall and early winter. Make sure you arrive early to enjoy the western hospitality and the many pieces of stunning public art that dot the stadium complex.