Photos by Greg Venuto, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.71 Wells Fargo Center 3601 S Broad St Philadelphia, PA 19148 Philadelphia Flyers website Wells Fargo Center website Year Opened: 1996 Capacity: 19,173 A New Era Of Orange in Philadelphia The Philadelphia Flyers, are in the second year of their A New Era of Orange campaign, and fortunes appear to be changing at Wells Fargo Center under veteran coach John Tortorella in his third season.  The Flyers fell just four points short of qualifying for the playoff last year for the first time since 2020 and their fortunes may be changing.  That’s not the only thing changing on Broad Street as the arena’s corporate sponsorship with Wells Fargo comes to an end in August.  The arena has been tied to Wells Fargo and its predecessors since it opened in 1996.  The arena was named Core States Center from 1996-1998, First Union from 1998-2003, Wachovia from 2003-2010, and Wells Fargo since. The team’s resurgence is being led by mainstays Travis Konecny and Sean Couturier. along with young Russian sensation Matvei Michkov and defenseman Travis Sandheim. The Philadelphia Flyers share the building with the NBA Philadelphia 76ers  and the National Lacrosse League Philadelphia Wings. The NBA franchise said it does not intend to stay at the arena beyond the end of its 2031 lease. The multi-purpose indoor arena is located at what is now known as the South Philadelphia Sports Complex, which includes other venues like Citizens Bank Park (Philadelphia Phillies), Lincoln Financial Field (Philadelphia Eagles), and Xfinity Live! The building seats 19,173 for hockey games, making it the 4th largest in the NHL. The arena, which is owned by Comcast Spectacor, which also owns the Flyers, replaced the Flyer's former home The Spectrum which debuted with the team’s NHL entry in 1967. Fans know who the landlord is as they glance upward and on each side are illuminated letters reading “Welcome To Comcast Country”. Food & Beverage 4 Wells Fargo has stepped up its food and beverage game over the past few years. Chickie’s and Pete’s (South Entrance and East Food Hall and 204, 210, 216, and 222 on the upper level) and Shake Shake (Section 116) are among the signature places to eat in the arena. Other choices include AC Subs (Section 110), Buena Onda (Section 112) offers unique varieties of tacos (chicken ropa, pork al pastore, and jumbo pacific shrimp to name a few), bowls, and burritos, Cuz’s Pizza, Beach Treats (120) with staple items from the Jersey Shore including fresh funnel cakes with toppings, Dippin' Dots, cotton candy, corn dogs, roasted nuts, fudge, and assorted chocolate treats. 9th Street Italian Sandwiches (Sections 104 and 117) offers a range of sandwiches: Italian pork, meatballs, roast beef, and roasted turkey hoagies. Of course, the traditional stadium fare of hot dogs, chicken tender baskets, nachos, pretzels, soda, and beer is available too. Coca-Cola products are the beverage of choice. AC Subs and Chickie’s and Pete’s are two places for cheesesteaks (remember when you’re in Philly no need to call them Philadelphia cheesesteaks). But the best move is to hit one of the legendary places nearby. John’s Roast Pork, Tony Luke’s, and Jim’s South Street are three possible options not too far away. In the arena, sweet treats and desserts include Federal Donuts (Section 102 & 207), Insomnia Cookies (118 & 207), Rita’s Water Ice, and soft serve ice cream. Atmosphere 4 The crowd is enlivened by the Flyers hype video and the appearance of its mascot Gritty on the ice who plants the Flyers flag, then takes to center ice like a Rocky replica and knocks out a “player” wearing the opposing team’s jersey. The atmosphere is first-rate as the public address announcer blares “Are….. you ready for some hockey” leading up to puck drop. Gritty energizes the crowd throughout by banging on his drum to lead the “Let’s Go Flyers” chants. Wells Fargo Center underwent renovations in 2020 as part of a $265 million "Transformation 2020" initiative. It debuted a new kinetic 4K-resolution scoreboard in September 2019. Flames shoot out of the scoreboard during player introductions when the Flyers take the ice. The scoreboard flashes a wide array of stats. The only negative is it does not show who is on the ice for each team during live action. Music was played at an acceptable level. Wells Fargo does have an organ but unfortunately, it was rarely used. The upper bowl is separated from the lower by a club and suite level. The upper level seems high but the views are still adequate. The one drawback is drink holders are on the armrests not the seats in front. Neighborhood 4 The good news is there is plenty to do in Philadelphia. The bad news is within walking distance of the arena not so much. The main attraction is Xfinity Live with a host of restaurants and bars highlighted by sports bar NBC Sports Arena. The other attractions are a short drive away. The National Constitution Center ($19) is a 15-minute drive and sits half a mile away from the Liberty Bell (free admission) and Independence Hall (free until 10:30 and then $1 per ticket). The Franklin Institute, Philadelphia Art Museum, and Reading Terminal Market are a few other stops. Be sure to take a picture with the Rocky Statute and then race up the steps of the art museum to pay homage to the Italian Stallion. The Reading Terminal Market is known for the city's other iconic sandwich, the roast pork at DiNic’s, best topped with broccoli rabe and sharp provolone. The Market (which opened in 1893) also features Miller’s Twist Pennsylvania Dutch pretzels, Beiler’s Bakery and Donuts, and an array of other great choices for food, flowers, and specialty items. Fans 4 While Flyers fans often get a bad reputation, losing has tamed the fans to an extent. The enthusiasm seems to be coming back and maybe the bravado will follow. A playoff appearance will lead to more Flyers fans and fewer out-of-towners invading their building. Attendance is up 1.5% over last season, but the Flyers have gotten off to a mediocre start at home. The fans are knowledgeable and passionate, but it takes performance to win them over. This will be a huge year as Tortorella is no longer in the honeymoon period. While most media types did not predict the Flyers to make the playoffs, it might be necessary to qualify to keep the fans on board with Torterella’s rebuild, who is signed through 2025-26. Access 4 The arena is located at the South Philadelphia Sports Complex and is visible off I-95. Fans can park near the arena or choose public transit using the SEPTA bus or subway. The orange or Broad Street Line ends at NRG Station. The station’s naming rights were sold to NRG Energy in 2018. The fare is $2.50 one way and once fans arrive it is a quick jaunt across the parking lot into Wells Fargo. If driving, coming from the East, through New Jersey you can easily take the New Jersey Turnpike, I-295, and US-1. If in Pennsylvania you can take either Rt. 76 or Rt 95. There are four entrances and doors open 90 minutes prior to game time. The Will Call window at the Wells Fargo Center is located at the Box Office, located on the northwest corner of the building. Return on Investment 3 The Flyers were ranked just below the league average according to the Fan Cost Index ($408.40) which comprises the prices of four average-price tickets, two small draft beers, four small soft drinks, four regular-size hot dogs, parking for one hour, two game programs and two least-expensive, adult-size adjustable caps. Fans can purchase upper-level seats for less than $50 on the secondary market for many weeknight games. Weekends and games against rivals will cost much more and well over $100 if looking for lower bowl seats. Despite not making the playoffs since 2020, Flyer fans usually sell out the building and averaged 18,438 per game in 2023-24 (up 4.6%). The cost to park at the Wells Fargo Arena is as low as $20 at one of the eight lots that encircle the arena. Food prices are typical for NHL venues. Chicken tenders and fries is $13.85, a pizza slice is $11.09, Soft Pretzel $6.35, 24 oz premium beer is $16.55, and $8.25 for a soda. Crab fries (old bay seasoned) from Chickie’s and Pete’s were tasty but not worth it at $17.27. Extras 3 One point goes to the Flyer's fabulous duo of Lou Nolan on the Public Address and Lauren Hart with a rousing rendition of the national anthem. Nolan had been a mainstay since 1972. Hart is the daughter of legendary Flyers broadcaster Gene Hart, who called the Flyers games for 25 years. One point goes to the Flyers’ game-day production. Flyers do it right by introducing the starting lineups for both teams not just the home team. They do not announce the arrival of the Flyers for warmups and no goal horn blares when Philadelphia hits the ice. Old-school production value is welcomed. A third point is for the Bubble Hockey and Pop-a-Shot machines on the upper level. Hockey is $2 per game and basketball is $1. The only place in this cashless venue where cash is an option. Final Thoughts Taking in a game at Wells Fargo is worthy of a Stadium Journey. The excitement level and fan support will only get better if the Flyers continue their upward trajectory. Follow Greg Venuto’s stadium journeys on Twitter  and   Facebook .

Photos by Paul Baker, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.86 Matthews Arena 238 St. Botolph St Boston, MA 02115 Northeastern Huskies men's hockey website Matthews Arena website Year Opened: 1910 Capacity: 4,666 Last Call at the Doghouse   The city of Boston has a rich sports history, and its venues are some of the most revered in the nation - Fenway Park, Boston Garden, Harvard Stadium. But there is an arena that pre-dates all of them that is still in use today - Matthews Arena on the Northeastern University campus.   Originally named Boston Arena, the facility was renamed for George and Martha Matthews in 1982. Mr. Matthews, class of 1956, served as the Chairman of the Northeastern Board of Trustees for ten years.  He passed away on January 11, 2024 at the age of 93.   The arena was the original home of both the Boston Bruins in 1924 and the New England Whalers in 1972, as well as the site of the first home game for the Boston Celtics in 1946. Virtually every college hockey team in the area, including all four Beanpot schools, have called this arena home. In fact, Matthews Arena is the oldest indoor hockey rink in the world still in use today.   Muhammed Ali trained here, and many of boxing’s biggest names, such as Gene Tunney, Joe Louis, Marvin Hagler and Jack Dempsey fought here. The Frozen Four was held at Matthews Arena in 1960, as was the original Beanpot hockey tournament. More recently, the World Junior Hockey Championships were held here in 1995.   Matthews Arena has always been more than just a sporting venue. Every president from Theodore Roosevelt to John Kennedy visited the venue, as did Richard Nixon and Bill Clinton. Charles Lindberg and Amelia Earhart hosted events here. Concerts by artists as diverse as The Doors, Jerry Lee Lewis, Marvin Gaye, Ludacris, Bob Dylan, The Roots, Chuck Berry and Phish were held at Matthews Arena.   Today, Matthews Arena serves as home to Northeastern men’s and women’s hockey teams, as well as the men’s basketball team. Several area high-school teams also call this old barn home.   The Northeastern men’s hockey team is the least decorated of the four “Beanpot” schools located within Boston city limits. Northeastern has won the prestigious Boston hockey tournament nine times, least among the four participating schools. However, the Huskies have won five out of the last six Beanpots. The team has qualified for the NCAA tournament eight times, reaching the Frozen Four in 1982. 31 former Huskies have played in the National Hockey League.   Northeastern began sponsoring women’s hockey in 1980. The women’s team has qualified for six NCAA Tournaments, reaching the Frozen Four on three occasions. 24 Husky Alumni have played professionally in the CWHL, NWHL/PHF and the PWHL. Northeastern has won 19 Women’s Beanpot championships.   In May 2024 Northeastern filed a letter of intent  to the Boston Planning and Development Agency to construct a new multi-purpose athletics venue, which included plans for the demolition of Matthews Arena. These plans came as concerns surrounding the structural integrity of the facility increased: scaffolding had been erected to support the east end of the arena earlier in 2024, parts of the arena had been closed off, and the foundation, which was built on reclaimed land that was once part of a wharf, was found to be sinking.   Food and Beverage 3   There are a pair of concession stands in the lobby. A larger stand offers a full menu while a second, smaller stand in the back of the lobby serves snacks. Hungry Husky fans can choose from hot dogs, veggie burgers, chicken fingers and grilled chicken sandwiches. Sides, including french fries, nachos, pretzels and popcorn are also available. Coca-Cola products are featured at Matthews Arena.   While the menu at Matthews Arena is not extensive, the prices are affordable, and the quality of food served is decent.   Atmosphere 5   We at Stadium Journey like to say the game day experience at any college hockey rink is driven by the student section and pep band. Northeastern does not disappoint in either of these areas. The student section, known as “The Doghouse,” dominates the atmosphere at Matthews Arena. Students fill the balcony sections at the west end of the arena, hanging over the ice and filling the old barn with noise throughout the action. Armed with a repertoire of chants, traditions and routines, the students are as much as part of the action as the players on the ice. They are supported by an excellent pep band, who perform during most play stoppages. Not content with letting the band play alone, the students will sing along, not stopping even as play continues.   Conspicuous by its overwhelming presence is the giant video board installed at Matthews Arena in 2019. Measuring 50 feet long by 13.5 feet high, the scoreboard is put to good use throughout the game with replays, game stats, promotions and social media shout outs. Fans with old-school sensibilities may not enjoy the intrusion of modern technology in the old barn, but Northeastern staff have done a nice job integrating modern technology in this historic location. Neighborhood 4   Northeastern University is located on the edge of Boston’s Back Bay neighborhood, one of the city’s most popular tourist and shopping destinations. The Fens neighborhood and South End are also within walking distance of the University. Many of Boston’s major attractions are located close to Matthews Arena.   While there are many dining and lodging options near Matthews Arena, most of them will involve a short walk or drive from the facility, which may not be what you want to do on a chilly winter night in Boston. Fans visiting from out of town will want to check out the Prudential Center and Copley Place, located just a few blocks from Matthews Arena. Symphony Hall is just around the corner, and the Boston Museum of Fine Arts is a short walk away. In addition, most of Boston’s attractions are easily accessed by a short subway ride. Both the Green and Orange lines have stops less than a block from Matthews Arena.   Fans 4   Husky fans can be a fickle lot, avoiding less glamourous matchups while packing the old barn for marquee matchups. Average attendance in recent seasons numbers about 3,300 fans per game, placing Northeastern right in the middle of all Division One hockey schools in the country.   Northeastern’s membership in Hockey East guarantees that many of the school’s local rivals will visit Matthews Arena every year. These games are well attended, with the proximity of the teams in the conference guaranteeing a solid turnout by visiting fans. When Matthews Arena is full, there is an incredible atmosphere in the old barn.   Hockey is the marquee sport at Northeastern, and a solid turnout from the student body can be expected on most nights. Led by the antics of the Doghouse, there’s a ton of energy and noise in the building.   Access 3   Matthews Arena is located on the eastern edge of Northeastern’s urban campus, near the intersection of Massachusetts and Huntington Avenues. Despite the fact that Matthews Arena is easy to find, that doesn’t make it easy to get to. The ever-present Boston traffic, never-ending construction projects and streets that date back to colonial days make Boston a tough city to drive in. If you must drive, it is best to bring a local along who is familiar with the city landscape. Directions to Matthews Arena can be found here .   Many local fans will choose to take public transportation to Matthews Arena. The MBTA, known locally as the “T”, drops fans off just a couple of blocks from the arena. The E-train of the Green Line has a station at Symphony Hall, and the Orange Line has a stop on Massachusetts Avenue. At just $2.75 for a fare, the T is an affordable alternative for visiting Husky fans.   Fans visiting Matthews Arena will pass under an ornate entry arch into the main lobby. The ticket office, concession stands, and restrooms are all located here. The arena will be located to your right, accessible by a pair of walkways. Seats at Matthews Arena are separated into loge and balcony sections. All seats have excellent views of the action, although some lower-level seats will have an obstructed view of the scoreboard and banners due to the overhang of the balcony.   Fans will have no problem navigating Matthews Arena during a typical game. Expect some long lines when accessing concessions or rest rooms during intermissions. Return on Investment 3   Northeastern uses dynamic pricing for men’s hockey games. Prices start at $15 for most games, with the most expensive tickets priced at $25. Add five dollars for premium games, and an additional $3.75 in ticketing fees when purchasing online.   Parking can be had for no charge (yes, you read that right, free parking in Boston) at the Columbus Street Lot located about a half mile away on the other side of the train tracks from the Arena. As you can imagine, this lot fills quickly. Prices at the lots adjacent to Matthews Arena start at $27 for gameday parking.   Many fans will opt to skip the congestion and cost of driving in Boston, and simply take the T to Matthews Arena. Both the Orange and Green Lines pass within a few blocks of Matthews Arena, and a one-way fare is just $2.75. The Number One bus also has a stop at the arena.   Extras 5   They just don’t build them like this anymore, and that alone is worth an extra point. The exposed brick, the steel tresses, the entry arch that has greeted Boston sports fans for over a century all harken to an earlier time.   The history of Matthews Arena is worth another point. It bears repeating that this is the oldest indoor rink still in used anywhere in the world. The Boston Bruins started here. The Carolina Hurricanes played their first games here (as the New England Whalers of the WHA). The Boston Celtics played here frequently. Presidents, dignitaries, as well as athletes and musicians have visited this site. There is a history here that just can’t be duplicated elsewhere.   Some of this history is on display at Matthews Arena. In addition to banners honoring the success achieved by Northeastern’s basketball and hockey teams, there are banners reminding fans of where the Celtics and Bruins got their starts. Pictures of every varsity hockey team to represent the school are displayed in the lobby. There is also a banner honoring Reggie Lewis, the local basketball star who studied at Northeastern and went on to become an All-Star and captain with the Celtics before passing away of a heart condition while still playing for the team. His funeral was held at Matthews Arena.   A final extra point is awarded to the Doghouse, one of the most active and entertaining student sections in the country. While the Doghouse may not be completely filled every night, the students here never fail to deliver. They may be worth the price of admission all by themselves.   Final Thoughts   While it’s been widely reported that the 2024-2025 season will be Matthews Arena’s last, the final chapter for this old barn has yet to be written. Bureaucratic red tape has already delayed any demolition plans until the end of 2025, meaning the Husky teams may at least begin next season at Matthews. Rumors have begun to circulate that new plans are in the works that will involve a renovation rather than a complete replacement of the facility, given the building’s historic designation. Northeastern has been predictably silent about any future plans, as well as temporary homes for the Husky squads that will be replaced by construction. Despite Matthews Arena’s unclear future, hockey fans should come to Boston to take a last look at this historic rink before it’s too late. Follow Paul Baker’s stadium journeys on Twitter and Instagram @PuckmanRI.

Photos by Gregory Koch, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.86 ODU Volleyball Center 4500 Parker Avenue Norfolk, VA 23529 Old Dominion Monarchs website ODU Volleyball Center website Year Opened: 2020 Capacity: 900 Monarch Volleyball Located on the campus of Old Dominion University in Norfolk, Virginia, the ODU Volleyball Center is home to the Monarchs' volleyball program, as you might expect from the name. The Volleyball Center is a modern venue opened in 2020, featuring 900 chairback seats, a spacious lobby, and practice facilities. When creating the ODU volleyball program in 2020, the Monarchs elected to build a state-of-the-art new facility, renovating an old athletic administration building, rather than play in the basketball arena or an old practice gym as some other schools do. The move has definitely paid off for them, as this is a high-quality arena. Food & Beverage 2 There is a small concession stand at a window in the lobby of the ODU Volleyball Complex. The menu is pretty simple. Hot dogs are $6, peanuts (in a large bag from Texas Roadhouse) are $5, nachos are $6, chips are $3, candy is $5, and popcorn is $5.50. To drink, bottled water and soda are $5 and Gatorade is $6. Alcohol is available at a cart outside the entrance to the building, but as the alcohol can only be consumed in this outdoor area, it is not very popular at all. Atmosphere 5 Walking into the ODU Volleyball Center will put you in a spacious lobby with several displays honoring Monarchs volleyball. You will buy your tickets at a table located straight ahead, then walk through the doors on your right to enter the arena. All seats are chairbacks, almost all along the sidelines, with an excellent view of the action on the court. As the court was designed for volleyball rather than basketball, which has a much wider playing area, the sideline seats are quite close to the action. A videoboard plays a hype video before the game, then functions as a scoreboard as well as graphic display. It seems to be capable of displaying player stats, but when Stadium Journey visited, it briefly displayed the player stats from the previous game before that functionality went away entirely for the remainder of the match. Before the game, the lights go down as a spotlight shines on the court and the Monarchs are introduced. Then the hype video plays to get the crowd fired up. With the low ceilings, it can get quite loud throughout the game (more on that in the Fans section) and the atmosphere here can be quite spectacular. Neighborhood 3 The ODU Volleyball Center is located in the middle of the Old Dominion campus, in a residential neighborhood, so there isn’t much in the immediate vicinity. However, if you head a few blocks east on 43rd Street to the vicinity of Chartway Arena, there are many options for visitors to enjoy. La Herradura is a popular Mexican restaurant, and Del Vecchios is known for its pizza. If you make the short drive into downtown Norfolk, you will find even more options. Fans 5 The ODU Volleyball Center seats about 900 fans, and while it is not usually completely full, it does come close, drawing 600-700 fans a game, including many locals and students. This is far from a friends and family crowd that you see at some schools. The fans in attendance are quite loud, boosted by the low ceilings and tight walls. Then the Monarchs have a set point, they rise to their feet, cheer, and urge them to finish the task. While ODU certainly doesn't have the largest volleyball crowds in the country, the fan support is just right for the size of the arena. You should still be able to get tickets, no need to worry about it selling out, but you will find an electric fan atmosphere here. Access 4 The city of Norfolk is accessible via many highways, including I-64, I-564, I-264, and I-664. The ODU campus is easily accessible from all of them. However, if coming from points north and west of Norfolk, you will likely need to take one of the bridge-tunnels across either the harbor or the bay. These can have long backups at times, particularly later in the season as summer approaches and people start heading to the beach. Be sure to allow extra time to get across. Once you are on campus, parking is available in Lot 43 as well as in the parking garage at Elkhorn Avenue and 43rd Street. In either location, parking is $2 per hour on weekdays, payable via your mobile phone. Follow the instructions on the posted signs, which will tell you how to pay. Be warned that the campus authorities do ticket cars who don't pay. On weekends, parking is free. Restrooms are available in the lobby and are of a sufficient size for the crowds. Return on Investment 4 Admission to all ODU regular season volleyball games is just $5. Military gets in for $4 with valid ID and ODU students get in for free. Tickets are purchased at the door when you arrive and can't be purchased in advance. This is a good value, but the cost to park brings this down a little. Try to go on a weekend to maximize your value. Extras 4 Free programs are available as you come in. Two stars here for the lion statue in the lobby - a reference to ODU's mascot - and the photos of ODU volleyball players on display. Monarchs volleyball has clearly made this place their home. A fourth and final star for the pregame hype video and player introductions with the spotlight to get the crowd fired up. Final Thoughts The ODU Volleyball Center is a high-quality, modern facility that is just the right fit for the Monarchs volleyball program. It is just the right size for the fan support the Monarchs attract, and the athletic department puts a lot of effort into the fan experience here. It is good to see ODU build a modern volleyball arena for their program rather than simply put up a net in a basketball arena that would be far too large, or stick them in an old practice gym. Volleyball fans in this area of Virginia will definitely want to check out a game at ODU.

Photos by Joseph Oakes, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.86 Carter-Finley Stadium 4600 Trinity Rd Raleigh, NC 27607 North Carolina State Wolfpack website Carter-Finley Stadium website Year Opened: 1966 Capacity: 56,919 The Strength of The Wolf Is the Pack Carter-Finley Stadium opened on October 8, 1966, as South Carolina beat NC State in front of 35,200 fans. For nearly three and a half decades little in terms of renovations were done at Carter-Finley. In 2001, the beloved grass hill at the stadium's south end was removed as seats were added and the 108,000 square foot Murphy Football Center was built above those seats. Vaughn Towers, now Towne Bank Center, was built in 2004 and houses 51 luxury suites and 1200 club seats. In 2006, the old field house in the north end zone was torn down and seating was added in that end zone as well. A new video board was added before the 2023 season that measures 43 feet tall and 166 feet wide and is one of the top 10 largest in college football. Carter-Finley now seats nearly 57,000 and is regarded as one of the toughest places to play in the ACC. Carter-Finley has hosted numerous concerts over its lifespan, as well as the NHL Stadium Series game in 2023 between the Washington Capitals and the Carolina Hurricanes. Food & Beverage 4 Carter-Finley Stadium offers a good variety of concessions, which include subs, BBQ sandwiches, hot dogs, and pizza. Other options include the Loaded Mac, which is cheddar mac with shredded cheese and tortilla chips, as well as the Buffalo Mac which has buffalo pulled chicken. Popcorn, peanuts, and soft pretzels are also offered. Bottled Coke products are available as well as several alcoholic beverages. If you are looking for something beyond standard concession food, visit Raleighwood in the northeast corner of the stadium near the video board. This area has food trucks, beverage stations, and tents with picnic and cocktail tables. Some of the offerings are The Pit BBQ and the Lowes Food Beer Den. Atmosphere 5 Carter-Finley Stadium is an enclosed stadium with the lower level completely enclosing the playing surface. The stadium is flanked by two matching upper decks on the east and west sidelines. Sitting atop the west side upper deck is the Towne Bank Tower. From the exterior, Carter-Finley does not seem imposing as the lower level is completely dug into the ground; therefore, the stadium concourse is ground level when you enter. There is little room on the sidelines and the stands are very close to the field., which creates an intimidating on-field atmosphere. The majority of the seating at Carter-Finley is bench seating except for parts of the end zone and the club areas. Chairbacks are available to rent and to be installed on your seat for either a season or a single game. If you are attending an early season game, you will want to sit on the west side as the sun on the east side will make you hot! NC State’s marching band “The Power Sound of the South” starts out playing pregame around the parking lots, which continues to the on-field pregame festivities and throughout the game. Also, during pregame, the “Alpha Wolf” leads the “WOLF” –“PACK” cheer. This is normally NC State alumni or football legends. These have included included Bill Cowher, Scotty McCreery, and Peyton Wilson. Neighborhood 2 Carter-Finley Stadium is located adjacent to PNC Arena in West Raleigh near the NC State Fairgrounds. While there is plenty of parking and great tailgating, there is little to do within walking distance before or after the game. The only restaurants within walking distance are Backyard Bistro, Wendy’s, and Bojangles. Backyard Bistro is a great place to hang out and get food and drinks before a game. Likewise, the only hotel in walking distance is the Four Points by Sheraton Raleigh, which is behind the Backyard Bistro. However, the charm of college football is tailgating, so the lack of nearby restaurants is not a big deal to NC State fans. Since you will most likely be driving to the stadium, be sure to check out Amedeos Italian Restaurant near campus which is full of NC State memorabilia. Area activities to consider are the NC Museum of Art and Park, which is about 1 mile from the stadium, and the NC state capitol and museums in downtown Raleigh. Fans 5 NC State has some of the most passionate fans in the ACC. Most games are either a sellout or if not have over 55,000 in attendance. For the 2024 season, NC State sold out every game before the season started. Fans are loud and into the game. Expect to hear chants of “WOLF” - “PACK” echoing during the game. If there is a knock on NC State fans it is because Carter-Finley Stadium allows pass-outs (fans can go to their car and tailgate at halftime). Therefore, the stadium is not always full when the third quarter starts. However, if itis a close game, expect the stadium to be packed again midway through the third quarter and loud as ever in the fourth! Access 4 Carter-Finley Stadium is easily accessible by car as it sits near the intersection of I-40 and I-440 in West Raleigh. If you are flying into the area, the Raleigh-Durham airport is only 10 miles away and provides all the major airlines. Nearly all of the parking around the stadium is available only through donor parking passes, so unless you can snag one of those online, your best bet is to try some of the general parking areas nearby. The Cardinal Lot (5766 Chapel Hill Road) is available for $20-$30 per game depending on the opponent. There is also paid parking at the Bojangles just down the street from the stadium. Carter-Finley does have a clear bag policy, but entry is fairly easy as long as you arrive 30-60 minutes before game time. As you approach kickoff, the lines will back up. Once inside, there is a large 360-degree concourse around the stadium between the two levels, which allows you to easily access anywhere in the stadium. Return on Investment 4 Tickets for NC State football games range from $35-$100 depending on opponent. Throw in the cost of parking and concessions and it can become expensive. However, this is on par with most of power five football. If you are looking to save, plan on attending a non-conference game against an FCS or group of five opponents. Extras 3 Extra points for: - NC State’s two mascots: Mr. and Mrs. Wuf - The Bandit flight teams which fly over before every game - Raleighwood food truck area Final Thoughts While not the largest venue in the ACC, it is one of the loudest and toughest to play. If you can attend a night game against a good opponent, the atmosphere will not disappoint.

Photos by Chris Green, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.71 State Farm Field House at Wide World of Sports Lake Buena Vista, FL 32830 WCBA State Farm Showcase website State Farm Field House at Wide World of Sports website Year Opened: 2006 A Celebration of Women’s College Basketball College basketball in-season tournaments are always a great ticket, featuring numerous teams from across the country in one place at one time. The ESPN Wide World of Sports at Walt Disney World Resort in Orlando is home to three such tournaments in late fall – the newest of these is the WBCA State Farm Showcase, a three-day event featuring 8 women’s college basketball teams from across the country. This event features plenty of action for an affordable price in a stellar location. Held inside State Farm Field House, this is a popular stop just before the Thanksgiving holiday for fans of participating teams.   Food & Beverage   2 There are usually a lot of options at Wide World of Sports, but the WBCA Showcase is limited to just two concession stands. Inside State Farm Field House itself, the concessions include burgers ($9.50), house salads ($10.50), hot dogs ($9.50), Mickey Ice Cream Bars ($6.50), and pretzels ($8.50). Drinks include beer and alcohol at a stand just across the hall from the food stand, as well as bottled water ($4) and fountain sodas ($6).   Atmosphere   3 State Farm Field House at Wide World of Sports features a lot of exposed metal beams in the architecture, and its curved roof amplifies the noise inside. The overall aesthetic of nearby facilities, including Champion Stadium, are carried over here as well. The arena has one concourse level, meaning you can walk up or down to your seats easily. ESPN logos are all over the facility, and past champion banners are hung above the VIP seating area. During the WBCA Showcase, seating is only open on one sideline and one baseline of the arena, limiting the fan noise due to the decreased number of fans in attendance. Neighborhood   5 The sports complex is located just off Osceola Parkway, literally across the street from the new entrance to Disney’s Hollywood Studios. Because of this you’re not far from pretty much everything you need on your trip. For obvious reasons, the best place to stay would be at any of the Disney Resorts – guests of the resorts get free bus transport to and from the arena. The closest hotels, Disney’s Pop Century and Disney’s Art of Animation, are two of the park’s lowest priced resorts. For food, anywhere on Disney Property is a go-to; Kona Café at the Disney Polynesian Resort is a popular stop for sushi or a south seas flavor for dinner, while California Grill at the top of Contemporary Resort is also a popular go-to for a more upscale experience. In addition, popular tourist stops include EPCOT, Magic Kingdom, Hollywood Studios, and the Animal Kingdom theme parks. Also, Disney Springs, which is accessible via bus and car, is home to countless restaurants, bars, and shopping opportunities for the whole family. Fans   3 The games are split into two games per day. Tickets are sold by day, which means if you go to catch both games, you may notice one game is more or less popular than the other, depending on the fans who traveled for each team. While this can lead to some generally sparse attendance at times, the atmosphere is no-less electric. The noise is also amplified inside, so each layup and three-pointer seem to garner loud cheers regardless of the attendance in the building, and since everyone has made the trip to Disney, you generally have a lot of families who are attending the games, making for a more family friendly atmosphere than some team’s home games might have . Access   4 Getting to the Wide World of Sports is pretty easy, but traffic for certain games can be a pain. Parking is free in all parking lots for this tournament, including right up close to the main entrance. Now that the roadways have been re-routed in the area, access to State Farm Field House is simple; there is signage all over Disney’s property leading you to Wide World of Sports, and getting off the main road is easy thanks to the new flyover.   Return on Investment   5 Tickets are very affordable, ranging from just $30 for the upper sidelines and lower baseline, up to $50 for the lower sideline. All seating is first-come, first-served general admission within each seating area. A two-day ticket is available for $70. With the addition of free parking, and respectable concession prices, this tournament is incredibly affordable compared taking in multiple games separately. Extras   4 The facility features a popular picture spot at the main entrance next to the Wide World of Sports globe. There also are numerous sports facilities all throughout the area, including various other events that may be going on inside, from cheerleading competitions to youth soccer tournaments. TV screens throughout the Wide World of Sports are also constantly playing various ESPN channels, fully immersing you in sports. Fans can also purchase shirts and other merchandise for the tournament at the event store behind the baseline seating in the main concourse, and finally, the Wade Trophy, presented annually to the best player in college women's basketball, is on display in the main concourse, giving fans a chance to see it up close and take pictures with it.   Final Thoughts The WBCA Showcase is a new and exciting addition to the college basketball invitational landscape. It also is a great addition to the ESPN Wide World of Sports facility’s calendar. Being located in such a family friendly location, this is an ideal tournament to visit in November, especially for those fans looking to escape the colder weather up north.

Photo courtesy of the Texas Bowl On Wednesday, December 4th, Lone Star Sports and Entertainment and ESPN Events – the joint partners that present and own the annual Texas Bowl  – announced a new a new title sponsor that will begin this season. Texas based company Kinder’s will serve as the new title sponsor for the game , which will feature a matchup of a Big 12 team against an SEC team at NRG Stadium in Houston on December 31st. According to a news release, Kinder’s is recognized as “a leading provider of premium quality sauces and seasonings” and has been in business for over 75 years. Founded by World War II veteran John Kinder in San Pablo, CA in 1946, the company is known for its lines of barbecue and wing sauces, as well as its spice rubs. “We are beyond excited to announce our partnership with the Texas Bowl ,” said Kinder’s Co-CEO & Chief Brand Officer Jim Hart in a news release. “At Kinder’s we appreciate the kind of obsession it takes for these athletes and coaches to get to this level. We aspire to bring that same passion and commitment to everything we make, and it is a privilege to be part of providing the stage for them to showcase their incredible talents.” This will be the 19th edition of the Texas Bowl – the 2023 edition saw the then # 22 ranked Oklahoma State Cowboys defeat the Texas A&M Aggies by a score of 31-23 in front of an announced crowd of over 55,000. According to Texas Bowl representatives, since 2014 the contest has become the most-attended bowl game outside of those participating in the College Football Playoffs. “We are thrilled to welcome Kinder’s to our family here in Houston as the title sponsor of the Kinder’s Texas Bowl,” said Lone Star Sports & Entertainment General Manager David Fletcher. “Everything is bigger in Texas, especially the passion for food, family, and football, so to have an opportunity to work with a partner like Kinder’s who values each of those to further enhance the experience for fans, teams, and our community, it is truly special.” Kickoff for the 2024 edition of the Kinder’s Texas Bowl is scheduled for 2:30pm, and the game will be simulcast on ESPN and ESPN+. ---- Follow Eric Moreno's Stadium Journey on Twitter at @EricMoreno6477 .

Photos by Terry McCutchen, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.00 Denny Faith Field at Robert Nail Memorial Stadium 49 N Main St Albany, TX 76430 Albany Lions website Danny Faith Field at Robert Nail Memorial Stadium website Year Opened: 1937 Capacity: 2,906 Albany HS Albany, Texas is a small bedroom community in Shackelford County, approximately 30 miles northeast of Abilene. Established in 1873 in the shadows of Fort Griffin, Albany became an important support community and valued stop on the Western Cattle Drive Trail. Blazed by Captain John T. Lytle, the trail allowed Southern ranchers to drive an estimated six million head of cattle north, to provide stock cattle for growing northern ranches and supply reservations on the northern Great Plains. In Albany today, like most small Texas towns, on fall Friday nights the focus of most citizens shifts to the local high school football field. The field in this historic community is fittingly draped in its own bit of lore, as it was built into the hill where the original Albany public school was built in 1884. Interestingly, the stadium’s namesake Robert Nail was not known for his athletic prowess, but for being a playwright, most notably writing Fort Griffin Fandangle, the oldest outdoor musical in Texas. Coach Denny Faith, whom the field was dedicated to in 2019, is still the Head Coach and Athletic Director here, with over 40 years of service to the community.   Food & Beverage   4 Concessions at Albany games benefit the Albany Athletic Booster club. While there are no specialty food items available, stereotypical fare is served. If large items are to your liking, burgers, hot dogs, Frito pie, and nachos are available for $6 or less. Snack items include candy bars, pretzels, chips, pickles, and popcorn for $1 to $4 each. 20-ounce Coca-Cola products, water, and Powerade are all available for $2. There are also hamburger, hot dog, and Frito pie meal deals that include a drink, chips, and candy for a discounted price – at the most recent game I attended, I purchased a burger meal deal which included a cheeseburger, chips, Coke Zero, and Snickers for $10.   Atmosphere   3 Walking up to the main gate, you are welcomed by two regal, statuesque lions guarding an imposing large stone archway. The iconic image is impressive and sets the tone for a memorable experience. When you realize that the stones utilized to form the entrance were from the original school, which dates back to the early 1920s, the nod to history is evident. Add in unusual features such as stair-step home stands made of native stone, and a corner of the southeast end zone that is mere feet from the surrounding trees and perimeter fence, and fans are welcomed to a one-of-a-kind encounter. The home side lower section also has several rows of natural tiered seating built into the hill – these tiers are lined with stone and are wide enough for folding chairs, which prove popular with knowledgeable fans. When the teams run onto the field here, each respective school’s band plays, and the crowd cheers. Albany has a loud air horn that blows on big plays to excite the fans as well; the game is exciting and the air is filled with energy all night.   Neighborhood   4 Even though it is the county seat of Shackelford County, Albany is basically a bedroom community due to its location just 30 miles northeast of Abilene. Surrounded by numerous large working ranches and with a rich history steeped in western lore, it is no surprise that Albany has a strong agricultural background. Along with oil production and wildlife hunting, industry tied to the land is a major factor in the area. There is one hotel in Albany, a few blocks from Robert Nail Memorial Stadium. The Albany Inn is within walking distance, but several more options are about 28 miles southwest, in Abilene – just a couple of suggestions out of many include Comfort Suites  and Holiday Inn Express And Suites . If you have extra time, the Old Jail Art Center , Fort Griffin State Park , the historic downtown area, and Webb Memorial Park and Swimming Pool are all interesting places to visit. If visiting Abilene, family entertainment options to consider include the Abilene Zoo , Frontier Texas , the National Center for Children’s Illustrated Literature , Grace Museum , and the Big Country Athletic Hall of Fame . There are a few restaurant choices just a few blocks from the stadium – these include Goodnight Steakhouse and Saloon, Ice House, Los Cazadores Mexican Restaurant, and Dairy Queen. I would suggest Goodnight Steakhouse if you have the time for a well-cooked steak. There are also numerous choices at the Interstate 20/Highway 351 intersection if you are coming from Abilene. Or, if you are traveling from the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex, budget an extra hour or so into your travels and stop in Strawn at Mary’s for a chicken fried steak!   Fans   4 Like most high school football games in Texas, the crowd is large and highly involved. There is a saying used here – “The whole town shuts down on Friday nights for the football game”, which might very well apply in Albany. It seems that most of the hillside lower seating is packed, and much of the metal stands above the walkway are filled as well. During my most recent visit, the visitor side was packed tightly, and overflow fans were lined up on both sides of the fence from end zone to end zone.   Access   4 Albany is located 30 miles northeast of Abilene, Texas on US Highway 180, via Texas Highway 351. Nail Stadium is easily visible, one block off Main Street (US-180) behind the First Baptist Church. There are entry gates on either the home (north) or visitor (south) side of the facility. There is a large parking lot between the church and Nail Stadium, with handicap parking and full ADA access available on the home side of the venue. Parking on the visitor side will be along South First Street, but that gate is only accessible via large steps.   Return on Investment   5 Ticket prices to attend games in Albany are $5 for adults and $3 for school aged students. There is no charge for parking. Figure in the ability to purchase a tasty meal deal from the concession stand and you get an excellent return on investment here. Extras   4 The aforementioned two lions in front of the stone archway give a majestic feel to the entrance. Despite the east-west orientation of the field, which can cause issues for the players, you’ll get a nice sunset – west Texas sunsets are always worth extra points, no matter your location. The merchandise booth housed in the historic rock building, plus the tiered step seating, bridge generations of Lions history and continue to carry the legacy of Robert Nail into the future.   Final Thoughts Texas high school football is popular, as evidenced by the famous book and subsequent movie and TV show, all with the same name, Friday Night Lights . While many communities across the Lone Star State have built new, shiny, state of the art multipurpose facilities, Albany has gone against the counterculture and continues to play football on the same field where the game was played over a century ago. Denny Faith Field has some unique features which are memorable; considering the history of the Lions athletic program since Coach Faith has been its leader, a trip to historic Nail Stadium should be on every casual high school football fan’s bucket list.

For two drama-filled seasons, Netflix's Last Chance U followed every move of the Eastern Los Angeles College (ELAC) basketball team. ELAC assistant "Coach Rob" was an audience favorite. Since the show, Coach Rob has moved on from ELAC and taken the head basketball coach position at MiraCosta College (MCC). Coach Rob AKA Rob Robinson was nice enough to let us play catch up.    STADIUM JOURNEY: So how does the MiraCosta position come to fruition? How difficult is the process? How many interviews did you have to go through? COACH ROB: Getting a Cali Juco job is not easy. There are a ton of candidates for every job. I had 3 interviews for this job, two of them informal.  STADIUM JOURNEY: Was there any discussion, even for half a minute, of Last Chance U shooting at MiraCosta? COACH ROB: No discussion of LCU at MCC. The production company who creates LCU had other ventures they were pursuing the moment they wrapped on our Season 2. STADIUM JOURNEY: How much contact do you have with Greg Whiteley (LCU's creator)? COACH ROB: I haven't spoken to Greg since the premiere showing of Season 2 at Netflix HQ in Hollywood. But I periodically speak to most of the people who were a part of producing the show.  STADIUM JOURNEY: LCU shot two seasons at ELAC, but there's been nothing since, basketball or football. Any insight into the future of LCU? COACH ROB: I don't think LCU will happen again. They're looking to do more shows like the cheerleading series they just did in Texas.  STADIUM JOURNEY: How did you initially connect with Coach Mosely? Also, Is ELAC on MiraCosta's schedule this season? COACH ROB: Me and Mo had a mutual friend-coach who we're both close with. That friend was the assistant coach there before me. He called me up and said go to ELAC and meet Mosley. I went down there one summer day, spent 6 hours in the gym and his office. I knew it was the place I was supposed to be at that moment.  STADIUM JOURNEY: After twenty years coaching high school ball at an elite level, you took a leap of faith and accepted a volunteer position - with a long commute. What was your mindset at that point? COACH ROB: I wanted to be a college basketball coach. I had done about as much as I could do at the high school level. My belief in hard work and doing right by the game has always paid off for me. My future was murky at best when I showed up at ELAC for my first day on the job, but I knew if I gave everything I had to ELAC, Mosley and those players, that in the end, I would be in a good spot. No one is going to outwork me. You might beat me, but you're not going to out work me. I don't ever think about the end. My focus is always on doing things that get me the result I want in the end. At ELAC, I was determined to be the best assistant coach in all of hoops each day.  STADIUM JOURNEY: Coach Hunter had one of the best moments in LCU history: his locker room pep talk to Joe Hampton, which only the cameras witnessed firsthand. Did you have any idea that this took place at the time? What were your thoughts on this wonderful moment? COACH ROB: Ken has those moments with all the guys at some point. He knows just what to say and when to say it. Joe needed more of those moments than most though. STADIUM JOURNEY: At ELAC, you hung the team's uniforms with such love and care, and you continue to do so. Discuss. COACH ROB:  Humility.  I wish I could say I was always humble, always a servant, but that's not the case. It took me some years to figure out what my purpose in basketball was. Once I started focusing on everyone around me, my teams got better. The culture in the locker room got better. And my outlook on the game became clear. I am here to make young men better. Basketball is what I use to do that. Washing the gear and hanging them each day reminds me each morning as to why I'm here and what my focus should be.  STADIUM JOURNEY: Your side hustle is making fun t-shirts and other fun accessories. Where can these items be purchased? COACH ROB:  https://www.bonfire.com/store/jumpstops-chest-passes-and-jabs/ Jumpstops, Chest Passes and Jabs | Official Merchandise | Bonfire Check out Jumpstops, Chest Passes and Jabs on Bonfire and shop official merchandise today! Featuring limited edition custom apparel, printed with care in the USA just for you. www.bonfire.com STADIUM JOURNEY: Favorite t-shirt or two that you've created? COACH ROB: Jump Stops will change your life. It's my favorite shirt and saying.  STADIUM JOURNEY: How much interaction is there between the MiraCosta basketball and surf teams? COACH ROB: Our surf team is rarely on campus. But me and the beach volleyball coach hang out every day. We both love the sand and Star Wars.  Jon Hart is @manversusball

Photos by Chris Green, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.71 Michelin Raceway Road Atlanta 5300 Winder Hwy Braselton, GA 30517 SpeedTour website Michelin Raceway Road Atlanta website Year Opened: 1970 Capacity: 10,000 Vintage Atlanta Power While synonymous with the 10 hour Petit Le Mans endurance classic , this facility has become a perfect location to kick of your spring of racing through the hills of northern Georgia. Nestled an hour north of Atlanta, Michelin Raceway Road Atlanta offers some iconic sights and non-stop racing action over four days in the fall. This track offers plenty of great viewing areas and camping, helping the Atlanta SpeedTour rise quickly as one of the best events of the year for fans in Trans Am and SVRA. Food & Beverage   3 There aren’t a lot of concession stands at this track – one lies in the outer paddock behind the Michelin Tower, where you can find burgers ($8.99), grilled chicken sandwiches ($8.99), hot dogs ($6.99), chicken tenders ($9.99), and more standard fare. Fries ($5.99) and drinks (soda, water, beer, and energy drinks) are also offered. Another stand is located in the infield near the Turn 5 area, and various food trucks populate the fan zone midway. Atmosphere   3 The event is like many on the SpeedTour schedule, with three days of support races as well as practice sessions for the main event, to fill the entire slate at Road Atlanta. Fans have access to both paddocks with their event ticket, allowing you to get up close to all the drivers and cars in between track sessions. On Saturday and Sunday before the Trans Am headliner races, the cars roll out to pit lane and grid up to their starting positions. Here, fans can walk the grid freely, getting up close to the cars, meeting their favorite drivers, and snagging some free swag from some of the teams. While the track lacks modern facilities throughout, the fans make up for those deficiencies. And while low for many races at the track, the attendance is respectable for an SVR event. Neighborhood   3 The main downside to Road Atlanta is its location – an hour north of Atlanta proper, this track isn’t near much. Aside from a few small hotels and fast foot locations a few miles down the road, Road Atlanta is very much dominated by rolling hills, suburbs, and farmland. A 15-minute drive south gets you to Buford and the big Mall of Georgia, however, where you can find plentiful hotels and restaurants. Also nearby is Chateau Elan resort and golf course for a more high-level resort experience; recreation can also be found outdoors in nearby Lanier.   Fans   3 The fans at Road Atlanta show up for many events throughout the year, and the SVRA and Trans Am SpeedTour weekend is no different. Camping is plentiful around the circuit, and fans pack the fan walk during pre-race. That said, the numbers still come nowhere close to those of th e IMSA   and HSR events at the circuit.   Access   5 To get to Road Atlanta, Exit 129 on I-85 or Exit 17 on I-985 will both get you to the track in the most direct manner – being located equidistant between these two interstate exits means that getting in and out is easy. Once at the track, parking is plentiful, and the facility also offers a tram that takes fans around the track to the various viewing areas.   Return on Investment   5 Tickets are incredibly affordable for SpeedTour weekend at Road Atlanta, and even for a weekend pass, you’re going to pay measurably less than what you’d pay if you go watch IMSA’s Petit Le Mans event   at this same track.   Extras   4 SpeedTour Weekend at Michelin Raceway Road Atlanta sometimes includes autograph sessions, for all fans to attend for the various series in attendance, completely included in the price of admission. In addition, fans are invited into victory lane for the Trans Am Series during the event. You can also see the improvements at the circuit over the past decade, including a new tower at Turn 1. In addition, the fan midway offers various sponsor displays and interactive activations that offer plenty of giveaways. Final Thoughts While known for bigger races, the SVRA SpeedTour event at Michelin Raceway Road Atlanta is well worth the price of admission – the circuit is iconic, fan friendly for viewing angles, and offers great action on track. No doubt a highlight of the Trans Am season schedule, Road Atlanta is a must see for any sportscar diehard.

Photos by Dave Cottenie, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.43 Schout Performance Arena @ Wilmot Recreation Complex 1291 Nafziger Road Baden, ON N3A 0C4 New Hamburg Firebirds website Wilmot Recreation Complex website Year Opened: 2007 Capacity: 750 Wilmot Fire Junior C hockey is just a bit different.  Whether it is the small towns or the cold arenas or the local advertisement on the jersey where the player’s name would traditionally be found, hockey at the Junior C level in Ontario is an animal unto itself.  One of the oldest hockey franchises in the Junior C, Provincial Junior Hockey League is the New Hamburg Firebirds.  Founded in 1953 as the New Hamburg Legion Jrs, the Firebirds spent time as the CL RothsHahns and the Spirit 83’s before settling on the Firebirds in 1997.  The Firebirds currently play in the South Doherty Division of the PJHL.  The Firebirds have enjoyed some success over the years, bringing home seven league or conference titles as well as the ultimate prize, the Schmalz Cup as champions of Junior C hockey, on two occasions. Home for the Firebirds is the Schout Performance Arena @ Wilmot Recreation Complex.  Built in 2007, the Wilmot Recreation Complex is located in Wilmot Township, between the towns of New Hamburg and Baden.  Previous to moving to the Rec Complex, the Firebirds played in the town of New Hamburg, proper, but have retained the New Hamburg moniker even after moving out of town.  The Wilmot Recreation Complex acts as a community hub for the entire township with a pair of ice rinks, a swimming pool, community rooms and sports fields. Food & Beverage 3 The main concession at the Wilmot Recreation Complex is found on the main floor in the lobby and not only services Schout Performance Arena, but the entire complex.  Traditional snack bar fare is found here including hot dogs, burgers, fries, onion rings, chicken fingers, candy, chocolate, popcorn and nachos, along with bagels, fruit and Kraft Dinner.  Beverage options include soda, water, slushies, milk coffee, tea and hot chocolate.  In the upper lobby on game days, the Blueline Club offers a limited selection of beer options. Atmosphere 4 The exterior of the Wilmot Recreation Complex has a modern, attractive look with brown brick, light siding and glass at the main entry.  The arena area has a curious blue on the moderately sloped arch roof.  Fans entering the main entrance on the hockey side of the building, will be brought into a bright, attractive, modern lobby.  Walking into the lobby, fans pass right under the “Wall of Fame” which features team pictures of minor hockey championship teams.  The lobby has a number of interesting nuggets for treasure hunters to peruse including plenty of old photos and trophy cases for the Firebirds and other local sports.  Entry to the Schout Performance Arena is found up the stairs and an upper lobby welcomes patrons with more historic nuggets.  Of note upstairs are the trophy cases dedicated to local historic spots in New Hamburg, complete with historic timelines and artifacts.  The New Hamburg Arboretum and Movie Theatre are presented here. Although the Complex services the entirety of Wilmot Township, including the communities of Baden and New Dundee, it seems very New Hamburg centric.  The upper lobby also has windows that look out to the ice surface.  Firebirds merchandise and 50/50 tickets are sold from temporary tables in the upper lobby. Inside the Schout Performance Arena, fans will be welcomed to the ice surface which is southeast-northwest oriented.  Seven rows of blue arena seats are found on the northeast side with one row of benches at the top and small counters behind, perfect for the very popular standing room.  A path behind the standing room also offers a peek into the other rink.  Above and below the windows on the southeast end that look in from the upper lobby, are two rows of minor hockey championship banners.  On the northwest side, the Firebirds have created an impressive, neat and concise display of championship banners from the franchises different eras, complete with dates for each team era.  At the end of the championship banner is the retired number 5 of Firebird Brad Roote, who was tragically killed by a drunk driver in 1990, while still a player.  The gameday production at a firebirds game is very simple, including the steadfast promotions found in seemingly every Junior C hockey experience, the 50/50 draw and chuck-a-puck.  The PA system is decent and music is played during the warmups and stoppages in play. Neighbourhood 3 The Wilmot Recreation Complex is located in a rural area between the communities of Baden and New Hamburg.  There is not much of anything within walking distance of the complex so using the car and heading east or west for pre or post game food and drink is a necessity.  The Baden Hotel is a decent spot in Baden and some options in New Hamburg include Scam & Dram, The Old Country and Mother Flockers in New Hamburg.  The Firebirds are definitely the top draw when it comes to sports in Wilmot Township.  The beauty of the Doherty Division is the extremely close proximity of the rivals and trips to see the Wellesley Applejacks, Woodstock Navy Vets and Tavistock Braves  are just a few minutes in the car.  As far as other sporting options, heading west to Stratford or east to Kitchener-Waterloo is necessary.  Other tourist options include Castle Kilbride and Moparfest.  For fans wishing to stay in the area, Puddicombe House and Newburg Inn are options, otherwise KW or Stratford will be necessary. Fans 4 Assessing fans in the PJHL is challenging as attendance stats are not published or congregated by the league.  The Firebirds normally attract over 400 fans per game.  The 2024-25 season has the Firebirds averaging 446 fans per game, at the time of writing.  The previous season saw the Firebirds attract 408 fans per game.  Firebird fans are knowledgeable and supportive and louder than other fan bases, but not over the top.   Access 4 The Wilmot Recreation Complex is located between the communities of New Hamburg and Baden on Nafziger Road.  The complex is easily accessible from Highway 8, which is the largest highway in the area.  There is plenty of free parking on the premises for patrons.  For fans wishing to take public transit, there is a Grand River Transit link to Wilmot that stops at the Recreation Complex.  However, it may not be feasible to rely on transit for Firebirds games.  Fans should consult the Grand River Transit website for fares, schedules and maps.  Getting around the Wilmot Recreation Complex is not too difficult, however there are plenty of stairs getting to the upper lobby and then the Schout Performance Arena.  Washroom facilities are adequate for the facility.  The entry system is a bit convoluted as patrons must purchase a ticket, and are handed a “beer” ticket, which must immediately be turned in for a paper bracelet which allows entry to the Schout Performance Arena. Return on Investment 5 Junior C hockey is definitely a bargain.  Tickets for the New Hamburg Firebirds can be had for $10.  Students and seniors get in for $7 and children are only $5.  Parking at the complex is free and concession prices are what one would expect.  The Firebirds are usually competitive and the product on the ice is good. Extras 2 An extra mark for the embracing and display of history at the Wilmot Recreation Complex. An extra mark for the Wilmot Recreation Complex as a community hub linking the communities of Wilmot Township. Final Thoughts Taking in some Junior C hockey at the Wilmot Recreation Complex is not a bad idea at all.  The New Hamburg Firebirds ice a good product and provide a good, comfortable atmosphere for Junior C hockey. Follow all of Dave’s sporting adventures on YouTube , Twitter , Threads  and Instagram @profan9.

Photos by Paul Baker, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.57 John F. Coughlin Memorial Field 486 Chandler St. Worcester, MA 01602 Worcester State Lancers football website Coughlin Field website Year Opened: 1981 Capacity: 2,000 The Home of Lancer Football   Worcester State University is the fourth largest of Massachusetts’ nine state universities, with an enrollment of over 5,400 students in 80 undergraduate majors and 39 graduate programs. WSU was founded as a normal school in the 19th century before evolving into a state college in the 1960s, becoming a university in 2012.   John F. Coughlin Memorial Field is home to the Worcester State football, soccer, field hockey, and women’s lacrosse teams. An eight-lane track surrounds the field and is used by the school’s track and field teams. The stadium has been the host of state championships in several sports. Upgrades to the facility in 2019 saw the installation of new turf, light, and sound systems as well as a new scoreboard in the north end zone.   John Coughlin was the coach of some legendary Worcester State hockey teams. Under his leadership, the Lancers won the ECAC championship four times (1972, 1973, 1974, and 1977). The 1972 team scored 252 goals in only 24 games. Mr. Coughlin was also the founder of the Worcester Little League and was instrumental in the formation of the Worcester PeeWee Youth Hockey Association.   Football has been played at Worcester State University since 1969, first as a club team, then as a varsity sport starting in 1985. Today the Lancers compete in the Massachusetts State College Athletic Conference (MASCAC) alongside several other schools in and around Massachusetts. Worcester State has won three conference championships over its history and has played in seven bowl games, most recently in 2011.   Food & Beverage 2   There is a small concession stand near the entrance to Coughlin Field. This stand serves up burgers and hot dogs right off the grill, as well as assorted candy, bottles of Pepsi products, and water. It’s a basic menu, but prices are cheap and the quality is decent.   Atmosphere 2   The game day presentation at a Lancers football game is pretty basic, as you would likely expect at a small facility such as this.   Music plays over a decent sound system throughout the afternoon. The cheerleading and dance squads perform on the sidelines throughout the games but are difficult to hear unless you happen to be sitting near them. Scoreboards on either end of the field display basic game information. The PA announcer doesn’t bring a lot of energy to the proceedings, but that isn’t a knock against his work. His workmanlike delivery fits in perfectly with the surroundings.   Neighborhood 3   Worcester State University is located in the Tatnuck neighborhood of Worcester, a residential neighborhood known as a safe and quiet part of the city despite its proximity to downtown. The name Tatnuck means “up the great hill.” The school does indeed feature several buildings constructed on a steep hill.   While there aren’t many dining or lodging options right around WSU, downtown Worcester is only two and a half miles away. Located here is the city’s famous Restaurant Row, Shrewsbury Street, where dozens of restaurants, shops, and businesses are concentrated along a two-mile stretch of road. Also located downtown is the DCU Center , home of the ECHL’s Worcester Railers. The up-and-coming Canal District is home to Polar Park , home of the Worcester Red Sox. Even though there are 14 colleges in and around Worcester, Holy Cross fields the only Division One teams. Fitton Field and the Hart Recreation Center  anchor the facilities there.   More information about the city of Worcester and things to do around campus can be found here.   Fans 2   The crowds at a Lancers football game can vary greatly in size depending on the opponent, day of the week and weather. Most crowds top out at around 1,000 people, a respectable number for a school of this size. Stadium Journey often refers to crowds of this size as a “friends and family” type of crowd, as the majority of fans in the stands have a connection with the players down on the field. As a result, most of the fans are knowledgeable about the game and boisterous in their support.   Stadium Journey attended the 2024 season opener against cross-town rival Worcester Polytechnic Institute. The announced crowd was 1,150, with those numbers bolstered by WPI fans, who outnumbered Worcester State fans by a factor of two to one.   Access 3   WSU is located in the northwestern part of Worcester, about two and a half miles from downtown and near many of the other colleges located in the city. Detailed directions to the WSU campus can be found here . While most visitors to WSU will drive to campus, the Worcester Regional Transit Authority runs a “ college route ,” a shuttle connecting Holy Cross, Assumption University, and Worcester State University. WRTA’s number 2 and 6 buses also stop at the entrance to campus on May Street.   Coughlin Field is located on the western edge of the WSU campus alongside many of the school’s other athletic facilities, including Rockwood Field and Lancer Gymnasium. There is a parking lot to the north of the football field which is large enough to accommodate a typical Lancer crowd, with additional parking on the east side of the stadium. With the small footprint of the college, any point on campus is just a short walk away.   Seating at Coughlin Field consists of metal bleachers without backs in one large grandstand. All seats are between the 30-yard lines. There is plenty of standing room along the fence on the east side of the field. This is also where the entrance to the field, concession stand, and port-a-johns are located. Unfortunately, there are no permanent restroom facilities here. The school’s track circles the football field, pushing the grandstand further from the gridiron.   Return on Investment 5   Admission to a Lancers football game costs just five dollars, with seniors and students admitted for three dollars. Youths under 12 years of age are admitted free of charge. Parking is free in the lots adjacent to the stadium. Concessions are inexpensive, with no item priced more than six dollars. Make sure to bring some cash with you, as cards of any type are not accepted at Coughlin Field. You won’t need much.   Extras 1   There is a 50/50 raffle held at each game to raise funds for the other Lancers athletic teams.   Final Thoughts   Coughlin Field is a basic facility that suits the needs of the Worcester State Lancers football team well. What this field lacks in flash, it more than makes up for in value. Fans of small college football will feel right at home here at Worcester State University.   Follow Paul Baker’s stadium journeys on Twitter  and Instagram  @PuckmanRI.

Photos by Chris Green, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.14 State Farm Field House at Wide World of Sports Lake Buena Vista, FL 32830 ESPN Events Invitational website State Farm Field House at Wide World of Sports website Year Opened: 2006 Disney’s College Basketball Tradition College basketball in-season tournaments are all the rage lately, yet one Central Florida invitational has remained for many years. The ESPN Events Invitational Tournament, hosted yearly at the ESPN Wide World of Sports at Walt Disney World Resort in Orlando, has become a staple of the NCAA slate. Featuring teams from around the country, this event features plenty of action for an affordable price in a stellar location. Held inside State Farm Field House, this is a popular stop around the Thanksgiving holiday for fans of participating teams.   Food & Beverage   4 There are usually a lot of options at Wide World of Sports – inside State Farm Field House itself, concessions include burgers ($9.50), house salads ($10.50), hot dogs ($9.50), Mickey Ice Cream Bars ($6.50), and Mickey Pretzels with cheese ($8.50). Drinks include beer and alcohol at a stand just across the hall from the food stand, as well as bottled water ($4), coffee ($4.50) and fountain soda ($6) at the main stand in the corners. The beer garden concession stand also features burgers and pretzels with beer ($13-$15.75) that includes optional refills ($8-$9) and Powerade ($5.50). Deserts include Mickey Ice Cream Bars or frozen lemonade cups ($6.50). The arena also includes a Wetzel’s Pretzels location, selling their famous hot pretzels in various options, as well as sodas.   Atmosphere   3 State Farm Field House at Wide World of Sports features a lot of exposed metal beams in the architecture, and its curved roof amplifies the noise and lighting inside. The overall aesthetic of nearby facilities, including Champion Stadium, are carried over here as well. The arena has one concourse level, meaning you can walk up or down to your seats easily. ESPN logos are all over the facility, and past champion banners are hung above the VIP seating area. Neighborhood   5 The sports complex is located just off Osceola Parkway, literally across the street from the new entrance to Disney’s Hollywood Studios – because of this you’re not far from pretty much everything you need on your trip. For obvious reasons, the best place to stay would be at any of the Disney Resorts – guests of the resorts get free bus transport to and from the arena. The closest hotels, Disney’s Pop Century and Disney’s Art of Animation, are two of the park’s lowest priced resorts. For food, anywhere on Disney Property is a go-to; Kona Café at the Disney Polynesian Resort is a popular stop for sushi and a south seas flavor for dinner, while California Grill at the top of Contemporary Resort is also a popular go-to for a more upscale experience. In addition, popular tourist stops include EPCOT, Magic Kingdom, Hollywood Studios, and the Animal Kingdom theme parks. Also, Disney Springs, which is accessible via bus and car, is home to countless restaurants, bars, and shopping opportunities for the whole family. Fans   4 The games are played among four teams, meaning you get two games per day/per ticket. Tickets are sold by day, which means if you go to catch both games, you may notice one game is more or less popular than the other, depending on the fans who traveled for each team. While this can lead to some generally sparse attendance at times, the atmosphere is no-less electric. The noise is also amplified inside, so each dunk and three-pointer seem to garner loud cheers regardless of the attendance in the building, and since everyone has made the trip to Disney, you generally have a lot of families who are attending the games, making for a more family-friendly atmosphere than some team’s home games might have.   Access   4 Getting to Wide World of Sports is pretty easy, but traffic for certain games can be a pain. Parking is free in all parking lots for this tournament, including right close to the main entrance. In addition, now that the roadways have been re-routed in the area, access to the facility is easy when getting onto the property; there is signage all over Disney’s property leading you to Wide World of Sports, and getting off the main road is easy thanks to the new flyover.   Return on Investment   5 Tickets are very affordable, ranging from just $45 for the upper sidelines and $40 for the baseline, up to $60 for the lower sidelines and $80 for lower center court. All seating is first-come, first-served general admission within each seating area. Additional hospitality can be purchased – tickets for all-you-can-eat food with drinks cost $110, with your choice of high top or couch seating areas at floor level behind the basket. This VIP area behind the baseline at court level gives you what amounts to courtside seating and viewing in your own section, complete with tables, chairs, couches, and several TVs that not only show the game you are watching live, but also other games on TV as well. Extras   4 The facility features a popular picture spot at the main entrance next to the Wide World of Sports globe. There also are numerous sports facilities all throughout the area, including various other events that may be going on, from cheerleading competitions to youth soccer tournaments. TV screens throughout Wide World of Sports are also constantly playing various ESPN channels, fully immersing you in sports. Finally, during the championship game Mickey Mouse makes an appearance in special basketball-themed attire, and the tournament MVP is presented with a framed Disney World basketball jersey as their trophy. Additionally, during the first game of the tournament, Mickey Mouse made a surprise appearance for autographs and photos with fans who wanted to participate during halftime. Final Thoughts The ESPN Events Invitational is certainly one of the longer running in-season college basketball tournaments, and it is easy to see why. Since 2006, teams like Notre Dame , FSU , Gonzaga , Memphis , Villanova , FAU , and others have hoisted the Tournament's trophy. Being located in such a family-friendly location, this is an ideal tournament to visit in late November, especially for those fans looking to escape the colder weather up north.

Photos by Matt Colville, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.71 Strawberry Stadium 500 Western Ave Hammond, LA 70401 Southeastern Louisiana Lions website Strawberry Stadium website Year Opened: 1937 Capacity: 7,408 Lion Up!!!! In 1928, Southeastern Louisiana University opened its doors on 60 acres of farmland in Hammond, on the estate of attorney Hunter Leake II – the college originally opened as Hammond Junior College in 1925, at a separate location before moving to the current site. The football program began in 1930, and in 1937 work began on an on-campus stadium funded by Franklin D. Roosevelt's Works Progress Administration (WPA). Due to pressure from Louisiana Governor Richard Leche, the 7,200-seat stadium was built in just four months. The stadium was originally supposed to be named after Leche, but was dedicated as Strawberry Stadium to honor the local strawberry farmers in the region. This area's rich and fertile soil, combined with the swampy humid climate, makes this a perfect place for growing strawberries, giving this region of Louisiana the nickname "The Strawberry Capital of the World". Strawberry Stadium hosted its first game on Sept 17, 1937, with the Lions, fresh off an 8-0 1936 season, defeating the LSU  freshman team. Today, SLU has expanded to include 365 acres, and with an enrollment of 14,400 is the third-largest college in the state. The Lions have established a quite stellar football tradition in their over 65 years of football, including three undefeated seasons and 7 conference titles, before the football program was discontinued in 1985. Since restarting in 2003, however, the Lions have only continued their winning ways, winning three Southland Conference titles and playing in the FCS playoffs five times.   Food and Beverage   3 There are four main concessions stands inside Strawberry Stadium, two on each side of the facility. You can find the usual items, and prices are fairly cheap – hamburgers and nachos ($5), hot dogs and slices of pizza ($4), peanuts ($3), or candy, chips, and popcorn ($2). They also have Chick-fil-A sandwiches available for ($7), but for a local item on the menu try the Veron Sausage po’ boy for $6; Veron is a special brand of famous Cajun sausages made in nearby Prairieville. You also can't come to Louisiana without getting a po’ boy, so I recommend this item on the menu. For drinks, Coca-Cola is the official soft drink provider of SLU Athletics – you can get coffee, Dasani bottled water, and 16 oz soft drinks for $3. Alcohol is also available at Strawberry Stadium, as you can purchase Bud Light, Michelob Ultra, and Budweiser in tallboy cans for $8. Rainbow Daiquiris, a popular daiquiri spot in town, also has a stand set up selling daiquiris, while Hammond-based Gnarly Brewing offers several craft beers for sale, as well as their "Lion Up" brand of beer, custom made for Lions games. In addition, new for 2024 is the "Lion's Legacy" brand of beer that is being brewed for the 100th anniversary of the opening of Southeastern Louisiana University.   Atmosphere   4 Southeastern Louisiana provides a lively atmosphere on campus, thanks in part to a winning tradition the past few years. Before the game you can find tailgaters spread out throughout campus, with the most popular spot being Friendship Circle right out in front of the stadium on the north side. Beautiful Spanish moss trees, with a stunning several hundred-year-old oak and a giant lion statue, provide a stunning backdrop with the stadium in the background. It's a common tradition for couples to kiss under Friendship Oak, as legend states this will keep them together forever. Strawberry Stadium is located behind Friendship Circle – the facility has 7,408 seats, with brick-and-steel grandstands on the east and west sides, along with open end zones. The venue still retains its original exterior brick appearance from when it was built. Interestingly, when the facility first opened it had campus buildings under the grandstands; the first floor of the east grandstand held the cafeteria and post office, while the second floor had student dorms, and the west side had athletic dorms and offices. In fact, university and athletic offices still occupy the west grandstand, while classrooms still occupy the area under the east grandstand. There are four main entrances into the stadium, one located at each corner. Many of the Lions fans and alumni will enter and sit on the west side, while the band, students, and visitors section take up the east grandstand – take note you cannot walk between the east and west grandstands, so you must enter on the correct side. In the east side concourse, Southeastern Louisiana University does an excellent job honoring its sports history – you'll find an impressive display of signage and murals filling the concourse, honoring past players and achievements in not just football but in all sports. All the school's Hall of Famers are honored, and there is also a huge mural honoring former quarterback Cole Kelley (2019-21), who won the 2020 Walter Payton Award as the best player in the FCS. You'll be able to get great views of the field no matter where you sit in the stadium. Once inside, you will be greeted by over 20 rows of bleacher-style seats on each side of the facility; there are also four sections of green and yellow chairbacks at midfield on the west side. The metal bleachers are painted in the Lions colors of light green, and when Strawberry Stadium is empty you can see the chairbacks are designed to spell out SLU in the stadium, which I thought was neat. Also, in the end zones you'll find 15 on-field cabanas that are for sponsors and boosters. Strawberry Stadium has received several renovations over the years – in 2008 they added six luxury suites and the Victory Club, an enclosed climate-controlled room with food and a bar, as well as 116 covered club seats located just outside the Victory Club. A new turf field was also installed prior to the 2012 season; this turf was the playing surface used in the Caesar’s Superdome from 2010-2011, and is still being used at Strawberry Stadium as of last season.   Neighborhood   4 Hammond is the largest city in the Parish, with a population of 20,000 located about 40 miles east of Baton Rouge, and 45 miles northwest of New Orleans. Hammond is a true college town, with most of the attractions centered on the university and a pretty big downtown area. The campus is located within walking distance of downtown, only a few blocks north – this area is quite pretty with a railroad that runs right through the middle of downtown, along with several small parks. You can find plenty of restaurants and bars downtown including La Carrenta, Brady's, Tommy's, Mariner's Inn, Cate Street Seafood, Lee's Diner, and Tope La for popular creole and Cajun foods. For popular spots to get a drink you can try the Cate Street Pub, Red White and Brew, Benny's Place, or the Crescent Bar, while for attractions in Hammond you have Louisiana Children's Discovery Museum, which makes for a great place to take the kids. Keibert & Sons Gator Tours and the Global Wildlife Center, just outside Hammond, are also good options – the latter is home to a drive through safari-style zoo. For shopping in Hammond you have Hammond Square, a beautiful outdoor shopping mall with plenty of mall-style chain stores and restaurants. If you have time I recommend taking a trip to neighboring Ponchatoula, which is about 5-mile drive south of SLU’s campus. This beautiful small town is centered on its strawberry industry, as the Strawberry Capital of the World – if you are here in the spring make sure to check out the Ponchatoula Strawberry Festival. Ponchatoula has a nice downtown with plenty of restaurants, as well as a giant strawberry right next to City Hall. They even have a cool market inside of an old train station where you can buy all kinds of items, such as shirts, art, and food. For places to stay in the area there are plenty of hotels in Hammond closer to the Interstate, or for a more upscale hotel in Hammond you can try Michabelle Inn, located in a historic 19th century home. You can also find plenty of hotels in Baton Rouge if you elect to stay in the Louisiana capital city.   Fans   3 Sitting in the backyards of both LSU  and Tulane , the Lions had a little bit of trouble fighting for relevancy after restarting football. In addition, SLU can sometimes get lost in the shuffle of the other Southland Conference programs in the state, but in recent years the school has experienced sudden growth, and is now the third-largest university in the state. Winning ways have also taken over Strawberry Stadium; since 2013 the Lions have made five FCS playoff appearances. The Lions winning again and putting a competitive product on the field has only increased attendance in recent years – this season the Lions are averaging about 4,000 fans per game, and in the past five years have Lions averaged 4,980 per season. Also, with many of the schools in the Southland Conference being in Louisiana too, you can expect to find a good number of visiting fans who make the trek to Hammond on game day. The Lions biggest rivalry is with Nicholls State , just 90 miles south of Hammond; the two schools battle it out every year in the River Bell Classic. When Nicholls State, Northwestern State , or McNeese State  visit you can expect to find plenty of visiting fans; the attendance record in recent years was set during the 2019 River Bell Classic, with over 10,000 fans, while the all-time attendance record is 12,000, which occurred during a 1981 game with Jackson State . The Lions fans that do show up are knowledgeable about the history of the program; you'll find a mix of older folks who remember the first incarnation of the football program. You will also find a good number of alumni who turn out for games, as many of the alumni continue to live in the area after graduation. During the game the fans seem into the game, and stay throughout. The band sits on the east side bleachers and plays throughout the game, while Roomie, the Lions mascot, can be seen constantly interacting with fans and students on both sides of the stadium. Roomie became the mascot in 1964, and is named after a longtime professor and avid Lions supporter, Hollis “Roomie” Wilson. The original mascot was a live lion named Lobo, which is Spanish for wolf, but that didn't sit over well. Another thing I think is cool is all the different uniform combinations the Lions wear for the games – you'll almost never see them wearing the same jersey and pants, similar to how Oregon  does their uniforms.   Access   3 Getting to Hammond is fairly simple – the city is conveniently located right on the 1-12 and I-55 corridor, about 40 miles to the east of Baton Rouge and 45 miles northwest of New Orleans. Getting to SLU’s campus is pretty easy; just take I-12 to Exit 40. SLU is then about 2.5 miles north of the exit, a few blocks north of downtown. Along the way you'll pass by all the shopping at Hammond Square, and you'll have a nice drive through downtown. You won't miss Strawberry Stadium, as it's at the front entrance of campus behind Friendship Circle. Louis Armstrong International Airport, closer to New Orleans, will be your main airport if flying in for the weekend – I-55 ends near the airport, and Hammond is a straight 45-minute drive up I-55. This drive will take you through Manchac Swamp on the second-longest bridge in the country. Sometimes the GPS will advise you to take Lake Pontchartrain Causeway to the North Shore, which is the longest bridge in the country, but it can sometimes take over 2 hours to get from New Orleans to Hammond, with traffic, if you use the Causeway. The one issue you may have once on campus is parking; they did build a parking garage attached to the west side of Strawberry Stadium, but this is reserved for season ticket holders and those who have premium seating. There is also plenty of parking on campus for $25, which I thought was kind of high. Alternatively, for free parking there is plenty on the north side of campus near University Center, home of the basketball team.   Return on Investment   4 This season tickets are priced at $25 for metal bleacher seats and $40 for chairbacks, if purchased at the front gate or through the athletics website. However, my advice would be to purchase through a third-party site like Vivid Seats instead, where you can get tickets for less than $10. Attending a Lions games remains a cheaper alternative than attending an LSU  game, for example, if you are looking for a college football game to attend in Louisiana. The Lions put a great product on the field, and the game day atmosphere rivals some of the best FCS colleges in the country. I consider seeing a game at Strawberry Stadium to be a good return on investment – you get to watch really good competitive football for this level, and Hammond is a very off the radar city to visit in Louisiana.   Extras   5 The Lions have had 23 players drafted into the NFL in the history of their program, including two players drafted since football was started back up in 2003. Cornerback Robert Alford is the highest draft pick from SLU, picked 60th overall by the Falcons in 2013. The Lions also have one Walter Payton Award winner in Quarterback Cole Kelley, who won the award in 2020. Besides being home to Lions football, Strawberry Stadium is also home to the Lions women's soccer team, which was added in 2013. The facility is also a historic high school venue for the state, having hosted many LHSAA state championship games over the years. The venue currently serves as the home stadium for local St. Thomas Aquinas High School, which is located in town. Hammond High School also plays their rival Ponchatoula High School every year here in Strawberry Stadium, and that game usually draws a sold-out crowd. Strawberry Stadium has also seen a few legendary players play on this historic field – three future Pro Football Hall of Famers all went down in defeat when they played here. For example, in 1967 the Lions upset a Roger Staubach-led Pensacola Naval Air Station Goshawks military team, while one week later SLU beat a Terry Bradshaw-led Louisiana Tech  team for Homecoming. Halloween 1970 also welcomed another future Hall of Famer to Strawberry Stadium, when Ron Jaworski and the Youngstown State Penguins lost to the Lions. Another bonus is the turf here being first used at Caesar’s Superdome  – the playing surface was installed at the Superdome after the Saints won their first Super Bowl in 2010, and two years later was moved to Strawberry Stadium, where it remains to this day. Another bonus for Strawberry Stadium honoring local strawberry farmers – at one time the North Shore of Louisiana was home to over 14,000 acres of strawberry farms, and today the strawberry remains an integral part of Louisiana's agriculture. In fact, Tangipahoa Parish, where Hammond is located, is the state's leading strawberry producing area, accounting for 75% of the state's strawberry consumption.

Photos by Ben Alkaly, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.57 Provident Credit Union Event Center 290 S 7th St San Jose, CA 95192 Map It San Jose State Spartans website Provident Credit Union Event Center website Year Opened: 1989 Capacity: 5,000 A Sparsely-Attended Spartan Sunday Minutes from downtown San José, CA, Provident Credit Union Event Center is the home of the San José State University Spartans, members of the Mountain West Conference. Opened in 1989 as the Recreation and Event Center, Provident Credit Union became the venue’s naming rights sponsor in 2019 for $8.1 million over 20 years. In addition to men’s and women’s basketball, the arena hosts the Spartan women’s volleyball and gymnastics teams. Capacity is 5,000 for sporting events and 6,000 for concerts, but the Event Center has the feel of a much larger venue due to its high ceiling and gradually sloping seating on three sides, with one of the baselines curtained off below the massive video board. The university really leans into its Silicon Valley location with its unique court design, boasting the Spartan logo enveloped by a computer “circuit board.” Provident Credit Union Event Center Circuit Board Center Court, Photo by Ben Alkaly, Stadium Journey Established in 1857 and the oldest public university among the three West Coast states, SJSU is primarily a commuter school with more than 27,000 undergraduates and 5,400 graduate students enrolled as of fall 2024. Spartan men’s basketball has enjoyed minimal success with just three NCAA Tournament appearances (the last in 1996, with a 13-16 overall record) and is still seeking its first Big Dance victory.  Twelve former Spartans have played in the NBA; Darnell Hillman is perhaps their most accomplished pro with 7,339 career points and the 1977 NBA Slam Dunk Contest title after being drafted eighth overall in 1971. Food & Beverage 2 Directly across from the main (west) entrance is one of two concession stands open on the day of my visit in November 2024. With a sign reading “Fan Fare” that looks like it dates to the arena’s 1989 opening, hot food options are limited to a few standard stadium offerings: Hot dogs, brats, nachos, and giant pretzels, all priced between $7-$8. The meager menu is rounded out by popcorn, chips, cookies, candy, sodas ($4-$6) and a decent selection of beer, wine and seltzers. Those alcoholic beverages will set you back $13-$15 apiece. A second, smaller temporary concession stand is set up in the wide area between the court and east baseline seating, with a similar menu. This stand is definitely more convenient for grabbing a quick in-game bite, as you won’t miss any action and get to avoid the trek back up to the concourse. Both concession areas are card-only, cashless establishments. Atmosphere 2 Located on SJSU’s main campus mall at 7th and San Carlos Streets, the Event Center takes advantage of this prime real estate with a video board advertising upcoming events. That marketing didn’t translate into butts-in-seats for my Sunday matinee, with only 1,817 fans in attendance. There is no dedicated student section; most of the college-aged fans appear to be other Spartan athletes. Sideline seating on the north side, across from the benches, is assigned and costs $35 per ticket. This side faces the court logo, with the TV cameras positioned atop the stands. The opposite side, priced at $15-$20 with most seats general admission, is definitely the better value. Ushers do not appear to check tickets on either side. On the day of my visit, exactly zero fans were seated in the aforementioned east end zone, which is set very far back from the court. This seems like a missed opportunity to create atmosphere. If I were running SJSU’s in-game experience, I’d erect temporary stands behind this basket (which is also closest to the opposing bench) and invite students to go wild. Behind the opposite baseline, where there is just a concrete slab and no fixed seating, is the Hardwood Lounge which appears to be a benefit extended to SJSU season ticket holders. There is a buffet, some hi-top standing tables and some press row-like seating just behind the basket. Above the lounge is one of the largest video boards I’ve ever seen, extending the length of the baseline, which Wikipedia tells me is 49 feet! That said, it appears under-utilized to get the crowd hyped. The giant HD display primarily displays sponsor ads and live stats. Provident Credit Union Event Center Video Board, Photo by Ben Alkaly, Stadium Journey The Spartans take the court near the team bench, preceded by cheerleaders running out with four huge flags reading S-J-S-U. The cheer squad then takes the court for a few dance performances, but there are few (if any) fan contests or other engagement touchpoints. No Spartan mascot was in attendance during my visit. Neighborhood 3 San José State has always felt like a “sleeping giant,” sitting a mile from downtown San José which is the nation’s 12th-most populous city, and one of its wealthiest. Surrounding SJSU are student-centered apartment complexes and Victorian-style homes typical of Northern California. It feels relatively safe during the day with ample foot traffic to and from campus. Given the few concession options available at Provident Credit Union Event Center, it’s advised to have a pre- or postgame meal in the neighboring area or slightly further afield downtown. Just east of campus is Sammy G’s Pizzeria , which offers creative toppings as well as a sports fan’s favorite, beer. I ate at Jackie’s Place   on the edge of downtown, a Black-owned BBQ and soul food restaurant which was delicious, if not a bit pricy for the portion sizes. Jackie’s has a full bar, and a house band playing Sunday afternoons. Given the ethnic diversity of San José, one can find cuisine from across the globe both near campus and throughout Silicon Valley. Indian food is particularly well-represented, since a large number of Indian nationals live here and work in tech. While San José will always live in San Francisco’s shadow an hour north, there are some unique tourist area attractions including the Winchester Mystery House , a quirkily-designed mansion designed by an eccentric millionaire. Sports fans will find the nearby homes of the San Jose Sharks  (NHL), San Jose Barracuda (AHL) and San Jose Earthquakes  (MLS). At these venues, keep an eye out for “Krazy George” Henderson , a local superfan credited with inventing the Wave. As a major center of innovation and conventions, San Jose and the wider Silicon Valley is flush with hotels, motels, and short-term rentals in every price range. For those with Hyatt (or Chase Ultimate Rewards) points, an incredible deal can be had at the Wild Palms Hotel   in nearby Sunnyvale, with rates starting at just 3,500 points per night. Fans 2 Those sitting alongside me seemed to fall into three categories: 1) Older San José State diehards/season ticket holders, 2) Semi-interested Spartan students (mainly student-athletes), and 3) Dedicated fans of the visiting UC Santa Barbara Gauchos. The fact that this game was played head-to-head with a San Francisco 49ers home game just five miles up the road in Santa Clara probably didn’t help the crowd size. While Spartan fans made some noise when their team went on a run or took the lead in this close encounter, there wasn’t much of an intimidation factor for the visitors. The arena layout also works against the Spartans – with the cavernous footprint, it’s difficult for sound to get trapped and echo throughout Provident Credit Union Event Center. The Spartans are a typically weak team in a strong conference, with several nationally-ranked Mountain West foes visiting every season for televised games. This helps generate some decent crowds, as evidenced by 4,299 in attendance when #19 San Diego State escaped with a narrow victory in 2024. Access 4 As a commuter school, San José State has no shortage of campus parking . Basketball fans are instructed to use the general parking spots in either the 7th and San Salvador (South) or 4th and San Salvador (West) Parking Garages. Parking on the surrounding streets is restricted Mondays through Fridays, but I was able to find a spot easily on a Sunday afternoon, just a few blocks away. SJSU is also well-connected via public transportation . No fewer than 12 Valley Transit Authority (VTA) bus lines serve campus, as do the Blue and Green Light Rail Lines. Both Uber and Lyft are headquartered in the Bay Area, so you can rest assured there will be plenty of rideshare options. If staying downtown, it’s probably just easiest to walk in 15 minutes or less. San José’s Mineta International Airport (SJC) is well-connected with non-stops across the country, and even a few international flights. Unless a major convention is in town rental cars should be cheap and plentiful. The airport also has a nearby light rail stop that will get you to Provident Credit Union Event Center in under 45 mins.  SJSU’s main ticket office is under the aforementioned marquee at 7th and San Carlos. Knowing the official prices and knowing the game would be sparsely attended, I checked StubHub and scored a GA ticket for just over $6! The resale sites should always be your first option at a venue like the Event Center. Tickets are mobile if purchased in advanced, or paper at the box office. The main entrance is up a very tall staircase; I felt like Rocky Balboa after ascending those steps. There are accommodations for those with disabilities including an elevator. Like most U.S. sports venues these days, Provident Credit Union Event Center has a clear bag policy and a metal detector. Security personnel are friendly and say thanks for attending. The combination of few fans and wide concourses make navigating the venue a breeze. At this game, attendance was so low, in fact that SJSU didn’t bother opening the second concourse concession stand along the east side. Bathrooms are clean but certainly in need of a refresh; they are very institutional-feeling and likely look exactly the same as back in 1989. Return on Investment 3 Aside from the occasional lightning-in-a-bottle season – like 2022-23 when the Spartans won 21 games and reached the College Basketball Invitational – you generally know what to expect with San José State hoops; mediocre performances in front of a mediocre crowd, with not much student enthusiasm given the school’s heavy reliance on commuters. Extras 2 I arrived almost an hour before tipoff and there were no rosters or game programs available at the main entrance, but found them closer to tipoff on a table near the lower-level season ticket member entrance. Look above the east baseline for retired numbers and postseason appearance banners. Final Thoughts The cost of an afternoon or evening at Provident Credit Union Event Center is reasonable, especially if eschewing the overpriced, uninspired concessions. One also has the vibrant Bay Area at their doorstep, easily making a game here part of a wider and fulfilling trip.

Photos by David Welch, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.14 Allen E. Paulson Stadium 207 Lanier Dr Statesboro, GA 30458 Georgia Southern Eagles website Allen E. Paulson Stadium website Year Opened: 1984 Capacity: 25,000 The Prettiest Little Stadium in America The history of Georgia Southern football is a bit of a tail of two programs. Initially named District One A&M, college football was first played on the Statesboro, Georgia campus in 1909, but it would not be until 1929 when a team would be fielded on a regular basis. Like a handful of other schools at the time, the University would suspend the football program during World War II, but like in-state counterpart Mercer , the program would remain dormant for decades after. Football would return to Statesboro in 1982, and it would not take long for the Eagles to make their return felt, winning the 1-AA National Championship in just their fourth season. Georgia Southern would win five more championships (1986, 1989, 1990,1999, and 2000) before making the jump to college football’s Football Bowl Subdivision (FBS) as members of the Sun Belt Conference.   Food and Beverage   4 Paulson Stadium does a good job incorporating many of the local tastes of Statesboro into its stadium concessions – local BBQ joint Dolan’s, burritos from Surcheros Fresh Mex, and Stoner’s Pizza Joint can be found on both sides of the stadium. A handful of food trucks are also available on the home side concourse, which includes local Saucy Shrimp, while a tent also serves the uniquely southern boiled peanuts in both traditional and Cajun styles. Additional traditional concession stands have somewhat limited menus of burgers and hot dogs, but given the numerous other options around the stadium, the limited choices at the main stands are not a massive disappointment. Those looking to satisfy a sweet tooth have plenty of ways to do so – Italian ice, flavored kettle corn, Dippin’ Dots, and ice cream, along with typical concession stand candy options, are widely available. Soft drinks here come from the Coca-Cola line, along with PowerAde, while alcoholic beverages are limited to beer, premixed cocktails, and seltzers – beers include those from the Budweiser family, as well as craft brews from Creature Comforts Tropicalia and the Georgia Southern-branded “Hail Southern” lite beer from Fire Maker Brewing Company. Cutwater, Nūtrl seltzers, and premixed Georgia Southern Eagle-themed cocktails are also available.   Atmosphere   4 Many of the best college football environments are rooted deep in the traditions that are unique to the individual campuses. The traditions that surround Georgia Southern football rival those at many of its larger counterparts. Since 1982 the team has boarded yellow school buses that the university purchased from the local school district for just $1, after which the players roll around campus singing “The Valley Song” as they make their way through the tailgating lot for the Eagle Walk, through well-wishing fans and into the stadium. There might not be a more dramatic pregame entrance than one involving the flying of a bald eagle – following the pregame performance of the Pride of the South Marching Band, and prior to the Eagles taking the field, Freedom, the school’s live bald eagle mascot, takes off from atop the press box and swoops to its target at midfield, to mass approval from the fans. Paulson Stadium started as a bit of a basic stadium, and though it has seen significant upgrades over the years, it still holds on to a bit of its simplicity. Georgia Southern does a good job making Paulson Stadium as intimate a venue as possible; stands run the length of the field but are just 20 rows deep on each side, with the far side stands capped with a similar number of seats. Several types of suites are built into the alumni side, at both the field level and the press box level of seating. In addition, social gathering seating is found at either end of the stadium as part of the Gene Bishop Field House and the Bud Lite Cabanas, which front the Ted Smith Family Football Center – the seating layout and smaller sections really concentrate the fan excitement around the field, adding to the overall atmosphere. Though the Pride of the South Marching Band does play a role in the entertainment during stoppages in play, it is mostly in-house music played over the stadium speakers that fills the time until the game restarts. The band does add short musical drops between plays, but it is mostly the prerecorded music that dominates the stadium experience throughout games here. Night games certainly add another dynamic to the game experience – the LED lighting at Paulson Stadium allows the facility lights to be turned off, as fans light up the seating bowl with the flashlights from their cell phones, while bobbing to the beat of the in-house music. In addition, blue lighting accenting each of the lighting stanchions adds another element of Eagles personalization to the stadium.   Neighborhood   3 Paulson Stadium is on Georgia Southern’s southernmost reaches of campus. This does remove it a bit from Statesboro’s “Blue Mile”, a recently redeveloped stretch of road that leads from the northwestern edge of campus to downtown Statesboro. The nearby Eagles Corner shopping development is full of eateries serving all meals of the day, and also has a grocery store for picking up last minute tailgating necessities. In proximity to the center of campus, Dingus McGee’s is just off the northeast edge of campus and is a popular spot during pregame. Also, for those needing to pick up Eagles gear prior to heading to the stadium, they can run next door to the Southern Exchange Company. While Paulson Stadium is a bit isolated when it comes to surrounding campus athletic facilities, in December of 2024 the Jack and Ruth Ann Hill Convocation Center will open nearly across the street to serve as the home of Georgia Southern men’s and women’s basketball. Though not in the immediate vicinity, Savannah, Georgia is close enough to be part of a weekend visit to Statesboro.   Fans   4 Much of what makes the college athletics special is the involvement of the student body, and Georgia Southern students deserve a lot of credit for the energy they bring to Paulson Stadium. Students fill nearly the entirety of the field level seating that runs from end zone to end zone behind the visitor side of the field. While the students deserve a lot of credit for the atmosphere they help create, the alumni and other fans also do their part in setting the tone of the excitement that surrounds the game. As a whole, the fan base is extremely responsive not just to the highs and lows of the game, but also to the call and response cheers that are typically led by the school’s mascot, Gus. Between alternating volleys of “Who’s House?!?...Our House!!!” and “Georgia…Southern!!!”, the fans do a great job playing off each other to create an extremely fun college football atmosphere.   Access   4 Statesboro certainly is not the easiest place to get to – approximately an hour west of the Georgia port city of Savannah and two hours from central Georgia’s Macon, Statesboro does break up the monotonous farmland between the two cities. At Paulson Stadium there is limited parking, but lots a bit further away from the stadium do provide shuttle service from the Russell Union, which does have free parking. This does make these parking lots a bit more attractive. The stadium itself has multiple entrances on each side, which helps in limiting backups at the gates. Fans tend to be slow making their way from the tailgating lots into the stadium, but this does seem to alleviate long lines getting into the facility. Once in Paulson Stadium, the concourse runs completely around the seating areas, making navigation between the two sides rather simple. The walkway does pass behind buildings at either end of the stadium, however as well as behind the press box and suites structure and group seating areas, so the field is not always in sight while making the trek from one side to the other. There certainly are obstacles when it comes to accessing Paulson Stadium and being able to keep the game in sight, but Georgia Southern certainly takes these challenges into consideration, and takes steps to lessen their impact on the overall experience.   Return on Investment   5 Individual game tickets start at $20 for seating along any of the grassy hills in the corners of the stadium, with seats on the second level of the visiting side starting at $26. Parking can be purchased in advance for $20 for the tailgating lot, or for $25 on the day of. Free parking is available at the Russell Union, and free shuttles bring fans to the stadium. If having a designated tailgating spot at the stadium is not a high priority, the latter might be the way to go if you are looking to save a few dollars on the overall cost associated with attending an Eagles game.   Extras   5 The most successful coach in Georgia Southern history, Erskine “Erk” Russell, is widely acknowledged around the stadium, from his recognition in the stadium’s ring of honor on the façade of the press box to graphics of the championship victories he led. A bust of Russell sits at field level just outside the Eagles entrance to the field, and a statue welcomes fans just outside the western gates, depicting Russell in his trademark “One More Time” pregame t-shirt, with a gallon of water from the “Beautiful Eagle Creek” at his feet. The back side of the seating areas are used to tell the story of Georgia Southern football – from recognizing the Eagles six NCAA I-AA National Championships to commemorating their upset wins against Florida  and Nebraska . The home side stands also pay tribute to Eagles national and conference championships, along with recognizing the players and coaches who have written the history of the program. The flight of Freedom, the live eagle mascot, before the game has been dubbed “The Most Exciting 30 Seconds in College Football”, and is breathtaking – much like at Auburn  football games, it certainly is a dramatic way to get the game started. The Georgia Southern mascot Gus certainly makes his presence felt throughout the game; Gus regularly can be found doling out fist bumps and high fives to fans, or jumping in the student section to mix it up a bit. One of the draws of college athletics is that it is often a source of local and institutional pride that brings the team, students, alumni, and community together. As an illustration of this, at Paulson Stadium the team gathers after the game in front of the Pride of the South Marching band, win or lose, to pay tribute to the school and sing the school’s alma mater.   Final Thoughts Rooted in years of tradition and success at the then I-AA level, before the Eagles jump to the FBS, Georgia Southern football is widely recognized as one of the elite programs in smaller college football. Despite its secluded location in rural Georgia, a visit to Statesboro offers a truly special experience for fans seeking college football on a more intimate scale.

Photos by Paul Baker, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.86 Walter M. Katz Field 160 Atherton St. Milton, MA 02186 Curry Colonels football website Walter M. Katz Field website Year Opened: 1965 Capacity: 1,000 Curry College Colonels   Curry College is a private college located in Milton, Massachusetts, just seven miles from downtown Boston. Founded in 1879 as the School of Elocution and Expression, it was renamed in 1943 to honor its founders, Anna Baright and Samuel Silas Curry. Alexander Graham Bell, the inventor of the telephone, served as the school’s first Chancellor. Curry was the first school to offer a degree in Radio Broadcasting, starting the program in 1932. Today, its 4,700 students pursue studies in 25 undergraduate and 4 graduate programs.   Football has been played at Curry College since 1965. The Colonels, named in recognition of Samuel Curry’s birthplace in Tennessee, compete in the Conference of New England alongside several other small colleges throughout the area. The Colonels have qualified for the NCAA Division Three Tournament six times, with all their tournament appearances happening in consecutive seasons from 2003-2008. Curry reached the second round of the tournament twice. In addition, Curry has played in three postseason bowl games, most recently in 2017. New England Patriots legend Steve Nelson served as Curry’s head coach from 1998-2005, guiding the team through some of their most successful seasons.   Curry’s home field is Walter M. Katz Field, named for the Curry College class of 1989 alumnus. The facility serves as home to the school’s football, soccer and lacrosse teams. The New England Patriots used the field as their practice facility in 1967, while they played their home games at Fenway Park.   Food & Beverage 3    Fenway Park vendor The Sausage King runs a portable cart during Curry football games. They serve up some of their legendary sausage and pepper sandwiches, chicken teriyaki and footlong hot dogs along with a selection of cold drinks. Trust me, you’ll want to try one of these sausages at the game.   Just be warned, you’ll be paying Fenway Park prices for food at a Curry football game. Atmosphere 2   The game day experience at a Curry football game is a basic one. The highlight of Katz Field is undoubtedly the video scoreboard in the northwest end zone. It’s used throughout the game for player photos and game information. The cheerleaders set up shop in the same end zone, leading the crowd in cheers throughout the game and performing at halftime. Unfortunately, there’s no pep band in attendance, and the subpar sound system ensures that Katz Field doesn’t get too loud, so it’s usually a pretty quiet  afternoon here at Curry.   What energy is present at Katz Field is almost entirely generated by the fans in attendance, who are very much into the game and are supportive of the players on the field. There’s a good turnout from the student body, but no organized student section to speak of. Going to a Colonels game will feel very familiar to fans who have experienced other small college football games.   Neighborhood 3   Despite Curry College’s location just a few miles from downtown Boston, there’s more of a suburban feel to the area around the school. With the Blue Hills Reservation right across the street, there’s nothing in the immediate area of Curry to attract visiting fans besides the gorgeous fall foliage.   However, fans wanting to venture out into Milton will find a few spots worth a visit, including Roundhead Brewing Company. The nearby Fairmont Hill neighborhood in Hyde Park has several dining options within a few blocks. Fans looking to stay close to Curry will find some lodging options closer to I-93, including a Homewood Suites by Hilton and a Hilton Garden Inn. The Blue Hills Reservation is a popular place for hiking and other outdoor activities for those so inclined.   Of course, with Boston being so close, most out of town visitors will likely opt to head downtown rather than stay in the immediate area.   Fans 3   Curry College football crowds can be a bit on the larger side, especially when compared to other Division Three schools in the area. Although there is a lot of variance in the reported attendance, the average crowd numbers just under 1,000 fans. There’s a good turnout from the student body, but the majority of the crowd is made up of families of the players on the field. As a result, the crowd is knowledgeable about the Colonels and enthusiastic in their support.   With the majority of the Colonels’ schedule consisting of other New England teams, you’ll be sure to find a good turnout from visiting fans here at Katz Field. This is small college football, so fans are welcoming to each other, even when they are longtime rivals. You can feel comfortable sporting the opposition colors at Katz Field.   Access 3   Curry College is located in the Boston suburb of Milton, just seven miles from Downtown. Adjacent to the Blue Hills Reservation, the campus has a rustic feel despite being located very close to a bustling urban area.   Driving is the primary method for arriving at Curry College. Interstate 93 is about 3 miles from campus, and Route 138 will bring visitors directly to the school. Just remember that Curry is located just to the south of Boston, and traffic can be heavy, even on a fall Saturday. The MBTA’s number 716 bus  has a stop at the entrance to Curry College, and the school operates a shuttle to the nearby Mattapan T station.   Katz Field is located alongside several of the school’s other athletic fields on the western edge of campus. Parking is available near the football field, but be warned, this small lot fills up quickly. Later arriving fans will have to park a distance away, over near the tennis courts on Blue Jay Way. The walk is about a half mile from the satellite lot to the football stadium, but it does avoid the big hills that surround the athletic fields. Fans trying to access the Visitor’s tailgating lot aren’t so lucky, as that lot sits at the top of a steep hill.   Seating consists of metal bleachers. The home (west) side of the field stretches from one 20-yard line to the other, while the visiting side features a much smaller set of bleachers that sits between the 40-yard lines. A third set of bleachers is tucked over by the goal line. There is plenty of standing room in either end zone, while some fans choose to sit on the hill behind the north end zone while taking in the action.   There are no permanent restrooms at Katz Field. Fans will have to make due with three port a johns located by the entrance to the stadium.   Return on Investment 5   Tickets to Colonels football games are sold as general admission for just five dollars. Seniors and visiting students receive a two-dollar discount. Children 12 and under are admitted at no charge. Parking on campus, either in the lots adjacent to the field or the ones a bit farther away, is also free. While grabbing a sausage from The Sausage King may be a bit more expensive than your typical D-3 fare, an afternoon at a Colonels game is a very affordable entertainment option for Metro Boston sports fans.   Extras 1   Look for a rebranding to happen in the near future here at Curry. The old Colonel logo, featuring a man with a bushy moustache and beard wearing a white suit and purple cowboy hat, was retired in 2020. The school is evaluating whether or not the name “Colonels” is appropriate moving forward, although no announcement has been made yet.   Final Thoughts   Katz Field is a solid small-college facility featuring affordable prices and a laid-back atmosphere close to the attractions of Boston. It’s a fine place to take in some quality football on a lovely New England fall afternoon.   Follow Paul Baker’s stadium journeys on Twitter  and Instagram  @PuckmanRI.

Photo courtesy of the Chicago Bulls For the past nearly 100 years, mascots have been an important part of a professional sports team’s identity. In the past live animals were all the rage, but in the second half of the 20th century, a revolution took place and teams turned to mascots of the costumed, anthropomorphized variety. Mr. Met – the mascot of the then expansion New York Mets  – became the first costumed mascot in Major League Baseball. From those nascent days, the floodgates were opened and virtually every pro team in the country has a costumed character patrolling the stands and rallying the crowds. They are social media stars and produce some the best-selling merchandise that each team has to offer. Children love them, adults love them, virtually everyone loves them. But which one is the most loved? Recently, the online gaming site LSR  sought to determine which mascot was America’s most popular. Analyzing data from Instagram, which was found to have allowed many mascots to grow significant online followings in the past decade, of the four major sports leagues it was determined that Benny the Bull , the mascot of the NBA’s Chicago Bulls , is America’s most popular mascot. Having an online following of around 513,000, Benny – who has been with Chicago since 1969 – is known for his trick dunks and acrobatic flips. Coming in second with almost 471,000 Instagram followers is Blue , the mascot of the NFL’s Indianapolis Colts . The team’s mascot since 2006, Blue is known for his pranks, challenges, world travels that he posts about online. Photo courtesy of the Indianapolis Colts Also representing the NFL and ranking third in Instagram popularity with 275,000 followers is Toro , the mascot of the Houston Texans  – with the team since their inaugural season in 2001, Toro has made a reputation of his highlight reel stunts. Photo courtesy of the Houston Texans “The mascots who represent America’s major sports teams have their own important role as stand-out characters that fans can rally behind to support their team and see in person at their games”, said Adam Candee, the Managing Editor of LSR in a news release. “It is understandable that many of them would have gained a significant online following, especially on Instagram where they often post clips of their antics during games”. Gritty , the mascot of the NHL’s Philadelphia Flyers , ranked third with around 459,200 Instagram followers. The furry, orange creature has been the team’s mascot since 2018, and has proven to be a pop culture phenomenon. Photo courtesy of the Philadelphia Flyers Rounding out the top five is the second mascot from the City of Brotherly Love, the legendary Phillie Phanatic , mascot of MLB’s Philadelphia Phillies . With around 211,400 Instagram followers, the Phanatic is an icon in the world of professional mascots. He’s been with the team since 1978 and is famous – or infamous – for his run-ins with opposing teams and fans. Photo courtesy of the Philadelphia Phillies “[It] should be noted that the most successful mascots also use their following to share positive messages and have more personal interactions with the fans, like Benny the Bull promoting literacy to local schools and making public appearances around Chicago”, Candee said. “This shows the extent to which sports mascots can impact their local community beyond just hyping up fans during games”. Top 20 most followed American sports mascots on Instagram:  ---- Follow Eric Moreno's Stadium Journey on Twitter at @EricMoreno6477 .

Photos by Richard Smith, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.14 Pucillo Gymnasium 105 Pucillo Drive Millersville, PA 17551 Millersville Marauders website Pucillo Gymnasium website Year Opened: 1910 Capacity: 3,000 Marauding In PA Millersville University of Pennsylvania (commonly known as Millersville University or MU) was founded in 1855 as one of Pennsylvania's normal/teaching schools. One of its biggest programs is meteorology. Malik B and Black Thought of The Roots are two of the university's most well-known alumni. The Roots are best known by many people as the house band of the Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon. Pucillo Gymnasium opened in 1970 for a cost of two million dollars. It also underwent renovations in 2008 and a new floor and locker rooms were installed in 2015. The gymnasium is named in honor of Dr. John A. Pucillo, who served with distinction as coach, athletic director, and administrator at Millersville from 1925 to 1957. Millersville participates in varsity sports as part of NCAA Division II. Their sports teams are known as the Marauders. The Marauders compete as a member of the Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference (PSAC). In lacrosse, the school was the 1982 AIAW Division III national champion. Food & Beverage 3 There is a nice concession stand in the gymnasium's lobby. Prices are incredibly cheap. I don’t think I saw a single menu item over $5. You won’t want to make the limited options your main meal, but at the same time, your wallet will be happy. Atmosphere 3 The venue is a pretty basic small college gym with seats on both sides of the court and a few on the sides, especially at the second level which also seems to serve as a running track. Many of the games, such as the one we attended, are doubleheaders with the women's teams so you may see many fans come and go. When students are in session, especially during weekday games, there will be much more of a student presence which will make for a better atmosphere. Neighborhood 3 Millersville is a nice little town located just to the west of Lancaster, Pennsylvania. There are a few food and drink options in the immediate vicinity. Although it is not the most exciting place, I tend to go to the Sugar Bowl just down the street. They have simple pizza slices and sub sandwiches at a good value. Wayback Burger is another local option. Some great food options exist in the nearby Lancaster area. A very nice hotel, the Lancaster Arts Hotel makes a nice place to stay and watch games. The hotel serves as an art gallery and lodging establishment while making use of former factory space. Fans 3 The fans are about what you expect for a small college venue. The students can make it better at the games they attend. The PSAC conference offers some great local rivalries with schools such as Bloomsburg, Indiana University of Pennsylvania, Slippery Rock, and Shippensburg. Expect to see a decent number of rival fans in attendance. Access 4 Lancaster and Millersville are easy areas to navigate. Routes 30 and 222 are well-known, large roads that any tourist visitor to the area will be more than familiar with. The university is located about half an hour from the state capital, Harrisburg. It is also about an hour and a half to Baltimore and the same distance to Philadelphia. Parking is fairly plentiful around the university and the stadium. Parking is also free but watch for any regulations during weekday games. Return on Investment 4 Attending a Millersville game is about on the same price level as high school athletics. Tickets can be had for under $10 at the door. Parking is free. Extras 2 The lobby cases also hold information about the members of the Lancaster County Sports Hall of Fame. Following extensive renovations to the lobby in 2017, it was renamed the Anttonen Lobby in honor of Dr. and Mrs. Ralph (Doc) and Judith Anttonen. Final Thoughts Millersville University plays a good level of basketball and the opponents of the PSAC do offer some skilled opponents, which makes a game here a good value for the sports fan.

Photos by Lance Sutehall, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.29 Thomas Assembly Center Stadium Blvd Ruston, LA 71272 Louisiana Tech Bulldogs website Thomas Assembly Center website Year Opened: 1982 Capacity: 8,000 Bulldogs On The AtTAC The small community of Ruston, Louisiana is home to Louisiana Tech University, an institution with over 12,000 students enrolled as of Fall 2024. Their athletic teams, known as the Bulldogs, compete in Conference USA (C-USA). The men’s basketball team has made five NCAA Tournament appearances but has not made the big dance since 1991. Food & Beverage 3 The concourse has three concession stands (only two were open during my visit). The stands offer hot dogs ($4), burgers ($7), popcorn ($4), smoked sausage ($4), peanuts ($3), nachos ($5), Cajun links ($4), chips ($2), pickles ($2), and candy ($3). Pepsi is the soft drink provider with regular cups ($4) or souvenir cups ($6) as drink options. Alcohol is also sold at the stands with domestic beers ($5) and imported beers ($7) for sale. Atmosphere 4 The main entrance of the Thomas Assembly Center has a statue of Leon Barmore, the head coach of the Lady Techsters, the women’s team from 1977-2022. He led the Lady Techsters to three national championships and the program is considered to be the original women’s basketball dynasty. Upon entering the concourse there are displays for the Lady Techsters’ dynasty as well as one for the men’s program. Karl Malone also has one of his given that he is arguably the most notable alumnus of the program. The ceiling of the concourse has banners honoring notable alumni of both basketball programs. After entering the seating bowl there are many banners commemorating the successes of both basketball programs as well as several retired jerseys. The seating bowl is all chairback seating with the seating bowl split into the lower bowl with red seats and the upper level seats being blue. The seats are arranged in a circle and the rows are steep enough that there are not many bad seats in the house (except for seats immediately behind the press area). During the starting lineups players come out from behind a curtain with a smoke machine going off. Cheerleaders perform various routines during breaks in game action with some breaks having a LED light show. Neighborhood 3 Lincoln Parish (where Ruston is located) is also home to Grambling State University and is, therefore, one of the smallest county-equivalents in the United States to have two Division One institutions. Grambling State is located five miles West of the Louisiana Tech campus. Dining options in Ruston include Griff’s Hamburgers, The Dawg House Sports Grill, and Bad Wolf BBQ. Hotel chains for lodging near Louisiana Tech include Super 8, Sleep Inn, and Hampton Inn. Fans 3 The town of Ruston rallies around its Louisiana Tech Bulldogs athletic teams and basketball is no exception. Games will have decent crowds even for midweek clashes with inferior non-conference opponents. Access 4 The campus of Louisiana Tech is near Exit 84 on Interstate 20, from there head South on Cooktown Road which becomes Tech Drive. Make a right on Stadium Boulevard and the free parking lot will be sandwiched between the North side of Joe Aillet Stadium and the softball field. A flight of stairs takes you to the main entrance of the Thomas Assembly Center and the walkways are plenty wide throughout the venue. Return on Investment 4 General admission tickets are $18 while accompanied children can attend for $8. With free parking an adult can have a great night of Tech basketball for less than $30, $60 for a date, and a family of four will likely spend less than $100. A night to see the Bulldogs will not break the bank and will be a good time.  Extras 2 As mentioned earlier in the article the Louisiana Tech Lady Techsters are the original women’s basketball dynasty with three national championships in 1981, 1982, and 1988 as well as an additional eight final four appearances. The Lady Techsters dynasty happened under the helm of Leon Barmore and there is a statue of him outside the main entrance of the Thomas Assembly Center. Karl Malone played for Louisiana Tech from 1982-1985 and there is a display at the main entrance honoring his time at Louisiana Tech. The playing floor is also named in his honor and he owns a Toyota dealership in Ruston. Final Thoughts A stop in Ruston to see a basketball game at Louisiana Tech is a great experience and worth a visit. The men‘s program may not reach the heights that the women did in the 1980s but the ingredients exist for the men to end an over three-decade NCAA tournament drought. They certainly have the venue and fanbase to do so anyway.

Photos by Eric Hasman, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.57 Grossinger Motors Arena 101 S Madison St Bloomington, IL 61701 Map It Bloomington Bison website Grossinger Motors Arena website Year Opened: 2006 Capacity: 6,000 ECHL Bloomington Bison Grossinger Motors Arena (formerly  U.S. Cellular Coliseum and simply the Coliseum) is an arena in downtown Bloomington, Illinois. It is on the southwest corner of Madison Street (US-51) and Front Street. The arena opened to the public on April 1, 2006. Its seating capacity is approximately 6,000 for hockey and indoor football games and 7,000+ for concerts. The arena has 800 club seats, 24 luxury suites, and a two-party suite. Grossinger Motors Arena has been the home venue for several hockey, indoor football, and basketball teams. Home hockey teams included Bloomington Prairie Thunder (UHL/IHL/CHL affiliations from 2006-2011), Bloomington Blaze (CHL from 2011-2013), Bloomington Thunder (SPHL from 2013-2014), and the Central Illinois Flying Aces (USHL from 2014 – 2019).   Home football teams were Bloomington Extreme (UIF/IFL from 2006 - 2012) and Bloomington Edge (CIFL/XLIFL/CIF/IFL affiliations from 2012-2018).   Home basketball teams were Central Illinois Drive (MPBA 2011-2012 ) and Bloomington Flex (MBPA from 2012-2015).   Grossinger Motors Arena currently hosts the Illinois State Redbird Hockey Club and the new ECHL hockey team, the Bloomington Bison. Food & Beverage 3 The food selection is pretty good here. They have the classics: chicken strips ($8), bratwurst ($7), hot dogs ($6) and pizza ($6). There are hamburgers (a ½ pound for $15 and “Bloomington Meats Burger" $10), BBQ Sandwich ($10), BBQ nachos ($10), Smoked wings ($12), and Mac & Cheese ($6). For vegans/vegetarians, they sell “Beyond Chicken Strips" ($8). The arena carries Pepsi products. Bottled soda or Gatorade is $4. A large fountain soda is $6, and a small fountain soda is $4. Bottle water is $4. They also have kids' juice boxes for $2. There is a sweets stand that has sundaes ($10), root beer floats ($9), Dippin’ Dots / soft serve ice cream, soft pretzels/nachos ($6), churro bites ($5), brownies ($4), candy ($3), potato chips ($3) and cookies ($2). Popcorn is $6 for a large. Note on select days; the popcorn is free . There are full bar service stands that have mixed drinks ($10 to $12) . D omestic Budweiser and Miller/Coors products sell for $8 for a can (16 oz.). Blue Moon and Modelo cost $10. There are a couple of craft beers here, Bison Blonde Ale and Keg Grove Holey Jeans, that cost $11. They do not have any wine in the arena (strange), but they do have High Noon hard seltzers for $8. The lines can get long, and the concourses are narrow, so it gets crowded. I suggest that you wait until the game starts before you get in line. Atmosphere 2 The Bloomington Bison does not offer much time out or between-period events. Of course, there is a t-shirt throw. The lobby is kind of cramped. The box office area has about five windows, and you can get paper tickets there. The arena has one level of seating on three (3) sides of the ice (like a horseshoe) and suite seating up above that requires a separate entrance. The suites provide a very nice view of the arena. The video board is located on the open end of the arena and shows the usual stuff: scores, some stats, and the game. There is no overhanging scoreboard. Abe, a bison, is the official mascot of the team and is only available for photos/autographs as he makes his way to a seating area to do a promotion.  There are a couple of concession tables offering a good selection collection of team gear that includes hats, t-shirts, and both home and away jerseys. And it would not be a hockey game without the obligatory chuck-a-puck. Neighborhood 2 The Grossinger Motors Arena is about 2 miles from Illinois State University and about 1 mile from Illinois Wesleyan University. In addition, the arena is in downtown Bloomington, which is the County Hub. The Courthouse and other municipal building areas are within blocks of the arena.  Approximately two blocks away, there is the McLean County Museum of History. The museum has different theme rooms such as farming, Abraham Lincoln, jobs in Central Illinois, and even a little kids' area to play as if they were on a farm. There is residential housing a couple of blocks to the west of the arena.  There are not many bars/restaurants within a ½ mile of the arena. However, one place is Anju Above (Asian Fusion), which is an upbeat tapas joint with farm-to-table pizza, sushi, Korean pork buns & more.   My favorite place to go is a few miles from the arena, the Pub II, a college bar and restaurant which is known for its famous fried cheeseballs. This is a burger/sandwich place. The burgers/patty melts are very good, as is the pork tenderloin sandwich. There are plenty of TVs here showing sporting events. Approximately 9 miles away is the Corn Crib , home of the Prospect Baseball Leagues’ Normal CornBelters. Fans 2 The average crowd for this new team is around 2,000 to 3,000 per game. The people going to Bison games are mostly families. However, this could be different on “309” nights, which have cheaper beer and some food items. For a new ECHL team, the Bison have a lot of good promotions throughout the season. On the evening of this review, the crowd seemed to be there for a night out; they weren’t into the game. However, being the first hockey game there in years could be the reason. Access 4 It is easy to get to the arena. It is about 8 miles off the intersection of Interstate 55 and Business 51.  In addition, it can be accessed off Interstate 74 and Business 51. Lastly, it is a few miles from S Business 51 and Route 39. There is plenty of parking at the arena. The arena-sponsored lots cost $20. However, if you get there early enough, you should be able to find street parking for nothing. I didn’t notice any public transportation in the area, but there is Uber/lift availability. Like almost every arena/stadium these days, guests will be allowed to carry in one (1) clear plastic, vinyl, or PVC bag that does not exceed 12” x 6” x 12” or one (1) one-gallon clear plastic bag. In addition to a clear plastic bag each guest will be allowed to carry in one (1) small clutch that does not exceed 4.5” x 6.5”. Diaper bags (with a child three and under) and bags carrying medically necessary items will be allowed after a visual inspection inside the bag is completed by security.  Guests who have bags larger than this size will be asked to return them to their vehicle or discard them. T here are plenty of staff members who can be found to answer any questions that may be on your mind . Return on Investment 3 Three price points for tickets for Bison games are a bit pricey at $20 - $32. In addition, there are “all-inclusive" seats for $75. The Bison do have a “family pack” option, too (4 tickets, $10 in merchandise, and an autographed puck for $79).  However, due to the size of the arena, I don’t think there is a bad seat in the house.  Of course, you can rent suites too. They have Party Suites and an Ice Level Party Deck. The Ice Deck is set up at ice level, with high-top table seating & stools that come with an All You Can Eat buffet along with an All You Can Drink menu. Extras 2 The team offers varied promotional nights and provides a sense of welcoming to all the fans who attend games. The team has a great logo and team colors, and you can get paper tickets. Final Thoughts This is the first year for the ECHL club (2024-25). Other hockey teams have failed here. I hope this one can make it because the arena is a nice place to see a game, and you could be seeing the stars of tomorrow.  Being an ECHL team, some players and coaches may graduate to the AHL and NHL.  The prices of concession stands are reasonable, there is a good selection of team merchandise, and they have a great logo.

Photos by Gregory Koch, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.43 L.R. Hill Sports Complex 4251 Powhatan Avenue Norfolk, VA 23529 Old Dominion Monarchs website L.R. Hill Sports Complex website Year Opened: 2008 Capacity: 1,500 Old Dominion Field Hockey Located on the campus of Old Dominion University in Norfolk, Virginia, the L.R. Hill Sports Complex is home to the Monarchs' field hockey program as well as the women's lacrosse team. The Complex consists of a 1,500 seat stadium as well as an attached 58,000 square foot facility that houses training and weight rooms and athletic offices. Although the name "L.R. Hill Sports Complex" technically refers to both the stadium and the attached athletic facilities, this review will just focus on the stadium itself, specifically the experience at an ODU field hockey game. Old Dominion is one of the most successful field hockey programs in NCAA history. Their nine national championships rank second only to UNC, although they have not won a title since 2000. Old Dominion primarily competes in the Sun Belt Conference, but since neither the Sun Belt nor ODU's previous home, Conference USA, sponsor field hockey, the Monarchs have competed as an associate member of the Big East for that sport since 2013. Food & Beverage 2 There is a small concession stand located in between the stadium entrance and the bleachers, near the restrooms. The menu here is pretty basic. Nachos, popcorn, peanuts, and assorted candy are all $5, with the peanuts coming in a fairly large bag from Texas Roadhouse. Gatorade is available to drink for $6, while water, soda, and hot chocolate are all $5. Atmosphere 4 L.R. Hill Sports Complex has a beautiful brick architecture in the structures such as the concession stand and the training facility adjacent to the field. The seats themselves are a large set of bleachers without backs, which are pretty close to the field. There is no track or anything else in between, which is always a plus. A large scoreboard to the right of the bleachers in the corner of the field is also capable of showing team stats and video, including a pregame hype video to get the crowd fired up. Overall, the L.R. Hill Sports Complex is one of the nicer college field hockey venues, both architecturally and in terms of the effort they go to to get fans engaged. Neighborhood 3 The L.R. Hill Sports Complex is located along a residential street so there isn’t much in the immediate vicinity. However, if you head a few blocks east on 43rd Street to the vicinity of Chartway Arena, there are many options for visitors to enjoy. La Herradura is a popular Mexican restaurant, and Del Vecchios is known for its pizza. If you make the short drive into downtown Norfolk, you will find even more options. Fans 4 Old Dominion draws a couple hundred fans to a typical field hockey game, which is slightly above average for the sport. The fans who do show up can be quite loud, although many of the fans in attendance when we visited were cheering for the other team. Still, the Monarchs have a good fan base, including a handful of ODU students, despite field hockey not being the biggest college sport. The two decades of Monarch dominance of college field hocky are now almost a quarter century in the past, but they still have a strong fan base. Access 4 The city of Norfolk is accessible via many highways, including I-64, I-564, I-264, and I-664. The ODU campus is easily accessible from all of them. However, if coming from points north and west of Norfolk, you will likely need to take one of the bridge-tunnels across either the harbor or the bay. These can have long backups at times, particularly later in the season as summer approaches and people start heading to the beach. Be sure to allow extra time to get across. Once you are on campus, parking is available in Lot 43, directly adjacent to the stadium. Parking is $2 per hour on weekdays, payable via your mobile phone. Follow the instructions on the posted signs, which will tell you how to pay. At least one fan parked in the lot when we visited received a ticket for not paying, so consider yourself warned. On weekends, parking is free. Restrooms are available in the stadium around the corner from the concession stand and are of a more than sufficient size for the crowd. Return on Investment 4 Admission to all ODU regular season field hockey games is free. Concessions seem a bit overpriced for what is offered, and the cost to park here on weekdays isn't ideal, but you can visit on a weekend to maximize your value. Extras 3 Look for the posters and banners honoring Old Dominion's nine national field hockey championships. The pregame hype video is also worthy of a star here. That's not something you often see in college field hockey. A third and final star for the marketing table by the entrance with free programs and posters. Final Thoughts Although the glory days of Old Dominion field hockey are long over, the Monarchs still have a strong fan base and a top-notch stadium. While field hockey is still a niche sport, those who follow the game will want to check out the L.R. Hill Sports Complex at Old Dominion.

Photos by Paul Baker, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.71 Wildcat Center 305 Shipyard Street Providence, RI 02905 Johnson & Wales men's basketball website Wildcat Center website Year Opened: 2004 Capacity: 600 Wild at the Harborside   Johnson and Wales University is a private university with its main campus in downtown Providence, RI. Founded in 1914 by Gertrude Johnson and Mary Wales as a business school, JWU has a total enrollment of over 7,000 students spread out over its four campuses. Today the school is best known for its culinary arts and hospitality programs. Several celebrity chefs, including Emeril Lagasse and Aaron Sanchez, are alumni of JWU.   Initially known as the Harborside Center, the Wildcat Center contains two gymnasiums, a fitness center, game room, the university’s bookstore and space for student involvement and life programming.   Johnson and Wales basketball currently plays in the Great Northeast Athletic Conference (GNAC) alongside several other schools in New England. Starting with the 2024-25 season the Wildcats will move to the Commonwealth Coast Conference. JWU has qualified for four NCAA Tournaments, most recently in 2018.   Food & Beverage 1   There are no concessions sold at Wildcat Center. Fans are allowed to bring in their own snacks to enjoy during a Wildcat basketball game. Should you need a snack, there are a pair of vending machines in the lobby.   Atmosphere 3   A Wildcats basketball game will feel and sound similar to so many other Division Three events. It’s a rather simple, relaxed atmosphere. The crowd is made up mainly of family members and friends of the players on the court. A dance squad takes their place along the far baseline, performing during breaks in play. The PA announcers go about their jobs (two people share the microphone here) in an unobtrusive manner, with their voices somewhat unintelligible over a fuzzy sound system. Simple scoreboards provide basic game information at either end of the court. Young fans spend their time shooting hoops at the open baskets on the far side of the gym, totally ignoring the game.   The unquestioned highlight of the experience at the Wildcat Center is the cheerleading squad. They take up residence in the near side bleachers and come armed with a repertoire of chants, cheers and routines that are designed to distract the opposition, but which will undoubtedly draw your attention at some point. Their material is that much fun!   The main basketball court at the Wildcat Center takes up one half of the larger gymnasium. This has the unwanted effect of dampening the noise level in an otherwise cozy gym. For the best game day experience at a Johnson and Wales game, get there early and sit on the smaller, north side bleachers.   Neighborhood 3   Johnson and Wales’ Providence campus is divided into two parts: Downcity and Harborside. The Wildcat Center is located in the Harborside campus, on the Providence/Cranston city line. The campus is wedged in between the Port of Providence and the residential Edgewood neighborhood. Having such an industrial area next to your campus will severely impact the number of restaurants, pubs and lodging options typically found around a campus.   Providence has a well-deserved reputation as one of the best mid-sized cities in the country for culinary options, thanks in no small part to the JWU alumni working in all aspects of the hospitality industry. Downtown Providence is about a ten-minute drive from the Harborside campus. That is where you’ll find your best dining and lodging options if visiting the city from out of town. There’s no shortage of choices, but many out-of-towners head to Federal Hill, Providence’s version of Little Italy, for some fine cuisine.   Downtown is also where you’ll find the Amica Mutual Pavilion, home of Providence College basketball  and the AHL’s Providence Bruins . If you prefer to stick around campus, locals have frequented the Edgewood Market for decades for their deli grinders and pizzas.   Fans 2   A crowd at a Johnson and Wales basketball game is your typical “friends and family” gathering typical of most Division Three schools. Most of the fans in the stands have a personal connection with the players on the court and as a result are very knowledgeable and invested in the Wildcats.   There’s a decent turnout from the student body, and given that much of the Wildcats’ schedule consists of local teams, there’s a good chance you’ll see many fans of the visiting squad in attendance on any given day.   Access 4   The Wildcat Center is located in Johnson and Wales’ Harborside campus, located on the Providence/Cranston city line. The Port of Providence is adjacent to the campus, so the area has a very gritty, industrial feel. When driving to Wildcat Center, you may want to keep in mind that your GPS may direct you there via the Port, and those roads are likely to be closed to local traffic. To avoid this snafu, simply take Narragansett Boulevard into Cranston and enter the campus via Harborside Boulevard. A left onto Shipyard Ave will put you right at the Wildcat Center. For visitors using public transportation, RIPTA’s 3 and 4 buses stop at the school’s front entrance.   There is ample parking for the Wildcat Center behind the building and across the street from the facility. Fans will enter the building into a large, well-lit lobby, where the school’s athletic Hall of Fame and restrooms are located. The main gym is ahead to the right.   Seating consists of molded plastic bleachers on either side of the court. One smaller set of bleachers will be immediately in front of you. This is actually the preferred seating, as the larger bleachers on the far side of the court are set back a bit, offering a lesser vantage point.   Return on Investment 5   There is no charge for attendance at a Wildcat basketball game. During conference games, you’ll even get a chance to see both the men and women play – that’s two games for the price of none! Parking is free in the lots surrounding the Wildcat Center. With no concession stand on grounds, chances are you won’t even spend a cent while visiting Johnson and Wales.   Extras 1   The JWU Athletic Hall of Fame is located in the Wildcat Center lobby. Hanging from the rafters in the gym are banners commemorating conference championships and tournament appearances for all of Johnson and Wales teams.   Final Thoughts   The Wildcat Center is a bright and attractive facility that serves as a comfortable home for Johnson and Wales basketball. It provides a great counterpoint for the big-time (and big-cost) college basketball played just a few miles up the street.   Follow Paul Baker’s stadium journeys on Twitter  and Instagram  @PuckmanRI.

Photos by Eric Moreno, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.86 Crowley ISD Multi-Purpose Stadium 9900 Hemphill St Fort Worth, TX 76134 Texas Wesleyan Rams website Crowley ISD Multi-Purpose Stadium website Year Opened: 2022 Capacity: 8,000 Texas Wesleyan Rams – Crowley ISD Multi-Purpose Stadium Located in Cowtown, USA – aka Fort Worth – is Texas Wesleyan University. Founded by the Methodist Episcopal Church in 1890, the university started fielding athletics teams beginning in 1908. The Texas Wesleyan Rams  football program found some success in the 1930s, winning several conference titles. With the advent for World War II, however, the school shuttered its football program in 1941, after which it lay dormant in the history books for 75 years. In 2016 the program was revived, and would become members of the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA) in the Sooner Athletic Conference (SAC). Legendary Texas high school football coach Joe Prud’homme  was the guiding force behind the program since its resurrection. Before stepping down before the start of the 2024 season, Prud’homme was responsible for producing four All-Americans, 76 All-Conference selections, 55 Academic All-Conference selections, and the Rams were back-to-back SAC co-champions in 2022 and 2023. Prud’homme was named the NAIA Region V Coach of the Year and SAC Co-Coach of the Year in 2022. This season, under first year head coach Brad Sherrod , the Rams qualified for the NAIA postseason for the first time. In time for the 2023 season, the Rams began competing at their new home, Crowley ISD Multi-Purpose Stadium. One of the mega-palaces of high school football in North Texas, the stadium offers up a unique home field for a school the size of Tex Wes.   Food & Beverage   2 It’s all about the basics at Crowley ISD Multi-Purpose Stadium – which, for brevity’s sake going forward I am just going to call Crowley Stadium. There are two main concession stands here, both located near the north end zone on each side of the stadium (i.e. home and visitor side). The stands mirror each other in their offerings, which include hot dogs (or turkey dogs, if you want to go that route), hot links, Frito pie, and nachos for your main offerings. Popcorn, boxed candy, and bottled soda, bottled water, and soft drinks are also on the menu. That’s pretty much it. There are no frills, but it will get the job done while you’re watching Rams games.   Atmosphere   3 Two features dominate the architecture of Crowley Stadium, and both are very visible from the road leading up to the facility. The first is the massive press box that rises from the home team side of the stands. Looming large over the field, the press box with its large windows is quite impressive. The second feature is the even more massive fieldhouse that dominates the south end zone, which is home to the locker rooms and meeting rooms of both Texas Wesleyan, the visiting teams, and the stadium’s main high school tenants – Crowley and North Crowley High Schools, respectively. On game days, the fieldhouse plays host to the Tex Wes Champions Club . This group can be seen from the terrace/patio area above the end zone, and is one of the largest and most vocal contingents of fans during Rams games. They by and large are all armed with blue and yellow cowbells that they ring at key moments of the game in support of their Rams. Anything else atmospheric about Crowley Stadium is centered on the Crowley Eagles and North Crowley Panthers.   Neighborhood   3 Fort Worth is the second-largest city in the sprawling behemoth that is the DFW metroplex. Anything and everything are available for sports fans in the area – the Dallas Cowboys , Dallas Mavericks , Texas Rangers , Dallas Stars , and FC Dallas  are all located within 45 minutes of Crowley Stadium, and this doesn’t even take into account the big-time sports played by TCU and SMU , nor the myriad of minor league teams that reside in the area. While none are directly in the area near where Tex Wes plays, if you plan your visit right, you could still get in another game or two. There are also scores of other entertainment options as well in nearby Fort Worth proper; you’ll only be limited by your imagination and your budget. The same can be said for the dining and lodging options available to you. Crowley Stadium is not too far removed from Interstate 35W. As such, most of the options in the immediate area near the stadium are going to be fast food and chain restaurants, or hotels and motels with numerals or the word “Inn” in their names. Still, options in the area include Quick Wok Chinese Restaurant  – home of traditional Chinese comfort foods – and the Rodeo Goat  gourmet burger spot. Nearby places to rest your head include M&M Inn and Suites  and Motel 6 Fort Worth - Burleson . Both are within a 10-minute drive of the stadium. Again, options abound up and down the highway, so you’re sure to find something that suits you on your visit.   Fans   2 Attendance at Texas Wesleyan games seems to be a little spotty. This is understandable for a school that is still building its brand and reestablishing the legacy of its football program. From records this season, the Rams are only averaging somewhere between 400-600 fans per game. Unfortunately, this is very noticeable in a facility the size and design of Crowley Stadium. Even from my upper deck perch, I was able to clearly hear the voices of the players on the field and the coaches on each sideline; that’s not great. The score I’m giving is not an indictment of the fans who do attend – those I saw were well decked out in Rams blue and yellow and were supportive of the team. I would hope going forward that a team that has shown as much success as the Rams have in recent years can get even more support behind them, especially from the student body.   Access   4 Crowley ISD Multi-Purpose Stadium is about a 15-minue drive from downtown Forth Worth. It’s just under an hour from the heart of Dallas, and less than a 40-minute drive from Dallas Fort Worth International Airport. Located just off Interstate 35W, getting to the stadium is pretty much a straightforward drive. If you do venture up the highway, you will have the benefit of the stadium being sandwiched in between two Buc-ee’s , one in Fort Worth and one in nearby Hillsboro – enjoy! If you don’t want to drive and are in the metroplex area, Trinity Metro, the public transportation option serving Tarrant County, offers up buses and light rail trains that will get you close to your destination. If you are driving in, however, parking is free and abundant at Crowley Stadium.   Return on Investment   3 Single game tickets for Rams games at Crowley Stadium start at $15 per person – this is not too bad for a stadium as nice as this. It was, honestly, a little more than I thought would be charged, but it is still pretty affordable. As mentioned, parking is free and there is not a single concession item on the menu that costs more than $6. It’s a great bargain to catch a game at Crowley Stadium, especially if you’re bringing in the family.   Extras   3 The Rams bring a lot of the traditional stuff you may expect from college football to their games at Crowley Stadium – the Texas Wesleyan Ram Band  performs throughout the game from the stands, while the Texas Wesleyan Cheerleaders  perform on the sidelines and can be counted on to toss out t-shirts to the crowd after big scores. The Gold Line Dancers  also perform routines at halftime and during breaks in the on-field action. Lastly, the Rams dual mascots, Willie and Wilamae , are on the sidelines interacting with fans. It's all fine; I do wish there was some way to have the band marching on the field, but at a school this size, that’s just not feasible.   Final Thoughts I had a really fun time on my last visit – I wasn’t sure what to expect from a program of this size, but I enjoyed myself. For as bad a rap college football has gotten in recent years with all the seismic changes they’re going through, seeing a game at this level really served as a reminder of what I personally love about the sport; it was very pure. Crowley ISD Multi-Purpose Stadium is really gorgeous, and I would love to see what an atmosphere would be like when it is at capacity. It stands right up there with the other colossal high school stadiums in the state. All that said, I wouldn’t necessarily put Tex Wes on your bucket list – at least not until the day that their on-campus stadium is built . Follow Eric Moreno's Stadium Journey on Twitter at @EricMoreno6477 .

Photos by Paul Baker, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.71 Richard M. Rockett Arena 225 Canal Street Salem, MA 01970 Salem State Vikings men's hockey website Rockett Arena website Year Opened: 1976 Capacity: 2,200 Witch City Pucks   Salem State University was founded in 1854 as the Salem Normal School under the guidance of Horace Mann as part of his efforts to bring accessible teaching education to the masses. It is the oldest and largest college on the North Shore of Massachusetts. After decades of growth, the college was elevated to university status in 2010. The school’s 6,500 students hail from 37 states and 48 countries. Today the school offers undergraduate and postgraduate degrees in 40 programs.   Hockey was first played at Salem State University in 1958 as a club sport. The team was elevated to varsity status in 1961. After playing in various rinks around the area, they found a home when a rink was built on campus in 1976. In 1984 the rink was dedicated in honor of Richard Rockett, who was a law professor at Salem Teachers College.   Rockett Arena is located in the larger O’Keefe Athletic Complex. The O’Keefe Complex was built in 1973 to house the school’s hockey, tennis, basketball and swimming teams. Originally a windowless concrete and brick structure, the complex was renovated in 2013, adding the Gassett Fitness Center. The windowed façade of the Gansett Center gives the complex an attractive entrance while its photovolatic roof lowers the facility’s energy costs.   The Vikings have qualified for nine Division Three Hockey Tournaments, reaching the Final Four in 1992 and 1994. Salem State added a women’s hockey team in 2015. The school’s most famous hockey alumnus is Dick Lamby, who played 22 games over three seasons for the St. Louis Blues from 1978-80.   Food & Beverage 1   A table is set up by the entrance to Rockett Arena, where fans can pick up assorted snacks and cold beverages. It’s not an extensive menu, but proceeds raised by the table during Stadium Journey’s visit benefitted the school’s softball team. If there are not any snacks available during your visit, there are vending machines in the lobby on the second floor.   Many fans were seen at the game with coffees from the local Dunkin’. These would certainly be a popular choice on a cold winter Massachusetts night.   Atmosphere 2   As a rule, Division Three hockey is played in small rinks without a lot of the bells and whistles you’ll find at larger college facilities. While having their own rink on campus gives Salem State a leg up on the schools that are forced to use local community rinks, the game day experience here is pretty similar to those schools.   There are scoreboards on either end of the rink that display basic game information, and music plays over a solid sound system during play stoppages. Most of the noise generated here comes from the fans in the stands, who are enthusiastic in their support of the Vikings. At Rockett Arena fans are able to hear the sounds of the game, including the slicing of skates through the ice, coaches shouting instructions to their teams and players chirping at each other. Unfortunately, Salem State’s awesome furry blob of a mascot, Superfan, was not in attendance on the afternoon of Stadium Journey’s visit. If you need a break from the cold of the rink, there’s a bubble hockey table in the lobby. Photo courtesy of Salem State Athletics   Neighborhood 4   Salem, Massachusetts is a small coastal city on Boston’s North Shore. Founded in 1626, this city of 44,000 residents is best known for the Salem Witch Trials of 1692. Salem’s identity is closely tied with this notoriety, with the local high school teams nicknamed the Witches, and an elementary school christened Witchcraft Heights. Historic sites, including the House of the Seven Gables, the Witch House and the Salem Witch Museum are located downtown a couple of miles from the Salem State campus. There is a street in town named “Witch Way.”    Salem’s peak tourist season is the early fall, and Salem can be a really crowded place in October. Luckily, hockey season starts after Halloween, so crowds should be manageable when you come to see the Vikings.   The area right around the O’Keefe Complex is a mixed residential/business neighborhood. There’s not much in the immediate vicinity of the facility apart from a deli and a McDonald’s. If you’re visiting from out of town, you’ll certainly want to take the 10-minute drive downtown and soak up the local attractions. There are dozens of quality dining establishments here, and as you might imagine, the seafood served here is incredible. Among the great choices are The Babe, Dube’s and Ledger Restaurant and Bar. Fans of local breweries will find several quality options in town, including Notch Brewing, East Regiment Beer Company and Couch Dog Brewing.  Destination Salem  has more complete information on lodging and dining options and attractions.    Fans 2   The crowds at a Salem State hockey game certainly fall under the “friends and family” category. Reported attendance usually falls around 100 fans per game, and a quick scan of the stands during Stadium Journey’s visit confirms those figures are pretty accurate.   On the plus side, since most of the fans in the stands have a personal connection with the players on the ice, they are knowledgeable about the Vikings and enthusiastic in their support. If you enjoy a laid-back atmosphere, you’ll enjoy a visit to Rockett Arena.   Access 3   Even though the small city of Salem is just 15 miles northeast of Boston, there’s no easy way to get here. Make sure to give yourself extra time to arrive, because the tight roads and crowded streets of Boston’s North Shore are traffic nightmares, no matter what time of day you are arriving. Interstate 95 and Route 1 will get you close to Salem, but you’ll need local roads to get into town. Route 1A will provide your most direct, if busy, route to Salem. Fans taking public transportation to Salem can take the MBTA Newburyport/Rockland commuter rail line  into downtown Salem, then the 455 bus to the Loring Avenue stop near the O’Keefe Complex.   Salem State University is split into several campuses scattered throughout town. The O’Keefe Complex is located within walking distance of both the North and Harrington campuses in the southern part of Salem. The tourist destinations of the small city are located about two miles north of the school.   Upon entering the O’Keefe Athletic Complex, Rockett Arena will be on your right. All the seating will be to your left as you enter the rink. Seats consist of molded plastic bleachers in the lower rows, wooden bleachers in the middle rows, with a section of wooden bleachers on the upper level. There is standing room at the near end of the rink. With the small size of Rockett Arena, all seats have excellent views of the ice.   The O’Keefe Complex’s main lobby is located on the second floor, accessible from the entrances at the top of the grandstand. Located here are rest rooms and vending machines.   Return on Investment 5   There is no charge for admission to Vikings games at Rockett Arena. Parking is also free in the large lot next to the arena. With cheap concessions available, a Salem State hockey game is a most affordable entertainment option for local sports fans.   Extras 2   Salem State displays its sporting history throughout the O’Keefe Complex. Pictures of every varsity team line the hallways of the facility, and the lobby is adorned with trophies and memorabilia belonging to the Salem State Athletic Hall of Fame. Inside the rink, banners honoring conference champions and tournament appearances line the far side of the rink.   Be sure to snap a photo on your way into the gymnasium with the Viking statue that guards the O’Keefe Complex. During intermissions feel free to play a game of bubble hockey. Final Thoughts   While most Division Three teams in the area play in shared community rinks, Salem State University enjoys their own rink on campus. Still, Rockett Arena doesn’t offer a whole lot in the way of amenities. Nonetheless, this is a solid place to catch some affordable college hockey.   Follow Paul Baker’s stadium journeys on Twitter  and Instagram  @PuckmanRI.

Photos by Richard Smith Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.71 Wilmington University Athletics Complex 1365 Pulaski Highway Newark, DE 19702 Wilmington Wildcats website Wilmington University Athletics Complex website Year Opened: 2013 Capacity: 1,000 Wildcats In Delaware Wilmington University was founded in 1968 as Wilmington College. It became a university in 2007. Their main campus is located in New Castle, DE but classes are also held in Brandywine, Middletown, Dover, Dover Air Force Base, and Georgetown, DE, as well as one Maryland location and five New Jersey locations. Plans are also underway for a new large campus just north of Wilmington. Wilmington University’s athletic teams are known as the Wildcats and compete in NCAA Division II within the Central Atlantic Collegiate Conference for all sports. The university’s men’s baseball team was named NCAA Division II East Regional champions in 2015 while the men’s golf team earned an NCAA Division II Atlantic/East Super Regional title in both 2012 and 2015. The university’s cheerleading team was named the Universal Cheerleading Association’s national champions for five consecutive years between 2012 and 2016. Some of the school’s sports teams play here at the Wilmington University Athletic Complex in Bear, Delaware. It was opened in 2013 and is home to the men’s and women’s basketball and soccer teams as well as the women’s lacrosse and volleyball teams. Food & Beverage 1 There is no concession stand here at the complex. But I am awarding a point since there are times when other Wilmington sports teams sell hot dogs and other items at halftime in the lobby to raise money. Hot dogs for a dollar is never a bad idea. There is also a well-priced soda and snack machine in the small north lobby. Atmosphere 3 This is a small gym that is very reminiscent of a high school gym. Because of the small size, it can get loud pretty quickly depending on the game's action. There is a small simple grandstand on the main side of the court, with a smaller student section behind the benches. Wilmington has a very strong cheerleading program, as well as a decent dance squad that entertains the small crowd. Neighborhood 3 Bear is a suburban location along a stretch of US Route 40 in Delaware. There is no real town that can be found. That means it will not be an exciting area to visit, but there will be many options for food and drink pre and post-game. The sports complex is not close to the main part of campus. Stewarts Brewing Company is a very good local brewpub located a mile or so away at the Governor’s Square Shopping Center. There are a few other options in this area. Longhorn Steakhouse may be the closest actual option to the sports complex. Fans 2 As with most small college gyms, the bulk of the fans tends to be family or friends of both teams. There will be some local fans who just happen to stop by for the game as well. The fans are very knowledgeable and can be quite loud. Student attendance at games will always be an issue as the university has so many scattered locations and is often thought of as a commuter school. Access 4 The sports complex is easy to reach and is only a couple miles off of Interstate 95. You may have to pay some tolls, although locals will know how to avoid them as much as possible. There is a decent size parking lot for the complex. There are two entrances to the arena. The one to the left is the best as it has a small room with the school’s All-Americans on display. Return on Investment 4 You are not going to be watching the highest level of basketball competition, but the cost is about the best you can find. That’s right, there is no admission cost. Combine that with free parking, and you have a pretty great night out. Extras 2 The All-American display is nice and is worth a few minutes of your time. Depending on the time of year and season, one should also see if any games are going on at the outdoor soccer and lacrosse complex. There is a small grandstand and the field looks quite nicely designed. Final Thoughts Wilmington University has a very nice sports complex with a small but nicely designed gym. The level of competition is fairly low, but with no cost of admission, a sports fan will want to make some time to visit if in the area.

Photos by David Hegler, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.00 Kezar Stadium 670 Kezar Dr San Francisco, CA 94118 Map It Sacred Heart Cathedral website Kezar Stadium website Year Opened: 1924 Capacity: 9,000 Welcome to Kezar Stadium Nestled on the outskirts of Golden Gate Park and in the heart of San Francisco rests an elegant football stadium filled with history. Ever since it first opened its doors in 1925, Kezar Stadium has hosted countless football games and track and field events. Of course, it's best known for being the first home of the 49ers from 1946 through 1971.   After the 1989 Loma Prieta earthquake , it was condemned and demolished, reduced to a high school football stadium with a public track surrounding the gridiron. On one side of the field is a replica of the arch that once greeted fans years ago. On the other side of the field is the last true remnant of the stadium, a long, dark and narrow tunnel. In the past, players were able to walk through it on their way to the game, but it's been closed for years due to asbestos. There are rumors that one day that tunnel will get cleaned and players will be able to go through one of the coolest entrances in all of high school football.  The school that most uses Kezar Stadium these days is the Sacred Heart Cathedral Preparatory Fightin’ Irish. Founded in 1852, it is the city’s oldest Catholic secondary school as well as its first co-ed Catholic high school. It has an esteemed history in athletics with alumni such as the NFL’s Kevin Gogan and Keith Ismael. The Fightin’ Irish football program further established themselves as a Bay Area power by winning their first ever state championship in 2021. Food & Beverage 1 With just two taco trucks on hand and the booster club selling cookies on the home side of the stadium, the food options at Kezar Stadium are scarce. However, they won’t stop you from bringing food into the venue. All through the game, one can see small pizza boxes from North Beach Pizza just across the street. Atmosphere 2 The atmosphere  resembles t he team. While it’s not usually the most talented bunch, they try hard and sometimes even come away with a victory. While the atmosphere  is  not particularly lively, the people in charge  try  their best to give the fans the very best experience possible. Even though the band  is  small it  is surprisingly loud and vibrant, a mirror image of the atmosphere at Kezar Stadium.  Speaking of Kezar Stadium, there are large patches of grass in the end zones where the stands once stood. All through the game, you can see people walking around the myriad of walkways around the green, either playing with a football or making a nice Friday night stroll to take in the scenery.  Neighborhood 3 The stadium is located in the heart of San Francisco, nestled between the expansive and gorgeous Golden Gate Park and a very busy intersection. There are numerous restaurants across the street from Kezar Stadium. These eateries are an eclectic bunch that include CreoleLa, Lava Java, the Kezar Pub and North Beach Pizza.  Kezar Stadium is five miles away from both the Golden State Warriors Chase Center and the Giants Oracle Park . The Stanyan Park Hotel is across the street, but at $162 a night, it’s a bit pricey for a three-star hotel. There are hotels dotting the landscape between Kezar Stadium and both Oracle Park and the Chase Center, some offering cheaper deals.   Fans 2 The stadium has a capacity of over 9,000 ye t when we visited,  there were probably less than 1,000 people in attendance. Of course, the away team was from San Jose, which is more than an hour away. But the Fightin’ Irish side wasn’t particularly crowded either.  No matter the size, the crowd  is i nto the game, often yelling at the referees for questionable calls, gasping at close calls and cheering on big plays. In other words, it’s a typical night in high school football. Access 1 Other than the small parking lot next to the stadium, finding a parking spot can be dicey. There is scattered parking on the street, but it's not recommended unless you’re on Martin Luther King Jr. Drive. DO NOT park in the Golden Gate Park Music Concourse Garage. While the mile long walk is lovely and the $6.50 an hour isn’t the end of the world, the place is all underground and has so many entrances and exits throughout the Music Concourse that it will make your head spin. Also, most of the entrances close after night games so your head will probably spin even more. Taking the bus to the game might be the best option as there are seemingly countless bus stops all around Kezar Stadium. Once you get to the stadium, there is a small screening station where they do bag checks. But you needn’t worry about the line as high school football in the regular season usually doesn’t attract massive crowds in Northern California. Usually. There are bathrooms on either side of the stadium, under both scoreboards. While both are in good enough shape, the one on the visitor’s side didn’t have any workable sinks to wash your hands, meaning that you will have to trek all the way to the other side of the field to do so.  Return on Investment 3 The $11 spent on GoFans.com  is worth it. The nearly $30 spent on parking is not. But this is the type of experience that goes beyond the dollar amount. Even though it doesn’t look much like the old stadium, this place permeates history in every corner. In general, the home team is not the most talented, but they often play against good teams and always play against those opponents with a lot heart and a lot of hustle. Extras 2 The stadium is filled with seats from past 49ers games at both Kezar Stadium and Candlestick Park. While the old wooden benches are slowly rotting away, the red plastic seats are in terrific condition. In total, the stadium has 5,000 seats from Candlestick Park, which is a little over half of its capacity. With the stadium filled with vintage seats from both Kezar’s golden era as well as Candlestick Park, one has the unique option of either collecting splinters or sitting in a seat with armrests, a true luxury for high school sports. Final Thoughts While getting to Kezar Stadium can cause quite a headache, it’s certainly worth going to a game. If you get there early enough, grab a slice of pizza across the street and explore a ghost from the past. I recommend that you either whip out your phone to look at past pictures to see where the massive sections of seats once stood or do some research on the relic beforehand. After all, history is worth exploring.

Photos by Jim Flannery, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.47 Rogers Place 10220 104 Avenue NW Edmonton, AB T5J 4Y8 Edmonton Oilers website Rogers Place website Year Opened: 2016 Capacity: 18,347 The Oilers’ Fabulous Place The Edmonton Oilers went to the Stanley Cup finals in 2024, falling one goal short in the deciding game seven matchup against the Florida Panthers. This was the fifth-straight trip to the playoffs for the Oilers and the first time they reached the finals since 2006.  Needless to say, expectations are high in the city once again. And those high expectations carry over to their home venue. It would be pretty easy to rest on your laurels if you run a well-liked facility like Rogers Place. But management has chosen not to do that, instead continuing to work on improving the fan experience for anyone who comes to the arena to see the Edmonton Oilers play. At almost a half billion dollars, the downtown arena has spared no expense in making sure every trip to the building is an event, over and above whatever sport or concert you’ve come to watch.  Rogers Place has many design features that reflect the experience the fans have asked for. Its modern design matches well with the new generation of exciting hockey players now coming through the Oilers system while also paying homage to the Oilers Stanley Cup dynasty of the 1980s. Food & Beverage 5 Food and beverage services are a top priority for Rogers Place. The food here is excellent. But it’s also pricy, so be prepared.   Before you even enter the main concourse, in Ford Hall on the south end of the building, you’ll find the Molson Canadian Fan Deck, with a full-service bar and many of the same food choices you’ll find inside the gates, but at more modest prices—Molson Canadian and Coors Light are both $6 per glass here; a brisket grilled cheese sandwich is $12. If you’re going to be spending some money on food anyway, you might want to give Studio 99 a try. It is located on the PCL Loge Level, filled with a ton of sports memorabilia, and has an excellent pre-game buffet (reservations recommended). Seating is open to anyone in attendance. The buffet includes traditional sports bar-type food taken to the next level, plus some high-quality dining options, such as chicken wings, fries, a variety of salads, pasta dishes, and prime rib. Studio 99 is open all game long as well. It’s $64 per person, but it’s also all-you-can-eat, so bring an appetite. Regular concession stands have a relatively small selection to choose from, but each location has a slightly different menu, so have a look around before you settle on something. Rogers Place has entered into a relationship with KFC, so you’ll find their products on most menus.  You’ll find all the expected options, from Nathan’s Famous hot dogs to burgers, fountain pop to bottled water. Most concessions also have some basic adult beverage choices, if you’re looking for a glass or can of beer ($14 and up, depending on brand and whether it’s in a can or a cup).  These options typically also include a couple of premium beers as well.  There are also a couple of specialty stands around the several levels of concourse that feature interesting fare such as Montreal smoked meat sandwiches or perogies. You’ll also find Pizza 73 locations around the building. If you are looking for a self-serve option, check out the AI-powered Grab + Go Drinks and Snacks kiosks where you can pull what you want from the selection and pay quickly. This seems to be under-used, so you might be able to save some time by giving this a try. If you’re looking for something a little more special, there are a few more places to check out. In the lower concourse, available to fans in the lower bowl, there are two club-style areas known as the Coventry Homes Club and the North Mezzanine Club, complete with tables for fans to gather around between periods. The concessions in these areas have an upgraded menu with some more exotic selections.  Fans in the PCL Loge Level have access to the River Valley Grill.  Sky Lounge is a premium seating club on the west end of the upper concourse which has a special menu and in-seat beverage service. Directly below it is the Sportsnet Club which also features premium seating and a unique menu. Atmosphere 5 The managers of Rogers Place do know how to put on a show for the fans.  Just approaching the rink is an experience. If traveling to the arena via Light Rail Transit (LRT), you can either get off at the MacEwan Station, right outside the north entrance to the arena, and adjacent to the Essential Tree art piece, further described below.  Alternatively, you can jump off at the Bay Enterprise station and walk the three blocks north to Rogers Place. If you stay on 104 St, you’ll be treated to a walk through Edmonton’s Neon Sign Museum, an open-air display of some old classic neon signs from days past, displayed on the walls of a couple buildings framing the road. Alternatively, you can detour a block east and come up through Ice District Plaza, where the south entrance to Ford Hall is located, as well as the Oiler’s Official Team Store, several restaurants, plenty of walking space and, when the weather permits, a public skating rink. The arena itself is decorated with images from Oilers history, reminding fans of Edmonton’s proud hockey tradition. Just to the west of the main entrance along 104 Ave. is a Wayne Gretzky statue. Through the glass behind the statue, you can see the Oilers Hall of Fame room, which features memorabilia from the Hockey Hall of Fame, located in Toronto, ON. This is also where all pre- and post-game interviews are conducted, giving fans an up-close look at the head coach and players.  Whether you enter Ford Hall from its main entrance in the plaza or through the main doors, this is a beautiful gathering area for fans prior to walking through the gates into the arena itself. Ford Hall is open year-round so folks visiting Edmonton’s downtown core can stop by and check it out.  The main concourse is quite wide and several stories high, giving it an open, roomy feel. Once inside the seating bowl, you’ll also get a sense of spaciousness, from the wide seats (19”-22”, depending on where you’re sitting) and ample leg room to the significant elevation from ice level to the top of the upper bowl. Seats still don’t feel that far away from the game action, however, due to the upper levels being cantilevered out over the lower levels, bringing them much closer to the middle of the arena, giving even upper deck audiences a sense that they’re right on top of the game.  The energy in the stands is also good. While the game is underway, ambient sound levels indicate a steady buzz of excitement, which can quickly spike when a goal is scored, a fight breaks out, or something else exciting happens.  Neighbourhood 4 Rogers Place is situated on the north end of Edmonton’s downtown core in what is now known as the Ice District. To the west of the rink is the main campus of MacEwan University. If you stick to those areas before and after games, you should have no troubles at all.  To the north of the arena is Central McDougall, which is slowly gentrifying, including the addition of some parking space directly north of the rink, and an open air festival space to the east, called Fan Park. Two blocks east and south of the arena is Sir Winston Churchill Square, a central gathering place for the city which is framed on three sides by Edmonton City Hall, the Art Gallery of Alberta, Winspear Centre for Music, and the main branch of the Edmonton Public Library. Very nice location to check out. On the southeast corner of Rogers Place is the Grand Villa Casino, so patrons of Rogers Place can stop in and try their luck at the slots or table games before or after seeing the Oilers. There are also two restaurants in the casino, adding to your dining options right in the main building. Match Eatery and Public House has a classic British Pub vibe, while Atlas Steak + Fish is a more upscale place where it is rumoured some of the Oilers players have been known to visit after games. If you’re looking to grab a bite or a drink before or after games, you have a ton of good options within just a couple blocks of Rogers Centre.  You can always try the Molson Canadian Hockey House right in Ford Hall, if you want to eat right outside the main gates. In Ice District Plaza you’ll also find several places to dine. Kindred Food is located on the main floor of the JW Marriott building. Across the plaza from there are two bars: Canadian Icehouse and The Banquet , stacked on top of one another. If Italian food is your thing, there are a couple good choices. Pazzo Pazzo is a traditional Italian restaurant with all the dishes you’d expect to find. Just a couple blocks away you’ll also find Edmonton’s downtown Old Spaghetti Factory which also features a full Italian menu, including nine different spaghetti variations.  The Joey Restaurant in the Bell Tower is an excellent option which fills up quickly before games but serves great food. Really, this is just scratching the surface. There are many, many more places nearby. Fans 5 Oilers fans are pretty hard core. For the decade leading up to Rogers Place opening its doors, Oilers fans sold out every home game. In the new barn, the Oilers are now drawing over 1,500 more fans per game, and once again are selling out every night.  The crowds get excited at all the appropriate moments, showing they are engaged in the action, and they’re pleasant to be around, whether in the stands or the concourse, with no anti-social behavior observed. Many, if not most, of the fans are decked out in Oilers orange and blue, proudly showing off their dedication to their team.  Access 4 Getting to and from Rogers Place is fairly easy. There are a ton of parking spaces close to the arena, including the Ice District Central Parkade, to the south of the Ice District Plaza. There is also parking to the north of the facility, and a number of other options throughout the downtown core. You probably want to book in advance to get in on parking on game nights as these spaces do fill up quickly. The other popular option for getting to any sporting event in Edmonton is by way of the transit system. The MacEwan LRT station is physically connected by a walkway to Rogers Place’s north side, while three other LRT stations —Bay Enterprise Square, Central, and Churchill—are all located within 10 minutes of the building. There are also 40 bus routes that come within a couple blocks of the arena. Transit tickets are $3.50 for adults, while children under 12 ride for free when accompanied by a paying adult.  Once inside Rogers Place, having five floors of concourse helps to spread people around a bit, although the Mezzanine (lower bowl), luxury box, and PCL Loge level concourses are underused, as you have to have a seat in that area to be granted access. The main concourse remains very busy between periods and the upper bowl’s concourse can also get quite full, moving slowly, but steadily.  A concern that has been heard more than once is that lineups to both the men’s and women’s washrooms are long. Plan your restroom visits accordingly. Return on Investment 4 According to bardown.com , the Oilers have some of the most reasonable ticket prices among Canadian teams, with an average of $86.34 per seat. That’s actually pretty good to see elite-level professional sports. This is a beautiful arena and a young, dynamic team, but a family of four could easily run up a cost well over $500 dollars for the event. In the grand scheme of NHL teams, that’s actually not bad—and compared to some other pro sports, like the NBA or NFL, it’s quite reasonable—but it might limit some fans to only one or two games a year, if they’re not season ticket holders.  Extras 5 Over and above the hockey game, there are a ton of other things that add to the experience at Rogers Place. There is a Designated Driver program available onsite for fans that might have had a few drinks too many. This is an excellent idea that should be seen in more venues. Free Wi-Fi access is available to fans throughout the building, allowing fans to live Tweet games, check their emails and otherwise interact with the World Wide Web while onsite. Oilers mascot Hunter helps keep the fans entertained around the arena. He is named after original Oilers owner “Wild Bill” Hunter and looks like a Canadian lynx, a wild cat that is fairly common in the Edmonton area. The Oilers Hall of Fame room is located right at the front of the building and can be seen through the glass by fans walking along the sidewalk in front of Rogers Place. Tours of the room allow fans to get an even closer look at all the cool stuff in that space, including Wayne Gretzky’s rookie uniform and many other pieces of Oilers history. On the northeast corner of Rogers Place is the Edmonton Downtown Community Arena. Accessible from corridors inside the building, this arena is now home to the MacEwan University men’s and women’s hockey teams. It also serves as the Oilers’ and Oil Kings’ practice ice and it is also available as a public skating rink. There are TVs all over the building, so even if you step away from your seat for a few moments during a game, you can probably still keep an eye on the action from wherever you happen to be. Speaking of video, Rogers Place features the one of the largest indoor scoreboards in the North America. At 14 metres wide by 11 metres tall, it dominates the space above the rink and provides a spectacular image from every angle.  Several interactive touches are located around the concourses, such as a couple life-size Oilers bobbleheads that attendees can get their pictures taken with.  The Oilers Store can be found in a number of locations around the building giving fans an opportunity to stock up on all the Oilers clothes and souvenirs they can carry. If you’re an art fan, Rogers Place has several special pieces for you. The floor of Ford Hall is adorned with a giant circular mosaic called Tsa Tsa Ke K’e (Iron Foot Place) by local artist Alex Janvier. The northwest plaza, adjacent to the MacEwan LRT station has a large sculpture called Essential Tree by realities:united, an art collective in Berlin. The northeast plaza features a red circular sculpture called Skater’s Arch by Saskatchewan artist Douglas Bentham. And directly above the main entrance to the Downtown Community Arena is a piece that combines sculpture and painting called 9 Figures In Motion With A Puck by local artist Al Henderson. As an added bonus, you’ll also find a cell phone charging stations in the concourse for Rogers Mobility customers with low batteries. Rogers Place is the first NHL rink in Canada to be LEED-Silver certified (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design). This makes it one of the most environmentally friendly arenas in North America. Final Thoughts Rogers Place is a worthwhile place to visit even if you’re not there for a hockey game. There is so much to see and do in and around the building without ever walking through the gates that you could spend a couple hours just checking the place out. This is continuing to get better as more features get added. Once you’re through the gates, this is a beautiful building with truly state-of-the-art features that should impress most everyone. If you’re a hockey fan and you’re looking for the chance to see one of the hottest arenas in the NHL, Rogers Place is definitively a place to check out.

Photos by Paul Baker, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.86 Twohig Gymnasium 225 Canal St. Salem, MA 01970 Salem State men's basketball website Twohig Gymnasium website Year Opened: 1973 Capacity: 1,735 Witch City Hoops   Salem State University was founded in 1854 as the Salem Normal School under the guidance of Horace Mann as part of his efforts to bring accessible teaching education to the masses. It is the oldest and largest college on the North Shore of Massachusetts. After decades of growth, the college was elevated to university status in 2010. The school’s 6,500 students hail from 37 states and 48 countries. Today the school offers undergraduate and postgraduate degrees in 40 programs.   Basketball has been played at Salem State since 1910. The first team to represent the school defeated a team from Salem High School called “The Reserves,” 6-5. Basketball was played sporadically until the mid-1930s, when a group of students, led by James Twohig, helped to establish a varsity program. In addition to leading the team during his time as an undergraduate, Twohig returned to coach Salem State from 1955-1966. During his 26-year coaching career, which included time at local high schools, Twohig’s teams never had a losing season. Salem State named their gymnasium in his honor in 2001.   Twohig Gymnasium is located in the larger O’Keefe Center. The O’Keefe Center was built in 1973 to house the school’s hockey, tennis, basketball and swimming teams. Originally a windowless concrete and brick structure, the complex was renovated in 2013, adding the Gassett Fitness Center. The windowed façade gives the complex an attractive entrance while its photovolatic roof lowers the facility’s energy costs.   The Salem State Vikings men’s basketball team has qualified for 26 NCAA tournaments, reaching the Final Four in 2000. The women’s team has played in 23 NCAA tournaments, reaching the Final Four on three occasions and winning the national championship in 1986. The most notable Viking basketball alumnus is Chicago Bulls coach Tom Thibideau, class of 1981. Thibideau averaged 26 points per game in 1980, leading the Vikings to the MASCAC championship and their first NCAA tournament bid.   Food & Beverage 2    There is a table set up in the lobby between the Twohig Gymnasium and Rockett Arena which offers a selection of cold beverages and snacks for hungry Vikings fans. Slices of pizza are also sold here, while supplies last. While not the most extensive selection you’ll find, it will do the trick if you need a quick bite, and no item costs more than three dollars.   Many fans were seen at the game with coffees from the local Dunkin’. These would certainly be popular choices on a cold winter Massachusetts night.   Atmosphere 2   Anyone who has experienced a small college basketball game at a small gym will undoubtedly find a lot that is familiar here at Twohig Gymnasium. The facility has a definite old-school vibe, looking much like it must have when it opened in the 70s. Scoreboards at either end of the court display game information. Unfortunately, the Salem State mascot, “Superfan,” an orange furry blob wearing a Viking helmet, was not in attendance during Stadium Journey’s visit.   It is certain that this bandbox of a gym would get really loud if it were packed, but during Stadium Journey’s visit on an early November Saturday afternoon, the crowd was modest at best. Still, the fans bring some energy to the proceedings. Unfortunately, there was no cheerleading squad or pep band in attendance on this day. Music played before the game at a reasonable volume. The PA announcer, who was obviously a student, tried to pump up the crowd a couple of times, to no avail. Otherwise, she mostly stayed out of the way. Photo courtesy of Salem State University   Neighborhood 4   Salem, Massachusetts is a small coastal city on Boston’s North Shore. Founded in 1626, this city of 44,000 residents is best known for the Salem Witch Trials of 1692. Salem’s identity is closely tied with this notoriety, with the local high school teams nicknamed the Witches, and an elementary school christened Witchcraft Heights. Historic sites, including the House of the Seven Gables, the Witch House and the Salem Witch Museum are located downtown a couple of miles from the Salem State campus. There is a street in town named “Witch Way.”     Salem’s peak tourist season is the early fall, and Salem can be a really crowded place in October. Luckily, basketball season starts after Halloween, so crowds should be manageable when you come to see the Vikings.   The area right around the O’Keefe Complex is a mixed residential/business neighborhood. There’s not much in the immediate vicinity of the facility apart from a deli and a McDonald’s. If you’re visiting from out of town, you’ll certainly want to take the 10-minute drive downtown and soak up the local attractions. There are dozens of quality dining establishments here, and as you might imagine, the seafood served here is incredible. Among the great choices are The Babe, Dube’s and Ledger Restaurant and Bar. Fans of local breweries will find several quality options in town, including Notch Brewing, East Regiment Beer Company and Couch Dog Brewing.   Destination Salem  has more complete information on lodging and dining options and attractions.     Fans 2   The crowd at a Salem State basketball is what we here at Stadium Journey like to call a “friends and family” crowd. The vast majority of the people filling the bleachers at Twohig Gym have a personal connection with the players, and as a result, are knowledgeable about the team and boisterous in their support. Crowds seem to average somewhere between 150-250 fans. As is the case with most small gyms, it seems that everyone knows each other. You can also expect a good turnout from visiting fans. If there was a big crowd in attendance, it’s pretty apparent that the Twohig Gym would create a massive home court advantage.   Access 3   Even though the small city of Salem is just 15 miles northeast of Boston, there’s no easy way to get here. Make sure to give yourself extra time to arrive, because the tight roads and crowded streets of Boston’s North Shore are traffic nightmares, no matter what time of day you are arriving. Interstate 95 and Route 1 will get you close to Salem, but you’ll need local roads to get into town. Route 1A will provide your most direct, if busy, route to Salem. Fans taking public transportation to Salem can take the MBTA Newburyport/Rockland commuter rail line  into downtown Salem, then the 455 bus to the Loring Avenue stop near the O’Keefe Complex.   Salem State University is split into several campuses scattered throughout town. The O’Keefe Complex is located within walking distance of both the North and Harrington campuses in the southern part of Salem. The tourist destinations of the small city are located about two miles to the north of the school.   Twohig Gymnasium is located in the back of the O’Keefe Complex on the second floor. Once you enter the complex, there will be a set of stairs directly in front of you just past the entrance to the Rockett Arena. There’s also an elevator for fans who need it. A giant lobby sits in between the basketball gym and the hockey arena. The snack table, rest rooms and Salem State Athletic Hall of Fame are all located here. Seating inside the gym consists of molded plastic bleachers. The small size of the gym ensures great sight lines from all seats, just look out for railings at the edges of the bleachers.   Return on Investment 5   There is no charge for a Salem State basketball game. For the low price of zero dollars, you can even stick around for the women’s game when there’s a doubleheader. Parking is also free in the large lot next to the O’Keefe Complex, and snacks max out at three dollars. It’s a most affordable entertainment option for local sports fans.   Extras 2   Salem State displays its sporting history throughout the O’Keefe Complex. Pictures of every varsity team line the hallway leading to Twohig Gymnasium, and the lobby is adorned with trophies and memorabilia belonging to the Salem State Athletic Hall of Fame. Inside the gym, banners honoring conference champions and tournament appearances line the far side of the gym. A giant banner commemorating the 1986 women’s championship team dominates the north wall.   Be sure to snap a photo on your way into the gymnasium with the Viking statue that guards the O’Keefe Complex.   Final Thoughts   Twohig Gymnasium gives off a definite old-school vibe, and Salem State has been a regional basketball powerhouse within both the men’s and women’s ranks. Pair a Vikings basketball game with a tour of historic downtown Salem, and you have yourself quite a unique Stadium Journey.   Follow Paul Baker’s stadium journeys on Twitter  and Instagram  @PuckmanRI.

Photos by Dave Cottenie, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.57 Budds' Chevrolet Rink @ Sixteen Mile Sports Complex 3070 Neyagawa Boulevard Oakville, ON L6M 4L6 Oakville Blades website Sixteen Mile Sports Complex website Year Opened : 2010 Capacity :1,500 The Blades are Sharp The Oakville Blades have been a successful franchise in the current OJHL since its inception and have been one of the longest-running Junior hockey teams in Ontario.  The founding of the Blades dates back to 1966 when the Blades were founded as a Junior C team.  They made one Schmalz Cup appearance and eventually graduated to Junior B in 1970.  The Blade would make two Sutherland Cup appearances and would graduate to Junior A with the rest of the league in 1993.  It was in the OJHL where the Blades would achieve their greatest successes as Buckland Cup Champions in 2008, 2010, and 2019.  The Blades are currently owned by Wayne Purboo and former NHL goaltender Jamie Storr. Home for the Blades is Budds’ Chevrolet Rink @ Sixteen Mile Sports Complex.  The Sixteen Mile Sports Complex is named after the Sixteen Mile Creek, where the City of Oakville was founded and is a true community hub.  The complex features 79 hectares of space with baseball, soccer, and cricket fields and outdoor courts, along with four indoor ice rinks indoors.  It is receiving a massive addition which will include gymnasiums, a seniors centre, an aquatic centre, and a library branch. Food & Beverage 4 The culinary options are surprisingly strong for a venue such as the Sixteen Mile Sports Complex.  The main atrium has a cafe that serves a variety of coffees, Gatorade, popcorn, pizza, hot dogs, cookies, muffins, and ice cream.  Between the Budds’ Chevrolet Rink and the adjacent rink is Puckz Pub, a full-service bar and restaurant that looks out to both rinks.  Inside Budds’ Chevrolet Rink is a Puckz Pub stand that serves soft drinks, chips, popcorn, cotton candy, pizza, and hot dogs.  The stand is in a licensed corner of the arena and also serves products from Cameron’s Brewing and Vice Vodka cocktails.  Pepsi products are the soft drink of choice in the Sixteen Mile Sports complex. Atmosphere 4 At the time of writing, the Sixteen Mile Sports Complex was a bit of a construction zone.  However, the construction mess was relegated to the parking lot area and in no way impacted the atmosphere at the complex.  The complex has a sleek and modern look from the outside, which is accessed from the parking lot, away from the street.  Light brick, along with blue-tinted glass, completes that look. Entering the Sixteen Mile Sports Complex leads fans into a massive atrium that joins all four ice rinks, which line up parallel to each other.  The furthest to the north, or the right-hand side when entering, is Budds’ Chevrolet Rink, home of the Blades.  A nod to the history of hockey at all levels in Oakville can be found in the atrium, with many displays, including photos and some artifacts.  There is a specific display that focuses solely on the history of the Blades.  These displays are professionally compiled and are not cluttered as many trophy case displays in other arenas tend to be.  The displays are more akin to what one would find in a museum.  Above the large panes of glass that look into the ice rinks are pieces of art that can be lost as they are well above the traditional eyeliner.  On game days, the shades are drawn over the windows that look into Budds’ Chevrolet Rink.  Fans are met just outside the rink by temporary tables for ticket sales as well as merchandise, 50/50, and chuck-a-puck sales.  Entering Budds’ Chevrolet Rink, fans are immediately struck with how bright, clean, and modern the arena is.  Immediately to the left upon entry, at the northwest corner of the arena, are banners for conference championships as well as a Humboldt Broncos memorial banner and banners honouring the retired numbers of former Blades greats, John Duff and Jack Ricketts.  The Buckland Cup Championship banners hang above centre ice along either side of the octagonal scoreboard with four panels of video board.  The video board is low profile as the arena does not have a very high ceiling.  It is not huge, but appropriate for the size of the arena and the OJHL.  The ice is oriented from northwest to southeast.  The seating bowl features eight rows of modern, plastic arena seats.  The first row is elevated above ice level, improving the sightlines.  A sense of the importance of the Blades to the community is seen at the southwest side, behind the seating, where a permanent television booth is found for broadcasting Blades games on local TV as well as FloHockey, where all OJHL games can be found. The gameday production in Oakville is pretty simple.  Promotions are limited to a 50/50 draw and chuck-a-puck contest.  The PA system is good, and the announcer is good, but it gets a little over-excited for the home side, creating a bit of a buzzing sound in the sound system. Neighbourhood 4 Sixteen Mile Sports Complex is located in the Glenorchy neighbourhood of Oakville.  There are a number of chain and fast food restaurants that are right across the street from the complex.  Other, more original food and drink options in the area include Oakville Pump and Patio, House of Wings and Spoon and Fork Plus. There are a few other sporting options in Oakville.  The Oakville Buzz  of the OJLL play at the Toronto Rock Athletic Centre.  Other lacrosse teams also play at the TRAC, including the senior Oakville Rock of MSL.  The Toronto Rock also play their preseason games there.  Oakville is very close to Toronto and Hamilton and all of their sporting options.  The Blades also enjoy a healthy rivalry with the nearby Burlington Cougars.  Other tourist options in the area include Glen Abbey Golf Course, which has hosted the Canadian Open a number of times, and Rattlesnake Point Golf Club.  There are also a number of parks and the waterfront may be of interest.  For fans wishing to stay near the area, the Holiday Inn is a good option. Fans 3 The Oakville Blades have enjoyed decent support for the OJHL.  In the 2022-23 season, the Blades averaged over 350 fans per game, which ranked them 7th in the league.  The game that was reviewed saw only 125 fans in attendance, pretty much a friends and family crowd.  The 2024-25 season is looking like a bit of a down year for the Blades, and it is assumed that stronger crowds show up for seasons in which the Blades are more competitive.   Access 4 Getting to the Sixteen Mile Sports Complex is not difficult. Keep in mind that at the time of writing, there was plenty of construction on the site that may limit parking a bit. The Sixteen Mile Sports Complex is located in the Glenorchy neighbourhood of Oakville at the northwest end of the city.  It is located just south of toll Highway 407 and north and west of Highway 403.  Being on the edge of Oakville, it is a little easier to get to the arena and fans should not have to drive through the heart of the city.  There is plenty of parking on site, although parking can fill up depending on the number of activities happening at the complex.  For fans wishing to take public transit, there are Oakville Transit stops on Dundas Road and Neyagawa Blvd.  Fans should consult the Oakville Transit  website for fares, maps and schedules.  Getting around the complex is not difficult at all and the washroom facilities are more than adequate for the facility.  Budds’ Chevrolet Rink is probably one of the most comfortable arenas in the entire OJHL. Return on Investment 4 Tickets for the Oakville Blades run for $12 for adults, $6 for youth and seniors.  Seating is general admission and there is an additional $3 or $4 for purchasing tickets at the door.  The Blades are one of the minority of teams that sell tickets electronically in advance and fans should take advantage of that.  Parking at the Sixteen Mile Sports Complex is free and the concession prices are decent.  The product on the ice is solid and fans should have a good time at a Blades game.  More fans in the stands would result in a better return. Extras 2 An extra mark for the Sixteen Mile Sports Complex as a community hub for the city of Oakville. An extra mark for the longevity of the Oakville Blades franchise. Final Thoughts The Oakville Blades have been around a long time and have enjoyed success at all three levels that they have played at over the years.  Taking in a Blades game will bring fans to a bright, clean, modern arena in Budds’ Chevrolet Rink @ Sixteen Mile Sports Complex, one of the best in the entire OJHL. Follow all of Dave’s sporting adventures on YouTube , Twitter , Threads  and Instagram @profan9.

Photos by Richard Smith, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.86 Ice World 1300 Governors Ct Abingdon, MD 21009 Towson Tigers website Ice World website Year Opened: 1996 Capacity: 300 Tigers On The Ice Towson University is the second-largest public university in the State of Maryland. Located just north of Baltimore, it is home to approximately 21,000 college students, of which 18,000 are undergraduates. The university began as the Maryland State Normal School in 1866 and is starting to celebrate its 150th anniversary. The university has 64 undergraduate majors, 37 master’s degree programs, and 4 doctoral programs. Tigers have been the sports teams name at Towson since 1961 replacing The Golden Knights, Indians, and the, have team's, and teacher's names that were used by various sports. There are four tiger statues around campus. The Tigers men’s play in the American Collegiate Hockey Association (ACHA) in the highest division; Men’s Division 1. The Tigers also compete in the Eastern Collegiate Hockey Association (ECHA) for league play against, Drexel, Lehigh, Navy, Penn State Berks, Temple, and Villanova. The current head coach, Ed Slusher, is also the Hockey Director at Ice World. Ice World is a twin rink complex located in Harford County, Maryland, about 20 minutes northeast of the Baltimore area. Numerous youth and adult hockey leagues and teams play at the complex, which also offers many open ice skating times. Olympian and world champion ice skater Kimmie Meissner, a resident, can also be seen training at the facility off and on. The Towson Tigers also helps out at many practices for the youth program, the Harford North Stars, who also play out of Ice World. Food & Beverage 2 Ice World has a snack bar that serves both rinks. The food is a basic snack bar variety, but the pricing is fair and the overall variety is pretty fair. You may want to eat a larger meal before or after attending a game here, but the snack bar will provide basic nourishment. Atmosphere 3 For an arena with such a small seating capacity, Ice World still provides a decent environment for the atmosphere for the Towson team. There is an announcer and good use of music during games. It is not a pro or NCAA Division I atmosphere, but it is pretty good. There are just two small rows of seats, and many people will stand and watch directly at the glass along the corners of the rink. Towson usually plays only on Rink A. Neighborhood 2 Ice World is located in an industrial park off of Maryland Route 7 (Philadelphia Road). There is not much around the area except for the facility. If you want options before or after games, it is best to head either to the Route 24/Interstate 95 interchange or further north on Route 24 towards the larger Abingdon area. The Boulevard at Box Hill is a shopping center with quite a few food options. I would recommend Boston’s Restaurant & Sports Bar restaurant chain. Wegman’s Grocery Store is also located here and offers another option for stocking up for the game. Fans 3 Fans who attend hockey tend to be friends or family of the game participants. Towson has an advantage over Loyola University Maryland, club-level club-level which also plays at the facility, in that they have a large number of alumni in the area. There will be virtually no students in attendance unless they are those friends or family. Ice World is too far from campus for students to attend games. The fans are very knowledgeable about the games and take things very seriously. Access 4 Ice World is located not far off Interstate 95 at the Route 24 exit. Go south from the interchange, make a left (east) onto Route 7 (Philadelphia Road)onto, and then a right onto either Continental Drive or Governor Court. The facility is at the rear of the business park. There is plenty of free parking, although depending on the event occurring on the other ice rink the lot may get busier. Harford County is located about 20 minutes northeast of the Baltimore area. Return on Investment 4 Tickets are $5 to the Towson game. That price seems very reasonable in that the club sports do not get much money to keep their program operating. Students will only have to pay $1 to attend the games. There is no cost for parking. Towson plays on one of the higher levels of club sports hockey so the return on investment is fair. Extras 2 Check out the many banners for youth, adult, and college teams that also call Ice World home. There is also many a picture and plaque detailing the successes of the ice skating participants who also call the facility home. You may also want to check on events that are occurring on the other rink. Maybe you will catch world champion Kimmie Meissner practicing. There is a good pro shop in the entrance area for Ice World. Final Thoughts The Towson Tigers hockey team does a good job of providing a good game environment for their fans, even if they do play quite a bit far off of campus.