Photo By Richard Smith, Stadium Journey Stadium Journey got a chance recently to visit Helsinki Finland's Olympic Stadium. A visit to the Helsinki Olympic Stadium is a journey into Finnish sporting history, interwoven with architectural splendor. This iconic landmark, situated in the Töölö district of Helsinki, is most renowned for hosting the 1952 Summer Olympics. However, its story began earlier, with initial construction intended for the 1940 Games, which were ultimately canceled due to World War II. The stadium's functionalist design, a hallmark of Finnish architecture, has been meticulously preserved, even through recent extensive renovations. Photo By Richard Smith, Stadium Journey The stadium's legacy extends beyond the 1952 Olympics, having hosted numerous significant sporting events and concerts throughout the years. However, the memory of the 1952 Olympics, and the feeling of national pride that it generated, is still very much alive within the walls of the stadium. The stadium is a living monument to Finnish sporting history. Photo By Richard Smith, Stadium Journey One of the stadium's most prominent features is its towering structure, the Olympic Stadium Tower. Ascending this 72-meter tower offers breathtaking panoramic views of Helsinki. From this vantage point, visitors can appreciate the city's unique blend of urban landscape and natural beauty. The tower provides a fantastic opportunity for photographers and anyone wanting a memorable view of Helsinki. Besides the tower visit, which comes with a low fee, there are a few things free to see at the base including a small shop. Photo By Richard Smith, Stadium Journey For those interested in delving deeper into Finnish sports history, the Tahto Sports Museum is located within the stadium complex. This museum showcases a comprehensive collection of artifacts and exhibits, chronicling the nation's sporting achievements. A combined ticket allows visitors to experience both the stadium and the museum, providing a complete immersion into Finland's athletic heritage. Photo By Richard Smith, Stadium Journey When planning a visit, it's advisable to check the stadium's official website for the most up-to-date information on opening hours and ticket prices. Combination tickets for the stadium tour and the Tahto Sports Museum are available, offering a cost-effective way to experience both attractions. The visitor center at the base of the tower is the starting point for tours and access to the stadium's various facilities. Photo By Richard Smith, Stadium Journey The Helsinki Olympic Stadium is more than just a sports venue; it's a cultural landmark that encapsulates Finland's spirit and history. Whether you're a sports enthusiast, an architecture aficionado, or simply a traveler seeking a unique experience, a visit to this iconic stadium is sure to be a memorable one.

Photos by Michael Davis, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.14 American Airlines Center 2500 Victory Ave Dallas, TX 75219 Dallas Mavericks website American Airlines Center website Year Opened: 2001 Capacity: 19,200 Dallas Mavericks – American Airlines Center American Airlines Center (AAC) is a multi-use arena located in the Victory Park area, which is just north of the historic West End in downtown Dallas. The venue is home to the Dallas Mavericks of the NBA and the Dallas Stars  of the NHL. The AAC, as it is commonly referred to by local sports fans, opened its doors on July 28, 2001, with ‘An Evening with the Eagles’; the same year, the Mavericks and Stars opened their 2001 season in American Airlines Center. The seating capacity for basketball is 19,200, or up to 21,146 including standing room. The venue is a beautiful building made of brick, limestone, and granite with signature arches, but the arena’s sweeping facades and smooth arch design can easily get lost in the Victory Park buildings. The American Airlines Center is a primary venue for the Dallas area, hosting year-round sporting events and live entertainment. Besides the Mavericks and Stars , American Airlines Center has also hosted the NCAA men’s basketball tournament, Big 12 basketball tournament, NCAA women’s Final Four, and the 55th NHL All Star game.   Food & Beverage   5 There are an abundance of concession stands throughout the arena, including Big Dawgs + Brews, Bonanni Brothers Pizza, Fast Break, El Taco Tex, Grilled Zone, High Steaks, Hot Popped and Twisted, Bud and Burger, Zavala’s BBQ, and Woodbridge Barrel Bar. In addition, if none of the above satisfy your appetite there is also Market to Go, which offers fresh deli sandwiches, vegetarian options, tossed salads, and bottled beer. To see the incredible variety that American Airlines Center offers when it comes to food service, please visit their concessions website. There are numerous alcohol selections inside American Airlines Center, and not just at the concession stands, but also at specialty beer bars such as Texas Craft Beer Bar, which serves Ziegenbock, St Arnold’s, Fireman’s 4, and Franconia. In addition, there is also Karbach Craft Beer Bar, which offers Karbach Brewery’s (Houston) products; as well as Modelo Beer Bar import and craft bars, which offers beers from around the world, such as Deschutes Mirror Pond Pale Ale (OR), Goose Island (Chicago), Brooklyn Lager (NY), Alaskan Amber (AK), Kirin Iciban (Japan), and Stone Arrogant Bastard (CA). The prices all range from $12 to $14 depending on size; Woodbridge wine is also sold for $11.50 a glass. Margaritas are available for between $14 and $18. Besides alcohol, Coca-Cola and Dr Pepper products are also offered, with prices of $6 for the regular size, or $11 for the bottomless souvenir cup. In addition to the concession stands and specialty bars, American Airlines Center features full-service restaurants – the most popular is Modelo Gold Lion Bar & Grill, on the southwest plaza level; their food menu includes barbacoa and pastor shrimp tacos, loaded waffle fries, All-American burgers, vegan burgers and hot dogs, Texas smashburgers, chicken wings, and their signature birria grilled cheese sandwich. On the southeast terrace level is 1933 Ranch Bar & Lounge, features a large array of local craft beers along with a variety of bratwursts; this restaurant is located outside section 305. Alternatively, platinum level seating will grant you access to another five unique bars, including Wine Press, The Zone, Yuengling Flight Club, El Taco Tex, and DBQ Barbecue. Despite all the great options at American Airlines Center, just like any arena the best option is to eat before or after the event, as there are plenty of great restaurant options in and around Dallas.   Atmosphere   4 The atmosphere at a Mavs game begins on PNC Plaza before the doors even open – this area has games, photo opportunities with the Dirk Nowitzki statue, or you can find a spot in one of the two restaurants at Victory Plaza, Chops Sports or Hero; once inside there are plenty of food and drink options available. In addition, the main team store, Hangar Fan Shop, is open near the main entrance for fans looking to update their Mavs gear. In addition, Chris Arnold, one of the game nights hosts, is on the mic getting fans pumped up for the night’s game. There are also Mavs championship banners and retired numbers hanging from the rafters. During timeouts, the Hoop Troop provides the crowd with free t-shirts by slinging them throughout the arena, and the Dallas Mavericks Drumline is a team of trained percussionists that beat their drums nonstop from the Michelob Ultrasound stage on the second level of AAC. The Mavs have two mascots: Champ and Mavs Man, who entertain the crowd, but the most famously recognized entertainment during Mavs game are the Dallas Mavericks ManiAACs – the ManiAACs are an award-winning hip-hop dance troupe that have been a part of the Mavs gameday atmosphere since the team moved from their old home, Reunion Arena. The Mavs have a dance team as well, known as The D Crew. As for the crowd, Mavs fans are also knowledgeable and at times get loud, but overall the atmosphere is a typical NBA-type crowd.   Neighborhood   5 American Airlines Center is in the Victory Park neighborhood in downtown Dallas, just a short walk from Dallas’ Historic West End. The West End area consists of a list of restaurants, such as Sonny Bryan’s Smokehouse, Y.O. Ranch Steakhouse, Gator’s, TGI Friday’s, Spaghetti Warehouse, Dick’s Last Resort, and House of Blues. Besides restaurants, the area also has tourist attractions – the Perot Museum of Nature and Science, Sixth Floor Museum, Dallas World Aquarium, and Holocaust Museum are all within the West End. In addition, Cinepolis Luxury Cinemas-Victory Park, in the heart of Victory Park, is an 8-screen, 700-seat luxury theater; this 44,000 square-foot cinema offers guests a luxury movie-going experience with auditoriums filled with fully reclining leather seats, an upscale lounge-style lobby space, and a gourmet menu with in-theater waiter service. Just outside the south entrance of American Airlines Center is Victory Plaza – the plaza consists of Chops Sports and Hero. In addition, there is a lobby bar called Living Room, across from the plaza inside the W Dallas-Victory lobby. Or, on the east side of the arena near the Lexus parking garage, there is Dirty Bones (Wings place) and Mio Nonno Trattoria. Black Tap Craft Burgers & Beer - Dallas is also another great spot on the west side of the W hotel. Any of these restaurants are good options, if you just want to hang out outside the arena. Also, the recent trend of craft brews and breweries continues in the area – just across the interstate from AAC is Community Beer Company. The Community Beer Company is closed on Monday and Tuesday, but there is also Deep Ellum Brewing Company, open seven days a week with brewery tours. Located in the historic and eponymous Deep Ellum section of Dallas, this brewery produces some of the locals’ favorite brews. The brewery tour here gives you samples of their fantastic craft beer, so you can decide on which brew you’ll take home, or buy in local restaurants. Dallas has numerous lodging options around American Airlines Center, especially in the Market Center area (only 2 miles north of ACC). Some of the hotels to consider are the W Dallas Victory, Renaissance Dallas Hotel, Doubletree Market Center, Holiday Inn Dallas Market Center, and the Hilton Anatole.   Fans   5 The Dallas Mavericks usually rank among the best in the NBA. The loyal Mavs fans have always shown up at games. On Mavs gamedays there are plenty of fans with Mavs gear on, seen throughout AAC; the crowd’s enthusiasm is very good and may even become deafening depending on the circumstances of the game or the opponent. Mavs fans loyalty especially showed up when the Mavs traded Luka Doncic to the rival Lakers – the fans have been very vocal about their displeasure with the current Mavs ownership. Despite their displeasure with the trade, there are still plenty of Mavs fans attending games. Only time will tell if this trend continues or not, but I’m willing to say the fans here will continue to be among the NBA’s best fan base.   Access   4 American Airlines Center is one of the better downtown venues when it comes to parking, with about 5,000 parking spaces available for guests. The parking lots open two hours prior to the start of a Mavericks game, and both cash and credit cards are accepted at AAC managed lots, with prices from $25 to $40. Also, while the Lexus Garage across from the box office is primarily reserved for season ticket holders, there may be limited space there for $25. And if the parking garages are not available, there is also parking all around the arena a short walk away – the best parking option is the popular West End area, where you can enjoy a pregame meal before a short walk to the arena for $15. The best way to save money and time in attending a Mavericks game is to plan ahead using American Airlines Center’s parking website. The most economical way to get to American Airlines Center is public transportation – the Dallas Area Rapid Transit (DART) and Trinity Rail Express (TRE) both provide regular service to Victory Station, which is located on the west side of AAC. These two transportation services can get you to the arena from anywhere in the Dallas area, including DFW airport and Fort Worth. In addition to their regular schedule, the TRE runs a special event train that leaves Victory Station 20 minutes after the end of the game, so you won’t have to miss the ending to catch the train. In addition, there are Uber pickup/drop-off locations on All Star Way and Olive Street, while taxis can best be found towards the W Hotel, at the corner of Olive Street and N. Houston. What time the doors open at AAC depends on the event, but for the Mavericks the doors open ninety minutes prior to game time. There are four main entrances which provide quick entry into the building – the south side entrance is accessible from Victory Plaza, which is where pre-event activities take place, while the west side entrance caters to TRE and DART transportation. The Uber pickup/drop-off spot is on the north side of AAC, and the east entrances are primarily used by patrons from the parking garage, or those who need the box office; the American Airlines Center box office is located on the northeast corner of the arena. The concourse inside the arena is well marked and spacious, and you’ll easily notice elevators providing access to the Platinum Club, suites, and upper level seating. The stairs inside American Airlines Center are in the corners of the building, and provide access between the levels, as do the elevators.   Return on Investment   3 The Dallas Mavericks use to have the best ROI in the NBA, but since Mark Cuban sold his stake in the club, Mavs ticket prices have become similar to the rest of the NBA, with ticket prices varying based on the day of the game and the opponent. Sometimes a third-party site can cut the cost, as season tickets holders may want to get rid of tickets for games they can’t attend. Upper level seats can cost as low as $24 per ticket, while the lower level starts around $75, but can go up to a thousand dollars per ticket depending on the opponent. Overall, the return on investment at American Airlines Center is not good enough to keep the average fan coming back. Concessions prices are higher than can be expected compared to other NBA venues, and ticket prices are in the middle to upper half of the NBA. The best ROI relief could be accessing the venue using public transit. However, the ROI really depends on the person – if you are a Mavs Fan for Life the ROI is high, while for everyone else it can go below average. Unfortunately for most fans it is what they have come to expect across the sports world. The best advice for a higher ROI at AAC is to find a weekday game, use public transportation, and avoid eating a meal at the concessions.   Extras   3 AAC is about to celebrate 25 years in operation, and the arena is still one of the cleanest and well-staffed venues in all of sports. The mascots, Dr Pepper Hoop Troop, and the ManiAACs compliment the Mavs entertainment inside AAC. In addition, there is plenty of history on display here of both the Dallas Mavericks and the Dallas Stars , such as banners hanging from the rafters, as well as numerous trophy cases. The downtown arena also provides plenty of restaurant and lodging options, as well as public transportation from anywhere in the DFW area.   Final Thoughts American Airlines Center is one of the finest sports venues in America and is in a great city. The AAC is immaculate, the amenities are first class, and the event staff is one of the friendliest in the NBA. The Mavs fans and in-game production make attending a Mavs game one of the best in the NBA. If you are in the Dallas area during the NBA season, I highly recommend spending time to attend a Mavericks game in the American Airlines Center.

After seeing some of the concession items gracing menu boards across the baseball world this season, I must paraphrase Ian Malcolm from the movie Jurassic Park: “Your team chefs were so preoccupied with whether or not they could, they never bothered to stop to think if they should.” The days of simply buying some peanuts and Cracker Jack are long gone. Let’s take a look at some of the more, let's call them unique, items fans will find at their local ballparks this season: Hartford Yard Goats – The Float Your Goat Now, this item was unveiled on Instagram just a few days before April Fool’s Day, so we may have to recant our objections, but this item could be a big seller if the comments are any indication. The Float Your Goat starts with a quarter-pound hot dog topped with chopped peppers, onions, bacon and brown mustard. So far, so good, right? Now take that dog and submerge it in a glass of 100% whole goat milk and it sure adds a new level of difficulty to the nine-inning challenge… Trenton Thunder – Swine Brew When the Thunder unveiled this concoction on social media, they told fans they could “combine your two favorites in one concession item this year with a 10oz beer with chunks of pork!” Really? Would anyone list “chunks of pork” as one of their favorite ballpark snacks? The team doubled down with an update a couple of days later: “to ensure the quality of the pork and that it’s served at the correct temperature, the beer will be served hot.” I don’t know about you all, but there’s nothing I want more than a hot beer with chunks of meat in it on a warm summer night. Toronto Blue Jays – Cotton Candy Fries For our next item we go north of the border, where Canadian fans will seemingly put just about anything on top of a pile of french fries, as evidenced by the endless varieties of poutine you can find all over the continent. But this one is new. Drizzled on top of your standard order of fries is a blue and white cotton candy and mayo-based sauce, along with a dallop of blue and white cotton candy. Rogers Center executive chef Matthew Munro described the item as “a little fun for everybody.”  When asked to comment on this menu item, our Ontario Correspondent (and Jays fan) Dave Cottenie responded with a vomit emoji. St. Paul Saints - Land of 10,000 Calories While this six-foot long hot dog is meant to be shared (it comes with four 20oz drinks and a side of fries - like this thing needs MORE fries), that doesn't make it any less ridiculous. It comes topped with pulled pork, mac and cheese, french fries and jalapeno peppers. Would you expect anything less from a team that employs a ball pig? (the 2025 pig is named "The Great Fatsby) I guess you could try to eat it all yourself, but why would you? Kalamazoo Growlers - The SKAT Dog   The Growlers front office can never be accused of not committing to a bit. The Growlers are named in honor of the bears that can be heard "growling" in the local forests, and they've come up with a creation that you may want to eat with your eyes closed. If you're not familiar, the term 'scat' is slang for animal droppings. Replace the "c" with a "K" (for strikeout), and there you have much more information than you needed. The SKAT Dog is topped with whipped cream, sprinkles and a maraschino cherry. Instead of a bun, this hot dog is served on a chocolate cake donut. The entire Dog totals over 1,000 calories, and may make those around you look twice. Or three times. Or maybe vomit in horror. Perhaps it's a good thing it's only available on Saturdays. Now, are these items April Fools jokes, social media troll jobs, or the real thing? What concession items have you come across in your Stadium Journeys that turned your stomach at the mere thought of them? Share with us on our social media channels. Find us on Twitter , Instagram , Facebook , YouTube , Threads , BlueSky and LinkedIn .

Photos by David Welch, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.71 Hermance Stadium 4462 Peachtree Rd NE Brookhaven, GA 30319 Oglethorpe University Stormy Petrels Baseball website Hermance Stadium website Year Opened: 1920 Capacity: 900 Stay Stormy Oglethorpe University, located in Brookhaven, Georgia, is just north of Atlanta’s Buckhead community. Named in honor of the founder of the Georgia colony, James Oglethorpe, the university was originally established in the central Georgia town of Milledgeville, in 1835, then moved to Atlanta in 1870, finding its permanent home at its current location in 1915. Hermance Stadium has been the home of Oglethorpe baseball since its completion in 1920; the playing surface inside the venue, Anderson Field, is named in honor of former baseball coach Frank Anderson. The school took on the moniker Stormy Petrels  in reference to the legend that on his trip from England to the colonies, Oglethorpe marveled at the oceanic sea bird, the storm petrel, as it darted in and out of the ocean’s waves. Oglethorpe University is a member of the NCAA Division III Southern Athletic Association, which is comprised of colleges and universities throughout Alabama, Arkansas, Georgia, Kentucky, and Tennessee.   Food & Beverage   2 A small snack shack is located down the hill from the seating area, which may be difficult to access for those with mobility challenges. The options are limited but serviceable for a quick bite – the menu includes hot dogs, peanuts, popcorn, chips, and candy, along with bottled drinks from Coca-Cola, Powerade, and Dasani. For more variety, snack and beverage vending machines are available in Lupton Hall, just beyond the right field fence.   Atmosphere   2 Hermance Stadium’s stonework and iron gates feel every bit its nearly 100-year-old self. Its Gothic design is reminiscent of a European castle, and the seating area has strong vibes of a Roman coliseum. Originally slated to seat 50,000 spectators, the Great Depression, which began just days after the field was dedicated in 1929, limited its construction to just one of the seven planned sections. There are no bathroom facilities at the stadium, rather fans need to access the neighboring Lupton Hall. Going inside can provide a bit of relief during cold, early season night games, however. The configuration of the seating does make for some challenges; the stands face directly into the setting sun, so for the first few innings it does make watching the game a bit difficult. The seating area, concentrated on the first base side of the field, also lacks actual physical seats, leaving fans to sit on concrete slabs. Several fans do bring tailgating chairs for a bit of added comfort. While there is not necessarily traditional seating behind the home dugout, several flat stones have been pushed into the hillside to create a natural looking seating option. The stadium’s incomplete look is due to the Great Depression, which limited its construction to just one section of seating. Most of the outfield wall is the typical 8-foot fence covered with graphics, but a small section down the right field line is a stone retaining wall close to12-feet high, making up about the first 30-feet of the right field confines. It is a bit disconcerting that the visiting dugout seems to lack restroom facilities, so it is not uncommon to happen upon visiting players relieving themselves under the stands.   Neighborhood   4 Hermance Stadium is at the front of Oglethorpe University’s campus in Brookhaven, just north of Atlanta’s Buckhead neighborhood. There is a wide selection of restaurants in the area up and down Peachtree Road, one of Atlanta's busiest thoroughfares. Buckhead is known for having many of Atlanta’s finest restaurants. Foodies might also want to check out the nearly endless options for international cuisine on Buford Highway, which is just a few miles to the north in neighboring Chamblee. If just grabbing a casual bite to eat before the game is more the goal, the Town Brookhaven mixed use development, right next to campus, has nearly a dozen eateries. Atlanta’s subway system, MARTA, has a station which is just a short rideshare trip away from the stadium, as well as from all downtown Atlanta has to offer.   Fans   2 Attendance at Oglethorpe baseball typically runs from around 150 to 200 fans per game. Of those in attendance, few appear to be students – instead they look like mostly family members. Fans are supportive of good baseball plays here, and the success of the Stormy Petrels, but they do not necessarily create much of a home field advantage.   Access   3 Oglethorpe is directly off Peachtree Road, one of the most heavily traveled surface streets in the area, just north of the Atlanta city limits. While this does help with direct access to Oglethorpe’s campus, it does come with a great deal of congestion, especially during weekday games. MARTA trains pass nearby, and while the station is within a walkable distance just over a mile from campus, a short rideshare instead might be easier. Once on campus there is a parking lot beyond centerfield and another beyond right field – both parking areas leave just a short walk to the entry on the first base side of the stadium. If you want to sit on the home side of the field, the terrain can be a bit tough going. For this reason, most fans, home and away, choose to sit in the stands. Home fans gather more toward the home plate end, while visiting fans tend to cluster on the far end, down the line. If wanting to visit the concession stand, there are stairs leading out of the lower level of the seating area, but the footing will likely be tricky for those with mobility challenges. Hermance Stadium does not have bathroom facilities for fans, so visitors will need to go to the basement of Lupton Hall if those are needed.   Return on Investment   4 There is no charge for admission or parking at Hermance Stadium, and concession prices are low enough that it would be difficult to find another venue in collegiate baseball to rival them. The primary investment in heading to Brookhaven to catch Oglethorpe baseball is simply the time that it takes battling Atlanta traffic.   Extras   2 The outfield wall recognizes the retired numbers of four former Stormy Petrels, the most notable of which is the # 4 of National Baseball Hall of Famer Luke Appling, who played at Oglethorpe in the late 1920s. Also honored are Josh Blythe (# 5), Eric Krug (# 11), and Tim Crowley (# 17). Despite its lack of luxuries and even basic amenities such as restroom facilities and seating, the preservation of such a historic facility should be commended, as a walk under the stands brings you back to a past era of stadium design.   Final Thoughts It is always nice to see historic stadiums like Hermance Stadium kept in use. Despite lacking many of the common comforts typically taken for granted even at the most modest of baseball stadiums, Hermance Stadium's distinct character is rarely found in modern designs. It is easy to overlook what the facility lacks in favor of appreciating its one-of-a-kind charm.

Photos by David Welch, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.43 S. Walter Kelly, Sr. Memorial Field 639 S. Hornet Drive Marietta, GA 30060 Kennesaw State Owls website S. Walter Kelly, Sr. Memorial Field website Year Opened: 1951 Capacity: 1,200 Owls, Bring the Fight! The 2025 season marks the return of collegiate baseball to S. Walter Kelly, Sr. Memorial Field, which previously served as the home of the Southern Polytechnic State University Hornets; Southern Poly merged with Kennesaw State University in 2015, dissolving the Hornets athletic programs. As the 2024 Kennesaw State baseball season came to an end, it also marked the end of Fred Stilwell Stadium – the construction of Mickey Dunn Stadium on the same site forced the Owls to relocate temporarily, 10 miles south of their main campus in Kennesaw. The temporary move comes during larger transitions in Owl athletics; after nearly 20 years in the Atlantic Sun Conference, having moved to NCAA’s highest division after the 2005 season, Kennesaw State joined Conference USA at the start of the 2024 academic year.   Food & Beverage   2 Concession offerings at S. Walter Kelly, Sr. Memorial Field are standard stadium fare, such as hot dogs, pretzels, nachos with cheese sauce, candy, and chips. Combo meals, i.e. a hot dog and chips, are available but offer no savings over purchasing the items individually. While the food might satisfy a hunger, it is likely not enough to fill an empty stomach. Regular beverage options include Coca-Cola products, Powerade, and Dasani bottled water, while adult beverages consist of common domestic beers, as well as craft beers including Sweetwater 420, Hazy Like a Fox IPA, and the featured beer, the Kennesaw State branded Owl-In American Lager. White Claw seltzers and Long Drink spirits are also available.   Atmosphere   2 S. Walter Kelly, Sr. Memorial Field was in a state of disarray prior to the Owls needing a temporary home for the 2025 season. The tarp of the outfield fence was tattered and torn, trees overhung the outfield wall, and the outfield grass was more a patchwork of grass and bare spots. A lot of work was done to bring the field up to collegiate baseball standards, and the results are nothing short of amazing. The stadium itself is a very straightforward facility – there is no exterior structure to speak of, just an exterior chain link fence. The grandstand sits 8 to 10 feet above field level and is made up of a small bleacher segment of chairback seats flanked by aluminum bleacher benches on each side. A small press box sits directly behind the bleachers, behind home plate. Hillside seating is also available along the first base side of the field, but if you choose to buy tickets in that area, it might be wise to bring tailgating chairs for comfort. The game presentation is simplistic; there is no videoboard for player stats or promotional ads, but rather just a straightforward scoreboard with inning-by-inning line score and ball-strike-out information just beyond the right centerfield fence. Also, mid-inning breaks are simply filled with music rather than any sort of ad reads or other interactive fan pieces.   Neighborhood   3 Kennesaw State’s Marietta campus is just off the intersection of South Marietta Parkway (120 Loop) and US Highway 41 (Cobb Parkway) that parallels Interstate 75, through the northwest Atlanta suburbs. The area is where chain restaurants and car dealerships begin to transition to the Marietta city center, which is just 3 miles away. Marietta Square is surrounded by several restaurants and highlighted with historic Strand Theater, much more of a town square than a downtown of high-rise buildings. The backside of campus abuts the neighboring campus of Life University, which commonly hosts one of the nation’s top collegiate rugby programs at Lupo Family Field. Around the corner from the main entrance of campus is the 24-hour Marietta Diner, which has been featured on Guy Fieri’s Diners, Drive-Ins, and Dives , while in the opposite direction, 4 miles to the south, is Battery Atlanta, home of the Atlanta Braves , which has numerous restaurants and recreational options itself.   Fans   3 Despite the move 10 miles south of Kennesaw State’s main campus in Kennesaw, attendance numbers at KSU baseball have remained consistent with years past, pulling in roughly 500 fans per game. As might be expected, the off campus location does impact the student involvement a bit; the fans are responsive to the big moments in the game, as well as the excitement shown by the players.   Access   2 Kennesaw State’s Marietta campus is easily accessible from Interstate 75, which runs just to the east of campus, as does US Highway 41 (Cobb Parkway). The main entry point to campus can be found along South Marietta Parkway, locally known as the South Loop. Though this is the ceremonial entrance, with the field at the back of campus, the nearby construction makes this route a bit slow going. The most direct access point is via Polytechnic Lane, just south of the 120 Loop on Highway 41. Parking at S. Walter Kelly, Sr. Memorial Field can also be a challenge – the lot adjacent to the field fills quickly, and other lots in the area are small and offer few spaces. The main entry point to the stadium is located along the first base side, next to the campus gymnasium. Considering that most of the parking in the area is on the third base side, there is a bit of a walk to get to the main entrance. The hillside along the first base line can be a bit steep as well, making its navigation a bit tricky, and even more so in inclement weather.   Return on Investment   4 Tickets start at $7 for standing room hillside access, or $10 for general admission bleacher seats, and online ticket purchases have no added convenience fees. Concession prices are comparable to those at typical college sporting events, and parking is free, making for an overall affordable college baseball experience. The facility accepts credit and debit cards only, so come prepared.   Extras   1 The Dobbins Naval Air Reserve base is just past the tree line, beyond the campus of Life University – like clockwork every day at 4 pm, Reveille can be heard, followed by the National Anthem.  This does create a bit of a quandary; should fans continue to cheer during the middle of a play, or stand at attention until the Anthem  is over?   Final Thoughts It is nice to see a baseball stadium return to use that had its team dissolved, as Southern Poly Tech experienced, even if that return is by the institution that ended baseball on the campus. Though there is not much in the way of amenities to make the experience here more comfortable, baseball at S. Walter Kelly, Sr. Memorial Field gives fans a decent backup venue for the Owls to use during their 2025 baseball season, without putting an undue burden on the program or its fans. Though it lacks the features now common even at the lower levels of Division 1 baseball, Kelly Memorial Field is a quality fallback facility that many college programs would be happy to call home.

Photos by Dave Cottenie, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.86 Varsity Arena 299 Bloor St W Toronto, ON M5S 1W2 Toronto Varsity Blues website Varsity Arena website Year Opened: 1926 Capacity: 4,100 Blue Longevity One of the founding members of university hockey in Canada is the University of Toronto Varsity Blues.  First icing a team in 1891 for one of Canada’s most prominent post-secondary institutions, Toronto has enjoyed unprecedented success.  An unheard of 41 Queen’s Cups as the champion of Ontario University Athletics, and its predecessors, the Ontario conference of USports, have been brought back to Toronto.  This is coupled with ten University Cups as the National Champions in hockey, a trophy only first presented in 1963.  Coaching alumni from the Varsity Blues are a who’s who of hockey legends, including Tom Watt, Mike Keenan, Ace Bailey, Conn Smythe and Lester B. Pearson, the 14th Prime Minister of Canada. Home for the Varsity Blues is the venerable Varsity Arena.  Built in 1926, Varsity Arena was one of the first indoor arenas in the world, built without pillars.  Along with being the home of the Varsity Blues, it was the home of the Toronto Toros of the short-lived World Hockey Association.  Having undergone some renovations over the years, Varsity Arena is now part of the Varsity Centre athletic complex on the University of Toronto campus, directly linked to Varsity Stadium, home of UofT football.  Varsity Arena retains the old-school charm that was found in the 1920s and remains a throwback to a previous era. Food & Beverage 3 A modest concession stand can be found in the concourses of Varsity Arena.  Improvement in concessions have been achieved over time.  Hot dogs, popcorn, nachos, cotton candy, grilled cheese, bagels, cookies and slushies are all found here.  Country Style coffee is the hot beverage of choice and Pepsi products are the soft drinks of choice.  Cash and credit are accepted. Atmosphere 4 Stepping into Varsity Arena is like going through a time warp.  If anything, the exterior of Varsity Arena is hidden. Varsity Centre, which includes Varsity Arena also includes Varsity Stadium. The two are nearly inseparable. Access to Varsity Centre comes from Bloor Street where the ticket office is located. To get to Varsity Arena, fans must travel underneath the grandstand of Varsity Stadium, parallel to the field. The inconspicuous entry to Varsity Arena will be on the right. The red brick exterior fits the rest of Varsity Centre and it may be possible to miss the entrance if fans are not looking for it. The Blues put a portable tent outside the arena and signage to help fans along the way. Entry into the Arena brings fans back in time. Varsity Arena smells, sounds and feels like hockey. The concourse of Varsity Arena is fairly narrow and fairly nondescript. There is only one path and it travels around the entire arena, immediately past the Zamboni Bay, dressing rooms and mini workshop where players can work on their sticks. Close inspection will find some old pictures of great Varsity Blues teams of the past. Although they are nice touches, the University of Toronto could do so much more to recognize and celebrate their hockey history. The seating bowl continues the travel back in time. Immediately fans will notice the seats. The entirety of the seating bowl, save for two rows in one section, are classic wooden two-for-one or love seats. There are a few singles and those two rows of more current, plastic, stadium seats. Two sections of seats across centre ice are tarped off with a large “Home of the Varsity Blues” banner.  Varsity Arena itself is akin to many of the older arenas that are found in the QMJHL with a peaked, triangular roof and arched I-beams. Above centre ice is a simple digital scoreboard. That scoreboard is surrounded by a plethora of championship banners, many of which look like they were raised in the year in which they were won. Toronto does have some consolidated banners which are much newer and really give scope to the sheer volume of success the program has enjoyed. At one point, a banner for the 1928 Olympic Gold Medal hung in Varsity Arena, however at the time of this writing it was nowhere to be found. There is no mystery where the inspiration of the design of the Varsity Blues uniform comes from. Toronto teams are nearly always blue, and Varsity is no different. The nod to the jerseys of the Toronto Maple Leafs is obvious. The game day production at Varsity is very simple. Typical music selections and promotions do not make the experience stand out and are just sufficient not to be bothersome. The Blues mascot, True Blue, can be seen on some occasions. Neighbourhood 5 The neighbourhood surrounding Varsity Centre is excellent.  Varsity is on the University of Toronto’s St. George Campus in the University neighbourhood of Downtown Toronto. Varsity sits in the shadows of Toronto’s iconic CN Tower, which can be seen across the stadium from Bloor Street. There are plenty of spots along Bloor for pre and post game food and libations. The Duke of York, The Fortunate Fox, Hemingway’s, Signatures and Proof are all options within a two minute walk. Favorites like Tim Hortons and Starbucks are also right there among other chains. Among the other University buildings, the Royal Conservatory of Music is right next door to Varsity Centre and the Royal Ontario Museum is on the same block. Queen’s Park and the Ontario Legislature are not far off and heading toward the lake will bring patrons through Toronto’s theatre district. The iconic Eaton Centre is not far off for shoppers and Harbourfront has a plethora of other entertainment options. Not to be missed would be the Hockey Hall of Fame. For fans looking for other sporting options, there are a multitude. The Toronto Varsity Blues field a full range of athletic teams and football  is found right in Varsity Centre at Varsity Stadium. Across Devonshire Road is the Goldring Centre for High Performance Sport which is the home for Varsity Blues basketball . A twenty minute walk will bring fans to the Mattamy Athletic Centre which is the home of the TMU Bold and the former Maple Leaf Gardens. Bold basketball  is played inside at Varsity Court while hockey  is played above at Mattamy Home Ice. Toronto’s third university, York University is located at the north end of Toronto. York Lions Stadium is home for York Lions football , the Tait McKenzie Centre is home for basketball  and Canlan Ice Sports York is the home for hockey . There are, of course, a multitude of professional sports options in Toronto also. The Scotiabank Arena is home for the Toronto Maple Leafs  and Toronto Raptors . The Rogers Centre is home to the Toronto Blue Jays . Over at Exhibition Place, BMO Field is shared by the Toronto Argonauts  and Toronto FC , while across the parking lot, the Coca-Cola Coliseum is home for the Toronto Marlies . Fans 3 Varsity Blues fans are typical of USports hockey fans, in that attendance can be inconsistent.  The 2024-25 season was a strong one for Toronto and they averaged over 400 fans per game, good for 4th in the OUA, a fairly strong average for the conference.  However, a huge rivalry game against Toronto Metropolitan saw more than 2,500 fans at Varsity Arena, which skews the average a bit.  Varsity Blues fans are supportive at the right moments.  The number of students in attendance fluctuates drastically over the season.    Access 4 The St. George Campus of the University of Toronto is located in the University neighbourhood of Downtown Toronto.  It is north of the Gardiner Expressway, west of the Don Valley Parkway and quite significantly south of Highway 401.  Getting to this part of Toronto by car can be a little tricky.  Traffic is always an issue.  There are a number of surface lots that surround the university and parking can be found at a reasonable rate.  Probably the best way to get to this part of Toronto would be the subway.  There are two subway stops within a block of Varsity Centre and they are connected to both main subway lines.  Buses and streetcars are also not too far away from Varsity Centre.  Fans interested in public transit can check out the Toronto Transit Commission  website for maps, schedules and fares. The ticketing window is on Bloor Street, right at the entrance of Varsity Centre.  Lineups are not an issue.  Due to a low number of fans, getting around Varsity Arena is pretty easy.  The age of the building can be noticed in the washrooms, but the small crowds make heading to the washroom not much of a hindrance. Return on Investment 5 Varsity Blues hockey tickets can be had for $15.  Discounts are available for kids, alumni and seniors.  The product on the ice is solid and the price is more than affordable.  Parking the car will cost a few dollars as will taking transit.  Concession prices are good.  In the end, there are not too many sporting experiences around that will bring this combination of low price and good return together. Extras 3 An extra mark for the growing rivalry with the TMU Bold, which has seen some much larger than average crowds for their rivalry games. An extra mark for the deep history of the university, arena and Toronto Varsity Blues. An extra mark for the 1928 University of Toronto Grads, the only university team to win an Olympic Gold Medal.  Their coach was the legendary Conn Smythe and they did not give up a goal in the tournament. Final Thoughts Heading to Varsity Arena is a trip back in time to an old school arena where hockey remains the focus.  The Toronto Varsity Blues have a deep history and plenty of success and provide an experience that hockey fans should definitely take in. Follow all of Dave’s sporting adventures on YouTube , Twitter , Threads  and Instagram @profan9.

A recent report from the California State Auditor has stated the City of Anaheim has not properly maintained the condition of Angel Stadium. Currently the 4th oldest MLB yard behind Fenway Park , Wrigley Field  and Dodger Stadium , Angel Stadium  has not had any major enhancements since its return as a baseball only facility in 1998. Angel Stadium ranked 23rd out of 30 MLB yards last year in Stadium Journey's latest MLB ballpark rankings .  “Anaheim’s lease agreement with the Angels ownership requires ownership to maintain the stadium in good condition and repair, subject to ordinary wear and tear, with a standard of maintenance at least equal to first-class professional baseball stadiums,” the report said. “The city and Angels ownership last renovated Angel Stadium over 25 years ago. However, until 2023, Anaheim had not formally inspected the stadium to assess its condition since completing those renovations.” The recently released audit  was requested by State Sen. Tom Umberg and Assemblymember Avelino Valencia,  who expressed “deep concern” over the Angels’ failure to live up to their end of the agreement.  Shortly after news of the audit was released, Umberg said the audit confirms that the Angels are operating under a “sweetheart deal” that doesn’t in any way benefit the stadium’s owners – Anaheim taxpayers. News of the recent audit comes not long after the Angels lease extension at Angel Stadium through 2032 .   Among the key points from the full state audit  :  Between 1996 and March 2025, Anaheim realized approximately $415,000 in net revenue from its lease agreement with Angels ownership, not including $20 million in expenses Anaheim incurred to help pay for the stadium’s renovations. Anaheim has made minimal efforts to verify whether the revenue Angels ownership shared with the city is correct and complies with the terms of the lease agreement. City staff rely on periodic audits to identify any discrepancies, but Anaheim has conducted only two audits of the lease agreement since 2013. Although we found that the revenue provided to the city from baseball ticket sales and parking were generally likely to be accurate and comply with the terms of the lease, we identified $95,000 that Angels ownership erroneously paid Anaheim in 2021 that the city will need to refund. Angel Stadium grand entrance, 2024. Yes folks, that includes Anthony Rendon After a 6-game road trip to start the season, the Angels home opener is this Friday against the Cleveland Guardians.  One of several noticeable cracks among Angel Stadium’s upper level. Another sign of neglect is the presence of the old Edison Field logo along the aisles.

John Doyle at the TD Garden There are plenty of sports podcasts out there. However, podcasts about sports writing are few and far between. Enter New Hampshire sports writer John Doyle, known to many as JD, who's obsessed  — in a very healthy way — with sports writing. In short, it gets his adrenaline going. JD has interviewed a who's who of sports writing legends for his podcast  Sports Writers Inc with JD: Sports Writers Talk Sports Writing.   JD took some time to discuss his passion, as well as a few annoyances. STADIUM JOURNEY: Why'd you dive in and start the podcast and Substack? JOHN DOYLE: I got into listening to podcasts right from the beginning. In fact, I invented podcasting. Well, not really — but I did think the idea of on-demand talk radio, maybe in the form of a mailed cassette or compact disc, was a good one well before the internet and iPods made it possible. So I'd always been enamored with the idea of having my own podcast and in 2020 — just a coincidence that it was during the pandemic, I swear — I decided finally to do it. At that point I'd been out of full-time sports writing for five years, and I wanted to get back into that world in some form. And I'd dabbled in radio in the years prior and realized that getting guests for a radio show wasn't hard. In most cases, all you need to do is ask. I wasn't surprised at all that many, many writers were willing, and in many cases eager, to jump on for 30 minutes. Writers love to talk about themselves. The high-quality guests have been my podcast's calling card — Dan Shaughnessy, Bob Ryan, Jack McCallum, Helene Elliott, Leigh Montville. It's a murderer's row of sports-writing legends. I got the idea for the Substack in 2024 for a number of reasons. I'd noticed a lot of journalists were going the Substack route. Like podcasting, the barrier to entry was low — all you need is a laptop, really. So the tools were there. Plus, the stigma of self-publishing had eroded by that point. As recently as 10 years ago, anyone who put out their own website or blogged was seen as kind of a loser, to be honest. The stereotype was that they were living in their mom's basement, or they didn't have the chops to make it in legacy media. Turns out these cats were ahead of their time. It's the complete opposite today. Not only are the legacy media opportunities quickly slipping away, but now being a Substacker is seen as kind of cool. Also by that time I'd been doing a lot of freelance reporting of college hockey for USCHO (U.S. College Hockey Online) and I was around a lot of student reporters. It struck me — here we have a group of young people who appreciate reading and writing, and would probably be eager to read what a seasoned journalist had to say about the profession. The Substack ( SportsWritersInc.Substack.com ) was born.   STADIUM JOURNEY: You're a New Hampshire native, but you went to the University of New Mexico. Describe the beauty of The Pit? JOHN DOYLE: Ah, the Pit. One of the last great on-campus basketball-only gyms. It's as advertised — loud, intimate, and it's literally a pit. You enter at ground level and the seats and court are below ground. Fill that place with 18,000 basketball fans and, well, you get the picture. Now comes the "old man yelling at cloud" part. Capacity at the Pit is only 15,000 now — of course they had to renovate the place and add a bunch of damn luxury boxes. Also, video boards. Which, I hate to say it, took away a lot of its uniqueness. And the coup de grâce was when they took the band and moved it from the floor and put it near the top rows, all so they could pump in the same damn artificial noise and sound effects like every other arena in the country. Sorry, but I want to hear the band. It's still a cool place to see a game though. STADIUM JOURNEY: Let's talk about the underdogs of the athletic experience: bands. Is there a band in New England that deserves our attention? JOHN DOYLE: My love for bands goes way back to my days playing alto sax for my high school in Manchester. My brother, a trombonist, took his love for music to the extreme and became a music teacher. One of his first assignments was as the band director at our rival high school, an offense for which I will never forgive him. As far as New England bands go, it begins and ends with UMass, where my brother and brother-in-law played as part of their musical education journey. My son now matriculates there though he is not a musician. The UMass band penetrates the soul. That's the best way to put it. When it marches into the football stadium you can feel it literally in your chest. Their halftime shows are downright inspiring, and you can see it twice because they perform it post game too! Too bad they don't play for a better football team.   STADIUM JOURNEY: Hockey arenas. Which ones should be on our bucket list and why? JOHN DOYLE: If you're talking bucket list, I'd recommend Alfond Arena at the University of Maine. It's like the Pit, but for hockey. It's old school. It's got a low ceiling that locks in all the sound and the student cheering section is perched on a deck, behind one of the nets, that seems to hang directly over it, though I don't think it actually does.   STADIUM JOURNEY: As a reporter for USCHO.com , you covered the legendary Beanpot. What's so special about this tournament? JOHN DOYLE: Stability, really. It's the same four schools — Boston University, Boston College, Harvard and Northeastern, the "Tobacco Road" of college hockey — every year on the first two Mondays of February, and that's unlikely to change any time soon. In the days leading up to the tournament, the organizers tend to lay the nostalgia and schmalz a little thick, in my opinion. But in the end, it always delivers — huge crowds, great atmospheres and usually great games. STADIUM JOURNEY: You didn't start out as a sportswriter. What made you pivot and get into it? How'd you break in? JOHN DOYLE: Growing up, what I really wanted to do was be a broadcaster. Either a television news reporter or a radio talk-show host. Then in college at the University of New Mexico, I was a communications major but was having trouble progressing toward a degree because all the classes filled up fast. I'm completely serious — this was the days before everyone on the planet had a laptop, so class size was limited because of the number of computer stalls in each classroom. So I switched to creative writing because I needed to graduate within a decade. Also, I liked writing. So then I had my sights set on becoming a novelist or an essayist. But for whatever reason I didn't pursue it as a career. It wasn't until I was in my late 20s and had moved back to New Hampshire that it became painfully obvious that if the subject wasn't sports, I had a hard time writing about it. So I started stringing high school game stories for the newspaper in Dover. I was bitten by the bug. They had a staff position open, I applied and got the job. Later they told me I was their fourth choice — three people had been offered the job and turned it down. Their loss, I guess.   STADIUM JOURNEY: You've covered a lot of high school sports. Upside? Downside? JOHN DOYLE: OK you realize I could and possibly will someday write a book about this? I'll try to keep it short. High school sports coverage is the essence of sports writing in America. How's that for a loaded statement? That's why I bristle at NBC calling their Sunday night pro-football pregame show "Football Night in America." Not only is it a blatant and cheesy rip off of the CBC's "Hockey Night in Canada," it's one game. Friday is "Football Night in America." Don't believe me? Go to Twitter on Friday night and search the phrase "wins the toss" and you'll see what I mean.  Upside? High school sports are everywhere — every town, every city, big and small, coast to coast. Stories abound. You will never run out of things to write about. It's one of the reasons why the demise of local news is a tragedy. Downside? It ain't glamorous. I can't tell you how many times I've stood in the rain, my notebook turning into soup, only to spend the rest of the night soaking wet in my car outside a closed Panera Bread, praying their wifi will stay on so I can file a story.    STADIUM JOURNEY: What's the make-up of the press box these days? Who's there? Any camaraderie? Have you built any friendships with the next gen?  JOHN DOYLE: That's a really good question. As I mentioned earlier, since I cover college hockey mostly, there are a lot of student journalists filling up the press boxes these days, and it's pretty cool because in the college-hockey world, they make up I'd say about three quarters of the press corp. Virtually no college hockey teams get covered by the local newspaper anymore, yet the student papers sometimes send up to five reporters to each game. They're sweet kids for the most part and it's tough to think how few full-time jobs are out there for them if this is what they want to do for a career.  As for me, sure, I have a large number of very pleasant colleagues of all ages with whom I share good-natured relationships. But there are cliques. I'll leave it at that.    STADIUM JOURNEY: You've got a soft spot for Fitchburg State. Please share. JOHN DOYLE: Wow, you dug deep. My affection for Fitchburg stems from my affection for obscure, out-of-the-way sports stories. So one day I came across a list that this maniac —  I use that term with affection — Bill Connelly of ESPN put together, ranking every single college football program in the country — Divisions I, II and III. At the very bottom of the list —  because let's face it, that's where your eyes go when presented with such a list  —  was good ol' Fitchburg State, No. 760, in Massachusetts. Hey, I thought, that's only about an hour and a half from my house. I knew I had to get to a game. I dragged my wife and younger son along — they're good sports when it comes to this stuff. Plus, we were on our way to Amherst to visit our older son at UMass. We get to the game — beautiful little stadium they have at Fitchburg State. You walk through a wooded path from the parking lot and come to a tree-lined field with a little concrete grandstand built into the side of a small hill. We got there in the first quarter and of course Fitchburg State was getting killed. Halftime came, and a poignant scene unfolded. Trailing 35-zip, the teams went to the locker room, except the Fitchburg kicker. He remained on the field, and he was all alone practicing these long kicks — 35, 40, 50 yards — and missing them all. And it occurred to me, this kid has virtually no chance of attempting one of these kicks in the second half. That was sad enough. But then I turn to the game program to see what this kid's name is, where he's from. Maybe I can do a story on him or something. I look for his number — and he's not even listed on the program. Tragedy. We left at halftime, and later I saw Fitchburg lost 49-zip. I didn't look to see if they attempted a kick. I decided to let the mystery be. (editor's note: on 10/22/2022, the Fitchburg State Falcons lost to UMass Dartmouth 49-0, in a game that they trailed 35-0 at halftime. Also in attendance that day; Corsairs PA announcer and Stadium Journey President Paul Baker. Small World.) STADIUM JOURNEY: And finally, most importantly, what's your gripe with Boston College fans? JOHN DOYLE: Wow, you dug really deep. I have nothing against BC fans in general — just BC football fans. Why? One word: Flutie. I've met Doug Flutie and he's a really nice guy. But BC football fans' obsession with this cat who played more than 40 years ago — I just find it irritating. Plus, New England isn't a traditional football area. Sure, there have been plenty of great players from here — Howie Long, Mark Bavaro and a few others. Oh and the Patriots have been fairly successful since the start of the current century. But as Beyonce said — this ain't Texas or Florida or Ohio for that matter. As for New England sports fans whose primary obsession is college football? Let's just say you won't find me hanging out with them.   Jon Hart is @manversusball

Photos by Greg Venuto, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.71 UBS Arena 2400 Hempstead Turnpike Elmont, NY 11003 New York Islanders website UBS Arena website Year Opened: 2021 Capacity: 17,255 Islanders’ Oasis at UBS Arena It’s hard to believe the New York Islanders are about to complete their fourth season at UBS Arena.  The Arena, right next to Belmont Park, has undergone minor tweaks and has established itself as a great place to take in a hockey game or any event it hosts. The design was inspired by iconic New York landmarks, including Central Park, Ebbets Field, Grand Central Terminal, Park Avenue Armory, and Prospect Park Boathouse.  It features two outdoor terraces open to all guests and more restrooms per person than any arena in Metro New York. The Main Entrance is located at the northeast side of the venue. This entry leads into the Acrisure Great Hall, modeled after the iconic Grand Central Station.  There are three other entrances: the American Express is located at the northwest side of the venue and the other two entry points are for VIPs only (BMV and Dime). Other reasons for fans to be excited are the eight bars with views of the ice and the largest arena scoreboard in New York State with two levels of high-resolution LED ribbon boards. The Emerald Lot is a convenient place to park and is about a 12-minute walk to the entrance.  The train stop, accessed via the Ronkonkoma or Hempstead line, is a nice addition and gives fans an option who prefer not to drive.  The rafters feature the Islanders four Stanley Cup banners to commemorate championships from 1979-1980 through 1982-1983.  The player banners include an impressive array of retired numbers from those championship team s .  Forwards Clark Gillies (9), Mike Bossy (22), Bobby Nystrom (23) and John Tonelli (27), centers Bryan Trottier (19) and Butch Goring (91), defenseman Denis Potvin (5), goalie Billy Smith (31) coach Al Arbour (1500 - the number of games he coached) and general manager Bill Torrey (TORREY “The Architect”) all have banners above. NY Islanders Retired Numbers, Photo by Greg Venuto, Stadium Journey Food & Beverage 4 The food and beverage choices get high marks for abundance and variety.  Some of the choices include a carving station with porchetta and steak sandwiches, nachos, sushi and Mighty Quinn’s Barbeque.  There is als o birria grilled cheese, loaded baked potatoes, a Knishwich hot pastrami sandwich with swiss cheese on a warm knish bun.  Of course there is traditional fare such as pretzels, hot dogs, fries, pizza, donuts and Mister Softee ice cream.  For alcoholic beverages, choices include Henny cherry lemonade, smoked and frozen cocktails, a wine and tequila bar along with staples such as beer are readily available.  Traditional soft drinks (Coca-Cola is the beverage of choice) and water are non-alcoholic options. Atmosphere 4 The configuration is interesting as two thirds of the seats are in the lower bowl.  The huge team store ( Isles Lab Team Store) is located on the main concourse outside section 104 and across from the Heineken Red Star Bar. Hopefully the novelty of UBS has not worn off. Last season (2024), the Islanders had their best attendance at 18,099 but this year (2025) the mark has fallen to 15,930 as of late March. While the scoreboard is massive, the one negative is the board does not flash many in-game statistics.  The atmosphere in the seating area is solid with good sightlines bolstered by the sounds of renown organist Paul Cartier.  His organ is situated in the concourse behind the goal the Islanders defend twice and he often chats with fans in between periods.  Cartier is also the organist at Yankee Stadium.  Alex Anthony is the public address announcer and he fulfills the same role for the New York Jets at MetLife Stadium. The one issue with the public address is at the end of the game the announcer does not say the final score, the shots on goal in the third period and total shots and neglects to share the three stars of the game.  Evidently, the Islanders leave that information out when the home team loses. The arena is easy to move around, but naturally when navigating the concourses gridlock is an issue in between periods. The Islanders attempt to enforce the policy of not allowing fans to return to their seat until there is a stoppage in play. Neighborhood 3 The surrounding area is congested, but the good news is UBS is right off the Cross Island Parkway and close to the Grand Central Parkway.  Both the parkways and Hempstead Turnpike can get tied up before and after games. UBS is on Long Island but is adjacent to the Queens line about 6 miles away.    For food options nearby,  The Harrison (4.3 rating on Yelp), King Umberto and Cookerz Blend (Caribbean) in Queens are all within 10 minutes of UBS. The Long Island Children's Museu m  in Garden City is a good option for kids near the UBS Arena located at 11 Davis Avenue. The Garden City and The Andrew are two nearby hotels.  Fans 4 The Islanders have always had a fervent fan base but not the largest one.  The fans can be vocal and the “Let’s Go Islande rs” chant will ring around UBS especially during big or close games. The  Islanders’ devoted fan club, the Blue and Orange Army, keep the crowd engaged with the help of mascot Sparky the Dragon.  The group reminds me of the 7 Line Army at Citi Field.  The building is not as loud as the old Nassau Coliseum, but the amenities and extra space are worth it. The Lighthouse is a nice touch and lights up when the Islanders take the ice or when the home team scores and fog billows out.   NY Islanders Lighthouse, Photo by Greg Venuto, Stadium Journey The Islanders, who are in the Metropolitan Division, are in a race to obtain the final playoff spot in the Eastern Conference.  The Long Islanders are trying to qualify for the postseason for the sixth time in the last seven years. Access 4 The arena doors open 90 minutes prior to puck drop.  If you prefer the train, fans can take the LIRR to and from UBS Arena.  A 30-minute direct train service to Elmont-UBS Arena Station is available from Grand Central Madison and Penn Station. UBS Arena has 5 parking  areas, which can only be accessed via the Cross Island Parkway: Belmont Park Garage Exit 26A, Diamond, Ruby, and Silver Parking Exit 26B (Hempstead Turnpike East) and Emerald Parking Exit 26D.  It is advised to pre-pay for parking using the ParkWhiz app.  It is $40 to park in the Emerald Lot.  Free shuttles are available between UBS Arena, Emerald Parking and Elmont-UBS Arena Station if fans prefer not to walk. UBS employs the more advanced security screening where contents do not need to be removed from your pockets. The screening process was quick and painless. Return on Investment 3 The Fan Cost Index of the National Hockey League for 2024 ranked the Islanders just under the league average at $410.07. The total comprises the price of four averaged-price tickets, two small draft beers, four small soft drinks, four regular-sized hot dogs, parking, two game programs and two of the least-expensive, adult-sized adjustable caps.  Everything at UBS is pricey.  Although technically the arena is situated on Long Island, it seems like NYC prices are in effect. Extras 4 One point is awarded for the Blue and Orange Army located behind sections 329/228/230 which is the goal the Islanders defend twice. The group is pseudo soccer supporters who bang a drum and chant often during the game. While the group is energetic, some spectators might prefer to not be in earshot of the drum. The Park  at UBS Arena is worthy of another point, a large open space that is quite impressive.  The area is sponsored by Northwell Health and includes a c omplimentary 9-hole mini golf course  and f eatures New York Islanders and New York themed obstacles.  The area has solo stoves, outdoor dining in enclosed bubbles, food trucks and interactive games. On this visit, Stadium Journey was fortunate as the weather was mild which enabled ample time to enjoy the area. There is even an outdoor skating rink in the park.  Another point is awarded for the concourses which are fairly wide and open. There are places to sit and eat with a plethora of dining options and many bars.  The layout is a welcome sight coming from the cramped Nassau Coliseum which had plenty of atmosphere but little room to maneuver.  The building also has a new and clean feel. Final Thoughts UBS is worthy of a Stadium Journey.  The building is big, bright and airy with high ceilings and plenty of open concourses.  The addition of a transit stop gives fans an option who do not want to battle Long Island/Queens traffic.  The Islanders have stepped up after a failed attempt at Barclays Center in Brooklyn (from 2015-2020) and outgrew their digs at Nassau Coliseum. Ticket prices can be an issue but sometimes cheaper tickets can be found on weekdays and through the secondary market. Follow Greg Venuto’s stadium journeys on Twitter  and   Facebook .

Photos by Matt Colville, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.00 Dickins-Scoper Stadium at Frierson Field Clinton, MS 39056 Mississippi College Choctaws website Dickins-Scoper Stadium at Frierson Field website Year Opened: 1988 Capacity: 1,500 Choctaws Baseball at the State's oldest college Situated just west of Jackson, Mississippi is the nice, quaint, picturesque town of Clinton, home of the Mississippi College Choctaws. MC, as the locals call it, opened its doors in 1826 and is the oldest college in the state, as well as the second-oldest Baptist-affiliated college in the US. Baseball is the oldest sport at MC, with the first year being played on campus in 1905. The Choctaws compete in NCAA Division II and were one of the founding members of the Gulf South Conference in 1972; their name honors the mighty Choctaw Nation that once occupied the area. The Choctaws were a powerhouse in all sports in the late 80s and early 90s, but had to make the drop down to DIII in 1995 due to football recruiting infractions affecting the entire athletics department. Perhaps the Choctaws best season in baseball occurred in 2010, when MC finished one game away from advancing to the DIII World Series. MC would re-join the GSC in 2015 in all sports, and would capture the GSC championship in baseball in 2018. However, the college has faced some financial difficulties in recent years, which has led to the elimination of certain sports, particularly football which was discontinued after the 2024 season.   Food and Beverage   2 There is one small concession stand located on the first base side of the concourse, where only the basics are sold – burgers, hot dogs, chips, and drinks. The one good thing is that prices here are cheap, but I would recommend walking to downtown Clinton just a few blocks off campus to get a meal before or after the game.   Atmosphere   3 For over three decades the Choctaws have called the beautiful Dickins-Scoper Stadium at Frierson Field their home. The facility is named after Pete Frierson, the owner of Frierson Building Supply, which built the park in 1988. The field is situated on the back side of campus in between the softball complex and Robinson-Hale Stadium, the former home of the school’s football team. The ballpark features three sections of metal grandstands with seating for 1,200 people. The ballpark received some renovations over the years, most notably in 2017 when the stadium was dedicated as Dickins-Scoper Stadium; named after a prominent MC family that attended and played baseball here dating back to the 1920s. The main entrance to the ballpark, behind home plate, features a nice brick-lined walkway in honor of the family and prominent boosters of the University. Upon entering the park you’ll be greeted by the three metal grandstands, with one behind home plate, one down the first baseline, and the last along the third baseline. A cool windscreen with all the teams in the Gulf South Conference wraps around the grandstand at the main entrance, while a huge windscreen with the words ‘Choctaw Baseball’ takes up the third base concourse grandstand. Eight rows of metal bleacher seating make up the grandstands on each side, while down the third baseline are the indoor hitting facility and lockers rooms. The field is absolutely stunning for a D2 facility – the beautifully designed artificial turf, with asymmetrical lines drawn on the infield, really make the field stand out, and the brick covered dugouts and backstops really add to the look and feel as well. Along the outfield wall its kept simple, with no local sponsors and just a basic scoreboard. The field faces north and south with the softball complex providing the view in center field, while Interstate 20, which is a stone’s throw away and runs right by campus, provides the view in left field. There is also an elevated hill with a nice shrub garden extending from right field to the softball complex, while a small party deck sits in right field as well.   Neighborhood   3 Clinton is a nice quaint little town of about 20,000 directly west of Jackson. The downtown area is called Olde Town Clinton, and features brick-lined streets and small businesses at the corner of Jefferson, Leake, and Main Street. Mississippi College is very much a part of Olde Town Clinton, as it sits only one block south. Jefferson Street is lined with several mansions and large oaks as well, which tie-in well with the Greek column buildings on campus. A few places to check out in Olde Town Clinton include 303 Jefferson; famous for its hot plate lunches and located in a former livery stable, it has served Clinton since the 1870s. Right across the street is Brick Street Pops, where you can get ice cream and popsicles, while just down the road is the Pizza Shack, located in an old bank. Another popular spot is Olde Town’s newest restaurant, Krilakis Gyros. The Historic Natchez Trace Parkway runs right through Clinton, about a mile from campus. The Trace used to be an old trade route from Nashville to Natchez for Native Americans and early settlers. Today a beautiful, paved road runs the 400 plus mile route of the former trade route; the Trace is filled with many historic sights, cemeteries, ghost towns, and many spot for camping and outdoor activities. The Trace is also a popular spot for bicyclists.   Fans   3 Mississippi College averages about 300 fans per game – this is about average for this level of college baseball. Many of the people in attendance will be into the game, as many of them are friends or family of the players. There will also be a good mix of alumni and former players in the stands, as many people will continue to live in the Jackson metro area after graduation. Unfortunately, however, I did not see a lot of students in attendance. In right field there is a small, elevated area where I saw about 5 students. There was also a softball game going on next door during the most recent baseball game I attended, and I saw several people traveling back and forth between the two games.   Access   4 Mississippi College is one of the most accessible colleges in the state, located directly next to Interstate 20, with Frierson Field about 100 yards from the busy interstate. Clinton is located in the center of the state; you are within a 3 to 4-hour drive from here to anywhere in Mississippi. The main road into Clinton is I-20, and you would take this road if traveling from the east or west. Note that I-20 can have horrendous traffic, especially at the I-55 junction, so take this into account if you are coming to the game on a weekday afternoon or a weeknight – weekends on I-20 can be awful as well. Once in Clinton you will see the campus on the north side of the interstate; Frierson Field is located right off the interstate next to the football stadium. If you don’t take the interstate then Highway 80 also runs into Clinton, but it takes you through a rough section of Jackson. However, if you want to take the scenic route the historic Natchez Trace Parkway also runs right through Clinton – this two-lane road is very peaceful and completely void of red lights and commercial traffic. The Trace has tons of areas where you can pull off and visit, such as Native American burial mounds, old cemeteries, historic houses, natural trails, campgrounds, etc., so if you have the time I suggest driving down the Trace just for its scenic beauty alone. Just make sure you go the speed limit, however – the whole parkway is administered by the National Park Service and the speed limit is between 40 and 50; you will have to pay a pretty hefty fine if you are caught speeding.   Return on Investment   3 Parking is free at Frierson Field, and they were not even taking tickets at the most recent game I attended. You can’t beat that coming to a small college baseball game. You aren’t getting a lot of frills here, but if you are a baseball purist you will enjoy the experience. A nice quiet baseball game at a nice little ballpark; it doesn’t get much better than that.   Extras   3 Over the years the Choctaws have produced four players who made it to the Big Leagues, with two players drafted. Some of the notable players who have played at Mississippi College include Hal Lee, who replaced Babe Ruth in left field in The Babe’s final game, as well as Cincinnati Reds Hall of Famer Harry Craft, who won a World Series ring in 1940 with the Reds. Pro Baseball Hall of Famer Don Sutton took classes at Mississippi College in the off-season of his pro career, but he did not play for the Choctaws. Another extra goes for the accessibility here; Mississippi College’s campus is one of the most convenient campuses to get to I’ve ever visited – you can go from driving on the interstate, to parking, to sitting down in your seat, all in less than 10 minutes. Another extra point goes to the campus itself – I recommend just walking around the campus and the town of Clinton before the game, as the nearby area is very pretty. The campus and downtown area cover just a couple of blocks, so you can easily walk around downtown Clinton for 30 minutes or so before the game.

Photos by Chris Green, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.29 Gregory Gymnasium 2101 Speedway Austin, TX 78712 Texas Longhorns website Gregory Gymnasium website Year Opened: 2022 Capacity: 11,313 Texas Tennis Showcase The Texas Longhorns are one of the most venerated programs in college tennis. Steeped in rich history from the very start, the program has continued to be a stalwart in the college tennis world. Currently located in a stellar, comfortable, and modern facility, fans would be remiss to not attend a match at the Texas Tennis Center. Without a doubt, mirroring the rest of the school’s facilities, this is a must-see venue in Austin.   Food & Beverage   2 There is only one concession stand at Texas Tennis Center – this grab-and-go self-pay setup features a very limited menu. Hot dogs ($4), nachos ($5), chips ($3), takis ($4), peanuts ($4), candy ($3), pickles ($3), and pringles ($6) make up the entirety of the food options. For drinks, you can pick up a water ($3), soda ($5), Powerade ($5), wine ($6), beer ($5.00-$6.50), or seltzer ($6.50).   Atmosphere   4 The facility features a well-manicured exterior with two entrances to the viewing level on the second floor. Once inside, fans are treated to covered seating on both sides of the facility. During dual matches, both the men’s and women’s teams play on opposite sides of the facility simultaneously. The elevated seating features two rows of individual backed seats and a third row of standard stadium bleachers. The large scoreboard in the middle of the courts provides live scores for all the matches happening, helping fans keep up with the constant action.   Neighborhood   5 Texas Tennis Center is in the heart of downtown Austin – the city center is visible from the grandstand, so you are right there in the middle of one of the most vibrant and quickly growing cities in the nation. The airport is a bit of a drive, however, depending on traffic. For great food, you can’t skip The Salt Lick or Torchy’s Tacos. Austin is also home to the University of Texas’ main campus, as well as Zilker Park on Lady Bird Lake. Finally, for a hotel, look for Hilton Austin Airport or Holiday Inn Austin Airport as two options that are great, due to their proximity to the airport and to major highways that lead to downtown. For sports fans, the venue’s locat ion right near the other athletic facilities on campus is great for watching multiple games in a day, with the softball stadium  loca ted right across the street.   Fans   4 The fans show up for Texas Tennis matches, and given that they’re free of charge, families are frequent here. Without a doubt, this is a very family-friendly sports experience for all ages. Texas tennis fans are varied in age and background, a true melting pot of the sport’s and school’s fans, and even mid-week matches for just one of the two tennis teams see a solid turnout from the Longhorn faithful.   Access   5 Texas Tennis Center enjoys the luxury of being quite literally one block from the nearest interstate highway – located off exit 235 on I-35, the facility is refreshingly easy to access. Parking is located on site in the East Campus Garage, or in nearby lots with purchase via the Texas parking website. Various street parking is also available nearby, but that fills up rather fast.   Return on Investment   5 Tickets to Texas tennis matches are free of charge; parking is also free at the East Campus Garage. This makes tennis matches the best value by far for anything on campus in terms of cost. Add to that the relatively low cost of concessions, and you have the perfect afternoon watching some of the best in college tennis, while comfortably enjoying the match from your covered seats.   Extras   4 The concessions area features not just tables to sit and eat, but also a wall of fame that also doubles as a team records showcase. Here, you can see some of the best that have come through the home of the Longhorns. Another neat feature are the two memorial busts, one of Dr. Daniel Allen Penick and the other of Wilmer Lawson Allison, Jr. – these two men helped shape the future of Texas tennis at its founding and went on to find great personal success in the sport, at both the collegiate coaching level as well as personally at the professional level. Visible from Texas Tennis Center are some of the school’s major sports facilities; across the street is the softball stadium , while next door is the baseball field . Also, from the seats you can easily see the homes of Texas football  and basketball .   Final Thoughts The hidden gem of Texas’ campus may very well be Texas Tennis Center. This stellar facility offers unrivaled elevated and covered views of the action down below, and on top of that, offers incredible affordability in the face of ever-growing prices for sports fans. There is no question that Texas fans, tennis fans, and sports fans from all over the region should flock to Texas Tennis Center to watch tennis from the comfort of your second level seating.

Photos by Gregory Koch, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.43 Bob "Turtle" Smith Stadium 41220 Fieldhouse Dr College Park, MD 20740 Maryland Terrapins website Bob "Turtle" Smith Stadium website Year Opened: 1956 Capacity: 2,500 Baseball at the Bob Located on the campus of the University of Maryland, Bob “Turtle” Smith Stadium has been home to the Terrapins’ baseball team since 1952. The stadium is adjacent to Maryland Stadium, home to the Terps’ football and lacrosse programs, and part of the upper deck is visible from the stands. Renovations to the stadium over the years include the installation of lights in the 1994 season and an all-turf field following the Terrapins’ run to the Super Regionals in 2015. Food & Beverage 2 There is a concession stand on the concourse at the top of the stands which offers very basic options. The only thing that could be a meal are hot dogs. Pretzels, popcorn, peanuts, chips, and candy are available for sale, as are bottled water and soft drinks. Be warned the concession stand only accepts credit cards, not cash. Atmosphere 4 Bob “Turtle” Smith Stadium is an intimate stadium, with none of the plastic bleacher seats more than ten or so rows away from the action. The entrance is cut into a hill and fans will walk down a ramp or small flight of steps to enter the stadium. From there, they will enter a concourse that surrounds the seating bowl and walk down to their seats. Many fans will choose to stand here and watch the action instead of sitting. The Terrapins do a lot to keep fans engaged, playing music between innings, and each batter and pitchers also have their own special music. Often the fans will clap along to the tune, generating some energy during breaks in the action. A digital scoreboard in left field provides the line score and other basic information. \\ Beyond the scoreboard, fans will see the towering upper deck of SECU Stadium. If there is a lacrosse game going on there at the same time, you may be able to hear the sounds, although the upper deck will likely be empty and you will not be able to see the field. Neighborhood 3 College Park is a small college town with enough in the immediate area to get by but is really nothing special. There is a bowling alley a couple of miles away, and a bunch of chain restaurants within walking distance. If you’re looking for some local color, College Park Diner is a favorite with residents and students alike and serves up comfort food 24 hours a day. Looney’s Pub on Route 1 is a sports bar with dozens of big-screen TVs for your viewing pleasure. A couple of hotels are located nearby, including a Marriott just off campus, and The Hotel on-campus. (Yes, the on-campus hotel is literally called The Hotel. Not a very creative name.) That being said, if you’re looking to do more than eat and sleep, your best bet is to head down to the Metro station and take the Green Line into D.C. It’s about a 30-minute ride downtown. Once you’re there, there’s so much to do and most of it is free. Whether it’s visiting one of the historic monuments and memorials, visiting one of the numerous museums, or simply walking outside on the National Mall, there’s something for everyone. All government-run attractions are free to the public, though some privately-run ones are not. Just keep in mind if you want to tour the Capitol or White House, you will need to reserve that ahead of time. Fans 4 Maryland draws well for baseball games compared to other schools in the area, averaging about 1,000 fans a game. As is often the case, they draw more fans on weekends than weekdays, and the Bob can be quite packed on a Saturday or Sunday afternoon, especially if the weather is nice. The fans who show up are loud and engaged and cheer on the Terps throughout the game. Many of the same fans go to games all season, so they know a great deal about the team, the players, the coaches, and even the umpires. Access 3 The University of Maryland campus is located just a few miles from I-495 (Capital Beltway) or Maryland Route 295 (Baltimore-Washington Parkway). Once you get on the campus, the closest place to park is the Union Lane Garage, but this is a paid garage that could cost up to $15 depending on how early you arrive and how long you stay. We would recommend downloading the Parkmobile app to your smartphone so you can add more time to the meter without having to return to the garage if the game runs long. Alternatively, if you are going to a game on a weekend or arriving after 4 PM on a Friday, you can park in Lot 1 or Z by the soccer stadium for free. This is about a five-minute walk to the stadium. Be warned that there is a lot of construction going on in these lots right now. The concourse is narrow and can get crowded with large crowds, especially after the game when everyone's leaving at once, although the fact that it is open to the field makes it feel less claustrophobic. Restrooms are located near the entrance. They are small and there is frequently a line. Return on Investment 4 General admission tickets are $15 for conference games for adults, with discounts available for youth and seniors Non-conference games on weekdays have free admission. In the past, Maryland has charged for non-conference games on weekends, but at a lower price than conference games. However, the Terps have no home games on weekends against non-conference opponents in 2025, so it's a moot point for this season. This is about standard for Big 10 baseball. The opportunity to see a game for free on a weekday adds value, but is offset by the fact that you can't park for free on weekdays unless it's a night game and will need to use the paid garage. Overall, a Maryland baseball game is a good value for fans to attend. Extras 4 The concourse at Bob “Turtle” Smith Stadium has a unique structure, with pillars supporting the overhang separating it from the seating bowl. A second star for the view of Maryland Stadium beyond the left field fence. A third star for the signage on the outfield wall honoring the Terps' postseason achievements. The stadium opens 90 minutes before first pitch to give fans an opportunity to watch batting practice. Final Thoughts Maryland is that odd part of the country that is not quite northern and not quite southern and the Terrapins’ attitude towards college baseball reflects that. While you will not get the large, raucous crowds and stadiums that rival minor league ones that you would find further south, this also is a far cry from the barebones fields with sparse crowds that are so prevalent in the northeast. In the end, this is an average to above-average place to watch a college baseball game if we’re comparing it to national venues, but compared to other college baseball venues in the Baltimore-Washington area, Bob “Turtle” Smith may be the nicest.

If you opened up to page 10 of the sports section of The Kokomo Tribune on Wednesday, May 6, 1931, you would have read the following byline. “SUCKERS DEFEAT MICHIGAN, 10-6, TO GAIN TOP ROUND OF LADDER” The rest of the article describes the fifth straight victory of the University of Illinois baseball team, but why were they called the Suckers? Isn’t the university’s nickname the Fighting Illini? That is due to the state’s unofficial nickname at the time. Illinois was known as “The Sucker State”. A term that has its origins beginning sometime in the 1820s. Just like its neighbors to the east in Indiana, where the origin of the name Hoosiers is widely debate, why were people from Illinois once called Suckers? There are several origin stories , but the most popular theory was due to the influx of people traveling down the Mississippi River to work in the mines in Galena in the 1820s and then returning home in the fall. The Galena residents would refer to them as “Suckers” since they followed the same travel pattern as a species of the same name.  The Mississippi River is home to both the blue and white sucker, two fish that suck up organic matter from the bottom of rivers and streams. The sucker fish makes an annual migration upstream to its spawning grounds around the same time as the seasonal miners arriving in Galena. The locals did not desire the fish and did not care for the influx of around 7,000 people, most considered ruffians, to their town. A collection of headlines from various newspapers during from 1905-1927. The name was more commonly used for the southern part of the state but found its way to describe the whole state in the newspapers. The Sucker State never became the official nickname, but even Abraham Lincoln was called a sucker in newspaper print of the time. On May 17, 1955, the Illinois General Assembly approved “The Land of Lincoln” as the state’s official slogan. “Badger Hopes Smashed by Sucker Five” from  The Indianapolis Star  from March 1, 1927 In the meantime, many sports teams from Illinois were called “suckers”.  One of the earliest was the Davenport Daily   Times , which described the Peoria victory over the Davenport club in the Central Interstate League in 1888. Newspapers at the time also described teams from Indiana as the “Hoosiers” when Davenport lost to Crawfordsville later that season. The Freeport Pretzels were a minor league team from 1905-1915. As if their name was not great, they were sometimes called the Suckers. Freeport, Illinois, adopted the name “The Pretzel City” in 1885 due to its many German bakeries. Today, the high school adopted the name for its sports teams.  The Danville Roller Polo Club of the Central Polo League, which we talked about before on this site, was constantly referred to as the Suckers by sports reporters of Lafayette, Indianapolis, and Fort Wayne, Indiana. However, Illinois newspapers called them the Pastimes.  “Suckers in great form as they trounce the Railroaders by the score of 7 to 3”  The state motto was found on the campus of the University of Illinois, known as the Fighting Illini since 1874. Everything from baseball, football, track and field, and debate teams were referred to as the Suckers.  “Buckeyes Play Flashy Football to Down Suckers and Win First Conference Game” from the Evansville Courier & Press  on November 26, 1922 The University of Illinois debate team defeated the Indiana University debate team 2-1. However, perhaps the best use of the term was when the debate team faced off in Champaign against their foes from Indiana University with a headline that read “SUCKERS DEFEAT HOOSIERS” and won 2 points to 1 point. The Illinois team won by stating that Congress should aid the shipping industry in building steamships in the country to be at the service in times of war. “SUCKERS GRAPPLERS WIN FROM CRIMSON MAT MEN”  from The Indianapolis Star  on February 18, 1922. Eventually, the term fell out of use by the 1930s, and the state of Illinois rid itself of the official motto, when shortened, could mean something else for its citizens and its sports teams. That didn’t stop The Terre Haute Tribune from referring to the Indiana Normal football team as the “Sucker State Eleven” in an October 31, 1949 article. By the mid-1950s Illinois was known as either “The Prairie State” or “The Land of Lincoln”, with its old motto tossed out and quickly forgotten within a few years. Many today would be surprised to know that “The Sucker State” was once the state’s unofficial motto but don’t expect to see it appear on any license plates or team uniforms any time soon. ------ Follow all of Marc’s stadium journeys on Twitter @ballparkhunter   and his YouTube channel .   Email at Marc.Viquez@stadiumjourney.com

St. Francis College in Brooklyn, which boasts the oldest men’s college basketball programs in New York City, has announced the end of its entire Division One athletic program, effective at the end of the Spring 2023 semester. Denis Salamone, the chair of the St. Francis College Board of Trustees, announced Monday that due to increased operating expenses, flattening revenue streams, and plateauing enrollment, they were eliminating the school’s athletic program. Salamone issued a statement via the college’s website. "We want to acknowledge that SFC has a rich legacy in competitive athletics, and are proud of our Terriers today and in all years past. This difficult decision was guided by a commitment to preserving the College's 164-year Franciscan mission to provide a high quality and affordable education to working-class and first-generation students." St. Francis will honor all current academic and athletic scholarships, but employment for athletic staff and coaches will end at the conclusion of the spring semester. St. Francis has 19 teams that compete in the NCAA’s Northeast Conference. The Terriers men’s basketball team was founded in 1896 and boasts six regular season championships. The team plays at the Pope Physical Education Center .

Photos by St. Francis Athletic Dept, Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.14 DeGol Arena St Francis University Loretto, PA 15940 St. Francis (PA) Red Flash website DeGol Arena website Year Opened: 1972 Capacity: 3,500 Watch for the Red Flash DeGol Arena in the Maurice Stokes Athletics Center has been the home of St. Francis (PA) University Red Flash basketball program since its construction in 1971. The university calls the arena the Stokes Center. The building is named after Maurice Stokes who played at St Francis from 1951-1955 and led the team to NIT appearances in 1954 and 1955. Stokes was drafted by the NBA Rochester Royals where he became the NBA rookie of the year and a three-time All-Star. His career was cut short by health problems and he passed away in 1970. The Red Flash plays in the Division I NCAA Northeast Conference (NEC). Their best season was in 1991 when Coach Jim Baron led them to their only NCAA tournament appearance where they lost in the first round to Arizona 93-80. St. Francis University is rather isolated in the beautiful Allegheny mountains of central Pennsylvania where its most notable neighbors are Mount Assisi Monastery and a Federal Prison. Despite the beautiful setting, the remainder of the experience is rather average, due to the lack of amenities in the arena and the relatively small attendance. Food & Beverage 2 There is one small snack bar in the Stokes Center that serves a very limited menu. Options include what you would probably expect from a small college basketball arena including hot dogs ($2), nachos ($3.50), soft pretzels ($2.50), slices of cheese pizza ($2.50) popcorn ($2.50), and candy and bags of chips ($1). Pepsi products are available in 20-ounce bottles for $2. Overall, it is probably best that you eat before or after the game, but there is enough here for a snack if you get hungry. Atmosphere 3 The capacity for DeGol Arena is 3,500. The average attendance is just over 1,000 with up to about 2,000 coming out for games of more significance. The building is similar to a large high school gym, but they do have a nice video scoreboard. The cheerleaders, dance team, and pep band add some atmosphere to an otherwise small and quiet crowd. The St. Francis mascot “Frankie the Friar” is constantly in motion and does a really good job of interacting with fans and improving the atmosphere. Seating on one side of the court is wooden bleachers, but there are chair-back seats on the opposite side of the floor. Every seat provides a good view of the game because it is such a small arena. If the team was winning and the arena was sold-out, the atmosphere would be better. Neighborhood 3 St. Francis is located in the small town of Loretto, PA which is very a rural area. You need to drive four miles south to the town of Cresson or four miles west to the town of Ebensburg for restaurants, bars, and motels. Ebensburg is your best bet. The locals recommend a great restaurant and bar called Off the Rak at 3047 New Germany Road. It’s a great place to go pre-game to enjoy the food, beer, and sports bar atmosphere. There are 16 beers on tap and great wings. Next to St. Francis University is the Franciscan Friars Monastery which used to be the estate of Bethlehem Steel magnate Charles Schwab until he lost it during the 1929 Stock Market Crash. The 990-acre property has a unique and beautiful garden called the Alleghenies Mount Assisi Sunken Gardens, which is open to the public and worth visiting. Forty-three miles to the south in Shanksville, Pennsylvania is the Flight 93 Memorial and Museum at the site where United 93 crashed on Sept 11, 2001. Fans 2 The student section doesn’t show up in any kind of discernible numbers even though DeGol Arena is just a short walk from the dorms. The pep band, cheerleaders, and mascot do their best to stoke the crowd, but in general, it is pretty quiet. Access 4 If the weather is good, St. Francis University is easily accessible from Highway 22, which connects Pittsburgh with I-99 in central Pennsylvania. There is no public transit. The parking lot is free, but it fills to capacity even though the games are not sold out. Get to the game early to ensure yourself a spot. There is also a preferred parking area that is reserved for season ticket holders. There is one main gate to enter DeGol Arena, which is no problem for the small crowds that the venue attracts. There are no lines at the snack bar or restrooms. Return on Investment 4 Tickets are $12 for chair back seats close to the court, $10 for adult general admission, and $5 for students. Parking is free and food is very reasonable. Overall, even though the experience of attending a game here won’t make anyone’s bucket list, it still delivers a good return on your sports dollar. Extras 4 There are three retired jersey banners at DeGol Arena. Number 26 hangs for Maurice Stokes, while 12 hangs in honor of Norm Van Lier, and #10 for Kevin Porter. St. Francis provides free programs, which is a nice extra. The staff are very friendly and helpful to provide a welcoming atmosphere at DeGol Arena. If you like to listen along to games, then you can find the broadcast on local AM radio station 1400.

When something happens one time it’s considered an aberration. When it happens twice, it may be a coincidence. When the same thing happens a third time, it may be time to start considering it a trend. Little more than a week after making their first appearance in the NCAA men’s basketball tournament in over 30 years, St. Francis University announced that they would be moving their entire athletic program from Division One to Division Three. The announcement was eerily reminiscent of the University of Hartford’s announcement to downgrade their athletic program after their tournament appearance in March 2022. Saint Francis, which is located in the town of Loretto, Pennsylvania in the Allegheny Mountains about 80 miles east of Pittsburgh, boasts an enrollment of about 3,000 students. Their teams, known as the Red Flash, compete in the Northeast Conference. Beginning with the 2026 fall seasons, they will begin play in the Presidents Athletic Conference. Saint Francis currently sponsors varsity teams in 22 sports. Saint Francis mascot Frankie the Friar. Photo by Gregory Koch, Stadium Journey. "This was not an easy nor a quick decision for the Board of Trustees," Rev. Joseph Lehman, the school's chairman, said in a statement. "The governance associated with intercollegiate athletics has always been complicated and is only growing in complexity based on realities like the transfer portal, pay-for-play, and other shifts that move athletics away from love of the game. For that reason, as a Board, we aim to best provide resources and support to our student-athletes in this changing environment that aligns with our mission, and our community's expectations." The Reverend Malachi Van Tassell, the school’s President, made a point to mention the increased demands of travel in Division One sports, even in a smaller conference such as the Northeast Conference. “ Our students travel either to Chicago or to Boston or to points in between. That's a lot of time not spent on campus, developing friendships or in the classroom. This change allows our students to be present on campus and lets their friends attend more of their home and away games." The self-relegation of the Red Flash follows on the heels of similar actions taken by the University of Hartford in 2022, Saint Francis College of New York, who eliminated their entire athletic program in 2023 . and Sonoma State, who eliminated their entire atheltic program earlier in 2025. With the changing landscape of college sports, expect more smaller schools to follow in their footsteps. Follow Paul Baker’s stadium journeys on Twitter  and Instagram  @PuckmanRI.

You most likely never heard of the Paris Pirates, but they were a Class C minor-league baseball team that played for half a season in 1934. Their brief journey is a friendly reminder that if you build it, sometimes they don’t come. However, over 90 years later, small towns follow a similar formula to the small Texas town. Paris had been home to several professional clubs since 1896, and it featured interesting names, including the Red Snappers, Bearcats, North Stars, Rustlers, Survivors, and my favorite, Parasites. Membership was steady through the teens and twenties, but the town would go six seasons with professional baseball. It was primarily due to not having a proper ballpark. Talks of a new grandstand began the winter before for use for a semi-pro baseball team. At the time time, the amateur ball was deemed a better option than one in a professional circuit. However, once talk of a modern structure began circulating, the East Texas oil boom produced operating capital from newly wealthy baseball enthusiasts , and representatives from the West Dixie League and East Dixie League looked at placing a team in Paris. In January of 1934, a five-year ballpark lease was signed to build a 1,000-seat grandstand and fencing on the site of the old ballpark. The cost would be $2,500 and an additional $500 for field grading. An extra $500 was raised towards the construction of the stadium that would be used for all levels of baseball. The modern stadium held 20 boxes, bleacher sections down each foul line, showers and locker rooms, and restrooms for men and women. Every piece of timber for the grandstand was made out of oak except the foundations and posts made of bois d’arc. “These stands and fences will be here for a long time after we are gone, bearing fire or a tornado,” said J. King, a supervisor in charge of the construction. The stadium would become the property of the citizens of Paris with the town underwriting the project cost on the assumption that “you furnish the park and we’ll furnish you the team.”  In February, Paris was awarded a franchise in the West Dixie League. Work began on March 20, 1934. The name Pirates was chosen by a committee of fans the morning of the first game to be held that afternoon. Two winners picked the name from a name-the-team contest sponsored by the club and the Paris News . The winning contestants won season passes for the season. There is no mention of why the name was chosen or why it was selected by the winners. Opening day included city and county offices closed, local schools dismissed at 3 o’clock and Paris store owners allowing employees to leave work early to attend the game if they so wished. A parade with a live band, players, and firemen led a procession down North Main Street towards the entrance of the new ballpark. Around 800 fans packed the covered wooden grandstand for the opening afternoon game, and a near tragedy was narrowly missed. The game was delayed in the second inning when a section of the stands was vacated when foundation blocks, weakened by water, began to slip slightly. Fans were vacated from the upper portion of the grandstand without injuries. The stadium was named League Park and it was sandwiched between East Hickory and East Center Street. Attendance was lackluster from the start, and it appeared that more fans would watch a game from behind the outfield walls. The cost to enter was 40 cents for men and 25 cents for women, but reports told of folks paying 5 or 10 cents to stand on top of a truck and watch the game from outside the outfield fencing on East Center Street, leading to local sports editor Dub Furey, Paris  News  to quip. “The Paris fans will turn on in greater numbers to watch the proceedings from outside the park than inside is a distinct reflection on our citizenship as well as our baseball fans.” The distinctive dimensions led newspaper reporters in other cities to comment on the short left field porch that was only 251 feet from home plate, while the right field fence was 315. A 17-foot screen was erected behind left field after 25 home runs were hit during a four-game span and perhaps a majority were hit off the bat of Lou Frierson who on May 30 made history. The 27-year-old outfielder hit five consecutive home runs and added 8 RBIs in a 17-12 loss to the Jacksonville Jax. In the four-game stand, Frierson went 9-17 with 8 home runs and 13 runs batted in. Soon, the Bucs imposed a rule that counted home runs over the left field fence as a ground-rule double. The next day, another record was set when 16-year-old rookie Harold Wells connected for 7 consecutive hits in a 20-12 victory for the Bucs. Frierson went would have a ten-year career playing for a whopping 17 different clubs before hanging up his spikes after the 1942 season. His 40 home runs n 1934 were the most of his career in a single season. However, not much is known about the teenage Wells who seemed to disappear after the 1934 season. Despite these record-setting accomplishments, the team struggled to win on the field. This resulted in low turnouts at the gate and financial headaches for team owners Wayne Windle and Fred Nicholson, who decided to switch a June 21 home stand with the Tyler Governors to the East Texas Fair Association Fair Grounds in Tyler without public notice. When the Daily News contacted team owners, Windle and Nicholson sent a telegram to the newspaper with the following message. “Because of the constant loss of money in Paris we are forced to turn the situation over to the league at present. We don't know if or where they will place the club. We are indeed sorry you are not notified of the games (with Tyler) being transferred as the league office is now handling the situation.” The Bucs dropped their final game 19-3, sputtering to a 17-45 record. Windle and Nicholson could continue with a new club in town, transferring a new team from another city in the league or another classification. There was a possibility of beginning the second half with a new club, but nothing materialized. The Bucs relocated to Lufkin, Texas, where a crowd of 1,000 welcomed the new club dubbed the Lumbermen. Baseball was a tough sell in town and fans “talk a good support for the team” but won’t purchase a ticket to watch a game. It is unknown how much money was lost on the season, but many in the know said that the club was close to breaking even, especially since the city paid for the construction of the stadium. How Windle and Nicholson left town left a sour taste in the mouth of Furey who was more than happy to wax poetic about it the next day in his daily newspaper column. “The whole thing is regrettable. Two sides agree. One keeps its pact, and the other fails. For whatever reason and however well it may be justified the fact remains that the club owners agreed to do something they failed to live up to, and that, as we see it, has sounded the death knell of baseball in Paris.” League Park would never host a minor league team but house semi-pro, amateur, and high school baseball for the next few seasons. When professional baseball returned in 1946 after the war, a new stadium was constructed three-tenths of a mile west on East Hickory Street with standard dimensions. Baseball would fare better this time around, lasting until 1957.  Sadly, pro ball or summer collegiate baseball would not return. However, the site of League Park still exists with a ball field called McGill Field. The Boys and Girls Club sits to the left of the playing field. The Paris Pirates are a blip, like many other franchises, in the history of minor league baseball. Omitted from the mind of the collection conscious, the strategy of building a stadium to lure a franchise has not changed. Almost a century later, cities across the country hope to find civic pride with a baseball team. A few find it, while others strike out. ------ Follow all of Marc’s stadium journeys on Twitter @ballparkhunter   and his YouTube channel .  Email at Marc.Viquez@stadiumjourney.com

Photos by David Hegler, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.00 Golden 1 Center 500 David J. Stern Walk Sacramento, CA 95814 Map It Golden 1 Center website CIF website Year Opened: 2016 Capacity: 10,000 (lower level) CIF Basketball Tournament Ever since Art Webb’s Locke High School (Los Angeles) beat San Jose’s Lynbrook High School’s girls team and Bishop O’Dowd beat inter-city rival Castlemont’s boys team at the Oakland Coliseum Arena in March 1981, California’s high school basketball state championship game has been a major draw. Under the rule of the California Interscholastic Federation (CIF), the state-wide tournament has expanded from just a single division to as many as six. While it originated and spent much of its first decade and a half in Oakland, by 1998, the CIF state championship for both boys and girls had moved permanently to the state capital, more often than not playing in Sleep Train Arena, where the NBA’s Sacramento Kings played. The CIF state championship moved to Golden 1 Arena in 2017, soon after it opened. Over the years, plenty of the NBA’s greatest stars got their first taste of the spotlight in the CIF state championship such as Jason Kidd, James Harden and Klay Thompson. While it may not put as much emphasis on the sport as states such as Indiana, California is a big state that is always bursting with talent. If you go to a CIF state championship game, the chances are good that you just may be watching the stars of tomorrow.  Food & Beverage 3 The food choices are exactly what you would expect of a high school basketball game. Hot dogs go for $7 and their footlong counterpart are $16. If you’re in the mood for a loaded dog with chili and cheese, the price is $12 and $18, respectively. Regular chicken tenders or hot chicken tenders and fries price at $15. Caesar or garden salads cost $10-$13. A bucket of popcorn is $10 as iss cotton candy. Hot pretzels are sold for $7 and nachos for $8.50. Fountain drinks cost $5, bottled soda is $5.50, bottomless Sacramento Kings souvenir cup runs $10 and coffee is $4. All in all, the arena is prepared to meet most of your basic culinary needs for a full day of basketball. Atmosphere 3 Your experience at the California basketball state championships really depends on the schools that are playing. The farther they are from Sacramento, the fewer fans will be in attendance. However, if one of Sacramento’s local high schools makes the title game (such as Jesuit on this particular visit), the lower bowl will most likely be packed with fans and bursting at the seams with energy, no matter the division.  But regardless of the classifications, the atmosphere is really good. The sections behind the end lines are a study of school spirit in and of themselves as they are reserved for the students. Some games, the stands have next to no one while others have a solid group of enthusiastic teenagers ready to root on their classmates. The bands also play there while the cheerleaders stand at the ready to wave their pom-poms. Again, all of this really depends on the school. Student Section at Golden 1 Center CIF Basketball Championship, Photo by David Hegler, Stadium Journey Fans chuckle when a big video board caught a coach nervously chewing on his towel. Even within the cavernous confines of the Golden 1 Center, there is an intimacy that can be felt throughout the games. Neighborhood 3 The area surrounding Golden 1 Center is bustling with activity and is generally safe for a nice stroll. If you are hungry afterwards, Insomnia Cookies, Yard House, and Thai Lotus Cuisine are right across 5th Street from the arena. However, if you really want a treat, probably the best place to get a bite to eat afterwards is Leatherby’s Family Creamery . The place was specifically designed to be the hub of Sacramento; it is a safe place to enjoy freshly grilled burgers and a wide selection of sundaes inspired by the staff.  If you are going to stay the night, Hyatt Centric Downtown Sacramento, Kimpton Sawyer Hotel, and AC Hotel Sacramento are all within a couple of blocks from the arena. If you are looking for a more affordable option, then Capital City Inn is a mile northwest of the arena.  If time and schedules allow, consider visiting a Sacramento State Hornets baseball game when in town. Fans 3 At times, during the 2025 tournament, the lower bowl was just under a quarter full, with next to no one in the student section. Other games, the lower bowl was more than half full with the student section bustling with energy and bursting at the seams. But no matter the size of the crowd, the fans in attendance are always very passionate about the game. Since the schools vary in attendance and enthusiasm, security is always prepared after a game, stringing along a long rope around the arena to hold off fans who are reveling in the spoils of victory. Access 3 Parking is surprisingly cheap. There is a parking garage  a little over a quarter mile from the arena that charges $11 all day. While it’s not the greatest area to get an Uber, there is a sliver of space alongside the arena where pickups and drop offs are more than possible. There are also numerous bus stops all around the arena. Once you get there, there is only one entrance into the arena and there is a bit of a line getting in. The upside of this is that there are many lines going through multiple metal detectors, so depending on the line that you are in, it may go quickly or slowly. It all depends on how quickly security can go through someone’s bag.  Inside, the arena is clean, despite the small bathrooms. Every seat is padded and the ventilation is good. There is a small shop for the CIF at the entrance that sells shirts, hats and beanies. The Kings store is closed during the tournament. Return on Investment 4 The state championship is often the peak of an adolescent’s youth. With so many games played in the same location in a single weekend, the  emotions ebb and flow with the crowd size. It’s a cultural study in and of itself. The $19 spent on the ticket is very much worth the all-day investment. Extras 2 The biggest draw of this event is the biggest extra. This is high school basketball in a current NBA arena. You can sit virtually anywhere in the lower bowl for a fraction of what it would normally cost for an NBA game.  One of the neatest features of Golden 1 Arena are the video boards. With two giant video boards on either side and two quarter-sized video-boards on either end constantly showing the action on the floor as well as the accompanying stats, it’s hard to miss a moment of the game. As an added bonus, they sometimes replay moments of the game. It’s a true rarity in high school sports that should never be taken for granted.  Golden 1 Center Video Board, Photo by David Hegler, Stadium Journey Unless you know that a school takes particular pride in its marching band, cheerleading squad, etc., don’t expect much of a halftime. Final Thoughts With so many championship games squished together, a day spent at the Golden 1 Center pulsates with so many emotions. Teenagers are known for their fragile emotional states, so it only makes sense that whether they win or lose, tears will be shed and embraces will be shared. For many of them, this is their last game ever played. For a very few others, their basketball journey has only just begun.  As an attendee, you will witness all of this and so much more as the crowds come and go, with expectations ringing anew with each tipoff. Experiencing so much emotion in a single day is good for the soul. So if you want to experience basketball in the Golden State at its pinnacle and give your emotions a good workout by witnessing the utter joy of victory and pain of defeat again and again, then go to the CIF basketball state championships at Sacramento’s Golden 1 Center. It’s a truly unforgettable experience.

Photo By Greg Venuto, Stadium Journey The NHL’s Hartford Whalers packed up and moved to North Carolina in 1997. That was almost 30 years ago. But for many the memories are priceless and the enthusiasm lingers as their time in Hartford is not forgotten. Sports writer Pat Pickens released a book in 2021 - The Whalers: The Rise, Fall, and Enduring Mystique of New England's (Second) Greatest NHL Franchise. It was his book that led him to being approached by a documentary filmmaker named Tal Pinchevsky who previously worked as a national sportswriter with the New York Times, ESPN, the Wall Street Journal and NHL.com to make a film about the Whalers mystique. “We became close covering the Rangers. We would meet a couple of times a year in Bryant Park for lunch at this place for Cuban sandwiches and (Tal) said to me ‘you want to do a documentary?” I said ‘I don’t know. Sounds like fun. Maybe’. But I didn’t think it was something we could do. He wore me down. We got going in 2022 and did the production in 2023 and 2024 and a little in 2025.” Pickens thanked Sacred Heart for their support. Photo By Greg Venuto, Stadium Journey After three years of tireless work, the movie was released in time to coincide with a 50-year celebration of hockey in Connecticut’s capital city of Hartford. The movie was shown at Trinity College prior to a Hartford Wolfpack game on January 11 and more than 10,000 fans packed the XL Center to celebrate the 50th anniversary of hockey in Hartford. Players from the franchise were honored in a ceremony hosted by the Whalers’ radio voice, Chuck Kaiton. The Whalers, born in 1972, were originally based in Boston, they were charter members of the WHA (World Hockey Association) The team was known as the New England Whalers for all seven seasons. After their second season, the team moved one hundred miles southwest to Hartford in April 1974. Stadium Journey had the opportunity to screen the movie at a public event at Sacred Heart University Public Theater in Fairfield Connecticut last month. The evening featured the hockey band The Zambonis kicking the night off by playing a pre-concert (they only perform songs about hockey), then the 1:35 movie was shown and the evening concluded with a few remarks from Moderator was Geno Gonnello a Sacred Heart University graduate and a Q/A with Pickens and Pinchevsky. “The logo is everywhere,” said Pinchevsky, the director and producer of the movie. “It doesn’t compare to any professional sports team. Maybe it compares to teams in Europe, but the team was only around 18 years.” The movie chronicled the birth of the New England Whalers and their infancy seasons playing at both the Boston Garden and Boston Arena. “It was a huge undertaking,” said Pickens. “We had enough content to make a three-hour movie.” Photo By Greg Venuto, Stadium Journey A fan who attended the screening and the final game in Hartford recounted how after the game the players were going back into the locker room and coming out with souvenirs and throwing them up in the crowd. The fan was lucky enough to catch a puck tossed into the seats by defenseman Steve Chiasson and that moment was captured on the documentary. The movie was well researched with many interviews of everyone from former team executives, coaches and former players. ESPN legend Chris Berman makes frequent appearances. The original owner Harold Baldwin had a prominent role in the documentary. Baldwin became one of the youngest executives in professional sports when he became a founder and partner of the WHA's Boston-based New England Whalers in 1971 at the age of 28. Five years later he was president of the league. The Whalers first season in the WHA was a success both on and off the ice with coach Jack Kelley's team winning the 1973 AVCO World Cup Championship. In 1974, Baldwin determined that the team needed its own building and he moved the Whalers from Boston to Hartford's new Civic Center Coliseum, with the team playing their first game there in 1975. In 1979, Baldwin guided the WHA into a historic merger 1979 NHL Expansion with his New England Whalers making the transition to the more established league and their identity was changed to the Hartford Whalers. Baldwin served as the managing general partner of the Whalers until the team was sold to local ownership in 1988. In 1977, legendary superstar Gordie Howe came to Hartford came to Hartford to play with his sons Mark and Marty and finish out his career. He played two seasons for the New England Whalers and then played his final season in Hartford when the team joined the NHL. Howe recorded 15 goals and 26 assists in his final campaign (1979-80) with the Hartford Whalers at age 50. The Whalers have been a merchandising favorite for years as Peter Good designed the iconic logo with the H inside the blue whale tail and the green W. The logo lives on as one of the most popular in professional sports. Good, who passed in 2023, is interviewed for the movie. The Whalers benefitted from a number of factors. Hartford, the insurance capital of Connecticut, was thriving in the 80s and a number of the big companies (Aetna, Travelers and Hartford Fire) were a few of the sponsors. The team played in a mall which was quirky but different as fans packed the Civic Center pre and post game. The city was the smallest market in the NHL but benefitted from having a close community vibe as the players knew the fans and the fans knew them. The movie covers the closing of the building for two years from January 1978 until January 1980 due to a roof collapse Civic Center Roof Collapse . The Whalers had to play in Springfield, Massachusetts at the Springfield Civic Center. The collapse was sort of a blessing as the Civic Center was expanded from 10,507 to 15,635 which made it viable for an NHL franchise. Other than their first season, the Whalers averaged over 10,000 every season hitting an apex of 14,574 in 1987-88. In 1994, Peter Karmanos (CEO of Compuware), along with partners Thomas Thewes and Jim Rutherford, purchased the Hartford Whalers for $47.5 million and made a four-year commitment to keeping the team in Hartford. After negotiations between Karmanos and the state to keep the Whalers in Hartford broke down and the Whalers left for North Carolina in the spring of 1997. The Whalers played its first two seasons in Greensboro while its stadium in Raleigh was constructed. The fans turned out for the final season as the Civic Center averaged 13,680 a nice bump from 11,983 in 1995-96, but it was not enough to keep their beloved Whale in Hartford. The final game was a 2-1 win over the Tampa Bay Lightning on April 13, 1997. The fans rocked the building behind a raucous and emotional capacity crowd of 14,660. The game featured signs, chants, ovations and tears as the final second came off the clock with the crowd on its feet After a stick salute, the team circled the ice to the sounds of Brass Bonanza and said goodbye to the fans and captain Kevin Dineen took the microphone and addressed the vociferous crowd. The song (AKA The Hartford Whalers Victory March) became the unofficial song in 1975 and was played as the Whalers took the ice, following goals and wins. The coach for the final game was no other than Paul Maurice who guided the Whalers for its final two seasons. He coached Carolina for seven seasons, losing in the Stanley Cup Finals in 2002. Maurice won the Cup in 2024 as coach of the Florida Panthers. The Whalers, who amazingly only won one playoff series in their existence, were gone, but never forgotten. Despite the NY Rangers AHL affiliate the Hartford Wolfpack occupying the CIvic Center since 1997, Connecticut made a couple of overtures to bring the NHL back. The latest effort in 2024 did not succeed as the Arizona Coyotes relocated to Salt Lake City, Utah. The Whale is gone but the memories cannot be erased. Follow Greg Venuto’s stadium journeys on Twitter and Facebook .

Photos by Chris Green, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.29 J. Ollie Edmunds Center 202 E Pennsylvania Ave DeLand, FL 32724 Stetson Hatters website J. Ollie Edmunds Center website Year Opened: 1974 Capacity: 5,000 Basketball Potential in DeLand The basketball program at Stetson University has seen a surge in success lately, making a Cinderella run in the 2024 NCAA Tournament. Putting themselves on the map has helped fan interest, but the game day experience on campus is both impressive and odd. Nonetheless, a game at Edmunds Center is a great option for college basketball fans in Central Florida who don’t want to break the bank.   Food & Beverage   3 There is only one concession stand at Edmunds Center. Located right inside the main entrance, it features a simple menu with great pricing. Hot dogs ($6), nachos ($4), pretzels ($4), popcorn ($3), and smaller snacks are available ($1-$5). Drinks are limited to sodas ($5) and water ($4). This means grabbing a bit to eat at the game won’t break the bank, but the lack of options is a distinct downside.   Atmosphere   3 The exterior of Edmunds Center is so generic and devoid of interest that one would be excused from driving right past it without realizing they had done so; simple type face lettering on the exterior of the gymnasium is all that indicates you have arrived at a D1 sports facility. Once inside, the main lobby is home to numerous trophy cases for Stetson athletics, as well as memorial busts of historic figures from the school’s past. The inside of the arena is impressive in its layout for a collegiate gymnasium. No baseline seating exists, but both sidelines have plenty of seating. The bench side seating section is general admission with bench-style seats, while the opposite side features individual backed seats with multiple levels. However, on most game days the majority of that side of the arena is incredibly dark, as the lighting is turned off – this creates an almost dark void for anyone sitting on the opposite side looking this way. The addition of a video replay board is a welcome touch, as is the lighting during player intros. But ultimately, this arena is still a gymnasium in disguise.   Neighborhood   4 Edmunds Center is located on the campus of Stetson University. The arena is located just a short distance from the heart of downtown DeLand, Florida. DeLand is known for being one of the quintessential small towns in Central Florida, featuring the quietness one would expect from such an atmosphere. In addition, the town is just a short drive up I-4 from Daytona Beach, only an hour from Orlando, and is surrounded by several state parks and great nature areas. For those wanting to travel and see the sights, Blue Springs State Park is home to thousands of manatees in the winter months. In addition, the NASCAR Racing Experience is not far away, located just north on I-4 in Daytona Beach. For hotels, Comfort Inn DeLand and Hampton Inn & Suites DeLand are the closest spots.   Fans   3 The fans in DeLand are loyal to their hometown collegiate teams – after their miracle run in the 2024 NCAA Tournament, interest in the basketball program spiked. However, after a disappointing season last year, attendance is back down to dismal levels for some games. While weekend and theme night games can bring large crowds of locals, regular weekday matchups are quiet and sparsely attended. In addition, most of the fans at these games are either students who come and go throughout the game, or older locals who cannot match the enthusiasm of their younger compatriots, making for a quieter home court.   Access   3 Getting to Edmunds Center involves driving on some small-town roads through DeLand – you have to take either exit 116 or 118 from I-4 to get to DeLand. Once there, the arena is off Woodland Ave. Parking is plentiful on site and across the street, making finding a spot easy. Most lots are free on game nights, even for on-site parking. Getting around the facility is also easy, thanks to plenty of signage around to help you figure out where your seats are.   Return on Investment   4 Tickets to Stetson basketball games are rather affordable; general admission is just $10, while a reserved chair back seat is just $12. Reserved grey seats are $15, while reserved padded seats range from $20 to $25. Premium riser seating is $30, with a courtside seat just $40. Coupled with cheap concessions and free parking, you have the holy grail of affordability for college basketball in Central Florida. The downside here is the lack of a hardcore home court advantage on a nightly basis.   Extras   3 Stetson’s band is present at home games, adding to the college atmosphere. Additionally, the Stetson mascot roams the seats during the game, entertaining fans and posing for photos throughout the night. In addition, you can see the team’s banners hanging in the rafters, showcasing previous successes for the Hatters basketball team.   Final Thoughts Though on and off when it comes to popularity in recent years, Stetson is an incredibly affordable option for basketball fans in Central Florida. Free parking and cheap tickets makes this a great option to take the whole family to watch some college sports.

Photos by Chris Green, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.86 Red and Charline McCombs Field 2001 Comal St Austin, TX 78705 Texas Longhorns softball website Red and Charline McCombs Field website Year Opened: 1998 Capacity: 1,254 Texas Softball Greatness The softball field at the University of Texas at Austin, despite being one of the oldest in the SEC, is a beautiful facility which features a team with some very passionate college sports fans. Taking in college softball can sometimes feature some run-down or featureless stadiums, but Red & Charline McCombs Field is quite the exception. With loyal fans and a sports facility that impresses from the start, this is a great facility in the Texas athletics catalog. Food & Beverage   3 For being a small college stadium, the food options are quite varied at Red & Charline McCombs Field. Regular nachos ($5) or a regular hot dog ($4) are popular picks, while sausage wraps ($5), popcorn ($3), jumbo pretzels ($5), peanuts ($4), and even pickles ($3) also populate this incredibly affordable concessions menu. Drinks include soda ($3-$5), water ($3-$5), beer ($5-$6.50), and even wine ($12). While there is only one main concession stand, some games also include various local vendors as well, selling anything from empanadas to ice cream. Atmosphere   4 Red & Charline McCombs Field is beautiful, matching stone accents with modern construction and featuring comfortable seating throughout the bowl. Seating options are varied, with two outfield grandstands for general admission tickets populating the outfield wall. Left field also features a standing-room only viewing platform for fans to watch from. There are fan giveaways, and the fans are always engaged in the action on the field – the hot sun of Texas can be a bit overwhelming, however, on those cloudless afternoons, as there is no roof or shade of any kind in the seating areas. Neighborhood   5 Red & Charline McCombs Field is in the heart of downtown Austin – the city center is visible from the softball field’s grandstand, so you are right there in the middle of one of the most vibrant and quickly growing cities in the nation. The airport is a bit of a drive, however, depending on traffic. For great food, you can’t skip The Salt Lick or Torchy’s Tacos. Austin is also home to the University of Texas’ main campus, as well as Zilker Park on Lady Bird Lake. Finally, for a hotel, look for Hilton Austin Airport or Holiday Inn Austin Airport as two options that are great, due to their proximity to the airport and to major highways that lead to downtown. For sports fans, the stadium’s location right near the other athletic facilities on campus is great for watching multiple games in a day, with the Texas Tennis Center located right across the street. Fans   4 The fans at Red & Charline McCombs Field are loyal, as fans are with all Texas Longhorns athletics events. While the grandstands may not be packed during afternoon games, evening matchups feature a greater fan turnout, as you would expect at a non-major sport at any given college. Even multi-team tournaments feature a healthy crowd of fans watching the other teams play before or after the Texas games have been played. Access   5 Red & Charline McCombs Field enjoys the luxury of being quite literally one block from the nearest interstate highway – located off exit 235 on I-35, the facility is refreshingly easy to access. Parking is located on site in the East Campus Garage, as well as in nearby lots through the Texas parking website. Various street parking is also available nearby, but that fills up rather fast. Return on Investment   4 Tickets to Texas softball game start at just $6 for general admission outfield seating; reserved grandstand upper level seats are $8, while lower row seating next to the field costs just $10 each. This is an incredibly affordable option for sports fans in the Austin area looking to take in some stellar college sports. Extras   5 Red & Charline McCombs Field features game day giveaways throughout the year for fans in attendance. The facility also features a large campus map outside the stadium to help give you a lay of the land around you. There is also a team store located inside the main concourse, which makes picking up your fan gear an easy accomplishment for both new and long-time fans alike. The stadium concourse also features notable players in Texas history, including National Team players, All-conference and All-American players, and various teams and highlights from the program’s history. Fans can also get an up-close view of the bullpen in right field, thanks to the ramp to the upper level being located right next to it. Final Thoughts Texas is known for everything being bigger, and it is clear that UT softball is no exception. Yes, Red & Charline McCombs Field is quite grand when compared to the likes of your average mid-major D1 program softball field, but it doesn’t feel forced or overly large – on the contrary, the venue feels quite comfortably designed for fans to enjoy a nice day of softball. With a great food selection as well as affordable tickets and easy access, it is easy to see why locals flock to Red & Charline McCombs Field on weekend evenings.

Photos by Marc Viquez, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.57 John Wooden Gymnasium 1360 E Gray St. Martinsville, IN 46151 Martinsville High School Artesians website John Wooden Gymnasium website Year Opened: 1977 Capacity: 5,200 A Name Befitting a Basketball Legend The John Wooden Gymnasium is home to the Martinsville High School Artesians basketball team and home to both sectionals and regionals in Indiana. The gym replaced the Glen Curtis Gymnasium, home to the Artisans since 1924, in 1977. It is also where the school’s most famous alumnus, John Wooden, was an All-State player, leading the club to the 1927 state championship. The gymnasium that reads his name holds 5,200 spectators, the same amount as the older facility. The town of Martinsville has a population of 12,000 and is located between Indianapolis (32 miles) and Bloomington (22 miles) on SR-37. The small town has been a fervent basketball supporter since the program began at the start of the last century. The Arties captured two more state titles in 1924 and 1933 and feature five players who would later be enshrined in the Indiana Basketball Hall of Fame. Basketball was such a phenomenon in Martinsville, that when the Curtis Gym opened in 1924, it seated more people (5,200) than the population of the entire county (4,800). It was also the largest high school basketball facility in the world (until the Muncie Fieldhouse opened in 1928) and larger than the arenas at both Purdue and Indiana University. Its size helped usher in the era of larger fieldhouses for the game of basketball in Indiana. Food & Beverage 3 The menu options have changed since our last visit, no longer are there Spam and cheese sandwiches, grilled bologna, or rib-eye steak sandwiches, but more normal options of hot dogs, nachos, popcorn, and candy. The gym still offers coney and cheese dogs, brats, cheeseburgers, and sloppy joes at the game. Coca-Cola products are the soft drinks of choice and all proceeds go to the MHS sports program. Sadly, many of the unique food items were attributed to the late Greg Fitzpatrick, who was the concession manager. He was known as "Chef Greg" and vowed to make everything homemade and keep hot dogs under $3. He would be happy to see the price at $2.50 and a brat at $3. Another school district favorite is a bowl of chili and a cinnamon roll that was served in the hospitality room. The local favorite has been a staple of school cafeterias for decades and is as common as peanut butter and jelly in this part of the state. Atmosphere 4 The facility is one of the more modern fieldhouses in the state of its size and features charm and piquancy. The upper balcony offers light brown-colored removable bleacher seating that wraps around the gymnasium. Banners are hanging up of former championships won by the school, and John Wooden’s signature is neatly displayed on the court. The lobby celebrates the school and Wooden's legacy with murals, trophies, team photos, and wall designs. A large entrance design with Wooden's photo and signature is visible when walking through the doors and four inspirational quotes are painted above each entrance way into the gymnasium. Regionals games bring out small towns in droves that support their basketball team. Each side is decked out in school colors that consist of students, parents, locals, and alumni. Cheerleaders lead their supporters in carefully created cheers and chants. After the game, the winning team celebrates with the student section on the floor before cutting down the banners. It ends with fans spilling onto the floor for pictures and interviews from local TV crews. Neighborhood 3 The high school is on I-69 (formerly SR-37) and runs between Indianapolis and Bloomington. There is not an exact exit or entrance from this road. It is within minutes of a few great restaurants, including a few local establishments and national chain restaurants. Indy's Family Restaurant is one of the better places to enjoy a good home-cooked meal, Sgt. Pepper's has the best fried chicken in town, Bynum's Steakhouse has exquisite steaks, and Los Reyes has delicious Mexican cuisine. If you are looking for fast food chains, there are quite a few located right on SR-37. If you fancy a trip to downtown Indianapolis or Bloomington you are very close. Bloomington is about 20 minutes away, and downtown Indy is another 30 minutes north. Fans 3 The sectionals attract a lot of people from the area. Fans at the game are respectful of one another and are there to root for their team. The student sections are amazing to look at just for their sheer dedication and loyalty to the sport; the same can be said for the rest of the fans sitting in other parts of the arena. The focus is on the sport and nothing else. Access 3 The school and gym are located right off of I-69 and are highly visible from the highway. It is a little tricky to get on campus since there's no direct entrance from the main road. It is suggested to use GPS to make sure you arrive there without frustration. The gymnasium itself is well-marked with signs for concessions and bathrooms, and there are separate entrances to the first and second levels of seats. Return on Investment 4 You get a lot of bang for your buck attending one of the sectionals in Martinsville. Tickets cost between $7 and $10 depending on the package and you get a heck of a lot of great food at very low prices. The great food, fans, and atmosphere make this a fantastic destination for high school hoops. Extras 3 There is a sense of efficiency when attending the game here. A lot of the sectional sites can get jam-packed with fans and security and ushers are unable to keep up with the demand and people inside the arena. It was not a sold-out game, but the administration and student helpers assisted with any questions from fans entering the building. It was a well-oiled machine. John Wooden deserves extra points for not only being the legend from Martinsville but also having his name on the facility. Before he became The Wizard of Westwood, he was a pretty gritty basketball player for the Artisans here in town. His former gym is also still around with major changes. It might be worth checking out a historic Indiana high school venue. I enjoyed the stylized M monogram that was printed on every seat inside the building. A nice little-personalized touch inside the arena. Final Thoughts John Wooden Gymnasium is very impressive. It is an arena, providing spacious seating, delicious high-calorie food, and a little history from the school's past. The lobby decor and updated asthetics inside the gym make it worth a visit during sectionals or regional basketball games. ------ Follow all of Marc’s stadium journeys on Twitter @ballparkhunter   and his YouTube channel .  Email at Marc.Viquez@stadiumjourney.com

Baseball has been in Yuma, AZ since 1874. Contests included the Chicago White Sox exhibition games in the early 1900s, a not for real ‘Chinese University of Hawaii’ team, and other MLB exhibition games from 1934 – 1942. And more… Cactus League spring training was held in three different stadiums in Yuma: Municipal Stadium/Panther Field (Baltimore Orioles for just one year), Keegan Field (San Diego Padres for just one year), and Desert Sun Stadium. Desert Sun Stadium , the 1970-1993 training facility for the San Diego Padres , was the envy of visiting players at the time. It is the primary field at the Ray Kroc Baseball Complex. Over the years, as more elaborate facilities began popping up in the Phoenix area, Desert Sun Stadium began to lose its luster. Travel became cumbersome with teams moving to Tucson and Phoenix. Desert Sun Stadium 1970s Postcard Built at an approximate cost of $400K in 1969/1970, the structure included a primary grandstand field and three practice fields and a 12,000 sq ft clubhouse. The original seating capacity was 4,000; by the departure of the Padres in 1993 the seating capacity was 7,894. Other improvements during its baseball lifespan included a lighting system, weight room, and additional bleachers and box seats. Desert Sun Stadium Game Action 1970’s/1980’s, Photo Courtesy of Fantography Desert Sun Stadium 2004, Photo Courtesy of Charlie O’Reilly Spring training attendance grew throughout the years at Desert Sun Stadium and included local residents, snow birds, and fans from San Diego (only a 3-hour drive) to Yuma. Since it is so close to San Diego, players’ wives and families were able to visit frequently. Players gave mixed reviews of spring training in Yuma. From “there’s nothing to do” to “I was able to play ball and get ready for the season.” The final contract with Yuma was just for two years (1992 and 1993). The Padres moved their spring training to the Peoria Sports Complex beginning the 1994 season. Desert Sun Stadium hosted several split-squad spring training games annually from 1998 – 2007 but that stopped. The NPB (Nippon Professional Baseball) Yakult Swallows held their spring training at Desert Sun Stadium from 1978 – 1999, usually a few weeks before the Padres arrived. It was also used by the Yuma Bullfrogs (Western Baseball League) from 2000 – 2002 and the Yuma Scorpions (Golden Baseball League) from 2005 – 2011 – both independent baseball leagues. In 2015, the City of Yuma converted the field from baseball to soccer. It was used by the UPSL (United Premier Soccer League) Frontera United for a few years. Soccer Makeover at Desert Sun – March 2015, Photo Courtesy of Jim Patrick The venue sits across the street from the Civic Center and next to a golf course. Today (non-COVID times), local soccer leagues and teams use the field. Yuma’s big event, Midnight at the Oasis (car show), is held at the Ray Kroc Complex. The field can also be converted to a football configuration which the high school sometimes holds competitions. During COVID-19, the city equipped it as a drive-in movie theater. When I visited nine months into the pandemic, it was quite obvious the grandstand hadn’t been used for a while. One sole soccer athlete was practicing, the seats were dusty and dirty. However, the grass was immaculate, green, and full; not an easy task in the desert. Kudos to the maintenance and grounds crew. Desert Sun Stadium Ticket Booth 2004, Photo Courtesy of Charlie O’Reilly Desert Sun Ticket Booth 2020, Photo by Meg Minard, Stadium Journey Desert Sun Stadium Scoreboard 1970’s/1980’s, Photo Courtesy of Fantography Desert Sun Stadium Behind Home 2004, Photo Courtesy of Charlie O’Reilly Desert Sun Stadium Behind Home 2020, Photo by Meg Minard, Stadium Journey Desert Sun Stadium Water Tower 2020, Photo by Meg Minard, Stadium Journey Special thanks to Jim Patrick for the extensive Yuma baseball information and to Charlie O’Reilly and Fantography for several of the photos.

Keegan Field 1969, Photo Courtesy of Yuma County Library District Our next of several features on former Cactus League spring training facilities, some of which still exist and some do not. Yuma, AZ enjoyed three spring training sites since the Cactus League started in 1947. The Baltimore Orioles used the first one, Municipal Stadium/Panther Field , for just one year (1954) before moving to Florida. The next one, was also used for just one year… Keegan Field, Yuma, AZ Keegan Field served the 1969 expansion team San Diego Padres for their first spring training season. The team used this field just the one season as Desert Sun Stadium, their permanent facility, was constructed. Prior to the Padres coming to town, Keegan Field was a no-nonsense amateur baseball facility. Once the Padres chose Yuma as their spring home, the community pulled together to renovate and improve Keegan Field for MLB habitation. As found in SABRs Spring Training in Yuma article by Jim Patrick, “Bleachers, fences, dugouts, locker rooms, showers, batting cages, sliding pits, a press box, and a PA system were all absent. The field needed to be leveled and the pitching mound had to be raised to professional standards. “ “Doc Mattei described the impressive community effort: “The Marines built the lockers. The electric company took light poles and made a batting cage. Tanner Construction leveled the field. We raised $3,000 from a raffle, $3,000 from a barbeque, and $3,000 selling bumper stickers. Some of the bleachers were purchased at ‘going out of business’ prices from a Las Vegas racetrack. “ Player facilities were not ideal. The Padres clubhouse stood behind the scoreboard with showers outside the nearby Kennedy Swimming Pool. The unfortunate visiting team provisions were at Municipal Stadium, a mile and a half northwest of Keegan Field. The Padres played 14 games at the venue in 1969. Keegan Field has returned to an amateur sports facility. As it stands today, it is quite difficult to imagine it served as a spring training site with up to 2,000 fans watching preseason baseball. Keegan Field Today, Photo by Meg Minard, Stadium Journey, Photo taken from third base side of the field. The structure beyond the scoreboard/outfield is the swimming pool area where the Padres clubhouse and showers were located. Keegan Field Dugout, Photo by Meg Minard, Stadium Journey. The field and park are totally enclosed and locked inside a chain link fence today. Keegan Field View From Outfield, Photo by Meg Minard, Stadium Journey Special thanks to Jim Patrick for the historic photos and information.

Photos by Paul Baker, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.57 Edward A. LeLacheur Park 450 Aiken St Lowell, MA 01852 UMass Lowell River Hawks website Edward A. LeLacheur Park website Year Opened: 1998 Capacity: 4,767 Empty Nest Syndrome   The University of Massachusetts Lowell is one of five schools in the UMass system, and is the second-largest public institution in Massachusetts, with 18,000 students. “UMass Lowell” offers 120 Bachelors, 43 Master’s and 25 Doctoral programs in its six schools and colleges. The school began as two separate schools – Lowell State College and Lowell Technological Institute, which merged in 1975 to become the University of Lowell. In 1991 the school joined the UMass system. Business Insider Magazine has twice listed the school at the top of its “Most Underrated Colleges in America” list.   Edward A. LeLacheur Park was built in 1998 as the result of a partnership between the city of Lowell, MA and the University of Massachusetts-Lowell. The ballpark is named in honor of the state representative who spearheaded the construction of the ballpark. From its opening until 2020, it served as home to both the UMass Lowell baseball team and the minor league Lowell Spinners .   The Spinners were the Class A Short Season affiliate of the nearby Boston Red Sox from 1996 to 2020. When Minor League Baseball was reorganized before the 2021 season, the Spinners were one of the 40 teams dropped from MiLB.   Beginning play in 1976, UMass Lowell baseball began competing in Division One in 2014. Now members of the America East Conference, The River Hawks qualified for 17 Division Two Tournaments and made two D-II World Series before moving up a level. Five River Hawk alumni have played in the Major Leagues, most notably Gold Glove winning catcher Mike LaValliere.   Food & Beverage 2   There is one concession stand open for River Hawks games. A basic menu is served, with hot dogs and assorted snacks (pretzels, popcorn, chips and cotton candy) available.   Bottles of Pepsi products are sold here. Don’t be fooled by the beer sign on the wall of the concession stand. There is no alcohol sold at this on-campus facility. Atmosphere 2   I never thought I’d say this about a game at LeLacheur Park, but you’re only going to get a basic game day presentation here at a RiverHawks game. The limitations of the ballpark at the present time dictate what the UMass Lowell staff can do. I hate to keep making comparisons to the days of the Spinners, but it’s quite a shock to fans who’ve been coming since the early days of the ballpark.   The large scoreboard in left field is no longer operational and is covered by a large tarp with the UMass Lowell logo. Game information is displayed on a tiny scoreboard out in right field. The sound system is good, and music is played between innings and as batters stride to the plate. The PA announcer delivers lineup announcements and sponsor reads in a booming, professional delivery.   Most of the energy in this ballpark (and there’s not much when you have 200 people in a 5,000-seat facility) comes from the fans in the stands. If you enjoy being able to hear the crack of the bat (well, since this is college baseball, the “ping” of the bat) and the chatter going on down on the field, you’ll enjoy your time at LeLacheur Park.   Neighborhood 3     The University of Massachusetts-Lowell campus straddles the Merrimack River near downtown Lowell. Located on the south bank of the river, LeLacheur Park is a short distance from the Tsongas Center , home of the UMass Lowell hockey teams and the PWHL’s Boston Fleet . Other UMass Lowell athletic facilities, including Costello Athletic Center and Cushing Field, are located on the opposite side of the river.   The city of Lowell was a major center for manufacturing during the Industrial Revolution. As a result of this rich history, Lowell contains many buildings of historical significance, several of which have been preserved by the National Park Service and have been preserved as the Lowell National Historical Park. Fans arriving early to LeLacheur Park can walk along the Riverwalk and observe some of the rapids that powered the old mills. Fans of American literature should be sure to check out the memorial for native son Jack Kerowac, located within the national park.   Fans looking for a place to gather before or after a game for a bite to eat or drink will have to travel into downtown Lowell or beyond. The area around Market Street, about a mile from the ballpark, has some good and varied options. Lowell suffers from a bad reputation that lingers from decades ago. As is the case with many cities, there are safe areas and areas to avoid. Statistically, Lowell is as safe or safer than most New England cities of similar size. You can feel safe visiting the area around the ballpark and the downtown area.   Fans 2   The crowd at LeLacheur Park can accurately be described as a “friends and family” crowd. Usually numbering between 100-200 fans, many of the fans in attendance have a personal connection with the players on the field. It’s also not unusual to see fans of the visiting teams in attendance at River Hawk games.   There’s not a big turnout from the student body at River Hawk baseball games. The students who do show up generally do not make a lot of noise. Even with much of the ballpark blocked off, there’s lots of room to spread out at LeLacheur Park, and fans tend to scatter around the park.   Access 3   Lowell is a city with a population of about 115,000 citizens located about a half hour northwest of Boston near the Massachusetts-New Hampshire border. Straddling the Merrimack River, Lowell came of age during the Industrial Revolution as a mill town. Many of those mills have been preserved as part of the Lowell National Historic Park.   LeLacheur Park is located on the southern bank of the Merrimack River a short distance from downtown. Interstate 495 runs just south of Lowell, and the Lowell Connector takes motorists from the interstate into downtown Lowell. The ballpark is about two miles from the end of the Lowell Connector. The Lowell Regional Transit Authority’s  number 9 bus has a stop on Pawtucket Street right near the ballpark for those fans using public transit.   Fans will enter the ballpark via an entry tower on the right field side of the stadium. While the concourse and seating bowl stretches from deep right field around to medium left field, access to much of the stadium has been blocked off to fans due to deterioration of concrete in several sections. Fans can sit in the sections that run along the first base line and behind home plate. Most seating consists of faded green stadium seats, with some metal bleachers farther down the right field line. Standing room and handicapped seats are located at the top of the seating bowl.   The single concession stand and restrooms are located on the concourse near the entrance to the ballpark. With the small crowds present for RiverHawk games, lines are not an issue.   Since the departure of the Spinners after the 2020 season, LeLacheur Park feels like it’s been in a steady decline due to a lack of upkeep. The outfield walls are faded, ads are gone, the scoreboard is not operational and is now covered by a tarp, portable carts sit unattended, the green seats throughout the park are faded and showing their age, painted surfaces around the park are peeling, and cement all along the concourse is cracked and patched. As mentioned before, about half of the seating bowl is blocked off to fan access. It makes for a surreal experience for fans who visited throughout the halcyon days of affiliated baseball. But at least the Spinners signage has finally been taken down.   Return on Investment 5   Admission to a RiverHawks baseball game is free of charge. Parking is available in the East Garage adjacent to the ballpark, also at no charge. There is on-street parking available in the area around LeLacheur Park, just be aware of the times meters are in effect.   If you need a snack, the prices at the concession stand are certainly affordable. No item costs more than five dollars.   Extras 1   There are a few small plaques scattered around LeLacheur Park which highlight Lowell baseball history. Lowell natives and Baseball Hall of Famers Hugh Duffy and Joe Kelley, longtime River Hawks coach Jim Stone, and ballpark namesake Edward LeLacheur are honored in bronze on the ballpark’s walls.   Final Thoughts   Ballpark travelers who last visited LeLacheur Park during the salad days of the Spinners will undoubtedly be saddened by the condition of the ballpark today. Barren, empty and in greatly in need of upkeep, the ballpark is a shell of what it used to be. Judging by the condition of LeLacheur, rumors that the city of Lowell was angling to return to affiliated baseball were just that; rumors.   Follow Paul Baker’s stadium journeys on Twitter  and Instagram  @PuckmanRI.

Photos by Paul Baker, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.57 William D. Mullins Center 200 Commonwealth Ave Amherst, MA 01003 UMass Minutemen men’s basketball website William D. Mullins Center website Year Opened: 1993 Capacity: 9,493 Did It in a Minute, Man   The University of Massachusetts Amherst (more commonly known as UMass) was founded in 1863 as the Massachusetts Agricultural College. Today the school is known as the flagship of the University of Massachusetts system. It is the largest university in the state, with an enrollment of over 24,000 students studying in 109 undergraduate, 77 Master’s and 48 doctoral programs.   William D. Mullins was a member of the Massachusetts State Legislature from 1977 until his death in 1986. A former minor league pitcher, Mullins was a strong advocate for the smaller towns throughout the state, in particular those in western Massachusetts. Beginning in the mid-80s he supported the building of a multi-purpose facility at UMass, as the university lacked a place that could support the school’s 24,000 students.   Prior to the building of the Mullins Center, the basketball team played their games at the Curry Hicks Cage, a 4,000-seat venue that was built in the 1930s. While it was known as one of the loudest buildings in the northeast, it was sorely in need of replacement. The building of the $51 million Mullins Center also allowed the school’s hockey team to upgrade from club status to Division One.   In 1900 the first basketball game was played at the Massachusetts Agricultural College (renamed as the University of Massachusetts in 1948). Known throughout the years as the Statesmen, Aggies and Redmen, the school officially changed its nickname to the Minutemen in 1972. A longtime member of the Atlantic-10 Conference, the Minutemen will be moving to the Mid-American Conference for the 2025-26 season.   UMass has qualified for nine NCAA Tournaments, reaching the Final Four in 1996. The NCAA later vacated this appearance due to rules violations. In addition, UMass has played in 13 NIT Tournaments. Nine Minutemen alumni have played in the National Basketball Association, most notably Hall of Famer Julius Erving. The women’s basketball team has played in three NCAA Tournaments.   Food & Beverage 4   Numerous concession stands line the inner edge of the concourse, each with a different theme, so you may have to search a little for your desired items. All your arena standards can be found at the Mullins Center. Among the more popular offerings are burgers from local favorite Baby Berk, chicken tenders and sandwiches from Chicken and Co., and specialty pizza slices (including the divisive pickle pizza). Fans with a sweet tooth should gravitate to the Massachusetts Creamery stand, where a selection of locally-made ice cream flavors are offered.   Coca-Cola products are featured at the Mullins Center. A selection of beer is available, featuring several national brands alongside brews from local favorites Sam Adams, Wormtown and Harpoon Breweries. Copa Wines and Spiked Seltzer are also sold. Fans looking for a local craft beer can sample brews from Amherst Brewing.   A complete listing of the Mullins Center concession options can be found here .   Atmosphere 3   At most college basketball games the student section and pep band are the engine that drives the gameday atmosphere. While the pep band at Mullins Center is solid, and the cheerleading and dance squad are excellent, support from the student section is negligible. One entire end of Mullins Center is set aside for the student body, but it sits mostly empty for basketball games.   It’s a shame, because the staff at UMass put on a good show. Sam the Minuteman roams the arena interacting with fans and contests are held for fans when play stops. A large video board hangs at center court, with smaller boards on either end of the gym. There is no shortage of things going on to keep the casual fan interested here. The Mullins Center would provide a significant home-court advantage if it were packed with fans. Unfortunately, with the facility often sitting mostly empty, the Mullins Center can be a rather quiet place despite everything going on here.   Neighborhood 4   Amherst is consistently rated as one of the best college towns in the country. Amherst Center is about a mile and a half from the Mullins Center and is chock full of restaurants, shops and museums. With five colleges located in and around Amherst, the options are many and varied. From quaint bookshops to museums celebrating the works of Emily Dickinson and Eric Carle to art galleries and libraries, the area around UMass has something for everyone. Visiting fans looking for something to eat before or after a game will find no shortage of options along Main and Pleasant Streets. UMass students swear by Antonio’s, home of some legendary greasy pizza slices. For a complete listing of things to do, places to eat and lodging options in Amherst visit AmherstDowntown.com . Just up the road from Mullins Center is the town of Hadley, where many more dining and shopping choices are located. Most of the eateries in this area consist of chain restaurants and fast food options. The Hangar Bar and Grill, a popular campus hangout featuring craft brews from Amherst Brewing, is located near McGuirk Stadium. There are lodging options near UMass in both Amherst and Hadley. With Springfield only a half hour away, you won't have to travel too far to find a place to stay after the game. For those wishing to eliminate the commute after the game entirely, the UMass Hotel and Conference Center is located at the center of campus and is run entirely by students in the hospitality and tourism management program.   Fans 2   UMass fans are a fickle bunch, tending to stay away from the Mullins Center unless the Minutemen are having a successful season. Small crowds seem to be the norm in recent seasons. In the 2023-24 season UMass is averaging about 3,500 fans per game, less than half the Mullins Center capacity. The small crowds make this mid-sized arena seem cavernous. Those fans who do show up are generally on the reserved side, making the Mullins Center a rather quiet place to catch a basketball game.   Conspicuous by their absence is the student section. The large seating sections reserved for the students sit mostly empty. There are a few die-hards who try to create some noise, but their efforts fall flat in this mostly empty venue. As is the case in many New England schools, the hockey team garners much of the attention from the student body.   Access 4     The University of Massachusetts is located in rural western Massachusetts, about a half hour north of Springfield. While there are no highways that directly serve the UMass campus, Interstate 91 is only six miles away. If traveling from the east, the Mass Turnpike (Interstate 90) will bring you about 20 miles from campus. No matter from which direction you are traveling, you’ll be traversing on some winding country roads to reach UMass. Although the drive from the Mass Pike to UMass takes about a half hour, the foliage during the early part of the basketball season is amazing and draws many tourists throughout the fall. It’s well worth it to take your time and enjoy the scenery.   Once you arrive at UMass, it’s not too difficult to get to Mullins Center. The arena is located on the western edge of campus near many of the school’s other athletic facilities, including McGuirk Stadium  and Earl Lorden Field . There is only one road that serves the arena, but traffic moves pretty well into the adjacent parking lots.   Most fans will enter Mullins Center on the north side of the facility and enter onto a concourse that completely encircles the court. Concession stands and rest rooms line the inner edge of the concourse. Lines are not usually a problem with the small crowds in attendance. All seats consist of maroon padded stadium seats which feature excellent views of the action from all sections.   Return on Investment 5   Tickets to UMass basketball games are quite affordable, ranging in price from $15 to $26. Children under 12 receive a discount of $2-$10. Parking is free in the lots located a short walk from the facility. Concession prices are a bit on the high side, particularly for specialty and premium items, but are not out of line with other venues in the area. Fans looking to save a few dollars on food can purchase a combo meal.   Extras 3                                                                                                 UMass honors its history throughout the Mullins Center. Photos of notable Minutemen basketball and hockey alumni line the concourse. Photos from some of the Mullins Center’s more notable concerts, including Elton John and B.B. King, are also featured.   Inside the arena hang banners honoring Minutemen conference championship teams and tournament appearances. Additional banners honor the squad’s Elite Eight and Final Four appearances. Retired number banners also honor Minuteman legends.   Outside the Mullins Center stand four statues, honoring Jack Leaman, John Calipari, Julius Erving and Marcus Camby. Final Thoughts   The Mullins Center is an attractive on-campus facility that can be considered as one of the premiere arenas in New England. However, its rural location tends to hold down attendance, and the lack of support from the student body makes a Minuteman basketball experience more underwhelming than it could be.   Follow Paul Baker’s stadium journeys on Twitter  and Instagram  @PuckmanRI.

Photos by Paul Baker, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.43 Earl Lorden Field Mullins Way Amherst, MA 01003 UMass Minutemen website Earl Lorden Field website Year Opened: 1971 Capacity: 1,000 Flagship Baseball The University of Massachusetts Amherst (better known as UMass) is the flagship and largest campus in the Univeristy of Massachusetts system. Its enrollment of over 30,000 students participate in 109 undergraduate, 77 graduate and 49 doctoral programs taught by 1,300 faculty members. Baseball was first played at UMass in 1877. In 1971, their present home was named in honor of long-time coach Earl Lorden, who coached the Minutemen for 20 seasons beginning in 1947. The bleachers are dedicated to his successor, Dick Bergquist, who coached at UMass for 21 years. UMass competes in the Atlantic 10 Conference. The Minutemen have appeared in 11 NCAA tournaments, most recently in 1996. They have reached two College World Series, in 1954 and 1969. 18 UMass alumni have played in the Major Leagues, including Gary DiSarcina, Mike Flanagan and Jeff Reardon. Food & Beverage 0 There is no food available at Earl Lorden Field. Fans are welcome to bring their own snacks to enjoy during the game. Atmosphere 2 As you may expect at a basic facility like Earl Lorden Field, the game day presentation is pretty basic as well. This is an old-school experience, where you can hear the chatter on the field, the calls of the umpires, and coaches barking instructions to the players. There is a simple scoreboard beyond the left field fence that displays basic game information. Music plays between innings and Minutemen players have their own walk-up songs. The public address announcer does his job without being intrusive. It all adds up to a pleasant, old-school atmosphere. Earl Lorden Field Scoreboard, Photo by Paul Baker, Stadium Journey Neighborhood 4 Amherst is consistently rated as one of the best college towns in the country. Amherst Center is about a mile and a half from Earl Lorden Field and is chock full of restaurants, shops and museums. With five colleges located in and around Amherst, the options are many and varied. From quaint book shops to museums celebrating the works of Emily Dickinson and Eric Carle to art galleries and libraries, the area around UMass has something for everyone. Visiting fans looking for something to eat before or after a game will find no shortage of options along Main and Pleasant Streets. UMass students swear by Antonio’s, home of some legendary gourmet pizza slices. For a complete listing of things to do, places to eat and lodging options in Amherst visit AmherstDowntown.com . Just up the road from Earl Lorden Field is the town of Hadley, where many more dining and shopping choices are located. Most of the eateries in this area consist of chain restaurants and fast food options. The Hangar Bar and Grill, a popular campus hangout with numerous craft brews on tap, is located near McGuirk Stadium. There are lodging options near UMass in both Amherst and Hadley. With Springfield only a half hour away, you won’t have to travel too far to find a place to stay after the game. For those wishing to eliminate the commute after the game entirely, the UMass Hotel and Conference Center is located at the center of campus and is run entirely by students in the hospitality and tourism management program. Fans 2 As is the case in most college baseball fields in the northeast, the crowd at a UMass game can accurately be described as a “friends and family” type of crowd. Typically numbering between 100-200 people, the fans add to the laid-back vibe of Earl Lorden Field. Most of the people who do attend a Minutemen baseball game have a personal connection with the players and are very invested in the action going on down on the field. There’s not a huge turnout by the student body for UMass baseball, but several students do stop by the field for a little while as they wander around campus, particularly on a nice spring day. The UMass campus is a bustling place on these weekends, with plenty to do that draw the students in several directions. Access 3 The University of Massachusetts is located in rural western Massachusetts, about a half hour north of Springfield. There are no highways that directly serve the UMass campus, but Interstate 91 is only six miles away if traveling from the north, south, or west. If traveling from the east, the Mass Turnpike (Interstate 90) will bring you about 20 miles from campus. From the Mass Pike you’ll follow some winding country roads to the college town of Amherst. The scenery in the spring months of the baseball season don’t compare to the colorful foliage of the fall, but it’s still a nice ride. Springfield is located 16 miles south of Amherst, served by both Amtrak and the Peter Pan Bus Lines. The larger cities of Boston, Albany, and Hartford are all less than a two-hour drive from campus. The closest airport is Bradley Airport, just over the Connecticut state line. The ski resorts of Vermont’s Green Mountains are only a couple of hours to the north. Earl Lorden Field is located in the shadows of the Mullins Center on the western edge of campus. Tucked in at the bottom of a hill behind the arena, there’s nothing around to point you in the direction of the ballpark. The two lots that flank the tennis courts across the street from Earl Lorden Field are more than large enough to handle a typical Minutemen baseball crowd. Ballparks don’t come more unassuming than Earl Lorden Field. Seating consists of three sets of bleachers behind home plate. There’s also room down the foul lines where fans can set up their own lawn chairs and take in the action with a little bit more room to spread out. The community rink on top of the hill has public rest rooms available. A row of port-a-johns provide facilities closer to the field. Return on Investment 5 Admission to a UMass baseball game is free of charge, as is parking in the adjacent lots. If you bring your own snacks, you won’t spend a single cent at a Minutemen baseball game. Extras 1 There are dedication plaques honoring Earl Lorden and Dick Bergquist, as well as a display commemorating all the UMass Tournament teams on the back of the press box. Hidden on a small corner of the UMass dugout on the third base side of the field are bronze plaques honoring Lorden and Bergquist. Bergquist’s number 26 is displayed on the left field wall. Final Thoughts It’s rather disappointing to see that a school with the stature of UMass plays in such a basic facility as Earl Lorden Field. When you consider the history of the baseball program here, and that it faced elimination not so long ago, the lack of facilities and resources makes more sense. As you gaze beyond the field to the beautiful Mullins Center overlooking the ball field, one can’t help but think the Minutemen baseball team deserves more. Follow Paul Baker’s stadium journeys on Twitter and Instagram @PuckmanRI.

Photos by Paul Baker, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.29 Varsity Field University of Albany Albany, NY 12206 Albany Great Danes website Varsity Field website Year Opened: 1971 Capacity: 500 The Home of Great Dane Baseball The University of Albany fielded their first baseball team in 1958. It spent the first few decades of competition in Division III before transitioning to Division I along with the rest of UAlbany’s sports in the 1990s. The Great Danes played their first game in the sport’s top division in 2000. Currently, Albany plays in the America East Conference. The Great Danes have qualified for one NCAA Tournament, in 2007. Food & Beverage 0 There is no food available for purchase at Varsity Field. Fans are welcome to bring their own food in to enjoy during the game. Atmosphere 2 At a simple facility like Varsity Field you wouldn’t expect an elaborate game day presentation and you won’t get one at a Great Dane baseball game. The UAlbany staff do their best with their limited resources. A simple scoreboard in right field displays basic game information. Music plays over the PA system between innings and batters. The PA announcer may be a bit over the top but provides all the necessary information for fans. Free roster sheets are available for all fans. The beauty of going to a game at a facility like Varsity Field is the ability to hear the chatter on the infield and coaches barking instructions to their players. It’s a baseball purist’s dream. Neighborhood 3 Varsity Field is located on the southern edge of the University of Albany campus near the school’s other athletic facilities, including Bob Ford Field at Casey Stadium and SEFCU Arena . The University of Albany is located in northwest Albany, out near the airport. Downtown Albany and the state capital are located about a 15-minute drive away. The area around campus, particularly along Route 20 (Western Ave.), features a great many dining options in the vicinity of the University. A complete listing of dining options can be found here . You’ll find many options for lodging on the north side of campus near Interstate 90 you can find a listing of all local hotels here . Fans 2 The crowd at a Great Danes baseball game can accurately be described as a “friends and family” type of gathering. Most of the fans in attendance have a personal connection to the players down on the field, and as a result are both knowledgeable about the team and enthusiastic in their support. You don’t see many casual fans in a place like Varsity Field. With the compact geographic footprint of the America East Conference, it’s not unusual to see a good turnout in support of the visiting team. Stadium Journey visited Varsity Field on a beautiful mid-April Saturday afternoon. The crowd in attendance numbered about 200 people. This seems to be a bit on the large side for a Danes game, but entirely representative. Remember that the college baseball season stretches from March-May, when the weather in the northeast can be inconsistent. Expect more people to be in attendance later in the season as the weather improves. Access 3 The University of Albany is located in northwestern Albany, right by the intersection of Interstates 90 and 87. The downtown area is about a 15-minute ride from campus. The Albany airport is just a 10-minute ride to the north. Varsity Field is situated on the southern edge of the sprawling campus, near the school’s other athletic facilities. Entering campus via Route 20 (Western Ave.) gives visitors the easiest access to Varsity Field. There is no parking immediately adjacent to Varsity Field. Visiting fans can park by Casey Stadium or across the street behind the Management Services Center building. Both areas are a bit of a walk to the ball field. Parking is free of charge for Great Dane baseball games. Seating at Varsity Field consists of four sets of metal bleachers, one large set behind home plate and several smaller ones scattered around the field. All bleacher seats feature obstructed views through chain-link fences. Even worse, metal bars that are part of the backstop further obstruct views from the main bleachers. For the best views here, fans take to the top of a large berm that runs along the third base side of the field. Fans bring their own lawn chairs and coolers and enjoy unobstructed views of the action. A walking path and Indian Pond pass directly behind this berm. There are no permanent restrooms at Varsity Field. There are a few port-a-johns available for use should the need arise. Be advised that there are no paved pathways in sections of the ball field. Fans with mobility issues should tread carefully around the facility. Return on Investment 5 There is no charge for admission to a Great Danes baseball game. Parking in the lot across the street from the field is also free. With no concessions on site, visitors to Varsity Field will not spend a single cent while here. Extras 1 There isn’t much going on at Varsity Field that can be considered extra. We’ll award an extra point for the field’s setting adjacent to Indian Pond with a nice walking path that runs behind the third base side of the field. It’s always fun to watch the occasional foul ball splash into the water. The ducks and geese that live here don’t seem to mind the intrusion. Final Thoughts Varsity Field is typical of many college ballparks in the northeast. It’s a simple facility with only the most basic of amenities. While this will only be a destination ballpark for the most ardent of ballpark chasers, it is not without its charms. If you enjoy a simple game day experience, parks like Varsity Field are for you. Follow Paul Baker’s stadium journeys on Twitter and Instagram @PuckmanRI.

Photos by Richard Smith, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.14 Equine Arena 23 North Cameron St Harrisburg, PA 17110 Harrisburg Heat website Equine Arena website Year Opened: 1939 Capacity: 1,660 Heating things up in Harrisburg The Harrisburg Heat is an American professional indoor soccer team based in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, that competes in the Major Arena Soccer League (MASL). The team plays its home games at Equine Arena at the Pennsylvania Farm Show Complex & Expo Center. The Pennsylvania Farm Show Complex & Expo Center is a large exhibition center and indoor arena in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania. It is primarily used for concerts, agricultural exhibitions, the Pennsylvania Farm Show, and indoor football. The complex also hosts more than 200 other exhibits and trade shows every year. The Farm Show Complex is 60 acres, houses 24 acres under roof, spread throughout 11 connected buildings including three arenas. The complex consists of the following components besides the Equine Arena: Main Hall, GIANT Exposition Hall, New Holland Arena, Small Arena, and then the North, Northeast, Northwest, and West Halls. The current version of the Heat began in 2012. The team claims the heritage of an original franchise that was a member of the National Professional Soccer League and the Major Indoor Soccer League II from 1991-2003. They played their home games at the larger Farm Show Arena. Food & Beverage 3 When it comes to concessions at the Harrisburg Heat games, simplicity is key. The venue features two main concession stands, offering the classic ballpark fare that attendees have come to expect. Expect to find staples like hot dogs, hamburgers, and nachos, providing quick and easy options for those looking for a savory bite. Popcorn, pretzels, and various candies are also readily available, catering to those with a sweet tooth or seeking a lighter snack. To quench your thirst, the stands provide a selection of standard beverages. Soft drinks, bottled water, and a range of beers are on offer, ensuring there's something to satisfy most preferences. While the menu might not boast gourmet options, it efficiently delivers the familiar and satisfying concession stand experience, allowing fans to grab a quick bite and return to the game without missing a beat. Atmosphere 3 Escape the winter chill with a Harrisburg Heat game. The facility offers a comfortable experience, with a surprisingly well-maintained interior, a generous concourse for activities, and convenient access to both the building and seating areas. The merchandise tent offers t-shirts, hoodies, zip-ups, flags, replica jerseys, and other paraphernalia at reasonable prices. The Harrisburg Heat's arena features a unique dual-purpose floor. During the Farm Show, it's covered in dirt, which then serves as a base for the artificial turf during games. This dirt track, while unconventional, provides a softer playing surface. Sightlines are excellent throughout the arena, ensuring every seat offers a clear view. The dirt sub-surface does seem to make the whole venue feel dusty and a bit cloudy at all times. It is also very loud with a sound that doesn't resonate well. The scoreboard is very basic with no video boards. Neighborhood 4 Harrisburg's downtown, a short drive from the Farm Show Complex, boasts attractions like the National Civil War Museum, the State Capitol, Ft. Hunter Mansion and Park, and Riverfront Park, all situated along the scenic Susquehanna River. For nightlife, downtown offers many options, with Mr. G’s Sports Bar, the official after-game destination, might be a fun way to start or end your night after the game. Fans 2 If you're looking for a fun, fast-paced indoor sporting event, the Harrisburg Heat delivers. The games are easy to follow and highly entertaining. The fans, a mix of new and old, contribute to the atmosphere, with some even sporting original 90's jerseys. The fans are passionate and welcoming. Access 4 Accessing the Pennsylvania Farm Show Complex & Expo Center is primarily achieved by car, given its location and the nature of the events it hosts. Situated in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, the complex is readily accessible from major highways like I-81 and I-83, as well as the Pennsylvania Turnpike. When approaching, look for Exit 67A off I-81 for Cameron Street, which leads directly towards the facility. The Farm Show Complex also has ample parking available on-site, and during large events, they also utilize off-site parking with shuttle services. It is always wise to check the official Farm Show website for up-to-date information on parking, and possible road closures during large events. Return on Investment 4 Enjoying a Harrisburg Heat game is quite affordable with usually two levels of pricing around $20. Parking at the Farm Show Complex is a flat $10 per vehicle. Merchandise and food options are reasonably priced, allowing a family to comfortably experience a game without breaking the bank. Extras 2 The Harrisburg Heat go beyond the game, scoring points with diverse event nights like Boy Scout and Girls Got Game initiatives, as well as community-focused fundraisers. The unique venue is an extra on its own, but you may even want to see if there is another event going on at the complex and make it a twofer kind of day. Final Thoughts The Harrisburg Heat, in their present form, might not yet qualify as a must-see, "bucket list" destination for sports enthusiasts. However, you can see the seeds of something much larger being planted. Ownership and the team are dedicated to elevating the Heat experience. While the current offering is enjoyable, the potential for growth and improvement is undeniable, and that's precisely what makes it compelling.

Photos by David Hegler, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.14 Adventist Health Arena 248 W Fremont St Stockton, CA 95203 Stockton Kings website Adventist Health Arena website Year Opened: 2005 Capacity: 12,000 Welcome to Adventist Health Arena On the edge of the San Joaquin River rests two sports facilities that are the crown jewels of Stockton, California: Banner Island Ballpark and Adventist Health Arena. Today, we will focus our attention on the vast arena.  Having broken ground in April 2004, Stockton Arena first opened its doors on December 2, 2005. It immediately began hosting events such as the 2009 Stockton Showcase which pitted the University of California-Berkeley Golden Bears basketball team against the hometown University of Pacific Tigers. In September 2014, Stockton Arena hosted the San Jose Sharks as they battled the Vancouver Canucks in a split-squad exhibition game. The Sharks won 5-3. While all of these events helped expose Stockton Arena to the public, its greatest claim to fame is its tenants. Since it first opened, Adventist Health Arena (renamed in 2023) has served as landlord of the California Cougars (MISL, 2005-2011), Stockton Thunder (ECHL, 2005-2015), Stockton Lightning (AF2, 2006-2009), Stockton Wolves (2011), California Eagles (AIF, 2012) and Stockton Heat (AHL, 2015-2022) before welcoming the NBA G-League’s newest team, the Stockton Kings, in 2018.  The Stockton Kings began as the Reno Bighorns in 2008 and have always been associated with the Sacramento Kings. The Bighorns won three Pacific Division championships in 2011, 2016 and 2018, but never the outright D-League title. Ever since moving to Stockton, the Kings have won three divisional titles of their own, the most recent being in 2024. However, their magical run ended in a crushing 114-107 loss to the Oklahoma City Blue in the Conference Finals.  Food & Beverage 3 There is one location of food for each level of the arena’s two levels. Each location brings all that you would expect of any arena. Chicken tenders basket ($13.50), hot dog ($10.20), pepperoni pizza ($8.25), cheese pizza ($7.75), pork sliders ($6), pretzel ($7.50), popcorn ($7.75), nachos ($7.50) and Dippin’ Dots ($6.20) make for a well-rounded menu. The food itself is well cared for and there are lots of cashiers to make the line move quicker. Atmosphere 3 Standing tall amidst the muck of a poorly kept neighborhood rises Adventist Health Arena. Once inside, you are greeted by friendly ushers and watch with wonder as one of the larger arenas in the NBA’s G-League envelops you. The end line bleachers are practically endless and the video board is a sleek wrap-around with a small camera stationed dead center on the bottom to provide both the referees and fans unique angles of replays. Stockton Kings Mascot, Photo by David Hegler, Stadium Journey Neighborhood 1 The surrounding neighborhood is one of the worst that I have ever seen. In fact, I probably shouldn’t have been so cheap and parked my car just blocks away. The area is unkept and looks like it could be a magnet for criminal activity.  Still, there are some perks. The arena lies alongside the San Joaquin River and next to the Stockton Ports’ Banner Island Ballpark. Just across the river stands the Weber Point Events Center. Despite the horrors of the surrounding neighborhood, Stockton is filled with wonderful restaurants. These include Saigon Bowl Noodle House , Nash + Tender Stockton , Cast Iron Trading Co , FED  and Dream Ice Cream Parlor . If you are looking for a place to sleep for the night, the University Plaza Waterfront Hotel  is right next to the arena. Fans 3 With a capacity of 12,000, Adventist Health Arena is a massive venue for an NBA G-League team. As a result, the fans feel sparse within its walls, but make no mistake, this is a passionate group. Throughout the game, you can hear cowbells clang just like you would at a Sacramento Kings game. The arena is at its loudest during the t-shirt toss. It feels like the crowd is twice as big. Access 3 Parking is just $15 at Adventist Health Arena but there is just one entrance. There are several bus stops all along W Fremont Street and an Uber driver should have no trouble dropping you off or picking you up. There is also a bag check and metal detector, but the line goes quickly. Return on Investment 5 With ticket prices ranging from $23 to $79, this is a relatively cheap place to watch a game. No need to worry for lumbar support in the cheap seats as every seat in the arena has a back and a thin layer of padding. With parking being just $15 and the food being at reasonable prices, it’s worth your time and money to go to a game at Adventist Health Arena. Extras 4 Easily the best extra of Adventist Health Arena is the “Stockton Hall of Fame” that adorns its expansive wall. While there are merchants selling products in front of that area, but you can still walk along while reading the biographies of so many that have brought pride to the city of Stockton.  A large expo section overlooks the arena from the end line opposite the one with the vast empty bleachers. That particular day, the Kings were prioritizing sneakers, but other local merchants were selling clothes and bags as well. One can walk around that area while watching the game without the need of a television screen.  Just below the expo section is a kids section where children can shoot balls at inflatable baskets and play around. At the end of the game, fans could get autographs from their favorite players at the team store. Its a neat way to keep fans engaged. Final Thoughts The NBA’s G-League is filled with uniquely intimate stadiums. While most have a capacity for less than 10,000, there are a few outliers that are worth seeing. Stockton’s Adventist Health Arena is one of them. The place is spacious enough that you won’t feel claustrophobic yet crowded enough for you to feel the roar of the crowd. With cowbells clanging and an energetic crowd, the place truly feels like a low-grade NBA experience. So brave the bad surrounding neighborhood and come on down to Stockton where the Kings are sure to put on a good show and you, the fan, will feel like a million bucks.