Photos by Dave Cottenie, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.00 Cortellucci Rink at Innisfil Recreation Complex 7315 Yonge Street Innisfil, ON L9S 2M6 Innisfil Spartans website Innisfil Recreation Complex website Year Opened: 2008 Capacity: 1,000 This Is Sparta One of the newest teams in Ontario’s Junior C level Provincial Junior Hockey League is the Innisfil Spartans.  Innisfil is a town on the shores of Lake Simcoe, south of Barrie.  From 2007 to 2010, Innisfil was the home to the Junior A Innisfil Lakers, who played in the rogue GMHL. Their folding left a void in the hockey landscape in Innisfil for a decade until founder George Floros  became determined to bring hockey back to Innisfil.  The Spartans were founded in 2022 and at the time of writing were playing in their third season on the Junior C circuit. Home for the Spartans is the Cortellucci Rink @ Innisfil Recreational Complex.  Opened in 2008, the complex is owned by the Town of Innisfil and acts as a hub for the community with a pair of ice rinks, swimming pool, YMCA fitness facilities, a pair of gymnasiums and outdoor sports fields.  The Cortellucci Rink is the larger of the two with a fan capacity of 1,000.  Naming rights are held by the Cortellucci Family, who are local real estate developers. Food & Beverage 3 The Innisfil Recreational Complex has a surprisingly robust set of concession options.  The main concession stand is found in the lobby and serves the entire complex.  The menu includes hot dogs, burgers, chicken fingers, fries, poutine, chicken burgers, mozzarella sticks, popcorn, pogos, nachos, butter tarts, candy and Jamaican Patties.  Beverages include Pepsi products, coffee, tea, hot chocolate, Gatorade, water and slushies.  Alcoholic beverages are not available at the complex. Atmosphere 3 The Innisfil Recreational Complex features a smart looking, modern exterior with light coloured, corrugated siding and large windows.  Fans will enter the complex to a large, bright, smart looking lobby.  The long lobby connects all aspects of the complex from the two rinks to the aquatics centre.  The Cortellucci Rink is the furthest south and features a light exterior with lights strung across the hall. Inside the Cortellucci Rink, also known as the Red Rink, fans will find a bright, modern rink which provides a comfortable setting and comfortable temperature, not normal for rinks at this level.  The ice surface runs from east to west with the centre logo best seen from the north side.  The south side of the rink has four rows of red and grey, plastic, arena seats, while the north side features eight rows.  The lowest row is slightly elevated above the ice level.  With the short history of the Spartans and Innisfil Lakers banners are limited to a few youth hockey championships hung on the west wall.  A simple scoreboard hangs on the east wall.  Fans should choose their seat wisely as there are some obstructed views on the north side due to the tunnels from the dressing rooms and the netting that surrounds the ice surface.  This will not be an issue as there is plenty of selection and tickets are General Admission. The gameday production at a Spartans game is very simple, however the team does lean into the Spartan theme.  Around the logo at centre ice is the Greek quote “ H Tam H Eni Tas ” which translates to “Either with it or on it” meaning that soldiers will either win the battle or die in battle and return home carried on their shield.  The “This Is Sparta” quote from the movie “300” signals the beginning of warmups and the PA announcer ends each announcement with a distinct and enthusiastic “Arrumpf!”  The PA system is clear and it is not difficult for fans to understand the announcements being made. Neighbourhood 3 Innisfil is a community south of Barrie and on the shores of Lake Simcoe.  However, the Innisfil Recreational Complex is west of the town proper, in a fairly rural area, in the community of Barclay.  There are some spots for pre or post game meals in Innisfil, but they will definitely require hopping in the car to get there. A number of national chain restaurants can be found in Innisfil and the surrounding area as well as a few Loyola options.  Some of those include Nonna’s Cucina, Fork and Plate, and Taste of the Grille.  There aren’t really any other sporting options in Innisfil itself other than Georgian Downs Raceway and Sunset Speedway.  The City of Barrie is very close and the Barrie Colts  of the OHL are definitely another option.  The Barrie Baycats  play baseball north of Barrie in Minesing, but their schedule will not coincide with that of the Spartans.  Other tourist options include Gateway Casino, numerous parks and walking trails as well Innisfil Beach on Lake Simcoe.  Tanger Outlets is also in Innisfil and is a good shopping destination.  For fans wishing to stay in the area, heading north to Barrie is the best option. Fans 2 Assessing fan support in the PJHL is difficult as some teams do not publish attendance figures and the league does not congregate and publish attendance data.  That being said the Innisfil Spartans averaged over 190 fans for their inaugural season and over 170 fans the following season in 2023-24.  At the time of writing the Spartans had not reported any attendance figures that season.  The crowd in attendance at the game reviewed was pretty much a friends and family crowd that was laid back and pretty quiet throughout the game.  There is definitely room for improvement here.    Access 4 The Innisfil Recreational Complex is located west of the Town of Innisfil, in a small community of Barclay.  Getting to the arena is not difficult at all. Just a 6 km drive east from Highway 400 will get fans there.  It is also 10 km north of Highway 89.  There is plenty of free parking on site.  Public transit options are a little difficult with a lone GO Transit bus stop just outside the complex.  It is doubtful that this would be an appropriate mode of transit to coincide with a Spartans game.  Interested fans should check the GO Transit website for schedules, maps and fares.  Inside the complex it is spacious and very easy to get around, as well as in Cortellucci Rink.  The raised floor offers plenty of space for those who have mobility challenges to see.  The washroom facilities are more than adequate for this facility. Return on Investment 4 PJHL hockey and the Innisfil Spartans offer a solid return on investment.  Tickets for the Spartans are just $10 with students and seniors going for $8 and children for $6.  Parking is free and the concession prices are what one would expect.  The product on the ice is decent and Cortellucci Rink is one of the most comfortable Junior C rinks out there. Extras 2 An extra mark for the Innisfil Recreational Complex acting as a hub for the community with the Cortellucci Rink along with other sporting and community facilities on site.  An extra mark for the team embracing the Spartan theme adding a few extra touches but not going over the top or too far. Final Thoughts Time will tell what the long term situation of the Innisfil Spartans will end up being.  Hopefully the community of Innisfil will embrace the team and attendance will grow.  They have a lot going for them in their facility, the Cortellucci Rink @ Innisfil Recreational Complex.  This is Sparta! Follow all of Dave’s sporting adventures on YouTube , Twitter , Threads  and Instagram @profan9.

Photos by Richard Smith, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.86 Mayser Gymnasium 650 College Ave Lancaster, PA 17603 Franklin & Marshall Diplomats website Mayser Gymnasium website Year Opened: 1961 Capacity: 3,200 A Diplomatic Court Franklin & Marshall College (“F&M”) is a private college in Lancaster, Pennsylvania. It was established in 1787. The school was originally named for Benjamin Franklin, but in 1836 it was merged with a college named for the fourth Chief Justice of the United States John Marshall. Famous alumni include Roy Scheider, Treat Williams, and the late Commissioner of Baseball, Bowie Kuhn. The college’s sports teams are called the Diplomats and mainly compete in the Centennial Conference at the NCAA Division III level. The Mayser Gymnasium basketball court has been well regarded as one of the most "true" surfaces around. The NBA's Philadelphia 76ers trained on the court for over two decades. The men's and women's basketball teams practice and play on Glenn Robinson Court, named after former men's head coach Glenn Robinson, who has held the national record for the most wins of any coach in Division II or III basketball. Food & Beverage 1 There are no food offerings in the gym except for a couple of vending machines. Atmosphere 3 The arena is very nice, but it is a high school type of setup. As you enter the arena you will find bleacher-filled grandstands sitting along two sides of the court. Outside the gym is a Hall of Fame and trophy cases. Neighborhood 3 The college is located just north of downtown, right near Clipper Magazine Stadium. There are many shops and restaurants right near the stadium. The Iron Hill Brewery & Restaurant and The Fridge are some great options within easy walking distance. Besides downtown, the main commercial areas of the Lancaster area are the outlet’s area east on Route 30 and surrounding the Park City Center Shopping Mall north of downtown. Fans 2 This is truly a friends and family-only type of sports venue. Access 4 Lancaster is an easy area to navigate. Routes 30 and 222 are large roads that any tourist visiting the area will be more than familiar with. Even though the college is located in a busy town, you will seldom find traffic to be too bad. Lancaster is located about half an hour from the state capital Harrisburg. It is also about an hour and a half to Baltimore and the same distance to Philadelphia. There are many parking spaces around the college. Return on Investment 5 There is no price to attend games at Franklin & Marshall. Extras 2 The trophy cases have some interesting sports history in them. Check out neighboring Clipper Magazine Stadium before or after the match to see a nice quality independent league baseball stadium. Final Thoughts Mayser Gymnasium is historic and offers a fun atmosphere for sporting events.

Photos by Chris Green, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.29 FBC Mortgage Stadium 4465 Knights Victory Way Orlando, FL 32816 UCF Knights website FBC Mortgage Stadium website Year Opened: 2007 Capacity: 45,000 SpaceU Football Glory A great many things have changed for UCF since their championship parade down Main Street USA in Disney’s Magic Kingdom in 2017. After two back-to-back undefeated regular seasons, the team has finally moved from the American conference to the Big XII. The Knights and their fans have been on the highest of highs in the last half-decade. Arguably the most visible and fastest growing program in NCAA Football, UCF has long been a hidden gem among college game-day experiences. However, the latest round of popularity has only helped this notoriety grow even further into the mainstream. A trip to a Knights football game at FBC Mortgage Stadium, aka the Bounce House, reveals that the college football experience is alive and well on the campus of UCF – from the tailgating all across campus to the in-game fan interaction, the average uninitiated fan who isn’t familiar with the Knights will be surprised by the atmosphere here. Food & Beverage   5 After having average food options for many years, UCF invested in local businesses and upgraded their options. By far the star of the concessions at FBC Mortgage Stadium is Four Rivers BBQ; this central Florida BBQ restaurant has become a local favorite and can now be found at UCF football games. The best options here are the pulled pork sandwich ($14), BBQ nachos ($13), brisket sandwich ($15), and the Messy Dog, a footlong hot dog topped with pulled pork, southern slaw, and signature sauce ($13). Other popular options at the stadium are the Knights Lobster Roll ($18) and Knight Burger ($12), nachos ($8), Cracker Jack or chips ($5), and jumbo pretzels ($5). Drink options include sodas ($6), Truly Vodka Sodas ($10), beer ($10-$11), BodyArmor Water ($7.50), and bottled water ($4). Standard stadium fare is also easy to find, as are other local favorites like Kelly’s Ice Cream ($7-$9). Atmosphere   5 There is a reason they call FBC Mortgage Stadium the Bounce House – the fans keep this facility rocking all game, and the stands can be felt bouncing along as the fans hype up the players on the field. Holding approximately 45,000, the facility gets very loud as well. The pre-game tailgating is incredibly vast, covering nearly every open lot and green space on campus for hours before the game even starts, reaching from the lots at the stadium itself all the way across campus to the far corners of the academic buildings. The facilities at FBC Mortgage Stadium are immaculate as well, with restrooms constantly restocked with paper towels and soap. During the game, everything one expects from a college football game is here, from the band performances to the Golden Knight riding onto the field on horseback before kickoff. The fans are sport-knowledgeable and know their favorite players well. During night games, the new LED lighting adds to the look on the field, adding colored hues during performances and flashing on and off whenever the Knights score. During the second half fans take part in “Lights Up, Lights Down”, where everyone turns on their cell phone lights and waves them up and down in unison to create a truly remarkable sight. Unlike some Florida colleges where fans go to be part of a fad or part of the scene, the fans at FBC Mortgage Stadium go out of pure loyalty. UCF games are truly a sight to behold for a college many had dismissed as just another mid-major team, and fans from all over the Big XII have remarked on how friendly and welcoming the UCF faithful have been to visiting patrons. Packed and sold-out games are a frequent occurrence in Orlando, and it is easy to see why. Neighborhood   4 FBC Mortgage Stadium is located on the campus of UCF; both the immediate area around the stadium and the campus itself are chock full of places to find food and shopping. Just outside the stadium’s main gate are Addition Financial Arena  and UCF’s baseball stadium , and you can also find the UCF campus bookstore and associated Starbucks, as well as Burger U, the campus bar and burger/wings joint frequented by fans and students. Outside of campus you can find Blaze Pizza, Tijuana Flats, and countless more restaurants. For somewhere to stay, the closest options are Hilton Garden Inn and DoubleTree by Hilton Orlando East. Fans in the area are also less than an hour from Cocoa Beach and Kennedy Space Center to the east, while to the west they can find downtown Orlando and Lake Eola Park.   Fans   4 The fans at UCF are among some of the best in college football – they broke records for attendance when Fox Sports came to town for their Big Noon Kickoff show. However, a lot of that has changed since those undefeated seasons. The stadium is frequently sold out now for most games, thanks to the team’s recent successes, and when FBC Mortgage Stadium is full to the gills with upwards of 45,000 fans, the noise level gets loud. However, ticket resellers mean some road team fans can invade Orlando and make it less of a home field advantage, and with some losses piling up of late, the student section has started to look a little more bare, especially after halftime. Before the game starts, the parking lots and garages all over campus are packed full of tailgating fans. Most of all, the experience at FBC Mortgage Stadium is extremely family friendly – you will see the full range of fans, from older generations who have been long-time Central Florida residents to the youngest fans with growing families.   Access   3 The biggest difficulty of game day at FBC Mortgage Stadium is the parking and traffic in and around the stadium. Being that the facility is located on campus, the roads in and out of the facility are small and get clogged quickly. Parking lots and garages fill up fast, so getting to the stadium early helps avoid a longer walk from across campus to the stadium’s gates in the hot Florida sun. Thankfully, the school has done a great job of managing the traffic flow in and out of campus. Additionally, new updates to FBC Mortgage Stadium’s ingress and egress mean no longer having to enter a gate and navigate the entire concourse to find your seat.   Return on Investment   5 Tickets to UCF games start at around $50 to $75 and go up from there. Students can also purchase student-guest tickets on the day of the game on a first-come first-served basis, for guests to sit in the student section with them. With ticket prices for top-level college football in Florida’s great weather, it won’t break the bank to take the family or friends to a game on a given Saturday. In addition, with concession prices also low and with top quality food, you can also feel comfortable knowing getting a bite to eat won’t cost an arm and a leg. But you want to get your tickets early, as they sell out frequently many months ahead of time before the season even begins, regardless of the Knights current record.   Extras   4 Outside the main entrance to FBC Mortgage Stadium stands a statue of former head coach George O’Leary; it is a popular photo spot for fans. Before the game, fans can also watch the players arrive at the stadium and walk inside during the Knight Walk. After that, the March to Victory features a horse-riding knight clad in golden armor who rides into the facility before kickoff, alongside a miniature pony named Nugget, with the marching band in full parade behind them. This march starts in the tailgating areas near Addition Financial Arena  and proceeds into the stadium after marching past the fans outside. Pre-game concerts also feature local stars, from cover bands to Shaq, aka DJ Diesel. In addition, several games feature flyovers, and smoke machines were added throughout the stadium in 2023 to go off whenever a touchdown is scored.   Final Thoughts While many may not think of UCF when it comes to the best college experiences in Florida, the team has quickly turned that opinion around for fans who have entered the gates at FBC Mortgage Stadium. A growing and expanding program like UCF warrants increased interest from fans, and it is easy to see why they are flocking to Orlando. A visit to Orlando’s hometown team is almost now a must-see for any sports fan traveling through the state of Florida.

Photo by Eric Moreno, Stadium Journey At a press conference on Monday, November 18th, the Houston Astros announced a new naming rights partner for their home ballpark that will go into effect in January 2025. The ballclub announced a 15-year rights partnership with Daikin Comfort Technologies, a company that labels itself as a “leading global indoor comfort solutions provider”. The stadium will be known going forward as Daikin Park . When the Astros new park opened in 2000, it was known as Enron Field until 2002. The Coca-Cola Company took over branding rights in 2002, with the park rechristened as Minute Maid Park . “We want to thank Minute Maid and The Coca-Cola Company for their longstanding commitment to our ballpark,” Astros owner Jim Crane said in a statement. "Minute Maid came on board at a very critical time in our history and we are thrilled they will continue to remain a partner of the Astros for many years to come”. The energy company known as Enron originally had a 30-year naming rights agreement before its shocking bankruptcy and dissolution in 2001. The new agreement with Daikin runs through the 2039 season. “We hope to make that name present and popular around town,” Crane said at the press conference. “We’ve had the honor and the privilege to spend a lot of time with the Daikin team at all levels and get more excited about the partnership in each and every engagement we have with them. They’re truly a world-class organization”. According to a release from the Astros, Daikin develops, manufactures, sells, and supports heating, ventilation, air conditioning, and refrigeration equipment. The company has more than 98,000 employees worldwide, including 10,000 in the Houston area. Daikin operates a 4.2 million square foot campus in Waller, Texas, which is about 45 minutes northwest of downtown. “We strongly believe that Daikin shares the values of business excellence, employee engagement and commitment to the community and are perfectly aligned with the Astros,” Crane said. “And this partnership brings two very great brands together”. Photo by Eric Moreno, Stadium Journey Minute Maid Park played home to the greatest successes in Astros history – the team made five World Series appearances as tenants of the park, winning titles in 2017 and 2022. The ballpark was also home to the 2004 MLB All-Star Game. “Daikin fit all of the criteria we set out to find in a naming rights partner,” said Matt Brand, the Astros senior vice president of corporate partnerships and special events at the press conference. “Their name and reputation fit our iconic downtown Houston home, and their values mesh perfectly with those of the Astros. We are grateful to partner with the entire Daikin team and to help them succeed in their business goals. Daikin Park will be a special place for our fans for many years to come”. Minute Maid, which will continue to be a partner of the Houston Astros through 2029, has signage on the interior and exterior of the ballpark that will have to be replaced by January 1st. Houston opens the 2025 season on March 27 against the New York Mets  in what will be the first game at Daikin Park. ---- Follow Eric Moreno's Stadium Journey on Twitter at @EricMoreno6477 .

For over three decades, Populous has developed an extensive and impressive portfolio of stadiums, arenas, and event venues from around the world. According to the firm’s website, “Populous is a global design firm that began with a singular focus - to draw people together around the things they love, through experiences that capture all the senses, amplifying the atmosphere of excitement and pure joy shared in human moments” (https://populous.com/). In the NFL alone, Populous has had their hand on over a dozen NFL venues, whether they designed them from scratch like the State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Arizona, or renovations like the current Highmark Stadium in Buffalo, New York. Stadium Journey had the honor and pleasure of interviewing Scott Radecic, the founder and senior principal planner of Populous. We discussed how the NFL fan experience is evolving through design, whether it’s through the latest in technology, or the broader trends shaping the future of sports venues. Scott has an unique perspective on stadium design. Prior to founding Populous, Scott had an impressive collegiate football career that included a national championship at Penn State University. He went on to play twelve seasons as a linebacker in the NFL. Since he hung up his cleats, Scott has worked with 13 NFL teams, and over 50 colleges and universities to design new, or improve existing sporting venues. Stadium Journey (SJ): From your biography, it’s evident you’ve spent a lot of time in football stadiums. When did your passion for stadium design begin, and what are some of your biggest inspirations or influences in the field of sports architecture? Scott Radecic (SR): My passion for stadium design began while I was still playing in the NFL. At that time, my focus centered around playing and potentially coaching. Yet, by having a degree in architectural engineering, the idea of a second career designing and constructing stadiums clearly developed during my five off-seasons, while playing with the Indianapolis Colts. When I began interning at Populous, my desire to be on the design side of the game was quickly realized. Once I had been introduced to that world, it became a significant goal of mine to join the industry once I retired from the NFL. As for influences, I’ve been inspired by pioneers like Ron Labinski, who laid the foundation for sports as a specialty in architecture. Additionally, my work with Populous’ global design teams over the past three decades — from the U.S. to APAC and EMEA regions — has further enriched my perspective and appreciation of the industry. SJ: As a sports enthusiast myself, I’m constantly in awe of the new and innovative designs NFL stadiums have introduced to enhance the fan experience. For instance, the unique vantage point rise of bar seating and standing room only sections to view game action, instead of merely from your ticketed seat. What are some of the most innovative features you've incorporated into recent stadium designs? SR: While working closely with the NFL, I’ve had the great pleasure to implement some groundbreaking features into the league. For example, we introduced the first pool in an NFL stadium in Jacksonville, offering a unique and fun game day experience for fans. Also, integrating on-field experiences like tunnel clubs, where fans have exclusive access to players, equivalent to a backstage area in a concert venue. Specifically, the new Buffalo Bills NFL Stadium (Highmark Stadium, coming in 2026) will take innovation even further. It will be the first NFL stadium that will provide all food & beverages to their attendees via market places. There will not be any belly-up concessions, so fans will enter each market place to select their favorite foods — which are all freshly prepared and ready for purchase — providing a seamless fan experience. We will also be the first to offer general admission standing room-only on the field, bringing fans closer than ever to the action. Additionally, we’re also designing the closest concourse to an NFL field, located only 12 feet above the field. SJ: How do you ensure that the design maximizes the fan experience, both in terms of sightlines, acoustics and amenities? SR: Each design we create at Populous is tailored to the unique culture of the organization, city and fan base. Our team conducts in-depth fan research to truly understand what they want in a stadium experience. Populous is constantly refining our industry-best sightline criteria, balancing science, architecture and design to curate intimate yet exciting atmospheres. We also focus heavily on acoustics, ultimately enhancing the sense of connection, noise and energy within the space which greatly supports the product on the field. By offering a range of diverse amenities — from intimate connection points to the field and new hospitality offerings — we ensure that fans have more ways to experience the game than just from their ticketed seats. SJ: What role do you think stadiums play in their communities beyond just hosting events? Can you give an example of how one of your designs has positively impacted its local community economically and socially? SR: Stadiums are often the catalysts for broader economic and social development, which offers visibility to cities and supports tourism efforts as well. A great example of Populous’ work in this area is Coors Field in Denver, which revitalized the area and attracted businesses, restaurants and a vibrant community to its surrounding area. Similarly, the Populous-designed Petco Park in San Diego was a project that successfully transformed its surrounding area, spurring economic growth and creating a lively hub that is continuing to thrive. Today, stadiums continue to provide their cities with more multi-functional spaces. When designed thoughtfully, they truly become new assets to the community beyond game day. SJ: Accessibility has become a major source of attention when building codes in new and renovated structures. Most of the requirements are focused on the physically disabled. ESPN recently wrote an article about the difficulty millions of sports fans have attending games who have non-apparent, or invisible disabilities. The article interviewed a woman with Lupus, two brothers with autism, a legally deaf woman and a man with low vision. How have your designs incorporated the variety of needs fans could use for an enhanced experience at a game? SR: At Populous, we put great emphasis on prioritizing accessibility and inclusivity from the earliest stages of planning. We design for a range of needs, from physical disabilities to invisible ones, like emotional or behavioral conditions. For physical access, we ensure the proper accommodations are available in seating, building navigation and parking. For fans with sensory needs, we provide parent lounges, sensory rooms and wayfinding systems to aid those who may have visual impairments. For fans who are hard of hearing, we have included closed captioning for game and PA announcements in the bowl. Our goal is to create as inclusive of an environment as possible, where every fan feels welcome and can enjoy the event. SJ: How do you envision the future of sports architecture evolving over the next decade? SR: I envision growth in the areas of adaptable seating, advanced food and beverage technology and more diverse hospitality options. New audio-visual and security technologies will also play a big role in shaping the stadiums of the future. As we respond to changing demographics and emerging needs, our designs will continue to prioritize immersive, engaging and safe experiences. The future of sports architecture is very dynamic. Populous is constantly researching what could be next in stadiums, arenas and thoughtful design. As sports evolve, so do fan expectations — especially with technology and social experiences taking on greater importance in the fan experience. SJ: How do you hope your work will be remembered or impact the field of architecture? SR: My goal is to leave a legacy of stadiums that not only serve their immediate purpose but also contribute positively to the communities and fans they serve. I hope that my work will be remembered for its ability to translate experiences that fans are looking for into reality. Listening closely to the needs of fans, strategic thinking, problem-solving and commitment to innovation, communities and teams – I strive to push boundaries and create experiences that inspire and connect people.

Photos by Marc Viquez Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.00 Banterra Center Highway 51 South Carbondale, IL 62901 Southern Illinois Salukis website Banterra Center website Year Opened: 1964 Capacity: 9,628 With the New at SIU In Carbondale, Illinois, what is old is new again. SIU Arena, which originally opened in 1964, has a new lease on life. In 2010, Southern Illinois University completed a $29.9 million renovation that included new seating throughout the lower and upper areas, improved accessibility and entrances to meet Americans with Disabilities Act requirements, middle handrails at all aisles, improved concessions, additional restrooms and fan amenities on the upper level, a new scoreboard and other aesthetic and functional improvements. The biggest improvement to the 8,339-seat facility is the newly constructed atrium on the east side of the facility. Inside the atrium, which is now the main entrance to SIU Arena, fans can visit the SIU Team Store, take a stroll down memory lane with the SIU Hall of Fame, or sit back and watch the children play with the inflatable basketball goals. Once inside the main walkway of the arena, fans are treated to painted murals of famous moments in SIU Basketball history. Inside the bowl area, all seats are either newly furnished chair backs or newly installed bleachers that are made with a soft feel and strong support behind your back. Note: After 55 years, the venue known as SIU Arena changed its name to Banterra Center in May 2019. Food & Beverage 3 The food and beverage at the concession stands are on par with what you will find at just about every other arena in college basketball. Both the prices and items struck me as basic and average. If you do buy something at the concession stand, make sure you pay $4.50 for a beverage that comes with a Salukis souvenir cup. The cup is made of high-quality materials and makes for a good keepsake to remember SIU Arena. If you walk around the main level, there is one stand you must check out. That stand is the “Just Nuts” stand. The smell and aroma of these sweetened nuts can be sensed throughout the entire arena. This stand makes SIU Arena unique in the MVC Food & Beverage category. Atmosphere 5 The atmosphere is phenomenal inside SIU Arena. The Salukis did a good job of renovating SIU Arena so that the vast majority of the facility displayed the team’s color- maroon. The Salukis also did a great job turning an arena that is now almost 50 years old into an arena that is easily one of the best in the Missouri Valley Conference. One thing that stuck out to me was the banners displayed on the inside of the arena. Behind one corner was a “Salukis In The NBA” banner that showed all of the SIU players that have gone on to the NBA, while another corner had a “Salukis In The Sweet 16” banner that showed the years that SIU made it to the NCAA Sweet Sixteen. The main thing that you should take away from SIU Arena is that old and new can work in harmony together. SIU needed an arena that brought them into the 21st century of college basketball arenas. At the same time, they needed to retain the history, nostalgia, and memories of SIU Arena. What they came up with was a renovated SIU Arena that is no doubt a must-see! Neighborhood 4 Although it’s in a state of transition, the neighborhood around SIU Arena is already displaying great potential. A few years ago, SIU unveiled a plan called “Saluki Way,” which called for the construction of a new football stadium (completed), construction of new classroom buildings, and construction of new dormitories to be completed in 3 Phases. Already, the area south of SIU Arena is beginning to show how nice the surrounding area will be once completed. Just south of SIU Arena, you will find a small waterfall and creek, a statue of a Saluki, and maroon-painted bricks to reinforce the SIU image. If you’re looking for food and retail, you’ll have to go north and past campus for these amenities. I highly recommend going down Southern Illinois Avenue if you are searching for food. Although there wasn’t one restaurant that stuck out to me, I did notice a variety of affordable and unique Italian, Mexican, Chinese, and American restaurants. As far as retail goes, make sure you visit University Mall, which is on State Road 13 between Carbondale and Interstate 57. Anything you want, University Mall has it. Fans 4 I was impressed at how passionate the fans of SIU were, given that their team is currently struggling in the MVC. If no one gave you any background information before the game, you would think that the Salukis were battling for a Final Four spot. With the 2010 renovations, SIU Arena does a good job of keeping the crowd noise loud, the stands at near capacity, and the focus on the court. When you walk around the SIU arena, you quickly realize that SIU Basketball isn’t just a game, it’s a way of life in Carbondale. Access 5 At first, the parking arrangement confused me as all lots on the north and west sides of the arena were for those with parking passes. But if you travel to the south side of the arena, which can be easily reached by State Road 51/ Southern Illinois Avenue, you will find both a parking lot for those with passes as well as a bigger parking lot for those who don’t have a pass. Most importantly, the lot is free. How many other arenas have a free parking lot next to them? Something that made my day was the event security police. As I drove around the arena, the police who were directing traffic quickly realized that I was lost and from out of town. They went out of their way to make sure that I found the free parking lot on the south side of SIU Arena. They also did a great job of dividing traffic up between those who had a pass and those who didn’t. It’s always good to be helped by arena staff both inside the venue as well as outside in the parking lot! Return on Investment 5 Not only were tickets an affordable $15, but they also come with a comfy seat. Whether you are sitting in the cushioned chair backs, which account for the vast majority of seating, or the newly enhanced bleachers, you will be sitting in comfort during the entire game. Another great thing about SIU Arena is that it also serves as a great history lesson for SIU Basketball. All one has to do is visit the SIU Hall of Fame, walk around the main level of the arena, or take a look around at the banners, and they will instantly be thrust into the glory of SIU basketball. Extras 4 I give SIU one point for the renovations they have done to SIU Arena. As someone who values arena history and modern amenities at the same time, it means a lot to me for SIU to preserve its deep basketball history inside of this arena. I give SIU one point for their banners of past Saluki greats. The banner that stuck out to me most was that of NBA legend Walt Frazier. I get goosebumps just looking at it inside the nostalgic SIU Arena. I give SIU one point for developing a comprehensive master plan around SIU Arena. Although I’m not a fan of McAndrew Stadium being demolished, I am impressed with the new Saluki Stadium, the new atrium attached to SIU Arena, and the ease and walkability of the campus around SIU Arena. I give SIU one point for the look and design that they have created at SIU Arena. No matter what part of the arena you are in, you will always be surrounded by the team’s maroon color and legendary photos of former and current SIU players. SIU Arena is just one of those places you have to see for yourself how great of an environment it is.

Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.29 Etihad Stadium Rowsley St Manchester, England M11 3FF United Kingdom Manchester City FC website Etihad Stadium website Year Opened: 2002 Capacity: 47,805 Manchester City’s Etihad Stadium Originally featured Oct 20,2019 After playing for 80 years (1923–2003) at historic Maine Road, Manchester City Football Club decided it was time to leave its outdated ground. Therefore, in August 2003, it decided to move to the new City of Manchester Stadium. In 2002, the first public event at that stadium was the Commonwealth Games (the stadium had a capacity of 41,000 at that time). Just after these Games, it became public that Manchester City would become the new tenants of the ground. With that decision, they broke the hearts of their most loyal fans, but a move was inevitable to keep up with the top teams in English football. Manchester City spent £20 million in rebuilding what was then called City of Manchester Stadium. The running track was removed, the pitch was lowered by some 6 metres, and another tier was added close to the ground (this lower tier became the 1st tier). This tier added a further 7,000 seats to the existing capacity. Manchester City announced in 2011 a sponsorship deal with Etihad Airways. The stadium was renamed to Etihad Stadium for the next 10 years. The sheiks from Abu Dhabi didn’t buy just a new name for the stadium, though. The owner of the club, Sheikh Mansour, invested his oil dollars big time to strengthen the squad. Many top players joined Manchester City in the last couple of years, which resulted in winning the team’s first Premier League title in 2012 and the first top-flight title for the team in 44 years. Now, the main task for the club is to conquer Europe and win the Champions League. Spanish giants Real Madrid are their big example, as they have won this title already 9 times. The capacity of the stadium is now 55,097 and features a toroidal-shaped roof that is held together by a tension system. The roof of the stadium runs all around the stadium and is lower behind both ends, giving it a spectacular view. Both stands on the long side of the pitch are almost identical by being three-tiered, with a row of executive suites between the second and third tier. The stadium also has two large video screens in opposite corners of the ground. Etihad Stadium is the centerpiece of Etihad Campus and also includes the Academy Stadium, team world headquarters, an indoor pitch, and the academy building that is linked with the main football stadium by a 60-meter pedestrian bridge. The 7,000-seat Academy Stadium offers amenities found on major grounds, including a press room, board room, offices, and retail space. Food & Beverage 5 There is a large variety of food, including burgers, hot dogs, chips, and several pies (steak, chicken Balti, and veggie). Multiple food kiosks are offering more options of fish and chips, curry, nachos, pizza, and street food. Of course, there is also a large choice of sodas and beers available inside the stadium. A pint of beer will cost you £4 or £5, and you can choose from John Smith’s, Forster’s, and Strongbow. Please note that it’s not allowed to bring beer into the stands. Atmosphere 4 City Square is home to the Summerbee Bar and the family-friendly Blue Moon Cafe, which opens two and a half hours before the game, featuring more menu items, live music, and three large screens. It is a great way to kick things off at your City experience and grab a bite and a pint before the game. The blue carpet experience takes place outside the Colin Bell stand entrance, where fans can hold their hands out to greet City players as they walk into the stadium. If you have any questions, just look for one of the many Playmakers who are dressed in yellow to assist with any questions that guests may have while offering free goodies if you are kind enough to ask. The blue carpet experience takes place outside the Colin Bell stand entrance, where fans can hold their hands out to greet City players as they walk into the stadium. If you have any questions, just look for one of the many Playmakers who are dressed in yellow to assist with any questions that guests may have while offering free goodies if you are kind enough to ask. The Manchester City Shop has been revamped to reflect the club’s new jersey manufacturer Puma. Inside, fans can choose from multiple items, from kits, shirts, jackets, hats, and souvenirs, and also view the Blues trophies that are on display, including the Carabao Cup, FA Cup, Community Shield, and Premier League championship. City supporters have various chants and begin the game with the singing of “Blue Moon.” Other anthems at the stadium include the club’s unofficial “Boys in Blue,” which is played at the end of matches in the Eastlands. The other chants that can be heard include “Singing the Blues,” “Super City,” “Yaya and Kolo,” and “We’re Not Here” The Manchester City mascots are a pair of friendly, funny-looking creatures with big ears called Moonchester and Moonbeam. They sometimes take a seat in the stands and watch the match alongside the spectators. Interested in how these creatures look? Just check out the photos above. Neighborhood 4 There aren’t too many pubs around the ground, so most fans prefer to drink in the center of Manchester before making the walk to the stadium. As the stadium is more or less situated in a residential area, the pubs are rare. But there is a large area just outside the stadium, especially for fans who attend the match. There are a couple of large bars where you can buy your drinks and your regular stadium food. There is also a big stage with large LCD screens showing everything (like interviews and match highlights) of Manchester City Football Club. A few bars located near the stadium included The Bank, which dates back to the early 19th century, the Gray Horse Inn, a small little space, The Manchester, and The Eastlands. However, Mary D’Bemish Bar is a must if heading to the game. The bar houses a massive drinking hall that is dripping with football culture. While in town, The National Football Museum is England’s national museum of football. It is located in Manchester city center and preserves, conserves, and displays important collections of football memorabilia. City residents are allowed in for free, but it will cost £10 for all other adults and £5 for children 5-15. The Science and Industry Museum is devoted to the development of science, technology, and industry with an emphasis on the city’s achievements in these fields. According to its website, The Lowry is committed to using visual and performing arts to enrich people’s lives. We present audiences with a diverse program of theatre, opera, musicals, dance, music, comedy, and visual art. Fans 4 The fans were friendly. There was no tension at all in and around the ground. Manchester City has a large fanbase in the UK and attracts supporters mostly from Manchester itself. Since moving to the Etihad Stadium, the average attendance has been in the top five in England. Supporters are loyal to the Sky Blues, and the supporter groups are known to sing and chant throughout the 90 minutes of football. Access 5 The stadium is located in the east of Manchester and is about 2.5 kilometers away from Manchester’s city center. A walk from the city center to the stadium takes you about 30 minutes. The easiest way to travel to the stadium is via the Metrolink, which connects Piccadilly Station and runs every 6 minutes during match days; it is located directly with the Etihad Stadium. Busses lined up on Ashton New Road next to the South Stand. If you are arriving by car, the stadium provides lots for £10. It should be noted that there are road closures after the game to allow visitors to leave the stadium safely. These roads are Ashton New Road, Grey Mare Lane, and Merrill Street. When you arrive by car, leave the M62 at Junction 18. It is highly suggested to arrive early to soak up the City experience at the City Square that was mentioned earlier in this review. It is also a great place to spend some time after the game while the traffic dissipates to enjoy highlights on the TV screens, player interviews, and other events. Return on Investment 4 The ticket pricing depends on who City is playing and can be found for as low as £27.50 for games against Burnley but increases to £51.50 for matches against Aston Villa. Then, some games are sold out well in advance against cross-town rivals Manchester United and other heavy hitters Everton, Arsenal, and Liverpool. The key is to plan if you are looking to purchase the most affordable tickets. Concession items are reasonably priced, with pints of lager ranging around £5 and pies costing around £4 apiece. However, items in the city store can get somewhat expensive but on par with other teams in the league. Extras 5 Manchester City offers guided stadium tours around the Etihad, which include visits to the players’ tunnel, some parts of the stands, the dressing room, and the press conference room. Stadium tours are £25 and have been improved in recent times, including new interactive exhibits with holographic content and a 360-degree cinema experience. Another bonus is the famous players in the first team squad: Joe Hart, Maicon, Vincent Kompany (captain), James Milner, Samir Nasri, Edin Džeko, Sergio Kun Agüero, Gareth Barry, David Silva, Carlos Tévez, Kolo, and Yaya Touré (vice-captain), and Mario Balotelli are just a few names you will see when visiting a home match at the Etihad Stadium. Final Thoughts It was an amazing day and a great experience! It was worth the £35.00 which I paid for my ticket, and I would come back to the Etihad Stadium any time, as fans of Manchester City Football Club were very approachable and very friendly. Great stadium, great team, and great players.

Photos by Richard Smith, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.29 Horst Athletic Center 901 Eden Rd Lancaster, PA 17601 Lancaster Bible Chargers website Horst Athletic Center website Year Opened: 1975 Capacity: 655 Bible Chargers Lancaster Bible College is a private Bible college in Lancaster, Pennsylvania that is also home to the Capital Seminary and Graduate School. The college was founded in 1933 as the Lancaster School of the Bible. The school became a college in 1973 and started offering Bachelor of Science in Bible degrees in 1981. The college now grants six bachelor's degrees, one associate degree, and two one-year certificates in addition to six master's degrees, nine graduate certificates, and three doctorate programs in Leadership, Biblical Studies, and Ministry. Lancaster Bible College teams are members of the National Christian College Athletic Association (NCCAA) Division I and the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) Division III. In the NCAA, The Chargers are a member of the NCAA's United East Conference. Men's sports include baseball, basketball, cross country, soccer, tennis, and volleyball; while women's sports include basketball, cross country, field hockey, golf, lacrosse, soccer, softball, tennis, and volleyball. The Horst Athletic Center is home to the Lancaster Bible College Men's & Women's Basketball programs, as well as the Men's & Women's Volleyball programs. The gymnasium was built in 1975 and renovated prior to the 2015-16 academic year. Food & Beverage 2 There is a very simple concession stand located inside the gym itself. Although it has a simple menu the food choices were good and the product of good quality and cheap. The concession stand may not be open for all volleyball matches but there is a snack machine located at the main entrance. Atmosphere 4 The Horst Athletic Center has chairback seating on one side and bleachers on the other. It is a small gym but the atmosphere is top-notch. The gym is loud and fans seem to be very involved in the action. There are only simple scoreboards and no cheerleaders or mascots seen. The lack of these does not lower the atmosphere score. Neighborhood 3 The college is located in a suburban area of Lancaster. You may want to venture to downtown Lancaster for interesting options pre- and post-game. Besides downtown, the main commercial areas of the Lancaster area are the outlets area east on Route 30 and surrounding the Park City Center Shopping Mall north of downtown. Nearby Lititz is also a good option as it has numerous food and shopping options. Fans 4 The fans are loud and engaged in the action. Everyone is close to the action and fans seem to really enjoy games here at this small gym. Access 4 Lancaster is an easy area to navigate. Routes 30 and 222 are well-known, large roads that any tourist visitor to the area will be more than familiar with. Even though the college is located in a busy town, you will seldom find traffic to be too bad.  Lancaster is located about half an hour from the state capital Harrisburg. It is also about an hour and a half to Baltimore and the same distance to Philadelphia. There are many parking spaces around the college. Return on Investment 4 The cost of the game was $7 and the food prices were also very fair. It may not be the highest level of college basketball but the return on investment is quite good. Extras 2 The college is an interesting visit on its own. There is a nice soccer stadium and other sports facilities nearby. There is a nice little disc golf course right near the Horst Athletic Center. Final Thoughts Lancaster Bible College plays at one of the lower levels of college basketball, but the games presented here are fun and it is certainly an experience that a true sports fan should experience if in the area.

Photos by Terry McCutchen, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.29 Forrest Field 800 1st Street Hawley, TX 79525 Hawley Bearcats website Forrest Field website Year Opened: 1968 Capacity: 2,212 Hawley ISD Hawley, Texas, is a bedroom community 10 miles northwest of Abilene in what is commonly referred to as The Big Country. Like many rural towns, the school is the center of activity and a source of unity and pride for the town – on fall Friday nights, this is evident as the town shuts down and most residents head to the local football field to watch the Hawley Bearcats play. The Hawley Bearcats play their home football games at Forrest Field, named after Wayne Forrest, a longtime educator at Hawley ISD.   Food & Beverage   4 Two telltale signs let you know that the concession stand food is going to be good – when the FFA are the sponsors or smoke billows from a homemade grill out back, you know the offerings will be top-notch. At Forrest Field, both of these phenomena converge. There are no specialty items here, but the traditional offerings are very good. Pulled pork sandwiches, sausage wraps, nachos, and Frito pie are all popular options ($4-$6 each). Also, with the ability to add ballpark cheese or chili to any offering, the palette can easily be satisfied. Fans can also snack on candy, chips, pickles, popcorn, Coca-Cola products, Gatorade, sweet tea, or bottled water – bottled water, pickles, and chips are only $1, while other drinks and candy cost $2.   Atmosphere   3 Hawley, like many small Texas towns, often has more people in attendance at football games than its official population. The game I most recently attended happened to be Homecoming, which brought slightly more than the normal number of fans. Both teams used large run-through tunnels for their entrances, but the Bearcats also utilized smoke and a large horn as a noisemaker after scoring plays and turnovers. The Bearcat band plays consistently from the stands to encourage crowd interaction while elementary school-aged children entertain themselves by playing on an adjacent practice field as the bigger Bearcats are competing for real.   Neighborhood   3 Hawley is a small bedroom community 12 miles northwest of Abilene. The only restaurant open in Hawley in the evening is Jiffy Lunch and Pizza, but a new, large Allsup’s convenience store is open 24 hours. I would suggest a “World Famous” burrito or chimi as a post-game snack for the road if you’ve never tried one. Abilene and Anson are within 15 minutes in either direction on US-277, so quality fare is available before the game if desired. If you are traveling from the north and eating in Anson, you might try Oscar’s Mexican Restaurant or the legendary Hatahoe Diner, which has been serving locals since 1963. In addition, Abilene has numerous palette-pleasing options for any price point just off Interstate 20 as you drive through – some quality suggestions include Twisted Root Burgers, Cork & Pig Tavern, Chili’s, or Mexico Viejo Bar & Grill.   Fans   3 The crowd at the Bearcat game I most recently attended was standing room only, boosted due to the Homecoming festivities; the stands were full, and the fence was lined two people deep trying to catch a glimpse of the action. About most schools, Hawley is a small school with roughly 230 students in grades 9-12. When considering the number of students involved in cheerleading, volleyball, football, and band, as well as manning the concession stand, there aren’t many left to be fans. So, most of the students in the student section were junior high students and were involved in cheering for their Bearcats. Many elementary-aged students could also be seen playing on the adjacent open practice field behind the football field to the east, beside the concession stand.   Access   4 Forrest Field sits behind Hawley High School and Middle School on 1st Street. There is ample parking in and around the schools and along 1st Street. There is also parking in front of the school on Avenue H and off 5th Street. All parking is just a short walk to the entrance gates on either end of the stadium. Once inside the stadium, fans have access to both sides of the field. There are nice, modern restroom facilities available on both the visitor and home sides of the field. The concession stand is located in the southeast corner of the stadium and is sponsored by the school’s Ag department.   Return On Investment   4 Ticket prices were highly reasonable for the game – adult tickets cost $5 at the gate, while school-aged student tickets are only two or three dollars. The Bearcats are a well-coached football team and play hard. The band and cheerleaders do well to pump up the crowd during stoppages in the action and during halftime. When combined with the ability to purchase a quality, fully smoked pork sandwich supper and leave with enough change from a $20 bill to get an Allsup’s time for the drive home, you have an affordable evening of entertainment at Forrest Field.   Extras   2 The view of a West Texas sunset is best experienced in person. The nontraditional northeast-to-southwest orientation of Forrest Field creates a picturesque backdrop as the sun dips below the horizon. With multiple points of entry and 360-degree access around the field, movement to sitting anywhere while still being able to keep up with the action on the field is possible.   Final Thoughts The pageantry and pride displayed by two competing high schools on a random fall Friday night in rural Texas is a cultural experience like none other. There are not many events that exhibit the heartbeat of a community more clearly and deeply than a varsity football game; a visit to Forrest Field in Hawley to experience the Friday night lights provides the backdrop for such an occasion. My most recent visit was an enjoyable and entertaining evening. I was able to watch quality football, sample an excellent hamburger, and witness several students being recognized for their leadership and achievements as they served on the homecoming court. I would encourage you to make plans to visit Hawley and catch the Bearcats in action if you are ever in the Jones County area on a fall Friday.

Photos by David Welch, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.00 McCamish Pavilion 965 Fowler St Atlanta, GA 30332 Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets website Hank McCamish Pavilion website Year Opened: 1956 Capacity: 8,600 McCamish Pavilion – Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets Basketball has been played at the Georgia Institute of Technology since the early 1900s. One of its earliest leaders was college football legend John Heisman, who served not just as the second basketball coach in the school’s history, but also its football and baseball coach during his tenure. It would be under William Alexander, who like Heisman, led both the Yellow Jackets’ football and basketball programs, where the Jackets would find stability as an established program. Following a rotation of coaches in its early history, Georgia Tech would enjoy its first sustained success under head coach Whack Hyder through the 1950s into the 1970s, but it would be under the leadership of Bobby Cremins from the early 1980s to 2000, that the Yellow Jackets would prove themselves as a program to be reckoned with on the national scene. Georgia Tech has spent time as an independent program, as well as members of the Southern Conference, SEC, Metro Conference, and as a part of the ACC since the 1979-80 season. Previously named the Alexander Memorial Coliseum, the venue has served as the host of not just Georgia Tech’s men’s and women’s basketball  teams, but also as an occasional venue for Georgia Tech volleyball , the initial home of the Atlanta Dream , and as a temporary location for the Atlanta Hawks when State Farm Arena replaced The Omni, as well as boxing during the 1996 Olympic Games.   Food & Beverage   4 Concessions go a bit beyond common arena food and beverages – the typical hot dogs, nachos with cheese dipping sauce, popcorn, and pretzels are readily available at any of the concession stands. Individual sized Papa John’s pizzas are also an option. However, the largest of the concession stands does go further with their offerings, including a limited menu from Sonny’s BBQ showcasing pulled pork and chicken sandwiches, nachos, BBQ egg rolls, and even smoked wings. In addition, a limited Chick-fil-A menu consists of original and spicy chicken sandwiches, as well as grilled chicken wraps. Sweet treats at McCamish Pavilion include your typical packaged candy, Philadelphia water ice, and Elise organic ice cream, while beverages include items from the Coca-Cola line of soft drinks, along with lemonade and iced tea at the Chick-fil-A counter. Alcoholic beverages here include beer from the Budweiser line, Bud Lite seltzers, Nutrl vodka seltzers, and Line 39 and Stella Rosa canned wines. Georgia Tech has also partnered with New Realm Brewing Company for two signature brews, Ale of an Engineer and Helluvienna Lager. New Realm’s flagship beer, Hazy Like a Fox IPA is also available.   Atmosphere   4 The in-game atmosphere at McCamish Pavilion is a nice balance of Georgia Tech traditions and modern stadium entertainment that keeps fans both well engaged and entertained. Following major upgrades that were completed in 2012, the bones of the arena remained, but the feel of both the exterior and interior received a drastic makeover – the exterior added a large glass entry and industrial modern décor, while the interior moved from a bright white paint job to a more theatric dark ambiance. The main seating bowl was altered from a bit of a pit set up, similar to the layout of Clemson’s Littlejohn Coliseum prior to its renovations, to more of an athletic performance layout. Throughout the game, Tech uses a classic college basketball presentation to complement the game; the pep band typically plays a few of the school’s favorite pieces before breaks in the action are turned over to the in-house DJ, who blends in popular music paired with scoreboard pieces to fill the break, before bringing the focus back to the game. It is a nice mix of keeping the traditions of the game alive, as well as keeping up with modern fan interests. Much like any of the top college athletic experiences in the country, Georgia Tech does an outstanding job creating a consistent brand across all its athletic programs. One of those traditions is the popular Bavarian notes of the “Georgia Tech Budweiser Song”, where fans quickly jump to their feet in unison, toss their arms around those seated around them, and alternate bobbing up and down like the pistons of an engine, in anticipation of calling out “when you’ve said Buuuuuudweiser, you’ve said it all!”. Neighborhood   5 The Georgia Tech campus is in Atlanta’s midtown neighborhood – McCamish Pavilion itself is on the northern most reaches of campus, in an athletics neighborhood of sorts, which also boasts the tennis complex, outdoor track, volleyball’s O’Keefe Gym , softball’s Shirley Clement Mewborn Field, and baseball’s MacNease Ballpark at Russ Chandler Stadium . Tech’s campus will never be confused with being a college town by any means, but if strolling the heart of campus, it can be easy to forget you are in one of the nation’s largest metropolitan areas. Being in Midtown, the area around Georgia Tech provides near endless food and entertainment choices. Just across the Downtown Connector, several entertainment venues and restaurants line Peachtree Street; within a mile of McCamish are three iconic Atlanta eateries – The Vortex (burgers), Antico Pizza Napoletana, and The Varsity’s diner style burgers and hot dogs. Tech is also only slightly over a mile away from Centennial Olympic Park, surrounded by attractions like the Georgia Aquarium and the College Football Hall of Fame. In addition, the Georgia Tech Hotel and Conference Center is conveniently located near campus, but is just one of several lodging options in the area.   Fans   3 McCamish Pavilion takes a bit of warming up to fill – early season contests are rather lightly attended with crowds running 3,000 to 4,000. Once the Yellow Jackets hit the conference portion of their schedule, however, typical attendance grows to 5,000 or 6,000. By contrast, games against the heavyweights in the ACC, specifically Duke  and North Carolina , as well as the bi-annual visit from the in-state rival Georgia Bulldogs , commonly fill the 8,600-seat arena. The students are the lifeblood of the top college basketball experiences in the country, and the Yellow Jackets are no different. At Tech, while early season games may only have a modest gathering of students filling the courtside seating across from the team benches, they certainly pack the full allotment of their designated seating once the ACC schedule begins, and the pep band joins them along the visiting baseline. Even with smaller crowds early in the season, energy levels at McCamish Pavilion stay high, and much of that credit should be paid to the students who are in attendance, and to the pep band for their involvement when not performing.   Access   4 Getting to McCamish Pavilion for a Yellow Jackets game may pose some challenges, but knowing some of the workarounds can ease some of the traffic frustrations. McCamish Pavilion is located off Atlanta's Downtown Connector, just off 10th Street in Midtown Atlanta – this area of Atlanta is often extremely congested, from the highways and access roads to the surface streets. For fans coming from the northwest side of Atlanta via I-75, moving to the right at first sight of the 16th, 14th, and 10th Street exit signs will alleviate difficulties with merging at the last moment; easy rule of thumb – when in doubt, merge right. For those on I-85, taking the opportunity to turn right onto Techwood Drive can help avoid congestion on the exit ramp. Unfortunately, fans arriving from the south via the Williams Street exit may not experience the same relief from the backups along 10th Street. While Atlanta does have a serviceable subway system, MARTA, its reach is somewhat limited. Also, while not completely a deterrent, the most accessible stop for McCamish Pavilion leaves about a half mile walk. What is nice though, especially if flying in for a game, is that MARTA does provide direct service from Atlanta’s airport. Given the number of hotels, restaurants, and attractions located in proximity of the MARTA stops, it certainly is convenient for out-of-town visitors. With Tech’s location in the heart of Midtown Atlanta, it limits the amount of parking available in immediate proximity to McCamish Pavilion, though parking decks are available within a short walk to the south and west. Once inside the venue, the main level concourse does seem a bit tight given the majority of the seating is at court level, whereas the upper level has limited seating but its walkways seem much wider. Early season games with their lower attendance numbers don’t seem to have much of an issue, but when attendance swells during the ACC schedule, it can create some navigational challenges.   Return on Investment   4 When considering the return on investment for Georgia Tech men’s basketball, much of the cost centers around who the Jackets are playing – non-conference games can run as low as $15, while a premium non-conference game against bitter rival Georgia starts at $50 for upper-level seats, and tickets against college basketball’s blue bloods such as Duke  and North Carolina  will begin at $75. Fees are kept to a minimum, which is nice in a time when add-on fees tend to be more punitive than the actual cost of doing business. Parking rates, at $15, seem to be consistent with what would be paid at similar sized programs, and are even possibly a bit on the low side. Concession prices though do seem to be a touch on the high side, with a basic hot dog going for $6. Though tickets for premium games can get expensive, there certainly is value to be found in the non-conference schedule, or in conference matchups against non-traditional foes. In all, there certainly is value to be found when attending a Georgia Tech men’s basketball game.   Extras   4 When McCamish Pavilion essentially replaced Alexander Memorial Coliseum, the old floor found a new purpose as trim around the new arena's support structures – the Yellow Jacket and “GT” logos from the old coliseum now adorn the ceilings and a section of the wall in the Calloway Club. Buzz, Georgia Tech's beloved mascot, roams the stands during games, engaging kids, students, and anyone eager for a photo opportunity; Buzz definitely puts in a full night’s work. The main entry and rafters recognize the history of Georgia Tech basketball, from players, coaches, and the long-time radio voice of Yellow Jackets basketball. Regular season and conference tournament titles, along with NCAA tournament appearances and achievements, are also on display, and recognized individually are the Yellow Jackets’ two trips to their NCAA Final Four. Those who want to avoid the immediate rush for the exits following the game will be rewarded with the fun of the pep band playing “The Horse” – fans, the band, and spirit squad members slide and clap along with the music until the break in the song, when all scatter about the arena to complete the performance. It is a bit of a silly/fun way to cap off the evening, even if you choose simply to be a spectator of it rather than a participant.   Final Thoughts While early season games do tend to lack the energy in the building when compared to the Yellow Jackets’ conference slate, the game presentation at McCamish Pavilion is a well thought out and choreographed presentation that highlights all that is great about college athletics.

Photo by Matt Fiedler, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.71 Trinity Health Stadium 250 Huyshope Ave Hartford, CT 06106 Hartford Athletic website Trinity Health Stadium website Year Opened: 1935 Capacity: 5,500 Soccer in the Nutmeg State The Hartford Athletic has been around since 2018 and in that short span of time the USL Championship league has seen a lot of change. New teams have been added and there’s a greater buzz for soccer as a whole in the U.S.A. in anticipation of the 2026 World Cup. The Hartford Athletic call Trinity Health Stadium home and it definitely provides a solid atmosphere to take in a soccer match. At 5,500 seats, the capacity isn’t gigantic but it isn’t tiny either. It provides an intimate venue where you won’t find a bad seat to take in the action. Trinity Health Stadium was initially known as Dillon Stadium and was built in 1935. In 2018, in anticipation of the Hartford Athletic coming into existence, the city of Hartford undertook a $10 million renovation to bring Trinity Health Stadium into the modern era. The result was a stadium that is perfect for minor league soccer and a place fans should definitely check out if they find themselves in central CT. Food & Beverage 5 Trinity Health Stadium has a great assortment of food and beverage to fit nearly every taste and craving. They have a unique mix of stationary concessions and food trucks. Fans can find plenty of the usual stadium fare like popcorn, hot dogs, pretzels, peanuts, and chips. There are also tasty items like southwest chicken wraps and ultimate nachos which can be found at the Fresh Classics Stand. Another great option for fans is the Wooster Street Pizza location near the entrance to the stadium. Fans call also find some specialty cocktails, wine, and an assortment of beer at the Jim Beam Cross Bar. The prices at these locations are fairly in line with the prices you’d expect to see at your typical stadium/arena but there are certainly bargains to be had. While the stationary concessions are tasty, the real crown jewel of food and beverage at Trinity Health Stadium is the food trucks. Food trucks that offer cuisine from sausage + peppers, steamed cheeseburgers, hot wings, gyros, apple cider donuts, and even Chick-fil-A can be found at Trinity Health Stadium. This is a great way to provide concessions as it allows for more options and also has the flexibility to rotate different food trucks in. So whether you’re looking for something sweet or something savory, there’s something for you at Trinity Health Stadium. Atmosphere 3 Trinity Health Stadium provides a solid atmosphere for a soccer match. The bells and whistles that you get from a soccer match are out in force. The supporters section is rowdy and gives the constant drum beat of energy that you expect from a soccer match There are also some great activities for kids at Trinity Health Stadium. At halftime you’ll see youth soccer teams on the field and a crossbar challenge where a fan tries to hit the crossbar on 3 tries. There’s also a great family fun zone area with activities like cornhole, face painting, and more! This is definitely a family friendly atmosphere where people of all ages can have a great time. If you’re expecting an intense English Premier League atmosphere you’ll be disappointed. But if you expect to see quality soccer in a family friendly atmosphere then you’ll have a great time at a Hartford Athletic match. Fans 4 The fans of the Hartford Athletic really know their stuff. They’re a smart group of fans who get loud at the right moments. While attending a game against North Carolina FC I saw a few opposing fans and none of them were being given a hard time by the Hartford Athletic supporters. So, if you’re a visiting fan you can be assured that you won’t be hassled. As is the case with soccer crowds there is a dedicated section for supporters who are loud throughout the match. If you’d like to sit near the very passionate supporters this writer would recommend grabbing a seat near them. Trinity Health Stadium has a capacity of 5,500 fans. During the 2024 season they’ve averaged 4,496 fans per contest. That comes out to an average capacity of 90% which shows the support they have in the Hartford community. As professional soccer leagues have become more popular so has the support for Hartford Athletic. Fans have also become more acquainted with the sport of soccer over the years and even more so with the ramp up to the 2026 World Cup which will be held in the US, Canada, and Mexico. Neighborhood 3 Trinity Health Stadium is located south of the center of Hartford along the Connecticut River. The neighborhood is close to a variety of restaurants and entertainment options downtown. In the summer you could easily double dip and take in a Hartford Yard Goats game at Dunkin' Park before or after the Hartford Athletic Match. During the early and late portion of the season you could also take a trip to the XL Center to check out the Hartford Wolf Pack of the AHL. There are also a number of great restaurants to try while in Hartford including Salute, Trumbull Kitchen, and Black Eyed Sally’s. The area around the stadium is also home to a few great parks like Colt Park which are a great spot to take children before the match. If you’re driving to the match I would suggest trying to park in the lots immediately adjacent to the stadium. There are several lots around the stadium but some of them require a decent walk to and from the match. Access 4 Trinity Health Stadium is very easy to access. While it’s not in the middle of downtown Hartford, it’s a short drive from the center of the city. It is also located directly off of route 91 and also located near route 84. Trinity Health Stadium is an hour and 40 minutes from Providence, an hour and 45 minutes from Boston, and two hours and 20 minutes from NYC by car. The concourses at Trinity Health Stadium are fairly spacious and easy to maneuver. The only caveat is that the concession/food truck area can get crowded, particularly at halftime, so if you’re going to get food be sure to grab some before the lines get long at the half. There are restrooms located at each end of the stadium, 2 are near the concession area and 2 are near the family fun zone. If attending in the spring or later in the fall be advised that it gets chilly at night so bring a jacket to stay warm. Return on Investment 4 Taking in a Hartford Athletic game isn’t something that will break the bank by any means. Tickets can mostly be found for under $40 and there are also some free lots to park in if you’re willing to walk a little farther. If you park closer to the stadium parking is $18 on the day of the match of $15 if you purchase in advance. Fans can also score deals like $2 beer and $1 hot dogs on Saturdays and also $5 drafts before each match an hour before kickoff at the Jim Beam Crossbar. The concessions are also quite affordable and not out of the ordinary for a sporting event. For example, a southwest chicken wrap is $6, a bag of chips is $3, and a bottle of water is $5. So you’re looking at $14 for a filling meal. Fans also are getting a solid return on investment because they get to see a high level of skill on the pitch. This soccer is just a notch below MLS and there’s a lot of talent at each and every match. Throw in the fact that the Hartford Athletic has several activities to keep young kids occupied and you have the recipe for a great night that won’t hurt your wallet too much. Extras 3 One extra star goes to the the excellent Brass Bonanza goal song. It is a beautiful homage to the Hartford Whalers who used that as their goal song. A second star goes to the local flair around the stadium. From the aforementioned Brass Bonanza to the local food, there’s certainly a distinctly Hartford atmosphere. This writer recommends grabbing a steamed cheeseburger or a slice from Wooster Street Pizza. A final extra star goes to the supporters section which remained rowdy and loud for the entire match. They had the proper amount of enthusiasm without getting too wild. Final Thoughts Trinity Health Stadium has been around a long time but has been completely refreshed in the last few years and now has a vibrant and exciting occupant. The Hartford Athletic provide a great match experience to take in. From the excellent on field product, to the local food, to the activities for kids, it’s a great experience attending a Hartford Athletic match. It is definitely something to check out during the summer or early fall.

Photos by Richard Smith, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.71 Mayser Gym Squash Courts 650 College Ave Lancaster, PA 17603 Franklin & Marshall Diplomats website Mayser Gym Squash Courts website Year Opened: n/a Capacity: 100 A Diplomatic Court Franklin & Marshall College (“F&M”) is a private college in Lancaster, Pennsylvania. It was established in 1787. The school was originally named for Benjamin Franklin, but in 1836, it was merged with a college named for the fourth Chief Justice of the United States, John Marshall. Famous alumni include Roy Scheider, Treat Williams, and the late Commissioner of Baseball, Bowie Kuhn. The college’s sports teams are called the Diplomats and mainly compete in the Centennial Conference at the NCAA Division III level. The squash team participates in the Mid-Atlantic Squash Conference, the first-ever squash-specific collegiate athletic conference in the United States. The Mayser Gym Squash Courts features five ASB international squash courts. Food & Beverage 0 There are no food offerings in the squash area. Atmosphere 3 The venue may be small, but the atmosphere is pretty fun, with much more cheering and support than expected. There is not much seating, and expect the competitors to take up much of the main viewing areas. Neighborhood 3 The college is located just north of downtown, right near Clipper Magazine Stadium. There are many shops and restaurants right near the stadium. The Iron Hill Brewery & Restaurant and The Fridge are some great options within easy walking distance. Besides downtown, the main commercial areas of the Lancaster area are the outlet’s area east on Route 30 and surrounding the Park City Center Shopping Mall north of downtown. Fans 2 This is truly a friends and family-only type of sports venue. Access 4 Lancaster is an easy area to navigate. Routes 30 and 222 are large roads that any tourist visiting the area will be more than familiar with. Even though the college is located in a busy town, you will seldom find traffic to be too bad. Lancaster is located about half an hour from the state capital, Harrisburg. It is also about an hour and a half to Baltimore and the same distance to Philadelphia. There are many parking spaces around the college. The Mayser Gym Squash Courts are located in the basement of the building. Find the main entrance and take the steps in the corner to the lower level. Then, you will need to wander around until you see the courts. Return on Investment 5 There is no price to attend games at Franklin & Marshall. Extras 2 Stop in the gym upstairs and see if any other sporting events are going on at the same time. Check out neighboring Clipper Magazine Stadium before or after the match to see a nice quality independent league baseball stadium. Final Thoughts Squash may not be on the top of anyone's list of sporting events to attend, but this cute little venue will give you a great option to check it out.

Photos by David Welch, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.29 Winthrop Coliseum 1162 Eden Terrace Dr Rock Hill, SC 29730 Winthrop Eagles website Winthrop Coliseum website Year Opened: 1982 Capacity: 6,100 Rock the Hill Winthrop began their basketball program in 1978 as members of the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA). As NAIA members, the Eagles would enjoy immediate success under the program’s first coach, Neild Gordon, who would guide the Eagles to a 140-100 NAIA record, before making the jump to the NCAA’s Division I as members of the Big South Conference. Since joining the Big South, the Eagles have established themselves as the dominant basketball program in the conference – Winthrop has more than twice as many tournament titles (13) than its next closest Big South rival, Asheville  (6). The Eagles garnered national attention in the late 1990s into the early 2000s under coach Gregg Marshall, winning seven Big South Conference titles in Marshall’s nine years in Rock Hill. The 2006 NCAA Tournament would see the 15th seeded Eagles give the # 2 Tennessee Volunteers all they could handle in a 63-61 last second comeback victory by the Vols. The Eagles breakthrough would come the following season, however, as 11th seeded Winthrop upset the # 6 Notre Dame Fighting Irish , before falling to the 3rd seeded Oregon Ducks .   Food & Beverage   3 Concession stands at Winthrop Coliseum have a limited menu, serving nachos with cheese dip, hot dogs, and popcorn. Candy, crackers, chips, along with Coca-Cola soft drinks and Powerade are also available. Stands around the concourse also serve walking tacos, burgers, and fried chicken sandwiches from Freddy’s, as well as sweets from local confectioners; ice cream shops are also available. Beers from the Budweiser family, as well as various Bud Light Seltzers, are also available at carts and stands around the concourse. Alternatively, those looking for a taste of the area’s craft beers will want to head to The Eagle’s Nest beer garden, which highlights beers from around York County, South Carolina.   Atmosphere   3 Winthrop Coliseum was completed in the early 1980s, and while it does have a bit of that feel to it, the arena certainly is still a viable college basketball facility. The arena has a center hung scoreboard, but it does seem to be a bit underutilized – it primarily displays graphics, runs ads, and implores the crowd to get loud. It does not provide game information, such as score, game time, or individual player statistics (that game information can instead be found on the more traditional gym scoreboards affixed to the walls at each end of the arena). Timeouts are typically filled with pieces from the pep band, which goes a long way in creating a traditional college basketball ambiance within the arena. The second half interlude seems to be a fan favorite, however – a video of the cheerleaders at various locations around campus plays on the center hung videoboard, and they lead the crowd through a series of dance moves set to techno beats. Winthrop Coliseum also does a good job making use of its space. A children’s play area, donors lounge, and beer garden have been fit into what typically would be underutilized spaces around the exterior concourse, which has been re-purposed to give fans extra amenities the coliseum otherwise does not have room for.   Neighborhood   3 Most of Winthrop’s athletic facilities are located just over a mile from campus, separated by a well-maintained, residential neighborhood. Rock Hill has a concentration of craft breweries just over 2 miles from Winthrop Coliseum in downtown Rock Hill. The area also has several restaurants, as well as the Main Street Children’s Museum. A bit further away is The Pump House restaurant, which has a rooftop patio, overlooking the Catawba River. For those so inclined, the Carolina Thread Trail also runs along the river’s banks. Expanding the area a bit more, Rock Hill is roughly 30 minutes south of Charlotte, North Carolina and all that city has to offer.   Fans   3 The Eagles have averaged just under 1,500 fans per game over the last three seasons, putting them in the top quarter of the Big South in attendance. Winthrop has a decent student turnout, filling a good portion of the student section at the visitors end of the floor, but other than a handful of students seated next to the band, many seem to be passively engaged with the game. A lot of credit needs to go to the pep band, who in addition to their responsibilities setting the atmosphere, do a great job simply being involved in the highs and the lows of the game as well.   Access   3 Winthrop Coliseum is just over three miles to the east of Interstate-77, which runs locally between Columbia, South Carolina and nearby Charlotte. The trip is a bit more challenging if coming via I-85 to the west from Atlanta, Greenville, or Spartanburg, with close to a 45-minute drive on State Road 5. The Coliseum is part of Winthrop’s off campus athletic complex, which is easy enough to access upon arrival. The arena has both an interior and exterior concourse. The exterior concourse, which is out of sight of the court, is a serviceable way to navigate the arena, though a handful of features set up on it make it not completely navigable. The interior concourse runs completely around the top of the seating area, and is probably the best option to use to get to your seats, but that concourse is rather narrow to the point that traffic heading in the opposite directions probably needs to go single file.   Return on Investment   4 With the exception of Homecoming Weekend, typically the first weekend home basketball game, parking in the lots around Winthrop Coliseum is free. Ticket prices usually start at $15 for adults and $10 for kids 10+. Games hosted over holiday breaks can be purchased for a buy one-get one offer of $15, before a nominal convince charge of less than $2 is added per ticket. Concession rates at Winthrop Coliseum are consistent with what would be expected at most similar-sized arena concession stands.   Extras   4 The back, exterior concourse houses a kids play area that includes a large inflatable Winthrop chair, cornhole, and other kid-centered activities. Winthrop’s mascot, Big Stuff, makes his way around the stands, greeting visitors and taking photos with what must seem like an endless number of fans; Big Stuff definitely adds to the enjoyment of the experience. The locker of Deandre Adams has been preserved, and is displayed on the main concourse, near the main entry point into Winthrop Coliseum. Adams was the point guard of the 2007 NCAA tournament team which advanced to the Round of 32 – Adams unfortunately passed away in an automobile accident the summer following the Eagles’ tournament run. Post game, players, coaches, staff, and the spirit squad gather in front of the band to sing the Winthrop alma mater; It is always nice to see programs still show their pride in the name across the front of the jersey they put on and represent.   Final Thoughts Winthrop Coliseum itself might not have all the modern amenities found at other venues around the conference, but what it does have is a fun college basketball atmosphere that highlights what makes college basketball such a special event, from the spirited pep band and the adjacent student section, to the thought and creativity to provide fans more than just a basic college basketball experience.

Photos by David Welch, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.71 Stegeman Coliseum 100 Smith St Athens, GA 30605 Georgia Bulldogs website Stegeman Coliseum website Year Opened: 1963 Capacity: 10,523 Glory, Glory to Old Georgia Mention of the University of Georgia almost instantly conjures up images of barking fans celebrating the Bulldogs’ gridiron successes , most recently back-to-back football national championships claimed in 2021 and 2022. And while Georgia Football without a doubt is the flagship program on the Athens campus, the Georgia Athletic department boasts outstanding fan experiences across many of its athletic programs. First sponsored as a varsity sport in 1978, volleyball at Georgia was played at the Women’s Physical Education Building until 1994, when it moved to the Ramsey Center from1995 until 2017. The program would begin transitioning out of the Ramsey Center into Stegeman Coliseum for matches in 2018. As members of the Southeastern Conference, the Bulldogs experienced most of their success in the 1980s, claiming conference titles in 1985 and 1986.   Food & Beverage   3 Food at Stegeman Coliseum uses a self-serve, grab-and-go model. Items sit under heat lamps waiting to be picked up and taken to checkout stations. Options include hot dogs, burgers, and chicken or BBQ sandwiches. While most options are typical stadium quality, the burgers are from local boutique burger purveyor Grind House Burgers. Even though the food is fine for stadium fare, the fact that items are left out under heat lamps does seem to impact the quality. Besides the above main dishes, other concession items include peanuts, popcorn, candy, and various other snack foods. There is also the ever popular Dippin’ Dots cart in the main lobby area. Soft drinks include items from the Coca-Cola line of products. Though beer is sold at campus events, it does not appear to be available for volleyball matches – information on the volleyball website suggests it is available for select matches, however.   Atmosphere   3 Stegeman Coliseum is a great example of an arena from a previous generation that was given a highly modern feel, with a renovation of the east and west entry ways using large walls of glass. The interior of the arena complements the modernized feel of the exterior and fits right into the red and black color scheme of the Bulldogs. Also, in coming years the massive UGA mural at the south end of the arena will be replaced with the largest indoor collegiate video board in the country. There is not a lot of debate that Stegeman Coliseum is a very comfortable venue for all of Georgia’s programs that use it. The University of Georgia Athletics Department does a good job creating an atmosphere where its brand is consistent throughout all its programs and with the prideful spirit of all things Bulldogs. Throughout the match, cheerleaders, backed by a pared-down collection of the Red Coat Band, lead fans in familiar Georgia chants that have been engrained in Georgia fandom. Timeouts and changeovers are filled with singalongs, both of popular music and Georgia fight songs, as well as interactive scoreboard fan cams and games that entertain attendees, along with t-shirt tosses just prior to the ball being served back into play. Even when the in-game entertainment is focused more on popular music than on UGA favorites, fans are quick to their feet to sing and dance along. The most impressive part of the experience is the re-creation of the “Light Up Samford” with a down scaled “Light Up Stegeman”, where the lights are turned down as the Georgia band plays “Krypton Fanfare”, as the flashlights of cell phones begin to sparkle, then bob up-and-down throughout the stands. Even with the high level of support from those in attendance, one of the issues with using a facility such as Stegman Coliseum is that much of the excitement of the fans ends up dissipating into the emptiness of the second level seating. Regardless of the size of the crowd, the fun nature of the traditions of Georgia’s athletic programs are consistent and go a long way in establishing a fun college volleyball environment.   Neighborhood   5 Athens is everything that could be asked for in a college town – far enough from Atlanta to remove the breakneck pace of a major city, but brimming with enough of the hustle-and-bustle of a college town to create a perpetual buzz of excitement in the air. Georgia’s athletic facilities are spread out, with concentrations of both on and off campus facilities. Stegeman Coliseum is part of an on campus cluster which includes baseball’s Foley Field , the outdoor track, football’s practice and training facility, and the Butts-Mehre Building, the hub of University of Georgia Athletics. The epicenter of Athens and the University of Georgia culture can be found along Lumpkin Avenue and Broad Street – this area has nearly an endless number of shops, bars, restaurants, and music joints, providing seemingly endless options to fill time at any time of day. New in 2024 are the Athens Rock Lobsters, who will call the newly completed Akins Ford Arena in downtown Athens home; adding in one of their games could certainly help make for a full visit of sports during a weekend in Athens.   Fans   3 There are a handful of colleges and universities at which being a fan transcends just one program. While football  will always be the premier program at Georgia, the passion that is shown to the Dawgs on the gridiron bleeds over to other sports, and volleyball is no exception. Fans are extremely responsive to the chants and cheers that are consistent across all of Georgia’s athletic teams. Even though much smaller in size than their football and basketball counterparts, the UGA “Spike Squad”, a collection of fans clad in red shoulder pads with spikes protruding from them, is ever present. This season saw two of the volleyball Dawgs largest attendance figures, with more than 4,000 fans against rival Georgia Tech  and a Stegeman Coliseum volleyball record 8,376 for their match against the South Carolina Gamecocks, as part of their “10K Day” promotion – the promotion encouraged Dawgs fans in town for the weekend’s football  game to come out the night before to support the volleyball team. Typically, though, past history has shown attendance numbers here will fall within the mid-1,000 and creeping over 2,000 range against the rival Yellow Jackets  and Florida Gators.   Access   3 It is no secret that getting to Athens from the metro Atlanta area on a weekday can certainly test one’s patience. While Athens is just 70 miles from Atlanta, getting there for a weekday match typically takes in excess of two hours. The most direct route is via Interstate-85 to Georgia 316, which leads to Athens. Fans coming from the north on I-85 will have a bit less traffic coming through Jefferson, while from the east, accessing Athens is most convenient on I-20 to US-441N. Just south of Stegeman Coliseum, the Carlton Street Parking Deck is the most conveniently located parking location to the arena. This parking deck does charge a metered rate, payable at kiosks around the garage. Concrete information about parking, and whether or not there will be a cost during certain matches, seems to be difficult to come by, but all indications point to the East Deck providing free parking for volleyball. This lot is not as close to Stegeman Coliseum, however, so it leaves a bit of a walk. Once inside, Stegeman’s outer concourse makes navigating the coliseum relatively easy, but the concourse doesn’t wrap completely around the arena. A secondary, interior concourse does fully encircle the playing area, and for volleyball matches is easy enough to move around to access seating.   Return on Investment   5 Free admission and free parking in the East Campus Deck goes a long way in giving fans a reason to come to matches beyond simply supporting Georgia volleyball. Concession prices are slightly higher than anticipated, especially considering portion sizes are a touch on the smaller side.   Extras   4 Stegman Coliseum doesn’t have a lot in the way of recognition of Georgia’s volleyball history, but one display pays tribute to all the Dawgs SEC volleyball championship teams; included in this recognition are the 1985 and ‘86 conference champions. Georgia volleyball also does a good job at rewarding its most loyal of fans – the first 30 fans receive bracelets, allowing them access to floor seating. The scoreboard at the southern end of the floor displays detailed statistics of individual players, along with running team statistics. The Butts-Meher Building holds a place of high regard in the Georgia Bulldog community. Not only is it the center of Georgia Athletics, but also home to a museum of Bulldogs athletics history. The Butts-Meher Building is open for tours until 5pm Monday through Friday, making is a real option to visit prior to a volleyball match at Stegeman.   Final Thoughts The use of a venue such as Stegeman Coliseum makes a lot of sense from a logistical and operational standpoint, but it does significantly impact the game experience. When considering that Georgia’s largest volleyball crowds still leave over 8,000 empty seats, this really dissipates the volume and energy created by the fans, and all those who work so hard to create what actually is a decent college volleyball atmosphere.

Red Springs, North Carolina, will most likely never be the home of minor league baseball. The small town is 23 miles southwest of Fayetteville, smack in the middle of Interstate 95 and State Road 401. However, 55 years ago, the city was the “World's Smallest Professional Baseball Town." The town had not housed a minor league baseball team in almost twenty years. It was home to three textile mills, a weekly newspaper, a radio station, two restaurants, and no hotels. The town closed up early and was “so quiet that you could hear yourself walk.”  Why would a major league baseball team place a farm team in a town of just over 4,000 residents? Even by 1969 standards, these communities were part of minor league baseball’s past. However, it was a premonition by a baseball owner who thought it might be worth giving it another shot. The city still retained its old minor league ballpark, built in 1942 for the Red Springs Red Robins, a team in the semi-professional Twin States League. It had been built within two months under the watchful eye of Tom Cope, a leading sportsman in the county. The 2,500-seat ballpark featured two dress rooms with hot and cold showers, men's2 and women's restrooms, concession stands, a press box, and box seats. It was 300 feet to left and right field and 350 to center field. A green 9-foot fence surrounded the field, and wiring was installed with the hopes of adding lighting after the conclusion of World War II. A crowd of 1,500 was on hand to watch the Robins defeat the Second Regiment baseball team 11-4. Cope looked at his stadium with pride and quipped, "Best this section of the state." The ballpark seated 2,500 and featured a playing field among the best in the league. Lights were added to the stadium before the 1947 season when the Robins joined the Class D Tobacco State League. The club affiliated itself with Connie Mack’s Philadelphia Athletics. Improvements on the ballpark took place the following year to make it one of the most “viable and suited Class D parks in the country.” The umpire's dressing room received new locker rooms, the team offices were refurbished, a new equipment room, a drainage system, and a new concession were installed. The ballpark received box seats from Philadelphia's Shibe Park placed at field level to increase capacity. An assemblage of 12 local businessmen formed the Red Springs Baseball Club to increase attendance to 40,000 for the 1948 season. They did not reach that goal as the high point mark in this category was in 1949 when 33,303 fans watched games at Robbins Park. However, the club did capture the 1948 and 1949 Tobacco State League championships. The Robins remained in the league until it dissolved in 1950 due to a shortage of skilled players available for service and the high costs of maintaining a professional league. Attendance in the loop dropped 25 percent, and most clubs operated at a loss. The organization would live on and join the semi-pro Eastern Carolina League for the 1951 season and then jump to the Strawberry League for a few seasons before disbanding in 1954. Jump ahead to 1969, when Matt Boykin, owner of the Wilson Tobs in the Carolina League, decided to take an innovative approach. He had lost money the past 12 seasons at Fleming Stadium and relocated his club to Red Springs, a much smaller market of around 25,000 people. It was a bold move for the Minnesota Twins affiliate in the Carolina League. Boykin was excited; he felt the small community of 4,000 people would embrace his ball club since there was nothing else to do at night. He explained in length to Sports Illustrated writer Peter Cary when he came to town in July for a story. “This is the solution to the survival of the low minors. Last year, I had to compete with two community centers, a bowling alley, two swimming pools, five movies, and a drive-in restaurant on every corner. Here, baseball is the only thing to do, and there's a bunch of little places like this with ballparks that can be fixed over. We should forget the big towns and go to the small ones.” At the time, Red Springs was the smallest town to host a professional baseball club. It was one-seventh the size of Newport News, home of the Peninsula Pilots, with a population of 134,000. However, interest from the area was strong; demand for tickets and advertising was brisk in the months before the start of the baseball season. A total of 350 season tickets were ordered for $12,000, 2,500 in program ads, and $4,000 for billboard fence ads were also secured within days of announcing the team’s arrival in town. Boykin added that people would call up and demand a sign in the outfield, but when there wasn’t any space left, they would opt for an ad in the game day program. Team manager Tom Cope, who also served as the general manager of the Red Robins during their time in Weed Loop (that is what newspapers at times referred to), helped make a lot of this happen. He sold tickets and scorecards and secured 27 businesses to place ads on the outfield walls. The old ballpark was refurbished with $10,000 from the Office of Economic Opportunity, adding extra bleachers, a new scoreboard, fresh paint, upgraded concession stands, and a new infield. In April, the city put up a hand-painted sign at the town’s entrance on Highway 71, proudly announcing it as the world's smallest professional town. A few days before the season opener, an open house drew 300 fans, sparking speculation that opening day would see a strong turnout for the Red Springs club. The new club sparked interest in surrounding communities, and a crowd of 3,000 was expected for the home opener. On opening night, 2,185 people watched the Twins lose to Kinston 3-1 in 10 innings. It was the first professional game since the 1950 season and included members of the 1913-1915 ball clubs, the first professional clubs in town. The local Robenson newspaper stated that the crowd was polite and respectful until the bottom of the ninth when many returning from their cars saw the home team tie the game at one.  Crowds continued to show up for the following games, and by the 15th game of the season, attendance had reached 12,918 fans. In comparison, the club attracted 22,400 fans in Wilson for the whole season in 1968. This was highlighted when 4,157 came out to a July contest that more than doubled the size of the town’s population. Ticket prices were 99 cents, and start times were pushed back from 7:30 to 8:00 pm to adhere to local tobacco farmers’ schedules. Many of the fans were tobacco farmers who enjoyed a relaxing night at the old ballpark after braving the hot summer heat in the tobacco fields. Cope told The (Raleigh) News and Observer why he thought crowds were high at games. “We’ve had a lot of response from surrounding towns. There was no city within a hundred miles of us with a pro team; we feel we can draw well from this whole area.” However, playing in such a small town had its downsides, primarily felt by the players. Most of them lived in an old Victorian mansion, with limited activities available within a 30-mile radius. There was only one television station that came in somewhat clearly during the day and at night; the majority of religious programs and beer had to be purchased across the county lines, and there was almost no social life for players at night. When the season was over, the ball club sported a 57-84 record and attracted 40,332 fans for 66 games, for an average of 572 fans a game. At the time, an average rate of 450 was considered good for the league, and Red Springs attracted about 17 percent of its population. They doubled the input of Burlington’s 22,000 and were almost even with Lynchburg’s number of 42,286 from a population of 54,000.  Sadly, that would be the final season for minor league baseball in Red Springs. The Minnesota Twins relocated the club to Lynchburg after the Chicago White Sox pulled out of town. Cope was surprised by the decision, according to a 1970 report in the Charlotte Observer . “The people from Minnesota gave us every indication that we were doing fine. We were not told that we were lacking in any way.” George Brophy, Minnesota’s assistant director of minor league operations, was quoted in the same article saying the reason for leaving Red Springs was that the young players didn’t like it there. “It was tough for them to find places to live, even tougher to turn something up in the afternoons, you can go down to the barbershop and watch haircuts for entertainment.” It was 13 miles across the county line to purchase beer in a can or on tap, 16 miles to the nearest motel, and the local cafe had to stay open late on game nights to serve post-game meals to both clubs. Player Danny Monzon was one of the players who seemed to enjoy his time that summer. He remembers hanging out at the local stores downtown to talk baseball with people who were true fanatics of the game. He also added that Robbins Park was a bad place to play. There was hope that the town would reach an agreement with another parent team in either the Carolina or Western Carolinas leagues, but no other organization was interested in placing a team in Red Springs. Boykin turned a profit in town and even turned down the general manager position with the Twins affiliate in Orlando. Perhaps even a few businesses felt somewhat bitter with Boykin about the club’s demise. Baseball continued at Robbins Park with Little League, Junior League, and Senior League ball. Pembroke State University of the North Carolina Collegiate Summer League used the ballpark after its playing field was turned into a parking lot in 1973. By this time, the stadium had a capacity of 2,000, and the lights were no longer in minor league condition. By the mid-1980s, the grandstand would be razed. The outline of the ball field is still visible and perhaps part of the original fencing as well. The site of baseball dating over 80 years is now called Tom Cope Memorial Park, the town’s major baseball guru who passed away in 1975. It is home to the Red Springs High School Red Devils baseball team and is considered by a few as one of the best high school fields in the state. Even if the Twins decided to remain in Red Springs, who knows how long the minor leagues would have lasted. Still, the fan and business support was strong enough that there could have been another year. It was most likely the last of its kind. If the grandstand remained, it would be prime for a franchise in the Old North State League. For one season in 1969, Red Springs was the smallest professional baseball town. A fleeting moment that resulted in blackberries growing in parts of the outfield only a year later. It has been 55 years since the Red Springs Twins walked off the field at Robins Park, but it was an interesting experiment during minor league baseball's speculative days . ----- Follow all of Marc’s stadium journeys on Twitter @ballparkhunter   and his YouTube channel .  Email at Marc.Viquez@stadiumjourney.com

Photos by David Welch, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.00 Legion Field 400 Graymont Ave Birmingham, AL 35204 Magic City Classic website Legion Field website Year Opened:  1927 Capacity:  71,000 Magic of the Classic The intrastate clash between Alabama A&M  and Alabama State  is held annually at nearly the halfway point between the two schools, at Birmingham’s Legion Field. Opened in 1927, Legion Field is an icon of football history not just in Birmingham but also in the state of Alabama. In its lifespan, Legion Field has served as both a home field and a neutral site for some of college football’s biggest games. It has hosted both Alabama  and Auburn, as well as Birmingham area schools such as the University of Alabama-Birmingham, Birmingham Southern, and Samford – it has also been the neutral site of an endless number of bowls and rivalry games, most notably serving as the home of the legendary Iron Bowl, the annual meeting between Alabama and Auburn . Legion Field has also hosted several incarnations of professional football, including the World Football League, American Football Association, World League of American Football, the Canadian Football League’s shot at expansion into the United States, the XFL, American Alliance of Football, and two stints as home to teams in the United States Football League. Furthermore, not only has football found a home at Legion Field, but the venue was also home to Olympic soccer as part of the 1996 Atlanta Games.   Food & Beverage   5 Leaving the Magic City Classic hungry or feeling unsatisfied by the choices here might be more of a personal choice than a lack of options. There seems to be an endless number of tailgates smoking and grilling foods, and fans are more than willing to share their masterpieces of grill work. There are also several food vendors along Graymont Avenue selling everything from wings, chicken plates, turkey legs, fried fish, and fried carnival foods; exotic-looking tropical drinks, shaved ice, and individual canned drinks are also sold. Legion Field itself does not have an overall food vendor, which works in favor of food options to produce a very diverse stadium menu, rather than the typical stadium concession retreads, including tacos and quesadillas, chicken fingers, fries, fried okra bites, and nachos, here Philly cheese steaks, Polish and Italian sausages, burgers, and wings round out the choices. Those wanting more familiar tastes will be happy to see a Chick-fil-A window, but options there are limited basically to just the chicken sandwich. Dessert options at Legion Field are just as vast, including candied apples, strawberry shortcakes, banana pudding, acai berry bowls, flavored popcorn, and even various takes on French toast sticks. Soft drinks from the Coca-Cola line of beverages can be found at each stand, while a handful of stands serve shaved ice and fruit smoothies as well. Alcoholic beverages include premium and well spirits using vodka, tequila, rum, Crown Royale, Grand Marnier, and Hennessy. Game sponsor Gin and Juice by Snoop Dogg, plus Dr. Dre’s premixed cocktails, are also available. From the food trucks and tables along Graymont Avenue, the use of independent food vendors is a relief. Even where there is overlap in similar items, having individual concession stand operators does provide a different taste of the repeated items.   Atmosphere   5 The energy and buzz in the air around the stadium and around Birmingham rivals that of any Power Four conference pregame experience. Fans begin showing up days before the game in pull-behind campers and RVs. The morning of the game, lots around “The Gray Old Lady” start coming alive in the predawn hours as tent canopies spring up and the hinges of grills and smokers groan open in preparation for a day of grilling and smoking. Game day morning starts with a parade through the streets of downtown Birmingham. Back at Legion Field, everything from hot dogs and burgers to whole hogs can be found being cooked up throughout the lots. A trip through the tailgating encampments has the feel of a walk through the history of hip-hop, R&B, and soul music. The music seamlessly transitions from one genre to another in a trip around the stadium while the MC of the “official tailgate” of the Magic City Classic starts to rev up the crowd into game-level excitement. The tailgating that surrounds the game is second to none, as the music plays and the grilling moves from cooking to eating and into general pregame revelry. From the exterior, Legion Field shows her wear over the years. The paint is faded and peeling in several places, and oxidation and rust appear to have taken over in spots where the underlying steel beams are exposed. While the facility has taken a beating from the elements over the years, a walk through the concourse reveals some stunning architectural features. The mid-80s saw the expansion of the exterior of the stadium, pushing the main points of entry out and covering the beautifully arched masonry inside the stadium. It is features like this that have stood the test of time and remind visitors that you sometimes have to dig a bit and look deeper to find the beauty that lies within a historic stadium like Legion Field. A big draw for many HBCU football games is the performances from the marching bands – from the well regimented march into the stadium, volleys of refrains between each band, some not-so-subtle digs at each other from across the field, and the much-anticipated halftime performances. Unlike many college football games where the halftime clock serves as more of a countdown for bands, at the Magic City Classic, it seems to be a bit more of a suggested timeframe, as the halftime performances far surpass the allotted 20 minutes. At times, the difficulty with neutral site matchups is that it can be difficult to establish a consistent college football game day feel. On college campuses, breaks in the action are typically designed to fire up the home crowd and keep their fervor high until the game starts back up. Here at the Magic City Classic, however, breaks following stoppages in play are typically filled with sponsor ads and recognitions, which seems to take the excitement out of the crowd – this does not completely ruin the experience but does tend to create lulls in the excitement.   Neighborhood   3 Legion Field is in Birmingham’s Smithfield neighborhood, just west of downtown Birmingham. The area presents a mixed impression, characterized by a combination of residential and industrial zones, but with a notable number of abandoned and decaying homes and businesses – the neighborhood may elevate visitors’ situational awareness. Iconic Rickwood Field , where Major League Baseball held games during the 2024 major and minor league seasons, is just over a mile away and offers free tours of the stadium and its adjoining museum. If arriving in town before Saturday’s game, downtown Birmingham is also home to the Alabama Sports Hall of Fame in the Uptown District, just steps from Protective Stadium . For another look into the history of sports in the area, the Negro Southern League Museum is just beyond the left field wall of the Birmingham Barons’ Regions Field , and Birmingham is also a center of the history of the Civil Rights movement – the Birmingham Civil Rights Institute, Kelly Ingram Park, and the historic 16th Street Baptist Church are all concentrated downtown.   Fans   4 Fans begin showing up starting Wednesday of game week, setting up tailgating sites and kicking off the revelry and fellowship that surrounds the game – it is estimated that over 200,000 fans show up for the game and the festivities associated with The Classic. Here at the Magic City Classic, the pregame tailgating and everything that goes along with it illustrates all that is special about the pregame football experience. Inside Legion Field itself, fans from both teams are actively part of the ups and downs on the field, and even more so are the bands from the respective schools. The lone knock on the fan involvement in the game, and it is a bit hard to hold it against them, is that there do seem to be plenty of empty seats in the stadium (which holds 70,000+), with many remaining in the lots tailgating. It is not uncommon for fans to stay outside of any stadium and choose to continue the party, but filling the stadium with those outside would go a long way in making this game an elite-level college football experience.   Access   2 Getting to Birmingham from any direction is as simple as could be, especially considering the number of interstate highways that run through the city. What is challenging, though, is contending with the parking situation and navigating the number of road closures. At Legion Field, backups are common throughout, much as they are on the surface streets around the city. Long concession lines paired with a tight interior concourse on the eastern side of the stadium create a rather significant choke point; luckily, there is an exterior concourse that makes navigating this side of the stadium easier. The upper-level field concourse creates obstacles, which block the view of those seated in the front few rows of seats due to typical concourse foot traffic and those who congregate along the walkway and entry portals. The city of Birmingham has made leaving the stadium and getting back to downtown parking as easy as can be by closing down cross streets, in essence, creating an express bus lane through the city. The best bet for the casual fan is to grab a shuttle and enjoy the ride back. The City of Birmingham and game organizers do all they can to make getting to and from the game as easy as possible, but with the volume of RV and trailer parking taking up so much of the lots around the stadium, it leaves very little for general parking. The layout of the stadium itself, as well as a lack of perceived urgency from stadium staff to move crowds along in tight spots, also makes for some challenges in navigating the facility.   Return on Investment   4 General admission tickets are available for purchase online and start at $25 before fees; reserved tickets run $35. Unfortunately, purchasing tickets at the stadium box office before the game does not avoid the added fees. Because game day parking is so limited at Legion Field, rates run nearly $60 at the stadium – downtown parking is more reasonable at $20 for most lots and garages. Concessions are a touch high here, but considering the quality of most food options and the large portion sizes, it does seem to offset the slightly higher prices.   Extras   5 The morning of the Magic City Classic starts with a parade through downtown featuring many groups of bands, as well as cheer and dance squads from around the southeast. Not enough can be said about the role the marching bands play in creating a truly special college football atmosphere – from the precision of their march into the stadium to the pregame salvos during warmups, to the main event, their halftime performances, both bands deserve a ton of credit for the roles they play in helping to create the atmosphere that surrounds the Magic City Classic. The concourse has plaques affixed to each side of the stadium, which serve as a bit of a timeline of when certain parts of the stadium were constructed or upgraded. It definitely does not seem to be intentional, but the plaques serve as a nice history of the growth of Legion Field. Seats in the upper levels of the west stands provide amazing views of downtown Birmingham and the mountains that cradle it. The upper deck was removed in 2005 due to safety concerns, but doing so seems to have made a massive improvement in the view it now provides.   Final Thoughts The Magic City Classic is a great college football experience, but it goes further than being just a rivalry game between two of Alabama’s historic HBCUs – this game has the feel of being a celebration of the game of football, as well as the history of two of Alabama’s most historically Black colleges. As much as has been made about Legion Field becoming obsolete and having outlived its functionality as a host to large-scale events such as the Magic City Classic, what cannot be underestimated is the historical and cultural relevance this facility holds not just for Birmingham but throughout the state of Alabama.

Photos by David Hegler, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.00 Warrior Stadium 100 Skyway Dr. 130 San Jose, CA 95111 Map It Valley Christian Warriors website Warrior Stadium website Year Opened: 2001 Capacity: 56,000 Welcome to Warrior Stadium In an area of the country that is stacked to the gills with tech companies and massive property valuations, Valley Christian High School stands above its peers. With an expansive view of the Bay Area, Warrior Field is the place to be on a Friday night. Watching from the homestands, one can see the distant skyline of downtown San Jose to the left and the rolling hills of Silicon Valley to the right. Indeed, it is a unique view.  Even though the school is loaded with the offspring of corporate big-wigs that are bound for the upper echelon of the corporate world, the Valley Christian football program has continued to produce talented teams and individuals in the midst of one the toughest leagues in the Bay Area, the vaunted West Catholic Athletic League. Ever since taking over the program in 1997, coach Mike Machado has transformed the Valley Christian Warriors into a force to be reckoned with , claiming seven Central Coast Section (CCS) c hampionships and making an appearance in the state championship in 2016. He's done so mu ch, all the while fielding teams with local legends such as Jeff Schweiger, Cameron, and Byron Marshall, as well as the University of Oregon’s Jurrion Dickey.  But Warrior Stadium is much more than the championships won, the greatness imbued, and the memories made. It is an ongoing story that resembles the school’s motto, “Quest for Excellence.” After winning three straight CCS championships from 2002-2004, it still felt like Warrior Stadium was missing something: lights. Finally illuminated in the bright lights of Friday nights in 2005, the Valley Christian Warriors served as a beacon of excellence as they promptly won their fourth straight CCS title.  That four-year span of excellence spurred the campus in a way that their administrators could only hope for. By 2009, the football team had outgrown their tiny weight room that lay beneath the bleachers and erected a massive three-story building right next to the bleachers. Tha t structure w ould ultimately house a training room at the bottom, a larger weight room in the middle, and a couple of classrooms at the top. Five years later, the school added a solar-powered roof to the home bleachers. The new feature was perfect for providing much-needed shade on scorching days during track meets and graduations.  They didn’t stop there. Towards the end of the decade, the Warriors added a large digital video board, and by 2022, they added another weight room directly behind the endzone. Now, the players can lift weights right there on the football field.  Food & Beverage 3 The day of our visit was Homecoming, which means that Valley Christian went all out in creating the perfect party atmosphere. And what party doesn’t have great food? In front of the stadium, they had several food trucks with numerous tables set before a stage where live music was being played. It almost felt like a company picnic. Upon entering the stadium, one was met with even more food trucks as well as a couple of tents for Chick-fil-A and Greenlee’s that were adjacent to the alumni corner, a hub of humanity where food was served for free, and memories were rehashed, and friendships were lit anew as Homecoming festivities roamed around them. While the prices varied, it didn’t seem to deter people from buying those expensive nachos and waffles.  While all this was very entertaining, it’s worth noting that none of this is here every week. Most weeks, Valley has its food options, including a tri-tip sandwich that I’m told is quite scrumptious. Warrior Stadium Food Trucks, Photo by David Hegler, Stadium Journey Atmosphere 4 A Warrior's football game is an unbelievable experience. From the big digital board that consistently announces another first down with exuberance to the flag bearers th at run ar ound the home track as the Warriors score yet another touchdown. In the end, everyone is invited down to the field to congratulate the players and coaches on a job well done. The Homecoming game was a perfect way to end an event that was catered to making the fans feel like family right from the start.  As grandiose as Warrior Stadium can be, it does have one glaring flaw: a biting wind-chill. While it wasn’t too breezy that day, as the day turned to night, you could feel the seasons change from Summer to Fall. It never reached anywhere near below 60 F, but the wind chill made up the difference. If you plan on attending a game, it may be wise to bring a light jacket or sweater. Neighborhood 2 As opulent as Valley Christian High School may be, its surrounding neighborhood is a completely different story. The houses vary from well-kept to near-slum level. The higher you go up the Hill, the cleaner the environment. Interestingly, it’s the back of the Hill where the neighborhood is unkempt and the front of the Hill where the neighborhood is much more affluent and safer to drive through. In case of a fire, there’s a fire station nestled against the Hill. But as desolate as the immediate neighborhood can seem, the surrounding environment is a different story. Just down the Hill on Skyway Dr. and to the left of Snell Ave. is a wide array of popular restaurants. These include places less than two miles away, such as High Five Pizza, McDonald's, and Panda Express, to places just a little farther down Snell, such as Tomo Sushi, Dunkin Donuts, and a second McDonalds, perfect for that McFlurry that you may have forgotten to order before indulging in that Big Mac just minutes before. To say the least, one can hardly go hungry in this environment. There are numerous hotels along the expansive Monterey Highway, including a Days Inn by Wyndham within walking distance from Warrior Stadium and a Clarion Inn just a short drive down the highway.  If you want to make a weekend out of your visit, there are usually several sporting events happening in San Jose and its neighbors. Whether it’s the 49ers , Sharks , Barracuda, Giants (SF) , Giants (SJ) ,  Warriors (G-League), or the Golden State Warriors , it’s hard not to find a weekend that isn’t filled with entertainment options. If you plan wisely, it can be one of the most entertaining weekends of your life.  Fans 4 You can feel a familial sense of community here as generations of fans gather to root for their beloved Warriors while sharing stories of past victories. You can practically feel the earth shake as they stomp their feet, rooting for the defense.  What is interesting is that there is a lot of cheering for the away team on the Warriors’ side of the stadium during the junior varsity game. It’s probably because they don’t provide shade for the away team’s portable bleachers. The varsity game is different as that is played during the night, not during the heat of the day. Access 2 Homecoming or not, parking on the Hill can be dicey for a varsity football game, with spots filling up faster than you can finish this sentence. Thankfully, the school has two satellite parking lots a short distance from campus, with shuttles moving about every 20 minutes. If you’re coming down Skyway Dr. towards campus, all you have to do is turn left or right on the expansive Monterey Highway.  To the left and just past Capitol Expressway is one of the lots, located just to the right off of Fehren Drive. To the right and just past Blossom Hill Road is the other parking lot, located just to the left on Ford Road.  If you don’t plan on driving, either Uber or Lyft are viable options. There are also three bus stops on Monterey Highway that are each a short walk from the Hill.  Once you reach the stadium, the atmosphere is much different than an NFL game. There are no bag checks, and while there is security roaming around, you needn’t worry about going through any screening process. The stadium has relatively clean restrooms underneath the stands. Return on Investment 3 With this being Homecoming, the $12 spent on GoFans.com is well spent. If you want something to eat, your wallet is bound to get lighter. All in all, it’s the environment and the people that make this an evening well spent, a worthwhile investment. . Extras 3 Both the marching bands and cheerleaders are excellent. Along with the flag bearers running around and the video board announcing each touchdown in a spectacular display of both font and color, the school has worked hard to put together the total package of Friday Night Lights.  Final Thoughts If you ever find yourself in San Jose on a Friday night with nothing to do, it will be worth your while to go to a game at Warrior Stadium. Sure, it has its issues. But no stadium is perfect. So brave that shuttle service, bring a light sweater, and get ready to watch some good football in the heart of Silicon Valley.

Photos by David Hegler, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.14 Lumen Field 800 Occidental Ave S Seattle, WA 98134 Map It Seattle Seahawks website Lumen Field website Year Opened: 2002 Capacity: 68,740 The Home Of The 12’s The Seattle Kingdome opened in 1976 to much anticipation, instantly attracting a growing city. While both the National Football League’s Seahawks and Major League Baseball’s Mariners struggled to field consistent winners, it was clear that the stadium had been built to be one of the loudest in America. But after a couple of decades, the all-concrete venue began to show signs of decay, forcing both the Seahawks and Mariners to look at other options. While the Mariners built their ballpark just a block away from the Kingdome, new Seahawks owner Paul Allen briefly moved his franchise to the University of Washington’s Husky Stadium while he oversaw the construction of a new football stadium built right on the very spot where the recently demolished Kingdome once stood. When it first opened in 2002, the Seahawks’ new stadium was certainly a sight for sore eyes, featuring unique features such as two separated roofs that shield roughly 70 percent of fans during a traditional Seattle downpour. Wanting to create the most noise possible in an outdoor stadium, Paul Allen had the roofs specially designed to carry sounds much longer than other outdoor venues.  Years after it first opened, those roofs have served their purpose perfectly. Through its various name changes of Seahawks Stadium, Quest Field, CenturyLink Field, and finally Lumen Field, the Seahawks home remains one of the loudest in the NFL.  The end zone bleachers are arguably the most unique aspect of their new home. Wanting to add a collegiate feel to his new stadium, now known as the Hawk’s Nest, was an important aspect to Paul Allen and would prove to be the stadium's heart. Tickets for that section cost a mere $20 when the Seahawks opened their new home. It remains one of the cheapest sections in the stadium to this day. Having retired jersey number 12 in 1984, the Seahawks fans ardently believe that their loud cheering causes opposing teams to lose their composure and lose games.  Thus making them the 12th man on the field. They are not wrong. Technically resting in an earthquake zone, Lumen Field is constructed to withstand the elements. But Seattle hasn’t had a major earthquake since 2001.  Instead, “the 12’s” cause their earthquakes. Beginning in running back Marshawn Lynch’s famed “Beastquake” in the 2010 Wild Card, Lumen Field occupants have caused several small earthquakes. To date, the largest was an Ed Sheeran concert in August 2023, a 2.3 magnitude shake.  Yes, earthquakes are very much a part of Lumen Field’s legacy, but the fabric of the uniquely shaped building is its fanbase. After all, without a passionate fanbase, no team in the NFL could adequately claim home-field advantage. And it is here where Seattle shines brightest.  Food & Beverage 3 Lumen Field offers a wide variety of food options for the famished fan. There’s the Versus Dog, which offers hot dogs inspired by that week’s competition. Butter Chicken Wings and Teriyaki Short Rib Sandwich are each flavorful in their own right.  The latest delicacy to hit Lumen Field is the Bam Bam Smash Burger. Inspired by the Seahawks legend Kam “Bam Bam” Chancellor and endorsed by his Legion of Boom brother Richard Sherman, it should be a hit for years to come.  Atmosphere 4 If you were to describe a typical game day at Lumen Field in one word, it would be “electric.” Twenty-two years after it first opened, Lumen Field is still one of the loudest stadiums in the world, often reaching decibels as high as 106 on game day. The chants of “Sea-Hawks!” pierce the air throughout the game, instantly giving both the crowd and the team a boost. Neighborhood 3 Lumen Field is nestled adjacent to both Seattle’s tech sector and its industrial area. To the left, you can see a line of old brick buildings with massive cranes in the distance. Right in front of Lumen Field are numerous glass buildings that can almost be considered skyscrapers. In short, the area is always bustling.  Lumen Field is surrounded by numerous pubs and eateries that are perfect for a pregame or postgame nosh. Along 1st Ave, right next to the stadium, are places such as Sluggers, Hatchback Bar & Grille, and the recently opened Press Box. Each brings their unique twist to the flavors that native Seattleites favor.  When in town for a Seahawks game, be sure to check if either the Seattle Storm (WNBA) or Seattle Kraken (NHL) are playing at nearby Climate Pledge Arena. Or you may be able to catch a late-season Seattle Mariners (MLB) game or a Seattle Sounders (MLS) match. Fans 3 No matter the year or the team’s performance, the 12s will always make up the majority of the crowd. Still, at the game of this review, there was a surprising amount of 49ers fans in attendance. Not a sight that you would have seen in their heyday of the mid-2010s.  Even though the two teams are bitter rivals, the fan bases respected each other throughout the game, cheering wildly when appropriate and leaving the stadium at the game’s end with their hearts full, having witnessed an excellent contest. Access 2 On game day, parking is not cheap. However, parking is much cheaper the farther you go. While there is parking within a couple of blocks from the stadium, the prices go for as much as $100.  Instead, it would be wise to look for parking further from the stadium, perhaps as much as a mile. There is a parking garage a little over a mile from the stadium on the corner of Seneca and 3rd St (keep in mind that Lumen Field is on 2nd St.). While it is a bit of a walk, you can park there all day for $16. It’s an incredible find for a visiting tourist.    If you choose to take public transit, there are several options nearby. The King St. Station, International District/Chinatown, and Union Station are all right across the street from Lumen Field on 4th Ave., and bus stops surround both Lumen Field and T-Mobile Park. Many offer free parking . Return on Investment 4 Going to any NFL game is never cheap these days. Of course, each stadium brings its flavor. No matter if you spent $300 on cheap bleacher seats in the Hawk’s Nest or hundreds more for seats on the 50-yard line, the roar of the crowd will envelop you. Sometimes in life, you just have to take a chance on an experience that you will never forget. Extras 3 Perhaps this is the norm for other NFL teams, but the Seahawks have a big football-shaped display of all the helmets of every high school football team in the state overlooking one of their main food courts to the right of the Hawk’s Nest. They’ve even started a tribute to women’s flag football just around the corner. They are at least keeping an eye on the future of the game.  Probably, the identity of the stadium is a round 76 ball that sits to the left of the Hawk’s Nest. As a large noise meter, its sole responsibility is to measure crowd noises all game long. The higher the decibels, the higher the volume and the wilder the crowd. Boiled down to science, this is the main reason why the 12’s truly believe that they are the 12th Man. Seeing is believing. Final Thoughts Lumen Field was not what this author expected. As a fervent 49ers fan, I had long believed that Lumen Field was a place better fit for war than football. But as the game went on, I realized that the 12s could be some of the most hospitable people in the NFL. Yes, they want their team to win. But they also want to represent their stadium and their team in the best way possible. Of course, it could be different in the playoffs.

Photos by David Hegler, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.86 Jaguar Stadium 710 Leigh Ave San Jose, CA 95128 Map It Bellarmine Bells website Jaguar Stadium website Year Opened: 1962 Capacity: 56,000 Welcome to Jaguar Stadium In the heart of West San Jose stands a stadium filled with memories. Although it is officially the home of the San Jose City College Jaguars, Jaguar Stadium has been the training ground for several Olympic gold medalists over the years, including Millard Hampton, Andre Phillips, and Bruce Jenner.  Ironically, the sport that draws the most attention to Jaguar Stadium is not junior college football or track and field but high school football. Beginning in 1993, the 11,700-seat stadium has hosted the Central Coast Section playoffs, providing memories for countless individuals while playing host to so many great teams and individuals. It has also hosted the local powerhouse Bellarmine Bells for the past 30 years. And that is where we find ourselves this Friday night.  While the campus itself has gone through some major changes over the years, Jaguar Stadium remains virtually untouched. Of course, that doesn’t mean that it hasn’t gone through changes of its own. The field and bathroom are both newer, while the school keeps the end zone bleachers practically spotless. Meanwhile, the scoreboard looks like it's been there since before Bellarmine moved, as neither down nor distance is ever indicated. In a way, that one glitch gives the massive stadium all the nostalgic flavor that it needs. After all, Jaguar Stadium is always ready to host more memory-making moments. Food & Beverage 3 They have a wide selection of food with varied prices. While the hot dogs are only $5, the pulled pork sandwich is $12, which is more than a ticket to the game. What is most intriguing is their selection of toppings. What I assumed was chili turned out to be a tomato-based relish that made my unsuspecting taste buds dance. The hot dog is long, thick, and grilled just perfectly. The Bellarmine Dads Club knows how to put together a successful barbeque.  Bellarmine Dads Club Hot Dog, Photo by David Hegler, Stadium Journey Atmosphere 3 It’s been more than 30 years since the Bells moved in, and they’ve certainly made an excellent effort to make it feel like “home.” As you walk towards the entrance, you may be greeted by the Bell’s mascot and pass several canopies where merchandise is sold. The ticket takers are both friendly and helpful, showing no ill will to those wearing the colors of a rival school.  Even though the Bells were 0-4 going into the game we reviewed, the atmosphere said otherwise. Of course, this was a rivalry game against the hated Valley Christian Warriors. Even down by 21 in the middle of the fourth quarter, the Bellarmine fans stayed tuned in to what was going on, cheering boisterously when their team made a big play.  But as excited as their fans are, there is one glaring issue: their student section is woefully undercrowded. Bellarmine’s student section has historically been one of the most rambunctious in all of the Bay Area, providing electricity on Friday night that is hard to replicate. It is nearly impossible for them to provide that same energy with a student section that is barely a quarter full.  There is no halftime entertainment. The band just continues to play in the stands while the field remains empty for the next 15 minutes.    Neighborhood 3 The city of San Jose’s demographics are expansive, with some areas much richer than others. San Jose City College is right in the middle of the middle-class area of town. With it being so close to so many businesses, restaurants, and the 280 freeway, it is in a terrific spot for commerce and conversation.  Just around the corner from the junior college is a slew of restaurants along S Bascom Avenue, including Wendy’s, Taco Bell, Subway, and McDonalds. If you’re in the mood for brunch the next day, then the K Cafe Patisserie and Tea House, just a block away from all of those fast food establishments, might hit the spot.  The closest hotel, by far, is the Row San Jose, BW Signature Collection. While it’s only a mile away, it is across the 280. Other sports to see during the Bells' football season include the San Jose Barracuda (AHL), less than five miles from Jaguar Stadium, the San Jose State Spartans football (3 1/2 miles east), or a San Jose Earthquakes (MLS) match (five miles north). Fans 2 Bellarmine is an all-boys school, so they don’t have cheerleaders. Instead, they have “yell leaders.” Dressed in striped long-sleeved shirts, this group of men is responsible for rallying the student section and, therefore, making the home stands come to life. That’s hard to do when the student section is barely a quarter full.  Still, this group of young men persevere and never let up when their football team fails at finding the end zone. It is because of them that much of the home crowd remains for the entirety of the game, always holding out hope that their beloved Bells could pull out a miracle. Access 4 There is a large parking garage that is free on gameday. If you’re not driving there, then there are multiple bus stops within walking distance from campus. The Fruitdale Light Rail station (Green Line) is a .5 mile walk. Both Uber and Lyft can easily travel straight through the parking lot.  Once you reach the stadium, the restrooms are right by the entrance. As far as sports venues go, those restrooms are pristine, as it’s very obvious that SJCC works constantly to keep them as clean as possible, even during the game. It’s a luxury that not all stadiums provide.  Despite this being a junior college stadium, getting into the stadium is no issue. There is no screening process or bag check, making it an easy entry.  Return on Investment 3 The $11 spent on gofan.com is worth it, and the $5 hot dog fits just right in a tight budget. Jaguar Stadium is a good, clean place to watch a high school football game. . Extras 2 As you walk into the stadium, you are immediately met with massive end zone bleachers. While this is normal for high schools in Texas, this is hardly the norm for California. Still, the end zone bleachers are very far from the action, making it a better place to engage in a lively conversation than watching a football game.  Aside from the massive end zone bleachers, one of the coolest unintended features of Jaguar Stadium is the “playground.” The school’s high jump structure is right next to the visitor’s bleachers, and bored children love to bounce and mess around on it. It is certainly a sight for sore eyes. But still, one must remember that this is not intentional and is simply an act of childlike imagination. Final Thoughts Jaguar Stadium serves as one of the largest high school football stadiums in the Bay Area, and while it might not look overly impressive to many, it should be worth the trip to watch a game.

Photos by David Hegler, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.00 Tacoma Stadium Bowl 111 N E St Tacoma, WA 98403 Map It Stadium Tigers website Tacoma Stadium Bowl website Year Opened: 1910 Capacity: 17,000 Welcome to Tacoma Stadium On the banks of Commencement Bay rests a curious-looking football stadium appropriately named the Tacoma Stadium Bowl. Lying in a gulch just under Stadium High School (commonly known as “the Brown Castle”), it has become a beacon for the small community of the Stadium-Seminary Historic District that has truly put the town of 8,600 on the map. It has been listed by such media entities as Maxpreps  and ESPN  as being one of the very best high school football stadiums in America.  Since it first opened in 1910, the Tacoma Stadium Bowl has hosted many historical luminaries such as Presidents Theodore Roosevelt, Woodrow Wilson, and Warren G. Harding, as well as William Jennings Bryan and Babe Ruth.  It’s even been in its share of movies, having appeared in Heath Ledger’s 10 Things I Hate About You.  Of course, it has also had its share of misadventures over the past 115 years. But through floods (1932, 1981, and 2014 ) and earthquakes  (1949 and 1965), the citizens have yet to give up on their landmarks. Having originally opened for 32,000 spectators, a major renovation in 1980 brought new concrete seating and eliminated all of the end zone seats. Now, the stadium can seat as many as 17,000, with the view of Puget Sound just as beautiful as the day that it first opened 114 years ago. The Tacoma High School Tigers football team, members of the North Puget Sound League, play their home games at this historic venue. Food & Beverage 1 Since this was Homecoming, the school provided a couple of food trucks. Aside from that, their concessions offer the least amount of food that I’ve ever seen. Just candy, popcorn, and drinks.  Atmosphere 2 With a population of over 220,000, Tacoma is not a small town. Yet somehow, the Stadium-Seminary Historic District surrounding Tacoma Stadium High School has carved out their little niche, giving them a small-town vibe so critical to the atmosphere of high school football.  But with a stadium that can seat 17,000, the community doesn't even fill half the home bleachers, and the away bleachers are even less filled (although the visiting team I saw is currently in the midst of a 17-game losing streak). While the fans are friendly and energetic, the sight of a practically empty stadium is certainly alarming. While the view of Commencement Bay is certainly captivating, it does bring a wind chill that can cause a sweet memory to turn sour. Neighborhood 2 This little section of Tacoma is neatly separated from the rest of the bigger city, giving it a unique small-town feel. While it may look grimy, the neighborhood is safer than it looks. Arguably the best restaurant in town is Shake Shake Shake , a burger establishment that sells Tiger-themed milkshakes and sundaes just down the road from Stadium High School. But don’t expect it to be open after the game. Sports fans may be able to visit a late-season MiLB Tacoma Rainiers game when in town to watch the Stadium Tigers football team. Fans 2 The student section, although small, is energetic and very much into the game from start to finish. The Tigers have a passionate fan base that feels like a true small community. Meanwhile, the friends, family, and general fan base take advantage of their spacious surroundings. All through the game, you will see large swaths of empty concrete between the guests. While this does make things much easier to find your preferred seat, it also speaks volumes about their game day atmosphere. Access 2 If you have limited mobility, then this is NOT the stadium for you. While you can watch all of the action from the very top of the hill, it’s hard to feel the vibrancy of high school football from there. Concrete steps are everywhere in seemingly endless lines up the steep hill.  Most of the steps are in good condition, but there are numerous steps, particularly on the visitor’s side, that are not. Notably, there’s a long line of steps on the visitor’s side showing advanced signs of aging, with massive chunks missing from the concrete. You can even see the scars from where the school attempted to reattach the crumbling concrete. It’s certainly an alarming sight.  Also, you can switch sides with a long, narrow concrete path at the base of the gulch. Still, it’s a bit of a trek with all of those steps.  Meanwhile, the parking situation is pretty good. While there is a parking garage right next to the stadium at the top of the hill, parking in the local neighborhood is not of the question either. The neighborhood is safe enough, and there are usually ample parking spaces near the campus.  Despite numerous renovations, the bathrooms look as old as the stadium itself. The stalls are made of steel that looks like it belongs on a battleship. Still, despite the age, the essentials are up to date, with the toilets, sinks, and paper towel dispenser all up to our current standards. Return on Investment 3 Yes, the ancient stadium has its issues. The steps are numerous and can be a bit much. The bathrooms are cramped and ugly. The food is sparse, and the wind is chilly as the night goes on.  Still, the $7 ticket is well spent. History buffs should swoon over this marvel. The entire building is built like a castle, even the ticket booth. Walking along the upper concourse on either side of the stadium, you can see bulbless lamp posts, relics of the past before floodlights became the norm. The stadium was built for much larger crowds, so you should have no problem finding your preferred seat.  Extras 2 At times, it’s as if the stadium is one with nature. There is a small yet blooming tree next to a certain section of the home bleachers that blocks much of the ten yards to that end zone.  As a spectator who loves watching the action as close as possible, it is difficult to appreciate the game when the two teams are playing so close to that section.  During the game of my visit, when it was almost halftime, a deer was seen grazing on the hill between the home and away bleachers. After roughly 10 minutes, it scampered right into the middle of a play under the shrieks of a surprised crowd. While this is probably not common, this part of Tacoma is in an area that is populated by wildlife. The fact that nature could show its face in this manner gives this ancient stadium a unique flavor. Final Thoughts America has many historical landmarks. While their conditions vary, for the most part people treasure these peaks into our past. With that being said, watching a football game at Tacoma Stadium is almost like watching a football game in a castle. Sure, it’s not the most enjoyable experience, but it certainly is in its own category of uniqueness. And that’s a good thing.

Photos by David Hegler, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.71 Maxwell Field and Memorial Stadium 51 SE Lever St McMinnville, OR 97128 Map It Linfield Wildcats website Maxwell Field and Memorial Stadium website Year Opened: 1928 Capacity: 4,000 Welcome to Maxwell Field The Linfield University Wildcats football team hasn’t had a losing season since 1955. Considered the longest streak of winning seasons in all of college football at any level, the Wildcats protect their home turf with a vigor that is hard to replicate. Named after J.O. Maxwell, who donated much of the money necessary to build the venue, Maxwell Field has hosted many events in the small town of McMinnville, Oregon, since 1928. It has hosted 24 Division III football playoff games since 2004 and the Northwest Conference Track and Field championships in 2005, 2011, and 2017. The concrete and brick building with the covered seating sits 2,250, and with the help of portable bleachers, the stadium can easily fit 4,000 spectators on a Saturday afternoon. Of course, there’s more than plenty of standing room only in the end zone near Division III’s largest video board. There, spectators can bring a lawn chair or blanket while watching the game. Food & Beverage 4 The day of this visit was Homecoming, so the school had food trucks, a beer garden, a wine selection, and games that it normally wouldn’t have. They have a barbeque with hot dogs and burgers for $3 and $5 each. A good deal in this economy. Atmosphere 3 As you enter the campus, you can’t help but notice all of the brick-laden buildings, majestic in their Italianate designs. With the sprawling lawns and the large, expansive trees, it truly feels like an institution of higher education. If you are late to the game, you can hear the PA announcer calling plays and making announcements to the gathered crowd. When you enter Maxwell Field, there is a feeling that is rare in sports. Between the shining sun, the gathered crowd, and the lawn chairs spread throughout the far end zone, it truly feels like a picnic on a warm Spring day.  Neighborhood 2 The neighborhood is less than stellar and, at times, feels cramped. Still, there is a bright spot. Alf’s Burgers and Shakes is right around the corner from the university, and they serve excellent burgers and shakes. While the parking may be limited and the wait might be long, it’s certainly worth the hassle after an afternoon spent watching Division III football.  Alf's Burgers and Shakes, Photo by David Berger, Stadium Journey For other football in the area, a half-hour drive northeast on 99W brings you to fellow Northwest Conference members, George Fox Bruins , in Newburg, Oregon. Fans 3 The home side is packed and lively, especially as the Wildcats begin to pull away from their opposition. All around the field, fans stay very much invested in the action. At times, it can feel like a picnic, with fans either bringing their lawn chairs to sit on the turf right behind the end zone or standing near the entrance in the shade.  Access 3 Parking is a bit scattered on campus, but the lot next to Founders Way seems to be the best. Although a bit of a walk from the stadium, the spots are plenty. Founders Way is also an excellent place to send your Uber or Lyft driver.  Once you get to the stadium, you don’t have to worry about going through any screening process and can probably buy your tickets there, too. However, it is recommended to buy your tickets from the university website . While the buildings are up to code, their restrooms are a bit messier than you would expect from a venue that has the largest video board in Division III football.  Return on Investment 2 Although the home bleachers are covered, none of the other seats are. The sun proves to be unforgiving as the game progresses. While it is a more than pleasant atmosphere, the weather will be a factor in your overall experience. If you are concerned about the weather, perhaps spending an additional $10 for a covered seat is all it will take for a better experience. Still, $15-$25 is a good deal for a college football game.  Extras 2 There’s a section of the home bleachers next to the away team bleachers, making for a unique experience as either one section or the other is always cheering. If you sit close enough on the visitor’s side, you can watch the offense and defense talk on the sidelines. While the coaches are careful enough not to let the crowd listen in on their instructions, you can hear the player’s emotions as they come off the field. It makes for an intimate setting.  Final Thoughts In this era of NIL (name, image, and likeness), college football has lost a lot of its innocence. But the lower levels are not always subject to the almighty dollar. While Linfield University has a proud tradition and is always looking for ways to upgrade its facilities, it remains a small college program. The innocence of the game rests in Maxwell Field.

Photos by David Hegler, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.00 Tech CU Arena 1500 S 10th St San Jose, CA 95112 Map It San Jose Barracuda website Tech CU Arena website Year Opened: 2022 Capacity: 4,200 Welcome to Tech CU Arena In 2015, the San Jose Sharks announced that they were moving their AHL affiliate, the Worcester Sharks, across the country and right in their own backyard. Renamed the San Jose Barracuda, the newly named team originally played in the home arena of its parent affiliate, the SAP Center while getting adjusted to their new surroundings. In 2022, the Barracuda opened their own arena, Tech CU Arena.   It is attached to the Sharks’ practice facility, Sharks Ice at San Jose, which has served as a much loved public venue for years, often hosting youth games, practices and birthday parties. It is within this setting that the Barracuda hope to make their mark with the growing interest in the game. After finishing fourth in the new Pacific Division to begin their stay in San Jose, the Barracuda won their division in 2016-2017 and made it as far as the semifinals of the Calder Cup before losing to the Grand Rapids Griffins. They made it back to the conference finals in 2021, but lost in two games to the Henderson Silver Knights. To date, that is as far as the Barracuda have ever come to winning it all.  Food & Beverage 3 The food options are plentiful. There are several places where you can get food and even a location where you can pick up a drink like you would at a grocery store, with several refrigerators filled to the brim with liquid goodies and a self checkout kiosk standing nearby (yes, there is security for that). While they do serve all the usual stadium originals such as hot dogs, popcorn, nachos and pretzels, Tech CU Arena also serves smashburgers for $17 with a vegetarian option.  Drink MKT at Tech CU Arena, Photo by David Hegler, Stadium Journey They even sell hockey sticks filled with beer. Speaking of beer, Tech CU Arena has two bars in the upper concourse worth looking into: the Mad River Brewing Bar and Calder’s Sports Bar and Refuge. Atmosphere 3 The place gleams as you enter, with four large 12.5 ft x 21.5 ft video boards attached to one another and hanging right over center ice and the team’s lone divisional championship banner hanging all alone just a short distance away. It’s clear that many more banners are planned and that this minor league venue has big league ambitions. With this being hockey, fans are usually inclined to watching and listening to the violence. Since it’s so much more affordable than a typical NHL game, you shouldn’t have any problem hearing the violence of the game (if that’s your preference). The hits and the fights are aplenty, even in the minors. Although a minor league venue, Tech CU Arena officials have done a remarkable job at making a fan-first atmosphere. With it being in the heart of Silicon Valley, all of the technology is state of the art. Even the seats are cushioned.  The arena itself is quite loud and vibrant. It’s packed too, with the seats roughly 75% full, not bad for a minor league game. After every goal, the arena blares a loud foghorn noise, not unlike the 49ers’ Levi’s Stadium. All through the game their mascot, Frenzy the Barracuda, livens the crowd by boisterously waving his arms and at times even participating in the t-shirt toss. Neighborhood 3 Sharks Ice at San Jose (Tech CU Arena) have many neighbors that are very, very close . San Jose State football’s CEFCU Stadium is just across the street and the San Jose Giants Excite Park is just around the corner. To put it mildly, the neighborhood is always bustling.  Although crowded, the neighborhood is family friendly with the Happy Hollow Park & Zoo and the Japanese Friendship Garden being just a short walk from Sharks Ice a t San Jose. There are several restaurants around the area including the Bui Phong Bakery which is just around the corner of S 10th St. and Keyes St. as well as both Carnitas El Rincon and Puro Michoacan Restaurant which are right across the street from each other on Keyes and 2nd St. Clandestine Brewing is right down 2nd St. from Carnitas. The only hotel within walking distance from the arena is right down Alma St. After walking a ways, turn right on First St. and you will soon bump into Hotel Elan San Jose. While it is technically a two-star hotel, the reviews online are more than three out of five stars. Fans 4 The arena is bustling. All through the game s , the crowd gets louder and louder with anticipation. Their attention only intensifies with each scoreless period. The fans know that the team caters to them and they give the team all that they can: their passion. Access 3 The parking situation isn’t horrible either, with a garage right across the street going for $10 cash or credit. But aside from that garage, it’s probably better for tourists to rely on public transit. There are three bus stops (Route 73) along Senter Rd, which is just down the street from Alma Ave where Tech CU Arena resides. It’s very easy for rideshare to drive through the parking lot right in front of Tech CU Arena, dropping off guests right at the door. Tech CU Arena is only 6.1 miles from the SJ Airport and it should be no problem having either Uber or Lyft take you there. The arena is pretty spacious, with enough space within the concourses for traffic to be minimal. Their security is pretty loose, with there being just a single metal detector. With this being a new venue, the bathrooms are state-of-the-art but are more often than not out of paper towels. Return on Investment 4 For a minor league venue, it certainly feels like a major league environment. Of course, with the venue being just two years old, it is   almost expected to be clean, especially for the home opener. Still, the community is   alive in the building. NHL games are not cheap, but AHL games are. With a price tag of anywhere between $18 to $40, the San Jose Barracuda certainly give the crowd much more than its money’s worth of entertainment. When you first walk into the building, it almost has its own community. Whether it’s the face painters to the side painting team insignia’s on impressionable kid’s faces, the small team store that is always bustling with fans or the myriad of food venues that offered quite the selection of gut-busting goodness, it truly feels that win or lose, the night would end well for those in attendance. Extras 1 At times, the game has a carnival-like atmosphere. Little things like face paintings in the hallway, t-shirt tosses from the ice, obstacle races during intermission in giant bubbles keep fans engaged in a fun, family-friendly atmosphere.  Final Thoughts The Barracuda have done a remarkable job keeping their new venue clean and lively. Even though both the Barracuda and the Sharks finished far from contention just the year before, the fans are very much into the game.

Photos by Gregory Koch, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.57 Leeman-Turner Arena at Grace Hall 671 Taylor Street Bethlehem, PA 18015 Lehigh Mountain Hawks website Leeman-Turner Arena at Grace Hall website Year Opened: 1942 Capacity: 1,788 Volleyball Stars in Bethlehem Nestled in the town of Bethlehem in Pennsylvania's Lehigh Valley, Leeman-Turner Arena at Grace Hall is home to the volleyball program of the Lehigh University Mountain Hawks. The arena previously served as the home of Lehigh's basketball program. The men moved into the newly built Stabler Arena in 1979, while the women followed a decade later. Grace Hall was renovated extensively in 2003, and in addition to hosting volleyball, it also hosts Lehigh's wrestling team. It is also used for intramural and club sports, among other events. Food & Beverage 0 There is no food or drink for sale at Lehigh volleyball games, although fans are free to bring their own. There is a water fountain on the upper-level concourse if you urgently need something to drink but don't have anything. Atmosphere 4 Walking through the doors of the unassuming stone building that houses Leeman-Turner Arena will put you in a small lobby extensively featuring the school's color scheme - a mix of light and dark brown, with some gold thrown in as well. Glass doors up a few stairs straight ahead will take you to the arena itself. All seats in the arena are plastic bleachers. An additional concourse is located above the bleachers but doesn't have much of anything to do there other than an additional set of restrooms. Since this is such a small arena, you will have an up-close view of the action no matter where you sit. A pair of scoreboards are located behind the end line on the entrance side. The one on the left (as you face the exit) shows the score of the current set, while the one on the right shows the number of sets each team has won. However, you just have to figure out the function of each scoreboard on your own, as both are labeled "score." During timeouts, one scoreboard also shows the time remaining until play resumes. The other scoreboard has something labeled "Advantage Time," which is only used for wrestling, so you can ignore this during a volleyball match. Lehigh does put some effort into the matchday experience at a volleyball game. Small promotional giveaways will often be available in the lobby, and the Lehigh pep band will sometimes show up and play during breaks in the action, occasionally between points but mostly during timeouts or between sets. However, they may not be there every game. Neighborhood 3 Bethlehem is not the largest town, but there is still plenty to do here. If you head north from campus, you will find many restaurants and other attractions along both sides of the Lehigh River. Seven Sirens and Bonn Place are two popular breweries on the south side of the river, and there are other options to choose from as well, ranging from Peruvian to Italian to typical American food. Bethlehem has the feel of a small college town, so while there is plenty to do here, it's far from the excitement of a major city. Fans 3 The typical crowd at a Lehigh volleyball match will be between 100 and 200 fans, which is about typical for the Patriot League but far less than at many larger programs in Division I. Additionally, since the Patriot League has such a small geographic footprint, many of those in attendance will be cheering for the visiting team. This is especially true for the game against archrival Lafayette, which is located only a few miles away, but will also be true against the other schools, such as in-state rival Bucknell. Early season non-conference games against teams outside the northeast may have fewer away fans. While those in attendance can get loud at times, such as if Lehigh wins a big point or an extended rally, at other points, it can be quite quiet in here. The low ceilings do keep the sound in when the crowd cheers, and that helps. Access 3 Getting to the Lehigh campus will require some driving on back roads, no matter where you are coming from, but at least you can enjoy the scenery as you drive through the country. Lehigh University has several nearby "campuses," and Grace Hall is located on the Asa Packer campus. Your best bet is to park in the Zoeller Arts Center Garage. Parking is available there for $1 per hour, payable at either a pay station or via the Passport mobile app on your phone. The upper levels are reserved for events at the art center, although you should find sufficient parking on the first floor, so it's not an issue. It is about a five to ten-minute walk from the garage to the arena, although you will need to walk up a steep hill to get there. The exterior of the arena is an unassuming stone building, so you will need to pay attention to find it. Restrooms are available in the lobby on the lower level as well as on the concourse above the bleachers. They are of a more than sufficient size for the crowds Lehigh draws for a volleyball match. Return on Investment 4 There is no charge for admission to Lehigh volleyball games, and as mentioned above, parking isn't particularly expensive either. Still, there isn't enough here to earn the top score. Extras 2 One star for the unique layout and color scheme of the arena, featuring light and dark brown with splashes of gold. A second star for the poster honoring Lehigh's Patriot League volleyball titles. Final Thoughts Leeman-Turner Arena at Grace Hall is not the fanciest volleyball venue - while it has an unusual layout, it is at its core, quite basic. That being said, Lehigh puts a good effort into the matchday atmosphere here, and it is a shame that more fans do not show up.

Photos by Gregory Koch Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.00 Ludwig Field University Boulevard and Stadium Drive College Park, MD 20740 Maryland Terrapins website Ludwig Field website Year Opened: 1995 Capacity: 7,000 Fear The Soccer Turtle Ludwig Field on the University of Maryland's campus is home to the four-time national champion Maryland Terrapins soccer team. The stadium officially seats about 7,000 fans and has consistently ranked as one of the top college soccer venues in the country. Maryland has been one of the most successful college soccer teams in recent years, winning the national championship in 2005, 2008 and 2018 as well as a title back in 1968. Until they missed out in 2023, the Terps had made every NCAA Tournament since 2001. The 2023 tournament was only the second one they have missed since 1994. Terps alumni to have played in Major League Soccer include Donovan Pines of D.C. United, Zach Steffen of the Colorado Rapids and U.S. internationals Graham Zusi and Zach Steffen. Food & Beverage 3 There is a single food stand in the corner of the stadium. Although Ludwig Field is an outstanding venue, the concessions here are simply average. Your only meal options are chicken tenders (which come with fries), veggie burgers, hot dogs, and for health conscious people, a chicken caesar wrap or a spinach, nut, and berry salad. Fruit cups, candy, peanuts, and chips are all available, as is Sasho's Crew Crunch ice cream, which is dulce de leche ice cream with a chocolate swirl and nestle crunch pieces. Gatorade, bottled water, soda, and hot chocolate are available to drink. There is also a beer garden where fans of age can purchase adult beverages. Atmosphere 5 There are four sets of seats at Ludwig Field, one along each sideline and one behind each of the goals. The students tend to occupy the goal line seats and stand behind whichever goal the Terps are shooting at (more on that later.) The seats on the near sideline as you come in are chairbacks and are extremely close to the action - the front row is only a few feet away from the sideline. This is the best place to sit, but as all seats are general admission, they do fill up here. On the far sideline, you will find a large set of bleachers which are separated from the field by a running track. You may also struggle to see over the overhangs that cover the team benches, although if you sit high enough, this will not be an issue. A scoreboard is located behind one goal and shows some team stats in addition to the score and time. Before the game, the Terrapins enter the field amidst pillars of smoke, and the crowd gets fired up for the game. As is typical of soccer at any level, much of the atmosphere comes from the fans, and we will discuss this more in that section, but the team does a lot here as well. There are activities on the concourse for kids and adults alike, and if you arrive early, you can sit up very close to the action at a top-notch college stadium. Neighborhood 3 College Park is a small college town with enough in the immediate area to get by but is 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 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 to 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 5 Maryland consistently ranks in the Top 5 in the nation in attendance, and while they seldom draw close to the alleged capacity of 7,000, the stands can get quite full even with only about half that in attendance, as they were on the day Stadium Journey was in attendance. Sure, they can always manage to fit more fans in if they pay for tickets, but if it gets much fuller than that, some fans may be standing or crammed extremely tightly into the bleachers. Nonetheless, it felt like a near-capacity crowd when we visited, even if officially it wasn't. Terps fans are loud and proud of their team, especially the large student section. As mentioned above, they stand in the bleachers behind whichever goal the Terps are shooting at in that half, and seek to annoy the opposing goalkeeper as much as possible. They are loud and do support their team, but also have chants directed at the opposing goalkeeper that may not always be completely clean. We're talking mild vulgarity, not slurs or R-rated curse words or anything like that, but it may not be G-rated either, so just be mindful of that. Access 3 The University of Maryland campus is a few miles off of I-495 (the Capital Beltway) and Maryland Route 295 (Baltimore-Washington Parkway). Once on campus, you can park in Lot 1B or 1D right next to the stadium for free on weekends and weeknights after 5 PM. If going to a weekday afternoon game, you will have to park further away in a garage, and pay for that, but as Ludwig Field has lights, this will very rarely be an issue. Note that there is a lot of construction going on in the vicinity of Ludwig Field, so you may have to walk or drive around blocked off construction areas that can change on a daily basis. Once inside the stadium, you can walk around the track area to get from one set of bleachers to another. Getting around the bleachers themselves can be difficult when it is crowded, but this is to be expected and will likely be the case at any venue. Real restrooms are available by the concession stand and the far side bleachers, and there are also Port-a-Potties right by the entrance if you are sitting on that side and don't want to walk all the way around.. Return on Investment 5 Tickets for adults are $15 for select premium games against top opponents and $10 for all other games. Discounts are available for youth and seniors as well. Parking is usually free, and concessions are reasonably priced. Considering this is one of the top college soccer stadiums in the country, perhaps the best, this is an excellent value. Ticket prices may be higher than most college soccer venues, but they are still not that high and you get what you pay for. Extras 4 Look for the area behind the goal by the entrance offering various promotions and giveaways for children and adults alike. Selections will vary by game, of course, but can include giveaways of free food or Terps merchandise, sign making, or other fun activities. Free roster sheets are available as you come in as well. Look for all the banners throughout Ludwig Field honoring the Terrapins' four national championships. The crowd energy here, especially from the students, is worthy of a fourth extra star. Final Thoughts Ludwig Field may be the best college soccer stadium in the country, and it certainly ranks among the elite. The Terps have a great fan base, a gorgeous stadium, and an outstanding team that plays in it. Soccer fans in the region will definitely want to make the trip to Ludwig Field to check out a Terps game.

Photos by Gregory Koch, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.57 Rhodes Field 3331 River Fields Dr Philadelphia, PA 08105 Penn Quakers website Rhodes Field website Year Opened: 2002 Capacity: 650 The Might of the Penn Tucked into the River Fields Complex between I-76 and the railroad tracks, you can find Rhodes Field, home of Penn Quakers soccer. The complex is located on the bank of the Schuylkill River and also includes Meiklejohn Stadium , home of the Quakers' baseball team, and Ellen Vagelos Field , home of Penn field hockey. Food & Beverage 0 There is no food or drink for sale at Rhodes Field. Fans are free to bring in their own. Occasionally, food and drink may be available at receptions to certain groups such as donors or alumni. If this applies to you, you will be able to register in advance. Atmosphere 5 Rhodes Field is located in an unusual urban setting. The Philadelphia skyline is visible across the field and cars zoom by on I-76 behind the bleachers. The stadium itself has a beautiful brick facade and bleacher seating for about 650 fans. A digital scoreboard is located to the left of the field that shows some team stats and also shows a pregame hype video to get the crowd fired up. The seats are all very close to the action - there is no track or anything else separating them from the field, and with only a few rows, you will be close no matter where you sit. As is often the case at soccer matches at any level, much of the energy comes from the fans (more on that later) but the team itself puts in a lot of effort too. Penn has a mascot, a costumed Quaker, who has been known to make appearances at Penn soccer games and interact with fans. Rhodes Field is always full of energy from the crowd and that really helps contribute to the atmosphere here. Neighborhood 5 Rhodes Field is located in a park next to several other Penn athletic venues in the University City Neighborhood of Philadelphia. Within a short walk, you can find numerous restaurants ranging from pizza to burgers to chicken to bars, and much more. Most of this can be found north of the stadium, as the university hospital is located directly to the south. The Schuylkill River is directly to the east, but there are plenty of options as you head west along the streets as well. The New Deck Tavern is one favorite, as are the White Dog Café and highly rated Mexican restaurant Cucina Zapata. Fans 5 Although Rhodes Field only seats 650, Penn fans fill the bleachers every game. They are loud, especially after Penn goals, but even at other points during the game it can be quite raucous and rowdy here. Penn fans are also not afraid to get on the ref's case for making what they perceive as a bad call, even if it had little impact on the game. If a Penn player gets called for a questionable offsides shortly before shooting the ball wide of the net, expect fans to boo and yell at the ref, even though the only real effect is that the ensuing free kick by the other team will be taken from a few yards further up the field. Access 3 Rhodes Field is located in the River Fields Complex and finding it can be tricky if you are not using a GPS. Even if you are using one, it can be unclear where to park. On weekends or weekdays after 2:00, the lots in the River Fields Complex are open to the public. On weekdays before 2, you can only park here with a permit, but since Rhodes Field has lights, most games on weekdays are played at night and this is not a problem. The closest lot to the stadium is by the Hollenback Annex, all the way at the back of the Rhodes Field Complex. The final portion of the road is undergoing significant construction and only one lane is open. This means that staff have to direct traffic to keep cars going into the lot, cars leaving the lot, and pedestrians walking from the lot to the stadium or vice versa from colliding with each other. It is a huge mess. If this lot fills up, which it will, there are a few spaces available by the baseball stadium, which isn't significantly further away, but if these fill up, you will have to park at the Penn Museum Garage, about a ten minute walk away, which will also be your only option on weekday afternoons. Getting from either of the lots at River Fields to the stadium involves walking down a narrow unlit road with no grass or sidewalk along the majority of the route that you can walk on. Since cars are zooming by on I-76 on the other side of the fence, you won't even hear cars when they approach on the River Fields access road, so you need to be paying careful attention as both a driver and a pedestrian. Getting from the Penn Museum Garage to the stadium involves walking down a long staircase behind the Hollenback Annex (and back up it at the end of the game) which will put you in the Hollenback lot. Just as if you parked there, you will need to walk down the chute and hope the staff successfully keep vehicular traffic out while you do so. The Penn Health SEPTA stop is a short walk away near the Penn Museum Garage, but you run into the same problem walking from here that you do walking from anywhere else. If you do drive, parking will will cost $4 per hour, up to $18 for the whole day. While Penn receives an average score for access, the fact is that they could receive a much higher score without adding any significant access, simply by improving what is already there. There is room for a sidewalk along the River Fields Access road, but instead there is a steep incline along the side that is impossible to walk on, and at many points contains rocks or other things you would not want to trip over when walking at night on an unlit road. If they simply added a sidewalk and some lighting along the road, and made it easier and safer for vehicles and pedestrians alike to get to and from the Hollenback lot, this rating would go up significantly. Return on Investment 4 Admission to Penn soccer games is free, and Rhodes Field is an outstanding venue, so the value here is good. However, the high cost to park takes this score down a notch. Extras 3 One star for the banners at Rhodes Field honoring Penn's tournament appearances. A second star for the unusual location of Rhodes Field, between a highway and railroad tracks, with cars zooming by behind you and trains passing on the other side of the field, and the Philadelphia skyline visible beyond the tracks. A third and final star for the pregame hype video that gets the crowd fired up. Final Thoughts Rhodes Field is a gorgeous college soccer stadium that fans in the Philadelphia area will definitely want to visit. While it is a bit tricky to get to, once you are here, you will not regret coming.

Photos by Marc Viquez, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.71 Carroll Stadium 1001 W New York St Indianapolis, IN 46202 Indy Eleven website Carroll Stadium website Year Opened: 1982 Capacity: 12,100 American Soccer's Best Dive Bar The Indy Eleven are members of the second-division United Soccer League. The ultimate goal of the franchise is to have its soccer-specific stadium and move up the ranks to Major League Soccer. The club operated in the North American Soccer League since its inception in 2014, before joining the USL for the 2018 season. However, during deep playoff runs, the club returns to IU-Indy for matches due to scheduling conflicts at their regular home. The club is called Michael A. Carroll Track & Soccer Stadium on the campus of IUPUI home. The 12,100-seat stadium opened in 1982 but was renovated before the arrival of the club in 2014. There were $1 million in improvements made to the stadium before the first season that included additional bathrooms, portable concession stands, seating areas, 11 private suites, and two premiere party decks. The Eleven have made headlines with their stadium woes. Club ownership proposed Eleven Park, a $550 million mixed-used development and 20,000-seat stadium, that was scheduled to open for the 2025 season. In June 2024, the City-County Council approved Mayor Joe Hogsett's plan for an MLS stadium to lure an expansion franchise separate from the Indy Eleven. The club will most likely be at the college stadium for the foreseeable future. The Eleven played at Lucas Oil Stadium from 2018 to 2020. The move improved many areas, but the atmosphere was clouded by the massive size of the stadium. The team would return to Carroll Stadium for the 2021 season. The Indy Eleven–named after the 11th Indiana Infantry Regiment that served with notoriety in the Union Army  during the American Civil War–has averaged over 9,000 fans per game over four seasons setting the standard for both casual and supporters' section at the stadium. Weekend matches at the “The Mike” include tailgating, family activities, and various tents and games set up before each home match. A strong dedicated supporter section known as the Brickyard Battalion provides the theatrics during the 90 minutes of soccer on the synthetic field. Food & Beverage 4 The food choices are varied with a majority of them served from food trucks and blue shelters behind the supporters' section. The open space allows for an outdoor food court with plenty of options for food and drink. Condado Tacos offers three types of varieties: Lucy Fire, Blue Dream, and the vegetarian Power Plant. You can also grab queso and chips and stadium nachos. Chomp's Truck serves burgers and seasoned fries, and Mac Genie serves Philly steak sandwiches, plus a variety of mac and cheese dishes from buffalo chicken, crab, and jalapeño. There are more burgers and pizza offered at the Union Jack's food truck. The opposite of the stadium is Gordon's Ice Cream which features six flavors, waffle cones, fried churros, and milkshakes. There is also Ben's Pretzels which always has long lines for its freshly made soft pretzels. If you require a wake-up, Illumine Coffee has a cup for you. The stadium features snack options, including hot dogs, popcorn, and Coca-Cola products. The beer options include Papst Blue Ribbon and Bud Light but also include varieties from nearby 450 North and Metazoan Breweries. Other alcoholic options include wine slushies and ciders, including one made specifically for the soccer club, Boysen Blueberry. Atmosphere 4 Carroll Stadium was not designed for soccer but for UI-Indy’s track and field program in 1982. The stadium shows its age in many areas from the grandstand to bathrooms and aesthetics. However, fan support has been strong during the Indy Eleven’s run, despite its struggles trying to build its soccer-specific venue. Tailgating begins early for evening games and various tents and banners are noticeable before kickoff. The Brickyard Battalion has a few tables and tents offering its brand of merchandise featuring caps, scarves, shirts, and stickers. Some of it is pretty well designed and constructed. A large track circles the pitch and pushes the fans in the grandstand away from the action on the field. The view of the playing field from the top of the stands is quite nice, but the noise from the supporters' section, Brickyard Battalion, is drowned out from this area. Many of the fans in the grandstand are casual and relaxed. The team’s official mascot Zeke is a dog dressed in Civil War regalia, while two live dogs, Victorio and Victoria, roam the stadium with their owner to adoring fans who want to pet them. There is also an official mascot that roams around the stadium as well that does not need a leash. There are two merchandise tents offering t-shirts to jerseys located behind both end-line seats. It is not uncommon to find a few discounted items that are around the $10-$20 mark along with reasonably priced novelties for the true fan or soccer jersey collector. Neighborhood 3 Carroll Stadium is located on the campus of IU-Indy near the center of downtown and a short taxi or Uber ride to Mass Ave or Fountain Square sections of Indianapolis. However, there are a few places nearby within a slight walk after the game to visit including a slew of regional chain restaurants. The Mass Ave. neighborhood is highly recommended after the game and it’s where you will find the official meeting headquarters for supporters The Chatham Tap Restaurant & Pub. The soccer-friendly atmosphere provides food, drinks, and lively conversations, try their wings, bangers, mash, or Scotch eggs. A few more spots to check out for food on the avenue would be Goodfella’s Pizza which offers giant New York-style slices for $3 and the Speakeasy Bar in the back. Bakersfield offers tequila and tacos for affordable prices, Union 50 features live music in a very hip atmosphere, and The Eagle has some of the best fried chicken in town. Fans 4 The Indy Eleven have finished either number one or two in attendance numbers in the NASL since its inception. The organization has tapped into a niche market in the city that’s blossoming with Generation X, Millennials, and beyond. The city has supported this team well through both winning and losing seasons. Perhaps, the stadium’s most dedicated and faithful group of supporters is the Brickyard Battalion. During the game, the BYB sings, shouts, cheers, and blows off a little smoke after every Indy goal. A lively group that makes its appearance felt during the game, you can’t miss them. However, do not let them spot you with an opposing jersey. With the club joining the USL, expect the BYB to do battle with nearby rivals Louisville City. Access 3 The stadium is accessible from both I-65 and I-70 and is located on the campus of IUPUI. There are plenty of parking lots that cost $10, a modest price. Leaving the game can get a little congested, but there are plenty of police officers on hand to guide you home. Inside the stadium, traffic moves fluidly and there are enough signs to guide you towards your seats. Bathrooms are located behind the main seating section and port-a-potties are featured in the back of the BYB area behind the goal. There are also a few fans who stand on top of the parking deck and watch the game with a decent view of the playing field. It is slightly obstructed in one end, but a cheap way to enjoy a soccer match. Return on Investment 4 Ticket prices online range from $15 to $20. Parking is $15 for the nearby lots on campus. Concession prices are inexpensive compared to other USL Championship stadiums. The price of bottled water is $2.50, craft beer is $8-$10, and a hot dog is $6. Some team merchandise is heavily discounted to $15-$20 towards the end of the season. Extras 4 One point for the two live mascots, Victorio and Victoria, who walk around the stadium decked out in personalized Eleven jerseys. Another to the local concession menu offering items such as Gordon’s Ice Cream to Mac Genie. It's great to see local vendors at the match. A third point of the Honda Fun Zone is that the little ones will enjoy the games in a carnival-like atmosphere. A final one for the Brickyard Battalion, a strong and loyal supporters' group for the soccer club. The official supporter group of Eleven is not afraid to express their opinions to the opposing side on the field. During a typical match, expect to sing, cheer, shout, stand, and be engulfed in red, white, and blue smoke. Final Thoughts " The Mike” is nearing the end of its service for the Indy Eleven at the present moment, but the club needs a soccer-specific facility. Personally, a 9,000-seater would be ideal, but with the mayor and ownership having different aspirations with the future of soccer in Indianapolis, hold off on the shovels digging into the dirt. ------ Follow all of Marc’s stadium journeys on Twitter @ballparkhunter and his YouTube channel . Email at Marc.Viquez@stadiumjourney.com

Yard Goats, PaddleHeads, RubberDucks, and Cannon Ballers? Do you like these names, or do you loathe them? Are the names a sign of what has become the norm in the out-of-the-box style or the minor leagues, and do they stray away from the traditions of the game? In the past several years, there has been a collection of unusual yet intriguing names for minor league baseball clubs. The Beloit Snappers of the Midwest League unveiled new potential names and are asking fans to place a vote online. A few of the names include the Supper Clubbers and Cheeseballs–not your run-of-the-mill baseball name. It could be said that it’s all part of a current fad in the minors that began several years ago, but that may not be quite accurate. Minor league baseball has a history of oddball names dating back to the 19th century. Like today, the names were generated from fan input, contests, and regional influences. A few lasted many decades, while some faded away quickly. After reviewing multiple newspaper clippings, I found that the role of naming a minor league ball club was just as important for proper branding and local recognition back then as it is now. We look at five different clubs that earned their name through various methods. Three teams formed before World War II, and two debuted soon after fighting was over in the Pacific Theater in 1946. However, one must look at each of these names and wonder how well they would fit with today’s minor league franchise branding.   Nazareth Cement Dusters The Nazareth Cement Dusters joined the North Atlantic League in 1946, and its name was decided through a fan vote. The winning entry was from Donald Kemmerer and Sam Aristidew, who both received a season pass to the home games at Nazareth Park Field. In total, there were 101 name suggestions for the new ball club, but Cement Dusters was the winning entry. There was no reason provided on why the name was submitted by both men, but one can surmise that it stems from the Lehigh Cement Company, which had been in operation since 1897. The city had been home to many other local cement companies even further back since 1866, which employed numerous area residents and was the prominent producer of bulk and bagged cement in North America. A Nazareth Cement Factory, Photo Courtesy of The Morning Call. Legend has it that the dust from the cement bagging plant would blow over across the street to the Nazareth Speedway and cover the all-dirt track. The cement dust would kick up during auto races and be visually noticeable to both drivers and fans. Perhaps the auto racing industry played a hand in naming the new ball club that played less than two miles from the factory and track. The Dusters averaged 553 fans per game and sported an impressive 78-40 record on the season. They lost in the first round of the playoffs four games to 1 to the Carbondale Pioneers. Unfortunately, by the following season, the name would be gone from the Lehigh Valley sports landscape. The team would attract the Detroit Tigers in 1947 and, due to its affiliation with them, changed its name to the Nazareth Tigers.  The following year, the club did not have a major league affiliation, and instead of reverting to the old Dusters’ name, opted for the Barons for the rest of its existence until the league ceased operations after the 1950 season.   Paris Red Peppers About 1,400 miles southwest of Nazareth is Paris, Texas, which was awarded a franchise in the East Texas League. The baseball club announced a name-the-team contest and, on February 10, 1946, chose the name Red Peppers. There were 100 suggestions sent to the club that was returning pro ball to town for the first time since 1934. Lee Johnson received two season passes for his suggestion and was selected out of 100 entries for being unusual. Emblems featuring red pepper pods were quickly designed and placed on home jerseys. The road jerseys were gray with the city name in block letters stretched across the front. A block P would be worn on a dark blue cap. Courtesy of Ebbets Field Flannels Like with the name Cement Dusters, there was no information on why Johnson chose the name Red Peppers. The local newspaper would often shorten the name to the “Pods” when covering the team throughout the season. Its home field was put together around the same time as the naming of the club and included an all-dirt infield and box seating for four that cost $75 per person.  The team would move to the Big State League the following year, and then things got interesting. Following that season, co-owner Fred Kirby bought out the ownership from John Barnes; with the change of ownership also came a new name, the Paris Rockets. There was no reason given, but the local paper indicated that perhaps it was “too hot of a name” for a baseball team. Perhaps Kirby was not in favor of the “peppery” name and, now that he had full ownership, decided to get rid of it as soon as possible. There was no word on if Johnson, who had named the club, was upset over his unique name being scrapped in favor of the generic-sounding Rockets. The Rocket’s name lasted one season before being changed to the Panthers in 1949, complete with a switch back to the East Texas League. The reason behind the name change was that four ex-players purchased the team for $2,500 and opted for a fresh name for the season.  The Panthers would cease operations on July 19, 1950, after the team and the city failed to raise $20,000 to take over and operate the club. It was a quick ending to the revival of baseball in town that attracted 3,500 fans for its first game and an average of 1,466 for games in 1948. That tally dwindled to 688 fans per game in 1950 before the club folded mid-season. Baseball would be back in Paris from 1952-1953 and then again from 1955-1957, but under the names of its major league affiliations in Cleveland and Baltimore. A creative name as the Red Peppers was never brought back and, for the most part, largely forgotten by the fans in the eastern Texas town.   Longview Cannibals Another East Texas League team had a very unusual name and one that would more than likely never be used today. The Longview Cannibals were given its nickname by Longview Times-Clarion reporter C.B. Cunningham after a game in 1896. Longview Cannibals newspaper ad Cunningham wrote that the “Longview Cannibals ate up the San Antonio Missionaries here today.” The locals loved the name, and it stuck, proceeding ball clubs in town would carry the Cannibal's name for the next 40-plus years. The handle would be used on and off in town until 1939, when new owner George Schepps asked fans to vote on a new name for the club. Cunningham wrote that the “Longview Cannibals ate up the San Antonio Missionaries here today.” The locals loved the name, and it stuck, proceeding ball clubs in town would carry the Cannibal's name for the next 40-plus years. The handle would be used on and off in town until 1939, when new owner George Schepps asked fans to vote on a new name for the club. They were voted on by a panel of three men from the local newspapers and radio station; after three weeks, the name Texans was selected from four individuals: R.C. Latchman, Rita Roark, Mrs. Bonner, and David Eubanks.  Sadly, the team would fold after the season and would not return until after the war in 1947. Schepps did put a lot of effort into renaming the club, and it must have been a shame that the club ceased operations after one year of using the new branding. The Texans would be gone for good from Longview after the 1950 campaign.   Appleton Papermakers In 1940, the Appleton baseball club opted for the handle Papermakers that had been used by pro ball clubs since the early 20th century. The name has been in use at Kimberly High School in nearby Buchanan, Wisconsin, which has a wasp in its logo.  Appleton had not had a pro club since 1914, when it joined the Wisconsin State League when it announced that it would use the name on April 12, a few weeks before the beginning of the season. The team would be a member of the league until 1953 except 1943-1945 due to World War II. Appleton Papermakers throwback uniforms in 2008, Photo by Chris Mehring. The paper industry was Wisconsin’s third-largest industry at the time and began in Milwaukee in 1848 when it was produced out of rags and straw. Three months after the first papermaking began in Wisconsin, President James K. Polk signed legislation to make Wisconsin a state. Today, there are a total of 35 pulp, paper, and paperboard mills with a total annual payroll of nearly $2.5 billion in the state. The club and league ceased operations after the 1953 season, and when minor league baseball returned in 1958, the team was dubbed the Fox Cities Foxes–switched to the Appleton Foxes in 1961 and again in 1967. When the club moved into a new stadium in 1995, it would rebrand as the Wisconsin Timber Rattlers. The Rattlers wore Papermakers throwback jerseys for a home game in 2008. The design featured a block letter A on the front chest of the white jersey and a Tuscan font “A” on a navy blue cap. However, don’t expect the branding to return anytime soon on the minor league diamond, according to Chris Mehring, Play-by-play Announcer/Director of Media Relations for the Rattlers. “Appleton was a center for the paper industry, and it made sense to name the team Papermakers at the time. To bring Papermakers back as a nickname is not an option for us, except for special Throwback Nights during any anniversary season. Especially since Kimberly High School has taken the Papermakers nickname and done great things with it.”   Green Bay Bluejays A few miles north in Green Bay, the pro ball was also marking its return to the Wisconsin State League in 1940. Professional baseball dates back to the 1890s and clubs were known as the Ancients (Green Bay is known as the Ancient City), Bays, and Flies before the end of World War I. During the mid-1920s, the Green Bay Green Sox began being used for the ball clubs in town and lasted shortly before the announcement of the new minor league club in 1940.  John Walter, the sports editor of the Green Bay Post Gazette, stated in his column that “the selection of a good name is important, and one deserving serious thought” and that “a colorful, lively name can help a lot in selling a new organization in Green Bay.” A contest took place to name the team, and the winning entry submitted by Glenn J. DuBois was Blue Jays, spelled Bluejays. Although the name is not uncanny, what was it spelled as one word? DuBois came up with the concept since the club’s first manager was Otto Bluege, pronounced BLUE-jee.   Bluege ‘s brother was Ossie, who just ended an 18-year career with the Washington Senators and would play 87 games with Green Bay that year. He would later discover a young Harmon Killebrew as Farming Director for the Senators. The homeage to Bluege would stick in town as clubs could be called the Bluejays, one year the Blue Sox, until 1959. The Jays created some beautiful-looking jerseys that featured a stitched emblem of the bluebird on its sleeve, upper right chest, and cap. The look was sharp, detailed, and eloquent for minor league baseball, and although not a very unusual name, thanks to Mr. DuBois’s suggestion, the town received an aesthetically pleasing home jersey.  Red Smith takes a sip of water, File Photo. The main difference between those teams of the 1940s is that the identities would change quite often from year to year. A ball club would announce a name for the team contest that included prize money and then opt for a new name two years later. Could you imagine the Jacksonville Jumbo Shrimp, Binghamton Rumble Ponies, or the Las Vegas Aviators scraping their names after less than a handful of years of usage? Yes, there is much more time and money invested in team branding, and I am sure the Paris Red Peppers or the Nazareth Cement Dusters never had a primary and secondary logo, along with five different uniforms and caps when they played.  It is not too hard to look at each of these five names and wonder just how well they would fit in with the likes of the Norwich Sea Unicorns, Rocket City Trash Pandas, or the Fort Myers Mighty Mussels. As much as the game has changed over the years, it is nice to know that even in the 1940s, baseball fans were coming up with innovative ways to name their minor league ball clubs.   —– Follow all of Marc’s stadium journeys on Twitter, YouTube , and Instagram . You can also contact him at Marc.Viquez@StadiumJourney.com . --- Follow all of Marc’s stadium journeys on Twitter @ballparkhunter   and his YouTube channel .  Email at Marc.Viquez@stadiumjourney.com

Photos by Marc Viquez, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.57 Rothman Center 1000 River Road Hackensack, NJ 07601 FDU Knights website Rothman Center website Year Opened: 1987 Capacity: 6,000 FDU Basketball Shines in North Jersey George and Phyllis Rothman dedicated the Rothman Center on September 9, 1987, as the home of the Fairleigh Dickinson University basketball program. The self-made millionaire donated the entire $1 million to cover the cost of the building that is the centerpiece of athletics on campus. On February 9, 2007, the naming rights to the athletic venue inside the building were renamed the Stratis Arena after a generous donation from alumna Mary Kay Stratis. The arena holds just a tad under 3,000 that, includes 500 chairback seating bleachers and enough parking spots for more than 2,000 vehicles. The building consists of four playing courts, a six-lane, 200-meter track, and the Stratis Lounge that overlooks the main arena and can seat up to 150 guests. Its trademark feature is its tent-like roof design that has hosted three former presidents (George H. W. Bush, Bill Clinton, and Barack Obama) along with an array of campus events, trade shows, and entertainment options. The Knights are members of the Northeast Conference and have made five NCAA Basketball Tournament appearances since 1985. The team has not ranked higher than 15 each year and has yet to win in the postseason tourney. The program's only victory in a tournament was in the NAIA in 1952. Food & Beverage 2 There is a small concession area that serves hot dogs, nachos, and popcorn. There is, at times, pizza offered at the arena, along with frozen treats. The prices are relatively inexpensive and will tide your hunger over until you can grab a bite to eat after the game. Atmosphere 3 The Rothman Center is an interesting-looking building with a roof that is somewhat unique compared to other basketball arenas in the area. The ceiling roof comes together in a series of tan and dark brown triangular pieces that contrast beautifully with white-washed walls. A standard pull-out bleacher section pulls out from both sides. Various championship banners hang from the rafters, along with a centerpiece scoreboard that adds a nice touch to the building. The fans are close enough to the action on the field that you can hear every squeak of a sneaker or drop of sweat fall to the court. When it comes to a pure basketball environment, it is here at the Rothman Center. Neighborhood 3 The FDU campus stretches between the cities of Teaneck and Hackensack. These two cities are a mix of residential and urban. The best part about attending an FDU game is that you are close to many places to eat and shop. The Shops of Riverside is a mall that features well-known chain franchises, including P.F. Chang’s, Cheesecake Factory, Friday’s, Smashburger, and Houston’s. There is also a Hooters and several other local pizza parlors nearby, but the best place for a pie is at Brooklyn Coal-Oven Pizza. It is a must before or after the game with their coal oven pizza and in-house mozzarella, which give their pizza a kind taste at a low price. Also, try the fried ravioli, a somewhat rare treat in this part of the country. If you’re in the mood for more Italian food, then Donn Pomodoro is an excellent choice, especially for brunch on Sundays. Fans 2 A typical crowd for an FDU game is anywhere from 300 to 500 games in an arena that seats about 5,000. The student section does its best to provide a home-court advantage against conference rivals LIU Brooklyn, Wagner, and Saint Francis, but the rather intricately detailed facility deserves more than the sparse crowds. Access 3 The Rothman Center is located on the Metropolitan Campus of FDU and is accessible by either Route 17 or the Garden State Parkway. The arena is on Hackensack Ave. S exit of Route 4 on Temple Ave. There is plenty of parking in the lot, and once inside, it is very easy to get around to all parts of the arena. Return on Investment 3 Visitors have the option of purchasing general admission tickets for $10, reserved seating for $15, or premium courtside seating for $25. The parking is free, and concession items are relatively inexpensive. However, with crowds hovering around 300 to 500 people per game, an FDU game is for the die-hards and alumni only. Extras 2 The arena’s tent-like shape roof and ceiling add a distinctive look to the building, along with the championship banners. The ticket prices are relatively inexpensive, and parking is free for all games. Final Thoughts A game at the Rothman Center is accessible if in North Jersey and won’t break your bank when it comes to pricing–even with its unique roof design and other features–but might be only for the die-hard fan or alumni. ----- Follow all of Marc’s stadium journeys on Twitter @ballparkhunter and his YouTube channel . Email at marc@stadiumjourney.com

Photos by Gregory Koch, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.57 Owen T. Carroll Field 400 South Orange Ave South Orange, NJ 07079 Seton Hall Pirates website Owen T. Carroll Field website Year Opened: 1907 Capacity: 1,800 Pirates Soccer in South Orange Owen T. Carroll Field on the campus of Seton Hall University is home to the Pirates' baseball and soccer teams. The stadium opened in 1907 and has been home to Seton Hall men's soccer since 1928 and the women's soccer program since its inception. It has been renovated several times, most recently in 2019. This review will focus on the experience at a Seton Hall soccer game. Stadium Journey also has a review of Owen T. Carroll Field for Seton Hall baseball . Food & Beverage 1 There is no concession stand at Owen T. Carroll Field. However, the reason we give this category one star rather than zero is that there are several promotions a year offering free food to fans. When Stadium Journey visited, Seton Hall was giving away free cookies and hot chocolate to fans, although they ran out by halftime. Check the promotion schedule for more details. Fans are also free to bring their food and drink, except alcohol. Atmosphere 4 The sightlines at Owen T. Carroll Field are better than you would expect at a dual-use baseball/soccer field. The seating area is located entirely along one sideline behind the benches in what would be the centerfield for baseball and runs parallel to the sideline. This makes for some odd dimensions for baseball but is ideal for soccer. The only downside is that you may struggle to see over the roofs that cover the team benches, but this will only obstruct a very small portion of the field near the sideline. There are only a few rows of seats in the soccer seating area. The middle sections consist of chairbacks, while the others are bleachers without backs. Seating is first-come, first-served, but you should have no trouble getting a chairback no matter when you arrive. A large scoreboard is located to the left of the seating area and shows the number of shots and saves for each team, as well as the score and clock. It is also capable of displaying animated graphics, although this is rarely used. It will show a graphic saying "Corner Kick" when one happens, but this feature seems underutilized. The seating area in the baseball stadium behind home plate is also open, but nobody will be sitting here, and you will only be able to see the soccer field over the advertising boards from the top couple of roads. It can be a unique place to watch a game from, but you will be very far from the field. Neighborhood 5 The Seton Hall campus is located in South Orange, New Jersey, which may be the best college town in the Big East. The downtown area around South Orange Avenue is filled with local businesses. Bunny's Sports Bar is very popular with the locals, but you will find many options here, from Italian to Chinese to bars, pubs, and whatever else you might want. Just keep in mind if you head too far east on South Orange Avenue towards Newark, the neighborhood gets a lot worse. You should be safe if you drive through here in your car on the way to or from campus, but you don't want to do too much walking around here. Still, as long as you stick to the part of South Orange Avenue near campus, this is a great neighborhood. Fans 3 Seton Hall draws a few hundred fans to a typical game, who will be a good mix of friends and family of the players, Seton Hall students, and local Pirates fans. While the seating area won't be full, the crowd can get fairly loud at times. At other times, however, it will be so quiet that you can hear most of the shouting going on on the field. Soccer may not be the biggest sport at Seton Hall, but this is still a decent fan base. Access 4 Seton Hall is located on South Orange Ave., which runs through Newark into South Orange itself. A large parking garage is located right next to the stadium, and you should have no trouble parking here. However, you will then need to walk down Seton Drive parallel to the right field line of the baseball stadium to get to the soccer bleachers. This is not a long walk by any means, but it does mean the garage isn't as close as it seems. One small point to note is that although the field is visible from the garage, signs prohibit fans from watching the game from there. The South Orange train station is also located a short walk away from the Seton Hall campus. Restrooms are located behind the first base dugout in the baseball portion of the stadium, so this can be a bit of a walk from the soccer bleachers. It shouldn't take more than a few minutes, but plan accordingly. Since soccer is such a fast-paced game with no real stoppages other than halftime, this walk means you can miss a significant portion of the match while you go. This does cause us to take this ranking down a notch when it would otherwise score even higher. Return on Investment 5 Admission to Seton Hall soccer games is free, except Big East or NCAA Tournament games. Parking in the garage is also free, and while there are no concessions to buy, there is sometimes free food, which improves the value even more. . Extras 3 A marketing table is located by the entrance, offering giveaways. There are banners on the far sideline listing Seton Hall's soccer postseason accomplishments. Look for the retired number poster near the entrance to the bleachers honoring Kelly Smith, a Seton Hall women's soccer player who went on to play professionally in England and the United States, as well as representing England and the Great Britain Olympic team internationally. Final Thoughts Owen T. Carroll Field is a unique place to watch a soccer game. While soccer on a baseball field isn't always the best viewing experience, Seton Hall finds a way to make it work here. For college soccer fans in North Jersey, a Seton Hall soccer game is a fun way to spend a fall day.

Photos by Terry McCutchen, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.29 DATCU Stadium 1251 S Bonnie Brae St Denton, TX 76205 North Texas Mean Green website DATCU Stadium website Year Opened: 2011 Capacity: 30,100 Mean and Green Since 1890, the   University of North Texas  has been the largest state-supported college in the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex and the third-largest university in Texas. In its 134-year history, it has grown to become a Tier 1 research university offering 114 bachelor's, 97 master's, and 39 doctoral degree programs. North Texas State Normal College played its first game against TCU  at Eagle Field in 1913. In the 111 years since that first loss, the football program, much like the university itself, has seen great growth. The university changed its name to North Texas State Teachers College in 1923, North Texas State College in 1949, North Texas State University in 1961, and eventually the University of North Texas in 1988. To mirror these name changes, the football program has grown from its humble beginnings, enjoyed membership in various conferences through the years, including a short stint in Division 1-AA in the late 1980s, and is now a strong member of the American Athletic Conference. UNT has had the Eagle mascot since early in its history. The “Mean Green” name was credited to the Sports Information Director’s wife in 1966, who would yell, “Go Mean Greene,” either in support of sophomore “Mean Joe” Greene, the program’s most famous alum, or in support of the team’s strong defense at the time. Built-in 2011, at the convergence of Interstates 35 East and West, DATCU Stadium’s signature winged end zone section towers above the highway and surrounding landscape – the winged shape pays homage to the school's flying eagle logo. The unique end zone seating is not the only signature feature of the stadium; however, DATCU Stadium also has the designation of being the first collegiate football stadium to be awarded a LEED Platinum Certification, the highest level of Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design status. Many renewable resources are used in this venue, including three large wind turbines providing approximately half a million-kilowatt hours of electricity, along with decreasing CO2 and water usage. Easily accessible from any direction, the stadium is the center of the university’s expansive athletic complex, with ample parking within walking distance of the gate. The game day experience begins outside the stadium on The Hill, which is covered in more detail later. Mean Green football games are engaging and present a budget-friendly option for football fans of all ages.   Food & Beverage   3 There are ample food and beverage options at DATCU Stadium, with over 20 separate concession areas. The sides of the stadium host identical main stands, with options such as burgers, barbecues, hot dogs, pizza, popcorn, pretzels, and Coca-Cola soft drinks. Coors Light, Miller, and Dos Equis beers can be purchased at most concession stands as well. In addition to the traditional ballgame fare, there are also a few areas for specialty food and drinks. Salvata Salad Kitchen serves healthy wraps, including a veggie option; Beth Marie’s Ice Cream offers several flavors of specialty ice cream in a cone or cup, and 1521 Crafthouse offers many craft beer options. The Wing Pub, a full-service bar, is located in the northeast corner of the stadium, where fans 21 and over can purchase wine and liquor in addition to beer. To circumvent waiting in line, fans can also utilize the FanFood app and select one of three concession stands from which to order and pick up their food; menus for each mobile concession stand are posted online.   Atmosphere   4 The game day atmosphere starts on The Hill well before kickoff. As the name implies, this area is a large hill just east of DATCU Stadium, behind the visitor stands. On The Hill, fans will find party tents sponsored by fraternities, sororities, businesses, and fans, as well as a DJ, children’s play area, and a live music stage. In addition to the many sponsored areas, there are multiple food trucks offering plenty of choices to satisfy most anyone’s palate, and at the game I attended most recently, there was a pregame concert by a local band followed by plenty of upbeat music to set the mood for the early evening kickoff. Just outside the gate on the home side stands a statue of Mean Joe Greene, NFL Hall of Famer and possibly UNT’s most famous alum. Inside the stadium, fans will find merchandise stores on both sides of the stadium and a children’s play area underneath the winged end zone, which includes bounce houses and children’s games. Other items of interest include “Boomer,” the Civil War replica cannon fired after UNT scores, as well as The Mean Green Machine, a 1929 UNT-themed Model A on display during games. North Texas is known for its music department, so the Green Brigade Marching Band is understandably large and very entertaining. UNT also boasts a championship-level cheer squad and dance team to entertain fans. Scrappy, the mascot, is a fan favorite who stops for every request to pose for pictures and give a fist bump. The atmosphere is enhanced with many in-game promotions, special recognitions, and crowd participation games. During most TV timeouts, including quarter changes, there is either something taking place on the field or attention being drawn to the large scoreboard for announcements or a contest. For example, at the last game, I attended, two of UNT’s best football teams of the past, and later UNT’s national champion polo team, were recognized on the field, and there were also three different games on the field, including participants chosen from the crowd, similar to the on-field games played during a minor league baseball game. There were also student winners randomly named on the scoreboard throughout the game, the grand prize of which was a free semester’s tuition.   Neighborhood   3 The University of North Texas is in the city of Denton, 40 minutes north of both Fort Worth and Dallas. With a population of around 140,000, Denton is considered a college town, with many businesses and restaurants catering to two local universities (UNT and Texas Women’s University), their students, and visitors. Due to the size and location of the DATCU stadium, hotels and restaurants are just a short drive up or down I-35 (2-5 miles from the venue) – that drive can take anywhere from 3-20 minutes depending on the time of day and traffic. The nearest hotel is Hampton Inn & Suites Denton-Rayzor Ranch , with a couple of other choices being Holiday Inn Express , Embassy Suites , and SpringHill Suites . Within a short drive of campus, there are also dining options that will satisfy any palate and budget – some local favorites include Frosty’s Drive N , Rusty Taco , LSA Burger Company , New York Sub Hub , and Crooked Crust Pizza , but another must stop destination is Buc-ee’s – if you‘ve never experienced Buc-ee’s before, you’ll want to stop and peruse this Texas-sized convenience store, restaurant, dry goods store, and gas station that features immaculate restrooms. Take my advice and grab a bag of Beaver Nuggets and a pulled pork or chopped brisket sandwich for the road, then grab souvenir t-shirts for your family and friends back home. If you are into the nightlife or beer culture, Denton is long known for its bars, pubs, and craft breweries. You can check out the numerous bars on Fry Street, including Lucky Lou’s and Cool Beans Bar and Grill , across from the UNT campus. Craft Beers can be found in downtown Denton’s Craft Beer District, with many pubs and brewhouses within walking distance – a couple of these are The Bearded Monk  and Oak Street Draft House and Cocktail Parlor .   Fans   2 If there is an area that is lackluster about the game day experience, it is the lack of attendance here. With an announced attendance of a little over 27,000 at the game I last attended, the stands told another story – even in the midst of a winning season and the game falling on Family Weekend, the venue appeared to only be at approximately 60% capacity. Despite this, the students' section located behind the visitor bench was involved in the game.   Access   4 Getting into the stadium, parking is straightforward and well-marked, with plenty of signage, traffic control officers, and cones directing the flow. With parking prices as low as $20 if purchased early, fans can find a parking lot in the location of their choice on the DATCU parking website . There is also a specific, well-marked rideshare pick-up/drop-off lot just east of the stadium off Interstate 35 East. ADA parking and ADA-equipped shuttle service are also available for guests requiring such services. Inside the stadium, fans have access to both sides via a wide concourse that also encircles the winged north end zone. There are also at least three gender-specific restrooms per side, as well as family facilities available. All restrooms come equipped with diaper changing stations, and wheelchair ramps and wide entrances allow for the smooth flow of fans at all times.   Return On Investment   4 Fans attending Mean Green home football games should find that their time and money were well spent. Tailgating on The Hill kicks the day off at little to no cost, with the only investment involving bringing your food and drink or purchasing fare from a local food vendor. Many party groups will even share their tailgate with passersby after simply starting up a conversation. Once inside the stadium, concessions are reasonably priced, with entree items ranging from $7-$10 on average and drinks $3-$8. One nice amenity is FREE water filling stations; if you choose to bring in an empty 20-ounce water bottle, you can drink all the water desired without spending a dime.   Extras   3 The free water filling stations are worthy of special recognition, especially when many of the games during August and September are in 90+ degrees heat. College football games, wrought with TV timeouts, can drag on if you don’t have proper game day staff getting the crowd involved – fans here never realize there is a break in the action with all the activities that go on here. The Hill and children’s play areas are worthy of another point; along with the affordability of the games, Mean Green games are value-filled outings for families with children, especially in a market like the DFW metroplex with so many alternative entertainment options.   Final Thoughts UNT football presents a fun and engaging game day atmosphere – the lively tailgating scene, quality opponents, and affordable prices create an environment where Mean Green football games can be a destination for many fans. With a student enrollment of over 40,000, it’s puzzling how the general admission sections are not filled, but the absentee students are the ones missing out. North Texas has the practices and procedures of game day well-oiled and smooth. Despite the most recent game I attended lasting nearly 4 hours due to television breaks, this was hardly noticed because of the on-field games and action on the large scoreboard. I consider DATCU Stadium one of the most accessible and budget-friendly Division I football experiences I’ve attended, and I encourage you to add it to your travel itinerary if you haven’t already been.