Photos by Chris Green, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.00 Michelin Raceway Road Atlanta 5300 Winder Hwy Braselton, GA 30517 IMSA Petit Le Mans website Michelin Raceway Road Atlanta website Year Opened: 1970 Capacity: 10,000 IMSA’s 10 Hour Finale Petit Le Mans has become a cult classic event in the sportscar world. For 10 hours, the best in sportscar racing battle it out in a thrilling multi-class endurance race through the hills of northern Georgia. Nestled an hour north of Atlanta, Michelin Raceway Road Atlanta offers some iconic sights and non-stop racing action over four days in the fall. And, being the season finale for multiple IMSA series, the stakes couldn’t be any higher. Packed with fans, this track offers plenty of great viewing areas and camping, helping Petit Le Mans rise quickly as one of the best events of the year for fans. Food & Beverage   3 There aren’t a lot of concession stands at this track; one lies in the outer paddock behind the Michelin Tower. Here you can find burgers ($8.99), grilled chicken sandwiches ($8.99), hot dogs ($6.99), chicken tenders ($9.99), and more standard fare. Fries ($5.99) and drinks (soda, water, beer, and energy drinks) are also offered. Another stand is located in the infield near the Turn 5 area, and various food trucks populate the fan zone midway. Atmosphere   5 The event is like many in IMSA’s endurance schedule – three days of support races, as well as practice sessions for the main event, fill the entire slate at Road Atlanta from sunrise to well past sunset. Fans have access to both paddocks with their event ticket, allowing you to get up close to all the drivers and cars in between track sessions. On Saturday the cars roll out to the front stretch and grid up to their starting positions. Driver intros take place, and fans can walk the grid freely, getting up close to the cars, meeting their favorite drivers, and snagging some free swag from some of the teams. When the race starts, fireworks explode as the roar of engines fills the air. What follows is 10 hours of non-stop race action into the night. When it is all said and done, the season finale podium takes place in the lower paddock. As the cool fall air takes over, the glow of rotors becomes the dominant light source, the smell of campfires wafts through the trees, and the roar of fans heightens the excitement. Taking all the best things that make Sebring 12 Hours a great event and removing the chaos and craziness that dilute its family friendliness, Petit Le Mans easily supplants Sebring as the best party on the IMSA schedule. Just beware of the numerous spiders around the property, in practically every tree and bush.   Neighborhood   3 The main downside to Road Atlanta is its location – an hour north of Atlanta proper, this track isn’t near much. Aside from a few small hotels and fast foot locations a few miles down the road, Road Atlanta is very much dominated by rolling hills, suburbs, and farmland. A 15-minute drive south gets you to Buford and the big Mall of Georgia, however, where you can find plentiful hotels and restaurants. Also nearby is Chateau Elan resort and golf course for a more high-level resort experience; recreation can also be found outdoors at nearby Lanier.   Fans   5 The fans at Petit Le Mans are some of the most diehard in all of sportscar racing. A much more family-friendly atmosphere than Sebring , many here know how to party, but do so in a respectful way that doesn’t cross over into outrageous. The viewing areas and grandstands are always packed in every corner on race day, and many have been camping here at the track for decades during various race weekends. Without a doubt, some of IMSA’s best fans show up to Road Atlanta year after year, and the crowd only grows with each passing season. As with most events, 2024’s race saw a record crowd at Road Atlanta.   Access   5 To get to Road Atlanta, Exit 129 on I-85 or Exit 17 on I-985 will both get you to the track in the most direct manner – being located equidistant between these two interstate exits means that getting in and out is easy. Once at the track, parking is plentiful, and the facility also offers a tram that takes fans around the track to various viewing areas.   Return on Investment   4 Tickets to Petit Le Mans are solidly priced for an IMSA endurance round. Kids 12 and under are free, and two-day tickets start at $90. A single day ticket is $80, while a 4-day pass costs $100 in advance. Parking in the infield in various locations comes at an additional price of $75 for the weekend, but considering you get paddock access to all events and free range to all trackside grandstands and viewing areas, the value offered at this event is right up there with the best on-track action in IMSA. Camping is also available, starting at $75 for tent camping; motorcycle parking is available for $10.   Extras   3 The event includes autograph sessions throughout, for all fans to attend for the various series in attendance, completely included in the price of admission. Being an endurance race also means you get to see night racing, which is somewhat of a novelty. New for 2024, the victory lane podium celebrations for Saturday’s main race have been moved across the track to the support paddock pit lane. Set up in front of the main grandstand for all the fans to see, this new locations gives those in attendance a chance to watch the victory ceremonies up close for the first time. Finally, the fan midway offers various sponsor displays and interactive activations that offer plenty of giveaways. Final Thoughts If you want to experience endurance racing at its best, don’t want to stay up for 24 hours, and prefer a more family-friendly atmosphere compared to Sebring , Petit Le Mans is without a doubt the best event for you. Located at an exciting track with great weather in the fall, Road Atlanta always is a must-visit on every race fan’s list.

Photos by Marc Viquez, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.14 Shaw Park One Portage Avenue East Winnipeg, MB R3B 3N3 Canada Winnipeg Goldeyes website Shaw Park website Year Opened: 1999 Capacity: 7,481 Shaw Park - The Standard of Winnipeg Shaw Park, also known as “The Fishbowl,” opened in 1999 as the home of the Winnipeg Goldeyes. The 7,461-seat capacity stadium has been a major draw in town, and the club has been one of the more successful independent teams in North America. The ballpark helped revitalize the downtown, attracting 6,048 per game during its first year of operation. Before Shaw Park opened, the Goldeyes played in Winnipeg Stadium, a football field that was at one time home of the Winnipeg Blue Bombers of the CFL. The team gets its name from the original Goldeyes, who were a St. Louis Cardinals affiliate in the Northern League from 1954 to 1964, before being resurrected in 1969 as an affiliate for the expansion Kansas City Royals. The franchise captured three titles during its stay in town in 1957, 1959, and 1960. Professional baseball had been played in town last in 1971 when the Montreal Expos operated the Winnipeg Whips of the International League. The team relocated from Buffalo midway through the 1970 season and were 1,100 miles from its nearest rival in the league; however, the plan was to place the Whips in the American Association, a Triple-A operation at the time, but the move never materialized, and the team relocated to Hampton, Virginia for the 1972 season. The current Goldeyes first played as the Rochester Aces in the Northern League in 1993. The next season, the team moved to town and won the championship, and the love affair between the city and the team began. There have been two expansions to Shaw Park to add more seats to answer the demand for tickets. The team is constantly near the top in attendance numbers in the American Association, mostly at number two behind the St. Paul Saints. Food & Beverage 5 Shaw Park has improved its menu options lately with a variety of options that should satisfy the taste buds of every customer who enters the ballpark. Goldie’s Grill offers the typical ballpark fare of hot dogs, nachos, chicken fingers, and soda pop. The Goldie Dog is split and served with grilled onions, real bacon bits, and nacho cheese. Poutine is available at the stand as well. Pepsi products are served at all the stands. Danny’s Barbecue and Smokehouse serves pulled pork and beef sandwiches, Subway has six and 12-inch sandwiches, and Boston Pizza offers $5 slices and the Boston Brute, a French bread sandwich stuffed with salami, pepperoni, smoked ham, tomato sauce, and melted mozzarella cheese. Little Bone Wings serves up three sizes of wings covered in up to 14 different rubs and sauces. A few nice surprises include Mr. Perogie, who offers individual sizes of 7 perogies, either boiled or deep fried. You can also order them with a few kielbasa links or serve poutine-style with gravy and cheese. There is also Asian influence at Mooshiro Japanese Cuisine and Bodegoes Noodles by the Box, Korean fried chicken is recommended. Finally, Taco Time offers a wide range of tacos, burritos, and Mexi-fries. The Craft Beer Corner is a 1,400 square-foot deck extending across the tops of sections A and B down the left field line featuring two Labatt Breweries (Mill Street Organic Lager and Goose Island IPA), two from Fort Garry Brewing, and one rotating local craft. Wine and mix drink options are also available if a beer is not your choice of beverage. Atmosphere 4 Shaw Park features a wide-open concourse that is covered and provides views of the field. It does not wrap around like many current venues but offers views of lush forestry beyond the outfield walls. Probably the best views might be from the outfielders who enjoy the city skyline just above the suites and press boxes above the concourse. The Goldeyes have made improvements in recent years with the inclusion of the Field Patio in 2016 and Craft Beer Corner Story in 2018. The Field Patio is the perfect space for your group to mix & mingle while enjoying exciting Goldeyes baseball. The two-tiered space features comfortable seating for up to 100 guests with a mixture of standard and pub-style tables & chairs, on-location food and beverages, dedicated service staff, and a fantastic field-level view on the first baseline. The Craft Beer Corner Story is a 1,400-square-foot deck extending across the tops of sections A & B down the left field line. The area offers five drafts that include products from Mill Street, Goose Island, and Fort Garry Brewing, along with a local Manitoba beer. This marks the first time in a decade that craft beer has been sold at Shaw Park, and the response has been a hit with fans and local breweries, where there is a waiting list to get into the ballpark. The official mascot is Goldie, and he entertains the fans throughout the night. The Dugout Store offers a selection of team gear, and the crowd is quite into the game, much more than what you might expect. The Fish have captured 10 division titles and four league titles in their first 25 years of existence; the team has only had three losing seasons in its history. Neighborhood 4 Shaw Park is located in the heart of the city, just down the street from Portage and Main, and a short (less than five minutes) walk from The Forks – one of the city’s largest tourist attractions. The park has also been credited with the revitalization of downtown living in the area, with many new condo developments located on the street along the river, creating a vibrant area with low crime, making for a safe venture home for the fans. A few restaurants to visit before or after the game include Earls Kitchen + Bar and Carnaval Brazilian BBQ. Torque and Half Pint Breweries are two noted local establishments that have a following. The Manitoba Museum, Canadian Museum for Equal Rights, and Living Prairie Museum make for a great way to spend the day before an evening game. Fans 4 The fans of Winnipeg have always supported the club well since its first season in 1994, the average size crowds were well above 5,500 as recently as four years ago but have slimmed down to around 4,500 as of this 2018 season. However, the team has always been either ranked number one or two in the league, and fan support at the ballpark is one of the best in baseball. Access 5 Five lots within two blocks of the ballpark charge $7 to park your car. There are some spots downtown at the meter, which expires at 5:30 pm during the week but is not as easy to find on busy game nights. Winnipeg Transit offers routes to many key locations downtown, including Shaw Park, for a fee of $2.95. Return on Investment 4 The price of tickets starts at $11 in advance for grand slam seats (section A-C) in the left field corner. Deck and Prime Seats cost $17 and $20 in advance between the left to right field line. The Club seating sells for $23 in advance and is between the home and away dugouts. If you happen to purchase your tickets in advance, you will be able to save $3 on each ticket. Extras 3 The Craft Beer Corner Story is a welcomed addition to the ballpark. A display of the Goldeyes history on a street-level rotunda between the box office and team store. It is worth perusing. The Path of Dreams is a pathway with personalized messages on bricks that lead to the main gate of the stadium. Final Thoughts The Winnipeg Goldeyes are a class act in the world of independent league baseball. The crowd support, enthusiasm, friendly staff, and all-around great time are what visits Shaw Park a great investment with your ballpark dollar.

Photos by Marc Viquez, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.86 Roy Kidd Stadium Roy and Sue Kidd Way Richmond, KY 40475 Eastern Kentucky Colonels website Roy Kidd Stadium website Year Opened: 1969 Capacity: 20,000 Roy Kidd Stadium is in a League of its Own Roy Kidd Stadium on the campus of Eastern Kentucky University in Richmond, Kentucky, maybe one of the most unusual-looking football stadiums in college football. The home of the Colonels football program is a nine-story structure that seats 20,000 plus and is separated into upper and lower seating that suspends fans over the field of action. Built-in 1969 and originally named Hanger Field, the stadium features a few nods to its late 1960s roots: gunpowder gray seats, plenty of sharp right angles, and interior signage that looks like it is straight from an abandoned shopping mall. There are also plenty of ramps that lead fans from its entrance to the top levels of the structure. It is a facility that includes racquetball and basketball courts, a gymnasium, and classroom space for 2,000 students. A few updates have been made to the stadium that includes synthetic turf, a new Daktronics LED video display board, and a custom audio system. Grass seating is available on the eastern portion of the end zone, along with bleacher seating for visiting fans. The football program has produced a record of 225-58-1 and two national championships (1979 and 1982) since its inception. Food & Beverage 3 There are three main concession stands inside the structure near the entrance of the stadium that offer a standard array of menu items, including hot dogs, pretzels, popcorn, pizza, cheeseburgers, and nachos. The stadium also serves up giant smoked turkey legs, fried chicken sandwiches, and walking tacos to add to the mix of food items. During the cold months, cups of hot cocoa and coffee hit the spot. The stadium offers cans of beer on the newly renovated visitors’ side for $5. The options include Bud, Bud Light, Miller Light, Coors Light, and Rolling Rock. This is the only section of the stadium where fans can both purchase and drink alcoholic beverages. Local Apollo Pizza sets up a food truck just outside the main entrance in this section for more variety. Atmosphere 3 Roy Kidd Stadium offers a unique, architecturally designed structure that stands out along the main street of the campus. The look and feel are of its time in 1969. The stadium features a system of ramps that leads fans from the small ticket windows to the main concourse, this system of ramps also leads fans to the upper-level seating section (closed off during our visit) and to the lawn section of the stadium. The main concourse is fully enclosed from the upper-level section of seats and provides a somewhat sterile atmosphere with signage that looks as if it dates from the stadium’s first season of operation. There are large wall photographs of Roy Kidd himself, who won 314 games at the school from 1964 to 2002; he also has a statue near the lawn seats behind the north end zone. There is a small merchandise stand and an information booth. Outside in the seating area is a collection of fans who add much life to the building; the steep seating area puts fans almost above the playing field and atop the gridiron action. Due to the upper-level seating being closed off, the majority of fans create a lively atmosphere in the lower seats of the stadium. An LED video display is situated in the south end zone of the stadium. Expansion in 2017 on the east side of the stadium added over 3,000 new bleachers and a concourse that features modern concessions and bathroom facilities. Also, a new pedestrian-only walkway was constructed from the hill beyond the north end zone that leads onto the concourse level. This area of seating provides a great view of the main grandstand structure and design; here, fans can see the signage that honors the 1979 and 1982 National Champion plaques and is close to the action of the play on the field. Neighborhood 2 Roy Kidd Stadium is right on campus and adjacent to the basketball arena, McBrayer Arena. It is an easy walk for students and alumni to enjoy football at their school. As for the downtown, that is a different story. There is not too much action. Just north of campus on Main Street, or about a mile from McBrayer Arena, are several bars and grills. Jerzees, Madison Garden, and Paddy Wagon Irish Pub are all in this area and are known as gathering places. Fans 3 The fans are a devoted bunch who will brave the cold weather to watch the Colonels play a football game. Much of the noise generated is from these fans, who are a devoted bunch. It is hard to spot an individual who is not wearing maroon at the game. Access 3 There is a large parking lot that serves the football field and other sports venues that is a short walk to Roy Kidd Stadium. The stadium features a unique series of ramps–a product of its time–and no elevators. This could be a hindrance to fans who have trouble walking, but the staff provides golf carts that lead them to their seats. The bathrooms include separate entrances and exits. Return on Investment 3 EKU ticket prices are $13 for general admission, $18 for lawn reserve, and $8 for youth (ages 4-12). No parking fee is charged for games, and concession prices are rather affordable. A tall can of beer is $5, a pretty fair price at a college football game. Extras 3 The stadium design is of great curiosity; the design and feel of the structure can be somewhat cumbersome, but it is still fascinating to view signage, doorways, and ramps that date back to the stadium’s original season 50 years ago. The updated visitor side bleacher area creates a modern touch for football games at Roy Kidd Stadium. The concession stand that serves beer is close to the seats, and the views of the main grandstand add to the vibe. There is a large lawn seating area that is ideal for warmer days at the beginning of the season. The name of the stadium itself is named in honor of former head coach and College Football Hall of Famer Roy Kidd, who coached the Colonels from 1964-2002, producing a record of 314-124-8 record and 16 Ohio Valley Conference titles. Kidd led the team to four straight national championship games between 1978 and 1982, winning twice in 1979 and 1982. In 39 seasons, his teams only suffered two losing campaigns. A career that is deserving to be adorned in a football stadium, perhaps we could use a little more on all levels of sports. Final Thoughts This is an interesting facility that should continue to suffice the needs of football enthusiasts on the campus of Eastern Kentucky for years to come. If you’re in the area, consider a visit to Roy Kidd Stadium.

Photos by Eric Moreno, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.43 Alice P. McDermott Convocation Center 4301 Broadway St San Antonio, TX 78209 Incarnate Word Cardinals website Alice P. McDermott Convocation Center website Year Opened: 1989 Capacity: 2,000 UIW Cardinals – Alice P. McDermott Convocation Center The University of the Incarnate Word (UIW) is the oldest and largest catholic university in the state of Texas; the school is renowned for its academic programs and its contributions to theological studies the world over. Founded in 1881, the school has a long history of excellence, and its growing student body has the pleasure of attending one of the most beautiful college campuses in the Southwest. For the better part of the 21st century, the UIW Cardinals  have made great strides in athletics as well. Currently, UIW has 25 athletics programs, including its lauded volleyball program. Since 1989, the UIW Cardinal volleyball squad has called the Alice P. McDermott Convocation Center its home. Also serving as the home to UIW men’s and women’s basketball , McDermott Convocation Center has seen several dominating years of Cardinals volleyball. Read on to learn more about UIW and the McDermott Convocation Center.   Food & Beverage   3 In past visits to UIW and its gymnasium, I was not overly impressed with their food and drink offerings for games. I believe a new vendor has been brought on board since my last visit, however, what they have now is significantly upgraded. In addition to traditional game day offerings like nachos (which now feature multicolored red and black chips in honor of UIW and can be gussied up with chili and cheese, or just traditional cheese and jalapeños), they also offer hot dogs – my dog was honestly one of, if not the best ballgame hot dog, I can say I’ve had in recent memory. You can also get the dogs with chili and cheese, and there are also boxes of candy, as well as fountain sodas (which I am personally a fan of) and bottled water. Food-wise, the selection really leans into the roots of San Antonio, with items such as Mexican fruit cups and chicken on a stick – it is pretty great. Canned beer and cocktails are also available.   Atmosphere   3 I have always enjoyed my visits to McDermott Convention Center. Inside, it looks, feels, and sounds like a high school gymnasium – this is a good thing. The acoustics make it seem very loud even when crowds are at far less than capacity. This adds to the energy, permeates through the crowd, and makes the games more exciting. UIW also uses the facility to display its championship trophies and also houses a display for its athletics Hall of Fame. Inside the gym, banners hang from the walls highlighting said championships and tournament appearances for both the volleyball and basketball teams. The main draw is and has always been the beautiful and historic UIW campus, with its red-brick buildings and walkways and bridges that crisscross the San Antonio River, which flows through campus. The scene here is gorgeous, especially at night and especially when the holiday season returns and everything is lit up. Be sure to make time to take a stroll before you head to the game.   Neighborhood   5 The UIW campus is located on one of the main streets – Broadway – in San Antonio. It leads directly to the city’s vibrant downtown, which is home to the Alamo , Tower of the Americas , River Walk , Hemisfair Park , and the Alamodome . These are some of the city’s most well-known attractions, and they are all less than a 10-minute car ride from McDermott Convocation Center. The facility is also located within the UIW athletics complex, adjacent to Gayle and Tom Benson Stadium , home of UIW football, and Sullivan Field , home of UIW baseball. If you time your visit right, you might be able to double up on games during your visit to catch the volleyball team. If you drive the Broadway corridor, you’re going to bump into some of the best and most iconic restaurants that the Alamo City has to offer. You can get award-winning barbecue at the Smoke Shack or some of the best burgers and shakes at Cheesy Jane’s . Do you want a taste of old-school San Antonio? Go to Good Time Charlie’s , and those few I just mentioned don’t even scratch the surface of all the amazing spots at the Historic Pearl – you’re going to eat good either before or after a UIW volleyball game. For lodging, you’re going to have to travel to the farther ends of Broadway near downtown to find a traditional hotel/motel to stay at. The closest options include Best Western Plus Downtown North  and WinnQuest Inn Near Fort Sam Houston . Vacation rentals are also in abundance closer to the UIW campus if you choose to go that route.   Fans   3 There isn’t any reliable way to track what UIW brings in terms of attendance for its volleyball program. However, from what I saw during my last visit, the Cardinal fans love their team. The crowd was better than I was expecting for a midweek visit, and they were loud – which was only amplified by the acoustics of the gymnasium. Fans were also, by and large, decked out in UIW gear. Having a crowd of even just a few hundred greatly adds to the overall atmosphere in a facility like McDermott Convocation Center.   Access   4 As I’ve mentioned, the UIW campus and its athletics facilities are pretty centrally located in the city. If you’re driving in, the school is visible from US 281, and the exits off the highway are marked. The campus is a 10-minute drive from downtown San Antonio and a 12-minute drive from San Antonio International Airport. Parking for the athletics complex is plentiful and only a short walk from the gym. However, if you choose not to drive in the city’s public transportation option, VIA Metropolitan Transit has several routes that run to the UIW campus.   Return on Investment   4 General admission tickets for UIW volleyball are just $5 per game. This is a tremendous bargain for fans wanting to see a squad that is consistently good and brings in some quality opponents to McDermott Convocation Center. Parking is free for games – just make sure you’re not parking in a marked spot (e.g., something reserved for faculty). The concessions are also priced at bargain levels, so you’re getting a great deal when you catch a UIW Cardinals volleyball game.   Extras   2 There is not a lot in the way of Extras at McDermott Convocation Center for women’s volleyball games. The Cardinals do have a lot of themed nights for fans, though – the game I most recently attended was a Pink Out, which saw the team and cheer squad decked out in pink and/or pink-accented versions of their traditional gear. Speaking of the UIW cheerleaders , they can be found at the baseline area of the gym during games, cheering and performing and tossing out souvenirs to fans after every set won by the Cardinals.   Final Thoughts I hadn’t been to a volleyball game at any level since high school, so I was more curious about the experience than anything. I can honestly say that this was a really fun experience, and it has got me looking at calendars for a way to see more. While McDermott Convocation Center might not be on par with some of the larger facilities across the college landscape, it is not without charm. I think if you’re a fan of the sport or sports in general, you’re going to enjoy yourself at a UIW Cardinals volleyball game. Follow Eric Moreno’s Stadium Journey on Twitter at @EricMoreno6477.

Photos by David Welch, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.71 Paladin Stadium 1300 Duncan Chapel Rd Greenville, SC 29613 Furman Paladins website Paladin Stadium website Year Opened: 1981 Capacity: 16,000 One Team, One Family, One Furman Across the scope of college’s Football Championship Subdivision (FCS), the Furman Paladins have been one of the preeminent programs, having qualified for 20 FCS (or I-AA) playoffs, tied for fifth most at that level. The Paladins have also made six trips to the semi-finals, with two championship game appearances, claiming the FCS National Championship in 1988. Paladin Stadium opened in 1981 when Furman moved on campus from Sirrine Stadium near downtown Greenville, just off the original site of Furman’s campus; this had been Furman’s football home from 1936 until 1980, as well. Prior to Sirrine Stadium, the Paladins played at Manly Field  on the old campus, and initially at the athletic grounds of Augusta Road. Furman would play South Carolina’s first intercollegiate football game in December of 1889 against in-state rival Wofford.   Food & Beverage   4 Concessions here go a bit beyond typical stadium offerings. As expected, hot dogs, nachos, popcorn, and soft pretzels are on the menu, but the addition of burgers, brats, and pizza help make the menu a bit more appealing. A handful of food trucks serving mostly sweet treats also help support the in-stadium offerings – food trucks sell frozen treats, handmade confections, Hawaiian donuts, and shaved ice. Alcoholic beverages run the gambit from Natural Light and Budweiser products to multiple selection from Asheville’s Wicked Weed. Individual servings of both red and white wine are also available.   Atmosphere   4 As is tradition with most college football experiences, tailgating is a major part of the game day experience. Starting 2 1/2 hours before kickoff, the fields around the northern end of the stadium start to come alive. Clad in Furman’s purple and white, tailgating encampments sprout up just steps from the stadium. The area directly outside of Champions Gate is home to the Furman Fan Zone, with pregame concerts, food trucks, and inflatables. Paladin Stadium, which houses Stone Field, is nestled into the Furman campus forestry, backdropped by the spire of the Daniel Chapel, with Paris Mountain in the distance. Like many stadiums throughout the south, such as Georgia , Auburn , and South Carolina  to name a few, Stone Field is also bordered by shrubbery on each side – this goes a long way in creating a classic stadium feel. The home side of the field is quick to receive shade for afternoon kickoffs, and also provides a comfortable experience. The space between the 40-yard lines is individual chairback seats, while bleacher seats with back support extend to the 35-yard lines. It certainly is a treat to have so much comfort built into the home side seating area; the visiting side is not as punchy, as their seating is just aluminum bleachers. Throughout the 1st half of the game, the focus of entertainment during stoppages in play is focused on the Paladin Regiment, Furman’s marching band, as they fill most of the downtime with short performances. The second half of the game sees dead ball entertainment move more toward on-field games and scoreboard ads, until the band fully reorganizes after their halftime performance. Both ends of the stadium have entertainment options for fans of all ages – the grassy area of Champions Walk Grove has a handful of inflatables to help keep kids occupied, while the southern turfed area has a Wicked Weed biergarten, lawn games, and a carnival-themed food truck. This end of the stadium is also home to a lot of organic fun for Furman’s younger fans, for example children using disassembled cardboard boxes to slide down the steep hillside, or wrestle over footballs from field goals and extra points that sail into the area.   Neighborhood   3 Located on the northern reaches of Greenville, South Carolina, Furman is roughly where the city turns into suburban neighborhoods, before becoming more rural as the suburbs give way to the mountains of South Carolina. Furman’s campus covers a sprawling 750 acres. Beyond the academic, residential, and athletic facilities, Swan Lake, a walking trail around it, and even a golf course open to the public are all within the campus’ confines. Miles of biking trails also run adjacent to campus. If approaching Furman from the back side, Highway 25 has several food trucks serving various types of Latino food, while the approach from Highway 276 has chain restaurants. Greenville is regularly recognized as one of America’s best small cities. Downtown is just over six miles from Furman’s campus, and is full of breweries, high quality restaurants, and hotels. Greenville is also well known for its public art installations and the popular Falls Park. Early season games could also be paired with a Greenville Drive baseball game at Flour Field , while for games later in the season, checking out the Greenville Swamp Rabbits  schedule might also be option.   Fans   4 Approximately an hour prior to kickoff, fans with cowbells in hand line Champions Walk as each unit makes their way towards the field for final game preparations. The walkway is crowded and definitely supportive of the Paladins, as they make their way to the gridiron. There is no denying the support the Paladins enjoy – over the last few seasons, Furman has averaged roughly 10,000 fans per game, which is one of the top 25 draws in FCS, ranking just behind The Citadel  in the Southern Conference.   Access   3 Furman is north of downtown Greenville; it can be a bit of a challenge to get to, as there is no direct interstate access to the facility. Two major thoroughfares, US Highways 25 and 276, run along either side of campus – the challenge is that even after exiting I-185, there are still 10 miles of surface streets and traffic lights to contend with. GPS directions for Paladin Stadium commonly take you through the rear entrance to campus, along Duncan Chapel Road. This entrance is designated for permit holders, however, so if you need to pay for parking it is better to enter through the campus’ main gate on Poinsette Highway (US 276) – this entrance provides the easiest access for day-of-game parking. These lots are also just a short walk from the stadium, for both home and visiting fans. There are three main points of entry to Paladin Stadium, each easily accessible from any of the parking lots. Visitors will likely want to park in the lot adjacent to Daniel Chapel, which leaves a short walk to the visitor entrance to the stadium. The permit lots to the east are a short walk to either of the two entrances at each corner of the home side of the field. For the most part, the interior of the stadium is as straightforward as can be to navigate, but the most direct way to access the attractions of the south end zone is walking down the rather steep hillside – that area is also accessible via the service road that runs just outside the facility.   Return on Investment   4 Tickets can be purchased online starting as low as $25 with no additional fees added, which is always appreciated. While a handful of programs throughout the Southern Conference offer free parking, Furman does charge $15. It is always nice to be able to save a few dollars by not having to pay for parking, but considering parking at other venues can run $20 or more, $15 doesn’t seem all that unreasonable. Concessions prices run as expected here, compared to similar facilities.   Extras   4 The walls of the home side concourse recognize Furman football legends Jerome Felton, Stanford Jennings, Jeff Blankenship, and Louis Ivory, along with coaches Bobby Johnson, Jimmy Satterfield, and Dick Sheridan. In keeping with the traditions that make college athletics a special experience, the Furman pregame festivities leading to kickoff include the singing of Furman’s alma mater – it is always nice to see appreciation of the university the team represents. The Paladins are led on to the field by a knight/dame on horseback across the field. Throughout the first half of the game, the pair greets visitors under the scoreboard. As the season stretches into the end of October and early November, the changing of the leaves provides a beautiful backdrop for college football in the fall.   Final Thoughts Football at Furman gives fans a high-quality college football experience, from well before gates open through the end of the game, all in a beautiful setting. All of this enhances the contest on the field, typically involving two highly ranked Southern Conference teams. The spirited atmosphere paired with everything that surrounds the game definitely adds up to a classic, college football experience.

Photos by Dave Cottenie, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.00 Port Credit Memorial Arena 40 Stavebank Road Mississauga, ON L5G 2T8 Mississauga Chargers website Port Credit Memorial Arena website Year Opened: 1959 Capacity: 690 Charging In Port Credit Port Credit is an affluent neighbourhood on the banks of Lake Ontario, which makes up the southernmost point of Mississauga, Ontario.  In 1974, it was incorporated into Mississauga, yet it remains a unique community to this day.  One of the features of the Port Credit neighbourhood is the fabulous Port Credit Memorial Arena.  A heritage-protected, barrel-vaulted arena, the Port Credit Memorial Arena, after a significant renovation, is a gorgeous old-school hockey barn. The most high-profile team to call the Port Credit Memorial Arena home is the Mississauga Chargers of the Ontario Junior Hockey League.  The Chargers were founded in 1980 as the Junior B Weston Dukes.  After several moves throughout the Greater Toronto Area, the Dukes would settle in Mississauga as the Chargers in 1994.  The team moved up to the Junior A level in 1991 with the league that would eventually become the OJHL.  The Chargers, who are owned by Heather Stockley,  have not seen a ton of recent success, not qualifying for the OJHL playoffs since 2014. Food & Beverage 2 Inside the Port Credit Memorial Arena on the north side, fans can find the Port Credit Cafe.  The cafe offers a small variety of concession options while offering fans a view of the ice.  Popcorn, chips, peanuts, Jamaican Patties, granola bars, cookies, and fruit bars are available.  Coca-Cola products, coffee, tea, and bottled water are the soft drinks available.  A limited selection of beer and coolers are available for consumption inside the cafe.  Local options from Old Credit Brewing are also available.  Debit and credit are accepted at the cafe. Atmosphere 4 Port Credit Memorial Arena is gorgeous.  With a significant renovation in 2009, this 1959 vintage arena was designated a Heritage Site under the Ontario Heritage Act.  The vaulted barrel design is obvious from the exterior.  A lobby addition of light grey brick and glass with appropriate landscaping gives the arena a clean and bright look from the outside.  The main entry is from the parking lot side, which gives a different look with plenty of glass and grey and red brick. Inside the lobby, the two story glass atrium allows plenty of natural light in and offers fans a picturesque view of the Port Credit Lighthouse on the opposite side of the Credit River and Port Credit Memorial Park.  An interesting historical display on the industry of Ice Harvesting is worth spending a little time checking out.  Upon entering the arena area, fans are met with a temporary table for ticket sales.  The barrel ceiling with hardwood is mesmerizing, and the hardwood accents around the arena give it a truly unique atmosphere.  Some minor hockey photos can be found around the exterior, along with a collage of the 50th Anniversary of the arena, which is interesting and features the late “Hurricane” Hazel McCallion, the longtime mayor of Mississauga, and Hockey Hall of Fame goaltender Johnny Bower.  Medals from the 2016 Ontario Summer Games, hosted by the City of Mississauga, are also framed and of note.  The ice surface is oriented from west to east, with seating on the ends and south side.  Above the Port Credit Cafe on the north side is a massive Port Credit sign.  A simple hockey score clock hangs on the east end of the arena.  Minor hockey championship banners hang on the west end of the arena.  Five rows of new plastic arena seats offer a comfortable seating option for fans, with standing room available along the walkway behind the seating.  New LED lights and sound systems bring it all together.  Unfortunately, there are little to no indicators that this arena is the home of the Mississauga Chargers.  The only hint of the Chargers was a lone sticker on the window of a seating box on the northeast corner of the arena.  The gameday production is also as simple as possible.  There are no promotions at all.  Music between plays and goal and penalty announcements breaks up the silence. Neighbourhood 4 Port Credit Memorial Arena is located on the banks of the Credit River, in the Port Credit neighbourhood of Mississauga.  There are a number of spots close by for pre or post game fair.  Some choices include Smug Harbour Seafood Bar & Grill, Papa Giuseppe’s, Rosie’s Burgers, The Crooked Cue, Habitat Social Modern Kitchen and Posta Italbar Cucina.   There are also a number of fast food and chain restaurants in the area.  There are a few other sporting options in the area.  Junior C hockey has returned to Mississauga with the Streetsville Derbys.  The G-League’s Raptors 905 also play in Mississauga.  Beginning in 2024, the Toronto Rock will temporarily call Mississauga home as their home arena undergoes major renovations.  Port Credit Lighthouse, Port Credit Memorial Park, the Port Credit Harbour and Mississauga Waterfront Festival are other tourist options in the area.  Toronto’s Harbourfront is also just over 15 km away.  For fans who wish to stay in the area, the Waterside Inn is an option. Fans 2 The Mississauga Chargers attract basically a friends and family crowd.  In the 2022-23 season the Chargers averaged 115 fans per game and 100 fans per game the following season.  This puts them in the bottom end of the middle third of the OJHL.  At the time of writing, the Chargers have not reported any attendance figures for the 2024-25 season.  The fans in attendance are pretty quiet, however at the game that was reviewed some of the parents of both teams were involved in some verbal jousting that went beyond what would be considered normal.   Access 3 The Port Credit Memorial Arena is located on Stavebank Road surrounded by the railroad tracks and Port Credit Memorial Park.  It is in the Port Credit neighbourhood of Mississauga at the south end of the city.  The arena is ½ km from Hurontario Road, less than 2 km from the Queen Elizabeth Way and 5 km from Highway 403.  However, traffic to get to this end of Mississauga is significant.  Hurontario runs from north to south and can be a very slow drive.  There is plenty of parking on site.  For fans wishing to take public transit to see the Chargers, the GO Transit station is very close and Mississauga Transit has stops at Lakeshore and Elizabeth.  Fans should consult the GO Transit  or Mississauga Transit  websites for maps, schedules and fares.  Getting around the arena is not terribly difficult, however, walking the 360 degrees of the arena may be a little challenging with the play by play and video platform.  The washrooms are adequate for the facility and crowd in attendance. Return on Investment 3 Tickets for the Mississauga Chargers go for $15 with Senior tickets at $10 and Students and Children at $5.  Fans will need to bring cash to purchase their tickets.  Parking is free and concession prices are good.  The Port Credit Memorial Arena is a beautiful venue, but the Chargers do not do enough to entice fans to come in the building and return.  The gameday production needs some improvement. Extras 2 An extra mark for the beautiful, historic, Port Credit Memorial Arena. An extra mark for the gorgeous homes fans will probably drive by to get to the arena.  Wow! Final Thoughts A trip to see the Mississauga Chargers will offer hockey fans the opportunity to see hockey in a facility that is under the radar, yet absolutely gorgeous.  Port Credit is an interesting neighbourhood worth exploring.  Hopefully, the Chargers will find more success on the ice and attract a few more fans in the process. Follow all of Dave’s sporting adventures on YouTube , Twitter , Threads  and Instagram @profan9.

The Philadelphia Phillies have been back playing October baseball! There does not seem to be a ton of love for the home of the Phillies, Citizens Bank Park. Is this warranted? Grab a beer and join Paul and Dave for the latest episode of Stadium Journey's Obstructed Views. You can find Stadium Journey's review of Citizens Bank Park and the Philadelphia Phillies game day experience here.

Photos by Dave Cottenie, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.29 Dave Andreychuk Mountain Arena 25 Hester St. Hamilton, ON L9A 2Nc Hamilton Kilty B's website Dave Andreychuk Mountain Arena website Year Opened: 1966 Capacity: 2,500 The Kilty Buzz On the Mountain in Hamilton, there is a little shrine to one of their favourite hockey sons. Dave Andreychuk was a star for the Buffalo Sabres and Toronto Maple Leafs, among other teams. In his final season in the NHL, he helped the Tampa Bay Lightning win their first Stanley Cup. Andreychuk is a product of his hometown Hamilton hockey system, and the Mountain Arena now also bears his name. A hockey hub for the “Mountain,” the Dave Andreychuk Mountain Arena was built in 1966 and boasts a capacity of 2,500.  Renovations have been completed on the arena over the years, including replacing the old wooden seats with plastic stadium seats salvaged from Exhibition Stadium in Toronto, former home of the Toronto Argonauts and Toronto Blue Jays.  One of the additions includes a figure skating rink. The Junior B level of hockey in Ontario has a presence in Hamilton.  The Greater Ontario Junior Hockey League has the Hamilton Kilty B’s, a traditional Hamilton hockey name, as part of the league.  The arena was also the home of the Hamilton Fincups and Hamilton Steelhawks of the OHL and Hamilton Red Wings of the OJHL.  The Red Wings began as a Junior B team in 1973 and played as the Kilty B’s from 1977 to 2002.  The current Kilty B’s organization began as the Junior C, Stoney Creek Warriors.  They earned four titles and moved up to Junior B in 1994 and were renamed the Stoney Creek Spirit.  After returning to the Warriors moniker, they moved to Ancaster in 2013 and then to Hamilton in 2015, just after the departure of the Hamilton Red Wings.  The Red Wings franchise held the rights to the historic Kilty B’s brand and was sold to the current owner to bring the buzz back to Hamilton. Food & Beverage 2 A small snack bar can be found on the south side of the arena, behind the seating bowl. Simple options include chips, chocolate bars, and popcorn. Coca-Cola products are available, as well as a small selection of mainstream domestic beer. Vending machines are also available in the halls at ice level.  Concession prices are very good as compared to major sporting venues. Atmosphere 3 Dave Andreychuk Mountain Arena is a throwback from a different time with a few comfort upgrades. It is part of a larger complex with a figure skating ice surface.  The main entry for the arena is on the parking lot side behind Hester Street.  The exterior is low profile with tan brick with light accents.  Both the front and rear have Kilty B’s markings, alerting fans that this is the home of Hamilton’s Junior B squad. Upon entering the building from the east side, fans enter a small lobby that is a shrine to Dave Andreychuk.  The lobby is littered with pictures of Andreychuk from different teams, a collage outlining his journey to the Stanley Cup, and some of his career stats.  Another collage outlines his experience playing youth hockey in Hamilton, and a framed jersey from his number retirement by the Oshawa Generals is also prevalent.  Temporary tables welcome fans for purchasing tickets and 50/50 tickets.  Fans must ascend the stairs to reach the seating area, which is made up of up to seven rows of older blue stadium seats. The seats themselves have repurposed seats from the former Exhibition Stadium in Toronto, the former home of the Toronto Blue Jays and Toronto Argonauts. The repurposing is similar to what was done at Ted Reeve Arena in Toronto and the fields at the Canadian Baseball Hall of Fame in St. Marys, Ontario. The ice surface runs from east to west, with the best spot for the center ice logo picture on the north side. The love for Dave Andreychuk continues inside the arena with his honored number 8 from Hamilton Youth Hockey, as well as highlights of his NHL career.  The west side of the arena features Kilty B’s logo and the 50th anniversary logo.  The arena has a low profile ceiling with trussed support beams across the building, painted black.  In each of the four corners, the top rows still have the original seats, and behind the wooden seats are small replica boards with class, perfect for playing mini-stick hockey on the other side.  Above centre ice is the skinniest four-sided score clock ever seen in a hockey rink, designed to minimize pucks hitting scoreboards.  The PA system is pretty good, and the announcements are clear to understand. The gameday production is fairly simple, but not unlike other Junior B teams.  The Kilty mascot, Stinger, traverses the crowd and attempts to lead some cheers with the aid of a small drum.  Kilty B’s goals are marked with a fog horn, similar to the one used by Andreychuk’s Buffalo Sabres.  Simple promotions like a 50/50 draw are part of the game. Neighbourhood 3 Dave Andreychuk Mountain Arena is located in the Greeningdon Neighbourhood on Hamilton’s Mountain.  It is south of Central Hamilton.  There are a few spots for food and drink in the immediate neighbourhood.  Some options include La Spaghett Pasta House, Charlie’s Chopsticks and Garden Kitchen. There are other sporting options in Hamilton, most notably the Hamilton Tiger-Cats of the CFL.  The McMaster Marauders field football and basketball teams among others and the Hamilton Cardinals of IBL play in the summer months.  Hamilton’s main arena, FirstOntario Centre, is closed as of 2024 for a year or two for major renovations.  Other tourist options include Upper Chedoke Falls, Royal Botanical Gardens and Canadian Heritage Warplane Museum.  Mountain Arena is located in a fairly residential area.  Fans wanting to stay near the arena may select the Courtyard Hamilton. Fans 3 The Hamilton Kilty B’s have shown some improvement in fan support.  In the  2023-2024 season the Kilty B’s attracted an average of 470 fans per game.  This was an improvement from the previous year and the OHL’s Hamilton Bulldogs moving to Brantford may be a partial explanation for the increase.  The Kiltys ranked 7th in attendance in the 20 team OJHL.  Thursdays are typically Kiltys night.  However, with a building capacity of 2,500 it will take more than 400 fans to make a positive impact on the atmosphere.  The fans in attendance are pretty quiet and reserved, similar to most other Ontario fans.   Access 4 Dave Andreychuk Mountain Arena is located in the Greeningdon neighbourhood on the Hamilton Mountain.  It is less than 1 km north of the Lincoln Alexander Parkway and east of Highway 403.  It is on the north side of Hester Street between Upper James Street and Ronald Shay Avenue.  Getting to the arena is not too difficult, however, traffic on Highway 403 near Highway 6 can be busy during the post work hours.  There is plenty of parking onsite that is free.  For those fans interested in public transit, there are Hamilton Transit buses that travel Upper James. Fans should consult the Hamilton Transit website for maps, fares and schedules.  Getting around the arena comes with the challenges of any older venue and the washrooms are pretty small, although that should not be a big issue given the number of fans in attendance. Return on Investment 5 The return on investment at a Hamilton Kilty B’s game is very high.  Adult tickets go for $10 each, cash at the door.  Students and seniors are only $5 and kids under 7 are free.  Concession prices are low and parking at the arena is free.  The on ice product is strong and fans will have a good time at the game, especially if they like Dave Andreychuk.  The history and old school feel of the venue is a bonus. Extras 3 An extra mark for the Dave Andreychuk Mountain Arena as a shrine to this Hamilton hockey product. An extra mark for the repurposed seats from Toronto’s Exhibition Stadium. An extra mark for the ownership group rescuing the traditional Hamilton Kilty B’s brand. Final Thoughts Taking in some GOJHL hockey at Dave Andreychuk Mountain Arena is not only a great opportunity to check out some history at a classic venue, but also getting to see a strong hockey program with a traditional brand.  It seems that the Hamilton Kilty B’s may just have the Steel City buzzing! Follow all of Dave’s sporting adventures on YouTube , Twitter , Threads  and Instagram @profan9.

Photos by David Welch, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.43 Fifth Third Bank Stadium 3200 George Busbee Pkwy Kennesaw, GA 30144 Kennesaw State Owls website Fifth Third Bank Stadium website Year Opened: 2015 Capacity: 10,200 Protect the Nest After the program took flight in 2015, the Kennesaw State Owls spent seven seasons as members of first the Big South Conference (2015-2021), one season in the Atlantic Sun Conference (2022), and their final in the Football Championship Subdivision (FCS) as an independent program. This year marks the Owls inaugural season as part of the Football Bowl Series (FBS), as they recently became members of Conference USA. The Owls made quite the name for themselves in FCS, starting with seven straight winning seasons while capturing three Big South Conference titles, as well as four invites to the FCS playoffs. The home of the Kennesaw State Owls, Fifth Third Stadium is a multi-purpose facility that also houses Kennesaw State’s soccer and lacrosse programs, along w ith the Atlanta United 2 , Atlanta United’s developmental team.   Food & Beverage   3 Concessions are rather standard around the stadium – they are made up of hot dogs, nachos with cheese and salsa, soft baked pretzels, and popcorn; candy and chips are also available. The stands in the main seating area do have a few more options, including pizza slices and burgers. Coca-Cola products are the beverage of choice at Fifth Third Stadium. There is also a rather extensive beer and cocktail menu offered here – besides the typical domestic beers, you can find the Kennesaw State-New Realm collaboration “Owl In” American Lager, in addition to the Hazy Like a Fox hazy IPA, also from New Realm. You can also find Avondale Estate, Georgia’s Emergency Drinking Beer, as well as canned cocktails from Long Drink and Good Days, plus White Claw seltzers.   Atmosphere   3 The exterior of Fifth Third Stadium uses black and yellow aluminum panels and steeply angled rooflines to give it an industrially modern feel. The home side stands to have an interesting setup, with a press box that resembles shipping containers. The press box configuration works well with the feel of the stadium, but it does obstruct the view of the field from the concourse. The seating is primarily a combination of individual fold-down and molded seats. The home side seats are backed by suites, which sit below the level of the concourse, while the molded seats are found along nearly the entirety of the visitor’s side of the field, except the area reserved for the Kennesaw State band, the Marching Owls. The southern end of the seating bowl has aluminum-backed benches and a corner section of high-top tables. Temporary bleachers are also brought in along the northern end, on what also doubles as a concert stage. Stoppages in play are typically filled with ad reads, along with scoreboard games and interactive pieces, which have become commonplace throughout sports stadium experiences. The owl theme permeates the game experience, as 1st Downs are celebrated by the stadium announcer calling, “That’s an Owl first down!” followed by a burst of the school’s fight song from the band, and capped by the fans letting out a “hooooooo” in unison. It is a fun way to pull the owl theme into the game presentation. The stadium, on the whole, works just fine as a college football stadium but more exudes the feel of a high-quality soccer ground than that of an FBS-level stadium.   Neighborhood   4 Fifth Third Stadium is wedged between Interstates 75 and 575 to the east and west and sandwiched between Barrett Parkway and Chastain Road to the north and south. These are a collection of the area’s most traveled thoroughfares in the northwestern Atlanta suburb of Kennesaw, which is just under a mile from the heart of the Kennesaw State campus. With so many food options in the area, there is sure to be something for all tastes. One of the more popular is the regional chain Taco Mac, which serves a refined pub-style menu with over 100 beers available on tap and in cans or bottles. The area is surrounded by multiple shopping centers, restaurants, and hotels. With such a high concentration of shopping, food options, and lodging, visitors from out of town have just about everything they might need for a football weekend in Kennesaw, all within a mile radius of the stadium. Kennesaw was the site of several battles during the Civil War, and much of that history is recognized throughout the area. The Southern Railroad Museum tells the story of the Big Shanty Train Chase, while Kennesaw Mountain National Battlefield has a Civil War Museum of its own, along with miles of trails up and around Kennesaw Mountain – both of these would be possible options to fill time before evening kickoffs.   Fans   3 Owl fans do a decent job filling out the stadium every week. The size of the stadium does help in creating an atmosphere that does not feel cavernous, which might swallow up any potential excitement in a sea of empty seats. The student section as well, while modest in size, is still rather spirited and into the game. What hurts the atmosphere fans can create here is that Conference USA is rather dispersed, with teams stretching across the southeastern states and into Texas and New Mexico – these distances can significantly impact the numbers of fans traveling. While this definitely is not on Kennesaw State, it can adversely impact the overall role fans in the stands can play in the overall experience.   Access   3 One of the challenges associated with KSU games is that a handful are played midweek or on Friday nights. Given Atlanta traffic, this can create difficulties simply getting to Kennesaw for a 7 pm kickoff. A secret to make getting to the stadium as easy as possible is taking the I-75 Peach Pass Lane, if possible – the Big Shanty exit leaves the easiest access to the parking areas at Fifth Third Stadium. Most of the parking lots are just a short walk from the western main entrance to the stadium. To help with the foot traffic, an hour before kickoff, Busbee Parkway, just outside the facility, is shut down to allow waves of fans to easily cross the street. Before the street is shut down, though, crossing directly in front of the venue can be a bit dicey. Approaching via Big Shanty Road and crossing at the crosswalk at the intersection with Busbee is much easier, and this also leads directly to the southwestern gate for easy access. Most fans will enter on the concourse that runs above the seating bowl, from the south end zone around to the northwest corner of the stadium. The remainder of the concourse drops down to field level and does become a bit awkward in spots where it involves passing through the visiting team as they make last-minute preparations for the game. In general, the concourse at Fifth Third Stadium is spacious, leaving fans with plenty of room to move around. However, the far side, which houses a portion of the visiting fans, as well as the Kennesaw State student section, just does not seem as easy to navigate as the concourse across the way.   Return on Investment   4 Tickets start at $15 for end zone bleacher seats at the northern end of the field – these seats are pushed back a bit more from the field than their southern end zone counterparts, which start at $20. Seats along each sideline start at $34 and $50 at midfield, but on the plus side, there are no additional fees added to tickets, which is always since. Parking at one of the satellite lots away from the stadium runs $15; when compared to parking for football games, this does seem to be a reasonable rate. Parking in the tailgating Black Lot does get a bit pricy at $48, but inside the stadium, prices seem to be consistent with what would be seen at other similar venues. Kennesaw State allows fans to have the experience they are looking for at affordable rates.   Extras   4 In the backdrop of the tailgating area is a reminder of the school’s mountainous namesake. The outline of the ridgeline of Kennesaw Mountain, a rather modestly sized mountain at that, sits prominently in the distance. A small strip of grass that separates the sidewalk from the stadium is home to Owl Town. Here, fans can grab a bite to eat or a drink or hang out and listen to live music before heading into the stadium. Oscar the Grouch is a live owl that fans can have their picture taken with on the concourse. Oscar typically leaves before halftime, though, so visit him early. Mascot Scrappy is a constant at just about all Kennesaw State athletic events, making his way around the stadium greeting fans, taking photos, and is a part of just about every aspect of the game.   Final Thoughts The Owls have the smallest stadium in all of FBS, and it actually works in their favor. Being able to fill the stands with smaller crowds goes a long way in amplifying the overall atmosphere at Fifth Third Stadium. Several other teams throughout Conference USA might average more fans per game, but the game atmosphere at those venues can easily get lost in their larger stadiums with more emptiness. As Kennesaw State football starts a new chapter in its rel atively young history, it will need to continue to build its fan base to keep up as one of college football’s newest FBS-level programs. With in-state opponents Georgia State , Georgia Southern , and border rival Jacksonville State also r elatively recent additions to FBS, it certainly is a situation that can create a fun and festive college football experience.

Photos by Gregory Koch, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.71 Rappolt Field Sullivan Trail Easton, PA 18040 Lafayette Leopards website Rappolt FIeld website Year Opened: 2000 Capacity: 1,000 (estimated) Leap Like a Leopard Located in the heart of the Lehigh Valley in Easton, Pennsylvania lies a small school known as Lafayette College. The Leopards of Lafayette play in the Patriot League along with other similarly academic-minded institutions in the Northeast and mid-Atlantic. About three miles from Lafayette's campus is Rappolt Field, home of Leopard field hockey. The stadium is part of the Metzgar Fields Athletic Complex, which also includes Kamine Stadium , home of Lafayette baseball, as well as stadiums for most of Lafayette's other outdoor sports, except football. Built in 2000 and renovated in 2014, Rappolt Field is named after Bill Rappolt, a 1967 Lafayette alumnus whose donation helped fund the field's construction. Food & Beverage 5 A food truck is located to the left of the bleachers at Rappolt Field and offers a much better variety of food than you see at most field hockey venues. Meals include hot dogs or hamburgers for $9, and a cheeseburger, teriyaki chicken sandwich, chicken tenders, and cheese steak or buffalo chicken egg rolls for $10. While these prices are on the high side, they do include french fries, which improves the value significantly. Nachos are $8, mozzarella sticks are $6, and funnel cake fries are $7. Candy is $3, while Coke products, Powerade, and bottled water are available to drink for $4. Fans are also free to bring their food or beverage into the stadium, and many do. Atmosphere 3 There is one long set of bleachers along the sideline at Rappolt Field, straight ahead as you come in. It is set back quite a distance from the field, with some grass in between. Kids will sometimes play on the grass during the game, getting in the way of fans who are trying to watch the game, and a few fans will bring their chairs and set them down on the grass to be closer to the action. A scoreboard in the far left corner should in theory also show shots, saves, and penalty corners, but these displayed a zero for the entire game when we visited, which was inaccurate based on the actions on the field. There is not much going on in terms of gameday atmosphere besides the game itself and what the crowd brings. (More on that last part later.) The PA announcer will announce the starting lineups before the game and may announce goal scorers, but that is about it. Unlike at some field hockey venues, the PA announcer does not announce the result of team challenges leading to video review. While it may seem like such a result would be obvious based on the referees' signal and what happens on the field, in college field hockey it is not quite so simple. If a team requests a video referral and the original call is confirmed (because video evidence conclusively shows it was correct), the team loses its right to video referral for the remainder of the game. However, if the call merely stands (because the video review is inconclusive), the team retains its challenge, unlike in most other sports. Without the PA announcer saying which one has happened, it is not clear to fans in the stands whether the team has kept their referral. Neighborhood 3 Rappolt Field is located in a residential area several miles from Lafayette's campus and the heart of Downtown Easton. Once you find your way into town, you will find that Easton is a small college town of about 27,000 people located at the confluence of the Lehigh and Delaware Rivers. Most of the action is located close to the college (and several miles from the stadium) and includes Two Rivers Brewing, a popular brewpub on Northampton Street, and Easton Public Market, which includes numerous food vendors ranging from hot dogs to barbecue to a chocolate shop to tacos, noodles, and more. Easton may be a small town but it is certainly a thriving one. Fans 5 Lafayette ranked in the top 20 nationwide in field hockey attendance, drawing several hundred fans a game, and continues to draw well now that the 2024 season is underway. Fans back the bleachers that line the sideline, and unlike at some schools, this is not just a friends and family crowd. Many locals, alumni, and more show up to cheer on the Leopards. There is even a small presence among Lafayette students, who line the fence, shout, and bang on the padding to make as much noise as possible. It is rare to see a sizeable student presence at college field hockey, but they certainly make their presence known here. Access 2 Easton itself is easily accessible via US Route 22 and I-76, though you will have to drive several miles along local roads to get to Rappolt Field and the Metzgar Complex. Once you arrive, you will find that only about half the lot is paved and it is the half furthest from Rappolt Field. If you want to park there, you should have no trouble doing so, but most fans prefer to park in the grass lot adjacent to the stadium. There is a lot of dirt in there as well, so if it rains, it will probably be muddy. If there is bad weather in the forecast, you may want to park in the paved lot depending on how much faith you have in your car and tires. There is construction in multiple areas of the Metzgar Fields Complex, so be prepared to have to walk around construction zones and along gravel paths, because the sidewalk is blocked off. Port-a-potties are located behind the bleachers but there are no real restrooms on site for fans to use. Return on Investment 5 Admission to all regular season Lafayette home games is free, and parking is free as well. Concessions are about average when you consider that almost every option is a combo deal, and it is so rare for a field hockey venue to even have concessions, much less this range of selection, that it would be hard to take points off this rating no matter what the price. If it's too expensive for you, you can always bring your food. Extras 3 Free roster cards are available from event staff as you come into the stadium. A second star for the student presence here, a rarity in this sport. A third star for the chance to see games in multiple sports in one trip to the Metzgar Fields Athletic Complex. If you time your visit right, it's quite possible to see both a field hockey game and a soccer game at two different venues back-to-back. Final Thoughts College field hockey is not often considered a major sport, nor is Lafayette considered an elite school within the sport, but despite this, Rappolt Field still manages to be a great place to see a game. Field hockey fans in the Lehigh Valley area or elsewhere in Eastern Pennsylvania will want to head down here to check out a game.

Photo courtesy of Getty Images If you’re a sports fan, which you have found our site, you no doubt are, are fully aware of how much ticket costs have climbed each year. The complex correlation between athlete salary costs, the financial realities owners face in running a team, and the state of the overall U.S. economy are all entangled, with fans caught in the crossfire. Supporting your team and checking off bucket lists, big events have to be weighed based on their financial burden. Online gaming site VegasInsider   recently did a study of just how expensive the average ticket cost was for fans for the 15 most popular sporting events in the United States for 2024. Coming in at by far the most expensive as, not surprisingly, the king of pro sports in the U.S., the NFL Super Bowl LVII, which was a classic between the Kansas City Chiefs  and the San Francisco 49ers . The biggest sporting event in the country was exponentially the priciest ticket to get for fans, with the average single ticket costing $8,600. Coming in second was Formula 1’s Las Vegas Grand Prix at $2,167, followed by The Masters Golf Tournament  at $2,111. The Kentucky Derby, at $1,774, and UFC 300, at $1,567, rounded out the top five most expensive sporting events. Two of the more surprising events found on the list were WWE’s equivalent to the Super Bowl, Wrestlemania XL, which was held this year at Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia, and the ICC T20 Men’s World Cup cricket event held at venues in Florida, New York, and Texas. The ticket cost for one of cricket’s largest annual events was $675, while Wrestlemania tickets set fans back an average of $639 – with the latter event spanning two days, that added up to quite a chunk of change. Other big-ticket events this year were the NCAA’s Men’s Basketball Finals, held this year in Phoenix, which set fans back an average of $622 per ticket, and the upcoming boxing exhibition between Mike Tyson and Jake Paul, which is priced at $717 per ticket. Rounding out the rest of the list were auto racing’s Miami Grand Prix ($1,110) and U.S. Grand Prix, held at the Circuit of the Americas in Austin, Texas  ($820), MMA’s UFC 306 ($1,083), and the Copa America Final, which saw Lionel Messi return to form for the Argentinian national team ($750). Lastly, the two U.S. Open events for men’s tennis and men’s golf were $425 and $250, respectively. ---- Follow Eric Moreno's Stadium Journey on Twitter at @EricMoreno6477 .

Photos by Dave Cottenie, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.43 Peach King Centre 162 Livingston Avenue Grimsby, ON L3M 5P7 Grimsby Peach Kings website Peach King Centre website Year Opened: 1984 Capacity: 400 A Peach of a Hockey Experience One of the oldest hockey teams in Ontario is the Grimsby Peach Kings.  Able to trace their history back all the way to 1922, the Peach Kings have serviced the Grimsby area in the Niagara Region, a bit of a hockey hotbed, for over 100 years.  The Peach Kings were named for the area’s claim to the unique conditions required to grow the fruit normally associated with Georgia.  The area was a training ground for such legendary teams as the Montreal Canadiens in the twenties.  For the duration of their existence, the Peach Kings have predominantly played at the Junior C level and are currently in the Provincial Junior Hockey League’s North Bloomfield Division.  The Peach Kings boast five consecutive Schmalz Cup appearances and Junior C Champions in Ontario.  The Peach Kings success has culminated in 16 league titles and Schmalz Cup Championships in 1940, 2003, 2004, 2011, and 2012.  The team has leaned into their history, embracing themselves as a cornerstone Junior C franchise. The current home of the Peach Kings is Peach King Centre.  Built in 1984, the original ice pad has a current capacity of approximately 400.  A second ice pad was added in 2004 and the community hub is undertaking a massive construction project to add more indoor and outdoor facilities to serve the town of 28,000. Food & Beverage 2 The Peach Kings offer a very simple concession.  Pizza, water, soda, chips and chocolate are available.  Vending machines can also be found in the halls at ice level.  The southwest corner of the arena is where the cheekily named “Peach Pit” can be found.  Fans of the nineties television show “Beverly Hills 90210” will recognize the handle.  In Grimsby the Peach Pit sells a small selection of beer including products from local Bench Brewing. Atmosphere 3 The game that was reviewed was in the middle of a massive construction project, so the normal gameday atmosphere may have been tempered.  The Peach King Centre exterior is marred by temporary entrances and fenced off areas due to construction.  The two arena pads run perpendicular to each other.  The pad where the Peach Kings play has the ice oriented from south to north with the seating on the east side.  Peach King Centre features youth hockey banners hanging on the west and north sides.  The south side of the arena is where the Peach Kings lean into their history.  At the top of the east wall is where four Schmalz Cup Championship banners hang.  Beneath those, and the point where the eyeline is drawn, is the honoured numbers of the Peach Kings.  These include NHL alumni like Dennis Ververgaert, Bill Berg and Steve Mason and other Peach King players including Scott Vanderburgh, Matt Hodges, Ryan Toth, Steve Foster and Brennan Smith.  Builder Lyle Killins and former WHA Official Gene Kushan are also honoured.  In the northeast corner, the Peach Kings also have three unique banners honouring longtime volunteers.  Beneath the honoured player banners are a number of championship team pictures, which are great for pursuing.  The seating area consists of six rows of plastic arena seats, raised above ice level, with standing room behind.  The arena has a slightly curved ceiling with light coloured support beams across the ice and silver insulation in between.  The simple scoreboard is found on the east wall and there are plenty of local ads around the arena.  Some temporary bleachers are at ice level on the west side by the Peach Pit and are popular. The gameday atmosphere in Grimsby is unique.  The PA system in Peach King Centre is very good and the team makes the most of it.  Traditional Junior Hockey promotions are present including the 50/50 draw and Chuck-A-Puck.  What puts the atmosphere over the top is in the southwest corner, where on a small stage Josh Coulter can be found.  Josh deftly plays live music during stoppages in play, a totally unique situation for hockey. Neighbourhood 4 Peach King Centre is located in Grimsby, south of the Queen Elizabeth Way.  There are a number of local spots for pre or post game food and drink.  Some options in the area include Diner Bistro, Bogeys Grillhouse, Lang On Water, Casa Toscana, Bitter & Twisted and J.J.’s On the Dock.  There are also plenty of national chain restaurants in the area. The Peach Kings are the only game in town sports-wise, but there are other teams not too far off.  Grimsby is located in the Niagara Region, between Hamilton and St. Catharines.  The Niagara IceDogs of the OHL  as well as Brock Badgers hockey and basketball are found in St. Catharines.  The St. Catharines Athletics play lacrosse in the OJLL in the summer.  The other members of the Bloomfield Division are also very close.  Other tourist options in the area include the waterfront, beaches, parks and trails.  There are also plenty of Niagara wineries in the area.  For fans wishing to stay in the area, the Casablanca Hotel and Quality Inn are good options. Fans 4 The Grimsby Peach Kings are the only game in town and have been around a long time and they are the benefactors of solid fan support.  In 2023 the Peach Kings drew over 440 fans per game and were one of the top drawing teams in the PJHL.  They have had a bit of a slower start in the 2024-25 season at the turnstile, probably in part due to the massive construction project at Peach King Centre.  Fans in attendance are not atypical of Ontario fans as they are fairly quiet and reserved.   Access 3 Peach King Centre is located in Grimsby about a ½ km north of the Queen Elizabeth Way.  There is parking on site, however it is limited due to the construction project.  Getting to Grimsby from out of town can be a bit of a chore as traffic on the QEW, especially when the weather is still nice early in the season, can be pretty heavy.  Grimsby does not have a traditional public transit system, but there is an on demand ride-share program in the area.  The arena would not traditionally be that difficult to get around, but due to the construction project it is more challenging.  There are plenty of stairs with the elevated seating area and the concessions at ice level, so it will be a bit challenging for those with mobility issues.  The washroom facilities are on the small side.  At the time of writing, the Peach Kings website was definitely lacking in providing fans with information.  Plenty of sections on the standard PJHL website for the Peach Kings had no info at all. Return on Investment 5 Catching a Peach Kings game, as any Junior C hockey team, is not an expensive ordeal.  Tickets for the Peach Kings go for $10 and are purchased at the door.  Parking is free and concession prices are not high.  The return that fans can expect is very high.  The Peach Kings provide a gameday experience that is among the best in the PJHL with some unique features that are not found anywhere else.  In the end, a Peach Kings game provides value that is about as good as it can get. Extras 3 An extra mark for the deep and rich Grimsby Peach King history. An extra mark for Peach Kings embracing tradition.  The printed history of the Peach Kings is the interesting “Once a Peach King” by Sarah Allington. The coaches also wear a specific melton jacket, similar to what you would find NHL coaches wearing in the Winter Classic. An extra mark for the live music of Josh Coulter, especially at the beginning of the second intermission, when Josh plays “Peaches” by Presidents of the United States of America. Final Thoughts In Junior C hockey, the Grimsby Peach Kings are among the elite when it comes to the experience for the fan.  Once fully completed, the Peach King Centre will be an even stronger hub for the Grimsby community.  Getting out to a Peach Kings game will not break the bank and will leave fans happy to have been in attendance. Follow all of Dave’s sporting adventures on YouTube , Twitter , Threads  and Instagram @profan9.

Photos by David Welch, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.00 Williams-Brice Stadium 1125 George Rogers Blvd Columbia, SC 29201 South Carolina Gamecocks website Williams-Brice Stadium website Year Opened: 1934 Capacity: 77,559 Spurs Up For many throughout the south, college football fandom is more a way of life than simply supporting the local college or university and hoping for a good season – the South Carolina Gamecocks are no different. While South Carolina is hardly a pushover in the Southeastern Conference (SEC), they have yet to capture a conference title; the Gamecocks lone conference championship came in 1968 when they were members of the Atlantic Coast Conference (1953-1970). South Carolina has also spent time in the Southern Conference (1922-1952), as well as had two separate stints as an independent program (1892-1921 and 1971-1991). Since becoming members of the SEC, South Carolina has been a program that has faced inconsistencies in sustaining winning, but has typically been competitive enough and able to pull off occasional upsets of top ranked teams, enough so to give Gamecock fans hope, and to create an extraordinary game day experience.   Food & Beverage   5 During pregame, Gamecock Village, the ‘Official Tailgate of the South Carolina Gamecocks’, has an extensive collection of food trucks including South American arepas, Carolina BBQ, Mexican foods featuring grilled street corn, elotes, and traditional midway foods. Inside Williams-Brice Stadium you can also find a wide selection of concession offerings, including both traditional concession stands, specialized options, and local vendors. The typical stands serve hot dogs, pizza from Little Caesar’s, and multiple styles of burgers, including a Beyond Burger for those looking for a meatless option. Chicken finger baskets with fries are also available. Billy G’s Carolina BBQ, as well as specialized nachos at Crunch, are also popular options. Williams-Brice Stadium also has a touch of international flavors, with a Thai-inspired menu from T.K.O. Kitchen, plus SOCA’s Caribbean Kitchen’s traditional tropical dishes. Beverages include selections from the Coca-Cola line of soft drinks, including Powerade, along with Budweiser beers, craft brews from Columbia’s Peak Drift and their hefeweizen, hazy IPA, and blonde ale, Columbia Craft’s Carolina American style ale, and Athens, Georgia-based Terrapin Brewing Co. Also available is Beat Box, which are single serving boxed hard punches offered in pink lemonade and blue razzberry, in addition to Happy Thursday spiked refreshment, Hoop Tea hard iced tea, and Topo-Chico hard seltzer. Williams-Brice Stadium does a good job at providing a well-rounded menu that goes beyond just hot dogs, nachos, and pizza, providing fans with some of the local tastes of Columbia and the surrounding area.   Atmosphere   5 Game day festivities start well before kickoff. Tailgating is a big part of the South Carolina football experience, with parking lots in all directions around the stadium open beginning five hours prior to kickoff – these lots are filled with fans grilling, tossing footballs, watching the day’s early games, or finding an altered state of mind before heading into the stadium. Gamecock Village, just steps from the Loadholt Family Gate on the southeastern edge of Williams-Brice Stadium, hosts an athletic department-sponsored tailgate. This area features the Gamecocks pregame radio show, live bands, and a big screen videoboard showing the day’s games of interest. Several inflatables, player appearances from the Gamecocks other sports programs, and several food trucks also populate Gamecock Village. Alternatively, a more refined pregame tailgate can be found at the southern end of the stadium in the ‘Cockabooses’, which are retired cabooses that have been converted to high end tailgating suites – these cabooses rent out for well into six-figures. All that said, to say tailgating at South Carolina is a big part of the game day experience would be an understatement. In addition, there is no let down as the tailgating moves into the pregame festivities. In what has become much more than simply bringing out the team with the school fight song, South Carolina has one of the most exciting pregame atmospheres in all of college football. The fun starts when a special guest steps off the back of the replica Cockaboose, and leads the crowd in a volley of “GAME”, “COCKS” between each side of the stadium. Sparks then begin to spew from the Gamecock-themed caboose, as the them from 2001: A Space Odyssey plays, and mascot Cocky is launched into the air through sparks and smoke atop the Cockaboose, sending the crowd into a frenzy. All this excitement leads to one of the elite pregame experiences, as 80,000 fans bob up-and-down to the techno beats of Sandstorm – this legitimately gets the upper decks and corkscrew ramps bouncing. Throughout the game, the use of the Purge-like siren, followed by the crow of the gamecock, helps get every ounce of noise out of the Gamecock faithful. The in-game entertainment at Williams-Brice Stadium is as good as will be found anywhere else in the country – the use of the stadium’s LED lighting, and the ability to sync it to the music played during stoppages in play, goes a long way in keeping fans engaged, and their frenzied state high until the ball is put back into play. On top of it all, the ability to turn the whole stadium red during night games is a very cool experience. The great part in all of this is that South Carolina has been able to hold onto the traditions of college football, while still creating a fun, current experience. When looking for optimal seating, any of the areas in the upper levels of the south end of the stadium offer a terrific view of downtown Columbia. However, if seeking relief from the South Carolina sun is more the goal, there is not a lot of cover, but the west stands do get shaded first. Also, the upper most reaches do slide under the press box, providing some relief from the elements. As a result of this lack of shade, the corkscrew ramps in each of the stadium’s corners are a popular place for fans to congregate to watch the game from, similar to Auburn’s Jordan Hare Stadium . As would be expected from any SEC program, South Carolina gives fans a high-quality game experience that is certainly enhanced by the unique traditions of the Gamecocks.   Neighborhood   3 The core concentration of the University of South Carolina’s athletic facilities is roughly two miles south of the downtown campus in Columbia. This area is also home to the South Carolina State Fairgrounds, which during football season doubles as a large tailgating area. There are a handful of eateries around, but these are a bit sparse in comparison to the size of the city. The neighborhood that surrounds Williams-Brice Stadium has a rather industrial feel to it, but does transition well on game days to a festive pregame college football atmosphere. Signs of the mills and factories of the area that once bustled with activity now sit abandoned, while a handful have been repurposed into gyms and cross fit studios; the core of the university nightlife is more concentrated in the neighborhoods to the southeast and northwest of campus. The Vista, about three miles north of Williams-Brice Stadium, is a focal point of USC’s off-campus entertainment and higher end restaurant offerings, while another option is the Five Points neighborhood to the northeast of the stadium. Columbia has plenty of entertainment options both pre and post game, but other than tailgating in the lots around Williams-Brice Stadium, most of what Columbia has to offer for food, entertainment, and lodging can be found just under three miles away.   Fans   5 It is difficult to find a football program in the SEC that does not come with a large backing of fan support, and South Carolina is no exception. Despite the inconsistencies of sustained success on the field, the Gamecock faithful still come out in droves, and fill Williams-Brice Stadium on a regular basis. The fans are active participants in setting the tone for the overall game experience, from the Gamecock Walk prior to gates opening, to the frenzied excitement of fans bouncing to Darude’s Sandstorm  prior to each Gamecock kickoff. Recent forward progress has seemingly rejuvenated the excitement of the South Carolina fan base – the feel has shifted recently from an expectation of winning a fair number of games each season to the expectation of winning each week, which has injected a once familiar confidence back into the atmosphere here.   Access   2 Even though there are several access points to Williams-Brice Stadium, the roads getting there are at a near standstill in the time leading to gates opening for the tailgating lots, five hours prior to kickoff. It is advised that fans use I-77, which is accessible from I-26 and I-20 – the fact of the matter is, though, that regardless of the route taken, be prepared to wait, as the streets become extremely crowded during both pre and post game. There are a few ways to avoid the traffic backup, but it involves patience or a willingness to walk up to a mile. Metered parking maxes out at five hours, so if you are willing to park at a meter and walk, it can definitely eliminate the wait to access the tailgating lots. There are also several golf cart services for hire that can bring fans to and from the area around Williams-Brice Stadium, and out of the congestion relatively quickly. Once inside the stadium, fans have roomy concourses which keep congestion to a minimum. This is very much welcome, as renovations to add more amenities would tend to take away some of the comfort of wide-open concourses. However, what is given with wide walkways under the stadium does seem to be taken back in the seating bowl. Rows here are pretty tight, so getting up during play is nearly impossible without agitating more than a handful of those in the area. On top of it all, the seating rows are fairly long, so if seated toward the middle of a row it just adds another obstacle to navigate. Following the game, the roads are equally at as much of a standstill as they were during pregame. Needless to say, getting in and out of Williams-Brice Stadium will test even the most patient of fans.   Return on Investment   3 Whenever considering football in the SEC, there will always be a premium price for tickets. South Carolina boasts having nearly 65,000 season ticket holders, which helps create a one-of-a-kind atmosphere, but it does make getting tickets directly from the athletic department at the most affordable rates difficult. The most affordable seats start at just $20 before fees, but unless you plan well ahead of time they are typically not available. The secondary market is the most reliable place to buy tickets, but at this point even the seats in the highest reaches of the upper level are selling for nearly triple digits after factoring in fees. For those choosing to park at the furthest most reaches of the stadium lots, there are shuttles available for $10, which is a bit disappointing considering that several similarly sized college football programs offer free shuttles. Parking directly around the stadium will start around $40, though some independent lots at the far end of Rosewood Drive go for $20 per car. Inside Williams-Brice Stadium, concessions do seem to be a touch high, but considering the higher quality items and availability of local foods, it does not come as a big surprise. Overall, if you plan well in advance and are willing to make some sacrifices, there is value to be had in a South Carolina football experience, but it definitely does take some planning ahead.   Extras   5 Popular photo ops can be found just outside the northwestern corner of the stadium, just steps from the corner of George Rogers Boulevard and Bluff Road. Here, a large gamecock sculpture and a statue of 1980 Heisman Trophy Award winner George Rogers are popular stops. There are several permanent restroom facilities around the southern perimeter of the stadium, which provide a bit more comfort than the typical porta-potties. For those wanting to get up close and personal with the team as they enter the stadium, the Gamecock Walk passes through Gamecock Village 2 1/2 hours prior to kickoff. The walk includes not just players and coaches, but is led by mascot Cocky and the Carolina Band. There is not a ton at Williams-Brice Stadium to recognize the history of South Carolina football, but the facing of the corkscrew ramps do pay tribute to program record holders and award winners, while the ring of honor is displayed on the front of the press box. Outside the stadium is also a display recognizing the history of the Jack Springs Tailoring Traveling Blazer . Following the game, the team comes to stand in front of the band to sing the school’s alma mater; it is always nice to see a moment where the team can come together with its fans to pay tribute to the school they love and represent.   Final Thoughts Each year hope springs eternal, and despite the historical inconsistencies of South Carolina football, the fans have continued to come out to support the Gamecocks. The actual gameday experience at Williams-Brice Stadium is as fun as most you would find in the nation, but the drawback is there just seems to be a lot of obstacles in the way, which may prevent you from getting the most out of that enjoyment. From the accessibility of the area pre and post game to the costs of tickets and other related expenses, it just seems to put a bit of a damper on what truly is an exceptional college football experience.

Photos courtesy of Mike Barker If you’re a college football junkie and you’re on either Instagram or the app formerly known as Twitter, you’ve no doubt come across Michael Barker. From August until deep into December, the man behind the College Football Campus Tour handles o n X (formerly Twitter) and Instagram can be seen living every college football fan’s dream. He is on a seemingly endless tour of all the cathedrals of college football, both large and small. Notre Dame Stadium? He’s seen it. Is Tiger Stadium in Baton Rouge at night? He’s done that. Bailey Memorial Stadium in Clifton, South Carolina, home of the Presbyterian Blue Hose? Yeah, he’s been there too. During the 2023-24 season, Barker attended a staggering 90 college football games. Let that sink in. Now, marinate on this; for the 2024-25 season, his goal is to attend an astounding 100 games. At the time of this interview, Barker was getting ready to start his most ambitious week of the season, attending seven games in six days. For this conversation, Barker talked about getting started on his tour, his hilarious Obstructed Views posts, and what’s left on the bucket list for him. --- EM: I know you’ve got a pretty packed schedule these days, so I appreciate you making some time for me. Let’s just jump right in. How did this all get started? MB : My pleasure. I started in 2017 when I took a trip to Lake Estes, Colorado. There’s a hotel there called the Stanley Hotel. It’s where Stephen King stayed and inspired the book and the movie The Shining.   Along the way, I made two stops at Colorado and Colorado State . My dad played college football. He played one year at BYU and two years at the University of the Pacific in Stockton, California. He said one of his best games was at Colorado State, where he had 19 tackles and an interception. So, I stopped and checked out the colleges and the stadiums. Rather than spend two nights at the Stanley, I ended up going into Laramie to see Wyoming and back down to Colorado Springs to see the Air Force . I enjoyed it, and when I got home, I went to see the two Arizona schools and Oregon. I went to games that fall, 13 in 2017, 30 in 2018, 50 in 2019, and after 2021, I accomplished the goal of seeing a game at every FBS (Football Bowl Subdivision) school. Since then, I’ve been going back to COVID games and revisiting those. Now, I’m trying to do all of the FCS (Football Championship Subdivision) schools. Last year, I set a record of seeing 90 games in one football season. EM: So, what is your ultimate goal, if you have one? MB: I went t o Stephen F. Austin  on [October 5], and that was Division I school number 220 out of 262. That leaves 42, and they’re all FCS schools except Kennesaw State, which just moved up. They pretty much all play on Saturday, so it’s not like you can do 40 in a year. So, last year, I started with 51 and went to 17. So, 17 times three is 51, and that’s the goal. I think I can be done by the end of 2026. The issue is Mercyhurst was added this year. Next year [ UT-Rio Grande Valley ] moves up. Chicago State is talking about [moving up]. So, you keep making progress, but they keep throwing new ones out. I don’t know what the goal is; I’m just going as hard as I can. I’ve already been to 10 new FCS schools this year, and I said I want 17. That’s the goal, to be the only [person] to see games at all 262 Division I schools. EM: Let’s shift gears a little. How did the “Obstructed Views” bit get started? For those who don’t know, you find what is the worst seat in each of these stadiums and take pictures of the action from there. MB: In 2018, I went to Washington State  versus Oregon. It was when College GameDay was there. It was Gardner Minshew and Mike Leach versus Justin Herbert. I put that game on the schedule at the beginning of the year, and as far as I was concerned, it was just going to be Oregon versus Washington State. It wasn’t a big game. When it rolled around, I think both teams were 5-0 or 5-0 and 4-1, and every ticket was going for like $750. I was going by myself, and I found a ticket for $250, so I bought it. When I got there, there was one part of Martin Stadium [with] the light towers, and one of those is inset into the bleachers. My seat happened to be right behind that tower. I took a video of Gardner Minshew throwing a fade in the end zone, and the wide receiver disappeared behind the pole and came out the other side for a touchdown. That was a first-hand experience of being a victim of the “obstructed view.” In Wyoming, they have this place called “the knothole,” which is up at the top. It’s a common thing where they build the press box but leave the seats next to it. So, I put up a photo of that in 2019. It wasn’t until 2022 at Western Michigan . I called it the “makeout seat,” where it was just a two-seat bleacher. I had someone take a photo from behind me, like this first-person view, and that thing went crazy on social media. It’s pretty much become a little bit of a phenomenon. People will take photos and tag me in them. It’s grown my following and opened up doors for me that I didn’t think would ever happen, which is cool. EM: So, you’ve got the goal of 100 games this year. That’s pretty ambitious, to say the least. How do you go about coordinating something like that? MB: So, last year was 90 games, and as soon as I did 90, everyone in the comments asked, ‘Can you do 100?’ I said no. Two things happened, though, first, they added an extra week to the regular season, and the other was the 12-team playoff, which extended the postseason. I found that there could be 100 games to get to. I tell people that the most fun thing I do is going to games, and the second most fun thing to do is planning to see games. What you do is, all the weekday games, you pick those out as soon as they get announced. Once times are announced, I try to pick two games on a Saturday: a day game and a night game. As the season goes on, it gets more challenging because they have the 12-day and the six-day rule, which is where they withhold kick times and try to put the best games in the best TV slot. It’s good for them, but it’s not good for you when you’re trying to plan and book flights on short notice. The game [on Octo ber 3] at Troy star ted a stretch of 52 games in 59 days. I see 77 in the regular season and 24 in the postseason, with the possibility of adding one or two more. If all goes according to plan, knock on wood, I’ll get to 100 games this season. EM: I won’t ask you to pick a favorite stadium because I feel like that’d be asking someone to pick a favorite child. What’s been something on your travels that has surprised you, though? Something you weren’t expecting in a good way. MB: Well, I can just tell you, a couple of weeks ago, I went to the season opener at Grand Valley State. I’d visited that stadium, and I knew that they were a DII power, but that was like Group of 5, Sun Belt vibes. I mean that the crowd was crazy, the student section was full. They had those thunder sticks like back in the California Angels days. There were fireworks, and they just destroyed their opponent. That one blew me away. Also, I just went to see [the Texas A&M Aggies  at] Kyle Field on October 5. This was my second visit. I had gone back in 2018 when they were unranked; they played number one Clemson. It was 28-26, and if they’d gotten a two-point conversion, they would have gone to overtime. I had never seen a crowd just with a team that almost beat the number one team in the nation. I went…to see them play [ Missouri ], and A&M is two-and-a-half-point favorites against a higher-ranked team, and they obliterated them. The crowd had a big impact again. I love that. Two other stadiums I talk about a lot are App State  and Kidd Brewer Stadium. I call it the “field of dreams.” I’ve been there six times, more than any other place. It’s special. My favorite place, though, is [ UTEP and] the Sun Bowl in El Paso. It’s at a 4,000-foot elevation, and I-10 runs behind the stadium, with one side the U.S. and the other side Mexico. The visitor's side and press box are carved into the mountain. It’s almost like Baskin-Robbins, though. What’s your favorite flavor? Do you like the 100,000-seat stadiums? Do you like the Montana Washington Grizzly Stadium going wild? There are all types. Even if I’ve been to all of these places, I hear that well, you haven’t gone on homecoming, you haven’t gone on a rivalry game, you haven’t gone to a playoff game. Even though the individual places, I’ve gotten to most of them, the bucket list is almost endless. ---- Follow Eric Moreno's Stadium Journey on Twitter at @EricMoreno6477 .

Photos courtesy of Matt Colville, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.43 Vaught-Hemingway Stadium All-American & Hill Drive Oxford, MS 38677 Mississippi Rebels website Vaught-Hemingway Stadium website Year Opened: 1915 Capacity: 64,038 Rim! Ram! Flim! Flam! It's been called the Literary Capital of the South, as Grisham, Faulkner, and Willie Morris have all lived here and used the small Mississippi town as a setting for many of their novels. It's Oxford, Mississippi, and after coming here, it's easy to see why, as the scene here is something straight out of a novel. At The Grove, you'll find tailgating like you've never seen before – it's as grand and upscale as you can get, with chandeliers hung from a sea of tents and people eating off fine china. Students wear their Sunday Best, with men in slacks and women in dresses and boots, backdropped by beautiful Greek column buildings and hundred-year-old oaks. This is Ole Miss Rebels football, and the unique blend of Southern culture, charm, and historic tradition combined with one of the most storied programs in all of college football makes coming to an Ole Miss football game a must-do in the fall. The Rebels began playing football at Ole Miss in 1893 as the state's first football team; as one of the founding members of the SEC in 1932, the Rebs won six SEC titles and won three National Championships (1959, 1960, and 1962). Since 1915, the Rebs have played at Vaught-Hemingway Stadium, the country's fifth-oldest FBS College Football stadium, which, as of 2024, has a capacity of 64,038, making it the largest stadium in the state of Mississippi based on capacity. The stadium is named after Judge William Hemingway, a former law professor at Ole Miss, and former Head Coach John Vaught, who coached the Rebels from 1947-1973, including the three National Championship teams. Coming to an Ole Miss game is an experience like no other and perhaps the most raucous atmosphere in not just the SEC but across all of college football.   Food and Beverage   4 You can find plenty to eat and drink inside the stadium if you don't fill up pregame in The Grove or on The Square. In 2019, Ole Miss updated the concessions inside Vaught-Hemingway Stadium to give you plenty of options – in addition to over 20 different basic stands built into the concourse, you'll also find several custom-themed options. Fergndan's Wood Fire Pizza has two locations for fans to purchase brick oven pizzas, and there is also a sausage and hot dog cart located on the southeast side of the stadium. Burger Me, a spot to get custom-themed burgers, is located on the southwest concourse, while Chop's BBQ has two locations to get anything BBQ-related, from nachos to pulled pork sandwiches. Chops has its signature item called Totchos, which includes pulled pork, tater tots, and jalapenos, The Healthy Rebel features grilled chicken wraps, fruit cups, and other healthy snacks. Lastly, Great American Cookie and Nuts 4 offers spots in the stadium to get candy, funnel cake, and cookies. For drinks, Coca-Cola is the official soft drink provider of Ole Miss athletics – if you purchase the souvenir cup for $7, you can get $1 refills throughout the game. Also, a cool promotion they have is if you take your signature Ole Miss cup to any Blue Sky convenience store in Oxford, you can get a 65-cent refill. But for those who want to drink alcohol, there are 15 stands inside The Vaught, where you can buy alcoholic beverages. The usual domestic beer is sold, as well as some premium beers such as Suzy B, a local beer, and Henry's Hard Sparkling Water, a locally brewed seltzer. A cool spot to hang out and have a drink is Blue Moon Brewhouse, located on the west concourse; this location is a cool little beach-themed bar with TVs, but it is kind of hidden so as not to get in the way of people walking through. I found myself here at Blue Moon Brewhouse during halftime, watching some of the other games on TV.   Atmosphere   5 You cannot find an atmosphere that embodies the Southern culture and personality more than a trip to the Ole Miss campus on a game day. At the center of campus lies The Grove, a 10-acre greenspace that is transformed into the SEC's ultimate debutante ball on gamedays – a sea of tents takes over The Grove, stretching as far as the eye can see, all under the shade of hundred-year-old oaks and magnolia trees, for which The Grove got its name. It is an upscale affair here, with many tents decked out with elaborate décor, including people drinking wine and eating off fine china. It is also not uncommon to find chandeliers hanging from the tents here. A common misconception is that you have to dress up to come to games here, but that is mostly for the students. Ole Miss has a large student population in Greek life who dress up in suits and ties, but most people will be wearing casual attire, as it can be particularly hot in Mississippi in September. I would go with khaki shorts in the heat and khaki pants in the cold. The ladies will particularly dress up more than the men; you'll find many women wearing fancy dresses and boots while wearing glitzy hats. Just blocks from campus are the famed Square, the downtown area, and the cultural heart of Oxford. The Square is just as much a part of the Ole Miss gameday experience as The Grove – The Square is about a 15-minute walk from The Grove, so many fans will walk back and forth between the two before the game. 2 1/2 hours before kickoff is perhaps the most cherished gameday tradition at Ole Miss, the Walk of Champions. During the Walk, the football team walks from the student union down a brick-lined path through the Grove and into Vaught-Hemingway Stadium. This tradition began in 1983 when coach Billy Brewer wanted the players to experience the atmosphere of The Grove before the game. There is also another cool tradition here, where fans will lock arms and rock back and forth as the team runs out onto the field – this is called "Locking the Vaught." The stadium sits at the center of campus, a short quarter mile from The Grove – the facility is surrounded by buildings, so it's kind of hard to see as you approach. On the west side of Vaught-Hemingway Stadium is SBJ Pavilion , which opened in 2016 and is home to the Rebels basketball team. The Pavilion is open on football gamedays and hosts a small fan fest inside and outside of the building. On the south side sits Manning Practice Facility, named after the Manning Family (Archie, Eli, and even Tennessee  grad Peyton have their names engraved on the plaque). Outside the venue, near the student entrance, is a giant statue of former coach John Vaught. Once inside the stadium, the seating bowl is in a perfectly shaped oval around the field, which faces north and south. The facility is not very high up or steep like some stadiums are, but instead, all 64,000+ seats fit into the oval-shaped bowl and are slanted at a 45-degree angle, so you'll have great views no matter where you sit. At the top of the east grandstand is the Rebel Club, a climate-controlled luxury seating area, while at the north end is a huge video board measuring 48 x 105 feet. My favorite spot to watch the game from is a standing-room-only concourse below the Rebel Club – here, you'll get excellent views of the field and also a great view of the fireworks that go off after every Ole Miss touchdown. For night games, they'll do a pretty impressive light or drone show at the start of the 4th quarter, which is best seen the higher up you are. The students take up the entire north end zone, and there is no way to get into that seating area from elsewhere in the seating bowl. Students and fraternities will start filling up the student section hours before kickoff, and you'll hear plenty of "Hotty Toddies" throughout the day. This saying is synonymous with Ole Miss, and when you leave the game, you'll have the official rallying cry stuck in your head for days – “Heighty! Tighty! Gosh A Mighty! Who in the [Heck] are we? Rim! Ram! Flim! Flam! Ole Miss, By [Darn]!”.   Neighborhood   5 This small town of 25,000 swells to over 100,000 on Saturdays in the Fall. About a 3-block walk from campus is The Square, centered around the Historic Lafayette County Courthouse, which was built in 1872; local shops and restaurants make up the businesses around the courthouse. Oxford's favorite son, William Faulkner, used The Square as a setting for many of his books, renamed the fictional Yoknapatawpha County, while Oxford was called Jefferson in his novels. Some of the more popular shops on The Square include the South's oldest department store, Neilsen's, which has been in operation in the same location since 1839. Another must-visit if on The Square is Square Books, one of the largest independent bookstores in the country – You never know who you might run into in the famed bookstore on gameday, whether it be John Grisham or one of the Mannings. There are four Square Books stores located on the block, with each store featuring a large selection of local and national authors, from kids' books to history books. Some of the restaurants on The Square include Ajax Diner, voted the Best Plate lunch in Mississippi, as well as City Grocery for local Southern fried foods and Boure Restaurant for Creole or Cajun. South Depot Taco Shop offers tacos and Mexican dishes, but if you want to venture out a little, world-renowned Taylor Grocery is about a 15-minute drive from Oxford and is famous for its fried catfish. A visit to this hole-in-the-wall is almost a rite of passage for Ole Miss fans and something you must see if in Oxford – note that the place gets extremely busy on Sundays after gamedays, however. Oxford also has a popular live music scene; the Delta Blues combined with Memphis rock ‘n roll has produced a unique jam band scene. Proud Larry's, The Lyric, and Rooster's Blues House are a few of the popular places on The Square to check out live music, while End of All Music is also a popular place to buy vintage records and vinyl albums. The Lyric's building was once used as the stables for William Faulkner's horses – Faulkner lived nearby at the historic mansion Rowan Oak, which makes for another must-visit if in Oxford; the Pulitzer Prize-winning writer wrote five novels while living inside this two-story 1840s mansion. Rowan Oak is located just off campus and is open for public tours, and there is even a cool trail that goes from campus through the woods and to Rowan Oak. Besides all of the above, for outdoor stuff to do during the weekend, there is the South Campus rail trail, a paved bike trail over a former railroad, as well as Sardis Lake just north of Oxford, which is a great place to take a boat or do any other water-related activities.   Fans   5 This season, fan support is at an all-time high, with every game selling out. In fact, the game I most recently saw broke the attendance record with over 67,000 fans in attendance – this was also the highest-attended college football game ever in the State of Mississippi. Head coach Lane Kiffin has brought prestige back to the program to the likes of how it was in 2014 when the Rebels rose as high as Number 2 in some polls. There is just something special about generations of families gathering together in the same place in The Grove on Saturdays in the fall for decades. Ole Miss fans are some of the most passionate and knowledgeable of any fan base you will find – The Grove has a bad reputation for not being very welcoming to visiting fans, but I did not find that to be the case, as I saw many opposing fans walking around in The Grove. The only visiting fans who might get hassled are Mississippi State  fans. Most of the fans here are knowledgeable about the history and traditions of the program – you'll find old-school fans who can remember names like Archie and Eli Manning, Deuce McAllister, and Patrick Willis, as well as a new generation of fans who remember guys that made an impact on the program in the past 10-15 years like Bo Wallace, Chad Kelly, AJ Brown, DK Metcalf, Laremy Tunsil, and Robert Nkemdiche. You’ll also find the longtime Colonel Reb logo everywhere in The Grove, emblazoned on everything from tents to shirts. The real Colonel Reb mascot can also be seen walking around The Grove, taking pictures, and you will even find people dressed up as the Colonel.   Access   3 Getting to Oxford may seem fairly simple, although it might seem like kind of a rural drive to get here, as it is located about 25 miles from the closest interstate. If coming from the west, take I-55 until you get to Batesville, which is about an hour south of Memphis, then go east on Highway 278 for about 20 minutes, and you'll run right into campus. If coming from the east, the closest big city is Tupelo, about an hour away – from there, take Highway 278 west, and you'll find the university. Once in Oxford, due to the small size of the city and the limited parking, it can be quite hectic finding a place to park. To park anywhere close to Vaught-Hemingway Stadium or near The Grove, you are going to have to have an Ole Miss Athletic Foundation-issued parking pass – these are hard to get unless you are a season ticket holder or park of the Rebel Club. Instead, if coming to a game as a regular fan, there is one lot on campus called Insight Park near the soccer stadium. There is also parking at Oxford High School, a nearby shopping center, and at the local community college, where they’ll shuttle you over to campus if you park at any of these three. For non-conference games, parking is $35, while for big SEC contests, you’ll pay between $50 and $75. If parking at Insight Park, I recommend purchasing your parking pass in advance, as this lot sells out quickly. Once inside the stadium, with overfill capacity, you'll find moving around kind of difficult. Also, all the seats are bleacher seating, except for the south end zone, so you'll be kind of crammed in here. However, there is also a lack of ushers checking tickets, so you can move around.   Return on Investment   4 Coming to an Ole Miss game is an experience like no other and something all fans of college football should experience. Should you come to Oxford for the weekend, you will not be disappointed. The only drawback is the expensive parking and the somewhat expensive ticket prices – you get what you pay for, though, which is the only way to put it, as you are getting to see SEC football at its best and experiencing some of the best tailgating in all sports, here at an Ole Miss football game. For the beginning of the season non-conference games, you can get tickets for as little as $20 to $30. As the season progresses, however, ticket prices will fluctuate depending on how the team is doing, for example, for conference games, you may see tickets on the Ole Miss athletic site for between $50 and $60. This season, every game sold out by week 3, though, and so some conference games started selling on secondary sites for $200 to $300. If you come into Oxford for the weekend looking to stay the night, you better book your rooms well in advance – Oxford doesn't exactly have many hotels and the few they do have often sell out quickly or are really expensive during game weekends. Instead, I recommend staying about 25 minutes away in Batesville, where there are more and cheaper hotel options.   Extras   5 If you do happen to drive on campus, make sure you drive 18 mph, the official speed limit on campus. The reason is that # 18 was Archie Manning's number at Ole Miss; this is perhaps the only college in the country that has an official speed limit based on the number of a former player. One extra for The Grove, being the Holy Grail of Tailgating for College Football – this is one of the best experiences and atmospheres in all of sports. College GameDay even broadcast from The Grove in 2014 with Katy Perry as the guest picker. The Rebs upset # 3 Alabama  that day and rushed the field, after which the students, with Katy Perry in tow, then proceeded to carry the goalposts from the stadium to The Square (the goalposts ended up at the fraternity houses). Besides Ole Miss football, Vaught-Hemingway Stadium has hosted the Mississippi High School Football Championships on two occasions (2017 and 2023). The facility has also hosted two concerts, one by Hardy in 2023 and one by Morgan Wallen in 2024. With a capacity of 64,038, Vaught-Hemingway Stadium is the largest stadium in Mississippi – the extra 38 seats are in honor of Rebel star Chuck Mullins, who suffered a devastating injury in a 1989 game that left him a quadriplegic. Even though he would pass away in 1991, Mullins left a lasting impact on the Ole Miss community. The road to the west of Vaught-Hemingway Stadium is named after Mullins, and every year, the football presents the Chucky Mullins Courage Award. As of this season, over 250 former Rebs have been drafted into the NFL, with 29 Ole Miss alums currently on active NFL rosters. Ole Miss has also produced 12 College Football Hall of Famers and 3 Pro Football Hall of Famers (Patrick Willis, Bruiser Kinard, and Gene Hickerson, as well as soon-to-be Eli Manning). The Conerly Trophy, given to the top football player in Mississippi, is also named after former Ole Miss quarterback Charlie Conerly – 11 former Rebels have won the prestigious award.

Photos by Eric Moreno, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.00 Cub Stadium 1600 E Tom Green St Brenham, TX 77833 Blinn Buccaneers website Cub Stadium website Year Opened: 1987 Capacity: 6,494 Blinn Buccaneers – Cub Stadium Tucked away in the Brazos Valley area in east central Texas is the city of Brenham – the city and area are known for three things: being the home of Blue Bell Creameries , being the county seat of Washington County (credited as the birthplace  of the Republic of Texas), and being the home of the Blinn College Buccaneers . The school was founded in 1884 and began fielding a team on the gridiron in 1903. As members of the National Junior College Athletic Association (NJCAA), the Buccaneers have won the fourth most national championships in history – Blinn wore the crown in 1995, 1996, 2006, and 2009, and during the run to their last title, they were quarterbacked by former NFL great Cam Newton . The school has also sent countless players to big-time college football programs, and many have gone on to the NFL. A small sample of players that have donned the blue and white of the Buccaneers (aside from Newton) include College Football Hall of Famer Michael Bishop , former All-American Dede Westbrook , and former Super Bowl Champions Quincy Morgan  and Eric Brown . Since the late 1980s, the team has shared a stadium with the Brenham High School Cubs, who are themselves a dynastic power in the state of Texas. This is a special place, so please read on to learn more about it.   Food & Beverage   3 As this is a high school and junior college facility, I would go in with tempered expectations for food and beverage options. However, what Cub Stadium does provide is pretty darn good. There is one central concession stand located near the north end zone, where you can get all your traditional game day favorites, such as hot dogs (from Sonic Drive-In , no less), nachos, chips, bottled sodas, sports drinks, and water; all of those are very  reasonably priced. The key thing Cub Stadium offers that other venues should copy, however, is their “Buccaneer Meal” – this combo allows you to choose a hamburger, two-piece chicken strips from Texas favorite Bush’s Chicken , or the aforementioned Sonic offering (plain or with chili and cheese), along with chips and a drink for $10. Fans can also purchase snow cones and ice cream sandwiches, which pair perfectly with the early-season weather in this part of Texas during the early months of the season. Lastly, two more points that fans should be aware of before heading to a Blinn game – first, since this is a high school venue, alcohol is not available, and second, cash is still an acceptable form of currency to purchase your food and beverages at Cub Stadium, which is nice.   Atmosphere   2 Since Blinn shares the facility with Brenham High School, there are considerably more accouterments for the regulars than for the Buccaneers (it is named Cub Stadium, after all). The large sign on the press box reads “Welcome to the Prideland” and denotes the Cub's state playoff successes. There is also a Walk of Champions, highlighting Brenham's successes, leading from the clubhouse to the field. With that said, Blinn does what it can to make the stadium their own on game nights. There are signs and banners with Buccaneer imagery throughout the home team stand, and there is also a merchandise stand near the home team entrance for fans looking to pick up some Blinn merchandise. Overall, the atmosphere is greatly helped by the large and devoted fan base that attends games; more on them here shortly.   Neighborhood   3 Cub Stadium is located in the middle of a residential area in Brenham. With that in mind, there aren’t any attractions, restaurants, or lodging options in the immediate vicinity. However, as this is a smaller town, you won’t be very far from the stadium. In terms of attractions, it all starts with Blue Bell  – you can visit the creamery Monday through Friday. A visit will allow you to see how the beloved Texas institution is made, taste some samples, and visit the ice cream parlor to get access to even more of their tasty creations. If you are a history buff and are looking to understand a little more about the history of the region and its importance to Texas history, the Star of the Republic Museum  is located on Blinn’s campus. Its mission is to gather and interpret history and artifacts related to this chapter in Texas history. While currently closed for renovations, it should be a stop when it reopens in 2025. Dining options abound in Brenham – a couple of options worth a stop include Pioneer Smokehouse  and Weikel’s Bakery . The smokehouse is housed in an old train depot, which adds to its ambiance, but it’s the food that is the main draw. Serving all the Texas barbecue hits, the Smokehouse is renowned for its brisket and sausage. Weikel’s Bakery, which has multiple locations in towns around Brenham, specializes in a delicious treat that has become legendary in Texas: the kolache. Fruit and/or fruit and cream fill these sweet treats that are great for breakfast, dessert, or whenever, really. Weikel’s has won numerous awards over the years for theirs, so don’t miss a chance to try them. Lodging options are plentiful in Brenham, but not really near the stadium Your closest options are going to be Far View Bed & Breakfast Inn  and Coach Light Inn Brenham . There are numerous other options, though; you are only going to be limited by your budget.   Fans   4 Attendance figures for Buccaneers games aren’t available anywhere, so what I have to offer up is purely anecdotal. What I can say about the most recent game I attended was that the home team stands were filled, and the vast majority were wearing Buccaneers gear. The fans at this game were also vocal and truly supported their Bucs. I was greatly impressed by what I experienced. There is a lot to be said about being the proverbial only game in town – it lends to the atmosphere and increases the loyalty of the fan base, especially for a college team.   Access   2 Brenham is in one of the weird pockets of Texas that is not close to any of the major metro areas. Cub Stadium, for example, is an hour and a half drive from Austin and just over an hour from both Houston and Bryan/College Station. It’s going to take some effort to get to a Blinn Buccaneers game. If you’re coming in from outside the state, your best bet is probably going to be flying into and out of Houston and then driving the rest of the way. There isn’t much in the way of public transportation in Brenham if you don’t want to drive, but ridesharing is still an option. Once you get to Cub Stadium, however, parking is plentiful.   Return on Investment   4 Alright, there is no other way to say it, but Blinn Buccaneers games at Cub Stadium are a bargain, like finding a diamond ring at a dollar store kind of bargain. Tickets for Bucs games are a paltry $5 per person, and parking will only set you back $0 – yes, free parking. For a team that competes in the postseason on an annual basis, you truly cannot beat that price. When you couple this with the affordable prices at the concessions, Cub Stadium offers fans a great way to experience college football in a fun and historic setting while watching a historically great program in a way that won’t break the bank.   Extras   3 Blinn offers up most of the traditional ceremony involved in college sports – the cheer squad  can be found on the sidelines firing up the crowd and giving a hearty “Aar!” (like the way a pirate talks) after each Blinn first down. The Buccaneer Band  can also be heard playing before games, during breaks in the action, and at halftime. Also, the dance team – the Treasures  – can be counted on to add to the entertainment and game day experience. Beyond that, the rest of the action and entertainment can be found on the field.   Final Thoughts This was my first visit to Blinn, but I can assure you it won’t be the last. This was college football at its most pure, in a setting that I am imminently familiar with. While I’d never been to Cub Stadium before, it felt like I had, and that was serenely comforting. If you’re a sports fan, I’m confident you’ll come away feeling the same. While it may take some effort to get here, I would encourage you to add the Blinn Buccaneers to your bucket list – I’m confident you’ll enjoy yourself the way I did. ---- Follow Eric Moreno's Stadium Journey on Twitter at @EricMoreno6477 .

Photos by Aaron S. Terry, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.86 William H. Greene Stadium 2400 6th St NW Washington, DC 20059 Howard Bison website William H. Greene Stadium website Year Opened: 1926 Capacity: 10,000 Northwest D. C. The Howard Bison are one of two FCS football teams that play in Washington, D. C., the other being the Georgetown Hoyas . Howard plays its home football games at Greene Stadium, which opened in 1926 and is also used for Bison lacrosse and soccer matches. The facility seats 10,000 for football in bleacher seating on three sides of the field – there is also field-level seating behind the north end zone, under a large white tent, for special guests. Greene Stadium is named after a local physician and benefactor of Howard University. The staff does try to put on a good show for football games here, but there aren’t very many fans who show up.   Food & Beverage   2 Greene Stadium doesn’t have any fixed concession stands, but they do bring in food trucks on the west side of the field. The different food trucks offer such items as burgers, hibachi, funnel cake, fried Oreos, fried fish, fried shrimp, ribs, and wings, along with French fries and a few drink selections, such as lemonade, bottled water, and Gatorade. The prices are on the high side, and unfortunately, the food trucks are located behind the visitor stands – the venue is not large by any means, so it is not a long walk, but your best bet is to get your food and drinks as you enter (all the entrances area on the west side), before walking around to the home side to find your seats (assuming you are not here to cheer on the opposing team, of course).   Atmosphere   3 Greene Stadium has a lively atmosphere, with lots of fun music piped in – the kind people like to dance to with heavy, loud beats. The band also does a great job entertaining fans, as do the cheerleaders; the performance at halftime is especially superb, accompanied by strutting drum majors, the dance team, and colorful banners lofted high. During my most recent visit, an October game included a tribute to cancer survivors. There is a large video board behind the north end zone, which works fine for replays, as most of the seats are on the other three sides of the field. The home stands (east side) are next to the reservoir and do offer chairback seats in the middle section – all of the other seating in Greene Stadium are metal bleachers without backs. The turf field boasts some very sharp Howard logos in dark blue with red trim, and the PA announcer is very passionate – when he announces first downs, his exuberance is accompanied by laser tag-esque electronic sounds. There is not a lot of shade, however, except in the last few rows on the home side, directly in front of the press box (although the sun sets facing the home side since the home seating is on the east, so you may have the sun in your eyes toward the end of the game.   Neighborhood   4 Howard itself is located in a run-down part of Washington, D. C., where you might not necessarily feel safe walking around at night. During the football game, there are plenty of police officers around, however, so there shouldn’t be any issues around game time. That said, there isn’t much to see and do in the immediate area, with no hotels to speak of and only a few quick-service restaurants. However, there is, of course, plenty to see and do nearer the Capitol, about 2-3 miles away, with all the monuments, museums, and other attractions, including the Wizards , Capitals , and Nationals  if you can swing a sports doubleheader while in town. There are also hundreds, perhaps thousands, of hotels and restaurants in and around Washington, D. C. – your choice there solely depends on how close you want to be to the action and how much money you want to spend, as the two are closely related.   Fans   3 Not many fans attend Howard football games at Greene Stadium, so the stands can look pretty empty, depending, of course, on how the Bison are playing at that point in the season. In fact, for many games, you might see more visiting fans on the west side than there are home fans on the east. The band and student section sits on the south end of the field – the student section at times is practically non-existent over there, with only 2-3 dozen fans visible next to the band.   Access   3 There is no real parking at Greene Stadium – you can park along the nearby streets, although the signs are confusing. In certain places where you can park on a normal day, it is blocked off, and some of the signs say you can park for four hours, but the meter only allows you to pay for two. A pay lot would be welcome, but I wasn’t able to find any after twenty minutes of driving around. The lack of parking also means a potentially long walk up to the stadium, and the entry once you get there is confusing as well. Tickets and will call are located in the gymnasium on 6th and Girard, but some of the streets are blocked off, so you may have to walk around if you are coming from the south. There are two entrances into the venue, one on the north and one on the south, which, as mentioned, are next to the visiting stands and food trucks.   Return on Investment    3 General admission tickets are $35 if you buy beforehand, but they add $10 to the price if you buy on the day of. That makes for a pretty pricey ticket to get into the game, not to mention the high food truck concession prices. On the plus side, you may be able to park for free, but that is a little risky, given the signage. All of that said, I am not sure it is worthwhile to come to see a game here – the stadium itself is decent and seems modern enough, and there are some fun elements, but they do come at a price.   Extras   2 Greene Stadium does have a small team gear stand next to the entrance on the southwest side. You also can get close to the action here, as you have to walk around right next to the field to get to your seats if you are sitting on the south or east (home) side. The Bison also boasts a fully-costumed mascot wearing a buffalo head, jersey, and camouflage pants.   Final Thoughts Greene Stadium is perfectly fine as smaller football stadiums go, but it is a little challenging in terms of access and maybe also in terms of the concession options. If you really love football, this is an okay way to spend an afternoon – just mind the lack of shade if you are coming for a day game. Otherwise, this might be one you save for when your favorite team is coming to play in D.C.

Photos by Paul Baker, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.00 Arute Field 1615 Stanley St New Britain, CT 06050 Central Connecticut State Blue Devils website Arute Field website Year Opened: 2000 Capacity: 5,500 Devil of a Time at Arute Field   Central Connecticut State University is the state’s oldest publicly funded university. Founded in 1849 as the State Normal School, CCSU has grown to an enrollment of almost 9,000 students. Today, students at CCSU pursue their degrees in four schools under the University umbrella. 96% of the school’s enrollment comes from Connecticut. Approximately half of CCSU’s students live off campus.   Jack Arute Sr. was the owner of one of Connecticut’s largest construction firms in the 1960s. He was also an active member of the New Britain community and became one of CCSU’s biggest boosters through interactions with school administration. Upset that the state government would not approve funding for a new football stadium, Arute took matters into his own hands, using his funds and manpower to build the original Arute Field. The present incarnation of Arute Field is the third stadium to bear his name. All three versions have been located on campus.   Central Connecticut fielded its first football team in 1935. Since 1993, the team has competed in the FCS subdivision and as a member of the Northeast Conference since 1996. The team has won six conference championships since joining the NEC. The Blue Devils have qualified for the NCAA tournament twice, losing in the first round in 2017 and 2019. One Central Connecticut alumnus, Joe Costello, has played in the National Football League.   Food & Beverage 2   There is one concession stand on the outer concourse of Arute Field. It offers a basic menu featuring hot dogs, burgers, and nachos. A variety of snacks are also available, including pretzels, chips, and assorted candy.   Pepsi products are sold at Arute Field. On chilly fall days, coffee and hot chocolate are popular choices. Alcoholic beverages are not offered at this on-campus facility.   Atmosphere 3   While the game day atmosphere at Arute Field will never be confused with the show put on in the Power Five conferences, Blue Devils staff and fans combine to make this a fun place to spend a fall Saturday afternoon.   Sections of the parking lot adjacent to the facility are set aside for tailgating, and Blue Devil fans fill these spots with grills, music, and décor. You’re likely to run into CCSU’s mascot, Kizer, who roams the facility throughout the afternoon. CCSU boasts an impressively large cheer squad, who set up shop on the near sideline and perform along with the school’s pep band and dance squad.   Blue Devil fans routinely fill the stands and are active throughout the game, adding to the festive atmosphere. There is a good sound system, with a PA announcer who adds game information along with the scoreboard located in the north end zone. Unfortunately, the scoreboard’s video board is only used sparingly and not for video replay. Banners honoring CCSU’s conference championships are posted on the façade of the grandstand at field level. Unfortunately, this makes them invisible to most fans in the stadium. Neighborhood 3     Central Connecticut State University is located in a residential neighborhood on the northeastern edge of New Britain, a suburban city of 73,000 people located 12 miles from Hartford, Connecticut. Arute Field is located on the eastern edge of campus, directly off Route 9. All of Central Connecticut’s athletic facilities, including the CCSU Baseball Field  and the William H. Detrick Gymnasium , are located nearby.   There are not many choices for dining or lodging immediately adjacent to Arute Field, but there is great diversity within a few miles of campus. Fans wanting a unique experience before or after a CCSU game should check out the East Side Restaurant, a German-themed pub complete with staff in traditional Bavarian gear and all the bratwurst you could desire.   For a twist on a traditional American dish, visit Ted’s Restaurant in nearby Meriden. Their method of cooking hamburgers in steam trays is unique to central Connecticut , and Ted’s has been featured on several travel shows such as Man vs. Food and Diners, Drive-Ins, and Dives.   Lodging options are plentiful in nearby Farmington. Connecticut’s capital city, Hartford, is a short fifteen-minute drive from Central Connecticut’s campus and offers additional dining, lodging, and entertainment options. If time allows, the National Iwo Jima Memorial is located just beyond CCSU's athletic fields on Ella Grasso Boulevard.   Fans 3   Central Connecticut averages around 3,500 fans per game, which is significantly above the Northeast Conference average. This figure has remained fairly consistent over the years, both before and after the pandemic. Stadium Journey visited Arute Field on a gorgeous October Saturday, with an announced attendance of about 3,200 fans. As mentioned before, fans at Arute Field are enthusiastic and vocal about the action going on down on the field.   While a good number of students turn out for Blue Devils games, they spread out throughout the stadium and don’t add a ton of energy to the festivities. They tend to blend in with the rest of the fans here. With many of Central Connecticut’s opponents located nearby, a good turnout from visiting fans can be expected.   Access 4     New Britain is located about a 15-minute drive from Hartford. Route 9 passes directly by the campus, connecting with interstates 84 and 91, a few miles away. With its suburban location, the great majority of fans drive to Central Connecticut. The parking lot directly adjacent to Arute Field is large enough for typical game day crowds. Fans using public transportation will be pleased to know that CTTransit’s 128 and 144 buses access the campus on Stanley Street.   There is a spacious concourse located on the back side of the press box building, where the concessions and bathrooms are located. Restrooms are spacious and clean, and lines move quickly, even at halftime. Wide vomitories and walkways allow fans to access all parts of the facility, although fans will have to navigate stairs to access the visiting (west) side of the stadium. A standing room is available beyond both end zones.   Arute Field consists of two sets of grandstands. The east (home) grandstand is the larger of the two and is built into a hill. The first row is raised about ten feet above field level, ensuring excellent views from all seats. All seating consists of metal bleachers. General admission seats are located in the front rows of the grandstand due to the wide walkway in front of the seating area. It is recommended you choose a seat a few rows up from the front to avoid the distraction of the passing traffic that may disrupt your view at times. The top rows on the home grandstand consist of metal bleacher seating with seat backs and armrests, which are sold as reserved seating. Handicapped seating is located at the top of every section. Restroom facilities can be found on both sides of Arute Field.   Return on Investment 5   Tickets to Blue Devils games at Arute Field are an absolute bargain. Reserved chairback seats can be purchased for ten dollars, with general admission bleacher seating priced at eight dollars. Seniors and kids are admitted for just five dollars.   Parking is free in the lot adjacent to Arute Field. Concessions are also inexpensive, with all items priced less than $6. You can go to a Blue Devils game with a twenty-dollar bill and come home with something still in your pocket.   Extras 1   An extra point is awarded for the Blue Devils’ unique mascot, Kizer. He is named in honor of Harrison Kaiser, the “father of CCSU athletics.” Kaiser was the first coach of the CCSU football team, serving in that capacity from 1935-1947.                                                               Final Thoughts   Arute Field boasts a festive game day atmosphere, which belies its small size and simple design. Fans looking for a place to catch some quality football in an affordable setting should check out Central Connecticut State University, another quality under the radar, Stadium Journey.   Follow Paul Baker’s stadium journeys on Twitter  and Instagram  @PuckmanRI.

Photos by Gregory Koch, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.43 McCarthy Stadium 1900 W Olney Ave Philadelphia, PA 19141 La Salle Explorers website McCarthy Stadium website Year Opened: 1936 Capacity: 7,500 Home of the La Salle Explorers La Salle University is a Roman Catholic university located in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. It was named for St. Jean-Baptiste de La Salle. La Salle first admitted women students in 1970, becoming a fully co-educational institution. Sports teams at La Salle are named the Explorers. The name derives from a 1931 mistake made by a local sportswriter. The writer thought the university was named after the French explorer Sieur de La Salle, when in fact it is named after St. Jean-Baptiste de La Salle. The students loved the mistake so much they adopted it in 1932. La Salle's soccer teams play their home games at McCarthy Stadium, which opened way back in 1936 and was once home to the Explorers' football program as well until it was discontinued in 2007. The stadium seats 7,500 fans, although not all seats are available for soccer. Food & Beverage 0 There are no concessions for sale at McCarthy Stadium, though fans are free to bring their own. Do not be fooled by the university food truck that may be parked at the stadium. McCarthy Stadium is located next to the Dining Services department, and this is where the truck is parked when not in use. Atmosphere 2 McCarthy Stadium is a giant 7,500 seat behemoth, far bigger than most other college soccer stadiums, and features large sets of bleachers on each side of the field, although only one set is open for a typical game. Even so, this is still far too big for the crowds the Explorers draw. Fans will be spread out throughout the huge area, which really hurts the atmosphere here. A running track also surrounds the field, further increasing the distance that fans are from the action. There is not much going on here other than the game itself. A scoreboard shows only the basic information, but other than pregame player introductions, the focus here is on the match. Some will like that, while others will find it boring. Neighborhood 3 McCarthy Stadium is not located in the best part of Philadelphia. While safety is not an issue at the stadium itself, as there is enough security to ensure that, you may not want to wander too far away. The Treetops Cafe and La Salle Art Museum are located within the same campus complex as McCarthy Stadium, so you should encounter no issue going there, but your best bet is to head elsewhere in Philadelphia, like Center City, where you will find far more options. Fans 3 La Salle will draw about one hundred to two hundred fans to a typical soccer game. This includes both friends and family of the players and the occasional local. If playing a fellow Big 5 school from Philadelphia like conference rival St. Joseph's, expect a lot of visiting fans to show up as well. Unfortunately, the fans are far too spread out through the giant bleachers to make much of an impact, and that does bring this ranking down. The fans who do show up are passionate, with loud cheering and even flag-waving, but the cavernous size of the stadium means they don't have as much of an impact as the might in a more intimate setting. Access 4 McCarthy Stadium is located a few miles from I-76 and I-95, and is not too difficult to access from there if you know where to go. You will need to enter the campus through the gate at 1825 Lindley Avenue. After stopping at the security gate, tell the guard you are there for the soccer game, then head all the way to the back of the lot to park there. McCarthy Stadium is a short walk away, up a flight of stairs and past the baseball stadium. Some GPS systems will have you try to enter off of 20th Street, but you can't park in that lot unless you are gameday personnel, so you will be asked to turn around and enter off of Lindley. The Wister station on the Chestnut Hill SEPTA regional rail line is about a 10-15 minute walk from the stadium as well, although this will not take you through the best neighborhoods. As mentioned above, one set of bleachers is closed on matchday. This is the set nearest the parking lot entrance, so you will have to walk around to the other side. Return on Investment 4 La Salle soccer games are free to attend. Parking is also free, despite being in a large city. However, there isn't enough here to earn the top score. Note that there may be a charge for admission to Atlantic 10 or NCAA tournament games, as those have different ticketing policies than the regular season. Extras 1 Look for the plaque by the entrance honoring stadium namesake John A. McCarthy. Final Thoughts McCarthy Stadium is a college soccer stadium that is far bigger than it needs to be. If the giant bleachers were ever close to full, the atmosphere here could be amazing. Unfortunately, they are not, and having stands that are less than 10% full just isn't conducive to a good soccer game experience.

Photos by Lance Sutehall and Lloyd Brown, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.43 Louis Crews Stadium 4200 Memorial Pkwy NW Huntsville, AL 35210 Alabama A&M Bulldogs website Louis Crews Stadium website Year Opened: 1996 Capacity: 21,000 These Dogs Bark And Bite Alabama A&M is a Historically Black College & University (HBCU) in Huntsville, Alabama. Founded in 1875, the school had an enrollment of over 6,600 students in the Fall 2023 semester. The Bulldogs athletic teams have competed in the Football Championship Subdivision’s (FCS) Southwestern Athletic Conference (SWAC) since 1998. Before becoming a Division One program, the Bulldogs competed in Division Two’s Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (SIAC). The Bulldogs have won fourteen conference titles, including twelve SIAC championships and the SWAC in 2006 and 2020. The Bulldogs claimed the 2020 Black College Football National Championship as that team went undefeated that season. Alabama A&M’s biggest rival is the Alabama State Hornets, located down I-65 in Montgomery. Those teams play each other in the annual Magic City Classic at Legion Field in Birmingham. Their other big in-state rival is the Tuskegee Golden Tigers from when A&M was a Division Two program, but since the Bulldogs moved up to Division One, matchups between Tuskegee and A&M have not been as frequent. However, they met up in 2023 and set the record for the largest crowd at Lewis Crews Stadium with 26,391 in attendance. Food & Beverage 3 There is a lot of great food on Bulldog game days… at the pregame tailgate. Inside the stadium, the options are somewhat limited, with the offerings including hot dogs ($3), polish sausages ($5), popcorn ($3), peanuts ($3), nachos ($4), dill pickles ($2), and candy ($3). Beverages include Coca-Cola brand bottled sodas ($4), Dasani water ($4), and Minute Maid frozen treats ($3). There are alcohol stands that sell various beers ($5-$7). As of the writing of this article, the concession stands accept cards and cash, but starting in 2025, Alabama A&M athletic events will become cashless. Atmosphere 4 Bulldog game days start with pregame tailgating at the George E. Jones Tailgate Plaza. There will be many tents and cookouts many hours before toe meets the leather on the gridiron. As the time gets closer to kickoff, bulldog paws are on the road leading you toward Louis Crews Stadium. After passing the security checkpoint, there are several tents with Bulldogs merchandise before entering the concourse below the bleachers. Upon entering the concourse, there is an elevator to the executive suites and press box with a bust of Louis Crews, the head coach of the Bulldogs from 1960-1975, as well as a plaque commemorating John Stallworth. There are three concession stands throughout the main concourse and another one by the opposing smaller stand. The columns that hold up the bleachers commemorate members of the Alabama A&M Athletic Hall of Fame. There are two sets of bleachers, with the main home stand seating 14,000 people while a 7,000-seat stand sits on the other side. The football field is surrounded by a running track with a video scoreboard by one end zone and the George Hobson Field House near the other. The football field has the Alabama A&M logo at midfield with a bulldog shaded in the turf if you look close enough. About an hour before kickoff, the Maroon & White Band marches into the stadium on the track by the scoreboard. The band plays music, the Dancin’ Divas strut in, and the cheerleaders get the crowd going. The football team comes out of the field house and enters the playing field through an inflatable helmet and pyro show. Fireworks went off every time the Bulldogs scored a touchdown, and there was a stadium-wide firework show at the end of the third quarter (I attended the Homecoming Game, but I can’t confirm if this occurs every game). Neighborhood 3 The immediate vicinity of the Alabama A&M campus does not have a lot of attractions for visiting tourists. To get the most out of a visit to Huntsville, I would recommend venturing a few miles south and visiting attractions such as the Huntsville Depot Museum, Huntsville Museum of Art, and Big Spring International Park. It is recommended to travel a few more miles west and stop by the U.S. Space and Rocket Center. Dining options in downtown Huntsville include Catch 25 Seafood & Brewery, Jack Brown’s Beer & Burger Joint, and Melt Huntsville for comfort food. Hotel chains include Hampton Inn, SpringHill Suites, and Embassy Suites. Fans 3 The fans arrive early for the pregame tailgate with great food, good vibes, and unwavering support for the Bulldogs. Most of the fans are either proud Alumni of Alabama A&M or students currently attending the university. Alabama A&M has had success marketing itself as the only D1 program in the quickly growing Huntsville area, and there are youth and church groups in attendance as well. The Maroon and White Band sets the tone for the crowd while the cheerleaders and Dancin’ Divas help raise the energy. Access 4 From I-65, turn off on I-565 and drive until you reach Exit 19B, where you make a left onto Highway 431. Keep driving, and the campus of Alabama A&M will be on your right. From the tailgating area, follow the paws on the road to get to the stadium, and the venue is easy enough to walk around. The lines for the concessions are not long, and there are enough restrooms throughout the concourse. Return on Investment 3 General admission tickets for Alabama A&M games are $35, while reserved seats at midfield are $45. Children’s tickets are only $15. Parking costs between $15-$30, so an individual can expect to pay $60, while a date will run over $100, and a family of four will drop around $150. Tickets for Alabama A&M games are more expensive than UAB or Jacksonville State but cheaper than Alabama State games. Extras 4 Alabama A&M has had 16 players play on Sundays in the NFL, including Robert Mathis and John Stallworth. The aforementioned players have had their numbers retired by Alabama A&M. The Bulldogs play the Alabama State Hornets in the annual Magic City Classic at Legion Field in Birmingham. This game is the biggest of the season for the Bulldogs and a chance to connect with the alumni of the other school. As is the case with other HBCUs, the Maroon and White band puts on an amazing halftime performance and performs throughout the game. Their performance is seen as the highlight of a Bulldog game day by many fans. Alabama A&M’s Homecoming weekend is a big deal as there is a party on the campus for the whole week. There will be many fans tailgating who do not go inside the stadium for the game, but they are part of the Homecoming festivities. Final Thoughts Alabama A&M has a unique and exciting game day experience. The tailgating scene before the game and the Maroon & White band’s halftime show are both amazing experiences. Alabama A&M knows how game day is supposed to be done.

Photos by Aaron S. Terry, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.57 Knight Stadium Buena Vista, VA 24416 Southern Virginia Knights website Knight Stadium website Year Opened: 2017 Capacity: 1,000 Knights of the Virginia Table Southern Virginia football’s Knight Stadium is not large by any means, but it has some modern touches that many sports facilities its size cannot boast. The facility is also used by the school’s lacrosse, field hockey, and soccer teams and boasts a wide concourse, a fabulous statue of a knight on horseback, and a decent concessions menu – the only modern touch lacking is a video scoreboard.   Food & Beverage   3 The food & beverage menu at the concession stand here is not wide, but it does have plenty of options to get you through a game. The burgers are quite tasty despite being pre-made, which makes them able to be served over to you in seconds – they come wrapped in aluminum foil, and there is no loss of flavor whatsoever from being made in advance.  Both hamburgers and cheeseburgers are available for the same cost of $5. Besides the burgers, you can find hot dogs for $3 and chicken tenders (with fries) for $7, along with fries by themselves, nachos, popcorn, chips, and candy, all ranging from $2.50 (chips) to $5 (nachos w/ chili & cheese). There are also bottled Dr Pepper and Pepsi products for $3.50 or bottled water for $3. While there is nothing over the top, the prices are good, and there are more than enough options.   Atmosphere   3 While there is no mascot here, there is a great statue on the concourse of a knight with an exceedingly long lance, shining in the sun due to the material it is made from. You will also find a few fans sitting on its base during the game to get a little shade. The Knights do have a small band that performs during the game, and at half-time, fans are also entertained by the school’s dance team, which, for some games, is joined by junior dancers (little kids) from the local area. There is also a small team gear tent on the concourse near the concession stand. While there aren’t any other amenities to speak of, the stadium still feels new, and the scenery of the nearby hills is quite nice.   Neighborhood   2 Buena Vista is located in what might be called a small valley nestled in the Blue Ridge mountains – there are a few fast food restaurants and pizza places in town, but no hotels or major attractions to speak of unless you travel about 10 miles to the west, along the I-81 corridor. You will have to travel along some winding mountain roads to get here, and you will feel how rural it is. In terms of attractions, there are some scenic overlooks nearby and, of course, hiking trails through the Blue Ridge Mountains, but not a lot else to do if you come in for the day or the weekend. You might check the school’s other sports schedules, however, to see if you can take in another game while you are in town.   Fans   2 There aren’t a lot of fans here, but they are very nice, and you will see a lot of them in team gear. They tend to cheer loudly at the right times and seem to be enjoying themselves, even if the score is not exactly going their way.   Access   3 I will start with a couple of positives in terms of access – first, you can park right next to the field, second, you can sit wherever you want, and third, there is plenty of room to move around the concourse. When you arrive, the parking attendant will ask if you are there for the home or visiting team; if you say visiting team, you will have to park a little further away, but it is not a long walk, while if you say home team, you can park right next to the stadium. And since they don’t sell tickets (at least they didn’t when I was there last), you can sit wherever you want, even in the few rows of chairback seats in the upper middle part of the stands. The chairbacks are a nice option, as they are more comfortable than sitting on the metal bleachers, and they also get a little more shade, being in the shadows of the press box. As for the negatives, the parking next to the stadium is on pock-marked grass, not real cement nor asphalt, so it can be a little rough on your car – an SUV would come in handy here. Also, the fact that Buena Vista is a little off the beaten path means that Southern Virginia football isn’t the easiest sporting event to get to.   Return on Investment   3 On my most recent visit, I paid $20 for parking, which seems high, but I didn’t have to pay for a game ticket either – I think this is an interesting strategy, and I wonder if a per-car approach to payment might be a good idea for other schools to adopt. It certainly makes it easier in terms of logistics since it eliminates lines at the gate and would create more of a bargain for those willing to carpool. On the downside, the lack of a video board means you can’t watch the replays if you happen to miss something, so I am a little torn – it is a nice facility, being only a few years old, and you can get really close to the action here, but there isn’t much in the way of amenities. Therefore, Knight Stadium may be one you save for when your team is playing in Buena Vista.   Extras   2 Except for the statue of the knight, there aren’t really any amenities to speak of – they do have the band and dance team, which is nice, but no giveaways or contests on the field as you might see at other sporting events.   Final Thoughts Attending a Southern Virginia football game at Knight Stadium is a pleasant enough experience, but it is more about the game on the field than the other festivities you might be used to at a sporting event. Still, it won’t cost you a lot, and the scenery is very nice, so coming to Buena Vista isn’t a bad way to spend an afternoon.

Photos by Eric Moreno, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.14 Rice Stadium 6100 Main Street Houston, TX 77005 Rice Owls website Rice Stadium website Year Opened: 1950 Capacity: 37,000 Rice Owls – Rice Stadium Rice University first fielded a football team way back in 1912. As members of the Southwest Conference back in its heyday, the Rice Owls  became a regional powerhouse through the 1960s, winning conference titles in 1934, 1937, 1946, 1949, 1953, and 1957. Along the way, all-time greats such as Weldon Humble , Tommy Kramer , and Bill Wallace  suited up for the Owls and helped lead them to glory. Since 1950, historic Rice Stadium has been the home field for the Owls. Built right on campus, the venerable venue has been the home of Rice football and the Houston Cougars, the NFL’s Houston Oilers, and was the site of the Bluebonnet Bowl from 1959-1967 and again from 1985-1986. It was also the venue for Super Bowl VIII, which saw the Miami Dolphins repeat as champions in a victory over the Minnesota Vikings. In 1962, Rice Stadium was the host for one of President John F. Kennedy’s most famous speeches , one which would kick off the United States’ mission to land a man on the moon. Rice Stadium has maintained much of its classic look and feel for the past 70-plus years. Read on to learn what continues to make Rice Stadium one of the great venues in Texas college football.   Food & Beverage   3 Rice Stadium has gone to a full grab-and-go operation for their two main concession stands this season. Fans can pick up their burgers, hot dogs, popcorn, nachos, bottled sodas, etc., at these stands – one each on the home and visitor sides of the stadium. Chick-fil-A provides a pared-down menu of its offerings at these stands; you can get chicken sandwiches, chips, and lemonade there. I’m a fan, so this is a real bonus for me. Other amenities include a Kona Ice truck parked on the concourse, near an entrance on the home team’s side. You can also find a Dippin’ Dots stand as well as one for Doc Popcorn , which offers up what I feel is the best popcorn you can find. There are also freestanding beer kiosks throughout the stadium. Everything offered up is good; it’s not flashy, but it’s good. My one complaint is that, by halftime, the grab-and-go stands on the visitor’s side were virtually picked clean. So, consider that on your visit.   Atmosphere   2 Rice has done a few things over the years to upgrade the atmosphere at Rice Stadium. The team’s training facility, the Brian Patterson Center, is a great backdrop for the action in the south end zone. Rice also upgraded its team store, located on the home team side concourse, so that fans can purchase even more merchandise than in the past. Across the upper bowl of the stadium, you’ll find the names of some of Rice’s all-time great players and coaches, such as Jess Neely , King Hill , Jarett Dillard , and John Heisman  – yes, that Heisman. The ring also highlights their Bowl game appearances, while the team’s conference championships are highlighted on the press box above the home team stands. The stadium still looks like one built in the 1950s, however – the vast majority of seats are either metal bleachers (you can rent a folding seatback chair for $10 apiece) or concrete bleachers, such as in the general admission stands in each end zone. If you’re into nostalgia, that’s fun; if you’re not, it can get uncomfortable after a while.   Neighborhood   5 Rice University and Rice Stadium are set in the picturesque and eponymously named Rice Village neighborhood. Quite frankly, this is my favorite area in Houston; it feels separated and self-contained, away from the rest of the busyness of Space City. Rice Stadium is on the university campus and is near both Tudor Fieldhouse , home of Rice basketball, and Reckling Park , home of Rice baseball. If you plan your visit right, you might be able to catch another game during your visit. As Houston is the largest city in Texas and the fourth largest in the country, it comes as no surprise that it’s a haven for sports fans. The NFL , NBA , MLB , and MLS all have franchises in the city, as well as the NWSL , MiLB , UFL , and no less than four other Division I college programs in the University of Houston , Houston Christian University , Prairie View A&M University , and Texas Southern University . As I said, if you’re a sports fan, Houston is going to be a playground for you. If you’re looking for other things to do besides sports, Houston has you covered. If you’re coming with a family, I would highly recommend taking a tour of NASA’s Space Center Houston  – this is where America’s space program was ostensibly born, and the tours are full of activities for the entire family. I would also recommend Houston Zoo , which is annually recognized as one of the best in the nation. For dining options, Houston has an abundance; it all depends on what you’re in the mood for. High-end steakhouses, old-school barbecue joints, authentic Chinese, and legitimate Tex-Mex are all on the menu. A few of my Houston favorites include Kenny & Ziggy’s New York Delicatessen , which is exactly how you would imagine it to be. It’s a restaurant pulled straight from central casting, complete with over-the-top deli sandwiches, matza ball soup, and black and white cookies. I also highly recommend a visit to Lankford’s Grocery & Market  – this former corner store serves up Guy Fieri-approved burgers and sandwiches, and it is legit. Lodging options follow the same advice as dining; options abound, and you’re only limited by your budget. There aren’t any hotels within walking distance of Rice Stadium (unless you’re going with the vacation rental option); however, not too far from the stadium are Houston Hilton Plaza/Medical Center  and Hyatt Place Houston Medical Center .   Fans   2 Attendance figures will show that Rice averages around 19,000 fans per game, and the ones who do show up regularly sport the Owls blue and gray. This level of attendance places Rice third among the Group of 5 teams in Texas. However, because of how vast Rice Stadium is, even 20,000 fans make it feel like closer to around 9,000 or 10,000. The visiting side stands are routinely filled in the lower bowl – this has something to do with a combination of Rice’s performance over the years, its overall size as a university, and the number of other things there are to do in Houston. I’m not sure if anything other than a return to its pre-World War II era level of success would change things, but that seems unlikely in the current college landscape.   Access   3 The Rice campus and its athletics facilities are located near the Museum District of Houston, which is near downtown and is one of the highest-trafficked areas in Space City. The Rice Village neighborhood and the campus are sandwiched between two of the major highways that run through the city, Highways 69 and 610, respectively. The exit off Highway 69 for Rice University is marked, and the stadium is off University Blvd and Rice Blvd, so it is easy to find. I have written a lot over the years about the traffic situation in Houston, so I won’t belabor the point here, but I will just emphasize that it is bad, and you will be stuck in it. As an example, George Bush Intercontinental Airport, which is a major hub, is 24 miles away from Rice Stadium, but you can plan on a drive from there taking upwards of an hour. As always, plan accordingly. Once onsite, parking for Rice Stadium is plentiful and affordable; more on that next.   Return on Investment   4 Single-game tickets for Rice Owls home games start at $25 per person, which is still a bargain for an FBS-level program. Playing in the American, which is arguably the best Group of 5 conference, the Owls bring in some quality conference opponents for their home games and will traditionally bring in a good opponent or two for their non-conference games. Quite frankly, you’ll probably be able to adjust your seats at some point. Parking at Rice Stadium is also on the affordable side, as most lots – even those close to the stadium – will set you back just $10, and there are even more affordable spots if you choose to park farther away from the campus. The one issue that keeps this ROI score from being higher is the concession costs. They were a little steeper than I was expecting; however, the lower costs for everything else balance this out for the most part.   Extras   3 Rice brings out a lot of the traditional pageantry that is expected with college football. The Rice Dance Owls Team performs during breaks in the action, and the Rice Cheerleaders  perform on the sidelines throughout the game. The main draw, however, is the Marching Owl Band, aka the MOB . Dressed like extras from The Blues Brothers, the MOB is known for its irreverent performances and unique halftime shows. The Owls also fire off fireworks over the roof of the Patterson Center for every Rice score, which is always fun. I know Rice also has a mascot, Sammy the Owl , but he has been conspicuously absent in recent years from football games.   Final Thoughts I have been to a ton of games at Rice Stadium over the years. For me, it’s a nostalgic trip every time I head there – the venue has so much history to it, which is the draw. For what it lacks in modern-day amenities, it more than makes up for in gravitas. On the surface, Rice Stadium shows its age. However, if you want to see a game at the field where Earl Campbell and Mike Singletary played, this is the place. It’s the same field where the Miami Dolphins last hoisted the Lombardi Trophy and where America entered the Space Race. History abounds here, so go see a game at Rice Stadium when you can, but rent one of their seatbacks; you won’t regret it. Follow Eric Moreno's Stadium Journey on Twitter at @EricMoreno6477 .

Photos by Paul Baker, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.86 Amica Mutual Pavilion 1 LaSalle Sq Providence, RI 02903 Providence Bruins website Amica Mutual Pavilion website Year Opened: 1972 Capacity: 11,273 Get AMP’ed!!! After carrying the name “Dunkin’ Donuts Center” for 21 years, Providence’s downtown arena entered into a new naming rights agreement with Lincoln, Rhode Island-based Amica Mutual Insurance company, in 2022. The deal, signed for ten years, is worth $900,000 per year. The Amica Mutual Pavilion, which opened in 1972 as the Providence Civic Center, was built to house the Providence College basketball team and the Providence Reds of the American Hockey League. The Providence Bruins are the American Hockey League affiliate of the nearby Boston Bruins. The P-Bruins moved to the Ocean State from Portland, Maine, in 1992 and currently enjoy the longest uninterrupted affiliation in the AHL, playing their 33rd season in 2024-25. The team won one Calder Cup championship during their time in Providence in 1999. Providence is one of minor league hockey’s legendary cities, with a history that predates the AHL. The Reds called Providence home from 1926 to 1977. The Reds won four Calder Cups and three Fontaine Cups as champions of the Canadian-American Hockey League. Food & Beverage 3 The concessions at Amica Mutual Pavilion don’t stray far from your typical arena fare. Hot dogs, burgers, sausage sandwiches, and chicken nuggets comprise the bulk of the menu. Most concessions are sold out of a pair of food courts on either side of the arena. Sal's Pizza has taken over the pizza sales at the AMP, selling their oversized slices for $13. Fans looking for something outside the typical should head to the far side of the rink, where beef barbacoa and chicken tinga tacos can be found at a Mexican-themed stand alongside Corona and Modelo beers. A large variety of snacks are available at all stands, including what may be the most popular item here: fried dough. Coca-Cola products are featured at The AMP, along with a local Rhode Island favorite, Del's Frozen Lemonade. Fans looking for an adult beverage while at a P-Bruins game will have plenty of choices. Budweiser, Bud Light, Corona, Miller Lite, and Narragansett make up the bulk of the choices. New to the menu are some craft beers from local favorite Union Station Brewery, 5-Minute Major Golden Ale, and Friartown IPA. Locals enjoy Music Express IPA from Narragansett Brewery. In addition, wine and mixed drinks, including Stoli Blueberry and Lemonade, Bacardi and Pepsi, and Hornitos Margaritas, are served straight from the tap. Be warned that you aren't paying minor league prices here at the Amica Mutual Pavilion. The craft beers go for as much as $18 a can. Atmosphere 4 The AMP is a pretty entertaining place to be on weekend nights. The affiliation with the nearby Boston Bruins ensures that the fans who visit downtown Providence are enthusiastic and knowledgeable about the team on the ice. The team has finally seemed to have figured out how best to use the large new video board installed several years ago. Videos, replays, and crowd shots grab fans’ attention during play stoppages. Contests and giveaways during stoppages get the younger fans involved, filling the arena with noise at the most random times. A P-Bruins game is a really fun place to be, especially if you’re ten. Neighborhood 5 The Amica Mutual Pavilion is located in downtown Providence, the capital and largest city in Rhode Island. It is within walking distance of numerous attractions, shops, bars, and restaurants. Providence has a reputation as one of the best small cities in the nation for foodies, and the downtown area has no shortage of choices for visiting fans. A short walk from The AMP is Federal Hill, Providence’s version of Little Italy, an area lined with dozens of nationally renowned restaurants. It’s a popular destination for visitors, particularly if visiting in the spring. If the walk to Federal Hill is too much for you, simply cross the street to Trinity Brewhouse, one of the area’s original brewpubs. Their menu of craft beers and pub grub is hard to beat. Entertainment options in the area include the Trinity Repertory Company, the Providence Performing Arts Center, and historic sites such as the Arcade (the nation’s oldest indoor shopping center) and the State House. If visiting during the warmer months, be sure to experience Waterfires, where cauldrons lining the Providence, Woonasquatucket, and Mosshasuck Rivers are lit on fire as part of an outdoor festival on several weekends every year. Fans 5 Providence received the equivalent of the New England hockey “Golden Ticket” when the incredibly popular Boston Bruins placed their top farm team here in 1992. Since then, the P-Bruins have ranked near the top of the American Hockey League attendance rankings in almost every one of their 32 seasons. During the 2024-25 season, the P-Bruins once again found themselves among the biggest draws in the AHL, averaging over 7,500 fans per game. Rhode Island is one of the most hockey-crazed parts of the country, with a rabid fanbase and strong youth programs in all parts of the state. This is reflected in the typical P-Bruins crowd, which is a mix of long-time diehards, casual fans, families, and groups. The AMP is full of noise and energy throughout the season. Access 4 The Amica Mutual Pavilion is located in downtown Providence and is easily accessed via Interstate 95. Be warned that traffic in and around Providence can be quite heavy if visiting on a weekday, so prepare to take some extra time to arrive. The recent closure of the Washington Bridge, the primary route into Providence for everyone living on the East Bay side of the city, has only made it more difficult to get into the city. There is ample parking in the many surface lots and garages around the Amica Mutual Pavilion. Downtown Providence can be a busy place, particularly around the holidays. At this time of year, hockey fans compete for space with holiday shopping at the nearby Providence Place Mall and shows at Trinity Repertory Company and Providence Performing Arts Center. Fans utilizing public transportation will be pleased to know that both Kennedy Plaza, the hub of the local RIPTA bus service , and Union Station, the local Amtrak stop , are located a short walk from the Amica Mutual Pavilion. The entire facility received a makeover in 2008, which still holds up well today. There is a single concourse that circles the playing surface. Fans will enter the seating bowl halfway up. One hundred seats are below 200 seats above. All seats are individual folding stadium seats with excellent views of the ice. Expect lines to form in the food court and restrooms between periods, so plan your trips accordingly. Return on Investment 3 Tickets to P-Bruins games start at $22, with prices topping out at $42 for glass seats at center ice. The P-Bruins run specials that will help defray the cost of tickets, with $10 off and Me Plus Three packages offered for practically every game on the schedule. As you may expect, parking in the downtown area around The AMP will incur another charge. Parking in the lots and garages around the arena can cost as much as 30 dollars, depending on location and the night of the event. If you don’t mind a little walk, you can park at the Providence Place Mall and get your parking validated for just $5. Enclosed walkways bring you from the mall to the AMP. There is plenty of free parking in the neighborhood for those who want to search a little bit. Concession prices have jumped up in recent years. As mentioned earlier, a slice of pizza will cost you $13, a craft beer as much as $18, and a bottle of soda for $6. Even with these higher prices, local fans comparing a P-Bruins game to the big boys in Boston will undoubtedly enjoy the lower prices here. Extras 3 Providence is an original AHL city with a professional hockey history that predates the league. Hanging from the rafters of The AMP are banners commemorating championships won by the Providence Bruins and their predecessor, the Providence Reds. Located in the lobby are plaques honoring local soldiers, the Providence Bruins's 1999 Calder Cup championship team, and Providence player of the century Zellio Toppazzini. A banner honoring former P-Bruin Colby Cave hangs alongside the championship banners. Be sure to seek out the historical touches that abound around the arena, in particular the interactive kiosks on the far side of the concourse that commemorate the long history of the Providence Reds. The Reds have their historic society that continues to operate today. In addition, the Rhode Island Hockey Hall of Fame has added an interactive kiosk to the display. Fans looking to pick up some Providence or Boston Bruins gear will enjoy the well-stocked Pro Shop located at The AMP. In addition, there is a kiosk with a smaller selection of swag on the concourse and another kiosk in the lobby. Final Thoughts Providence and the Amica Mutual Pavilion are often mentioned among the top American Hockey League travel destinations. The combination of a modern arena, frenzied fan support, and a fantastic downtown area makes The AMP a first-rate destination. Even though the prices may be on the rise, the value found at a P-Bruins game still makes this a worthy Stadium Journey. ---- Follow Paul Baker’s stadium journeys on Twitter and Instagram @PuckmanRI.

Photos by Marc Viquez, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.29 Climate Pledge Arena 334 1st Avenue North Seattle, WA 98109 Seattle Storm website Climate Pledge Arena website Year Opened: 1962 Capacity: 13,500 Storm Season Hits the Climate Pledge Arena The Climate Pledge Arena is a brand new building, not quite. The $1.5 billion redevelopment has transformed it into a state-of-the-art and one of the most highly sustainable sports facilities in the nation. The changes to the infrastructure have made attending a Seattle Storm game quite an experience in the WNBA. The arena opened in 1962 as part of the World’s Fair and featured a distinctive tent-like roof that is still prominently displayed today. The building would be known as the Seattle Civic Coliseum (1964-1994), and after the first major renovations, the Key Arena (1995-2018). The Storm would debut in 2000 and adopt the colors of their former NBA tenant, the Seattle Super Sonics of green and gold. Sadly, the Sonics left for Oklahoma City in 2008, and the ladies have been the only source of professional basketball in town but have captured four WNBA championships. Also, having legendary players Lauren Jackson and Sue Bird helped promote the Storm brand; both have their numbers retired in the rafters. Food & Beverage 5 The food and beverage options at Climate Pledge Arena up the ante on the typical stadium food and combine local flavors from a series of Seattle-area restaurants. The combination offers fans a unique look at items such as pizza, burgers, and corndogs. All of the food and beverage options are located on the main concourse, and many of them are easily visible by signage in space. Fans can enjoy crispy chicken sandwiches on brioche buns that feature various sauces, 1st Avenue nachos serve up chili lime carnitas and ancho chicken along with a ton of other vegetables to pour on your nachos, and the Uptown Market provides all beef hot dogs, chicken tenders and fries, and the local Seattle hot dog. The Din Tai Fung Market is a popular location specializing in Asian cuisine. You will find sweet and sour spare ribs with rice, popcorn chicken, pork and vegetable buns, chicken fried rice, and spicy chicken wontons. A few of the items come in portable boxes that make transportation of it to your seat a little more effective than the standard hot dog and chicken tender and fry basket. Just Poke offers Hawaiian ahi poke bowls and spam musubi. Molly D Burger Grill cooks mouth-watering burgers and homemade peanut butter and jelly corn dogs. The Impossible Burger is for vegetarians and vegans and serves burgers and Korean bowls, and Sound Pizza has pillowy focaccia-like square slices with garlic and parmesan fries. The arena also offers a wide range of alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages. Besides Pepsi brands, fans can enjoy plant-based energy tea, sparkling water, and Aquafina in non-plastic containers. If you're looking for a beer or something a bit stronger, various grab-and-go locations have Pacific Northwest breweries. They include variances: Black Raven, Georgetown, Fremont, Pike, and Hop Valley. If you're looking for a macro brew, grab a course, Corona or Modelo. Atmosphere 3 Climate Pledge Arena is a venue where fans enter at the top and then make their way down to the main concourse. Don’t be fooled by the lack of atmosphere at the top of the building; it gets lively on the bottom floor. It is where fans will find various spots for food, beverages, trendy sections, and a living wall. The building’s goal is to be the most progressive, responsible, and sustainable arena in the world. It includes the absence of fossil fuel consumption for daily use, solar panels on the arena’s atrium, waterless urinals, a 15,000-gallon cistern to convert rainwater to ice at the hockey rink, and a 95 percent diversion rate on waste and recyclable materials. The Living Wall is worth viewing when at a game. It measures 1,700 square feet and boasts 25 to 30 different species of plants from the Pacific Northwest. It stretches 200 feet and is 14 feet tall. It is a popular photo op for fans and is watered through recycled plastic bottles and rainwater. The lower seating bowl is open for WNBA games, featuring the distinctive dual-suspended scoreboards that provide digital content. Its design is unique to the building and connects fans to the opposite sides of the seating bowl. They’re also banners of the Storm’s retired numbers and championship titles. Neighborhood 5 The Climate Pledge Arena is in the Seattle Center, the arts, educational, tourism, and entertainment center in town. It is on the site of the 1962 World’s Fair and is within a few yards of the Space Needle and other places to visit while in town. The International Fountain, also built for the World’s Fair, runs all year long; the Artists at Play playground is ideal for kids, along with the Seattle Children’s Museum and Pacific Science Center. The Museum of Pop Culture is home to pop culture experiences that include iconic TV moments, rock n roll music, science fiction, and much more. The Armory Food & Event Hall houses a Seattle Kraken team store plus places to dine: Blue Water Taco, Kabab, Cool Guys Fry Bar, Wing Dome, and Premier Pies. The Fishers Pavillion is home to summer concerts and music festivals. During our visit, several artists sponsored by radio station KXEP performed on stage. Samples of drinks, food, and merchandise were available. Memorial Stadium is also located in Seattle Center and is home to the Seattle Cascades of the AUDL. The Seattle Monorail provides patrons a short trip to downtown Seattle and drops fans off at the Westlake Station, providing access to the Seattle Market and piers, along with the light rail link to T-Moible Park and Lumen Field for a Seattle Mariners and Seahawks game, respectively. Fans 4 Attendance figures are down from the previous year, but the Storm are still averaging well above the league average of 5,646. They are currently welcoming 8,000 plus fans to home games that include only lower-bowl seating. The support is strong, with a tradition of everyone standing until the first basket is scored by the home team. Many cheer passionately and jeer when the Storm turn the ball over. Access 5 Climate Pledge Arena offers free public transit to all county buses and water taxis, Sound Transit buses and light-rail trains, the Seattle streetcar, and monorail to all events, including Storm games. The free passes are available two hours before and after the event; fans will have to link their Ticketmaster account to the Climate Pledge Arena app. The Seattle Monorail connects fans to the arena from downtown at the Westlake Center Mall light-rail stop. The Westlake stop is also accessible to city buses and a few blocks from the City Market. If driving to the event, the arena offers 1,110 spaces in the Underground Arena, 5th Avenue, and 1st Avenue North garages for parking. The price can range from as low as $20 to $50 within reasonable walking distance. The Skyway Luggage Employee Lot 2500 Elliot Avenue can be as low as $5. All tickets should be purchased before the event to secure a spot. If parking downtown and using the monorail, the price tag could be closer to $10. Return on Investment 4 The price of a ticket changes per game and, depending on who is in town, could be in the $30 range; however, closer to game time and select nights, a ticket could fall to $11. It is based on the website TickPick , which I use and never charges additional fees (Stadium Journey is also not endorsed by the website). Fans can upgrade their tickets to either the Symetria or WaFd Bank Club for an additional $25. The private, premium club space provides locale Seattle craft beer offerings. Food prices are on the higher side, with a Hop Valley Kraken Stash IPA selling for $16.99 a can. Their food is of first-class quality with many items locally sourced and made fresh on the spot. The price of public transportation is free to and from all games, but concession prices are high in price. The food is of high quality and varies from traditional to local cuisine. Perhaps it provides a fan to splurge due to savings on tickets and transportation fees. Extras 4 An evening at a Seattle Storm game at the Climate Pledge Arena is advantageous for free public transportation, touring the living wall along the main concourse, and visiting Seattle Center stores. The area offers restaurants, museums, a children's playground, and the Space Needle, among the options before or after a basketball game. Final Thoughts Climate Pledge Arena is a building that stands out among the rest of the WNBA and the nation. The interaction with fans and the team provides an ideal atmosphere for a first-time visitor, and the neighborhood is worth spending a few hours at before or after the game. When you add free mass transportation to the game, visiting the building is a must in Seattle. ----- 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: 3.43 Columbus Civic Center 400 4th St. Columbus, GA 31901 Columbus Lions website Columbus Civic Center website Year Opened: 1996 Capacity: 7,573 It's Football Time in the Civic Center The state of Georgia is well known for its love of football – from Friday nights under the lights at high school fields around the state to Saturdays on college campuses or Sundays at Mercedes Benz Stadium , there is no denying Georgia’s love of football. While Georgians have a deep love affair with the game in its traditional form, the alternative forms of the game have found a niche audience in the west central Georgia city of Columbus. Columbus, Georgia has been a fixture on the arena football landscape since 2007, when the initial incarnation of the Lions would play in the World Indoor Football League. Since that time, the Lions have played in seven different indoor football leagues, finding their most recent home as members of American Indoor Football (AIF). Over the years Columbus has shown itself to be one of the more formidable teams regardless of the league they played in – the Lions have made the playoffs in all but one of their seasons, and have won four league championships. Arena football’s core rules are similar to typical football, but the limited size of the playing surface (50 yards long and just over 28 yards wide) calls for specialized rules to compensate for the restricted space the game is played. Some rule differences are evident right away, such as 8 players per side and different pre-snap motion rules. Other rule changes regarding defensive stunts and blitzing might not be as obvious right away, but overall the rules here are designed to emphasize scoring, to create an exciting game experience.   Food & Beverage   4 Concessions at Columbus Civic Center are a mix of traditional stadium fare and a touch of local options. The basic concession stands have a limited menu that includes nacho chips with cheese sauce, popcorn, bottled Pepsi products, and Gatorade. Pepsi vending machines are also widely available around the concourse. The line at Chester’s BBQ & Grille should be a good sign that it is probably the best bet when it comes to concessions here; Chester’s has a wide selection of chicken tenders, wings, BBQ sandwiches, and just good old scoops of meat (yes, this is an actual menu option). Chester’s is the best bet to get a decent arena meal at a fair price, including several combo meals that offer a well-discounted price. Besides Chester’s, a combo concession stand serves a limited menu from Nathan’s Famous Hot Dogs, while the other side serves cones from ice cream chain Bruster’s.  Pizza is also served at The Pizza Place, but $7 for a slice does seem a bit steep. Full-service bar stations are set up on the exterior concourse on each side of the arena and offer fans domestic beers, mixed cocktails, wine, Nutrl vodka seltzers, and cans of Cutwater premixed cocktails.   Atmosphere   3 The exterior of Columbus Civic Center has a rather modern feel to it, utilizing a great deal of windows to the curved entry point of the arena. Once inside the entry foyer is reminiscent of a smaller version of Gas South Arena , with bookending stairways that curve up to a second level. The arena itself has the feel of Macon’s Centreplex , where the seating bowl horseshoes into a wall of what appears to be either offices or suites. A small, four-sided scoreboard hangs over midfield, but the center sideboards either do not work or are just not used for whatever reason. While the enjoyment of the game is not impacted by the lack of a video board, there is nowhere for fans to get down-and-distance information. Stoppages in play are typically accompanied by music rather than ad reads, which fans appear to enjoy, as they are quick to their feet to dance along with the music. Players also frequently take notice of the music being played and are excited to join the fans in dancing. Throughout the game the team mascot, Leo, makes his way around the arena, taking pictures and interacting with fans. There is a lot to make the Columbus Lions experience an exciting one for both those who are there simply to be entertained, and those who are there more for the competition on the field.   Neighborhood   3 Columbus Civic Center is part of the larger complex that sits on the banks of the Chattahoochee River, just across the state line from Alabama. The complex is home to several of Columbus’ athletic facilities, including R.G. Jones Field and the accompanying softball complex, which hosted softball during the 1996 Summer Olympic Games, as well as A. J. McClung Memorial Stadium, which once hosted the “Deep South’s Oldest Rivalry” between Georgia  and Auburn  – today McClung Stadium hosts the “Fountain City Classic” between Albany State and Fort Valley State. On the western edge of the complex is Golden Park, the one-time home of the Columbus RedStixx, and following major renovations, this venue will become the new home of the Atlanta Braves AA affiliate in the Southern League when the Mississippi Braves relocate following the 2024 season. Though not directly on site, the Civil War Naval Museum neighbors the athletic complex. Just a short drive from Columbus Civic Center, downtown Columbus has a concentration of restaurants, brewpubs, and lodging. The Columbus Riverwalk along the Chattahoochee River also provides access to the Civic Center from downtown, while just across Chattahoochee is Phenix City, Alabama, with more eateries and hotels.   Fans   4 The Lions give their fans a lot to get excited about through their performance on the field, and their fans reciprocate with a great deal of support. Columbus Civic Center typically sees a few thousand fans fill the seats of the arena, and they play a big part in setting the tone for a fun indoor football experience. Columbus players are very interactive with their fans – it is commonplace for players to celebrate by giving fans high-fives as they return to the bench area, or for a fan to help a player tuck his shoulder pad back into his jersey. The Lions have a long history in Columbus, and it has paid off in a symbiotic relationship, where the team is part of the Columbus community and a source of local pride.   Access   3 Columbus is located in west central Georgia, approximately an hour-and-a-half from Atlanta’s southside. Visitors from Georgia’s largest city can access the area via I-85 to I-185. If coming to Columbus from any other direction, be prepared to use US or state highways. Columbus Civic Center is surrounded by a great deal of parking, close to the front entrance to the arena. The layout of the entrance is a bit strange in that the box office is not accessible from the outside, so visitors will have to enter the arena to purchase tickets. This line might be a bit delayed once security checks are set up. Once in Columbus Civic Center, curved staircases lead to a concourse that horseshoes around the back of the arena. There is not an inner walkway that passes fully around the seating bowl, but several entry portals allow visitors to easily access their seats. While the concourse continues completely around the arena, security does not allow access to the back hallway, so fans can’t walk fully around.   Return on Investment   3 General admission tickets start at $15, which might seem a touch high, but when considering there are no parking fees, it does make the general admission ticket price a bit more reasonable. Concessions are a bit hit or miss. Pizza prices do seem to be rather expensive with a slice going for $7. On the other hand, Chester’s prices are very reasonable, and they do not shy away from serving good-sized portions.   Extras   4 Columbus Civic Center is also home to the Chattahoochee Valley Sports Hall of Fame – th ree of the most notable enshrined athletes come from the world of baseball: Walter Alston, Enos Slaughter, and Frank Thomas (all three are members of the National Baseball Hall of Fame). If you look close enough at the end zones, through the black paint, you will notice the logo of the LA KISS of the Arena Football League; the KISS was owned by band members Gene Simmons and Paul Stanley. Like other indoor football leagues, fans are free to keep game balls that enter the stands. Players are also rather generous in tossing touchdown or turnover balls to kids, or to some of the more passionate adult fans. Following the game, fans are invited onto the field for 30 minutes for a player meet-and-greet to get autographs, take pictures, or just interact with players.   Final Thoughts The Lions play a fun, high-speed, high-scoring style of football – the problem is they might be too good, making many of their games not very competitive. It’s a good problem to have, though; no one wants to be on the other end of that equation. American Indoor Football seems to be struggling to establish a competitive balance and sustainability for its league. The 2024 season started with plans for seven teams, but one folded midseason, another moved to a non-league schedule, and a third never got operations off the ground. Games have been so lopsided this year that the playoff format was even changed midseason. The instability of the league does not seem to hurt the Lions as an organization, however, as they appear to be head and shoulders better than the rest of their competition in the league. Regardless of what the future holds for AIF, Columbus appears to be on solid footing when it comes to the stability of their franchise and should continue to prosper regardless of what the 2025 arena football season might bring.

Photos by David Welch, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.00 Historic Riggs Field at Dr. I. M. Ibrahim Stadium 115 Alpha Beta Circle Clemson, SC 29634 Clemson Tigers website Historic Riggs Field at Dr. I. M. Ibrahim Stadium website Year Opened: 1980 Capacity: 6,500 Historic Riggs Field at Dr. I. M. Ibrahim Stadium – Clemson Tigers Fall in Clemson, South Carolina, typically brings thoughts of busses circlin g Memorial Stadium , Howard’s Rock, and the blast of the Clemson cannon sending the football team down and running down “The Hill.” What might fly under the radar, however, is Clemson men’s soccer program, which has experienced more national success than any other athletic program at Clemson, which most instantly associate with the school’s successes on the gridiron. Serving as Clemson’s football field as far back as 1915 and baseball field from 1916 to 1969, Riggs Field was named in honor of their first football coach, Walter Riggs, who also served a stint as the school’s president from 1911 to 1924. During Riggs’s tenure, he hired John Heisman as the school’s football coach. Soccer was first sponsored as a varsity sport at Clemson in 1932 but was discontinued in 1939. Soccer would return in 1967 under the direction of Dr. I. M. Ibrahim, who was not just the soccer coach but also a professor of chemistry at Clemson – the soccer stadium is now named after him. In their history, the Tigers have claimed 17 Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC) soccer titles while being crowned soccer National Champions four times as of 2024 (1984, 1987, 2021, and 2023).   Food & Beverage   2 Concessions can be found built into the exterior of the Duckworth Family Tennis Facility at the western end of Riggs Field – offerings are rather straightforward, with hot dogs, nachos, and barbecue sandwiches as the featured items. Beverages come from the Pepsi line of soft drinks, but one of the more intriguing items on the menu is the Clemson orange slushies.   Atmosphere   4 Riggs Field sits down in a natural bowl, which is created by the surrounding hilly terrain. This should not come as much of a shock, as the Clemson campus is also extremely hilly. The stadium is made up of two sets of separated bleachers on either side of the pitch, both faced in brick. The far side visitor seating area runs roughly from penalty area to penalty area and has limited backed seating. In contrast, the home side seating runs the entire length of the field and has a full section of aluminum seat backs at midfield. Given the open nature of the stadium, crowds often gather along the fence outside the pitch due to its proximity to the exterior sidewalk along Old Greenville Highway at the northern edge of the stadium. This setup leaves very little to obstruct the view and goes a long way in enhancing the overall campus and neighborhood feel, connecting the community to the game. There are also no bad seats at Riggs Field, and the supporters’ section, positioned behind the visiting team’s bench, often spills over behind the opposing goalkeeper, contributing significantly to Clemson’s home-field advantage.   Neighborhood   5 Riggs Field is just a short walk from College Avenue, Clemson’s hub of dining, shopping, and nightlife. Less than a mile away is the legendary Esso Club, a former gas station turned Clemson tradition. For Friday night soccer matches, pairing a visit with a Saturday football ga me at Memorial Stadium is a perfect weekend experience. Despite Clemson’s hilly landscape, there are some scenic walks around campus – historic Woodland Cemetery, and the Clemson Dike are both highly popular locations for students, locals, and visitors to get out and be one with the outdoors.   Fans   4 Clemson soccer’s successes have long drawn a great deal of support from students, alumni, and the local soccer community, and the fan base has done a good job showing their appreciation for that success with a raucous collegiate soccer atmosphere. The ever-present student support section, Central Spirit, does a good job creating an interactive soccer atmosphere – throughout the match, they chant, beat base and snare drums, and run through a series of songs. It is not uncommon for matches against other premier programs and rivals to draw more than 6,000 fans, although midweek matches and those against smaller programs do not bring in nearly the same crowds.   Access   4 Clemson is roughly a 20-minute drive from I-85, with multiple exits leading into town. The most direct route is through Pendleton, South Carolina, which leads to the eastern side of campus. The E-5 lot , adjacent to Fike Recreation Center, offers convenient parking, while street parking near Memorial Stadium is al so an option, just a short walk from the soccer field and frequently plentiful. Riggs Field has four entry points, making access easy. The main entrance, shared with the Duckworth Family Tennis Pavilion, frequently offers promotional items for fans. A walkway also encircles the field, though views are obstructed by the stands except at the ends of the pitch.   Return on Investment   5 Tickets are reasonably priced at $10 for general admission and $15 for reserved seating, a fair deal considering Clemson’s status as a premier collegiate soccer program. Free parking close to the stadium is also a bonus. Though concession prices are slightly above average, they are not as unreasonable as sports stadium fare goes.   Extras   4 Plaques at the entrance along Old Greenville Highway honor Walter Riggs for his contributions to both Clemson athletics and the university. Clemson takes great pride in its soccer history, with the underside of the stands recognizing team and individual accomplishments, including National Championship teams, national scoring leaders, and Hermann Trophy winners awarded to college soccer’s top players. Inside the playing area, flags commemorate Clemson’s four National Championship titles, and placards along the fencing highlight the successes of both the men’s and women’s programs, including their ACC titles and NCAA Tournament achievements. The Clemson Tiger mascot is an active participant in the game experience, greeting fans, interacting with the student section, and taking part in halftime contests. Also, could you even have a Clemson sporting event without its rich traditions? The popular fight song, “Tiger Ra,” is played just before the start of the soccer match, as well as after every Clemson goal. Clemson also does a good job paying tribute to the university, as following the match with the Alma Mater Salute has become customary across Clemson athletics.   Final Thoughts Clemson soccer has been one of the elite programs in the nation for years, and their game experience is just as special. The product on the pitch will always be of high quality, and the surrounding campus and neighborhood atmosphere perfectly complement the experience.

Photos by Lance Sutehall, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.14 Foster Auditorium 801 6th Ave. Tuscaloosa, AL 35401 Alabama Crimson Tide website Foster Auditorium website Year Opened: 1939 Capacity: 3,800 Can't Spike On The Tide Women’s volleyball has been a varsity sport at the University of Alabama since 1974. Despite being overshadowed by the Crimson Tide’s other sports programs, the volleyball team has made five NCAA Tournament appearances as of the writing of this article. The volleyball program called Foster Auditorium home until 1995, when it moved to Coleman Coliseum. After playing at the basketball arena for a few years and in the Coleman Auxiliary Volleyball Extension for a decade, Foster Auditorium received a renovation. It became home to the volleyball program once again in 2011.   Food & Beverage   2 There is one concession stand on the lower level of the venue that sells stadium basics such as hot dogs ($6), pretzels ($7), chips ($3.50), popcorn ($7), candy ($4), peanuts ($6), & cracker jacks ($4). Rita’s Italian Ice ($8.50), milkshakes ($9), frozen drinks ($9), and custard cookie sandwiches ($7) are also offered. Bottled beverages on sale include water ($6), Coca-Cola branded sodas ($6), and Powerade ($6). While alcohol is allowed to be sold at Crimson Tide athletic events, Foster Auditorium does not sell any beer. Atmosphere   3 The main entrance to Foster Auditorium is located by the Malone-Hood Plaza, which is the rear entrance. This is the entrance where the infamous “Stand in the Schoolhouse Door” incident took place in 1963. Within the plaza is the Autherine Lucy Clock Tower, which is named after the first black student to attend the University of Alabama. Upon walking inside the auditorium, the lobby has a table with goodies and a merchandise stand. A hallway has a mirage of Alabama Women’s volleyball and basketball players (the women’s basketball team played at Foster Auditorium from 2011-2016 and still practices there as of the writing of this article). The seating is split into two levels with four rows of high school-style bleachers on the floor of the gym along the length and one end, while the main seating area is on the upper level with seven rows of old-style bleachers in a horseshoe shape. The student section is a massive wall of retractable bleachers at the end of the venue. The team benches are located opposite the bleachers on the floor. The floor is a volleyball court with gray basketball lines painted on (presumably for basketball practice use). The floor had been a basketball court with volleyball lines painted on until a couple of years ago. There are banners commemorating the postseason successes of both the volleyball and women’s basketball teams. LED scoreboards are located behind each set of floor bleachers and the team benches, while a video board is behind the student section. During the starting lineups, each volleyball player will throw a T-shirt into the crowd. The cheerleaders do their part to get the fans and students' energy behind the Tide.   Neighborhood   5 Foster Auditorium is located in the heart of the University of Alabama campus. It is a short walk from Bryant-Denny Stadium, Coleman Coliseum, and Sewell-Thomas Stadium. For families, the Alabama Museum of Natural History is a short walk from Foster Auditorium on the corner of the quad. The venue is not too far from “The Strip,” which is Tuscaloosa’s entertainment district. “There are a plethora of restaurants and bars on “The Strip” and even more options downtown. Local favorites include Jim-N’-Nick’s Bar-B-Q, Taco Mama, and Mugshots Grill and Bar, for lodging, Hotel Capstone is on campus, while downtown has several hotel chains, including Comfort Inn, Homewood Suites, and Embassy Suites.   Fans   3 A typical crowd will have the families and friends of the volleyball players. The student section will have a decent amount of students with “Tide Loyalty” points on offer for priority access to Alabama football tickets. Alabama has various promotions to increase volleyball turnout, including photo ops with “Big Al,” kids' days, and a Greek night for the fraternities and sororities.   Access   3 From I-20/59, turn off exit 73 onto McFarland Boulevard North and drive until you reach the University Boulevard exit. Turn off at that ramp and make a right towards the University of Alabama. Drive until you hit Hackberry Lane and make a left. Foster Auditorium will be on your right. The venue is not the easiest to navigate as the main seating area on the upper level requires a walk up a flight of stairs. The walkways into the seating bowl are also tricky to navigate as the rails are on the end of the aisles, not in the middle. This makes moving around Foster Auditorium trickier than in other venues.   Return on Investment   3 General admission tickets in the upper-level seats are $8 for non-conference matchups and $10 for games against SEC opponents. There is a $3 discount for people under the age of 18, and group tickets are available for $5/person. Season tickets start at $50 for an upper-level seat and $75 for a seat on the floor. A “Four-Pack” of season tickets goes for $160 ($40/person) on the upper level or $240 ($60/person) on the floor. Alabama has twelve home dates in 2024, so a season ticket can be a great value!   Extras   3 Foster Auditorium has a very important place in the history of the civil rights movement in Alabama. The auditorium was where students registered for classes in the 1960s. In 1963, George Wallace attempted to prevent James Hood and Vivian Malone from registering for classes in what is known as “The Stand in the Schoolhouse Door.” The stand took place at the rear door, which is now the main entrance to the auditorium. The venue is where the Alabama women’s basketball team practices and where women’s games were played in the early 2010s. A new practice facility is being built for the men’s basketball team, which will see the women’s team move their practices to Coleman Coliseum. The most points scored by an individual player in an SEC game happened at Foster Auditorium. LSU’s Pete Maravich dropped 69 points against Alabama on February 7, 1970. That was the Division 1 record for over two decades until Kevin Bradshaw broke it in 1991. Final Thoughts There is a lot of history at Foster Auditorium, both inside and out. It played host to one of the most significant events in the civil rights movement. From an athletic standpoint, it saw college basketball history. There is no reason Alabama Volleyball can’t make some history of its own at Foster Auditorium.

Photos by Eric Moreno, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.86 Park West Athletics Complex 8000 TX-1604 Loop San Antonio, TX 78249 UTSA Roadrunners website Park West Athletics Complex website Year Opened: 2013 Capacity: 1,000 UTSA Roadrunners – Park West Athletics Complex The University of Texas San Antonio (UTSA) was founded just over a half-century ago in 1969. They started their athletics programs not too long after that, including their women’s sports. Over the years, as UTSA has grown, so has the athletics department. In 2006, the Roadrunners  fielded their first women’s soccer team. Fresh off of winning the Southland Conference for the first time in 2010, UTSA partnered with the City of San Antonio and Bexar County to open Park West Athletics Complex. The school would win one more conference title in 2002, their final year in Conference USA. Partially to cap off the school’s move to the American Athletics Conference (AAC), UTSA unveiled upgrades to Park West, including a brand-new fieldhouse . The $8 million, 14,325 square-foot facility includes a multipurpose community room, locker rooms, team lounges, a sports medicine center, and equipment area – the shine is still highly visible at Park West. Read on to learn more about what UTSA’s facility has to offer.   Food & Beverage   3 Park West offers one main concession stand for fans. It is located near the main entrance to the complex and offers up the vast majority of your traditional game day fare. This includes hot dogs (either plain or with chili and cheese), nachos (which can also be gussied up with chili), and Frito pie. You can also get boxes of candy and popcorn, along with bottled sodas, water, and sports drinks. Also, Park West offers alcoholic beverages, such as beer and hard seltzers, for those interested. This is a cashless facility, so consider that when heading to a game.   Atmosphere   2 The surroundings are pretty sparse at Park West, which I’m sure will improve over time once the rest of UTSA’s athletics expansion/construction in the area is done. What is available now is a lot of UTSA signage, including banners proclaiming the soccer team’s two titles and a lot of themed games. For example, I attended a contest recently where the program honored first responders; the local fire department brought out trucks and booths and was around for photo opportunities. UTSA also gave out programs, posters, and hand fans instead of a merchandise tent or booth. Those hand fans, FYI, were a great idea, as my one complaint for the area is the lack of shade available for fans in the stands. There is an unforgiving heat in South Texas during the early months of the soccer season, and that is expounded exponentially when sitting on metal bleachers. Fans looking to escape the brutal sun had to find shelter underneath the stands, away from the action – this is something to bear in mind when attending a Roadrunners soccer game.   Neighborhood   4 Park West Athletics Complex is at the far west, of course, end of UTSA’s main campus. The soccer pitch and track and field stadium share a facility, which is something to keep in mind when the season starts. It’s also about a seven-minute drive from the Historic Convocation Center , home to UTSA men’s and women’s basketball and volleyball, and Roadrunner Field , home to UTSA baseball – catching a game at one of these during your soccer visit is something to keep in mind as a possibility. In terms of attractions, UTSA’s main campus is right across the highway, literally, from both Six Flags Fiesta Texas  theme park and the Shops at La Cantera . Fiesta Texas is the largest theme park in the region and home to an iconic host of rollercoasters, such as the Iron Rattler. It also has themed events, such as its Howl-o-Scream festivities during the spooky season; it is one of the most popular attractions in Alamo City and is easily accessible from UTSA. The Shops are one of the city’s high-end collections of vendors – think Gucci, Cartier, Nieman Marcus, etc. If shopping is your passion, you will love the Shops at La Cantera. It is also home to some of the nicest restaurants in that area of San Antonio, such as Palenque Grill , an upscale Mexican food restaurant, and Perry’s Steakhouse & Grille , which, as its name implies, is a high-end steakhouse. There are also plenty of other options that are sure to fit your budget and tastes. Because the athletics facilities are on campus, there aren’t any lodging options within walking distance of Park West. However, just across Loop 1604, you’ll find plenty of options, making your drives to Roadrunner soccer matches just under 10 minutes long. Options include DoubleTree by Hilton San Antonio Northwest  and Spark by Hilton San Antonio Northwest near Six Flags , but as mentioned above, there are numerous other options nearby, with only your budget serving as a limitation.   Fans   2 For transparency’s sake, I will admit that I am a UTSA alum and an avid fan of all Roadrunners sports. With that said, I was slightly disappointed by the crowd that came out to the most recent soccer game I attended – I will admit it was a weekend afternoon game, however, when a certain professional football team from the northern part of Texas was playing, which might have played into the sparseness of the crowd. With that said, UTSA soccer has been a successful program in recent history; I will say that a large swath of the crowd was there to support the opposing team. Again, this is all anecdotal, but the eye test showed me that there is still plenty of room for growth in terms of fan support here.   Access   4 You can get to UTSA Main Campus and Park West Athletics Complex from any point in the Alamo City using Interstate 10 and Loop 1604; it is a 20-minute drive from San Antonio International Airport. The city’s public transportation option, VIA Metropolitan Transit , also offers multiple routes to and from the UTSA campus during the day if you choose not to drive. Once you get to Park West, parking is free and plentiful. The campus is also clearly marked from the highways, so you should have no problems on your journey to UTSA.   Return on Investment   3 Admission to UTSA Roadrunners women’s soccer is free, and parking at Park West Athletics Complex is also free. Also, playing in the AAC offers fans of UTSA the ability to see some pretty high-end collegiate competition – getting to see that for free is a bargain that is pretty hard to beat. The only factors keeping the score here from being higher are a lack of extra game day amenities (more on that shortly), as well as that few of UTSA’s big-name non-conference opponents make it to Park West for games – more often than not if UTSA is playing a Power 4 school they are doing it on the road.   Extras   2 The Spirit of San Antonio (SoSA)  marching band has a presence at UTSA soccer games. They can be heard performing in the stands throughout matches, and you can also find UTSA’s mascot, Rowdy , patrolling the sidelines and stands throughout games here, taking photos and just being genuinely fun. There is not much else in terms of Extras at Park West for now.   Final Thoughts If you’re a soccer fan, you will enjoy yourself at UTSA matches at Park West Athletics Complex. It’s a good venue for the sport, and it will eventually be an even better venue for fans. If you are in the area, you would be hard-pressed to find a more affordable way to spend an afternoon or an evening. It’s not a bucket list place yet, but Park West could be a top collegiate venue in the not-too-distant future, so get in while you can. ----- Follow Eric Moreno’s Stadium Journey on X at @EricMoreno6477 .

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Photos by Marc Viquez, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.43 Craven Cottage Stevenage Rd London, England SW6 6HH Fulham FC website Craven Cottage website Year Opened: 1896 Capacity: 29,589 Craven Cottage: London's Historic Football Ground Established in 1879, Fulham FC holds the distinction of being London’s oldest football club. The team has been based at Craven Cottage since its acquisition in 1894. Following the cleanup of debris, the club's inaugural match resulted in a 4-0 triumph over Minerva in the Middlesex Senior Cup. In 1903, a wooden grandstand was constructed to accommodate the growing number of spectators. This stand, affectionately known as the “Rabbit Hutch,” was unfortunately condemned just two seasons later. It was subsequently replaced by a larger and more modern stand, which still exists today, marking 120 years since its construction. Scottish architect Archibald Leitch was hired to design the structure, and Clyde Structural Iron Company provided the steelwork. The 5,000-seat stand cost £15,000 and opened for the 2005/06 season. The stands featured narrow entrances, iron turnstiles, and wooden theater-style seats.  Twenty thousand spectators watched the first match at what was dubbed the Stevenage Road Stand, renamed a century later to the Johnny Haynes Stand after the passing of the club’s greatest player. It is a Grade II listed building protected by English Heritage. The stadium is also known for an actual cottage in the corner of the stadium between the Haynes and Hammersmith Ends. The small cottage features a covered patio where players' families can watch the game. Home and away dressing rooms are downstairs. The stadium is next to Bishop’s Park and along the banks of Thames River. The ground was originally a royal hunting lodge with a history dating back 300 years. The club has called Craven Cottage home since 1896, except when it shared Loftus Road with Queens Park Rangers from 2002-2004. The home of the Cottagers is expanding with The Riverside renovation that will present a year-round destination for visitors. It will offer restaurants, bars, boutiques, a sky deck, a hotel, and a riverside market. The increased seating and hospitality areas will also bring in additional revenue to the club. However, the changes will not affect the history and charm of Craven Cottage, one of England’s historic football cathedrals. Food & Beverage 3 Craven Cottage offers typical football cuisine at its numerous concession stands. These include the Fulham Frankfurter, a plain or topped hot dog with caramelized onions, pickles, bacon crumbles, and chives. The stadium also offers signature sausage rolls, burgers, and pizza slices. It serves Willy’s Pies in chicken balti, minced beef, chicken and sage, and steak and ale. Hot beverages (coffee, tea, hot chocolate, and Brovil) and alcoholic beverages. Fans can enjoy a pint of Guinness and Camden Hill varieties during the half. Wine and cider are also available for non-beer drinkers at the game. Atmosphere 3 Craven Cottage provides a uniquely intimate atmosphere unlike any other ground in the Premiership. With fans seated close to the pitch, they feel deeply connected to the action. Each stand offers a cozy, distinctive experience, where home and away supporters come together in a warm and welcoming environment, creating a friendly vibe that's rare among the city's stadiums. The Johnny Haynes Stand dates back to 1905 and features a facade facing the street with decorative pillars and the club’s old emblem in the artwork. Fans walk through narrow and rickety turnstiles that date back to the same year, a system that has fans enter the doorways sideways. Once inside, 3,571 wooden seats were designed in 1955 to mimic the original 1905 seating designs. This area will house a majority of the season ticket holders, the ticket offices, and the team shop. The Putney End is the southernmost stand and houses visiting and away supporters. It is one of the only grounds in the EFL to have a stand designated for both supporters.  The Hammersmith End houses home supporters, notably the vocal Stand Up Crew.  The Riverside Stand is behind the River Thames and is elevated much higher than the other stands at the Cottage. The area seats 8,000 people and is home to corporate hospitality seating; it is in the final stages of being transformed into an entertainment area that will feature a sky deck, pool, hotel, restaurants, pubs, and a public market with access to a sidewalk along the Thames. Neighborhood 4 The neighborhood near Craven Cottage is very posh, with residential homes, parks, and rowing clubs across the Thames. The narrow streets outside the Johnny Haynes Stand become crowded on match days. There are many pubs and restaurants within walking distance to grab a pint. The Eight Bells is friendly to home and away fans, but due to its size, it becomes congested before matches. It is a 17th-century-style tavern offering traditional English pubs and a favorite among the older Fulham audience. The Crabtree is another pub that is friendly to away fans and offers food and a beer garden. Both are a 10-minute walk from the stadium. There are more spots to grab a bite to eat or drink at The Gold Lion and The Temperance. Fishers offers takeaway fish and chips, The Durell Arms offers vegetarian and vegan cuisine, and Gola is known for its pizza and Italian dishes. Pure Indian Cooking is another restaurant to try for authenticity.  Stamford Bridge , the home of Chelsea, is 2 miles away from Craven Cottage in Fulham. It might be open for a tour or a possible game. Brentford Community Stadium is nearby, less than 6 miles away, and Cherry Red Records Stadium is 5 miles to the south. Fans 4 The fans are passionate, but they are also friendly and welcoming to fans. It is one of the few stadiums in English Football that allows home and away supporters to sit together. That is a testament to the culture of the Fulham faithful, but also inviting to anyone who wants to enjoy a game without any concerns. The stadium has never had any history of violence or rowdiness from fans. It is where one goes to enjoy a pleasant afternoon of football. Access 3 As with most football grounds in London, it is best to access Craven Cottage via bus. The 74, 85, C4, 2020, and 424 buses run near the stadium. Another option is to arrive by the District Line (Putney Bridge) on The Underground and walk a mile to the stadium along the Thames.  It is not recommended to travel by car to the game; there is no public parking, and the narrow residential streets are for permits only. London boasts one of the world’s best public transportation systems, making it easy to get around by bus or the Tube. If you have a ticket for the Johnny Haynes Stand, be ready to navigate the narrow turnstiles, originally designed for fans in 1905. Unless you are around 5 feet 3 inches tall, expect a tight squeeze as you enter the stadium through this historic entrance, leading to both the Putney and Hammersmith Ends. Return on Investment 4 Adult ticket prices range from as low as £55 for a seat in the Hammersmith Stand to as high as £125 in the Riverside Stand. The most affordable option is in the Johnny Haynes Family Stand, where adult tickets start at £24. As expected, reduced prices are available for fans aged 17 and under, as well as those over 65. The price of concessions is reasonable compared with other clubs in the Premier League, but we're a bit on the higher side. There are combo meals that include pie and beer, a burger and a beer, or a burger and a Coke for a valued price. The official team store is filled with gear from kits, scarves, caps, jackets, shorts, and much more. The prices are in line with members of the Premier League.  As always, it is advisable to purchase a ticket in advance. At this time, Fulham is averaging 25,000-plus in the 29,589-capacity stadium. Prices will increase depending on the opponent. Extras 3 Craven Cottage earns an extra point for the Johnny Haynes Stand, which features a facade that takes visitors back to 1905. Inside, the old wooden seats are still intact, adding more nostalgia to the match. Fulham offers season-ticket holders in the Johnny Hayne Stand a pint of beer for £1 if they arrive an hour early to facilitate traffic into the stadium. The standstill has its original narrow entrances that require many of us to enter sideways through the original turnstiles.  There is an actual cottage inside Craven Cottage, allowing players' families to watch the game from the balcony. The downstairs portion serves as the home and away locker rooms for players and is among the smallest in the league. Final Thoughts Craven Cottage is the oldest football ground in London and steep in history. It is going through renovations to modernize the facility, and The Riverside Stand will be the key to future entertainment options along the Thames. If curious about seeing a stadium’s future and past, purchase a ticket to the Fulham game when in town. ------ Follow all of Marc’s stadium journeys on Twitter @ballparkhunter   and his YouTube channel .  Email at Marc.Viquez@stadiumjourney.com