Photos by Richard Smith, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.14 Athey Park 108 Gibson Ave. Chestertown, MD 21620 Washington College Shoremen website Athey Park website Year Opened: 2007 Capacity: 500 On The Shore Washington College is a college in Chestertown, Maryland which was granted its charter in 1782. It is the 10th oldest college in the United States and one of the few to have received support from George Washington to honor him. The original desire was to have this college as the Eastern Shore Campus of a public “University of Maryland” with Annapolis’ St. John’s College the Western Shore counterpart. That obviously did not happen. Each year, Washington College awards the nation’s largest undergraduate literary prize. Since 1968, the Sophie Kerr Prize has been presented to one graduating senior who demonstrates the greatest literary promise. Washington has had sports since the 1800s, with the baseball team dating back to the 1870s, likely the oldest team on campus. Men’s teams are known as the Shoremen; women’s teams are known as the Shorewomen. The facility is named in honor of long-time athletic director and coach Edward L. Athey. A new field was installed in 2007 and the current stadium architecture and press box were completed in 2009. Food & Beverage 1 There are no permanent food options at the stadium, although it looks like some parents and fans occasionally bring and sell some offerings at some games, especially on weekends. Atmosphere 4 The field is a very nice low-level college field. The small grandstand fills quickly and many fans sit on their own chairs around all parts of the field. The North Commons student housing lines the outfield view and offers a great view. The actual grandstand does suffer from some obstructed views from the on-the-field press box. Neighborhood 4 Chestertown is a town and county seat of around 5,000 in Kent County, Maryland, and is located on what is known as Maryland’s Eastern Shore. It is 1.5 hours from Baltimore and Philadelphia. The nearby downtown district of Chestertown is full of history and sites for visitors, along with some nice shopping and dining. BAD Alfred’s Distilling, the Evergrain Bread Company, and Play It Again Sam are good spots for dining. Check out the High Street Town Dock and see if there are any charter boat trips through companies such as the Chester River Packet Company. Wilmer Park and the nearby area around the Hodson Boathouse at Washington College make for some nice waterside walking on a nice day. Fans 3 There was a decent number of fans, but as with most northeast college teams, many of the fans are friends and family of the players. There was a decent number of college students attending the game, although it did seem that their attention was pretty low. Access 3 The actual town of Chestertown is not an issue getting around and accessing, but the problem is how isolated from major urban areas the town and college are. You will have to go way out of your way to visit Washington College. There may also not be much parking on campus as it is a historic campus and if there are many events going on, the available spots could be hard to find. Leave yourself plenty of time to find a good spot. The North Commons area may be a good place to start, but make sure to follow parking guidelines, especially for weekday events during regular school semesters. Return on Investment 5 Games are free to attend at Athey Park. The team does offer free roster sheets behind home plate. For the low cost of attendance, the return on investment is great. Extras 2 The North Commons student housing view and the ability to walk around the outside of the entire field is a nice extra. The offering of roster sheets is a nice extra as well. Final Thoughts Although Athey Park is not worth a long, out-of-the-way drive, if you are on the Eastern Shore of Maryland, stopping in for a game is a fun experience.

Photos by Richard Smith, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.43 Waldron Family Stadium College Ln Emmitsburg, MD 21727 Mount St. Mary's Mountaineers website Waldron Family Stadium website Year Opened: 2006 Capacity: 1,000 Mount Lacrosse In between Washington, DC, and Gettysburg, PA sits the second oldest Catholic university in America. Mount St. Mary's sits on 1,400 acres at the base of the Catoctin Mountains. Shockingly the sports teams at university use the Mountaineers moniker for their sports teams. Lacrosse has been pretty up and down at “The Mount.” In 2010 they had a very good 12-win season, a school record, and were awarded a bid to the NCAA tournament. In 2011, the Mount won the first-ever Northeast Conference Championship in the league's inaugural season. Head coach Tom Gravante has been at the university since 1995. Although lacrosse has done well at times, basketball is one of the biggest sports at the college in terms of success. Mount St. Mary's has had some success in other sports, most notably track. In the 1988 Olympic Games, Mount St. Mary's athlete Peter Rono won gold in the 1500-meter run. Waldron Family Stadium was opened in 2006 and is named in honor of Trustee Emeritus Eugene Waldron, and his family. Food & Beverage 3 There is a small, but nice concession stand at Waldron Family Stadium. You will not want to have your entire meal at this stand, but if you are in the mood for $2 sodas and $2 hot dogs, then this is the right place. There are some nice seating options right in front of the concession stand where you can still watch the game action. Atmosphere 4 The Waldron Family Stadium is a pretty simple facility with a few sets of grandstands on one side of the field. It offers a nice view at a nice level off of the field. There are seatbacks in a few of the sections closest to the press box. The field is an all-weather synthetic field turf that also is the home to women's lacrosse and the university's soccer programs. The stadium also offers great views west towards the rest of campus and the sloping mountains of western Maryland. Neighborhood 3 There is nothing within walking distance of the campus. You will need to make a short drive into town to find any food or drink options. Emmitsburg is a pretty small town but does have some interesting places that draw people to the area, besides just the university. The town is the home of the National Fallen Firefighters Memorial, National Emergency Training Center, and Emergency Management Institute. Also in the immediate area are some very notable Catholic attractions. It is a Catholic pilgrimage site and is the location of the Basilica and National Shrine of St. Elizabeth Ann Seton as well as the site of the National Shrine Grotto of Our Lady of Lourdes. A trip to the area demands a visit to the grotto even if you are not religious. It would be hard not to be impressed with the quiet awesomeness found here. Nearby Thurmont also has some attractions of its own, including Cunningham Falls State Park and Catoctin Mountain Park, which contains the presidential retreat of Camp David. Just note if you are hiking in the woods and see signs to turn around or be shot, these are not jokes. Frederick is about 30 miles away, while Baltimore (60 miles) and Washington, DC (70 miles) are the closest large cities. Back in Emmitsburg, the best food option is The Ott House Pub downtown. This bar and restaurant is a great mix of locals, firefighters, and university students. The food menu will not blow you away but their wings, as well as their hot roast beef sandwich, will certainly hit the spot. Check to see if they have a local beer from Flying Dog Brewery on tap. Gettysburg is 13 miles north. If you have time to visit the massive amounts of memorials and battlegrounds you should do so. Just plan ahead as crowds are enormous at many times of the year. Fans 3 Lacrosse fans across Maryland are extremely knowledgeable about lacrosse. Fans here at the Mount are no exception. Access 4 Sure Emmitsburg can feel like it is in the middle of nowhere, but it really is not. The major highway, Route 15, divides the campus. This route runs from Frederick in the south, northwards towards Gettysburg in Pennsylvania. Waldron Family Stadium and the rest of the PNC Sports Complex is located on the east side of Route 15, while the main part of the university campus is located on the west side. A well-lit and secured tunnel connects the two parts of the campus. Return on Investment 4 I had originally come to Mount St. Mary's to see a baseball game but when I saw a lacrosse game about to start I went and checked on prices. I was glad to see $5 general admission tickets. There are also group and youth tickets available for even cheaper. Those are bargain prices, especially for a Division I-level sports team. . Extras 3 Check to see if there are any other games in the PNC Sports Complex while you are at a game. I was early for a baseball game and just happened to stop in to watch this lacrosse game. The athletic complex is very well organized for this kind of endeavor. There was also a tournament going on at the complex's tennis facility. Check out the massive field of solar panel arrays that the university has installed near the athletic complex. The solar farm produces more than 22,000,000 kilowatt hours of emissions-free electricity per year. The view is another extra. Although not large mountains, more like large hills, the mountains that the university sits along are very nice and offer great views. Final Thoughts Mount St. Mary's Waldron Family Stadium is a simple, but well-appointed venue to watch a high level of lacrosse action. With extremely fair prices and good concession offerings, this stadium is a must-visit.

Photos by Joseph Oakes, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.86 John Paul Jones Arena 295 Massie Rd Charlottesville, VA 22903 Virginia Cavaliers website John Paul Jones Arena website Year Opened: 2006 Capacity: 14,593 Home of the Cavalier Women John Paul Jones Arena opened in 2006 and has a seating capacity of 14,593. It is the home for both the Cavalier men’s and women’s basketball teams. The modern arena is luxurious and features a center-hung scoreboard with four video screens that were updated in 2017, a spacious lobby with two large video displays, as well as a lighting system that was updated in 2019. The arena has a classic architectural look that fits in with the University Grounds. This review looks at the women’s basketball experience at John Paul Jones Arena. Food & Beverage 4 John Paul Jones Arena has a good selection of food offerings for those looking to grab a bite to eat at the game. These include Papa Johns's personal pan pizza, cheese or pepperoni ($9), Hoo Dog ($4), Popcorn ($5), Pretzels ($5), Nachos ($5), and Candy ($3). Pepsi products are sold at JPJ: Bottomless Souvenir Soda ($10), Souvenir Soda ($7), Small Soda ($4), and bottled water ($4). Atmosphere 4 John Paul Jones Arena is a great venue to watch a college basketball game. There are two levels on three sides of the building, while one of the endzones has just a lower level and a small upper level. The majority of the seating for women’s basketball is on the lower level, with most seats being cushioned. The seating behind the basket where the pep band is located is in the bleacher with no back. Seats in the lower level are close to the action. There is a large four-sided video board, as well as ribbon board that provide the score, time, game updates, etc. There is also closed captioning available for those hard of hearing. The UVA pep band sits in one endzone and is very engaged throughout the game. The Cavalier mascot also makes his way around the seating area during games taking pictures with fans. Reserved seating and general admission are available for UVA women’s games. The three-center sections on with side of the court are reserved, while the remaining seats are general admission. Neighborhood 5 John Paul Jones Arena is located on the picturesque University of Virginia campus, which was designed by President Thomas Jefferson. Monticello, Jefferson’s home, is also located just a few miles from campus and is a great spot to visit if in town for a couple of days. Michie’s Tavern is located nearby Monticello and features a hearty midday buffet lunch based on 18th-century southern recipes in their rustic dining room. If you are looking for an area to eat, shop, and just walk around, make your way to downtown Charlottesville. This area offers many local eateries and shops and is an overall nice place to stroll around on game day. If you enjoy the outdoors, there are many mountain activities around Charlottesville including hiking and camping. Also located in Charlottesville is the popular Carter Mountain Orchard, where you can buy fresh apples and enjoy a great view overlooking Charlottesville. Fans 4 UVA curtains off a portion of the upper level for women’s basketball games. That said, the UVA women have a faithful following. One can expect 2-3K for most games, however games against rival Virginia Tech or the annual Play 4 Kay game have higher crowds. When Stadium Journey for the final game of the season, there was over 6K in attendance and the lower level was nearly full/ Access 4 Charlottesville is located right off of Interstate 64, about 1 hour west of Richmond. John Paul Jones Arena is located on campus but is fairly easy to access from US 29 and US 250. Free parking is available on gamedays in the parking garage adjacent to the arena. JPJ is in the vicinity of the athletic complex which consists of the baseball stadium, softball stadium, lacrosse stadium, and track and field complex. Both the ticket staff and security personnel are friendly. Keep in mind that there is a clear bag policy, though. Once you enter the main lobby, you are actually on the 200 level. To access the lower level seats, you must take the stairs or elevator down. The concourse is noticeably clean but can seem narrow, especially before and after games. The restrooms are clean, and plentiful, and have diaper-changing tables. There is plenty of handicap-accessible seating available at the top of the lower level. Return on Investment 5 Women’s basketball offers a great way to take in basketball without paying the prices that you do for men’s games. Reserved seats are $12 and general admission seats are $8. Parking is also free, and concession prices are reasonable. Extras 1 Smithfield Foods offers a great promotion at UVA games. If the opponent misses two free throws in the second half, everyone in attendance receives a coupon for a free pack of bacon (up to a $10 value) when you exit the game.

Photos by Dave Cottenie, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.71 Wells Fargo Center 3601 South Broad Street Philadelphia, PA 19148 Philadelphia Wings website Walls Fargo Center website Year Opened: 1996 Capacity: 20,306 Wings Lax Still Flying For many years, the Philadelphia Wings were one of the cornerstone franchises in the National Lacrosse League. The original Wings played in the old National Lacrosse League for the two seasons that they took the floor in 1974 and 1975. When the league resurfaced as Eagle Pro Box Lacrosse League in 1986 the Wings played in one of the original games on the first day. The league would go through changes, with a period as the Major Indoor Lacrosse League before settling in as the National Lacrosse League in 1998. The Wings were part of all of those iterations. When the announcement was made that the Wings were sold to the Mohegan Tribe and moving to Connecticut to be the New England Black Wolves, it is appropriate to say that the lacrosse community was shocked. It didn’t take long for the parent company of the Philadelphia Flyers, Comcast Spectacor, to dive right into the NLL and bring an expansion team back to Broad Street. The new Wings took the floor in 2018. The original home of the Wings was the venerable Spectrum. When the Wells Fargo Center opened and the Flyers and Philadelphia 76ers moved to the new venue, the Wings joined them. Opening in 1996 as the CoreStates Center, the building is now on its fourth moniker as a result of numerous bank mergers. A massive renovation in 2020 has brought the arena up to modern standards and is favorably comparable to any venue in the National Lacrosse League. The Wings are still attempting to capture the imagination of Philadelphia sports fans and the magic of previous Wings iterations. Food & Beverage 5 One of the major differences found at Wells Fargo Center as a result of the 2020 renovation is a commitment to improving the concession experience. Philly sports fans are now able to experience a premium concession experience. The regular arena favorites are all present, of course, however, they are now joined by many Philly favorites and higher quality items than were found previous to the renovation. Some unique items that can now be found at Wells Fargo Center include Federal Donuts, huge, thin-crust pizza slices at Cuz’s Pizza, Vodka Parm Sandwiches and Italian Pork Sandwiches at 9th Street Italian Sandwiches, Mac & Cheese Balls at Line Change, various Philly Cheesesteaks at First Line Steaks, burgers and milkshakes from Shake Shack and Crab Fries from Chickie’s and Pete’s. Coca-Cola products are the soft drinks of choice at Wells Fargo. Beer selections include Blue Moon, Yuengling, Stella Artois, Miller Lite, Labatt Blue, Bud Light, Coors Light, and Athletic Brewing Co. products. The concession scene deserves to be planned out a bit and a concessions map are available on the Wells Fargo Center website, or here . Atmosphere 4 The Wells Fargo Center is located in the South Philadelphia Wells Fargo Complex and is surrounded by parking. Although there is nothing overly exceptional about the exterior of the building, it is far from unattractive. There is not an overabundance of glass on the exterior of the building, but light-colored siding and brick are the main materials. A couple of photo ops that fans may want to check out on the exterior, aside from the view of downtown Philadelphia, Lincoln Financial Field, or Citizens Bank Park, would include the statue of Wilt Chamberlain at the southeast corner of the building, or the statue of Ed Snider at the northwest corner. Fans entering the Wells Fargo Center will be welcomed by newly designed concourses. Concession stands are grouped in various areas that include some seating areas to visit with other fans and enjoy a drink or eat some food before heading into the bowl. The top sides of the concourse walls feature small murals and headings of numerous neighborhoods in Philadelphia and the surrounding areas which keep the local flavor of the building strong. Several Flyers and Sixers displays may interest fans as well. For Wings games, the smaller merchandise counters are where fans will find a variety of swag items. When fans enter the seating bowl, their attention will immediately be drawn to the massive, concave, four-sided videoboard. Crystal clear and state of the art, the videoboard features long, concave screens to match the long sides of the floor with smaller, more square boards on the ends. The ribbon board that goes with the screen uniquely can be raised or lowered and has flames that shoot out for pregame festivities. The floor runs from south to north with the perfect spot for the center logo picture to be taken, on the east side. A typical, two-level seating bowl separated by luxury boxes is found at the Wells Fargo Center. The seats in the Wells Fargo Center are new and spacious and much better than what was previously in the arena. In the southwest corner rafters hang banners for the Wings. Retired number banners for Dallas Eliuk, Tom Marechek, Jake Bergey, and Kevin Finneran are joined by a banner noting 1989, 1990, 1994, and 1995 North American Cup Championships and 1998 and 2001 Champions Cup Championships. All honors are for previous iterations of the Wings, but it is good that the current Wings have continued to memorialize them. The gameday atmosphere at a Wings game is not dissimilar to that of other NLL teams. The entrance for the players during pregame is highly produced with a hype video, followed by player entrances through a physical, illuminated version of the current Wings logo with plenty of loud music and flames. Music plays throughout the action on the floor and there are plenty of promotions. The Philadelphia Wings Dancers take part in the pregame and perform at points during the game. The Wings mascot, Wingston, can be found traversing the crowd and interacting with fans during the game. Neighborhood 3 The Wells Fargo Center is located in the South Philadelphia Wells Fargo Sports Complex in the South Philadelphia East neighborhood, just across the Delaware River on the other side of New Jersey. There is not much in the way of a neighborhood that would be within walking distance of the arena. Xfinity Live is part of the complex as is the Live Casino and Hotel Philadelphia. There are a couple of spots fans may want to check out for food or drink just south of the complex, including DiNic’s Pork and Beef and The Gatehouse. What the area lacks in pre and post-game food venues it more than makes up for access to other sports. The Wells Fargo Center is shared with the Philadelphia Flyers and Philadelphia 76ers and periodically the Villanova Wildcats. Lincoln Financial Field is home to the Philadelphia Eagles and Temple Owls . The Army-Navy Game often resides at Lincoln Financial Field also. Citizens Bank Park is the home of the Philadelphia Phillies . The Philadelphia Union plays in nearby Chester. There are also several college basketball sports fans who could check out including the Temple Owls , Drexel Dragons , Villanova Wildcats , LaSalle Explorers , and St. Joseph’s Hawks . Checking out the Palestra, home of the Penn Quakers , is a must for college basketball and Philadelphia basketball fans. Fans wishing to stay close to the complex can either stay at the casino or the Courtyard Philadelphia South. Heading into downtown Philadelphia also offers a host of other tourist and food options fans should consider. Fans 3 Assessing the fan situation in the National Lacrosse League is becoming increasingly difficult as attendance figures are often not published. It is safe to say that the current Wings have not enjoyed the same following that earlier versions of the team did. That being said, it seems that attendance at Wings games is on the rise. The game that was attended for review had an odd, 11 am start time and still attracted over 7,000 fans. It is also safe to say that the Wings are not consistently breaking the 10,000 fan mark. Fans that are in attendance are knowledgeable and passionate. Hopefully, the word will spread and the average attendance for Wings games will continue to increase. Access 4 Getting to the Wells Fargo Center is not that difficult. The complex is located on Broad Street, immediately north of I-95 and south of I-76. Traffic can be a bit of a challenge, but it is not terrible. If multiple teams are playing in the complex at the same time, it could be more of a problem. There is plenty of parking in the area. Fans wishing to take public transit can catch the subway to the NRG Station on the west side of the complex. Fans should see the Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority website for fares, maps, and schedules. Getting around the Wells Fargo Center is not an issue. With the renovations, all of the seats in the arena were replaced and the replacements are bigger and more comfortable than before. The washroom facilities are more than adequate for the crowd in attendance for Wings games. Stadium Journey recognizes that security protocols for major sports are in constant flux. Stadium Journey highly recommends consulting the Philadelphia Wings and/or Wells Fargo Center websites for the most up-to-date security protocols including bag policy and prohibited items. Return on Investment 4 The Philadelphia Wings put on a good show, with plenty of excitement, in a facility that is as good as any in the National Lacrosse League. The “fastest game on two feet” will engage fans and keep them on the edge of their seats and the Wings do a solid job of putting together a strong gameday package. Wings tickets are not expensive and good seats can be found for $25 with both more and less expensive options available. Concession prices are what one would expect, but the concession experience is excellent. Parking is a bit on the expensive side, but average for other Philadelphia sports experiences. More fans in the stands would provide an even better lacrosse experience and bump the ROI even higher. Extras 3 An extra mark for the recognition and embracing of the Philadelphia Wings past.An extra mark for the return of the NLL to a traditional lacrosse market. An extra mark for the significant renovation of the Wells Fargo Center Final Thoughts With the return of the Philadelphia Wings to the Philadelphia sports scene, thoughts back to the glory days of Philadelphia lacrosse are fresh in the minds of Philly fans. It seems rekindling those days is still a few years away, but with a renovation to Wells Fargo Center, the time is right to head to South Philly and take in some box lax. ----- Follow all of Dave’s sporting adventures on Twitter @profan9 and Instagram .

Legends have passed through the Ontario Hockey League on their way to hockey immortality in the NHL. Names like Bobby Smith, Larry Robinson, Scotty Bowman, Darryl Sittler, Bobby Orr, and Wayne Gretzky are all revered icons throughout the top junior hockey league in Canada, which makes up one-third of the three-pronged Canadian Hockey League. The face of the OHL has changed over the years. At one time dominated by musty barns that smelled like youth hockey, the OHL now features several shiny, new hockey palaces to give the league a keen balance of old a new. Stadium Journey has taken to rank the experiences of all 20 experiences in the Ontario Hockey League. The scores are all very close, however, in every case, high marks for Return on Investment are present in each experience. This makes the OHL a prime spot to invest some entertainment dollars and get the most out of that hard-earned money. 1. Kitchener Rangers - Dom Cardillo Arena @ Kitchener Memorial Auditorium - 4.43 Dave Cottenie - The Rangers are a cornerstone franchise in the Ontario Hockey League. The affiliation with the New York Rangers is long gone, but the moniker and colours have remained in Kitchener. The Rangers have enjoyed several league titles in the regular season, four OHL championships, and two times been crowned as Memorial Cup Champions, the top team in the entire Canadian Hockey League. Home for the Rangers since their inception has been the Kitchener Memorial Auditorium. Designed as a mini Maple Leaf Gardens, The Aud remains one of the most unique venues in a league where new venues are becoming increasingly homogeneous. The arena with the main ice is named after the former beloved mayor of Kitchener, Dom Cardillo, making the home of the Rangers the Dom Cardillo Arena at Kitchener Memorial Auditorium. The Rangers provide one of the best experiences in the entire Canadian Hockey League and are a must-see for all junior hockey fans. 2. Ottawa 67’s - TD Place Arena - 4.14 Dave Cottenie - There are plenty of uniforms from bygone eras that are so gaudy that it boggles the mind that they ever did the job. The “barber pole” version of multi-striped uniforms falls into this category. However, one team that has stuck with the barber pole is the Ottawa 67’s … and it works. The red, black, and white stripes of the 67’s jerseys have been a staple for the team since their inception in 1967. One of the cornerstone franchises of the Ontario Hockey League, the 67 derives their name from not only their inception but the founding of Canada as an independent country in 1867. The 67’s are one of the most successful franchises in the league, both on and off the ice and are owned by the Ottawa Sports & Entertainment Group, who also claim the CFL’s Ottawa RedBlacks as part of their portfolio. 3. Guelph Storm - Sleeman Centre - 4.14 Dave Cottenie - In 1991, with plans to replace the Guelph Memorial Gardens underway, the Dukes of Hamilton, who were formerly the iconic Toronto Marlboros, would be moving to Guelph to become the Guelph Storm. Although not normally considered a cornerstone franchise of the OHL, the Storm have been among the most consistent both on the ice and at the turnstile. The Storm have participated in the Memorial Cup tournament on six occasions and won the J. Ross Robertson Cup as OHL champions four times. There have also been several NHL players who have donned the Storm jersey over the years. 4. Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds - GFL Memorial Gardens - 4.00 Dave Cottenie - If there is one thing above all that the Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds are known for, it is their connection to the greatest hockey player ever, Wayne Gretzky. In 1977, the Greyhounds selected the slender, sixteen-year-old with the third pick in the midget draft. Gretzky would not disappoint by scoring a Greyhound record 182 points in his only season in the Soo. It would be the Soo where the legend of 99 was born. Upon arriving in the Soo, Wayne was distraught to find his coveted number nine, which belonged to his hockey hero, Gordie Howe, was taken by Brian Gulalazzi. After a few games wearing fourteen, Greyhounds coach Muzz MacPherson suggest that Gretzky just double the nines and the most legendary number in sports was born. 5. London Knights - Budweiser Gardens - 4.00 Dave Cottenie - The London Knights were founded in 1965 as the London Nationals in the OHA. Their colour scheme and logo mimicked the Toronto Maple Leafs and their blue and white. In 1968 the Nationals would be reborn as the London Knights. The Hunters purchased the Knights at the perfect time as the City of London agreed to build a downtown arena to replace the London Ice House. The John Labatt Centre opened in 2002 and helped usher in a new era in the OHL of new or renovated facilities and quickly became the gold standard in arenas in the league. Since the opening of what was later renamed the Budweiser Gardens, success at the turnstile and on the ice coincided and the Knights, who were also-rans, in the OHL for years enjoyed their best seasons ever. Going from a nightmare to a dream come true has been an amazing ride for the fans in London and there are no signs of slowing down. 6. Kingston Frontenacs - Leon’s Centre - 3.86 Dave Cottenie - Junior hockey in Kingston dates back to the forties with the Kingston Victorias, who were eventually renamed the Frontenacs, after Louis de Buade de Frontenac, Governor General of New France in the 1600s. The current franchise would join the OHA as the Kingston Canadians. They would be renamed the Kingston Raiders for one season before being sold. After the sale of the team, the return of the Frontenacs would usher in a new era for the team. Current owner Doug Springer would purchase the team in 1998. Although the Fronts have not enjoyed a ton of success on the ice, with only two East Division Championships to show for their efforts, the Frontenacs experience has improved significantly and remains a great option for sports fans. 7. Oshawa Generals - Tribute Communities Centre - 3.86 Dave Cottenie - One of the cornerstone franchises of the Ontario Hockey League is the Oshawa Generals. For many years, Oshawa, Ontario was the Canadian incarnation of the Motor City, with General Motors having a massive presence in the city, including the Canadian headquarters. The Generals moniker, therefore, has no link to the military, but to the car manufacturer. The current home of the Generals was also originally named the General Motors Centre. With a lineage that goes back to Oshawa’s favourite adopted son, Bobby Orr, the Generals are one of the most successful teams to ever take the ice in Ontario. The Generals hold the record for most J. Ross Robertson Cups as OHL Champions, with 13. The Generals also boast an impressive five Memorial Cups, which is also more than any other current Canadian Hockey League franchise. The Generals were founded in 1937 and were forced to take a hiatus in the fifties when their home arena burned down. The Gens resurfaced in 1962 and are currently owned by Rocco Tullio. 8. Niagara IceDogs - Meridian Centre - 3.86 Robbie Raskin - Niagara Region, to the south of Toronto, offers a huge number of delights for visitors; the iconic Niagara Falls, sun-splashed wineries, the historic charm of Niagara-on-the-Lake, beaches, fine dining, and just about everything else needed for the perfect holiday. But for locals, the crowds of Niagara Falls and high prices in Wine Country are not what brings together the nearly half-million-strong region, especially in the depths of winter. In the midst of all these tourist draws lies the locals’ favourite activity – the Niagara IceDogs. 9. Hamilton Bulldogs - FirstOntario Centre - 3.86 Robbie Raskin - The American Hockey League eventually opened up in Hamilton, first with Vancouver’s farm team, then Montreal’s. Finally, the Bulldogs, as they were known, won the 2007 Calder Cup. However, the carousel continued as the club moved to Laval, Quebec, to be closer to their NHL parents. Instead, the storied Belleville Bulls OHL team moved to Hamilton (itself replaced by Ottawa’s new AHL farm team, the Belleville Senators). And once again, a championship banner will rise at the Coliseum (now named FirstOntario Centre). The Bulldogs – as an OHL club – are the 2018 Ontario champions. They now compete for the Memorial Cup and a shot at national glory but as the famous black-and-yellow colours associated with the city have achieved newfound success, the hopes for some stability rise, and the dream for the eventual return of NHL hockey continues. ** The Hamilton Bulldogs will be relocating to Brantford, Ontario for the 2023-2024 season ** 10. Sudbury Wolves - Sudbury Community Arena - 3.71 Dave Cottenie - The Sudbury Community Arena is in the twilight of its Ontario Hockey League life, and fans need to take advantage of the opportunity to see this facility host the Sudbury Wolves while they still can. The expected opening of the Kingsway Entertainment District, which will provide a new event centre home for the Wolves, is not far off, in 2025. There is understandable excitement for the new arena by the locals, but it will be sad to see the Sudbury Arena close its doors to junior hockey for the last time. Simply put, the Sudbury Arena is an old-school hockey barn. 11. Windsor Spitfires - WFCU Centre - 3.71 Dave Cottenie - Upon their establishment in the OHA in 1975, the home for the Spitfires was the venerable Windsor Arena. It was truly a Canadian hockey barn if ever there was one. The Windsor Arena was beloved by fans and players alike, but far from an acceptable venue for OHL hockey based on current expectations. In 2008, the City of Windsor opened the Windsor Family Credit Union Centre, the new home for the Spitfires, securing their existence in the border city for seasons to come. Hosting the Memorial Cup would have been impossible at the Windsor Arena. Led by the ownership group of former NHL players Bob Boughner and Warren Rychel, along with their partners Stephen Savage, John Savage, and Brian Schwab, the Spitfires are experiencing an era of prosperity on and off the ice. 12. Erie Otters - Erie Insurance Arena - 3.71 Patricia Beninato - If you’re a hockey fan, an Erie Otters game is fun and relatively inexpensive, even if you throw in a hot dog, a beer, and a t-shirt. It’s kind of sad, though, that more fans don’t seem to take advantage of the surrounding neighborhood, preferring to get their food and drinks inside the arena and not wanting to hang around before or after games. Maybe it’s not a destination arena, but if you’re in the area and want to see future NHL stars up close and hang out with some loyal hockey fans, you can do worse than Erie Insurance Arena. 13. Peterborough Petes - Peterborough Memorial Centre - 3.71 Robbie Raskin - The small city of Peterborough sits at the southern entrance to Ontario’s vast ‘Cottage Country’ where farmland gives way to countless lakes and forests. Since 1956, it has been home to the maroon-and-white Petes, and the hockey club has been deeply tied to the city’s sense of identity ever since. The Petes’ alumni roll is a laundry list of great players and managers over the decades, including seven Hall of Famers. They’re the oldest continuously-operating team in the OHL and have won the league nine times and the national Memorial Cup championship once. Frustrating to their fans is that the only team with greater success is their hated rivals, the Oshawa Generals. 14. Sarnia Sting - Progressive Auto Sales Arena - 3.57 Dave Cottenie - The Sting has been a consistent team in the West Division for the majority of their duration in Sarnia. In 2015 the Ciccarellis sold their stake in the Sting to a pair of former NHL players, Derian Hatcher and David Legwand. Both now have active roles in the team, with Hatcher also acting as head coach. Despite their consistent success on the ice, the Sting are still looking for their first J. Ross Robertson Cup as OHL champions. Despite the lack of championships, the Sting have produced several 1st round draft picks for the NHL including Trevor Letowski, Nail Yakupov, Mike Van Ryn, Alex Galchenyuk, and their favorite son, Steven Stamkos. 15. North Bay Battalion - North Bay Memorial Gardens - 3.57 Dave Cottenie - In 2013 the Ontario Hockey League made a triumphant return to North Bay, Ontario. After the North Bay Centennials had their run from 1982 to 2002, they left for Saginaw, Michigan under a cloud of mistrust and bad feelings. The hockey light would shine again in the Gateway to the North after the local fans provided next-level support for the Nipissing Lakers, a newly formed university team. Brampton Battalion owner and Trivial Pursuit founder Scott Abbott would bring his OHL team from outside of Toronto north to the banks of Lake Nipissing in search of greater fan support. Moving the team to a military city like North Bay made the team name and moniker suddenly make a whole lot more sense. 16. Barrie Colts - Sadlon Arena - 3.43 Dave Cottenie - Sadlon Arena offers a solid junior hockey experience that is not uncommon in many other markets. From the exterior, Sadlon Arena has a bit of a barn-like appearance with a rounded, elongated roof, which can be seen from Highway 400. Oriented from west to east, the most eye-catching feature of the arena is the Horsepower Sports Bar, which offers a unique brick facade to the front of the building with awnings. 17. Owen Sound Attack - J.D. McArthur Arena @ Harry Lumley Bayshore Community Centre - 3.14 Dave Cottenie - On the banks of Georgian Bay sits the smallest market in the Ontario Hockey League. In 1989, the Guelph Platers, who had been in Guelph since 1968, made the move north to the Grey-Bruce area of Ontario. The Owen Sound Platers were to be sold to a businessman out of town which would require relocation. The “Super Six,” would come together to purchase the team and keep them in Owen Sound. Brian Johnson, Dr. Robert Severs, Fay Harshman, Frank Coulter, and Peter and Paul MacDermid, a group of local business owners, would keep that can-do attitude alive in Owen Sound and the Attack have remained viable and competitive in the Ontario Hockey League. The hard work culminated in the Attack’s 2011 J.Ross Robertson Cup as OHL Champions and a berth in the Memorial Cup. 18. Saginaw Spirit - Wendler Arena @ Dow Event Center - 3.00 Dave Cottenie - When owner Richard Garber brought the Centennials to Saginaw, it took them some time to get their feet under them as they did not make the playoffs their first three years in Michigan. Success for the Spirit would be challenging as they would boast one lowly division title in their 25 years in Saginaw. Garber would bring in additional ownership including Brandon Bordeaux, Jimmy Devellano, and former Red Wing, Chris Osgood. With a small city population of under 50,000, currently a poor team on the ice, and economic challenges in Central Michigan, the Spirit are having a bit of a rough go. That being said, there is still hope that Michigan’s hockey spirit can continue to thrive in the OHL. 19. Flint Firebirds - Dort Federal Credit Union Event Center - 2.86 Dave Cottenie - When Peter Karmanos sold the Plymouth Whalers of the Ontario Hockey League to the IMS Hockey Corporation and Rolf Nilsen there were several eyebrows raised. IMS also owns the local arena, which has negotiated a naming rights deal with Dort Federal Credit Union, and the newly crowned Firebirds would be an interesting tenant. There are more than enough doubters when it comes to the Firebirds viability in Flint, but IMS is chugging along and they want everyone to get behind and Believe in Flint. 20. Mississauga Steelheads - Paramount Fine Foods Centre - 2.71 Dave Cottenie - It was once the house that Don Cherry built. The bombastic, former centerpiece of the “Coach’s Corner” intermission segment of Hockey Night in Canada was bringing Junior Hockey to Mississauga and spearheading the opening of the Hershey Centre. A decade as the Steelheads has passed and hockey in Mississauga once again is at a tipping point. Owner Elliot Kerr has made public his frustrations with the lack of fan support and mused that maybe the Steelheads should be elsewhere. Home for the Steelheads is the now-renamed Paramount Fine Foods Centre. The arena is similar to other modern OHL facilities and offers plenty to be positive about. However, Junior Hockey in Mississauga is in trouble and the question as to the location of the Trout in five years is a mystery yet to be answered.

Photos by Paul Baker, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.71 Beirne Stadium 1150 Douglas Pike Smithfield, RI 02917 Bryant Lacrosse website Beirne Stadium website Year Opened: 1999 Capacity: 4,400 Bryant Bulldog Lax Beirne Stadium, formally known as The David M. ’85 and Terry Beirne Stadium, was dedicated in honor of the Bryant alumnus, longtime University Trustee and his wife, who are among the largest benefactors of the University. Originally built in 1999 as Bulldog Stadium to coincide with the debut of the school’s football team, the facility holds 4,400 fans and serves as home to the Bulldog football and lacrosse teams. Renovations to Beirne Stadium took place in 2018, which included the installation of permanent lighting (making this the first college stadium in Rhode Island with permanent lighting) and the same FieldTurf surface used by the New England Patriots at Gillette Stadium. Speaking of the Patriots, the team used this site for their training camp from 1976-2002. After competing for several seasons in the Northeast Conference, Bryant joined the America East Conference on July 1, 2022. Despite only existing since 2009, the Bulldogs have qualified for five NCAA tournaments, most recently in 2021. They may best be known for their 2014 tournament appearance, when they upset the number-2 ranked Syracuse Orangemen in the opening round. Food & Beverage 1 The concession stand, located on the south end of the main grandstand, is open during Bulldog lacrosse games. Operated by other Bryant sports teams as a fundraiser, only basic snacks are sold during games. Fans can pick up some chips, cookies or candy along with bottles of Coca-Cola products here. Fans are also able to bring in snacks to enjoy during the game. Atmosphere 3 Lacrosse games, more so than many other “minor” college sports, attract dedicated fans and promote a fun atmosphere. From the moment you enter the large parking lots at Bryant University and work your way through the many tailgating setups here, you’ll know you’re in for a good time. The party zone at field level in front of the Strength and Conditioning Center is a popular place from which to continue the festive atmosphere during the game. What lacrosse fans may lack in quantity, they more than make up for in quality. Many of the fans in attendance have a personal connection with players on the team, and are boisterous in their support of the Bulldogs. The metal floorboards at Beirne Stadium are most conducive to noisemaking, and many fans love to stomp their feet after a big play or to rile up the crowd. With the Bulldogs’ schedule consisting of many local teams, it’s not unusual to see a good turnout from visiting fans as well. There is a video board at the northeast corner of the stadium which is put to good use with replays, graphics and the occasional hype video. The sound system is excellent, with music and PA announcements augmenting the action on the field. Neighborhood 2 Bryant University is located in Smithfield, RI, about a twenty-minute drive from Providence. Although Smithfield is a very nice place to live, it’s certainly not a destination location, and there is not much to see or do near the Bryant campus. Dining options near Bryant University are few. Parente’s Restaurant is a favorite of students, as much for its location near campus as for its reasonably priced comfort food. J’s Deli serves up an impressive variety of submarine sandwiches and Blackie’s offers traditional neighborhood pub grub. Several national chain restaurants and shopping options are located about a 10-minute drive away on Route 44. Fans visiting from out of town should take the 20-minute drive to Providence, which has no shortage of top-notch restaurants. The same can be said for lodging options in Smithfield. There are a few decent options on Douglas Pike near campus, but visitors may be better served to check out Providence or Boston for places to stay or things to do. Twin Rivers Casino is in nearby Lincoln. If spending time in a casino is on your agenda, the twin resorts of Foxwoods and Mohegan Sun are located an hour away over the Connecticut state line. Fans 3 As mentioned earlier, lacrosse fans are a different breed, wholly dedicated to their teams and vocal in their support throughout the game. A lacrosse game is a fun place to be on a beautiful spring afternoon, and fans are welcoming to newbies and even opposing fans. Stadium Journey attended Beirne Stadium on a beautiful April Saturday afternoon with an announced crowd of about 500 in attendance. This appears to be a pretty typical lacrosse crowd at Bryant. The crowd mainly consists of family members and friends of players with a few members of the student body thrown in for good measure. Remember that the lacrosse season begins in February and goes until May. Crowds in this part of the country start off small and grow as the weather warms throughout the season. Access 4 Bryant University is located in suburban Smithfield, Rhode Island, 13 miles from Providence. The campus is most easily accessed by car. Visitors to Bryant will simply take exit 15B off Interstate 295. The campus is just over a mile away from the Interstate on Route 7. Beirne Stadium is located on the northern edge of the Bryant campus alongside the school’s other athletic facilities, including Conaty Park and Chace Athletic Center . For many years Bryant was primarily a commuter school, so there are ample parking lots around, including adjacent to the stadium. Fans using public transportation to arrive at Bryant will find a Rhode Island Public Transportation (RIPTA) bus station on the Bryant campus, offering service every 40 minutes to downtown Providence. T.F. Green Airport is 20 miles away, with Boston’s Logan Airport an hour’s drive away. Train service to the area is provided by Amtrak, which has its downtown Providence station 20 minutes away. Beirne Stadium consists of two sets of stands, a 3,200-seat structure on the home side, which houses the press box, locker rooms, and restrooms, and bleachers that can hold up to 1,200 on the visitor’s side. Most of the seats in the larger structure are metal bleachers, with three hundred individual bucket seats located in the center sections. There is a walkway along the front edge of the grandstand, so choose seats a row or two up from the bottom to avoid obstructions. For those fans requiring handicapped access, there is ample seating at the front of the grandstand, as well as some room fieldside to stand (or sit) and take in the game. Paved paths run around the exterior of the field. There are two restrooms underneath the stands that serve the facility. They are large enough to accommodate a typical Bryant lacrosse crowd. Return on Investment 5 Tickets to Bulldog lacrosse games are sold as general admission seating for $10. Discounts are available for youths and seniors. With free parking in the large lot adjacent to the stadium and inexpensive concessions, an afternoon at a Bulldog lacrosse game is a most affordable entertainment option for Rhode Island sports fans. Extras 1 An extra point is awarded for the Bulldog theme going on at Beirne Stadium. Twin bulldog statues guard both entrances to the facility. Throughout the game you are likely to bump into IronClad Tupper II, a live bulldog who can be seen roaming around Beirne Stadium all afternoon. Even if Tupper is not at the game, you’re sure to bump into several four-legged lacrosse fans during your visit. Even canines that don’t identify as bulldogs are welcome. Final Thoughts Beirne Stadium is an intimate, comfortable facility, which fits the needs of Bryant lacrosse perfectly. It’s a wonderful place to spend a beautiful Rhode Island spring afternoon enjoying some tailgating and sports action. Follow Paul Baker’s stadium journeys on Twitter and Instagram @PuckmanRI.

Photos by Richard Smith, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.57 Harford Stadium 401 Thomas Run Rd Bel Air, MD 21015 Harford Fighting Owls website Harford Stadium website Year Opened: 1968 Capacity: 1,000 The Fighting Owls of Bel Air Harford Community College is located in Bel Air, MD, roughly between Baltimore and the Delaware state line. They play in NJCAA Division I, the highest athletic level for 2-year colleges, and are a part of the Maryland Junior College Athletic Conference. The Harford Stadium is in the same Thomas Run Park area as the Harford Varsity Baseball Field. and the Harford Varsity Softball Field. The nearby APG Federal Credit Union Arena also opened in the last fifteen years. The stadium was built in 1968 and most recently updated with an artificial field turf surface in 2007. Harford has hosted various championship events at the stadium including the NJCAA District H Men’s & Women’s Soccer Championships, NJCAA Region XX Championships, and the Maryland High School Men’s and Women’s Soccer All-Star Games. In 2023 it was the host facility of the NJCAA Men's Lacrosse Championship and in 2024 it is hosting both the Men's and Women's  Lacrosse Championship. The Aberdeen Arsenal of the Atlantic League of Professional Baseball played the 2000 season at the baseball fields at Thomas Run Park. The Arsenal departed to make room for the Aberdeen IronBirds, the affiliate of the Baltimore Orioles owned by Cal Ripken, Jr. Food & Beverage 1 There technically is no food offered at the Harford Stadium but with the nearby Wawa convenience store a short walk down the paved path between fields, I count it as the field’s concession stand. The food offerings vary from hoagies, soup, quesadillas, and hot dogs. The prices are better than most concession stands. Atmosphere 2 There is not much to Harford Stadium. There is a simple old-style set of seats and that is pretty much it. There is some grass you could also sit on but we did not see anyone do that. There is not much else in terms of atmosphere as it is a JUCO-level lacrosse match game. The team does have a PA announcer who also plays some music. The field itself is a very well maintained field of play. Neighborhood 4 Harford Community College is suburban and has plenty of free parking. The area is safe and has many restaurants nearby. Naughty Dogs, like Wawa, is within walking distance and has a fun, cheap bar for pre and post-game refreshments, along with food such as pit beef. JD’s Smokehouse across the street provides another option for food and drinks and some pretty good barbecue. If you are in the mood for Mexican, La Tolteca is located just a brief distance away and is a consistently good food place. Travel into Bel Air and there are multiple chain and local options. Zen 16 Sushi Cafe and MaGerks Pub & Grill are some great options. A quick drive in the other direction is Aberdeen. Olive Tree is a local, better version of a well-known Italian chain, while Mamie’s Cafe With Love is an old-school Baltimore-style restaurant that offers free desserts with all meals. Super Chicken Rico is another choice with which you can’t go wrong. Fans 2 The attendees at most games are family members or other athletes. There may be a few residents who attend the games. The fans are knowledgeable and friendly to visitors. We did see some students which is surprising for a non-residential community college. Access 4 Harford is located just a few miles off of I-95, one of the largest highways in the northeast. But State Route 22 can be very crowded with commuters traveling between Aberdeen Proving Grounds (APG) and central Harford County. APG has become a large Army base after the last round of federal base realignment and closure activities. So leave some extra time getting to the campus. There is plenty of free parking. Towson University in Northeastern Maryland is an extension campus of the well-established state university that recently opened across from the Harford campus. Return on Investment 4 The match we attended was free for all to attend. There is a gate and they could charge if the game was big enough. Parking is free. Extras 1 The Harford Sports Complex also has two softball fields. a baseball field, as well as a convertible field that can hold softball and/or baseball games. If you get a chance to peek into the nearby APG Federal Credit Union Arena it is worth a visit as this is quite an impressive facility for a junior college. Final Thoughts The simple Harford Stadium does not necessarily impress, but it offers good sports action for the fans.

Photos by Richard Smith, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.57 Harford Stadium 401 Thomas Run Rd Bel Air, MD 21015 Harford Fighting Owls website Harford Stadium website Year Opened: 1968 Capacity: 1,000 The Fighting Owls of Bel Air Harford Community College is located in Bel Air, MD, roughly between Baltimore and the Delaware state line. They play in NJCAA Division I, the highest athletic level for 2-year colleges, and are a part of the Maryland Junior College Athletic Conference. The Harford Stadium is in the same Thomas Run Park area as the Harford Varsity Baseball Field. and the Harford Varsity Softball Field. The nearby APG Federal Credit Union Arena also opened in the last ten years. The stadium was built in 1968 and most recently updated with an artificial field turf surface in 2007. Harford has hosted various championship events at the stadium including the NJCAA District H Men’s & Women’s Soccer Championships, NJCAA Region XX Championships, and the Maryland High School Men’s and Women’s Soccer All-Star Games. In 2023 it will be the host facility of the NJCAA Men's Lacrosse Championship. The Aberdeen Arsenal of the Atlantic League of Professional Baseball played the 2000 season at the baseball fields at Thomas Run Park. The Arsenal departed to make room for the Aberdeen IronBirds, the affiliate of the Baltimore Orioles owned by Cal Ripken, Jr. Food & Beverage 1 There technically is no food offered at the Harford Stadium but with the nearby Wawa convenience store a short walk down the paved path between fields, I count it as the field’s concession stand. The food offerings vary from hoagies, soup, quesadillas, and hot dogs. And the prices are better than most concession stands. Atmosphere 2 There is not much to Harford Stadium. There is a simple old-style set of seats and that is pretty much it. There is some grass you could also sit on but we did not see anyone do that. There is not much else in terms of atmosphere as it is a JUCO-level lacrosse match game. The team does have a PA announcer who also plays some music. Neighborhood 4 Harford Community College is in a suburban location and has plenty of free parking. The area is safe and has many restaurants nearby. Naughty Dogs is within walking distance and has a fun, cheap bar for pre and post-game refreshments, along with food such as pit beef. JD’s Smokehouse located across the street provides another option for food and drinks and some pretty good barbecue. If you are in the mood for Mexican, La Tolteca is located just a brief distance away and is a consistently good food place. Travel into Bel Air and there are multiple chain and local options. Zen 16 Sushi Cafe and MaGerks Pub & Grill are some great options. A quick drive in the other direction is Aberdeen. Olive Tree is a better version of a well-known Italian chain, while Mamie’s Cafe with Love is an old-school Baltimore-style restaurant that offers free desserts with all meals. Super Chicken Rico is another choice with which you can’t go wrong. Fans 2 The attendees at most games are family members or other athletes. There may be a few residents who attend the games. The fans are knowledgeable and friendly to visitors. We did see some students which are surprising for a non-residential community college. Access 4 Harford is located just a few miles off of I-95, one of the largest highways in the northeast. But State Route 22 can be very crowded with commuters traveling between Aberdeen Proving Grounds (APG) and central Harford County. APG has become a very large Army base after the last round of federal base realignment and closure activities. So leave some extra time getting to the campus. There is plenty of free parking. Towson University in Northeastern Maryland is a brand new extension campus of the well-established state university that recently opened across from the Harford campus. Return on Investment 3 The match we attended was $5 for the general public and free for students and staff. While parking is free, it seems that even the small amount of $5 is more than it needs to be. There is little reason to charge other than get some work experience for the students working the gate. The low cost of concessions at nearby Wawa does help in making it more reasonable. Extras 2 The Harford Sports Complex also has two softball fields. a baseball field, as well as a convertible field that can hold softball and/or baseball games. If you get a chance to peek into the nearby APG Federal Credit Union Arena it is worth a visit as this is quite an impressive facility for a junior college. Final Thoughts The simple Harford Stadium does not necessarily impress, but it offers good sports action for the fans.

Photos by Aaron S. Terry, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.57 Findlay Toyota Center 3201 Main St Prescott Valley, AZ 86314 Northern Arizona Wranglers website Findlay Toyota Center website Year Opened: 2006 Capacity: 6,200 Turnaround City The Northern Arizona Wranglers started playing indoor football just three seasons ago, the third indoor football franchise to play in Prescott Valley, Arizona. The Indoor Football League (IFL) Wranglers won just 1 game during the 2021 campaign, but amazingly, came back the following season to win 12 games, and then went on to win the 2022 IFL National Championship, stealing a 47-45 victory over Quad City. The Wranglers home arena is Findlay Toyota Center, a multipurpose 6,200-seat venue that was previously home to hockey and NBA G League basketball, as well as hosting the two prior indoor football teams in the city. Despite its small size, the venue offers some pretty solid amenities for indoor football. Food & Beverage 5 Findlay Toyota Center has a wide range of food and beverage options, and perhaps more important, offers most of them at very reasonable prices. Fans can choose from burgers, chicken tenders, pulled pork sandwiches, hot dogs, corn dogs, pizza, fries, popcorn, pretzels, nachos, nuts (chocolate-covered, cinnamon-covered, or salted), Dippin’ Dots ice cream, kettle corn, cotton candy, funnel cake, churros, shaved ice, and packaged candy, with some items starting as low as $4. Drink selections are just as varied, including coffee, cappuccino, hot cocoa, fresh-squeezed lemonade, Gatorade, energy drinks, bottled water, Pepsi products, and a range of alcoholic beverages from beer to hard seltzer to mixed drinks. Fans should plan to wander around the small concourse to check out all the options. Atmosphere 3 The Northern Arizona Wranglers have a great PA announcer, a cool mascot, and an amazing dance team to keep fans entertained and engaged throughout the game. There is also a team store on site if you want to pick up any Wranglers gear, and plenty of fans tailgating in the parking lot before games. The facility itself, however, is a bit lacking in some of the amenities you may be expecting based on visits to other professional venues – for example, the videoboards are quite small, and it can be hard to keep track of down and distance based on the static scoreboards as well. There aren’t any on-field games like you may see at other arenas, and the facility does not offer free Wi-Fi, which is odd for an arena that boasts mainly mobile ticketing. On the plus size, all the seats have chairbacks, and there are several “deluxe” seating options, such as the floor-level club seating and the Bucky’s Casino suite level. Fans are also invited out to an after-party/coach’s show with the team at Buffalo Wild Wings following the game. Neighborhood 3 Prescott Valley is in a small town about an hour north of Phoenix, but there is plenty of shopping right across the street from Findlay Toyota Center, and plenty of restaurants in the area, both fast food and otherwise. The town of Dewey-Humboldt, sort of a tourist destination thanks to the old west deco buildings along its tiny main street (even the Subway restaurant), is about 10-15 minutes south of Prescott Valley along Highway 69, and the Agua Fria National Monument (Native American petroglyphs and local wildlife) is not much further. Fans 3 The Northern Arizona Wranglers have a really solid fan base, who are loud enough and engaged in the game, but there are just not that many of them in the stands, likely due to the small city they are pulling from. For such a small venue the empty seats are a bit noticeable. Access 4 As long as you don’t mind the drive from Phoenix through the lonely desert, access to Findlay Toyota Center is remarkably easy – there is free parking right outside the stadium, and there is plenty of room in the concourse to move around, little to no lines at the concession stands and team store, and more than enough bathrooms. The only negative is that the facility does not offer Wi-Fi, even though you are directed to purchase mobile tickets when you go to the Wranglers website; fortunately, if you go to the ticket office they can print your ticket out for you if you are unable to pull it up on your phone. Return on Investment 4 Tickets to Wranglers football start at around $35 including ticketing fees, which is a great deal for this level of sporting event – add in the free parking and low-cost concessions, and you have a wonderful return on investment, better than a lot of similar venues. Extras 3 The biggest plus is that the team did win a National Championship last year, so you are likely going to see a good product on the field. The staff also does have some promotions and special events at certain games, for example at the last game I attended the flag bearers during the National Anthem were all decked out in Revolutionary War-era apparel. Final Thoughts While it may not have the over-the-top feel some sports fans may crave, a visit to a Northern Arizona Wranglers indoor football game at Findlay Toyota Center is a pleasant experience that won’t break the bank. With its proximity to Phoenix, you can also likely pair a game with some other sports down south (Arizona has 2 other IFL teams in the state, for example, as well as the Phoenix Suns and the Arizona Diamondbacks ), if you want to make a weekend of it. I recommend seeing an indoor football game if you have never seen one, and Findlay Toyota Center would be a great place to start.

Photos by Paul Baker, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.86 Bob Ford Field at Tom and Mary Casey Stadium 1400 Washington Ave. Albany, NY 12222 Albany Great Danes Lacrosse website Bob Ford Field at Casey Stadium website Year Opened: 2013 Capacity: 6,394 Great Dane Lacrosse The University of Albany first sponsored a lacrosse team in 1970. The Great Danes began to play in Division III, where they qualified for three NCAA tournaments before moving up to Division II for the 1995 season. The highlight of their six seasons of competition in Division II was finishing as national runners-up in 1997. UAlbany moved up to Division I for the 2000 season. Since moving to the sport’s top division, they have experienced a great deal of success, qualifying for ten NCAA Tournaments and reaching the Final Four in 2018. Among the Great Dane’s lacrosse alumni is Lyle Thompson, who is considered one of the sport’s all-time greatest players. Thompson won the Tewaaraton Trophy, given to college lacrosse’s player of the year, in 2014 and 2015. He is the only player to win the award twice. His brother, Miles, shared the award with Lyle in 2014. The Great Danes lacrosse team traditionally played at John Fallon Field, located just to the north of Casey Stadium. As the lacrosse program grew in popularity over the years, the 2,500-seat venue became too small for the team’s needs. In 2015 the Danes played their first game at Casey Stadium and continue to play there today. Bob Ford Field at Tom and Mary Casey Stadium is named for the longtime football coach at UAlbany. Ford also served as the men’s lacrosse coach from 1971-1973 and as the school’s Athletic Director from 1978-1982. Ford retired after the 2013 football season, coaching for one year in a stadium named for him. The facility was given its current full name after Tom and Mary Casey donated $10 million to the school in 2015. Food & Beverage 2 There is one concession stand open during the Great Dane lacrosse games. A basic menu is offered here featuring hot dogs, pretzels, popcorn, chips, and assorted snacks. It’s not the most diverse menu around, but it will do the job if you need a snack during the game. Pepsi products are featured at Casey Stadium. No alcohol is permitted inside the venue during lacrosse games. Atmosphere 4 Lacrosse games generally feature a fun, party atmosphere. As you approach Casey Stadium you’ll notice the tailgate setups in the season ticket holder lot. Fans will get here pretty early to prepare themselves for the game. The tailgates are not as numerous as they are on football Saturdays, but that doesn’t diminish the atmosphere here. Lacrosse fans in general are a bit louder and more enthusiastic than many of their counterparts. It’s no different at UAlbany. The many family members in attendance seem to make their presence known. With a good turnout by the student body, the stands at Casey Stadium are filled with noise and activity. There’s a video board in the south end zone that is put to good use with game stats, videos, and graphics. The sound system is excellent, with music playing during all stoppages. The PA announcer does a great job of injecting some energy into the proceedings. Shooting contests for younger fans in attendance and t-shirt tosses add to the fun atmosphere. Neighborhood 3 Casey Stadium is located on the southern edge of the University of Albany campus near the school’s other athletic facilities, including Varsity Field and SEFCU Arena . The University of Albany is located in northwest Albany, out near the airport. Downtown Albany and the state capital are located about a 15-minute drive away. The area around campus, particularly along Route 20 (Western Ave.), features a great many dining options in the vicinity of the University. A complete listing of dining options can be found here . You’ll find many options for lodging on the north side of campus near Interstate 90. You can find a listing of all local hotels here . Fans 4 Lacrosse fans just seem to be a different breed. When compared to fans at a school’s other sports, lax fans appear to be just a little louder, a little more involved, and a little more connected to the team than other fans. At UAlbany, Great Dane lax fans fit this description to a “T.” The lower-level stands are abuzz with enthusiasm and noise throughout the game, particularly when the Great Danes are playing well. Albany draws between 1,000 and 1,500 fans per game at Casey Stadium. There’s a good turnout here from the student body and the requisite amount of family members in the stands. Remember that the lacrosse season runs from February through May. Crowds increase in number as the weather warms throughout the season. Even with larger crowds in attendance, there’s plenty of room to spread out at Casey Stadium. Access 4 The University of Albany is located in the northwestern part of New York’s capital city, right by the intersection of Interstates 90 and 87. The downtown area is about a 15-minute ride from campus. The Albany airport is just a 10-minute ride to the north. Casey Stadium is situated on the southern edge of the sprawling campus, near the school’s other athletic facilities. Entering campus via Route 20 (Western Ave.) gives visitors the easiest access to Varsity Field. There is a small parking lot adjacent to the stadium which is reserved for season ticket holders. Other visiting fans will be forced to park in the more distant Dutch lots, located about a half mile from the stadium. Fans will also be forced to pay a premium for the privilege. The area around the athletic facilities is well-manicured with wide sidewalks for easy access. Casey Stadium consists of a single large grandstand on the west side of the field, with a berm on the north end of the facility. Bleachers on the east side of the field are not utilized for lacrosse games. A narrow concourse runs along the top of the lower deck. Center sections of the lower deck contain individual stadium seats, while the remainder of the seating consists of metal bleachers without backs on both levels. Views of the field are excellent from all seating areas. The restrooms are clean and large enough for a typical Great Dane crowd. Lines are not an issue here or at the single open concession stand. There’s even a small souvenir stand on the main concourse. Return on Investment 2 Tickets for Great Dane lacrosse games start at $30 for chairback seats in the central grandstand sections, with lower-level bleacher seats priced at $25 and upper-level bleacher seats priced at $20. Children’s tickets are discounted at $10. Add on a two-dollar handling charge, and tickets to a UAlbany lax game are not cheap! Likewise, you’re going to pay to park at UAlbany. Parking in the preferred lot adjacent to the stadium will cost you $20 if you can even get in. Generally, these spots are reserved for season ticket holders, with a few spots available on a game-to-game basis. Parking in the Dutch lots, about a half-mile walk from the stadium, will still cost you $15. Fans looking for free parking can park on the far side of Varsity Field in the lot behind the Management Services Center. It’s a good walk to get here. Judging by the number of cars here, it’s not an option chosen by many fans. Concession prices are not outrageous for a sports venue but overall, you will spend a bit more money at a UAlbany lacrosse game than you might expect. Extras 1 Digital programs are available for all fans in attendance. There’s a small pro shop on the concourse which sells Great Dane gear. Flags of all the America East Conference teams fly atop the east side bleachers. Final Thoughts During their time in Division One, the Albany Great Danes have been a constant presence in the postseason. At Casey Stadium, the team enjoys a modern, comfortable home at which fans can enjoy some quality lacrosse. ---- Follow Paul Baker’s stadium journeys on Twitter and Instagram @PuckmanRI.

Photos by Lloyd Brown, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.00 Tropicana Field 1 Tropicana Dr St. Petersburg, FL 33705 Tampa Bay Rays website Tropicana Field website Year Opened: 1990 Capacity: 31,042 Swinging with the Rays The Tampa Bay Rays and Tropicana Field are often seen as one of the less popular outposts in the MLB. We feel like it is best not to judge a book by its cover, however. The stadium exterior is not inviting at all, as it is a concrete shell with little or no ornamentation. To some extent, this is to protect the stadium from the hurricanes that the region experiences frequently. Unfortunately, it was built before the technology was available to have a retractable roof. It is the only stadium in the MLB with a fixed roof, The team is looked at as one of the teams with the lowest payrolls in the league. This is true, but the Rays also have one of the most competitive teams in the Eastern Division of the American League. They typically earn a wild card spot in the playoffs regularly. Once inside the ballpark, we find that the Tampa Rays staff does everything possible to ensure that you have an enjoyable experience at the game. The park does have a better-than-average concessions program, and there are some unique activities available over and above the game itself to keep you and your family entertained. You also need to remember that there are no seats where you must deal with the sun in your eyes or where you must deal with the hot and humid weather Tampa experiences in the summer. Food & Beverage 4 Tropicana Field offers a better-than-average food and beverage program. Some concession stands are set up on the concourses, while others are set up in food halls off of the concourse. of the stadium. The first and third base food halls will mirror the same food items, so you will be able to find your favorite food close by. Bird and Batter feature a menu filled with chicken delicacies, including chicken sandwiches and tenders. Pacific Counter offers an exotic menu that includes sushi bowls, seaweed salads, and spam musubi. Tampa is also known for its Cuban sandwiches, which are found at the Cubanos stand in section 121. The Budweiser Porch in center field is home to even more concessions including RumFish, which offers mahi mahi fish tacos and firecracker shrimp. If you prefer sit-down dining, two restaurants in Tropicana Field will allow you in hours before the gates open. The Outfielder Bar and Grill and Baseball and Rec offer great food and allow you to beat the crowds by parking early at the stadium. You still would need to wait 90 minutes before the first pitch to get to your seats in the ballpark. The widest selection of beers in Tropicana Field can be found at the Craft Beer Corner at Section 136 or the Coppertail Brewery at Sections 113 and 122. Note: Tropicana Field is one of the few MLB ballparks that allows you to bring in food or water. Food must be an individual serving, wrapped, bagged, or contained in a soft-sided container that meets bag requirements. Bottled water must still be sealed and be less than one liter. If you have children with you, you can bring in one sealed juice container per child. Atmosphere 2 Once you’ve entered the seating bowl, it may take you a few minutes to get used to the interior of Tropicana Field. The roof is very high, but below it are several suspension wires and steel girder walkways. It is important to know that these areas are considered “in play”, so a ball that bounces off of one of these areas can be caught for an out or can result in an inside-of-the-park home run if the team in the field is delayed long enough in playing the active ball. The concourses at Tropicana Field are narrow and not open to the field. They can get very congested both before a game and during breaks in the action. Another awkward feature of Tropicana Field is the concourse, which goes 360 degrees around the stadium but requires you to go down a flight of stairs once you reach the outfield as the concourse drops one floor below the rest of the walkway. One thing you need to be aware of when finding your seats at Tropicana Field is the numbering system for the sections inside of the ballpark. The sections do not run consecutively. Even-numbered sections are to the east of home plate, and odd-numbered sections run to the west of home plate. This was very confusing for a first-time visitor. The Rays seldom open the upper-level seating area in the Tropicana Dome due to low attendance at games. While this means that all available seats are close to the action, it detracts from the atmosphere at the games. Neighborhood 3 There are several things to do before and after a Rays game. The Salvador Dali Museum offers a look at the work of the eccentric artist and his fascinating creations. A second attraction located close to Tropicana Field is the Florida Aquarium. It allows you to meet more of the Rays family and many other sea creatures. You won’t have to go far to find food and drink after a Rays game. The Green Bench Brewing Company is right next door. The Central Avenue District is also nearby and is home to many bars, breweries, and restaurants. Fans 2 It is no secret that Tropicana Field and the Rays are having a difficult time filling the seats, despite having a very competitive team. The published capacity of the stadium is 42,735, but that includes the 300 level of the stadium, which is usually covered by a tarp and is unoccupied for all but a few games or when the Rays are in the playoffs. The capacity then drops to 25,000, making Tropicana Field the smallest stadium in the MLB by capacity. Many people point to the location and design of the stadium as reasons for the lack of support. The stadium is more than 20 miles from the city limits of Tampa, and drivers have only one route they can take to the stadium due to Tampa Bay. A second issue has to do with the allegiances of the fans in the Tampa area. A large segment of the baseball fans in the Tampa/St. Pete area is retirees who moved to the area and bring their allegiance to the teams located where they lived for most of their lives. Other fans have allegiances to teams based in their area during spring training. Tampa is home to the Yankee's spring training, and when the team comes to Tampa in the regular season, it often results in more Yankees fans in the building than Rays fans. The Red Sox are based in nearby Ft. Myers, and they also bring a large fan base to outnumber the locals when they play at Tropicana Field. Finally, the Rays face a great deal of competition in drawing fans to games. They must compete with both the Buccaneers and the Lightning for the local sports dollar. Both of those teams have won multiple championships in their sport/ played in their sport’s championship games. Access 3 A little geography lesson is necessary when trying to get to a Rays game. Despite the team name, Tropicana Field is located in downtown St. Petersburg rather than downtown Tampa. Traffic can be a bear getting around Tampa Bay in the evenings, so allow plenty of travel time to the stadium. Once you get to Tropicana, we find the parking situation to be very easy. The lots have plenty of space for the typical attendance at Rays games. Others find the best way to get to and from the stadium is by using one of the rideshare services. Drivers are widely available in the area, so the wait for a ride is usually very short. Another option for visiting fans in the St. Petersburg area is to check and see if your St. Pete hotel offers a shuttle to and from the games, as many hotels/motels do offer this service. Often the hotel will have tickets available for games as a service for their guests. The second option is to take public transit to a game. The PTSA bus system that serves St. Petersburg has a Route 15 bus that does have a stop at Tropicana Field. The parking lots at Tropicana Field open four hours before the first pitch. Tailgating is permitted and even encouraged. No charcoal grills are allowed. No access to the interior of the ballpark is allowed 90 minutes before the first pitch. At that point, you may enter the ballpark through any of the venue’s six main gates. We have already addressed the issues with the crowded and narrow concourses once you are inside the Tropicana Dome in the Atmosphere section of this review. Return on Investment 3 Let’s start with the best news. Tickets to Rays games are amongst the cheapest in MLB. The average ticket price for the Rays is $26. This places it as the second lowest ticket price in the MLB after Oakland. You’ll also find that there are good views of the action from almost anywhere in the ballpark. The furthest seats from the field are at the 300 level, which is not even open unless the lower levels are sold out. You do need to know that some games are “premium priced” and have more expensive tickets. These would include games against their division foes… the Boston Red Sox and the New York Yankees. (The Yankees spring training facility is in Tampa, and they have many local fans as a result). Parking at Tropicana Field is $15. The concessions program offers a wide menu of items at reasonable prices. Extras 4 Tropicana Field offers a unique experience while you are at the game at no extra charge. The Ray Touch Tank is near section 150 in right-center field. The 10,000-gallon water tank features several cownose rays. You may safely touch them, as their barbs have been removed. Unfortunately, the Ted Williams Hitter’s Hall of Fame formerly at Tropicana Field has closed permanently. Rays Tuch Tank at Tropicana Field, Photo by Lloyd Brown, Stadium Journey Another activity at Tropicana Field that is kid friendly is a visit to Raymond’s Tree House in right field. Raymond is the team mascot who is very friendly. He is a blue furry creature (the team says he is a “sea dog”…we’ll take their word on that) His tree house is a playground that offers several games and other activities. Make sure to visit the Tree House during the fifth inning, as Raymond will personally greet you and he will pose for a picture with your child. Adults might want to sneak over to the nearby photo booth, where you can pose for your baseball trading card! Hurricane Ian did major damage to the Rays spring training stadium and facilities in Port Charlotte, Florida. This forced Tropicana Stadium into emergency use as the site for the Rays entire home schedule of Grapefruit League games. If the Rays game does not completely satisfy your baseball itch, consider attending one of the nearby Florida State League games nearby. The stadiums in Dunedin, St. Petersburg, Tampa, and Ft. Myers are all close to Tropicana Field. In the spring these stadiums serve as the spring training home of the Blue Jays, Phillies, Yankees, Twins, and Red Sox. Once the regular season begins, these stadiums are turned over to their minor league affiliates. It is a great way to see the stars of tomorrow. Final Thoughts It is no secret that the home of the Rays is seen as the ugly duckling of MLB stadiums. Its’ exterior has no appeal and its support system of wires and beams have resulted in a set of ground rules to cover plays where the ball has hit a beam or support wire. On the other hand, the Rays are a very talented team and frequently go to the playoffs. The members of the Rays gameday staff in the stands are also cited by many visitors to the Bay area as being extremely helpful and going out of their way to ensure that fans have a good time at Tropicana Field. Here’s hoping that the Rays can finally negotiate a deal for a new stadium located on the Tampa side of the Bay, as the team’s lease with Tropicana Field expires in 2028.

Lacrosse is the fastest game on two feet and once again the National Lacrosse League is taking up residence in Albany. Can Dave convince Paul that box lax is as great as the outdoor game? Grab a beer and join Paul and Dave for the FIRST lacrosse episode of Stadium Journey's Obstructed Views. 🥍🥍 You can find Stadium Journey's review of MVP Arena and the Albany FireWolves gameday atmosphere here.

Photos by Aaron S. Terry, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.29 Dollar Loan Center 200 S Green Valley Pkwy Henderson, NV 89012 Vegas Knight Hawks website Dollar Loan Center website Year Opened: 2022 Capacity: 5,567 Sin City Indoors The Vegas Knight Hawks started playing indoor football at Dollar Loan Center in 2022; the team is owned by Bill Foley, owner of the NHL’s Vegas Golden Knights (hence the team name). The Knight Hawks currently compete in the Indoor Football League (IFL), which was founded in 2008. The atmosphere inside Dollar Loan Center certainly feels like fabulous Las Vegas – spotlights and strobe lights in different colors are constantly flashing and roving the stands, there is tons of loud, boisterous music, and the crowd, despite the arena not being very full, adds significantly to the noise level. Food & Beverage 4 There are plenty of food options inside Dollar Loan Center, including a full-size restaurant and bar called Craggy Range. There are also several smaller bar areas and several Marketplace concession stands, each with different food options, but all including a wall of refrigerated drinks of all types, including lots of beer and soda choices. Rosati’s Marketplace, for example, offers up an Italian theme with beef sandwiches, calzones, pizza, and even cannolis, while other Marketplace stands offer Shack Bites chicken, pulled pork, mac ‘n cheese, loaded baked potatoes, burgers, chicken sandwiches, hot dogs, and even eggplant burgers. Each Marketplace stands also offers up a sweet treat of some kind - Rosati’s has cannolis, while other stands offer beignets or funnel cake, and you can also get cotton candy or packaged candy. Note that the food at all these Marketplace stands is served as grab-and-go using hot plates, so I was a little skeptical that it might be stale, but they seem to replenish constantly, and the food was quite fresh, hot, and good (I recommend the Italian beef or the Shack Bites). The only drawback is that all the concession prices at Dollar Loan Center are on the high side (think $15 for a main dish), as you might expect from a pro sports arena nowadays. Atmosphere 5 As mentioned, the atmosphere here is electric – the stands aren’t full by any means, but the fans are loud; based on the noise level alone you wouldn’t be able to tell the arena is half full. There is also a great dance team, a great mascot, and a great P. A. announcer constantly asking the fans to “Caw Caw”. I already mentioned the spotlights and strobe lights, and when the team comes onto the field additional pyrotechnics and smoke are accompanying them through the tunnel. The arena itself is also amazing – not surprising given its location; besides all the bar areas and standing rails (places to eat your food or drink your beer so you don’t have to bump elbows trying to eat in your seat), there are TVs throughout the concourse, so you don’t have to miss any of the action while going to get something to eat. All the seats have chairbacks, and the scoreboard above the field is massive, making it easy to see replays, and there are even “Knight” elements like castle towers sporting Knight Hawks flags on the upper level. Neighborhood 5 What can I say about Las Vegas, other than it is fabulous? Dollar Loan Center is in Henderson, so is about 15-20 minutes (maybe half an hour with traffic) from all the glitz on the strip, but still close enough if you want to make a weekend of it – and why would you not? Henderson is better positioned, however, for one of the other major attractions in Nevada, that is Hoover Dam (probably 10-15 minutes on the east side of Henderson, on the NV-AZ border). Hoover Dam offers half-hour or hour-long tours where you can go inside the dam, and there are also multiple overlooks if you want to view it or take photos. Fans 3 I struggled with this rating a bit – Dollar Loan Center is not even half full during Vegas Knight Hawks games, but the fans are so loud it would be hard to tell that if your eyes were closed. The fans who are there are engaged and seem to be enjoying themselves. Part of the reason for the low turnout is likely the subpar 6-10 record the Knight Hawks earned last season, so I expect with more success on the field, you will see the turnout climb much higher. Access 4 There is a little bit of traffic getting to Dollar Loan Center, due to the fact the arena is right across the street from a shopping center, and there aren’t any roads that connect them, causing congestion. In addition, there are several stoplights nearby you have to navigate through, which are not timed well, making it hard to get all the way across in one go. Note that you should be careful with your GPS – the individual payday loan facilities (managed by the venue’s sponsor and namesake) all around town are also called Dollar Loan Center, so make sure you are looking at the arena itself, on Green Valley Parkway. Parking on-site costs $15, which is reasonable, and you can park very close to the building even if you arrive at the last minute. Then, once you physically enter Dollar Loan Center, access becomes as easy as pie–wide concourses, plenty of room to move around, short lines to get into the building and at the concessions (due to the grab-and-go set up), plenty of bathrooms, and the ability to pretty much sit wherever you want. The best place to sit, of course, for arena football is in the first or second row behind the end zone, so you can catch a football if it leaves the field of play (in arena football fans are usually allowed to keep these loose balls). Return on Investment 5 Tickets to Knight Hawks football start at around $35 including ticketing fees, which is a great deal for pro sports, and the parking cost is reasonable. The only potential downside is the high cost of concessions, but the amazing atmosphere easily makes up for it. Extras 4 There isn’t much in the way of a halftime show, but the dance team and other staff are constantly tossing things to the crowd, including t-shirts and mini footballs (and even cold hard cash during one specific promotion). You can also get autographs from the players and dance team following the game, and there are tons of tables set up in the concourse where fans can get freebies of all sorts, including hand sanitizer, candy, pens, mini footballs, and the like. There is also a full-size team store inside Dollar Loan Center, as well as a couple of smaller team gear, stands. Final Thoughts Visiting Dollar Loan Center for a Vegas Knight Hawks game is worth it – the atmosphere inside the arena is superb, there are food options to meet any need, and getting around the arena is not a chore – you are guaranteed to have a blast, not to mention you are in Vegas, baby! This is the perfect opportunity for that Vegas getaway you’ve been wanting, and if you have never seen indoor football before, this is the perfect way to start.

Photos by David Welch, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.29 Robert and Mariam Hayes Stadium 8711 Phillips Rd Charlotte, NC 28223 Charlotte 49ers website Robert and Marian Hayes Stadium website Year Opened: 2007 Capacity: 3,000 Robert & Mariam Hayes Stadium: University of North Carolina–Charlotte 49ers Baseball came to the campus of the University of North Carolina-Charlotte in 1984 after playing their first five seasons downtown, away from their northeast Charlotte campus location. The original field was dedicated in 1988 as the wonderfully alliterative, Phillips Field, following a donation from local businessman Tom Phillips, who would pay for lights to be installed at the Niners’ home diamond. The field would receive a major facelift in 2006 through a nearly $6 million gift from North Carolina philanthropist Mariam Cannon Hayes; those renovations transformed the baseball facilities at Charlotte into the gem it is today. Food & Beverage 5 Hayes Stadium has two concession stands built into the lower level of the grandstand – their menus are slightly different, so make sure to check both before deciding on a meal. There are many typical concession items, such as hot dogs, burgers, fries, and chicken fingers. The availability of chili on the menu, though, takes some of the drab usual concession suspects and puts a whole new face on them. And one side of the concession stand also offers items from the popular regional southern restaurant Bojangles. Beverage choices include Coke products, PowerAde, and bottled water. The stadium also offers seltzers, wine, domestic beers, and craft beers from local Cabarrus Brewing Company. There are also the Charlotte 49ers branded Gold Rush Lager and Axe to Grind IPA. Overall, Charlotte takes traditional concessions and brings them to another level – it’s not just hot dogs, it’s chili dogs; it’s not just burgers, it’s jalapeno bacon cheeseburgers; it’s not just grilled chicken, it’s grilled chicken with Swiss or a Philly version of chicken with peppers and provolone. The Niners knock it out of the park with their concession offerings. Atmosphere 4 Hayes Stadium is a beautiful brick structure that sits down at the bottom of a small hill from neighboring Jerry Richardson Stadium . A statue of a baseball player in the upper entry plaza welcomes fans as they make their way under the canopy of trees, down multiple levels of brick stairs to the front of the stadium. Upon entering the main gates fans are greeted by a spectacular view of the university’s surrounding athletic facilities and heart of Charlotte’s campus. After admiring the backdrop, the combination synthetic infield with natural grass outfield really pops out as being unique; the green infield with yellow-toned grass outfield really complements the school’s green and gold color scheme well. The grandstand sits above field level and is made up of two sections of seats – the lower level consists of six rows of individual seat backs that run dugout to dugout, while the upper level is made up of aluminum benches with back supports. There is no covered seating in the stadium, however, so there is little escape from the elements be they sun or rain. Some fans looking for shade find themselves in the entry ways which run below the press box, creating a covered area. The seating bowl faces southeast, so the stadium itself can provide natural shade for games later in the day. With Phillips Drive running just beyond the right-field fence, it plays a bit short at 315’. The fence bows out a bit to accommodate the Niners bullpen, and probably shortens the wall to closer to 310’, before stretching out to 370’ in the right-center field power alley. Center field plays a touch short at 395’, while the left-center fence matches its partner at 370’, and the wall then wraps around to a more standard 335’ in left. For most of the game, the field's action is kept as the sole focus of entertainment. There are occasional drops of sound effects, but not to the point where every foul ball is accompanied by a slide whistle or the sound of breaking glass. A rather ominous tone is played when the pitcher gets two strikes on a batter, in anticipation of an impending strikeout. Neighborhood 4 Hayes Stadium is nestled in the heart of UNC-Charlotte’s athletic facilities. The university calls the stadium “a crown jewel on the camps”, which plays well off the city’s moniker “The Queen City.” The stadium is a bit of a transitional location between the school’s athletic facilities and the academic, administrative, and residential buildings on campus. The Charlotte campus is distanced from the hustle and bustle of downtown Charlotte, but that does not equate to a lack of entertainment and recreational options. The UNCC campus is on the city’s light rail line, so accessing Truist Field , home of the AAA Charlotte Knights, is just a short walk from the Convention Center stop. Also, Charlotte Motor Speedway is less than 5 miles north on Concord Highway, and has NHRA and NASCAR events in April and May. The area around campus is made up of several office buildings, regional chain restaurants, stores, a mall, and hotels. Even though there is not the feel of being in the heart of Charlotte, there are still plenty of options when it comes to filling time before or after a game. Fans 4 Games at Hayes Stadium are typically close to one-third of the stadium’s full capacity of 3,000. Fans tend to fill the lower-level seating area, and some can be rather boisterous in their support of the 49ers, or maybe even their opposition to the visiting team. The crowd appears to be a mix of alumni and parents of players, with a smattering of students spread out around the seating area. Fans remain actively engaged in both their support for the home team and in their heckling of the visitors. Overall, the 49ers fans recognize and show appreciation for good baseball, and do not typically take the natural chatter of college baseball too far. Access 5 The UNCC campus is a touch over 2 miles off I-85 which runs through Charlotte. Charlotte's Lynx light rail system has multiple stops at the Charlotte campus, which makes getting from downtown rather easy. There are two stops for UNCC’s campus, both about the same distance to Hayes Stadium. For fans driving to the facility there is a limited amount of parking available at Jerry Richardson Stadium . Free parking is also available at the CRI parking deck – make sure to bring your ticket with you and listen for an announcement regarding validating your parking. Even though parking directly at the field can be a bit challenging, Charlotte does everything it can to make getting to the field as easy as possible. There is one entry point into the stadium which fans pass through to a wide-open walkway between the levels of seating. The wide walkways help to eliminate chokepoints that can make it difficult for fans to navigate the stadium. Return on Investment 4 With field level seats running $10 and bleacher seats just $5, prices are very reasonable. When you consider free parking and relatively inexpensive concession prices, fans are definitely getting their money’s worth when attending a 49ers game. Extras 4 The 49ers have retired five numbers in program history: Bo Robinson (4), Joey Anderson (5), Brian Shifflett (7), Tim Collie (15), and Adam Mills (31). Those retired jerseys are recognized down the third base line. The baseball promotional staff has organized promotions for all their weekend games, along with several gate giveaways. Friday games are Friday Flight Nights featuring beer and hot dog ticket packages, followed by Saturday Bingo Nights and Sunday Family Fun Days with family friendly ticket packages and kids being able to run the bases after the game. The right centerfield wall proudly displays the program’s conference successes and NCAA tournament appearances. While Robert and Mariam Hayes Stadium is already an impressive facility, as part of Charlotte’s EverGreen Master Plan there are plans to improve it even further. Seated is planned to be extend down both lines, a shade canopy would be added around the top of the seating bowl, and a standing room only pavilion would be added, with many other improvements for the staff and players. Final Thoughts At initial thought, many might not give baseball at Charlotte much attention, but it definitely is a hidden gem on the college baseball scene. From the facilities, to the scenic back drop and baseball atmosphere created, baseball games at Charlotte provide a wonderful experience for even fans who might not have a rooting interest in the game.

Photos by Aaron S. Terry, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.00 Tucson Arena 260 S Church Ave Tucson, AZ 85701 Tucson Sugar Skulls website Tucson Arena website Year Opened: 1971 Capacity: 8,692 Arizona’s IFL At present the Indoor Football League has 14 teams, 3 of which are located in Arizona – the Northern Arizona Wranglers, the Arizona Rattlers, and the Tucson Sugar Skulls, which probably have the best team name in the league. The Rattlers and Sugar Skulls have the same owners; the Rattlers have been so successful in their 30-year run (winning 6 championships in that time), it only made sense for the owners to create a second team in 2019. The Sugar Skulls play in Tucson Arena, the arena inside Tucson’s convention center. The arena is shared with minor league hockey’s Tucson Roadrunners , as well as a club hockey team from the University of Arizona. The facility has a maximum capacity of 8,962 fans and was built in 1971 – the complex is listed on the National Register of Historic Places due to some of the acts it has hosted, including the Ice Capades and Elvis Presley. Food & Beverage 4 Tucson Arena offers 2 tiers of concessions – when fans enter the facility they will most likely progress onto a walkway at the top of the seating bowl. This walkway holds a slew of higher-end concessions, including Mexican (nachos, tacos, etc.), Chick-fil-A, a pretzel and churro vendor, gourmet cheesecake by the slice and brownies, and hot mini donuts, along with a couple of beer vendors, with prices a little on the high side, for example, $9 for a Chick-fil-A sandwich or hot pretzel with beer cheese, and $12 for tacos, nachos, or the quesadilla. But if you walk down to the lower 100 level (either by walking down through the stands or by walking back out to the outer concourse and using the back staircase), there are 2 “hidden” concessions stands, one on each side behind/under the 100 level seating – this concession stands offer a smaller selection of lower priced options (hot dogs, popcorn, nachos, and packaged candy), as well as bottled water, soda, and draft domestic or premium beer. Admittedly the quality of the concessions downstairs is not quite as good as the upper level, but they do come in a little cheaper if you are trying to keep to a budget – think $4 for a pretzel (add $2 for cheese) and $7 for nachos. Atmosphere 3 The best thing about a Sugar Skulls game is their mascot – a skeleton-faced individual decked out in Skulls team gear. He is constantly roaming the field pumping up the crowd, often jumping up and dancing on the wall around the field, and directly interacting with the crowd in the first row. He also participates in some of the on-field contests, for example when two fans are invited onto the field to try and kick a field goal to win a prize, or at the end of the third quarter when fans toss mini footballs into a bucket at midfield – the balls are numbered, and any fan who gets their ball in the bucket has a chance to win a prize as well. Besides the mascot there is also a dance team, the Sugar Dolls, and plenty of loud music being played, especially favorites like YMCA and Sweet Caroline, where the music is turned down at certain parts and fans are asked to sing the words. All the seats are also soft chair backs, which is a plus, but there is only one scoreboard on the far end, making it hard to see replays, and there are not very many fans in the stands (more on this later). Neighborhood 3 Tucson Arena is not far from downtown Tucson, so you can find plenty to see and do not far from the venue, including myriad restaurants, the most common of which are Mexican, being that this is the southwest. A couple of non-Mexican options are Reilly Craft Pizza and Drink , known for its upscale thin crust pizza creations and beer garden, and Hub Restaurant & Ice Creamery , which offers ice cream of course, but also several seafood options, as well as lighter fare like sandwiches and salads if you are looking for lunch. There are also plenty of hotels in the area. Another great attraction to be on the lookout for is the Sonora Desert Museum , a few miles west of the city – this is a great way to look at some of the local flora and fauna. You can even look a cougar right in the eyes from about 1 foot away (through a thick pane of glass, fortunately). Also, as you travel up and down I-10, you may get to see some trains passing you – the area is still a hotbed for railroad activity. Fans 2 At the most recent game I attended, the game went into overtime and by the end of it, there were hardly any fans still in attendance. There was not a ton to begin with either, but to have so many of them trickle out during a close game was a little disappointing, and even at its fullest the low attendance made the arena seem very empty. Don’t get me wrong – there were certainly a few diehards in attendance, dressed in full regalia as you will always see at any sporting event, but overall the attendance was lackluster. It may take time for the team to build up more of a fan base, being a newish team. Access 3 Traffic is not too bad getting to Tucson Arena, but I would suggest parking across the street from the venue and walking over, rather than parking in the small parking deck right next to the convention center. The cost is $10 either way, but it took a while to get out of the parking deck, which given its small size (only 3 levels) should not have been the case. Access inside the convention center is a little odd as well – I mentioned what I called the back staircase earlier, and if you use that, it feels like you are walking through the dingy bowels of the convention center to get to your seat. On some level it is kind of cool, because you can walk right up behind the end zone where the players and Sugar Dolls are, and no one will stop you because that is technically one way to get to your seat, so from that perspective you can get a close view of the inner workings of a game. However, the main end zone is set off a little from the field, meaning fans can’t stand under the net and try to catch footballs after kicks like you can at other indoor football venues. Return on Investment 3 Tickets to Tucson Sugar Skulls games start at around $25 including ticketing fees, which is pretty reasonable, although they made me buy 2 tickets for 1 person because you aren’t allowed to leave a single seat in the row. Otherwise, I think the price is certainly fair, and parking and concessions are not out of line depending on what you get, but except for the mascot the experience inside is a little lacking. Extras 3 The Sugar Skulls do all the normal things you generally see at indoor football games, like the music and the on-field contests, but there isn’t a whole lot that stands out besides their cool team name and their mascot. The Sugar Dolls do a nice job, especially if you are sitting in the main end zone where they perform for most of the game (when they are not out on the field itself). I did notice the Sugar Skulls have cheaper team gear than other teams in the area, so that is a plus if you are looking for a souvenir of your visit. They also did have a local musician do a guitar solo for the National Anthem at the last game I attended, which was pretty sweet. Final Thoughts If you are in the area, a visit to Tucson Arena for a Sugar Skulls game should be somewhat enjoyable, but if you are willing to travel a little further north, some of the other indoor football teams in the region offer a bit more as part of their experience and have venues that are a little less dated.

Photos by Meg Minard, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.43 Roger Dean Chevrolet Stadium 4751 Main St Jupiter, FL 33458 Palm Beach Cardinals website Roger Dean Chevrolet Stadium website Year Opened: 1998 Capacity: 6,871 Sharing Roger Dean Originating in 2003, the Palm Beach Cardinals are the Florida State League (FSL), Single-A affiliate of the MLB St Louis Cardinals. The team won the 2005 FSL Champion ship and shared the 2017 Championship with Dunedin when the series had to be cancelled because of Hurricane Irma. They share their home, Roger Dean Chevrolet Stadium, with the St Lucie Hammerheads (Single-A affiliate of the Miami Marlins ) . Roger Dean Stadium is best known as the spring training facility for the St Louis Cardinals and the Miami Marlins. The facility hosted the 2000 and 2019 FSL All-Star games. In 2012, the WBC (World Baseball Classic) used Roger Dean Stadium for qualification rounds for the 2013 WBC. Roger Dean Stadium has a beautiful exterior with palm trees, other Florida foliage, and bushes in a park-like setting. The grounds have benches in the shade to sit and enjoy the spring and summer Florida months. Roger Dean Stadium celebrated its 25th anniversary in 2022. Food & Beverage 3 The Cardinals provide a decent selection of food and drink at lower tha n typical spring training prices. Two concession stands are open for a Cardinals game. The Island Grill, a semi-permanent cart, sells stadium jumbo dean dogs and Italian sausages, and some snacks including a hummus snack pack. Their Italian sausage is loaded with peppers and onions and is worth a try. It’s big enough for two people. A permanent, built-in stand called Pizza & Dogs sells more than its title. It offers hot dogs (Nathan’s), crispy chicken sandwiches, pizza, nachos, and snacks such as buckets of popcorn, candy, pretzels, peanu ts, Cracker Jack, and chips. Prices range from $3.50 to $9.95 + tax. Concession stands sell Pepsi products ($5.75 - $6.75 + tax), canned beer (16oz and 25oz), and canned cocktails ($9.95). Beer choices include Bud, Bud Light, Michelob Ultra, Busch, Stella Artois, and a powerful Neon Hug Double IPA ($8.95 - $13.95 + tax). The venue offers a Thirsty Thursday promotion where you can buy a koozie for $5, then bring it back throughout the season and get discounted beer prices. Lines form at the concession stands so get your refreshments early to avoid any wait. Atmosphere 3 The game day environment doesn’t vary much based on which team home team is playing. While the exterior of the stadium is beautiful, the interior is drab. The venue doesn’t display a whole lot of Cardinals imagery (banners, posters, history , etc . ). Two levels of green stadium fold-down chairs with a small walkway between the two levels makes up the infield and baseline seating. A set of bleachers is down the third baseline. Canopies provide some shading for the second level seating areas. The first base side gets the sun (until it sets). Roger Dean Stadium Awning, Photo by Meg Minard, Stadium Journey Remember to bring bug spray. Game day operations play music over the PA announcements. Fans ca n’t understand what the announcer is saying as the music overpowers his voice. My recom mendation is to turn down the music volume three or four notches when the announcer is talking. The ballpark has two scoreboards just beyond the outfield fence. One shows the line score, pitcher stats, and batters due up; the other is a video board and shows a photo of the batter and his stats. It’s quite convenient and helpful for those who keep score. The stadium has a kids play area with bounce houses down the first base concourse. The game day staff offers lots of promotions and activities between innings, typical at minor league games. These include lip sync contests, flex cam, trivia contests, and a cookie race. Other promotions throughout the season are Star Wars Night, Military & First Responders Night, Dog Days, Baseball and Brews, Pride Night, and more! Neighborhood 5 Jupiter is on the southeast coast of Florida. The stadium sits right next door to Downtown Abacoa , a renovated commercial and entertainment district. It has restaurants, shops, bars and breweries, salons, art galleries, spas, and much more. The district has an amphitheater and the town often has concerts and other events on Friday evenings. Recommended places to eat are Stadium Grill (American), Jumby Bay Island Grill (Steak, Seafood, Pasta), and Copacabana ( Cuban/Caribbean). For adult beverages, check out Civil Society Brewing (independent brewery – no food) and Das Beer Garden. The Brick and Barrel Gastropub in Downtown Abacoa is a place for post-game meals and beverages. There is plenty more in Abacoa to choose from, and it’ s all within walking distance of t he stadium. A Courtyard Marriott is right across the street from Roger Dean Stadium. A Homewood Suites is a mile away and is a tad less expensive. Another activity to enjoy in Jupiter is taking a stroll on the Jupiter Riverwalk where several points of historic, environmental, and scenic interests are available to enjoy. Jupiter has several beaches to enjoy the sun, the ocean, swimming, and other park activity. The FSL St Lucie Mets are 40 miles north, also worth a visit when in the area. Fans 2 The fans attending a Palm Beach Cardinals game are there just having a good time. Lots of families with kids, some retired folks, and some fans who just enjoy baseball attend the games. A good mix of both Cardinal and Hammerhead fans attend games at Roger Dean Stadium. Visitors enjoy the between-inning activities and just being at the ballpark. Access 4 Getting to Roger Dean Stadium is relatively easy. It is a mile off Interstate 95 if arriving by automobile. Free parking is available on the street and in the Abacoa parking garage. The closest commercial airport is Palm Beach International, about 20 miles south. It provides flights to and from a few eastern US cities. FLL (Fort Lauderdale Airport) is an hour and a half south and offers more flight choices. The town offers bus services, Route 10, th ough there is no service on Sundays. And it looks as though ret urn service for an evening game is not an option. Once arriving, fans walk through a metal detector. Even though the website says NO bags, I was able to bring in my clear stadium sports bags (12” x 6” x 12”) with no questions asked. The team should remove that entry from its website as it probably prevents many families and other fans from attending games. Fans walk up a flight of stairs to get to the seating area. The venue has ramps all the way down each baseline to get into the seating area. Restrooms are drab but clean. The men’s, ladies, and family restrooms have changing tables for families with young children. Return on Investment 4 Tickets are $12 and all seating is general admission. A game day program is available via QR code or as a magazine. Food prices are acceptable. Parking is free. Best of all, the team has all kinds of promotions throughout the year. Silver Sluggers, Thirsty Thursdays, Kids Club. Every Friday home game is Friday Fireworks. Extras 3 The game day staff deserves recognition for the efforts they take in making the game enjoyable and entertaining for all fans. The Florida State League recently incorporated a balls and strikes ‘challenge system.’ The pitcher, catcher, and batter can appeal the umpire’s call. Each team gets three challenges per game, with successful challenges retained for future use in the game. Roger Dean Chevrolet Stadium is th e only park in the minor leagues to house two teams . Final Thoughts Taking in a game at Roger Dean Chevrolet Stadium is a great option for families, large groups, and individual fans alike. If you want somewhere to get out and enjoy the beautiful Florida weather while watching some quality baseball, consider taking in a Palm Beach Cardinals game. You can stay, shop, eat, and watch the game without having to walk more than a few hundred yards in any given direction.

Photos by Gregory Koch , Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.86 Veterans Memorial Park 270 Veterans Memorial Drive Harrisonburg, VA 22807 James Madison Dukes website Veterans Memorial Park website Year Opened: 2010 Capacity: 1,500 Diamond Dukes Nestled in the scenic Shenandoah Valley town of Harrisonburg, Virginia is the campus of James Madison University. JMU’s athletic teams, known as the Dukes, compete in the Sun Belt Conference, having moved from the Colonial Athletic Association for the 2022-23 season. The Dukes softball program is best known for their miraculous run to the 2021 Women's College World Series, where they defied all expectations by reaching the semifinal. They were one win away from reaching the final series, but lost two in a row to number one overall seed Oklahoma, eliminating them from the double-elimination tournament and ending their miraculous run. The Dukes call Veterans Memorial Park home. This facility is shared with the baseball team, who plays in the adjacent stadium. Although the two facilities have separate entrances, they share many common facilities including a concourse that snakes between the two stadiums. Food & Beverage 3 A concession stand is located directly to your left as you come in, in between the softball and baseball stadiums, and offers a good range of options. Cheeseburgers, hamburgers, hot dogs, veggie dogs, sausage, and chicken tenders make up the main course options. Nachos, soft pretzels, fries, popcorn, candy, sunflower seeds, chips, and peanuts are available as well. To drink, fans can enjoy bottled soda and water, as well as hot chocolate and coffee. In an effort to be environmentally friendly, the water comes in aluminum cans rather than the typical plastic bottles. Prices are affordable - the only thing that costs more than $5 is the chicken tenders, and those come with fries. Atmosphere 4 Fans will enter Veterans Memorial Park for softball to the right of the ticket booth, although the window has been shuttered for quite some time as the Dukes no longer charge for admission to regular season games here. Nonetheless, the signage is still up, so look for the sign that says "Tickets" and enter the gate to the right of that. The one to the left is used for the baseball stadium and is closed for softball home games. Despite this, it is possible to walk along the concourse into the baseball stadium, and one will need to do this to access the concession stand and souvenir shop. However, to get to the stadium itself, you will walk right from the entrance, then up some steps or an elevator to the seating area. From there, seating is available both above and below the walkway you will enter onto. There are a few chairbacks behind home plate underneath the press box, and everything else is bleachers with backs. All seating is general admission, so arrive early if you want a chairback. The Dukes do a great job of keeping fans involved with promotions. From trading card giveaways of a different player every home game, to the Scream for Pizza (whoever screams the loudest gets free Domino's pizza), to name that tune and trivia contests to win a free hot dog at the concession stand, fans will definitely stay engaged here. Neighborhood 3 Harrisonburg is a quaint town in the beautiful Shenandoah Valley of Virginia. Although this doesn’t have the excitement of the big city, there is plenty to do here, including the Virginia Quilt Museum. For meals, there are plenty of options depending on your budget. The famous southern chain Cook Out has a location five minutes from campus, which serves up burgers, chicken sandwiches, and other options. Try one of their trays for a great value, as it comes with two sides and a drink for around $8. If you’re looking for something more upscale, or at least something with table service, the Magpie Diner and Macado's are both local favorites. Fans 5 Dukes fans pack Veterans Memorial Park for softball game in and game out. The game we attended had close to a thousand fans in a 1,500 seat stadium and this is typical for what they draw. Fans wear the school color of purple and cheer their team on throughout the game. Some are friends or family of the players, but most are just loyal JMU fans . The team also partners with many local youth groups, including youth softball teams, so expect to see a lot of kids in attendance, many of them clad in their team's uniform. The crowd here can get quite loud, especially after big moments such as JMU home runs. Their passion is bold and unwavering, and they help make this an electric place to watch a softball game. Access 3 Veterans Memorial Park is located a few miles off Interstate 81 via exit 247B. After exiting onto Market Street, continue a short while before turning left onto Martin Luther King, Jr. Way. Continue for about a mile and a half before the road ends at High Street. Continue through the light and you will be in the parking lot. You will need to navigate a roundabout in the middle of the parking lot to wind up in the lot nearest the stadium – other areas serve the Veterans Memorial itself or other parts of the park, although you can park there if the stadium lot fills up. Getting around the stadium once you get inside is easy enough, although it is a bit confusing to have to walk up and back down. Foul balls regularly fly onto the concourse so be careful while you are walking down there. A staff member will normally shout “Heads up!” when a ball is heading that way but be alert yourself anyway. Restrooms are located directly to the left of the entrance and are of sufficient size for the crowd. When getting out of the stadium, you may have to wait at the traffic light for a few minutes as the timing of the cycle was not designed for such traffic patterns as occur postgame, but once you get out, you should not encounter any problems. Return on Investment 5 Admission to softball games at JMU is free of charge, concessions are affordable, and parking is free as well. When combined with the fantastic atmosphere, that makes a trip to a James Madison softball game an excellent value. Extras 4 One star for all the banners and signs throughout the stadium honoring James Madison softball history, including the Women's College World Series appearance in 2021. There are free programs and JMU softball trading cards available at the marketing table. Fans who collect all the trading cards by attending every home game will receive a prize at the end of the season. A third star for the merchandise shop to the left of the concession stand selling JMU gear,. A fourth and final star for the potential to see both a JMU softball and baseball game in the same day if you time your trip right, or at least get the chance to explore two venues in one. Final Thoughts The excitement at a James Madison Dukes softball game is still palpable, even two years after their Women's College World Series appearance. This is a program on the rise, and the move to the Sun Belt Conference should enable that continued growth. The Dukes have some passionate and boisterous fans and a facility to match. Softball fans in the Shenandoah Valley will definitely want to spend an afternoon at a James Madison game here.

You know when a movie draws to a close, the happy ending unfolds, and the credits are about to roll? There’s that realisation of a critical loose end that’s not yet been tied up, will it be revealed? or will you always be left wondering? As the story of Wrexham AFC’s 22/23 promotion season concluded, Hollywood owners Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney voiced their hopes that Notts County, their season-long nemesis, would follow them up into the Football League. 21 days later, at the Play Off Final, we would finally find out the ending. Notts County nicknamed the Magpies or just ‘pies’, had found themselves in a difficult position. 107 points, winning 32 games, and losing only three, but no automatic promotion. This isn’t any old promotion either. The scramble to leave the highest tier of English football’s ‘non-league’ scene, into the professional ‘EFL’ is one of the toughest in football. The National League Promotion Play Off Final was introduced in 2003 and drama is guaranteed. Wembley was the host stadium this weekend and has now hosted 14 finals. 2022 saw a Grimsby win at the London Stadium and Hartlepool were the 2021 victors at Ashton Gate . Approaching Wembley Stadium, Photo by Chris Tuck, Stadium Journey Meadow Lane in Nottingham, which holds 19,841, was the venue for Notts’ play off semi-final where they beat Boreham Wood with a late equaliser and an even later winner. Chesterfield also had a thrilling semi-final win, eventually overcoming Bromley to reach the final, deservedly so after finishing the league season in third position. Chesterfield now plays at the Technique Stadium which opened in 2010 and holds around 10,500 fans. Their previous much-loved home was Saltergate, which was one of the oldest football grounds in England, notching up 139 years of use. Just 26 miles separates the town of Chesterfield and the city of Nottingham, the rivalry between the clubs isn’t just geographical, the miners’ strike in the mid-1980s caused tensions that simmer to this day. However, the atmosphere on Wembley Way was relaxed as 38,138 headed to their seats. And so, on Saturday 13 May 2023 at 3.30 pm, the final instalment of the story was played out. Notts County beat Chesterfield 4-3 on penalties after a 2-2 draw, reclaiming their status as the oldest professional association football league club in the world, older than the English Football Association itself, and competing in League Two next season. Wembley Stadium Interior, Photo by Chris Tuck, Stadium Journey Chesterfield had finished 23 points behind Notts Co in the regular season, but the 90 minutes that unfolded made a mockery of that. Notts goalkeeper Sam Slocombe had a first 5 minutes to forget. First giving away an indirect free kick in his box which he smothered himself, minutes later he rushed to the edge of his box, fouling Dallas and giving away a penalty. Dallas brushed himself down and dispatched the penalty. Notts, now 1-0 down, were simply not getting out of third gear, with the match drifting away from them on a day where goalkeepers grabbed the headlines. Now it was the Chesterfield goalkeeper Fitzsimons turn for infamy as he awkwardly fumbled John Bostock’s 87th minute free kick, the ball trickled into the net to send disbelieving county fans wild… 1-1 at full-time. So, we were heading to extra time, as the story of the Vanarama National League 22/23 season refused to end. In the 3rd minute of extra time, the Notts defence backed off, allowing Armando Dobra to cut inside and curl an absolute beauty into the corner of the County net. Chesterfield fans celebrated their 2-1 lead, their excellent vocal support, which had been non-stop in the first 87 minutes, was back. No fairy-tale ending for County? All bets were off in the 108th minute as County was level again! Ruben Rodrigues shot into the ground, and the ball ballooned up in slow motion and over the stranded Chesterfield goalkeeper into the net, we were heading to penalties! Not before Notts made a late substitution, goalkeeper Slocombe was replaced by Archie Mair a penalty-saving specialist. Two saves by Mair gave Bostock the chance to seal County’s win, but to their fans' dismay, his attempted Panenka came back off the crossbar. Despite Chesterfield’s successful next penalty, Notts could still win it. Scott stayed calm, smashed in his penalty and the Magpies players and fans were in dreamland. Notts County joins Wrexham in the EFL, cue the credits. The Winning Pen, Photo by Chris Tuck, Stadium Journey

Harford Community College, in Bel Air, MD hosted the 2023 NJCAA Men's Lacrosse National Championship, May 13-14 at Harford Stadium inside of Harford’s Sports Complex. The past two national championships have been held in Garden City, NY, home of Nassau Community College. The Saturday games saw the host Harford Fighting Owls defeat the CCBC Essex Knights by a score of 11-6, as well as the defending champion Nassau Lions winning over the Onondaga Lazers 10-8. The Sunday final was a match-up of heavy hitters, featuring the top two teams in the country. Harford secured its 1st NJCAA Men's Lacrosse Championship with a 13-8 victory. The Fighting Owls were able to complete an undefeated season with the win on their home turf. Harford had handed Nassau their only loss of the regular season and the last time before that they met in a tournament game was in the 2022 Championship game, which was a 12-11 double-overtime thriller that landed in Nassau's favor. Sophomore Attacker Dylan Tomarchio was named the Steve Caravana Offensive Player of the Tournament. Freshman Goalie Alex Epple was named the Defensive Player of the Tournament. Stadium Journey likes to remind readers that even smaller sports and/or smaller conferences offer great options for sports fans to enjoy.

Photos by Aaron S. Terry, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.14 Comerica Stadium 2601 Avenue of the Stars Frisco, TX 75034 Frisco Fighters website Comerica Center website Year Opened: 2003 Capacity: 4,500 Fifty Yards of Fury The Frisco Fighters arena football team bills itself as the Fifty Yards of Fury (indoor football fields are only half the length of traditional football fields) – their cool fighter jet logo looks awesome on the helmets and signage. The warplane theme continues with the dance team, named the Bombshells, and the team does all the traditional things to entertain fans, such as having fans contests on the field and handing out t-shirts. While the facility itself may not offer much beyond the action on the field, the fans here seem to enjoy themselves. Food & Beverage 4 Comerica Center offers a decent variety of food and beverage options – I recommend the BBQ, but you can also find Mexican and more traditional items like upscale hot dogs and burgers, as well as pretzels, popcorn, packaged candy, and chips, as well as old-fashioned milkshakes. There are a few bar areas as well, and typical drink options beyond alcohol such as soda and bottled water. The prices tend to be a little on the high side for most of the main dishes, but the food quality and portion sizes are pretty good. Atmosphere 2 Comerica Center opened in 2003 and seems like a modern facility from the outside as you walk in, but the setup for arena football seems to be a bit lacking. The arena is also the home field for the Texas Legends of the NBA G League and also houses the Dallas Star’s practice rink. As mentioned above the fighter jet team logo is pretty cool, and there is a giant banner behind one end zone showing the logo in full, blaring color with two jets instead of one. However, there are no team logos in either end zone, and there isn’t the giant multi-sided center video board that many sports fans have gotten used to. There is also not a lot of pomp or ceremony when the team takes the field – the dance team comes on the field to welcome them on, there are spotlights, and they alternate games introducing the defensive versus offensive starters, but there is no mascot and no pyrotechnics. There are a few TVs in the hallways to watch the game on while you are waiting in line at the concessions, as you can’t see the field from there, and there are a couple of set-ups for people to play Xbox, but one of the screens wasn’t working during my most recent visit. Neighborhood 4 There are plenty of restaurants near Comerica Center, with Wild Pitch Sports Bar & Grill or Perry’s Steakhouse & Grille is the closest, both within walking distance – either would be a great option to hang out before or after a Fighters game. There are also numerous hotels in the area, several within walking distance, so definitely the arena is in a great location, about 4 miles south of downtown Frisco or half an hour north of Dallas, which has plenty of additional restaurant and entertainment options if you want to head into the big city. Within Frisco, you can find other sporting events during the same weekend as the Fighters if you plan it right (the Double-A Frisco Roughriders play at Riders Field , right next to Comerica Center), while closer to Dallas you may be able to catch an NBA or NHL game if the Mavericks or Stars make the playoffs. You can also head over to Arlington and watch either the Arlington Renegades of the XFL or MLB’s Texas Rangers , both of whom have games happening during this time of year. Fans 2 The fans at Frisco Fighters games are into the contest, and you will see a handful of those ultra-rabid fans who are dressed to the nines in team gear, or who go for those loose footballs with reckless abandon (in arena football you are usually allowed to keep balls that leave the field of play; the PA announcer will even scold you, and the staff may give it back to you if you try to be nice and return them to the referee). Unfortunately, there are just not a lot of fans here, so the already small arena, maxing out at 4,500 for basketball/football, looks pretty empty. Access 5 Getting to Comerica Center and around inside is a breeze – you can park in the deck connected to the center for only $10, and getting out of the deck after the game is painless. Entry into the venue from the parking deck will take you right by the Dallas Star’s practice, and you may even see kids geared up in hockey gear playing on that ice, or you might see them in the parking deck before or after their game or practice. Moving around the concourse inside is easy – there are no lines at the concessions due to the small crowd, and there are more than enough bathrooms. The best restrooms to use are the less trafficked ones tucked away in the corners, as few people notice them so they should be clean and fully stocked. Return on Investment 3 Tickets to Frisco Fighters games can be found for less than $10 (not including fees), and you can find a few low-cost concessions options if you look around. That said, attending an arena football game at Comerica Center is pretty inexpensive, but don’t expect a ton of amenities – this is a great option if you need something to entertain the kids, or are suffering from post-Superbowl football withdrawal, but may not be an event to go out of your way for. Extras 2 The Fighters do have a team gear stand inside Comerica Center, and there are also a ton of vendors on hand giving out freebies; for example, you can spin the wheel and do some quick cardio to win a boxing glove keychain courtesy of a local kickboxing studio, or you can pick up free candy or a pen from some of the other booths. Some of the vendors also offer discount cards for their services, and every fan who enters gets a free Frisco Fighters rally towel. Final Thoughts If you love football, attending a Fighters game at Comerica Center may be something you want to do, but overall, this experience is probably not something for the casual sports fan’s bucket list.

The United States Naval Academy, in Annapolis, MD hosted one half of the 2023 NCAA Men's Lacrosse Quarterfinals, May 22 at Navy–Marine Corps Memorial Stadium . There was two games this Sunday in Annapolis. In the first game, an intense matchup occurred between Penn State and Army. Penn State won with a 10-9 victory after a six-goal run in the first half. The second game saw Notre Dame taking on Johns Hopkins. The Fighting Irish won 12-9 and are going back to the NCAA Semifinals for the sixth time in program history, the first time since 2015. Penn State will face top-seeded Duke at Lincoln Financial Field next Saturday, with Notre Dame slated to play against Virginia. Duke/Penn State is at 12pm EDT and Virginia/Notre Dame is at 2:30pm EDT. The championship game is on Memorial Day, 5/29, at 1pm EDT. It was a beautiful day at the home of the Midshipmen and fans from all 4 teams seemed to enjoy the atmosphere. We heard many people comment on Navy-Marine Corps Memorial Stadium being the perfect location for this group of contests. 13,354 people were in attendance and according to Navy they have had 5 of the  top 10 crowds in NCAA Men's Lacrosse Quarterfinals history (since 1996 when it started being held at 2 predetermined sites.) The top attended game day was also at Navy in 2008 when they had 17,017 in attendance. Navy–Marine Corps Memorial Stadium opened in 1959 and serves as the home stadium of the Navy Midshipmen college football and lacrosse teams, and was the home of the Chesapeake Bayhawks of Major League Lacrosse. The stadium is also the host of the Military Bowl. The stadium serves as a memorial to the Navy and Marine Corps; it is dedicated to those who have served (and will serve) as upholders of the traditions and renown of the Navy and Marine Corps of the United States. The thousands of memorial bench-back and wall plaques are a constant reminder, as well as the list of numerous battles involving the Naval and Marine Corps forces since the early 1900s.

Photo by Brian Wilmer, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.00 Bill Masters Field at John Henry Moss Stadium Stadium Dr Boiling Springs, NC 28152 Gardner-Webb Runnin' Bulldogs website Bill Masters Field at John Henry Moss Stadium website Year Opened: 2010 Capacity: 550 Bill Masters Field at John Henry Moss Stadium Boiling Springs, North Carolina sits just across the North Carolina-South Carolina state line. The rural North Carolina town is a quaint college community built mostly around the university and a handful of businesses on Main Street. The Runnin' Bulldogs joined the Big South Conference in 2008 and have typically been toward the top of the conference standings at the end of each season. Food & Beverage 2 Bill Masters Field does not offer a great deal of options when it comes to concessions, but prices are kept very affordable. The baseball classic hot dogs are the main item of note on the menu. There are also nachos and pretzels that can be paired with cheese dip, but the menu is limited; popcorn, candy, and peanuts are also available. Beverages include Pepsi products, Gatorade, and bottled water. Gardner-Webb chooses not to sell beer or wine at its baseball games. Atmosphere 3 Upon initial approach to Bill Masters Field, fans can purchase tickets before passing through a brick archway into the stadium. A luminescent sign affixed to the end of the visiting team dugout welcomes all to Gardner-Webb University, as they make their way to the covered seating area. The aluminum bleachers are built into the brick grandstand that gives the small seating area a much larger appearance. Seating runs from dugout to dugout – the first two rows are fold-down seats and are separated from the bleacher seating behind it with a walkway. The five rows of bleacher seating are a combination of backed and backless benches. A large overhang runs along almost the entirety of the seating bowl, and provides a great deal of shelter from the elements, whether it be the sun or rain. Gardner-Webb has done well taking rather non-descript aluminum bleachers and creating a charming brick grandstand around them. The university's basketball arena, Paul Porter Arena , Green-Harbison Soccer Stadium, and the Tucker Student Center create a wonderful backdrop for college baseball. Just over the right center field fence is the Lloyd Little Memorial Scoreboard; the scoreboard sits in a large brick housing, with pitch speed display attached. The scoreboard itself provides fans with basic inning-by-inning line score, along with ball, strike, and out counts. The outfield fence runs 330' down both the left and right field lines, 360’ to left-center, and 365' to right-center – the centerfield fence is one of the shortest in college baseball at just 385'. The outfield fence is a consistent 8-feet from foul pole to foul pole. The Runnin' Bulldogs play on a synthetic surface with traditional green and brown “grass” and “dirt” areas of the field. The university’s red "GW" logo adorns the large, black turf area behind home plate. The presentation of the game keeps the action on the field as the main focus – other than player walk-up songs and music to fill the dead time between innings, there are not a lot of audio distractions. What is most noticeable is the lack of ad reads between innings; in a time where almost every opportunity to squeeze an ad in is taken advantage of, there are none during Gardner-Webb baseball games. Overall, the game is refreshingly kept at the focus of the day and there is not a lot to distract fans from that. Neighborhood 3 Boiling Springs is a small town, neighbored by the more populous Shelby, North Carolina, home of the American Legion World Series, and just under an hour west of Charlotte. Main Street in Boiling Springs runs directly through the middle of town. There seems to be just about all that would be needed on this stretch of road, from fast food joints like McDonald’s and Bojangles to locally owned eateries like College Pizzeria and Italian Garden. Visitors who enjoy getting out into nature and looking to make a day of a trip to Gardner-Webb might enjoy exploring the nearby Broad River Greenway. If planning a baseball exclusive trip, a visit can be paired with stops to the nearby Gastonia Honey Hunters of the independent Atlantic League, or to the Charlotte Knights , AAA affiliate of the Chicago White Sox – each of these stops are within an hour of Boiling Springs. Fans 3 The Runnin’ Bulldogs draw fairly well in comparison to other schools in the Big South. Even when students are not on campus, a couple hundred fans still file into a stadium that holds 550 fans. Gardner-Webb falls toward the top of the middle tier of conference foes in terms of baseball attendance. Fans are actively into the game, and they recognize and respond to big, in-game situations. It would be a long shot to call the atmosphere rambunctious, but fans are into the game. Access 3 Even though Boiling Springs is a bit off the beaten path, it is rather accessible from nearby Charlotte or for those traveling on I-85 northbound from the Spartanburg area. Fans coming from the Charlotte area can use US Highway 74 to NC State Road 150 to get to Boiling Springs, while those approaching from the south would exit in Gaffney, South Carolina, and then take SR 150 directly to the stadium. Most fans will park in the parking lot immediately through Bridges Gate; from here, it is just a short walk to the field. There is a small lot adjacent to the field that has a few parking spots, but those are mostly comprised of handicap accessible parking. The stadium’s seating area is easy enough to access. A concrete walkway leads fans to the first base side of the grandstand and wraps around the back of the press box to the home side of the seating bowl. In good weather, most visiting fans choose to sit or stand in the grassy area along the right field line. Return on Investment 4 With adult admission of just $5, free parking, and affordable concessions prices, the monetary investment of attending baseball at Gardner-Webb certainly is not cost prohibitive. The time investment might be a bit of a deterrent when it comes to traveling to Boiling Springs for some, but it can easily be negated if paired with another stop at a nearby ballpark. Extras 3 The back side of the visiting dugout celebrates the careers of four former Bulldog players and coaches. Not only are their numbers enshrined on the back side of the visiting dugout, but plaques with the career exploits of each are also on display. The large roof line gives a nice feel of a time gone past in stadium design. The covered seating also provides a great deal of shade, and a massive fan in the middle of the seating bowl helps bring even more comfort to the sometimes hot, uncomfortable spring and summer days. Final Thoughts Most might not consider Gardner-Webb as a target for a baseball experience, but fans of baseball in its purest form will find the game enjoyable due to the lack of distractions – constant sound effects, ad reads, and on-field games. It might not be the experience most are used to when it comes to the constant barrage of entertainment that has become almost commonplace in many ballparks today, but baseball at Bill Masters Field is a refreshing break where the game and the players on the field are kept as the main attraction.

Photos by Meg Minard, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.14 Phoenix Rising Soccer Stadium 3801 E Washington St Phoenix, AZ 85034 Map It Phoenix Rising FC website Phoenix Rising Soccer Stadium website Year Opened / Año abierto : 2023 Capacity / Capacidad : 10,000 Rising As One / Levantándose Como Uno Phoenix Rising FC es un club de fútbol de la USL-C, el segundo nivel de fútbol en los Estados Unidos, un escalón por debajo de la Major League Soccer (MLS). El club comenzó a operar en 2014 como Arizona United SC y se renombró como Phoenix Rising FC en 2017. El equipo ha tenido bastante éxito en los últimos años, logrando el título de la temporada regular del Campeonato de la USL en 2019. Llegaron a la final de los playoffs del Campeonato en 2108 y 2020 (que desafortunadamente se canceló debido a COVID) y los cuartos de final de los playoffs en 2021. El club ha mantenido su residencia a varios lugares, incluyendo dos sitios de entrenamiento de primavera de la Cactus League durante sus años como Arizona United SC. La temporada 2023 los vio mudarse a su tercer estadio específico de fútbol desde 2017, después de jugar previamente en el estadio Wild Horse Pass Chandler durante dos años. El contrato de The Rising en Wild Horse Pass terminó y la propiedad quería estar en el centro de Phoenix. Estaba disponible un nuevo sitio cerca del aeropuerto y en una línea de Valley Metro, por lo que los propietarios empaquetaron el antiguo estadio y colocaron la infraestructura casi exactamente en la misma configuración que el sitio anterior de Chandler. Se trasladaron las estructuras de asientos, el marcador, el palco de prensa/medios, la taquilla, los vestuarios, el campo de entrenamiento y se añadió otro edificio para el personal de recepción, almacenamiento, etc. Asistir a un partido es una velada agradable. Recomendamos ir a principios de la primavera o el otoño, ya que las temperaturas de Phoenix son más cómodas durante esos momentos de la temporada de fútbol. Food & Beverage / Bebida y Alimenticia 4 Las ofertas de concesión de los camiones de comida y quioscos de concesión tienen mucho para que los fanáticos del fútbol se den un gusto. Los puntos de venta de alimentos están en los terrenos fuera del área de asientos del estadio (excepto las secciones VIP), con puestos en los lados este, norte y oeste. Algunas mesas de picnic se colocan alrededor del vestíbulo exterior para que los fanáticos disfruten de sus refrigerios. El puesto de comida más popular es el PrimeTime Grill justo al dentro de la entrada este. Ofrece cinco canastas de comida: pollo tierno, sándwich de pollo, hamburguesa, hot dog y puerco desmenuzado (servido con papas fritas), y los precios oscilan entre $11 y $ 4.50. También se sirven papas fritas y nachos ($6 - $16). Los poseedores de boletos de temporada obtienen una tarifa con descuento. Asegúrese de caminar y ver los otros quioscos que incluyen pero no se limitan a: Lemonade and Kettle Corn, Ben's Soft Pretzels y Bahama Bucks Shaved Ice ($7 - $10). Bahama Bucks ofrece algunos sabores sin azúcar. Bro's Seafood tiene rollos de cangrejo y langosta, pescado y papas fritas y otros platos de mariscos que cuestan entre $13 y $26. Tuve los tacos de camarones, y eran fabulosos. Unos pocos puestos de bebidas alcohólicas se alinean en la explanada. Las cervezas, el vino y las gaseosas (enlatadas) cuestan entre $8 y $13.75 y los cócteles enlatados cuestan $13.75. Los productos de Coca-Cola cuestan $5.75 la botella. El estadio ofrece una hora feliz donde las bebidas tienen un descuento de $2 durante la primera hora después de que se abren las puertas. Atmosphere / Atmósfera 3 Esperaba un poco más con el nuevo estadio. La experiencia del día del juego no es tan agradable como en el anterior. Sin embargo, la organización hace un buen trabajo al proporcionar un ambiente familiar con fanáticos apasionados pero no rebeldes. Dentro del estadio, los asientos están en los cuatro lados del campo. Los asientos al nivel del campo, algunos con mesas altas, se alinean en el perímetro de la cancha. El lugar ofrece otros asientos premium, en la azotea y VIP. La mayoría de los asientos son asientos plegables grises elevados sobre el nivel del suelo, sin brazos ni portavasos. Estos asientos son más cómodos de lo que parecen. Las filas son largas (28 asientos de ancho), por lo que si eres un fanático que necesita levantarse con frecuencia durante el partido, elige asientos más cercanos a los pasillos (1-4 o 24-28) para evitar molestar a otros fanáticos. Los asientos elevados detrás de las porterías son de admisión general (gradas sin respaldo). Siéntese en el lado este para disfrutar de una bonita vista de la puesta de sol. Todos los asientos están cerca de la cancha, por lo que ver el juego ofrece una vista de cerca de la acción. Hay asientos mínimos para discapacitados disponibles detrás de cada portería. El estadio no está bien equipado para los aficionados que no pueden subir las escaleras con facilidad. El elevador/ascensor ADA se rompió el día que Stadium Journey visitó; no había ninguna indicación de cuándo iba a ser reparado. Recomiendo llamar al equipo con anticipación para ver si está funcionando. El lugar tiene un enorme marcador en el extremo sur. Muestra la puntuación, la mitad y el tiempo con algunos videos y anuncios, y es nítido, claro y fácil de leer. El marcador no ofrece subtítulos. El volumen de la música está bien; es fácil conversar con tu vecino sin tener que gritar sobre la música. Aún mejor, apagan la música cuando anuncian la alineación inicial. Player Introductions and Flags of Player's Home Country, Photo by Meg Minard, Stadium Journey Desafortunadamente, el área de The Park (un campo donde los niños corrían y jugaban) que estaba en el antiguo estadio no está disponible en esta nueva ubicación. La explanada tiene algunas áreas de juegos para niños cerca de la tienda de souvenirs a las que muchos jóvenes acuden. Neighborhood / Barrio 2 Un mercado de pulgas Park 'n Swap deteriorado, el aeropuerto Phoenix Sky Harbor y Gateway College son los vecinos del estadio. No es inseguro, pero no es agradable a la vista. El barrio de la estación de tren no tiene un lugar para parar a tomar una cerveza o picar algo. Para los hoteles, se puede ver un Hilton Garden Inn desde el estadio de fútbol Phoenix Rising (un poco menos de una milla a pie). El Crown Plaza Hotel está a una milla a pie. El estadio está cerca del aeropuerto, por lo que muchos hoteles están cerca, pero es posible que no estén de distancia caminando. Otros deportes para ver cerca incluyen los Arizona Diamondbacks , los Phoenix Suns y el Phoenix Mercury (a tres paradas en el tren ligero). Fans / Fanáticos 4 Phoenix Rising FC tiene dos fuertes grupos de apoyo, Los Banditos y Unión 602. Tambores, banderas ondeando, humo de colores, cantar, aplaudir, saltar arriba y abajo, lo tienen todo. La mayoría de los aficionados se sientan en la zona de anotación sur, debajo del marcador, un área designada solo para ellos. Montones y montones de clubes de fútbol infantiles y juveniles asisten a los partidos. Verá una gran cantidad de familias y amigos presentes. Los aficionados son fijados en el juego en la cancha. Y ciertamente sabes cuando la multitud no está de acuerdo con las llamadas del árbitro. La afición hace que la asistencia al partido sea un cómodo evento deportivo donde todos los visitantes son aceptados. La asistencia es fuerte en los partidos de Phoenix Rising FC, con el club clasificado entre los cinco y diez primeros de la USL-C en asistencia en las últimas temporadas con un promedio de 6,600 a 7,000 fanáticos. En lo que va de 2023, los registros de asistencia promedio se acercan a los 8,000 por partido. Access / Acceso 3 Phoenix Rising Stadium se encuentra en el centro de Phoenix junto al Sky Harbor Airport. Los fanáticos pueden tomar el tren ligero Valley Metro Light Rail hasta la parada 38th Street y Washington, luego caminar 1/3 de milla más o menos hasta el estadio. Si bien esto es conveniente, la corta caminata es sobre asfalto sin sombra ni lugares para descansar. La caminata es dura durante los meses de verano. Phoenix Rising Soccer Stadium from Light Rail, Photo by Meg Minard, Stadium Journey Hay más de cinco estacionamientos en el lugar con entradas desde 37th St y 38th St. El club ahora cobra por el estacionamiento (gratis para los poseedores de boletos de temporada) y debe comprarse con anticipación. El costo del estacionamiento es de $5 (más impuestos) o $10 (más impuestos) si se compra el día del partido. Se permite dar una fiesta en tres de los estacionamientos. El equipo también tiene un servicio de transporte Pub2Pitch donde los fanáticos van a bares selectos y los autobuses los llevan hacia y desde los partidos. Ese es un servicio bastante ingenioso. Los aficionados pasan por detectores de metales al entrar. Los fanáticos en la fila me dijeron que pasar por seguridad es impredecible. Se permiten bolsas deportivas transparentes y los boletos son digitales. Los baños son indeseables. Los escalones que conducen a los baños son altos y los pasamanos se tambalean. Las casetas de baño son quizás una pulgada más grande que los de los aviones y tienen una función de descarga similar. Vi un baño accesible para sillas de ruedas poco atractivo y ningún baño familiar. El estadio simplemente no es propicio para personas con problemas de movilidad. No vi una carpa de servicios para huéspedes, aunque el sitio web dice que tienen una. Return on Investment / Retorno de la inversion 3 Los boletos para un solo juego cuestan entre $22 y $41 y son comparables, aunque un poco más altos que otros equipos de la USL-C. Los boletos para las gradas comienzan en $25 (más impuestos) y ascienden hasta $200 para los asientos de campo. Los asientos del medio campo y de la línea de banda cuestan entre $30 y $53. Todos los asientos están cerca de la cancha para que tengas una buena vista sin importar dónde te sientes. El estacionamiento cuesta $5 - $10, lo que agrega un gasto adicional en comparación con los lugares anteriores del club. Tomar el tren ligero le ahorra unos cuantos dólares, ya que su boleto de Phoenix Rising FC incluye un viaje en el tren ligero. Es una buena opción si tomas bebidas alcohólicas en el partido. Los precios de la comida del estadio son similares a los de otros lugares deportivos profesionales en el área. Las bebidas y la cerveza tienen un precio más bajo. Llega temprano y la cerveza cuesta $2 menos. Los visitantes pueden traer dos botellas selladas de agua por persona. Los fanáticos definitivamente los necesitan para los partidos en los meses más cálidos. El club ofrece todo tipo de especiales y noches temáticas, incluyendo la noche de cerveza de $ 1, boletos con descuento para la noche militar y de reconocimiento militar, paquete de cuatro familias NAU, Navidad en julio, noche Back 2 School y más. Asegúrese de consultar su sitio web y sus redes sociales para conocer las ofertas especiales. . Extras 3 Las numerosas noches temáticas y especiales merecen una mención adicional. Acercar el club al centro de Phoenix es sin duda un atractivo para más fanáticos en la área metropolitana. El frente de las gradas oeste muestra con orgullo las banderas de los países de origen de los jugadores. Final Thoughts / Pensamientos Finales Ir y ver partidos de fútbol profesional está en aumento en Arizona. Phoenix Rising FC hace un trabajo decente al proporcionar una velada de entretenimiento deportivo agradable y segura. El nuevo estadio de fútbol es un buen lugar para que los fanáticos de todo Arizona visiten y vean un club de fútbol ganador. Muchas gracias a Jim Minard por su ayuda con la traducción.

Photos by Meg Minard, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.14 Phoenix Rising Soccer Stadium 3801 E Washington St Phoenix, AZ 85034 Map It Phoenix Rising FC website Phoenix Rising Soccer Stadium website Year Opened: 2023 Capacity: 10,000 Rising As One Phoenix Rising FC is a soccer club in the USL-C, the second level of soccer in the United States, one step below Major League Soccer (MLS). The club began operation in 2014 as the Arizona United SC and rebranded as Phoenix Rising FC in 2017. The team has been quite successful the last few years, clinching the USL Championship regular season title in 2019. They made it to the Championship playoff finals in 2108 and 2020 (which unfortunately got cancelled because of COVID) and the playoff quarterfinals in 2021. The club has called several venues their home, including two Cactus League spring training sites during their years as the Arizona United SC. The 2023 season saw them move to their third soccer-specific stadium since 2017, after previously playing in Wild Horse Pass Chandler stadium for two years. The Rising's deal at Wild Horse Pass ended, and ownership wanted to be in central Phoenix. A new site near the airport was available and on a Valley Metro line, so ownership packed up the old stadium and placed the infrastructure in almost the exact same configuration as the previous Chandler site. They moved the seating structures, the scoreboard, the press/media box, the ticket office, locker rooms, and the training field and added another building for front office staff, storage, etc. Attending a match is an enjoyable evening out. We recommend going in the early spring or fall as Phoenix temperatures are more comfortable during those times of the soccer season. Food & Beverage 4 The concession offerings of food trucks and concession kiosks have plenty for soccer fans to treat themselves. The food points of sale are on the grounds outside the stadium seating area (except VIP sections), with stalls on the east, north, and west sides. Some picnic tables are placed around the outside concourse for fans to enjoy their refreshments. The most popular concession stand is the PrimeTime Grill just inside the east entrance. It offers five baskets: chicken tender, chicken sandwich, burger, hot dog, and pulled pork (served with kettle chips), and prices range from $11 - $14.50. Fries and nachos are also served ($6 - $16). Season ticket holders get a discounted rate. Be sure to walk around and check out the other kiosks which include but are not limited to: Lemonade and Kettle Corn, Ben’s Soft Pretzels, and Bahama Bucks Shaved Ice ($7 - $10). Bahama Bucks offers a few sugar-free flavors. Bro’s Seafood has crab and lobster rolls, fish and chips, and other seafood dishes costing $13 - $26. I had the shrimp tacos, and they were fabulous. A few alcohol-only stands line the concourse. Beers, wine, and seltzers (canned) run $8 - $13.75 with canned cocktails costing $13.75. Coke products are $5.75 a bottle. The stadium offers a happy hour where drinks are discounted by $2 for the first hour after the gates open. Atmosphere 3 I was expecting a bit more with the new stadium. The game day experience is not quite as nice as at the old one. However, the organization does a good job of providing a family-friendly environment with passionate but not unruly fans. Inside the stadium, seating is on all four sides of the pitch. Field level seats, some with hi-top tables, line the pitch perimeter. The venue offers other premium, roof top, and VIP seats. Most of the seats are grey fold-down seats raised above the ground level, with no arms or cupholders. These seats are more comfortable than they look. The rows are long (28 seats across), so if you’re a fan who needs to get up often during the match, choose seats closer to the aisles (1 - 4 or 24 -28) to prevent disrupting other fans. The raised seats behind the goals are general admission (bleachers with no backs). Sit on the east side for a nice sunset view. All seats are close to the pitch so watching the game provides an up-close view of the action. Minimal handicapped seats are available behind each goal. The stadium is not equipped well for fans who can’t walk up steps easily. The ADA lift/elevator was broken the day Stadium Journey visited; there was no indication of when it was going to be repaired. I recommend calling the team in advance to see if it is working. The venue has a huge scoreboard on the south end. It shows the score, half, and time with some videos and advertisements and is crisp, clear, and easily read. The scoreboard does not offer closed captioning. The music volume is fine; it is easy to converse with your neighbor without having to yell over the music. Even better, they turn the music off when announcing the starting lineup. Nice job! Player Introductions and Flags of Player's Home Country, Photo by Meg Minard, Stadium Journey Unfortunately, The Park area (a field where kids ran around and played) that was at the old stadium is not available at this new location. The concourse has a few kid’s play areas near the souvenir shop that many young ones gravitate to. Neighborhood 2 A run-down Park ‘n Swap flea market, Phoenix Sky Harbor Airport, and Gateway College are the stadium’s neighbors. It’s not unsafe, but it’s not pleasing to the eye. The neighborhood from the train station does not have a place to stop for a beer or a bite to eat. For hotels, a Hilton Garden Inn is visible from Phoenix Rising Soccer Stadium (a little less than a mile’s walk). A Crown Plaza Hotel is a mile’s walk. The stadium is near the airport so plenty of hotels are close but may not be within walking distance. Other sports to see nearby include the Arizona Diamondbacks , Phoenix Suns , Phoenix Mercury , and Arizona Rattlers (all just three stops away on the light rail). Fans 4 Phoenix Rising FC has two strong supporter groups, Los Banditos and Union 602. Drums, flags waving, colored smoke, singing, clapping, jumping up and down – they have it all. Most supporters sit in the south end zone, under the scoreboard, an area designated just for them. Lots and lots of kids and youth soccer clubs attend matches. You’ll see a whole host of families and friends in attendance. The fans are engaged in the play on the pitch. And, you certainly know when the crowd disagrees with the referee’s calls. The fans make attending the match a comfortable sporting event where all visitors are accepted. Attendance is strong at Phoenix Rising FC matches, with the club ranking in the USL-C top five to ten in attendance the last few seasons with an average of 6,600 – 7,000 fans. So far in 2023, average attendance records are close to 8,000 per match. Access 3 Phoenix Rising Stadium is in Central Phoenix next to Sky Harbor Airport. Fans can take the Valley Metro Light Rail to the 38th Street and Washington stop, then walk 1/3 mile or so to the stadium. While this is convenient, the short walk is across asphalt with absolutely no shade or places to rest. The walk is tough during the summer months. Phoenix Rising Soccer Stadium from Light Rail, Photo by Meg Minard, Stadium Journey More than five parking lots are on site with entrances from 37th St and 38th St. The club is now charging for parking (free for season ticket holders) and it must be purchased in advance. The cost for parking is $5 (plus tax), or $10 (plus tax) if purchased on game day. Tailgating is allowed at three of the parking lots. The team also has a Pub2Pitch transport shuttle where fans go to select bars, and buses take them to/from the matches. That’s a pretty slick service. Fans walk through metal detectors upon entry. Fans in line told me getting through security is hit or miss. Clear sports bags are allowed, and tickets are digital. Restrooms are undesirable. The steps up to the restrooms are high and the banisters are wobbly. The stalls are maybe an inch bigger than those in airplanes and have a similar flush function. I saw one uninviting wheelchair-accessible restroom and no family restrooms. The stadium is not conducive for those with mobility issues. I didn’t see a guest services tent though the website says they have one. Return on Investment 3 Single game tickets run $25 - $53 and are comparable, if a little higher than other USL-C teams. The bleacher tickets start at around $25 (plus tax) and run up to $200 for field seats. Midfield and sideline seats run $30 - $53. All seating is close to the pitch so you’ll get a good view no matter where you sit. Parking is $5 - $10 which adds an additional expense compared to the club’s previous venues. Taking the light rail saves you a few bucks as your Phoenix Rising FC ticket includes a ride on the light rail. It’s a good choice if you drink alcoholic beverages at the match. The stadium’s food prices are similar to other professional sports venues in the area. The drinks and beer are priced lower. Get there early and beer is $2 less. Visitors can bring in two sealed bottles of water per person. Fans definitely need those at matches in warmer months. The club provides all kinds of specials and theme nights, including a $1 beer night, discounted tickets for military and military appreciation night, NAU family four pack, Christmas in July, Back 2 School night, and more. Be sure to check their website and social media for specials and deals. . Extras 3 The many theme nights and specials deserve an extra mention. Moving the club closer to central Phoenix is certainly a draw to more fans in the metro area. The front of the west stands proudly display the flags of the players' countries of origin. Final Thoughts Going to and watching professional soccer matches is on the rise in Arizona. Phoenix Rising FC does a decent job at providing an enjoyable, crowd-pleasing, and safe sports entertainment evening. The new soccer stadium is a good place for fans across Arizona to visit and watch a winning soccer club.

Photos by Aaron S. Terry, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.29 Ector County Coliseum 4201 Andrews Hwy Odessa, TX 79762 West Texas Warbirds website Ector County Coliseum website Year Opened: 1954 Capacity: 5,131 Permian Basin Football Ector County Coliseum is located in Odessa, Texas, in the heart of the Permian Basin. The Permian Basin is best known for its oil, and as you drive through the region you will see numerous oil derricks in the fields. These oil derricks tie-in to football here, as during indoor football games at Ector County Coliseum, you will see oil derrick imagery all along the walls that surround the field. Ector County Coliseum opened in 1954 and holds 5,131 fans – the venue is used by indoor football’s West Texas Warbirds of the National Arena League (NAL), as well as by junior hockey’s Odessa Jackalopes of the North American Hockey League (NAHL). The arena is built like the Idaho Vandals’ Kibbie Dome , curved on both sides and flat on the ends. Food & Beverage 4 While not all the concession stands are open during West Texas Warbirds games, there are plenty of options for fans. Being in Texas, both Mexican and barbecue are available, including beef or bean and cheese tacos, beef fajitas, and either chicken, pork, or brisket for BBQ (nachos or sandwiches). You can also find your traditional burgers, hot dogs, Philly cheesesteak, corn dogs, nachos, and mac ‘n cheese, and prices are reasonable / slightly on the high side (tacos start at $5, with burgers and hot dogs starting at $6). For sides, desserts, and drinks, the variety is even better – fans can find fries, tater tots, chips, pickles, and popcorn, as well as a wide selection of packaged candy, including Laffy Taffy, Sour Patch Kids, and numerous varieties of Skittles, instead of just the one option (red package) that is available at most sports venues. Drinks include Coke products, including orange soda and Mr. Pibb, as well as coffee and hot chocolate, and a wide selection of beer; Coors Light, Miller Lite, Bud and Bud Light, Michelob Ultra, and several flavors of White Claw. There is even a full-on restaurant as you enter, called The Blue Line Bar & Grill. Atmosphere 4 The Warbirds do a lot to make the experience fun – along with their mascot, numerous other local mascots are invited to the game, for example, McGruff the Crime Dog, Texas Roadhouse’s Armadillo, and the mascot from a local grocery store. The mascots do fun things all game long, including having a popcorn fight at one point when the other team scored, and challenging kids from a local peewee football team to a game during halftime (the kids won, of course). There are also motorcycles on hand when the team takes the field, and smoke and multi-colored LED lighting during player intros. The Warbirds do not have a dance team of their own, but they do invite local cheerleading squads, from high school down to kindergarten age, to perform throughout the game, which is a nice nod to the local community. There is also the traditional fan content, like a cornhole competition, and the MC is top-notch – he genuinely thanked the visiting team for coming (“…without visitors, we have no games…”), but then also mocked them mercilessly all game long, for example calling them ‘Goldfish’ instead of using their team name, the Sharks. The PA announcer also plays a special song for each opponent, in this case, ‘Baby Shark’ when the Jacksonville Sharks came to town. Neighborhood 3 Ector County Coliseum is right on the main drag in Odessa, so there are numerous restaurants within walking distance of the arena, both fast food and regular sit-down restaurants. Local favorites in Texas include Whataburger (try the Dr Pepper milkshake) and Chicken Express, or anything Mexican – my all-time favorite is Mexican Inn. There are also plenty of hotels in the vicinity, and even grocery stores and other shopping. One great attraction to check out while in town is the Petroleum Museum, which is over in Midland about 20 miles east of Odessa, but well worth the drive. There you can learn about how oil is produced, including some great geology lessons, learn about oil’s effect on the region, and even see an exhibit on how they make race cars go faster – a great place to stop during your trip to Ector County Coliseum. Fans 1 Very few fans show up for West Texas Warbirds games, which is unfortunate due to the great experience the team provides on gameday. However, the low attendance is most likely due to the team still being in the nascent stage – the Warbirds have only existed for 4 seasons, including this one, and will play more games this season than in all their prior seasons combined, thanks to the Covid pandemic. The Warbirds are also in their fourth league in four seasons, due to various issues, so I expect attendance to improve as the team gets settled in Odessa. Access 3 As you may have heard, Texas is big! It will take you 5 hours to drive to Odessa from Dallas or San Antonio, so just getting to the coliseum will be your biggest challenge. Once you get to Odessa, however, traffic is very light, and you can park for free right outside Ector County Coliseum. Once inside the arena, though, getting around is as easy as pie – there are plenty of bathrooms and short concessions lines, and you can sit pretty much wherever you want, no matter what ticket type you purchased. Return on Investment 5 Tickets to West Texas Warbirds games are only around $12 including all taxes and fees, which is almost as low as this writer has ever seen for indoor football, and parking is free. Concessions may be a little on the high side depending on your perspective, but since that is the only thing you have to pay for (potentially), a trip to Odessa to see the Warbirds represents a great return on investment – the game experience is guaranteed to be fun, and I had a blast in Odessa itself, visiting the Petroleum Museum and driving around seeing the oil derricks. I would go if you can make it. Extras 3 One of the sights around town is the jackrabbit statues (or maybe they are jackalopes) in various places which are painted by local artists – similar to what you might see in Huntington, WV (painted locomotives) or DeKalb, IL (painted huskies in support of Northern Illinois ); it might be a fun scavenger hunt-type game to find as many as you can. The team also has a great logo, reminiscent of WWII fighter planes.

Photos by Michael Davis, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.29 Dickies Arena 1911 Montgomery St Fort Worth, TX 76107 Panther City Lacrosse website Dickies Arena website Year Opened: 2019 Capacity: 14,000 Panther City Lacrosse The Panther City Lacrosse Club became the 14th franchise in the National Lacrosse League, and became the first professional men's lacrosse team in Fort Worth, Texas. Founded in 2020, the team plays their home games at Dickies Arena. Dickies Arena is a 14,000-seat multipurpose arena, located within the Will Rodgers Memorial Center, in the Art District of Fort Worth. In the short time it has existed, Dickies Arena has hosted the NCAA Women’s Gymnastics Championships, the NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament First and Second Rounds, the American Athletic Basketball Championships, and numerous concerts. Dickies Area has many future major events in the pipeline and has become Fort Worth’s number one place for events. Food & Beverage 2 Dickies Arena has a vast number and variety of concessions, but only a few are open during lacrosse games due to the lack of fans in attendance. The concessions prices are trying to make up for the lack of attendance, and are on par with major sports teams. The choices are above the basic, but out of place for lacrosse fans. Tarrant Tex Mex sells Asada quesadillas, crispy taco baskets, chicken quesadillas, chicken flautas, Italian hero sandwiches, and turkey sandwiches for $11 to $14 each. The concessions also include the basic arena food snacks such as hot dogs, nachos, fries, pretzels, and candy from $5 to $6.50 each. Dickies Arena serves a various amount of Pepsi products at $5.50 for a 24oz fountain drink; bottled water is a little less at $4.75. The arena’s alcohol menu is acceptable, with the basic Bud, Coors Light, and Michelob Ultra ($11 to $12) – if you want to go to the next level, Karbach Brewery (Houston) has their Hopadillo and Love Street for $15 each; the wine list is extensive and ranges from $8 to $15. Atmosphere 2 The arena has two levels, but only one is used for Panther City games. The upper deck has a curtain blocking the seats to give the arena a more intimate feel. The seating and sidelines are good, as the arena itself is top notch. An LED scoreboard hangs above center court. It shows the game action video, score, shots on goal, time remaining, and quarter. The opening introduction of players has an impressive pyrotechnic opening. There is constant music being played to pump up the crowd, or at least bring noise into an otherwise dead crowd. Panther City does have dancers/cheerleaders that are on the end of the rink on a stage. Just like a second thought and weren’t really involved; out of sight, out of mind. Panther City does have a mascot named Prowler, who interacts with the crowd and is entertaining. There are events on the carpet between periods. The game itself has moments, but the lack of fans inside Dickies Arena really kills any type of atmosphere which would make someone who isn’t a lacrosse fan excited to attend a game. Neighborhood 3 The area directly surrounding Dickies Arena is Fort Worth’s Cultural District, and is located west of downtown Fort Worth. There isn’t much within walking distance for eating and drinking, and that brings this rating down, but within just one to three miles, plenty of choices for eating, drinking, and merriment are available. Seventh Street has everything from Velvet Taco, Rodeo Goat, Pei Wei Asian Kitchen, and for a dress up dinner, Eddie’s V’s Prime seafood. There are more restaurants downtown at Sundance Square, and just north of Fort Worth is the famous Fort Worth Stockyards, where there are several fabulous steakhouses to choose from, as well as a Fort Worth staple in Joe T Garcia’s Mexican restaurant. There is a lot to see in Fort Worth, and around Dickies Arena are the Fort Worth Botanic Gardens, Kimball Art Museum, and Museum of Science and History. A short distance away is the famous Fort Worth Stockyards, as mentioned, where you can see cattle run representing the Chisholm Trail bringing cattle from the Great Plains. Billy Bob’s Texas, titled ‘The World’s Largest Honky Tonk’ is also a great place to visit while in the Stockyards. In addition, the Fort Worth Zoo and Texas Christian University are within a short distance of Dickies Arena. Courtyard by Marriott Fort Worth and Extended Stay-Fort Worth are nearby for lodging, but there are also numerous other hotel options in the Fort Worth area – it just depends on availability, price, and preference to decide where you settle while in Fort Worth. Wyndham Garden Inn is across the street from Dickies Arena, while the Ramada Inn is a block and a half away. I stayed at Ramada and while basic, it is clean and safe. Many more hotels in a variety of price ranges are also in the area so you can pick your preference. Fans 2 Panther City lacrosse is trying to compete in a state that is very unfamiliar with lacrosse. Although lacrosse is played in high school there isn’t much of a fuss over it, especially in a football state. There is some interest, however, and the fans that show up to the games are vocal and know the game. The crowd consists of families, kids, and school lacrosse teams. There are a lot of lacrosse jerseys being worn by fans, but mainly for the local high school team and not Panther City, although Panther City does have very cool uniforms. The average attendance is around 2,880 per game; the arena only uses the lower half of the seating arena, but even that the fans can’t fill. Panther City is dead last compared to other teams in the NLL. Access 3 Dickies Arena’s nearest airport is Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport – the 27-mile drive with traffic can take 45 minutes to an hour depending on when you plan to arrive in the DFW area. Otherwise getting to the arena is easy, as it is right off I-30 using the Montgomery Street exit, just west of downtown Fort Worth. Plenty of parking is available in lots surrounding the venue for $20. The box office is on the north side of the building, but only the south and west entrances are open for lacrosse games, and doors open an hour before the game. Public transportation is available, but on a Friday or Saturday night, Uber/Lyft or renting a car is your best option. It is easy and painless to get through the security and scanning of your ticket, and the typical clear 12” x 6” x 12” bags are allowed. Fans can walk the entire concourse, but the upper level is off limits. Tickets are available through Ticketmaster, an online ticket provider. Fans purchasing tickets at the box office must download the AXS app on their phone to get their tickets, however. Return on Investment 2 For lacrosse fans, the return on investment may be higher, but the lowest price through Ticketmaster is $25 for general admission on the ends of the rink, while for better seats the prices can rise to $77. There are packages that offer a little discount, but with games being played only on Friday and Saturday nights, this event would be more for locals than travelers. The concessions prices seem a little high for the offerings, so I recommend visiting one of Fort Worth great restaurants instead. Parking at Dickies Arena is $20; parking in the neighborhood is not recommended, as towing signs are plentiful. You may find cheaper parking at other garages in the Art District. Extras 2 Panther City plays is an exceptional venue – Dickies Arena can compete with any arena in the country. Fort Worth is also a great city for visitors, with lots of lodging, restaurants, and tourist attractions. Final Thoughts This was my first experience with the NLL, and I see a lot of things Panther City should change to bring more fans to the games, and make going a big event instead of just being something for local lacrosse fans. There are so many things to do in Fort Worth, but the cost of going to a Panther City game discourages fans from attending, since they can go up the road to a TCU baseball game for half the cost. However, there is potential in Fort Worth, with changes in marketing and ticket prices, to bring in more fans, because really this lacrosse team is what is missing in Fort Worth, as the team is competitive in making the playoffs. The arena is exemplary – if Panther City can survive in the NLL, then Fort Worth will be a great tour stop for NLL fans.

Photos by Aaron S. Terry, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.29 DCU Center 50 Foster St Worcester, MA 01608 Massachusetts Pirates website DCU Center website Year Opened: 1982 Capacity: 14,800 DCU’s Pirates DCU Center in Worcester, Massachusetts is a dated facility, but the staff does a lot to make the experience fun for the fans. In addition to hosting the Massachusetts Pirates of the Indoor Football League (IFL), DCU Center also hosts the Worcester Railers of minor league hockey’s ECHL. The facility opened in 1982 and holds 14,800 fans – however, the upper level is curtained off during Pirates games due to the lower attendance at those games. Food & Beverage 4 Not all the concession stands at DCU Center are open during Pirates games, but there are plenty of options available, and there are also several bars in the facility, some of which have views of the field (there is a bar behind each end zone with seating that looks out onto the field). You can find all the traditional fare at Massachusetts Pirates games – hot dogs, burgers, pizza, chicken sandwiches, cotton candy, chips, pretzels, nachos, popcorn, and packaged candy, although you will have to check different stands to find all these items, as none of the stands sell them all. While there is no food item that stands out as unique, really, the drink selection is very wide, with plenty of beer, wine, and mixed drink choices, plus alcohol seltzers, bottled water, tea, coffee, and soda. In fact, the drink selection is probably larger than the food selection. Prices are a little hit and miss in terms of cost – hot dogs are $5, for example, which seems reasonable, but burgers and chicken sandwiches are $10 each, which seems on the high side. Regardless, you should be able to find something within your budget if you look around. Atmosphere 3 As I mentioned above, the facility is a little dated, but the seats are all chairbacks and have padding, which is a nice touch. The seats are also all very close to the field, so you have a good view of the action. The staff has the traditional fan contests, as well as the ubiquitous dance team and mascot. They also bring in local flag football teams (young kids) to scrimmage at halftime. The field itself is a bold blue in the Pirates colors, similar to a well-known FBS stadium you may have heard of. There are no pyrotechnics when the team comes onto the field, but the inflatable tunnel is really cool – it looks like a wooden sailing ship with a pirate (complete with hook hand) piloting it. They also have inflatable play areas for the kiddos in the lobby, and a massive team gear section. Neighborhood 3 A few blocks from DCU Center there are numerous eateries, including mostly Asian and fast food restaurants, as well as a couple of hotels (Hilton, Holiday Inn, AC, and Homewood Suites). There is also a huge hospital on the east side of the arena. Worcester is about 45 minutes west of Boston, so if you want, you can easily go into the big city if you are looking for more to do (there are lots of historical sites in Boston as you probably know, but also the traffic is pretty heavy). Fans 2 There are not too many fans at Massachusetts Pirates games, but they are into the game and many of them show up in Pirates gear, or the gear of other local teams. Access 5 There is very little traffic around DCU Center during Massachusetts Pirates games, so getting in and out is easy, and you can literally park right across the street for $10 in the parking deck – I don’t always like parking decks at sometimes they take forever to get out of, but in this case I was able to get out in minutes, and the walk was very short to the arena. There are plenty of bathrooms inside, the concessions lines are not long at all, and there is plenty of room to move around the concourse. You can’t really see the field from the concourse as there are black curtains hung at every entrance, but on the plus side there are plenty of tables and seating areas scattered around the concourse, so you don’t have to eat your food at your seat. Return on Investment 4 Including Ticketmaster fees, tickets to Massachusetts Pirates games are less than $25 each, which is pretty normal as far as professional sports go nowadays. Parking and concessions are also reasonable, so I would say this is a good return on investment. Note also they only have digital programs (just scan the QR code from the posters on the walls all over the arena) – on the plus side this makes them free, but it also leaves you without a physical souvenir. In full disclosure I did not get one of the programs, so I don’t know if they are downloadable such that you can keep a copy, or if they only last as long as the game. Extras 2 The dance team actually does a costume change during the game, which is very unique; I have not seen it at any other indoor football game, or any other sporting event for that matter. The facility also looks great from the outside with its huge bay windows, which gives fans great views from the inside.

Since its inception in 1986 as the Eagle Pro Box Lacrosse League, to its current iteration as the National Lacrosse League in 1997, the NLL has been at the top level of indoor lacrosse competition in North America. Each year the NLL seems to take another step closer to the mainstream, having survived the coronavirus pandemic to signing media deals with ESPN and TSN in Canada. The 2022-2023 season saw 15 teams hit the carpet for the NLL with some independent ownership groups and some part of larger sports empires. A healthy mix of major league and minor league cities and facilities are represented also. In the end, however, box lacrosse provides an affordable sports outlet, in a world where sporting dollars do not go nearly as far as they once did. We at Stadium Journey have compiled a ranking list for the experiences of the National Lacrosse League based on the reviews of our writing staff. Enjoy! 1. Buffalo Bandits - KeyBank Center - 4.29 Dave Cottenie - The year was 1992. The Buffalo Bandits were founded in what was then the Major Indoor Lacrosse League. The fledgling league was only five years into its existence and four from being the Eagle Pro Box Lacrosse League. Of that group of seven teams from the 1992 season, only the Bandits remain, uninterrupted and undeterred. The Bandits even predate the current National Lacrosse League, which is what the MiLL would eventually become. Since then, the Buffalo Bandits have been the crown jewel of the league, which has seen plenty of change, strong years, and lean years, and looks currently to be stronger than ever. 2. Rochester KnightHawks - Blue Cross Arena - 4.00 Meg Minard - The Rochester Knighthawks are a member of the NLL (National Lacrosse League), an action-packed game of box lacrosse. This is the second Knighthawk franchise to call the Blue Cross Arena at the War Memorial in Rochester, NY its home. The first was a very successful franchise that operated from 1995 to 2019. Its owner relocated the team to Nova Scotia and rebranded them as the Thunderbirds after the 2019 season. The NLL granted an expansion franchise to Pegula Sports and Entertainment (owners of four other professional sports teams in Western New York) to begin playing the 2019-2020 season. Pegula Sports purchased the Knighthawks name to keep that name and lacrosse in Rochester. The organization hired new players and staff and designed new logos and colors for the new team. All championship records of the former team moved with them to Nova Scotia. 3. Las Vegas Desert Dogs - Michelob Ultra Arena - 3.86 Meg Minard - The Las Vegas Desert Dogs are the newest members of the NLL (National Lacrosse League), joining the league in the 2022-2023 season. The team is co-owned by several well-known sports individuals: Wayne Gretzky, Steve Nash, Dustin Johnson, and Joe Tsai. They play their home matches at the multi-purpose Michelob ULTRA Arena, attached to the Mandalay Bay Resort in Las Vegas, NV. The arena also hosts the WNBA Las Vegas Aces as well as concerts, college basketball tournaments, and other entertainment. Box lacrosse is a fabulous, non-stop action indoor sport. It’s one that even leaves fans exhausted after watching a match. 4. Toronto Rock - FirstOntario Centre - 3.86 Dave Cottenie - Beginning in 2021, the Toronto Rock is returning to Hamilton, Ontario, where it all began. The Toronto Rock date back to 1998 when their existence began as the Ontario Raiders. After one season, the future Toronto Rock was purchased by Bill Watters, Paul Beeston, Tie Domi, and Bobby Orr and moved to Maple Leaf Gardens for a rebranding. Two immensely successful seasons at the Gardens saw the Rock close down the iconic arena before moving to the Air Canada Centre, which eventually became Scotiabank Arena. The Rock was sold to Oakville, Ontario businessman Jamie Dawick in 2009. Playing third fiddle in Scotiabank Arena for significant rent became unpalatable for the Rock and the move up the Queen Elizabeth Way to Hamilton was on the menu, back to where it all started. The Rock is retaining not only the Rock moniker for 2021 but will continue to be referred to as the Toronto Rock. The new home for the Toronto Rock is the First Ontario Centre in Honour of Victor K. Copps. Built in 1985 with an NHL expansion team in mind, the former Copps Coliseum has seen several different tenants over its 35-year lifespan, with the NHL not being one of them. 5. Philadelphia Wings - Wells Fargo Center - 3.71 Dave Cottenie - For many years, the Philadelphia Wings were one of the cornerstone franchises in the National Lacrosse League. The original Wings played in the old National Lacrosse League for the two seasons that they took the floor in 1974 and 1975. When the league resurfaced as Eagle Pro Box Lacrosse League in 1986 the Wings played in one of the original games on the first day. The league would go through changes, with a period as the Major Indoor Lacrosse League before settling in as the National Lacrosse League in 1998. The Wings were part of all of those iterations. When the announcement was made that the Wings were sold to the Mohegan Tribe and moving to Connecticut to be the New England Black Wolves, it is appropriate to say that the lacrosse community was shocked. It didn’t take long for the parent company of the Philadelphia Flyers, Comcast Spectacor, to dive right into the NLL and bring an expansion team back to Broad Street. The new Wings took the floor in 2018. The original home of the Wings was the venerable Spectrum. When the Wells Fargo Center opened and the Flyers and Philadelphia 76ers moved to the new venue, the Wings joined them. Opening in 1996 as the CoreStates Center, the building is now on its fourth moniker as a result of numerous bank mergers. 6. Calgary Roughnecks - Scotiabank Saddledome - 3.71 Jim Flannery - The Calgary Roughnecks are one of the most successful franchises in the history of the National Lacrosse League. Since they started playing in November 2001, they have only missed the playoffs once (their first year) and they have won two championships (2004 and 2009). This makes them the winningest professional sports franchise in the city’s history. Needless to say, their standards for performance are high and their fan base is dedicated and enthusiastic. While the Saddledome was state of the art when it opened for business, it is starting to be a little long in the tooth more than 30 years later. Consequently, the Flames have begun talking about building a new facility in the not-too-distant future. 7. Halifax Thunderbirds - Scotiabank Centre - 3.57 Greg Johnston - Halifax, Nova Scotia has quickly become an enticing city for attracting professional sports franchises.​ Curt Styres pursued an opportunity to relocate his National Lacrosse League’s (NLL) franchise. ​The Halifax Thunderbirds commenced play at Scotiabank Centre in 2019 after twenty-five seasons competing in Rochester, New York. Formally known as the Knighthawks, the team celebrated much success on the field winning five championships (1997, 2007, 2012, 2013 & 2014) and ten division titles. In an unusual turn of events, the Knighthawks are still in existence, but now as an expansion team with new owners, players, and logo. The records and championships belong to the Thunderbird franchise. 8. Georgia Swarm - Gas South Arena - 3.57 David Welch - Lacrosse has long been popular in the mid-Atlantic, northeastern states, and throughout Canada, but the sport’s popularity in the south has just started to blossom in the last decade. The growth of lacrosse in Georgia has been helped by the addition of the Georgia Swarm of the National Lacrosse League. The NLL is a 15-team indoor lacrosse league with teams throughout the United States and Canada, playing their inaugural season in 1987. Indoor lacrosse is a combination of field lacrosse, played within a hockey rink on sports turf, with the production level of professional basketball. 9. Saskatchewan Rush - SaskTel Centre - 3.43 Jim Flannery - Until 2016 the province of Saskatchewan was home to just a single professional sports franchise: the Roughriders, playing in Regina as part of the Canadian Football League. That is no longer the case as the Saskatchewan Rush are now residing in Saskatoon. The Rush had a busy and exciting 2015. In their 10th year of operation in the National Lacrosse League, they won their division for the third straight season, went to the Champion’s Cup for the second time, and won their first championship. A few weeks later, the team announced that they were relocating from Edmonton to Saskatoon. As a result, folks in Saskatoon are not only getting their first pro sports franchise, but they’re getting to see it played at the highest level, with a top-ranked squad coming to town. The Rush now play indoor (aka ‘box’) lacrosse at SaskTel Centre. The arena has undergone several renovations, expansions, and improvements since it opened its doors in 1988, with seating capacity more than doubled in that time, such that the facility can now hold more than 15,000 people. 10. Colorado Mammoth - Ball Arena - 3.29 Meg Minard - The Mammoth put on a good show; it is all very well coordinated. The introduction includes motorcycles on the court and smoke and fire when the Mammoth players are announced. The young, pretty, athletic Wild Bunch dancers entertain the crowd during breaks in the game. And, a halftime show includes various entertainment acts. 11. San Diego Seals - Pechanga Arena - 3.14 Meg Minard - The San Diego Seals are one of the newer members in the National Lacrosse League (NLL) beginning play in the 2018-2019 season. They have been successful, making it to the West Division semi-finals in their first season. So far in this early part of the 2021-2022 season, they are continuing their winning ways. The Seals play their home games at Pechanga Arena in the Midway District of San Diego, CA. Built in 1966, the arena is set up to be functional; not the whiz-bang marvels built these days for sports facilities. It serves the Seals well from a fan perspective. 12. Albany FireWolves - MVP Arena - 3.14 Dave Cottenie - In 2021, the National Lacrosse League returned to the Capital Region. From 2000 to 2003, Albany was home to the Attack, who would relocate to San Jose, California, and eventually settle in Vancouver. Albany has been home to several minor league hockey teams, most notably the Albany River Rats. However, the departure of the Albany Devils in 2017 left the area without a professional team to call their own. The New England Black Wolves would relocate in 2021 to Albany and the team would be cleverly named the Albany FireWolves. At one time the Arena Football League’s Albany Firebirds were a popular draw and the wolves' name was kept from the Black Wolves days. The mascot of the old Attack was also a wolf. 13. New York Riptide - Nassau Veterans Memorial Coliseum - 3.14 Dave Cottenie - The connection between New York and the National Lacrosse League is a long and significant one. The New Jersey Saints were one of the original Eagle Pro Lacrosse League teams and won the original championship in 1988. They immediately moved to Long Island to become the New York Saints, where they continued to participate in the various iterations of the league until 2003. The New York Titans would split time between Long Island and Midtown for their three seasons before moving to Orlando in 2009. In 2018, New York would once again be awarded an expansion team in the NLL and a return to Long Island was in the cards for the newly minted New York Riptide. The return to Long Island would bring with it a return to the Nassau Veterans Memorial Coliseum. Famously the home of the NHL’s New York Islanders during their four Stanley Cup run in the eighties, the Nassau Coliseum received a significant facelift in 2017. Originally opened in 1972, the county-owned Nassau Coliseum experienced a massive renovation which included a significant reduction in capacity, deadly for NHL hockey, but perfect for NLL lacrosse. 14. Panther City LC - Dickies Arena - 2.57 Michael Davis - Panther City lacrosse is trying to compete in a state that is very unfamiliar with lacrosse. Although lacrosse is played in high school there isn’t much of a fuss over it, especially in a football state. There is some interest, however, and the fans that show up to the games are vocal and know the game. N/A Vancouver Warriors - Rogers Arena Unfortunately, Stadium Journey does not yet have a review for the Vancouver Warriors. If you are interested in writing a review for Stadium Journey, please contact us.

Photos by Paul Baker, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.14 Muzzy Field Muzzy Street Bristol, CT 06010 Bristol Blues website Muzzy Field website Year Opened: 1939 Capacity: 4,900 Muzzy Field Baseball has been played on the site of Muzzy Field since 1912, when local businessman and politician Adrian Muzzy donated a parcel of land to the city of Bristol. Used over the years for baseball, football, soccer and even rodeos, the facility’s brick grandstand was added in 1939. Even today, Muzzy Field continues to be home for several local baseball and football teams. Muzzy Field’s history goes so far back that local legend states Babe Ruth hit the first home run here in 1919. Muzzy Field was home to the Bristol Owls of the Colonial League in 1949 and 1950, and the Eastern League’s Bristol Red Sox from 1972 to 1982. Notable future Red Sox who passed through Bristol on their way to Boston include Jim Rice, Fred Lynn and Butch Hobson. The Green Bay Packers even played a game here in 1943. More recently, the Hartford Hawks played at Muzzy Field prior to opening Fiondella Field , and the Big East Conference held their annual postseason tournament at Muzzy Field from 1985 to 1995. Two New England Collegiate Baseball League teams have previously called Muzzy Field home, the Bristol Nighthawks (1994-95) and the Bristol Collegiate Baseball Club (2000). The Bristol Blues joined the Futures League as an expansion team in 2015. After experiencing some success in this circuit, including a trip to the championship round in their inaugural season, the Blues moved to the rival NECBL in 2020. Food & Beverage 3 For a smaller ballpark, Muzzy Field has a decent variety of concession options. Standard ballpark fare is sold at the park’s two concession stands, including Hummel Brothers hot dogs, burgers and pizza slices. A good assortment of snacks, including nachos, sunflower seeds, peanuts, pretzels and candy are also available. Fans can upgrade their hot dog or nachos with some chili. Thirsty Blues fans can select from a variety of Pepsi products. If an adult beverage is more your speed, the Blues have you covered with brews including Coors Light, Miller Lite, Blue Moon, Two Roads Li’l Heaven and Vizzy Hard Seltzer. Prices are most affordable, as no item (not even beer!) costs more than five dollars. Atmosphere 3 The game day atmosphere here at Muzzy Field is fairly typical of what you’ll find in other small summer college ballparks in the region. The Blues staff work hard, and the result is an enjoyable, family-friendly experience. Your typical between innings shenanigans take place throughout the game, hosted by an on-field emcee and Mojo, the team’s sunglasses-wearing mascot. The PA Announcer does a nice job without being too obtrusive while a simple scoreboard in right field displays basic game information. A highlight of the day is the mayhem race, where most of the kids in attendance race from foul line to foul line. For the adults in attendance, there are giveaways, free programs and raffles from local businesses. A 50/50 raffle is conducted, which raises money to help defray operating costs. Half the money collected goes to the team, while a lucky fan goes home with the other half. Neighborhood 2 Bristol is a small city in western Connecticut with a population of just over 60,000 residents located about 20 miles southwest of Hartford. Sports fans will recognize Bristol as the home of ESPN. While the ESPN campus does not do tours, travelers wishing to sneak a peak of the Worldwide Leader’s home will find ESPN headquarters about four miles southwest of Muzzy Field on Route 229. Visitors to Bristol will probably not stay in the city, but continue on to the nearby larger cities of Hartford, about 20 miles to the northeast or New Haven, about 40 miles to the south. The Foxwoods and Mohegan Sun casinos are located just over an hour’s drive to the east. While there are not many dining or lodging options within walking distance of Muzzy Field, visiting fans will find ample choices nearby. Route 6, which runs about a mile from the ballpark, contains the bulk of these businesses, most of which are national chains. Several hotels are located within a ten minute drive of Muzzy Field, most of them clustered around Interstate 84 and the ESPN campus. The biggest local attraction, Lake Compounce amusement park, is located 4 miles from Muzzy Field. Fans 3 The Blues draw decent crowds to Muzzy Field, generally landing in the middle of the NECBL attendance rankings. The average crowd here ranges between 1,000 and 1,500 fans, a good turnout for this level of baseball. You’ll find a good mix of young and old, casual and diehard fans taking in the action at this old ballpark. Many of the fans in attendance have a personal connection to the players on the field, and as a result are quite knowledgeable and vocal in their support. Of course, watching the younger fans run around the ballpark chasing foul balls, begging for autographs and hassling Mojo is a highlight of any game at Muzzy Field. Access 3 The city of Bristol, Connecticut is located about 20 miles southwest of Hartford. Muzzy Field is most easily accessed by car, located on Route 72 (Park Street). Interstate 84 runs in a north-south direction just a few miles away from the ballpark. Recent renovations to Muzzy Field have greatly improved flow and accessibility. Concessions and restrooms are located on the exterior side of the grandstand, which is encircled by a wide concourse. While improvements have been made, this old ballpark is not the most accessible place for persons requiring accommodations. The majority of seating in the brick grandstand is in the form of wooden bleachers with backs, which run from behind home plate down the third base line. There are aluminum bleachers on the first base line, which are raised about eight feet above the field behind the visitors’ dugout, as well as a pair of aluminum bleachers further down the left field line to handle larger crowds. Some fans will gravitate towards the picnic tables in the grove further down the right field line. The seating area is cozy, but not cramped. With the typical crowds at a Blues game, there is room to spread out. Be warned that if you are sitting anywhere in either grandstand, nets will obstruct your view of the field. In an unusual quirk, the light poles at Muzzy Field are located in front of the grandstand, meaning that some seats have obstructed views. Return on Investment 5 Taking in a game at Muzzy Field is a most affordable entertainment option for central Connecticut baseball fans. All seats are sold as general admission for only six dollars. Free parking is available in a pair of decent sized lots adjacent to the ball field, and additional free parking is available on the streets around Muzzy Field. Concessions are reasonably priced, with no item costing more than five dollars. Extras 3 A pair of extra points are awarded for the sense of baseball history present here at Muzzy Field, from the old brick grandstand with the wooden bleachers to the ring of tall pine trees that line the outfield. Many ballparks throughout New England claim “Babe Ruth played here”, much in the same way that you might see “George Washington slept here” in old hotels. Muzzy Field honors Ruth’s visit to central Connecticut with a large #3 banner on the right field fence, colored half in Yankee pinstripes and half in Red Sox colors. This design choice is fitting when you consider that Bristol sits on the dividing line between Red Sox and Yankee territory. Among the other honorees in the right field corner is a banner with Jim Rice’s number 14. A final extra point is awarded to the Blues theme, honoring one of the team’s founders, Elliot Scheiner. Mr. Scheiner is an eight-time Grammy and two-time Emmy Award winning producer and engineer. Final Thoughts Muzzy Field is an excellent example of a historic ballpark that has been given new life through the establishment of summer college baseball. Recent renovations have given this old ballpark a new feel while retaining much of its historic character. Taking in a game at a historic park with affordable prices and a modern game day presentation is certainly the best of both worlds. After a few failed tries at summer college ball, it looks like the Blues are here to stay in Bristol. Follow Paul Baker’s stadium journeys on Twitter and Instagram @PuckmanRI.

Photos by Matt Colville, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.71 Oakes Training Center 4957 Old Hwy 11 Hattiesburg, MS 39402 Southern States Stars SC website Oakes Training Center website Year Opened: 2016 Capacity: 1,500 Soccer Under the Oaks Southern States Soccer is a local soccer academy located in the Hattiesburg suburb of Oak Grove, Mississippi. The Academy was founded in 2016 and strives to provide well-organized soccer opportunities for youth players, in a positive environment that teaches life lessons through the sport of soccer. The academy currently offers four different classes for boys and girls. The beginner's group is the Little Kickers program for ages 3-6 designed for kids to learn the fundamentals of soccer. The Pre-Academy class is designed for kids ages 6-8 who want to advance their soccer skills, while the Academy2 class is the stepping stone of youth soccer in Hattiesburg, and designed for kids ages 8-19, who will eventually advance to the Main Academy program. All classes are held on the grounds of the state-of-the-art Oakes Training Center. The 6-acre site includes a lighted professional length field with bleacher seating, two smaller practice fields, and an indoor soccer training center called the futsal center. In 2021 the Academy began sponsoring a club that competes in the National Premiere Soccer League. The NPSL is a lower-level professional soccer league that has 99 teams as of the 2023 season, and SSSC competes in the Gulf Coast Division. The players from the main academy compete in the NPSL, while a second team made up of other academy players competes in the Gulf Coast Premier League, which is a semi-pro league with 10 teams throughout the Gulf Coast region. A full length professional sized stadium was built in 2021 as the home of Southern States Soccer FC matches. Food & Beverage 3 There is one main concession stand located on the east side of the complex overlooking the pitch, and they surprisingly have a lot of offerings here. The usual fare of hot dogs, hamburgers, and popcorn are sold, but they also sell corn dogs and funnel cake. They also have a nice selection of alcoholic beverages, including domestic and imported beers, as well as a few local beers from Southern Prohibition Brewing in Hattiesburg. The cool thing about the concession stand are the four picnic tables located near the stands, which have an excellent view of the match. The picnic benches also provide excellent shade from the Mississippi heat, and provide an excellent view of the sun going down to the west. Atmosphere 4 The Oakes Training Center is a beautiful soccer specific facility, the only one of its kind in the State of Mississippi. The main field is the one closest to the parking lot and faces north and south. Along the west sideline is the box-style metal bleacher seating that extends down the full length of the field; this is the general admission seating area. But what really makes this venue stand out is the setup on the east sideline – a large two-story brick building overlooks the field on this side. The indoor of this two-story facility houses the locker rooms, weight rooms, and indoor practice field, and the offices of the soccer academy. Outside along the patio there is chairback seating for a couple of hundred people, and you can also go upstairs to an A/C lounge area with couches and TVs that overlook the field – this is the VIP area seating. A concessions area makes up the south side of the brick building, which includes four wooden picnic benches. General admission ticket holders are welcome to sit at these picnic benches, although you will need a separate ticket to get to the chairbacks or the lounge area. Along the outside of the brick building are about 30 nationality's flags that you can see from the field – this entire complex and set up are really impressive for this lower level of soccer. Neighborhood 2 Oak Grove is a suburb of Hattiesburg with a population of about 2,000 people. It is mostly a quiet, residential community compared to its neighboring college town. There isn't much in the vicinity of the Oakes except Oak Grove High School and a library across the street. Venture about a mile or two north on the main highway and you'll find a few things to do; mostly chain stores and fast-food restaurants dominate this stretch of the highway, as well as Turtle Creek Mall, the largest mall in the Pine Belt. There are few local restaurants in Oak Grove though – Half Shell Oyster House is a popular seafood restaurant located on the highway, and another popular spot nearby is the Movie Star Restaurant, which is like Cracker Barrel. Movie Star has vintage memorabilia, old signs, movie props, and anything old you can think of adorning its walls. It remains a popular spot for brunch and is located about a mile from the Oakes. For stuff to do outdoors in Oak Grove there are two beautiful 18-hole golf courses, Canebrake Country Club and Shadow Ridge Golf Club. You will also especially want to drive through the Canebrake subdivision and check out all the huge mansions that overlook the lake. Another popular outdoors activity in Oak Grove is fishing or boating at Hennington Lakem also known as Lake Serene; it doesn't get its nickname for nothing, as the beautiful lake also has cabins and a campground where you can make a peaceful weekend out of your visit. The Long Leaf Trace, a popular paved 44-mile bike trail runs through Oak Grove as well. The Trace also has a few primitive campgrounds, as well as the famous Piney Leaf Resort, which has cabins. Those are just a few things you can do in the small community of Oak Grove. Of course, Hattiesburg is the next city over and you can find more restaurants and plenty of lodging available there as well. Fans 3 The Stars have a pretty big following in the Pine Belt, with each match averaging about 1,000 fans. This area is a surprising big soccer market, with tons of various youth leagues and rec leagues throughout the region – all around the practice fields you will find kids playing pick-up soccer. You will see a lot of the kids from the academy in attendance, many of them in soccer uniforms having just got done with practice. Before the match the Stars bring that professional soccer feel; as the Stars take the pitch they enter with a various local youth team, while opera style music plays over the PA system. The Stars also have their fair share of supporters who get into the matches. The general admission seating closest to the players' bench on the west side is where the group of fans called the Supernovas sit – this group tries their best to make it as rowdy an atmosphere as possible for this level of soccer. All throughout the game you'll hear various chants coming from this section, and when the Stars score they blow off smoke bombs and wave a giant flag. From the parking lot you can also see the field, so there is also a group of fans there that sit in their cars and watch the game and tailgate. Whenever there is a goal, those fans will honk their horns. Access 2 Getting to the Oakes can pose a problem if you are not familiar with the area. The Oakes is located off a back road in a residential area, off a busy highway. The best way to get here if coming from out of town is to take Interstate 59 to Exit 65, which is Hardy Street/Highway 98, the main drag into town. If you go east you'll get closer to Hattiesburg, so instead go west on Hardy Street towards Oak Grove, until you reach Oak Grove High School and Highway 11. Then, go south for about two miles until you get to the Public Library, and the Oakes is right across the street. The one drawback coming here is there is no signage directing you how to get to the facility – if you didn't know what you were looking for you would have no idea this place was back here. The entire stadium literally sits in the woods amongst a bunch of oak trees. In fact there is only a small sign at the main entrance, that you can miss if you don't look quick enough. Return on Investment 3 General Admission tickets are $10, and you can sit anywhere you want on the west bleachers, while for $20 you can sit on the padded chairs on the east side patio outside the training center. For $75 you can get the VIP experience, where you can sit in the lounge area upstairs from the Training Center on the east side. I consider seeing a match here a good return on investment; most of these guys won't be playing in the World Cup anytime soon, but you are getting to see professional soccer in South Mississippi. Extras 2 The Stars achieved some national success in just their second year of play in 2022, after advancing to play in the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup, which is a knockout months-long tournament to determine the best soccer club in the US. The tournament began in 1913 and is the oldest ongoing soccer tournament in the United States. The tournament is not only open to all MLS teams, but also to every league on the American soccer pyramid, including NPSL, which usually invites each division winner to compete in the Cup; SSSC won the 2022 NPSL Gulf Coast Division to advance to the tournament. The Stars then won their first-round matchup over the Georgia Revolution (the match was hosted at the Oakes), but later ended up losing to the Birmingham Legion of the USL. Another plus for the local fan engagement and community involvement that the Southern States Stars bring to the area during the summer months, when there is not a lot going on in the Pine Belt. In a college town dominated by Southern Miss the Stars do a great job at filling the local sports void during the summer months, in between the college baseball and college football seasons. If looking for a sporting event in Hattiesburg to attend in the summer months, then I highly recommend attending a Southern States Stars SC match.