Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.57 Amalie Arena 401 Channelside Dr Tampa, FL 33602 Tampa Bay Lightning website Amalie Arena website Year Opened: 1996 Capacity: 19,500 Title Town in Tampa Editor's Note: On August 13, 2025, it was announced that the facility's name was now Benchmark International Arena. Benchmark International is a Tampa-based mergers and acquisitions firm. This review, completed in the 2024-25 season, refers to the arena by its previous name, Amalie Arena. The idea of ice hockey in Florida has always been one that drew looks of confusion among skeptics. How could an NHL franchise succeed in Florida, a state that rarely sees freezing during its coldest months, let alone become more than just a short-term fad? While some have argued the Panthers fit the latter, the Tampa Bay Lightning have become one of the league’s must-see franchises. Consistently competing for playoff spots and winning a Stanley Cup three times (including back-to-back in 2020 and 2021) has catapulted the Tampa Bay franchise to greatness. Without a doubt, the Lightning are one of the best experiences in sports, and a visit to Amalie Arena makes it easy to see why. Food & Beverage 5 There are tons of food & beverage options at Amalie Arena. From locally-inspired seafood options throughout the concourse to the standard stadium fare, you can find whatever you want here. From full-sized salads or chicken tender baskets at $15.50 to chicken sandwiches at $13.50, the PDQ franchise booths located in the arena are a hit among fans. Sweet tooth seekers can be satisfied with massive options, including souvenir popcorn buckets at $13, Dippin’ Dots for $9.50, caramel corn for $7.50, ice cream for $7, and more. Sodas start at $6.75 with beer ranging from $9.25 to $16, and while prices may be high for some of these items, the quality and quantity cannot be ignored. Atmosphere 5 The Tampa Bay Lightning have made game day a full experience. From the pre-game festivities and fan zone outside the arena’s main entrance, in an area dubbed Thunder Alley, you can easily see why fans flock to the arena for outdoor watch parties during the playoffs. Here you can find giveaways and music performances throughout the hours before the puck is dropped. Once inside, the pristine arena is easy to navigate thanks to a bounty of signage, as well as the helpfulness of the staff at the arena, some of whom are there solely to answer your questions and help direct you around the facility. During player intros laser lights, smoke, and even lightning bolts from ceiling-mounted Tesla coils fill the arena with excitement, and once the puck drops the fans take over, making Amalie Arena one of the most intimidating road venues in the league. Simply put, this place gets loud! Finally, the arena was recently renovated with brand new lighting that offers a clearer look at the game action than ever before. Neighborhood 4 Amalie Arena is located literally blocks from Tampa’s downtown center, situated in the Channelside neighborhood. Nearby you can find countless restaurants and hotels, as well as shopping. However, in recent years, the area across the street from the arena has exploded with construction and a new feel. New high-rise apartments fill the skyline here, complete with restaurants and shopping on the lower levels. Even the local Publix Greenwise Market a block away sets up a table outside, advertising pizza and other food specials for fans arriving on game day. You’re also only a few miles from the Tampa airport and the nearby Tampa International Mall. There, your options for shopping and dining multiply exponentially. Once you get to Tampa there are countless tourist destinations within a short drive of the downtown area; Hard Rock Casino and Resort is just a few exits east on I-4, while Busch Gardens Tampa is also nearby. The pristine beaches of Clearwater and St. Pete lie just to the west on the other side of the bay, and nature lovers can easily venture towards Blue Springs State Park for kayaking and manatee spotting in the winter months. Fans 5 The fans in Tampa LOVE their Lightning; packed houses are expected night after night, with mostly Tampa Bay fans in attendance. Unlike other expansion teams where visits from popular teams garner massive traveling crowds, the Lightning fill up easily with home fans regardless of the opponent. This means the locals are about as loyal as they come in pro sports, a rarity in Florida. This also means Amalie Arena gets very loud during games; the fans also know their hockey well, and make their displeasure at bad ref calls, or their excitement over goals scored, known with fervor. Access 4 Amalie Arena is located off the Selmon Connector, a split off I-4. Located between I-4 and I-275, the downtown area has several exits that get you to the arena and parking areas nearby. There are plenty of garages and parking lots in the venue’s vicinity that make finding somewhere to park without spending a lot of money easy. There are also several public transport lines that take you to the arena, be they by bus or train. However, as with any major city in Florida, traffic can build up quickly and become a drag, so plan accordingly. Return on Investment 4 Tickets to Tampa Bay Lightning games are relatively on par with the rest of pro sports and the NHL, starting around $20 for the upper levels to over $100 for the lower bowl. That said, the experience you have at Amalie Arena is unlike anything else in Florida, and easily on par with some of the best hockey experiences in the NHL. Fans flock to Tampa Bay Lightning games, and it is easy to see why. Visiting Tampa should include a trip to a Bolts game almost as an automatic add on for visitors. Extras 5 Amalie Arena features several statues of important players and members of the Lightning’s past outside in the Thunder Alley area. In addition, another neat aspect of the venue is the plentiful discounts around the facility on food and beverages for season ticket holders. The Tampa Bay Lightning also have a working Tesla coil mounted to the ceiling that shoots out bolts of lightning during pre-game intros, as well as whenever the Bolts score a goal. The upper end zone also features the Bolts’ organ player, adding a quintessential element to NHL games. A hidden gem of the Lightning experience is the Budweiser Biergarten – located off the main concourse down a small hallway, this outside patio overlooks Thunder Valley and features food and beverage options for fans who want to get some fresh air during their visit. In addition, the stadium features an impressive number of team stores around its concourses, from the upper level to the main store situated downstairs off the main concourse. Final Thoughts The Tampa Bay Lightning have broken all expectations for a Florida hockey franchise, and their game day experience has become one of the best in the league. From the spotless interior of the venue to the bounty of food options, there is plenty to love at Amalie Arena. Your dollar goes far thanks to the excitement on the ice, and there are no bad seats in the house. Thankfully fans also add to the fun, packing in the house all year long to watch the Lightning push for the playoffs year after year.

Photo courtesy of RotoGrinders.png Are you the kind of fan who knows  you can call plays better than the pros? Do you shout advice to your favorite team on your television screen from the comfort of your couch? Have you been known to pace around your living room like you are the coach on the sidelines? Well, RotoGrinders , one of the premier destinations for daily fantasy sports users, has the perfect job for you. They are scouring the country in search of the ultimate Armchair Coach. This one-time coaching job will pay the lucky winner $2,000. They will also get an official whistle, foam finger, and one gallon of Gatorade. The job description? Watch football and yell at your TV – that’s it. Pick any game and record your best reactions, post-game rants, or instant analysis and share them online. The deadline to apply for the contest is December 10, 2025, with the winner being announced by December 17. Contestants will be judged on their creativity, entertainment value, and overall delivery. Personality will be chosen over production value. To enter, record a quick video – no more than 2 minutes long – of you watching a football game and yelling at the TV, calling plays, celebrating touchdowns, or breaking down the action just like the pros. You can upload your video to YouTube, TikTok, or any other public social media platform, and drop the link in your entry form. Those interested in becoming RotoGrinders’ first-ever Armchair Quarterback can enter the contest here . ---- Follow me on Twitter: @EricMoreno6477 Visit my Writer's Portfolio: EricMoreno.Contently.com

Photos by Richard Smith, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.57 Sea Gull Stadium 1301 Wayne St Salisbury, MD 21804 Salisbury Sea Gulls website Sea Gull Stadium website Year Opened: 1980 Capacity: 5,000 Gulls To The Shore Salisbury University is a public university located in the city of Salisbury, roughly 30 miles west of Ocean City, Maryland. Salisbury is a member of the University System of Maryland. The school opened in 1925 and has been known as the Maryland State Normal School, Maryland State Teachers College, Salisbury State College, and Salisbury State University before going to its current name. The Salisbury Sea Gulls compete in Division III athletics in the Capital Athletic Conference, while the football team competes in the New Jersey Athletic Conference. Salisbury is well known for the success of its athletic programs, amassing 19 national championships in team sports and 24 individual national championships in track and field and wrestling. Sea Gull Stadium's origins date back to 1980, but the modern iteration opened its doors in 2016 after a major redesign. Food & Beverage 3 The concession stand offers a reasonably priced menu, featuring all the classic stadium staples you would expect. Main options include all-beef hot dogs ($4.50), cheeseburgers ($6.50), chicken tenders, and savory tender baskets ($8.50). One essential highlight of the menu is the French Fries ($3.50), a perfect salty complement to any main course, which is notably a favorite food of the Sea Gulls' beloved mascot, Sammy. Other popular snacks include soft pretzel bites, nachos, candy, and Fisher's™ Popcorn ($4). Drink options feature Pepsi products ($3), Gatorade, and bottled water ($2.50). For those needing a warm beverage during the cooler months of the football season, hot chocolate and coffee are also available. For adult fans, the stadium also offers beer and wine sales at a separate, dedicated stand, as indicated by signage pointing to the North End of the Stadium. Atmosphere 3 The 5,000-seat stadium was built to enhance the spectator experience. The modern, thoughtful design creates a sense of occasion for every contest. This design also retains a link to the stadium's past: the field's opposite side features the original main stands and press box, which have been repurposed to now serve as the visitor seating section. The installation of lighting in 2007 was a crucial step in elevating the environment, allowing for night games that always seem to draw a heightened energy from the Sea Gull faithful. There are cheerleaders and a Sammy mascot to help the atmosphere. The stadium also has a great videobaord for tracking the action. You can walk around all sides of the field with ease. Neighborhood 4 Sea Gull Stadium is situated close to residential areas and the commercial bustle of South Salisbury, making the journey to the stadium relatively easy for both local fans and visiting travelers. Salisbury is a mid-sized city, and the campus's location offers numerous off-campus options for pre- and post-game exploration. Just a short drive away, you can find cultural gems like the Ward Museum of Wildfowl Art or enjoy a family-friendly outing at the Salisbury Zoological Park, one of the region's top small zoos. Admission to the Salisbury Zoo is free, making it an excellent, low-cost attraction. For a quick, classic, and affordable post-game meal, be sure to check out the regional chain, Cook Out, which is famous among college students for its extensive (and cheap) menu of burgers, shakes, and "trays." While not gourmet dining, it delivers a fun, quintessential "cookout" vibe that is perfect for celebrating a Sea Gulls victory. For the dedicated sports traveler, the proximity of Arthur W. Perdue Stadium, home to the Delmarva Shorebirds minor league baseball team, presents a perfect opportunity to schedule a multi-venue weekend trip. A major regional bonus is the proximity of Ocean City, Maryland, which is only about a 30-40 minute drive east from Salisbury. This world-famous resort town and its boardwalk offer an excellent diversion, regardless of the season. While the weather might not always be right for swimming, the boardwalk is an attraction in itself, lined with classic shops and amusements. A trip to the boardwalk is incomplete without indulging in two local institutions: the legendary Thrasher's French Fries (served with malt vinegar, not ketchup) and a cone or shake from Dumser's Dairyland. This mix of academic tranquility and surrounding commercial and recreational activity ensures that a trip to Sea Gull Stadium is about more than just the game; it is an inviting Eastern Shore destination. Fans 4 As a dominant force in Division III football, the Sea Gulls attract a loyal and knowledgeable base of supporters, including enthusiastic students, dedicated alumni, and community members who take genuine pride in the university's success. The energy emanating from the stands is a tangible reflection of the program’s consistent competitiveness, especially during critical conference matchups. Unlike larger Division I venues, the seating capacity of 5,000 creates a more intimate setting where every cheer and chant feels immediately impactful on the field. The crowd is particularly engaged during key plays. It is worth noting that while the crowd is typically strong, the game attended for this review was a rare Friday night contest late in the season, which is not the normal schedule. The attendance was smaller on this occasion, but should be considered an aberration from the typical large and spirited Sea Gull Nation turnout. The Sea Gull supporters are known for their spirited engagement and positive energy, creating a supportive yet formidable environment for opponents. Access 4 Navigating to and accessing the Sea Gull Stadium complex is easy. The stadium is easily located off the main thoroughfares in Salisbury. Ample parking options are provided, including plenty of street parking surrounding the campus and a very large parking garage directly across the street from the complex. Return on Investment 4 The return on investment for a trip to Sea Gull Stadium offers a good value, especially for high-quality NCAA Division III sports viewing. General admission tickets are priced at $10.00. Discounted tickets are available for non-Salisbury students, alumni, veterans, and seniors at $7.00, and for children aged 5-12 at $5.00. Salisbury University students, faculty, and staff with a valid ID continue to receive complimentary entry. The total expense for a fan to attend a game remains remarkably low. Considering the caliber of the athletic programs, which consistently compete for national championships, the opportunity to witness elite-level collegiate sport in such a modern, comfortable, and well-appointed setting presents an undeniable bargain for the dedicated sports traveler. Extras 3 The "Extras" at Sea Gull Stadium truly elevate the game-day experience beyond the confines of the field, centering around the unique personality and championship infrastructure of the campus. Chief among these is Sammy Sea Gull, the spirited and visible mascot who embodies the heart of Sea Gull Nation, providing energetic interaction, high-fives, and photo opportunities with fans throughout the stands. Sammy, who has been part of the Sea Gulls' identity since the 1970s, adds a crucial element of fun and tradition to every home game and can frequently be found rallying the crowd alongside the Sea Gull cheerleaders. Beyond the on-field excitement, the stadium's modern redesign includes features that enhance both athlete and spectator facilities. Final Thoughts Sea Gull Stadium provides a premier Division-III sports experience, blending championship-level athletic competition with top-tier, modern facilities in a location that exemplifies the pride of the Eastern Shore. This venue is a must-see for any sports enthusiast seeking an intimate, high-value, and deeply passionate college athletics destination.

Photo c ourtesy of the University of Arizona Athletics Department On Monday, November 17, the University of Arizona in Tucson, Arizona, announced a new stadium naming rights deal with Casino Del Sol for Arizona Stadium . The stadium, which is the home venue for the Arizona Wildcats, will be renamed Casino Del Sol Stadium beginning with the 2026-27 season. According to Sports Business Journal , the deal is worth more than $60 million for 20 years, around $3 million each year. It is believed that the deal is the most significant naming rights agreement in the Big 12. Casino Del Sol is an enterprise of the native Pascua Yaqui Tribe and will be one of the largest corporate partnerships in Arizona Athletics. The agreement gives the tribe exclusive rights in casino, gaming, resort, and tribal nation designations. It also includes exterior and interior branding, field logos, and “expanded integration” on national broadcasts. “This is the largest partnership in the history of Arizona Athletics,” said Arizona Athletics Director Desireé Reed-Francois in a news release . “We are appreciative of the Pascua Yaqui Tribe and Casino Del Sol for their investment and are proud to join hands to create a platform that celebrates culture, drives impact, and showcases the very best of Southern Arizona. We're not just changing the name of a stadium; we're changing what it means to invest in college athletics in Arizona.” The deal was negotiated by Arizona Sports Enterprises, which is the in-house multimedia rights and partnerships arm of the university. “For many here in Southern Arizona and around the country, Arizona Athletics offers a first glimpse of the University of Arizona,” said University of Arizona President Suresh Garimella. “By naming one of our campus landmarks for Casino Del Sol, we are telling that audience how proud we are to partner with the Pascua Yaqui Tribe. I'm proud of our shared purpose to expand opportunity, strengthen belonging, and build a stronger future for our region, and I look forward to what we'll accomplish together.” ---- Follow me on Twitter: @EricMoreno6477 Visit my Writer's Portfolio: EricMoreno.Contently.com

Photos by Paul Baker, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.71 Hart Center Arena at Luth Athletic Complex 1 College Street Worcester, MA 01610 Holy Cross Crusaders volleyball website Hart Center Arena website Year Opened: 1975 Capacity: 3,600 Crusader Volleyball’s Second Home   The Reverend Francis J. Hart Recreation Center is part of the Luth Athletic Complex, a multi-purpose facility located on the campus of the College of the Holy Cross in Worcester, MA (pronounced “Wustah” by locals). Reverend Hart was the guiding force behind intramural athletics at the College for more than 40 years, and his legacy is honored in this athletic center. John and Joanne Luth donated $32.5 million to the college in 2015 towards expanding and renovating the athletic department. Their donation largely funded the massive renovations to the complex in 2016. The Hart Recreation Center houses not only the Holy Cross basketball arena , but a 1,400-seat hockey rink , a six-lane swimming pool with a separate diving area, rowing tanks, racquetball and squash courts, a full-sized gymnasium for competition or practice, a sports medicine center, an auditorium, the college’s strength and conditioning facilities, an office, and meeting space. Behind the Hart Center is a full-size track, practice fields, a soccer field  and a lighted turf field   which serves numerous varsity sports and intramural programs. The Holy Cross volleyball team plays the majority of its matches in the Coach George Blaney ’61 Gymnasium, a 300-seat gym located right across the hall from the Hart Arena in the Luth Complex. The school moves marquee games that may feature larger crowds to the larger basketball arena. During the 2025 season, the Crusaders played seven matches in the Blaney Gym and five in the Hart Arena. Volleyball started at Holy Cross as a club sport in 1974, just two years after the college became co-ed. In 1976, the program became a varsity sport, going 3-10 at the Division Three level. In 1982, the Crusaders were elevated to Division One, competing initially in the MAAC conference and then the Colonial Conference, the predecessor to the Patriot League, where Holy Cross continues to compete today. The Crusaders have yet to qualify for the NCAA tournament.   Food & Beverage 1   A pair of concession stands is located in the main lobby. Unfortunately, these are usually not open for Crusader volleyball games. Even during Stadium Journey’s most recent visit, when a women’s hockey game was happening on the other side of the lobby, they remained shuttered.   Luckily, there are some vending machines located a bit past the concession stands in the main lobby. Bottles of Pepsi products and some snack foods are sold in these machines. Also, fans are allowed to bring in their own snacks to enjoy during the match.   Atmosphere 3   College volleyball is a sport that is growing in popularity in leaps and bounds. It’s fast-moving, filled with action, and even five-set matches don’t take a really long time. Holy Cross supports the action on the court with a solid, if unspectacular, game presentation. There are video boards on either end of the gym that display graphics, videos, and basic game information. The excellent sound system is put to good use with music during play stoppages, and the PA announcer provides game information while injecting a little energy into the proceedings. Unfortunately, with a large gym that is largely empty, it can be a bit hard to understand him at times.   While there is a decent crowd on hand at the Hart Center, the facility is just too large. While this allows fans to spread out, it does dampen any noise made by the fans in attendance. Volleyball fans do tend to be a boisterous bunch, as are the teams themselves. The antics of the players on the benches can be quite entertaining.   Neighborhood 3   Worcester is the second-largest city in all of New England, but has never enjoyed much of a reputation as a destination location. That all began to change when the city announced that the Pawtucket Red Sox would be moving to the brand-new Polar Park , located just 2.5 miles from the Holy Cross campus.   Holy Cross is located in southwestern Worcester, about three miles from downtown. There isn’t much in the immediate area of campus in terms of dining or lodging options, but the city of Worcester contains many excellent options.   Worcester’s acclaimed “ Restaurant Row ” on Shrewsbury Street is home to over forty different eateries, shops and salons. It’s a favorite destination for locals looking to enjoy a night on the town. Fans will find additional options in the downtown area around the DCU Center . The up-and-coming Canal District, anchored by the new Polar Park , is rapidly growing and worth a look. Likewise, fans looking for lodging options should head downtown, as there is nothing around Holy Cross.   Traditionally overshadowed by its neighbors in Boston and Providence, Worcester is carving out its own niche as an affordable, attractive alternative to those cities.   Fans 2   Since the Blaney Gym only seats 300, games that may attract larger crowds are moved next door to the larger Hart Arena. For the 2025 season, the five games held in the larger gym averaged 189 fans, with a high of 341 present for the season finale and Senior Day. Compare that figure to the average of 146 fans who showed up for the seven matches played at Blaney Gym.   Volleyball crowds in the northeast generally fall into what we here at Stadium Journey call the “friends and family” category. The majority of the fans in the stands have some sort of connection to the players on the court, and as a result, are very knowledgeable about the team and very passionate in their support. Volleyball fans are very enthusiastic and vocal throughout a match, and Crusader fans are no different. While vocal, this is not a rowdy crowd. You’ll find fans of both teams coexisting peacefully in the stands here in Worcester.   Access 4     The Holy Cross campus is located in southwestern Worcester, at the junction of Interstate 290 and Route 146. Hart Recreation Center is located at the southern edge of campus atop Mount Saint James, adjacent to many of the school’s athletic facilities. There is a large parking lot adjacent to the arena. The College of the Holy Cross’ location gives it spectacular views of the city below.   2016 renovations greatly expanded and modernized the facility. Fans enter into a bright, modern lobby. All the center’s facilities share a concourse, which is where you’ll find the concession stands, restrooms, and the Holy Cross Athletic Hall of Fame. Long gone are the 70s-style carpeting, trophy cases, and stained-glass windows of the old Hart Center.   The Hart Center Arena is located to your left as you enter the building. Fans will enter the arena at floor level. Only the seats on the north side of the court are utilized for volleyball matches. Lower-level seats consist of molded plastic bleachers. There are three rows of individual plastic stadium seats at the top of the lower level, and metal bleachers make up the balcony seating. All seats at the Hart Center are painted purple and offer great views of the court.   Return on Investment 5   There is no charge to attend a volleyball game at Holy Cross, even when marquee games are moved from the Blaney Gym to the Hart Arena. Parking is free in the large lot adjacent to the Luth Complex, and with no concessions on site, you won’t have to reach for your wallet even once when taking in a Crusader volleyball match.   Extras 1   Extra points are awarded for the sense of history here at the Hart Center. A bronze statue of the school’s most famous athletic alumnus, Bob Cousy, greets visitors, and the Holy Cross athletic Hall of Fame is filled with names of Crusader greats.   Even though all the banners in the Hart Center Arena honor the school’s basketball team, we’ll still award an extra point for all the sporting history that happened at this small school back in the day.   Final Thoughts   While the Hart Arena is not the primary home of Holy Cross volleyball, it’s a more than adequate place for the Crusaders to set up shop for their marquee games. If anything, it might be too big for their needs.   Follow Paul Baker’s stadium journeys on Twitter  and Instagram  @PuckmanRI.

Photos by Aaron S. Terry, Stadium Journey On Sunday, November 23rd, in Durham, North Carolina, the Northwestern Wildcats Field Hockey Team brought down the Princeton Tigers 2-1 in a thrilling overtime finish. This was the ‘Cats second straight overtime victory in the tournament, coming on the heels of a 4-3 victory over the University of North Carolina two days earlier. Northwestern’s victory on Friday represented a revenge of sorts against the Tar Heels, who defeated the Wildcats in the Championship game in both 2022 and 2023. The ‘Cats won their first championship in 2021, a 2-0 victory over the Liberty Flames; that matchup was Northwestern’s first of five straight Championship game appearances. The Wildcats also took home the trophy in 2024, drubbing St. Joseph’s 5-0 in the final game. Ironically, the Wildcats only loss in 2025 was to the same Princeton Tigers, back on October 13th, when NU lost 2-3 at home. The Tigers were ranked # 8 at the time, and were seeded # 2 in the tournament, ahead of the ‘Cats even though Northwestern was ranked higher in the final Coach’s poll. Maddie Zimmer was named Most Outstanding Player of the 2025 Championship game, in part because of her assist on the game-winning goal, which was scored by Ilse Tromp on a penalty corner, the second corner of the game the ‘Cats scored on.

Decatur, Illinois, will have a summer collegiate baseball team in the Prospect League next season. The team will be owned by Golden Rule Entertainment, owners of the Springfield Lucky Horseshoes and the Quincy Doggy Paddlers in the Prospect League The yet-to-be-named franchise will call Workman Family Baseball Field  home on the campus of Millikin University. The ballpark was completed in 2019 and features a synthetic turf field, a grandstand seating 450, bleacher seating on both sides, and an elevated berm along the third base line. “You’ve come to the right city. Decatur is a baseball town,” said Decatur Mayor Julie Moore Wolfe in a press release . “This brings family-friendly entertainment, it’s affordable, and it brings people right to our own backyard. It’s also a huge win for Millikin, bringing more visitors to campus and showcasing what the University has to offer.” Decatur had been home to minor league baseball since 1888, and from 1900 to 1974, played in various leagues, most notably, the Three-Eye and Midwest League. The team was known in 1915 for its free promotion strategy that went awry. The club won four championships in 1928, 1952, 1953, and 1957. The team was called the Commodores for most of that time, after city founder Stephen Decatur, who served in the Continental Navy during the American Revolutionary War. The team was nicknamed the “Commies” before it became associated with the Soviet Union and Communism.  The Commodores moved to Wausau, Wisconsin, after the 1974 season when their home ballpark, Fans Field, was condemned. Interestingly, the team played at Staley Field from 1922 to 1926, the Chicago Bears first home. The original Commies franchise is still active today as the Kane County Cougars  in the American Association. Decatur is the 20th franchise in the Prospect League, joining the Kokomo Creek Chubs next season. ------ Follow all of Marc’s stadium journeys on Twitter @ballparkhunter   and his YouTube channel .   Email at Marc.Viquez@stadiumjourney.com

Photos by Richard Smith, Stadium Journey, and Pima Athletics Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.71 West Campus Aztec Field 2202 W Anklam Road Tucson, AZ 85709 West Campus Aztec Field website Pima Aztecs website Year Opened: 1971 Capacity: 500 A Desert Gem Pima Community College, established in 1966 when the citizens of Pima County, Arizona, approved the formation of a junior college district, has grown into a vital multi-campus institution in the greater Tucson area. The West Campus, where its athletics are centered, officially opened to students in the fall of 1971. The college’s athletic teams, known as the Aztecs, compete in the Arizona Community College Athletic Conference (ACCAC) as part of the National Junior College Athletic Association (NJCAA). The Aztecs have a strong tradition across various sports, consistently fielding competitive programs that are frequently ranked nationally, including both the men’s and women’s soccer teams. The West Campus Aztec Field, located within the Chapman Automotive Sports Complex, is a testament to the college's commitment to its student-athletes. The West Campus itself is architecturally significant, having been built between 1968 and 1970 with a bold, exposed reinforced cast-in-place concrete design. It is nationally recognized for its innovative, Brutalist-inspired aesthetic, which interacts beautifully with the desert topography. The mascot of Pima Community College is the Aztec, which is a powerful and respected symbol across the campus, though the mascot's in-person appearance for fan interaction at smaller regular-season matches is not guaranteed. This is a review of the women’s soccer experience, but the setup for the men’s team is identical. Food & Beverage 0 There is no permanent stand at the field, although some small snacks may be sold for certain games, but you should plan on bringing your own. Atmosphere 3 The crowd is a mix of family, fellow students, and local soccer aficionados with a typical attendance of around 100 or so fans. The soccer field is well-maintained, offering a great sightline to the action, and the desert backdrop of the Tucson Mountains provides a serene and beautiful setting, especially as the sun sets. Neighborhood 4 Tucson, Arizona, is the second-largest city in Arizona as well as the county seat of Pima County. In the metro area, over one million people live. The West Campus Aztec Field is located on the north part of the Pima Community College West Campus, placing it on the western edge of Tucson, close to the stunning Tucson Mountains. This location offers a compelling contrast: top-tier junior college sports set against a backdrop of natural Sonoran Desert beauty. The area surrounding the campus is a mix of residential zones and desert landscape, which contributes to the tranquil feeling. For those looking for local flavor, the immediate area has a variety of quick dining options. A short drive will bring you to local staples like Filiberto's Mexican Food, which is a popular regional chain for quick, satisfying Mexican fare, a must-try for travelers looking for authentic Southwestern flavors. The entire Tucson area is rich in history and culture, offering unique attractions like the Mission San Xavier del Bac, a historic Spanish Catholic mission just a short drive from the college. This proximity to both urban amenities and untouched nature means the venue serves as a great launchpad for exploring the unique character of Tucson before or after the game. Fans 3 The crowd is predominantly composed of players’ family members, friends, and other Pima students who are genuinely invested in the success of the Aztecs. Access 3 Reaching the West Campus Aztec Field is straightforward and stress-free for the average visitor. The facility is easily accessible, located on the northern part of the sprawling West Campus. One of the most significant fan advantages is the plenty of parking nearby, which means the typical sports travel headache of searching for an expensive, faraway spot is eliminated. Being located on a college campus means the infrastructure is designed to handle student and staff traffic, and this translates into an easy arrival for event attendees. You simply navigate to the West Campus and follow the signage or campus map to the Chapman Automotive Sports Complex. The entrance to the complex is immediately visible once in the vicinity of the athletic facilities. Given the venue's location near major Tucson roadways, getting to and from the site, even from downtown or other parts of the city, is a relatively simple drive. The ease of access and ample, free parking are a tremendous convenience that greatly improves the overall game-day journey. Return on Investment 3 Costs are a bit high with general admission at $10. You need to pay with cash or Zelle, which is a unique mix of options. . Extras 3 Pima women’s soccer program has a history of national success, having made multiple appearances in the NJCAA Division II National Championship tournament, a remarkable feat for a community college program. This level of consistent excellence means you are watching a truly elite program. Another unique fact is the prominent presence of the surrounding Brutalist-style architecture of the main West Campus buildings, which were designed by renowned architects and have been featured in national architectural journals. This architectural detail makes a trip to the Pima campus a unique cultural experience in addition to a sporting one. Aztec Field is part of the larger Chapman Automotive Sports Complex, a modern, cohesive hub for the college's outdoor athletic activities, underscoring the institutional commitment to its sports teams. Final Thoughts Pima Community College soccer provides an outstanding, high-value opportunity to see nationally-ranked junior college athletics in a beautiful, accessible setting. The experience is intimate, authentic, and focused on the pure love of the game, making it a highly recommended stop for any true sports enthusiast traveling through Tucson.

Photo courtesy of Puffin Drinkwear Football fans know, the game for fans is often won at the tailgate. Specializing in accessories designed to keep beverages cold and hands warm, Puffin Drinkwear  recently launched a new line of its innovative beverage sleeves, which are sure to level up any fan’s game at their local tailgate this football season. First up, the Gridiron , with its sturdy, non-slip base, comes in a variety of colors that mimic your favorite pro football team’s jerseys. Whether lounging on your couch at home or out in the lots, this is sure to be a favorite game day accessory for everyone. And for college fans, they can take their pick from Puffin Drinkwear’s NCAA Collection  line. Last up, the Sweater  is a line that mimics the ugly sweater trend, but for your drink! Tu rn heads at the tailgate, make a statement, and keep your hands warm while keeping your drink cold with this line. All of Puffin’s beverage sleeves are available to order online and are also available at select retail outlets. ---- Follow me on Twitter: @EricMoreno6477 Visit my Writer's Portfolio: EricMoreno.Contently.com

Photos by Meg Minard, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.14 Kino Veterans Memorial Stadium 2500 E Ajo Way Tucson, AZ 85713 Map It Tucson Saguaros website Kino Veterans Memorial Stadium website Year Opened: 1998 Capacity: 11,000 Summer Baseball at Kino The Tucson Saguaros are members of the Independent Pecos League (baseball). They joined the League in 2016 and immediately won the Pecos League Championship in their first season. The team has been successful, winning the championship again in 2020 and 2021, reaching the finals in 2022 and 2023, and having winning seasons in most of their years in the league.  This 2025 season sees them playing in the postseason for the seventh straight year! They have not been as successful in finding a permanent home. They’ve bounced around, playing their seasons at a variety of different venues throughout the years.  The team began this tenancy at Kino Sports Complex, specifically Kino Veterans Memorial Stadium, in 2023.  I hope they stay here, as it’s one of the nicest facilities in the Pecos League. Kino Sports Complex is a multi-use sports and cultural event center, the largest in southern Arizona. Kino Veterans Memorial Stadium was used for the 2025 World Baseball Classic Qualifiers.  The City of Tucson did an excellent job preparing the venue for this tournament.  The maintenance crew tore up and relaid the field, and painted the support columns, dugouts, and bullpens with the WBC colors.  The city also installed a new scoreboard prior to the WBC Qualifiers. Fortunately, Saguaros fans and players benefit from all the upgrades and refurbishment.  The sports complex also hosts the USL2 FC Tucson  soccer team, though not on the same field as the baseball games.  A Mexican Pacific League baseball team is expected to play at Kino in the fall of 2025. Food & Beverage 2 The game day staff operates one concession stand for Saguaros games. That stand offers the basics at reasonable prices: hot dogs and burgers run $4 - $6. Snacks of chips, candy, chocolates, and popsicles cost $2 - $3. Water and Coke brand soda (including Dr Pepper and Coke Zero) cost $2 - $3. Beer choices include Busch Light, Estrella, Michelob Ultra, and Barrios Citrazona IPA ($4 - $6).  Thursday home games are ‘Thirsty Thursday,’ when a select brand of beer is $2 a can. The choices are enough to get you by for a game and more than what a fan would normally expect at a Pecos League game. We recommend bringing a bottle   of water as it gets H-O-T during these games in June and July. Atmosphere 3 The Saguaros and the Sports Complex do a good job of providing comfortable, safe, entertaining baseball.  Keep in mind, this is Arizona. Temperatures easily reach the triple digits, even for a 7pm game in late June and July. Bring sunscreen and water.   Fans enter the stadium onto the concourse and then proceed down to the seating area. Wheelchair and handicapped seating run along the top of the seating bowl on the concourse. The seats are faded green stadium fold-down seats with no cupholders, but an excellent amount of legroom. They are much more comfortable than they look. The outer concourses are closed off for Tucson Saguaros games.  Shade covers the seating area in time for the opening pitch. The stadium’s scoreboard sits beyond the left field wall. It provides the line score and the at-bat player’s number. I find reading the inning number information on the new scoreboard difficult, as those numbers are too small.  Fans get a lovely view of the Catalina Mountains and beautiful colors as daylight transitions to dusk. Sit on the first base side to get the best view. Music is played between innings and is not intrusive. The speakers line the overhang above the top row and the handicapped seats. The announcer does a decent job of calling the starting lineups.  Nets extend down the baselines. The stadium does not offer net-free seating for Pecos League games. Activities include a 50/50 raffle and kids running the bases after the third inning with Sticky, the mascot.  The team has a ‘pass the hat’ for fans to drop in a few bucks after a player hits a home run or steals three or more bases.  The players play for the joy of the game.  The funds from the ‘passing of the hat’ go to the player to help with expenses.   Neighborhood 3 The stadium’s immediate neighbor is a hospital. The stadium is on the southern end of Tucson, with several places to dine or drink within a mile and many more a little farther. Fast food places like In-N-Out Burger, Raising Cane’s Chicken, and Rudy’s BBQ are nearby . For a local independent brewery a mile from Kino Stadium, try the Harbottle Brewing Company.  Tucson has plenty of breweries and restaurants, so head downtown (about 4 – 5 miles) for other choices. The Pima Air and Space Museum is six miles south and worth a visit. Four miles in the opposite direction are the Reid Park Zoo and the Randolph Dell Urich Golf Course (an 18-hole public golf course). Although not really close, the Saguaro National Park is worth visiting for its impressive views and scenery. Value hotels like Motel 6, Days Inn, etc., line the I-10 exits north and south of the stadium exit. For more upscale lodging, head closer to downtown. I stayed at the Hotel McCoy , an eclectic, artsy, welcoming, restored 1960s motel about 5 miles from the stadium, and I recommend it. Other spectator sports in Tucson during baseball season include the Tucson Sugar Skulls  (indoor football) and FC Tucson  (soccer). Fans 3 While not a whole lot show up for games, the fans cheer well when the Saguaros make an impressive play defensively or at bat. Most fans throw out their own garbage vs. leaving it behind under the seats. Quite a few fans keep score, which is always a pleasure to see. The Saguaro mascot, Sticky, is one of the biggest fans of all.  Plenty of fans sport the good-looking baseball cap and Tucson Saguaros shirts. Good-Looking Tucson Saguaros Ballcap, Photo by Meg Minard, Stadium Journey Access 4 Getting to and from Kino Veterans Memorial Stadium is easy via automobile, as it is right off Interstate 10. The stadium provides plenty of free covered parking in front of the venue’s Gate B entrance, the only open entrance for Saguaros games. The gate opens only 30 minutes before game time, which isn’t a lot of time for stadium journeyers, but enough for a Pecos League game. Tucson Airport is five miles south of the venue. The city of Tucson has public transportation. Check SunTran  for fares and schedules. Remember to check return schedules, as the bus system may shut down before the end of the game. The ticket office is through the glass doors to the right of the ‘traditional’ box office, in front of the inflatable flapping saguaro.   Fans can purchase team apparel there as well. Kino Veterans Memorial Stadium - Get Tickets By the Flapping Saguaro, Photo by Meg Minard, Stadium Journey The stadium posts all kinds of rules on sandwich boards in front of Gate B, but getting through the security check is quite painless. Just bring your items in a 12” x 6” x 12” clear sports bag, and you’ll pass right through security. Since attendance is not high, congestion isn’t an issue when walking around the concourse. Clean restrooms are open on both the first and third base concourses, as well as additional family restrooms. The accessible stalls are near the entrance. The ladies’ room has a changing table (not sure about the men’s room). Return on Investment 4 Tickets are only $10 general admission ($8 for seniors). Fans can sit wherever they choose, roam around, and switch seats as desired. Parking is free. The food is inexpensive for stadium fare. Even the t-shirts are only $20. Baseball fans get an enjoyable, albeit warm, evening out. The team hosts several theme nights throughout the season, like Summerween (Halloween in Summer), Harry Potter Night, Disney Night, Community Heroes Night, Christmas in July, etc.  Fans should follow social media sites like Facebook to get theme night information, as it’s not posted on the team website. Extras 3 Visitors still get a decorative ticket with the green and gold Saguaro logo. Colorful Tucson Saguaro Ticket Stub, Photo by Meg Minard, Stadium Journey The sprucing up of the facility and the city’s continued effort to do so deserve a mention.  The Kino Sports Complex turf will undergo ‘fall overseeding’ to ensure optimal field conditions for all players and visitors, especially as the Mexican Pacific League team starts using the field. The players and the team try to get involved in the community by participating in events like story times at a local library. Final Thoughts If you’re a resident of or a visitor to the Tucson area in June and July, be sure to check if the Saguaros are playing at home. Watching a game is an enjoyable, affordable way to spend an evening out.

Photos by Richard Smith, Stadium Journey, and OUAZ Athletics Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.57 Faith Arena 14470 W Tierra Buena Ln Surprise, AZ 85374 Faith Arena website OUAZ Spirit website Year Opened: 2019 Capacity: 1,000 A Surprise Spirit Faith Arena is the home of Ottawa University Arizona (OUAZ) Spirit Women's Volleyball. A visit here is a fantastic dive into the energetic heart of NAIA competition in the West Valley of Phoenix. The university is a private Baptist university that was founded in 1865 and is affiliated with the Ottawa Tribe of Oklahoma and the American Baptist Churches USA. Ottawa University was founded in 1865 in Ottawa, Kansas, and carries a long, rich history, though the Arizona residential campus in Surprise, Arizona, is a much newer venture, opening its doors in 2017. OUAZ's athletic program is affiliated with the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA) and the Golden State Athletic Conference (GSAC), fielding an impressive number of varsity teams, from football to golf. Faith Arena opened in November 2019. Food & Beverage 3 The venue features a dedicated, nice concession stand situated in the fairly large entrance and concourse area. Prices are decent. Atmosphere 4 The design incorporates a beautiful custom paint scheme on the hardwood maple surface that subtly references the nearby White Tank Mountains, giving the court a distinct local flavor. The atmosphere inside Faith Arena during a women's volleyball match is nothing short of electric, punching well above its weight class for a relatively new and smaller NAIA venue. The compact nature of the arena design naturally amplifies the sound and energy, creating a boisterous and intensely loud environment. A state-of-the-art video board adds a layer of professionalism often reserved for larger schools, displaying customizable scores, statistics, and live video that enhances the overall event presentation. On a night like Senior Night, the energy is particularly palpable, with the venue packed full of players' families and dedicated students, resulting in a feeling that the Spirit is truly playing in a major college facility. Neighborhood 4 The Ottawa University Arizona campus is located in Surprise, a rapidly expanding city in the West Valley region of the Phoenix metropolitan area. The campus is notably situated near the Surprise Civic Center and Recreation Campus, putting it in a hub of community and entertainment. One of the most unique aspects of the location is its proximity to Spring Training facilities, as Surprise Stadium, home to OUAZ Baseball, is also the Cactus League home of the Kansas City Royals and Texas Rangers. In terms of local food, the surrounding Surprise area has numerous options, from fast-casual chains to local eateries that cater to the community. Fans 4 The Spirit faithful are remarkably supportive and contribute immensely to the venue's boisterous reputation. They are loud, present, and actively engaged with the women's volleyball team, demonstrating a palpable pride in the young, growing athletic program. This fan base is characterized by a strong mix of students, local community members, and highly invested family members, especially evident on occasions like Senior Night when the stands are overflowing with enthusiastic, supportive families. What is particularly noteworthy is how many fans are willing to travel just a few miles for the match; the attendance of many opposing fans from a rival school located nearby speaks to a burgeoning, healthy local rivalry. This mix of dedicated home support and a strong contingent of visiting supporters adds a layer of competitive intensity, forcing the OUAZ fans to be even louder to defend their home court. Their energy is a critical component of the arena’s intimidating atmosphere for visiting teams. Access 4 Access to Faith Arena is straightforward, benefiting greatly from its location in the relatively newer, well-planned city of Surprise. Situated just off major arterial roads in the West Valley, finding the facility is a simple task. Being adjacent to the Surprise Civic Center and Recreation Campus ensures the area is easy to navigate, with organized parking usually available nearby, which is a major convenience compared to the congested lots of older, inner-city campuses. The main entrance, leading into the spacious lobby that also houses the ticket booths and concession stand, provides a clean and orderly flow for entering and exiting the venue. The venue itself is physically accessible, featuring a lobby that is generous in size, multiple restrooms, and seating that accommodates all fans. For those traveling from outside the Phoenix metro area, the proximity to various lodging options in the West Valley is a clear advantage for the sports traveler. Return on Investment 4 The convenience of the clean, accessible facility, ample parking, and the generally simple cost structure of NAIA events means the out-of-pocket expenses are kept low. When you factor in the chance to see high-level collegiate volleyball in a truly electric and intimate environment, the value proposition for a sports traveler is exceptionally high, providing the excitement of a big-time game without the big-time price tag. . Extras 2 The hardwood maple surface of the arena court features a custom paint scheme that incorporates the nearby White Tank Mountains, visually tying the facility to its unique Arizona desert environment and providing a beautiful, distinct backdrop to the game. Faith Arena's design allows it to convert into four full 94-foot basketball courts or up to nine total volleyball courts, highlighting its impressive and flexible functionality as a multi-sport training and competition hub for the Spirit's extensive athletic program. Final Thoughts Faith Arena is a hidden gem for the college sports traveler, offering an incredibly loud and passionate NAIA volleyball experience in a modern, well-designed facility. It delivers a big-time atmosphere and excellent value, making it a must-visit for anyone interested in the future of collegiate sports in the Southwest.

Photos by Jack Quinn, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.71 Faurot Field 600 E Stadium Blvd Columbia, MO 65203 Missouri Tigers website Faurot Field website Year Opened: 1926 Capacity: 62,621 SEC Football in the Midwest Faurot Field is nestled on the south end of the University of Missouri’s campus. The stadium is named after the legendary coach Don Faurot, who helped lay the sod at the original field back in 1926. Faurot Field is famous for its horseshoe shape, with a grass section highlighted by a white “M” behind the north end zone. This area, which is currently under construction, will have a very similar look and feel to before upon completion.   Food & Beverage   4 Faurot Field offers the classic college stadium food and beverages, with plenty of options spread evenly throughout the concourse. Outside of the usual suspects, Faurot is also equipped with a Dickey’s BBQ Pit stand, as well as an Andy’s Frozen Custard stand. In addition, fans of the typical stadium menu will find a plethora of burgers, dogs, and nacho options. Stations for beer are littered throughout, with Bud Light being the title sponsor of the stadium. Feel like submerging yourself into the MU culture as much as possible? Go find a signature cocktail called “The Drink”, a name derived from current head coach Eli Drinkwitz. Or for non-alcoholic options, fans can enjoy all the usual Coca-Cola products.   Atmosphere   3 The environment created at Faurot Field is vibrant, loud, and full of passion. Unfortunately, however, Missouri plays in the SEC, and when it comes to the rest of the conference, this stadium isn’t quite up there among the elites of the sport. Nevertheless, attendance in recent years has been very good, with consistent sellouts every Saturday. The construction on the north end creates a gap in the overall environment, but you can tell the fans here are determined to make up for that small loss in seats. The student section is strategically located behind the visiting bench, and even from across the stadium, their presence is surely felt. The hit song “Welcome to the Jungle” ushers the home team onto the field before kickoff, a fitting intro for the Tigers and their faithful fans. In addition, it is common to hear one side of the stadium yell “M-I-Z” and the other side respond “Z-O-U” after a first down. The Missouri Waltz is also a great tradition, led by the wonderful band, urging the fans to “wave the wheat” slowly in each direction to the beat of the music (this song may or may not contain an obscene remark towards rival school Kansas ). While a night game is always ideal, if you are attending during the day, the southeast side will get most of the sun. Lastly, the university does a great job promoting other sporting events going on at Missouri, with announcements occurring at multiple points during the games, in case visiting fans wanted to attend another event.   Neighborhood   4 Faurot Field is situated on campus in an area with a few other sports buildings, with the academic quad not too far away. The parking lots that surround the stadium are commonly used for tailgates by alumni and students. Some of the hot spots in terms of food nearby in Columbia include Shakespeare’s Pizza, Gumby’s Pizza, and Heidelberg. In addition, East Broadway Blvd contains everything a visitor needs in terms of restaurants, bars, and other entertainment. The main hotel here, outside of the typical chains, is the Tiger Hotel, though it may be fun to snag an Airbnb somewhere outside of town instead, as the neighborhoods that line campus appear very put-together.   Fans   4 These days, with the Tigers on the rise, Faurot Field is at capacity for almost every game day. The crowd is certainly engaged at the beginning and can create a very loud and intimidating environment for any team. The Tiger faithful will stay in their seats even when they are losing, with the singing of “Mr. Brightside” at the beginning of the 4th quarter potentially contributing to that. In general, the fans are very nice here, and a family environment can be found if so desired; I am not sure the same can be said across the rest of the conference.   Access   5 With Faurot Field situated on the edge of campus, Uber is the most recommended form of transportation to the stadium; there are a few parking garages in the area, but they fill up quickly. There may not be an easier entry system into a football stadium in the entire SEC than can be found here. Ticketing and gate entry are a breeze, and with so many entry opportunities, you only need to allow for 5 minutes or less to get to your seat. The same can be said about moving around the stadium, with the wide concourses and double lane ramps.   Return on Investment   3 The Missouri game day cost is exactly what you would expect from a non-top-tier SEC school. Ticket prices for average seats can range anywhere from $70 to $170, depending on how good either team is playing that given week. The overpriced stadium food and drinks certainly show at Faurot Field, as they do in most places across the country, but the walkability of the campus/town may save you some money on transportation and parking.   Extras   3 The renovations to the stadium will be done in 2026, which coincides with the 100th anniversary of the facility. At 62,621, Faurot Field is 13th in the SEC in capacity. The signature “M” that is set to return to the north end zone in 2026 is made of large white stones. Final Thoughts Faurot Field is a less talked-about stadium in the SEC, and most assume it doesn’t have the real southeastern aspects that the other schools do. But, there’s no doubt about how much SEC pride Tiger fans have, and if you pay close enough attention, the hints of a Saturday-down-south culture can certainly be found.

Photos by Jack Quinn, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.71 Saban Field at Bryant-Denny Stadium 920 Paul W Bryant Dr Tuscaloosa, AL 35401 Alabama Crimson Tide website Bryant-Denny Stadium website Year Opened: 1929 Capacity: 100,077 It’s All About Bama When you take the exit towards Tuscaloosa, you’ll come upon a quaint southern town that merely sits in the shadow of a cathedral that is Bryant-Denny Stadium. The massive bowl carries countless stories of success at the highest level of college football. The Alabama Crimson Tide has ruled the SEC and college football in general for many years, recently hosting opponents in their 100,000+ seat stadium, which is always buzzing on gamedays since it was expanded in 2010. Bryant-Denny is a full bowl-shaped stadium with a lower bowl and an upper deck that is disconnected into four large parts, one on each side of the field.   Food & Beverage   5 Bryant-Denny Stadium has no shortage of places to buy food and drinks during the game. Outside of the regular stadium food offerings, the venue has a World of Beer stand with extra items such as the “Denny Dog” and a German pretzel. In addition, the Poppin’ Sisters Popcorn stand offers fans the opportunity to buy gourmet popcorn in many different flavors. For drinks, fans can enjoy Coca-Cola products of their choice alongside domestic beer options that have prices around $12 to 15 per can. If you want an ice-cold water while you watch the Tide roll, make sure to grab it early, as concessions will run out of bottles fairly quickly, especially in the upper sections. Overall, you can’t go wrong with a Denny Dog and a drink of your choosing to keep your stomach satisfied during four quarters of thrilling football.   Atmosphere   5 Be prepared to chant “Roll Tide” after every Alabama first down and see those patented red and white pom poms waving all around you. And if you’re not a country music fan, you soon will be, as the stadium tunes certainly are the songs of the Southland. The layout of the stadium is an upper and a lower deck, with the students and the Alabama band situated on the south end. You’ll be faced with bench seating and generally experience a sellout crowd, at least for the first few quarters of the game. Despite the large capacity of the structure as a whole, the view from the upper sections is not a bad one at all. The videoboard situation is a unique one with four medium-sized boards, one at each corner of the stadium in between the lower and upper bowls; this is different than the typical two boards above either end zone, or one big one on one side only. The promotions during the game typically highlight other Alabama athletic teams, as well as student highlights such as the homecoming court. The band does a fantastic job of spelling out the letters B-A-M-A by sprinting to predetermined spots all at once, and they perform the alma mater song beautifully. Other entertainment factors include the LED light show that can be seen during night games, particularly during the singing of “Dixieland Delight” when the lights go red and the fans sing along to the words (and add a few questionable phrases of their own). Other sing-along hits include Sweet Home Alabama and Friends in Low Places. As far as seating is concerned, if you want to avoid the sun as much as possible, sit on the north to northeast side of the stadium. Or if seeing the logo right side up is important to you, then look for seating on the east side. There really isn’t a bad seat in the house, regardless of how big the stadium feels.   Neighborhood   5 Bryant-Denny Stadium is located on the southwest side of the University of Alabama’s campus and is surrounded by various apartment buildings, fraternity houses, and academic facilities. The main strip is a short 5-minute walk away, as are stores to get groceries and gas. Tuscaloosa is a fabulous college town highlighted by the main strip of University Boulevard, containing bars, restaurants, and shopping. After the game ends, the police do a great job of controlling the crowd and the cars, making the boulevard safe to roam about on. There are plenty of great places nearby to get a bite to eat, just a few of which are Avenue Pub, Dreamland BBQ, and Urban Bar & Kitchen. There’s also a wide variety of fast food options littered throughout the strip. For game night entertainment, check out The Houndstooth for a vibrant outdoor/indoor experience, Galletes for a more nightclub situation, or Lookout for a nicer rooftop environment. Don’t let the long lines scare you away from a fun night out in Tuscaloosa, ideally after an Alabama victory! For lodging, there are numerous hotel chains in Tuscaloosa to book a room at, as well as tons of Airbnb opportunities outside of downtown. If you’re flying to the game, you’re most likely headed through Birmingham, which is not a bad option for lodging as well, being about an hour’s drive away from Tuscaloosa.   Fans   4 The Alabama fanbase is one of the most passionate there is…but also one that expects victory every single Saturday. Don’t take the rating here the wrong way; 100,000+ fans screaming at the opposing team during a 3rd-and-long is quite the scene. However, contrary to some other SEC environments, the Tide fans lean more toward sitting down for most of the game rather than getting active and into every play. Nevertheless, when Bama fans want to make life miserable for the opposing team, they certainly can do so. And with the stadium at full capacity nearly every single Saturday, the one critique that could be placed on the shoulders of these fans is their energy on all the non-game-altering plays. With that being said, one of the best traditions in college football is hearing the roar of Dixieland Delight echo across the bowl during a timeout in the 4th quarter of a tight game.   Access   4 Access into Bryant-Denny Stadium itself has its ups and downs, as you might expect with a place that holds as many fans as it does. Going through the gates can be congested, and it’s recommended that you head toward your seat well before kickoff. One of the best features of Bryant-Denny, though, is the spiral ramps at each corner of the stadium; these thick passageways are perfect for a sea of people to walk up to get to their seats. Transit into the stadium is hit or miss as well. If Ubering into the area, you may not get as close as you want to, so preparing to walk around 5 to 10 minutes is encouraged. If attending a game during homecoming weekend or another university event, road closures may play a role in transportation into town, as well. While Ubering as close as you can get to the facility is recommended, you can park near Bryant-Denny as well, if you get there early enough to snag one of the few open spots. There will typically be makeshift signs detailing the price to park on someone’s lawn or outside of their residence, and street parking is also available, again with early arrival recommended.   Return on Investment   5 You come to Alabama to see where legends are made, and the fan experience certainly gives you a taste of that firsthand. The sheer size of the venue where the Crimson Tide takes on its opponents is enough to get an audible “wow” out of anyone who sets foot inside. With prestige comes price, of course, and tickets to a conference game, for example, can reach up to $150 for the upper bowl and $300 for the lower. However, if you are smart with parking, lodging, and food, you should be able to make your trip well worth it.   Extras   5 The stadium opened with a 55-0 win over Mississippi College in 1929. Bryant-Denny is 5th in the SEC in stadium capacity behind Texas A&M , LSU , Tennessee , and Texas . When full, the stadium would qualify as the fifth-largest city in Alabama.   Final Thoughts When the Tide is rolling, you can feel it. There’s a reason the SEC runs through Tuscaloosa each year, and you can feed off that energy, excitement, and success. Alabama is a bucket list college football experience not just for Bryant-Denny Stadium, but also for Tuscaloosa as a town, and the pageantry involved with one of the most successful programs in college football history.

Photos by Jim Flannery, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.57 Scotiabank Saddledome 555 Saddledome Rise SE Calgary, AB T2G 2W1 Map It Calgary Flames Website Scotiabank Saddledome Website Year Opened: 1983 Capacity: 19,289 Flaming Saddles The Olympic Saddledome opened in 1983, constructed in anticipation of the 1988 Winter Olympics, and has been the home of the Calgary Flames ever since. Over the years, the Saddledome has seen a few renovations, increased seating capacity, and a couple of name changes; it is now known as the Scotiabank Saddledome.  At over 40 years of age, the Saddledome is now the third-oldest NHL arena and is looking dated, especially in comparison to Rogers Place , the new home of the Edmonton Oilers.   However, a new arena is now under construction just north of the Saddledome. It is slated to open in 2027, so the clock is officially ticking on when the Saddledome will close its doors, with Scotia Place taking over as the home of the Flames, as well as the WHL’s Hitmen , the NLL’s Roughnecks , and the AHL's Wranglers. Construction Site of Scotia Place with Saddledome in Distance, Photo by Jim Flannery, Stadium Journey Food & Beverage 4 There is a good variety of choices around the Scotiabank Saddledome for Flames games.   The main concession stands, each named for the section in front of which they are situated, have all the garden variety options we expect at an arena. Hot dogs ($7.50), nachos ($11.50), and pop ($6.50) can all be found in these locations. You’ll also typically be able to buy Original 16 on tap ($11.75); at many spots there are a couple more specialty beer choices as well.   There are also numerous specialty stands throughout the concourse. The Dog House serves, you guessed it, gourmet hot dogs. Madame Tiger has some interesting Indian options, including Vegan dishes.   For a special treat, head to the mezzanine level and go to Shorty’s for a Shorty’s Sandwich, which is a mountain of braised beef short rib on a ciabatta bun, smothered in French fries, onions, chimichurri, and red wine demi-glace. At $35, it’s not cheap, but it’s probably big enough for two people and absolutely delicious.   Many specialty stops for adult beverages are located around the concourse as well, so if beer isn’t your thing, you still have plenty of places to find something else.   If you’re looking for something healthy, Jugo Juice is the place to go on the east side of the concourse. You’ll also find Pizza 73 among the other franchise locations.   Beyond all that, there are several bars and restaurants around the Saddledome. The Ultra Club Lounge, Molson Hockey House, the Saddledome Restaurant, the Sportsnet Platinum Club, the Alumni Lounge, and the Telus Club Restaurant are all situated within the building, providing fans with a number of different dining options and experiences. Atmosphere 3 The Calgary Flames have been inconsistent for much of the 21st Century. As a result, the sellout crowds the Flames used to consistently get have been shrinking (according to The Hockey Fanatic , they only managed 91.53 percent attendance in the 2024-2025 season, the sixth-worst in the NHL), so the energy that used to be in the stands has come down from years past, although this is showing signs of improvement. Calgary sports fans are traditionally pretty docile, but they’ve become more comfortable with cheering and booing where appropriate over the years, so the place generally has a pretty fun, exciting feel to it on most nights, even during nights when the hometown squad is struggling. Still, with the smaller crowds, it’s just not quite the same as previous years.   The single worst thing about the atmosphere in the ‘Dome is the crush of people in the concourse. Before the game, during intermissions, and after the game, the crowds are thick, making it difficult to get anywhere. The new arena will, no doubt, address this issue. Saddledome Crowds, Photo by Jim Flannery, Stadium Journey Neighborhood 3 The annual Calgary Stampede has been going on for more than a century now. It is held on a large plot of land just southeast of Calgary’s downtown core. The Scotiabank Saddledome is located on the northeast corner of the Stampede Grounds.   The immediate vicinity to the north, known as Victoria Park, doesn’t have the best reputation in town. However, there has been a substantial amount of gentrification in the area in the last few years and things are starting to perk up, with huge condo complexes being built to the immediate north of the Stampede Grounds. The same thing has also been happening to the west of the grounds. And some of those complexes have a restaurant or bar on the ground floor.   If the community continues to gentrify at its current rate, the neighborhood score could improve in pretty short order.   On the north west corner of the Stampede Grounds, you’ll find Cowboys Casino, which contains several restaurants, including Melrose Café, Centre Bar, and Hitman’s Bar. The pre-game festivities at the Cowboys come highly recommended.   Next door to Cowboys Casino is Cardinale , an upscale Italian restaurant, if you’re looking for some fine dining before a game.   Heading west from the Stampede Grounds along 17th Ave, you’ll find many good options. For example, Model Milk , at 308 17th Ave, is another upscale restaurant sourcing their ingredients locally, as much as possible. Or you can try PinBar , at 501 17th Ave, for a place that is open late, serves all manner of burgers and other pub grub, and also has a selection of pinball machines.   Heading east into the Inglewood area, you can check out The Hose and Hound Pub , located in an old fire station, or the Nash , located at 925 11 St. SE, in the historic National Hotel. Fans 4 Calgary Flames fans have historically been a dedicated bunch who show up and cheer their team whether they’re winning or not. But empty seats have become more commonplace during recent seasons. Maybe the excitement of a new arena will bring some of them back.   The fans who are there are clearly engaged and having fun, but there are now empty seats between them.   As with a few NHL venues, there typically are several fans of the opposing team (whoever that might be on any given night) proudly showing up in their team’s colours and cheering their faces off. But most of the people in the arena are dressed in Flames gear. Overall, that makes for a fair bit of engagement in the game and good fan noise.   Access 3 Calgary has some of the most expensive parking rates in North America. Parking on the grounds will cost you $18 and, depending on what other events are going on around the area, might fill up quickly. The new arena is being built on what used to be part of that parking space, so that makes things that much tighter.   There are some choices off-site for slightly less expensive parking. A few residents rent out yard space for parking, and there is some metered street parking in the vicinity for people willing to do a little walking.   The good news is that being centrally located means the Saddledome is fairly easy to get to from all directions. The bad news is that getting away after the game can be frustratingly slow at times, although the city has done a better job of moving traffic away from the ‘Dome in recent years.   Another option is taking Calgary’s Light Rail Transit system to the game. The “C-Train” has two stops on the west side of the Stampede Grounds, one to the south and one on the north end, which is basically a straight walk east from the station to the Saddledome.   The LRT tracks cover a significant amount of the city, running north and south, and the West Leg has made traveling east-to-west much better as well. So it can be a more convenient option for fans not wanting the hassle of driving downtown, although the trains can get very crowded after events.   An adult fare for Calgary Transit is $3.80, a youth fare $2.55.   Once inside the Scotiabank Saddledome, you’ll find yourself dealing with what is typically the single biggest complaint about the building: the concourse is very small by modern standards, making getting around a challenge, to put it mildly. Between periods and after the game, the halls are jam-packed with people, particularly at the ends of the rink.   Lineups for the washrooms can be insanely long, backing way out into the concourse and making a bad situation worse. If you can avoid it, stay away from the men’s room near section 209. For some reason, this one seems to consistently have lineups out the door all game long.   The women’s washrooms aren’t much better. Fingers crossed, this is an issue the new building will address. Return on Investment 4 The average price for a Flames ticket is in the $90 range, depending on how far away from the ice you’re willing to sit—seats in the Press Level at the very top of the building are as little as $42.48 each. To their credit, the Flames have actually lowered overall prices significantly over the last few seasons, making this is much more affordable option for regular folks than in other locations, such as Edmonton.   This is a hockey-first market where fans eat, sleep, and breathe the Flames and will fork out big bucks to pay for the privilege of attending a game. But compared to the rest of the NHL, this is actually not an outrageous price to pay. Extras 4 There are several added extras when you come to see the Scotiabank Saddledome.   The walls of the building are lined with memorabilia, photos, and trophies commemorating great teams and events from years past in the Calgary area. Wherever there is a space that doesn’t have a concession stand in it, you can find a display, assuming you can get to them through the crowds.   Among those displays is an exhibit remembering the 1988 Winter Olympics, a wall dedicated to Calgary’s hockey heritage, plaques for the Alberta Hockey Hall of Fame, and so forth.   You’ll also find several locations of Flames Fan Attic for all your souvenir needs. The main location is just outside the main entrance on the west side, with a similarly sized location in the building on the east concourse and several smaller kiosks set up all around the building.  Harvey the Hound keeps the kids amused in the stands during the game with his antics.   Looking up into the south rafters, you’ll see the large row of banners earned by the Flames in their time in the NHL. If you’re seated in the upper bowl on the south end, you get a great, up-close look at those banners. Calgary Flames Banners in the Saddledome, Photo by Jim Flannery, Stadium Journey   The music played during stoppages in the action on the ice is a nice combination of current hits, classic rock, some country, and some good ol’ fashioned stadium organ music, which adds some nice flavour to the ‘Dome’s atmosphere.   All the usual giveaways and contests that you might expect at a pro hockey game are mixed into the program during stoppages in the action.   One other nice touch, which is always good to see, is that there are recycling bins located throughout the concourse so environmentally conscious fans can ensure their garbage doesn’t just wind up in a landfill. Final Thoughts Action at the Scotiabank Saddledome has created some fantastic memories over the years. Whether it was seeing the Flames pull off the dramatic overtime win against the Vancouver Canucks in Game Seven of the first round of the 1989 playoffs or the run to the Stanley Cup finals in 2004, tens of thousands of fans have had amazing experiences in this location. Although this arena’s days are numbered, going to the Saddledome to take in a Flames game is still always a good time.

Photos Courtesy of the Chattanooga Lookouts The Chattanooga Lookouts will move into a new ballpark next season. After spending 25 years at AT&T Field, the Southern League club will make Erlanger Park its new home. The stadium is designed with fan comfort and modern amenities in mind, featuring an aesthetic that complements the charm of “The Scenic City.” ​ The venue will feature two restored historic buildings that will be incorporated into the ballpark’s design. The Pattern Shop, built in 1936, will be transformed into a large indoor event venue, with its second floor featuring 17,000 square feet of space and a 7,500-square-foot deck overlooking the field. The ground floor will house a food hall, the team offices, and a conference room. ​ The Powerhouse is the oldest building on the site, dating back to 1882. It sits along the Tennessee River Walk and will serve as the entrance to Erlanger Park. The building will also feature a two-level, indoor and outdoor event space. ​ Photos Courtesy of the Chattanooga Lookouts The stadium’s main concourse will serve as an extension of the River Walk and a public space on non-event days. Fans will also be greeted by views of Lookout Mountain and a variety of seating options. The Lookouts have announced that the entry price to games at Erlanger Park will be lower than what fans paid at AT&T Field last year. ​ "Erlanger Park will blend Chattanooga’s proud industrial legacy with state-of-the-art amenities to become the region’s prime meeting place,” said Jim Coleman Jr., president and CEO of Erlanger. The Home Plate Club is a private, air-conditioned area that is enclosed in glass on all sides. The club will provide access for all patrons to a full-service bar, high-top tables, and chairs. Other group areas include field boxes and half-rounds that entertain smaller groups of fans with full wait service and mobile ordering. ​ The stadium will feature cabanas in right-center field; it is a lively bar area that provides a fun and upscale social atmosphere. These are private areas that will be sold on a nightly basis and come with twelve tickets. ​ Photos Courtesy of the Chattanooga Lookouts The berm will be the family-friendly area of the ballpark atop the left field wall. The ticket prices for the berm are the most affordable option, allowing families to lay out a blanket, providing kids a green space to run around, and allowing access to the kids' play area in the left field corner. ​ The 40,000 square foot venue will be more than just a baseball stadium, but a climate-controlled venue that can host weddings, concerts, and banquets. Erlanger Park will be the entertainment venue in The Scenic City. Opening day is scheduled for April 14, 2026. ------ Follow all of Marc’s stadium journeys on Twitter   @ballparkhunter   and his YouTube channel .   Email at Marc.Viquez@stadiumjourney.com

Photo courtesy of Kiko Gaspar Communications On Wednesday, February 7 the NFL announced that the Philadelphia Eagles would play as the designated team for the league’s historic first regular season game that will be played in Brazil, during the 2024-2025 season as part of the NFL International Series . Their opponent will be announced with the unveiling of the 2024 schedule sometime in the spring.   The first game in the International Series was held on October 2, 2005 at Estadio Azteca in Mexico City, Mexico in a contest between the Arizona Cardinals  and the San Francisco 49ers .   This year’s game is historic for several reasons – first is that this is the first NFL game to be played in Brazil, and second, the game set for September 6, 2024 will be the first time the NFL has scheduled a regular season game on a Friday night since the 1970 season opener, with the then St. Louis Cardinals taking on the Los Angeles Rams .   “Hosting the first NFL game in Brazil and South America is both a significant challenge and a tremendous honor – monumental occasion for our country, highlighting our importance on the global stage," said Gustavo Pires, a prominent figure in São Paulo's events and tourism sector in a news release. “Hosting the iconic Philadelphia Eagles in our city is [also] a true honor”.   São Paulo is the host city for this year’s contest which will be held at Corinthians Stadium, the home stadium of the SC Corinthians; the venue served as an official site for the 2014 FIFA World Cup, and also was used during the 2016 Summer Olympics. This game is also significant for Brazil, as it will be held on the eve of the country’s Independence Day.   The Brazil game is a landmark for the NFL’s international efforts, especially its ongoing expansion into South America. Opening Week 1 of the regular season on foreign soil is a unique way the league is highlighting its international growth and global ambitions – as Brazil is home to 38 million residents, the opportunities for the NFL are obvious. Photo courtesy of Kiko Gaspar Communications   “With projections of over $60 million injected into our local economy, this event underscores São Paulo's potential to host major international sporting events,” Pires said. “As a city renowned for its vibrant culture and passionate sports fans, São Paulo eagerly anticipates the opportunity to showcase our warm hospitality to the world”.

The “Fastest Short Track on the Planet” is finally set to be on the big stage. On Tuesday, it was announced that the Iowa Speedway will host a NASCAR Cup Series race for the very first time. The NASCAR-owned track is located in Newton, Iowa, about 35 miles east of Des Moines. The announcement, made by Iowa Governor Kim Reynolds, NASCAR Hall of Famer and track designer of the Iowa Speedway, Rusty Wallace, NASCAR driver Brad Keselowski, and many other luminaries was the culmination of a long wait by NASCAR fans in Iowa who had heard rumors of a Cup race since the speedway’s opening. The 7/8-mile Iowa Speedway opened in 2006 and has hosted numerous races over the years. Currently, the track is home to an ARCA Menards race (Calypso Lemonade 150) in June, and a two-race IndyCar weekend in July. The speedway had previously hosted NASCAR Xfinity Series races from 2009-2019, but the 2020 race was canceled due to Covid and the race league hasn’t returned since. The Cup race, expected to bring in about $100 million to the surrounding community, will be part of a three-day race weekend in June, 2024. The event will begin with an ARCA Menards race on Friday, June 14, followed by an Xfinity race on Saturday, June 15, and the Cup race on Sunday, June 16. Follow my sports journeys on Twitter and Instagram : @stadiumjwriter

Photo by Aaron S. Terry, Stadium Journey If you ever attend a sporting event at Randolph-Macon College in Ashland, Virginia, you can walk down the street and find another piece of sports history in town, namely a tribute to one of the greatest racehorses of all time, Secretariat. To celebrate the birthday of the horse known as Big Red, March 30, 2024 was proclaimed as Secretariat Day, and a plaza honoring the Triple Crown-winning equine was dedicated. The ‘Racing into History’ monument, created by Jocelyn Russell, includes a statue of Secretariat racing at full speed, as well as brick facades on two sides showcasing the horse’s successes. The monument is located at the corner of Railroad Avenue and England Street in downtown Ashland, about 10 miles from Meadow Stable, where Secretariat was born in 1970. Penny Chenery, Secretariat’s owner and manager of his racing career, operated Meadow Stable at the time, and with the help of her father, Chris, bred the horse through a match between the 1957 Horse of the Year Bold Ruler, and the 1973 Kentucky Broodmare of the Year Somethingroyal. Chris Chenery grew up in Ashland, attended Randolph-Macon College, and later founded Meadow Stable. The operation was sold in 1973 after Chris passed away, but visitors are still welcome to tour the historic barns and pastures – the site is now known as Meadow Event Park, and also hosts the annual State Fair of Virginia. Secretariat won 16 races out of 21 starts in his career, including most famously all three races in the 1973 Triple Crown – the Kentucky Derby, Preakness, and Belmont. Secretariat was the first horse ever to run the Derby in under 2 minutes, a feat that has only been accomplished once since. More impressively, however, his records in all 3 races still stand today, over 50 years later – Secretariat’s largest margin of victory was winning the Belmont by 31 lengths. Secretariat was retired to stud at the end of his three-year old year, and his name now appears in the pedigrees of many modern champions, and he has also sired many leading broodmares. The great horse passed away in 1989 from laminitis, but thanks to the efforts of his fans, Secretariat’s memory can now live on forever in Ashland.

Photos by Richard Smith, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.71 ACU Soccer Field 1 W Firestorn Way Phoenix, AZ 85306 ACU Soccer Field website Arizona Christian Firestorm website Year Opened: 2024 Capacity: 500 A Desert Gem The ACU Soccer Field is the home pitch for the Arizona Christian University Firestorm soccer programs, nestled in the heart of Glendale, Arizona. The university was founded in 1960 as Southwestern Conservative Baptist Bible College before ultimately becoming Arizona Christian University in 2011. The university moved to its Glendale campus, which holds the unique historical distinction of being the former Thunderbird Field, a World War II pilot training base. This move allowed for the development of quality athletic facilities. The Firestorm are members of the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA) and primarily compete within the Great Southwest Athletic Conference (GSAC). The ACU Soccer Field itself is a relatively new addition, built as part of the new campus's athletic complex construction, which took place in the years following the campus's move. Food & Beverage 2 There are no concessions at the venue, but there are many campus dining options literally a few paces away, so we will give them some credit there. Atmosphere 2 There is one small grandstand next to the playing field and a very simple scoreboard, so the atmosphere is fairly basic. It is a purist's soccer experience. Neighborhood 4 For travelers looking to dine outside of the campus's quick-service options, the surrounding area offers several appealing choices, with a strong recommendation going to the nearby Someburros restaurant for its popular Mexican food offerings. Beyond dining, the city of Peoria is close by, providing plenty of additional activities and entertainment to explore before or after a game. Fans 3 The typical attendance, comprising mainly family, friends, and a solid base of local students, creates a close-knit and supportive environment. It is basic, but the fan support is decent. Access 3 Getting to the ACU Soccer Field is straightforward, as the venue is conveniently located on the Arizona Christian University campus in Glendale. The school’s position offers relatively easy access from major roadways in the area, which is a significant plus in the expansive Phoenix metropolitan area. Parking is generally available on the campus itself, making the arrival process painless and quick, a luxury not always afforded to travelers visiting larger venues. Since the stadium is part of the overall campus facility, navigating to the field is simple, often aided by campus signage and the clear layout of the athletic complex. For those relying on public transport, options may be more limited, but for the typical driving sports traveler, the access is good. The simplicity of getting in and out of the game, paired with the proximity of the small grandstands to the field, makes for a stress-free experience from the moment of arrival until departure, allowing you to focus completely on the match. Return on Investment 3 While the games sometimes feature a small charge for entry, this cost remains negligible, and I've also found some games where entry is simply complimentary, which is fantastic. For a few dollars, or even for free, you get to witness authentic collegiate competition, making this an ideal, high-value stop. . Extras 2 The overall school spirit is embodied by the official mascot: The Firestorm, a mythical phoenix bird. The most compelling 'extra' is the sheer historical significance of the campus itself. The land was formerly Thunderbird Field, a World War II pilot training base, which adds a profound layer of history to every match played here. Final Thoughts The ACU Soccer Field is a perfect stop for the sports traveler seeking an authentic, intimate, and budget-friendly collegiate soccer experience.

On July 3, 1974, Ralph Legeman passed away, a day after his 70th birthday. The Evansville-based architect had designed general buildings since 1922, but would later innovate a new direction of building basketball gymnasiums throughout Indiana and Illinois. His contributions to the high school basketball game go unnoticed, but the facilities thankfully do not. If you ever attended a high school basketball game at New Castle, Boonville, Connersville, Indiana, or Jacksonville, Murphysboro, Herrin, Illinois, you are sitting in one of the 37 Legeman gymnasiums. A design that was implemented in many small-town high schools that were revolutionary at the time of their construction. We call them the sunken gym design today; back then, they were called 'underground bowl gyms' or, as a few school officials referred, "wing-dings". However, after initial hesitation by school officials, Legeman was able to convince schools that his innovative basketball gym would be the way to go in basketball-starved towns of Indiana and Illinois. Three-fourths of a century later, it's not hard to find them. I never met Legeman, nor have there been an array of articles honoring his dedication to the game of basketball, but when you sit in one of his designed structures, it's easy to see why they became popular. They were inexpensive, provided unobstructed views, the main concourse allowed additional seating and a running track during school hours, plus multiple exits through the various doors after the game. His concept was used first in Herrin, Illinois, where school officials were looking for a cost-effective gym to hold a high capacity of fans to replace its aging gymnasium. In 1946, Legeman woke up in the middle of the night during a thunderstorm and copied down his thoughts on a piece of paper. The next day, staff at his architectural firm came up with the blueprint that would soon be tested at the high school. His design would allow fans to enter at street level, not interrupt the action on the court below, and players would enter through a tunnel at courtside from an adjoining building, not to run into people. In case of an emergency, fans walk up the aisle through copious exit doors - much more efficiently than hurrying down aisles to the exits. A 6,000-seat building could be emptied within 7 minutes. The president of the Herrin school board was a civil engineer, saw the possibilities that the gym could have for his school, and agreed to have the radical new gym built. The gymnasium opened in November 1949 with 10 rows of bleacher seating in an octagon pattern; soon, other school officials began asking Legeman to consult and design a similar venue. By next year, four more would be constructed in Owensville, Indiana; Norris City and Murphysboro, Illinois; and an additional gym for Herrin Junior High School. "It's something that we're really proud of," said Herrin basketball coach Sayler Shurtz on a podcast for Clubhouse Athletics. "When they built the new school, the gym was so important that they built the school around it." The Owensboro Bowl was the first in Indiana, with a capacity for 2,000 people. The venue helped the school wrangle the sectionals away from other schools and attracted 12,228 fans for five games in 1951. The gym would be the host site for the tournament for five seasons before the games moved to Princeton in 1955. Huntington Memorial Fieldhouse still houses the Southridge Raiders. Photo by Marc Viquez, Stadium Journey. His second gym in Indiana would be the Huntingburg Memorial Fieldhouse, dedicated in November 1951. It is the largest of its kind, with a capacity of 6,002 and 17 rows of seating. The cost was between $250,000 $350,000 to build. In comparison, the Kokomo Memorial Gymnasium cost $680,000 in 1949. “Without a doubt, this new Memorial Gymnasium is the latest thing in modern design and is the most outstanding building in this area. It must be seen to be fully appreciated,” a local sports writer stated at the time. “Without a doubt, this new Memorial Gymnasium is the latest thing in modern design and is the most outstanding building in this area. It must be seen to be fully appreciated,” a local sports writer stated at the time. The in-the-ground design allowed the bleacher seating to be built directly onto the sloping dirt side of the excavation, saving money on building stands for the bleachers and making them impossible to collapse because they rest on the ground.  The new gyms were also a source of pride within their community. Many high schools were moving away from the “cracker box” style of gyms that would overflow with people during the basketball season. New Castle moved from the tiny Church Street Gym that held 1,800, built in 1924, to the New Castle Fieldhouse that sat 9,352 people, making it the largest high school basketball gym in the world. Orleans High School was proud of its new building that opened on Valentine's Day in 1958. A description of the gym is as follows from that year’s yearbook.  “Comfortable bleachers provided seats for 2,000 persons in the 130 by 154 room. Above them, temporary bleachers can be set on the broad concrete walkway. Vision obstructed by a post is a thing of the past as the view of the floor is completely unobstructed. A good P.A. system, tiled dressing room, attractive public restrooms, concession booths, and the tunnel ramp, which ends the need for players or officials to mingle with spectators--all these and much more-- add up a gym that should be adequate for years to come.” Legeman patented his stadium construction design in 1956, and by the end of the decade, 28 gymnasiums would be constructed using his blueprint. The majority of the designs were from schools in Southern Illinois from east to west in Indianapolis and south in Indiana.  A new court for the JHS Bowl, Photo Courtesy of Jacksonville High School The JHS Bowl in Jacksonville, Illinois, continues to be used with pride for the Jacksonville Crimson. It was funded through $188,00 in public funds and opened in November 1952. It is considered one of the most prominent buildings and one of the most distinguished in the Midwest.  It has hosted a myriad of events, from professional wrestling and boxing matches to MMA fights, and is home to the Class 1A Super-Sectional tournament. “Our guys love playing at The Bowl,” said former head coach J.R. Dugan. “The history of the teams that have played here and all the different events that have gone on here has always made the place exciting. I feel like we have one of the best gyms in the state, not a bad seat.”  Legeman’s last gym in Illinois was the Duff-Kingston Gym in Eldorado. The 4,850-capacity facility opened on February 15, 1958, and was later renamed in honor of basketball standouts Mike Duff and Kevin Kingston. They were members of the Evansville basketball team tragically killed in a plane crash on December 13, 1977. The annual Eldorado Holiday Tournament has taken place since 1964. The influx of people is an economic boom to the town that, in three days, becomes the center of basketball in southeastern Illinois. A total of 26 games are held during the tournament, featuring 16 teams with crowds of up to 4,000 for the championship tilt. “Duff-Kingston Gymnasium is a proud focal point of our town,” stated school AD Greg Goodley, who added that the tournament is a must to attend every year. “It is one of a kind in high school sports, with the ability to allow 5,000 people to view a game and for everyone to have a great seat or even have a great view standing round the top of the gym.” Warm-ups at the Duff-Kingston Gymnasium, Photo Courtesy of Eldorado High School Booneville Stadium in Indiana has become a mainstay in the community since its construction in 1958. The 5,650-seat gym pried away sectional games from Lynnville High School, which had its sunken gym constructed in February 1952. Booneville attracted 8,255 people to sectional games in 1959, while Lynville attracted 6,822 to the same amount of games the year before.  High School Athletic Director Kevin Davis said the building is a community icon. It has hosted the Harlem Globetrotters, and President Bill Clinton; it is a great place for shooting baskets. However, its sunken court design does lead to some fine tutelage when it comes to the maintenance of the gym, like screwing in a light bulb. “We can't easily get a lift or equipment down on the floor to fix lights or redo the floor. The gym is shut down for a couple of days if we want to do any bulb replacement or fix a light fixture. People do not realize how much manpower and work it is to fix a bulb.” Sadly, Loogootee, now known as the Jack Butcher Sports Arena, would be the final facility designed after Legeman's vision in 1968. A new kind of gym would become the rage heading into the 1970s called the “box gym” that would feature two levels of seating with roll-out bleachers and stair-cases allowing fans to move to the upper level from an exterior concourse. Many of these gyms still hold a lot of passion for people years after they stopped operating. The old North High School Gym in Evansville was dedicated in 1957 and would be home to the Huskies until the new school opened 9 miles north in 2012. The move also included a new gymnasium with a capacity of 3,457. The Academy for Innovation Studies Diamond Branch would move into the old campus and use the gym for storage.  The former Owensville Bowl is now a museum of sorts, Photo Courtesy of the REH Center The Owensville Bowl would host basketball until 1974 after the school merged with three others to form Southern Gibson. The building was saved from the wrecking ball in 1992 and turned into the REH Center a year later. It is the oldest of its kind in Indiana and is busy from November 1 to the end of March hosting church basketball leagues, pick-up games, senior walkers, sale auctions, town meetings, volleyball, and parties. The gym is also a museum, and its walls are plastered with a collection of memories from the old high school. It includes old varsity jackets hanging on the walls, photographs, game day programs, yearbooks, newspaper clippers, and trophies. For a gym that is no longer in use, it still provides a service to its community.  The West Gym at Center Grove High School is almost 70-years-old and was replaced by the Vandermeer Gym in January 1996. The gym was constructed along with a new school in 1956 and held 4,000 people in a community, which at the time had a population of 5,000. The West Gym was saved as an auxiliary gym and is used for volleyball and freshman basketball games. Occasionally, it returns as the home of the varsity team when scheduling conflicts or during county tournament games. The annual. throwback game draws a big crowd to the West Gym at Center Grove, Photo by Marc Viquez, Stadium Journey. The gyms sold themselves due to low cost and it allowed many small communities the opportunity to afford them for civic pride, to attract more players to basketball, and to host sectional and regional tournaments. Many of the gymnasiums were larger than the communities they were built in according to L.V. Phillips, Indiana High School Athletic Director in 1956. "Indiana basketball didn't need a shot in the arm, but these fine new gyms in communities that have been able to afford them have done it anyway. Basketball all over the state already feels like a stimuating effect. We thought that nothing new could be added, but it has been." Many are still in use, and only two have been razed: Roberts Stadium, the former home of the University of Evansville basketball program, and Ridgway, Illinois. The gym in Lynnville, Indiana appears to have been turned into apartments or storage as of this writing. The Racer Arena on the campus of Murray State has been the home to its volleyball team and the second-largest of its kind in college sports. He must have been proud of his design since in 1965 he similarly designed his home in Evansville. The house is still standing and has the trademark trusses on the exterior of the structure. An image exists through Google . Ralph Legeman passed away almost 50 years ago, and he is somewhat of an unknown man, but his buildings are not. It is hard to tell the story of high school basketball in both states without mentioning his sunken gym courts. How many folks know that they are a result of one man's dream? They are his legacy for many basketball communities in the two states. His first innovative gym design will celebrate 75 years of celebration next November, and even if you don’t remember his name, you won’t forget his basketball gyms. Not bad for his 'wing-dings'. ---- Follow all of Marc’s stadium journeys on Twitter @ballparkhunter  and his YouTube channel.   Email at Marc.Viquez@stadiumjourney.com

A trip to the Penske Racing Museum in Phoenix, Arizona, isn't just a detour; it's an immersion into a dynasty. Tucked away discreetly, this gleaming shrine to speed immediately establishes the weight of its contents. Walking through the glass doors, the atmosphere shifts from the dry Arizona heat to the cool, precise, and highly polished world of Roger Penske's legendary organization. More than just a collection of old cars, this museum chronicles a staggering half-century of dominance, housing the tangible evidence of over 600 major race wins, crowned by a record 20 victories at the Indianapolis 500. The layout encourages a reflective walk through history, where every trophy case and perfectly preserved tire tells a story of meticulous preparation and unparalleled competitive spirit. It is the hallowed ground for anyone who appreciates the business, engineering, and passion behind high-octane motor sports. The heart of the journey lies in the magnificent car collection, which vividly illustrates the breadth and versatility of Team Penske’s success across multiple disciplines. From the roaring muscle of NASCAR to the sleek, open-wheel mastery of IndyCar, the exhibits trace a remarkable arc of racing innovation. Center stage are legendary machines, including Joey Logano’s 2015 Daytona 500-winning Ford Fusion, a testament to the team’s versatility, and the iconic 1979 Penske PC 6, the machine that delivered Rick Mears his first of four Indy 500 triumphs. Viewing the cars up close, one can appreciate the technical details that defined each era. The sheer number of championship banners and memorabilia surrounding the vehicles makes it feel less like a museum and more like a high-speed hall of fame, perfectly preserving the legacy of "The Captain." Whether you’re a lifelong motorsports fan or simply seeking a compelling sports pilgrimage in the American Southwest, the Penske Racing Museum offers an inspiring and educational experience, made all the better by the fact that admission is FREE. It is easily accessible in North Phoenix, making it a perfect mid-day stop. The physical address you'll need is 7191 East Chauncey Lane, Phoenix, AZ 85054. You can generally find the doors open for visitors Monday through Saturday from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM, and on Sundays from 12:00 PM to 5:00 PM. If you are looking for a quick bite, note that the associated café operates on weekdays from 10:00 AM to 2:30 PM, but is closed on weekends.

Photos by Greg Venuto, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.29 Climate Pledge Arena 334 1st Avenue North Seattle, WA 98109 Seattle Kraken website Climate Pledge Arena website Year Opened: 1962 / 2021 Capacity: 17,151 Seattle’s Sustainable Green Jewel The Space Needle might be the most visited attraction in Seattle, but Climate Pledge Arena is quickly becoming a must-see venue for sports fans and concert devotees. The arena, now in its fourth year of operation, is the newest National Hockey League building, and this month will become the home to an expansion women’s hockey team in the Professional Women’s Hockey League (PWHL). The Seattle Torrent will host its first home game on November 28. The goal of the arena is to be the most progressive, responsible, and sustainable in the world. It was named after The Climate Pledge, founded by Amazon and Global Optimism in 2019. The building is powered 100% by on and off-site renewable energy from both the Alaska Airlines Atrium roof and above the 1st Ave N. Garage. 1,300 on-site solar panels are generating 440,000 kWh annually. Climate Pledge is novel for many reasons, and yet it's a rebrand of an older facility. The arena located north of downtown Seattle sits in a 74-acre entertainment complex known as the Seattle Center. It was the site of the 1962 World's Fair, and from 2018 to 2021, the arena underwent a $1.15 billion redevelopment (with no city funds allocated) that preserved the original exterior and roof of the Key Arena. The venue was declared a Seattle Landmark in 2017 and listed on the Washington Heritage Register as well as the National Register of Historic Places in 2018. The new building has a capacity of 17,151 for ice hockey and 18,300 for basketball (home to the 4-time WNBA champion Seattle Storm ). Throw in some concerts and other events and Climate Pledge is busy as it hosts about 200 dates per year. The City of Seattle and OVG (Oak View Group) have signed a 39-year lease with two, eight-year renewable options for a potential lease of 55 years. Food & Beverage 5 Climate Pledge offers a wide array of food and beverage choices with an emphasis on seafood.  The food choices include: 1st Avenue Nachos, Ballard Pizza, Bavarian Meats, Big Chicken ($14.75 for the original sandwich with pickles), Bristol Bay Chowder, Casa Escobar, Dumpling House, For the Grazers, Mercer Street Mac & BBQ, Molly D Burgers, Prohosky Prohosky, Sound Pizza, Hempler’s (chicken tenders and fries is $17.25) and Poke Bop. Stadium Journey recommends the Salmon Sandwich on a brioche bun ($16.99) from Bristol Bay. Beverages include Starbucks (of course), Emerald City Smoothie ($14.99 for fruit supreme or berry berry), 2 Towns Ciderhouse, Bar Northwest, and Coors Light Center Ice, Kraken Rum Bar, Jack Daniel’s Bar, Modelo Bar, and PNW Craft Beer Wall. CPA also features a few vending machines for soft drinks featuring Pepsi products. A 16-oz Aquafina is $7.49. The best deals for beer are a 16-oz Coors Banquet Can for $8.99, and Aslan Tidebreaker West Coast IPA is $9.99. Four food and beverage stores are equipped with Amazon’s Just Walk Out technology with Amazon One to make the in-arena shopping experience more efficient and cut wait times.  The combination of this concept and many different food courts does make the wait for food and beverages bearable in between periods.  The bathroom lines are another story. The goal is to have 75% of food ingredients come from within a 300-mile radius. House wines and craft beer are sourced from Washington or Oregon. If you choose soft ice cream, Mister Softee is the provider. A souvenir ice cream mask is $13.49, a regular cup is $10.99, and a kids cone is $7.99. Unlike many arenas, Climate Pledge typically offered most food choices on both the first and second levels. Atmosphere 4 The crowd gets hyped by a DJ who pumps some electrifying tunes during the pre-game warmup. The arena has an organ, but it does not get a tremendous amount of use. The Kraken fits right in with the lore of a city with a long maritime heritage. This month, the team unveiled a third jersey with the logo crafted in tonal black-on-black stitching, making it nearly invisible, like a predator lying in wait. The Kraken is a mythical giant octopus that lives in Puget Sound and has magic powers. The team has incorporated the octopus into a distinctive ice blue S logo with a single red eye. Keeping with the local theme, the goal horn is the defunct MV Hyak ferry's whistle, and the goal song is a modified version of the song Lithium from local legend Nirvana, with Let’s Go Kraken added. The arena has two six-sided scoreboards, one over each zone and not over the center ice area. The boards, which are higher than most NHL jumbotrons, were designed not to stress the architectural design of the original roof and not to interfere with sightlines. The dual scoreboards are clear and allow most seating areas to see the screens. The only negative is that the boards do not display which players are on ice during play. Neighborhood 5 CPA is located within the Seattle Center, home of the 1962 Seattle World’s Fair. Its neighbors include the iconic Space Needle, which has a revolving rooftop restaurant, as well as the Chihuly Garden and Glass and the Museum of Pop Culture. The monorail system comes through the museum on its way to its final stop at the Space Needle. As fans approach the arena on foot, it resembles more of a suburban neighborhood with some greenery in the area. The building looks small from the outside since about half of the seating area is buried underground. The glass windows let in plenty of natural light, and spectators can see some of the seating area and the scoreboard from certain locations outside the building. There are many places to stay within walking distance of the Climate Pledge Arena, including Hyatt House, Hampton Inn and Suites, Four Points Sheraton, and The Maxwell Hotel. A few places to pregame include The Uptown Hophouse, Agave Cocina & Tequila, and the Queen Anne Beerhall. Fans 5 The building has been sold out for every home game for the past three seasons. The Krakheads are an enthusiastic bunch, but on this visit, they did seem to lose a bit of steam in the third period. The ice is illuminated first in sea blue and then changes to bright red as the PA announcer blares “This is Kraken Hockey” and follows it up with “Welcome to the Deep,” and the crowd roars as the Kraken take the ice. During the anthem sung by Tommie Burton, the fans enthusiastically yell “SEE for SEA” and “RED GLARE” . A celebrity, loyal fan or sports personality leads the surge as fans yell “Let’s Go Kraken” leading into the opening faceoff. Then the Seattle Kraken mascot, a sea troll named Buoy, takes over and starts banging his drum to lead the fans in the Let’s Go Kraken chant throughout the game. Buoy is inspired by the Freemont Troll sculpture. The Kraken have a group of cheerleaders better known as the Sea Squad who entertain and urge the fans on before the start of each period and during breaks in the action. The Kraken have only made the playoffs in one of their first four seasons, but that has not dampened enthusiasm. The Lair is the Team Store, which is only open on game days, and was packed on this visit. New coach Lane Lambert will attempt to lead them back to the postseason. Jessica Campbell enters her second season with the Kraken as an assistant coach after becoming the first full-time female assistant coach in NHL history to work behind the bench during the regular season. The building does not enforce the puck-in-play policy that some NHL venues enforce, not allowing fans to return to seats until there is a stoppage in play. That rule can be good or bad depending upon the beholder, as hockey is conducive to continuous action and often has few whistles. into a new NHL franchise, they also wholeheartedly buy into what the Climate Pledge Arena is trying to do. Access 4 Climate Pledge is one of the only venues in the country to offer free public transportation to games and other ticketed events. The goal is to have at least 25% of attendees use public transportation. Fans can also ride bikes and scooters to the facility. There are many protected bike lanes surrounding the arena. Bike Link Bicycle lockers are available in the 1st Ave N Garage on a first-come, first-served basis. Scooters can be parked in one of the designated sidewalk zones. The Seattle Center Monorail is a 90-second ride between downtown and Seattle Center. From the Seattle Center station, it is just a short walk to Climate Pledge Arena. Parking downtown and taking the Monorail is the fastest option to get to and from the event. Sound Transit offers an excellent light rail service that runs from the SeaTac Airport to the University of Washington campus. Riders going to a Kraken game would simply exit at the Seattle Center Station and cross the street to the monorail system. The monorail runs directly to the Seattle Center (90-second ride), where it is a leisurely walk over to CPA. For drivers, there are three main parking garages nearby. They are located on 5th Avenue, Mercer Street, and First Avenue North. Each garage has electric vehicle charging stations. Parking ranges from $25-45, depending upon the lot and location. The arena has seven access points (one is for press only and one for patrons needing an accessible entry), and the process was easy. ​​Entry 1 is the most used public entry located on the southwest corner of the arena off of the Alaska Airlines Atrium, facing 1st Ave N. Gates open 90 minutes before the starting time. Reusable (non-glass) water bottles are permitted and must be no larger than 32oz and empty upon entry. Upon entering the arena, fans are in the 100 level, which is really the mid-level or upper concourse. Walking down leads to the lower level sections 1-26 (lower concourse), and the 200 level is up above. Most of the lower-level seats are subterranean, while the concourse and main south entrance at the Alaska Airlines Atrium are at ground level. The only negative is that the scoreboards cannot be seen from the upper rows of both the upper and lower bowls. Return on Investment 3 Seattle is an expensive city, and the same can be said for prices at Climate Pledge. The arena ranked as the 7th most expensive according to the Fan Cost Index in 2024. The cost to take a family of four was $528.35 for four tickets, four hot dogs and four sodas, and parking. Without a doubt, tickets and food are costly. On the secondary ticket market, the prices for a Kraken game can go for less than $100 in the upper level and about $125 and up, but that is for weeknight games. Seattle’s emphasis on farm-to-table food is great, but it does elevate prices. Kraken owner Samantha Holloway did listen to fans and lowered season ticket prices for many seats coming into this season. The team also offers a 25% reduction on food and drinks for full and half-season ticket holders. Extras 4 Seattle won a Stanley Cup before the inception of the Kraken. In 1917, the Seattle Metropolitans defeated the Montreal Canadians to win the Stanley Cup, and a banner hangs from the rafters to commemorate that Cup. Ironically, Seattle was competing for a second Stanley Cup in 1919, when the series was canceled due to the breakout of the Spanish Flu pandemic. CPA features wider concourses and the Living Wall, a visual of 25-30 different species of plants native to the Pacific Northwest, which stretches 200 feet long and 14 feet tall. The wall is located next to the Club entrances. Going green is befitting of the Emerald City, and it seems to be working. From the bathrooms, no fossil fuels to renewable energy, to reducing waste, and is impressive. The arena features Sue Bird and Lenny Wilkins statues outside the main entrance. Wilkens, who coached Seattle to an NBA title in 1979, was the first person inducted into the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame three times: Player (1989), Coach (1998), and Olympian (2010). Wilkins recently passed away at age 88. Bird played her entire career with the Seattle Storm and led the team to four WNBA titles. Bird is a five-time Olympic gold medalist. Final Thoughts The Climate Pledge Arena features excellent sightlines, a solid sound system, and the combination of new and old works well to make it one of the more unique buildings in the National Hockey League.  Its ability to make it sustainable is another huge plus, and it is definitely worthy of a stadium journey. Follow Greg Venuto’s stadium journeys on Twitter @VenutoGreg and Facebook .

Fans will experience something new at LMCU Ballpark in 2026. The West Michigan Whitecaps announced a Drink Rail Section, offering comfort, space, and plenty of socializing during the season. ​The new area replaces bleacher section 125 and features mesh swivel seating with a drink rail, dedicated wait staff, ample space, and prime views from the third-base line. ​“This upgrade has been discussed internally for a couple of seasons as we conducted our master plan for LMCU Ballpark, " said Whitecaps Community and Media Relations Manager, Nate Phillips. “The Drink Rail Seating was a concept that was a more recent development, instead of more box seats, in response to what our fans have been asking for.” Individual Drink Rail Seats will be priced at $28 per game, with 5-game and 10-game ticket plans, as well as group opportunities, available for fans who wish to purchase seats for multiple games and larger gatherings. Mesh seating has become popular in other ballparks around the country, in Las Vegas, Indianapolis, and Erie, Pennsylvania. “The new mesh seats are designed with optimal comfort for beating the heat,” Phillips added. “No more sticking to that hard plastic seat on hot, humid, Michigan summer nights.” The Whitecaps are also upgrading all remaining  reserved sections from traditional bleacher-style benches to individual box seat chairs, completing a ballpark-wide transformation to modern seating. ​​Fans can also expect unique sightlines and hospitality areas at the stadium next season. The team is working on future phases of the LMCU Ballpark Reimagine Project and will share developments when they become available. ------ Follow all of Marc’s stadium journeys on Twitter   @ballparkhunter   and his YouTube channel .   Email at Marc.Viquez@stadiumjourney.com

Photos by Sean MacDonald and Dave Cottenie, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.29 Crisler Center 333 E Stadium Blvd Ann Arbor, MI 48104 Michigan Wolverines website Crisler Center website Year Opened: 1967 Capacity: 13,751 Michigan's House of Hoops The University of Michigan Wolverines are known for their football program, which holds the most wins of any in the country. But that doesn't mean that basketball is given short shrift. Although the Crisler Center, home of the Wolverines' hoops squad, sits in the shadows of The Big House, the program itself has much to be proud of, including a beautiful venue that should not be missed by stadium visitors. Named after former football head coach and athletic director Herbert “Fritz” Crisler, Crisler Arena was built in 1967 as the existing facility at Yost Field House (now Yost Ice Arena, home of Michigan hockey) was not large enough for the crowds. Those fans wanted to see star player Cazzie Russell, so Crisler is nicknamed The House that Cazzie Built. Russell went on to be the New York Knicks first overall pick in the 1966 draft and won the 1970 title with the team. A massive renovation led to the venue being renamed to Crisler Center, giving the Wolverines an arena that is competitive with any in the conference. Keeping that traditional college basketball feel and balancing it with modern amenities and decor. There is a lot of history here, too, both good and bad. In 1989, Steve Fisher took over the program before the NCAA Tournament, and the Wolverines ran off six straight wins to become National Champions for the first and only time. A few years later, the Fab Five era kept the Wolverines in the national news, though a scandal destroyed the reputation of the program, costing them conference championships, appearances in the 1992 and 1993 Final Fours, and the 1997 NIT championship. Rebuilding after the probation was long and arduous, but the school is back where it belongs, with 12 tournament appearances since 2009, including two trips to the Final Four, where they were the runners-up (ironically, their opponent in 2013 was Louisville, which had to vacate their title due to yet another scandal). These days, the Crisler Center is a lively place to see some quality college basketball. How does it measure up in other ways? Read on to find out.   Food & Beverage 4 All of the athletic venues at the University of Michigan have the same concession provider with similar offerings at similar prices. Crisler Center has a single concourse with 15 major stands. The most common is Wolverine Classics, which offers hot dogs and stadium sausages that are provided by Dearborn Sausage Company, and they are very good. Snacks include a soft pretzel for $6.5 (add $2 for the cheese cup) and popped maize instead of popcorn, a shoutout to the school colors of Maize and Gold. A frozen Icee is $7.25, and you can also get a box of Champions Cookies for $9. Buddy's Pizza, famous for Detroit-style pizza, offers a four-square pepperoni or cheese pizza going for $16.  Big House BBQ has loaded BBQ Nachos for $15, the same price as a BBQ Chicken Sammie, which is the most appealing option. Another common option is Flock, where a chicken tender basket is $13.24; add just 75 cents for the Hot Honey variety. Chips and Cheese are $7, while an order of fries is $7.50. Coca-Cola products are on offer in various sizes. A souvenir beverage mug is $12.25, a 32-ounce souvenir cup soda is $9.50, and a 20-ounce bottle of pop is $6.5. Bottled water will cost $5.50, while hot chocolate or coffee is $5. Alcohol is now available here, with a 16-oz. can of beer ranging between $12.25 and $13.50, while a canned cocktail goes for $16.25. Overall, although food and beverages are rather expensive, it is of higher quality than fare found in similar stadiums. If you’re staying in Ann Arbor, though, better to save your appetite for the large selection of excellent restaurants found downtown. Atmosphere 4 Originally opened in 1967, Crisler Arena was once like many of the other facilities built in that era: a round structure lacking windows and natural light. It has undergone three renovations over the years to bring the facility up to modern standards, with the most recent leading to the renaming of the venue. The exterior of Crisler Center is smart-looking with brown brick and the famous block M markings.  Entering from the east will probably give fans the grandest entrance, ascending an escalator to the main concourse, where you will be greeted by the cheerleaders. Around the concourses, the details are obvious with simple yet effective touches like high-quality flooring with verses of the fight song etched in. Around the walls, there are displays for each of the varsity teams that Michigan sponsors. There is little to no exposed concrete. The feeling is inviting and warm, which is a far cry from where it once was. The large display on Cazzie Russell entitled “The House that Cazzie Built” enlightens fans to some of the Wolverine basketball history. Inside the seating bowl, fans are greeted with two levels of navy blue, modern, comfortable stadium seats. The court runs from north to south, and a large video board hangs above center court. The rafters are littered with banners for Big Ten Championships and NCAA Tournament appearances.  Proudly hanging in the south end is the 1989 NCAA National Championship banner. Directly across from the championship banner are the honored numbers of Bill Buntin, Cazzie Russell, Phil Hubbard, Glen Rice, and Rudy Tomjanovich.   Sight lines at Crisler are excellent, also, and the east side of the building is the spot to be for fans hoping for that perfect picture of the center logo. The student section, known as 'The Maize Rage', sits in Sections 18-28, with overflow going to Section 30. Some seats in Section 28 are sold to the general public, so if you sit there, you are right in between the students. Game day at Michigan is a real college experience.  Most of the music is provided by the band. The cheerleaders and pep team add to the atmosphere on the court.  The game is not overproduced, and there is not a ton of advertising. Overall, there is a great feeling to Michigan basketball. Neighborhood 5 Downtown Ann Arbor is within walking distance, and you will find a great variety of excellent restaurants, bars, shopping, and breweries around. Zingerman’s Delicatessen is a favorite spot and is featured on ESPN as the local place to go, and would be a perfect early morning stop if you want to get supplies for a gourmet tailgating party. Places like Ashley's and Arbor Brewing Company's Corner Brewery provide excellent full-service options as well. If you like Italian food, then Mani Osteria and Bar comes highly recommended, especially if you want something a little more upscale. Frita Batidos serves up tasty Cuban-inspired food. The Blue Nile serves up Ethiopian food, which is both unique and delicious. If you want to enjoy a cheaper option, the New York Pizza Depot offers a few specials throughout the week. Kids will love the Ann Arbor Children’s Museum, while adults might prefer the university's Museum of Art. Both should be inspired by the Kelsey Museum of Archaeology or the Museum of Natural History. All are within walking distance of each other and the sports complex. Hotel accommodations can be found clustered near I-94 just to the south of the stadium, but expect to pay a hefty sum to stay here. If you’re flying in, the Detroit airport is about 20 miles to the east along I-94, and there are plenty of hotels there for a much better rate. Another alternative is to stay in the northeast corner of the city along Plymouth Road.   Fans 5 Michigan basketball fans are passionate, and that showed as over 10,000 showed up for an exhibition contest that we attended. Even more impressive were the students, who filled their sections and were raucous from start to finish. The crowd was into the game and cheered loudly when things were going their way. They also showed remarkable patience during a game that dragged on far too long due to some heavy-handed officiating. Access 4 The Crisler Center is in central Ann Arbor, equidistant from I-94 and Highway 23, the main expressways around the city.  Getting to Crisler Center, as with all Michigan athletic facilities, will require some travel through the city. Considering that this town welcomes over 110,000 fans for Wolverine football games, getting 10,000 in and out of Crisler Center is not too difficult. There are some parking options, with the Pioneer High School lot being the cheapest at $20. However, you should be able to find free parking on a neighborhood street not too far away, or leave the car downtown where meters are not enforced after 6 p.m. Even then, expect traffic on Main Street, which is a single lane in each direction, with lights and crosswalks all the way. Remember that no bags are allowed at any Michigan sporting event, which makes entry quick and painless. Getting around Crisler Center is not too difficult, as the single concourse is more than wide enough and the washroom facilities are spotless.   Return on Investment 4 Michigan Wolverines basketball offers a solid return on investment. Ticket prices vary depending on the opponent, ranging from $13 for non-conference foes to $28 for those in the Big Ten. However, in many cases, the secondary market will offer better value. SeatGeek is the official reseller and has the most inventory, as well as an excellent seating map, so you can see exactly where you will be sitting. The atmosphere is terrific at Crisler, and fans will not be disappointed with the experience. Extras 4 A point for the historic displays in the east concourse. Take a moment to examine all of them, including the Hall of Honor on the glass. A point for the history lesson about Cazzie Russell, a name that more basketball fans should learn. Another point for the incredible display around the entire concourse dedicated to each varsity squad that wears the Maize and Gold. A final point for the hardwood photographs depicting Great Michigan Moments. Final Thoughts Basketball may not be the first thought when it comes to Michigan athletics. However, the Wolverines have been a great team recently, with appearances in the National Championship final to prove it.  Crisler Center has seen some significant improvement, and fans will not be disappointed in their experience at the House that Cazzie Built.  It may not be a basketball bucket list item, but the Michigan Wolverines will provide a pleasant surprise for the stadium traveler.

Photos by Richard Smith, Stadium Journey, and Pima Athletics Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.14 West Campus Aztec Gymnasium 2202 W Anklam Road Tucson, AZ 85709 West Campus Aztec Gymnasium website Pima Aztecs website Year Opened: 1971 Capacity: 1,000 A Desert Gem Pima Community College, established in 1966 when the citizens of Pima County, Arizona, approved the formation of a junior college district, has grown into a vital multi-campus institution in the greater Tucson area. The West Campus, where its athletics are centered, officially opened to students in the fall of 1971. The college’s athletic teams, known as the Aztecs, compete in the Arizona Community College Athletic Conference (ACCAC) as part of the National Junior College Athletic Association (NJCAA). The Aztecs have a strong tradition across various sports, consistently fielding competitive programs that are frequently ranked nationally. The West Campus itself is architecturally significant, having been built between 1968 and 1970 with a bold, exposed reinforced cast-in-place concrete design. It is nationally recognized for its innovative, Brutalist-inspired aesthetic, which interacts beautifully with the desert topography. The mascot of Pima Community College is the Aztec, which is a powerful and respected symbol across the campus, though the mascot's in-person appearance for fan interaction at smaller regular-season matches is not guaranteed. Food & Beverage 4 There is a very small concession stand at the gym with a very large menu offering menu items at a very decent price. Atmosphere 3 Stepping into the Aztec Gymnasium, a visitor is immediately struck by the purity of the sporting environment. This is a classic, mid-century college gymnasium design, where the court is the undisputed focus and spectator seating is kept tightly against the sidelines. The structure is intimate, which is its greatest strength, ensuring that the visual and auditory experience is maximized for every fan. The bleacher-style seating puts you right on top of the action. Neighborhood 4 Tucson, Arizona, is the second-largest city in Arizona as well as the county seat of Pima County. In the metro area, over one million people live. For those looking for local flavor, the immediate area has a variety of quick dining options. A short drive will bring you to local staples like Filiberto's Mexican Food, which is a popular regional chain for quick, satisfying Mexican fare, a must-try for travelers looking for authentic Southwestern flavors. The entire Tucson area is rich in history and culture, offering unique attractions like the Mission San Xavier del Bac, a historic Spanish Catholic mission just a short drive from the college. This proximity to both urban amenities and untouched nature means the venue serves as a great launchpad for exploring the unique character of Tucson before or after the game. Fans 3 The crowd is predominantly composed of players’ family members, friends, and other Pima students who are genuinely invested in the success of the Aztecs. Access 3 Reaching the West Campus Aztec Field is straightforward and stress-free for the average visitor. The facility is easily accessible, located on the northern part of the sprawling West Campus. One of the most significant fan advantages is the plenty of parking nearby, which means the typical sports travel headache of searching for an expensive, faraway spot is eliminated. Being located on a college campus means the infrastructure is designed to handle student and staff traffic, and this translates into an easy arrival for event attendees. Given the venue's location near major Tucson roadways, getting to and from the site, even from downtown or other parts of the city, is a relatively simple drive. The ease of access and ample, free parking are a tremendous convenience that greatly improves the overall game-day journey. Return on Investment 3 Costs are a bit high with general admission at $10. You need to pay with cash or Zelle, which is a unique mix of options. . Extras 2 Pima has a history of national success, and this level of consistent excellence means you are watching a truly elite program. Another unique fact is the prominent presence of the surrounding Brutalist-style architecture of the main West Campus buildings, which were designed by renowned architects and have been featured in national architectural journals. This architectural detail makes a trip to the Pima campus a unique cultural experience in addition to a sporting one. Final Thoughts Pima Community College provides an outstanding, high-value opportunity to see nationally-ranked junior college athletics in a beautiful, accessible setting. The experience is intimate, authentic, and focused on the pure love of the game, making it a highly recommended stop for any true sports enthusiast traveling through Tucson.

Photos by Richard Smith, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.43 McKale Memorial Center 1 National Championship Dr Tucson, AZ 85721 McKale Center website Arizona Wildcats website Year Opened: 1973 Capacity: 14,688 Bear Down at McKale The McKale Memorial Center, the venue hosts men’s and women’s basketball for the University of Arizona, as well as volleyball and gymnastics. There are also many offices located throughout the venue for various Wildcats athletics. The McKale Center opened in 1973 as a replacement for the Bear Down Gymnasium. Bear Down is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and was the “Adams College” gym in the 1984 blockbuster film Revenge of the Nerds. McKale Center was named after J. F. “Pop” McKale, who was the Arizona athletic director from 1914 to 1957. The court itself at McKale Center bears the name “Lute and Bobbi Olson Court” after the legendary Arizona head coach and his late wife. There was a recent renovation to McKale that included the installation of the center-court scoreboard, two LED banners along each sideline, new seating and concessions areas, and relocation of bathrooms to the exterior concourse. Food & Beverage 3 There is one concession stand for volleyball matches with a nice, but limited menu. Prices are fairly high. Atmosphere 3 Although the venue is not the newest one out there, the renovations have made sure that the McKale Center is a perfect, modern venue for high-end sports. The scoreboard and other displays are what this level of play should have. Volleyball matches will usually have part of the arena blocked off by a large curtain. The venue is pretty interesting in terms of accessing the seating bowl. There is not one main entrance but a series of tunnels and hallways, often through office areas, to get you inside the venue. Neighborhood 4 Tucson, Arizona, is the second-largest city in Arizona as well as the county seat of Pima County. In the metro area, over one million people live. McKale Center is located on the southeastern corner of the campus near Arizona Stadium, home of the university’s football team. There are many restaurant options near the venue. If you want to venture away from campus, we also recommend Mercado San Agustin and the MSA Annex. In that area, Seis Kitchen is a great Mexican restaurant. The Aloft Tucson University is a hotel very close to the McKale Center. We can also recommend the Loews Ventana Canyon resort if you want to go a bit higher end. Fans 4 The Arizona Wildcats boast one of the most dedicated and famously spirited fan bases in all of collegiate sports, and their passion for the volleyball program is evident from the first point. The crowds attending matches at McKale are consistently knowledgeable, demonstrating a sharp understanding of the tactical game and reacting with genuine excitement to critical defensive efforts and strategic plays. Access 3 Being located on a crowded urban college campus, parking will be a bit difficult. There are many lots and garages, all at varying price levels. Please plan and either buy parking ahead of time or be very aware of your parking options before heading to the game. There is a good public transportation option in Tucson's Sun Link Streetcar system that stops very close to campus. A good option is to park at the Mercado San Agustin mentioned above and take that option to the game. Return on Investment 3 For a big-time program, the admission prices can vary by the match and are not the cheapest around. Concession prices are also fairly high. . Extras 4 The unique and varied entrances to the seating bowl are an extra all on their own, but it also offers a fan a way to check out the various displays of past team successes for all the programs that play in the McKale Center. Check out the Lute Olson statue and display. The varied food offerings, especially southwestern items, are a nice touch. The external concourse, added during recent renovations, allows a nice meeting spot for fans. Final Thoughts The University of Arizona Wildcats is a well-known program, and the McKale Center is a great venue for a high level of play.

Photos by Dave Cottenie, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.43 The Works Field House Memorial University of Newfoundland 17 Westerland Rd St. John's, NL A1B 3R7 Memorial Sea~Hawks website The Works Field House website Year Opened: 2002 Capacity: 1,400 Sea~Hawks on the Coast Memorial University of Newfoundland was established in 1825 and is the only university in Canada's final province.  The school has over 19,000 students. Athletic teams at Memorial began playing other schools in the 1950s and played their first basketball season in Atlantic University Sport (USports' eastern-most conference) in 1973.  They were originally named the Memorial Beothuks, after the indigenous people of Newfoundland, but adopted the Sea~Hawks moniker in 1990.  Basketball success in the AUS has been fleeting for the Sea~Hawks, who have made it to the semi-finals on six occasions, but have never made it to the finals or competed for a National Championship. Home for the Sea~Hawks is The Works Field House.  Located on campus, The Works Field House acts as the practice and game venue for basketball and volleyball, and also services track and field and a host of other recreation and training facilities.  It is a unique facility and serves the university well. Food & Beverage 3 There is a small snack bar-style concession behind the east side seating area.  There is also a cafe-style seating area beside the concession.  The menu includes pizza, hot dogs, chocolate, popcorn, candy, soda and Gatorade.  For fans from out of the province, one of the unique flavours of Crush soda may be of interest.  Pineapple and Birch Beer are very popular flavours in Newfoundland.  Beer, wine and liquor is also surprisingly available at Sea~Hawks games. Atmosphere 3 The Works Field House is a unique facility in USports and doubles as the indoor track and field facility for the Sea~Hawks, so it is an actual fieldhouse in the sense that it refers to a large indoor facility that supports outdoor activities.  The exterior of the Field House is not unattractive.  The rounded roof with green ends sits atop a brown brick and tan block exterior.  The main entry at the southwest corner is two stories of green glass that allows plenty of natural light into the facility.  Upon entry, fans are met with a small box office window for ticket purchases before heading upstairs to the main viewing area.  The Field House contains a 200 metre track, on which everything in the building works.  An elevated, 360-degree walkway leads to a variety of recreation and training equipment.  At the south end of the track is the basketball court.  The other two-thirds of the track are curtained off and contain other courts and recreation areas in the middle.  The basketball court is south-north oriented with retractable seating on the east and west sides.  The south end of the Field House has the main scoreboard as well as championship banners from other Memorial teams.  The seating consists of 12 rows of padded, fold-down seats.  The top four rows of seating are molded, plastic benches.  The best view is from the east side, which provides the proper view of the centre-court logo, and is where the majority of fans sit. The gameday production at a Sea~hawks game is very simple.  There are, surprisingly, no announcements for players who have scored in the game.  At the game that was reviewed, the PA announcer began to announce scoring, but stopped very early in the first half.  There are no real promos at the game.  There is definitely a community feel in the stands, and it is a bit of a throwback as kids would play on the court during halftime, a practice that was popular in other USports basketball venues but has all but been eliminated. Neighbourhood 4 The Works Field House is located on the campus of Memorial University of Newfoundland in the University Area neighbourhood of St. John’s.  St. John’s is a city of over 110,000 people and is the biggest city and capital of Newfoundland and Labrador.  There are a few spots for pre and post-game food and drinks that are not too far away.  The Bigs Ultimate Sports Grill, Pops Diner, The Pantry Cafe and Guv’nor Inn and Pub are some options.  Heading to Downtown St. John’s will give fans a ton of original options and has the Newfoundland feel to it.  The Newfoundland Regiment of the QMJHL is new to the city in 2025 and is the other main sports option.  St. John’s is a terrific tourist destination, especially early in the season.  Some other tourist options include Signal Hill, Jelly Bean Row, The Rooms and Johnson Geo Centre.  The Mile One memorial for Canadian hero Terry Fox is a must see when in St. John’s as well.  For fans looking to stay in the area, heading downtown to the Delta or Hilton are good spots to stay. Fans 3 Assessing fans for USports basketball is very difficult as the teams and league do not publish attendance figures.  All games are doubleheaders with the women’s teams so that may have something to do with the lack of attendance figures.  Memorial Sea~Hawks games appear to be well attended.  The game that was reviewed saw a healthy number of fans populating the east side stands.  Sea~Hawks fans are pretty quiet and reserved throughout the game and do not get terribly excited about much.   Access 5 The Works Field House is located on the campus of Memorial University of Newfoundland in the University Area neighbourhood of St. John’s.  It is on the east side of Westerland Road, between Prince Philip Drive and Elizabeth Avenue.  Getting to campus is not very difficult.  It is 1.5 km south of the Trans Canada Highway and 2 km west of Downtown.  There is plenty of free parking on site, at the south end of the Field House.  For fans interested in public transit, there are buses that enter campus and travel Westerland Road.  Fans should consult the Metrobus website for fares, schedules and maps.  With the Field House being so spacious, it is not difficult getting around the facility.  The washroom facilities are adequate for the facility. Return on Investment 5 USports basketball is very affordable and Memorial Sea~Hawks offer some of the cheapest tickets in the league.  Tickets for the Sea~Hawks are doubleheaders with both the women’s and men’s teams and go for $8 per person.  The concession prices are good and the parking is free.  This all adds up to a very affordable evening with some quality basketball on the court. Extras 1 An extra mark for the perseverance shown by Memorial University towards their basketball programs as the Sea~Hawks are the most remote team in the country. Final Thoughts Taking in a Memorial Sea~Hawks game while in St. John’s is a great way to add to a Newfoundland vacation.  The Sea~Hawks provide a solid product on the court and are among the most affordable tickets in the country.  It may not be the first idea a fan gets when heading to the east coast, but it should definitely be considered. Follow all of Dave’s sporting adventures on YouTube , Twitter , Threads  and Instagram @profan9.

Photos by Richard Smith, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.14 Alumni Stadium 1282 N Dupont Highway Dover, DE 19901 Delaware State Hornets website Alumni Stadium website Year Opened: 1957 Capacity: 7,193 Fear the Swarm! Delaware State has been a member of the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference (MEAC) since its founding in 1970. The MEAC is made up of historically black colleges and universities (HBCUs) located between Florida and Delaware. Delaware State is the smallest of the MEAC schools with a little over 3,600 students and was ranked 9th among all HBCUs by U.S. News & World Report in 2014. It opened in 1891, eventually to be named Delaware State College, and later changed to a university in 1993. One of their most unique programs is the university-based flight school, and it also has a fine business school. The Hornets football team plays at 7,193-seat Alumni Stadium, which is also their track and field venue. They are a four-time conference champion and made their first-ever FCS playoff appearance in 2007 losing to in-state rival Delaware. The team has had its ups and downs over the years. In 2007 they were named Black College National Champions, a mythical championship shared with Tuskegee University. The lowest point in the program’s history came on November 9, 1980, when Delaware State lost to the Portland State Vikings by a score of 105-0 in the most lopsided loss in Division I-AA Football history. Food & Beverage 3 There’s not much going on at Alumni Stadium in terms of official food stands, at least not consistently. If you check the grandstand by the main entrance, you’ll see two food stands that are often empty and unused. However, the local vendors usually save the day. You’ll find food trucks and local setups out on the grassy areas surrounding the track. You may find a stand offering popular quick-service chicken tenders, which is always a reliable option for a quick bite. A more official-looking stand in the northwest corner may also be open, serving up a fish dinner with two sides, along with a classic funnel cake, Hot Dogs, and Italian Sausage. Atmosphere 4 The stadium has a very unique atmosphere. At first glance, it looks like a pretty poor facility. There are high schools with better stadiums. And the track around the field makes views feel pretty far away. The south stand is mainly bleacher seats with a few areas with seatbacks. The north stand is entirely bleacher seats with no seatbacks. But the crowd is into their team. The band fires up the sound and gets everyone into the action. The stadium alone deserves a low rating, but the atmosphere makes up for the lack of facilities. The stadium also has a multi-media display system, featuring a high definition video screen and scoreboard that enhances the action. Neighborhood 3 You won’t find a quaint college town neighborhood here. Alumni Stadium sits right off the very busy DuPont Highway. From your seat, you can see the Dover Mall and the Dover International Speedway. I once even heard a stock car screaming around the track while walking up to the stadium. A produce store sits right next to the north stand, with another still open store nearby, so you’re good to go if you need pet supplies. The area is good if you need food and sustenance before or after the game. You'll find popular chain dining options nearby like Raising Cane's and Qdoba, which offer quick and familiar fare. For something a little heartier, Mission BBQ is a solid choice for post-game food. The area is filled with chain restaurants and big-box stores, making it convenient but decidedly unromantic. Also, construction is currently underway on a southern outpost of the Canadian coffee chain, Tim Hortons, which is definitely being built right up the road, promising Timbits and Double-Doubles soon. Fans 4 The fans are enthusiastic, even when the team isn’t meeting expectations. The excellent band, cheerleaders, and dance team help keep the energy levels high and the fans engaged. Access 4 The university is right off of a major road in DuPont Highway. A toll road, Route 1, takes you most of the way north to Wilmington is also nearby. Dover is about a one-and-a-half-hour trip from Philadelphia or Baltimore, and at least two hours from Washington DC. It seems close by on a map but is isolated at the center of the Delmarva Peninsula. If venturing to a shore destination such as Ocean City, Maryland, or Rehobeth, Delaware, then Dover may make a quick, enjoyable stop, but as a destination, it is not the easiest location to travel to. Watch out for NASCAR weekends when traveling in the area; those weekends are not recommended unless you have no other options, as traffic can pile up, so leave yourself additional time in those cases. There may also be tolls unless you are already on the eastern shore or the Delmarva region. If traveling from the DC and Annapolis area you will have to pay tolls across the Chesapeake Bay Bridge. If going around the top of the bay from Baltimore you will have to pay very hefty tolls on either Route 40 or I-95. And coming from Norfolk you will need to pay for the Bay Bridge-Tunnel. Parking is easy as you will be directed by university police to various lots around the campus. It is free except for the annual homecoming game where parking will be $20 or if you choose to park right by the stadium. Return on Investment 3 Normal ticket prices run from $10 to $25. Homecoming gets a price bump from $30 to $40. Youth tickets are typically $5 (or $10 for homecoming), with seniors (62+) paying $10. With free parking (most days), the price seems just about right for the overall experience you’ll have. . Extras 1 There is not much to this stadium. The lack of official food seems weird, but the local vendors offer some great food at a great value. This is the one true extra here at Delaware State University. Final Thoughts While many high schools boast far better facilities than Alumni Stadium, the passionate crowd, great atmosphere, and fine quality of play ensure that a visit to Delaware State football is a good time for any fan.

Photos courtesy of Gregory Koch Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.71 E.B. Henderson Sports Complex 4200 Connecticut Avenue NW Washington, DC 20008 UDC Firebirds website UDC Turf Field website Capacity: 300 Firebirds of Fury The University of the District of Columbia, known as UDC for short, is a historically black college (HBCU) and the only public university in the District of Columbia. The school was founded in 1851 and is located in the Van Ness neighborhood in Northwest Washington. The school's athletic teams are known as the Firebirds and compete in Division II of the NCAA, in the East Coast Conference. The Firebirds' soccer team plays on a turf field that is also home to the school's lacrosse program. The naming of the field in various sources is inconsistent, with it being referred to as the UDC Turf Field, the UDC Soccer Field, the UDC Sports Complex, and the UDC Soccer/Lacrosse Complex. To make matters even more confusing, the sign outside says Firebirds Field, yet another possible name. We will keep it simple for this review and call it the UDC Turf Field. The field was renovated in 2024, adding bleacher seating for 300 fans as well as lights and a new scoreboard/ Food & Beverage 1 There is no concession stand at the UDC Turf Field. However, there are vending machines selling drinks in the lobby of the E.B. Henderson Center next door if you get thirsty. Atmosphere 3 UDC Turf Field is a small, intimate facility with seating for only a few hundred fans in some bleachers, which are extremely close to the action. You will be able to hear the chatter on the field between coaches, players, and referees. A scoreboard is located behind the right goal, and cleverly repurposes space that is used for penalty time in lacrosse to instead show corner kicks and shots on goal for each team. A UDC soccer game is a very basic experience with few bells or whistles. You are basically here to watch soccer. and not much more than that. Neighborhood 4 The UDC campus is located in the Van Ness neighborhood in Northwest Washington, D.C. You will find many places to eat or drink nearby, including Sfoglina Italian and Pho 14. The Tenleytown neighborhood is about a 15-20 minute walk away heading west on Van Ness Street, and offers even more options. Fans 3 UDC draws a decent crowd consisting mostly of friends and family of the players, with occasional locals and alumni. Many of the fans are family members of the visiting team as well. Although it isn't the largest crowd, the fans are quite involved, cheering on their team the best they can from start to finish, showing a spirit you don't always see at this level. Access 5 Getting to the UDC campus is very easy, whether you are driving or taking public transit. The Van Ness-UDC Metro stop on the Red Line is located right next to campus, an easy walk from the stadium. You can also park in the campus garage, a short walk away, entering off Van Ness Street. Parking in the garage is officially $8 for 1-3 hours and $12 for 3-6 hours, so depending on how early you get there, expect to pay somewhere in this range. That being said, when Stadium Journey visited, the parking pay machines were down and the gate was up, allowing us to park for free, so you may get similarly lucky. We visited a game in October 2025, and the machine seems to have been down since at least December 2024, when we attended a basketball game there and parked for free then as well. So the chances of being able to park for free may be higher than previously thought. If they ever fix the machine, you're going to have to pay, though. Once you park, you will walk up a flight of stairs to the main campus, and the stadium is around the corner up another small flight of steps to the gate. There are no restrooms at the field itself, but there are some next door inside the Henderson Center, which are open during soccer games and more than sufficient for the crowds. Return on Investment 2 Tickets are $7 for UDC soccer, which is a very high price to pay for Division II college soccer. They can only be purchased on the Hometown Ticketing app, although there is a QR code to scan at the gate if you do not buy in advance. Parking may also be quite expensive, assuming they manage to charge for it, making a UDC soccer game an expensive event for the level of play this is. It certainly won't break the bank, but pretty much everything else at this level will cost you less. Extras 1 Check out the statue of a firebird near the entrance to the stadium, honoring UDC's unique mascot. Final Thoughts UDC's soccer stadium provides an intimate but fairly basic experience for watching a game. The price tag is unfortunately quite high for this level of play, but it's a nice enough stadium, so fans still may want to check out a game here.

Photos by David Hegler, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.57 Legacy Stadium 1830 Katyland Dr Katy, TX 77493 Map It Katy ISD Tigers Athletics website Legacy Stadium website Year Opened: 2017 Capacity: 12,000 Katy's Legacy Stadium When it first opened in August 2017, Katy’s Legacy Stadium was the most expensive high school football stadium in America, demanding a whopping $70 million to be completed. While the massive 12,000 capacity stadium hosts numerous teams such as Morton Ranch and Paetow, one tenant in particular stands out among the rest: Katy High School. Since 1959, the Katy Tigers have won nine state championships (winning twice since moving into Legacy Stadium) while practically being a feeder system for the NFL with alumni such as Andy Dalton, Eric Heitmann, and Danielle Hunter.  The Katy Tigers have a long tradition of a terrific ground attack and a stout defense, arguably the cornerstones of the purest form of the game. In that regard, despite the massive fortress and the surrounding spectacle throughout the game, going to a game at Legacy Stadium brings one back to the roots of the game. Back when it was about beating the other man across from you through muscle and will, and not through an aerial circus.  Food & Beverage 4 Legacy Stadium has a wide variety of food and beverage options from local eateries such as Hungry Howie’s (pizza), Sun City Fresh Squeezed Lemonade, and Chick-fil-A. The prices are pretty standard, with each offering a small selection of their menus, such as 32-ounce lemonades for $7, chicken sandwiches for $7, and personal pizzas for $6.50.   As you wait in line, you can watch the game from the reasonably sized flat screen atop the large brick and cement concession stand. This is a rarity for most of America, as high school football stadiums rarely do this outside the Lone Star State. This only goes to show that everything is bigger in Texas.  Legacy Stadium - TV Screens Above Concessions, Photo by David Hegler, Stadium Journey Atmosphere 4 It was homecoming on this particular night, but one can surmise that the atmosphere is always this festive whenever the Katy Tigers take the field at Legacy Stadium. What first caught this author’s attention was when he was told that, in Texas, no one ever crosses to the other side. EVER. While one can assume that this is standard for all high schools in America, they would be wrong. Although they set up separate stands for home and away crowds, they often intermingle at the concessions. That’s not the case for Legacy Stadium, where even the concessions are separated in the massive stadium.  Shortly after Katy begins each half by running through a banner, their fans clap along to their fight song. Flag bearers play a huge role as they run across the field after each touchdown, the flags depicting their national and state titles flailing in the wind.  Still, while it seemed like the schools were at war, as the game dragged on in the second half, the camaraderie became apparent on the field. The bands battled it out in song in between plays, and the cheerleaders skipped arm in arm around one end zone to the other side of the field. Neighborhood 3 As a Houston suburb, Katy can seem both big and small. The neighborhood resides right next to I-10 and, at times, can feel cramped, but once you reach Legacy Stadium, it is clear that everything revolves around the town’s football teams. In fact, Legacy Stadium isn’t the only stadium in town. Just across the parking lot rests Rhodes Stadium, an older, smaller stadium that still brings that old Texas charm to the game.  As a suburb of Houston, Katy is a great place to stay if you are in town for Houston-centric activities such as taking in an Astros , Texans or Rockets game. Katy has several hotels that are more affordable than the many scattered over downtown Houston. The best hotels in the city are located in the outlets of Katy Mills, right next to a massive Bass Pro Shop. These include Springhill Suites by Marriott , Country Inn & Suites by Radisson  , and Hilton Garden Inn Houston West Katy . If you would like a bite to eat before the game, there are lots of choices to choose from in Katy, such as Texas Tradition, Charley’s Cheesesteaks and Wings, Oh Mmm Gyros Katy, and the Cheesecake Factory. Fans 3 The fans are a dedicated bunch, all clad in red and very serious about the game. They clap along to the school fight song at the beginning of each half and cheer when appropriate. They are a respectful bunch who are there to embrace all that their beloved state encompasses. The school’s pep squad helps in the pageantry by selling a wide assortment of game-ready items to the fans, painting the stands with red and white. Access 3 The parking lot is vast and free. While traffic getting into the stadium is a bummer, if you wait a minute after the game, it clears up quickly. There are multiple entrances, and it is possible to have an Uber drop you off. Once inside, it may be easier to find a place to sit on the upper deck. The bathrooms are spacious and clean, too. Return on Investment 4 If you love studying other cultures, then high school football just may be for you, as every team comes with its own identity and aura. That being said, the $10 this author spent on the ticket was invested well, as it wasn’t just a ticket to a game, but a portal into a different dimension. Everything that this author thought he knew about high school football was multiplied. Whether it was the double-deck stands, the massive marching bands, or the flatscreens on top of the concession stands, everything was bigger. Extras 4 Most high schools have a band, but again, everything is bigger in Texas. Katy is no exception. Whether it was Katy or Paetow, both schools put great emphasis on their bands before, during, and much after the game, each putting on a lengthy performance after the contest, with both teams taking turns saluting their respective fight songs before going off to find their families.  The scoreboard is a large one, packed with a variety of sponsors' logos while featuring one of the cleanest resolutions in high school sports.  Speaking of videos, the flat screens atop the concession stands are a true rarity in high school football. But not in Texas. In fact, many of the newer stadiums in Tomball and Allen have the same feature, giving fans the unique opportunity to watch the game as they wait in the long lines.  Once the game was over, lights beamed from the base of the stadium’s base giving Legacy Stadium a red hue. In the night’s darkness, the stadium truly stood out in this instance.  Legacy Stadium - Red Hue at Night, Photo by David Hegler, Stadium Journey Final Thoughts As this author walked through the stadium, the phrase “everything is bigger in Texas” continued to bellow in his head. Indeed, Legacy Stadium is a cathedral compared to most high school football stadiums, and, as a cathedral, it does a great job at highlighting all that is great about the culture. The bands are good-sized and very lively, the stadium has twice as many levels as most high school stadiums do, the videoboard is of terrific quality and monstrous, and the product on the field is top-notch for that region. There isn’t even a running track around the field as the stadium is clearly dedicated to the gridiron.  With the Cowboys AT&T Stadium  in Arlington and the Astros Daikin Park  in Houston (to name a few), the Lone Star State has truly done a magnificent job at making stadium building into an art form, and this ideology bleeds out beautifully into the high school level.