Photos by Dave Cottenie, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.00 Coca-Cola Coliseum 19 Nunavut Rd. Toronto, ON M6K 3C3 Canada Toronto Marlies website Coca-Cola Coliseum website Year Opened: 1921 Capacity: 7,851 The Duke of the Kingdom The original Toronto Marlboros were a junior hockey team in the Ontario Hockey Association from 1904 to 1989.  In the old farm system of the Toronto Maple Leafs , they were the protestant team that competed on the ice against the St. Michael’s Majors, the Catholic team of the Leafs.  Owner Conn Smythe believed that protestants and Catholics should not play on the same team until they got to the NHL.  The Marlies played at Maple Leaf Gardens and were famous for matching their games with Leaf games for Saturday hockey doubleheaders.  The lineage of the Marlies in the OHL leads to the modern Guelph Storm .  The current version of the Marlies plays in the American Hockey League and is the top affiliate of the Leafs.  The team is officially named Marlies to distance itself from the American cigarette brand.  In reality, the original team was named after the Duke of Marlborough.  The lineage of the AHL squad dates back to 1978 with the inception of the New Brunswick Hawks, a joint farm team between the Leafs and Chicago.  Over the years, the Leafs formed a dedicated squad and bounced the team around with stops in St. Catharines, Newmarket, and St. John’s, Newfoundland.  What is now the Coca-Cola Coliseum was originally built in 1921 as an arena for agricultural shows, specifically for the Royal Winter Fair.  The Coliseum underwent a massive renovation in 2002, completely rethinking the building to attract a professional hockey team.  After the one-season failure of the Toronto Roadrunners of the AHL, MLSE vacated St. John’s and moved their affiliate close to home.  The Marlies were reborn in 2005 and have given the Leafs a tool that has become prominent in the business of hockey: a close-by affiliate and an arm of the organization that can take on promotional and charitable tasks that may be unattractive to the parent club. Food & Beverage 5 Coca-Cola Coliseum is operated by MLSE, so many of the concession options that are found at Scotiabank Arena are also here.  Some recognizable brands are found throughout the Coliseum, including Pizza Pizza, Smoke’s Poutinerie, Tim Horton’s, and St. Patties.  Traditional arena fare is found at the Food Junction stand, some of the most unique items are also found here, including Buffalo Chicken tenders, Korean Fried Chicken sandwiches, Beef Taco Loco Fries, Bacon Mac & Cheese eggrolls, and Jerk Chicken Patty Sandwiches.  Molson Canadian, Coors, Heineken, and Steam Whistle are available beers.  The Crown Royal bar has a number of spirits available as well as wine.  Atmosphere 4 With the renovation of the early 2000s, the exterior facade of Coca-Cola Coliseum remained.  Light coloured brick with unique arched architecture over the entrances keeps the classic exterior look.  Large windows above the southwest entrance allow natural light into the building.  The other main entrance to the Coliseum is at the south, through the exhibit hall, which maintains the light brick and arches over the entrance but adds concrete columns for an even more stunning look.  A large, bronze Coke bottle sculpture before the entrance reminds fans who the title sponsor of the building is, and agricultural art embedded in the brick wall across from the main entrance links back to its origins. Entry in the Coliseum at the southwest corner brings fans past the ticket windows and past huge wooden doors, which were used to keep livestock in their pens.  Along with the doors are posters and captions giving the history of the building.  A few steps further, and past security brings fans into the main concourse. Marlies Alley, which is just beyond the ticket windows, is open for some Marlies games and has several family-friendly activities for the kids to participate in.  There are markings all over the concourse for the Marlies, with external walls a classic-looking, white-painted brick. The seating bowl is one level that is split.  The ice is south-north oriented, and the east side is where one would get a picture of the centre ice logo. An upper concourse is found behind the seating bowl, at the top, and offers some additional concession stands and washroom access.  Above centre ice hangs a four-sided video board with an LED ring above and four slim rectangular boards below.  Suites are found above the seating bowl on the east and west sides.  For Toronto Maple Leaf historians, the facade of the suites will be of particular interest.  Encircling the entire arena are several Maple Leaf emblems, each with the name of a former Marlie who went on to play for the Maple Leafs.  These date back to the original Marlies and begin in 1927, and provide a who’s who of Toronto hockey royalty.  Names like Conacher, Boudreau, Palmateer, Armstrong, Brewer, Baun, Thomas, Reid, Ellis, Nylander, Hyman, and Pulford are the tip of the iceberg.  At the back of the north end hang the conference championship banners, along with the 2018 Calder Cup banner. The gameday production at a Marlies game is pretty simple.  The in-game host is energetic and keeps the promotions on track while engaging the crowd.  The Marlies mascot, Duke, can be found interacting with the crowd.  A unique feature of Coca-Cola Coliseum is that the players travel through parts of the concourse and descend a small set of stairs to ice level between the benches. Neighbourhood 5 Coca-Cola Coliseum is located on the grounds of Exhibition Place in the Niagara neighbourhood of Toronto.  It is immediately south of Liberty Village, which is the closest neighbourhood for fans to get some pre- or post- game food.  It is easily walkable.  Some options in Liberty Village include Liberty Village Market & Cafe, Local Public Eatery, Brazen Head, Chiang Mai, NODO, and Fox And John’s. Coca-Cola Coliseum is shared with the Toronto Sceptres  and is the future home of the Toronto Tempo.  BMO Field is across the parking lot and is home to the Toronto Argonauts  and Toronto FC .  A few minutes east, and fans could take in the Toronto Blue Jays , Maple Leafs  , or Raptors .  Toronto Metropolitan University is northeast and fields Bold hockey  and basketball  teams in the former Maple Leaf Gardens.  The University of Toronto also fields a full complement of Varsity Blues athletic teams, including football , basketball  , and hockey .  There are also a ton of other tourist options in Toronto.  Medieval Times and RBC Amphitheatre are close.  However, hockey fans must take in the Hockey Hall of Fame. Fans wishing to stay near Exhibition Place can choose Hotel X, Radisson Blu, The Neptune, or a host of other options nearby. Fans 3 For the 2025-26 season, the Marlies averaged over 5,400 fans per game.  This was down a few hundred from the previous season.  The Marlies ranked 18th in attendance in the 32-team American Hockey League.  There is plenty of room for improvement for the Marlies. Marlie fans are loyal and often break out the “Let’s Go Marlies” chant.  However, they are not overly excitable or loud.   Access 4 Coca-Cola Coliseum is located on the grounds of Exhibition Place in the Niagara neighbourhood of Toronto.  It is on the south side of Manitoba Drive, and immediately south of the Gardiner Expressway.  Although it has a very close proximity to the expressway and is easier to get to from the west than the rest of Downtown Toronto, it can still be a challenge, as Toronto traffic can be a significant issue. There is plenty of parking on site, which will require payment at a kiosk or on a parking app.  Fans should be cognizant of what other activities are taking place at Exhibition Place, as this can drastically affect parking.  For fans wishing to take public transit to the Sceptres games, they have a couple of options.  A GO Transit station is at the north end of Exhibition Place.  There are also buses and streetcars that can be found at Exhibition Place.  Fans should consult the GO Transit and TTC websites for fares, schedules, and maps. Getting around the Coca-Cola Coliseum is not too difficult; however, initially, the concourses can get congested during pregame.  Once people start to utilize the upper concourse, it thins out a bit.  The washrooms are adequate for the facility. Stadium Journey strongly suggests fans consult the Toronto Marlies  and Coca-Cola Coliseum  websites for the most up-to-date security information, including prohibited items and bag policy.  Coca-Cola Coliseum is a cashless facility. Return on Investment 4 Tickets for the Toronto Marlies begin at $16 for select games.  They go up to $62 with the most expensive seats in the lower, silver sections.  Parking is going to be on the expensive side, and concession prices are about what one would expect.  In the end, fans will definitely enjoy their trip to Coca-Cola Coliseum, a classic venue with plenty of history, and a team that puts together a good gameday production. Extras 3 An extra mark for the Marlies acting as the promotional and charity wing of MLSE. An extra mark for the renovation of Coca-Cola Coliseum, keeping the classic look while making it a modern facility. An extra mark for the display of Marlies and Maple Leafs history at Coca-Cola Coliseum Final Thoughts The Toronto Marlies may have a bit of trouble getting noticed in the very crowded Toronto sports scene, however the AHL squad has a good following and play in a classic hockey arena.  Fans will definitely enjoy their trip to Coca-Cola Coliseum. Follow all of Dave’s sporting adventures on YouTube , Twitter , Threads  and Instagram @profan9.

Courtesy of the Cincinnati Bengals When Paul Brown Stadium opened in 2000 it was hailed as one of the NFL’s most modern facilities, a clean, modern venue that set a new standard for sightlines, circulation and fan amenities. Two decades later, the Bengals and Hamilton County  are executing a large-scale modernization intended to return the rebranded Paycor Stadium to the top tier of NFL game-day experiences. The Bengals and Hamilton County have pledged roughly $470 million, with the county accounting for about $350 million. Rather than pursuing replacement, the partnership has chosen extensive upgrades aimed at preserving the stadium’s core architecture while bringing nearly every fan-facing system up to contemporary standards. Recent phases of the work have made immediate, visible differences. The stadium now features a new high-definition main Jumbotron and nearly 1,600 additional in-stadium screens that expand sightlines for replays and wayfinding. Locker rooms have been upgraded to match the expectations of a modern NFL franchise, improving both player amenities and recruitment optics. What’s Next for 2026 With the 2026 season approaching, the Bengals say the next wave of renovations will touch virtually every corner of Paycor Stadium: Suites and restrooms : Full renovations across all premium suites and public restrooms to modern finishes, fixtures, and improved accessibility. Concessions : Overhauled concession stands designed for faster service, better variety and easier access for guests with mobility needs. Suite circulation : New staircases and escalators to streamline movement on suite levels and reduce congestion during peak ingress and egress. Pro Shop : A comprehensive reconfiguration and refresh of the team store to create a more modern retail environment. Expanded signage and access : Additional video signage across the complex and improved access routes to key areas early in the rollout. Most of these upgrades are slated to be ready by the Bengals first regular-season home game, though some work may continue through 2027. The staged approach aims to balance construction realities with the imperative to deliver an upgraded fan experience on schedule. New stadium projects today can cost billions and typically require a complex mix of private investment and public subsidies. By contrast, targeted reinvestment can refresh a facility’s competitive edge at a fraction of the price and with less disruption to the urban fabric and fan routines. Duane Haring, the Bengals Director of Stadium and Event Operations, stated the project as preserving the stadium’s “timeless beauty” while delivering a “first-class fan experience.” He also emphasized the role of the county partnership, acknowledging that the scope and scale of the work would not be possible without public support. What fans will notice For supporters attending games in 2026 and beyond, the changes should feel immediate and practical: Clearer visuals and more consistent replays from the expanded display network. Faster concessions and a wider array of food and beverage options. Fresher, more comfortable suite spaces and cleaner, more accessible restrooms. Easier movement on premium levels due to improved vertical circulation. A modernized Pro Shop with improved merchandising and circulation. Longer-Term Implications The project is as much about perception as it is about concrete upgrades. An NFL franchise’s stadium is a central part of its brand and a key lever for revenue from ticketing, premium seating, concessions and merchandise. By investing heavily in Paycor Stadium now, the Bengals aim to protect and grow those revenue streams while avoiding the political and financial hurdles of a new build. The renovation trajectory also preserves flexibility: if the economics or public appetite for a new stadium change in the future, Cincinnati will have extended the useful life and market competitiveness of its current home in the interim. By marrying substantial upgrades with respect for the stadium’s original design, the Bengals and Hamilton County are aiming to deliver first-class game-day experiences without the upheaval and expense of a brand-new stadium — a pragmatic model that other mid-size NFL markets may watch closely.

Photos by Chris Green, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.14 State Farm Field House at Wide World of Sports Lake Buena Vista, FL 32830 Holiday Festiball website State Farm Field House at Wide World of Sports website Year Opened: 2006 A Christmas Basketball Present Though most fans see the holidays as a time for football, this year saw the start of a new basketball tradition in Orlando. The Holiday FestiBall was held at Disney’s ESPN Wide World of Sports complex, featuring the hometo wn UCF  Knights and cross-state rivals FAU . This r egular season matchup drew fans to the somewhat neutral site just days before Christmas, providing a great opportunity for local fans, and a stellar chance for traveling fans on a holiday vacation to watch as well. Unfortunately, several aspects of the game were overlooked at this event, where others have succeeded at this same venue.   Food & Beverage   2 The biggest drawback to the Holiday FestiBall was the lack of food options. Only two concessions stations are open, one of them being the Wetzel’s Pretzels stand. The other was a simple snack station featuring candy ($5.49), cookies ($5.49), chips ($4.99), and pretzels ($8.49). Drinks included beer ($10.49-$11.49), bottled soda ($4.99), water ($4.99), Powerade ($5.99), and Body Armor ($5.99) – that is it; no other stands were open inside or outside of the venue.   Atmosphere   2 State Farm Field House at Wide World of Sports features a lot of exposed metal beams in the architecture, and its curved roof amplifies the noise and lighting inside. The overall aesthetic of nearby facilities, including Champion Stadium, are carried over here as well. The arena has one concourse level, meaning you can walk up or down to your seats easily, thanks to the main walking path from the parking lot taking you up to the main concourse level. Unlike other basketball events at the arena, like th e WBCA Showcase  or the ESPN Events Invitational , logos are pretty much gone here. Instead, the only branding seen at the venue was on the jumbotron when it showed the event logo. If you didn’t see that, you would be forgiven for not realizing the game was anything more than just a game being held at Wide World of Sports. There was also zero merch available for the game, something even the WBCA Showcase has during their tournament.   Neighborhood   5 The sports complex is located just off Osceola Parkway, literally across the street from the new entrance to Disney’s Hollywood Studios – because of this you’re not far from pretty much everything you need on your trip. For obvious reasons the best place to stay would be at any of the Disney Resorts; guests of the resorts get free bus transportation to and from the arena. The closest hotels, Disney’s Pop Century and Disney’s Art of Animation, are two of the park’s lowest priced resorts. For food, anywhere on Disney’s Property is a go-to – Kona Cafe at the Disney Polynesian Resort is a popular stop for sushi and a south seas flavor for dinner, while California Grill at the top of Contemporary Resort is also a popular go-to for a more upscale experience. In addition, popular tourist stops include EPCOT, Magic Kingdom, Hollywood Studios, and the Animal Kingdom theme parks. Also, Disney Springs, which is accessible via bus and car, is home to countless restaurants, bars, and shopping opportunities for the whole family.   Fans   3 The fact that both teams this year were from Florida was a saving grace for this game. While games during tournaments can lead to some generally sparse attendance at times, the atmosphere is no-less electric. However, the UCF  fans carried the atmosphere here at the Holiday FestiBall for sure. The noise is also amplified inside, so each dunk and three-pointer seem to garner loud cheers regardless of the attendance in the building, and since everyone has made the trip to Disney, you generally have a lot of families who are attending the games, making for a more family-friendly atmosphere. That said, given the relatively low marketing given to this event, it’s understandable why the crowd attendance was so low.   Access   4 Getting to Wide World of Sports is pretty easy, but traffic for certain games can be a pain. Parking is free in all parking lots for this tournament, including right close to the main entrance. In addition, now that the roadways have been re-routed in the area, access to the facility is easy when getting onto the property – there is signage all over Disney’s property leading you to Wide World of Sports, and getting off the main road is easy thanks to the new flyover.   Return on Investment   3 Tickets to the Holiday FestiBall start at $36.50 for upper sideline and lower baseline seats, and rise to $45.50 for lower sideline seats. Courtside seats go for $345 and are for sale to the general public. Parking was free to all fans in attendance. Considering the concessions (what little is here) are on par with most sport stadium prices, the cost is relatively fair for a college basketball game. Extras   3 The facility features a popular picture spot at the main entrance next to the Wide World of Sports globe. There are also numerous sports facilities all throughout the area, including various other events that may be going on, from cheerleading competitions to youth soccer tournaments. During the championship game Mickey Mouse makes an appearance in special basketball-themed attire. Additionally, during the game he makes a surprise appearance for autographs and photos with fans who want to participate during halftime.   Final Thoughts The potential exists for a tremendous event here with the Holiday FestiBall. All the pieces are there; a great facility and location, a holiday tie-in, and local teams. However, with zero merch, little to no marketing, and the absolute bare minimum for fan concessions, it wouldn’t be surprising if this event was overlooked.

Photos by Gregory Koch, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.57 Hawk Stadium 31040 Backbone Rd Princess Anne, MD 21853 Maryland-Eastern Shore Hawks website Hawk Stadium website Year Opened: 2008 Capacity: 1,000 UMES in Princess Anne The University of Maryland – Eastern Shore (UMES) is a Historically Black Land-Grant University located on the Delmarva Peninsula just south of Salisbury, Maryland. Founded in 1886 the university has gone through several names: Delaware Conference Academy, Industrial Branch of Morgan State College, Princess Anne Academy, Maryland Agricultural College and Maryland State College before switching to its current name in 1970. Maryland-Eastern Shore's athletic teams are known as the Hawks, and their baseball team calls Hawk Stadium on the UMES campus home. Hawk Stadium had been falling into disrepair for many years, eventually forcing the team to play off-campus, first at Perdue Stadium, home of the Delmarva Shorebirds, and later at the Henry S. Parker Athletic Complex , where the Hawks played in a municipal sports complex surrounded by little league fields. This was devastating to team morale, and the team went 0-48 in 2024, the first Division I baseball team to go winless in 15 years. Finally, after many false starts and delays, Hawk Stadium was renovated and re-opened in time for the 2026 season, giving the Hawks the on-campus home they deserve. Food & Beverage 1 There is no food or drink for sale at Hawk Stadium, but there are vending machines in the lobby of the adjacent Hytche Athletic Center if you get hungry. Fans can also bring their own food or drink, which seems like the better option. Atmosphere 3 As part of the renovations, Hawk Stadium received a new set of metal bleachers behind home plate. You will be up close to the action and be able to see everything going on on the field. You can even hear the players, coaches, and umpires shouting. There is music during breaks in the action, but it is not intrusive. A scoreboard in the outfield shows the linescore and has the team logo and name of the stadium as well as a lot of empty space that perhaps was intended to be used for graphics. There is not much going on here other than the game itself, but at least the quality of the stadium has improved from what it used to be. If you look up to the sky, you may see hawks or other large birds circling high above the Eastern Shore. Neighborhood 2 There is nothing much right around UMES. Most of the non-chain restaurants have closed in the past few years, living you with very few options if you want a unique, local place to eat. Salisbury is only a 20 minute drive away and has a lot more options. If going late in the season, you can make a weekend out of it and head to Ocean City or the other Maryland beaches, which are within an hour's drive if there is no traffic (far from a given.) Fans 2 The fans at a Maryland-Eastern Shore game are mostly friends and family of the players on one team or the other. It is the typical northeast college baseball crowd. A handful of students and locals show up, but the crowds here number in the dozens - a hundred on a good day. That does allow fans to focus on the action on the field, which for some purists may be a plus. Access 3 There is a large parking lot located beyond the outfield fence near the Hytche Center, and parking is free. Just don't park too close or your windshield may be smashed by a home run. Restrooms are located in the lobby of the Hytche Center. Enter through the side door down the third base line that has the Hawk logo on it. Return on Investment 5 Admission to UMES baseball games is free, as is parking. At a newly renovated stadium, this is an excellent value. Extras 2 Bullpens are located down the lines next to the walking path to the stadium, allowing fans to see pitchers warm up up close. Be sure to head into the lobby of the Hytche Center, where there is a display of UMES athletes who have gone on to play sports professionally. Amidst numerous bowling and football jerseys, you will find the San Diego Padres spring training jersey of Ira "Dude" Smith, a former UMES baseball player who went on to play in the minor leagues and independent ball. Although he never played a regular season game in the big leagues, he played spring training games for several clubs and is the most famous UMES baseball player in history. Final Thoughts Hawk Stadium has improved significantly following recent renovations, although this is a low bar to clear. It is still a pretty basic stadium typical of those in the northeast, but the program, which hit an all-time low point a few years ago, is rising again and has a stadium to go with it.

Photos by Lloyd Rothwell, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.71 Funko Field at Everett Memorial Stadium 3900 Broadway Everett, WA 98201 Everett AquaSox website Funko Field website Year Opened: 1984 Capacity: 3,682 Fun at Funko The Everett AquaSox are the High-A minor league affiliate of the Seattle Mariners. The club had its genesis as a Giants farm team but became the AquaSox in 1995 when they joined up with the Mariners. They currently compete in the Northwest League. Everett Memorial Stadium opened in 1947, with the ballpark renamed Funko Field in 2019 following a naming rights deal with the well-known local pop culture collectable company headquartered in the city. The stadium is owned by the Everett School District and has a capacity of 3,682. In recent years there has been talk of a new ballpark in Everett, however funding and plans have not yet been confirmed. Everett is located 25 miles north of Seattle in Snohomish County. The city is also home to the Silvertips junior hockey team who play out of Angel of the Winds Arena , which is also likely to host the rumored Arena Football League franchise should it eventuate. Everett has a long history as a centre of aviation. While Boeing moved their corporate HQ from the Pacific Northwest to Chicago in 2018, they maintain a strong presence in the Seattle metro area. The Boeing Everett Factory, the largest building in the world by volume, is located at Paine Field which currently produces the 777 and 737 commercial airliners. Food & Beverage 3 The concessions can be found on the concourse behind home plate. There’s a good selection of ballpark staples and specialty items including hot dogs, burgers, sandwiches, chowder bowls, pizza, ice cream, and snacks. Expect queues during well-attended games, but otherwise the food is reasonably priced and of good quality. We enjoyed the pulled pork during our visit. There’s a solid selection of alcoholic beverages covering both mass-produced domestic and local craft breweries. Atmosphere 4 The ballpark is in a largely residential area, but the view from the ballpark is of mountain ranges to the east. Several renovations over recent decades have updated both the playing surface and spectator facilities. There’s a charming manual scoreboard beyond right field, and a video board reportedly amongst the newest in the league in center field. The atmosphere is fun and family friendly, with a very active game-day host always willing to liven things up in between innings. The main grandstand offers reserved seating behind home plate and along the first and third baselines. There are also general admission areas further down the baselines and a grassed home run porch in right field. Kids will love the play zone behind first. The team mascot is known as Webby. Neighborhood 3 The ballpark is about a mile from downtown Everett. The neighborhood immediately adjacent to the stadium is largely residential. There are some chain restaurants nearby. Closer to downtown check out Scuttlebutt Brewing Co while recommendations further afield include Anthony’s HomePort, Shawn O’Donnell’s American Grill and Irish Pub, Middleton Brewing, The Irishmen, and Blazing Onion Burgers. While, sadly, Boeing no longer conducts factory tours, aviation enthusiasts of all ages will enjoy the Future of Flight Aviation Center. Paine Field also features a Flying Heritage and Combat Armor Museum. Hours are limited to be sure to check before you visit. Families should also consider the Imagine Children’s Museum which has a large range of interactive exhibits relevant to the local area along with some great play areas. Hotels close by include Courtyard by Marriott, Hampton Inn, Travelodge, and Best Western. Of course, Seattle is easily within reach by car and offers a huge range of accommodation, restaurants, and tourist attractions – and of course the Seattle Mariners at T-Mobile Park. Fans 3 The AquaSox are a solid draw, with average crowds estimated by various sources as around 2,000. The locals support their team well and have a great time doing so. There’s lots of families in attendance. Access 4 Funko Field is easily accessible by car. The I-5 is less than a mile from the ballpark. Take exit 192 toward Broadway. The South Parking lot is free of charge, but if you miss out there, there is additional parking for a small fee at the office lot (3802 Broadway). Try the King Country Metro if you prefer public transit. However, if you are visiting Seattle, it’s quite a lengthy and time-consuming trip north. The nearest Amtrak station is about 1 mile away downtown. Moving around the ballpark is as you would expect for a small stadium. Bathrooms are satisfactory. Return on Investment 5 With single game general admission tickets starting at $10 and Diamond Club at $22, the AquaSox represent an excellent value. There are great promotions throughout the season, and with reasonably priced food and beverage, and cheap parking, there’s no reason not to attend Funko Field if the opportunity arises. Extras 4 The AquaSox have a fun range of merch, players are happy to sign autographs after the game, and there’s a plaque beyond left field marking the spot where Hall of Famer Ken Griffey Jr’s first professional home run landed on June 17th, 1987. Final Thoughts Fun and affordable, entertaining baseball. Visitors to the Pacific Northwest should definitely add this ballpark to their travel itinerary.

Photos by David Welch, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.29 Ben Hill Griffin Stadium 157 Gale Lemerand Dr Gainesville, FL 32611 Florida Gators website Ben Hill Griffin Stadium website Year Opened: 1930 Capacity: 88,548 Ben Hill Griffin Stadium – University of Florida Gators Across the landscape of college football, the University of Florida stands out as one of the special programs – championship expectations here go beyond Southeastern Conference (SEC) titles; competing for national championships is the norm. Throughout the earlier days of the program’s history, University of Florida football had been respectable but not championship caliber, that is until the return of alumnus and Heisman Trophy winner Steve Spurrier as head coach. After a successful stint as head coach at Duke University , where he took the Blue Devils from perennial ACC doormats to conference champions in just three years, Spurrier returned to Gainesville in 1990. Almost overnight, Florida transitioned from a .500 program to SEC champions, culminating in a national championship victory in 1996 under his leadership. After Spurrier’s departure to the NFL in 2001, Florida experienced a dip in success, but championship aspirations here never wavered. Following three years under Ron Zook, Florida hired then- Utah  head coach Urban Meyer to restore the Gators to their championship ways. In just his second season in Gainesville Meyer delivered, leading Florida to two national championships in three years. While the Gators have not reached those heights since the mid-90s and early 2000s, they have remained a competitive force in the SEC, but the recent inconsistencies have seemingly frustrated the Florida faithful, and appear to have impacted the overall game day experience at “The Swamp”.   Food & Beverage   4 University Avenue, which runs along the northern edge of the stadium, is closed to traffic on Florida Gators football game day, and various food trucks set up shop here, offering everything from brick-oven pizza and tacos to Polynesian cuisine. Inside the stadium concessions are a bit more traditional, but still a step above basic stadium food. While staples like hot dogs, nachos, popcorn, and peanuts are plentiful, higher end options include Everglades BBQ’s pulled pork sandwiches and nachos, and Moschella’s Italian fare can also be found. Grilled cheesesteaks, quesadillas, and sausages are also served from carts around the stadium. The University of Florida is the birthplace of Gatorade, so it should not come as much of a surprise that the drink is bountiful throughout the stadium – it is interesting, however, that it can only be found in the Gator-themed Orange and Cool Blue flavors. When it comes to soft drinks, Pepsi products are the beverages of choice, while for alcoholic beverages fans have typical domestic beers, and a craft-style Florida Gator branded Shock Top, along with cocktails from Cutwater and Surfside, as well as High Noon seltzers. While the in-stadium food is solid, the food trucks outside Ben Hill Griffin Stadium truly enhance the overall experience – it would be nice to see more of those options available inside.   Atmosphere   5 The area around Ben Hill Griffin Stadium leaves no confusion as to its Florida location; Spanish Moss-covered oaks populate the tailgating areas outside of the stadium, and palm trees line the walkways and streets leading in. Inside the venue the Gator orange pops, as it is used to highlight all the entry portals around the stadium, as well as large walls of the lower level seating, which welcome fans to “Gator Country” and recognize Florida’s championship seasons. Sideline seating is part of one large seating bowl with upper and lower entry points, while the north and south ends of the stadium have more of an upper and lower deck that partially overhangs the lower level. The west side stands are backed by an extremely large wall of suites and the stadium press box, which runs from end zone to end zone. Seating on this side might help when looking to escape the Florida heat with some shade, but there is not a lot of cover to be found at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium in general. Traditions are important in college football, and the University of Florida is no exception. Florida’s marching band “The Pride of the Sunshine” does a fantastic job continuing those traditions, and setting the tone for college football with their pregame performance, occasionally starting with the band’s six-foot-wide drum, “The Biggest Boom in Dixie”. The band also creates several different formations, including an outline of the state of Florida, a script ‘Gators’, and finally a simplistic “UF” that forms a runway for the players to run through, as they take the field before kick-off. The whole pregame presentation does a great job of setting the stage for a high level of college football.   Neighborhood   5 Ben Hill Griffin Stadium sits on the northern edge of the University of Florida’s campus along University Avenue, where athletics, academics, and campus nightlife come together. Just steps away from the football stadium is the O’Connell Center , home to Gators basketball and volleyball – the Gators outdoor track, tennis center, and athlete development facilities are also nearby. Lake Alice is a popular location on campus for outdoor adventure and nature. Around dusk, visitors are drawn to the massive bat houses to watch hundreds of thousands of bats fly into the Gainesville night, and the lake is also populated by modest-sized alligators. Be warned though – even with their smaller size, many of the gators are not afraid to approach humans in search of food scraps. If looking for entertainment that might not be as batty, downtown Gainesville has a thriving music scene that goes into the early hours of the morning, from punk to techno, Latin music, and everything in between. Hotel options are plentiful but get snapped up quickly and are often expensive, so booking early or staying an hour outside Gainesville might be wise. There is also ample RV parking on campus for football game day, so those with such capabilities might look into that option. Despite being located in a city of over 100,000 people, the area around the University of Florida maintains a distinct college-town feel.   Fans   4 Florida Gator fans are a passionate group, and through past successes of the 90s and early 2000s have come to expect excellence at both the conference and national levels. While the program has not consistently maintained those heights as of late, fan engagement remains strong, especially for rivalry games and key SEC matchups. However, attendance has dipped for fewer marquee games, revealing some frustration among the fan base.   Access   3 The University of Florida is about six miles and 15 minutes from I-75, which runs just west of Gainesville – four exits leading directly into Gainesville provide a handful of access points into town. Traffic can become congested before and after football games, and parking options close to the stadium are limited. Parker Park, located two blocks north of the stadium, might be a good place for early arrivers to try and park. For those flying in, the Jacksonville airport is an hour and a half away, while Orlando’s airport is a two-and-a-half-hour drive. Gainesville’s regional airport offers limited service. As with most sports venues, there tends to be a surge of fans waiting to get into Ben Hill Griffin Stadium as soon as the gates open, but allowing 20 to 30 minutes for that initial push to die down leaves a rather easy entry. Inside the stadium, there are two sets of interior concourses – the innermost concourse gets rather congested, even with modest-sized crowds. Ramps in some locations, especially on the western side of the stadium, can also get extremely slippery due to humidity. Alternatively, the exterior walkways are a bit more spacious and not as susceptible to tight quarters from masses of fans.   Return on Investment   4 The current inconsistencies of Florida football have had an unintended effect on the availability of tickets – while matchups against SEC rivals still command high prices, tickets for non-conference games can be found at more affordable rates on the secondary market, sometimes as low as $5. Of course, matchups against SEC and in-state rivals still go for a premium price, but even if you are spending a bit more for these headliners, the experience of these games might be well worth the investment.   Extras   5 Gator mascots Albert and Alberta are ever present throughout the game, mostly on the sidelines, but their statues across the street at the alumni center are a popular place for fans to stop for a photo. Another popular photo op is at the statues of Florida’s three Heisman Trophy winners, Steve Spurrier, Danny Wuerffel, and Tim Tebow, recognized outside the western entrance of the stadium. The ode to Gators heroes doesn’t end with the Heisman statues, however – Bull Gator Plaza pays tribute to the College Football Hall of Famers and All-Americans who have played at Florida. The plaza also features a plaque commemorating Tim Tebow’s “The Promise”; following a disappointing loss to Ole Miss during Tebow’s senior season, he made a promise to ‘Gator Nation’ that the focus and resolve of the Gators going forward would be unmatched. Tebow’s words would later prove prophetic, as the 2008 team would go on to dominate the competition for the remainder of the season, and eventually win the National Championship. To recognize the life and legacy of George Edmondson, better known as “Mr. 2-Bits”, his traditional pre-kickoff “2-Bits” cheer has been carried on at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium. Typically, an honorary or celebrity “Mr. 2-Bits” leads the crowd in the cheer of “2-Bits, 4-Bits, 6-Bits, a dollar! All for the Gators, stand up and holler!”. Those selected to lead the cheer are typically former Florida football players, but they have also been other accomplished Florida athletes. A display on the west concourse also recognizes the role “Mr. 2-Bits” has played in the culture of Florida football history. In addition, the death of hometown hero Tom Petty in 2017 started what might be the best “newer” tradition in college football – following the playing of “We Are the Boys from Old Florida” by the Florida band, the stadium lights dim and nearly 80,000 cell phone lights illuminate the stands. Petty’s “Won’t Back Down” plays from the speakers as fans sing along in unison, while the stadium’s LED lighting changes from blue to orange throughout the song. It truly is an amazing experience.   Final Thoughts Florida fans, more than anyone, are looking for the return of the Gators to a program that doesn’t only contend in the SEC, but also at the national level. Regardless of the current state of the Florida football program, however, Ben Hill Griffin Stadium is still a destination location that is primed to return to its elite-level college football status. From the masses of tailgaters to the pregame Gator Walk, as long as the University of Florida football program is competitive on the national scene, it has all the components necessary to be one of the truly special college football experiences in the country.

Photos by Eric Moreno, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.43 UFCU Stadium 1100 Aquarena Springs Dr San Marcos, TX 78666 Texas State Bobcats website UFCU Stadium website Year Opened: 1981 Capacity: 28,000 Texas State Bobcats – UFCU Stadium Excitement has reached levels that haven't been seen in San Marcos, Texas, in over a generation – the Texas State Bobcats are experiencing a level of prominence they have not experienced to date as members of the Football Bowl Subdivision (FBS). After a historic 2023-24 season, in which they won a program-high eight wins, as well as won their first bowl game, the Bobcats are riding a wave that fans hope can carry them to even greater postseason glory. After their fantastic campaign last season, investments in the stadium were begun during the 2024 season, including a new multi-year naming rights agreement and expanding the stadium with a new end zone complex, slated to be completed by 2025. The Bobcats have called their current stadium home since 1981; it was in these early seasons that the team experienced its greatest levels of success, including taking home two Division II national championships (in 1981 and 1982) under Hall of Fame head coach Jim Wacker. The Bobcats are now looking to duplicate some measure of this success with head coach G. J. Kinne – read on to learn what’s got Texas State fans excited in San Marcos. Food & Beverage 3 The food and beverage options at UFCU Stadium are what I would classify as “fine” – there are plenty of stands where you can get your traditional game day fare (e.g. hot dogs, popcorn, nachos, peanuts, etc.). The alcohol policy at the stadium changed in 2016 to allow the sale of it during games; now you can buy beer (including some from Texas breweries like Karbach, Ziegenbock, and St. Arnold’s) at multiple kiosks and carts throughout the main concourse. In terms of other foods to look out for, you can find a barbecue stand, a Chick-fil-A stand, a Pizza Hut stand, and an empanadas cart. There is also a stand selling fresh-squeezed lemonade and carnival fare such as funnel cake, kettle corn, cotton candy, and candy apples. Atmosphere 4 The atmosphere at the last game I attended at UFCU Stadium was, quite frankly, electric. For transparency’s sake, this was a rivalry game, with a lot at stake, and the contest was being broadcast nationally on one of the 4-letter network channels. The game had one of the largest crowds in the history of the stadium, and that made the atmosphere even better. For the window-dressing part of this section, UFCU Stadium has several team stores inside for fans to purchase team merchandise. The exterior of the luxury boxes on the home side of the field is also adorned with markers commemorating the team’s successes (i.e. their conference and national championships). The pregame festivities included the performance of the band (more on them in the Extras section), as well as having the school president and his wife, clad in matching Texas State embroidered leather jackets and cowboy hats), lead the team out onto the field while riding a motorcycle – only in college football, only in Texas. Neighborhood 3 San Marcos is pretty much the picture-perfect realization of a Texas college town. Halfway between San Antonio and Austin, it has grown considerably over the years in terms of population, but it still retains a lot of what made it arguably the Lone Star State’s best college burg. The Bobcats are the only game in town, and the interest in the school shows – especially among the student body in the last few years, as the football team’s fortunes have risen. UFCU Stadium sits right on campus amidst Texas State’s athletics complex (Bobcat Ballpark and Strahan Coliseum are within walking distance), so if you plan your visit right you might be able to catch another Texas State game, depending on the time of the year. In terms of things to do, the absolute main draw to the area is the beautiful San Marcos River. It is a hotbed of swimming, kayaking, tubing (especially tubing), and fishing in the state, as people flock from all around to get a taste of the river when the weather is right. Up until October, visitors to San Marcos looking to take in a game at UFCU Stadium will also be able to get their sample of river life before the temperatures head south. Since this is a college town, most of the dining options near the stadium are going to cater to the student body. However, a couple of highlights to be on the lookout for include Spud Ranch (gussied-up baked potatoes for the win) and Lucy’s Tacos (you can’t go wrong with Tex-Mex in this part of the world). There aren’t any lodging destinations (aside from vacation rentals) near the stadium, but there are quite a few within a 10-minute drive of the venue, including Fairfield Inn & Suites Austin & San Marcos and Motel 6 San Marcos. Fans 3 While it has not always been the case, especially in recent years, the fans are showing out right now for the Texas State Bobcats. The most recent game I attended – again, a rivalry game, but still – was a virtual sellout. Fans were decked out in their maroon and gold in and around the stadium hours before the game. They were also exceptionally loud from my vantage point, which added to their home field advantage. However, the one caveat I will put out is that this is virtually uncharted territory for Bobcat fans; things were bleak in terms of fan interest in the not-too-distant past. Keeping this interest in the program, if things should slow down on the field, will be a test they’ll need to take at some point down the road. Access 3 San Marcos is roughly smackdab in between San Antonio and Austin along Interstate 35 and its endless, ongoing construction projects. The campus is about 35 minutes from downtown Austin and about 45 minutes from the Alamo City’s downtown – if you’re flying in from somewhere, Austin Bergstrom International Airport is 41 minutes away. There isn’t much in the way of public transportation in San Marcos; there are limited bus routes and shuttle buses on campus if you choose not to drive. The only other option is, of course, a rideshare service. Once you get to the stadium, however, parking is plentiful in five full lots open to the public, as well as at numerous businesses nearby that offer their lots for a fee. Return on Investment 4 Single-game tickets for Bobcats games at UFCU Stadium start at $20 per person, with pre-purchased parking passes starting at $15. Concession prices are also relatively low for FBS/DI football. For the attention that the team is getting these days, this is looking like quite the bargain – I wouldn’t expect these costs to stay this way for much longer if the Bobcats continue this upward trajectory. Extras 4 Texas State offers up a lot of the pageantry that is unique to college football, and that goes a long way toward making gamedays so special. The festivities start right out of the proverbial gate with the Bobcat Marching Band, aka the “Pride of the Hill Country” – the band performs the school fight song while marching across the field before the game. They also spell out “CATS” and “STATE” as they play “Deep in the Heart of Texas” to the delight of the fans in the stands. The Texas State Cheer team and their costumed mascot, Boko, also perform throughout the game. In addition, one of the main draws at games is the famous Texas State Strutters. This team, known for their distinctive uniforms, has performed in parades and functions all over the world. The Strutters are a highlight, so plan your halftime trips accordingly. Final Thoughts I’ve been to quite a few games at the former Bobcat Stadium over the years. However, what Texas State has going on right now at UFCU Stadium is unlike anything I’ve experienced in the past. There is an energy and excitement around athletics – especially the football team – that hasn’t been seen here before. College football fans will find a lot to enjoy about the stadium and the program right now. I think visitors will also find San Marcos a nice place to spend a day. While I wouldn’t put them down as bucket list worthy, the Texas State Bobcats and UFCU Stadium are still worthy of a trip if you have the time. Follow Eric Moreno's Stadium Journey on X @EricMoreno6477.

Photos by Eric Hasman, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.29 Huskie Stadium Stadium Dr S DeKalb, IL 60115 Northern Illinois Huskies website Huskie Stadium website Year Opened: 1965 Capacity: 30,998 Brigham Field at Huskie Stadium Huskie Stadium opened in 1965 and after a few renovations, the current capacity has been decreased to 23,595. One renovation that affected seating and stadium arrangement is the Yordon Athletic Center which is in the north end zone and opened in 2007. It contains a 3,150 sq ft. football locker room with a 780 sq ft. gathering area, a 12,505 sq ft. strength and conditioning center (largest in the MAC), an academic support center, an athletic training room with rehab pools, a 150-seat meeting room, video editing room, all ten coaches' offices, football equipment room, coaches' locker room, computer classrooms for student-athletes and a couple of boxes that overlook the football field. In 2003, the field was renamed "Brigham Field" in honor of Robert J. Brigham, a former NIU player, coach, and athletic director. Seating is only on the east and west sides of the field. The south end zone is grass and only has a small amount of standing room and tent space behind the fence. The stadium's AstroTurf playing surface, pioneered in 1969, was recarpeted in 1980 and 1990 before being replaced by a FieldTurf surface in 2001. The east grandstand construction of 1995 featured 10,500 aluminum bleacher seats supported by a steel-beam superstructure and includes 54 rows of seats. Food & Beverage 1 Concessions at the stadium are lackluster and limited. There are two stands on each side of the stadium. The food items are only the basics: Polish sausage, hot dogs, nachos, soft pretzels, and Rosati’s pizza slice for the main dishes. These items are ok, I would say they are not a must-eat. As with other stadiums, of course, there is popcorn, Dippin' Dots, and a cotton candy tub. For non-alcoholic drinks, there are bottled sodas which are Pepsi products, Gatorade, and bottled water. For alcohol, there are domestic beers Coors and Miller Lite. The “Specialty” beers at the stadium are New Belgium, Sierra Nevada, and Heineken and there is an NIU brand Kolsh-style ale, Dawgma. Atmosphere 3 Before entering the stadium be sure to visit “The Yard” at Huskie Stadium. It is free and open to the public. The Yard is located on the West Lawn within, well, yards of the stadium entrances and is the official pregame tailgate for all fans. Inside the “The Yard” is live music, local vendors, and a beer garden. In addition, once in there, you can watch football action from around the country on the giant video screen while your kids check out the inflatable games in the Kids' Zone. If you get there early enough, you can meet both current and former NIU student-athletes and learn what's new at NIU and in the community. Also, the NIU cheerleaders, Mission (a live Huskie Dog), Victor E. Huskie, and the Huskie Marching Band are in the area before the game. Getting into the stadium and to your seats can be cumbersome, especially on the west side. The west side has lots of ramps and staircases going up to the seats. The entrances to each side of the stadium are separate. There is no way to get to the other side of the stadium unless you leave it. So if you decide to watch from the other side, make sure you get your hand stamped to get access. Even though there are two separate seating stands the stadium has a good buzz/college feeling going on once you walk in. There are NIU flags/banners throughout the stadium. The NIU band is constantly playing some song and of course the Northern Illinois “fight song” too. NIU students, who get in free, sit on either side of the stadium. There are ribbon boards on each seating stand with game information and other graphics during the game. In the south end zone is the video scoreboard. It is small but it is readable from anywhere in the stadium. In addition, NIU flags and statues, and /or banners are almost everywhere. NIU has one traditional “Mascot” Victor E. Huskie. In addition, NIU has Mission, a live Siberian Huskie, running across the end zone dragging his ROTC handler after every Huskie score. Neighborhood 4 I would say that DeKalb is a typical small college town. There isn’t much in town besides NIU, but there are some good restaurants downtown and near campus. Since it is a college town, pizza parlors, and fast food joints abound, but there are a few nice sports bars near campus. The “official” bar/restaurant of NIU Sports is Fatty’s Pub and Grille on Lincoln Highway which is located southeast of the stadium on Lincoln Highway. The bar has a great atmosphere, and good food, and is home to the coach’s show. A must-eat there are the Cajun potatoes which are a holdover from the former tenant of the building, a Cajun restaurant. The food at Fatty’s is really good you can’t go wrong with anything on the menu. On game days Fatty’s does get crowded but it is a great place to go. Another good place for a sit-down meal is Molly’s Eatery and Drinkery on Lincoln. The menu is more limited, but the sandwiches are good. There are the usual fast food places near the stadium, Culvers, Taco Bell, Chipotle, etc….However, a really good place to go of campus fame is Tom & Jerry’s Gyros also on Lincoln towards downtown DeKalb. The students love the food there and it is reasonably priced. In downtown DeKalb, two places I suggest are Eduardo’s for Mexicans and Lord Stanley. Eduardo’s has your basic Mexican fare and is outstanding. Lord Stanley’s is known for pizza, and beer, and is a good place to watch sports. While you are there you must try the “Willies” which are deep-fried pizza dough bites with red sauce for dipping. Many years ago, Chicago had the “Cows on Parade” downtown and DeKalb has the “Huskies on Parade.” There are many hand-painted Huskie statues all over town and campus which were commissioned by local businesses. I don’t know how many there are in total, but it could be a fun hunt to run around and try to find as many as you can. Fans 4 Attendance at Huskies games is low in my opinion especially considering the success the team has had over the past several years. When the weather is cold or rainy the stadium may be a quarter to half full, otherwise, the Huskies draw about 10,000 to 15,000 per game. The fans are loyal and loud, especially on the student side – they tend to stand the whole time, which could be annoying for some. They stay engaged throughout the game and enjoy yelling at the refs, the music, and cheering for their team, in that order. The fans on the alumni side are a bit less intense but still solid. Access 5 The stadium and surrounding area are very accessible – the crosswalks have talking speakers to tell you which street is open to cross. The stadium is on the west side of the Northern Illinois University Campus and about a 5-minute drive from the intersection of Interstate 88 and Annie Glidden Road. Huskie Stadium is very easy to get to with the parking lots being near the Convocation Center off of Lincoln Highway and lots off of Lucinda. There are several parking lots within walking distance of the stadium. However, to get close you will need a parking pass. The easiest lot, I think, is pretty far away at the Convocation Center which is west of the stadium for $15. I like this lot because is it an easy out after the game. Return on Investment 3 For mid-major football ticket prices are not bad. General admission tickets for the east side seating range from $15 to $25 and the west side is $20 to $30 depending on the game. Reserve seating on the west side range from $30 to $35 depending on the game. Of course, if you purchase season or group tickets they are discounted. If you look on the alum website or even Facebook sometimes there are discount ticket codes too. Premium seating is on the west side of the stadium and goes from approximately the 40-yard line to the 40-yard line. These seats have chairbacks or bench-back seating and are generally reserved for season ticket holders or donors. Otherwise, the rest of the stadium has bench seating. There are no assigned seats on the east side (student side, sections I-Q) so there is no reason to pay extra unless you want a bit more comfort. The stands are very close to the field so there is not a bad seat in the stadium. The cheerleaders perform in the north end zone because there isn’t enough room for them in front of the east or west stands. Extras 3 One point for the huskie statues all over town; it was a lot of fun pointing them out to each other as we drove to and from the stadium. The water tower near the football/basketball stadium has an NIU logo on it, which you can see from the field. A third point for the fireworks after each score. Yes, many teams do this but being so close they feel and sound bigger. The Huskies get an extra point for having a 1963 National Champion College Division flag on the west side of the stadium. However, there is no explanation of the Championship that I found, so -1 point. NIU gets a point for signs on the inside of the west side of the stadium, on the ramps leading to the seats, that show the bowl games that NIU was in and the NIU retired numbers. However, the signs are small and easy to miss, so -1 point. I wish this information was somewhere more visible especially one mentioning that the Huskies were the 1st mid-major to make a New Year’s Day Bowl, the Orange Bowl. Final Thoughts Huskie Stadium is not the best or biggest stadium but it is a lot of fun and a good place to see a game.

Photos by Marc Viquez, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.43 Scheumann Stadium 2800 W Bethel Ave Muncie, IN 47306 Ball State Cardinals website Scheumann Stadium website Year Opened: 1967 Capacity: 22,500 Chirp! Chirp! Ball State Football Scheumann Stadium opened in 1967 and since its debut has expanded to a 22,500-seat stadium for the Ball State Cardinals football program. The stadium has undergone a few changes during the last decade that included $13.7 million in renovations that resulted in a new lighting system, concession stands, FieldTurf, an enlarged press box, and a new video board. Another improvement was enclosing the north end zone seating area that includes open grass seating. These changes have not changed the intimate atmosphere that a visitor would have when attending a football contest at Ball State. The Cardinals play in the Mid-American Conference (MAC), and depending on the weather or opponent, the cozy and relaxed atmosphere could be the perfect recipe for a wonderful Saturday afternoon in Muncie, Indiana. Food & Beverage 3 Walking around underneath the main grandstand, one would find the majority of the stadium’s concessions. The prices are fairly affordable and feature your basic stadium cuisine of pizza, hot dogs, and nachos. For a discounted price, you can purchase a combo that includes a hot dog, bag of chips, and pop or you can enjoy a brat or a barbecue pork sandwich. The jalapeno and cheddar brats are worth a visit, and like many of the other options, are cooked on an open grill. Peruse the game day program and you’ll find that the university lists other concession items that include Chick-fil-A sandwiches, corn dogs, pork tenderloins, elephant ears, and walking tacos. Atmosphere 4 The atmosphere is dictated by many factors, including the weather, the opponent, and promotion. When the stadium is packed, it is rocking, as it was for our visit during a beautiful early fall game on parents’ weekend. The parking lot was packed with alumni tailgating in their vans and cars, while the student body seemed to be having more fun at the grass parking lot hours before kickoff. It was a festive mood at Charlestown, an area hosted by the alumni association for select games, on the northwest side of the Alumni Center. A few food trucks are set up, along with craft beer taps. The Ball State marching band and cheer squad entertain a few lucky fans in the parking lot who had a front-row seat from their folding chairs. Once inside, the stadium is separated into three seating sections, plus a grass area at the back of the north end zone. The stadium features a majority of bleacher-style seating from the main concourse to the student section. All of the concessions are underneath the main concourse, along with historic photos of the program’s past and championship banners. It is a very functional stadium that offers a few aesthetics to make it stand out from other mid-sized venues of college football. The grass lawn area in the north end zone is the focal point of the venue. It features a basic but functional electronic scoreboard and the school’s iconic pillars. This area fills up during the early parts of the season when the skies are blue, and the sun is shining. During warmer weather games, a Kid’s Zone is set up with inflatable rides and face-painting tables. Charlie Cardinal is an entertaining and impressive college mascot. During the game, he can be seen on the field with the cheerleaders, leading the band after a touchdown and starting the school chant, ”The Chirp.” When the opposing team is on third down, the student section will move their hands up and down chanting “chirp, chirp, chirp.” It’s a tradition that began in 2004 and was modeled after similar ones at Purdue and Indiana University. Rituals are an important part of the college football game day, and this one is perfect for the Ball State Cardinal fan base. Neighborhood 3 Scheumann Stadium is located right off the main campus and a few miles away from the village area of town. The area can become somewhat congested at times with mall shoppers, but there are a few ideal locations to seek out before or after the game. Downtown Muncie has changed a bit in the past few years, and Elm Street Brewing Company, located in a former ice house from 1999, is worth the visit for its food and decor, but they also serve craft beer. A recommendation for lunch or dinner includes the pitmaster pie with Coca-Cola barbecue, smoked gouda, smoked chicken, house bacon, and brisket, or the Gonzo, a fried chicken breast top with spicy bacon jam, cheddar cheese, and egg on a homemade biscuit. Amazing Joe’s, Savage Ale House, and Sitara Indian Restaurants are other options in town. A cheap eat location is the B&K Drive-In which features car service and a menu that offers Spanish dogs, coneys, homemade root beer, and barbecue pork and brisket that is made on site. A few more places to grab a pint include The Guardian Brewing Company, Twin Archer Brewpub, and Heorot Pub & Draught House. You might be able to grab a bite at these places, but enjoy a couple of pints if you can; they are worth the visit when it’s a town for a Cardinals game. Fans 4 They chant “The Chirp,” but you will likely see less tailgating, barbecuing, or tossing cornhole before the game. Inside the stadium, the student section is lively, with the band performing adjacent to them during the four quarters. In this area, you can see some fans with signage, face painting, and a lot of cheers. On the other side at the main concourse, there are a few die-hard fans who do their best to cheer on the hometown Cardinals. Access 3 Scheumann Stadium is relatively simple to reach from I-69. Local police guide cars into the various lots surrounding the stadium. On busier weekends such as parent or alumni day, some of the main roads are closed to the stadium. However, there are plenty of surrounding lots that offer $5 parking and are within walking distance of the stadium. It should also be noted that lines were long for concession stands, resulting in a 30-40 minute wait for food and beverage. This could be due to the recent shortage of help in our country during the pandemic. Return on Investment 4 The price for single-game general admission tickets is $15 (advanced) / $20 (game day) for adults, and reserve tickets are $25. Kids' tickets are $10. If interested, a Kid’s Club membership is $35 and allows kids into all Ball State athletic games for free, plus many benefits for kids and their parents. A popular option is the Metazoa Ball and Brew Pack which consists of one general admission ticket and two of their beers for $20 when purchased in advance – it increases to $30 on game day. If you know of your plans ahead of time, it might be worth looking into this if a fan of craft beer or a good deal. The game day prices are comparable with other football programs in the Mid-American Conference. The parking is $10 in the purple lot, but there is $5 parking at multiple spots southeast of the stadium. There is no charge to park at the Worthen Arena and the Cardinal and Creek lot. Extras 3 Scheumann Stadium receives two additional stars for the enclosed grass seating behind the north end zone and the student section chanting “The Chirp” on third downs. The Family Zone is a fine addition on the grassy hill that includes bouncy houses and facing paint for the little fans in attendance. Final Thoughts Scheumann Stadium can be a fun outing for mid-major college football. The atmosphere in the parking lot is festive, the ticket prices affordable, and the fan participation quite energetic. True, it might depend on what time of the season you attend a Ball State game but choose wisely – you should have a good time. Chirp! Chirp! ------ Follow all of Marc’s stadium journeys on Twitter @ballparkhunter and his YouTube channel . Email at Marc.Viquez@stadiumjourney.com

Photos by David Welch, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.29 Johnny "Red" Floyd Stadium 1500 Greenland Drive Murfreesboro, TN 37130 Middle Tennessee Blue Raiders website Johnny "Red" Floyd Stadium website Year Opened: 1933 Capacity : 27,303 ‘Boro Built, Middle Made Football has been played at Middle Tennessee State University in Murfreesboro since 1911. The program found its permanent home in 1933 with the opening of Horace Jones Field, later renamed Johnny “Red” Floyd Stadium, which has hosted the Blue Raiders for more than nine decades. The team’s golden years came under Charles “Bubba” Murphy (1947–1968), who produced four undefeated seasons and established the program as a powerhouse in the Ohio Valley Conference (OVC) during the 1950s and 1960s, winning seven titles in ten seasons. MTSU remained in the OVC until 1999, when they moved up to the Football Bowl Subdivision. After a brief stint as an independent, the Blue Raiders joined the Sun Belt Conference in 2001, eventually settling in Conference USA in 2013, where they continue their pursuit of a league title. With more than a century of history and plenty of change along the way, football at Johnny “Red” Floyd Stadium has remained a constant in the program’s history.   Food & Beverage   4 The traditional concession stands do not bring much by way of originality, sticking mostly to hot dogs, popcorn, pretzels with cheese, peanuts, chips, and candy. Drinks feature Pepsi products, Aquafina, and Gatorade, with a fairly light alcohol lineup of Bud Light, Michelob Ultra, Bud Light Seltzer, High Noon, and Nutrl seltzers. Blue Raider Beer Garden does offer a stronger beer selection, however, with local options like East Bank Citra IPA, Landslide IPA from Cedar Grove Brews, and Sun Kiss Amber Ale. Where Floyd Stadium really delivers is with the food trucks, trailers, and tents abounding on the west side concourse. Fans can grab Domino’s pizza, barbecue from Meat Sweats BBQ, and chicken or pork sandwiches, nachos, wings, or tenders from Creative Culinary Creations. The most popular stop seems to be Chicken Shack Express, known for its plates of fried chicken tenders, shrimp, catfish, and wings with fries on the side. For those with a sweet tooth, Dippin’ Dots remain a staple, while Whisk and the Whims serves up ice cream and cake creations that add a local touch.   Atmosphere   3 Game day in Murfreesboro kicks off in Walnut Grove with the Blue Raider “Party in the Grove” – this center of tailgating comes alive about three hours before kickoff. The Band of Blue makes its march down Normal Way to the Lucky Bud Horseshoe in front of Peck Hall, where the band and spirit squads line the walkway, and fans gather to cheer the Blue Raiders on as they give the Blue Horseshoe a rub for luck. Activities in the Grove include live music, inflatables, face painting, caricature artists, photos, and craft stations. Floyd Stadium has taken on a bit of a facelift in recent years, but much of the stadium’s bones have remained the same. The facility is a fully enclosed venue mostly made up of aluminum bleachers, with a second tier rising on the east side. There is a small strip of chairbacks between the 40-yard lines to add a touch of comfort, but the overall setup leans heavily toward a no-frills, old-school experience. The new Smith Student-Athlete Performance Center in the north end zone gives the stadium a welcome modern polish, as well. During the game, an in-game host helps keep the energy up with interactive scoreboard features, while the Band of Blue fills in downtime between possessions. A large videoboard in the south end zone handles replays and live action, topped with a ribbon for game information; the east-side ribbon board supplements this with stats, out-of-town scores, and closed captioning, rounding out the in-game presentation.   Neighborhood   3 Johnny “Red” Floyd Stadium sits at the southwest edge of Middle Tennessee’s campus, tucked between Murphy Center (basketball) and Reese Smith Stadium (baseball). For fans looking to grab a bite or drink before kickoff, Campus Pub and Boro Bar & Grill deliver a classic dive bar feel within walking distance, with Boro doubling as a late-night music spot for post-game entertainment. As an alternative, on the opposite side of campus along East Main Street, Boulevard Bar & Grille provides a more family-friendly option. Those wanting a livelier scene will find it a few minutes away in Murfreesboro’s town center, where bars, restaurants, and shops surround historic Rutherford County Courthouse. Beyond food and drink, Murfreesboro also carries plenty of local history – Stones River National Battlefield, less than five miles from campus, marks one of the Civil War’s pivotal clashes, while the nearby Middle Tennessee Museum of Natural History showcases fossils, minerals, and regional relics.   Fans   2 In 2024, the Blue Raiders averaged just 13,000 fans per game, a figure that placed them near the bottom of Conference USA. Their rivalry matchup with Western Kentucky tends to draw the best atmosphere, but most games struggle to generate that same level of energy. The liveliest section is the Blue Raider Beer Garden in the south end zone, where fans crowd the fence and pound against it to rattle visiting teams. Still, the smaller overall turnout limits the noise level inside Floyd Stadium. Midweek kickoffs, a regular feature of Middle Tennessee’s schedule, only add to the challenge of building consistent crowds.   Access   3 Middle Tennessee’s campus sits less than four miles from I-24, which connects Chattanooga and Nashville. While the stadium is not directly off the interstate, local streets make it easy enough to reach. Parking is well distributed across campus, with pay lots near the north end of the stadium and multiple free lots within reasonable walking distance. Shuttles are also available from the free lots for added convenience. Outside the stadium, staff stationed in distinctive blue lifeguard chairs make it easy for visitors to find help and directions. Entry is smooth, with five gates spread around the venue to keep lines short, and the concourses are generally wide enough to handle the crowd. The main flaw comes in the upper deck: with no concessions on that level, fans in the highest seats must trek all the way down to field level for food or drink, a hassle that undercuts the otherwise efficient layout.   Return on Investment   4 End zone seats start at $22, making Floyd Stadium one of the more affordable tickets in Conference USA. Concessions here have seen recent price hikes, but overall remain reasonable and will not strain most budgets. Parking is a mixed bag: spots directly around the stadium run $20, while nearby lots and garages cost about $10. The tradeoff is that MTSU also offers at least five free lots, including the Livestock, Lightning, Founders, Corlew, and Bell Street lots, all within a manageable walk for most fans. That balance of paid and free options helps keep the overall cost of gameday down.   Extras   4 MTSU makes an effort to build out the game day experience beyond just the action on the field. The organized on-campus tailgate, pregame pep rally, and Raider Walk all add energy leading up to kickoff. The north end zone concourse has a series of inflatables set up to help keep younger fans occupied throughout the game. Lightning, the school’s royal blue and silver horse mascot, plays a visible role on game day,  mingling with fans at the Walnut Grove tailgate and helping to keep the crowd engaged once the action starts. While not the most distinctive mascot in college football, Lightning adds a steady presence to the Blue Raider experience. The Blue Raiders showcase their history with banners hung along the lower walls and seating sections, honoring conference championships, bowl appearances, and former players who went on to win Super Bowl rings.   Final Thoughts Even though crowds here may be on the smaller side, the overall game day experience in Murfreesboro does not suffer for it. The festive mood is set early in Walnut Grove, where pregame traditions and tailgates create a welcoming atmosphere for fans. The Smith Student-Athlete Performance Center adds both polish and functionality to Johnny “Red” Floyd Stadium, giving the venue a more modern touch. While on-field inconsistencies in recent years have dampened some of the buzz, the Blue Raiders still provide an engaging college football outing. From traditions to affordable tickets and a fan-friendly setting, a Saturday at Middle Tennessee captures the kind of charm that makes the sport such a special experience.

Photos by David Welch, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.43 Burgess-Snow Field at JSU Stadium 700 Pelham Rd N Jacksonville, AL 36265 Jacksonville State Gamecocks website Burgess-Snow Field at JSU Stadium website Year Opened: 1947 Capacity: 24,000 Burgess-Snow Field at JSU Stadium Over the better part of the last decade, Jacksonville State has proven itself as one of the more dangerous teams of the Football Championship Subdivision (FCS). Not only have the Gamecocks been headaches for Football Bowl Subdivision (FBS) teams such as Georgia Tech , LSU , and Arkansas , they have pulled upsets on the home fields of the Ole Miss Rebels and Florida State Seminoles in recent years. Jacksonville State has made the steady climb from a NCAA Division-II power, playing in four NCAA D-II championship games and winning it all in 1992. The Gamecocks continued their gridiron success when they moved from Division II into the FCS for the 1996 season – it took Jax State ten seasons to reach the pinnacle of the FCS, facing off against nine-time FCS champion, North Dakota State. Jacksonville State now joins the FBS member conference, Conference USA, as one of the handful of new members in college football’s highest division. In preparation for the jump to college football’s top division, Jacksonville State has invested $80 million in upgrades to their football facilities that offer both their student-athletes and fans an improved football experience. Food & Beverage 4 Fans here have a choice of traditional concessions stand items including hot dogs, chili dogs, cheeseburgers, nachos, fountain Coke products, and all the typical concessions stand popcorn, peanuts, and candy options. Fans can order concessions to pick up and go using the Everyday App ; QR codes are posted around the concourse to make downloading the app easier. Those wanting a bit of a break from the norm will want to visit the Food Truck Rally behind the east end zone bleachers – this area features a mix of Brix ‘n Stix Wood Fired Pizza, TJ’s Crawfish Shack, RNB Finz and Chicks LLC, Kona Ice, Main Squeeze Lemonade, and WOW American Eats. Beer is sold at JSU Stadium, but options are a bit limited. Bud Lite, Busch Lite, and Michelob Ultra round out the macrobrews, while Wicked Weed Pernicious, Back Forty Truck Stop Honey, and Bud Seltzer provide a break from the run-of-the-mill beers. All payment options are cashless – payment methods fans can use for concessions and food trucks include credit/debit cards or Apple, Google, or Samsung Pay. The Food Truck Rally is definitely the way to go if looking for a break from the typical concessions stand items; with soul food, wings and fried foods, and Cajun delights, there is a wonderful spread for fans to choose from. Atmosphere 3 The campus game day atmosphere comes to life in the pre-dawn hours. As early as 7 am, fans start staking their claim to tailgating plots along the grassy area at the front of campus. As game time approaches, “The Roost” starts bustling with more excitement which builds in anticipation of the Gamecock Walk where school mascot Cocky, along with band members, cheerleaders, members of the dance squad, coaches, and staff walk from the team buses at Angel Hall to the current football facility. Later, while the Gamecocks make final game preparations, fans start making their way to Burgess-Snow Field. As JSU Stadium continues to undergo upgrades, fans do have a handful of minor inconveniences to navigate. In its second phase of improvements, the Loring and Debbie White Football Complex player development center is starting to take shape behind the stadium's west end zone. At the moment, the visiting team stands lacks seating, but is open for fans to sit in if they so choose. Outside of the club level seats, any of the seating options get fans right on top of the action and give great views of the game. Given the orientation of the field, however, there is not a lot of relief from the sun – the best bet to limit the impact the sun will have on the enjoyment of the game is sitting on the home side of the field, toward the eastern end of the stadium. Fans on the visiting, north side of the stadium will have the sun in their face for much of the game. Throughout the game, there is a nice balance of music piped through the stadium speakers, as well as performances by the Marching Southerners. No matter which form of music is used, the Marching Southerners do a great job setting the tone for a fun football atmosphere. The overall coziness of Burgess-Snow Field will only be improved as progress continues to be made on the player development center and the north side stands. Neighborhood 3 Backdropped by the mountains of northeastern Alabama, JSU Stadium sits on the southern portion of the Jacksonville State campus. Jacksonville, a relatively small town by FBS standards, is just over 12,000 and has every bit of the cozy, small town feel. JSU Stadium stands out amongst the campus dormitories. The stadium’s main seating area also doubles as a dorm, with its first four floors providing student housing. In the immediate area around the stadium there are a handful of pre-gaming options. Struts of Jacksonville, more of a traditional sports bar, and Mason’s BBQ, both on Mountain Street NW, are the most conveniently located spots to grab a pre-game bite to eat. About a mile south of campus is Jacksonville’s town center; this has a handful of restaurants and the Apothecary Draft House, which fans can visit. Jacksonville’s rural setting does provide fans making a multi-day visit to Jacksonville with miles of hiking trails to explore through the northern reaches of the Talladega National Forest, which runs just east of Jacksonville. Pre-game entertainment might be a bit limited, but there is enough between tailgating and local restaurants for fans to keep themselves entertained until the gates open. Fans 3 JSU Stadium is one of the smaller FBS stadiums in the country. Despite its capacity of 24,000, it can be a raucous home field. Much like their JSU basketball pep band counterparts, the Marching Southerners are the pulse of the stadium’s liveliness. It is not just the spirit of the fight song they play or the musical interludes they drop during timeouts – band members are also commonly leading chants throughout the game and lead the enthusiasm of the stadium in anticipation of the game’s biggest moments. There is also a Sweet Caroline style sing-along, with a cue from the band as they hold their instruments in the air as they sway back and forth to Lee Greenwood’s God Bless the USA. As the song ends, fans breakout in a chant of “U.S.A!...U.S.A!” The home fans do a lot to stay into the game, but much of the credit for the fan involvement in the action on the field has to go to the Marching Southerners. Their intensity in supporting the Gamecocks is contagious and goes a long way toward creating a fun college football environment. Access 3 Jacksonville, Alabama is a bit off the beaten path. Fans coming from the west through Birmingham or from Atlanta to the east most likely will use I-20. This will leave just under a thirty-minute drive through Oxford and Anniston, Alabama. State Road 21 leads from I-20 right to the JSU campus. Northern and southern approaches come mostly via state roads and highways. Parking is available for $10 at nearby Stephenson, Dixon, and Curtiss Halls, but lots at the Theron Montgomery Building, Bibb Graves Hall, Ayers Hall, Crow Hall, Daugette Hall, and around Trustee Circle are free. A shuttle bus brings fans from the parking lot behind the library to campus. While the walk is not all that long, the shuttle is a nice amenity. The stadium is accessible from all directions, though the southwestern entrance point is a bit obscured due to the construction of the Loring and Debbie White Football Building. Most fans will enter through the southeast entrance, and fans watching the game from the suites can enter the VIP entrance through the lobby of Meehan Hall. Visiting fans have entry points along the north side of the stadium. Return on Investment 5 College football tickets can be some of the more expensive tickets on campuses, but Jacksonville State makes the experience one that is far from being finically prohibitive for fans to attend. With tickets starting at just $12 (including a $2 service fee), college football fans will be hard pressed to find a more affordable ticket. QR codes are posted around the outside of the stadium where tickets can purchased the day of the game for $15. Fans looking for a bit more comfortable game experience will need to pony up $130 for club level seats ($5 service fee included), but those do include a pre-game meal, fountain beverages, and snacks throughout the game. Jacksonville State wisely invests in their future fans by allowing children 5 and under into games free. This helps grab the attention of younger fans and instills early memories of going to a Gamecocks game. Extras 3 Banners of Jacksonville State’s alumni who have played professionally in football and baseball are displayed throughout the concourse below the main bleacher area. Former JSU golfer, 2016 Masters Champion Danny Willett, is also featured. Fans can watch the live, pre-game radio show broadcasting from outside the southeast entrance before entering the stadium. The original press box on the north side of the stadium gives fans a look at the long history of success the Gamecocks have enjoyed, from the years of conference championships to NCAA playoff appearances and the 1982 Division II National Championship. Final Thoughts Jacksonville State is doing everything it can to make the jump from FCS to FBS as seamless as possible. The investments they have made in facilities, player amenities, and coaching are a good first step in making that move a successful one. Time will tell if the move will be as successful as the Gamecocks performance has been at the Division II and I-AA/FCS levels. One of the challenges is, as members of Conference USA, more than half the conference rivals are more than 700 miles away, which will definitely impact the size of the visiting crowds – nearby Kennesaw State University joining the conference in 2024 will help add a nearby rival to the schedule, and also help bolster visiting crowd sizes. Overall, an afternoon in Jacksonville, Alabama provides a fun game day atmosphere many would not expect. Despite not having the same level of pomp-and-circumstance many of the major college football programs might have, the small town feel of the Jacksonville community helps bolster the overall experience of a day of football with the Gamecocks.

Photos by Chris Green and Andrei Ojeda, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.43 Memorial Stadium 76 Canyon Rd Berkeley, CA 94704 California Golden Bears website Memorial Stadium website Year Opened: 1923 Capacity: 63,186 Roll On You Bears When it comes to college football’s historic venues, Memorial Stadium in Berkeley is arguably one of the more underrated experiences. Because the football program does not have the glorious history of fellow Pac-12 foe USC or some of the nation’s other top-notch programs, Memorial Stadium is not talked of much when it comes to the ultimate college football experience. Though the University of California may be known to some for its activities away from athletics, Memorial Stadium has produced its share of Sunday afternoon gridironers from Craig Morton, Steve Bartkowski, Chuck Muncie, Tony Gonzalez and Jared Goff, to name a few. So historic is Memorial Stadium on November 27, 2006 it was listed on the U.S. National Register of Historic Places. Memorial Stadium is certainly not short on memorable moments, one that includes one of college football’s most iconic endings on some November afternoon in 1982, one that still conjures up bitter memories to then Stanford’s senior QB and future NFL Hall of Famer John Elway. Food & Beverage 4 There is no shortage of food and beverage choices. Below are some of the vast options available for the hungry and thirsty fans… Standard – Hot dogs, burgers, chips, peanuts, pretzels. Pepsi products and bottled water, candy Peet’s Café – Coffee or hot cocoa in a Cal souvenir hot beverage cup, chicken or veggie wraps, kale & cranberry salads Mexican – Tacos, nachos and burritos, churros Others – BBQ chicken on a stick, pineapple sausage skewers, smoked brats, spicy beef hot links Beer and Wine – Bud Light, Firestone 805 and Cupcake Pinot Noir Rotating food trucks for each game are also available along the east concourse and feature many of the Bay Area’s ethnic tastes, including a Greek Food truck that serves up chicken, lamb or mixed gyro’s. If you’re looking to dine on anything but stadium food, there are vast dining options along Shattuck Avenue in Downtown Berkeley. One of my favorites is Ike’s. Ike’s, a popular Bay Area sandwich shop with locations slowly and continuously opening nationwide, is known for its huge sandwiches. My favorite is the off the menu Big Jerry’s Meat on Dutch Crunch bread. Atmosphere 4 Being that the stadium is uniquely constructed into the side of a hill, those willing to make the hike can watch the game for free from Tightwad Hill, providing a view from some 100 feet above the east rim of the stadium. Many of the fans here are regulars even when ticket availability is aplenty. Here also resides the victory cannon, which is fired after each Cal scoring play and after each victory. The views along Tightwad Hill and along the stands of the east rim extend all the way across San Francisco Bay, offering some of the most gorgeous views in college football. Even with its recent, renovations Memorial Stadium still maintains its classic college bowl feel. Because of its bowl shape structure, unless there is a sizable crowd particularly for The Big Game against rival Stanford, crowd noise can fade. That does not put a damper on the enthusiasm particularly from the students who occupy much of the east stands. Sight lines have also improved greatly since the recent renovations and no matter where one is seated, you will never be far from the action. Before you head into the game, the lack of tailgating is made up by the numerous college frat parties going on along the streets leading to Memorial Stadium, giving you the true college feel. Neighborhood 4 If you decide to arrive early, public transit is a great option. A great way to arrive is by way of the Bay Area Rapid Transit subway (BART). The BART has a station in Downtown Berkeley on Shattuck Avenue. Along Shattuck, you will find plenty of pre and post-game dining options. If it’s your first time in Berkeley and you would like to soak in some if its history, you will want to walk up Bancroft Way toward the historic Sather Gate. Once the formal south entrance to campus, the Sather Gate has been the site over the years to many a free speech, and a key location for countless political movements. Not far from the famous Sather Gate is the Sather Tower , another recognizable Bay Area landmark. The Sather Tower, also known as the Campanile, is the third-tallest bell and clock tower in the world. A visit to the observation platform gives you some breathtaking views of the Bay Area and is $4 to the general public, $3 for youth and seniors. This is another must-do for first time visitors to Berkeley. Fans 3 Attendance for Cal Bears game can vary depending on various factors, team performance and start time among them. With the recent renovation decreasing seating capacity to around 63,000, a decent crowd of over 40,000 doesn’t appear as empty as say, The Rose Bowl , where its seating capacity of over 80,000 can make attendance look sparse. The fans who do make the trek to Strawberry Canyon are very vocal. The Rally Committee does an outstanding job of keeping the fans involved with traditional cheers such as “Roll On You Bears” and “This is Bear Territory” after each win. Traditions are aplenty at Berkeley. One of the prouder traditions among the students is letting a red-clad fan know whose home they’re in with a chant of “TAKE OFF THAT RED SHIRT!,” a reference to their rival Stanford. Access 3 As with any college town, parking can be a hassle. Fortunately, there is enough public transit passing through campus, provided by Alameda County Transit. If you are traveling from San Francisco, Oakland, or points beyond, the Bay Area Rapid Transit rail system (BART) is a viable option. As you exit the BART station, if you have any pre or post-game dining desires, Shattuck Avenue offers plenty of pre and post-game entertainment and dining. BART fares vary based on point of travel. The Downtown Berkeley BART Station is a 15-20 minute walk from Memorial Stadium. From the Downtown BART, walk a couple blocks south to Bancroft Way, make a left and walk east toward the stadium. If you are worried about directions, chances are great that other fans will be walking from the Downtown BART. In other words, just follow the crowd! Return on Investment 3 Like most athletic programs, the price for tickets can vary with prices starting at $35 for general admission end zone seats, which can border on reasonable or pricey depending on if you’re looking to watch a high-tier program or just looking to soak in the college game day atmosphere. Should you find yourself getting the most affordably priced ticket you will never be too far from the action. Some of the upper rows along the east rim offer not only a good view of the action but some gorgeous views of Berkeley and the Bay Area all the way across the bay. Though the game day experience may not rival the one’s at some of the more top-tier programs such as Alabama or Ohio State, with its on-campus location nestled along the hills, the atmosphere and surroundings will certainly scream college game day. Extras 3 If you have time after the game, check out the Cal Athletic Hall of Fame located outside the west end of the stadium. The HOF features 315 individuals and seven rowing teams. As you walk along the interior concourse you will see murals honoring past Golden Bears greats such as Aaron Rogers and Marshawn Lynch, as well as other great moments in Cal Athletics, among them, The Play , one of college football’s most memorable highlights that occurred against rival Stanford in 1982 that involved several desperation laterals, the Stanford Band and its trombone player (I’m sure many of you know the story to this…) The Cal Band is never short on entertainment, performing for fans not only throughout the game, but prior to as well, as they can be seen performing on campus at Sproul Plaza, and after the games. Often times, when the visiting school brings their band, they are invited to participate with the Cal Band . Final Thoughts Because most games are played during the afternoon the warm California climate and the views extending across the bay make Memorial Stadium one of college football’s more picturesque settings.The football team has seen its share of recent excitement, capped off by its recent victory over Stanford in The Big Game, bringing back The Stanford Axe for the first time in nine years.For the second year in a row, Cal will be in a post season bowl.If the exciting finish to the 2019 season is any indication, more exciting moments are ahead for the Sons of California.

Photos by Paul Baker, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.14 Alumni Stadium 2604 Beacon Street Chestnut Hill, MA 02467 Boston College Eagles website Alumni Stadium website Year Opened: 1957 Capacity: 44,500 For Boston Boston College fielded their first football team in 1893. They played at the original Alumni Stadium beginning in 1915. As the team grew in popularity through the 1930s and 40s, the Eagles called Boston’s two major league baseball fields (Fenway Park and Braves Field) home. When the Red Sox decided in 1957 that they would no longer allow football to be played at Fenway Park, Boston College built a new on-campus home in just 156 days at a cost of $250,000. With a capacity of 26,000, the new Alumni Stadium’s first game was a match against the Naval Academy arranged by then-Senator John F. Kennedy in 1957. Renovations in 1971 and 1988 have expanded the facility to its current capacity of 44,500. Alumni Stadium also served as home to the New England Patriots in 1969. The Eagles have a storied history, with 28 bowl game appearances and an unofficial national championship in 1940 on its resume. Two Boston College alumni (Art Donovan and Ernie Stautner) are enshrined in the Pro Football Hall of Fame. Seven former players and three former coaches are enshrined in the College Football Hall of Fame. Food & Beverage 3 Concessions are not a particular point of emphasis at Alumni Stadium. The majority of the stands feature only stadium basics, such as hot dogs and nachos. The menu at these stands do not offer much in the way of variety. Portable carts along the concourse sell chicken tenders and meatball subs. However, if you head to the stands at the south end zone, you’ll find some welcome variety. Dubbed “Alumni South,” this area features portable carts offering burgers, sausage and pepper sandwiches and since we’re in New England, clam chowder and lobster rolls. These items cannot be found anywhere else in Alumni Stadium. Coca-Cola products are featured at Alumni Stadium. Fans looking for adult beverages can purchase Budweiser and Bud Light at several portable stands. Again, for some variety, head to Alumni South, where brews from local breweries Harpoon and Cisco are sold. Atmosphere 3 There have been many changes in recent years aimed at improving the game day atmosphere at Alumni Stadium. If you haven’t visited Chestnut Hill in a while, the biggest change you’ll notice is the increase in tailgating near the stadium before the game. The school allows the purchase of tailgating permits for games, and fans have responded by filling up seemingly every possible nook and cranny on campus with tailgates. The creativity shown by the fans is impressive. Fans will find much that is familiar during an Eagles football game. What noise there is inside Alumni Stadium comes from the student section in the south end zone. Filled with maroon and gold clad fans every Saturday, the students lead the cheers and are a popular presence on the stadium’s two video boards. Eagles fans have a reputation for being a bit too laid-back much of the time. Unfortunately, this reputation is really very accurate. Even though the pep band, cheerleaders and dance squad do their best to keep the energy up, this is definitely not a rowdy place to catch a game. When a top-ranked team visits Chestnut Hill, you are likely to find as many visiting fans as Eagles fans in attendance. Neighborhood 4 The Boston College campus is located in Chestnut Hill, a village in the suburb of Newton, Massachusetts. Downtown Boston is located about six miles to the east. Newton is a very well-to-do town which frequently ranks near the top of many “best place to live in America” lists. While the area does have some places to shop or eat, they are a bit of a walk or drive from the Boston College campus. A popular destination on game days is Cleveland Circle, about a 15-minute walk from campus, where you will find, among other places, Eagle’s Deli, which is known for its massive hamburger challenges. This no-frills diner is a favorite of Boston College students. As is the case in Greater Boston, streets in this area are frequently congested and busy, so be careful navigating the area around campus. Fans visiting the area during months when the weather is cooperating may choose to spend some time down at the Chestnut Hill Reservoir right behind Alumni Stadium. From the shores of the reservoir you get a view of downtown Boston in the distance. For those fans interested in seeing the best of what Boston has to offer, head towards those tall buildings, you’ll find what you’re looking for there. Fans 3 Eagle football fans have a reputation for being a fickle lot, with a reputation for showing up in big numbers when Notre Dame and other big-name opponents are in town but avoiding Chestnut Hill en masse when other teams visit. Boston College averaged only 26,000 fans per game in 2021, well down form their average attendance in recent years. This figure places them far below the ACC average. True to their reputation, Eagles fans are not the most rowdy you’ll come across, but the team does have their share of devoted fans, and the student section is packed, no matter who is visiting Alumni Stadium. Access 3 The Boston College campus is located in the Chestnut Hill section of the suburb of Newton, Massachusetts, about six miles west of downtown Boston. Despite its location in the suburbs, this area shares the same access issues as downtown Boston. Anyone who has tried to navigate the crowded, crooked streets of Greater Boston by car can tell you how difficult driving in this area can be. If you are visiting from out of town, your best bet is to find a copilot who knows their way around town. Stadium Journey recommends leaving the car at home and using public transportation to arrive at Alumni Stadium. Boston’s subway system, known as the “T,” has several stops that access the Boston College campus. The green line’s B train terminus is located on Commonwealth Ave., right across the street from campus. From here, it is a short five-minute walk to Alumni Stadium. In addition, Boston College operates free shuttle busses that stop at several points around town. The complete route schedule can be viewed here . If driving to Boston College, it’s easier to avoid the city and come in from the western suburbs. Take exit 24 (Commonwealth Ave.-Route 30) off Interstate 95 (also known as Route 128). Follow Commonwealth Avenue for about 5 miles, and you will find the Boston College campus on your right. The area around Boston College is quite scenic, with a nice suburban feel, but traffic can be very heavy at times. Give yourself plenty of time to arrive on campus. Complete driving directions can be found here . Space is at a premium at Alumni Stadium, and the precious parking near the facility is reserved for Flynn Fund donors. Other fans will be resigned to parking at one of the satellite lots, from which they can take complimentary shuttle busses to Alumni Stadium. More information on the parking situation can be found here . Once arriving at Alumni Stadium, fans will find a basic, no-frills facility that is absolutely a product of the time it was built. There is a single concourse that runs below the seating bowl around the entire facility. Getting around the stadium is fairly easy, although passage can get difficult at halftime. All seating consists of aluminum bleachers without chairbacks. Sitting behind the BC bench on the west side of Alumni Stadium will allow you to see the Eagles logo right side up. Restrooms are adequate for a typical Eagles crowd, although lines do form at halftime. Be aware that Boston College practices a clear bag policy for football games. There is a rather large construction project going on at the adjoining Conte Forum, but this does not significantly affect access to the football stadium. Return on Investment 3 The Eagles utilize variable pricing for their games at Alumni Stadium. Tickets start as low as $10, increasing to a maximum of $150 for marquee conference games. For most Eagles football games, ticket prices max out at about $60, with many seats priced even lower. Nationally ranked teams regularly visit Chestnut Hill, as do the Notre Dame Fighting Irish every other season. As mentioned before, fans looking to park on campus should reserve their spots well in advance, as space on campus is extremely limited. Many of the available spots are reserved for donors to the Flynn Fund and season ticket holders. Parking must also be purchased in advance at the satellite lots, with prices beginning at $30. Some parking spots come with tailgating privileges, some do not. It can be pretty confusing, but all the needed information can be found here . Concessions are a bit on the high side but are in line with other facilities in the area. Extras 3 Even though he graduated over thirty years ago, Doug Flutie still casts a giant shadow in Chestnut Hill. A statue commemorating his famous “Miracle in Miami” Hail Mary stands outside Gate D. You will be sure to see plenty of number twenty-two jerseys at Alumni Stadium. Conte Forum, home to the Eagle basketball and hockey teams, is attached to the west grandstand, and the two facilities share a bank of luxury boxes. It is open during Eagle football games so that fans can use the indoor bathrooms or concession stands. Take a walk around Conte Forum and check out the Varsity Club, the Eagles Hall of Fame and the many championship banners won by the hockey and basketball teams. Boston College’s long and storied football history is on display all over Alumni Stadium. Honored players have their numbers posted on the southeast corner of the stadium in a nice new display. Eagles players who were selected in the first round of the NFL Draft are displayed in the other corners of the stadium. Notable players in Boston College football history have their pictures wrapped on posts throughout the concourse. Final Thoughts College football just isn’t a big deal in New England. However, local pigskin fans can get a taste of the big-time at Alumni Stadium. Boston College’s membership in the ACC and longstanding rivalry with Notre Dame guarantees that nationally ranked opponents come to Boston regularly. A fall trip to Boston is certainly a Stadium Journey worth taking. Follow Paul Baker’s stadium journeys on Twitter or Instagram @PuckmanRI.

Photo courtesy of Tulane Athletics Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.71 Yulman Stadium Ben Weiner Dr New Orleans, LA 70118 Tulane Green Wave website Yulman Stadium website Year Opened: 2014 Capacity: 30,000 Waving At Yulman Stadium New Orleans has long been known as a party town, a foodie’s heaven, and a jazz lover’s nirvana. It is quickly becoming a sports town as well, with the Saints, Pelicans, and the Tulane all on the upswing. Tulane has gone to bowl games for three years straight… a first in the school’s history. Tulane is a private university located in the Uptown New Orleans neighborhood, near to the Garden District, located 3.5 miles from the French Quarter and Bourbon Street. It was founded in 1834 and today more than 14,000 students take classes on its lovely tree-lined campus. The sports teams are known as the Green Wave, made famous by a song that appeared in the Tulane student newspaper back in the 1920s. Since it is impossible to depict a wave as a mascot, Tulane has Riptide the Pelican to roam its sidelines. The pelican is the state bird for Louisiana. Tulane football games returned to the campus in 2014, after playing for 40 seasons at the Superdome. Tulane’s original on-campus football stadium was Tulane Stadium, informally known as the “Sugar Bowl,” which held more than 80,000 fans and served the school from 1925- 1974. It also served as the site for the Sugar Bowl postseason bowl game. It was torn down in 1975 and replaced by student housing. Tulane has a long history in football as it first fielded a team in 1893. Tulane’s present stadium, Yulman Stadium, opened in 2014 with a capacity of 30,000. Richard Yulman, a Tulane alumnus, donated $15 million towards its construction cost. Tom Benson, the late owner of the New Orleans Saints, also contributed $7.5 million to the building of the facility and the playing field bears his name. Tulane is a member of the American Athletic Conference, which includes teams like SMU, Memphis, UCF, and Cincinnati. Food & Beverage 5 New Orleans is very proud of its reputation as one of the gastronomic capitals of the U.S., if not the world. This is quite evident in the food available at Yulman Stadium. The Glazer Family Club has its own menu for the more monied alumnus of the school, but students and the general public are not slighted in the offerings at the Tailgate Village, Athletes Plaza, or inside the stadium. The concessions goal at Yulman Stadium is to “provide game fare, with a focus on local specialty flavors.” This means you will have an opportunity to enjoy dishes including fried chicken with Louisiana Pepper Butter Sauce, Petit Po’Boy sandwiches, red beans and sausage with white rice, and mini muffulettas or crawfish meat nachos. In addition, Yulman Stadium does allow the sale of alcoholic beverages. Choices include both domestic, craft, and international beers, as well as wine. Of course, if you want a hot dog and a Coke… that is available as well. Atmosphere 4 Yulman Stadium provides fans with a much more intimate atmosphere than was possible at either the Sugar Bowl or the Superdome. The stadium’s capacity of 30,000 was necessary as neighborhoods have replaced the open fields that existed in earlier times. In order to be a good neighbor, the stadium is designed as a low-profile structure so that it does not tower over the surrounding residential streets. Special lighting standards were followed so that the neighborhoods were not impacted by the tremendous lighting towers found at most stadiums. The venue offers several unique features designed to please the deep-pocketed alums as well as members of the public and the student body. The top of the line Glazer Family Club features 1,500 chairback seats with two club rooms that overlook the 50-yard line. Membership in this area of the stadium includes a sports bar and an enhanced menu of food on the buffet. The Westfeldt Terrace is a roof-protected open-air section with 3,000 seatbacks which provides a panoramic view of downtown New Orleans. There are also party decks that are open to anyone with a ticket. The outside of Yulman Stadium features the Athlete’s Plaza, which hosts both pre and post-game celebrations with music provided by a live jazz band. Neighborhood 4 Tulane is located in the Garden District of New Orleans. It is known for its beautiful houses, which typically have courtyards filled with beautiful gardens. Many of these homes are available for tours. Another major attraction in the Garden District is the Audubon Park and Zoo. This is the New Orleans version of Central Park and is well worth the visit. There are numerous art galleries in the area as well as many smaller restaurants. Fans 4 The return to campus has resulted in the rebirth of the Tulane football fan. It has allowed students, alumni, and parents to gather together for a day-long social celebration followed by the football game. This has resulted in increased interest in the program and a sea of green, blue, and white in the stands, instead of empty seats. Fans begin a game day more than four hours before kickoff under a sea of tents known as the Tailgate Village, The Village is located on the Newcomb and Berger Family Lawns (actually quads on the tree-covered campus). Set-ups can be as plain or as fancy as a group wants them to be. We’ve been to The Grove at Ole Miss, and take it from us, the Tulane tailgate experience is in the same league. In addition to eating, drinking, and just enjoying each other’s company, Tulane provides plenty of amenities. The Tulane band stops by to serenade you. Local jazz bands play a set, the cheer squad leads some warmup cheers to build spirit and there is a family fun zone for the kids. A team store is also on-site to provide you with whatever Green Wave spirit supplies you may need. There is usually a theme to each game (i.e., Kids day, senior day, homecoming, etc.). Access 3 Parking is quite limited on the Tulane campus, and game day parking is prohibited on the neighborhood streets around the campus. Tulane has set up a system utilizing the parking lots at surrounding schools, churches, shopping centers, and private businesses with a free shuttle service providing rides to and from the campus on game days. This serves as a fundraiser for the sites providing parking and helps maintain good relationships between the neighborhoods and the school. If you are not toting a lot of tailgating supplies with you, a great New Orleans way to get to the game is via the St. Charles Streetcar. This allows you to view the many beautiful homes in the Midtown and Garden Districts as you make the trip from downtown New Orleans to the campus. The streetcar has a stop located directly in front of the Tulane campus and costs only $1.25 (correct change only) each way. After the game, you can stay on the streetcar on your return trip to check out other New Orleans hot spots like the Riverwalk and Bourbon Street. Return on Investment 3 New Orleans is a city that is heavily dependent on tourism, and as a result, it can be an expensive place to visit. Many B&Bs in the Garden District will have much less expensive rates than a downtown hotel would charge. Use public transportation to reach most of the big tourist attractions and save a bundle on parking. Museums in New Orleans are quite unique and often are free or have lower costs than other tourist attractions. The Tulane aspects of ROI are quite reasonable. With the exception of the Yulman Club seats, tickets are not expensive. Tickets behind the end zones are $5. If you want to sit on the side at the goal line, expect to pay $10. Tickets between the 40’s on the visitor’s side go for $35. The tickets on the home side of the field are predominately for season ticket holders. However, you can find upper deck seats on that side for $50 or you can splurge and pay $200 for lower-level seats. Parking varies from $10-$25 for lots surrounding the Tulane campus. The closer to campus, the more you will pay for parking . Extras 3 During the 2021 football season, proof of vaccination and/or a negative COVID test is required for admission. Tulane has revived an old tradition in covering the end zones with a green and white checkerboard design. This was one of the original elements the old Sugar Bowl Stadium was known for. Tulane games, especially early in the season, are held in the evening in order to beat the heat. This allows you plenty of time to visit the sites around the New Orleans area. Check out the Jax Brewery, Jackson Square, Mardi Gras World across the Mississippi River and then stop off at Café du Monde for one of their fabulous beignets. Final Thoughts New Orleans is one of the most unique cities in the USA, with a decidedly European feel. A visit to a Tulane football game and the Garden District is a great way to get a feel for the sports side of the city. However, you are really cheating yourself if you come only for a game. Immerse yourself in all that New Orleans has to offer… you will feel it is money well spent.Laissez les bon temps roler!

Photos by Jared Goodman, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.14 Jerry Richardson Stadium 8701 Phillips Rd Charlotte, NC 28223 Charlotte 49ers website Jerry Richardson Stadium website Year Opened: 2013 Capacity: 15,314 Sitting on a Gold Mine The University of North Carolina at Charlotte didn’t have a football program until 2008. That’s when the Board of Trustees commissioned a new team for the school, along with a brand-new $45 million stadium. This venue would soon be named for local benefactor and former Carolina Panthers owner Jerry Richardson. The Charlotte 49ers, who began play in the fall of 2013, joined the Football Bowl Subdivision in 2015 after a two-year stint in FCS. Charlotte now competes in Conference USA, and it’s quickly become clear that their 15,314-seat facility is one of the best in the conference. Food & Beverage 4 Richardson Stadium offers dishes from two of the region’s most popular chicken chains: Bojangles’ and Chick-fil-A. The prices at both of these booths are pretty fair, though slightly inflated. For example, a box of Bojangles’ chicken supremes is $8. Among some of the more traditional items are hot dogs, hamburgers, nachos, grilled chicken, corn dogs, pretzels, and peanuts. But the highlight of the dining experience at the stadium is undoubtedly the barbecue sandwich. This is Carolina, after all, so be sure to grab one for $6 during your visit. Fair foods such as funnel cakes and cotton candy are also available. Coca-Cola is the beverage served throughout and is priced at $3. Or, you can buy a souvenir cup for $5 and get free refills all day long. Bottled water is $3.50. Domino’s Pizza is also offered, along with stadium staple Dippin’ Dots. Atmosphere 3 The color green is extremely prevalent on the UNC-Charlotte campus, from the trees of late summer to the seats at Jerry Richardson Stadium and beyond. On football Saturdays, a few thousand folks show up to the field decked in their 49er green best. After each Charlotte score, green fireworks are set off from the field house behind the southeast end zone. This definitely contributes to the “flare” of The Mine. The 49ers’ mascot, Norm the Niner, also makes regular appearances both in the stands and on the field. The intimacy of Jerry Richardson Stadium really adds to its small town feel, despite being located near the 16th largest city in the country. The venue’s horseshoe shape provides an excellent view of the surrounding buildings on campus, creating a sort of homey and academic atmosphere. This, however, isn’t a permanent feature, as the stadium is designed in such a way that the seating bowl can be expanded and decks added as the program grows. Neighborhood 4 The Niners home field is located on the west side of campus, near the other athletic facilities at the university. If you want to explore anything in the general vicinity, it’s generally just a short walk away. It’s an even shorter drive to the nearby restaurants and shops, which mostly include chain retailers on Tryon Street, University City Boulevard and JW Clay Boulevard. The region’s only IKEA store is just a few miles from campus and offers a full restaurant and snack bar in addition to the furniture goods on display. But perhaps the best perk of Richardson Stadium’s location on-campus is its proximity to the LYNX Light Rail system, which provides speedy service to Uptown Charlotte, the hip NoDa neighborhood, and the revitalized South End. All three offer a variety of dining and nightlife options just a 20-minute train ride from campus. The nearest stop, JW Clay Station, offers a 5-level parking deck for those wishing to drive, but is also easily accessible on foot via footpaths. From the stadium’s main gate, it’s a short 10-minute walk to the light rail platform. Fans 3 The Charlotte 49ers are not an elite football team by any measure, and often find themselves in the middle of the Conference USA rankings. This doesn’t give fans much to cheer about on game days, but the program is still in its youth. Pre-game, you’ll see lots of gold, black, and green outside the stadium in an impressive tailgating display. The smell of food wafts through the air just outside the main gate, surely stemming from one of the many tents set up nearby. Cornhole is a popular activity, as well as general mingling and socializing. It’s almost as if pre-gaming is just as important to the fans as the football game itself. While the crowd sticks with the team through thick and thin, they’re not usually loud or vivacious in any way. But you can be sure, whether the weather is good or whether the weather is bad, true Niners fans will cheer on their guys on the gridiron each and every Saturday. Access 3 Due to limited parking on campus, finding a spot to leave your car can be very tricky. Gameday permits are available for purchase in advance of the game, and are valid at the Union Deck, West Deck, North Deck, CRI Deck, Lot 11A/21 and Lot 25. There’s also a dedicated football shuttle, operated by Niner Transit, that has stops at the many different parking areas on campus. This bus service will take you directly to the main gate of Richardson Stadium if you choose to park in one of these lots. A word to the wise: do your parking research well in advance. If not, you could be stuck handing over $20 cash to park at the Cone Deck. UNCC is served, as mentioned earlier, by the LYNX Light Rail Blue Line, which has a stop at JW Clay Boulevard and is just a 10-minute walk away. The parking garage at this station is your best option for gameday parking, as it is both free and secure. Charlotte-Douglas International Airport is about 20 minutes away by car and is serviced by most of the major North American airlines. Interstates 85, 485, and 77 are close to campus as well, providing access to Greensboro, Winston-Salem and Virginia in the north and Columbia, Greenville and Atlanta in the south. Return on Investment 3 Single-game ticket prices vary depending on the opponent and how far in advance you purchase your tickets. General admission seats are generally between $10-$25 and are located behind the northwest goalpost. If you’d like to sit on the sideline, expect to fork over between $20-$40 per ticket. Parking prices vary anywhere from $0 to $20, but it all depends on what lot you choose to use. Concessions are reasonably priced, but a full meal adds up fast. All totaled, you could be looking at $20 or more, per person. The Niners do have one interesting option that could save you some dough. The “Extra Point Package”, which includes four tickets, four meal vouchers and free parking, is occasionally available for $65. That’s a bargain when you add everything up. Without this package, a family of four could be looking at spending more than $200 on a single Niners game. Extras 2 Although it doesn’t have much to do with the stadium itself, the 49ers football team has earned an extra point for reaching the Bahamas Bowl in 2019. Despite losing their first-ever bowl game, their appearance in Nassau could mean that the program is trending upwards. This could result in a better gameday atmosphere, more fans, and an overall better experience in Charlotte down the road. While current attendance figures don’t demand a large venue, Richardson Stadium was built with the capability to be expanded up to a total capacity of about 40,000. A larger facility would be nice to see at some point in the future. Final Thoughts The ACC has dominated North Carolina in both basketball and football for a very long time. UNC-Charlotte is aiming to compete with this legendary powerhouse by putting both their school and Conference USA on the national map. With an infant football program and a modern stadium behind them, a gold mine of opportunities awaits the 49ers.

Photos by Michael Davis, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.57 Reed Arena 730 Olsen Boulevard College Station, TX 77843 Texas A&M Aggies website Reed Arena website Year Opened: 1998 Capacity: 12,989 Aggieland Basketball Reed Arena is in College Station, Texas, in the Texas A&M University athletic complex, near the west side of campus. The facility is home to Texas A&M’s men’s and women’s basketball teams, the volleyball team, major concerts, commencement ceremonies, and a variety of other events. The two-level arena has a single concourse with a seating capacity of 12,989. Reed Arena opened in the fall of 1998 and is named for Houston veterinarian Dr. Chester J. Reed and his wife, Billie Jean (Dr. Reed is a 1947 graduate of A&M). Unlike all the other athletic facilities on campus, Reed Arena operates under the Department of Finance, not the Athletic Department. Reed Arena was the home court for the 2011 NCAA women’s basketball National Champion Texas A&M Aggies and has also served as the site for both the men’s and women’s first round of the National Invitational Tournament (NIT). The largest crowd for a men’s basketball game here (13,888) took place on January 19th, 2016 versus LSU. Food & Beverage 3 Reed Arena has nine permanent concession stands located on the concourse level, along with various temporary stands. The concessions here offer all the expected stadium fare at typical stadium prices. At the regular stands, Aggie nachos are $10, while regular nachos cost $5, and you can add extra cheese or chili to either size for an additional $1.75. There are a couple of food values as well, such as a combo including a hamburger, chips, and a souvenir soda, or a souvenir popcorn, for $10. You can also find Slovacek sausage and bratwurst for $6, or an Aggie dog (a basic hot dog), peanuts, or candy for about $5 each. A standard stadium pretzel costs $6 while the popcorn is a dollar less unless you buy a souvenir popcorn for $10. In addition to the main stands, there are temporary stations that provide different menu options than what you can get at the regular stands. For example, the Aggie Hospitality stand provides California nachos, topped with black beans, Pico de Gallo, cheese sauce, pulled pork, black olives, salsa, and sour cream, or you can get a high-calorie, foot-long chili cheese dog with the hefty price tag of $12. There is also a very good BBQ sandwich for $10, or a slice of pizza for $8. All the fixed concession stands accept credit cards. The soda products offered inside Reed Arena are Pepsi products. The concession stands offer two sizes – regular for $4, or large, which comes in an Aggies Arise souvenir cup for $6. Aquafina bottled water costs $4 for a large and $2 for a regular. While Reed Arena may not offer a significant number of novelty concessions, you should find plenty to choose from to satisfy any appetite while attending an event inside the venue. Atmosphere 4 The atmosphere at Reed Arena is above average, and although it may not be on the same level as Kyle Field , the 12th Man and the Spirit of Aggieland are alive and well among the “Reed Rowdies.” The Reed Rowdies consists of a student group that promotes Aggie basketball on campus. However, any student attending a game at Reed Arena is considered a Reed Rowdy – the Reed Rowdies are found on the baselines wearing white t-shirts, and can be seen waving towels to rally the team and their fellow onlookers. These students, along with the Texas A&M Yell Leaders, keep the Aggie spirit and tradition thriving during each basketball game. The most recognizable Aggie tradition comes alive at the beginning of each half, and after the game is over – this is The Aggie War Hymn , when you’ll witness Aggie upon Aggie linking arms and legs and swaying back and forth, in a motion like that of a saw blade. This motion is to symbolize “sawing Varsity’s horns off,” referring to Texas A&M’s most-hated rival, the Texas Longhorns. Legend has it that the Longhorns mascot (a Texas steer) used to be named Varsity, but in 1917 a group of A&M students snuck into Austin and branded him with a 13-0 mark, the score of A&M’s 1916 gridiron victory over Texas. UT students are said to have hurriedly responded by adding some branding of their own, turning the 13-0 into the word BEVO (the 1 and 3 became a ‘B,’ the dash became an ‘E,’ and the ‘V’ was added), which is the current name of the Longhorns mascot. Nevertheless, since tradition is king at Texas A&M, the Aggies continue to sing the original lyrics. Their yells and songs still refer to the university as Texas AMC, about the fact that Texas A&M University used to be Texas A&M College. Some games at Reed Arena feature the Corp of Cadets supporting the team from a section on the baseline, near where the Aggie Dance team is situated; the Aggie Dance team performs choreographed routines during timeouts and at halftime. In addition, since Texas A&M doesn’t have a traditional cheerleading squad, the Yell Leaders and the Reed Rowdies get the crowd to participate in A&M’s signature “yells” – the Yell Leaders use hand signals to tell the crowd what yell to do next, by signaling to the front row and then having the fans pass it back up to the top of the arena, so that all the fans can do the yell in unison. Texas A&M’s Yell Leaders are a group of five students, elected by the student body, who lead yells at A&M sporting events. Overall, the atmosphere here at Reed Arena can be spectacular, especially if Texas A&M has a competitive team on the court. But no matter the opponent, the atmosphere is above average, because of the Spirit of Aggieland. Neighborhood 3 Reed Arena is located on the campus of Texas A&M University in College Station, Texas, just off George Bush Drive on the corner of Olsen Boulevard and Kimbrough Boulevard. College Station and nearby Bryan are in East Central Texas, about one-and-a-half hours northwest of Houston. The two cities together are referred to as the Bryan-College Station metropolitan area, and this “twin city” makes up the 16th largest metropolitan area in the state of Texas, with a population of approximately 170,000. College Station is constantly listed among the great college towns, and just north of Texas A&M University, on the other side of University Drive, is the Northgate District. The Northgate District provides many restaurants and bars that have an amazing pre or postgame atmosphere, such as the Dixie Chicken. Commonly referred to as “The Chicken,” this restaurant/bar has been serving College Station since 1974 and is located directly across from Texas A&M’s campus. The Chicken is a great place to grab a beer before or after the game and listen to live country music. Not only is the Dixie Chicken known to be a favorite watering hole among Aggies, but the bar also claims to serve the most beer per square foot of any bar in the United States, and also has a variety of food selections at reasonable prices. For the craft beer lover, just around the corner from The Dixie Chicken is the Blackwater Draw Brewing Company. Or, if you’re looking to find some BBQ in the area, avoid BBQ 13-0, as it is not a good test of Texas BBQ – 13-0 is more for A&M students who need a late-night BBQ sandwich to absorb their earlier alcoholic beverages. But College Station and Bryan have a few much better BBQ places to enjoy, such as Fargo’s Pit BBQ, Kreuz Market, and my personal favorite, C&J BBQ, which has three locations within a few miles of campus, and of which are worth your time. Alternatively, on the south side of campus, there is a well-known College Station burger place, Koppe Bridge. Koppe Bridge has two locations, but the original is on Wellborn Road – originally an old feed store, this restaurant opened in 1992. For history buffs, some of the original timbers on the floor are from the old Koppe Bridge that spanned the Brazos River until the late 1920s, when the bridge was destroyed by flood waters. Texas A&M University’s campus is a great way to spend time before or after a game. The one place on campus that is truly a must when visiting College Station is the Bonfire Memorial, located next to the TAMU golf course. This memorial represents the bond that Aggies have with one another, and embodies the spirit, history, and traditions long celebrated and honored by Texas A&M students and former students; the memorial is a tribute to the individuals who lost their lives or were injured during the tragic 1999 bonfire collapse. The campus is also home to the George Bush (senior) Presidential Library and Museum. Fans 4 Aggie fans are unique compared to those at other schools, in that there is a bond among Aggies. Texas A&M University is recognized as the Home of the 12th Man, a football reference, because the crowd stands throughout the game to show support for their team, each Aggie waiting (figuratively) to be called onto the field to play in the game if needed. This tradition goes back to 1922 when a former Texas A&M football player named E. King Gill was called from the stands during a football game after several players were injured. Gill suited up and sat on the bench for most of the game, but never needed to go in. His willingness to serve, however, ignited Aggie fans to loudly and energetically support their team forevermore; a larger-than-life statue of E. King Gill now stands at one corner of Kyle Field. However, the Aggie Spirit is felt not just in football, but in basketball as well; there are no bandwagon fans when it comes to Aggieland. When you visit Texas A&M you’ll learn that being an Aggie is about much more than just buying school apparel; either you’re an Aggie or you’re not. Despite this extreme loyalty, however, you’ll typically find Aggie fans to be polite and respectful to visitors. Access 3 Reed Arena is located on the campus of Texas A&M University near the intersection of Olsen Boulevard and Kimbrough Boulevard, not far from Blue Bell Park and across from the Davis Diamond softball field. The campus parking lots in the area are reserved or require permits, so it is better to follow the signs for general parking; general parking is cash only at $5 per vehicle. Reed Arena is surrounded by four parking lots, which hold a combined 1500 cars, and the venue is also within walking distance of a 3,750-capacity parking garage. Overall, you should have no problem finding parking, but be aware that while access to Reed Arena is excellent, be prepared to wait at least half an hour in the parking lots after the game, due to the traffic congestion afterward. Reed Arena’s main box office is located at the main entrance, across from the Student Rec Center on Olsen Boulevard. There are also satellite box offices at each of the other entrances, making it very easy to just walk up and buy a ticket. The doors open one hour before tip-off. It is easy to get into Reed Arena from any of the four entrances, and handicap access and restrooms are easily accessible. The concourse is wide and there is plenty of signage to help you find your section, regardless of whether you’re sitting on the lower level or the upper. Texas A&M University does have a clear bag policy for all Aggie athletics home events; to be clear on what bags are allowed into Reed Arena, you can click on www.12thMan.com/BeClear . Return on Investment 5 TAMU men’s basketball ticket prices are very affordable for top-notch college basketball; the price depends on where you want to sit. The best seats in Reed Arena are priced at $25 for courtside, with the rest of the lower bowl at either $20 or $22; balcony seating (upper level) is between $15 and $20. There is also general admission seating for $10 in sections 210-216, which is a great price considering that on most nights you will be able to move over to a better seat. In addition, parking is only $5 and is located right outside the arena, and the concessions prices are very reasonable. Overall the Reed Arena experience has a high return on investment, and Texas A&M University also participates in Flash Seat ticketing, which is a paperless way to manage your tickets. Extras 3 Texas A&M University is one of only six senior military colleges in the United States, and TAMU’s Corps of Cadets is the largest uniformed body outside of the military academies. While all colleges have their unique traditions, at Texas A&M it is a rite of passage to be an Aggie. The song The Spirit of Aggieland speaks of a spirit that “can ne’er be told,” which is not merely a punchline to use at sporting events, but a deep passion that seeps into every Aggie that comes to Texas A&M. In addition, this spirit passes not only throughout the world but even into space, as The Aggie War Hymn was used as a wake-up call on Day 11 of space mission STS-121, for Texas A&M former student and mission specialist Mike Fossum. The people of the Bryan-College Station area show Texas Pride and practice real Southern hospitality, and do not merely preach it, from the simple “Howdy” instead of hello to the “Welcome to Aggieland” water tower and signage throughout TAMU’s campus. Final Thoughts Reed Arena is an incredible venue to see top-level SEC Basketball, with sight lines that are perfect for basketball. And even though basketball isn’t the premier sport at Texas A&M, it says a lot about the program and fans here that the announced attendance was only 2,000 less than capacity for a recent Saturday night game against the #1-ranked Tennessee Volunteers. Reed Arena is also easy to access, has low ticket prices for top SEC games, and boasts the Reed Rowdies continuing the Aggie traditions. College Station is a wonderful college town, but witnessing the Spirit of Aggieland will amaze you. There is a little something here for everyone, but most of all, a simple Howdy from Aggieland makes it worth the trip.

Photos by Eric Moreno, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.86 Recreation Center 1 University Way San Antonio, TX 78224 Texas A&M-San Antonio Jaguars website Recreation Center website Year Opened: 2024 Capacity: 900 TAMUSA Jaguars New Rec Center In 2009 the Texas A&M University System opened its newest stand-alone institution, Texas A&M University-San Antonio (TAMUSA) on the far southwest side of the Alamo City. In the ensuing decade and a half, the school has gone from holding classes at a temporary campus at a closed public elementary school, to operating a sprawling 580-acre (and growing) campus with a student body of over 7,000 (and climbing). TAMUSA took a bold step forward in 2019 in hiring former college football star and longtime athletics administrator Darnell Smith  to lead the TAMUSA Jaguars Athletics Department . Starting with men’s golf and men’s and women’s soccer, and softball, it was a huge leap for the fledgling university. In time for the 2024-25 academic year, the school and their athletics programs took another monumental step forward when they launched their first ever men’s and women’s basketball programs. The move coincided with the opening of a brand-new, on-campus recreation center, which serves not only the broader student body, but also is the new home of Jaguars basketball.   Food & Beverage   2 * For many of the following categories, I am going to be more lenient in my scoring than I normally would be for several reasons. First, this is a brand-new program playing in a brand-new facility, so there are plenty of kinks to work out. Second, the Recreation Center is just that, a recreation center. It’s not a typical collegiate gymnasium, but was built for students to unwind and relax, and to exercise in, while they’re in-between classes. The facility also just happens to be home to a fledgling basketball program. With all of that said, I’m going to give an “incomplete” grade for food and beverage. Currently, there does not exist any concessions inside the Rec Center, and the only permanent options are a handful of vending machines. I give this an incomplete, however, because on most game days, the school brings in several food trucks to serve fans. This is a great innovation and one that will continue to be a popular choice for as long as they call the Recreation Center their home. What makes this incomplete, though, is that this solution is wholly predicated on the unpredictability of the South Texas weather – for example during my most recent visit, a cold, rainy, late February day, there were no trucks. I’m willing to come back for another game soon, however, when the weather does comply to get a better answer to this ranking.   Atmosphere   3 As mentioned, the TAMUSA Recreation Center is a brand-new facility, closing out its first season of use. The designers did a great job in building it for its dual uses for students and for Jaguars basketball. The sightlines are fantastic, the seating is top-notch – you’ll be hard-pressed to find another venue where you are sitting closer to the action than here – and it feels like a venue made for lower-level college basketball. The front doors beckoning you to “Jaguars Country” are also a great touch. The facility really is a blank slate at this point, and I look forward to seeing it get filled in over the coming years as the program continues to grow. My one gripe, if it can be called that, is the lack of merchandise available for fans. A simple table with some items would go a long way in adding to the atmosphere for fans. I’ve seen this a lot at lower-level programs (especially this season); I hope this is something that can be corrected at the Recreation Center in the future.   Neighborhood   3 The TAMUSA campus is located on the farthest reaches in the southwest area of the city. In the not-too-distant past, the land the campus now occupies was virtually wilderness, but the area has changed a lot with the addition of the university, and more and more signs of life can now be seen. That said, you’re still quite a bit removed from San Antonio’s downtown area (about 30 minutes’ drive away). The immediate attraction you must take in if you’re heading to a TAMUSA Jaguars game is the San Antonio Missions National Historical Park . The park, which is also a UNESCO World Heritage site, is home to four of the city’s five historic Spanish colonial missions, which are some of the oldest structures in the southwest, and tell about such a fascinating chapter in history that they need to be experienced in person. If you’re looking for something else to do before or after Jaguars games, you can always make the trip into town and see the fifth mission, the historic Alamo . In terms of dining there are quite a few fast-food options in the immediate area around campus. There are also close to a dozen fantastic neighborhood Tex-Mex spots within a few miles of campus, ranging from La Torre Jalisco and Taqueria Guadalajara to La Gran Señora Mexican Restaurant. None of these spots have websites, which only makes them more “legit” to native San Antonians. Throw a rock in any direction before or after your game at the Rec Center, and whichever taqueria you hit will probably serve you some of the best food you’ve ever had. For lodging options, you are options are kind of limited near the Recreation Center – the nearest spots are going to be Days Inn by Wyndham at Palo Alto  and Best Western Plus Palo Alto Inn & Suites . Both are on the affordable side, but if you’re looking for something higher end, downtown San Antonio has a myriad of other options for you.   Fans   4 This area was one that I was pleasantly surprised about. As mentioned, the weather was not in the least bit welcoming on my last visit, but that did not keep the Jaguars faithful from filling the stands. While the Recreation Center was not at capacity, there were still several hundred students and fans filling the stands. Part of this will admittedly be that the game was the culmination of TAMUSA’s first-ever Homecoming festivities. However, having fans in the building for a ball game is never a bad thing, no matter the reason they’re there. The crowd was loud, and the energy was high. I think the fan base will only grow in the coming years, as the school is really the proverbial “only game in town” in this area of the city.   Access   3 The Texas A&M University-San Antonio campus is about a 30 to 55-minute drive from San Antonio International Airport, and as mentioned, about 25 to 30 minutes from downtown, the literal and cultural center of the Alamo City. If you’re driving in, the exits to campus are clearly marked from the highway, and you can’t miss the university’s “grand entrance” gate. Signage on campus also points the way to the Recreation Center, which is also appreciated. Parking on campus is ample on game days. If you don’t want to drive, the city’s public transportation option, VIA Metropolitan Transit, offers routes to TAMUSA’s campus, but plan accordingly as it will take you quite a while to get there.   Return on Investment   3 Single-game tickets for Jaguars games start at just $8 per person, which is a pretty good bargain for some college hoops. To get in on the ground floor of a brand-new program, and see history in the making at such a small cost, is really the big draw here, making this score what it is. Food and beverage costs will vary based on the food truck status, but parking is free, which is always a bonus.   Extras   2 In terms of Extras, like many of the rest of the ratings in this review, this section is going to be graded on a bit of a curve. The Jaguars offer up some of the accoutrements that most college sports have to offer, for example, the TAMUSA Jaguarettes  cheer team can be found on the baseline and in the stands during basketball games. The school also boasts their own costumed mascot, General the Jaguar , who can also be found at the Recreation Center interacting with fans. More of these Extras will come, as the program stacks years and builds traditions, which will only serve to increase this score.   Final Thoughts I greatly look forward to seeing what TAMUSA does to continue building this program. Having more basketball in the area is good for everyone. The program and the university are off to a fantastic start, and I think the Recreation Center is the perfect first building block for both. While it is not a “bucket list” stop in its current iteration, I can see where they want to go, and I’m excited about it. Follow Eric Moreno's Stadium Journey on Twitter at @EricMoreno6477 .

Photos by Gregory Koch, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.57 Sojka Pavilion 701 Moore Avenue Lewisburg, PA 17837 Bucknell Bison website Sojka Pavilion website Year Opened: 2003 Capacity: 4,000 The Orange Menace of Sojka The Bucknell Bison men’s basketball team has been the most successful in the Patriot League over the past few years. The Bison won at least a share of the regular season title all but one season between 2011 and 2019. They won the conference tournament four times during that period and nearly pulled off a couple of upsets over high seeds in the NCAA Tournament. However, the Bison’s biggest moment in March came in 2005, when as a 14-seed, they shocked national powerhouse Kansas 64-63 in the First Round in a stunning upset. The Bison play their home games at Sojka Pavilion, which opened in January 2003. Sojka (pronounced Soy-ka) is a 4,000-seat arena that is named for former university president Gary Allan Sojka. It is part of the Kenneth Langone Athletics & Recreation Center, which also includes a swimming pool, fitness center, and Davis Gym, the former home of Bison basketball which now hosts the wrestling team. Food & Beverage 3 Sojka Pavilion has two concession stands on the concourse which serves pretty average fare at affordable prices. Options for meals include hot dogs ($3), hamburgers ($4.75, or $5.25 with cheese), veggie burgers ($4.75), and chicken tenders ($6). Buffalo sauce is available at a table next to the concession stand with the other condiments, so you can make your buffalo tenders if you want. Sides include French fries ($3.25), soft pretzels ($2.50), nachos ($3.50), chips ($1), candy ($1.75), and popcorn ($2.50). Cheese can be added to the fries and pretzels for 50 cents extra. Each Bucknell venue has its signature item, and Sojka is no exception. The Bison basket costs $6.75 and contains beer-battered French fries, bacon, scallions, ranch dressing, and hot sauce. Drinks include Powerade and bottled water for $2.25, coffee, tea, and hot chocolate for $2, and soda for $2.75-$3.25. Combos are also available to add to the already excellent value. Atmosphere 5 When you enter the arena, you will be in the lower lobby of the Langone Center. Depending on which entrance you use, you may have to head down a hallway to get to the lower lobby of Sojka itself. From there, you have to walk or take an elevator up to the concourse. All seats in Sojka Pavilion are chairbacks except for a few bleachers behind the baskets. Several scoreboards are scattered throughout the arena and each one is somewhat different. There is a center-hung scoreboard that also shows timeouts and team fouls and a smaller scoreboard in one corner which shows more basic information. There are also video boards in two corners that show player stats and rotating team stats, but oddly enough, not the score, plus another player stats board behind one basket. Bucknell has contests and promotions during almost every timeout, but the real atmosphere attraction here is the pep band. They play before and throughout the game and are among the very best at this level. Although they may be small in number, they are certainly mighty. The Bison also have cheerleaders and a costumed bison mascot named Bucky. Neighborhood 3 Lewisburg, Pennsylvania may be in the middle of nowhere, but that does not mean there is nothing to do here. Your best bet heading out of the arena is to head north into town on Route 15. Reba & Pancho’s on West Market Street is a local favorite, as is the 7th Street Café, which is exactly where you’d expect it to be. There are also more options just across the Susquehanna River in Milton. Fans 4 Bison fans show up in good numbers for their team, wear orange, and make noise. Although the team doesn’t always sell out the arena, they often come close. Fans are loud, passionate, and knowledgeable, and cheer their team throughout the game. That being said, they’re not afraid to get on their case when the team is doing poorly. As the Bison have been successful for many years, they have gained a larger and larger following among the locals. Access 1 The one major downside of Sojka Pavilion is access. Just getting to campus in the first place is a challenge, as it is far removed from the nearest major cities. Harrisburg is the nearest city of any decent size and is over an hour away. Scranton is two hours, and Philadelphia is two and a half. Unless you’re a local, you’re going to have to drive quite a way. Once you finally make it to campus, parking is a challenge. No signs or directions are telling you where to park, and while there are a few spaces close to the arena, most likely you’re going to have to park in a more distant lot. There are shuttles available, but unless one is ready and waiting, there’s no indication of that. The challenges don’t end there. The Langone Center has numerous entrances and it’s not readily apparent which one to use. Making matters worse, some of the entrances can be locked while others aren’t, meaning fans may have to walk around the building to find an open door. Depending on where you managed to make it, you might have to walk through the building to get to the lobby after you get in. One entrance is signed as the Event Entrance, but the sign isn’t visible until you get close, the door is sometimes locked, and other entrances will also put you directly in the Sojka lobby, assuming they’re open. It should not be nearly this complicated and confusing to make it to a basketball game, and while Bucknell can’t do anything about its remote location, the rest of the issues need to be fixed. Return on Investment 4 Tickets to a Bison basketball game are $15 for adults, $8 for children under 18, and $10 for seniors. Although this is on the high end for the Patriot League, this is also one of the nicest venues in the conference. Throw in the affordable concessions and free, if confusing parking and there is good value here. Extras 5 There are many extras here at Sojka Pavilion. The rafters are almost filled with banners honoring the Bison’s athletic success. There are murals and retired numbers displayed on the concourse. The breezeway to the lower lobby has a display honoring Bucknell's athletic greats of years past. One final star here for the outstanding pep band. Final Thoughts Sojka Pavilion is one of the top basketball venues in the Patriot League. Whether it’s the fans packing the building, the fantastic pep band, or all the displays honoring Bucknell athletics, this is an experience not to be missed for basketball fans in Pennsylvania. Unfortunately, getting to the arena can be a huge challenge for many reasons, some within the school’s control, some not, but once you’re here, you won’t regret it.

Photos by Lloyd Brown, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.43 Hyland Performance Arena 209 South Kingshighway St. Charles, MO 63301 Lindenwood Lions website Hyland Performance Arena website Year Opened: 1997 Capacity: 3,270 The Home of Lions Basketball Lindenwood University is a private university located in St. Charles, Missouri. It is the second oldest higher education institution west of the Missouri River, as it was founded in 1827. The university has an enrollment of 6,900 and offers degree programs in more than 80 areas of study. Lindenwood’s athletic teams are known as the Lions. The school has steadily progressed through various competition levels to Division I status in 2022. They began at the NAIA level (1999-2011), moved up to Division II level (2012-2021), then up to Division I status in 2022. The teams are not eligible for NCAA Championship tournaments until 2025. Lion athletic teams compete in the Ohio Valley Conference, which includes teams such as the University of Missouri-Little Rock, Eastern Illinois, Morehead State, Southeastern Missouri, Southern Illinois, Tennessee State, and Tennessee-Martin. The home of Lindenwood Lions basketball is the on-campus Hyland Performance Arena. It opened in 1997 and has a capacity of 3,270 seats, including 270 luxury seats. It is named for Robert Hyland, a former chairman of the board for Lindenwood University. The facility stays very busy throughout the year, as it also hosts women’s basketball, women’s gymnastics, men’s and women’s volleyball, men’s and women’s wrestling, and student intermural games. Food & Beverage 2 There is one concession stand servicing the arena. As a result, the lines are long throughout the game. Food offerings can only be described as meager, as they consist of popcorn, candy, and Pepsi brand sodas. Atmosphere 4 Hyland Performance Arena offers a very enjoyable experience in which to watch basketball. The seats are predominately bleacher seating and are very close to the court on three sides. The arena offers a striking graphics package, with a huge lion’s head at the center court and a gold and black color scheme along the side and end lines of the court. A large center-hung scoreboard provides the time, score, and statistical information on the game, while a videoboard is mounted on the wall at one end of the court. The walls along the concourse are decorated with the mascot logos for each of the member OVC institutions. Neighborhood 4 Lindenwood University and Hyland Performance Arena are in St. Charles, MO, a town of 65,000 located on the west bank of the Missouri River. It is located 24 miles west of St. Louis via I-70. St. Charles was one of the first settlements west of the Missouri River, as it was settled in 1769. It served as the starting point for the Lewis and Clark expeditions and was the home of Daniel Boone before he moved to Kentucky. As you can imagine, St. Charles has a large and active historic district, with many attractions. Among the attractions you will want to visit while you are in town are the Lewis and Clark Boathouse and Museum and the Frenchtown District. The Schlafly Bankside Brewpub is in the Historic District as well. It is designed to look like a pub of the 1700’s vintage. While in town, walk very carefully, as the streets are still constructed of the original cobblestones from the colonial era. Both the Fairfield Inn and the Comfort Inn offer reasonable rates and are close to both the Lindenwood campus and the St. Charles Historic District. MOD Pizza is across the street from Lindenwood University and offers a wide variety of pizzas and beers for your pre- or post-game enjoyment. The Show-Me Sports Bar and Grill on Veteran’s Memorial Parkway features a wall of TV’s tuned to a variety of games while you enjoy your meal and a beer. Fans 3 Lindenwood parents and students are very welcoming to visitors, as the school has a very strict code of conduct. They will be happy to answer any questions you might have once you arrive at the campus. Once the games get underway, the Lions fans show that even if they are new to Division I, they’re not newbies when showing their support for the team. The parents and the alums are very vocal, as are the students at the school. The student section (known as the Uproar section) is set behind one of the end lines and is sponsored by the Raising Cane restaurant. We think this name is very appropriate in describing what the students do throughout the game. Access 4 Getting to and from a Lindenwood basketball game is quite easy. The school is easily accessed from either I-70 or I-64, the two major interstates in the area. From I-70 (St. Louis area): Take I-70 W across the Blanchette Bridge over the Missouri River. Take exit 228 and turn right onto First Capitol Drive. Go ¾ mile to the intersection with Kingshighway. Turn left onto Kingshighway and enter the Lindenwood campus. Volunteers will direct you to the appropriate parking lot. From I-64 (Chesterfield, MO area): From Chesterfield take I-64 and travel west across the Daniel Boone Bridge over the Missouri River. Take exit 10 and turn right on Highway 94. Head north and cross over I-70. Highway 94 becomes First Capitol Drive. Proceed to the intersection with Kingshighway and turn left. This will bring you to the Lindenwood campus. Volunteers will direct you to the appropriate parking lot. Doors open 60 minutes before tipoff, leaving you plenty of time to get to your seats. Return on Investment 5 Going to a game at Hyland Performance Arena will not break your budget. All tickets are considered general admission seats. The tickets cost $5 a game. Season tickets to Lions games are an even better deal, as they cost $40, with seniors and students paying $20 for a season ticket. There is no charge for parking on the Lindenwood campus on gameday. Hotels in the St. Charles area typically charge $125/night. Extras 2 Hyland Performance Arena has hosted NCAA Division II Wrestling Super Regionals, political rallies, graduation ceremonies, and local youth sports tournaments. The Lindenwood Sports Hall of Fame is located adjacent to the basketball arena. Final Thoughts Lindenwood University is the newest member of the Ohio Valley Conference. Hyland Performance Arena is one of the nicer basketball facilities in the conference. The Lion’s lair is a welcome addition, as it provides a comfortable and well laid out place to enjoy a college basketball contest.

Photos by Courtesy of Eastern Illinois University Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.57 Lantz Arena 1900 4th St Charleston, IL 61920 Eastern Illinois Panthers website Lantz Arena website Year Opened: 1967 Capacity: 5,400 Lantz Arena Eastern Illinois University has developed quite a reputation for churning out high-quality NFL players and coaches. O’Brien Field has played home to Super Bowl-winning long-time, coaches Sean Payton and Mike Shanahan, and All-Pro quarterback Tony Romo. Next door is the Lantz Arena Complex, which serves as home to the EIU Athletic Department. Named after long-time coach and teacher Charles Lantz, the facility is home to Lantz Arena, Lantz Indoor Fieldhouse, and Ray Padovan Pool. The building also houses the Panther Athletic Academic Center, a student recreation center, and offices for coaching, staff, and instructors. Eastern’s men’s and women’s basketball teams, along with the volleyball squad, play in Lantz Arena. Completed in 1967, the venue has a capacity of 5,400. The Panthers are members of the Ohio Valley Conference. Food & Beverage 2 The concourse features only one concession stand, with the game day staples at affordable prices. Guests can try a hot dog, nachos, or a pretzel for $2.50. The most exotic food item on the menu is Bosco sticks (breadsticks filled with cheese and served with a dipping sauce), which sell for $3.50. Pepsi products are available for $2 and $3 depending on the size. One of the more popular items is slushies, served in a souvenir cup ($2.50). The south balcony features the Panther Patio, open to fans over 21 years old and sponsored by Buffalo Wild Wings. The patio includes seating behind a giant, blue curtain where you cannot see the game or a handful of tables where fans can eat and watch the game. Atmosphere 3 The lower level of Lantz Arena has eight rows of blue plastic bleachers across the court from the benches and scorer’s table. These bleachers hold the subdued “Blue Crew” cheering section and a very lively pep band. The band does quite a bit to entertain the fans and cheer on the home team. The lower level also features chair back seats directly behind the benches and scorer’s table. These seats are mostly reserved for donors. Most of the crowd sits in the balcony on blue plastic bleachers. Balcony seating is general admission and above a walkway that wraps around the court. The seats are comfortable and provide a good viewpoint. The north end of the balcony features wooden bleacher seating, exceptionally often hidden behind a big gray curtain. The end zone seating is only used in exceptional circumstances for large crowds. One of the best things about attending an EIU game is the number of contests held by the sports marketing team. There are several different shooting games including participation by students and fans. The cheerleaders even throw out samples of Jimmy John’s sandwiches. Neighborhood 3 Lantz Arena, along with the rest of the Eastern Illinois athletic facilities, is located on the west side of campus between 4th Street and Grant Avenue. The building is just a couple blocks away from Charleston’s main road, Lincoln Avenue. The closest watering hole is Marty’s, just across 4th Street from Lantz Arena. Marty’s might be more of the college scene than you want if you are not a former student looking to relive your glory days. The bar is named after Eastern Illinois alum, and former MLB pitcher, Marty Pattin. Dirty’s Bar and Grill is right off of Lincoln Avenue and features an extensive food and drink menu. Dirty’s promotes its six homemade sauces (Buffalo, Apple Q, Kansas City Style Q, Yum Yum, Sweet Chili, and Honey Mustard) and its 20 specialty martinis. An order of ten chicken wings (tossed in one of the homemade sauces) is $8 and the specialty martinis start at $6. If you are in a hurry and need something fast and reliable, why not get a sandwich in the town where the Jimmy John’s sandwich chain started in 1983? The Charleston store is no longer in the original building, but the sign identifies the location as “Store #00001.” Make sure you take the time to walk through the small, but pretty campus before the game. The highlight is the Old Main Building, a castle-like structure dedicated in 1899. In front, you’ll also find a flagpole, and memorials dedicated to veterans and Eastern Illinois students who fought and died in World War I, World War II, the Korean War, and the Vietnam War. If I’m in Charleston, though, I’d consider heading a few miles out of the way to nearby Mattoon, Illinois, and visiting Burger King. Mattoon Burger King is not related to the fast food chain and has been in operation since 1957. The family-owned restaurant features a variety of sandwiches and ice cream treats but is best known for its burgers. A double cheeseburger, small fries, and an extra-large drink costs less than $7 and are delicious. Fans 2 The student section on the lower level seems to be at the game because they have nothing else to do. The team fills up, but most of the cheering is done by the band one section over. Groups of students sitting among the fans area on the balcony are more into the game than the Blue Crew. Access 3 Parking is free, with plenty of spots in a lot right next to the building. The lot is used by students and faculty during the week before 5 PM, but basketball fans are free to use the lot for weeknight and weekend games. Patrons enter Lantz Arena on the balcony level and use stairs to reach the lower-level seats. Restrooms are not the most spacious, but can more than handle the crowds at Panther games. The facilities are clean and well-kept. Return on Investment 3 All seats on the balcony are a steal at only $7. Chairback seating on the floor is $12. You will have a clearer, unobstructed view in the cheaper seats. The factor is that in with free parking and affordable concessions and you have an inexpensive night out. This is an especially good deal when Ohio Valley Conference heavyweights Murray State or Belmont are in Charleston. Extras 2 Before finding a seat in Lantz Arena, it is highly recommended to walk through the Baker/Warmoth Hall of Champions. Located in the lobby of the Lantz Arena Complex, the history of EIU sports come alive through interactive displays and displayed jerseys. While the displays cover the football greats mentioned above, they also touch on long-time professionals like Kevin Duckworth (NBA) and Kevin Seitzer (MLB). Inside Lantz Arena, banners hang from the rafters honoring players who have had their jerseys retired and members of the school’s all-century team. Banners are also displayed for conference championships and NCAA Tournament appearances, most recently in 2001. Final Thoughts Eastern Illinois University’s pride in its athletic accomplishments is evident as you walk into the Lantz Arena Complex. Once you are in the arena, you will find a comfortable venue for college basketball.

Photos by Marc Viquez, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.29 Jones Convocation Center 9501 S King Dr Chicago, IL 60628 Chicago State Cougars basketball Jones Convocation Center website Year Opened: 2007 Capacity: 7,000 The Jones Convention Center is the Cougar Den The Emil and Patricia Jones Convocation Center is a 7,000-seat multi-purpose arena home to the Chicago State University Cougars basketball program. The $47 million used to construct the venue was allocated from the State of Illinois treasury by then-Senate President Emil Jones. It is an impressive facility that stands proudly on campus adjacent to its baseball field. The Cougars men’s program has the distinction of being the easternmost team in the Western Athletic Conference. The school joined the program in 2013 and its closest rival school is UM Kansas City followed by UT Rio Grande Valley. Before moving to NCAA Division I the program operated in the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics. The Cougars won the Great West Conference Tournament championship in 2013 to earn an automatic bid to the CollegeInsider.com Tournament. The team had also appeared in three NAIA Tournaments placing third in 1984. Before the JCC was built the Cougars played at the 2,500-seat Dickens Athletic Center that was built in 1971. The basketball program began in 1966 when the school was still called Chicago Teachers College before adopting its name the following year. Food & Beverage 2 The food and beverage consists of one concession stand serving nachos, hot dogs, and chips. The food looks as if it was prepared off-site and brought in by aluminum serving plates. There are more concession areas but they were closed during the game. However, the facility has a piece of paper with beverage options that include Bud, Miller, and Coors products for $5 along with spirits: Hennessey, Malibu, Bacardi, and Courvoisier for $8-$9. Atmosphere 2 It’s hard to generate much of an atmosphere in a 7,000-capacity facility with well under 150 people watching the game. It’s a beautiful facility with great seating dimensions and plenty of room to move around that one could only wonder, when full, what that may be like. However, it appears that many games at home offer a similar feeling as was the case for this afternoon’s contest. Many other teams play under similar conditions–I was at one last month–but with enough time to ponder around the nearly soulless arena, there are many key elements to a great college basketball game that are missing. There is no presence of a band, a team mascot, or a dance or cheer squad anywhere in sight. A student section, which could add a lot of noise all by itself, is also missing from the contest. Several banners are hanging from the rafters that add a nice touch and its video board hanging from above center court is first-rate. The building itself, from its interior, is impressive but several of its doors were locked making several attempts to get inside the main lobby. The lobby is spacious and features a curved ramp leading to the gym's upper levels. What you will get at a game like this is the option to sit wherever you like and be as close as possible to the action on the court. You’ll hear all the players, the squeaks of their sneakers, the bounce of the ball against the court, and the chairs from the bench. Also, the fans that are in the stands make you appreciate how hard they cheer and desire their home club to win. Neighborhood 2 The campus is at Roseland University. There are many restaurants within a few blocks of the university and including The Caribbean Jerk Palace, The Crazy Crab, Jack’s Famous Chicken and Subs, and Ware Ranch Steak House. Argus Brewery is nearby and offers tours on Saturdays including all you can drink while you venture around its impressive brewery and building. Another brewery is about 5 miles from campus called Horse Thief Hollow. Downtown is about a 20-minute drive or 45-minute ride on the Red Line presenting access to Millenium Park, the Magnificent Mile, the Theater District, and other spots in the area. Fans 3 The die-hards at the game cheer every basket and every defensive stop possible during the contest. They show unbridled passion unmatched because they are here for the primary purpose of supporting the players in hoping that the Cougars can find a way to win. There is nothing more but the game itself leading them to today’s contest. Access 3 The campus is right off I-57 but one has to exit before getting to the campus and driving through the neighborhood that features road conditions that can use repairs. The same could be said once you enter the campus but once inside one should have no trouble finding their seat, bathrooms, and the one concession stand. Return on Investment 2 Floor seats for all home games are $20, general admission prices are $10, and senior citizen tickets are $5. The parking is free and there is plenty around the building but when games are attended by just a few fans Chicago State Cougars game is merely for the die-hard college basketball fan. Extras 2 The gymnasium itself is very beautiful and impressive for the college. It’s a perfect venue if the team could ever attract 5,000 fans to the game and maybe one day they will and we’ll look back at these times as the early pioneering days of Chicago State basketball. Any building that can supply banners hanging from the rafters earns a point for me and this arena has a few of them to add a nice touch to the proceedings. Final Thoughts The Jones Convention Center – it’s a beautiful building and could be a wonderful place for basketball once the college program develops a fan base and a following throughout the area. Those days are not there yet and attending a game is merely for the true basketball fan. In a city where there are plenty of other sporting event options, including college basketball, the Jones Convention Center may not make the top of your list. ----- Follow all of Marc’s stadium journeys on Twitter @ballparkhunter and his YouTube channel . Email at Marc.Viquez@stadiumjourney.com

Photo Marc Viquez, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.43 Credit Union 1 Arena 525 S Racine St Chicago, IL 60607 UIC Flames website Credit Union 1 Arena website Year Opened: 1982 Capacity: 8,000 Sparking A Flame in Chicago The UIC Flames are members of the Missouri Valley Conference and play their home games at the Credit Union 1 Arena. The building opened on campus in 1982 as the UIC Pavillion but changed names in 2018 after a $9.3 million naming agreement of 15 years. It is a multi-purpose venue with lower and upper bowl seating, but only the lower level is open for Flames games. The horseshoe-shaped concourse does not allow fans to walk around the entire arena, but it does offer a majority of unrestricted views of the court from the lone concourse. The building features a distinct halo-shaped ribbon board that displays the score and a video screen at the open stage end of the building for player stats and other information. There are also ribbon boards above the lower seating bowl. This venue has been home to the team for over 40 years, and it has hosted the NCAA Tournament three times in 1998, 2002, and 2004. The school's best years were when the late Jimmy Collins guided the Flames to 9 winning seasons between 1996-2010. Food & Beverage 3 There is one concession stand open called the Racine Street Grill. The food offerings include hot dogs, fries, hamburgers and cheeseburgers, pizza, nachos, pretzels, and popcorn. Ice cream and cotton candy are available for the sweet tooth, and Pepsi products are sold in 24 and 32-oz sizes. In a separate beer kiosk, Goose Island 312 is available in 20 oz cans. The hot dogs appear to be boiled but are quite large. The Prices range from $5 to $7 for food options, while beer prices fetch up to $12 apiece. There is not a lot of variety, but more than enough to satisfy a craving during a game. Atmosphere 3 The Flames do a nice job providing a collegiate atmosphere for its fans. It includes a court area dressed up nicely with school imagery, Chicago city images, and player introductions surrounded by sparklers. Cheerleaders and a dance team entertain fans during breaks in the action, along with a small band behind the net. Sparky is the team’s mascot, and he is very entertaining, shaking hands with fans and doing backflips on the center court with the cheer team. Fans are provided comfort with movie-style recliner seats at one end, along with three rows of court-side seating. The Impact Courtside Club, located in the open area courtside, provides fans with catered food, a bar, comfortable cushioned seating, and flat-screen televisions. This area also features retired jersey numbers and past championship banners. Neighborhood 4 Little Italy is only half a mile from the campus but not within walking distance of the arena. However, they are worth visiting before or after the game for a meal. They include Tuscany on Taylor’s, The Rosebud’s, and Conte Di Savio deli and Italian market. The Haymarket Pub & Brewery is on the other side of I-290 and offers pub favorites, a wide variety of craft beers, pizza, and regional favorites. There are a couple of small, local favorites south of the arena: Al’s #1 Beef for Italian beef sandwiches and Jim’s Original, which is home to a Maxwell Street Polish with grilled onions. Busy Burger is a trendy spot for burgers and sandwiches. Fans 3 UIC Flames games don't sell out, and fan interaction depends on the score of the game. If it is a blowout, there is not much noise, but if it's back and forth (especially against an in-state rival or cross-city foe), there’ll be plenty of chatter. The game we attended saw the Flames build a 14-point lead and be in full control until midway through the second half. This is when Illinois State mounted a comeback to cut the deficit to 4 points. The result was the ISU fans making more noise, but it quickly shifted to the UIC crowd once the Flames pulled away. Access 5 The Credit Union 1 Arena is near the intersection of I-90 and I-290. The parking deck is adjacent and an east walk to the entrance. Inside the building, the concourse offers fans access to the seating bowl, concession stands, bathrooms, and the main lobby. The arena is on campus and accessible by CTA buses, rapid transit trains, and the Dan Ryan Expressway. The Union and Northwestern commuter train stations are also nearby. Return on Investment 3 The price of tickets is $15 per game, and parking is $5. However, concession prices are a bit high for the MVC, but that is no fault of the university. A beer is $12, and a hot dog is $5, perhaps a tad high for a Flames game, but perhaps prices are established for all events held at the former UIC Pavillion. Extras 3 Sparky is the official mascot and is active, social, friendly, and energetic. There is an open view of the court from the concourse, so fans won't miss any of the action. For an event in Chicago, the parking garage costs $5, an amazing deal. Final Thoughts There are many options for college basketball in Chicago. A UIC Flames game at Credit Union 1 Arena is an affordable experience and offers enough amusement. It is worth a visit when in town. --- Follow all of Marc’s stadium journeys on Twitter @ballparkhunter and his YouTube channel . Email at Marc.Viquez@stadiumjourney.com

Photos by Marc Viquez Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.29 Banterra Center Highway 51 South Carbondale, IL 62901 Southern Illinois Salukis website Banterra Center website Year Opened: 1964 Capacity: 9,628 With the New at SIU In Carbondale, Illinois, what is old is new again. SIU Arena, which originally opened in 1964, has a new lease on life. In 2010, Southern Illinois University completed a $29.9 million renovation that included new seating throughout the lower and upper areas, improved accessibility and entrances to meet Americans with Disabilities Act requirements, middle handrails at all aisles, improved concessions, additional restrooms and fan amenities on the upper level, a new scoreboard and other aesthetic and functional improvements. The biggest improvement to the 8,339-seat facility is the newly constructed atrium on the east side of the facility. Inside the atrium, which is now the main entrance to SIU Arena, fans can visit the SIU Team Store, take a stroll down memory lane with the SIU Hall of Fame, or sit back and watch the children play with the inflatable basketball goals. Once inside the main walkway of the arena, fans are treated to painted murals of famous moments in SIU Basketball history. Inside the bowl area, all seats are either newly furnished chair backs or newly installed bleachers that are made with a soft feel and strong support behind your back. Note: After 55 years, the venue known as SIU Arena changed its name to Banterra Center in May 2019. Food & Beverage 3 The food and beverage at the concession stands are on par with what you will find at just about every other arena in college basketball. Both the prices and items struck me as basic and average. If you do buy something at the concession stand, make sure you pay $4.50 for a beverage that comes with a Salukis souvenir cup. The cup is made of high-quality materials and makes for a good keepsake to remember SIU Arena. If you walk around the main level, there is one stand you must check out. That stand is the “Just Nuts” stand. The smell and aroma of these sweetened nuts can be sensed throughout the entire arena. This stand makes SIU Arena unique in the MVC Food & Beverage category. Atmosphere 5 The atmosphere is phenomenal inside SIU Arena. The Salukis did a good job of renovating SIU Arena so that the vast majority of the facility displayed the team’s color- maroon. The Salukis also did a great job turning an arena that is now almost 50 years old into an arena that is easily one of the best in the Missouri Valley Conference. One thing that stuck out to me was the banners displayed on the inside of the arena. Behind one corner was a “Salukis In The NBA” banner that showed all of the SIU players that have gone on to the NBA, while another corner had a “Salukis In The Sweet 16” banner that showed the years that SIU made it to the NCAA Sweet Sixteen. The main thing that you should take away from SIU Arena is that old and new can work in harmony together. SIU needed an arena that brought them into the 21st century of college basketball arenas. At the same time, they needed to retain the history, nostalgia, and memories of SIU Arena. What they came up with was a renovated SIU Arena that is no doubt a must-see! Neighborhood 4 Although it’s in a state of transition, the neighborhood around SIU Arena is already displaying great potential. A few years ago, SIU unveiled a plan called “Saluki Way,” which called for the construction of a new football stadium (completed), construction of new classroom buildings, and construction of new dormitories to be completed in 3 Phases. Already, the area south of SIU Arena is beginning to show how nice the surrounding area will be once completed. Just south of SIU Arena, you will find a small waterfall and creek, a statue of a Saluki, and maroon-painted bricks to reinforce the SIU image. If you’re looking for food and retail, you’ll have to go north and past campus for these amenities. I highly recommend going down Southern Illinois Avenue if you are searching for food. Although there wasn’t one restaurant that stuck out to me, I did notice a variety of affordable and unique Italian, Mexican, Chinese, and American restaurants. As far as retail goes, make sure you visit University Mall, which is on State Road 13 between Carbondale and Interstate 57. Anything you want, University Mall has it. Fans 4 I was impressed at how passionate the fans of SIU were, given that their team is currently struggling in the MVC. If no one gave you any background information before the game, you would think that the Salukis were battling for a Final Four spot. With the 2010 renovations, SIU Arena does a good job of keeping the crowd noise loud, the stands at near capacity, and the focus on the court. When you walk around the SIU arena, you quickly realize that SIU Basketball isn’t just a game, it’s a way of life in Carbondale. Access 5 At first, the parking arrangement confused me as all lots on the north and west sides of the arena were for those with parking passes. But if you travel to the south side of the arena, which can be easily reached by State Road 51/ Southern Illinois Avenue, you will find both a parking lot for those with passes as well as a bigger parking lot for those who don’t have a pass. Most importantly, the lot is free. How many other arenas have a free parking lot next to them? Something that made my day was the event security police. As I drove around the arena, the police who were directing traffic quickly realized that I was lost and from out of town. They went out of their way to make sure that I found the free parking lot on the south side of SIU Arena. They also did a great job of dividing traffic up between those who had a pass and those who didn’t. It’s always good to be helped by arena staff both inside the venue as well as outside in the parking lot! Return on Investment 5 Not only were tickets an affordable $15, but they also come with a comfy seat. Whether you are sitting in the cushioned chair backs, which account for the vast majority of seating, or the newly enhanced bleachers, you will be sitting in comfort during the entire game. Another great thing about SIU Arena is that it also serves as a great history lesson for SIU Basketball. All one has to do is visit the SIU Hall of Fame, walk around the main level of the arena, or take a look around at the banners, and they will instantly be thrust into the glory of SIU basketball. Extras 4 I give SIU one point for the renovations they have done to SIU Arena. As someone who values arena history and modern amenities at the same time, it means a lot to me for SIU to preserve its deep basketball history inside of this arena. I give SIU one point for their banners of past Saluki greats. The banner that stuck out to me most was that of NBA legend Walt Frazier. I get goosebumps just looking at it inside the nostalgic SIU Arena. I give SIU one point for developing a comprehensive master plan around SIU Arena. Although I’m not a fan of McAndrew Stadium being demolished, I am impressed with the new Saluki Stadium, the new atrium attached to SIU Arena, and the ease and walkability of the campus around SIU Arena. I give SIU one point for the look and design that they have created at SIU Arena. No matter what part of the arena you are in, you will always be surrounded by the team’s maroon color and legendary photos of former and current SIU players. SIU Arena is just one of those places you have to see for yourself how great of an environment it is.

Photos by Marc Viquez, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.29 Worthen Arena 1699 W Bethel Ave Muncie, IN 47306 Ball State Cardinals website Worthen Arena website Year Opened: 1991 Capacity: 11,500 Worthy of an Experience at Worthen Arena In the heart of campus at Ball State University is the John E. Worthen Arena, the home to Cardinal basketball and volleyball since 1992. The arena dominates the landscape featuring an octagonal-shaped structure that has a capacity of 11,500. Its size is the perfect venue for commencement ceremonies, trade shows, concerts, and other special events. The Cardinals basketball program began the year the school was founded in 1920, and they have been members of the Mid-American Conference (MAC) since the 1971/72 season. They won six conference championships in basketball during that time. The Cards have also made six NCAA Tournament appearances, losing to the eventual tournament champions UNLV 69-67 in the Sweet 16. The arena received an upgraded court, new scoreboards in the corners of the court, and a new Daktronics six-panel video board installed above the center court. Before the opening of the Worthen Arena, the Cards called the 6,600-seat capacity Irving Gymnasium home. Food & Beverage 4 The food and beverages have improved at Worthen Arena. There is plenty of options to choose from that are all served by A-Team Concessions. Fans can choose from bratwurst, pretzels, chicken sandwiches, hot dogs, nachos, and bbq pork sandwiches. There is also Chick-fil-A and Papa John's available at the concession stands. If you have a sweet tooth the Dippin' Dots kiosk has quite a variety and cotton candy and elephant ears are available for purchase. There is also a selection of candy and Pepsi products. Two beer kiosks have Bud, Coors, and Miller Lite, along with locally brewed varieties from Guardian Brewing Company, that are worth checking out after the game. Atmosphere 3 Worthen Arena is somewhat of a mixed bag in terms of the atmosphere; this may be because it was built right before sports stadiums started to focus on aesthetics and fan comfort. The 11,500-seat venue offers plenty of comfortable red theater-style seats, but the last ten rows are of the metal bleacher variety and are somewhat of an eye-sore. Seats in the corners are angled toward the court, providing a good view no matter where you sit in Worthen Arena. Cheerleaders and the Code Red Dance team get the crowd excited with energetic performances during breaks in the action and at the beginning of the game. The large group is quite impressive and drowns out the student section that seemed to be absent the night of our visit. Adding to the festivities is Charlie the Cardinal, the school’s official mascot who greets fans at their seat launches shirts from a cannon, and cheers along with the band The vaulted ceiling offers a myriad of banners from all three sports teams that utilize the arena, along with a couple of retired basketball jerseys. Graphic lettering and school sports are featured on larger banners on the top walls of the seating bowl to break up the rather gray and red tone in the interior of the building. The main concourse features a small play area for younger fans that includes paint facing, balloon animals, and inflatable rides, Also, a small kiosk is set up that offers university-themed merchandise and schedule posters. Neighborhood 3 Worthen Arena is located on the main campus and a few miles away from the village area of town. The area can become somewhat congested at times with mall shoppers, but there are a few ideal locations to seek out before or after the game. There are plenty of options for beer, pub food, and the college atmosphere during your visit. Amazing Joe’s offers giant tenderloins and steak dishes, and Savage’s Ale House is your typical brewpub that features juicy burgers, chicken wings, and a bevy of fried appetizers – try the aloha burger. Downtown Muncie features Heorot Pub and Draught House, and the Fickle Peach. Elm Street Brewing Company and The Guardian Brewing Company are two local spots for craft beer. If you are interested in more basketball, the Muncie Fieldhouse is one of the state's oldest and most historic venues for high school hoops. The home of the Muncie Central Bearcats was constructed in 1928 and is home to eight state championships and an impressive historical room. Fans 3 Crowds for Cardinals basketball games are around 3,000 per game, but the fans who are in attendance do an admirable job cheering for their team on the court. The student section appeared barren during our visit, something that was surprising since it was the last home game of the season. Access 4 Worthen Arena is located on campus, just a few blocks south of SR-332, the main drag that brings motorists off of I-69 from Indianapolis and Ft. Wayne. Fans enter the building at floor level and take the stairs to the main concourse and seating bowl. There is a main outer concourse that wraps around the seating bowl and provides access to concession stands, bathrooms, exits, entrances, and the stadium club room. Large exposed piping and windows add a touch of character. The seating bowl does not offer a wraparound concourse, but once the game is over, fans can exit either from the main concourse or at floor level. Return on Investment 3 The price of a ticket to a Ball State game is quite affordable on the wallet or pocketbook. The lowest cost ticket is $10 while the highest priced ticket is $20. There are certain games when prices for upper deck seating are just $5 and parking is free for all games. Concession prices are reasonable with food products costing between $4 and $6, while beer sells for $7 and $8. There is a souvenir stand with shirts, caps, and hoodies for fair pricing as well. The Cards offer a $16 ticket that includes two 20-ounce beers from Guardian Brewing Company. Extras 3 The Ball State cheer and dance team are both energetic and provide a good old-fashion college atmosphere during breaks in the action or when the crowd needs to be fired up. During certain breaks, the group throws out t-shirts to fans and waves flags around the court. The updated video scoreboard above the center court is a nice addition to the arena and provides stats, replays, information, and player profiles. Final Thoughts The Worthen Arena does not stand out like quite a few other college venues in Indiana, but it is rather easily accessible, affordable, and a great canvas for MAC basketball. Muncie is certainly close enough to the state’s major cities of Indianapolis and Ft. Wayne that making a trip is quite easy during the basketball season. —— Follow all of Marc’s stadium journeys on Twitter @ballparkhunter and his YouTube channel .

Photos by Marc Viquez, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.43 Jadwin Gymnasium 800 Faculty Rd. Princeton, NJ 08542 Princeton Tigers website Jadwin Gymnasium website Year Opened: 1969 Capacity: 6,854 Jadwin is an Ivy League Gem The L. Stockwell Jadwin Gymnasium is a multipurpose athletic facility that has a combined floor space of approximately 250,000 square feet with seating for 6,854 spectators for various indoor athletics that include men’s and women’s basketball, track and field, fencing, wrestling, and squash. The venue is also large enough to house an indoor baseball diamond that is utilized during the truculent New Jersey spring weather. Opened in 1969, it is the second largest on-campus basketball arena in the state of New Jersey featuring an aesthetically pleasing roof consisting of three interlocking shells designed by prize-winning American architect and Princeton alumnus Walker O. Cain, who also designed the Smithsonian Institution’s Museum of History and Technology in Washington, D.C. The eye-popping design of the structure is adjacent to both the home for football, Princeton Stadium, and baseball diamond, Clarke Field. It is a memorial to Leander Stockwell Jadwin who captained the track team during his senior year and passed away in an automobile accident eight months after graduation. Four decades later after his mother died, she left the university an unrestricted bequest of $27 million, the trustees decided to use part of the funds to complete the $6.5 million athletic building under Jadwin’s name. Food & Beverage 3 There is one main concession booth underneath the roof in the main lobby. The concession stand offers the basics in food choices including hot dogs, cheeseburgers, popcorn, nachos, and chicken sandwiches. If you have sweet tooth there are assorted candies, cotton candy, and Italian ice varieties. Coca-Cola products are served by the fountain in three sizes. The selection is similar to many other college hoop venues in the area. Atmosphere 4 The design of the gymnasium definitely strikes the fancy and captures the imagination of many who enter the main playing court. The roof is made up of three interlocking shells that create an arch around the building, but also adds a lot of vast space beyond the basic set of movable bleacher stands. The bleachers look as if they would fit adequately in your standard middle school gymnasium and are situated around three sections of the court; permanent orange theater style seating is slightly above the fourth section in the upper concourse. This section sustains a Broadway-like quality of viewing for the fan and, on a smaller scale, similar to the seating structure to Assembly Hall on the campus of Indiana University. What the arena offers is a very up close and personal relationship between fans and athletes. Fans can easily stroll up near the end courts where camera crews set up shop or directly behind both home and away benches. It is an experience that is somewhat unusual in Division I college hoops that also includes players heading to the locker room at a handshake distance. Up above the playing court is a basic scoreboard that is enveloped by glorious orange colored banners that showcase the program’s rich history, including a Final Four Appearance (1965), an NIT Championship (1975), 24 tournament appearances, and 26 Ivy League Championships. There are also two banners for two prominent members of the program – Bill Bradley’s retired number and one for Pete Carril who coached the Tigers for 31 seasons and whose name also dons the playing court. Jadwin has two primary levels beneath the roof formed by the three interlocking shells. The first shell covers the entrance lobby featuring the concession stand, ticket booth, restrooms, and a rather impressive collection of memorabilia including Dick Kazmaier Heisman Trophy. A makeshift souvenir stand is also located in the lobby next to the bronze tiger that was donated by the Class of 1943. The outside exterior resembles a concert hall with a tall, narrow glass entrance welcoming fans indoors. Neighborhood 5 Perhaps the best part of attending any Princeton collegiate game is the campus and neighborhood. The population of the area exceeds 30,000 and offers a mix of suburban sprawl and voluminous open space; this area of the state seems miles away from New York City and Philadelphia. The fourth oldest university in the country offers historic buildings, open gardens, beautiful walkways, and spacious grounds throughout the 500-acre campus. It is easily accessible by bike, car, or walking. The downtown section of Princeton is worth an endeavor before or after the game; shops, bars, and restaurants along Palmer Square provide visitors numerous opportunities to enjoy the ambiance of the city. The Alchemist & Barrister offers 28 beers on tap and is located in a historic building that dates back to the 19th century. There are open air and sidewalk seating where one can enjoy a drink or something to eat. If you are looking for just a quick bite, Hoagie Heaven is noted as one of the state’s best places for a sub sandwich. The Sanchez, a chicken cutlet with cheese, mozzarella sticks, fries, and Sanchez sauce is a local favorite. The Infini-T Cafe is a small, quaint little restaurant offering vegan options for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. There are plenty of lodging options in town and the surrounding area. The Westin, Courtyard, Residence Inn, Homewood Suites and Hampton Inn are just a few of the hotels a visitor will find when staying in the vicinity. Fans 3 The men’s basketball program ranks above the league average of attendance drawing close to 2,000 spectators per game. The fans are focused throughout the contest and don the colors of orange and black. These are not uproarious fans, but rather refined and confident that their Tigers will take care of business on the court. The Jadwin Jungle is the official student section located near the scorer’s table. Access 3 It is not difficult to get around Jadwin Gymnasium. The facility is sectioned off into upper and lower balcony sections that are labeled and well spaced out for patrons. Bathrooms are clearly labeled and the concession stand and fan shop are adjacent to one another in the main lobby. The only problem with access is traveling to the game from the two main routes of US-1 and Route 27 into Princeton. The traffic could be heavy depending on the time of day and signs to the gymnasium are not clearly marked. However, a basic GPS will correct that in an instant. There is plenty of parking, but at times could fill up depending on the matchup. It should be also noted that the campus is an equal distance in miles between Philadelphia and New York City, but much more direct and faster from Philadelphia including no tolls for roads or bridges. If you happen to be visiting these two cities, you may ponder a fantastic day drive to Princeton. Return on Investment 3 All adult tickets for the game are $12, and kids tickets are $8, making an extremely affordable night of college sports in the prominent town of Princeton. However, one should bring cash, since they do not accept credit cards at the ticket booth. Also, having to sit in what amounts to be roll-out middle school wooden bleachers feels a little uncomfortable when you are squeezed in during heavily attended games. Fortunately, the upper balcony seats are comfortable and posh to enjoy the game. Parking is free for all games. Extras 3 The history of Princeton athletics is vibrant in and out of the gymnasium. Two lifelike bronze statues of its two most prominent athletes Bill Bradley and Dick Kazmaier greet fans near the entrance of the building. There is also Kazmaier’s Heisman trophy encased in the lobby along with a bronze Tiger statue, retired numbers, trophy cases, and other memorabilia on display. The facility design is somewhat spectacular and perhaps unexpected on the campus of Princeton University. It definitely makes for great acoustics and clear sightlines from the seats. It is also vibrant with an abundance of lighting arching up and down the curvy shelled roof. Final Thoughts Jadwin Gymnasium is a hidden treasure to discover among the basketball venues on the campuses of New Jersey. The second largest on-campus facility has an affection that should be applauded and relished by both students, fans, and alumni living in the area. I don’t have to witness a collegiate game in Princeton to enjoy the town and campus, but attending a game at the Jadwin Gymnasium complements any visit to the town of Princeton.

Photos by Marc Viquez, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.86 Allen County War Memorial Coliseum 4000 Parnell Ave Fort Wayne, IN 46805 Purdue Fort Wayne Mastodons website Allen County War Memorial Coliseum website Year Opened: 1952 Capacity: 10,500 College Basketball at the Memorial Coliseum Purdue Fort Wayne began its men’s basketball program during the 1973 -74 season and was known as Indiana University – Purdue University (IPFW) up until the 2017-2018 academic school year. The Mastodons compete in the Summit League and split its home games at the Hilliard Gates Sports Center on campus and in the much larger Allen County War Memorial Coliseum about half a mile away. The Dons made their only NCAA tournament appearance in 1993 at the Division II level but capture the Summit League regular-season title in 2016. Later that year a capacity crowd watched the team defeat Indiana University at the Coliseum in overtime. It was the school’s first victory over an AP Top 25-ranked program in history. PFW has also qualified for the CIT four times since 2014 and has posted six straight winning seasons as of this writing. The Mastodons play 10 out of its 15 home games at the Memorial Coliseum and the building is no stranger to hoops being home of the Ft. Wayne Pistons from 1952 and 1957 and also hosting Ft. Wayne Mad Ants games in the NBA G League since 2007. The Ft. Wayne Fury of the Continental Basketball Association called the Coliseum home from 1991-2001. Food & Beverage 3 Many of the Coliseum’s concession stands are closed and only two areas that serve food are open. They offer a nice variety of menu items consisting of hot dogs, burgers, nachos, and giant tenderloin sandwiches. It’s more than enough for the typical crowd at basketball games and fans can also enjoy watching the team play while drinking a frosty beer. Atmosphere 2 The facility is blocked off with giant black curtains that limit the seating during basketball games. This creates a nice intimate vibe in the building with crowds usually hovering around the 1,000 mark for games played off-campus. A similar setup is used for Mad Ants games and the curtains also hide the disassembled hockey rink structure. The Mastodons feature a band that plays at one end of the court and a few shouts and jabs at the opposing players can be heard due to the size and small crowd in the building. The team’s mascot makes his way around the court and stands to greet fans and poses for pictures. However, fans can get close to the action on the court and can hear everything echo from the squeak of the players’ shoes, the bounce of the ball, and the emotion from players on the bench rising from their seats after a three-point or hard-fought shot is made. The atmosphere is at its best against Summit League rivals South Dakota State. Neighborhood 4 The Coliseum is located near an abundance of chain restaurants, retail outlets, and berries lodging options. There is almost everything you could want within a couple of miles from the building including coney dogs, barbecue, craft beer, and Tim Horton’s coffee. Mister Coney has been a mainstay for over 50 years and offers their take on the coney dog that is a bit meatier in texture than what you would find downtown. Mission BBQ is a Maryland-based chain that provides an array of smoked meats and 8 varieties of barbecue with portions of their proceeds going back to first responders. 2Toms Brewing Company brews a nice range of beer and offers a laid-back atmosphere perfect for games of all ages. Glenbrooke Square Mall is one of the largest in the area and is surrounded by familiar chain restaurants and shops. Tim Horton’s has a location here featuring its coffee that is widely consumed up north in Canada. There is also the practice rink for the Ft. Wayne Komets and if you happen to be in town for a doubleheader between hockey and a basketball game, you should be able to find enough to keep you busy in between games at the Coliseum. Fans 2 The Mastodons average crowds of a little over 1,000 per game and the ones in their seats do a nice job of cheering on their team on the court. However, the Dons could use a few more faithful in the building for home games. Access 4 The seating arrangement on the court is among the best pricing options for pro or college basketball in the state. There is also the opportunity to watch college basketball up close and personal where you can hear everything take place from the players to the coaching staff. The Coliseum has gone through multiple renovations this century that has modernized it for greater access for all guests and patrons. These new features include escalators and elevators and provide access for fans to multiple areas of the arena. There is parking for 5,000 cars in the lot and it’s only a 1.5-half-mile drive from the I-69 exit or a 4-mile drive to downtown Ft. Wayne. Return on Investment 3 A cost of a ticket for all PFW games is $23 in the 200 level of the building. The price to park your car is $6 per vehicle and concession prices are reasonable. The $23 price tag is not a bad deal to watch college basketball but would be enhanced with a better game day atmosphere, Extras 2 The team has an impressive-looking Mastodon mascot that parades around and greets fans during the game. He does not look like one character you want to mess with. The school band also does a good share of ribbing against the opposing players with a little humor and passion throughout the game. Final Thoughts Although there is much to like about the basketball being played at the Coliseum the overall experience suffers from the size of the building and the small number of fans in the stands. In a state where capacity crowds are the norm at Butler, Purdue, and Indiana, Purdue Ft. Wayne hopes to include itself among these prominent programs.

Photo Courtesy of Purdue Ft Wayne University Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.00 Hilliard Gates Sports Center 2101 E Coliseum Blvd Fort Wayne, IN 46805 Purdue Fort Wayne Mastodons website Hilliard Gates Sports Center website Year Opened: 1981 Capacity: 2,300 Back to Campus The Purdue Ft. Wayne men’s basketball team began the 2013-2014 season at the Hilliard Gates Sports Center after several years a few miles down the road at Allen County Memorial Coliseum . The return of the team back to campus signals a new direction for the basketball program as the team has traded a massive venue for a more intimate venue and proximity with the rest of the school’s athletic teams. The move back to campus is intended to be a start of a new era for the program. Prior to the 2018-2019 school year the school was known as Indiana Purdue Ft. Wayne. The Mastadons also play games at Memorial Coliseum, perhaps the biggest night was when they defeated Indiana 71-68 in triple overtime in front of 11,076 fans. IU was ranked number 3 at the time and it was the Mastadons first win over a AP top 25 rank opponent in program history. Food & Beverage 3 There is one concession area at the entrance of the building that serves a small variety of food that they have listed on the 1-2-3 Menu. For a buck you can enjoy candy, granola or fruit. Soft drinks, pulled pork sandwiches, hot dogs, pretzels and popcorn are $2 and for $3 you can make it a combo with an addition of a drink. Personal pizzas from Pizza Hut are also available for $5. The most interesting item is the Don Dog which is a hot dog with pulled pork, cheese and Frito chips that sells for $3 a la carte or for $4 with a drink. The only travesty is that I did not get to try one, since due to its popularity, it was sold out half way through the game. Atmosphere 3 The Hilliard Gates Sport Center is a 60,000 square foot, multi-purpose facility that houses various other activities besides basketball games. Workout rooms, racquetball courts, offices, and classrooms are to be found outside of the main gym. Pull out bleacher seating is situated on both sides of the basketball court and can seat 1,894 spectators. The seating is in two sections, with the bottom rows offering chair back seats. The sterile white walls are decorated with various sports banners from IPFW’s sports teams and a few retired numbers don the main hallways outside of the gymnasium. There is also a large LED video scoreboard that was installed just before the start of the team returning to campus in 2013. The concession stands and bathrooms are easily accessible, along with the small table of merchandise and other information about the program and school activities. There is a strong sense of keeping the fans interest throughout the game. During breaks in the action and at halftime, patrons are treated to a multitude of gimmicks and promotions that are reminiscent of minor league baseball. Chicken wing eating contests, dizzy bat races, free throw challenges, local dancers, kid races, musical chair style games involving layups, and T-shirt tosses by the cheerleaders and official team mascot Don take up a majority of the time between the game on the court. A pleasant and welcoming surprise, these types of activities at sporting events are always great for kids of all ages. Neighborhood 4 The IPFW campus is close to the main shopping area of town and there is plenty to choose from up and down Coliseum Drive. Quaker Steak and Lube, Ruby Tuesdays, Liberty Diner, and Carlos O’Kelly’s are just a sample of the many places to eat before or after the game. The Glenbrook Square Mall is also in the vicinity for your shopping needs. However, I would recommend a few places that are a short 15-20 minute drive from this area that are worth the venture. Oley’s Pizza (10919 Highway 24 West) serves double crust pizza, stuffed with a cheese blend and topped with tomato sauce and other toppings, and is a local favorite. Their homemade meatballs, margherita bread and mozzarella chips are also worth the drive. Sara’s Family Restaurant (5792 Coventry Ln) is a must for breakfast with their heaping portions of skillets, omelets, and ten varieties of eggs benedict. My favorites are the grilled salmon benedict and the Christopher Country Skillet. Fans 3 When the Mastodons are winning or attempting a comeback, the fans are loud and frenzied. However, when their team is down, dead silence envelops the building. The crowds on campus are similar in numbers to what they were at the grander coliseum of season’s past, but even with average crowds hovering close to 1,000, the atmosphere is very energetic when the fans are cheering, stomping and shouting. Do not be surprised if this becomes the hottest ticket in town one day. Access 3 The campus of IPFW is extremely simple to get to from I-69. Exit off of 112A and proceed a few miles until you arrive on campus. Traffic could be busy near the shopping mall, but with the assistance of GPS, you will get there in time. The signage to the Gates Sport Center is prominent, parking is free and there are plenty of spaces to choose from. Return on Investment 3 The ticket prices are $10, $13 and $15, while seniors and children tickets are $7 and $15. They are reasonable prices for college basketball in the city and not too much more than what you pay for a movie, dinner, or a minor league hockey game. The game day staff does an admirable job of keeping you entertained for the majority of the contest. Extras 2 The low prices at the concession stands and the creation of the Don Dog is a nice nod to creativity. The move back to campus is also worth an extra point.

Photos by Dave Cottenie, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.43 Athletics Center O’rena 2200 N Squirrel Rd Rochester, MI 48309 Oakland Golden Grizzlies website Athletics Center O’rena website Year Opened: 1998 Capacity: 4,005 The O Factor In 1998, Oakland University joined the Mid-Continent Conference and the ranks of Division I basketball. The conference has since changed its name to the Summit League, and the Golden Grizzlies are beginning to establish themselves as the league’s top program. Part of the reason for this growing success has to go to their home court, known as the O’rena. Like many arenas in the Summit League, the setting is small, but Oakland is doing a lot of things just right, making this a really good (and relatively unknown) college basketball experience. Food & Beverage 3 It’s an interesting set up for concessions at the O’rena. Since the concourse circles above the seats, you never lose your view of the action when you’re up and about. The same goes for the two concessions stands. This is a real benefit, especially because lines tend to get long during the game. If you’re hungry, try to grab your grub early. The prices are reasonable, but the selection is a bit lacking. I would recommend going for the kielbasa sausage ($2) over the hotdog ($2) or Hungry Howie’s pizza slice ($3.50). Snacks include popcorn ($2), pretzel ($2.50), and nachos ($3). They also have a great ice cream selection of either Ben & Jerry’s or Starbuck’s brand ice cream bars ($3). Pepsi is the soda of choice ($2). Atmosphere 4 The determination of where to place the student section and pep band is an absolutely critical component to creating the right basketball atmosphere. Oakland does a great job of placing their students directly behind the opponent’s bench, and the pep band blasting them from the side. It’s a fantastic one-two punch. That 50-member pep band is active starting as early as 45 minutes before the tip-off, and they are the only music you’ll hear throughout the game (with the exception of the video montage during introductions). You’ve got to love the jubilance that comes from a college pep band. There’s no overhead scoreboard. Instead, there are four very basic scoreboards in each corner, and one large HD screen on the south end of the facility, providing highlights and the detailed statistics. It’s a great modern touch. Black plastic bleachers can be found under each basket, and they are relatively comfortable. On the east side (behind the team benches) there are permanent chairback seats and drink holders. The opposite side is a foldable stand with seats that are without cupholders, and less than adequate leg room. The seats face straight ahead, so the view is a little awkward if you’re away from center court. My recommendation is to sit in section E4, where you get the best seating situation as well as the best view. One area for improvement is definitely with the mascot, who seemed pretty invisible throughout the contest. With the size of the arena, he should be making his way around the concourse and through the stands as much as possible. Neighborhood 3 Oakland University is found in Rochester, Michigan, close to Auburn Hills, former home of the Detroit Pistons. It can make for a convenient NCAA/NBA doubleheader when the schedule allows. Most of the options for bars or restaurants in the immediate vicinity are uninspiring chains. I’m a big fan of Jet’s Pizza, just a couple of blocks away. Other predictable choices include BD’s Mongolian Bar-B-Que, T.G.I. Friday’s, Applebee’s, or Romano’s Macaroni Grill. Fans 4 The student section is good but still needs a little more energy and bodies before they can be great. For the game that I attended, they were pretty late. Known as the “Grizz Gang,” this assembly needs to come earlier and in greater numbers, but in the meantime, they are a pretty imposing little group. Access 4 There is one primary parking lot near the O’rena, which is mostly taken by donors. Parking is free throughout the campus, so just find one of the nearby lots and take the short walk through campus. You’re only a couple of miles away from I-75, a major north/south thoroughfare. The size of the crowd is small enough that you should have no trouble getting in or out. Return on Investment 4 Tickets cost either $15 or $10. I would recommend paying $15 only if you can find seats in section E4, otherwise, go for the cheaper option as you’ll have a fine view in most cases. With free parking and very reasonable concession prices, you’ll find your money to be well invested in this experience. Extras 2 The murals on the walls of the concourse are a nice touch, with pictures of generations of athletes and coaches proudly displayed. Another bonus point for the University for the smart arrangement of the student section and pep band. Final Thoughts The more college basketball I see, the more I appreciate these small arenas that are focused on the basketball and beautiful college atmosphere. This is definitely one for you to see if you are living in the Detroit area, or are in town when the Golden Grizzlies play.

Photos by Eric Moreno, Stadium Journey. Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.86 Bernard G. Johnson Coliseum 1964 Bobby K. Marks Dr. Huntsville, TX 77340 Sam Houston State Bearkats Website Bernard G. Johnson Coliseum Website Year Opened: 1976 Capacity: 6,110 East Texas Bearkats Nestled among the lush greenery of the foothills of the Piney Woods area of East Texas is the city of Huntsville, Texas, home of Sam Houston State University. The university bears the name of one of the great heroes in Texas history. The school’s athletic programs, the Bearkats, have seen an extraordinary amount of success since they began. The men’s basketball program began in 1917 and would go 43–11 during their first five seasons, including an unblemished 24–0 record during the first three. They have 14 regular season conference titles, five postseason conference tournament appearances, and made the NCAA Tournament twice since becoming Division I participants (in 2003 and 2010) as members of the Southland Conference. The team is currently a member of the Western Athletic Conference (WAC) and has seen runs recently to the NIT (in 2019) and to the CIT. Sam Houston State moved into their current home in 1976. Originally known as University Coliseum, it was remodeled in time for the 1986-1987 season and rechristened the Bernard G. Johnson Coliseum after an honored member of the school’s Board of Regents. It is also home to both the Bearkats women’s basketball and volleyball teams. The classically designed coliseum has a devoted following among the Bearkats faithful. Read on to learn what makes it special. Food & Beverage 3 The concessions at Johnson Coliseum are pretty much what you’d expect to find at a mid-major collegiate program. There are three main stands that you can find near the entrance areas, and they all serve the same items. The three stands allow fans to get their food and beverage pretty quickly, and not miss much of the on-court action. The items the stands offer include hot dogs (regular for $4 and Bearkat, a.k.a. jumbo, for $4.50), nachos ($7), bottled and fountain drinks ($3.50 and $4), and Domino’s pizza, either cheese or pepperoni by the slice or as a whole medium pizza ($3.50 per slice or $14 for the whole deal). The stands also offer candy and popcorn. The one caveat to be aware of is that Sam Houston State does not sell any beer or alcoholic beverages at their games at Johnson Coliseum – keep this in mind if that’s something you traditionally like to imbibe during games. Atmosphere 3 The architectural design of the Johnson Coliseum is a great throwback to old-school round arenas, which you don’t see much of anymore. The walls are decorated with the banners of all the Bearkats tournament appearances, championships, and conference titles. Sam Houston State also completed their latest round of renovations to the coliseum in 2016, where they installed a 31-foot videoboard and upgraded the seats in the lower courtside level. Outside the coliseum near the main sign there is a marble statue of the team’s namesake bearcat, as well as a life-sized statue of the mascot, Sammy Bearkat. Another point of interest to be on the lookout for is the team store – this is located near the box office entrance and sells the traditional team paraphernalia if you’re interested in stocking up on Sam Houston State gear for the game. Neighborhood 3 Johnson Coliseum is located right in the middle of the Sam Houston State University campus. It also shares a parking lot with Bowers Stadium, home to the Bearkats championship-winning football team. It’s a typical college town, with one notable exception. For the sake of transparency, the city is the headquarters of the Texas Department of Criminal Justice (it has been since Texas was founded as a Republic in 1836) and there are several prisons throughout the area. If you travel into Huntsville on Interstate 45, the prisons are unavoidable. However, as you move into the city and towards the university, there are no reminders of that part of the city at all. In terms of attractions, Huntsville has a lot to offer visitors looking to do something before or after Bearkats games. For history buffs make sure to visit the Sam Houston Memorial Museum; this 15-acre complex is located on the site of the former homestead of Sam Houston, and is dedicated to telling the story of the first President of the Republic of Texas. Not too far from the museum you can also visit the Sam Houston Statue and Visitors Center. At 67-feet tall, it is the largest statue in the world of an American hero. For outdoor enthusiasts, Huntsville State Park has all the amenities you could hope for. Again, the city is the gateway of the Piney Woods region of the state, and the park is a perfect example of this type of environment. Covered by a canopy of Texas pine trees it offers a year-round mild climate that is perfect for hiking, biking, and camping. There is also canoeing, fishing, and swimming allowed in certain areas of Lake Raven; check their website for hours and camping site availability. When it comes to dining there are also a lot of great options, many of which are close to campus. One I would highly recommend is Farmhouse Café & Bakery – offering blue plate specials, specialty sandwiches (the double-decker BLT is a fave), and homemade baked good and desserts (I couldn’t stop eating the broccoli cheddar cornbread), the Farmhouse is a favorite among locals, visitors, and Bearkat students. Or, for something off the proverbial beaten path, Carbonero Rotisserie Charbroiled Chicken & Steak serves up a unique taste of El Salvadoran cuisine. Diners can get rotisserie-style chicken quarters, steaks, or tacos, all served Salvadoran style. When it comes to lodging, you are more than likely only going to be able to find a place to stay at a lower-level hotel or a motel, as that’s all that’s available in the city outside of an Airbnb. The two spots closest to Johnson Coliseum are the Hampton Inn & Suites Huntsville and Super 8 by Wyndham Huntsville; both are less than a 10-minute drive to the coliseum. If you don’t want to stay in Huntsville proper, Houston is an hour’s drive away. Fans 2 One thing you notice immediately about Johnson Coliseum is how big it feels on the inside. Being a circular coliseum, you feel how enormous it is once you find your way to your seat; it is also very noticeable when you take in the crowd size. On most game nights, the Bearkats average less than 1,000 fans in the stands. In all fairness, those who do show up are passionate about their team – it is just hard to ignore how empty much of stands are. Access 3 As mentioned, Huntsville is just about an hour-long drive from Houston and just a shade under four hours from San Antonio or Austin. From the Dallas/Fort Worth area, it is about two and a half hours. Once you get on site, parking is ample and free, which is always appreciated. Huntsville doesn’t currently have anything in the way public transportation. So, unless you plan on utilizing a rideshare service, you’re pretty much locked in on driving to and from games at Johnson Coliseum. Return on Investment 3 Single game tickets for Bearkats games at Johnson Coliseum range from $8-$15. This is a good bargain right now, but it’s not clear if this will hold up after the team’s move to Conference USA in time for the 2023 season. However, for now this is highly affordable – with concessions on the low end of the scale and free parking, you get a pretty good bargain at Sam Houston State games. Extras 3 Sam Houston State brings a lot of pomp and circumstance to their basketball games at Johnson Coliseum. The Bearkat Marching Band sits in the stands beneath the giant videoboard, and leads the crowd in the school fight song, raising the bearcat hand sign, and razzing the opposing players. Also on hand are the Bearkats’ cheerleaders, Orange Pride dance squad (who perform at half time), and the costumed mascot Sammy Bearkat. Fans can count on seeing Sammy patrolling the stands and sidelines, leading in cheers, tossing out t-shirts, and being around for random photo ops. All in all, these combine for a great college atmosphere that helps ramp up the crowd energy. Final Thoughts All in all I had a fun experience at Johnson Coliseum taking in Bearkats basketball. Fan attendance aside, the energy from those who are in the stands makes up for that. The coliseum itself is a good experience; it is a bit of a throwback to the way basketball arenas used to be made and I appreciated its aesthetics. For college hoops fans, I think you’ll enjoy the experience. For sports fans, it’s an inexpensive way to catch a basketball game in a fun setting in a really nice college town. It’s not a bucket list stop, but if you find yourself in Huntsville, you should make a visit. Follow Eric Moreno’s Stadium Journey on Twitter at @EricMoreno6477. Visit Eric Moreno’s writer’s portfolio site at ericmoreno.contently.com.

Photos by Marc Viquez Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.43 Welsh-Ryan Arena 2705 Ashland Ave Evanston, IL 60208 Northwestern Wildcats website Welsh-Ryan Arena website Year Opened: 1952 Capacity: 7,039 New to the Old at the Welsh-Ryan Arena The Welsh-Ryan Arena has been the home to the Northwestern Wildcats basketball team since 1952 and went through a $110 million renovation during the 2017-2018 academic year that resulted in a complete transformation of the interior of the building. However, much of its charm is still intact, which should keep things familiar to long-time fans. The building is a basketball field house, first and foremost. It creates an intimate feeling in the 7,039-seat gymnasium, the smallest in the Big Ten. The gym has seen many renovations, most notably in 1983 when it gained its new name Welsh-Ryan Arena in honor of the principal donor's parents, Mr. and Mrs. Robert J. Welsh. However, the current renovations ripped out the foldable bleacher seating in favor of individual purple chair backs, suites, and massive spacing on the concourses. Basketball was introduced to Northwestern in 1901, and the school hosted the first NCAA Tournament in 1939 at its former gymnasium. Surprisingly, the Wildcats have only made one tournament appearance in 2017 but have appeared 7-times in the NIT. Food & Beverage 4 Numerous concession stands offer a limited selection of items but are rather upscale to the world of college basketball. The Wildcat Burger is a double smash burger with provolone cheese, fried onions, slaw, and barbecue sauce and served on a pretzel bun. There is also a single smash burger served with traditional toppings of pickles, onions, and Wildcat sauce. Fans can also select two regional favorites: pizza puffs and Italian beef with hot giardiniera. The chicken tenders are served with barbecue, ranch, and honey mustard sauce, the spicy chicken sandwich is topped with ranch coleslaw, and there are also waffle fries. Photo by Marc Viquez Stadium Journey The traditional items include pretzels, nachos, popcorn, chips, candy, and hot dogs. Pepsi products are available by bottle or fountain. Northwestern also serves beer and wine at the Welsh-Ryan Arena, just the tenth school in the conference to do so, beginning in January 2023. Keep in mind that all purchases are cashless, and menu prices don’t include sales tax. The prices are $4.99 for a hot dog and top at $13.99 for a Wildcat Burger. There are 36 points of sale inside the building. Atmosphere 4 As I said earlier in this review, the building is a basketball gymnasium, and that is evident as you walk around the court with great views from almost anywhere in the building. There is still the charm of the old venue that has been incorporated into areas of chic modernism. It can be seen throughout the building from the main lobby entrance to the concourse walls. The school colors of purple and white are dominant, with artistic murals adorning the walls, alongside the former student-athletes photos and information. The lobby has a digital presentation of Northwestern Hall of Famers. The center video scoreboard adds new touches to the gym. The original roof was left intact and refurbished. The steel trusses at the corners and the far end of the top concourse are a splendid reminder of the building’s history, along with the new balcony seating hanging over both ends of the baskets. Natural light fills the concourse with windows with automatic translucent blackout shades. Photo by Marc Viquez Stadium Journey There's plenty of room to move around the concourses, which are wide and ADA-accessible. There are five elevators and staircases at each corner of the building. The perimeter of the lower concourse offers table ledges to keep your food and drink. It is a modern-looking facility that was missing a few amenities, such as a cheer and dance team, banners, and a mascot. Perhaps it was due to our visit in between semesters of the school year. However, the seating behind each basket puts the fans within fingertips of the play on the court. Neighborhood 4 Welsh-Ryan Arena is located between the football stadium Ryan Field and the baseball stadium Miller Park. Downtown Evanston is worth a visit, situated 2 miles from the arena. The trendy district has plenty of small shops, local and chain restaurants, and bars. Casual places for food include Koco Table, Giordano’s, Prairie Moon Restaurant, and Smylie Brothers Brewing Company. Photo by Marc Viquez Stadium Journey However, just across the street from the sports complex is Mustards Last Stand, a little joint with Northwestern memorabilia, offering Chicago-style hot dogs and other items. Ten Mile House is next door and serves American fare, while Hewn is a local bakery known for sandwiches and pastries. Downtown Evanston is most easily accessible to the CTA Purple Line via the Davis stop. Welsh-Ryan Arena is a quick walk from the Central Purple Line stop. Walking through Evanston is safe and can be somewhat scenic, especially if you take the lakefront path through campus. The Ryan Fieldhouse has picturesque views of Lake Michigan from inside the complex. Fans 3 You can count on a good number of people at home games due to the number of alumni living in the Chicago area. Capacity crowds can be expected for Big 10 match-ups against rivals Illinois, Purdue, and Wisconsin. The student section was not available during our visit due to the time of year, but the game felt more like a professional environment. Access 3 Evanston is located north of Chicago and has a scenic drive along Lakeshore Boulevard from the south along Lake Michigan. The campus is a fair distance from I-94 and Highway 41, so be prepared to travel through town if you arrive by car. You will hit the city, suburban, and highway traffic within a few minutes of your journey. Public transit is also an option, taking the Purple line train and getting off at the Central stop. From there, your walk is a little less than a mile. There is sufficient parking around the arena for a price, and you can look for parking on the street. The parking lot is shared with the football stadium and a short walk to the arena. Inside the arena, fans are welcome to spacious staircases, wide-open concourses, and large bathrooms (up 270 percent before renovations). The concourses are accessible via five different elevators, and space is available for guests in wheelchairs and their parties. Return on Investment 3 Ticket prices on the secondary market can go as low as $8 against early season matchups against non-rival opponents. Those prices will increase against conference opponents; expect prices to rise to $30-$50 for games against Indiana, Iowa, Wisconsin, and Minnesota. They could go higher for games with Purdue and Illinois. However, prices will dip against the Big 10 teams from the east coast: Penn State, Rutgers, and Maryland. The parking price is $20, but there are also street parking options depending on what day of the week you attend the game. The food prices are reasonable, but some items seem a tad high. However, Welsh-Ryan Arena is worth the visit when in Chicago. Extras 3 The Welsh-Ryan Arena earns a point for its classic college basketball ambiance, which includes the restored roof and balcony seating. The second point is for the wide-open concourses that provide open views of the seating and court. A final point is the natural lighting that opens up the building, providing great views of the football stadium. ------ Follow all of Marc’s stadium journeys on Twitter @ballparkhunter and his YouTube channel . Email at Marc.Viquez@stadiumjourney.com