Photos by Richard Smith and Lloyd Brown, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.43 Lincoln Financial Field 1 Lincoln Financial Field Way Philadelphia, PA 19148 Philadelphia Eagles website Lincoln Financial Field website Year Opened: 2003 Capacity: 69,956 Fly Eagles Fly Until 2003, the Philadelphia Eagles never had a stadium to call their own. The Eagles did play alone for five years in the 1930s and 1940s at the stadium, which would later be named John F. Kennedy Stadium, but most of the time, they used the venues of the Phillies, the old Philadelphia Athletics, and even the University of Pennsylvania Quakers. The Baker Bowl and Connie Mack Stadium were subpar stadiums, especially by the time the Eagles got to play at each. The 1971 opening of Veterans Stadium, shared with the Phillies, gave the team their first modern stadium, but one loved by almost no one. It also showed little life, except for the rat and mouse population in its lower sections. It also deteriorated fast and needed to be replaced desperately, and that is why Lincoln Financial Field was built in 2003 The stadium is architecturally not like many new stadiums. Its design does not use soft brick colors and other warm tones. Instead, it uses sleek steel, glass facades, and darker surfaces to make a unique statement. It’s both harsh to the eye and welcoming, all at the same time. The stadium also hulks over nearby Interstate I-95. Food & Beverage 4 For the best food options at The Linc, start in the north end zone plaza, where most fans enter the stadium. This festive introduction features an area with several unique food carts, including Brent Celek’s “Prime Stache,” serving as a mean cheesesteak. Bassett’s provides several BBQ options, while one spot over is a tent for McNally’s Tavern and their famous “Schmitter” sandwich. To be able to devour this beast, one must hold out from eating at a tailgate. The Schmitter features steak, onions, tomatoes, cheese, grilled salami, and a special sauce on a Kaiser roll. This area with the best food is a hike from some seating sections, so it may be best to grab something on your way in. Inside the actual stadium, there are plenty of concession stands, and they are expensive, like their counterparts outside. The choices throughout each concourse level include the requisite items, but they are less varied, and disappointingly, only a couple of items are offered per stand. This is Philadelphia, and thankfully, several spots sell cheesesteaks. There are also some good-looking soft pretzels available, which is a Philadelphia favorite. However, the one I tried was cold. Of course, Chickie’s & Pete’s sell their famous crab fries ($11) and chicken cutlets ($9). Miller Lite and Budweiser are the prominent beers sold around the stadium. Other beers are available, but the local selection is limited. Coca-Cola provides soda products, and a regular is $5. For those who are not looking to drink alcohol, be sure to sign up for the Designated Driver program in the north plaza at ground level for a ticket to receive a free beverage. Atmosphere 5 Set amongst a backdrop of seemingly endless rows of tailgates, Lincoln Financial Field’s exterior of exposed steel, beams, brick, and glass is well-designed to represent the character of Philadelphia. Walking towards the stadium from the north, the open corners and upper deck shape almost give the perception of an Eagle flying. Inside, the stadium is so well designed, with angled seating sections enhancing the sightlines. The lower deck is at a shallow grade, while the upper deck has more of a steeper pitch, and all of the individual Midnight Green seats have backs and cupholders. Though the upper deck is high because of the below club section sandwiched between a layer of suites, the view is not bad at all. Various nooks and crannies give the stadium a non-uniform, unique appearance, while the open corners in the north end help to provide peaks of Center City (Philly’s downtown). The outer gates open 2.5 hours before kickoff for access to the plaza behind the north end zone. This is a nice area to spend a little time as there is entertainment and live music to go along with the food trucks. The gates to the actual seating bowl open 1.5 hours before the game, and once seated, the experience is enhanced by a pair of high-quality video boards at each end zone. The only downfall is the usage of big ads on the sides, which cut down on the picture. For fantasy football junkies, there is a separate board that rolls through player stats, and the WiFi in the stadium has recently been enhanced to handle the volume. For those looking to factor in weather, the highest several rows in the sideline 200s are underneath an overhang. The sun will shine brightest on Sections 115-125 and 219-231. The game atmosphere is tremendous as The Linc is a very loud stadium that can provide a distinct home-field advantage (so long as the fans don’t turn on their team). A Rocky-themed introduction video is goosebump-inducing, and the roar from the opening kick continues into the first possession. After an Eagles touchdown, “Fly Eagles Fly” is sung by pretty much everybody and topped off with a deafening “E-A-G-L-E-S Eagles!” at the end. During halftime, there’s a chance the Eagles Drumline performs, and it is worth sticking around for. Neighborhood 4 The South Philadelphia Sports Complex, which also includes the nearby Wells Fargo Center and Citizens Bank Park, is located far away from the actual city of Philadelphia. To experience the city, you would need to take a subway ride into Center City. There are some places, albeit limited, close to the stadium. The Xfinity Live entertainment center is across the street, roughly where the old Spectrum was located. It is overpriced and is not an entertainment center, but a few bars and restaurants together in one building. The star attraction here is the 32-foot screen at the NBC Sports Arena. The Victory Beer Hall is also another fine venue, especially for local brews. A couple of slightly lesser-known options nearby are McFadden’s, located on the first level outside of neighboring Citizens Bank Park, and the Live Casino past the ballpark. Famous local sports bar Chickie’s and Pete’s is relatively close to Packard Avenue. There are hundreds of screens and video game options inside. The food is pretty good, too. The Crab Fries are famous here. You can park at Chickie’s and Pete’s for some games and they offer a shuttle bus to the games (“The Taxi Crab”). Just make sure you follow parking rules, as they will be quick to tow you if you don’t. Some of the best cheesesteaks are located at Tony and Nick's Steaks on Oregon Avenue underneath I-95. Don’t fall for the more touristy Pat’s and Geno’s. Tony Luke’s offers more options with much better flavor. Tony and Nick's Steaks can get crowded before games and still gets its share of tourists. For a more neighborly experience, go to Philip’s Steaks at 2234 West Passyunk Avenue. They are located in a safe neighborhood and offer free parking. Philip’s also has a surprisingly good cheeseburger, for a cheesesteak joint. Just remember you have to buy the drinks and fries at a different window than your main entree, which is a strange and unique Philly tradition. The rest of Philadelphia is available to you a short ride away on the Broad Street subway line. Fans 5 It has been said that you can tell if the Eagles won or lost by just walking down Broad Street Monday morning as the mood of the city rides on the team. Philadelphia has a supremely passionate fan base that is seen as some of the most loyal, ardent supporters in the league. The city also draws the ire of many when the words “Philadelphia Fans” are uttered. They have a bad reputation and the stories have been repeated ad nauseam. While there is no arguing that there are plenty of obnoxious jerks at Eagles games who act like idiots, this is no different than what happens at many NFL games across the country. Additionally, these people at the games are in the significant minority. In terms of attending a game at The Linc wearing the jersey of the visiting team, you may get heckled, but as long as you are respectful, it is highly unlikely to run into any problems. I attended the game where the Eagles played the Saints and of the 30-40 people I saw wearing the Black & Gold, none of them were derided. Now, there is an exception as attending a division game rooting for the Cowboys, Giants or Commanders may not be the best idea. Eagles fans fill their stadium every Sunday and consistently rank in the Top 8 for NFL attendance by % of capacity. All the more impressive is the lack of empty seats at a game, in a day and age where it is easy to spot stadiums with open areas during a session of NFL RedZone. The crowd in Philadelphia turns The Linc into a very loud place and though they are quick to boo and get mad at their team, it is all because they care so much. That’s way better than sitting in a stadium where everyone is half-watching and playing on their phone. Access 4 The sports complex is located right off of I-95, with massive parking lots in the area. Even with big crowds, there should be no problem with access. Parking will not be cheap, but it will be convenient, as there are over 6,000 spaces available throughout eight lots at shockingly high prices. If using public transportation, you will likely find yourself using the only corporate-sponsored subway station that I know of, the AT&T; station of the Broad Street Line. Return on Investment 4 Attending a Philadelphia Eagles game is a very costly venture and while the entire NFL is expensive for the fan, it is even more so here. The expensive parking charge is hard to fathom and tickets range from $75 to $130. However, seats are snagged so fast, that it is likely fans need to use the secondary market and tickets start at $100. There are ways to save money though and using mass transit alone can save over $30. There are also standing room tickets which cost just $55. Despite the high prices, an Eagles game is quite an experience and this is a must-visit for football fans. Extras 5 In addition to serving as the Eagles home field, Lincoln Financial Field serves as the home of the Temple University Owls football games and it frequently hosts the Army-Navy game each fall. It also has served as the site of the NCAA Men’s Lacrosse Championships. In the plaza area near the north end zone, there is a building that leads to escalator access for suite holders. The entrance area is open to all fans and this section is a great spot that pays homage to team history. Spend some time here before the game to check out the team’s hall of fame, timeline and multiple murals. Also, be sure to check out the banners hanging from the rafters of the stadium. A $125 million renovation project paid by the team and league not only upgraded the stadium but added some nice personal touches. Among the additions: are historical murals, an expanded team store, upgraded WiFi, and a connecting bridge in the northeast corner of the stadium. Finally, one more point for “Fly Eagles Fly.” It is very catchy! Final Thoughts Lincoln Financial Field does many things, all of them very well. Most importantly, it gives the Eagles and their fans a place of their own for the first time in the long history of the franchise. It also gives Philadelphia a home-field advantage that can only help the long-term health of the team. A sports fan will enjoy themselves at Lincoln Financial Field, as finally, Philadelphia football has a place to be proud of.

Photos by David Welch, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.00 Allegacy Federal Credit Union Stadium 475 Deacon Boulevard Winston-Salem, NC 27105 Wake Forest Demon Deacons website Allegacy Federal Credit Union Stadium website Year Opened: 1968 Capacity: 31,500 Welcome to Deactown Along Tobacco Road, Wake Forest University joins Duke , North Carolina , and North Carolina State , v ying not just for prominence within the state of North Carolina, but also in the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC). Wake Forest has a football history that dates back to the late 19th century – initially playing as an independent program starting in 1888, and then as a member of the Southern Conference beginning in 1936 until 1952, the Demon Deacons were charter members of the ACC when it was founded in 1953. Wake Forest has seen its fair share of highs and lows over the years. Despite being the smallest program in any of the Power 4 football conferences (the ACC, Big Ten, Big XII, and SEC), in recent years the Demon Deacs have shown the ability to hold their own in one of college football’s top conferences.   Food & Beverage   5 At first glance, the stadium concessions may seem rather standard, featuring several stands offering familiar options like hot dogs, burgers, chicken fingers, pizza, popcorn, peanuts, and candy. Given Pepsi’s popularity in the Carolinas, it is no surprise that this is primary beverage served at Allegacy Stadium, though several types of Gatorade are also available throughout. What is  a bit eye-opening walking around the concourse are the collection of food trucks along the exterior fence, which really gives fans a taste of the local fare. The food trucks at Allegacy Stadum include fried fish, gourmet hot dogs, soul food, wings, and paninis, while international foods include Greek, Nigerian, and Latin cusine, There is also a concerted focus on sweet treats, with Kona Ice, Chick-fil-A shakes, gourmet popsicles, and several flavors of kettle corn. Allegacy Stadium also has a well-stocked selection of alcoholic beverages, headlined by the Wake Forest and Fiddlin’ Fish collaborations “Roll the Quad” IPA and R&D Brewing light beer, “Deacon Brew”. Seltzers, premixed canned cocktails, wine, and hand mixed cocktails are also widely available around the stadium. Wake Forest does an excellent job at giving fans the basics when it comes to food and drink options, but then goes above and beyond with the numerous food trunks and extensive alcohol options.   Atmosphere   4 What would the college football experience be without tailgating? Wake Forest is no exception, with premade tailgating encampments set up and ready to go in the lots to the south and west of the stadium. The “do it yourself” tailgaters set up shop mostly along the grassy patches of the parking lot to the north, but several tailgating sites boast impressive arrays both in terms of size and the Wake Forest festive vibe. The tailgating scene here probably does not quite compare to some of the traditional southern football powers, but you can at least get a sense of this key pre-game tradition. Allegacy Stadium shares a similar structure to Indiana University’s Memorial Stadium and Virginia Tech’s Lane Stadium , with slightly recessed sections running from the 30-yard line t o each end zone. Despite these structural similarities, the Deacon facility has its own unique features, including a strong use of brick, aligning with the high-class aesthetic of Wake Forest’s other athletic facilities and campus buildings. Deacon Hill, the grassy, tree-backed hillside in the southwest corner beneath the large videoboard, provides a picnic-like grassy area. However, unlike at minor league baseball stadiums, this area is not overrun by unsupervised groups of young fans. Between plays, interactive scoreboard features like the “Smile Cam” and logo shuffle game keep fans engaged. These features resemble those found in minor league baseball games, but do a good job filling downtime during the game. The Demon Deacon band, much like other collegiate marching bands, is also a big part of the in-game experience. The marching band’s smaller size, though, as well as the in-stadium music that plays over the stadium speakers, can tend to drown out the band during their interludes following first downs and big plays. Overall, Wake Forest offers a solid Power 4 college football experience, albeit just on a smaller scale. While the stadium’s off-campus location does take a bit away from the excitement, it is not an dealbreaker to the overall experience.   Neighborhood   4 Although Allegacy Stadium is located off campus, it sits within a cluster of Wake Forest’s other athletic venues, inclu ding the Wake Forest Tennis Center, David F. Couch Ballpark  (baseball), and Lawrence Joel Veterans Memorial Coliseum  (basketball). The Winston-Salem State Fairgrounds also neighbor the football stadium, which in part creates to bit of disconnect it from being a campus facility. The stadium is just three miles from Winston-Salem’s city center, where downtown’s 4th Street is lined with restaurants featuring sidewalk dining and multiple hotel options. Closer to the stadium is the Innovation Quarter, a hub of research and development that has re-purposed many former R. J. Reynolds Tobacco Company buildings into breweries, restaurants, shops, and green spaces. The coming years will see a significant upgrade to the area just west of the stadium, as the section from University Parkway to the front steps of Allegacy Stadium will be developed into a mixed-use development to be called The Grounds  – this will undoubtedly add to the game day atmosphere that surrounds Allegacy Stadium. Winston-Salem definitely does not have a college town feel to it, but the Wake campus and its nearby athletic facilities do not make you feel as if you have the skyline of the city breathing down your neck, either.   Fans   3 Each side of Allegacy Stadium does appear to have patches of emptiness in terms of attendance, but when you take into account the large number of fans who sit on the grassy berm below the scoreboard, who would fill in many of these openings, on the whole I would say Deamon Deacon fans do a good job filling the venue. With an enrollment of just under 5,500 undergraduate students, Wake Forest is the smallest school in any of the Power 4 conferences. Despite the size of the student body, however, Wake students do their part showing up and filling the student section, but staying throughout the game is another story – as the game moves into the second half, the attendance in the student section definitely takes a significant hit. Fans are supportive of the Deacs and responsive to the ups and downs of the game, but it is disappointing, even in the midst of a tight game, to see the mass exodus of students following half time – this does take away from the overall atmosphere.   Access   3 Wake Forest University, not to be confused with Wake Forest, North Carolina, where the university was originally located, is a short drive from downtown Winston-Salem. The area is fairly well served by both local and regional transportation. The larger surrounding area has is known as The Triad, and includes Winston-Salem, High Point, and Greensboro. Interstate access to Allegacy Stadium is as straightforward as can be, from I-85 to the south, I-73 or I-74 to the north, or I-40 from the east. Due to the catastrophic flooding caused by Hurricane Helene throughout western North Carolina and eastern Tennessee, those heading east from western destinations will be significantly detoured due to interstate closures for the foreseeable future, until at least mid to late next year. When getting to and from Allegacy Stadium, as would be expected at just about any major sporting event, there will be delays involved. Your best bet is, if possible, to get there early and try to stay late. There is enough parking in the lots around Allegacy Stadium to leave just a short walk to the venue, and for those parking in the lots adjacent to the state fairgrounds, a tunnel goes under the road, so as not to impede traffic and also to protect pedestrians. Fans can enter the facility through any of the ten gates leading into the main seating area – this high number of entries gets fans in quickly, and limits backups getting into the stadium. The McCreary Tower entrance does create a bit tighter of a walkway, but nothing that feels overly crowded, although it does take some patience to navigate. For the most part, though, the concourse is rather wide open, especially along the northeast and southeast sides of the stadium.   Return on Investment   4 It is a bit difficult to pinpoint the overall return on investment for Deamon Deacons football, as much of the ticket price depends on the specific game on the schedule/that week’s opponent. Tickets for lesser conference rivals can be had for as low as $20, while bigger name teams or events such as Parents’ Weekend can start at $40 to $55 before fees. Parking rates, however, are consistent with other schools of this size at $30. There are also a handful of independent lots in the area that go for $20, and free parking is available at 2400 Reynolda Road with a shuttle to the stadium. Concession prices are consistent with what would be found at similar stadiums. The food truck offerings are a bit more expensive, but fans are paying for a higher quality of food there, and do receive decent-sized portions. While there might not be a top notch value week in and week out, given the varying ticket prices based on the opponent or promotion, there definitely is the ability to not have to break the bank to go to a Wake Forest football game.   Extras   5 Prior to gates opening, the Deactown Fan Zone at McCreary Plaza has inflatables to entertain young fans, a handful of vendors giving out free promotional items, and a refreshment trailer selling various beers and seltzers, as well as a large video wall to watch early games of interest. A live band also plays to entertain fans during pregame. Two hours and fifteen minutes before kickoff, the Deacon Walk through the plaza of McCreary Tower takes place – the start of the walk is signified by the revving of a motorcycle engine in the distance, as the band belts out the school’s fight song. Accompanied by the ruffles of cheer poms, the Deacon mascot then slowly leads the team into the stadium while passing trough the band, cheer squad, and fans. The main entrance through McCreary Plaza recognizes the Demon Deacons’ conference championships and bowl victories, with large displays and plaques of the box scores from the games. One of the most iconic buildings on Wake Forest’s campus is Wait Chapel – the chimes of the chapel’s bell, along with the revving of the motorcycle, are both played following big plays – this is a nice way to bring the campus feel into the stadium. Following the game, win or lose, the team gathers in front of the band and student section to pay tribute to the University by singing the alma mater. Winning does spark quite the on-campus celebration, however, as it has become tradition to roll the trees of the quad with toilet paper.   Final Thoughts The Wake Forest football game day experience is not one that will ever compete with the elite college football programs, but that seems to be just fine. What Wake does provide is a cozy atmosphere for college football – in a time when many football programs are focused on building the biggest and most impressive facilities, Wake has done well to focus more on providing a well refined college football experience in one of the most intimate settings in the country.

Photos by Gregory Koch, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.43 Skylands Stadium 94 Championship Pl Augusta, NJ 07822 Sussex County Miners website Skylands Stadium website Year Opened: 1994 Capacity: 4,200 Mining Success at Skylands Stadium In Augusta, New Jersey, in the extreme northwestern corner of the state, you will find Skylands Stadium, home of the Sussex County Miners baseball team. Until 2006, Skylands Stadium was home to the New Jersey Cardinals of the New York-Penn League. The Cardinals relocated to Pennsylvania and became the State College Spikes , but baseball would return the next year with the Sussex County Skyhawks of the independent Can-Am League. The Skyhawks folded after the 2010 season, but baseball would once again return in 2015 with the Sussex County Miners, again joining the Can-Am League. After the 2019 season, the Can-Am League merged with the Frontier League under the latter's name. This would have been effective for the 2020 season, but it was ultimately canceled due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The Miners instead began play in the Frontier League in 2021. Food & Beverage 5 There are several concession stands scattered throughout Skylands Stadium, offering many options, some classic, some unique. You will of course, find all the usual options at these stands such as chicken tenders, burgers, and hot dogs (the latter also coming in a deep-fried variety), but there are some other options as well such as a pickle on a stick and honey waffle fries. Be warned that the overhead signs above the window only show some of the options, there are additional boards at the back of the stand with more to choose from. Double S Smokehouse maintains a restaurant in the stadium that is open year-round, as well as a stand down the right field line. Here, you will find freshly made barbecue options such as a brisket sandwich, St. Louis ribs, pulled pork, and mac and cheese, with an assortment of homemade sauces to choose from. Alcohol is sold at several stands for those of age, but Double S has unique cocktails and mixed drinks as well. Most notable is their In a Pickle, which contains vodka, pickle juice, lime, and simple syrup. For those with a sweet tooth, Yuengling Ice Cream has a stand that offers the usual flavors, in your choice of cone, cup, or helmet, as well as one or two unique flavors per game. When Stadium Journey visited late in the season, they had a pumpkin pie flavor which was pumpkin ice cream with pieces of pie crust, but the exact selections may vary by game. In addition to the usual bottled water and other soft drinks, some of the stands sell hot drinks such as various coffee varieties and hot apple cider. Atmosphere 4 The architectural style at Skylands Stadium is mostly rural and rustic with a splash of Jersey Shore thrown in. The red-painted wood panels on the facade call to mind the many barns in the area, and the team store known as "The Company Store" has a rustic wooden exterior. Bright lights flashing "Open" welcome you to the Double S Smokehouse stand, and the Yuengling stand looks like an ice cream shop you could walk in on the Jersey Shore boardwalk, but other than that, the architecture is quite fitting for this rural part of New Jersey. An on-field emcee and superfans scattered throughout the crowd get the fans hyped up, and there are various promotions throughout the evening, such as a t-shirt toss set to the music of Zombie Nation Music, and sound effects are played during breaks in the action, even between pitches, which can get annoying at times. A buff miner mascot named Herbie roams the stands interacting with fans. The seating bowl itself consists of a middle ring that you will enter from the concourse, with seats above and below. If your section includes a double letter (for instance FF), you will be seated above the concourse. If it includes a single letter (such as D), you will be seated below the concourse. The park is small enough that all seats have a great view of the action. Neighborhood 3 Sussex County is far removed from the rest of New Jersey, both culturally and geographically, and the area surrounding the stadium is mostly farmland. You will pass by many farms and maybe even some cows as you come into town, with some of those farms selling ice cream made right there. Other options include Yetter's Diner just down the street from the stadium, and, if you are unable to grab any inside, you can always go to the Double S Smokehouse restaurant at the stadium. Fans 3 Sussex County ranks towards the bottom of the Frontier League in attendance with about 1,600 fans a game, but those who do show up, are passionate, vocal, and into what is happening on the field. Some of them to go every single home game, with a few even going to the away games. They will participate in the chants, get on the umpire's case after a bad call, and generally be unafraid to make their feelings known. They are there to support their hometown team, and despite the relatively small crowds, it can get loud here. Access 3 Skylands Stadium is located in rural Sussex County in northwest New Jersey. The ballpark is located near the Sussex County Fairgrounds, near the intersection of routes 206 and 15. The nearest interstate, I-80, is about half an hour’s drive from here. It is the only interstate highway to enter Sussex County, and only at the extreme southern end. I-84 passes just north of the county near the tri-point between New Jersey, New York, and Pennsylvania, but never enters New Jersey at all. You can take Exit 1 in New York just before the state line and follow the signs for New Jersey. This is still about a half-hour's drive. No matter how you get here, at least the last few miles will be on rural country roads. Only part of the parking lot is paved, with the remainder being gravel. Be careful if parking there. The restrooms in the stadium are small and can occasionally have lines, with the facilities being old and not in the best condition. Return on Investment 3 Lower-level tickets at Skylands Stadium are priced at $20, and upper-level tickets are $17. This is on the high level for tickets, although the free parking is nice. Concessions are on the high end, although the food is high-quality adding to the value. Overall, the value of a Sussex County Miners game is about average. Extras 3 Look for the many statues and art installations in and around the stadium. A globe statue is located outside the entrance and is lit up at night as fans leave the ballpark. A jack-o-lantern wearing sunglasses is located in the stadium to promote the Jack-o-Lantern Halloween Experience in the ballpark every October, and there is a statue of a baseball glove as well. A second star for the stadium architecture - a rustic, rural style with a flash of Jersey Shore. The team store is also worthy of an extra, both for its merchandise and its design like a rustic wooden building. Final Thoughts Skylands Stadium may be far away from everywhere everyone thinks of when they think of New Jersey, but it is still a great place to watch a baseball game. Between the unique and fitting architectural style and all the on-field and off-field ways the team promotes the fan experience, a Sussex County Miners game is a great way to spend a summer evening.

Photos by Gregory Koch, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.43 Sports Backers Stadium 100 Avenue of Champions Richmond, VA 23230 VCU Rams website Sports Backers Stadium website Year Opened: 1999 Capacity: 3,250 The Ram’s Backers Although sports fans in Richmond, Virginia may not have heard of Sports Backers Stadium or been inside, many of them have seen it even if they do not realize it. This is because the stadium is located across the parking lot from The Diamond, home of the Richmond Flying Squirrels baseball team. Many fans have seen the exterior of the stadium while at a Squirrels game. However, Sports Backers Stadium is more than just that “other” stadium in the parking lot – it is home to the college soccer team of Virginia Commonwealth University, also known as VCU. The Rams men’s soccer program has enjoyed some success, making the tournament six times between 1997 and 2004, culminating with a quarterfinal appearance in the latter year. In the middle of this winning streak, the Rams moved into Sports Backers Stadium in 1999. Located about three miles from VCU’s campus, the stadium has been their home ever since. Food & Beverage 3 There is one concession stand at Sports Backers Stadium to the left of the main entrance, which serves a decent range of food. Hot dogs, candy, popcorn, kettle corn, hot pretzels, and more snacks are available, and, extremely unusually for college soccer, alcohol is as well. There will typically be a concession special which will vary by game and may include items not normally available – when Stadium Journey visited, fans could purchase taquitos and a margarita for $12. Outside food and beverage cannot be brought into the stadium. Bizarrely, there was a food truck parked in the parking lot when we visited, but food purchased there could not be brought in. Atmosphere 4 Sports Backers Stadium is a nicely built stadium compared to many used for college soccer. Walking through the main gates will put you on a concourse, and you then walk through a portal into the bleachers and your seat. Most of the seats are bleachers, but there are some chairbacks near midfield. Seating is all general admission, but you should have no problem getting a chairback for most games no matter when you arrive. The stands are separated from the field by a running track, which makes the sightlines worse than they would be at many places, but you can still see the action well. A scoreboard with video capabilities is located at one end, but the actual score graphic only takes up a small portion of the screen and can be hard to read. The Rams’ mascot, Rodney, hangs out with fans in the stands during games and tries to get the crowd involved. As at many soccer stadiums, the energy here is really created by the fans. Rams fans are rowdy, and when they get involved, the atmosphere here can be phenomenal. Neighborhood 3 There is not much to do in the immediate vicinity of The Diamond, but your best bet is to head to the Carytown neighborhood a couple of miles away. There is where one can find numerous businesses and restaurants. Carytown Burges & Fries is one local favorite, as is the Galaxy Diner. Those looking for other entertainment while in town can check out the Byrd Theatre, also in Carytown. History buffs might enjoy the numerous Civil War sites located in and around Richmond, which was of course the former capital of the Confederacy and played a major role in the war. Fans 4 VCU fans may not fill up the rather spacious stadium, but they are a rowdy bunch. From the start of the game when the Rams are introduced, they will be loudly cheering their teams. During big moments in the game and after VCU goals, the fans will stomp on the metal bleachers, clap, and shout, and it can get quite loud here. The large size means Sports Backers Stadium almost never fills up all the way, but the fans here can still make it quite an intimidating place for visiting teams to play. Access 4 Sports Backers Stadium is located conveniently just off I-95 via Arthur Ashe Boulevard. Parking is available in the lots of The Diamond and is normally free, but there may be a charge for early season games when the Flying Squirrels play the same day. Getting into and around the stadium is easy via the spacious concourses. Restrooms are under the bleachers and are of a more than sufficient size for the crowds. Getting out of Sports Backers Stadium after the game is easy enough as well, as the traffic flow of the lot was designed for much larger crowds at Flying Squirrels games. Although the VCU campus is located three miles away, there is a free shuttle bus taking students to and from the game. However, this is not available to members of the public coming from Downtown Richmond. Return on Investment 4 Tickets are $7 for adults, with discounts for children and seniors. VCU students get in free. This is a bit on the high end for college soccer, where many venues are free, but the price isn’t outrageous and this is a pretty nice stadium. Ultimately, the $7 is still a good deal. Extras 2 There is a marketing table on the concourse which gives away programs, posters, and other items. A second star for all the promotional nights and giveaways VCU offers throughout the season, such as Ted Lasso Night and Trick or Treat. Final Thoughts Although most fans in Richmond just know Sports Backers Stadium as that soccer field next to The Diamond, it is a very nice stadium in its own right as well. Although college soccer will never be as big here as the Rams’ legendary basketball team, a VCU soccer game can still be a great experience on a fall evening.

Photos by Paul Baker, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.00 Gillette Stadium 1 Patriot Place Foxborough, MA 02035 New England Patriots website Gillette Stadium website Year Opened: 2002 Capacity: 65,878 The Patriots’ Place   The New England Patriots enjoyed an unprecedented run of success over the first two decades of the 21st century. They won six Super Bowls and played in nine during that span. Recent years have seen the team return to the depths of the NFL standings as the team moves on from the Brady/Belichick dynasty. Patriots fans hope this decline does not mimic the franchise’s early years when they were one of the league’s most dysfunctional teams, consistently landing at the bottom of the standings and making headlines for all of the wrong reasons.   The early Patriots were nomads, roaming around Boston and beyond looking for a home. Nickerson Field, Harvard Stadium, Fenway Park, and Alumni Stadium all served as home fields during the team’s formative years. The Patriots even played home games in Birmingham, AL and San Diego, CA. When the team built themselves a permanent home, it was the substandard Schaefer/Sullivan/Foxboro Stadium. Rumors of relocation hounded the team for years until Robert Kraft, a longtime fan and season ticket holder, bought the team and stadium in the 90s.   In 2002 Gillette Stadium, a $325 million privately funded stadium opened right next door to its predecessor. The Patriots immediately began to make the area not only a football venue, but an entertainment, dining, and shopping destination. In 2006 construction began on Patriot Place, an open-air shopping center located adjacent to the stadium. Patriot Place has proven to be so successful that imitators have begun to sprout up at stadiums around the country, and have become almost a standard feature in new stadium designs.   Food & Beverage 5   With an active tailgating scene and dozens of dining choices located just steps from Gillette Stadium’s front door, you may not expect much from the facility’s concessions. While Gillette Stadium may come up short on signature food items and high-end options, expanding variety and upgrading quality has been a focus in recent years.   Stands are located around the outer edge of the Gillette Stadium concourse, organized by the types of foods they offer. You may have to do a little searching to find what you want. All the stadium basics are covered, with stands that sell pizza, burgers, sausages, chicken tenders and BBQ ringing the field. Portable carts selling drinks and snack foods line the inner edge of the concourses.   Pepsi products are featured at Gillette Stadium. As you may expect, the beer game is strong here, with national brands lining the menu boards alongside dozens of local craft favorites. For the most extensive selection of local beers, check out the Taproom or Draft Kings Lounge.   A complete guide to Gillette Stadium’s concessions can be found here .   Atmosphere 5   The experience at Gillette is dominated by the new 22,000 square-foot scoreboard and lighthouse on the northern end of the stadium. It can be hard to keep your focus on the game with such a large, clear view of the game available. The scoreboard contains 20 million pixels and measures over half an acre.   Highlights of the Patriots game day experience include the End Zone Militia firing their muskets after every New England score. The elaborate pregame show has the team taking the field to Carmina Burana, Ozzy Osbourne’s “Crazy Train” and AC-DC’s “For Those About to Rock.” You might be ready to run through a wall yourself after this opening. Over the years several social gathering areas have been built into Gillette Stadium, including the Optum Field Lounge, the Bud Light Party Deck and Encore Boston Harbor Terrace, providing alternative viewpoints for fans to gather and watch the action.   The tailgating scene in Foxboro doesn’t get the love that other places in the league get, but Patriots fans can hang with any fanbase in the league when it comes to pregame parties. Gillette’s rural location means there’s lots of room around for, well, lots. Cars line up along Route One at sunrise waiting for parking lots to open. While much more family friendly than the experience at the old Foxboro Stadium, a Patriots game is still a fun time. If tailgating isn’t your thing, you can always check out Patriot Place before or after kickoff.   While Patriots fans are still supportive of the team and the rebuild, it will be interesting to see how long they will remain patient. While older fans can remember the days of the Sullivan family ownership and the “Patsies,” a significant portion of the fanbase has never experienced consistent losing before.   Neighborhood 4   Gillette Stadium sits on what once was a lonely stretch of Route One which contained only a harness racing track and a trailer park. Today the location is the home of Patriot Place, an open-air shopping center located mostly on the site of the old Schaefer Stadium. Initially consisting of a single strip mall, it has grown to now include a four-star hotel, entertainment complex and outpatient health center.   Fans visiting Foxboro can choose between numerous eateries ranging from casual dining to fine fare, from brew pubs to fancy steakhouses. Fans looking for entertainment options before or after a Patriots game can visit Splitsville Bowling Alley or Cinema de Lux, or take in some live music at Showcase Live! Fans looking to stay at Patriot Place will find a Hilton Garden Inn and Renaissance Hotel steps from the stadium. Visit the Patriot Place website  for more information.   Fans 4   Patriots fans have certainly become spoiled with the success the team has had. The Brady/Belichick years marked an unprecedented run of success in the NFL and six championships. As the team embarks on what will surely be a lengthy rebuild, fans have had to come to grips with win-loss records not seen around here in decades. Still, support has not fallen off a cliff. Yet.   The team still advertises a sellout streak that dates back to the opening of Gillette Stadium. However, prices are starting to fall on the resale market, and empty seats can be found around the facility. It will be interesting to see how long fans will remain patient with the rebuild.   Access 3   Gillette Stadium is located in the small town of Foxborough, MA (alternatively spelled Foxboro), a town of almost 19,000 residents situated about halfway between Boston and Providence, RI. This location, picked for the original Schaefer Stadium due to its apparent convenience at the intersection of Interstates 95 and 495, has always had problems with accessibility.   Gillette Stadium is located on Route One, a busy four-lane road. It is the only way into and out of the stadium complex. As you might imagine, traffic is extremely heavy on game days and can back up for miles in both directions. The Patriots constantly tweak their systems to try and get visitors moving as quickly as possible, but no plan seems to consistently work.   The Foxboro MBTA station has a stop behind Gillette Stadium, but it provides only one train in either direction, to Boston and Providence.   Fans who have not visited Gillette in a while will notice changes in the parking system. The lots closest to the stadium are now reserved for prepaid parking only. Fans arriving on game day will park on the opposite side of Route One, a bit of a walk from the facility. The perk to parking further away is that these lots are now free of charge. A complete guide to Gillette Stadium parking can be found here .   Once arriving at the stadium, fans will enter through one of three gates. Concourses, while busy, are large enough to move about without issue. The renovations to the north end of the stadium have improved flow greatly. Three sets of ramps lead to upper levels of the stadium. There is standing room available at certain points on all levels of the facility. Handicapped seating is plentiful.   The concourse is filled with concession stands, both permanent and portable. Lines can be long, particularly at halftime. Restrooms are plentiful and clean considering their busy usage. Just time your visits wisely. Be aware that Gillette Stadium is a cashless facility with a fairly aggressive clear bag policy . What can and cannot be brought into the stadium is advertised in all parking lots. Pay attention and save yourself a long walk back to your car.   Any veteran fan of the Patriots will tell you that the key to avoiding the legendary Gillette traffic is to arrive early and plan to stay a bit after the game. Luckily, with Patriot Place next to the stadium and the excellent tailgating scene, this is not the worst plan. The Patriots will even pay you to stick around and let the traffic ease. Read on…   Return on Investment 2   For the 2023 season the Patriots ranked fifth in the NFL in terms of cost according to the Team Marketing Report Fan Cost Index. Driving the high prices are tickets and concessions, which land near the top of the NFL. While demand for tickets may have diminished a bit with the team’s struggles recently, it is still tough to find a ticket under $100 on the resale market.   Parking at Gillette Stadium has undergone some drastic changes in recent years. Now stay with me, this might get complicated. The lots on the stadium (east) side of Route One must be purchased in advance. Prepaid spots are guaranteed, and cost $25. Parking on the west side of Route One is now free (unbelievable, right?). There are also “delayed release” lots, from which you cannot leave for 75 minutes after the game. If you choose to park here, the Patriots will reward you with a $50 Visa gift card. Privately owned lots along Route One charge anywhere from $30-$60 to park. Complete parking information can be found here .   Extras 5   Located at the north end of the stadium above the team store, the Patriots Hall of Fame houses team memorabilia from throughout their history. Among the notable pieces here are the team’s six Super Bowl trophies and the snowplow from the infamous “plow game” in 1982.   The End Zone Militia has a vantage point many Patriot fans dream of. From their post just beyond the north end zone, they fire off a 21-gun salute after every New England score.   The renovations to the north end of the stadium deserve an extra point. The new lighthouse (which now actually looks like a lighthouse) is the focal point of the stadium. The lighthouse is accessible to fans during off hours and features views of the Boston and Providence skylines. The north entry plaza features new stadium access, concession stands, social gathering areas and vantagepoints. And let us not forget to mention the largest outdoor scoreboard in the country.   The display of the Patriots’ six Super Bowl banners in the south end zone compliments the new north end zone renovations.   The surrounding live/work/play complex around Gillette Stadium has become a model for newer facilities around the world. It’s become a standard feature for any new sporting facility design, with more features added all the time. Final Thoughts   It's been a difficult transition in New England as the Patriots return to mediocracy after two decades of ruling the NFL. However, the recent lack of success on the field has not diminished Gillette Stadium’s influence on modern facility design or fan interest in the team. Outfitted with the largest outdoor scoreboard in the country and a modern new design, Gillette Stadium remains a premier, if somewhat overshadowed, NFL stadium.   Follow Paul Baker’s stadium journeys on Twitter  and Instagram  @PuckmanRI.

Photos by Paul Baker, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.57 Sodexo Field 40 University Drive Rindge, NH 03461 Franklin Pierce Ravens football website Sodexo Field website Year Opened: 1985 Capacity: 1,000 Football with an Extra “H”   Franklin Pierce University is a private liberal arts college located in the small town of Rindge, New Hampshire. Founded in 1962, the school is named after New Hampshire resident Franklin Pierce, who was the 14th President of the United States. Today, the campus has an enrollment of over 1,700 students who study in 25 undergraduate and 13 graduate programs. Among the school’s notable alumni is famed animal behavior researcher Temple Grandin.   Franklin Pierce has had some athletic success over their history. The women’s soccer team has won five national championships, and the men’s soccer team has won three national titles of their own. The Ravens compete in the Northeast-10 Conference, a Division Two association consisting of teams located throughout New England and New York.   Franklin Pierce first sponsored football in 2012, competing in the Collegiate Sprint Football League from 2013-2017. For those who are not familiar with Sprint football, it is played with identical rules as regular college football, but all players must weigh under 178.0 pounds. After a transitional season, the Ravens joined Division Two. Over their first four seasons in D-2, the Ravens have posted a record of 7-34.   Food & Beverage 2    There is a small tent located to the north of the main grandstand. The concessions are staffed by, and proceeds raised here go towards the other athletic teams at Franklin Pierce. On the night of Stadium Journey’s visit, the men’s hockey team was operating the concession stand.   There’s a basic menu featured here, with freshly grilled hot dogs and burgers, assorted candy and chips, and cans of Pepsi products making up the entire menu. On the plus side, no item costs more than four dollars. You can purchase a combo meal featuring a dog or burger with a bag of chips and a drink for just five or six dollars.   Atmosphere 3   Franklin Pierce is a small school in a small town. So, you may be surprised by the support and game day atmosphere here at Sodexo Field. There’s a fairly active tailgating scene here at Franklin Pierce, highlighted by the party tents located atop the hill on the north side of the facility. Fans who purchase these tents can simply pull right up to their tent, pull out their gear, and start the party while the game goes on below them.   For those of us who cannot afford a season pass in the VIP section, a Ravens game at Sodexo Field is still a pretty entertaining way to spend an afternoon or evening. There’s a good turnout from the student body, who are into the game and boisterous in their support. The Raven’s marching band sets up shop on the berm at the north end of the stadium, and the cheer and dance squads keep the energy up throughout the game. You may even see Rocky the Raven roaming the sidelines. A small scoreboard in the northwest corner of the facility provides basic game information.   While there is a lot of fun to be had at a Ravens game, there are some parts of the game day experience that hold down the score a bit. One of these things is the lack of unobstructed views at the facility. Fences surround the field, with windshields tied to all these fences. The presence of the fences, the teams and tents on the sidelines, and the combination of fans standing along the fence and the foot traffic in front of the grandstand throughout the game make it difficult to see everything unless you’re one of the lucky fans sitting in the top few rows of the tiny grandstand.   Another aspect in which the Ravens gameday experience struggles is the sound system. The music is played at a modest volume, while the PA announcer tends to scream his way through the game. Fans noted that music was played whenever a player was down on the field injured, which is a definite breach of etiquette at most venues.   Neighborhood 1   Franklin Pierce University is a self-contained campus located in a rural area of a small town. There’s not a whole lot in the immediate area of the campus that will attract visiting fans. Emma’s 321 Pub and Kitchen provides solid bar food and draft beer, and Hometown Diner is another great option for a hearty breakfast before heading over to watch some football. Lodging options nearby include the Monadnock Inn, Woodbound Inn, and the Benjamin Prescott Inn.   Attractions near Franklin Pierce include Monadnock Mountain, which features miles of hiking trails to its summit. Tourists flock to this part of the country every fall to take in the breathtaking colors of the fall foliage. A Franklin Pierce football game could be a fun part of a weekend of leaf-peeping.   Fans 3   Stadium Journey visited Sodexo Field on a beautiful September Saturday night with a reported crowd of 345 in attendance. This appears to be a representative crowd. What the Franklin Pierce crowd may lack in quantity, it makes up for in quality.   The fans, made up of friends and family of the players, along with a sprinkling of locals, are energetic and strong in their support of the home team. There’s also a good amount of sportsmanship on display and respect for the visitors. The student body shows up in good numbers, cheering on their classmates and filling the berm with noise. As mentioned earlier, it’s a fun, laid-back time.   Access 3   Franklin Pierce University is located in the small town of Rindge, New Hampshire, a town with just over 6,000 residents in the southwestern part of the state. Sodexo Field is at the southern edge of the campus, adjacent to Pappas Field . Driving is the only way you’ll get to this rural campus, with the nearest highway about 20-30 minutes away. State Routes 119 and 202 will get you near campus.   Parking is available near Sodexo Field, with the lots adjacent to the facility reserved for season ticket holders and VIPs. Other fans will need to utilize the lots around campus. Just be ready to deal with some hills as you approach the stadium.   Seating consists of a small grandstand on the east (home) side of the field and a small set of bleachers on the west (visiting) side. All seats are metal bleachers without backs. Additionally, there is standing room on three sides of the field. Unfortunately, some fans choose to stand at the fence right in front of the grandstand, obstructing the views of fans in the first few rows of the bleachers. Fans requiring special access will be disappointed with the lack of accessible locations.   Many fans choose to bring their chairs or blankets and sit on the large hill at the north end of the facility. With the tailgating tents behind you and the band next to you on the berm, this might be the best place on the grounds to watch the action.   The grounds are well-manicured, with paved sidewalks leading to all areas of the facility. Small restrooms are located on the ground floor of the press box building behind the main grandstand, with port-a-johns located around the facility to help with wait times.   Return on Investment 5   Tickets to Ravens football games are priced at ten dollars for general admission seating, with seniors and children admitted for five dollars. Franklin Pierce students are admitted for free. Parking is free of charge in the lots around the athletic fields (just be ready to climb some hills). Concessions are very reasonably priced, visiting Sodexo Field, an affordable entertainment option for local sports fans.   Extras 1   Banners honoring Franklin Pierce’s national champion soccer teams are hung on the façade of the press box, as well as on the windshields on the far side of the field.   While this does not earn an extra point, a Stadium Journey reader, who is a Franklin Pierce alumnus, pointed out that the name of the field is spelled wrong in the facility’s entryway. As you enter the field, look at the welcome arch above your head. Sedexo Field is spelled “Sedexho,” which is the former spelling of the sponsoring company. Sodexo, a French food service and facility management company, dropped the “H” from its name in 2008 because, in certain languages, an “X“ followed by an “H” is difficult to pronounce. A decade and a half later, the misspelled sign remains. The scoreboard, meanwhile, has Sedexo spelled correctly. It’s one of those things you can’t unsee once you see it.   Final Thoughts   Sodexo Field is typical of other small school facilities in this part of the country. While it may be small, there is a lot of fun to be found here in the foothills of New Hampshire. Just be ready to climb, and please excuse the spelling.   Follow Paul Baker’s stadium journeys on Twitter  and Instagram  @PuckmanRI.

Photos by David Welch, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.86 O’Keefe Gym 151 Sixth Street N.W. Atlanta, GA 30313 Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets website O'Keefe Gym website Year Opened: 1995 Capacity: 1,500 POINT TECH! Originally the gymnasium of O’Keefe High School, which opened in 1923, Georgia Tech was given control of the building from Atlanta Public Schools in the 1960s, after which it remained home to both high school and middle school teams until 1973. Georgia Tech began sponsoring volleyball as a varsity sport in 1980, playing their home matches at the then Alexander Memorial Coliseum. Yellow Jacket Volleyball would move next door to O’Keefe Gym in 1995, just before the 1996 Summer Olympic Games. While the team plays nearly the entirety of their schedule at O’Keefe, they will play a match or two back at their original home, the now McCamish Pavilion . Since the inception of volleyball at Georgia Tech, they have played as members of the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC), winning five regular season titles (1994, 1995, 2000, 2004, and 2005) and two ACC tournament titles (1995 and 2002).   Food & Beverage   2 Georgia Tech serves a rather basic menu comprised simply of hot dogs, nacho chips with cheese sauce, and Bavarian pretzels. Candy and snacks are also available. Soft drinks come from the Coca-Cola family of beverages. The alcoholic beverage selection is more extensive, featuring domestic beers, Georgia Tech-branded beers like New Realm Brewing’s Ale of an Engineer and Helluvienna Lager, and Hazy Like a Fox IPA, along with Bud Light and Nutrl seltzers, wines from Stella Rosa, and a Sauvignon Blanc spritzer.   Atmosphere   5 O’Keefe Gym is a great example of a historic building being preserved and repurposed for present-day use. To call O’Keefe Gym cozy would be a massive understatement – given its limitation of space and near-capacity crowds nearly every match, crowds are shoulder-to-shoulder. The gym’s acoustics enhance the energy of the fans and band, producing an electric atmosphere, but can muffle in-house speaker calls, making them a bit difficult to understand. The Georgia Tech pep band plays an integral role in creating a college atmosphere with their in-match drops and performances. Every point is celebrated with music clips, and the arena announcer quickly calls out “POINT TECH!” as the band responds with an equally rhythmic drumbeat. It truly is a fun atmosphere that is easy to get caught up in.   Neighborhood   5 Situated in the shadows of the Midtown Atlanta skyline, just a step out of O’Keefe Gym leaves no doubt you are in the heart of Atlanta. O’Keefe Gym is neighbored by McCamish Pavilion and Mewborn Field, Tech’s basketball and softball venues, respectively. This is also where the main concentration of Georgia Tech’s athletic facilities are located; the gym directly abuts Atlanta’s Downtown Connector. The main concentration of restaurants in the area can be found across the highway, just a short walk across the 5th Street bridge. A bit further, but in the neighborhood to the north of campus, is one of Atlanta’s top pizzerias, Antico’s Neapolitan-style pizza, about a mile to the west of campus. Also less than a mile away is Vortex, known for its specialty burgers. Just be aware some of the décor at Vortex might not be the most family-friendly. For those seeking more entertainment, Atlanta’s Centennial Olympic Park is only a short distance away from O’Keefe Gym – the park is home to attractions such as the Georgia Aquarium, World of Coca-Cola, the Chick-fil-A College Football Hall of Fame, and the Children’s Museum of Atlanta.   Fans   4 Tech fans pack O’Keefe Gym close to its 1,500-seat capacity on a match-by-match basis and create a lively college volleyball environment. Each point is enthusiastically celebrated with “POINT TECH!” and for set points, fans rise to their feet and circle their index fingers above their heads with a synchronous “oh” in anticipation of calling out “POINT-TECH!”. Rallies with a lot of action save, and flat-out hustle plays are commonly celebrated with a standing ovation. In general, Tech fans are appreciative of good volleyball and quick to celebrate the success of the Yellow Jackets.   Access   3 Reaching Midtown Atlanta for an evening match can be challenging due to Atlanta’s notorious traffic, especially on the I-75/I-85 Downtown Connector. Although match start times aim to avoid the worst of rush hour, traffic can still be problematic. Parking can be found in the lot behind McCamish Pavilion or in the smaller lot down 6th Street. Friday night parking especially can create some angst when football plays at home the following day since signs are posted regarding on-campus towing starting at 8 pm on Friday. Assurances are made that despite the posted signs, ticketing and towing do not begin in this area until well after the match ends. The lot on 6th Street does provide the most direct access to O’Keefe Gym while parking at McCamish  requires traversing several sets of stairs, going in through the O’Keefe Building, then exiting to access the front doors of the gymnasium. Upon entry, the lobby houses a long concession and apparel stand that makes an already narrow area feel even tighter. Once in the gym, a large game operations and media table at the center court makes accessing the far side of the seating a bit challenging during the match – the layout of the facility and playing surface requires fans to exit to the lobby to get to seats on the opposite side of the venue. These inconveniences can be attributed to playing in such a historic facility, where there simply is not enough space to accommodate any sort of concourses.   Return on Investment   4 Tickets go for $12, which seems to be consistent with most Division-I volleyball programs. If purchasing tickets online, many matches may show up as sold out, but if you are willing to take the chance, there are often tickets still available for purchase at the door. Concession pricing is consistent with what would be found at any other athletic event on campus – there is not necessarily the feel of items being overpriced when considering concession prices in general and during sports events.   Extras   4 During player introductions, the starters take the court and throw mini volleyballs to fans in the crowd. Georgia Tech’s ever-present mascot, Buzz, makes his way around the stands, interacting with practically every fan in attendance. Banners recognizing Georgia Tech’s All-Americans and ACC and NCAA tournament successes cover roughly three-fourths of the wall space of O’Keefe Gym. After the match, stick around for a bit to witness one of the great but lesser-known traditions in college athletics, namely the Georgia Tech band playing “The Horse” – the band, spirit squad, and fans bob-and-slide while the song is played and then scatter throughout the stands at the break to finish the remainder of the performance. It is a fun way to end the evening.   Final Thoughts There is no denying that O’Keefe Gym might be one of the most intimate Division-I volleyball settings in the nation. There certainly is not a lot in the way of amenities or comforts at Georgia Tech volleyball matches, but this is part of what makes O’Keefe Gym such a special place for Yellow Jacket Volleyball.

Photos by Joseph Oakes, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.57 Lenovo Center 1400 Edwards Mill Rd Raleigh, NC 27607 Carolina Hurricanes website Lenovo Center website Year Opened: 1999 Capacity: 18,680 Rock You Like A Hurricane Editor's note: On September 19, 2024, PNC Arena was renamed as the Lenovo Center. This review, written before the name change, reflects the previous name. The Carolina Hurricanes began playing at PNC Arena when the building opened in 1999. Prior to that, the Hurricanes played at the Greensboro Coliseum during their first two years in North Carolina. The facility has gone by three names since it opened: Entertainment and Sports Arena, the RBC Center, and now the PNC Arena. The arena is located in West Raleigh and sits next door to Carter-Finley Stadium, home of the NC State football team. PNC Arena boasts 18,680 red seats for hockey and is also the home of the NC State basketball team. Even though the venue is approaching 20 years old, it is still a modern arena for NHL hockey.  Food & Beverage 4 PNC Arena offers a wide selection of food and beverage choices, even though the prices are a bit high. However, there is no shortage of concession choices as you make your way through the concourses. The permanent stands offer your generic stadium food: hamburgers, hot dogs, pizza, nachos, pretzels, popcorn, and peanuts. Bottled Pepsi products are sold at these stands and Aquafina bottled water, coffee, hot chocolate, and Gatorade.  Also, throughout the arena, you can find Cinnabon cinnamon buns and various ice cream choices. Alcoholic beverages are offered in two sizes. If you are a fan of BBQ, your best bet is to check out one of the several North Carolina BBQ stands scattered throughout the arena. These stands offer two favorites of mine: a BBQ sandwich and BBQ nachos. Pair these with a Cheerwine, and you are in business.   Atmosphere 4 PNC Arena is your standard three-level arena with a lower level, a middle club lever, and an upper level. All seats are cushioned and have cup holders. Suites are located at the top of the lower and club levels. There is a four-sided center-hung video board above center ice. It is small compared to many of the newer video boards, but rumor has it that the new Hurricanes owner wants to install a new video board next season that runs from blue line to blue line. The Hurricanes have an engaging mascot – Stormy, who is a pig. This is about the great North Carolina Bar B Que culture. The Canes also have their dance team – the Storm Squad, which engages the crowd and helps get them pumped up for games. There are hurricane warning flags and graphics throughout the arena. Before each game, a local celebrity (such as an area college coach) will crank the hurricane siren to get fans pumped up. At various times throughout the game, “Rock You Like a Hurricane” by the Scorpions will crank up. The management does a great job of incorporating hurricane and storm-related graphics and activities into the game day experience.   Neighborhood 2 PNC Arena was built adjacent to Carter-Finley Stadium in West Raleigh near the NC State Fairgrounds. While there is plenty of parking and great tailgating, there is little to do within walking distance before or after the game. The only restaurants within walking distance are Backyard Bistro, Wendy’s, and Bojangles. Backyard Bistro is a great place to hang out and get food and drinks before a game.   Since you will most likely be driving to the arena, be sure to visit the Angus Barn restaurant about 9 miles from the arena, located near the RDU Airport. The Angus Barn is a sprawling upscale steakhouse in a barn-like setting with a wine cellar, lounge, and cigar bar.  Area activities to consider are the NC Museum of Art and Park, which is about 1 mile from the arena, and the North Carolina State Capitol building and museums in downtown Raleigh.   Fans 5 Since Rod Brind’Amour has taken over the team and has them consistently in the playoffs, expect a near-capacity crowd for every game. The fans are consistently loud and into the game, and tickets are now tough to come by.   Access 4 PNC Arena is easily accessible by car as it sits near I-40 and I-440 in West Raleigh. If you are flying into the area, the Raleigh-Durham airport is only 10 miles away and provides all the major airlines. Parking is plentiful around the Arena/Stadium area and is $40 on-site and $25 prepaid. We suggest buying prepaid to save $15. The security staff entering PNC Arena does seem a little “strict” at times, so allow yourself some extra time when entering the arena. Once inside, the arena is easily navigable with three concourses serving the three levels. The arena is well-signed so you can easily find your section.   Return on Investment 3 Ticket prices range from $50 (upper level) to $200 (lower level) depending on location, and parking at the arena is $40. Concessions are expensive, but are on par with other arenas and the quality of food is good.   Extras 3 PNC Arena has hosted the NHL All-Star game, the Stanley Cup, and the NHL amateur draft.   Recently, the Hurricanes have started coming back onto the ice after a win and doing their version of the “Lambeau Leap” by skating down the ice and jumping onto the glass.   The arena has recently added phone-charging stations around the concourse.   Final Thoughts PNC Arena is routinely sold out and offers a great environment to watch NHL hockey.

Photos by Joseph Oakes and Various, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.14 Lenovo Center 1400 Edwards Mill Rd Raleigh, NC 27607 North Carolina State Wolfpack website Lenovo Center website Year Opened: 1999 Capacity: 19,700 “Pack”ing the House Editor's note: On September 19, 2024, PNC Arena was renamed as the Lenovo Center. This review, written before the name change, reflects the previous name. NC State basketball began playing at PNC Arena when it opened in 1999, replacing the historic Reynolds Coliseum on campus. The facility has gone by three names since it opened: the Entertainment and Sports Arena, the RBC Center, and now the PNC Arena. The arena is located about 2 miles from NC State’s main campus, and sits next door to Carter-Finley Stadium, home of the NC State football team. PNC Arena boasts 19,700 red seats, and is also the home to the NHL’s Carolina Hurricanes. Even though the venue is approaching 25 years old, it is still a modern arena for ACC basketball. Food & Beverage 3 PNC Arena offers a wide selection of food and beverage choices; however, the prices are quite high. There is no shortage of concession choices as you make your way through the concourses. The permanent stands offer your generic stadium food: grilled brisket sandwich with fries ($15.50), hot dogs with fries ($12.50), chicken tenders with fries ($15.50), nachos & cheese ($7), peanuts ($6.50), soft pretzel ($6.50), and popcorn ($8.00). Bottled Pepsi products are sold at these stands for $6, and bottled water is $5.50. There is also a good selection of bottled and draft beer ranging from $9-$15. Also, throughout the arena, you can find Chick-Fil-A and Cinnabon stands, as well as various ice cream choices. If you are a fan of BBQ, your best bet is to check out one of the several North Carolina BBQ stands scattered throughout the arena. These stands offer two favorites of mine: a BBQ sandwich and BBQ nachos. Pair these with a sweet tea or a Cheerwine, and you are in business. While there is a great selection of concession choices, the extremely high prices knock the ranking down a bit and therefore, we recommend eating before you go to the game. Atmosphere 4 The atmosphere at NC State basketball games is special, especially if you are attending a weekend ACC game. The first thing you notice when entering the seating bowl is the giant Tuffy wolf at center court. Nearly every fan in attendance wear red NC State apparel and cheer their hearts out. The seating at PNC Arena is separated into three different levels: a lower level, and middle club level, and an upper level. Both the lower level and middle club levels offer great views of the court and excellent sightlines. The upper level offers a nice view of the arena; however, since the arena is designed for hockey, the seats in the corners are a bit far from the action. If you are going to sit in the upper level, I would advise sitting courtside. The suites are located at the top of the lower and club levels. Students literally surround the court at PNC Arena, in a pit-like area along both sidelines and end zones. The pep band and cheerleaders also do their part in keeping the crowd fired up. One neat cheer is when one side of the arena yells WOLF, and the other side responds with PACK. NC State also has two mascots: Mr. and Mrs. Wuf. A large four-sided scoreboard hangs above center court and provides video replays along with the score, fouls, time-outs, and out-of-town scores. There are also ribbon boards on the overhangs of both the club and upper levels. Neighborhood 2 PNC Arena was built adjacent to Carter-Finley Stadium in West Raleigh near the NC State Fairgrounds. While there is plenty of parking and great tailgating, there is little to do within walking distance before or after the game. The only restaurant within walking distance is the Backyard Bistro, located across the street. This is a great place to hang out and get food and drinks before a game. Likewise, the only hotel in walking distance is the Arena Suites which is behind the Backyard Bistro. Since you will most likely be driving to the arena, be sure to check out Amedeos Italian Restaurant near campus which is full of NC State memorabilia. Area activities to consider are the NC Museum of Art and Park, which is about 1 mile from the arena, and the NC state capitol and museums in downtown Raleigh. Fans 4 NC State has some of the most passionate basketball fans in the country. While the program may not be the national championship contender that it was in the 70s and 80s, the fan support is top-notch. Wolfpack fans are knowledgeable and supportive of the team but are also tough on opposing teams and officials. While the large arena does push the fans away from the action somewhat, the student section that surrounds the court is always loud and vocal. NC State does not sell out every game in the spacious PNC Arena and can seem too big for non-conference over the holidays. However, expect 15-16K for weekend ACC games and a sellout whenever Duke and UNC come to town. Access 4 PNC Arena is easily accessible by car as it sits near the intersection of I-40 and I-440 in West Raleigh. If you are flying into the area, the Raleigh-Durham airport is only 10 miles away and provides all the major airlines. Parking is plentiful but is $20 if you do not have a parking pass. Across the street at the fairgrounds, parking normally is free. When we attended in 2023, there were many signs up saying “no event parking”. However, after the game, we noticed that there were several cars parked there for the game The security staff entering PNC Arena does seem a little “strict” at times, so allow yourself some extra time when entering the arena. Once inside, the arena is easily navigable with three concourses serving the three levels. The arena is well-signed so you can easily find your section. Return on Investment 2 Attending an NC State basketball game will be a little tough on your wallet, especially if it is an ACC game. A few single-game lower-level tickets are normally available for ACC games for $45. Upper-level tickets range from $15-$30. Add in $20 parking and concession and you are looking at $60 per person minimum. If you are looking to save some money, purchase tickets through the secondary market for a non-conference game. This will save you quite a bit! Extras 3 The NC State pep band is great and keeps the crowd fired up throughout the game, and fans sing to the fight song. Two mascots: Mr. and Mrs. Wuf make their way through the crowd entertaining fans. Chick-Fila has a promotion that if an opposing player misses two consecutive free throws in the final 8 minutes, everyone goes home with a free chicken sandwich through the app. This causes the crowd to get extra rowdy in the final minutes when an opposing player is shooting free throws. Final Thoughts Basketball is king on Tobacco Road. While PNC Arena is what immediately comes to mind when thinking of great ACC venues, it is still a fun and exciting place to catch a game.

Photos by Dave Cottenie, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.71 Paramount Fine Foods Centre 5500 Rose Cherry Place Mississauga, ON L4Z 4B6 Mississauga Steelheads website Paramount Fine Foods Centre website Year Opened: 1998 Capacity: 5,612 Endangered Trout? It was once the house that Don Cherry built. The bombastic, former centerpiece of the “Coach’s Corner” intermission segment of Hockey Night in Canada was bringing Junior Hockey to Mississauga and spearheading the opening of the Hershey Centre. The complex was built on a street named after Cherry’s late wife. The Mississauga IceDogs entered the OHL in 1998 in one of the worst expansion plans ever with teams in Mississauga, Brampton, and Toronto all being added in two years. Cherry would find that he possibly didn’t know as much about running a hockey team as he thought he did and the IceDogs proved to be one of the worst franchises in the league. In 2007, Eugene Melnyk, owner of the Toronto St. Michael’s Majors, would purchase the IceDogs to gain control of the arena lease for the then Hershey Centre. The IceDogs were sold off and the Majors became the Mississauga St. Michael’s Majors. After several tough years at the gate and hosting a Memorial Cup, Melnyk would sell the Majors to Elliot Kerr and the team would be rebranded the Mississauga Steelheads in 2012. A decade as the Steelheads has passed and hockey in Mississauga once again is at a tipping point. Kerr has made public his frustrations with the lack of fan support and mused that maybe the Steelheads should be elsewhere. Home for the Steelheads is the now-renamed Paramount Fine Foods Centre. The arena is similar to other modern OHL facilities and offers plenty to be positive about. However, Junior Hockey in Mississauga is in trouble and the question as to the location of the Trout in five years is a mystery yet to be answered. Food & Beverage 3 There is some surprising variety when it comes to concessions at Paramount Fine Foods Centre. The expected arena fare can be found, including popcorn, nachos, pretzels, fries, and hot dogs. Poutine, mini-donuts, and chicken fingers. Some surprising, healthier options are available including whole fruit and hummus, and veggies. Soft drinks are Coca-Cola products. Coffee, tea, hot chocolate, and French Vanilla are available, and necessary due to the cold temperatures in the arena. The beer selection is decent for an OHL venue. Budweiser, Bud Light, Corona, Stella Artois, Mill Street Organic, and Alexander Keith’s are available as well as red and white wine. Atmosphere 3 The Paramount Fine Foods Centre is the centrepiece of a larger athletic complex. The exterior is attractive with a clean look with light brick and siding. The main entrance is on the east side at Rose Cherry Place and brings fans into a small foyer with the main ticket office. After entering the main concourse fans will find the team shoppe, The Bait Shop, to the immediate left. The concourses feature some murals featuring the Steelheads. The Captain’s Wall is around the corner from the Bait Shop one way and team photos can be found in the opposite direction. Inside the seating bowl, fans will find a modern seating facility with plenty of burgundy arena seats; some with padding. The ice surface runs from east to west, with the north side being the best spot to get the Centre ice logo picture. Above the seating bowl on the south side, above the luxury boxes, hangs the iconic painting of Queen Elizabeth II, once a staple found in all Canadian hockey arenas. Behind the seats on the north side is the Budweiser Lounge, which, when operating, is a place fans can stand in a bar-like atmosphere and get a drink and some food. When the lounge is not operating, it is still open for fans to be able to use the space. The four-sided video board is clear and has traditional scoreboards underneath. Hanging in the west end are the 2017 division and conference championship banners, the only ones the Steelheads have earned to date. The Paramount Fine Foods Centre is one of the coldest arenas in the OHL. Fans should be prepared. Gloves are a good idea here. The gameday production is about what one would expect from the OHL. Modern music plays during the down times and minor hockey players play the Timbits mini-game during intermission. The Steelheads mascot, Sauga, can be found around the arena leading cheers or on the ice during the mini-game. Neighbourhood 2 The Paramount Fine Foods Centre is located in an industrial neighbourhood in Mississauga. As a result, there is not much in the way of pre and post-game spots for fans to head to. The Britannia neighbourhood in Mississauga, which is surrounded by Highways 401, 403, and Hurontario, does have a couple of spots including Pane e Vino, Wing Factory, Nirvana, and Mandarin. For a wider variety, fans will need to look elsewhere. Either way, fans are going to need to get in the car and make the drive. Heading over to Square One, which is one of the larger shopping malls in the area, will offer fans more options. Mississauga suffers and benefits from being in the shadow of Toronto. Many fans will head “into the city” for the entertainment options, of which there are nearly countless. In Mississauga itself, however, options are pretty limited. The Paramount Fine Foods Centre is shared with Raptors 905 of the G-League. Other sporting options would be in Toronto as well. Fans who wish to stay near the arena may want to try the Holiday Inn Mississauga Toronto West or Quality Inn Airport West Fans 2 The attendance for Steelhead games is where the experience falls off. In the 2022-2023 season, the Steelheads are attracting under 1,500 fans per game, dead last in the Ontario Hockey League by nearly 1,000 fans per game. Mississauga tends to be near the bottom in attendance annually and need something to change to ensure its position in Mississauga going forward. The team has been fairly strong on the ice but the lack of fan support leaves the experience flat. It feels that there are more visiting fans than home fans and the low attendance is not placated by a small building. Access 4 Getting to the Paramount Fine Foods Centre is not difficult. The arena is surrounded by Hurontario Road, a major Mississauga street, and Highways 401 and 403. There is plenty of free parking on either the north or south sides of the arena. Some parking is reserved for suite patrons and season ticket holders. For fans wanting to take public transit to the game, there is a limited-service MiWay bus route that traverses Rose Cherry Place. Fans should check out the Mississauga Transit website for maps, fares, and schedules. Getting around the Paramount is not difficult due to the low attendance numbers. However, should there be a big crowd, the narrow concourses would be a bit of a problem. The washroom facilities are adequate for the facility and the crowd in attendance. Return on Investment 3 OHL hockey provides tremendous value for the sporting dollar. The on-ice product is top-notch and exciting. The ticket prices for the Steelheads are not out of line with the rest of the league. Adult tickets go for around $25 and premium tickets for $35. There are discounts available for kids. Family packs are also available. The concession prices are not too bad and parking is free at the Paramount. However, the lack of fan support bleeds into the overall experience. Even though the Steelheads do their best to put a good package together, it falls a bit flat when a large percentage of fans, in a building more than half empty, are cheering for the visiting team. Stronger fan support will help create a better atmosphere and a better return on investment. Extras 2 An extra mark for the strong connection the Mississauga Steelheads has with minor hockey in the area. An extra mark for the unique name and strong branding the Mississauga Steelheads bring to the table. Final Thoughts It will be interesting to see what happens with the Mississauga Steelheads over the next five years. An airtight lease agreement with the City of Mississauga has kept OHL hockey in town, however, it is clear that the owner is unwilling to continue to take significant losses on the team and may be ready to find some greener pastures. If the citizens of Mississauga could rally around the Steelheads to ensure Junior Hockey remains the OHL would be a better place. ------ Follow all of Dave’s sporting adventures on Twitter @profan9 and Instagram .

Photos by Gregory Koch, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.29 McDonough Arena 37th Street NW Washington, DC 20007 Georgetown Hoyas website McDonough Arena website Year Opened: 1951 Capacity: 2,500 A Visit to McDonough McDonough Arena is located on the campus of Georgetown University in Washington, D.C., and is the home to the Hoyas’ volleyball team as well as the women’s basketball team. Previously, it was home to Georgetown's men's basketball team as well, but in 1981, they moved to the Capital Centre in Landover, and later, to Capital One Arena in downtown DC. Stadium Journey has a separate review about the women's basketball experience here , while this review will focus on the experience at a Georgetown volleyball game. Rather confusingly, the event space where basketball and volleyball are played is called McDonough Arena, while the whole building, which also includes training facilities and offices, is called McDonough Gymnasium. Food & Beverage 2 There is one concession stand at McDonough Arena, located at a small window off the lobby to the right side of the main doors. The menu options here are pretty basic. Hot dogs, chips, and candy are basically the only foods, while bottled soft drinks and water are available as well. Prices are reasonable, with nothing costing more than a few dollars, and cash and credit cards are accepted. The concession stand usually sells additional options for women's basketball, such as chicken tenders and burgers, so these may be available for volleyball games from time to time as well. Atmosphere 3 Walking through the front doors of McDonough Gymnasium will put you in the lobby of the building, from which you can check out trophy cases commemorating various athletic accomplishments. The Thompson Center will be down a hall to your right, with additional athletics displays, while the doors to the arena will be straight ahead. There is no need to buy a ticket for volleyball, so you can just walk straight in. All seating is located on the two sidelines and consists of beige risers without backs. However, fans who sit in the top row can lean against the wall. Since a volleyball court is not as long as a basketball court, the bleachers at the ends of the arena will be outside the bounds of the playing area. You can sit here if you want, but be prepared to have your head turned to the side for the whole match. Needless to say, most fans choose to sit in the center sections, and there is plenty of space here for everybody. There is an overhead scoreboard above the middle of the floor, as well as two smaller scoreboards in the corners. All scoreboards are rather basic and show the score of the current set. The overhead scoreboard also shows the number of sets won for each team, in the space that is dually labeled as "Fouls" and "Score". This is a pretty basic experience, with not much going on here other than the game itself. The starting lineups are announced before the game, and the PA announcer will announce substitutes and servers, but that is pretty much it. Even for coach's challenges and video reviews, you're basically on your own to figure out what is going on. Neighborhood 5 McDonough Arena is located in the middle of the Georgetown campus, and you’ll probably have to head off campus to do anything. However, the Georgetown neighborhood (which lends its name to the school, not the other way around) is one of the best in D.C. There are numerous restaurants ranging from casual sandwich shop Booeymonger’s to luxurious upscale restaurants such as 1789, and everything in between. Georgetown Cupcake sells exactly what its name implies, Clyde's of Georgetown is a locally popular American pub and bar, and Chaia is known for its fancy vegetarian and vegan tacos. All of this is located just a short walk or drive away from the University. If you’re willing to head downtown to the National Mall area, the District has so much more to offer, and the best part is that most of it is free. Whether it’s taking in the sights and monuments on the Mall itself, or visiting one of the many museums such as the various Smithsonians, there’s something for everyone. All of the government-run attractions are free, but some of the private ones are not. Just keep in mind if you wish to tour the White House or Capitol, you will need to book in advance. Fans 3 Georgetown draws a couple hundred fans to a typical volleyball game, both friends and family of the players and members of the local community. As mentioned above, most fans sit in the center bleachers rather than off to the sides, so this allows them to consolidate the crowd energy and noise. It can get loud in here at times, such as during long rallies or when Georgetown scores a point in a phenomenal fashion, but there simply aren't enough fans to make that big of a difference. McDonough Arena does have low ceilings, so that helps trap in the crowd noise. Access 4 The Georgetown campus is located just across the Francis Scott Key Bridge from Virginia. Fans coming from that direction should turn left on Canal Road after coming across the river, and the campus is just up ahead after that. Coming from Maryland isn’t quite as easy, but still is pretty simple. Most games are played on Friday nights or weekends, allowing you to avoid the worst of DC rush hour traffic. Still, if coming to a Friday night game, allow extra time. Once you’re on campus, parking is available in the Southwest Garage. There is ample space available, but some of the spaces may be tight, especially for drivers of larger vehicles. Parking is free on Sundays but is $5 hour, up to a total of $25, the rest of the week. You can then enter through the front doors of the John Thompson Athletic Center, the training facility attached to McDonough Gymnasium, and walk through there to get to the arena lobby. The Thompson Center entrance is right next to where you come out of the garage, assuming you use the right elevator. Alternatively, you can walk around the building exterior to the front doors of the arena and enter through there. Either way, it is only a couple minutes of walking. Take your garage ticket with you and pay at the station in the elevator lobby when you return. Restrooms are available in the lobby, with the men's room to one side of the arena doors and the women's room to the other side. You will need to leave the arena properly to access them but will be allowed back in without an issue. Return on Investment 4 Admission to a Georgetown volleyball game is free, and concessions are affordable as well. However, the high cost of parking drives this score down. You can park for free on Sundays, so try to go to a game that day to maximize your value. Extras 2 Be sure to check out the various trophy cases in the lobby honoring not just Georgetown’s volleyball achievements, but their championships in other sports as well. Once inside the arena itself, be sure to check out the banners honoring Georgetown achievements in volleyball and men's and women's basketball. Final Thoughts McDonough Arena is a historic gym that, like many old college basketball arenas, is still used for volleyball. A Hoyas volleyball game is a pretty simple experience, but it's hard to argue with free admission, and you will definitely want to check out all the history while you are here.

Photos by Aaron S. Terry, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.29 Rogers Stadium East River Rd Ettrick, VA 23806 Virginia State Trojans website Rogers Stadium website Year Opened: 1950 Capacity: 7,909 Trojan Explosion The Virginia State Trojans football team competes in NCAA Division II and currently plays in the Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association for all 14 varsity sports. The CIAA includes member schools from six states, spanning from South Carolina to Pennsylvania. The Trojans home football and track venue is called Rogers Stadium – the facility includes both a turf football field as well as a running track around the field. The facility is located just south of Richmond in Ettrick, VA (or some mapping apps may place it in Petersburg). The venue opened in 1950 and currently seats 7,909 fans.   Food & Beverage   4 Concessions at Rogers Stadium include fixed stands on both the home and visitor sides, as well as two food trucks in the plaza next to the home side. Like many HBCUs, you can find chicken wings and fried fish, as well as soul food, in addition to more traditional fare such as BBQ, burgers, hot dogs, nachos, potato wedges, candy, and chips. Drinks include bottled water, bottled Pepsi products, Frappuccino, and energy drinks.   Atmosphere   3 The atmosphere at Virginia State football games is solid, although attendance can be a bit lackluster (more on this later). As with most HBCUs, a big emphasis is placed on the marching bands – the VSU marching band is called the Trojan Explosion, and you can expect to see them sashay as they march into the stadium, and they do a great performance during halftime. You will also see a lot of moving and swaying by the band as they play from the stands during the game. As is typical at HBCU football games, the opposing team’s band will usually also be invited to play during halftime, and the PA announcer will rib them good-naturedly as not being quite as good as the home team’s band, of course.   Neighborhood   4 Rogers Stadium is located in what you might perhaps call a run-down area, but there are plenty of things to see and do nearby, given its proximity to Richmond and its suburbs. While technically about 25 miles south of Richmond proper, the facility is only about 3 miles from the I-95 corridor, and there are all manner of restaurants, hotels, and attractions to be found next to the freeway. Colonial Heights is probably the closest “town,” where you can find restaurants such as Olive Garden and Denny’s, and if you are looking for something to do before or after the game, the Keystone Truck and Tractor Museum is less than 3 miles from the facility and is filled with modern and antique tractors and other equipment. The museum is open from 9-5 daily, so depending on what time the game starts, you should be able to plan a visit before or after.   Fans   2 The fans at Rogers Stadium cheer pretty loudly for their Trojans, but there just aren’t that many fans in attendance – the facility may only be one-third full at a typical football game if that. Depending on the opponent, you might even see more support and more fans cheering for the visiting team than for the home team.   Access   4 It is pretty easy to get in and out of Rogers Stadium – the drive isn’t bad, and since the venue is less than 3 miles from I-95, it doesn’t feel like you have to drive much out of your way. Also, the traffic in the area isn’t bad this far south of Washington, DC. When you get to the stadium, the first parking lot you see might be a long, narrow one with a few tailgaters – that parking lot is next to the visiting side, so you might prefer to follow the road further in, where you will find a much larger parking lot that is closer to the home side. The cost is $10 either way, but you may prefer not to have to walk as far. Either parking lot would be fine in any case, however, as the stadium isn’t that big. There are three entrances into the venue, one next to the visiting side and one on each end of the home bleachers. There is a ramp on both ends of the home side that leads up into the seats, or you can get to your seats from the back – the concessions and restrooms are behind the home grandstand, and there are staircases at a few places in the stands that take you up to them.   Return on Investment   3 Parking is $10, which seems reasonable, but tickets are $20 each for general admission, which seems a tad high for the experience you are getting here. Also, concessions are a little on the high side for certain items - $3 for a bottled soda or water seems reasonable, but $5 for a hot dog or $14/$16 for chicken wings and fried fish seems pretty steep.   Extras   3 The Trojans have two mascots, one male and one female in costume, and they have field-level seating if you are part of an alumni group (tents set up behind one end zone). While the scoreboard isn’t a real video board that can show replays, it does have some basic capacity to show video. However, it doesn’t include enough information – for example, you can’t tell how many timeouts each team has. There are some nice pops of color from the orange and blue; however, and the cheer squad runs around with V-S-U banners every time the home team scores. There is also really no shade in the stands to protect you from the sun during a hot day game.   Final Thoughts A Virginia State Trojans football game at Rogers Stadium is a pleasant experience – it has all the basic amenities a football fan would like to see, if not providing anything over the top. If you are looking for an enjoyable time for friends and family, you couldn’t go wrong by planning a visit here.

Photos courtesy of Gregory Koch Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.57 Cardinal Stadium 4900 Bates Rd NE Washington, DC 20011 Catholic Cardinals website Cardinal Stadium website Year Opened: 1985 Capacity: 3,500 Fear the Catholic Cardinals Located in Washington, DC, the Catholic University of America is the only pontifical university in the United States. For those who are unaware, a pontifical university is a college established by the Vatican and dedicated to the purpose of religious studies. The CUA's athletic programs are known as the Cardinals and compete at the Division III level in the Landmark Conference. Catholic's football team plays its home games at Cardinal Stadium, a 3,500-seat field that opened in 1985. Cardinal Stadium was also previously home to Major League Rugby club Old Glory DC for the COVID-shortened 2020 season, but they now play their home games at the Maryland SoccerPlex . Food & Beverage 3 Concessions are sold out of a food cart to the right of the bleachers (as you are sitting in the stands) and are, except for some snacks, provided by Chick-fil-A. Meal options include the regular chicken sandwich, the spicy chicken sandwich, and the chicken wrap. For added value, you can get a combo with chips and a bottled drink. Assorted candy and other snacks are also available. Prices are reasonable - snacks and drinks cost $2-$3 by themselves, and the price for a sandwich or combo is about what you would pay at an actual Chick-fil-A. Atmosphere 3 There is one large set of metal bleachers at Cardinal Stadium, which is separated from the field by a track, meaning you are set back a good distance from the field. A scoreboard behind the left end zone shows other basic information as well, such as the down and distance. As for the gameday atmosphere, they do go beyond the basics here, which is not something you see at every Division III school. A costume named Red, who is a cardinal of the avian rather than religious variety, roams the stands interacting with fans. A small pep band plays on the field at halftime but is otherwise mostly inactive. There is also a cheerleading squad that is not afraid to make themselves heard. Overall, the experience here is nothing too fancy but has just about everything you'd expect a college football game to have. Neighborhood 4 Catholic University is located in the Brookland neighborhood of Washington, D.C. This neighborhood is sometimes called "Little Rome" due to the large number of Catholic institutions. In addition to CUA, there are several other Catholic high schools, colleges, and other institutions, as well as the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception. There are certainly other places to go in Brookland as well. Busboys and Poets is a popular bookstore, coffee shop, and restaurant located across Michigan Avenue from the south side of campus. The Brookland Pint is a popular bar serving beer and burgers. The Brookland Grill on 12th Street is a more affordable option. Fans 4 While the Catholic University football team may not draw the largest crowds, the bleachers here will be mostly full for a typical game. They can get quite loud at times after touchdowns or other big plays. However, by and large, they are polite fans - there is no booing the refs or the players here if they perceive they are not doing well. The crowd runs the gamut from longtime fans and alumni to families with small children checking out a college football game for what may be the first time. While many of the fans have some connection to the program or the school, others just happen to live in the Brookland neighborhood and make the short trip over here to check out a game. Access 4 There are many options for arriving at Cardinal Stadium. If you plan on tailgating before the game, you will need to purchase a space in the tailgate lot (or tailgate with someone who does.) The tailgating space costs $50 but also includes up to four tickets to the game for people in the car that is driving into the lot. This ticket must be purchased in advance through the HomeTown ticketing app. If not tailgating, several free parking options are available, a rarity in this city. The closest lot is at the DuFour Center, which is very convenient as this is where you will enter the stadium. If that fills up, you can park at the University Garage at 3598 John McCormack Road and walk across campus to the stadium. If entering the tailgate lot, you will do so off Hawaii Avenue - staff will direct you behind the scoreboard to a space. From there, it is pretty easy to walk into the stadium. If not tailgating, you will walk through the main doors of the DuFour Center, where there will be a table for you to scan your ticket. It is best to purchase the ticket in advance via the HomeTown app, but if you are not tailgating, you can purchase tickets the day of the game by scanning a QR code at the entrance. There is no option to pay with cash or a card at the gate. Once you scan your ticket, take the stairs or elevator to the second floor and follow the signs out the door for the athletic fields. If wanting to use public transit, you can also take Metro's Red or Green Line to Fort Totten or the Red Line to Brookland-CUA. Both are about a 15 to 20-minute walk from Cardinal Stadium. Restrooms are available in the lobby of the DuFour Center and are generally a sufficient size for the crowds. However, they are a bit of a walk from the bleachers, so plan accordingly. Return on Investment 4 Admission to Catholic University football games is $12 for a standard ticket purchased in advance via the HomeTown ticketing app. Seniors and military personnel get in for $8, and children under 12 for $6. The tailgating lot is $50 but also includes four tickets to the game, so the value is not bad if that is your thing. If you have four adults in your car, you are essentially paying $2 for a spot in the tailgating lot on top of the price of your tickets. If you have two adults and two kids, it's essentially $14. You can do the math for other combinations, but it isn't as expensive as it seems. If not tailgating, parking is free, tickets are still reasonable, and concessions are reasonably priced as well. Overall, a Catholic University football game can be a good value. Extras 2 One extra star for the merch tent set up behind the end zone. Look for the trophy case and Catholic University Athletics Hall of Fame in the DuFour Center. You will walk by many displays on your way through the building to get to the game. Final Thoughts A Catholic University Cardinals football game is everything you'd expect a college football game to be. This is the Division III level, so set your expectations appropriately, but a game at Cardinal Stadium can be an enjoyable way to spend a Saturday afternoon in the fall watching football.

If it is fall, that means that its time for College Football and what better way to celebrate than with one of the oldest teams in one of the oldest stadiums in the country! Stadium Journey's Obstructed Views is off to the land of beer and brats with special guest Andrew Bauhs of College Football Tour. Grab a beer and Jump Around! You can find Stadium Journey's review of Camp Randall Stadium and the Wisconsin Badgers football game day experience here.

Photos by Richard Smith, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.14 Oriole Park at Camden Yards West Camden St Baltimore, MD 21230 Baltimore Orioles website Oriole Park at Camden Yards website Year Opened: 1992 Capacity: 48,876 “O” Say Can You See Oriole Park at Camden Yards opened in 1992 and has been considered one of the best Major League Baseball stadiums in the league. Before its opening the landscape of professional baseball was littered with boring, multipurpose bowl stadiums. Now nearly every team has a great baseball stadium. Luckily Oriole Park has kept up with the experiences. Out were lackluster parks and in were fan-friendly stadiums that were designed for the optimum fan experience. If Baltimore had built a standard, boring facility, baseball may not look and feel the way it does now. The current Baltimore Orioles began in 1954 when the St. Louis Browns moved to town. The Orioles had a very successful run at the well-loved Memorial Stadium. When it was obvious that Memorial was ending its usable life the current ballpark came into focus. The Orioles have been world champions three times (1966, 1970, and 1983) and have won the AL pennants seven times. Famous players have included the likes of Roberto Alomar, Luis Aparicio, Reggie Jackson, Eddie Murray, Jim Palmer, Cal Ripken, Jr., Brooks Robinson, and Frank Robinson while Earl Weaver may always be the most beloved manager in team history. Food & Beverage 4 There is quite a variety of food offerings at Oriole Park, although it seems more limited than in previous years. There was a change of food companies in 2023 and some people have complained about the offerings not being as good as in the past. We didn't see the quality being lowered but it is something to think about and we will also update if we discover more on this front. Prices are not cheap, but not entirely unreasonable either. Hot dogs are an example of this. The basic dog available throughout the park is around $6. Spend just a few cents more than that and get a beer-soaked bratwurst. Boog’s BBQ is the biggest draw. Located on the iconic Eutaw Street section of the ballpark, the stand is run by Orioles legend Boog Powell. You get a good amount for the price. If you are lucky Boog himself will be on hand to serve up your meal. Dempsey’s Brewpub which was located inside the warehouse itself has been replaced by the Superbook Bar. Prices do need to get lower to stay with the current trend of lowered concession prices. Atmosphere 4 The only real major problem with the park is that the concourse is not within sight of the field. It has a more traditional concourse located behind the stands. When you start trends, you do expect that some things will have been tweaked by the ones to come after. It is still a great area for wandering and you never seem out of the game experience due to ever-present television monitors and game play-by-play announcements. The Star-Spangled Banner was written very close to where the stadium is located. The Orioles fans commemorate this and their love of the home team by shouting a loud “O!!!!!!” during the appropriate spot during the anthem. In other places, this would seem to be disrespectful, but in Baltimore, it shows the love of the country and the team. If you hear that yell at other parks throughout the country rest assured that there is a Baltimore fan in the house. A very unique Baltimore tradition is the playing of John Denver’s 1974 classic song, “Thank God I’m a Country Boy,” during the seventh-inning stretch. It all started a couple of years after it was released when the Orioles were trying to add pop music into the lineup. For some reason, the song stuck. Even when then-owner Eli Jacobs tried to change songs during the late 1980s, the fans demanded it back. The traditional “Take Me Out to the Ballgame” is played as a warmup to ‘Country Boy.’ Many a local fan still talks about Denver’s surprise September 1997 visit when he appeared on top of the dugout mouthing the song’s lyrics. He was in town for a concert at the nearby Baltimore Arena and decided to pop over. Sadly he died in a plane crash less than a month later. The expanded Kids Zone is becoming a nice, popular feature. Neighborhood 3 The ratings should be higher here, but the city has some issues that fans need to keep in mind before heading to the game. Baltimore is and has always been, an urban environment where you should make sure you are aware of your surroundings. Use common sense and all will be fine and you will have a great time. There are party-like options are across from the stadium. It might be better to find other options in the Harbor East neighborhood for a more relaxed experience. The Inner Harbor is a popular tourist destination and is a short walk from Camden Yards. There are numerous options here but it will be expensive and more touristy. Another option is nearby Federal Hill. There are a few fun restaurants and bars here. Another choice is just south of Oriole Park, the Horseshoe Casino. If you are the gambling type, this Harrah owned gaming establishment has a nice variety of dining and drinking spots. There is even a large parking garage offering deals for game day parking as well. Baltimore is home to many touristy attractions, such as Harborplace, Fells Point, and Fort McHenry. The American Visionary Art Museum on Key Highway is located on the way to Fort McHenry and should not be missed, although its unique collection will not be for everyone. Fans looking to get a taste of Baltimore sports history should also take time to visit the Babe Ruth Birthplace. Fans 3 The team has been faring better and the atmosphere is lively and fun again. The fans have always been strong but a string of mediocre management has not helped with consistency. The ownership situation is still a mess but as long as the management stays as is, expect the fans to respond with positivity. There is a very knowledgeable fan base at an Orioles game. People tend to make the game a family outing. But that does not mean these are not active fans. It is the kind of place where you will see a parent training their young children on the ins and outs of the game, as well as the history of Robinson, Robinson, Palmer, and Ripken. Fans cheer when they need to and support at all the right times. It is not a place where you will see a lot of booing, although at a Yankees game you just never know. Access 5 Oriole Park is extremely close to I-95, with only a couple of turns putting you on the highway home. Parking garages can be found in all directions from the stadium. Street parking is not a great option. Parking near the Inner Harbor is a good option. Check websites and apps such as SpotHero to find bargains that are a pretty close walk away. If you’re not driving to the game, the other primary mode of access is the MTA Light Rail. From points north and south of downtown Baltimore, you can take the train to the ballpark. The Light Rail is slow, so make sure you know that beforehand. Return on Investment 5 Prices are generally pretty reasonable, although they do vary by the opponent. The ticket aftermarket is always a good bet here. Prices can be found at a very reasonable rate for almost all games, except for maybe the Red Sox and Yankees. Extras 5 Babe Ruth was born here in Baltimore and his childhood home is mere blocks away. He attended school at St. Mary’s Industrial School for Boys nearby and actually spent time on the very spot of Oriole Park at Camden Yards. The B&O Warehouse is not an architectural creation just for the stadium. It opened in 1899 and served as merchandise storage and a distribution center for the nearby railroad. Camden Station is also adjacent and is one of the longest continuously operated train terminals in the United States. The Orioles in recent years rearranged the center field fan experience and added a statue garden of Oriole greats. This area also makes it easier for fans to walk entirely around the whole stadium. Eutaw Street itself offers a great experience for fans. Not just great food options, but it offers great people-watching, retail experiences, and great field views from the flag court, located above the right field scoreboard. A cool feature can be seen in some of the open stairwells. Lyrics to Orioles songs such as “Orioles Magic” and the aforementioned “Thank God I’m a Country Boy” can be found on the walls. Final Thoughts Oriole Park is still one of the most beautiful stadiums in Major League Baseball and does not show much age.

Photos by Dave Cottenie, Gregory Kock, and Marc Viquez, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.29 FirstEnergy Stadium 1900 Centre Ave Reading, PA 19605 Reading Fightin Phils website FirstEnergy Stadium website Year Opened: 1951 Capacity : 10,000 The Carnival at Baseballtown Reading is just different.  Baseball in Reading, Pennsylvania dates back to 1858 with the Reading Athletic Club playing other local teams.  The organization of baseball in 1874 saw the birth of the Reading Actives.  Baseball continued in Reading over the years as the monikers changed.  In 1933, Reading joined the Eastern League as the Reading Red Sox, which was short-lived.  In 1952 Reading returned to the Eastern League as the Reading Indians, which was significant in the minor league careers of such stars as Rocky Colavito and Roger Maris.  The current iteration of Reading baseball launched in 1967 as they began an affiliation with the Philadelphia Phillies and the Reading Phillies have been a cornerstone Double-A franchise ever since.  They officially became known as the Fightin Phils in 2012. Home for the Fightins, as they are sometimes locally known, is the historic and unique FirstEnergy Stadium.  Opened in 1951 as Reading Municipal Memorial Stadium and dedicated to military personnel who died while serving, FirstEnergy Stadium provides one of the most unique experiences in Minor League Baseball.  It is referred to as “America’s Classic Ballpark” borrows from the Detroit Red Wings and refers to itself as “Baseballtown.”  The mix is truly unique with the experience having three distinct parts: one part baseball; one part museum; and one part carnival. Food & Beverage 5 The culinary experience at FirstEnergy Stadium is the cornerstone of the carnival atmosphere at the game.  The Diamond Credit Union Plaza, informally the Boardwalk, opens before the seating area at FirstEnergy Stadium and the plaza offers carnival food for fans to enjoy before the game begins.  Big Straw Milkshakes with their cookie sandwiches, ice cream, and funnel cakes Plaza Favourites with their varieties of chicken and hot dogs and mac and cheese, and Grand Slam Grill with their burgers, and hot dogs offer fans a top-notch culinary listing before fans are even able to get to their seats.  Yuengling products, Suburban Brewing, and Miller Lite headline the beer options.  Hard slushies and seltzers are also available. Pepsi products are the soft drink of choice.  Once the concourse opens, there are another set of concession options including Manny’s Fries and The Lil’ O’s Pizza.  Overall, there is not much a fan could be wanting for at FirstEnergy Stadium. Atmosphere 5 FirstEnergy Stadium offers one of the most unique atmospheres in baseball.  The exterior of the park is smart with brown brick, blue accents, and embedded concrete “Reading Phillies” name.    Right away, it is apparent that the stadium is hiding its true age.  Although classic, the exterior does not look like a seventy-plus-year-old facility.  A nod back to the original Reading Municipal Memorial Stadium is in the giant military dog tag sculpture in front of the stadium, dedicated to the veterans of the community.  When getting closer to the ballpark, fans will find that the Fightins waste almost no space and celebrate their history perhaps more than any other team.  It begins with the bricks on the main exterior plaza behind the home plate.  Fans will find marble bricks in the ground for each year of the Reading Baseball Hall of Fame and the retired numbers of Ryne Sandberg, Mike Schmidt, Robin Roberts, Scott Rolen, and Jim Bunning. The gates to the Plaza on the first base side open earlier than the rest of the stadium.  The Diamond Credit Union Plaza creates that carnival atmosphere with some concession stands, an open plaza with picnic tables, and a stage for live, pregame music.  Pregame activities such as mini golf, inflatable slide, speed pitch, mascot photos, and autographs are great options for some pregame fun.  The plaza is protected by overhead netting making it viable for use during the game also.  The plaza also has huge murals of former Reading greats and a full accounting of the Baseballtown Hall of Fame.  Two murals of the group stand out.  First the large picture of Max Patkin, the “Clown Prince of Baseball” gives the area an old-time feel.  Secondly, a large mural in honor of Taylor Swift from nearby Wyomissing, Pennsylvania, depicts the megastar’s long and significant relationship with the Phils and FirstEnergy Stadium.  Once the concourses open, fans are again taken back in time as there is practically no space on the walls.  A trip through Reading baseball history removes the claustrophobic nature of the concourses.  Murals and trophy cases could keep a treasure hunter occupied for the duration of the game.  Special attention is given to those Phillies who came through Reading on their way to winning the 2008 World Series. The main grandstand runs between first and third bases with some overhead coverage.  Fixed plastic and metal seats are not the most comfortable and fans are reminded of the age of the facility.   Disjointed stands on both the third base and first base sides help bring the capacity up.  New to the park is the Redner’s Event Center, which offers a variety of group seating options and houses events during and after the baseball season.  On the facade, along with some local, static ads, are the five retired numbers for the Phils.  An underused train motif can be found in right centerfield with a smoking train sign with flashing lights that fire up on Fightin home runs.  Right field also features a very popular Pool Pavilion, perfect for hot days. The gameday atmosphere at Reading is quintessential Minor League Baseball with activities and promotions happening at a near-constant pace.  The Phils feature a full band of mascots and the ingame host is constantly busy.  To sum up the atmosphere, the Phils do everything within their power to make fans forget that the ballpark is not the greatest structure when fans are sitting in their seats, a significant task that the team does to perfection. Neighborhood 2 FirstEnergy Stadium is located at the north end of Reading.  It is not the greatest neighborhood and taking the car somewhere is probably going to be necessary.  There are several spots available for pre or post-game fare.  These include Mike’s Tavern, B2 Bistro Bar, and The Farmhouse Kitchen.  Reading is perfectly located to facilitate a baseball road trip being pretty much equidistant from Allentown, Harrisburg, and Philadelphia.  Other sporting options in Reading include the ECHL’s Reading Royals .  Other tourist options include the Mid-Atlantic Air Museum and Reading Public Museum.  The SureStay and Red Roof Inns are available for fans who wish to stay near the ballpark. Fans 5 The Fightins enjoy solid fan support.  In the 2023 season, the Fightin Phils welcomed an average of over 5,900 fans per game.  This ranks as a respectable 21st in Minor League Baseball and 4th in the Eastern League and Double-A.  The fans in attendance of the game that was reviewed were into the game and supportive of the Phils.   Access 4 FirstEnergy Stadium is located at the north end of the City of Reading.  It is just south of Highway 12 and west of Highway 61, or Centre Street.  Getting to FirstEnergy Stadium is not too difficult and there are parking lots to the west of the stadium, some of which are free.  For fans who wish to take public transit to the game, some buses travel both Centre Street and 5th St.  Fans should consult the Berks Area Regional Transportation Authority  for fares, schedules, and maps.  Getting around FirstEnergy Stadium can be a bit of a challenge as would be expected for a stadium built in the fifties.  Concourses can be crowded and this stadium would be a challenge for anyone with mobility issues. Return on Investment 5 There is tremendous value in a Reading Fightin Phils game.  Box seats run $18 apiece while General Admission tickets, which are for the left field or right field grandstands, are only $12 each.  Parking can be free with a little luck but reserved parking is only $9.  Concession prices are about what one would expect for a Minor League Baseball game. The gameday atmosphere in Reading is amongst the best in MiLB and it is truly a unique experience.  Overall this equates to an experience that is affordable and perfect for the entire family. Extras 4 An extra mark for the fresh and unique approach to baseball that the Fightins take making FirstEnergy Stadium unlike anything else in MiLB. An extra mark for the long history of baseball in Reading. An extra mark for the brilliance of opening the Plaza early before games for fans to congregate and enjoy, and truly taking that unique experience to the next level. An extra mark for the massive and thorough Baseballtown Hall of Fame Final Thoughts Baseball fans who feel that they have experienced it all and have not been to see the Reading Fightin Phils are fooling themselves.  The atmosphere at FirstEnergy Stadium is truly unique and a trip to see the Fightins will not disappoint.  One part museum, one part ballpark, and one part carnival.  Does it get better than this? Follow all of Dave’s sporting adventures on YouTube , Twitter , Threads  and Instagram @profan9.

Photos by Steven Burke, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.00 Camp Randall Stadium 1440 Monroe St Madison, WI 53711 Wisconsin Badgers website Camp Randall Stadium website Year Opened: 1917 Capacity: 80,321 How Wisconsin does College Football College football possesses a pride and nostalgia unrivaled by many other sports featuring venues that have stood the test of time and serve as cathedrals to the game. One of those venues can be found at the University of Wisconsin. Camp Randall Stadium began its life of historical relevance during the Civil War as a training camp for Union soldiers. In 1895 the Badgers began to call the location home for football games and through expansions and renovations it has remained that way ever since. Today the stadium possesses a campus feel within an urban setting and as an 80,000+ seat facility it is one of the gems of the Big Ten. Food & Beverage 4 The usual concession stands selections can be found throughout many sections of the stadium with favorites including pizza slices $7.50, hot dog $4.50, and brats $5.75. Snacks include popcorn $4, nachos $5, and jumbo pretzels with cheese for $6.50. Pepsi products are also available for $5.75 with bottled water for $4. Some of the specialty food stands placed around the stadium provide expanded choices such as beef sandwiches $9.50, cheese curds for $8.75, Cousins Subs combos for $9, and a Buckingham Burgers for $11 which provide a build your own option of sauces and toppings. If you need some extra caffeine, check out the Just Coffee Cooperative stand which provides all of your coffee shop essentials. Atmosphere 4 When a college football program has the support of the surrounding community, a lively student section, and success on the field the atmosphere is sure to be top notch. Fans of all ages are interested in the game and knowledgeable of the action on the field. The location of the stadium adds to the atmosphere; the urban setting and involvement of the Madison community add a sense of importance and seriousness to the product on the field. You can’t address the atmosphere at Camp Randall without bringing up the wonderful “jump around” tradition which began in 1998. Between the 3rd and 4th quarters all of the fans in the stadium yell, dance, and sing along to the House of Pain song “Jump Around.” Neighborhood 5 Madison epitomizes a college football town, it rivals the best experiences in college football around the country. When the Badgers have a home game everybody in town becomes a part of it; it can be seen in the local bars and restaurants as well as the mixture of students and families proudly wearing their team colors. Fraternity houses are located on the west side of the stadium and they tend to add to the pregame atmosphere. Jordan’s Big 10 Pub on Regent Street offers a huge lot for tailgaters and a massive Badgers scoreboard over the lot. Lucky’s Bar is another Regent Street venue that turns its parking lot into a makeshift beer garden for tailgaters. State Street Brats is known for one of the best places on earth for a brat and is located on the pedestrian-only State Street. They also are known for a wide variety of daily specials. A bit further down the road, near the Wisconsin State Capitol Square, you’ll find a couple of great spots. The Coopers Tavern has 28 beers on tap as well as good food. Try the Sconnie egg, essentially a scotch egg covered in bratwurst. Capital Brewery and Great Dane Pub & Brewing Company are two fine examples of locally made beer. Fans 5 The way in which the people and families of Madison embrace the Badger football team is wonderful. They are knowledgeable, passionate and involved in the game. And, as is the case in much of Wisconsin, they are friendly. It is routine for them to ask where you are from and offer postgame suggestions once they find out you aren’t a local. The symbiotic relationship between the fans and the student section is wonderful. Expect friendliness, camaraderie, and passion as you take in the sites at Camp Randall Access 3 Arriving at your chosen parking spot early is essential for Badgers game day. This isn’t meant to be conveyed as a negative, just a necessity. As is the case with many college towns through the south, the normal population of the town is drastically increased on game day by those taking in the festivities. Patience is required during egress as many of the surrounding roads are two or at most four lanes wide. As long as you aren’t in a hurry and are open to enjoying the environment a bit longer it really isn’t that big of a deal. Local police will direct traffic however with so many intersections and parking lots emptying at the same time patience and hospitality are needed. Moving around the stadium itself is pretty easy. Stairways can get a bit clogged, but overall the concourses are wide and easy to navigate. Restrooms are hit and miss, as they’ve added the portable kind to the stadium to supplement the existing restrooms. And game day apparel or souvenir needs can be addressed at Bucky’s Locker Room on the concourse as well. Return on Investment 5 As is becoming commonplace across college and professional sports the ticket prices vary based upon the opponent. For the current 2018 season, the lowest single-game ticket price of $57 applies to Western Kentucky and New Mexico games while the highest single-game ticket prices of $100 apply to the Nebraska game. Of course, you should plan to buy your tickets early, because Camp Randall tends to sell out. Tickets can be found in the secondary market as well, just do your research and prepare in advance. Extras 2 Madison alone warrants extra points. As a college football traditionalist, the feel of nostalgic football settings mixed with modern passion, and Wisconsin is wonderful. For a student experience, it doesn’t get better than living next to the stadium in older student housing and going to the game as a part of the massive and organized student section. Points also get awarded for the outstanding traditions on the field and in the stands. The marching band, Jump Around, and the 5th Quarter is all worthy of special recognition. Final Thoughts Overall, Madison on game day definitely makes the list of great college football experiences and I would strongly recommend paying a visit. I think you will find it rivals the atmosphere found anywhere.

Photos by Meg Minard, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.14 Desert Financial Arena 634 E Veterans Way Tempe, AZ 85281 Arizona State Sun Devils website Desert Financial Arena website Year Opened: 1974 Capacity: 14,198 Forks Up Volleyball Arizona State University (ASU) Sun Devils volleyball began play in 1973.  The team has made 20 NCAA appearances, the last in 2023.  They play in the NCAA D1 Big XII conference. The Sun Devils play volleyball at both Desert Financial Arena and the recently built Mullett Arena, depending on schedules and other activities on campus.  Desert Financial Arena is home to the men’s and women’s basketball teams.  It serves as the home arena for the ASU wrestling and gymnastics teams, as well.  Concerts, graduations, and shows also fill the stands at the venue. Food & Beverage 2 A few concession stands serving traditional stadium food dot the concourse at Desert Financial Arena.  Be sure to walk the concourse as each stand sells different meals and snacks. Fare includes loaded cheese fries, regular fries, chicken tenders, cheesesteak, value dog, nachos, popcorn, pretzels, and peanuts.  Prices run from $6 up to $13.50.  Coca-Cola is the soda provider ($6/$8).  Cans of beer (Coors Light, Lagunitas IPA, Dos Equis, Hard Seltzer, and Spiked Lemonade) cost $15. It’s nothing out of the ordinary but enough to satisfy a hungry fan.  Visitors can bring in a bottled water.  The venue has water fountains designed for easy bottle refill. Atmosphere 3 The arena provides two levels of seating with a walkway between the two.  The upper level is closed for volleyball matches.  The lower seating extends up to 20 – 22 rows. Twenty-two is closest to the concourse.  The venue does not have handrails for climbing up and down. Handicapped seating lines the walkway with banquet-type chairs and extra room for wheelchairs and walkers.  The interior highlights maroon-colored seats accented with gold walls and facade facing, portraying the ASU school colors well. Desert Financial Arena, ASU Sun Devils Volleyball, Photo by Meg Minard Customer service is excellent, with friendly, helpful staff.  They play the music loud, sometimes painf ully loud, and drown out th e prematch PA announcements.  They do not play music while the sets are in process but during time-outs and stoppages.  The volume is lower then, but still too loud to talk with your neighbor without yelling.  If you’re sensitive to loud music, bring earplugs. Game day operations turn the lights off during the Sun Devils’ introductions.  Fans cannot see the players as they are introduced.   This baffles me. The temperature in the arena is comfortable.  Not too cold, not too hot.  Bring a long- sleeved shirt if air conditioning chills you.  It’s an enjoyable few hours out and pleasantly different if you’re more used to watching the traditional Big Four U.S. sports.. Neighborhood 5 Desert Financial Arena is near Arizona State University’s other sports venues in Tempe, AZ, and has plenty of places to eat, drink, and sleep.  Downtown Tempe  is just a short walk away and is the place to go pretty much all the time when you’re at ASU, especially on match days. Whatever kind of food, atmosphere, or price is desired, downtown Tempe has it. It’s one of those places where one could go to a different restaurant or bar before every ASU volleyball match and still not see everything by the end of the season. Snooze an AM Eatery is always a good place for breakfast/brunch, as is Chompie’s Restaurant. A Buffalo Wild Wings is close by. Devil’s Advocate Sports Grill is certainly one of the more popular options among ASU fans. Less than a mile away (or one light rail stop) is Mill Ave, home to all varieties of restaurants and bars. Four Peaks Brewing, The Beer Shop, Hundred Mile Brewery (women-owned), and Pedal Haus Brewery are 1 ½ – 2 miles from the arena. About a mile northeast of Desert Financial Arena is Tempe Marketplace , which has even more restaurants and shops, plus a movie theater. Hotels within walking distance of the arena include Hyatt Place Tempe / Phoenix / University (right across the street), Residence Inn by Marriott Tempe Downtown/University, or Tempe Mission Palms Hotel. There’re plenty more to choose from, just a light rail stop or two away. Other things to see or do in Tempe include the Phoenix Zoo, the Desert Botanical Gardens, and the Arizona State University Art Museum. Other sports to enjoy during volleyball season in Tempe include Sun Devil football, basketball, and ice hockey. A little farther away, basketball fans can visit Footprint Center to watch the Phoenix Suns  or the Phoenix Mercury or catch an MLB Arizona Diamondbacks game at Chase Field.  Just a tad north, visit Grand Canyon University Antelopes volleyball at Grand Canyon University Arena.  Fans 3 Sun Devils fans always root their teams on well, including volleyball.  The volleyball fans are welcoming and supportive of both teams on the court.  Some fans bring banners and all cheer for good plays and long volleys.  At the match of this review, fans initiated several crowd waves during the sets. Access 5 The arena’s East, West, and South doors are open for ASU Volleyball matches.  Getting to and around Desert Financial Arena is relatively easy and it is close to the interchange of Loop 101 and Loop 202. Take the Rural/Scottsdale exit on Loop 202. A parking garage and parking lot are off Packard Dr (northeast side of the arena). An excellent option is to take the Valley Metro Light Rail  ($4 for an all-day pass/$2 for seniors) and get off at the Veterans Way/College Ave stop. Walk three blocks east past Sun Devil Stadium to the arena. An Uber/Lyft drop off and pick up is at the west entrance on E Veterans Way, the same side as the light rail. The City of Tempe offers free rides via their Orbit Shuttle  or FLASH service with stops near Desert Financial Arena.  The nearest airport is Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport, about a 15-minute drive to Desert Financial Arena. Fans can take the Valley Metro Light Rail directly from the airport to the arena and downtown Tempe. Concourses are plenty wide and do not get congested during sets.  Clean restrooms are on the north and south sides of the concourse, with a family restroom on the southwest side near sections W and V. Security requires adherence to the clear bag policy  at all ASU sports facilities. Return on Investment 3 I paid $15 for a single match at Desert Financial Arena, which seems high.  It looks like some matches are $10.  Fans purchase tickets via a stand-alone kios k, and the kiosk sends tickets via text to your phone.  The traditional ticket booths are used for will-call only.  Parking is free; concessions prices are decent.  Desert Financial Arena Ticket Kiosk, Photo by Meg Minard, Stadium Journey Extras 1 Arizona State University Sports Hall of Fame – Photos are affixed to the concourse walls honoring all ASU athletes who made a difference. Trophy cases adorn parts of the concourse featuring the many accolades of the ASU sports teams. Final Thoughts Fans at ASU volleyball matches are engrossed in the action and cheer the team on enthusiastically.  Although reaching its 50th anniversary, Desert Financial Arena still offers a good game day event. Sun Devils Logo on Desert Financial Arena Court, Photo by Meg Minard, Stadium Journey

With MLB playoffs underway, it's time for us at Stadium Journey to once again rank the game-day experience at all 30 Major League Baseball Ballparks.   Will this year’s ranking be the last one the Oakland Coliseum is listed?  The next few months will tell. Stadium Journey ranks arenas based on their unique FANFARE rating scale, which incorporates a venue’s food, atmosphere, neighborhood, fans, accessibility, value, and other factors to create an overall score.  When two or more venues are tied, Stadium Journey consults its Council of Elders to break the tie.  It’s a different way of looking at venues and produces some variability in our lists that you don’t see elsewhere. As usual, we predict that this list will garner a great deal of debate. We welcome your input by joining discussions on our Facebook and Twitter pages.  We’re sure your MLB Stadium ranking list differs from ours, and isn’t that what makes these lists so appealing? 1.       Petco Park - San Diego Padres 4.71 Andrei Ojeda - Celebrating its 20th year, Petco Park continues to play a huge role in the revitalization of the local area throughout the East Village. With a vibrant neighborhood and enthusiastic fans coming in droves along with one of the more picturesque parks among the 30, it’s no wonder Petco Park continually ranks high in any ballpark rankings. 2.       Progressive Field - Cleveland Guardians 4.71 Chris Green - Progressive Field has become a shining example of how to maintain a beautiful baseball stadium over the years, altering the seating in the upper deck, incorporating local food and beverage providers, and maintaining a modern look in a facility that is nearing its 30th year in operation. 3.       PNC Park - Pittsburgh Pirates 4.57 Lloyd Brown - For any fan of baseball, a trip to see the Pittsburgh Pirates at PNC Park is an absolute must. With some improved play on the field, hopefully, more fans will embrace the experience and flood the park on the banks of the Allegheny. 4.       Oracle Park - San Francisco Giants 4.57 Andrei Ojeda - Since its opening in 2000, Oracle Park has featured some of the busiest turnstiles in all of baseball. From the views beyond the bay to the nightly breeze, Oracle Park, with its gorgeous surroundings anchored by the bay, has done more than its share to bring baseball fans to its gem. 5.       Busch Stadium - St Louis Cardinals 4.57 Chris Green – Rising in place of its former namesake, Busch Stadium features stellar food options, a scenic skyline for a backdrop, welcoming and kind fans and staff, and an excellent stadium design for optimum viewing from all angles. 6.       Citi Field - New York Mets 4.43 Richard Smith - Citi Field is located in Flushing Meadows–Corona Park, specifically the Willets Point neighborhood. The neighborhood near the Flushing River has been known for years for its automobile shops and junkyards. Changes do appear to be happening. 7.       Fenway Park - Boston Red Sox 4.29 Paul Baker - How old is Fenway Park? It opened the same week that the Titanic sank. While other cities are building billion-dollar complexes to replace ballparks that are only 20 years old, Boston they are simply finding new ways to put modern touches on this classic diamond. 8.       Target Field - Minnesota Twins 4.29 Gregory Koch – From the Minnie and Paul sign to the unique concession items to all the other extras here, a trip to Target Field for a Twins game should be on every fan’s bucket list. 9.       Great American Ball Park - Cincinnati Reds 4.29 Dave Cottenie - The Cincinnati Reds have grasped a hold of their history and celebrate it better and stronger than any other team in Major League Baseball. Great American Ball Park captures that feeling and offers a fantastic baseball experience. If the Reds are doing well, it is that much better and must be considered among the elite of MLB. 10.   American Family Field - Milwaukee Brewers 4.29 Marc Viquez - American Family Field is one of those major league ballparks that might not stand out to most, but after a visit, you might want to reconsider. It is known for its tailgating, loyal fans, great food, and racing sausages. 11.   Oriole Park at Camden Yards - Baltimore Orioles 4.14 Richard Smith - Oriole Park at Camden Yards opened in 1992 and has been considered one of the best Major League Baseball stadiums in the league. Before its opening, the landscape of professional baseball was littered with boring, multipurpose bowl stadiums. 12.   Coors Field - Colorado Rockies 4.14 Michael Davis - Coors Field ranks among the best with its beautiful structure, downtown location, and picturesque views. A trip to Coors Field is more than watching a baseball game; Coors Field is a place that signifies the beauty of Colorado. Any sports fan should put Coors Field high on their list of places to visit. 13.   Chase Field - Arizona Diamondbacks 4.14 Meg Minard - The D-Backs play their home games at Chase Field, formerly known as Bank One Ballpark. It is one of eight major league baseball stadiums with a dome or retractable roof, definitely needed for the scorching hot summers in Phoenix, AZ. 14.   Minute Maid Park - Houston Astros 4.14 Eric Moreno - The Astros and Minute Maid Park continue to find ways to make game days feel like big-time events each season. A lot of this is due to the massive amount of success the ball club has experienced in the last decade-plus. From the moment you walk up to the Juice Box, everything becomes a celebration of baseball and the Astros. 15.   Dodger Stadium - Los Angeles Dodgers 4.14 Andrei Ojeda - Recent enhancements throughout the third oldest yard in the Majors have made the Dodger Stadium experience much more accessible for fans wanting to experience as much of the historic venue and have assured us that Dodger Stadium will be the home to Dodger Baseball for many more years to come. 16.   T-Mobile Park - Seattle Mariners 4.00 Marc Viquez - T-Mobile Park provides everything traditional and non-traditional fans would ever need at a ballpark. The assortment of food, beverages, and value options is impressive, along with its location to public transportation.  The views of the city and The Sound are the real highlights of the ballpark.   17.   Comerica Park - Detroit Tigers 4.00 Marc Viquez - Comerica Park doesn't get a lot of the attention that other major league ballparks do, but it stands out among many of its contemporaries. When you walk around the concourse and visit certain areas, you know you are at a ballpark in Detroit. The accessibility, surrounding neighborhood, and unique touches make a Tiger game worth your time in the Motor City. 18.   Yankee Stadium - New York Yankees 4.00 Greg Venuto - Yankee Stadium does a good job of blending old and new. Yankee Stadium's frieze is a classic piece of architecture. It lined the roof of the original Yankee Stadium from 1923 to 2008 and has been carried over to the latest version. Monument Park and the Museum are impressive, as well as the bars in the left and right centers, where young people enjoy congregating. 19.   Citizens Bank Park - Philadelphia Phillies 4.00 Dave Cottenie - With a deep history as one of the oldest teams in Major League Baseball, the Philadelphia Phillies offer an excellent experience that all baseball fans should put as a must-do.  Citizens Bank Park is an attractive and fun facility, especially if the Phillies are winning and, at the end of the game, they ring the bell! 20.   Wrigley Field - Chicago Cubs 3.86 Lloyd Brown - There are very few major league ballparks that can be described as “classic.” Wrigley Field fills that description. Wrigley Field opened as Weeghman Park in 1914, making it the second oldest ballpark still in use, trailing only Boston’s Fenway Park, which opened in 1912. While the ballpark has gone through several renovations over the years, it has retained many elements of the stadium’s original design. 21.   Guaranteed Rate Field - Chicago White Sox 3.86 Marc Viquez - The Chicago White Sox have been working very hard to improve the amenities at the stadium. The past few seasons have seen renovations to the concourse concerning food and beverage service, social areas for fans, a brand-new scoreboard, and fan-friendly pricing on game day tickets. 22.   Globe Life Field - Texas Rangers 3.86 Michael Davis - The third and current home of the Texas Rangers is Globe Life Field, a retractable roof stadium that opened in 2020 with a seating capacity of just over 40,000; the new ballpark is just across the street from the Ranger's former home. 23.   Angel Stadium - Los Angeles Angels 3.71 Andrei Ojeda - Opened for service in 1966, Angel Stadium is the 4th oldest active baseball yard. Still nicknamed The Big A, the moniker came about due to the A-shaped scoreboard topped with a “halo” that was originally placed behind the left field fence.   24.   Truist Park - Atlanta Braves 3.57 Lloyd Brown - Truist Park is everything fans could ask for in a baseball experience. The overall experience at Truist Park is top-notch when factoring in The Battery and the excitement of the product on the field. 25.   Kauffman Stadium - Kansas City Royals 3.57 David Welch-Kauffman Stadium is a comfortable place to watch baseball; the Royals have done well to keep an aging stadium from feeling run down.  Give the Royals a lot of credit for not just maintaining the stadium but continuously tailoring it for the desired experience of different fans. 26.   Nationals Park - Washington Nationals 3.57 Gregory Koch - In 2005, the Nationals came to town, and in 2008, they got a brand-new stadium. Since then, the excitement has worn off, and the crowds have steadily declined, especially as the Nationals’ performance on the field has gone downhill. That said, Nationals Park is still a nice stadium for fans to take in a Major League Baseball game. 27.   Rogers Centre - Toronto Blue Jays 3.57 Dave Cottenie - The Toronto Blue Jays joined MLB as an expansion team in 1977. Currently owned by Rogers Communications, which also owns Rogers Centre, the Jays have carved themselves a rather large niche as “Canada’s” baseball team. The height of their popularity culminated in the 1992 and 1993 World Series Championships. 28.   loanDepot park - Miami Marlins 3.57 Richard Smith - loanDepot park may never make the top of MLB baseball stadium lists, but it is still an enjoyable place to watch a game in an atmosphere that feels very true to its environment. 29.   Tropicana Field - Tampa Bay Rays 3.00 Lloyd Brown - It is no secret that the home of the Rays is seen as the ugly duckling of MLB stadiums. Its exterior has no appeal, and its support system of wires and beams has resulted in a set of ground rules to cover plays where the ball has hit a beam or support wire. On the other hand, the Rays are a very talented team and frequently go to the playoffs.   30.   Oakland Coliseum - Oakland Athletics 2.57 Andrei Ojeda - The Oakland Coliseum, along with the city of Oakland, has taken a beating. From the highly publicized crime rates to the more recent scandal surrounding Oakland's mayor and soon the loss of their beloved baseball team, when all is said and done, the city in the East Bay will have lost all three of their major professional teams, among other wounds dealt to the city.

Photos by Dave Cottenie, Stadium Journey Tavistock & District Recreation Centre 1 Adam Street Tavistock, ON N0B 2R0 Tavistock Braves website Tavistock & District Recreation Centre website What exactly is Crokinole? Year Opened: 1996 Capacity: 600 Hockey in the Capital of Crokinole Small-town hockey is just a little different.  Tavistock, Ontario is less than a kilometre from Sebastopol.  Sebastopol probably holds no significance to anyone outside of the immediate area, and even most Ontarians are unfamiliar with the conjunction of Line 29 and Oxford Road 59.  Sebastopol was the home of Eckhardt Wettlaufer, who was the maker of the earliest known Crokinole Board. For those not in the know, Crokinole is a disc-flicking game of dexterity combining elements of shuffleboard and curling scaled down to table-top size. Tavistock is the nearest village and annually hosts the World Crokinole Championship.  Part of the rural township of East-Zorra Tavistock, the village is also home to the Tavistock Braves, a Junior C hockey team part of the Provincial Junior Hockey League.  The Braves have been part of the fabric of the community since 1970, when they began as a Junior D team.  When the Ontario Hockey Association reorganized in 2012 and eliminated the Junior D level, the Braves moved up to Junior C and became part of the PJHL in 2016 with the amalgamation of Junior C hockey in Ontario. Servicing the community of just over 7,000, the Tavistock and District Recreation Centre has been a part of the community since opening in 1996.  At a capacity of 600, the facility is home to the Braves, the senior Tavistock Royals, and also houses the Tavistock Curling Club.  Food & Beverage 2 For the game that was reviewed, concession options were very limited.  What appeared to be a concession window on the main floor was not open during the game.  There were vending machines with Pepsi products and small snacks.  The Blueline Club, above the lobby on the west side of the arena, sells a very limited selection of domestic beer and spirits.  Alcoholic beverages must be consumed in the Blueline Club and may not be brought into the stands.  There are windows from the club that look out to the ice, so fans will not miss any of the action. Atmosphere 3 The exterior of the Tavistock and District Recreation Centre is very simple.  Light-coloured brick and siding with red accents in a simple rectangular-shaped building is what fans will find upon arrival.  The parking lot is shared with the Memorial Hall, and in both cases, fans must drive through the fantastic Queen’s Park Stone Gates.  The gate was restored in 2016 and is a nod back to a time long past.  Fans will notice the feed mill to the north, a reminder that Tavistock is a rural community surrounded by farming.  Inside the Recreation Centre, fans are welcomed by temporary tables selling tickets, 50/50 tickets, and Chuck-A-Pucks.  The lobby has several trophy cases dedicated to minor hockey teams, along with championship team pictures posted above the windows.  Of note in one of the trophy cases is a display with pictures of a training session held in Tavistock by Canadian Ice Dancing Olympians Tessa Virtue and Scott Moir.  Retired jerseys of Brent Loggan and Keith MacMillan, former Tavistock Braves who passed away at 18, are memorialized in the lobby also.  Beside the wooden benches in the lobby is a crokinole board, a reminder that this is the home of the World Crokinole Championships every June. Inside the arena, the ice surface runs from east to west, with the seating all on the north side.  The seating consists of two sections of wooden benches with five rows and two sections with four rows of plastic arena seats. The standing room section is behind the seating.  Behind the seating, there are trophy cases for the various Tavistock teams, including the Braves.  The Braves display has an impressive array of artifacts and championship team pictures.  The rafters are littered with minor hockey championship banners, and the east side wall is where fans will find the Braves championship banners from both the Junior D and Junior C levels.  The banners all feature the former logo of the Chicago Blackhawks, which has since been retired.  The simple score clock also hangs on the east wall.  A curious aspect of the Tavistock Rec Centre is that there are no ads on the boards at all, and the top and bottom trim, which is normally yellow, is blue in Tavistock.  Don’t be mistaken. There are plenty of local ads here.  They just hang above the benches on the south side or are on the southeast glass, where there are no spectators to worry about. The gameday production in Tavistock is very simple.  The Rec Centre has a good PA system, and announcements are easily understood.  Simple promotions, including a 50-50 draw and Chuck-A-Puck, are present also. Neighbourhood 3 Tavistock is a village located between Stratford and Kitchener.  For a small community, there are a surprising number of food options.  Quehl’s, D&D Homestyle Cafe, Double D’s Roadhouse, and Madmash Brewery are all a short walk from the arena.  The Rec Centre is also home to the Tavistock Royals of the OEHL, which is a Senior level of hockey.  Neighbouring towns of New Hamburg and Woodstock also have PJHL teams and are a short drive away.  As far as other tourist type options, the Tavistock Fall Fair and World Crokinole Championships have annual spots on the calendar that probably won’t cross with the hockey season.  For accommodations, heading out of town is probably necessary heading west to the Shakespeare Inn or east to the Newburg Inn. Fans 3 Fan support is difficult to assess in the PJHL as attendance statistics are not consistent across the league and not readily consolidated.  That being said it seems that Tavistock readily draws between 150 and 225 fans per game.  The game that was reviewed saw 250 fans in attendance, no doubt due to the Braves hosting the rival New Hamburg Firebirds.  This probably puts the Braves in the middle of the league.  Fans in attendance are supportive but not over the top, not unlike most Ontario fans.   Access 4 Getting to the Tavistock and District Recreation Centre is not difficult.  Tavistock is 15 km southeast of Stratford and 38 km west of Kitchener.  The village is very small, just 2.25 km2, so there is not much of the village to get through.  The Rec Centre is located at the end of Adam Street.  There is free parking available at the Rec Centre.  There is some public transit that links the villages of East-Zorra Tavistock, but timing will probably be an issue for hockey.  Interested fans should consult the EZTransit  website for fares, maps and schedules.  Getting around the Rec Centre is not terribly difficult and, of course, there are a number of stairs, which is to be expected.  The washrooms in the facility are fairly small, but should not be a huge issue. Return on Investment 4 There is tremendous value in PJHL hockey.  Tickets for the Tavistock Braves are $10 for adults and $8 for students and seniors.  Youth are $4 or free with a paying adult.  Tickets must be purchased at the door.  Drinks in the Blueline Club will go for $7 and parking is free.  The product on the ice is good and fans will have an enjoyable evening of hockey. Extras 3 An extra mark for the Tavistock Braves being part of the fabric of the community and the Recreation Centre as an East-Zorra Tavistock community hub. An extra mark for Tavistock as the Crokinole capital of the world. An extra mark for the Tavistock Braves giving fans actual physical tickets, something that is nearly extinct. Final Thoughts There is a lot to be said for hockey in the Crokinole capital.  The Tavistock Braves provide a good product and fans will enjoy themselves in a small town atmosphere.  The Tavistock and District Recreation Centre is a good facility and acts as a hub for the village.  Overall, an experience worth taking in. Follow all of Dave’s sporting adventures on YouTube , Twitter , Threads  and Instagram @profan9.

Photos by Dave Cottenie, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.57 Milton Memorial Arena 77 Thompson Road Milton, ON L9T 6H7 Milton Menace website Milton Memorial Arena website Year Opened: 1975 Capacity: 500 A Junior Hockey Menace The Milton Merchants were founded in 1966 and began as a Junior C team.  Eventually, they moved up to Junior A and were very successful, winning championships in 1997 and 1998.  The Merchants franchise continues today in the OJHL as the King Rebellion, however, the Merchants carved out a niche for Junior hockey in Milton.  Jason Tryfon purchased the Newmarket Hurricanes franchise in 2019 and moved them to the Milton Memorial Arena to become the Milton Menace. Located between Guelph and Toronto, Milton has been traditionally viewed as a commuter town.  Today, the city boasts a population of over 132,000.  The Menace calls the Milton Memorial Arena home.  A classic hockey barn, the Memorial Arena opened in 1974 and has seating for 500, with more for those who want to stand.  Although limited by some old bones, the Milton Menace has done just about everything possible to make it the best OJHL experience that the arena can provide. Food & Beverage 3 The Milton Memorial Arena has a simple snack bar-style concession area.  On the menu, fans can find hot dogs, nachos, pizza, chips, chicken wraps and popcorn.  Coffee, tea, hot chocolate, Gatorade, water, and soda are the beverage options.  Coca-Cola products are the featured soda.  Concession prices are very reasonable.  A limited selection of beer is also available.  On the day of the game that was reviewed, tallboys were available for $5. Atmosphere 3 The Milton Memorial Arena has a very non-descript exterior.  Fans should know where they are heading, as it would not be difficult to pass the arena and not know.  The exterior features light brown brick and tan siding, and there is no sign on the building itself.  A sign can be seen from the street and shared with the Lions Club Hall and Lions Sports Park, with four lines of manually changeable messages. Inside the arena, fans are met with a small lobby on the southwest side of the arena.  Temporary tables welcome fans with sales for tickets and the 50/50 draw.  A small trophy case in the lobby is filled with Milton Menace merchandise and acts as a display.  Past the lobby and into the arena area, it is immediately obvious that this is the home of the Milton Menace.   The outer side of the boards and the entire southwest end are painted black and gold with Menace markings.  The ice is oriented from northeast to southwest, with the seating on the northwest side.  The seating is made of eleven rows of wooden benches that are painted black.  The arena interior has low profile support beams, painted a light colour, with silver insulation on the ceiling.  Banners from the Milton Merchants championships, including Junior B titles from 1992 and Junior A championships from 1997 and 1998, hang at the northeast end of the rink.  A memorial banner from the Humboldt Broncos from 2018 also hangs on the northeast side.  The Broncos played in a Junior A league that is a part of the CJHL, of which the OJHL is also a part.  Although Humboldt, Saskatchewan, is far from Milton, the banner is a reminder of the kinship that binds Junior hockey franchises.  A modern division banner from 2022 hangs above the Menace bench.  A simple digital score clock also hangs at the northeast end. The Menace offers a solid gameday experience.  The experience starts with the Menace flag being skated around the ice by a local minor hockey player.  There are plenty of on-ice promotions, probably more than other OJHL teams.  A favourite promotion is Mr. Glizzy’s Hot Dog Toss.  It’s just like it sounds.  The PA system at the Milton Memorial Arena is very good, and the Menace takes advantage of it with a variety of music being used during stoppages.  The Menace also has a strong social media presence and makes use of electronic programs and gameday emails.  They are a step ahead of other OJHL franchises. Neighbourhood 3 Milton Memorial Arena is located in the Clarke neighbourhood of Milton.  Right across the road is a large outdoor mall with a number of spots for food or drink.  Most are national chains including East Side Mario’s, Hero Certified Burgers, Mary Brown’s and Shoeless Joes.  Some more original options include Main Street Donuts, Milton Fish and Chips and Emma’s Kitchen.  As far as other sporting options, the Menace are pretty much the only game in town.  However, it is central to other OJHL teams including the Georgetown Raiders, Mississauga Chargers, Oakville Blades and Burlington Cougars.  Other tourist options include the FirstOntario Arts Centre, which is right across the parking lot from the arena, and Lions Park.  For fans wishing to stay near the arena, the Holiday Inn is not too far away. Fans 4 For the 2023 and 2024 seasons the Menace averaged around 370 fans per game.  In 2023 that ranked them 6th in the OJHL, easily in the top third.  Considering a small capacity of 500 at the Milton Memorial Arena, this is a pretty solid show of support.  The fans in attendance are knowledgeable and supportive.  At the game that was reviewed, it appeared that a Menace game is a bit of a teen hangout, which is not necessarily a positive.  They definitely were notches on the turnstile, however, they were definitely not into the game and at times were disruptive to other fans.   Access 4 Milton Memorial Arena is located in the Clarke neighbourhood of Milton south of Highway 401.  Along with Lions Park, the arena is found between Thompson Road South and Main Street East.  It is less than 2 km from Highway 401, the main artery through Southern Ontario.  Traffic on the 401 can be an issue, so extra time should be given when coming from out of town.  Parking on site is free.  For those wishing to take public transit, there are Milton Transit buses that travel Thompson Road.  Fans should consult the Milton Transit  website for fares, schedules and maps.  The Milton Memorial Arena is an older building so traversing it for people with mobility issues may be a bit of a challenge.  The washroom facilities are also on the small side. Return on Investment 5 Taking in a Menace game offers a terrific return on investment.  Tickets for the Menace are $10 and can be purchased online or at the door.  Seniors and children can get a ticket for $5 each and children seven and under are free.  The Menace offer pretty much the cheapest ticket prices in the OJHL.  Parking is free and concession prices are very good.  In the end, the Menace is one of the most economical sporting options that fans could find and the product on the ice and gameday atmosphere are both solid. Extras 3 An extra mark for the strong social media presence that the Menace have. An extra mark for the Milton Menace making the most of their home rink, despite the limitations it offers. An extra mark for the Menace branding with a cool logo and excellent black and gold colour scheme. Final Thoughts There is a lot that the Milton Menace are doing right.  The Menace offer the best possible experience with the limitations of their older arena.  A trip to the Milton Memorial Arena for some OJHL hockey will satisfy the sports fan while not denting the pocketbook. Follow all of Dave’s sporting adventures on YouTube , Twitter , Threads  and Instagram @profan9.

Photos by Chris Green, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.57 Sebring International Raceway 113 Midway Dr Sebring, FL 33870 SRO America website Sebring International Raceway website Year Opened: 1950 SRO’s Florida Visit The race season at Sebring may be more well known for the annual IMSA 12 Hours , but another event is slowly starting to garner the attention of fans. The annual SRO America weekend, featuring no less than five race series on track, showcases sportscar racing’s best machines on this historic circuit. Running the former WWII B-17 airfield course, this race is a great place for families and car enthusiasts, complete with car shows and thrilling race action.   Food & Beverage   4 There is no shortage of food vendors around the track at Sebring. From the main paddock and the ever-popular Track Shack (get The Beast…it is probably the best item you can eat at the track and is only known on the secret menu at Sebring) to the various drink and snack stops around the track, you never have to go too far to get something to quench your thirst, or ease the pain of hunger. The cost of everything is also what one may consider moderately fair, as food and snack items range from just a few dollars to $12-$14 for bigger items at the Snack Shack. The event also invites several food trucks to the event as well, which are set up near the paddock area.   Atmosphere   4 The Sebring facility is steeped in racing history; fans from around the world regard it as one of the best tracks for many reasons. SRO America’s race weekend features a much more laid-back vibe compared to the IMSA 12 Hours , and everyone seems to be here to have a great time. This track lacks many of the conventional amenities one would expect from a top-level racetrack, but makes up for it with its viewing access and history. Access to Green Park is included all weekend, something not always open to smaller events, and fans can also watch from the main tower second level viewing platforms, an area roped off during IMSA weekend for suite guests.   Neighborhood   3 There isn’t exactly anything around Sebring International Raceway, as it is located in the middle of nowhere. Sebring itself is a town located in the middle of Florida, at least an hour and a half drive from the nearest major city or population center. Thus, while the town of Sebring itself may have some shopping and dining, as well as a few hotels, you are likely better off camping at the track and staying there the whole weekend.   Fans   4 The fans at SRO America weekend cross over from other events at Sebring, including IMSA, SCCA, and HSR events. Trackside camping is popular all around the track, and as usual, several fans decorate their campers and campsites with lights and decorations. Thankfully, the craziness of IMSA weekend is nowhere to be found here, and a much more family-friendly atmosphere can be enjoyed because of it. Without a doubt, Saturday is the best day to attend, with the most racing action on track happening that day, as well as car shows and fan access to several grid walks on pit road throughout the event.   Access   3 The roads in and out of Sebring aren’t exactly major highways, with the biggest road being US-27 running towards Miami to the South and Orlando to the North. There is plenty of parking at the track, however, and trams are available to help take you from the further parking lots to various points of interest around the track. At Sebring International Raceway, you never feel like you are too far from anywhere either, as there are several perfectly placed crossover bridges around the track to get you to key points of interest throughout the weekend. Any fan can also come down to the paddock and get up close to the stars and cars that are in attendance.   Return on Investment   4 Tickets to SRO America weekend here are much less expensive than the IMSA  event in March – this means you get to enjoy the sights and sounds of similar race cars and drivers without breaking the bank. Without a doubt, SRO weekend is a great event to take younger fans to as well, and your access during this event is much more up close than at traditional races you may go to.   Extras   3 Taking in the race at Sebring has its perks for fans, with various autograph sessions held throughout the weekend. In addition, fans also have the opportunity to get into the paddock area of the track free of charge, giving an up-close view of the teams as they prepare for racing on the historic circuit. Also, before the main event on Sunday all the teams bring their cars out to the pit lane before the race starts, where fans can come to see the cars and drivers up close.   Final Thoughts The annual SRO America weekend is a great place to watch some racing action on one of America’s most historic race circuits. Filled with exciting action, this weekend is a must-go for all the fans who don’t want the craziness of the IMSA 12 Hour  weekend, and instead are looking for a family friendly race day. And with a gradually increasing fan base thanks to the hard work of SRO America staff, the crowds will only continue to flock to this race weekend on the calendar.

Photos by James Hilchen, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.00 Kansas Speedway 400 Speedway Boulevard Kansas City, KS 66111 Kansas Speedway website Year Opened: 2001 Capacity: 48,000 Speedin’ in Kansas Kansas Speedway broke ground in 1999 and officially opened on June 2, 2001, with an ARCA race won by Jason Jarrett. Since its’ beginnings, Kansas Speedway has grown and hosts 2 NASCAR Cup Series races, including a playoff race. With the Chicagoland Speedway in Joliet, Illinois largely dormant, Kansas is the only NASCAR track being used in the Midwest other than the Michigan International Speedway west of Detroit and as of 2024, the Iowa Speedway in Newton. With an initial cost of $287 million, the speedway is a 1.5-mile tri-oval track. While NASCAR is the primary tenant currently, the track has hosted both IMSA and IndyCar Series races in the past. The track once had a capacity of 82,000 at its peak, but the current setup is for 48,000. Hollywood Casino is located adjacent to the track and sponsors the playoff race in September. Food & Beverage 4 The Speedway certainly has a fan friendly food and drink policy. Each attendee can bring one bag and cooler (14x14x14 or smaller) in with them. The coolers can have drinks and prepackaged food in them. The only drinks you cannot bring in understandably are anything in glass. If you do not bring in anything, the speedway has you covered. There is a solid selection of choices from the typical burgers and hot dogs to Philly cheesesteak, pizza, and some BBQ options. Another choice comes from Iowa. Chuckie’s Iowa famous pork tenderloin has a trailer and is highly recommended. Other typical sports fare such as popcorn, candy, etc. is also available. The lines are generally reasonable although ice cream does yield some wait since it is one item that is difficult to bring in. A unique soda choice limits your options to RC, 7 Up and A&W Root Beer. There are plenty of adult beverages available from numerous types of beer to wine to mixed drinks. All prices are in line with what you would pay at most sporting events. Atmosphere 4 The speedway experience begins before you even enter it. Prior to entering the gates are all the merchandise trucks where you can buy all sorts of items to represent your favorite team or driver. Once inside, the gates you will find all the concession areas and restrooms which run under the seating area. There is a smattering of vendors that have displays and NASCAR also has an area with some cars and trophies on display and hosts some Q&A sessions with drivers. Entering the seating area opens you up to seeing the entire track. There really are not any bad seats although I would recommend sitting higher up as it is easier to see the far side of the track as well as having a better angle when the cars come by as the wall does block some view of the cars as they pass, especially in the lowest seats. I’ve been to the race four years in a row. Despite being at roughly the same time of year (I attend the playoff race in September), the weather seems different every year. If you prefer shade, your best option is to purchase tickets up near the suites and press box area as you will be in the shade most, if not all the race. Neighborhood 4 The racetrack is located just off I-70 and I-435. The area has some cool stuff above and beyond the track if you are a sports fan. Located right next to the track is Children’s Mercy Park , home of Sporting KC of Major League Soccer. Next to the soccer stadium is Legends Field , home of the Kansas City Monarchs of the American Association. Plenty of retail stores dot the area around the track. The one thing missing form the area is places to eat or drink within walking distance. There is a Famous Dave’s BBQ and Hollywood Casino is also quite close if you are a gambler. A few blocks north, there are numerous other eating options. There are plenty of lodging options in the area. The Hampton Inn is across State Ave and a good spot for the cost. A Best Western along with the Great Wolf Lodge Water Park are also in the same area. Fans 4 NASCAR fans are typically a passionate bunch and the fans here are no different. They make it well known what drivers they do (or do not) like. A good percentage of fans are wearing some sort of NASCAR merchandise that represents their favorite team or driver. The fans are largely engaged from start to finish save a couple breaks between the stages for a quick run to the restroom or do grab some food or drinks. Access 4 The track is located just off I-435 near I-70. Getting into the parking lot generally yields a very small wait although it obviously gets busier closer to race time. Once inside the track, getting around is easy. Getting food and using the restroom has its ebbs and flows. I would not recommend waiting to use the restroom until the ends of stages 1 and 2 as everyone else is doing the same. If you head to the concession area while the race is going, the wait time is generally minimal. Like any large sporting event, getting out after the race will be clunky and have a wait time involved. Return on Investment 4 The Speedway offers a great value. You can get into the spring race for $79 and up to around $150. The fall (playoff) race runs from around $100 up to $180. With the policy of bringing in your own food and drinks coupled with the fact that parking is free (you can pay $35 if you want to park up close), the track gives you a great bang for your buck. Extras 4 The Hollywood Casino sits right next to the track and you can eat in an area overlooking the track. A very unique experience for sure. You can purchase a pre-race ticket and go down on the track. You can walk up to pit road for an up-close view of the cars, sign the start/finish line, and be up close for the driver introductions. It’s not something I’d recommend doing every time but it is fun to experience at least once. The playoff race weekend in the fall has four races (ARCA, Craftsman Series, Xfinity, and Cup as of 2024), so there is a lot crammed in to a few days. Combine the races with numerous other activities for fans of all ages over the weekend and you have got a jam-packed weekend of fun. An extra point for the ability to bring in free food and drinks. Wish this was done more often at other sporing venues. Final Thoughts NASCAR fans in the Midwest do not have many options. There’s Michigan Speedway, Iowa Speedway as of 2024, and Kansas. Kansas has a lot to offer racing fans. Most importantly, you can take in a great day or days of racing at a nice venue for a great price.

Photos courtesy of Gregory Koch Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.14 Carlini Field 4900 Bates Rd NE Washington, DC 20011 Catholic Cardinals website Carlini Field website Year Opened: 2019 Capacity: 1,000 (estimated) Fear the Catholic Cardinals Located in Washington, DC, the Catholic University of America is the only pontifical university in the United States. For those who are unaware, a pontifical university is a college established by the Vatican and dedicated to the purpose of religious studies. The CUA's athletic programs are known as the Cardinals and compete at the Division III level in the Landmark Conference. Catholic's men's and women's soccer teams have called Carlini Field home since 2019. The stadium features an artificial turf field and is named after alumni Joe and Christine Carlini. Food & Beverage 0 There is no food or drink for sale at Carlini Field, but fans are free to bring their own. Atmosphere 3 There are several places at Carlini Field where fans can watch the game. Entering the stadium from the parking lot will put you on a plaza of sorts, with various patio-like furniture fans can sit on and watch the game. You will have to arrive early if you want to sit here, as it is first-come, first-served. You can also walk down the steps from the plaza to a path, then walk down the path and up to a more conventional seating area. The middle section here consists of plastic chairbacks, while the two outer sections are metal bleachers. These seats will put you up close to the action. A scoreboard on the far side shows only the most basic information. There is space for it to show shots, but this was not working when we visited. It can be hard to read the scoreboard in bright light. There is not much going on here other than the game itself. A Catholic University soccer game is a pretty basic experience, but the unique layout of the stadium brings this score up a bit. Neighborhood 4 Catholic University is located in the Brookland neighborhood of Washington, D.C. This neighborhood is sometimes called "Little Rome" due to the large number of Catholic institutions. In addition to CUA, there are several other Catholic high schools, colleges, and other institutions, as well as the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception. There are certainly other places to go in Brookland as well. Busboys and Poets is a popular bookstore, coffee shop, and restaurant located across Michigan Avenue from the south side of campus. The Brookland Pint is a popular bar serving beer and burgers. The Brookland Grill on 12th Street is a more affordable option. Fans 3 Catholic University will draw about a hundred fans to a typical home game, sometimes more, sometimes less. A few games will get two to three hundred fans, while some will get only a few dozen. Most of the fans are friends and family of the players on the field, either on Catholic or the other team. They are knowledgeable about the players, team, and school and can get loud at times, although at other times, they are barely audible. The regular fans all seem to know each other but are welcoming of others who show up. With people spread throughout the many areas of the stadium, it can seem less full here than it is. Access 5 There are many options for arriving at Carlini Field. There is a lot next to the stadium with free parking, and if that fills up, fans can park in the much larger DuFour Center lot. However, this is unlikely to be necessary. Fans can also take Metro's Red or Green Line to Fort Totten or the Red like to Brookland-CUA. Both are about a 20-minute walk from Carlini Field. Despite having CUA in the name, the Brookland station is slightly further from Carlini Field. Although the Brookland station is closer to the center of campus, Carlini Field is on the northern edge, putting it closer to Fort Totten to the north than Brookland to the south. That being said, the difference is so marginal that riding the extra stop on the Red Line to Fort Totten (if you are coming from that direction) would take longer. Restrooms are available on the plaza by the entrance - the men's room is on one side of the building, and the women's room is on the other. Return on Investment 5 Admission to Catholic University soccer games is free. Parking is free - a rarity in this city - and you won't pay anything for concessions because there aren't any. Overall, a Catholic Cardinals soccer game is a great value. Extras 2 One extra star for the many vantage points from which to watch a game. Look for the banners on the plaza honoring Catholic's soccer championships. Final Thoughts A Catholic University soccer game at Carlini Field is a pretty basic experience. Still, the stadium is nicer than most Division III soccer venues (and indeed, nicer than some Division I soccer venues), so there is tremendous potential for Catholic to take advantage of that. A visit to a soccer game here is an enjoyable and underrated way to spend a fall afternoon.

Photos by Jon Hart, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.43 Crusader Stadium 1040 Oradell Ave. Oradell, NJ 07649 Bergen Catholic Crusaders football website Crusader Stadium website Year Opened: 1998 Capacity: 2,000 Home of the Crusader Crazies Texas A & M has the 12th Man, Duke has the Cameron Crazies, and the Bergen Catholic, BC for short, the legendary New Jersey high school, has the Crusader Crazies. They arrive hours before the game, paint their bodies and enthusiastically cheer on their brethren. As far as student body cheering sections, they’re one of the best. Often, the Crusader Crazies have something to celebrate. Located in the shadow of New York City, BC is a perennial powerhouse, winning the state championship in 2017. Not surprisingly, every season, Bergen’s roster has a slew of D1 talent and even some future professionals, notably, former Houston Texan Brian Cushing. Crusader Stadium is an intimate arena, encircled by magnificent, tall trees. The capacity is 2,000 and usually has close to capacity crowds for each home game. In short, it’s a taste of Friday Night Lights – except the pizza and bagels are way better. Lastly, tickets are $5. Food & Beverage 4 Burgers and chicken kabob are cooked on an outdoor grill by the friendly BC staff. Nachos, as well as drinks (Gatorade and water) are also on the menu. Everything is very reasonable ($5 for burgers) and a notch above what you’d find at a typical professional venue. For dining outside the venue, check out the Neighborhood section. Atmosphere 5 The Crazies are very passionate, as are most of the fans in attendance. However, BC is a victim of its own success. If you come late, especially for an important game, don’t expect a general admission bleacher seat. For big games, BC brings in extra bleachers. Sometimes, it’s still not enough. However, there’s plenty of standing room, which can go two or three deep. While exact attendance figures are hard to come by, it’s not unusual for BC to draw 7,000 plus fans. As far as restrooms, BC utilizes Porta Potties. Recently, BC announced plans for a stadium renovation, so help is on the way. Neighborhood 4 It’s suburban with a slice of rural. Deer sightings are not uncommon. BC plays in the middle of a quiet, residential neighborhood. The Oradell train station, and Oradell’s cuisine offerings are just over a mile away, within walking distance. Schreibers Delicatessen , offers classic deli offerings. For something a bit more upscale, fancy-casual Andiamo Restaurant, in nearby Haworth, is an amazing Italian restaurant. Fans 5 When the Crusader Crazies are done tailgating, they march together through the woods and then the quiet, residential streets of Oradell. The Crazies are passionate, fun and not mean-spirited. And the same can be said for the non-Crazie, clothed BC fans. Check out the Crusader Crazies in action here: Access 4 A parking lot where the Crazies tailgate is a short walk away. You can also shoot for a space on the street. BC is accessible via public transportation, either by bus or train. It’s a 45-minute train from Penn Station and everything NYC offers. Return on Investment 5 You can’t beat $5 tickets for an afternoon of top notch high school football and spirit. The Crusader Crazies alone are worth this fee. Extras 5 The Cameron Crazies stand for the entire game and keep the chants and cheers coming. There’s no band, but BC pipes in the AC/DC and other standards. The cheerleaders bring it. Don’t expect to be bored. Final Thoughts In this overpriced professional sports universe, Crusader Stadium is a refreshing taste of Americana. Norman Rockwell would feel right at home in Oradell. The football is elite for a very modest price. The atmosphere is equal intense and cozy. And the Crusader Crazies are some of the best football fans anywhere. North Jersey’s Bergen Catholic offers a Friday Nights Lights experience – though it’s often on Saturday afternoon. Jon Hart is @ManversusBall

Photos by David Welch, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.86 Bobby Dodd Stadium 155 North Ave NW Atlanta, GA 30332 Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets website Bobby Dodd Stadium website Year Opened: 1913 Capacity: 55,000 Welcome to the Flats When considering historically significant college football programs, schools like Rutgers , Army , Navy , Princeton , Harvard , or Yale  may come to mind, or possibly more modern legendary programs such as Alabama , Georgia , Michigan , Notre Dame , and Ohio State . However, one name often overlooked in these discussions is that of the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets. On what had been dubbed “The Flats”, when it was simply a graded field on the edge of campus in 1905, the stadium around the field would not take shape until 1913. The construction of a grandstand led to the name Grant Field, in honor of Hugh Inman Grant, the eldest son of John and Annie – Hugh died at the age of 10 from peritonitis following surgery for appendicitis. In 1988, Coach Bobby Dodd’s name was added to the stadium in recognition of his over 30 years of service to Tech athletics, as a football and baseball coach and athletic director. In 2023, however, the stadium dropped Grant’s name from the field in favor of corporate naming rights given to Hyundai; a plaque at the southeast end of the stadium commemorates the Grant family’s contributions. Bobby Dodd Stadium is the oldest on-campus Football Bowl Subdivision (FBS) football stadium still in use today. Throughout its history, Georgia Tech has played as an independent program on several occasions, and as members of the Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Association, Southern Conference, Southeastern Conference, and currently the Atlantic Coast Conference, of which they have been members since 1979. In their history the Yellow Jackets have captured sixteen conference titles and claimed four National Championships (1917, 1928, 1952, and 1990).   Food & Beverage   4 Bobby Dodd Stadium offers an impressive range of concessions, going well beyond the standard stadium fare – the general concession stands here offer chicken tenders, burgers, hot dogs, and pretzels, along with a variety of snacks and sweets. The concession stands are fairly evenly distributed around the stadium, though the east and west stands both have some items that are specific to their side of the facility. The eastern side, with more limited space, has converted part of Techwood Drive into a food court with food trucks, beer carts, and snack vendors; the west side does not have food trucks, but does have some of its own specific concessions. A bit out of place in Atlanta, but still amazing nonetheless, is the Nola Style Nacho Shop – nacho options include Cajun pot roast, blackened chicken, Cajun hot sausage, shrimp creole, and vegetarian red beans and rice. The menu also includes dessert options, such as Cajun boiled peanuts and bread pudding a la mode. Other notable vendors include Chicken Salad Chick and Williamson Bros. barbecue, which both have limited, but delicious, menus. With Coca-Cola’s headquarters less than a block from Bobby Dodd Stadium, it only makes sense that Coke is the beverage of choice at Georgia Tech athletic events. Georgia Tech has also partnered with New Realm Brewing Company to create two Georgia Tech-branded craft beers, Helluvienna Lager and Ale of an Engineer. There is also New Realm’s Hazy IPA, along with their Cherry Limeade cocktail, and similar cocktails from Wild Leap Brewing Co. Wines. Hard seltzers are also offered. On the whole, Bobby Dodd Stadium food and drink choices go above and beyond average stadium offerings.   Atmosphere   4 Though it is the oldest on-campus FBS football venue in the country, Bobby Dodd Stadium has undergone several renovations, but the use of brick and iron gates has helped to maintain its classic charm. From well before kickoff there is plenty of excitement surrounding game day here. Beloved mascot Buzz is a consistent presence during the game itself and during pregame festivities; it is Buzz who leads the Yellow Jacket Marching Band onto the field for their pregame performance. The cheer squad then leads the team onto the field with a flurry of flags spelling “JACKETS”, and riding out on the Georgia Tech “Ramblin’ Wreck”, a 1930 Ford Model A. Tech’s in-game presentation makes use of campus’ industrial steam whistle to signify first downs, the need for 3rd down stops, and to celebrate scoring plays. It is also a featured part of stadium concession signage – the whistle that is believed to date back to 1896 is a big part of the game day experience. What does seem a bit odd is adding the use of what could best be described as minor league baseball-like audio drops following plays; it is definitely not unheard of, but with a band as much a part of the game as Tech’s is, and as responsive as the fans here are to big plays, the latter audio drops just don’t seem to add much to the game presentation. Prior to the 2024 season, construction began on the Thomas A. Fanning Student-Athlete Performance Center, set to open in 2026. For the next few seasons, the northeastern corner of the stadium will have an “in-progress” feel due to this project.   Neighborhood   5 Located on the western edge of Midtown Atlanta, Georgia Tech serves as a buffer between Atlanta’s high rises, which provide a breathtaking backdrop for the stadium, as do the city’s historic railroad and warehouse district. The area surrounding Georgia Tech is full of restaurants and entertainment options. One of the pregame traditions of attending a Georgia Tech football game is grabbing a meal and an F.O. (Frozen Orange) at the iconic Varsity, just a block east on North Avenue. Visitors to town might also look to pair a football game at Tech with a trip to the Chick-fil-A College Football Hall of Fame, which is less than 2 miles to the south, just off Centennial Olympic Park. In some places Bobby Dodd Stadium sits just feet from academic buildings – it is definitely part of Georgia Tech’s campus community. However, with its metropolitan location in the heart of one of the country’s largest cities, there is no mistaking Georgia Tech’s location as that of a “college town”.   Fans   3 Recent years have been tough on Georgia Tech fans, with only three winning seasons in the last decade. The national prominence of their in-state rival has further impacted fan enthusiasm – at times, visiting fans from teams like Clemson , Notre Dame , or Georgia  can heavily influence the atmosphere at Bobby Dodd Stadium. The interest in Georgia Tech football has ebbed and flowed with the level of the Yellow Jackets on-field success. A recent coaching change points to an uptick in the on-field success, however, and the start of more local interest from alumni, students, and college football fans in the region.   Access   3 With Bobby Dodd Stadium’s location just off one of the most congested interstate junctions in the nation, it is no surprise that traffic around Georgia Tech’s campus can get significantly backed up. For those simply looking to get to campus, using MARTA, Atlanta’s rail system, could be an option. Make sure to park at the Doraville station to take the Gold Line; the northbound Red Line has limited late night service on weekends. Stadium access points are spaced into each corner of the stadium, with entries at each end of the expanded concourse on the facility’s eastern side. Entry is rather smooth, but backups can be expected – they are no worse here, though, than at most major sporting events. The east concourse has extremely tight quarters, not much more than 4-feet wide in some places; the western concourse is a bit wider, but can still be a bit tight given this is where the highest concentration of seating is located.   Return on Investment   4 Declining fan support has inversely affected ticket prices. Entering the 2023 season, Georgia Tech significantly dropped ticket prices and donation requirements for season tickets, meaning tickets for non-conference or less prominent conference opponents are typically available right up to kickoff, and start at only around $30-$40. Georgia Tech suggests purchasing parking ahead of time through Park Mobile  – parking can run as low as $13, but that level leaves quite a walk from the north side of campus. Parking closer to the stadium can run in excess of $50, but does sell out quickly, so planning well in advance is a must. Concessions tend to be consistent with what would be expected at most sports venues. Items from the outside vendors do tend to be a bit more expensive, but are higher quality than the run of the mill concession options.   Extras   4 On game day mornings, North Avenue between Luckie Street and Techwood Drive is closed off to host “Helluva Block Party”, leading up to kickoff. This area is full of vendors with promotional giveaways, a live pregame radio broadcast, and live music. Georgia Tech recognizes the history of its program both inside and outside of the stadium. The inner concourse pays tribute to Tech’s 20 College Football Hall of Fame inductees, as does the facade of the eastern stands, while the north stands honor Tech’s NFL Hall of Famers, and the facing of the western upper deck memorializes Clint Castleberry, whose B-26 went missing during World War II. Outside the facility, statues of former coaches recognize the contributions of Bobby Dodd and John Heisman, along with former Athletic Director Homer Rice. The north end also has a series of displays sharing the history of Georgia Tech’s football facilities – it is disappointing that the display is behind barriers, and thus not completely accessible. In addition, large Georgia Tech-branded logos are also placed around the stadium, providing fans with fun photo ops. Lastly, make sure to stick around after the game is over for the Georgia Tech band’s performance of The Horse . As the song plays, band members, cheerleaders, the spirit squad, staffers, and fans bob forward and back, and slide side-to-side as the band plays. Then, at the first musical break, everyone scatters throughout the stands to finish the performance – it is traditions like this that make college athletics such a special experience.   Final Thoughts While Georgia Tech is still a competitive college football program, recent inconsistencies that have lasted the better part of a decade have put a dent in the weekly turnout of support. This does adversely impact the overall game experience; it typically takes a high- profile opponent to fill Bobby Dodd Stadium nowadays. During its history, Georgia Tech has shown it can be a major player, both in the ACC and on the national college football scene, but right now is simply searching for the consistency it had when the Yellow Jackets were a ranked program on a regular basis. Signs point to the program moving in the right direction, but time will tell if the turnaround is an upward trajectory, or just another brief sign of a turnaround before heading back into the recent inconsistencies and mediocre game day experience.

The Stadium Journey 2024 MLB Ballpark Rankings will be released soon with yours truly having had the opportunity to once again visit all 5 of California’s MLB yards. For a preview of what to expect when the Stadium Journey’s rankings of all 30 yards are released, here are the scores of the 5 California MLB parks visited on a scale of 1 through 5 stars. The scores are based on several factors such as Atmosphere, Access, Return On Investment, Food & Beverage, Neighborhood and Extras. 5. Oakland Coliseum - Oakland Athletics 2.57 The Coliseum has seen happier times.  From four World Champion teams and big names such as Reggie Jackson, Rickey Henderson, Catfish Hunter, Dennis Eckersley and the Bash Brothers Mark McGwire and Jose Canseco,   Baseball's Last Dive Bar  has had its share of historical moments that will forever remain deeply   Rooted In Oakland . It’s days as an MLB park are nearing the bitter end. Or is it?   4. Angel Stadium - Los Angeles Angels 3.71   The 4th oldest active park in the bigs, one could make a case that the Big A, as some locals still refer to it, holds as much historical significance as Fenway Park, Wrigley Field and Dodger Stadium. While the   City of Anaheim and the Angels  continue to work out their differences and a   state audit is looming ,  for the time being, the Angels will remain through at least 2029 with opt-out options through 2038. 3. Dodger Stadium - Los Angeles Dodgers 4.14  The mere presence of Shohei Ohtani has brought a level of excitement that you may say has matched the level that Fernando Valenzuela brought during the days of Fernandomania. Like Fernando and even Hideo Nomo during the mid to late 90’s, the fandom that Shohei brings to The Ravine come from all various walks of life. Recent enhancements throughout the third oldest yard in the Majors have made the Dodger Stadium experience much more accessible for fans wanting to experience as much of the historic venue and have assured us that Dodger Stadium will be the home to Dodger Baseball for many more years to come. 2. Oracle Park - San Francisco Giants 4.57   Upon completion of its 25th season, Oracle Park continues to shine as a Bay Area landmark that every baseball fan should pay a visit. With its picturesque views of the bay providing cool nightly summer breezes, it’s no coincidence why Oracle Park consistently ranks among the top MLB parks every year.   If visiting The City for the first time, it is a good idea to pack some warm clothing and a sizable budget. San Francisco can be surprisingly chilly for the first-time visitor expecting some warm California weather. Oracle Park is as iconic to San Francisco as its Golden Gate Bridge.  1. PETCO Park - San Diego Padres 4.71   The recently renovated   Gallagher Square , located beyond the outfield seating area is a good way for the casual fan to spend a day at Petco Park. The recent $20 million renovations to Gallagher Square presents fans with more room to maneuver, as well as an updated video board along the Sycuan concert stage, leveled tiered lawn seating and a vastly improved kids play area that features the world’s largest climbable bat and an off-leash dog park.  Celebrating its 20th year Petco Park continues to play a huge role in the revitalization of the local area throughout the East Village. With a vibrant neighborhood and enthusiastic fans coming in droves along with one of the more picturesque parks among the 30, it’s no wonder Petco Park continually ranks high in our   MLB Ballpark Rankings  and   other ballpark rankings . So these are my rankings of the 5 MLB parks traveled throughout the Great State of California. How will these parks rank overall when our 2024 Stadium Journey MLB Ballpark Rankings are released? Will PETCO Park retain its top spot? Stay tuned.

Photos by Dave Cottenie, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.57 Garth Young Arena @ Mayfield Recreation Complex 12087 Bramalea Road Caledon East, Ontario Caledon Admirals website Mayfield Recreation Complex Year Opened: 1980 Capacity: 350 The Admirals are the Head of the Arsenault Table In 1980, the Henry Carr Crusaders were founded.  Like many junior hockey teams of a previous era, the Crusaders were affiliated with a school, in this case, Father Henry Carr Catholic Secondary School in Toronto.  The Crusaders played at the Junior B level in the Metro Junior B Hockey League.  In 1991, the MJBHL declared itself as a Junior A League and became the MetJAHL.  At this point, the Crusaders were made independent and played in the same arena as the Weston Dukes.  In 1993, the Dukes franchise folded and was moved to Thornhill, Ontario.  David Arsenault came on the scene to rescue the flailing franchise, partnering them with Villanova College in Toronto to become the Villanova Knights. After a few stops along the way, the team would land in the OJHL and eventually the town of Caledon, where they would become the Caledon Admirals.  Along with the Junior B Caledon Bombers and the Junior C Caledon Golden Hawks, the Arsenault Hockey Group and David Arsenault can offer a unique linear affiliate system where all three teams play in the same building and support each other. Home for the Admirals since 2021 has been the Garth Young Arena @ Mayfield Recreation Complex.  Built in 1971, the complex is a community hub with a pool and other community rooms between the Town of Caledon and the City of Brampton.  The arena is named after Garth Young, a Caledon Parks and Recreation employee who worked tirelessly for 38 years. Food & Beverage 2 There is a small snack bar in the Garth Young Arena called The Crossbar.  Hot dogs, chocolate bars, popcorn, soup, pasta cups, and mini-donuts are available.  Gatorade, soda, water, coffee, and tea are the beverage options with Coca-Cola products featured.  There is enough here to get by, but no options will blow anyone away.  Team swag is also sold at The Crossbar. Atmosphere 2 The Mayfield Recreation Complex has a simple exterior with grey brick and blue siding.  It is clear from the outside how the complex is divided into two main parts, the arena and the pool, with the arena on the right upon entering.  Fans are welcomed to a bright, clean, modern lobby before making a right turn to the Garth Young Arena.  Temporary tables for ticket sales and the 50/50 draw will welcome fans before entering the inner lobby.  The inner lobby is climate-controlled and has windows that look into the arena, as well as The Crossbar concession window and trophy cases with minor hockey accolades.  The temperature change is significant upon entering the arena.  The ice runs from north to south, with the seating on the west side.  Above the benches on the east side are banners for the Arsenault Hockey Group, as well as minor hockey championship banners.  A simple score clock is found at the south end of the arena.  The seating area consists of four sections of three to five rows of plastic-covered benches.  The middle sections are raised above ice level to offer better sightlines. However, one of the sections is essentially taken up by the broadcast team and camera.  The arena does have the common gas heaters above the seating, which were not on for the game that was reviewed, which is not uncommon for arenas this size.  The area has a very low ceiling painted white with white siding to make it a bright facility.  Capacity is small, with room for 275 seated fans and 75 standing behind the benches. The gameday production at Admirals games is very simple.  The PA system in the Garth Young Arena is pretty terrible, and it is difficult to understand the announcements.  The microphone feedback was pretty bad, also.  Promotions are simple and centre around the 50/50 draw. Neighbourhood 3 The Mayfield Recreation Complex is located between the Town of Caledon East, proper and the City of Brampton.  It is in a fairly rural area between a secondary school and elementary school, so for pre or post game food and drinks, fans will have to hop in the car.  Heading south to Brampton will be the best bet to find chain and fast food restaurants.  Heading north to Caledon East will offer a few original options, including Tom’s Family Restaurant, Gabe’s Country Bake Shoppe and Gusto Resto Bar.  For fans looking for other sporting options, there are some options.  The Garth Young Arena is also the home to the Caledon Bombers and Caledon Golden Hawks, Junior B, and Junior C hockey teams respectively.  The Mississauga Steelheads of the OHL are relocating to Brampton for the beginning of the 2024-25 season.  The Brampton Honey Badgers of the CEBL also play during the summer months.  For those interested in golf, there are many courses in the area, including Mayfield and Banty’s Roost, which would be options very early in the hockey season.  Also worth consideration is driving north on Bramalea Road and taking a gander at the mansions and estates.  For those wishing to stay in the area, there are several hotels available in Brampton, including the Hyatt and Holiday Inn. Fans 2 The Caledon Admirals attract around 100 fans per game.  This ranks them in the bottom third of the OJHL.  As a barometer for the league, the top teams attract over 700 fans per game and the bottom is 60.  There is some room for improvement here, however, competing with the Bombers and Golden Hawks can’t help.  If the Admirals are playing a team from a close location the attendance will be higher.  Fans in the stands are relatively laid back, not uncommon for Ontario.   Access 3 Mayfield Recreation Complex is located in a rural area between the Town of Caledon East and the City of Brampton.  The complex is much closer to the northern edge of Brampton than Caledon East.  Getting to the arena is not too difficult.  It is 2 km northeast of Highway 410, which is the main artery from Highway 401.  However, Brampton and Greater Toronto Area traffic can be a real issue and the 410 can be quite slow.  There is plenty of free parking on site.  For fans wishing to take public transit, Brampton Transit has buses that stop at Mayfield Secondary School.  The schedule might not work for hockey, however.  Fans should consult the Brampton Transit  website for schedules, maps, and fares.  Getting around the arena is not difficult at all and the washroom facilities are adequate for the size of the facility. Return on Investment 3 Admirals tickets go for $15 with discounts for seniors, students and youth.  Parking at the Mayfield Recreation Complex is free and concession prices are good.  Although there are some difficulties with the PA system, the product on the ice is strong and fans should enjoy the experience overall.  It is hockey in a simpler form. Extras 3 An extra mark for naming the arena after long-time employee Garth Young. An extra mark for the vertical affiliation created by the Arsenault Hockey Group with the Admirals, Bombers, and Golden Hawks.  A unique situation in the OHA. An extra mark for the history of the Admirals and their time affiliated with Secondary Schools. Final Thoughts For fans looking for a simpler brand of hockey, the OJHL may be the ticket.  A Junior “A” league across the GTA and surrounding area, the OJHL provides a high level of hockey on the ice.  A trip to the Caledon Admirals at the Garth Young Arena @ Mayfield Recreation Complex offers cheap entertainment and allows fans to get their hockey fix in. Follow all of Dave’s sporting adventures on YouTube , Twitter , Threads  and Instagram @profan9.

Photos by Paul Baker, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.86 W.B. Mason StadiumBlessed Basil Moreau, DrNorth Easton, MA 02356 Stonehill Skyhawks football website W.B. Mason Stadium website Year Opened: 2005 Capacity: 2,400 The Sky’s The Limit Many who follow college sports in New England were surprised when tiny Stonehill College, a school with an undergraduate enrollment of 2,500 students, announced in April 2022 that they were elevating their athletic programs to the Division One level and becoming a member of the Northeast Conference. The private Catholic school is located in North Easton, Massachusetts, on the original estate of Frederick Lathrop Ames Jr. It was founded in 1948 by the Congregation of Holy Cross. W.B. Mason Stadium, located on campus, was built in 2005. W.B. Mason, a business supply company headquartered in neighboring Brockton, purchased the naming rights for the facility. The company, led by CEO and Stonehill alumnus Leo Meehan, pitched in $1.5 million of the $4 million construction cost of the stadium. The playing field is dedicated in honor of Tim “Cogs” Coughlin, a class of 1980 alumnus and member of the Stonehill football team, who lost his life in the attacks on the World Trade Center. In addition to serving as home to the Skyhawks football team, W.B. Mason also serves as home to Stonehill’s field hockey, lacrosse, and track and field teams. Stonehill has sponsored football teams since 1988, using the nickname “Chieftains” until 2005. Stonehill football competed in Division Three until 1996, when they moved up to Division Two, staying there until 2021. The Skyhawks joined the Football Championship Subdivision’s Northeast Conference for the 2022 season. During their first two seasons in FCS, Stonehill has posted a respectable 10-11 record. Food & Beverage 2 New Stonehill food service concessionaire Bon Appetite operates food tents located in the open area on the north side of the grandstand. A menu of standard stadium fare is offered here. Coca-Cola products are the featured beverage at W.B. Mason Stadium. In addition, Shovel Townbrewery operates a beer garden in the northwest corner of the facility. A good selection of their craft brews are featured here. Atmosphere 2 The fine folks at Stonehill College are still kind of new to this Division One thing, so you wouldn’t expect an over-the-top game day presentation at a small facility such as W.B. Mason Stadium. Now, that doesn’t mean that it’s a boring time at Stonehill. There are plenty of touches here that make a fall afternoon in North Easton a good time. One of the more surprising aspects of the game day experience at Stonehill is the very active tailgating scene. Fans arrive as early as 7 am in the lot adjacent to the McPhaidin Library and other open fields around the stadium to set up shop for the afternoon. Fans who regularly attend college football games will find plenty that is familiar here. Music and PA announcements play over a quality sound system throughout the game. The Stonehill cheerleading and dance squads set up on the sideline, performing for the fans. The Skyhawk mascot, Ace, roams the stands, posing for photos and interacting with fans. A simple scoreboard in the north end zone provides basic game information. Stonehill Cheerleaders, Photo by Paul Baker, Stadium Journey Neighborhood 3 Stonehill College’s sprawling, contained campus belies its location in a bustling area with many dining and lodging options for visiting fans. State routes 123 and 138 intersect at the southwest corner of campus. Both routes are pretty busy local roads, lined with strip malls filled with the usual national chains alongside a few local eateries in both directions. Stadium Journey recommends checking out Stoneforge Grill, Shovel Town Brewery, or Brach’s Grill and Tap for your pre- or postgame meal. While you may not find many attractions near Stonehill, Boston is located just a half hour’s drive to the north. Visiting fans will find no shortage of things to do there. Fans looking for lodging options closer to school should check out the Residence Inn by Marriott right by Route 24. Fans looking for other sporting options in the immediate area may be able to pair a Skyhawks game with a New England Knockouts game at nearby Campanelli Stadium or may wish to return to campus and visit Merkert Gymnasium for a basketball game. The baseball team plays next door to W.B. Mason Stadium at Lou Gorman Field . Stonehill's hockey teams play off-campus at the nearby Bridgewater Ice Arena . More information about local accommodations, restaurants, and attractions can be found here . Fans 3 Even with W.B. Mason Stadium’s rather small capacity, the facility could fit the entire undergraduate enrollment inside. Looking through that lens makes Stonehill's average 2023 attendance of just over 1,800 fans per game pretty impressive. Every Saturday, W.B. Mason Stadium is filled to 75 percent of capacity. Stadium Journey's most recent visit to Stonehill occurred on a rainy September Saturday. Two thousand four hundred fans braved some lousy weather to witness the Seahawks' 2023 home opener. There’s a decent, if not overwhelming, turnout by the student body. The majority of the fans in attendance appear to be locals, many of whom have a connection to the players down on the field. With the Northeast Conference’s compact geographic footprint, you’ll be sure to see a good number of visiting fans in the stands. An interesting characteristic of a Stonehill crowd is that they are late arriving. Tailgating is allowed in the parking lot right across the street from the stadium right up until kickoff, and it seems that a good percentage of the fans in attendance keep the party going until the last possible minute. It’s pretty interesting to see the foot traffic increase along Blessed Basil Moreau Drive as kickoff time nears. Access 4 Stonehill College is located in suburban North Easton, MA, directly to the west of the city of Brockton and 25 miles south of Boston. The campus is easily accessible, as both Interstates 495 and 93 lead to Route 24, which runs north-south just a mile from W.B. Mason Stadium. The stadium is located on the western edge of campus, adjacent to some of Stonehill’s other athletic facilities, including Lou Gorman Field and the Sally Blair Ames Athletic Complex. Fans will find ample parking in the lot in front of the McPhaidin Library, located a short walk from the stadium. The entrance to W.B. Mason Stadium is located on the southeast corner of the facility, with the grandstand on the opposite west side of the stadium. Seating consists of a single grandstand that runs the length of the field. The center sections contain individual molded plastic seats, with the rest of the seating consisting of metal bleachers without backs. This new grandstand is fully ADA-compliant and easily accessible for all fans. Fans looking for an alternate viewpoint can take advantage of the standing room along the southern edge of the field. Unfortunately, the presence of a track surrounding the football field pushes the seats a bit further from the action. This is a common feature of the multi-purpose fields that are found at smaller schools. Restrooms are located in the Sally Blair Ames Athletic Complex, with additional port-a-johns available behind the grandstand. Return on Investment 5 Tickets to Skyhawks games are sold as general admission, with tickets priced at $12. Seniors 65+ and students can purchase tickets for $7. Children 12 and under are admitted at no charge. Waiting until game day to buy your tickets increases the price by three dollars. Parking is free in the lot near the stadium. With inexpensive concessions, an afternoon at a Stonehill football game is a very affordable entertainment option for southeastern Massachusetts sports fans. Extras 1 As the Stonehill program continues to adjust to life in Division One, the Athletic Department continues to upgrade the game day experience for fans. Some examples of upgrades to the football experience include a new sound system at W.B. Mason Stadium, new concessions, and the Shovel Town beer garden. More improvements are in the works. Final Thoughts W.B. Mason Stadium is a nice, smaller facility that compares well to its peer facilities in the Northeast Conference. While the fans and staff at Stonehill are adjusting to life in the FCS, they promise that bigger and better things are on the horizon, both on and off the field. The addition of Division One sports is a welcome addition to the southeastern Massachusetts athletic scene and a Stadium Journey well worth taking. Follow Paul Baker’s stadium journeys on Twitter and Instagram @PuckmanRI.

Photos by David Welch, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.14 KSU Convocation Center 590 Cobb Ave Kennesaw, GA 30144 Kennesaw State Owls website KSU Convocation Center website Year Opened: 2005 Capacity: 3,800 Hooty Hoo Kennesaw State University, located in the northwest Atlanta suburb of Kennesaw, was once primarily known as a commuter school, but after significant investments in on-campus housing in the early 2000s, the university has experienced substantial growth in both its student population and its presence in college athletics. Since moving to NCAA Division I in 2009, Kennesaw State has competed as a member of the Big South and Atlantic Sun conferences. In 2024, the Owls will begin their inaugural season as members of Conference USA.   Food & Beverage   2 The concession menu at KSU Convocation Center offers a range of basic options to satisfy your hunger, though it lacks notable specialty items. Featured items include hot dogs, nachos, and pretzels, along with popcorn, candy, and chip options. Beverage choices come from the Coca-Cola family, Powerade, and Dasani water. For adult beverages, the selection includes common domestic beers, craft beers, Emergency Drinking Beer, and Sweetwater 420, as well as White Claw seltzer and Long Drink spirits.   Atmosphere   3 Built in 2005, the Kennesaw State University Convocation Center has maintained a modern feel despite it being nearly 20 years old. In addition to hosting KSU volleyball, it also serves as the home for the Owls men’s and women’s basketball programs. The front entrance welcomes fans with a wall of windows that open into a shallow but spacious two-level lobby – entrances on either side lead to a walkway above court level. Upon first sight of the competition area, the school-specific black and yellow seats stand out as players warm up on the court below. A large, digital video board at the far end of the arena displays not only advertisements but set scores, a live feed of the game, and individual player and team stats. Volleyball, by nature, has a positive and festive nature to it. Owls points are celebrated by dual percussionists stationed courtside, while cheerleaders cheer along. During breaks in the action, the cheerleaders engage fans by throwing t-shirts into the crowd, mostly targeted to the younger or the most enthusiastic of fans. Seating is general admission, allowing fans to choose their preferred experience. Some may opt to sit close to the court for the appreciation of the speed and power of the game up close, while those choosing a higher vantage point have a better view of point rotations.   Neighborhood   3 Kennesaw State University is situated in the Atlanta suburb of Kennesaw, where residential neighborhoods transition into college apartments and shopping centers. While the area may lack the typical college town atmosphere, its proximity to shopping and dining makes it convenient for grabbing a bite before or after the match. Downtown Kennesaw is just 2.5 miles from campus, offering a small selection of restaurants and two popular tap houses, School House Brewing and Horned Owl Brewing. The area also features the Southern Museum of Civil War and Locomotive History Museum, which highlights the Civil War era ‘Great Locomotive Chase’ that began in Kennesaw. For those seeking outdoor activities, Kennesaw Mountain National Battlefield is just a 10-minute drive from campus and has miles of trails for visitors to explore, along with an amazing view of the area from atop the mountain’s summit.   Fans   3 The Owls do a good job drawing fans out in support of the volleyball program, typically around 400 fans per match. While there does not seem to be a formal student support group, students are scattered throughout the stands. The strongest support, however, comes from local youth volleyball players, who show up in large numbers to cheer on the Owls. The metro Atlanta area has a strong youth volleyball system, and this is reflected in the enthusiasm and support that the next generation of players shows for both collegiate and professional volleyball in the area.   Access   3 Kennesaw State University is centrally located in Kennesaw, just west of Interstate 75. During rush hour traffic, the area often becomes extremely congested, especially for those traveling north from Atlanta. However, once past the highway traffic, accessing the KSU Convocation Center is very direct. Free parking is available in the East Deck behind the arena. However, there is only one entrance to the Kennesaw State University C onvocation Center, requiring fans to walk around the building for access. On the plus side, there is usually not much of a wait to enter the arena.   Return on Investment   5 Kennesaw State volleyball offers a great opportunity for families or youth volleyball teams to enjoy a match at little to no cost. Both parking in the adjacent garage and admission are free, with concessions as the only expense, but those are also reasonably priced.   Extras   3 The action on the court is paired nicely with in-house music that is accompanied by a drum duo to celebrate points, as well as to entertain fans before the match gets underway and in between sets. Scrappy, Kennesaw State’s owl mascot, is a constant presence, engaging with fans and taking photos with them throughout the arena. Following each Friday night match, the team invites fans onto the court for a post-match autograph session and meet-and-greet.   Final Thoughts Kennesaw State Volleyball does a good job of providing an entertaining platform for the university to showcase volleyball for both the student body and the local community. It would be nice to see more of an organized student support group in place, but it seems like the local community and youth volleyball programs do a good job of filling that void. In turn, the KSU volleyball program and its players go above and beyond to serve as role models for volleyball’s next generation.