Photo Courtesy of Northwestern State University Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.14 Prather Coliseum 399 Caspari St. Natchitoches, LA 71497 Northwestern State Demons website Prather Coliseum website Year Opened: 1964 Capacity: 3,400 Demons Dunking in the Prather For a school that has only been in the NCAA tournament three times in its history– including the most recent appearance in the 2013 season – the fans know how to make some noise. With the conference title on the line, an opportunity for the team’s head coach to become the all-time leader in career collegiate wins in Louisiana, and in celebration of its centennial season, the Demons of Northwestern State rocked the Prather Coliseum with their fans there to witness. Eventually, all that was cheered for was awarded with the teams’ win and eventual Southland Conference Tournament title victory. The Prather Coliseum max capacity is 3,400, but for basketball games only about two-thirds of the coliseum is used for seating space. There is baseline seating at each end of the court and on one back end of the coliseum are smaller practice courts. The Prather looks like a hanger on the outside, and it hosted rodeos at one time. The Demons celebrated their centennial season for basketball in the 2012-2013 season. The first recorded games on campus took place 100 years ago in 1912. NSU was then known as Louisiana State Normal School and it’s believed basketball games were played outside, but there is no definitive documentation. Food & Beverage 3 The Prather has all of your basic food items covered at its lone concession stand. There is only one concession stand available though, so you can at times expect to stand in line if you hit the stand at the wrong time. The concession stand offers hot dogs, chili dogs, nachos, candy, and popcorn. For drink options they have 20 oz. Coca-Cola products and water all for a reasonable $3. Overall there is not the best of selections, but the prices are more than fair so there is very little room to complain here. Atmosphere 4 The Demons have done a good job of providing a great atmosphere for college basketball. Interestingly enough, they place the student section behind the west basket, which is the one the visiting team uses in the second half. It’s a great placement for the students. The Prather is filled with Demon memorabilia and remnants of teams and players of the past. You can see the banners of the former Demon teams that have been conference champions hanging from the rafters. I was pleasantly surprised for a school this small to have such a great college basketball atmosphere. Neighborhood 3 Natchitoches is a smaller city, but its downtown area is about a mile north of the campus and has a nice historic district. In the downtown, there is a red-brick road and there are a few bars that peer over the river. There are a few different options for places to eat or hang out, and there are always the fast-food chains as well. Fans 3 I’ll start with the student section which was a bit of a disappointment. The students showed up, but with silent chants and looking bored most of the game. As for the other fans in attendance, most were either older alumni or faculty but they kept the game alive. They were proud of their school and openly supported it by applauding when needed and joining in with the cheerleaders’ chants. Access 2 The access to the Prather is one of the hardest I’ve ever experienced at the college basketball level. I don’t know if my directions were bad, but my route to the coliseum was confusing. When I got to the campus I had to drive all the way through it to the athletic side and when I got there I wasn’t sure if I was at the right place. Let’s just say the Prather’s outer appearance doesn’t look like it’s still an occupied building – very antiquated. However, there is an open parking lot across from the arena and parking is free. The parking isn’t bad at all and the walk to the coliseum isn’t far. When you get in though, it’s an old laid back coliseum with a straightforward entrance; ticket scanned in lobby, walk into coliseum. The bathrooms were clean and I never noticed a line, even during halftime intermission. Return on Investment 4 Tickets range from $10 for adults to $9 for kids aged 3-15 for double-header games. All kids under the age of 2 are admitted free into the games. With food prices more than manageable and tickets prices as low as this, a trip to the Prather makes for a fun trip out in a historic city. The Demons are doing a great job of not only providing a great atmosphere for college basketball, but making it affordable for the whole family to go. Extras 3 One point automatically goes to free parking. In today’s economic world this is always a plus. Another point goes to the Demons’ success at 100 years and recognizing its players from the past. Head coach Mike McConathy gets an extra point for becoming the winningest coach in Louisiana. Final Thoughts You can’t help but root for the Demons, despite their devilish theme. Even if the Prather used to host rodeos or was a hanger, it goes down as one of my favorite places to visit for basketball.

Photos by Richard Smith, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.86 State Farm Center 1800 S 1st St. Champaign, IL 61820 Illinois Fighting Illini website State Farm Center website Year Opened: 1963 Capacity: 15,500 It’s Called The Assembly Hall The State Farm Center at the University of Illinois is often still known affectionately as the Assembly Hall. The arena reopened with its new design in December 2015, after the first few “home” Illini games were played at Springfield’s Prairie Capital Convention Center. Max Abramovitz is a world-renowned architect that also designed the Avery Fisher Hall at Lincoln Center, Pittsburgh’s U.S. Steel Tower, and Paris’ Tour Gan. The University of Illinois alumnus also designed this building. It was once the world’s largest edge-supported dome and is 400 feet in diameter and rises 128 feet above the floor. Many people compare it to a UFO when looking from the outside. The roof is supported by 614 miles (988 km) of one-quarter-inch steel wire wrapped at the base of the dome under intensive pressure. It is the second-largest arena in the state, second only to the United Center in Chicago. Food & Beverage 4 There are some good, but pretty normal options available. Once the outside concourse is finalized, expect to see better operations out here. Hot dogs, hamburgers, nachos, and pretzels are the usual suspects and are a pretty good value. Jalapeno cheese dogs and Kansas City-style pulled pork and Italian beef sandwiches and Polish sausages are some other options. Atmosphere 4 You will see orange at State Farm Center, lots of oranges. While the football team at Illinois has often tended to emphasize the color blue, orange tends to dominate the crowd attire at an Illini game. The dome structure means that the arena is very wide and open. Sometimes that means that the sound does not seem as intense as in some other arenas. The new suites and expansive seating options have made it more difficult to travel between some sections of the arena, something that was done pretty easily before the renovation. The big-money contributors still get the best seats, but it can mean that the closer you get to the court, the less rowdy of a crowd you will find. The Illini cheerleaders and dance squad are on hand to get the crowd riled up. The male cheerleaders used to run with a giant flag through the top deck of the arena, but the new design has made the 360 degrees run impossible. There is the new, high-quality scoreboard. New ribbon boards have also been installed above the suites. Your eye will be drawn to a large number of banners above the scoreboard. The 1989 and 2005 Final Four teams are prominent, but so are the jersey signs for the honored players of the entire history of the Illinois basketball program. The seats, as well as the outside concourses, are broken into large circular sections. The Orange Krush student seating section is different than it used to be. The suites do break up some of the flow of seating. Neighborhood 5 The neighborhood closest to the State Farm Center is mostly made up of research facilities, dorms, and academic buildings, not to mention high-quality athletic facilities. Culver’s at 2302 S Neil Street and Espresso Royale (1411 S Neil Street) are a couple of close quick service establishments nearby. A very short walk away is the area along Green and Wright Streets called “Campustown.” There are many bars, shops, and restaurants in this area, and they tend to cater to young college students. Older fans will want to center their post-game activities around downtown Champaign. Once a pretty boring downtown area, one will now find many bars and restaurants. The Esquire Lounge is a local icon and should be a stop for everyone. Try a pork chop sandwich and you will fit in nicely. Other great downtown spots are Blind Pig Brewery , Jupiter’s, and Farren’s Pub & Eatery (at a very hidden location at 308 N Randolph Street). There is also a much larger version of Jupiter’s on the outskirts of Champaign (2511 Village Green Place at The Crossing Center) that is also a good choice. If visiting that second Jupiter location also try Billy Barooz right next door (2521 Village Green Place at The Crossing Center). Urbana is a bit slower pace kind of town. But three places jump out as must-visits. Black Dog Smoke & Ale House offers amazing barbecue, just expect to wait in line to get in and that the tasty burnt ends will go quickly. Crane Alley is a nice bar with some great beers and Masijta Grill is a great Korean barbecue. Fans 3 Fans can get pretty loud. The main problem is Illinois has one of those programs that gives some of the best seats for the high-dollar donation types. That leaves the more rowdy “everyman” fan sitting further away from the game. Fans have also been known to sit on their hands during exciting parts of the game, even asking the more engaged fans to sit down. The student section, known as the Orange Krush, is almost always on point and keeps the feeling pretty intense. Big Ten Conference games are where you will see the fans get more intense. This is always a knowledgeable basketball crowd. They will cheer, jeer and get engaged as needed. Access 4 Champaign and Urbana are both easy cities to navigate. The State Farm Center is not located close to a major highway but most roads leading to the area will be four-lane ones. There are many parking lots available, but it would be a good idea to look at the official university parking site so that you head the right way. Champaign-Urbana is at the crossroads of I-57 and I-74, as well as being the eastern terminus for I-72 so getting to the area from Chicago, Indianapolis and points west will be pretty easy. Return on Investment 3 Big Ten games will cost the most of any ticket as they start around $50 and go upward. Attending a non-conference game can get you in much cheaper. Look for special ticket packages that include a mix of game types for the best value. The prices can be a bit high, but the level of talent at Illinois and their conference opponents is pretty amazing to watch live. Extras 4 The architecture of Max Abramovitz’s design is a great extra. From the outside, it looks like a giant UFO crashed along the prairies of east-central Illinois. Take a look at the names of the honored players. One will not only see a recent NBA star in Deron Williams but former Arizona Diamondbacks and Phoenix Suns owner Jerry Colangelo who played here at Illinois from 1960 to 1962. Check out the outer concourses to see if you see where the old and new parts of the venue are tied together. The Orange Krush student sections are an extra all in themselves. Final Thoughts This venerable old building with a unique UFO shape is a great place to watch some high-quality basketball. It will be the University of Illinois’ arena for some time to come.

Photos by Marc Viquez, Stadium Journey Cintas Center FANFARE Score: 3.71 Cintas Center 1624 Herald Ave Cincinnati, OH 45207 Xavier Musketeers website Cintas Center website Year Opened: 2000 Capacity: 10,250 All For One at Xavier’s Cintas Center The Cintas Center is the home of the Xavier University men’s and women’s basketball teams. It was built through private donations as part of the school’s Century Campaign, opening in June 2000 at $46 million. The arena has a capacity of 10,250 and includes a large open concourse, an auxiliary gym, and multiple meeting and event spaces. The Musketeers have flourished, posting a 310-54 record as of this writing. The team also advanced to the Elite 8 of the NCAA Tournament three times since the Cintas Center opened, while the program has made 28 appearances in the post-season tournament. However, as modern as a building as it is, it will go under the knife as construction begins on refreshing suites, adding new seating options, and expanding hospitality and other social areas over the next two summers. The renovations will be completed in time for the 2024/2025 season and will decrease capacity to 10,224. Food & Beverages 4 The Cintas Center offers a fair amount of food that is very traditional for a college basketball game. There is nothing unusual, but the building offers Hoopy Hour before the game. Fans can enjoy $2 discounts 60 minutes before the game. Fans will find hot dogs, nachos, pretzels, chicken tenders, popcorn, chips, peanuts, and candy. The most unusual item is the Cincy pork nachos: barbecue pulled pork covered with cheese and topped with pickled onions and jalapenos. There is a kiosk called the Quatman Cafe, offering freshly made burgers and local Cincinnati Grippo’s barbecue potato chips. If you're looking to wash all that food down, you will find Pepsi products and an assortment of beer from Bud Light, to Sam Adams, to Great Lakes. A lot of the craft beer is located in D'Artagnan's Deck in section 200. There is also White Claw and wine offered at the game. Atmosphere 4 A Xavier game is quite the experience with a rabid student section, along with near-capacity crowds to provide a home-court advantage for the Musketeers. Also, when your team is naturally ranked, it can provide quite the atmosphere for the first-time visitor. The Cintas Center feels more like a multi-purpose venue but is the ideal size for basketball. The main concourse is decorated with giant photographs of the various sports teams that play on campus and more than enough historical photos of Xavier logos from the past. this is perhaps one of the things that stand out as a school has quite an array of word marks and brands from its glorious past. There was also a Hall of Fame that included memorabilia and historic pieces from Xavier’s basketball, football, volleyball, and Olympic sports teams. The Hall of Fame also features a video highlighting the history and tradition of Xavier athletics. Former NBA Draft pick and Musketeer David West has a colorful mural inside the building. The student section produces quite a bit of noise, and they line up very early before a game. They provide a beautiful backdrop to the athletes on the court and bring the decibels up quite a bit. The school has two official mascots, D'Artagnan, and The Blue Bob. A bizarre trio, but beloved figures at the arena. D'Artagnan waves the flag before games, while The Blue Blob looks like a Jim Henson creation. There is not a bad seat in the house, and most of the fans are focused on the court below. Banners are hanging from the rafters, and a modern visual scoreboard looms above the center court. The seating bowl does not wrap all the way around, but the outer concourse does for easy access for visitors. Neighborhood 2 The University Station development near Cintas Center has finally filled in. The mix of campus housing and street-level retail has brought some life to what was long an empty lot at the gateway to the university area. It does feature several food options, but since it is aimed at the college crowd, most are quick service shops like Starbucks and donut bakeries, along with a Gold Star Chili. There are several restaurants just off-campus, including Betta’s Italian Oven, a popular pregame spot near the corner of Cleneay and Montgomery Road. A short drive north on Montgomery will lead you to Gordo’s Pub & Grill (4328 Montgomery), featuring one of the city’s best burgers, along with a creative beer list. Across the street from the campus is one of the city’s best microbreweries, Listerman Brewing Company. The small, unassuming building offers everything from pale ales and IPAs to peanut butter porters and vanilla and cinnamon stouts. A great place to meet before taking in a Musketeers game. Fans 5 It's hard not to be impressed with the number of fans in the building. They are among the loudest and most dedicated in the state and could give some of the larger schools a run for their money as well. The student section makes their presence known and can stand up with the best of them, too. Access 4 If you're coming to the area via the Dana Avenue exit off I-71, it's best to give yourself some time, as the road toward campus can back up before big games. If coming from the north, you may find an easier path by taking SR-562 (a.k.a. the Norwood Lateral, as it runs between the city's two north-south interstates) and exiting at the US-22 (Montgomery Road). Then head west and turn left onto Montgomery. Follow this for a mile, and you'll encounter signs for the large basketball parking lot. Once inside the building, the main concourse wraps around the seating Bowl and allows easy access in and out when necessary. There is plenty of parking surrounding the arena and off the main streets of the neighborhood. Return on Investment 4 The price of tickets through the school could range from $40-$50, but slightly lower on secondary market sites. However, games can sell out fast, and depending on who the team is playing, prices can dip under $20 for non-rivals. Public parking lots are located on the South side of campus. Gameday parking will be available in Lot E off Montgomery Road, and any lot labeled P. There is a charge of a $20 fee for any of these lots. Extras 3 The Cintas Center earns a point for the decorations throughout the concourse, honoring the school's past. It earns an additional point for the Hoopy Hour, where concession prices or slashed a couple of bucks. The third point is awarded to the student section that is on its feet throughout the entire game. The fourth point is to The Blue Bob, one of the most unusual but endearing mascots in college sports. ---- Follow all of Marc’s stadium journeys on Twitter @ballparkhunter and his YouTube channel . Email at Marc.Viquez@stadiumjourney.com

Photos by Marc Viquez, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.43 University of Dayton Arena 1801 Edwin C. Moses Blvd Dayton, OH 45408 Dayton Flyers website University of Dayton Arena website Year Opened: 1969 Capacity: 13,409 Dayton Gets LOWD for College Hoops Many say that it is one of the elite venues and toughest buildings to play college basketball. The University of Dayton Arena, commonly known as UD Arena, hosted its first game on December 6, 1969, and quickly developed into one of the best places in the nation for college hoops. The arena is currently undergoing a three-phase renovation project that is scheduled for completion by the arena’s 50th anniversary. The $72 million privately-funded effort will include the replacement of all 13,450 seats, a new four-sided video board above the center court, installation of air conditioning and new WiFi, a wraparound main concourse around the bowl, new club seating, updated bathrooms, new ticket office location, and new corner terrace suites. The renovations will improve the fan experience at the game and update the building to modern standards, but one thing is certain, the atmosphere will continue to be among the elite. The Flyer Faithful is known to fill up the arena and create an environment that ranks with the best college programs in the nation, ranking in the top 30 of average attendance figures on an annual basis. Food & Beverage 4 There is a surprising amount of variety at the UD Arena with prices that are more than reasonable. There are hot dogs, pretzels, nachos, bottled and fountain drinks, and craft and domestic beers. The prices range from $4 for a hot dog to $7.25 for a draft craft beer. However, there are a few other great choices that include Donato pizza, Lee’s chicken strips, and City Barbecue pulled brisket and pork. The pulled pork is also topped on nachos for $10. A few other interesting choices include cheddar peppercorn sausage, steak, shrimp tacos, and grilled chicken sandwiches ranging in price from $4.50 to $8. The beer choices are varied and fans can enjoy selections from local Warped Wing and Local 27, along with microbreweries from as far away as Alaska and Hawaii. Don’t worry, there are Budweiser, Miller, and Coors selections to choose from as well at the arena. Atmosphere 5 The current renovations that are currently taking place have transformed the outer concourse of the building to make it easier for traffic flow during games that are near capacity a majority of the time. Visitors can now walk by walls decorated with the Dayton Flyer logo and photos and information about the team’s history which includes 21 years in the top 30 in average attendance, 18 NCAA Tournament appearances, 7 conference championships, and one Final Four appearance in 1967. About five minutes before the game the chanting begins and music blares over the arena’s sound system. The student section, dubbed the Red Scare, is one of the most spirited and loud student sections across the nation. The thing that sets Red Scare apart from other student sections is the people who make it up. There are three Blue Men/Women, who paint their bodies every game and embody the Flyer spirit and The Pilot who steers the section throughout the game and leads cheers. The place gets loud, or should I say LOWD, which is a term that can be described as the highest decibel that can be achieved in a college basketball arena. It helps if you are the home team needing a boost when you are down late in the game and can hinder the performance of any would-be opponent looking to escape with a win in the arena. The Flight Deck and BOESCH LOUNGE are two premium seating areas that offer a variety of luxury options to entertain family, friends, companies, or groups located at the upper ends behind each basket of the UD Arena. Neighborhood 3 The arena is located about two miles from downtown Dayton. There has been a serious amount of major investments this century that has resulted in residential, commercial, and transportation developments that have brought people back to the city. Seven million people visit the high-tech friendly downtown annually. There is a collection of breweries that include Warped Wing, Lock 27, and Toxic Brew which all offer their vibe and craft beer. The Dayton Beer Company is an ideal spot with over 36 different beers on tap that includes their own made on-site and a pizzeria on the first floor. Many of the places charge by the 4 and 8 ounces for more options of sampling award-winning beer. Most of the nightlife is concentrated near the Brown Street District, Oregon District, or Fifth Third Field (Webster Station). A few choices to enjoy a meal is The Pine Club (steaks), The Winds (farm to table), Jay’s Restaurant (seafood), Corner Kitchen (burgers), and El Meson (a vast array of American cuisine south of the border). The National Museum of the U.S. Air Force, America’s Packard Museum, Boonshoft Museum of Discovery, and the National Aviation Hall of Fame are all popular tourist attractions. The Oregon District has a nice balance of retail, bars, live music, restaurants, and several breweries. The architecture of the residential buildings dates back to the 19th century and is ideal for photos. Fans 5 The Flyer Faithful is one of the most loyal fan bases in the country. They are dedicated to the program and create an energy that is unmatched at many college facilities. The Red Scare is filled with a cast of characters who are unique to the building from fans painted in blue to a captain in full uniform steering the ship. The decibel levels are intense and it makes for a very tough place to play for any opponent. The rest of the fans in their seats do their part to create a powerful home-court advantage at the UD Arena. Access 4 The UD Arena is located west of downtown Dayton and directly off of I-75 near the school’s other sports facilities. There is a large on-site and off-site parking lot available for commuters and current renovations will make access around the outer and inner concourse areas a bit smoother. Due to the number of fans per game and renovation projects, the concourses can become congested before, at halftime, and after post-game. Return on Investment 5 Single-game tickets for Dayton games begin at $20-$25 for 300 to 400-level seating areas. Lower-level seats in the 100 to 200 sections are generally sold out, but there are certain games where student seating is available for $35. The concession prices are reasonable at $4 hot dogs, $7.25 craft beer pints, and $5 nachos. The parking lots located at the UD Arena (Lots A, B, C, and D) are for season ticket holders only and all parking passes for all lots are sold out at this time. There are on-site lots in the overflow lot (O Lot) that are available for single-game buyers which is $5 and includes a complimentary shuttle bus. The atmosphere is one of the best in college basketball and decibel levels increase immensely during certain times of the game. The price of a ticket almost guarantees a near-capacity crowd in an electric atmosphere. Extras 5 The UD Arena receives an extra point for its price points from $20 tickets in the 400 level to $4 hot dogs at the concession stand. The prices throughout the building are more than reasonable with one of the best atmospheres in college basketball. The UD Arena earns a second point for the Red Scare, according to its website, the largest student organization at the university. The Red Scare is the official group of students that facilitates cheers at UD varsity athletic events and is dedicated to doing whatever it takes to give the Flyers a home advantage during games. The UD Arena earns the third point for its impressive attendance figures which are currently averaging close to 13,000 fans per game and placing them in the top 30 of all NCAA college basketball programs. The UD Arena earns the fourth point by the copious amounts of terms that are used to describe the atmosphere and fans during the game. The Red Scare, Decibel Dungeon, Flyer Faithful, and the term lowd are all part of the UD lore and perhaps need an explanation to the common fan making a visit for the first time to the arena. The final point is for the Flyer Faithful who are a loyal group of supporters who create a challenging atmosphere for opponents and will travel in packs to support their basketball program. Final Thoughts The UD Arena is quite the experience for college basketball and goes somewhat underneath the radar to most fans. However, you will never have to tell a Dayton fan, alumni, or student what an experience is like during a home game. UD Arena is as advertised, it gets LOWD. ---- Follow all of Marc’s stadium journeys on Twitter @ballparkhunter and his YouTube channel . Email at marc@stadiumjourney.com

Photos by Ben Alkaly, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.57 UCSB Events Center El Colegio Rd. near Ocean Rd. Santa Barbara, CA 93117 UC Santa Barbara Gauchos website UCSB Events Center website Year Opened: 1979 Capacity: 5,000 Mid-Major Mayhem on the Pacific Nestled between the mountains and ocean, with one of the best climates found anywhere on Earth, Santa Barbara, Calif., beckons outdoor exploration. But for true college basketball sickos, two hours of bliss can be found indoors at The Thunderdome, home court of the area’s only NCAA Division I institution, UC Santa Barbara. Officially, the venue is simply the UCSB Events Center. The Thunderdome nickname—and its reputation as one of the fiercest mid-major home courts—was born on Feb. 19, 1987. With the Gauchos clinging to a 53–52 lead over San Jose State and the Spartans shooting late free throws, students flooded behind the visitors’ basket and whipped the building into a deafening frenzy. When a local TV reporter called for a score update, sports information director Bill Mahoney replied, “I can’t hear you—it’s like the Thunderdome in here!”   That reference to Mad Max Beyond Thunderdome  starring Mel Gibson made it into the evening news, and the rest was history. Approaching 50 years of use, the home of the Gauchos has undergone several recent upgrades to bring it into the 21st century, without losing the quirky charm that allows the thunder to still roar along the California shore. Food & Beverage 2 Concessions are not going to be the highlight of a visit to the Thunderdome. Aside from the usual hot dog ($7.25), nachos ($7.50), giant pretzel ($6), popcorn ($7-9), chips, candy, and ice cream ($3.50-5), and sodas ($4.25), the lone curveball being a corn dog ($5.50). The main snack bar, tucked into the west lobby, can develop long lines during well-attended games, so plan ahead. There is an auxiliary concession stand with pared-down offerings on the second level above the northeast corner lobby. Atmosphere 4 There’s not a bad seat in the very symmetrical Thunderdome. Sideline seating is split into two levels separated by a walkway in the middle, while baseline seats are in a single section, the same on each end. What was once all-wood bleacher seating has been incrementally upgraded to theater seats over the years, reducing the Thunderdome’s original capacity of 6,000 to 5,000. Across from the team benches and flanking the press table are sections of padded chairs dubbed “Thunder Row.” Numerous celebrities call Santa Barbara home, and among those spotted courtside in recent years are Michael Douglas, Don Johnson, and Trevor Noah. While the same center-court scoreboard has been in place for decades, 2022 saw the addition of a massive 4K video board along the southwest baseline. Across the court are banners honoring “Legends of the Dome” from UCSB’s basketball and volleyball history, including Brian Shaw, who should be well-known to NBA fans. The Thunderdome - Legends of the Dome, Photo by Ben Alkaly, Stadium Journey The exterior is made of tan-painted corrugated metal, and frankly, looks like a massive industrial barn. Neighborhood 5 Whether adjacent to campus or about 10 miles south in Santa Barbara proper, you won’t lack for non-basketball activities. UCSB is the only D1 school located directly on the Pacific Ocean, and beach weather is possible even in mid-winter. Next to campus is Isla Vista, home to a majority of UCSB’s student body and the most densely-populated square mile west of the Mississippi. Grab pregame pizza, burgers, or burritos and beer on a patio in IV’s compact business district as tanned co-eds whiz by on bikes and skateboards.   Those older than their early 20s will want to focus their time on Downtown Santa Barbara’s pedestrianized State Street, or the adjacent Funk Zone. Boutiques, bars and wine tasting rooms, and both casual and fine dining options abound.   At the foot of State Street is Stearn’s Wharf, from which miles of beaches and bike paths fan out. Santa Barbara is also a golfer’s mecca, while within an hour north are the wineries of the Santa Ynez Valley, made famous by the movie Sideways . Fans 3 If this review were written in the early 1990s, this ranking would be a solid five. That’s when the Gauchos were a perennial national contender and routinely sold out the Thunderdome with rabid fans in front of ESPN audiences. Alas, despite numerous 20-win seasons and NCAA Tournament appearances under current Head Coach Joe Pasternack, the spectator energy is closer to a low rumble these days. That’s likely due to a confluence of factors: The local season ticket base is comprised mainly of AARP members, the high-achieving student body cares more about biology than basketball, and the new chairback seating doesn’t produce the same kind of echo that the old wood bleachers did. That said, the Surge, a student booster group standing behind press row, brings the energy with blue body suit-clad cheer leaders, and invites new members through a variety of promotions. The quirky UCSB Pep Band sets up shop to the right in their trademark floral-print shirts. The athletic department does a nice job of engaging local teams and youth organizations, who bring some high-pitched cheering to the T-dome. Access 4 Getting to the Thunderdome is rather straightforward. U.S. Highway 101, which runs from San Francisco to Los Angeles, cuts through the length of Santa Barbara. If coming from the south, take the Highway 217 off-ramp, which ends at campus. From the north, exit at Los Carneros Rd., and let GPS do the rest. Note that UCSB’s on-campus speed limit is 20 MPH, and campus police lurk at blind spots, so take it easy on the gas.   The closest parking to the Thunderdome is either the open-air Lot 22 or multi-level Lot 27; you’ll need to enter your license plate number at a kiosk ( more info here ). Assuming you’ll be attending either a night or weekend event, the rate is a reasonable $4.   Amtrak’s Coast Starlight route services Santa Barbara, including a stop in Goleta about three miles from campus. Uber, Lyft, and taxis are readily available. Flying in for the game? You’re in luck, because the tiny Santa Barbara Municipal Airport (SBA) is located adjacent to campus. Time it right and you could get from tarmac to hardwood in under 20 minutes.   Things get a bit more congested once inside the Thunderdome. The main entrance lobby, in the northeast corner, also houses men’s and women’s restrooms and the team shop. The only other option to relieve yourself is in the opposite lobby, adjacent to concessions, which creates a similar bottleneck. Tip: make use of the stairwells in each of the four corners and navigate the Thunderdome from above, rather than floor level. Return on Investment 4 In today’s era of premium ticket pricing, UCSB basketball remains a relative bargain. For the 2025-26 season, single-game sideline seats, located in the upper level, are $20. Want to sit closer to the action? Baseline seats are $15. For Gaucho women’s basketball, those same sections are priced at $16 and $14, respectively. Both the ticket booth and doors open an hour before tipoff. The Thunderdome Interior, Photo by Ben Alkaly, Stadium Journey  With parking also a bargain, the only ROI blemish is the inflated concession prices on a lackluster menu. Extras 3 Gaucho fans prefer both unofficial arena names and homespun mascots. While UCSB is officially represented by an Argentine cowboy, two superfans organically emerged from the bleachers to fire up their fellow students during the late 1980s and early 1990s heyday. Wearing a Batman t-shirt, “Gaucho Joe” O’Brien led cheers with his bellowing voice and later became the school’s water polo coach. He passed the baton to the Fantom of the Dome, a mysterious masked man who danced spastically and teased referees during timeouts. If you visit the Thunderdome in the early season, you may be able to catch a Gaucho soccer match at Harder Stadium. The men’s program won the 2006 NCAA title and draws some of the largest college soccer crowds in the country, helping UCSB earn the moniker “Soccer Heaven.” The Old Santa Barbara Mission dates to 1786 and is called the “Queen of the California Missions” thanks to its striking masonry and pink domes. A stop to tour the cathedral and sprawling grounds north of downtown is worthwhile. Final Thoughts Full disclosure: I’m both a UCSB alumnus and former employee. During my time on campus, I jokingly referred to the aging arena as the Thunderdump  or Blunderdome . However, the venue has been firmly brought into the modern era, with a quality basketball product offered at good value to fans. Here’s hoping the decibel levels someday return to their former, bone-rattling heights inside the Thunderdome.

Photos by Chris Green, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.71 Daytona International Speedway 1801 W International Speedway Blvd Daytona Beach, FL 32114 Roar Before the 24 website Daytona International Speedway website Year Opened: 1959 Capacity: 167,785 Roaring Into the New Year A week before the historic Rolex 24 , Daytona International Speedway is already buzzing with race action. An event that used to be held three weeks before the current date, the Roar Before the 24 has now become part of the fabric that makes up IMSA’s return to racing in January. Featuring three different racing series, this event is mostly a three-day test session for those in the IMSA WeatherTech Series and Michelin Pilot Challenge. However, for the VP Challenge series, this weekend features two races in their season kick-off. With stellar weather in January, this seaside raceway showcases why race fans flock to Florida in the winter. No doubt, this is becoming a must-see event right in line with the Rolex 24  for diehard fans. Kids 12 and under are free, and there is plenty to see all race weekend long.   Food & Beverage   3 During the Roar, there aren’t as many food trucks and pop-up bars to see as you have during the Rolex 24 . The main stop is the paddock cafe, featuring chicken tenders and fries ($15), cheeseburgers and fries ($15), hot dogs ($7), nachos ($7), beer ($9-$11), soda ($5.50), and various other snacks. The main grandstands are closed off during this weekend, limiting the food options for fans.   Atmosphere   4 The Roar features a lot of the things you’ll find at the Rolex 24 , just on a smaller scale. The infield campfires grow more numerous and the party picks up only as the night darkens, just like at the 24 . There are night practice sessions, and two races for the VP Challenge series. Fans are invited on a pre-race grid walk before the VP race on Saturday, and victory lane is also open to fans for those races. The track itself is stunning as well – there are numerous grandstands in the infield for fans to watch the action from, and the track invites local Boy Scouts troops to come camp for the weekend in the infield during the Roar.   Neighborhood   4 Daytona is a party town from days gone past when tourists flocked to the beaches during the summer months. However, the sun isn’t always so warm in North Florida in January. Nonetheless, the beaches are still just a few miles away from the track. In addition, right across the street from the track sit numerous stores, malls, and restaurants – from Chipotle and Panera to Olive Garden and Longhorn Steakhouse, there are plenty of places to shop and eat during your stay. The most popular spot is now One Daytona, a shopping and dining district that features the likes of PF Chang’s, 4 Rivers BBQ, and even the Daytona Marriott Autograph Collection Hotel.   Fans   3 The fans at the Roar are diehards who know the sport inside and out and are not afraid to show their allegiance to their favorite driver, team, or car manufacturer. They also know how to party like few others, but are also among the most welcoming in the sport. Any one of the various campsites will have a campfire going with a TV playing a broadcast of the race – you’re always welcome to pull up a chair and take in the atmosphere. During the Roar many of the fans are kids, as the track invites countless Boy Scouts troops from the area to come and camp at the track during the weekend. That said, there simply aren’t nearly as many fans at the Roar as there are during the Rolex 24 .   Access   5 Parking at the Roar is plentiful; not only are there on-site parking lots for those with various parking passes, but the track also has various off-site parking options for fans to use, as long as you’re willing to walk. For those who would rather take a ride, trams are also available to shuttle you in and out of the track from numerous parking lots, as well as take you from one point to another at the track itself. You can also wander the facility as you wish, with any ticket granting you access to the various infield grandstand seating areas. On top of that, Daytona International Airport is literally across the street from the track, and hotels in the area are numerous, including the Daytona Marriott Autograph Collection Hotel, a Hilton Garden Inn, and others.   Return on Investment   5 The Roar is a race to be added to any sports fan’s list of must-see events, especially if you are a diehard sportscar fan. Tickets for the roar start at $17.03 for Friday or Sunday, or just $22.70 for Saturday, and go up from there, with various options for multi-day access and infield parking and camping available. Kids 12 and under are free of charge, which makes this a no-brainer for families as well.   Extras   2 All tickets get you into the garage and paddock area at Daytona, which features fantastic views of the track and paddock from the rooftop patio decks. Fans can also get a look into the team preparations, thanks to the viewing windows in each garage bay. In addition, the biggest plus that few other races offer is the fan walk before the race starts on Saturday; fans can get up close to the cars on pit road, and have an up-front seat for the driver introductions.   Final Thoughts Taking a trip to Daytona for the Roar Before the 24 is a visit worth taking. Anyone who is a race fan should attend, and with Daytona’s famed high banks, the action is non-stop. The sound of sportscars fills the air all day and night for three days, ramping up the excitement for the Rolex 24  the following weekend.

Photos by Paul Baker, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.29 Father William Gartland C.S.C. Field 111 Belmont St. S. Easton, MA 02375 Stonehill Skyhawks softball website Father Gartland Field website Year Opened : 1997 Capacity: 500 _________________________________________________________________________________ Stonehill Skyhawk Softball   On April 5, 2022, tiny Stonehill College, a private Catholic school located in Easton, Massachusetts, with an enrollment of 2,500 undergraduate students, announced it was moving all of its athletic teams to the NCAA Division One level, effective in the fall of 2022. Before 2022, Stonehill was a member of the Northeast-10 Conference in NCAA Division Two. Upon its elevation to Division One, Stonehill joined the Northeast Conference.   The home of Stonehill’s softball team, Father William Gartland C.S.C. Field, is named in honor of Stonehill’s first athletic director. Reverend Garland served at Stonehill College for 33 years before his passing at the age of 64.   Stonehill’s athletic teams competed for years as the Chieftains. In 2005, the school officially changed its nickname to the Skyhawks. This name has no connection to a bird but does have a connection to the school’s history. After the school’s property was purchased by the Congregation of Holy Cross, an airfield on site was leased to the Navy during World War II and to private companies afterwards. The airfield was closed in 1955 as the college grew, but the Navy continued to use the land for training exercises and would employ the Skyhawk aircraft between 1954 and 1995.   Now in their fourth year competing in Division One, Stonehill has yet to see much success at the sport’s top level. A member of the Northeast Conference (NEC), Stonehill has compiled a record of 41-141 in D-1 as of this writing, which occurred in mid-April of 2026. Stonehill has finished no higher than 7 th  in the NEC standings thus far.   Food & Beverage 0   There are no concessions available at Father Gartland Field. Fans are able to bring their own drinks and snacks to enjoy during the game. You’ll be sure to see lots of coffee from the nearby Dunkin’ on chilly spring afternoons here at Stonehill.   Atmosphere 2   The game day atmosphere at Father Gartland Field is a fairly basic one. The Stonehill staff does a nice job with the tools they have. The first thing you will notice while at a Skyhawk game is that the sound system needs to be replaced. The music sounds fuzzy over some blown speakers, and the PA announcer can be difficult to understand, although he does a good job sharing game information.   As is the norm at a college softball game, much of the energy and noise created at the game comes from the dugouts. The teams themselves come armed with a repertoire of chants and songs, and their antics can be as entertaining as the action on the field. Game Action at Father Gartland Field. Photo by Paul Baker, Stadium Journey.   Neighborhood 3   Stonehill College’s 375-acre, treelined, suburban campus keeps it hidden away from the hustle and bustle happening on the busy roads just beyond the campus borders. Stonehill is located on the Brockton/Easton town line, with State Routes 123 and 138 intersecting at the southwest corner of campus. Both roads are pretty busy commercial routes, lined with businesses, strip malls, and dining options for visiting fans. Stadium Journey recommends checking out Stoneforge Grill or Brach’s Grill and Tap for your pre- or postgame meal. While you’re at Father Gartland Field, you may notice the local outpost of 99 Restaurant located right across the street from the field.   While you may not find many attractions in the immediate vicinity of Stonehill, Boston is located just a half-hour drive to the north. Visiting fans will find no shortage of things to do there. Fans looking for lodging options closer to campus should check out the Residence Inn by Marriott, located just off Route 24, just a mile from Father Gartland Field.   More information about local accommodations, restaurants, and attractions can be found here .   Fans 2   The crowd at Father Gartland Field is what we at Stadium Journey often refer to as a “friends and family” type of crowd. Typically ranging in size between 100 and 200 fans, almost everyone in attendance seems to have a personal connection with the players on the field. As you would expect, the fans in the stands have great knowledge of the teams and are enthusiastic in their support. With Stonehill’s schedule consisting exclusively of teams from New England and the northeast, it’s not unusual to see many fans of visiting teams in attendance as well. Stonehill College Softball Banner at Father Gartland Field. Photo by Paul Baker, Stadium Journey.   Access 3   Stonehill College is located in suburban Easton, MA, just across the Brockton city line, 25 miles south of Boston. The campus is easily accessible, as both Interstates 495 and 93 lead to Route 24, which runs north-south barely a mile from campus. Father Gartland Field is tucked in right behind Skyhawk Field near the front entrance to Stonehill College on Belmont Street. Stonehill’s other athletic facilities, including Merkert Gymnasium , W.B. Mason Stadium  , and Lou Gorman Field , are located close by.   Parking for the softball field is located a short distance away at an unpaved lot on Blessed Basil Moreau Drive, or in some parking spots near the Shields Science Center beyond the left field fence. Seating at the field consists of a pair of bleachers located far down either foul line. There is room all around Father Gartland Field for fans to set up their own lawn chairs and watch the action.   There are no permanent restroom facilities on site. A pair of porta-johns are set up down the left field foul line.   Return on Investment 5   There is no charge to attend a Skyhawk softball game. With free parking nearby and no concessions on site, you will not have to reach for your wallet even once while visiting Father Gartland Field. Photos by Paul Baker, Stadium Journey   Extras 1   Stonehill honors figures from the softball program’s past at Father Gartland Field. A plaque near the bullpen honors Coach Ken LeGrice, who coached the softball team for 17 years, including a stint as head coach from 2004 to 2021 until his passing after a long battle with cancer in May 2021. A small plaque on the Stonehill dugout honors Dr. Fred C. Petti, Stonehill’s first softball coach.   Final Thoughts   Father Gartland is a basic facility that suits the needs of this fledgling Division One program. Much like the rest of the facilities at tiny Stonehill College, there is plenty of room for growth here.   Follow Paul Baker’s stadium journeys on Twitter  and Instagram  @PuckmanRI.

Courtesy of the WNBA The landscape of Philadelphia sports is undergoing a significant transformation. By 2030, the city will not only welcome a WNBA expansion team but will also open the doors to the New South Philadelphia Arena, a state-of-the-art $1.5 billion facility destined to become the unified home for the city’s major indoor sports franchises. The WNBA Comes to the City of Brotherly Love The WNBA and NBA Board of Governors formally approved a new expansion franchise for Philadelphia on April 9, 2026. This announcement marks the first new major professional sports team for the city since 2008. The team is scheduled to begin play in the 2030 WNBA season. The franchise is owned and operated by Harris Blitzer Sports & Entertainment (HBSE)—the group led by Josh Harris and David Blitzer that also owns the Philadelphia 76ers—with Comcast holding a minority stake. Commissioner Cathy Engelbert highlighted the city's "unmatched passion" and rich basketball tradition as key factors in the decision. The team will also feature a dedicated, state-of-the-art women's performance center for training. A New Home: The New South Philadelphia Arena The centerpiece of this development is the New South Philadelphia Arena, a 50-50 joint venture between HBSE and Comcast Spectacor (owners of the Flyers). While a previous proposal for a Center City arena was scrapped in early 2025, the teams have now unified their vision within the existing South Philadelphia Sports Complex. Upon completion, the arena will serve as the home for: Philadelphia 76ers (NBA) Philadelphia Flyers (NHL) Philadelphia WNBA Team Although a 2031 opening was initially projected, ownership has accelerated the timeline to 2030 to coincide with the WNBA team’s debut. If construction lags, the WNBA team will play its inaugural season at the nearby Xfinity Mobile Arena  (the renamed Wells Fargo Center). In October 2025, the teams selected a joint venture led by Turner Construction and AECOM Hunt to manage the project, aiming to create one of the most technologically advanced and fan-focused venues in the world. The new arena is designed to anchor a larger entertainment district inspired by mixed-use developments like Atlanta’s "The Battery". It will provide award-winning food and stadium innovations. In a major update effective February 27, 2026, Levy was selected as the venue's official food and beverage partner . This selection was made four years in advance to ensure the hospitality program is deeply integrated into the arena's architecture, promising a culinary experience that is "unmistakably Philadelphia." This dual-front expansion solidifies Philadelphia as a premier destination for both men's and women's professional sports, ensuring that the city's "blue-collar" sports culture continues to thrive in a world-class environment for decades to come.

Photos by Lloyd Brown and Greg Venuto, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.57 Little Caesars Arena 2645 Woodward Ave Detroit, MI 48201 Detroit Red Wings website Little Caesars Arena website Year Opened: 2017 Capacity: 19,515 Pizza, Pistons, and Pucks The Detroit Red Wings are one of the earliest teams in the NHL, founded in 1926. Originally known as the Detroit Cougars, they changed their name to the Red Wings in time for the 1932 season. The team has won 11 Stanley Cups over the years, with hockey icons such as Gordie Howe, Ted Lindsay, and Alex Delvecchio leading the way. Over those years, the team has called three venues their home ice. Their original home was the Olympia (1927-1979), followed by the Joe Louis Arena (1979-2016) and their present home at the Little Caesars Arena. Little Caesars Arena is also the home of the Detroit Pistons of the NBA. The arena is also a very popular venue for concerts. Food & Beverage 3 Little Caesars Arena offers both sit-down service and the traditional concession stand service to fans. Sit-down options are featured in the District Detroit area of the arena. They include Mike’s Pizza Bar, which offers artisanal pizza ($18) and sandwiches ($16), along with craft beers ($14) or wine ($10). The UWM District Market is divided into multiple sections, including The Coffee House, The Garden, La Cocina, and the Patio Grill. The more traditional concession stands include Little Caesars Pizza (pizza), the 313 Grill Company (fries, burgers, sausages, chips, and sodas), Classics (nachos, pretzels, popcorn, and chips), the Coop (chicken tenders, chicken rollups, fries), and Taqueria (nacho grande, street tacos). The arena features Coca-Cola brand sodas. There are several drinking establishments at Little Caesars Arena. Before the game, you might want to check out the Budweiser Biergarten. This is located on a patio just outside the arena. It is glass-enclosed, so you can still visit during the colder winter months. Two other options are Mike’s Pizza Bar or Bell’s Tap House in the District Detroit section of the arena, which both offer a wide selection of craft beers. The drinking age in Michigan is 21. Atmosphere 4 Even though the Little Caesars Arena is shared with the Detroit Pistons, it is readily apparent that the Red Wings are the primary occupant of the building. Once inside the building, fans will see a wide variety of salutes to the history of the Red Wings, through displays, memorabilia, and statuary. Along the main concourse of the arena, you will find statues of Red Wings superstars Gordie Howe, Ted Lindsay, and Alex Delvechio. One of the brick walls lining the concourse features a vintage graphic of the Hockeytown logo with the year the team was founded. The letters from the original home of the Red Wings, Olympia Stadium, can also be found along an interior wall of the facility. Other memorabilia include the team bench from the Joe Louis Arena and a mural featuring Gordie Howe. The team store is also located on the main concourse. As you make your way to your seat, you can’t help but notice the eleven Stanley Cup banners hanging from the rafters of the arena. They are accompanied by eight banners recognizing the retired numbers of Red Wing superstars. The show does not stop there. The pregame program also features action footage with hype music projected onto the ice to get the crowd fired up. Neighborhood 4 Little Caesars Arena is in the Midtown area of the Motor City. This is just across I-75 from downtown Detroit and the other major league sports venues, Ford Field and Comerica Park. The neighborhood around Little Caesars is primarily residential, but the presence of the arena is beginning to spur more businesses to relocate to the area. Little Caesars opens a portion of its building to serve the community during non-event days and hours in a section known as District Detroit. The district features several restaurants, including Mike’s Pizza Bar, the Mixing Board, and the UVM District Market. Downtown Detroit is within easy walking distance of the arena, or fans can take the free Q -Line light rail train to visit the sights in the downtown area, including the ballpark, the football stadium, and the elegant Fox Theatre. One of the most popular sites for pre- or postgame gatherings is the Hockeytown Café. It is located just across I-75 from the arena. The Hockeytown Café was founded by former Red Wings owner Mike Illich in 1999. It is considered one of the top sports bars in the country by ESPN. Fans 4 The Red Wings have developed a deep bond with their fanbase over the past 100 years. Many families have passed their season tickets from generation to generation, as well as shared their stories of multiple Stanley Cup Championships. They tend to wear the red hockey jerseys to show their loyalty to the team and follow the team very closely in the media. Like many of the other Detroit franchises, it has been a while since they have been to a championship game. Rather than complain, the Red Wing fans have developed some unique traditions to will the team back to the playoffs. One tradition is the singing of the Journey anthem “Don’t Stop Believin” after each home victory. When the team does make it to the playoffs, the fans are known to throw an octopus out on the ice. Theoretically, octopi have seven sets of tentacles, the same number of games in a Stanley Cup series. Supposedly, this brings good luck to the team, as it has won several Stanley Cups since the tradition began. Fans will be able to keep up with the action by getting their information from the huge 6,020 square foot center-hung videoboard. It constantly updates the game stats, as well as providing replays of key plays on one of its four video screens. The videoboard also gets the fans charged up during breaks in the action and during power play opportunities. Access 4 Getting to and around Little Caesars Arena is very easy. If you are driving to the arena, you would take the Fisher Service Drive exit off I-75 at the Fisher Service Drive exit. Stay on Fisher Service Drive to Woodward Avenue and turn left towards one of the six parking decks that surround the arena. The rideshare pick-up and delivery area is also located on Fisher Service Drive. If you are staying in downtown Detroit, the most economical way to get to the game is via the Q-Line light rail system. The Q-Line is free to ride and drops you off right in front of the arena. After the game, you would then return home via the stations at Adelaide or Sproat Street. Once at the arena, you can enter through one of the four entrances located on the four corners of the building. Doors open 90 minutes before the puck drop. You will find that the concourses are wide and easy to navigate. There are two levels of seating at Little Caesars Arena. You can take one of the ten elevators or four sets of escalators to your seats. The arena uses a portal system to easily guide you to your seats. The portal number is on your ticket, and you simply follow the signage to your seat location. Portals 1-20 service the lower seating areas, while Portals 21-72 are dedicated to the upper-level seats. Return on Investment 4 Attending a game at Little Caesars Arena is more affordable than at many other NHL arenas. Fans have several options when it comes to saving money when they attend a Red Wings game The average ticket price for a seat in the upper level of the arena averages $55-80, depending on the opposition. Parking can range from $20-30 in one of the arena parking garages, but other private lots in the area charge much less. You can also use the Q-Line light rail system to get to games for free if you are staying in the Downtown or Midtown areas of the city. Food concession prices vary greatly depending on what level of service you desire. The average prices at one of the traditional concession stands are hot dogs ($7), water ($5), pizza slices ($8-10), and a soda ($7). Prices at one of the District Detroit full-service restaurants tend to be much higher. Little Caesars Arena operates on a cashless basis. Extras 2 During the 2025-2026 season, the Red Wings will celebrate their Centennial Season. Numerous special events, unique uniforms, and merchandise items will be incorporated into the celebration. Little Caesars Arena has one of the most unique seating areas in the NHL in its Gondola seats. These seats are suspended from the ceiling and hang out over the ice for a one-of-a-kind view of the action below. Final Thoughts The Red Wings have a long and deep relationship with the Motor City. The Little Caesars Arena is a more than worthy successor to the team’s previous homes over the past century…. the Olympia and the Joe Louis Arena.

Photo by David Welch, Stadium Journey The Home of the Gamecocks is Getting a Facelift A new era in Gamecocks football and the Williams-Brice Stadium is coming very soon. The new era comes with a massive wave of investment that hopes to turn around USC's fortunes. South Carolina has never been a highly regarded SEC football program. The program has never won a conference title since coming to the SEC. Even recent success has been hard to come by. The team has been moving in and out of bowl contention throughout the 2020s, never making the playoffs or even finishing in the top 15 in any season so far this decade.  But Indiana showed how a college football program can do a total 180 in the NIL era with the right investment, having gone from the worst record of any program in the FBS to National Champions. And with their recent massive investment in Williams-Brice Stadium, this shows that’s exactly what the Gamecocks are trying to do. South Carolina are sinking 350 million dollars into improving its home for almost a century. Spread across a three-phase plan. The plan is in three phases, with construction having begun and with hopes to be entirely completed for the 2028 season. The plan includes tearing it down to rebuild it from the ground up. To get ready for the start of the 2026 College Football  season, crews of 200+ people working hard to help get everything ready and to make South Carolina's vision come true! We are now at the point in construction where progress is becoming obvious. The Floyd Building, which used to sit proudly before the Gamecocks' scoreboard, is now turned to scraps  along with the coaches’ offices that were once in the building and the scoreboard it sat under with it. But all that destruction is to facilitate creation. A majority of it will be done by 2026. If everything goes according to plan, of course. The 350 Million-dollar renovation project is being handled by some proven names as well. South Carolina University hired the  renowned architecture firm Populous  to handle the Williams-Brice Stadium upgrades. This firm has been behind many of the world’s most recent marvels such as the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in London, England, the Vegas sphere, and recent renovations to Yankee Stadium . Populous has a lot to change about the iconic William-Brice Stadium as they’ll be widening concourses by adding more concessions and restrooms,  but more importantly will be increasing the suite count from 18 to 42 . Gamecocks fans were given a preview of how they’ll look after USC put a preview center in the Bignon Gameday Center, which is right by the iconic Williams-Brice Stadium. The school will be showcasing all the changes they’ll be making to curious fans and students. Fans will also get a 360-degree immersive view of Williams-Brice Stadium soon. A preview about the increase in premium seating from less than 6% of the seats in Williams-Brice Stadium to the 42 suites that’ll help them catch up to their SEC foes is also being shown. This preview center was sometimes shown to 15 groups in one day, letting everyone involved with the project know that fans are as excited for the renovations as they are. “What we have found a lot of is people that come through this preview center and understand what we’re doing here, that truly believe in the project,” Gamecock Club CEO Wayne Hiott said. “Which is why some of those gift conversations have been a lot easier than we initially thought.” Hiott continued: “Because they understand that if we don’t do this, we are subjecting ourselves to forever being at the bottom of the pack. And if we do, do it, it gives us a shot.” Some of the exciting changes aren’t only about putting more fans in the stands but also about giving them a better experience. They’ll be adding two video boards which will go up in the south end zone, and also will provide a 25,000-square-foot club-like space for students to hang out and watch games in, and an open-air terrace above that. USC is also pursuing mixed-use development opportunities to help fund improvements to Williams-Brice Stadium and to further fund the University of South Carolina's athletic department. The hope is this will help bring more success to the football team playing in the newly renovated stadium. The stadium is being renovated by Contract Construction, who are the lead constructors on this extremely ambitious project, and USC couldn’t have a more trusted partner, as CC is based in South Carolina and has worked with the university several times. USC has also partnered with someone filled with experience and expertise. The Manhattan Construction Group  has helped many universities build stadiums, including many of the biggest stadiums in the nation. Included on Manhattan Constructions Group’s resume are the Dallas Cowboys AT&T Stadium , the Texas Rangers Globe Life Field , USF’s football stadium, and Raymond James Stadium, home of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. You couldn’t find many companies better suited for this project than the Manhattan Construction Group. So as you can see, there’s a lot to be excited for as the 2026 Gamecocks season begins. This brand new stadium represents the grand ambition of the new South Carolina sports director Jeremiah Donati, the man behind TCU’s transformation from afterthought to a college football powerhouse. His plan is to do the same for USC on the other coast.

Map Courtesy of Louisvilleky.gov City and private stakeholders are quietly advancing plans for a mid-sized, indoor arena adjacent to Lynn Family Stadium  in the proposed Butchertown Entertainment District, a development aimed at filling a long-standing gap in Louisville’s venue mix.  The project’s preliminary target is roughly 4,000–8,000 seats, often compared to the recently opened, 7,500-seat Fishers Event Center  outside of Indianapolis. Proponents say it would serve the larger KFC Yum! Center  is not optimized for, such as minor league hockey, indoor football, indoor soccer, and professional volleyball. Butchertown Site The Butchertown site is favored because of existing zoning and available land around Lynn Family Stadium, home Louisville City FC, Racing Louisville FC, and the Louisville Kings.The venue would anchor a sports-and-entertainment cluster while minimizing neighborhood impacts.  Developers tied to Soccer Holdings and chairman John Neace are involved in early discussions, and Mayor Craig Greenberg’s office  frames the effort as part of a broader strategy to raise Louisville’s national sports profile. Design work is in an early phase; city and private partners have suggested the facility could open as soon as 2028, but that timeline is conditional on schematic design completion, financing and firm tenant commitments. Cost estimates and completed renderings have not been released publicly and totals will be reported once schematic design and financing partners are identified. Butchertown neighborhood, Photo by Marc Viquez Dedicated Ice Surface Planned program elements emphasize a dedicated ice surface combined with configurable bowl seating to support a multiuse calendar: minor-league hockey, competitive figure skating, curling, professional volleyball, youth and amateur programming, mid-size tournaments and regional championships. The intent is explicitly to complement, not compete with, with the KFC Yum! Center . The project responds to a tangible local need: Louisville’s existing rinks—two at Iceland Sports Complex and the aging Alpine Ice Arena—are oversubscribed, and local interest in ice sports has increased in the wake of the 2026 Winter Olympics. City leaders highlight the potential to expand recreational ice time, strengthen elite-program development, and create clearer youth-to-pro pathways in winter sports. Expansion Teams and the Future Officials are pursuing a minor league hockey ownership group—potentially at an ECHL level or comparable level—as a primary tenant; reports note conversations with ownership groups that operate multiple ECHL franchises. A professional women’s volleyball club has also been identified as a likely tenant, modeled on venues that host both hockey and pro volleyball. Beyond pro hockey and volleyball, stakeholders see opportunities for university and club teams, local programs, and other pro/semipro tenants. Possible users include University of Louisville men’s and women’s club hockey, Louisville women’s volleyball, and expanded youth, amateur, figure skating and curling programs—effectively adding a third full ice facility for the metro area.  The facility would help anchor the Butchertown Entertainment District, complement Lynn Family Stadium and adjacent mixed-use development, and diversify Louisville’s mid-size event offerings to attract additional events and teams.

Photos by Meg Minard, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.29 GCU Softball Stadium 3300 W Camelback Road Phoenix, AZ 85017 Map It Grand Canyon University Antelopes softball website GCU Softball Stadium website Year Opened: 2018 Capacity: 1,200 Lopes Up! Grand Canyon University founded its softball program in 2004 at the Div II level.  Like the other Grand Canyon University athletic teams, they moved to the Div I level in 2014 as members of the Western Athletic Conference (WAC).  The 2022 – 2025 seasons saw them reach the NCAA Regionals and win the Conference regular season and conference tournament championships three of those four.  The 2026 season sees them in the Mountain West Conference, continuing their winning nature, earning their first national ranking in the Top 25. The Antelopes play their home games at the comfortable GCU Softball Stadium on the GCU Campus in Central Phoenix, diagonally across from Brazell Field (Antelopes' baseball), and next to the GCU Track and Field. You'll be sure to see an excellently played game at a good-looking stadium when visiting this park and team. Food & Beverage 3 A small concession stand beneath the grandstand offers basic concessions at reasonable prices.  Pizza, nachos, bratwurst, and hot dogs run $3 - $4.50 while Thunder nachos cost $8.50.  Snacks offered include candy, pretzels, popcorn, peanuts, and a big purple churro, priced between $3.50 and $6.    Sodas, water, and Gatorade will set you back $3 - $5.  This facility does not serve alcoholic beverages. I saw one or two picnic tables on the outer concourse, but most fans bring their food to their seats. Atmosphere 3 GCU Stadium is a good-looking stadium.  The grandstand behind home plate has comfortably wide, purple seats under a slotted canopy.  Metal bleachers with backs and the same canopy cover are above each dugout.  The stadium seats 1,200, so it's a good size.  Wheelchair seating is in the first row of the grandstand section, and all seating areas have banisters.  The press box rests above the purple seats. GCU Softball Stadium Grandstand, Photo by Meg Minard, Stadium Journey A medium-thickness net hangs across all the seating for safety, but it does distort the viewing of the game action. Left field houses a good-sized video board that displays the line score,  the team at bat's lineups, and the player at bat's photo and stats.  A traditional dot matrix board is in center field. The music and the announcer are loud, but fortunately, music is only played pregame, between innings, and for ‘Lopes walk-ups.  Between-inning entertainment includes trivia, dancing, and the YMCA, etc.  Similar to all athletic events at Grand Canyon University, a short prayer is said before the start of the game. Game day staff do not hand out lineups and rosters.  Instead, the announcer directs fans to Instagram for that information.  The scoreboard lists the lineups.  The announcer asks fans to return and foul balls to the concession stand. Neighborhood 3 Fans can find a few places to eat close by, but our recommendation is to head downtown or elsewhere for a pre or post-game meal or drink. Several fast food restaurants like Qdoba, Chick-fil-A, Pita Jungle, and Subway are within walking distance. The Great Wall Cuisine (Mexican) and Angie & Jimmies Italian Pizza are next door. A Habit Burger Grill is at the Student Union. Downtown Phoenix, just seven miles away, has a vast variety of eating establishments. Some recommendations are Pizzeria Bianco (Italian), Breakfast Club, and Angels Trumpet Ale House (gastropub). The SunUp Brewing and the Huss Brewing Taphouse are within a few miles of the ballpark.  Hotels are not close to the stadium.  We recommend driving four or five miles to mid-town where a Tru by Hilton Midtown  or a Hampton Inn  are affordable places to stay. Other sports to see in the springtime nearby are GCU basketball  (men's), GCU basketball  (women's), GCU baseball , and several of the Cactus League spring training ballparks, like American Family Fields  (Brewers) or Peoria Sports Complex ( Mariners  and Padres ). The Arizona Diamondbacks – Chase Field  (MLB) is seven – eight miles southeast.  For golfers, the GCU golf course is nearby. Fans 3 The GCU Lopes softball fans show strong support for the team.  While attendance numbers can be 300 or 400 hundred, it can reach over 1,000 at some games.  A pleasant surprise is how many seem to pay attention to the game rather than on their phones.  It’s a social gathering as fans know one another and chat throughout the seven innings.  They groan about perceived miss called balls and strikes against the Lopes, yet they applaud good plays made by both teams. Access 4 Getting to the ballpark is relatively easy, as it is a mile west of I-17 on Camelback Road and just a couple of exits north of the I-10/I-17 interchange. Several buses stop at Grand Canyon University. Check Valley Metro  for fares, schedules, and routes. Sky Harbor International Airport is 12 – 13 miles from the field. A five-story garage (Halo Parking Garage) is right next door on 35th Ave and is free of charge. Stop at the security booth and just let them know you’re attending the game. They'll direct you to the parking garage. Walk past the track and field from the parking garage to get to the softball stadium. Ticket booth tents are on each side of the entrance to the complex.  The stadium’s policy requires clear bags for entry.  A wide, open plaza greets fans after entry and before visiting the concession stand, clean restrooms, or the seating bowl.  Both ramps and stairs take you to the seats; only stairs to the bleacher area. Return on Investment 5 The softball games are $5 ($15 for tournaments).  Our recommendation is to order the tickets online (there’s no service fee) as only one of the entrances at the stadium accept cash.  Seating is general admission. You must walk all the way around the track to get to the other one and you must have cash.   Refreshments are priced reasonably and parking is free.  Seeing a well-played softball game at a nice facility is well worth your sports entertainment value. Extras 2 Plaza poles display banners highlighting the program’s conference championships and its recent run of four straight NCAA tournament appearances. The team operates a small, but chocked-full merchandise stand along the first base plaza.  GCU Softball Stadium Lopes Shop, Photo by Meg Minard, Stadium Journey Final Thoughts The GCU Antelopes should be proud of their achievements, advancing from DII to DI, reaching the NCAA Tournament four times, and most recently being named one of the top 25 programs.  With its spacious, inviting layout, this stadium is well worth a spring afternoon or evening out in central Phoenix.

WrestleMania arriving at Allegiant Stadium  in Las Vegas marks a full-throttle celebration of sports-entertainment meeting big-league spectacle. Allegiant is home to the NFL’s Raiders and offers a dramatic, open-concept canvas: wide concourses, a dark-glass exterior that glints under Nevada lights, and the capacity to host the massive crowd and pageantry WrestleMania demands. Below is a chronological look at WrestleMania venues since the iconic 1985 show at Madison Square Garden —tracing its growth from indoor arenas to NFL stadiums and global venues that transformed WrestleMania into the massive annual spectacle it is today. WrestleMania Venues “WrestleMania” (I) - 1985 : Madison Square Garden , New York, NY “2” (II) - 1986 : the only event to be held across 3 venues: Nassau Veterans Memorial Coliseum , Uniondale, NY; Allstate Arena , Rosemont, IL; Los Angeles Memorial Sports Arena , Los Angeles, CA III - 1987 : Pontiac Silverdome, Pontiac, MI IV & V: 1988 & 1989 : Although WWE claimed both events took place at Trump Plaza Convention Center, they were actually held at Historic Atlantic City Convention Hall (now Boardwalk Hall) VI - 1990 : SkyDome (now Rogers Centre ), Toronto, Canada (the first to be held outside the United States) VII - 1991 : Los Angeles Memorial Sports Arena , Los Angeles, CA VIII - 1992 : Hoosier Dome, Indianapolis, IN IX - 1993 : Caesars Palace, Las Vegas, NV (the event was held in a temporary outdoor stadium constructed in the property’s parking lot; the first to be outdoors) X - 1994 : Madison Square Garden , New York, NY XI - 1995 : Hartford Civic Center (now PeoplesBank Arena ), Hartford, CT  XII - 1996 : Arrowhead Pond (now Honda Center ), Anaheim, CA XIII - 1997 : Rosemont Horizon (now Allstate Arena ), Rosemont, IL XIV - 1998 : FleetCenter (now TD Garden ), Boston, MA XV - 1999 : First Union Center (now Xfinity Mobile Arena ), Philadelphia, PA “2000” (XVI) - 2000 : Arrowhead Pond (now Honda Center ), Anaheim, CA “X-Seven” (XVII) - 2001 : Reliant Astrodome “X8” (XVIII) - 2002 : SkyDome (now Rogers Centre ), Toronto, ON, Canada XIX - 2003 : Safeco Field (now T-Mobile Park ), Seattle, WA XX - 2004 : Madison Square Garden , New York, NY XXI - 2005 : Staples Center (now Crypto.com Arena ), Los Angeles, CA XXII - 2006 : Allstate Arena , Rosemont, IL (the final event in a “traditional” arena) XXIII - 2007 : Ford Field , Detroit, MI XXIV - 2008 : Florida Citrus Bowl (now Camping World Stadium ), Orlando, FL XXV - 2009 : Reliant Stadium (now NRG Stadium ), Houston, TX XXVI - 2010 : University of Phoenix Stadium (now State Farm Stadium ), Glendale, AZ XXVII- 2011 : Georgia Dome , Atlanta, GA XXVIII - 2012 : Sun Life Stadium (now Hard Rock Stadium ), Miami Gardens, FL XXIX - 2013 : MetLife Stadium , East Rutherford, NJ XXX - 2014 : Mercedes-Benz Superdome (now Caesars Superdome ), New Orleans, LA XXXI - 2015 : Levi’s Stadium , Santa Clara, CA XXXII - 2016: AT&T Stadium , Arlington, TX XXXIII - 2017 : Camping World Stadium , Orlando, FL XXXIV - 2018 : Mercedes-Benz Stadium , Atlanta, GA XXXV - 2019 : MetLife Stadium , East Rutherford, NJ XXXVI - 2020 : WWE Performance Center, Orlando, FL XXXVII - 2021 : Raymond James Stadium , Tampa, FL XXXVIII - 2022 : AT&T Stadium , Arlington, TX XXXIX - 2023 : SoFi Stadium , Inglewood, CA XL - 2024 : Lincoln Financial Field , Philadelphia, PA XLI  - 2025 : Allegiant Stadium , Las Vegas, NV XLII - 2026 : Allegiant Stadium , Las Vegas, NV As noted above, WrestleMania has employed a fluid approach to naming and numbering, primarily favoring Roman numerals while frequently deviating for stylistic or branding reasons. Between WrestleMania 31 and 39, the company moved away from featuring numbers in logos, opting for symbols to represent host cities, before returning to Roman numerals for WrestleMania XL. Despite these changes, the events remain sequentially numbered for archival purposes and are still referenced by their historical numbers during broadcasts. WrestleMania’s venue history shows an evolution: from iconic indoor arenas like Madison Square Garden  to large outdoor NFL stadiums that maximize attendance, production scale, and spectacle. Choosing Allegiant Stadium  continues that trajectory—pairing modern stadium design with Las Vegas’s event ecosystems to stage what promises to be an intensely theatrical and globally visible WrestleMania.

Photos courtesy of Richard Smith, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.57 Skip Brown Baseball Field 101 College Pkwy Arnold, MD 21012 Anne Arundel Riverhawks website Skip Brown Baseball Field website Year Opened: n/a Capacity: 500 Arundel's Team Anne Arundel Community College (AACC), located in Arnold, Maryland, was established in 1961 and moved to its current 230-acre campus in 1967. The institution serves as a central hub for higher education in Anne Arundel County and has developed a robust athletic department over the decades. The Riverhawks compete in the National Junior College Athletic Association (NJCAA) Region 20 and the Maryland Junior College Athletic Conference (Maryland JUCO). The athletic program features 11 varsity sports and has earned national titles in men’s lacrosse, women’s lacrosse, and softball. Historically, the college’s teams were known as the Pioneers, sporting red, white, and blue, before a 2014 rebranding introduced the Riverhawks identity and teal-based color scheme. Skip Brown Baseball Field serves as the home for the Riverhawks baseball program. The facility is named in honor of Charles "Skip" Brown, a long-time professor, coach, and athletic director who served the college from 1968 to 1988. The field is situated on the western edge of the Arnold campus, adjacent to the campus loop road. I Food & Beverage 0 There are no permanent food or beverage concessions available inside the venue. Fans attending games at Skip Brown Baseball Field should plan to bring their own refreshments. Atmosphere 2 The field features a traditional natural grass playing surface and a classic layout that places fans close to the action. There is no permanent public address system or large-scale scoreboard display that dominates the environment. There is a variety of seating options, some in better shape than others. The best option is to bring your own chair. Neighborhood 3 The college is located in Arnold, Maryland, a suburban community situated just north of the state capital, Annapolis. The campus itself is divided by the Earl S. Scott Nature Trail, which offers miles of wooded paths for those looking to explore the local landscape before or after a game. While the immediate area surrounding the baseball field is primarily academic and residential, the College Parkway corridor provides several dining options within a five-minute drive. Nearby establishments include local favorites like Garry’s Grill, known for its extensive breakfast and lunch menu, and Mother’s Peninsula Grille, which offers a standard American sports bar menu. For those interested in local history or a more scenic post-game stroll, the city of Annapolis and the United States Naval Academy are less than seven miles away. The proximity to the Severn River also means there are numerous waterfront parks and scenic overlooks within a short distance of the AACC campus. Fans 3 The bulk of the fans tend to be family or friends of both teams. Access 3 Access to Skip Brown Baseball Field is straightforward, as the campus is located just off Maryland Route 2 (Ritchie Highway) and U.S. Route 50. Once on campus, visitors should follow the signs toward the athletic facilities on the western side of the loop. There is a large parking lot (Lot A) located directly behind the outfield and along the first-base side of the field. Parking is free and typically offers plenty of spaces, even on days when multiple campus events are occurring simultaneously. Return on Investment 5 The games are free to attend, and parking is free, as well. The return on investment is therefore very strong. Extras 2 The field is named after Skip Brown, who was a foundational figure in the department's history. His influence is still felt through the "Skip Brown Award," which is given annually to student-athletes who demonstrate excellence in leadership and academics. Additionally, the venue’s location near the Earl S. Scott Nature Trail is a unique feature; the trail actually divides the campus and runs near the athletic complex, allowing fans to transition from a collegiate sporting event to a quiet nature walk in a matter of seconds. Final Thoughts Skip Brown Baseball Field is an ideal destination for the purist traveler looking for a quiet afternoon of baseball in a pleasant setting.

Rendering courtesy of the Houston Rockets On April 8, the Harris County-Houston Sports Authority approved a $180 million renovation to Toyota Center . Located in downtown Space City, Toyota Center is home to the NBA’s Houston Rockets, and will be the home of the returning Houston Comets  of the WNBA in time for the 2027-28 season. According to the Sports Business Journal , the renovations will include the addition of a 20,000-square-foot glass atrium designed to give the arena’s main entrance an “aesthetic oomph.” This atrium will offer up to 3,000 square feet of covered gathering space, and will have an overlook inside that is exclusive to season ticket holders. “[Toyota Center has had] plenty of what I would call ‘projects,’ particularly maintenance and keeping the building up to date over the years,” said Rockets’ President of Business Operations Gretchen Sheirr, “But the building has never had the big, multiyear renovation it’s now undertaking. There is no hiding that it’s 23 years old.” The project will begin once the Rockets complete the 2025-26 season, and will be aim to be completed in time for the Comets’ re-debut in H-Town. Accordingly, the renovation includes a revamped Rockets and Comets team store that will more than double the footprint of the current team store. Fertitta also plans to invest in Comets-specific facilities at the facility (that investment was included in the $180M figure), with more information coming later this year. The Houston Chronicle reported that Houston Mayor John Whitmire said during the March 8th meeting that $95 million of the project’s costs would be covered by the state of Texas, while Houston Rockets and team owner Tilman Fertitta will pay for the rest. The Rockets’ lease to play at Toyota Center runs through the 2032-33 NBA season.

The United Football League will launch a new franchise in Oklahoma City for the spring 2028 season, playing at the downtown MAPS 4 Multipurpose Stadium. The league’s expansion was announced in April 2026; a community-involved naming process and full branding reveal are expected in late 2026–2027. MAPS 4 Stadium and financing The team will call the MAPS 4 Multipurpose Stadium home — a roughly 10,000-seat downtown venue built as part of Oklahoma City’s MAPS 4 development. Funding combines voter-approved 2025 bond money, Tax Increment Financing (TIF), and a land donation from developer/operator Echo. Construction is set to begin soon after the announcement, with a target opening in early 2028. Team Structure and Timeline Specific local ownership and front-office hires have not been disclosed. The UFL typically uses investor partnerships and league support; staffing and roster construction (coaches, GM, player signings, tryouts) are expected through 2027. Key milestones: stadium groundbreaking and construction updates (2026), branding reveal (late 2026–2027), staff hires and player acquisitions (2027), and schedule/ticket on-sale announcements before spring 2028. What Fans Can Expect Games will follow the UFL’s spring schedule with a shorter regular season and playoffs. The smaller-capacity stadium suggests affordable, family-friendly ticketing and active game-day fan zones. The club is likely to run community outreach, youth clinics, and local partnerships once staff are in place. Economic and Local Impact The project promises construction jobs, ongoing stadium employment, and increased downtown activity, benefiting nearby businesses and hospitality. Public funding components and TIF support will be monitored by local stakeholders to track projected returns and timelines. Risks and Considerations On-time stadium completion is critical; any construction delays could affect the inaugural season. The quality of on-field play, league-wide media deals, and local market competition (including the NBA’s Thunder and other entertainment) will influence long-term success. What’s Confirmed Now UFL expansion to Oklahoma City for spring 2028. Home venue: MAPS 4 Multipurpose Stadium (downtown, 10,000 capacity). Funding includes 2025 bond approval, TIF, and developer land donation. Team name, ownership details, and schedule to be announced in the coming 12–24months. Stay tuned to official UFL, MAPS 4 project updates, local media, and Stadium Journey for upcoming releases.

Photos by Matt Fiedler, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.29 Publix Field at Joker Marchant Stadium 2301 Lakeland Hills Blvd Lakeland, FL 33805 Detroit Tigers Spring Training website Publix Field at Joker Marchant Stadium website Year Opened: 1966 Capacity: 9,000 Feel the Roar in Tigertown The Detroit Tigers have been an institution every spring in Lakeland since 1934. They have the longest relationship between an MLB club and a spring training city. They call Publix Field at Joker Merchant Stadium home every spring. While there have been several renovations over the years, the park has retained its charm and intimate environment for fans to experience. A trip to Joker Merchant Stadium will treat fans to tremendous aesthetics, some solid food, and a great afternoon of baseball. It is well worth the trip when down in Florida in March. Food and Beverage 3 The food & beverage assortment at Joker Merchant Stadium hits all of the notes that fans are looking for in ballpark food. You'll find the usual staples like burgers, hot dogs, pretzels, popcorn, and candy well represented. Fans can also find items like quesadillas, wraps, and black bean burgers on the concourse. Along the left field line fans can find a BBQ food truck serving up sandwiches and mac & cheese. Fans looking for their pizza fix will be glad to see that Little Caesars sells slices and full-size pizzas at the stadium. The connection between Little Caesars and the Tigers comes from the fact that the Ilitch family owns both Little Caesars and the Tigers. At the ballpark a full-size pizza will run you $24 while a super slice is $8.50. Those looking for a Coke will unfortunately be disappointed as Joker Merchant Stadium sells Pepsi products. Fans can also find a variety of beer and wine options at the park. The prices are a little on the high side for spring training venues; a bottle of water is $5.75, hot dogs are $8, and a large domestic beer is $14.25. Overall, the prices aren't too egregious and there's enough variety for most fans to find something tasty. The only thing holding the rating back is a few more unique items that are specific to the area. Atmosphere 4 Joker Merchant Stadium is a very aesthetically pleasing park to experience a spring training game at. The facade of the ballpark really blends in with the other buildings and architecture of this area of Florida. All of the landscaping is well maintained and pleasing to look at. The aesthetic enhances the relaxed vibe that Spring Training likes to engender with fans. The game presentation further reinforces this with call outs to the weather in the colder climates like Detroit and Boston and the in-game announcer certainly brings a lot of energy to get the fans involved. There aren't really any bad views in the stadium to take in the action with the way the stadium is laid out. Additionally, there's a huge video board in left field that provides a perfect view of the action from anywhere in the stadium. Another unique feature is the minor league fields that fans can check out from the outfield concourse and see players getting in additional work before or after they play in the game. Game Action at Joker Merchant Stadium. Photo by Matt Fiedler, Stadium Journey. Neighborhood 3 Lakeland, like many areas, has some good areas and some areas you'd like to avoid. While the area around the ballpark isn't dangerous, there's just not a whole lot to do in the immediate vicinity of the park. Of course, being close to I-4 in Florida means you're never that far from things to do though. A quick trip up I-4 can take fans to Disney, Sea World, and Universal. The Orlando area is filled with things to do and there are also several other spring training venues within 45 minutes. Fans 3 It's always hard to judge spring training fans. It's a mix of fans from several teams due to many people vacationing in Florida during March and the snowbirds who spend a few months in the sunshine state. At this particular game between the Red Sox and the Tigers you saw plenty of Tigers hats, plenty of Red Sox hats, and also plenty of hats for other teams throughout baseball. Fans from opposing teams have nothing to worry about at Joker Merchant Stadium, everyone was treated well. The fans were all engaged and seemed to really know their stuff. Relaxing on the Berm at Joker Merchant Stadium. Photo by Matt Fiedler, Stadium Journey. Access 4 Joker Merchant Stadium is right off of I-4, the main highway in Florida that runs East/West through the center of the state. Exit 33 from I-4 will get you very close to the stadium. To park you can try the main lot of the stadium but there are also residential units that charge $10 -$15 to park in their driveway near the stadium. Once inside the stadium fans will find it very easy to navigate. The concourses are fairly wide and the bathrooms are also very accessible. If you'd like some autographs, be sure to get to the stadium early before the crowds fill in and take the prime signing areas. Return on Investment 4 It's hard to beat the affordability of spring training games. This is the time of year where you can see some star players without paying an arm and a leg like you do at some MLB stadiums. The price to get into a game ranges from a minimum from $21 to $39 depending on the date and opponent. When you factor in food and parking you can take a family of four to a spring training game and not spend a ton. You're also able to get up close to some of the players in spring training and interact with them a little more than you can in a regular season game. It's definitely worth the money to attend a Tigers spring training game. Joker Merchant Stadium Entrance. Photo by Matt Fiedler, Stadium Journey. Extras 4 One star goes to the graphics throughout the concourse depicting the spring training venues in Florida and how far they are from Joker Merchant Stadium. There are also graphics for the Lakeland Flying Tigers who call the stadium home during the summer. A second star goes to the overall aesthetic at Joker Merchant Stadium. From the facade that blends in with the Floridian architecture and the huge scoreboard in left field, it's a great venue to take in a spring training game. Final Thoughts Lakeland may not have the fanfare of Miami, Orlando, or Tampa but it is definitely a solid venue to catch a spring training game. If you're in the Orlando area, take a drive down I-4 to see some great spring training baseball and see some present and future MLB stars. This writer recommends a visit to Joker Merchant Stadium.

Photo courtesy of the Arizona Diamondbacks Baseball season is here, and Major League Baseball (MLB) is fully underway. For fans flocking to the ballparks, one of the delights is knowing you can count on chowing down on hot dogs, peanuts, and Cracker Jack; they are the tried-and-true staples that have helped make baseball America’s Pastime.   In recent years, the big leagues have also gone “big league” with their concession items. Designed to target fans with discerning palates and/or who are adventurous eaters, each spring finds newer and crazier ballpark eats. Sports Illustrated  recently went in-depth on some of the new dishes that stood out.   Some of the “most absurd” new dishes that SI identified include the Colorado Rockies pizza donut and the Kansas City Royals Beef Wellington hot dog. A cousin to the classic pizza bagel, the pizza donut is exactly what it says it is, namely a plain donut topped with pizza sauce, pepperoni, cheese, and pesto sauce. Photo courtesy of the Colorado Rockies The Beef Wellington hot dog, quite frankly, looks insane; this foot-long hot dog is wrapped in prosciutto, minced mushrooms, chipotle ketchup, and yellow mustard. It is then wrapped again in puff pastry. It sounds delicious and scary at the same time!   In addition, listed by SI among the “most appetizing” new dishes are the Chicago Cubs Chicken and Churros option, and the Washington Nationals D.C. Monument Chicken Tower. The new dish at Wrigley Field is a riff on the classic chicken and waffles combo, just swapping in churros, but the fried chicken is brined in pickle juice and served with ancho syrup and fresh strawberries.   The D.C. Monument Chicken Tower is a mammoth grilled chicken sandwich topped with smoked bacon, greens, Gruyere cheese, and chipotle ranch sauce, all of which comes stacked on a soft pretzel bun, pinned together by a baseball-themed toothpick.   Lastly, in the category of “most stomachache-inducing” is the Arizona Diamondbacks Take Me Out to the Ballgame Shake and the Philadelphia Phillies Schwarbomb Sundae. The shake at Chase Field basically just takes most of your favorite ballpark foods – whipped cream, peanut butter sandwich cookies, KitKat candy bars, and Cracker Jack – and combines them into a sugar-overload drink.   Meanwhile, in the City of Brotherly Love, the Schwarbomb takes the traditional ice cream served in the mini baseball helmet and turns that up to 11; the ice cream is topped with a funnel-cake-fried Uncrustables sandwich, fresh strawberry sauce, and fruity breakfast cereal.   Are you brave enough to try any of these?

Photos by Matt Colville, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.71 Keesler Federal Park 906 Beach Blvd Biloxi, MS 39530 Biloxi Shuckers website Keesler Federal Park website Year Opened: 2015 Capacity: 6,067 Shuck Yeah!!!! In 2005 the Mississippi Gulf Coast received a direct hit from Hurricane Katrina – the destruction of the 20-foot storm surge and 150 mph winds was catastrophic. With the coast practically wiped off the map on that day it was a wonder if the coast would ever recover. Flash forward 17 years and the coast is thriving again, perhaps better than before, and if coming to Biloxi today you would have a hard time saying that anything happened on that fateful day in August 2005. One symbol of hope and resilience for the region is the Biloxi Shuckers, born in 2015 when the Milwaukee Brewers  moved their Double-A team from Huntsville as the first affiliated minor league baseball team to ever play in Biloxi. The Shuckers name is fitting for a team in an area like this, as the Gulf Coast is known for its oyster harvesting; ‘shucking’ is the slang word for picking oysters. The Shuckers play at Keesler Federal Park, which opened midway through the 2015 season. This 6,000-seat ballpark is situated less than 100 yards from the beaches of the Gulf Coast. Biloxi is also known as a casino destination, and the ballpark sits right in the middle of all the casino action. The luxurious Beau Rivage Casino, a giant lit-up guitar, and Hard Rock Casino line the backdrop at the stadium, providing a scene of glitz and glamour that remains unmatched at any ballpark in the country. A night game at Shuckers Ballpark will almost make you feel like you are in a mini-Vegas, and it’s almost a surreal feeling knowing this was the scene of so much destruction back in August 2005. From 2015-2023 the ballpark was known as MGM Park, but in 2024 was renamed Keesler Federal Park after Biloxi-based Keesler Federal Credit Union, the largest credit union in Mississippi, and the credit union itself is so named because it originally served soldiers stationed at nearby Keesler Air Force Base.   Food & Beverage   4 When you play in a city known for such great seafood, you can expect nothing less when it comes to the food options here, which feature six permanent concession stands, each selling a different themed menu, as well as several temporary stands open for select games. Each stand is located on the open concourse so you will never miss a pitch. Down the first baseline you will find two full-service permanent stands, as well as one grab-and-go stand – Shipwreck Grill and Catch of the Game offer the usual grilled items such as hamburgers and hot dogs, as well as fried chicken tenders and fries, plus nachos. If you don't want to wait in the line, however, the grab-and-go stand offers pizza, peanuts, candy, and drinks. Also with a name like Shuckers, of course, they have oysters on the menu – down the first baseline toward right field is the Aw Shucks Grill, which sells southern-themed food items; you can buy jambalaya in a souvenir baseball helmet, grilled or fried oysters, fried shrimp, and boudin sandwiches. Unfortunately, the Aw Shucks Grill is only open for select games, usually during weekend games. The third baseline features a broader selection of concessions, with two permanent stands on that side, namely Biloxi Breeze Tacos, which offers more than just tacos, as you can get the Shuckers signature crawfish queso or red beans and rice, and Lighthouse Pier, featuring some of the Gulf Coast's finest seafood, as you can purchase a shrimp po’ boy or get the seafood basket with hush puppies. In addition, each stand offers a different kind of po’ boy – on my most recent visit they had alligator. For beverages Coca-Cola is the official soft drink provider, and an interesting fact about Biloxi is that Barq’s Root Beer was founded just a couple of blocks from Keesler Federal Park. To honor this fact, behind home plate you can find Barq’s Creamery serving root beer floats and ice cream out of mini baseball helmets. The Shuckers also have two beer gardens, one on each side of the concourse, both offering different draft beers (domestic and local) for $10. The good thing about the Shuckers is they promote local Gulf Coast breweries, serving beer brewed on the coast. At the beer gardens you’ll find many different local breweries, with beers served on draft such as Lazy Magnolia and Southern Prohibition. The Shuckers also partnered with a local brewery to develop their “Let’s Go Shuckers” brand beer.   Atmosphere   4 Situated less than 100 yards off the beach, Keesler Federal Park has perhaps one of the best views in all of minor league baseball – just beyond the outfield wall sits the 32-story Beau Rivage Casino plus Hard Rock Casino, providing a beautiful view that no other ballpark in the Southern League has. In addition, the recent stadium renaming brought several changes to the ballpark; the right field berm has been transformed into a beach paradise for the 2024 season, so you'll feel like you never left the beach, as a boardwalk now occupies the outfield complete with a tiki bar and splash pad. The tiki bar features four TVs and bar seating overlooking right field. Walk down a couple of steps and you'll be walking on a makeshift sandy beach, complete with beach chairs and a giant lifeguard station. Schooner the seagull mascot can often be found at the top of the lifeguard station observing the field. From the outside the ballpark seems kind of small; the park was built right next to an interstate overpass to the west, and with the casinos towering over the stadium to the south the ballpark can easily be overlooked if you are driving by on Highway 90. They recently built a parking garage on the south side of the stadium, so that takes up a lot of the view now from the highway as well. Because of frequent hurricanes and flooding, the concourse at Shuckers Ballpark is elevated. There are two entrances into the park, and unlike most minor league ballparks, there is no entrance behind home plate. Instead the main entrance and ticket booth are both beyond the center field fence, but there is another entrance down the third baseline. Take note of the beautiful grounds outside the stadium when you enter – a lush rose garden greets you as you enter at the center field entrance. The park's beige exterior also ties into the giant Beau Rivage across the street, making it seem like it's a part of the casino. Furthermore, something new added for 2024 outside the stadium at the left field entrance is Shuckers Plaza, a gathering area that includes inflatables, food and beverage options, and a wiffleball field. Bats and balls are even provided; kids and adults alike will enjoy being able to take a swing or play catch before the game. Once inside the ballpark the concourse is wide and open, but there is a noticeable lack of shade inside; with no covering over the concourse it's not so fun when the frequent summer thunderstorms pop up. However, behind home plate sits the new and improved Shuckers Team Store, which was upgraded before the 2024 season. The upper level features a third-base party deck – the party deck has seating for about 30 people and offers a buffet. During summer games you’ll also get excellent breezes coming off the Mississippi Sound, as well as beautiful views of the Gulf Coast waters. The upper level features Kloud7 Sky Box, which offers indoor and outdoor table seating, as well as a full-service bar with televisions and a full restaurant-style menu. In terms of suites, Keesler Federal Park features 12 of them; each can hold up to 12 people and features food and drinks, television access, and indoor and outdoor seating. One of the suites is even themed after the Milwaukee Brewers , and features various Brewers-themed artifacts on display.   Neighborhood   4 Biloxi is a pretty small city of about 48,000 located off the beaten path, about 90 miles east of New Orleans. Biloxi still retains that small-town feel evident in most towns in Mississippi, but the city is also a nightlife destination for the state as well – Biloxi is an extremely popular gaming destination that attracts millions of visitors every year, and is often referred to as the Vegas of the South. Biloxi features nine high-rise casinos, each offering its own themes and amenities. You cannot put a ballpark in a more prime location than Keesler Federal Park; the stadium sits less than 100 yards from the waters of the Mississippi Gulf, conveniently located right downtown near most of the attractions in Biloxi. If you are into gambling you can go from the ballpark to playing whatever casino game you want in less than 10 minutes. Mississippi also recently legalized sports betting, so you’ll be able to bet on almost any sporting event you can imagine before the game – but ironically, minor league games are not available to bet on. Even if you aren’t into gambling, however, I would recommend giving yourself time to walk around the two casinos before or after the game. The inside of the Beau Rivage is stunning – the first floor features an upscale shopping center and restaurants, as well as beautiful, lush tropical gardens that you must see for yourself. The Beau also features plenty of restaurants and entertainment options, as it regularly attracts big-name acts, and even has a virtual top golf area where you can hit a golf ball at a virtual screen. Hard Rock Casino next door is a pretty cool casino as well, and attracts the younger mid to late-20s crowd. Hard Rock features numerous restaurants, bars, and nightclubs, and features a nice display of famous memorabilia from top-name music acts in the lobby. All the casinos in Biloxi have their own unique features, and there is a trolley stop right out in front of the baseball stadium for travel from casino to casino. Even if you are not into gambling, it’s something fun for people to do while in Biloxi. There are also plenty of restaurants in the downtown area within walking distance of Keesler Federal Park – Half Shell Oyster House, Fields Steak & Oyster, Patio 44, Mugshots, Sal & Mookie’s Pizza, The Fill Up, and the oldest restaurant on the Gulf Coast, Mary Mahoney’s Old French House, are just some of the restaurants in the neighborhood within walking distance. For bars you can walk to Morgan Freeman’s Ground Zero Blues Club, Adventures Pub & Spirits, The Sandbar, Mermaid Bar, and The Fillin’ Station, located in an old 50s-style gas station. If you want to stay near the park there are plenty of hotels along the Beach but the closer you are to the water the more expensive they’ll be. For a cheaper alternative I’d recommend driving up the interstate a few miles to D’Iberville and staying at one of the hotels there.   Fans   3 For the Shuckers, the first nine seasons' attendance has not been as great as hoped for. The Shuckers average about 2,400 fans per game, which places them near the bottom of the Southern League. One thing hurting the team is that college sports dominate the area, so minor league baseball takes a backseat for most people in the area. When the Shuckers play it's hard to get a full house, but when Southern Miss  or Mississippi State  play a neutral site game here, expect a standing room only crowd where you can barely walk the concourse. The games with the biggest attendance will be the summer weekend games when they capitalize on the weekend casino and beach crowd, while if you go on Sunday or during the week you should have no problem getting tickets. The Shuckers organization does a great job entertaining the fans; the mascot is a giant seagull named Schooner and is a constant presence interacting with kids and taking part in various games on the field in-between innings. The crawfish race is always a hit with the kids in attendance – crawfish is a Southern delicacy, and the main things you boil with crawfish are potatoes and corn, so in the bottom of the 5th inning mascots dressed as crawfish, corn, and potatoes race from right field to left field, hence the crawfish race. The Shuckers also have a wide variety of promotions and giveaways throughout the season. For example, they’ll wear different color jerseys to match the theme of that night’s promotions. Biloxi is a huge military town, so for military-related promotions they’ll wear camouflage unis, while for Jackie Robinson Day they’ll wear the old yellow and blue Biloxi Dodgers uniforms from the Negro League. But my favorite jersey combo is on New Orleans Saints  Night when the Shuckers invite several current and former Saints players to the game, and the team wears black and gold Saints-inspired jerseys. Also new for 2024 the Shuckers will rebrand themselves with two different identities for eight home games: four games as the Biloxi King Cakes and four games as the Biloxi Beach Chickens, King Cakes paying homage to the Coast's Mardi Gras tradition, and Beach Chickens as the 'slang' word for Seagulls. King Cake and Beach Chickens gear is also sold throughout the season in the team store. Access   3 The best part about coming to Keesler Federal Park is just how easy it is to get here – the park is conveniently located right on the beach at the corner where the I-110 overpass meets Beach Blvd. I-110 is a north/south branch of I-10 about five miles north of Biloxi, so if coming from out of town just take I-10 to exit 22 onto I-110 in D’Iberville, and then go south for about ten minutes until you get to the beach. The first view you’ll get when you arrive in Biloxi is the giant Beau Rivage in front of you, and you can’t miss the ballpark to the left of the overpass. Unfortunately, the Shuckers do not have a public parking lot on site. However, there are over 8,000 parking spaces within a 15-minute walk to the stadium – parking directly across the street to the north is $5, and under the overpass on Howard Ave they also charge $5 to park. But the best place to park is across the street at the Beau Rivage parking garage, where it’s free to park, and there is even a covered walkway that crosses busy Beach Blvd.   Return on Investment   3 Individual tickets for Shuckers games are priced as follows – General Admission for $15 (three sections down the third baseline and five sections down the first baseline); Dugout Box Club seating for $17 (four sections behind each dugout); and the Home Plate Box Club for $19 (three sections behind home plate). Most games won’t come close to a sellout, though, so you shouldn’t ever have trouble getting tickets. There aren’t very many places where you can go to the beach, go to a casino, and then walk across the street to watch a baseball game, so I consider this a great experience. You won’t have to fight traffic and crowds, you will get a great view of the game, and you can park for free – you can’t beat that.   Extras   5 One extra for the unprecedented trials the Shuckers had to go through during their first year as a franchise in 2015 – due to political, financial, and environmental issues the opening of Keesler Federal Park ended up being delayed until mid-way through the season, so the Shuckers had to go on a 54-game, eight city, 2,800-mile road trip playing all their games on the road, as well as some games in their former home in Huntsville. By mid-June Keesler Federal Park finally opened to great fanfare, though, and the Shuckers even ended up making it to the Southern League Championship that first year, and were named Minor League Baseball’s Team of the Year in 2015. Another extra for Biloxi’s recovery from Hurricane Katrina; if you come to Biloxi now there is no sign of the deadly storm, which is quite remarkable considering how it looked then. If you have some time to walk around before the game I recommend the Hurricane Katrina Memorial, which is located about a block east in the town green – there is a water marker there that shows just how high the storm surge was. Also scattered throughout the park are tree stumps with various coastal art inscribed; these are the remains of dead trees that were destroyed during Katrina. Another extra for the great marketing job the Shuckers have done. Some minor league teams have generic nicknames and mascots, but the Shuckers have a nickname that is unique, charming, funny, and specific to the Gulf Coast. It’s a shame that more people don’t attend games here because the Shuckers have capitalized on the culture of the Gulf Coast region as a whole. Keesler Federal Park is the only ballpark in the country where you can watch baseball on the beach while eating fried oysters or jambalaya, all while a giant seagull entertains fans and a giant crawfish runs around in-between innings. Everything here ties into the culture and uniqueness that makes the Mississippi Gulf Coast so special; this is a great job of local branding by the Shuckers. Also, of course, one extra for the beautiful view of the casino skyline at Keesler Federal Park – on a clear day from different vantage points of the stadium you can see all of Biloxi’s eight casinos. In addition, you can go from the stadium to the beach or to gamble in less than 10 minutes, and I can’t think of any other ballpark in American where you can do that at.

Photos by Terry McCutchen, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.43 Chickasaw Bricktown Ballpark 2 S. Mickey Mantle Drive Oklahoma City, OK 73104 Oklahoma City Comets website Chickasaw Bricktown Ballpark website Year Opened: 1998 Capacity: 9,000 Oklahoma City Oklahoma City, the capital of Oklahoma, is known nationally for its location as an anchor in the Midwest’s Tornado Alley, as well as the location of a horrific act of domestic terrorism, the 1995 bombing of the Alfred P. Murrah Federal Building. Despite being shrouded by such a dark history, the city offers much more for visitors than many people could imagine. This budding metropolis, ranking as the 20th largest city in the US according to the 2020 census, is a hidden gem in an area of the country that is often forgotten or underappreciated. Serving as a regional hub of commerce and entertainment, OKC is home to a varied mix of cultures, most notably Native American, Hispanic, Vietnamese, and more. Professional baseball in Oklahoma City is older than Oklahoma’s statehood (1907), dating back to the Metropolitans, who were formed in 1904. Other than a break in 1913 and a three-year hiatus during World War II, there was professional baseball in the city until 1957. During that time, in addition to the Mets, the team played under the monikers Indians, Senators, and Boosters at different times. The team enjoyed membership primarily in the Texas League and Western League during its history, but also participated in the Southwestern League and Oklahoma State League at times. The city gained affiliation with Major League teams beginning in 1941, playing under the Cleveland Indians , New York Giants, and Boston Red Sox  off and on until 1957, at which time the Indians left OKC for Corpus Christi when the Texas League restructured. In 1962, MLB added an expansion team in Houston, the Colt 45’s, predecessor to the Astros, and placed its Triple-A affiliate in Oklahoma City. The Oklahoma City 89ers, named after 1889 and the land rush, began what has been a 63-year run of Double-A and Triple-A baseball in OKC. Other than the Astros, the team has been an affiliate of the Phillies , Rangers , Indians , and Dodgers , which is their current parent club. The team has also rebranded a few times, playing under the names of RedHawks, Dodgers, Oklahoma City Baseball Club, and, most recently, the Comets. The Comet name was announced in the fall of 2024 to honor OK native “Commerce Comet” Mickey Mantle, as well as being a nod to the state’s ties in the aerospace industry.   Food & Beverage   4 Chickasaw Bricktown Ballpark offers a solid selection of ballpark fare, ranging from one-third-pound burgers, nachos, Comet Dogs (hot dogs), and multiple snack items. There are regional and specialty items available as well, such as Pi Pizza and Foul Ball Chicken. Fans can also find tacos, cheesesteak, and barbecue in selected concession spots. Fans should also take advantage of the COOP Beer Garden where there is a selection of 4 locally branded beers on tap, as well as more local styles and domestics available in cans. For non-alcoholic beverages, flavored tea from HTeaO and Pepsi products are available throughout the park. Lastly, Boom Town Creamery lets you beat the heat during an Oklahoma summer evening with a scoop or two of OKC Comets Crunch ice cream, served in a souvenir helmet or waffle cone; it really hits the spot.   Atmosphere   4 Built in 1998 as a catalyst to spur downtown revitalization in OKC, Bricktown Ballpark became a popular venue ranking as high as number 2 in Baseball America’s 1998 minor league ballpark rankings, and remained in the top 10 as recently as 2013, courtesy of USA Today's Readers’ Choice Awards. Despite seating over 13,000 fans in double-decked stands on opening night, the current seating capacity is 9,000, with much of the upper deck closed to fans, due to seats being removed and bare concrete or advertising signage visible. Along with the mile-long man-made canal, constructed in 1999, the Bricktown Neighborhood has become a vibrant entertainment district and tourist attraction for thousands of people annually. The stadium facade is constructed of red brick , matching many of the historic buildings that were originally warehouses and industrial buildings nearby, which gave the neighborhood its moniker.   Neighborhood   5 Located in the heart of Bricktown in downtown Oklahoma City, the ballpark is within walking distance of a plethora of food and drink options. Restaurants mere footsteps from the ballpark gates include Toby Keith’s I Love This Bar & Grill, Mickey Mantle’s Steakhouse, Dave’s Hot Chicken, Whiskey Chicks, The Melting Pot, Texadelphia, and Rodizio Grill Brazilian Steakhouse, among others. For fans looking for activities other than Triple A baseball, options are plentiful in the area – within just a few minutes of Chickasaw Bricktown Stadium, you will find Riversport OKC, home of the US Olympic canoe, kayak, and rowing training centers. There are also multiple shopping options, not the least of which is Cabela’s.   Fans   4 Oklahoma City has averaged between 5,000 and 5,500 fans per game in most seasons since 2015, with a high of 6,713 per game in 2018. This means that most games have more than 50% capacity, which is enough to provide for an entertaining environment. At the game I last attended, though it was marred by inclement weather, the fans were engaged and provided a fun atmosphere for the home team.   Access   5 Located in Bricktown, merely blocks from Paycom Center, home of the NBA’s OKC Thunder , there is ample parking immediately across the street from the ballpark. There is one lot across Joe Carter Avenue that charges $10 to park, which is merely 100 yards from the first base gate entrance, but if you are willing to walk just a little, there is free parking in several large lots within an easy 5-to-10-minute walk. For overnight travelers, there are numerous hotels in the Bricktown area, some of which are behind the left field wall of the ballpark; these include Hilton Garden Inn ,   Hampton Inn & Suites , Homewood Suites, and Courtyard by Marriott. Most of these accommodations range in price from $125 to $200 per night and have positive reviews. For fans looking to spend less for their lodging, there are numerous options within a short drive of downtown. OKC’s Will Rogers International Airport is said to be easy to navigate – it is served by Delta, American, Southwest, and United Airlines, with multiple flights departing and arriving daily. If ground travel is preferred, however, Interstate 35, Interstate 40, and Interstate 44 all converge in the OKC metro area. Traffic can be heavy during rush hour, mainly due to road construction (planning for area growth) and in anticipation of the 2028 Summer Olympics.   Return on Investment   4 With the low cost of tickets and ample free parking in and around the stadium, the cost of attendance is well within the budget of any baseball fan. Add the fact that concessions are on the lower end of pricing for stadium for food and drinks, and attending Comets games is an economical entertainment option.   Extras   5 The Comet fans sing Oklahoma, the state song, after Take Me Out to the Ballgame during the 7th inning stretch. This show of state pride is worthy of special recognition and adds a unique, regional touch to the experience. The number of downtown attractions, including the river, museums, restaurants, and bars, is worth noting as well. One special attraction is the Jim Thorpe Museum and Oklahoma Sports Hall of Fame, which is located on the northwest corner of Chickasaw Bricktown Ballpark, near the third base gate of the venue. An extra point is also given for the sports history attached to the park; the street names surrounding Chickasaw Bricktown Park carry the names of some of Oklahoma’s baseball and entertainment stars of the past. These names include Joe Carter Avenue, Mickey Mantle Drive, and Flaming Lips Alley. In addition, the statues and plaques honoring all the major leaguers with ties to Oklahoma also garner an extra point. More value is also provided here due to the welcoming and friendly nature of the staff and fans of the team – the way the staff make visitors feel comfortable as they enter the stadium is worthy of note. One final point is also awarded for the organization and quality of the team store, where there are multiple items available from all the past and present team identities, including logos from previous parent clubs.   Final Thoughts Chickasaw Bricktown Ballpark, even though it’s the second-oldest ballpark in the Pacific League, presents a great setting for Triple-A baseball. Free parking and reasonably priced concessions allow families to attend games without busting the monthly budget. In addition to high-level minor league baseball, Oklahoma’s capital city provides plenty of entertainment and dining options for fans of all ages. OKC, sitting in the center of the country and home to a little over 700,000 residents, is underrated by most travel experts. As a hidden gem, planning a visit to Bricktown Ballpark should be on all baseball fans’ bucket lists.

Photos by David Welch, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.14 Yankee Stadium 1 E 161st St Bronx, NY 10451 New York Yankees website Yankee Stadium website Year Opened: 2009 Capacity: 46,537 Rep The Bx 2008 marked the end of an era when Mariano Rivera induced a groundout from Oriole Brian Roberts to first baseman Cody Ransom, who stepped on the bag unassisted for the final out in the history of the original Yankee Stadium. Known as “The House That Ruth Built,” it was the site of countless iconic baseball moments and legends. As longtime Yankees PA announcer Bob Sheppard once called it, it was a true “cathedral of sports.” In 2009 the Yankees opened a new chapter in a brand-new stadium, continuing their legacy in the Bronx. No longer would the history of the stadium be authored by Ruth, Gehrig, DiMaggio, Berra, Ford, Mantel, Jackson, and Rivera; it would now be written by the new guard of Yankee legends, including such names as Jeter, Judge, and Sabathia.   Food & Beverage   5 Yankee Stadium features a diverse food lineup that goes well beyond standard ballpark fare; many high-profile chefs and brands have lent their names to offerings around the concourse. Lobel’s not only offers fans a look at the butcher as they carve slabs of meat, but the menu is also just as captivating. Steak and pastrami sandwiches, steak topped fries, filet topped tots, and a USDA prime burger round out an impressive menu. Meanwhile, Benihana offers hibachi and yakisoba bowls with steak, chicken, or shrimp, alongside maki rolls and poke bowls. One of the most intriguing menu items is simply bacon on a stick, which might not sound all that special, until you lay eyes on that half inch slab of bacon-y goodness. Concessions here also offer a bit of a specialized touch with Mighty Quinn’s smoky barbecue, as well as The Halal Guys’ Middle Eastern street cart favorites with signature white sauce. Mac Truck adds loaded mac and cheese to the mix, while Brooklyn Dumpling Shop, Jamaican meat pies, and empanadas contribute even more variety. Celebrity chefs also make their mark on the menu at Yankee Stadium. Bobby Flay’s Bobby’s Burgers focuses on elevated classic burgers, sweet potato fries, enormous onion rings, and thick shakes, while Marcus Samuelsson’s Streetbird serves up southern-style chicken fingers, chicken and waffles, and a spicy chicken sandwich. In addition, Christian Petroni features cheesy garlic bread, fried meatballs, and his mother’s tiramisu served in a miniature Yankee helmet, and David Chang’s Fuku offers the “OG Spicy Chicken Sando”. Beyond the stadium concessions, Hard Rock Cafe and NYY Steak offer full-service meals. Reservations are needed for NYY Steak, but keep in mind neither venue provides a view of the field. The beer selection at Yankee Stadium seems to be somewhat underwhelming, mostly comprised of typical macro-brewed beers. Goose Island’s New York Legendary Ale does seem to stand out as a Yankees branded beer, however, and there are also several full-service bars around the stadium which offer a wide variety of specialty and mixed drinks. If looking to grab food or drink, the best bet is to go early because the lines tend to swell once the game has started.   Atmosphere   4 The Yankees take a traditional approach to the game presentation; they are one of the few MLB teams without an in-game host, allowing the action on the field to be the primary focus. Fan cams, Yankee trivia, and the Subway Race on the video board offer some entertainment, but overall the in-game experience is refreshingly minimal. One polarizing feature is the “Death Star” alarm that plays when the count reaches two strikes, in anticipation of a punch out. Social spaces are subtly integrated into the stadium’s layout here – the most visible is the Mastercard Batter’s Eye Deck, which is especially popular among young adults. Other premium and social areas are enclosed, however, such as the Legends Suite, Delta 360 Suite, and the Audi Yankees Club, making them blend seamlessly into the stadium. Seating varies, with some sections offering padded or plastic seats, while the upper outfield levels are made up of aluminum bleachers. Sightlines can be an issue in the outfield seats. Many seats in these sections come with partial obstructions along the foul lines and outfield walls, so when possible, opt for infield seating to avoid these blind spots.   Neighborhood   4 Yankee Stadium sits in the South Bronx, Concourse neighborhood. When the original Yankee Stadium was built, most stadiums of that era were built surrounded by urban housing, meaning there was not a lot in the way of tourist attractions nearby. With new Yankee Stadium being built directly across from its historic predecessor, much of that lack of additional attractions remains true today. However, River Avenue, which runs along the east side of the stadium, is lined largely with apparel shops and sports bars. Also within this area is The Bronx Museum of Art, but the area is otherwise rather void of attractions. The Hip-Hop Museum is slated to open at Bronx Point in the summer of 2026, and just across the Harlem River is legendary Rucker Park, known for its elite playground basketball games, as well as a historical marker commemorating home plate of the Polo Grounds, at the northernmost building of the Polo Grounds Towers. Further north in the Bronx visitors can find the Bronx Zoo, Hall of Great Americans, and campus of Fordham University. In addition, if a visit to Yankee Stadium is part of a larger visit to New York City, the Jackie Robinson Museum in Manhattan might be of interest. What is disappointing about the area around Yankee Stadium is that, given the stadium’s prominence as such a point of pride in the Bronx, the streets outside of the main entry points are extremely littered.   Fans   4 Yankee fans are typically known as some of the most passionate in all professional sports; they can be found in all corners of the globe. Section 203 in right field is home to the Yankees “Bleacher Creatures.” – this group of fans are the most passionate concentration of fans in the facility. Beyond the passion the Bleacher Creatures bring to the stadium’s atmosphere, since the mid-1990s they have also routinely held the “Yankee Roll Call”, where each name of the starting 9 is chanted syllable-by-syllable, followed by a rhythmic series of claps. From 2013 to 2023 the Yankees missed the playoffs three times, lost three Wild Card games, and were eliminated in the Division Series three times. During this stretch they dropped as low as 8th in league attendance and averaged under 40,000 fans per game in three separate seasons. However, their return to the World Series in 2024 brought a resurgence in enthusiasm and turnout.   Access   4 The ease of getting to Yankee Stadium depends on your mode of travel. Driving can be stressful due to traffic and limited parking, but public transit can get you to Bronx Terminal Market, a short walk from the stadium and offering easy access before the game, as well as a quick exit. The most direct and convenient option is the subway; the 4, B, and D lines stop at 161st Street right outside the main gate. For those coming from north of the city, the Metro-North Railroad’s East 153rd Street station is also nearby, just past Elston Howard Field on the old stadium site. Trains and subways can get very crowded, so planning to arrive early can help avoid the largest crowds and a big push to get through the gates. Arriving early is also important if you want to visit Monument Park, which closes 45 minutes before first pitch. The concourse does become pretty congested, and concession lines stretch once the game begins. The stadium is easy to navigate overall, but much of the lower seating bowl is restricted by a moat of sorts, and is never accessible without a field-level ticket.   Return on Investment   3 Tickets in the upper deck seats in the outfield can go for under $15, and the Pinstripe Pass, a standing room ticket that includes a drink worth up to $12, starts around $24 - prices climb steeply from there, however. Once moving away from the outfield or upper levels, tickets jump to around $30 and quickly into the triple digits in the 300 level and lower bowl. If you are hoping for a comfortable view of the full field, expect to pay a premium. Parking costs are what you would expect for New York City; Bronx Terminal Market remains the best value at about $20, while lots closer to the stadium can run $35 to $50. Using the Yankees preferred parking partner, Whiz Parking, does provide discounted rates. Food pricing is about average for MLB parks when it comes to hot dogs and domestic beer, but costs begin to show when opting for the more specialized menu items.   Extras   5 One of the most notable features of the old stadium has found its way into the new, namely Monument Park, which honors Yankee legends with monuments, plaques, and retired numbers. Monument Park is a popular place to visit, and the line quickly gets long. It is also only accessible until 45 minutes before first pitch, so try to get there early. The New York Yankees Museum, near Section 210, is another popular place which draws large crowds. This museum features exhibits covering the history of Yankee Stadium from 1923 to 2008, the Yankees long line of power-hitters, a tribute to Derek Jeter, statues of Don Larsen and Yogi Berra, a look at Thurman Munson’s locker, a collection of World Series trophies from 1977 to 2009, and World Series rings from 1923 on. The use of a live organist is a great way to keep the down time in games entertaining, while keeping with many of the traditions of the game gone by. Several historic touches from the old stadium have been preserved in the new facility. Softball fields have formed Elston Howard Field where the old stadium stood, and the 138-foot Louisville Slugger chimney that stood outside the main entrance of the old stadium has also been preserved. In addition, a  piece of the original facility’s iconic roofline frieze has been incorporated into the venue, and there are also several viewfinders around the ballpark that display vintage images of Yankee Stadium. Lastly, inscribed benches remember big games, while special pavers throughout the facility commemorate notable milestones that occurred at old Yankee Stadium.   Final Thoughts While the aura and mystique that came with the previous Yankee Stadium can never be duplicated, the current version does well to give fans a bit of a taste of the old, while providing modern comforts its predecessor could not. Yankee Stadium is also one of the few Major League Baseball experiences that allows the game to remain the focus of the day, with a minimum of the distractions that have become the norm across baseball today.

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 Dave Cottenie, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.00 Citizens Bank Park One Citizens Bank Way Philadelphia, PA 19148 Philadelphia Phillies website Citizens Bank Park website Year Opened: 2004 Capacity: 42,901 Ring The Bell A staple in the City of Brotherly Love are the Philadelphia Phillies of Major League Baseball.  The Phillies were founded in 1883, one of the oldest teams in Major League Baseball.  They have the distinction of being the oldest, continuous, one-name, one-city franchise in all of professional sports.  The Phillies were first coined in the Philadelphia Inquirer in 1883 in the coverage of an early exhibition game.  Relatively unsuccessful on the field, the Phillies would wait until 1980 to earn their first of two World Series titles, after appearing twice previously.  The Phillies would earn their second in 2008.  The current owner, John Middleton, gained full control of the team in 2016. The Phillies call Citizens Bank Park home.  Part of the South Philadelphia Sports Complex, Citizens Bank Park replaced the venerable Veterans Stadium, one of the infamous multipurpose donuts, in 2004.  Philadelphia is one of the premier sports destinations in the country, offering a population of over 1.6 million, 6th largest in the USA.  Citizens Bank Park offers a solid baseball experience for fans, especially if the Phillies can ring the bell after a victory. Food & Beverage 5 Philadelphia is famous for its distinct cuisine with a number of famous restaurants, many of which can be found inside Citizens Bank Park.  Philly staples like Chickie’s and Pete’s, Tony Luke’s, Campo’s, Manco & Manco’s Pizza, Shake Shack, Uncle Charlie’s Steaks and Colbie’s Southern Kissed Chicken are all found in the ballpark.  Former Phillies first baseman, Greg Luzinski, has the increasingly popular celebrity athlete concession, with Bull’s BBQ.  It is a little surprising that the famous Philadelphia Cheesesteak is offered by at least three different organizations in the ballpark.  All of the other expected ballpark favorites are found as well including hot dogs, popcorn, and pretzels.  Coca-Cola products are the soft drink of choice in Citizens Bank Park.  There is also a decent beer selection featuring products from Yuengling, Stella Artois, and Blue Moon. Atmosphere 5 The exterior of Citizens Bank Park is an attractive mix of brown brick with green accents and brown support beams.  Before entering the park, a trip around the perimeter is worth it and there are plenty of photo opportunities with the numerous bronze statues including Robin Roberts, Steve Carleton, Connie Mack, and Robin Roberts.  Entering the third base gate by the aptly located Mike Schmidt logo may be the best idea.  The first base gate is where Carleton’s statue is as well as the retired numbers.  Also, the Liberty Bell from Veterans Stadium is by third base and offers a terrific photo op.  If entering through the rightfield gate, fans are welcomed by two giant replica World Series trophies representing the 2008 and 1980 championships. This is also where the fans will find the display of the Phillies Hall of Fame, which is worth a look to get a sense of Phillies history.  The concourses are full of banners and accents that let everyone know that this is the home of the Phillies.  Heading past centerfield, fans will be met by the bronze statue of Richie Ashburn and Ashburn Alley.  Bricks for All-Star starters can be found on the ground, but fans should be careful as this is a very busy area and some of the most popular concessions like Tony Luke’s are found out here.  It may not be the best idea to stop and look at the ground for too long.  As fans head to the leftfield corner from Ashburn Alley they are met with The Yard, the interactive and kids area of the park.  Unlike any other in pro sports, The Yard offers a mini wiffleball stadium complete with a real videoboard, other baseball activities, and a Phanatic-themed rock climbing wall. Inside the seating area, the ballpark is divided into three main seating levels, with a lower level and split upper deck.  The angles of the seating area are very much squared off giving Citizens Bank Park a sharp-angled look.  Blue stadium seats are found throughout the park, a refreshing change from the seemingly requisite green.  One of the best views is from behind the plate in the upper deck where fans can see the skyline of Downtown Philadelphia in the distance.  Above Ashburn Alley in centerfield, the retired numbers of Richie Ashburn, Jim Bunning, Dick Allen, Mike Schmidt, Steve Carleton, Roy Halladay, Robin Roberts, Grover Cleveland Alexander and Chuck Klein are painted on the brick.  Championship flags also fly from the Alley.  Behind leftfield is a massive, neon Liberty Bell which swings and rings on Phillies home runs and victories.  Beyond rightfield is the videoboard, which is state of the art. The gameday production is not overly unique for Major League Baseball, however, special notice must be given to the Philly Phanatic, who is one of the most iconic mascots in professional sports.  Before the first pitch the Phantic comes flying out of the outfield gates on a four-wheeler, riling up the crowd. Neighborhood 4 Citizens Bank Park is located in the South Philadelphia Sports Complex in the South Philadelphia East neighborhood.  It is not the most spectacular neighborhood in the city as it is well removed from downtown, however, there are a number of spots for nearby food and drink.  Chickie’s and Pete’s and DiNics are not too far from the park.  However, the best bet for food in Philly is to head downtown to the Reading Terminal Market, which provides a plethora of different food options and cuisines.  An absolute MUST stop when in the city. Philadelphia is one of the best sports cities in the country with a ton of other options.  The Philadelphia Eagles , Flyers , 76ers  and Wings  all share spots in the sports complex.  Philly is also one of the best spots for college sports.  Football is played by the Temple Owls , Villanova Wildcats  and Penn Quakers  but it really is basketball that makes Philadelphia tick.  Temple , LaSalle , St. Joseph’s , Villanova  and Penn  make up the “Big 5” and Drexel  is also an option.  There are also a ton of tourist options in the city including the Liberty Bell, Independence Hall, the Museum of American Revolution and the Philadelphia Museum of Art and the famous “Rocky” steps, complete with statue.  There are a few hotels near the ballpark including the Courtyard Philadelphia South at the Navy Yard. Fans 4 The Phillies are generally well-supported and their current success on the field is reflected at the turnstile.  The Phillies have averaged more than 41,000 fans per game in the 2024 season which ranks 2nd in MLB.  The previous season they averaged over 37,000 fans per game and ranked 6th.  Philly fans have a reputation for being some of the toughest and rowdiest in sports.  It is debatable whether or not that reputation has been earned or not, however, it may be safe to say that of the four major sports, the baseball fans are among the most welcoming and friendly.  Attendance in Philly also correlates to the number of victories that the team puts up.   Access 3 Citizens Bank Park is located in the South Philadelphia Sports Complex in the neighborhood of South Philadelphia East.  The complex encompasses the ballpark as well as Lincoln Financial Field and Wells Fargo Center along with Xfinity Live.  The venues all share parking, which is convenient, yet can provide some transportation issues.  The complex is north of I-95 and south of I-76 so there are major arteries that lead to the park.  However, traffic can be an issue.  Getting out of the parking lot can be an even bigger issue.  For fans wishing to take public transit, there is a SEPTA Metro stop at Broad Street and Pattison.  Fans should consult the Southeastern Pennsylvania Transit Authority  website for fares, maps, and schedules.  Inside the ballpark, it can definitely get crowded in Ashburn Alley and slow to get around.  The washroom facilities are adequate for the facility. Stadium Journey recognizes that security at major events is constantly in a state of flux.  It is encouraged for fans to consult the Phillies or Citizens Bank Park  website before heading to the game and have a full understanding of the security protocols including bag policies and prohibited items. Return on Investment 4 Tickets for the Phillies begin at $25 and can go up to $104 for the Home Run Club.  The upper deck behind the plate can be purchased for around $35.  However, the Phillies are a major sport, and ticket prices can fluctuate based on the success of the team, promotion, or day of the week. Concession prices are what one would expect and parking is on the expensive side at $35.  The experience at a Phillies game is excellent and the ballpark offers plenty to see as well.  In the end, the Phillies is a great experience and may not be as expensive as an Eagles game, but is not cheap either. Extras 3 An extra mark for the history of the Phillies and how well it is displayed at Citizens Bank Park An extra mark for the Philly Phanatic, one of the most iconic mascots in sport. An extra mark for the Liberty Bell as a symbol of Philadelphia, fully embraced by the Phillies. Final Thoughts 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! Follow all of Dave’s sporting adventures on YouTube , Twitter , Threads  and Instagram @profan9.

Photos by Paul Baker, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.00 Day Air Ballpark 220 N Patterson St. Dayton, OH 45402 Dayton Dragons website Day Air Ballpark website Year Opened: 2000 Capacity: 7,230 25 Years of The Streak   When local leaders make their case to build a new sporting facility in a city, they often make the claim that a ballpark, stadium or arena can be the impetus for economic development and growth in a neighborhood. We won’t engage in a debate of the merits or flaws in this argument, but in one case, there is no denying that a new ballpark has been a runaway success in revitalizing a city’s underdeveloped downtown area. That city is Dayton, Ohio, and that ballpark is Day Air Ballpark.   The Dragons franchise relocated from Rockford, Illinois, where they were known as the Expos, Royals, Cubbies and Reds over the years. Since moving to Ohio, the team has enjoyed a consistent affiliation with the nearby Cincinnati Reds. The Dragons have shattered all sorts of attendance records in Dayton. As of the writing of this review (mid-July 2025), the team has sold out every game they have ever played at Day Air Ballpark. That’s a total of 1,612 games and counting. Let’s put that in perspective. The previous record for consecutive sellouts was 814, set by the NBA’s Portland Trail Blazers from 1977-1985. The Dragons have led all of Class-A in attendance in each of their 24 seasons, and have had the highest attendance of all teams below AAA since 2006. It is estimated that Day Air Ballpark has triggered over $3.5 billion in development in downtown Dayton since its construction in 2000.   Food & Beverage 4    Day Air Ballpark has an impressive variety of concessions for a ballpark at the single-A level.   Several concession stands line the outer edge of the concourse, offering up your typical ballpark fare (hot dogs, bratwursts, Donato’s pizzas) as well as a variety of ballpark snacks, including nachos, pretzels, popcorn and the like. Fans looking for something a little different can select a pulled pork or brisket sandwich. Augmenting the menus at the permanent stands are a variety of portable carts, serving up mac and cheese, coney dogs, sausages, cheesesteaks and other grilled items.   Pepsi products are featured at Day Air Ballpark. A good selection of beers are available throughout the ballpark, including at the Samuel Adams Pub along the first base side of the facility. Craft beers from local favorite Yellow Springs Brewery are sold at a dedicated location near the right field entrance.   Atmosphere 5   As you would expect in a ballpark that is packed to the gills night after night, there’s a ton of energy at Day Air Ballpark. The festivities begin before the gates open in Don Crawford Plaza, where vendors give away swag, music plays, and fans get psyched up for the game. Once the gates open up, fans are greeted by statues of Heater and Gem, the Dragons’ mascots.   There is plenty going on throughout the game that will feel familiar to veteran minor league baseball fans. The video scoreboard in left field is put to good use with graphics, stats and game information. Music plays over a good sound system, and the Dragons’ emcee keeps things going between innings without being too over the top. The PA announcer goes about his business without being too intrusive. It’s a nice departure from other parks, where there is noise between each pitch and the volume is turned up to eleven.   Dayton’s game day staff coordinate some of your standard promotions, but there are some unique aspects to the game day presentation. All the interns and mascots climb atop the dugouts late in the game for a choreographed dance – and we’re not talking about the Cotton Eye Joe or the YMCA – it’s a real dance routine. Also, the conga lines led by the mascots across the field during an inning break are pretty entertaining.   Neighborhood 4   Day Air Ballpark is located in the Water Street District in Downtown Dayton. The ballpark has become the anchor for development in the area, and there is no shortage of dining, lodging and sightseeing options in the area.   The AC Hotel Dayton and the Fairfield Inn and Suites are located right across the street from the Ballpark. Fans looking for a pre or postgame bite to eat will find no shortage of options within a few blocks of the ballpark. Brixx Ice Company, The Southern Belle Tavern, Local Cantina and Mudlick Tap House are just a few of the local eateries. For a unique setting, check out The Foundry, a rooftop restaurant located right across the street on the top floor of the AC Hotel Dayton. The view is almost worth slipping out of the game a few innings early. Almost.   Fans looking for other things to do in Dayton flock to the National Museum of the United States Air Force at nearby Wright-Patterson Air Force Base. The museum welcomes over a million visitors annually. For a different way to look at our aviatory past, check out the Dayton Aviation Heritage National Historic Park, which houses the infamous Wright Flyer III, which lifted off in 1905 courtesy of the Wright Brothers.   Fans 5   What can you say about a fanbase that has filled a stadium for every game for 25 seasons? Dragons fans have to be considered to be among the most passionate and dedicated in all the minor leagues. Having their Major League affiliate located just down the road in Cincinnati ensures that the fans will have a rooting interest and a lot of knowledge about the players on the field.   Of course, this is minor league baseball. Mixed in with some die-hard fans, you’ll find a bunch of families, groups and locals taking advantage of an affordable night of entertainment in a thriving downtown district.   Access 3   Day Air Ballpark is located in the Water Street District in Downtown Dayton, Ohio. Situated just a stone’s throw from where the Miami and Mad Rivers converge, the ballpark is easily accessible from Interstate 75 and State Route 35. There is ample parking in surface lots surrounding the ballpark, and several bus routes from the Greater Dayton Regional Transit Authority stop near the ballpark.   Most fans will enter the ballpark at the main entrance behind home plate via the Don Crawford Plaza. This area is a hub of activity before the game, with vendors setting up shop, music and free swag for fans. Other entrances are located in deep right field and along the first base side of the stadium. All entrances lead onto a 360-degree concourse which contains views of the field from most points. The concourse is not the widest, and can get quite congested at points, but is generally passable.   The seating bowl is split into two levels, evoking comparisons to triple-A ballparks from some fans. Berms and social gathering areas in the outfield give fans some room to spread out when a big crowd is in attendance (which is most nights). Construction of the Diamond Club Event Center, which will allow the ballpark to host events year round, has affected accessibility in parts of the ballpark on the third base side. Rest rooms are large enough to handle a typical Dragons crowd, although lines do form at times.   Return on Investment 4   Tickets for Dragons games begin at $13 for general admission lawn seating and top out at $25 for seats in the 100 sections. This is not something said often in a minor league baseball review, but it is advised that you check the Dragons’ website in advance for ticket availability before your visit to Dayton.   Parking in the lots surrounding Day Air Ballpark costs an additional $20. Concessions are priced in line with other venues in the area. Overall, a night at a Dragons game is an affordable entertainment option for southwestern Ohio sports fans, and a cheaper alternative to the big-league club in Cincinnati.   Extras 3   Although the legitimacy of the sellout streak in recent years may be questioned, it’s still worth another mention and an extra point. At over 1,600 games and 24 seasons, this is the baseball record that will never be touched.   An extra point is awarded for the Don Crawford Plaza, the main entry point to the ballpark. Mr. Crawford was a civil rights leader in the Dayton African-American community throughout his 29-year career, and the naming of the ballpark’s plaza is a most fitting honor.   Fans who are having a meal across the street from the ballpark at the Foundry, located on the rooftop of the AC Hotel Dayton have a great view right into the ballpark. These seats evoke visions of Wrigley Field rooftop seats.   Final Thoughts   Even if you consider the streak to be over, support for the Dragons in Dayton remains strong. Often cited as an example of a ballpark that spurred economic growth in an urban neighborhood, Day Air Park continues to be the center of activity in downtown Dayton. Recent and planned improvements will ensure the ballpark’s viability for another quarter century and beyond.   Follow Paul Baker’s stadium journeys on Twitter  and Instagram  @PuckmanRI.

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 James Hilchen and Marc Viquez, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.57 Werner Park 12356 Ballpark Way Papillion, NE 68046 Omaha Storm Chasers website Werner Park website Year Opened: 2011 Capacity: 9,023 Good Times in Omaha Opened on April 11, 2011, Werner Park is home to the Omaha Storm Chasers, a Triple-A affiliate of the Kansas City Royals. At an initial cost of $36 million, the ballpark replaced Rosenblatt Stadium as the home of the then-Omaha Royals. With a capacity of 9,023, it offers plenty of seating for fans to enjoy a game. The ballpark is located in unincorporated Sarpy County, southeast of Omaha. In 2015, Werner Park hosted the Triple-A All-Star Game. Slight renovations have occurred since its opening, largely to host other sports. Among the renovations are a retractable pitching mound and a new building in left field to house equipment and staff. The NCAA Omaha Mavericks played some of their home games at Werner Park and its most recent addition is that of Union Omaha, a member of the United Soccer League, League 1. Food & Beverage 3 The ballpark is only accepting card payments and no cash. Concession stands run throughout the open concourse with plenty of different food options for all tastes. The basics are covered quite well. Among the highlights are some great BBQ (behind first base). I’d recommend the pulled pork sandwich, but there are a few options to choose from, including brisket. Hot Dog Nation sits behind home plate and serves up numerous types of hot dogs. In the left field corner, you can pick up some Valentino’s Pizza, which is a local staple. Behind third base is the Papillion taco guy. Chicken, pork, or brisket tacos are all available and all great. The entrees at all the stands will cost from about $8-14, with snacks being $3-$5. Pepsi products are the soda choice with prices ranging from $3-$6 depending on size. Water, Gatorade, and hot chocolate are also available. A good assortment of local craft brews along with your typical domestics is readily available throughout the park. 25 oz cans of Bud and Busch Light run $11, with 12 oz cans being $6. For local flavor, give the Ale Storm beer a try. Atmosphere 4 There is a lot to like around Werner Park. Wide concourses and an open look greet you when walking through the gates. Concessions and restrooms largely run from foul pole to foul pole. The Storm Front, the team store, sits behind home plate and carries both Storm Chasers gear along with Union Omaha items. Despite the recent proclivity of teams to extend netting, Werner Park’s netting runs from dugout to dugout, so pay attention when sitting in the outfield areas. The Centris Family Fun Zone sits in the left-field corner. There is a litany of different things for kids to do and the cost is $6 per child. Grass berm seating encompasses a large amount of the outfield with the only break being in center field. In addition to the batter’s eye, the bullpens sit above the center field wall. A neat aspect of the ballpark allows you to walk all the way around and have a great view of the field from anywhere. A couple of final features worth noting sit behind the outfield walkway in the center field. There is a half-court basketball court along with a whiffle ball field for those who want to take a few innings away from the game. Also, directly behind the bullpens and batter’s eye in the Autism Action Quiet Zone. Folks who need a break from the noise and bustle of the game can go there and the noise and distractions are very minimal. One final and important note for all you taller fans out there. The writer of this review is 6’4” and my brother is 6’5”. We had no issue with legroom and could move our knees back and forth freely without banging them into the seats in the next row. What a welcome surprise! Neighborhood 2 The area around the ballpark has changed a bit since Werner Park was built. Most of the recent development has been residential, which doesn’t leave much in the way of bars and restaurants to relax before or after the game. About a mile away, Phoenix Food and Spirits serves up more than typical bar food and is a really good choice for both food and drinks. The other options are all upwards of 3-4 miles east, with numerous sit-down and fast food options, including Runza, a Nebraska staple, in that area. It’s also worth noting that Omaha boasts Charles Schwab Field , which hosts the College World Series annually along with Creighton Bluejays baseball. So, if you plan on attending a Storm Chasers game in June, check the schedule, you may be able to take in this fantastic event as well. Fans 3 Like much of minor league baseball, Omaha has the traditional mix of hardcore fans and those out for more of a social experience. The majority of fans were into the game and having a good time. Access 4 The ballpark sits off Highway 370, east of I-80. There is plenty of parking close to the stadium. Once inside, wide concourses are evident and welcome. Restrooms are spaced very well around the ballpark as are concessions. As with most ballparks, there is a clear bag policy here. Return on Investment 4 The cheapest tickets are berm seating along with the Sunbelt Bakery Home Run Porch, which runs for $10 and $11 respectively. The baseline box seats (outfield reserved) are $16, while the priority boxes (infield reserved) are $20. Club seating (behind home plate) is $25. Parking is $5. With what is a standard concession cost range, you get a good value when taking in a game at Werner Park. Extras 5 An extra point for the great statue of Omaha native and Hall of Famer, Bob Gibson. Gibson’s statue greets you as you walk in the entrance gate behind home plate. Wide concourses get an extra point. Getting caught in a walking traffic jam is never any fun. Even on nights with big crowds, that isn’t likely here. Along the sections on the first base, side isareRoyal” heroes displays. Former Royals are honored with their uniform displayed on one side and their achievements on the other. Some unique landscaping is evident throughout the ballpark. It is very well done and makes the scenery off the field more pleasing. A quiet zone for folks who need some time in a quiet area is often overlooked. This is a very welcome area for those with sensory issues. I can't give a sixth point, but the legroom for taller fans is a very welcome and appreciated perk. Final Thoughts When baseball fans hear Omaha, they usually think College World Series, but don’t sleep on Werner Park and the Omaha Storm Chasers. The ballpark has a lot to offer. From some great food and drink to a relaxed and fun baseball atmosphere, Werner Park is definitely worth a look. ---- Follow my sports journeys on Twitter and Instagram : @stadiumjwriter

Photos by Paul Baker, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.43 Bright-Landry Hockey Center 65 N Harvard St Allston, MA 02134 Harvard Crimson hockey website Bright-Landry Hockey Center website Year Opened: 1979 Capacity: 3,095 Bright-Landry, Big City   Hockey has been played at Harvard University since 1898. With Harvard’s long athletic history, it’s no surprise that the Crimson sponsor one of the oldest squads in college hockey. Harvard’s first ever hockey game was played on January 19, 1898 on a frozen pond in Franklin Field. The Crimson lost to Brown that day 6-0, but their rivalry continues today, making it the oldest continuing series in the country.   Harvard has played on the site of the Bright-Landry Hockey Center since 1956. The Donald C. Watson Rink was the original on-campus home of Harvard hockey. In 1978 the decision was made to renovate the facility, which offered little in the way of amenities for fans or players. The original roof was retained, and the arena was installed underneath. The “new” arena opened on November 19, 1979, with a game between the Crimson and the 1980 United States Olympic Team.   The rink was renamed the Bright-Landry Hockey Center in 2013 to honor Harvard hockey player Alec Bright, class of 1919, and alumnus C. Kevin Landry, class of 1966 and family, whose donations helped to fund the arena’s 2014 renovations.   Hockey has been played at Harvard since 1898. The Crimson have qualified for 27 NCAA tournaments, reaching the Frozen Four 13 times. Harvard won the national title in 1989. Harvard has won the Beanpot Tournament, Boston’s unofficial college hockey championship, 11 times. 57 Harvard alumni have played in the National Hockey League. In addition, Harvard’s women’s team, which also plays at the Bright-Landry Hockey Center, has qualified for 12 NCAA tournaments, reached 6 Frozen Fours, won 15 Beanpot Tournaments, and won a national title in 1999. 24 Harvard alumni have gone on to play professional hockey.    Food & Beverage 2    The menu at Bright-Landry Hockey Center sticks to the basics. There is a concession stand near the entrance, along with a smaller stand on the south end of the arena that opens when there’s a big crowd present. This is just a place for snacking. Hot dogs and nachos anchor the menu, along with snack items.   Coca-Cola products are featured at Bright-Landry. Fans looking for an adult beverage should wander over to the adjoining Watson Track and Field Center, where the Crimson Pub sets up shop. Thirsty fans can purchase Sam Adams, Coors Light, Corona, White Claw and wine here. It’s not the same as in the old days, when fans would have to dash over to Dillon Hall next door to grab a beer during intermission, but it’s much more convenient.   Atmosphere 3   The game day experience at the Bright-Landry Center is typical of most college hockey rinks around the country. The first thing fans will notice are the large murals adorning the walls of the arena. These murals honor Harvard championships, titles, All-Americans and award winners. There’s a clear video board hanging at center ice that is put to good use, but which is partially obstructed from many points by the banners hanging throughout the arena. The promotions table near the main entrance hands out free roster sheets, posters, raffles and the nightly silent auction.   One notable aspect missing during Stadium Journey’s visit was the lack of a pep band. Stadium Journey visited during Harvard’s opening game of the 2024-25 season, so the lack of the band was surprising. Another disappointing aspect was the sub-par sound system. It can be hard to understand announcements made throughout the game. One more thing that was noticed by the author and confirmed by many students and frequent visitors to Bright-Landry: the WiFi in the building is terrible. Your Instagram posts may have to wait until after the game.   With New England being the home of a great number of Division One hockey teams (21, to be exact), and many of them within easy driving distance, it’s not unusual to see a great turnout by visiting fans here at Bright-Landry. Unless you’re wearing a Yale sweater, you’ve got nothing to worry about. This is a very family-friendly place to catch a game.   Neighborhood 4   The Bright-Landry Hockey Center is located in the school’s athletic complex alongside its other sporting facilities, including Harvard Stadium , Lavietes Pavilion , O’Donnell Field and Jordan Field . The complex is not located in Cambridge with the academic buildings, but on the other side of the Charles River in neighboring Allston.   While there is little in the way of attractions on the Allston side of the Charles, Harvard Yard is less than a mile away across the Anderson Memorial Bridge and up John F. Kennedy Street. Harvard Square, lined with shops and restaurants, is right here, too. This is hardly the bohemian center that it was in the days of yore, but there is no shortage of dining choices in the area. Stadium Journey recommends trying a burger and a shake at Mr. Bartley’s Burger Cottage.   The Harvard campus is one of Boston’s top attractions in its own right. Take a walking tour of the campus if you are so inclined, and take a picture in front of the statue of John Harvard, as thousands of others have done. Remember to rub his shiny shoe, it is rumored to bring good luck.   If you’re visiting Harvard from out of town and would rather explore the city of Boston, downtown is just a few miles away. Visitors looking to enjoy the working class charm of Allston and Brighton will find no shortage of bars and restaurants a short drive from the arena.   Fans 3   Harvard lags behind Boston’s other four Beanpot schools in terms of attendance. The Crimson draw around 2,400 fans per game, which puts them in the middle of the pack nationwide. Fans who come to the Bright-Landry Center are enthusiastic and knowledgeable about the team, even if they’re not the most vocal fans out there (would you expect any different at an Ivy League school?).   The dedicated student section, dubbed the “Crim-Zone,” is rarely filled with Harvard students, as most tend to spread out around the arena. A rowdy student section just wouldn’t feel right here, anyway. During Stadium Journey’s most recent visit, the Crim-Zone was filled with random fans rather than students, who do turn out in decent numbers.   Access 4   While Harvard University is located in Cambridge, MA, the Bright-Landry Hockey Center is located across the Charles River, in the Allston section of Boston. Also located here are most of Harvard’s other athletic facilities.   Even on its best days, the city of Boston is a difficult city to drive in. The best way to get to the Bright-Landry Hockey Center is to take Storrow Drive to the Soldier’s Field Athletic Complex. If you must drive to a Harvard hockey game, bring along someone who knows the crooked streets of Boston well.   The recommended method of travel to Harvard is the subway, or “T”, as it is called locally. The Harvard Station MBTA stop is a 10-minute walk from the Bright-Landry Hockey Center. Several bus routes also stop at Harvard Station. The 66 and 86 busses stop directly in front of the athletic complex. For more information, fares and schedules check out the MBTA website . Parking is available throughout the athletic complex, but with only one way in and one way out, be prepared to take some time to leave after the game.   The Bright Center features a concourse which completely circles the rink. Seating consists of individual plastic crimson seats throughout the seating bowl. The small size of the Bright Landry Hockey Center ensures great views throughout the facility. Standing room areas line most of the seating bowl, and are popular spots from which to catch the action. While lines can get long at the concession stands and rest rooms during intermission, they move quickly.   Return on Investment 3   All tickets to Harvard hockey are priced at $20. Parking in the athletic complex will cost an additional $10. Concessions are priced a bit on the high side, but not outrageously so. Harvard is a bit more expensive than other college hockey rinks in the area, but still offers an affordable entertainment option for local fans.   Extras 5                                                                                                 Harvard showcases its lengthy hockey history throughout the Bright-Landry Hockey Center. Floor to ceiling murals line the arena walls as you enter the rink. Award winners, Olympians, past arenas, coaches and championship teams are all highlighted. On the far wall are photos of all men’s and women’s hockey teams to ever represent the school. Banners honoring the school’s conference championships, tournament appearances, and national titles hang from the rafters.   Notable among the banners is a crimson number 4, retired in honor of former Harvard player, hockey coach, and athletic director Bill Cleary. It is the only number that has been taken out of circulation in any of Harvard’s 42 varsity sports. No Division One school in the nation can boast more varsity sports than Harvard. Trivial Fact: Bill Cleary was Ryan O’Neil’s stand-in during filming of the 1970 movie Love Story.   The fact that the first game ever played at the Bright-Landry Hockey Center featured the 1980 United States Olympic team is worth a final extra point.   Final Thoughts   The Bright-Landry Hockey Center, while a fine facility in its own right, comes up short when compared to the other Beanpot arenas around Boston. It doesn’t have the history of Matthews Arena, the size of Conte Forum or the modern amenities of Agganis Arena. Still, the Bright-Landry Center is a nice place to catch a hockey game and a worthy Stadium Journey.   Follow Paul Baker’s stadium journeys on Twitter  and Instagram  @PuckmanRI.

Photos by Dave Cottenie, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.86 KeyBank Center One Seymour H Knox III Plaza Buffalo, NY 14203 Buffalo Sabres Website KeyBank Center Website Year Opened: 1996 Capacity: 19,070 Welcome to the Sabrehood One of the longest-running futility streaks in professional sports belongs to the Buffalo Sabres.  As of this writing, they are currently tied with the New York Jets for most consecutive seasons missing the playoffs.  However, this was not always the case.  The Sabres were established in 1970 as an expansion team along with the Vancouver Canucks.  The famed French Connection line of Richard Martin, Rene Robert, and Gilbert Perrault almost immediately brought success to Buffalo, and they were a bit of a plucky and scrappy team early on.  Over time, the Sabres would reach the Stanley Cup Final on two occasions, falling to the Philadelphia Flyers in 1975 and the Dallas Stars in 1990.  They would also earn the President's Trophy in 2007.  Founded by Seymour and Northrup Knox, the Sabres would end up in bankruptcy and eventually end up under the control of the current owner and Buffalo sports magnate, Terry Pegula. The Sabres began their tenure in the venerable Buffalo Memorial Auditorium.  In 1996, they moved just up the street to the brand-new Marine Midland Arena, which would change names over time as a result of numerous bank mergers and settle in as KeyBank Center in 2016.  Sabres owner Seymour Knox passed away just one month after the final game at the Auditorium.  KeyBank Center is a solid NHL facility, and a trip to the Sabrehood is worthwhile. Food & Beverage 4 Buffalo definitely has a cuisine that is unique, and much of that is reflected at KeyBank Center.  On both the lower and upper concourses, there are a number of different options for food and drink. A full accounting of the concession options at KeyBank Center is found on the arena website.  Some options include: Sahlen’s (hot dogs), Walking Taco, Greek Out, Tim Hortons, Soultowns BBQ, Perry’s Ice Cream, Center Ice Cantina (bowls), Let’s Dough (fried dough and floats), and La Nova (pizza).  Trying the uniquely Buffalo “Beef on Weck” may be the best choice.  There are also a number of different bars that are available.  The Labatt Blue Zone is the largest and overlooks the atrium.  In the concourse, finding a “Beer Sabre”, a huge, long, sword-shaped beer container, may help fit in with the locals.  Otherwise, getting a beer from local legend “Conehead,” who is found in the main concourse, may be the best plan. Atmosphere 3 Opened in 1996, KeyBank Center is probably due for a bit of a renovation, it is still a solid NHL venue.  The exterior is a bit curious with a rounded, white roof, making it look like a UFO from the highway.  The north side of the arena is where the atrium is found, which is mainly glass with brick.  The northeast corner of the block is Alumni Plaza, a good meeting spot if the weather cooperates.  A large mural featuring a number of Sabre greats is found on the bridge that joins the KeyBank Center with the neighboring parking garage.  Beneath the mural is an excellent bronze statue immortalizing the French Connection line of Rene Robert, Rick Martin, and Gilbert Perrault.  North of the neighboring LECOM HarborCenter is a bronze statue of Tim Horton. The main entry to KeyBank Center is through the atrium, where the ticket windows are still found on the east end, unless fans are taking the convenient bridge from the parking garage.  The atrium has ceilings that are a couple of stories high and gives the building a grand entrance feel with banners and a view of the Labatt Blue Zone bar.  The Sabres Store is found at the west end of the atrium and is worth a visit before passing by the ticket takers.  After scanning tickets, fans will ascend the escalator to the main concourse, which is dotted with many posters featuring Sabres of the past.  Inside the seating bowl, the ice is basically north-south oriented, in which the best spot for a centre ice logo picture is from the west.  Banners memorializing the accomplishments of the Sabres are found at the southeast corner, which include Division banners and Conference Championship banners from 1975, 1980, and 1999, as well as the 2007 Presidents' Trophy.  The retired numbers of Danny Gare, Tim Horton, Pat LaFontaine, Dominik Hasek, Ryan Miller, and the French Connection hang in the northeast corner, along with a banner honoring broadcaster Rick Jeanneret.  In the northwest corner, there are banners honoring owners Northrup and Seymour Knox, and on the west side, the media box is named after former broadcaster Ted Darling.  Unfortunately, the Sabres feel the need to hang banners on the west side that honor various sponsors, which seems a bit tacky.  A new four-sided videoboard that is just the right size and not overpowering hangs above center ice. The gameday production at a Sabres game is solid.  A pair of crossed sabres descends from the ceiling on the east side and is part of the pregame entrances.  In the northwest corner is where the organ is found, and the organist is basically out in the crowd.  For the game that was reviewed, a live band also played in this corner.  The mascot, Sabretooth, takes part in the promotions and interacts with the in-game host.  A local celebrity signals the start of the game by banging a large drum and leading a “Let’s Go Buff-A-Lo” chant.  Overall, it is plenty of fun for fans. Neighborhood 5 KeyBank Center is located in Downtown Buffalo.  There is no shortage of places within walking distance of the arena for pre and post-game food and drink.  The Draft Room, The Brick, Cobble Stone, Southern Tier Brewery, Pearl Street Grill, Buffalo Ironworks and Washington Square are just a few.  The Sabres share KeyBank Center with the Buffalo Bandits  of the NLL.  Just across the road from KeyBank Center is LECOM HarborCenter, which is the home of the Buffalo Jr. Sabres and Canisius Golden Griffins .  Other sporting options in the city include Canisius basketball , the Buffalo Bisons , Buffalo Bulls football  and basketball  and, of course, the Buffalo Bills .  Other tourist options fans should consider include Seneca Buffalo Creek Casino, Buffalo Transportation Pierce Arrow Museum and Buffalo Naval Park.  For fans wishing to stay in the area, Buffalo Marriott and Courtyard Marriott Buffalo are just steps from KeyBank Center Fans 4 In general, Buffalo Sabres fans are loyal and supportive.  However, the attendance over the last couple of years has taken a dip as the Sabres are in the midst of a horrible playoff drought.  At the time of writing, the Sabres were averaging 16,700 fans per game, ranking them 24th of the 32 NHL teams.  For the 2024-25 season the Sabres averaged under 16,000 fans and ranked 27th.  However, the game that was reviewed was a full 19,070 sellout and the Sabres are showing a bit of life and are making a run towards a playoff spot.  Fans in attendance are pretty loud and the chant of “Let’s Go Buff-A-Lo” can be heard often.   Access 4 The KeyBank Center is located in Downtown Buffalo, on the northeast corner of Main and South Park Ave, bordered by Perry Street and Illinois Ave.  It is immediately south of I-190 which provides easy access from the highway.  There are a number of surface lots within steps of the arena as well as a few parking garages.  Prepurchasing parking is still a good idea for people not familiar with the area, however, it is not critical.  For those fans wishing to take public transit to the game, there are bus stops on Scott Street and Michigan Ave.  Light rail is just northwest of KeyBank Center.  Fans should consult the Niagara Frontier Transportation Authority website for maps, schedules and fares.  Inside the KeyBank Center, concourses are on the narrow side in spots and getting around, especially at the conclusion of a game, can be a slow process.  The washrooms are good for the facility.  Fans should be wary of some of the seating at the ends in the lower bowl which lack any sort of leg room.  Seats are also narrow in general. Return on Investment 4 According to the 2025 NHL Fan Cost Index, the Sabres were the cheapest NHL experience at $457, far below the league average of $761.  Sabres tickets begin at $37 and go up to $200.  Lower bowl end seats can be had for under $100.  Parking can be found for $25 or under and concession prices are what one would expect for an NHL game.  The Sabres do a good job providing a fun atmosphere and fans will definitely enjoy their time in KeyBank Center. Extras 3 An extra mark for the Sabres embracing their Canadian neighbors to the north.  The Canadian National Anthem is played at all Sabres games regardless of who the opponent is. An extra mark for the signature Sabres song, “Sabre Dance” which is not original to the team but is recognizable and peppered throughout the gameday production. An extra mark for Buffalo icon “Conehead.” Tom Girot has been selling beer at Buffalo venues since 1972 and is immediately recognizable with his Conehead head gear, akin to the classic SNL skit.  When purchasing a beer from Conehead, make sure to listen for the “Conehead Guarantee.” Final Thoughts Regardless of the futility the Buffalo Sabres have shown in the past, taking in a Sabres game is a great experience and KeyBank Center is a solid NHL facility.  There is a glimmer of hope in the Sabrehood and a return to playoff hockey in Buffalo is hopefully not too far away. Follow all of Dave’s sporting adventures on YouTube , Twitter , Threads  and Instagram @profan9.

Photos by Marc Viquez, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.14 Classic Park 35300 Vine St Eastlake, OH 44095 Lake County Captains website Classic Park website Year Opened: 2003 Capacity: 6,157 Baseball Fun East of Cleveland Classic Park is the home of the Lake County Captains, High-A affiliate of the Cleveland Guardians in the Midwest League. The Captains are only 18 miles from Progressive Field in downtown Cleveland, making them one of the closest affiliates to the parent club in Minor League Baseball. Classic Automotive Group, a Cleveland-area auto dealership, purchased the Classic Park name. The stadium debuted at $22 million in 2003 and features 6,500 seats, a wraparound concourse, lawn seating, 17 luxury suites, and two outdoor party decks. The ballpark also offers a few other features that have made national news, including a trio of mascots and a row of toilet seating. The Captains arrived in town after playing as the Columbus, Ga, RedStixx in 2003, while members of the South Atlantic League before moving to the Midwest League in 2010. The ball club has captured two MWL championships in 2010 and 2024. Food & Beverage 3 Classic Park has quite a few options for fans attending the game, from local favorites to an array of alcoholic beverages. They can be purchased at regular stands and kiosks, through the grab-and-go system, and always through electronic payment. The Galley serves up a wide variety of items, including several hot dog options like the Jumbo Dawg, the 10-Inch Dawg, and the Sloppy Dawg (cheese and bacon). There are more options available that feature the Captain’s brat and the Italian sausage. Cheeseburgers, pulled pork sandwiches, tenders and fries, and fish sandwiches are also available. There is a giant batting helmet stuffed with tortilla chips, cheese, pulled pork, and jalapenos.   Lake Effect Ice Cream on the 3rd base side offers one, two, and the brain freeze, a five-scoop ice cream served in a batting helmet and topped with chocolate syrup and whipped cream. The alcoholic beverages include domestics and craft beer cans from Budweiser, Modelo, Corona, Yuengling, and local favorites Collision Bend and Schnitz Ale Brewery. Surfside Vodka, Fresca Mixed, White Claw Hard Seltzer, and Long Drink wrap up the non-beer choices at Classic Park. Atmosphere 3 Classic Park features a nautical theme, evident throughout the concourse with mini-boats, concession stands named Castaway’s Bar and The Galley. The stadium is one mile from Lake Erie, where many ships lie shipwrecked underneath its deep waters. However, there are a few quirks that make it stand out from the average ballpark around the league. The stadium features wide open concourses, plenty of grass seating from foul pole to foul pole in the outfield, and a row of seats that are toilet bowls. The Roto-Rooter Toilet Row has 8 sets of seats available for purchase and comes with comfortable padding and a prime view of the diamond. The seating has gained fame around the country and is surprisingly comfortable to watch from behind the backstop. There are more comfortable seats a few rows above, called the rocking chairs, that sit two people. The area includes a wooden-deck platform that makes the fan feel as if they are on their back porch, enjoying the game underneath the patio lights. The rest of the seating bowl stretches from foul pole to foul pole and includes cup holders. A large covered outfield seating section is located behind the left field wall. The video board features a few glitches and was originally installed in an indoor facility in Japan. The stadium’s scoreboard is original from when the stadium opened in 2003. The Cargo Hold is a larger retail shop that includes various selections of team gear. The Captains introduced a bold new logo with colorful jerseys in 2025, modeled after Cleveland’s “caveman” uniforms of 1974-1977. There is even a powder blue pullover that feels more like a Milwaukee Brewers away set from 1982. Neighborhood 4 Historic Downtown Willoughby is less than 2 miles from the ballpark and offers a wide array of bars and restaurants. Ballantine is a gastropub with live DJ music on Friday and Saturday nights. Sol serves vibrant fusion food in a spacious restaurant dating back to the 1930s. The Garage Bar is a playground for adults featuring arcade games and drinks. The Yard on 3rd is open late with local food trucks, bench seating, and yard games for entertainment. There are plenty of small places for domestic, imports, and craft beers, including Mullarkey’s Irish Pub, The 1899 Pub, and the Tricky Tortoise Brewing Company, which is housed in an old trolley repair car depot that dates back to the late 19th century. The space offers live music, food, and trivia nights. The parking is free on the street, and weekend nights are buzzing with more traffic and people. Check hours of operation during the weekdays, as a few restaurants and bars close much earlier than expected.  Fans 2 The fans are very tame and involved with the game. Nothing is discerning or alarming about their behavior to think they do not enjoy themselves. Would I have liked to see a little more energy? Perhaps, but they are enjoying being out at the ballpark with friends and family. That is all that should matter most of the time at minor league ballparks. Isn’t that what the promotions are for? Access 4 Classic Park is located two miles north of I-90 with plenty of signs directing you off the interstate. A straight road takes you to friendly people who direct you to your car. If you park across the street, a pedestrian bridge takes you over for convenience.  Return on Investment 3 The cost of a ticket is $16, $22.50, and $28 for most games. Parking on the first base side of the ballpark is $10. The price of a domestic beer is $8, and a basic hot dog is $4.50. A team jersey is just under $100 and is not your cheaply made brand. The team charges $10 for parking on the first base side of the stadium and across the street in the larger lot. Extras 3 The team employs three mascots: Skipper, Horatio, and the Baseball Bug, who originally debuted for the Cleveland Indians in 1980 and returned after a long hiatus in 2023. However, none of the mascots were present during the game when we visited.  The Roto-Rooter Toilet Row is fun and a unique way to enjoy a baseball game. How many ballparks have row seats quite like this? The team jerseys are not your regular run-of-the-mill team jerseys that you will find at most minor league gift shops. The wording, numbers, and patches are sewn on and appear to be the exact ones worn by the players on the field. Final Thoughts Classic Park is a ballpark design that was popular in the early 20th century. It offers a wide-open concourse, a massive lawn area of seating, and easy access to concessions and team merchandise. However, with today’s baseball fans, there is the opportunity to create more excitement at the ballpark. There are signs already, and hopefully more in the future. ------ Follow all of Marc’s stadium journeys on Twitter @ballparkhunter and his YouTube channel . Email at Marc.Viquez@stadiumjourney.com

Could it be true? The Buffalo Sabres are in the playoffs? Its true! After fourteen long seasons, the Sabres are heading back to the NHL playoffs, which means its a great time to head to Western New York for the latest episode of Stadium Journey's Obstructed Views!. Grab a beer and join Dave and Paul as they discuss one of the hidden gem sports travel experiences out there! 🏒🏟️ You can find Stadium Journey's review of KeyBank Center and the Buffalo Sabres game day experience here.