For Sandy Mangarella, teaching is a 24/7 labor of love and a mission to educate and spread smiles. Not surprisingly, the Union High School English teacher has won numerous awards and accolades over her 43-year career. Just last week, the Rotary Club of Union NJ honored her for her efforts. (TAPinto Union article on Sandy: Union Rotary Honors Two with Excellence in Education Award | Union, NJ News TAPinto | TAPinto ). Outside the classroom, Sandy is a devoted a Houston Astros fan. Sandy took a few moments away from inspiring young minds and grading to discuss the Astros, Bruce versus Bon Jovi, pizza and some other miscellaneous topics. STADIUM JOURNEY:  Teaching was never easy, but now phones make it that much more difficult. What's your phone policy?  SANDY MANGARELLA:  Our school district has a no-cell-phone policy in classrooms, which I generally support. However, as any good teacher knows, flexibility is key. In my screenwriting class, for example, streaming platforms like Netflix are blocked on school devices. So, when students need to analyze a film or TV show to compare it to their own screenplay drafts, I occasionally allow them to use their phones for that specific purpose. It’s always structured and intentional — never a free-for-all. The goal is to keep technology as a tool, not a distraction.    STADIUM JOURNEY:  How did you start following the Houston Astros? What's special about this franchise? SANDY MANGARELLA:  I started following the Astros when I moved to Houston in 1980 to be with my boyfriend —who later became my husband. We were both avid baseball fans, and it didn’t take long for me to fall in love with the team, the Astrodome, and later Minute Maid Park. I had grown up a diehard Mets fan in New Jersey — Rusty Staub was my childhood hero — so I shocked myself in 1986 when I found myself screaming at the TV for the Astros to maim   the Mets. That’s when I knew I had officially switched allegiances. We couldn't always afford to go to games, but when we could, we soaked in the atmosphere. Houston was all things Astro back then — Astroturf, Astroworld and a real sense of community around the team. STADIUM JOURNEY: What was it like to attend a game at the Dome? What did you love about it? Was it ventilated? SANDY MANGARELLA: I absolutely loved attending games at the Astrodome. Living in Houston felt like walking through a cloud most days — 99% humidity practically year-round. When I moved back to New Jersey, I actually had to start putting oil on my face because I never had to worry about dry skin or aging in Houston, LOL. The Dome was paradise in comparison. It was fully air-conditioned — after all, Houston might just be the most air-conditioned city in the country. The atmosphere inside was always comfortable, and the acoustics were fantastic. One of my favorite things was the scoreboard. It was something special, and when the team moved to a new stadium, it just wasn’t the same. I have lots of photos somewhere in my storage – sorry I don’t have any to share. The Astrodome also gave the world astroturf — an innovation in itself. And those old Astros uniforms? The bold orange, blue, and white were astronomical — literally. The Astros name and theme were inspired by the nearby space center where astronauts train, which made the whole experience feel bigger than baseball. Going to games there with my husband was pure joy. Those are memories I’ll never forget. I’m also glad the Dome still stands today, right next to the football stadium. And beyond baseball, I loved attending the annual Livestock Show and Rodeo at the Dome. It was a whole other kind of fun. So many great memories, all tied to one incredible place.    STADIUM JOURNEY:  Have you attended lots of games? What's your favorite Astros memory?  SANDY MANGARELLA:  We went to as many Astros games as we could afford, and each one felt special. One of my all-time favorite memories was at Minute Maid Park — though it’s gone through a few name changes since then — when I witnessed a grand slam home run. That had been a bucket-list moment for me as a fan, and I was absolutely ecstatic. Another standout memory was during my first year reading AP Literature exams for the College Board in Kansas City. The Astros were playing the Royals, and I couldn’t believe my luck. I rallied some fellow readers to come with me. We had a blast, and I got to share my Astros fandom with a whole new group.    STADIUM JOURNEY:  Advice. Advice. Advice. Someone has a weekend in Houston. What spots should they hit? SANDY MANGARELLA: There’s so much to do in Houston; it’s hard to know where to begin. For something really unique, visit the Orange Show — a whimsical folk-art monument built by a retired mailman obsessed with oranges. Nearby, you’ll find other creative landmarks like the Flower Man’s House and the Beer Can House, both unforgettable. In Montrose, you can shop for vintage clothes and quirky finds, or head downtown and explore the underground tunnel system —built to beat the Texas heat — and full of hidden gems you won’t see above ground. Houston's museum district is a must, especially the Museum of Natural Science with its stunning Butterfly Center, the incredible art museums, and the powerful Holocaust Museum. The Houston Zoo is another favorite of mine. And the food — don’t leave without indulging. Goode Company Seafood makes a flounder po’ boy with homemade sauce that I still dream about. Their barbecue is equally amazing — smoked brisket on freshly baked rolls. For more seafood, head to the Kemah Boardwalk, where you can eat fresh off the dock or dine inside the Aquarium restaurant. There’s one there and another downtown. If you’re up for a drive, go east to see alligators in the bayou, or head west to Brenham for Blue Bell Creamery, which has the best ice cream ever, and nearby Chappell Hill, which hosts charming festivals like the Bluebonnet and Scarecrow festivals. Houston is packed with surprises, culture, and flavor. You’ll never run out of things to do.    STADIUM JOURNEY:  Now that you're in Jersey, do you still get a chance to see the Astros play? Do you attend games for other baseball teams, or are you strictly Astros?  SANDY MANGARELLA:  I haven’t had the chance to see the Astros play since moving to New Jersey. I’m not particularly fond of going into New York City, so I don’t make it out to Yankees or Mets games. When I visit Houston, that’s when I reconnect with my ‘Stros. That’s where I feel most at home cheering them on. There's just something special about watching them in their city.    STADIUM JOURNEY:  Since you're in Jersey, who do you lean towards – The Boss or Jovi? Neither? SANDY MANGARELLA:  It’s hard to choose. When I was a freshman in college, a guy asked me to a concert — he had waited all night in line to get tickets for Bruce Springsteen. I had no idea who Springsteen was at the time, but we sat in the third row, and when he sang “Fourth of July, Asbury Park (Sandy),” I was completely swept away. I felt like he was singing just to me. Instant love.  At the same time, I have a soft spot for Bon Jovi. I did my student teaching in Sayreville while he was in high school — though I was teaching in the junior high — and one of my former students was actually friends with him. So, I have connections to both. That said, I do miss the days when artists just sang. Bruce has gotten a little too political for me lately. I’d rather not know my musical heroes’ political views — I just want the music.    STADIUM JOURNEY:  Which does Jersey do better — bagels, pizza, or ice cream?  SANDY MANGARELLA:  Bagels just aren’t what they used to be. They’ve gotten too doughy, and I’ve honestly lost my love for them. But pizza — that’s a different story. You can’t go wrong with Esposito’s in Matawan, especially their sesame seed crust. They’ve got another location down the shore, and both are worth the trip. As for ice cream, I’m a soft-serve fan through and through. When I lived in Morris Plains, Denville Creamery had the best homemade ice cream I’ve ever tasted. It’s still my gold standard.  STADIUM JOURNEY:  So you were quite a twirler back in the day. How did this come about? How did you get so good? Are you still twirling?   SANDY MANGARELLA:  I followed my best friend to twirling tryouts in high school. It turned out to be the hardest and best thing I ever did. There was a three-month clinic to learn how to twirl, and most of the girls already had experience. I had no idea what I was doing, but I was determined. My parents’ living room ceiling still bears the marks from all the times I tossed that baton into the air, and I left a few dents in the high school hallways too. When I found out I made the team, I did cartwheels through the school halls. I had beaten out girls who had experience. Not only did I make the team — I eventually became co-captain. I even won the school’s Tigger Award for being “bouncy, flouncy, fun fun fun fun fun!” Twirling was my world back then—from parades to halftime shows to competitions — and I loved every second of it.    STADIUM JOURNEY:   You have a special relationship with the Union High School basketball team. Please discuss. Do you attend lots of Union High School sporting events?  SANDY MANGARELLA:  I have a special relationship with my students, and that naturally extends to those involved in sports. I’ve been recognized by both the basketball team and the girls’ softball team —specific students have made it a point to acknowledge my support. They know I cheer them on, even if I’m not always in the stands. I’ve even made a few lighthearted “bets” with them. If they accomplish something big in their sport, I’ll reward them in class. Lots of smiles all around. That said, I don’t get to attend many games because my teaching load is intense. I usually teach five or six different classes and grade a mountain of essays. But they know my support is always there, and I celebrate their wins in my own way.    STADIUM JOURNEY:  You enjoy travelling. When you're on the road, what do you like to do?   SANDY MANGARELLA:  Last summer, my sister took me to France. I didn’t fall in love with Paris, surprisingly — but the countryside completely stole my heart. I think that’s one of the biggest changes in how I travel since COVID — I’m more drawn to quieter, more grounded places. As an Anglophile, I’ve explored all of Great Britain and Ireland, but Scotland is my favorite. There’s just something about the castles, the golf courses, and yes — the scotch — that speaks to me. I’ve been to Iceland in hopes of seeing the Aurora Borealis, no luck, sadly, and to Spain —because, well, it’s Spain. I also love being in Texas whenever I can. I can’t quite explain it, but it just feels right when I’m there. And next summer, my sister is planning a trip for us to South Korea. I’m a huge fan of K-beauty and K-dramas, so that will be a dream come true. I only wish my husband and I had gotten the chance to travel more together while he was still alive. But I carry him with me wherever I go.   Jon Hart is @manversusball

Photos by Gregory Koch, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.43 Fleming Stadium 300 Stadium St SW Wilson, NC 27893 Wilson Tobs website Fleming Stadium website Year Opened: 1939 Capacity: 3,000 Where the Tobs are in Wilson Historic Fleming Stadium has been home to baseball in Wilson, North Carolina since 1939. The stadium has hosted many teams in several different leagues over the years, with the affiliated Wilson Tobs playing there until 1973. "Tobs" was short for "Tobacconists' in homage to the local crop of North Carolina, although the team occasionally went by other names, such as the Bugs and Pennants. After 1973, Fleming Stadium went without a full-time tenant until 1997, when a new team, also known as the Wilson Tobs, joined the Coastal Plain League, a summer collegiate league with teams in Virginia, the Carolinas, and Georgia. The team mostly draws players from the southeast United States, many of whom go on to play professionally. The future of Tobs baseball in Wilson beyond 2025 is uncertain, as the Carolina Mudcats are relocating to a new stadium in Wilson from nearby Zebulon. It remains to be seen if Wilson can support both an affiliated minor league franchise and a summer collegiate franchise, although as they will not play at the same stadium, there is not necessarily a conflict. Ironically, the Mudcats briefly played at Fleming Stadium while their current home, Five County Stadium, was being built. Food & Beverage 4 There are several different concession stands fans can choose from at Fleming Stadium. Behind home plate right by the entrance, a stand offers typical options such as burgers, hot dogs, and chicken tenders. Directly across from that, right by the ramp to the grandstand, the sweet shop offers ice cream, both hard-serve and Dippin' Dots. If you head up the right field foul line, there is a food truck with a more expansive and fancy selection, including a pulled pork sandwich, a fried chicken sandwich (buffalo sauce and ranch optional for an extra dollar) and freshly grilled burgers. You can smell the smoke from the grill throughout the stadium. Prices are reasonable, with everything under $6 or so. On Tuesdays, hot dogs and peanuts are discounted to just $2 each. Both cash and credit card are accepted. Atmosphere 4 Fleming Stadium is a simple ballpark typical of the pre-World War II era with a covered grandstand located behind home plate. The lower half of the grandstand is reserved chairbacks while the upper half is general admission bleachers. Overhead fans ensure the fans stay cool no matter how hot it is outside. Despite the simple structure, the team has made some improvements to amenities over the years. Further down the lines, there are group and picnic areas with tables and overhead lights on strings, which can be a fun place to hang out on a summer's night. As the Tobs are introduced and after each run they score, smoke billows from a smoke machine near the Wilson dugout. Depending on which way the wind is blowing, this can make the field slightly hazy for a little while, although you should still be able to see the action. The Tobs have between-inning contests on the field and these may be linked to the theme of the night (e.g. dogs get to participate in contests for Bark in the Park) or may just be the usual contests. The team mascot is a tobacco worm named Slugger who will interact with fans throughout the game. Smoke billows from near the Wilson dugout as the Tobs are introduced before a game. Neighborhood 3 Fleming Stadium is situated in a residential neighborhood not too far away from I-95 and I-795 exits. There are a few retail shopping centers near the I-95 exit and a few great places to eat in town as well that should not be overlooked. Parker's Barbecue is wildly popular and has been in business for many years serving classic Carolina barbecue. Like many joints in the area, they are known for their long lines and may sell out of the popular foods before closing, so get there early if you want to eat there. Be warned they are a cash only business. Fans 3 Fleming Stadium is not a large stadium, but the Tobs do draw good crowds most nights. While the games will seldom sell out, the fans in attendance are loud and passionate about their team. They cheer, clap, and even wave noisemakers to make the atmosphere even louder. They know a lot about their team and the players on the field and love cheering the Tobs on to victory. This is a community crowd, as is typical of these small town venues, but by no means are they quiet. Access 2 Wilson is located about 10 minutes from both I-95 and I-795 as well as a short distance from US 264/I-587. It is in a residential neighborhood with parking available in a grass lot. Staff will helpfully direct you to a space when you get there. There is some street parking available down the left field line as well, but it was full before we arrived well before the game, so it is best to park in the grass lot like you are told. A lot of the street parking is in foul ball territory as well, while the grass lot generally avoids this and is closer. Restrooms are available on the concourse behind the grandstand and are generally of a sufficient size for the small crowds. When in the grandstand itself, the first step up the stairs to the seats is a bit high up compared to the bottom of the grandstand, so be careful. After that you should be fine. The numbering scheme for reserved seats is also a bit weird as numbers do not repeat across rows like you would expect, so the seats in higher rows will number in the hundreds. It is still easy to find your seat if you pay attention, as they go sequentially. Return on Investment 5 Tickets are just $9 for adults and $7 for kids 12 and under. When buying online, the general admission bleachers cost the same as the reserved chairbacks, so we recommend going for the latter. On Tuesdays, tickets are just $2 each. Concessions are very affordable as well - you can easily get a meal and drink for around $10. Parking is free. Overall, a Tobs game is an excellent value. Extras 3 The North Carolina Baseball Museum is located down the third baseline of the ballpark and offers a collection of material that includes jerseys, photographs, equipment, and other memorabilia. The museum highlights some of the players from the state who are enshrined in Cooperstown including Catfish Hunter, Jim Perry, and Hoyt Wilhelm Admission is free with your game ticket. There are free programs available at a tent by the entrance. A team store is located behind home plate as well, selling Tobs merchandise. Final Thoughts Fleming Stadium is a historic, old-fashioned baseball stadium that is a fine place to spend a summer night watching the Wilson Tobs. With an old covered grandstand and a small-town community feel, this is baseball as it used to be played. While Fleming doesn't have all the amenities of more modern stadiums, it is still a great place to watch a game.

Photos by Marc Viquez, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.00 Bob Warn Field at Sycamore Stadium 931 N 1st St Terre Haute, IN 47807 Terre Haute Rex website Bob Warn Field at Sycamore Stadium website Year Opened: 1978 Capacity: 2,000 The Rex are Kings of the Wabash Vlaley Professional baseball has a long history in Terre Haute, dating back to 1884; from 1901-1956, the city would regularly field minor league teams in the Three-Eye League, a Class B Loop that was considered one of the finest in the nation. However, midway through the 1956 season, the Terre Haute Huts closed up shop, and a little over a decade later, its ballpark was altered as a football-only facility. For many, it appeared that summer-time baseball would never return, but early this century, many began wondering if some form of baseball could return to the city. Soon, a feasibility study was conducted from a Sports and Recreation class at Indiana State University in 2005, and talk of baseball began percolating again in the Wabash Valley. Around the same time, discussions of renovating the ISU baseball field also developed and within four years saw the new and improved Bob Warn Field at Sycamore Stadium debut for the 2009 season. The stadium was originally built in 1978 and called Sycamore Field. Warn coached the baseball team from 1976-2006, leading them to six conference championships and an appearance in the 1986 College World Series. The Rex were originally founded by the ISU Foundation in 2010 and sold to six local business people in 2013, who all had ties to the university. Today, it is owned by Wabash Valley Baseball LLC. The name Rex is an homage to Rex Coffee, which was first produced in town by Clabber Girl in 1905. The unique name is a nod to past team nicknames that include the Tots, Huts, Stags, Terry-iers, and Awkwards. The Rex have won five division titles and have added two Prospect League titles in 2015 and 2018. Food & Beverage 3 There is one concession area near the main entrance of the stadium. There is not an abundance of choices and prices are from moderate to high. The area is behind the seating concourse and away from the seating bowl. The options include hot dogs, brats, burgers, chicken sandwiches, nachos, and pretzels. They are all offered in a combo form that includes a drink and a bag of chips. Pepsi produces are sold by the bottles and beer is available by draft or can. Can options include Bud and Bud Light, Michelob Utra, and Bush Light. Hard alcoholic seltzers and Cutwater varietie s are also at the concession stand. Atmosphere 3 From the outside, the field looks especially elegant with a beautiful salmon stucco finish, but on the inside, it is the familiar aluminum bleacher seating resembling what the ballpark had during its first 30 years of service. Fans enter the stadium behind the right field foul line. This is where you will find the box office, concession stand, restrooms, and merchandise tent. The right field bleachers and grandstand are separated by the visiting team's dugouts. There are no bleacher seating on the left field line, but there is access for fans to watch the game along the fence. The stadium is expanded to 2,000 for Rex games and the club does its best to provide a minor league-style atmosphere for the fans who attend each game. It is a step back to a simpler type of wood bat ball and does not feature too many annoyances that might strike a chord with traditionalists. The Rex play on a FieldTurf infield and natural grass outfield.  The Rex attracts a nice crowd to their home games. There is a merchandise tent that offers quite few different styles of clothing from caps to shirts to sweaters with the Rex logo. A kid's bounce house is behind the area, along with a few stools and tables overlooking the right field line. Neighborhood 3 The stadium is north of campus and is adjacent to a cemetery. Before renovations, the tombstones were highly visible from behind the outfield walls. The stadium does sit on 3rd Street, the main artery of town, where you will find a collection of local proprietors and national restaurant chains. The stadium is located about three miles north of I-70, where many of these options are located, but downtown Terre Haute is close and has the potential of becoming a burgeoning hot spot in town. The Candles Holocaust Museum and Education Center was created in 1995 by Holocaust survivor Eva Mozes. The impressive museum features holograms of her memories and stories that visitors can view as if she is still with them. The cost is only $8 a person for adults and is well worth your time when in town. The Terre Haute Children’s Museum is also worth a visit with the little ones that costs $9 for admission. The Clabber Girl Museum is located in the historic Hulman Building and highlights the company’s history in town, admission is complimentary. The Sycamore Winery is not too far from the ballpark and is set on beautiful grounds where visitors can enjoy both wine and beer that is brewed on-site. The best options are nearby downtown. M Moggers is an old reliable establishment that offers typical pub food and drinks, across the street is the Terre Haute Brewing Company. A tad bit down the road is J Gumbo’s - my destination for cheap eats and creative thinking; try the Black and bleu dip with nachos, bumblebee stew, Cajun nachos, Jean Lafitte po’boy, creole ratatouille. Gerhardt’s is a little further north of downtown, but worth the drive for homemade German cuisine. Rick’s Smokehouse is another option for smoked ribs and pulled pork. Terre Haute is nearby other Prospect League clubs in Danville and Lafayette, Danville Stadium and Loeb Stadium are two other Prospect League facilities that offer a great vibe during the summer months. Another ballpark, Victory Field , is located a little bit over an hour in downtown Indianapolis and is one the best in the minor leagues. Fans 3 The Rex attracts their fair share of the casual and dedicated fan base. Many come out to enjoy the winning baseball by the club and many others find it a great way to entertain the kids or socialize with friends during the summer months. The ballpark is never fully packed but they are impressive in numbers at times that bring a livelihood to the place. Access 4 Bob Warn Field is located two and a half miles north of I-70. The best way to get there is to exit onto 3rd Street from the interstate and continue north. You will pass the campus to your right and once you cross over the bridge, the stadium is on your left. The parking is free and close to the entrance of the stadium. Return on Investment 3 Tickets to Rex games are as low as $8 for adults and $5 for youths. The price of a backstop grandstand seat is $10, reserved seats are $12, and scout seats up against the field are $15. The price to park your car is free and concession items are reasonable. There is a charge to park on the paved lot outside the entrance, but there is free parking on the asphalt lot across the street. Food prices consist of $3 regular hot dogs to $8 can domestic beers. Extras 2 Bob Warn Field is a fine facility to watch college baseball in the spring, or collegiate wood baseball during the summer in Terre Haute. It is a much-needed upgrade from the original structure that once stood at the same location. Bob Warn Field earns a second point for offering team programs for $3 that include raffle numbers inside for prizes throughout the game. ------ Follow all of Marc’s stadium journeys on Twitter @ballparkhunter and his YouTube channel . Email at Marc.Viquez@stadiumjourney.com

Photos by Chris Green, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.14 Sebring International Raceway 113 Midway Dr Sebring, FL 33870 SRO America website Sebring International Raceway website Year Opened: 1950 The Other Sebring Sportscar Weekend The race season at Sebring may be more well known for the annual IMSA 12 Hours , but another event is on the schedule to garner the attention of fans. The annual SRO America weekend, featuring no less than five race series on track, showcases sportscar racing’s best machines on this historic circuit. Running the former WWII B-17 airfield course, this race is a great place for families and car enthusiasts, complete with car shows and thrilling race action.   Food & Beverage   3 There are only a few food vendors around the track at Sebring, all of them located in the paddock area by victory lane. The ever-popular Track Shack by the main tower closes during the weekend and operates out of a smaller location by the podium area. There are also a few food trucks and vendors that set up over there as well, with a large open-air tent set up for you to enjoy your food and drinks in the shade with a trackside view. The cost of everything is also what one may consider moderately fair, as food and snack items range from just a few dollars to $12-$14 for bigger items at the Snack Shack.   Atmosphere   3 The Sebring facility is steeped in racing history; fans from around the world regard it as one of the best tracks for many reasons. SRO America’s race weekend features a much more laid-back vibe compared to the IMSA 12 Hours , and everyone seems to be here to have a great time. This track lacks many of the conventional amenities one would expect from a top-level racetrack, but makes up for it with its viewing access and history. Access to Green Park is included all weekend, something not always open during smaller events, and fans can also watch from the main tower’s second level viewing platforms, an area roped off during IMSA weekend; reserved then only for suite guests. The biggest downside to SRO’s date in May is that the early summer heat of Central Florida means temperatures can soar into the 90s – this makes for quite a steamy day of watching racing, with very little shade to be had for fans without suite access. This year also saw the addition of a fully electric go kart race competition between local high schools taking place in the paddock. Held on Saturday of race weekend just outside the Turn 1 area, fans were given an up close view to students working on their karts and then racing against each other to show their engineering skills.   Neighborhood   3 There isn’t exactly anything around Sebring International Raceway, as it is located in the middle of nowhere. Sebring itself is a town located in the middle of Florida, at least an hour and a half drive from the nearest major city or population center. Thus, while the town of Sebring itself may have some shopping and dining, as well as a few hotels, you are likely better off camping at the track and staying there the whole weekend.   Fans   3 The fans at SRO America weekend cross over from other events at Sebring, inc luding IMSA , SCCA, and HSR events. Trackside camping is popular all around the track, and as usual, several fans decorate their campers and campsites with lights and decorations, though nowhere to the level of 12 Hour attendees. Thankfully, the craziness of IMSA weekend is nowhere to be found here, and a much more family-friendly atmosphere can be enjoyed because of it. Without a doubt, Saturday is the best day to attend, with the most racing action on track happening that day, as well as car shows and fan access to several grid walks on pit road throughout the event. Unfortunately, fan interest in this event has dropped over the past few years, leaving a much less busy track, as well as fewer trackside campers seen in the infield. Access   3 The roads in and out of Sebring aren’t exactly major highways, with the biggest road being US-27 running towards Miami to the South and Orlando to the North. There is plenty of parking at the track, however, and trams are available to help take you from the further parking lots to various points of interest around the track. At Sebring International Raceway you never feel like you are too far from anywhere either, as there are several perfectly placed crossover bridges around the track to get you to key points of interest throughout the weekend. Any fan can also come down to the paddock and get up close to the stars and cars that are in attendance.   Return on Investment   4 Tickets to SRO America weekend here are much less expensive than the IMSA  event in March – this means you get to enjoy the sights and sounds of similar race cars and drivers without breaking the bank. Without a doubt, SRO weekend is a great event to take younger fans to as well, and your access during this event is much more up close than at traditional races you may go to. Friday tickets are just $15, with tickets for Saturday or Sunday at just $25. A 3-day ticket runs $50, with weekend parking sold for $20. Camping trackside is $200, while car corral access runs anywhere from $60 to $100. Various club access options are also available for the event.   Extras   3 Taking in the race at Sebring has its perks for fans, with various autograph sessions held throughout the weekend. In addition, fans also have the opportunity to get into the paddock area of the track free of charge, giving an up-close view of the teams as they prepare for racing on the historic circuit. Also, before the main event on Sunday all the teams bring their cars out to the pit lane before the race starts, so fans can come to see the cars and drivers up close. Final Thoughts The annual SRO America weekend is a great place to watch some racing action on one of America’s most historic race circuits. Filled with exciting action, this weekend is a must-go for all the fans who don’t want the craziness of the IMSA 12 Hour  weekend, and instead are looking for a family friendly race day. While the heat of early Florida may be rough for some, you get a great weekend with lots of race action if you’re willing to brave it.

Photos by Gregory Koch, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.57 Finch Field 7003 Ball Park Rd. Thomasville, NC 27360 Thomasville HiToms website Finch Field website Year Opened: 1935 Capacity: 2,000 No Doubting Thomas Baseball has been played at Finch Field in Thomasville, North Carolina since 1937, when it was home to the Thomasville Chair Makers of what was then the North Carolina State League. It hosted affiliated minor league ball under many names over the years, before the High Point-Thomasville Hi-Toms (with a hyphen in the nickname) moved away in 1969. Baseball finally returned 30 years later, when the High Point-Thomasville HiToms (no hyphen in the nickname) joined the Coastal Plain League, a summer collegiate league in the southeast. In the intervening years, Finch Field underwent some renovations, as the grandstand burned to the ground in 1982 and was rebuilt, but the stadium still exists today much as it did then. The HiToms have produced several players who have gone on to play in the big leagues, including Todd Wellemeyer and Zach Gelof. Food & Beverage 4 There are two concession stands at Finch Field. One stand is located behind the seating bowl and sells hot dogs and nachos in addition to ice cream, popcorn, Snow-cones, candy, and peanuts. Soda and bottled water are also available at this stand. The prices are quite reasonable with nothing being more than a few dollars, but the selection is limited, and, other than the ice cream, which was rich and creamy, the food is not the best quality. There is a second stand in left field that serves much better burgers, fries, and chicken sandwiches. Prices here are a bit higher than the home plate stand, but a cheeseburger with fries will cost $10, or an extra 50 cents if you want the TomKat Burger with special sauce. This stand takes longer since everything is made to order, but there is a picnic area with tables and chairs you can watch the game from while you wait, or you can just stand along the fence. Still, we recommend ordering from this stand before the game starts if possible. Atmosphere 4 Finch Field is a historic, classic ballpark that is a throwback to the days of yore. There is still an old-fashioned, manual scoreboard in left-centerfield although it is no longer used. Instead, there is a small digital scoreboard to its left. The grandstand at Finch Field is located behind home plate and is partially covered by a slanted roof. The first few rows are chairbacks which are technically reserved, although this is not always enforced, while the remainder of the seats are bleachers that are general admission. The HiToms have several contests on the field in between innings, including classics such as the dizzy bat race as well as children racing down the foul line on hopping balls. The in-stadium host will call kids down to the HiToms dugout to come onto the field like he is the announcer on The Price is Right telling people to come on down because they are the next contestant. Neighborhood 3 The park itself is just off the business loop of Interstate 85 near where it meets North Carolina Route 68, US Route 70, and US Route 29. There is not much to do in the immediate vicinity of the ballpark, but if you head south on Route 68 a bit, you will find a part of town with several local businesses. Rosa Mae's Cafe serves homestyle comfort food, and there are several Mexican restaurants including Tortilleria El Tio. There isn't a lot going on in Thomasville, but you should find something to do. Fans 3 The HiToms will almost never sell out a home game, but they do draw a loyal group of fans from the Thomasville community. They partner with local schools to bring children to the game, and many of them keep coming back for more afterwards. Expect a couple hundred fans in attendance for a typical game, which won't fill even the small grandstand, but will bring some energy to the game on a warm summer night. Access 2 There are several roads to Finch Field, including the I-85 business loop, US 29, US 70, and NC 68. However, once you get near the ballpark, where to go is tricky. There is a sign for the entrance, but you then may need to make several more turns after that. Parking is in a gravel and grass lot, and part of it is within foul ball territory so be careful. Confusingly, there is a portion where you have to drive through a gate that looks like it may be the gate to the stadium. It is not, it is the gate to the parking lot, and you can drive through it to go park. The gates to the stadium are built into a brick facade and will be obvious, though there is a fancier gate in left field that bizarrely remains locked. The restrooms inside the stadium are behind home plate. They are sufficient for the crowds but the toilets had not been cleaned well when we visited, and had what appeared to be dead bugs on the inside of the bowl. Return on Investment 5 Tickets to HiToms games are $7 for general admission bleacher seating or $8 for chairbacks, although when we visited nobody was checking to make sure people were sitting in the appropriate seats so you could probably get away with buying the $7 seats and sitting in a chairback. Many fans appeared to be doing just that. Concessions are reasonable priced and parking is free. This makes a HiToms game an outstanding value. Extras 4 Volunteers roam the stands and the concourse selling tickets for a 50-50 raffle for the chance for fans to win a prize. There is a small team store behind home plate selling HiToms gear starting as low as $10. The picnic table seating in left field is worth an extra star here for providing a unique vantage point to watch a game. Look for the banners behind home plate honoring the HiToms' championships, both in the Coastal Plain League and in the days of affiliated ball. Final Thoughts Finch Field is a historic baseball stadium that is still going strong. The High Point-Thomasville HiToms manage to put on a great fan experience while still having that community feel. Baseball fans in North Carolina will definitely want to spend a summer night watching baseball at this fine old ballpark.

Photos by Ben Alkaly, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.29 ExtraMile Arena 1401 Bronco Ln Boise, ID 88725 Boise State Broncos website ExtraMile Arena website Year Opened: 1982 Capacity: 12,820 Going the ExtraMile to Deliver a Great Fan Experience Boise State has made its mark in college athletics as a football school, but a visit to ExtraMile Arena proves that basketball hardly plays second fiddle. In the Spud State’s Capitol, a high-energy hoops experience awaits Bronco fans. Opened in 1982 as the BSU Pavilion and sitting adjacent to the trademark blue turf of the university’s imposing Albertson Stadium , the arena saw a 15-year run as Taco Bell Arena end in 2019 when convenience store chain ExtraMile signed on as naming rights sponsor for $8.4M over 15 years. In addition to serving as home for the Bronco men’s basketball, women’s basketball, and women’s gymnastics teams, ExtraMile hosts concerts for national touring acts, plus BSU’s graduation ceremonies and those of local high schools. Food & Beverage 4 You can’t walk the two concourses (Parquet – first level and Mezzanine – second level) for too long without encountering a concession stand. Standard stadium fare dominates, but there are specialty options like BBQ, pizza, and Mexican, from outposts of local eateries. My $14 steak burrito from La Tapatia, prepared at a cart, was a bit bland, clearly catering to those who like their salsa mild. Most entrees throughout the arena are priced in the same range, with snacks hovering around $4-$7, including BSU-branded potato chips. The craft beer craze is alive and well in Boise, with selections like Kona Big Wave, Golden Horseshoe, and Westwater available, some on tap and others canned. Expect to pay $12-$15 for a cold one, with domestics plus wine and seltzer on the lower end of the spectrum. There is no hard alcohol at ExtraMile Arena. Atmosphere 4 Approaching the main entrance of ExtraMile Arena in its southeast corner, you know you’re headed for a well-staged college sports event. There’s a bright video marquee and an NBA feel to the venue. Bronco fans appeared to be an early-arriving crowd, walking and mingling on the concourses in a sea of blue branded gear, where mascot Buster is roaming and eager for photo ops. The dedicated student fan section is called the Corral, and in addition to seats behind the basket, students are enticed with free Domino’s pizza. Free Pizza for Students at ExtraMile Arena, Photo by Ben Alkaly, Stadium Journey Pregame intros involve swirling lights, flames shooting in the air, and deafening hip-hop to get the crowd energized. A cavernous, three-level arena means those removed from the action might not catch everything, so there are flat-screen TVs positioned throughout to provide close-ups, including on the underside of the third deck for those at the back of the second level. Neighborhood 3 Most of the pregame action is found southeast of ExtraMile and Albertsons Stadium along Broadway, with classic college sports bars like The End Zone and Suds Tavern interspersed with inexpensive eateries spanning the culinary gamut. Allow for a brisk 15 minute walk to reach the arena. About a mile north, across the Boise River in downtown is the Baque Block, with shops and eateries owned by the city’s sizeable community with roots in Spain’s Basque region. Expect hearty, meat-based fare. Fans 4 The halo effect from years of football success, plus a number of March Madness appearances under current head coach Leon Rice has cultivated a passionate Boise State fan base. As is often the case in cities without pro sports, this is “the big show in town,” attracting the current student body, alums, and local families alike. Boise State basketball fans are a loud and knowledgeable bunch, enthusiastically supporting players for strong plays. Access 3 Expect to get your steps in when attending a game at Extra Mile Arena. The lots adjacent the basketball and football venues, to the north of University Dr., are reserved for season ticket holders and donors. Casual fans are instructed to park in the school-owned lots and garages south of University, where attendants are on-hand to collect the $10 fee. I was able to find free street parking on Denver Ave., after carefully examining the posted restrictions and confirming with a BSU employee. I was grateful to return postgame and not find a ticket! Return on Investment 4 Like most venues, how close you sit determines the cost of admission. Upper mezzanine tickets can be had around $15, to premium courtside seats in the triple-digits. Tickets are readily available on third-party apps, which is where I purchased mine. I opted for a center court seat near at the top of level of the Parquet level for $28. Tickets to Boise State women’s basketball and gymnastics cost less, and the athletic department offers promos that can potentially allow you to cheer on these teams for free with the purchase of men’s tickets. Extras 1 ExtraMile Arena has hosted the opening rounds of the NCAA men’s basketball tournament nine times, and was the site of one of March Madness’ iconic moments. In 1995, UCLA’s Tyus Edney drove coast-to-coast  in 4.8 seconds for a buzzer-beating layup to defeat Missouri 74-73 in the second round, en route to the Bruins’ national championship run.

Photos by Richard Smith, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.29 Joe Cannon Stadium 7611 Ridge Chapel Rd Hanover, MD 21076 Maryland Monarchs website Joe Cannon Stadium website Year Opened: 1990 Capacity: 1,500 Arundel Mills Baseball The Maryland Collegiate Baseball League is a summer collegiate league with players from many colleges, but mostly from regional colleges and universities, such as Towson, Maryland, Penn State, UMBC, and Mount St Mary's. The Monarchs play at Joe Cannon Stadium in Arundel County, Maryland. Joe Cannon Stadium is also home to the Coppin State University baseball program. When Joe Cannon Stadium was opened in 1990, the area was not very developed. Since then, this area has been the center of rapid growth and development. The large Arundel Mills Mall and Maryland Live Casino are nearly across the street from the stadium. BWI Airport is also located nearby, and the sight of airplanes taking off is not uncommon. Food & Beverage 0 There are no food options available for a Monarchs baseball game. A concession stand exists at Joe Cannon Stadium, but is not used during Monarchs games.  Neither soda nor snack machines are located here. Atmosphere 2 The seating section sits pretty high off the field, which limits fan participation. And that is if there are fans at the game. The atmosphere is almost non-existent, although a PA announcer keeps you in the game with announcements and music played between players. The seats are metal bleachers with no backing. It may be worth it to go all the way to the top of the stands so that you will have a better view of your seat, but you will be a bit further from the action. Many of the fans do not even sit in the stands, but bring their chair to sit along the chain link fence along the foul lines. This may offer a bit more interesting view than in the main grandstand. The stadium did have a recent renovation that added an artificial turf field and other player amenities. Neighborhood 4 The stadium is located in the woods but is across from a thriving development. Arundel Mills Mall is very popular, so much so that parking can be difficult at times. The addition of the Maryland Live Casino adds to the popularity of the area. Luckily, the casino has added a large parking garage to alleviate some parking problems. Food options are varied. The closest options are within walking distance across the parking lots. Subway and The Greene Turtle are close and offer options for both carry-out and eat-in. The Greene Turtle has a diverse menu, offering more intriguing options, including everything from Raspberry Turkey Flatbread down to a more usual bar food menu. They also offer many happy hour foods and drink specials at the bar. There are so many other food options in the area, from standard fast food fare to upscale restaurants at the casino. There are a few hotels also in the area, with ALoft and Element located within walking distance of Joe Cannon Stadium. Fans 2 The fans at the stadium appear to be mostly family and friends. Access 3 Joe Cannon Stadium is near most of the large highways in the area, such as I-295, I-95, and Maryland Route 100. So, access is technically very good. The abundance of highways does not tell the whole story. The traffic around Arundel Mills Mall can be stifling. You can expect to sit through many lights just to make simple and small turns. Weekend games will be worse than weekday games. Plan your trips accordingly, as you may need to be patient for the most simple of rides. Parking at the stadium is plentiful and free. Return on Investment 4 Games are free to attend, and there are no other costs associated with the stadium, so the value for the fans is very good. Extras 1 The large water tower located beyond the left field wall is an interesting sight to see at a baseball game. It may not be the Green Monster or the Camden Yards Warehouse, but it gives fans at Joe Cannon Stadium an interesting view. Final Thoughts The stadium is an enjoyable place to watch a game, especially since it is free. You will not be wowed by the field, nor probably the talent level, but it can offer a good option away from the crowded shopping environment located nearby. A good option for many fans is to drop those of their party who wish to shop at the mall while others take in a game.

Photos by Gregory Koch, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.57 Truist Field 324 S Mint St Charlotte, NC 28202 Charlotte Knights website Truist Field website Year Opened: 2014 Capacity: 10,200 Baseball the Queen City Located in the heart of Uptown Charlotte, Truist Field is home to the Charlotte Knights, the Triple-A affiliate of the Chicago White Sox. The gorgeous ballpark opened in 2014 and offers sweeping views of the Charlotte skyline beyond the outfield fence. The ballpark is one of three major sporting venues in Uptown, including Bank of America Stadium, home of the Carolina Panthers , and the Spectrum Center, home of the Charlotte Hornets . Food & Beverage 5 Truist Field has some top notch concessions. In addition to the classics here such as burgers, hot dogs, and personal pizzas, you will find everything from barbecue sandwiches to pulled pork nachos to chicken and waffle sandwiches and much, much more. Even more unusual options include Italian beef sandwiches, fried PB&J, and empanadas. These options are scattered at concession stands and mobile carts throughout the ballpark, so we suggest doing a 360 degree walk around before deciding what to order. Keep in mind that Truist Field is a cashless facility, so only credit cards are accepted at the stands. Atmosphere 5 Truist Field is a gorgeous baseball stadium, and a Charlotte Knights game is a fun atmosphere from the moment you walk into the ballpark. The stadium has a 360 degree concourse, and the field is visible from everywhere on it except when it passes behind the home plate club and the batter's eye in centerfield. There are some group areas in the outfield, but all the seats in foul territory are chairbacks. No matter where you sit, you will be up close to the action. There are also some rails on the concourse where fans can set down their food and drink, stand, and watch the game. These are especially popular for early afternoon games where it can be very hot and only a small portion of the seating bowl will be in the shade,, so fans prefer to stand on the concourse under cover than sit in the brutal sun and heat. A large videoboard is located in left-centerfield, while a smaller digital scoreboard built into the right-centerfield fence shows the linescore. Before the game starts, the Knights will bring a young fan onto the field to be "knighted" by the team's mascot, Homer the Dragon. The team leans heavily into the dragon theme - there is a dragon statue beyond the left field fence that blows smoke after Knights home runs and victories. In addition to the traditional seventh inning stretch, the team plays "Sweet Caroline" during the middle of the sixth inning. At the line "Look at the night", the scoreboard will actually display the lyric as "Look at the knight" as a reference to the team's nickname. During the song, Homer will dance on the field with a second Dragon mascot, Caroline, who seems to only come out for this purpose. Neighborhood 5 Truist Field is located in the heart of Uptown Charlotte, what would be called downtown in most other cities. This is a fantastic area with many hotels, restaurants, and bars, most of which are within walking distance of the stadium. Here, you will find everything from diners to tacos to fine dining and everything in between. Uptown is the heart and soul of the city of Charlotte and you will find just about anything you want to eat or drink within the vicinity of Truist Field. Fans 4 The Charlotte Knights average about 7,000 fans per home game, which ranks them near the middle of the International League but towards the top of Minor League Baseball. Of course, how many will show up depends on the day. Saturday nights tend to draw the most, but afternoon games don't necessarily draw well due to the heat. if it is a fireworks night, you can expect a good crowd as well. The fans will cheer during big moments but most of the crowd here is pretty casual. Access 5 Numerous highways lead to Charlotte, but the final stretch to the ballpark may involve multiple rapid merges and lane changes due to the way the streets and highways are designed. Parking can be reserved in advance for the Mint Street garage, and this is your best bet as it costs under $15. Just scan the pass on your way into the garage. On your way in, you may pass by other lots offering parking for exorbitant prices, especially if there is an event going on at Bank of America Stadium that day, but the Mint Street Garage is both closer and cheaper. Note that despite the name, the gameday entrance to the garage is not on Mint Street but on Martin Luther King, Jr. Boulevard, directly across from the right field gate. You can also take the Blue Line light rail to Mint Street, although it only runs every 30 minutes. If there is another event at Bank of America Stadium before or after the game, things can be a bit chaotic as the two venues share the garage. However, workers do a good job separating the entering traffic from the leaving traffic, and police officers direct vehicles and pedestrians outside the garage to make sure everything flows smoothly. Once inside, the concourses are more than wide enough and the restrooms more than sufficient for the crowds. Return on Investment 4 Knights games are pretty expensive, with tickets starting at $23, and going up to above $30 for seats directly behind home plate. However, this is the highest level of minor league baseball, and the quality of play on the field as well as the quality of fan entertainment is as good as you will get in minor league baseball. Parking prices are not bad for a downtown location, considering it can cost five times as much to park in that same garage for events at Bank of America Stadium. Concessions are decently priced as well. Overall, a Charlotte Knights game is a good value for fans. Extras 4 Free programs are available as you come in, a rarity nowadays as so much has switched to digital. A second star for the beautiful views beyond the outfield fence of the Charlotte skyline. The dragon billowing smoke in the outfield after home runs is worthy of an extra star here. A fourth star for a wacky mascot race tradition. Every home game, King Meck, Queen Charlotte, and Jerry the Jester race around the warning track during the Royalty Race, a reference to Charlotte's nickname, the Queen City. They are subject to get into wacky hijinks like getting pelted with orange balls by the mascot. It is always fun and amusing to watch. Final Thoughts Truist Field is one of the finest fields in minor league baseball. With a 360 degree concourse, a multitude of seating areas, a fan favorite mascot, and more, a trip here is a must for any baseball fan in the Carolinas.

A packed group of kids attending a Schaumburg Boomers game, photo by Michael Rusignuolo. Scientists interested in such things trade arguments between the 1883 eruption at Krakatoa and the 1997 sub-oceanic bloop as the loudest noises ever recorded by man. I'd like to throw a third contender into the ring: The sound of any mascot giving away a t-shirt at a "School Day" event in a full ballpark. After a recent week of baseball travels during these events, I know that my hearing might never be the same. WHAT ARE SCHOOL DAYS? Variously named "School Days," "Education Days," or some improvisation on that theme, promotional events where teams offer blocks of discounted tickets to educational institutions in their area, usually in early- to mid-May at independent or low-minor league affiliated baseball. The events line up with the waning of the school year when field trips and other fun events are common.  Although the teams aren't getting full price for every butt in a seat, this is a win-win, as it helps fill the park at the start of the season (which begins later than MLB and other upper-level leagues), giving an early boost to their attendance numbers, as well as spinning the turnstiles for weekday games, which can otherwise often see poor tallies. Students wave their hands for a free t-shirt at a Gary Railcats game, photo by Michael Rusignuolo. WHAT DOES IT MEAN FOR YOU? Whether you're just looking to catch a late spring game, or you're on a whole trip collecting new ballparks, School Day events have some very important ramifications. Check the time. School Day events generally have absurd start times as early as 10 AM, though they usually start between 11 AM and noon. Unless you are a Beantown diehard on Patriot's Day, that's not when you'd normally expect to see a ballgame. You need to roll out of bed and get yourself directly to the park. You'd usually have all afternoon to do other things, but you'll need to push them back until after the game ends, usually around 1 or 2 PM. It also pays to have your hotel be as near as possible to the park to shorten the early commute. Check your seats. You are going to be watching a game in the hottest hours of the day. If you worship the sun god, this is your time to shine. Berm or outfield seats will let you catch all the rays you can soak. If you are more sun and heat-adverse, be sure to ask for a ticket in the shade. With the large blocks of tickets going to schools, it might be hard to get a seat in the few areas that will be in the shade for the entire game.  Busses line up outside the home of the Joliet Slammers, photo by Michael Rusignuolo. If the ticket seller says they can't get you one in the shade, ask if it is okay to move if one is available. The answer is almost invariably "yes," but it is polite to ask. Other options include hanging out at standing counters on the shaded promenade or finding barstools, tables, or other non-assigned seating in the shade with a view of the field. Check your ears. While I was slightly exaggerating above, these games can get loud , with thousands of screaming children, especially around kid-friendly events such as mascot appearances, giveaways, and on-field events featuring their classmates. Check your expectations. If you are traveling with kids of your own, while they may be able to make a ton of new friends during these games, they are nearly assured of being shut out of any on-field events, which are usually pre-filled with students from the school groups. And they definitely will be fighting for the attention of the mascot-- which can be a child's favorite part of a trip--as well as their turn in any play areas in the park, which will likely be at capacity. Kids enjoy the grass berm seating at the Gary RailCats game, photo by Michael Rusignuolo . And even though many parks provide special areas for a few groups to get their food, lines will be longer than expected at concessions and stores during the game. (Though alcohol will still be on sale if you want to start drinking before noon.) Grab your consumables and merch before the start of the game for the least problems. And don't get caught on the promenade when the school groups go to their seats for the first time. "Traffic jam" doesn't do it justice. Also, parking may be more of a chore than normal, as some ballparks use nearby municipal lots as their main parking areas, but they may not be free during the day, as opposed to after-hours when the games usually start. Give yourself some extra time for parking. All that said, they can be fun experiences. One park employee said, "It is nice to see the stadium filled up." These are the best-attended weekday games for the team or any game of the year. You get a lively environment to watch a game with kids having fun, even if they aren't particularly paying attention to the action on the field.

Photos by Gregory Koch, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.43 Atrium Health Ballpark 1 Cannon Baller Way Kannapolis, NC 28083 Kannapolis Cannon Ballers website Atrium Health Ballpark website Year Opened: 2021 Capacity: 4,930 A New Stadium For Kannapolis Atrium Health Ballpark in Kannapolis, North Carolina is home to the Kannapolis Cannon Ballers, the Carolina League affiliate of the Chicago White Sox. The Kannapolis franchise was known as the Intimidators from 2001 to 2019, in reference to Kannapolis native Dale Earnhardt's nickname. However, legal issues with Earnhardt's widow over the rights to the name forced the team to rebrand in 2021. At the same time, the franchise, now known as the Cannon Ballers, moved into their gorgeous new downtown stadium after spending the prior years at the aging Intimidators Stadium. The Cannon Ballers nickname reflects Kannapolis's racing history, with the team logo depicting a stuntman with a mustache similar to Earnhardt's. Food & Beverage 5 Kannapolis offers a wide range of concessions options that should satisfy any fan. You have all the classic options such as hot dogs, sausages, chicken tenders, and burgers, but also more unique options, not to mention unique versions of more traditional foods. The Carolina smash burger in left field is topped with American cheese, chili, and slaw. Carolina barbecue is available at several stands and mobile carts, and there is a smokehouse stand in centerfield. For those with a sweet tooth, you can get not only ice cream but funnel cakes and mini-donuts, each of which have many toppings to choose from. There is also a grab and go stand behind home plate that just sells drinks and basic snacks, but will involve less waiting time than the other stands - perfect for the fans who just want to grab something small and don't want to wait on line. You should be in and out in under a minute. The Cannon Ballers also offer special items during certain games. Select Sundays are Southside Sundays, where they will serve Chicago-themed concessions such as Chicago dogs in reference to the team's affiliation with the Chicago White Sox. The night before we visited was Salute to Cheerwine Night, where the donut stand served Cheerwine glazed donuts. Speaking of Cheerwine, it is a North Carolina-made cherry flavored soda,, and it is available at the concession stands along with more traditional soda offerings and bottled water. Alcohol is also available to those of age. Prices at the concession stands are quite reasonable, and you can get additional value at the main stands by choosing a basket combo, which comes with fries and a drink at a discounted price. Atmosphere 4 Atrium Health Ballpark contains a 360-degree concourse that surrounds the entire field. There is an open plaza in the right field corner with concessions and a team store. You should be able to see the field from most of the concourse, except when it goes behind the batter's eye in centerfield. There is a berm in left field where fans can bring blankets and sit (but cannot bring their own chairs) and some group areas with tables, but the other seats are typical chairbacks. No matter where you sit, you will have a great view of the action as this is a small, intimate stadium. There is a large scoreboard located in left-centerfield and the linescore will be displayed on the right field fence as well in a digital graphic that ironically resembles the manual scoreboard at Wrigley Field, the home of the White Sox' cross town rival, the Chicago Cubs. The Cannon Ballers have a mascot named Boomer who resembles the stuntman in the team logo. He roams the stands and the concourse before and during games, interacting with fans. The team has many contests on the field and even some in the stands. One fan favorite involves the third base and first base sides attempting to pass giant oversized pizza boxes down to the emcee located behind home plate. The Cannon Ballers' mascot, Boomer Neighborhood 4 Although Kannapolis is not the largest city, Atrium Health Ballpark is right in the heart of the social district. Old Armor Beer Company, Sabor Latin Street Grill, the Corner Crust Pizza, and many more places are all located within a few blocks of the stadium. If the Cannon Ballers strike out seven opposing batters during the game, fans can take their ticket to Corner Crust for $5 off a giant 28-inch pizza. NASCAR fans may also want to check out the Dale Earnhardt tribute plaza at the corner of Cannon Baller Way and Main Street just east of the ballpark. Fans 4 The Cannon Ballers draw about 3,000 fans a game, which is slightly above average for the Carolina League. The fans in attendance can get loud at times and are deeply familiar with the team. It is not uncommon to hear them commenting in great detail as to what is going on on the field, or even what the team did in a previous game and what the manager is doing right or wrong. This is a relatively small ballpark that is just the right size for the crowds the team draws. Access 4 Kannapolis is easily accessible via several exits off I-85. There is a small $5 lot right next to the ballpark, but there is also ample free parking on the street and in municipal lots, much of it within a block of the ballpark, so we suggest parking in one of them instead. Not all of the lots are clearly signed. They are signed as municipal lots, but the signs do not always specifically say they are for gameday parking. Still, fans can park in any municipal lot. Some private lots are for customers of local businesses only, and signage clearly forbids event parking. There is a map on the city's website, though the situation is subject to change. The Kannapolis train station is also located a couple blocks away and is served four times a day in each direction by the Piedmont , which runs from Charlotte to Raleigh. The Carolinian , which runs all the way from Charlotte to New York City via Washington, D.C, also serves the station once daily in each direction. Once inside, the concourse is more than wide enough for the fans, and there are several large, clean sets of restrooms. Return on Investment 5 Tickets start at just $15 for seats further up the foul line, and other than club seats, the most expensive tickets behind home plate are just $22.50. Concessions are quite affordable, especially if you buy a combo, and parking is free if you know where to go. There are also ticket packages for select home games that can enhance your value even more, so check the Cannon Ballers' website for more details. Extras 5 Atrium Health Ballpark has not one but two team stores, a large one in the right field corner by the ticket office and a smaller one down the first base line closer to home plate. A second star for the 360 degree concourse and the many vantage points and areas from which to watch the game. There is a kids' play area in left field that earns a third star here. The stadium is open to the public on non-gamedays, and kids can even play in the play area. A fifth and final star for the plaques on the ground on the right field plaza honoring Kannapolis baseball history. Final Thoughts Atrium Health Ballpark is one of the finest new ballparks in Minor League Baseball. The experience at a Kannapolis Cannon Ballers game is top-notch and baseball fans in the Carolinas will definitely want to make the trip here to see a game.

Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.86 Honda Center 2695 E Katella Ave Anaheim, CA 92806 Anaheim Ducks website Honda Center website Year Opened: 1993 Capacity: 17,174 Don’t Call Them Mighty Back in the 1990s Disney put out a popular movie franchise about a youth hockey team called “The Mighty Ducks.” At about the same time the National Hockey League was looking to expand into new markets. Looking to tap into an underserved market, the league awarded Disney a franchise to be placed in Anaheim, CA. Disney named their new team “The Mighty Ducks” after their movies. Despite some apprehension over the movie tie-in, the team was successful both on and off the ice, setting a record (at the time) for most wins by a team in their first year, and rocketing to the top of the NHL in terms of merchandise sales. Now in their third decade of operation, the Ducks (they dropped the “Mighty” from their nickname when Disney sold the team in 2006) have experienced a great deal of success, capturing 14 playoff berths, six division titles, two conference titles and a Stanley Cup Championship in 2007. Seven players who have played for the Ducks have been inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame. Food & Beverage 4 There is a good selection of concessions at the Honda Center. With many stands located throughout both concourses, the menu hits all the expected notes. For visiting fans looking for something beyond the typical arena fare, Outlaws Smokehouse sells their signature brisket and pulled pork sandwiches as well as smoked BBQ ribs with corn and slaw. Of course, this is southern California, so fans can find tacos and burritos at Wahoo’s Fish Tacos. Check out the stands selling snack items such as gourmet cupcakes, homemade cookies and candy apples. A variety of healthier choices and gluten-free options are available as well. A complete map of the Honda Center’s concessions can be found here. 7-Up/RC Cola provides the beverages at the Honda Center. Go for the Ducks souvenir cup, which allows unlimited refills throughout the game. Fans looking for adult beverages will be pleased to find a wide variety of brews, both from national brands as well as local craft brewery Golden Road. Wine and specialty cocktails are sold throughout the arena. Be aware that you will be paying premium prices for food at the Honda Center. Also, be ready for long, slow-moving lines at many of the concession stands. The air conditioning, cranked up to the maximum in this building, blows directly down on fans in line while waiting for their food. Perhaps the facility is trying to boost sales of their hot items. Atmosphere 4 Hockey fans are different in California. They don’t seem as involved in the game as your typical northeast or Canadian fan. The Ducks do attract good crowds to the Honda Center and many of them are as die-hard as they come, but the building lacked a certain energy during Stadium Journey’s visit. Perhaps the team’s slide towards the bottom of the conference standings has affected the atmosphere here. Veteran fans will find much that is familiar in the game day presentation here, from the video board hung at center ice that provides replays, game stats and graphics. There is plenty of noise to fill up the building during play stoppages and the occasional t-shirt toss and social media shout out to keep the casual fans involved. The team’s mascot, Wild Wing, was nowhere to be found during Stadium Journey’s visit. Neighborhood 4 Fans spoiled by downtown arenas with plenty of things to do a short walk from their favorite rink may not think too highly of the Honda Center’s location right off the highway surrounded by acres of parking lots. There are a few restaurants nearby within a short walk, including J.T. Schmid’s Restaurant and Brewery and the Lazy Dog Restaurant and Bar. Angel Stadium is located just a half mile up Douglass Road. Still, this is not a neighborhood that would ordinarily rate a high score. Then why an above average score for neighborhood? Because Disneyland is only about three miles away! Local attractions don’t get much bigger than this. While it may not be everyone’s cup of tea, it will undoubtedly be on the agenda for many visitors to the area, regardless of age. Visiting fans looking for places to stay while in Anaheim will find no shortage of options in the area. Fans 4 The Ducks enjoyed a good stretch at or near the top of the NHL during the ‘00s. Now that the team is in a rebuilding mode, the Honda Center has seen a decline in attendance. Thus far in the 2019-20 season the Ducks are averaging just short of 16,000 fans per game, ranking them 26th in the league. Ducks fans tend to be a bit more laid-back than some of their counterparts around the NHL. Visiting fans can feel comfortable sporting their team colors and bringing the entire family. Access 3 You would think that the Honda Center, with its location right off of Route 57 (the Orange Freeway) and acres of parking lots surrounding the facility, would rate a higher than average score. Unfortunately, the legendary southern California traffic drags this score down to average. Be sure to give yourself extra time to arrive in Anaheim. For fans using alternate means of transportation, the Anaheim Regional Transportation Intermodal Center , located across the street from the Honda Center, houses public transportation options from throughout Orange County. Once you arrive at the Honda Center, staff do a nice job of getting you off the road and into one of the many parking lots within walking distance of the arena. The facility does a security screening as you enter the building, and they do practice a clear bag policy. Be sure to check out the Honda Center’s security policies before your trip. During Stadium Journey’s visit, the security screening went as far as to not allow this writer to enter the building with a small point and shoot-style camera because it had “video capabilities.” Never mind that my phone probably takes better video than this camera and the camera was allowed under their stated policy, staff could not be persuaded. Fans enter the Honda Center into a bright, clean concourse with plenty of concession stands and restrooms on both sides. Getting around can be an issue in spots, but traffic generally flows well. Long lines form during intermission, so plan your trips accordingly. There are no escalators to the upper level, leaving fans to huff it up the stairs or wait for the occasional elevator. All seats are padded folding stadium seats which provide decent leg room and comfort, even for larger fans. Sight lines are excellent from all seats, even up near the top of the upper deck. Be warned that the Honda Center is kept VERY cold during Ducks games. Remember that if you are dressed for the warm southern California weather, you will need an extra layer or two while inside. Return on Investment 4 Like many other arenas in the National Hockey League, going to a game at the Honda Center can cost you a few dollars. Affordable tickets can be found, however, for Ducks games. Tickets start as low as $20 for upper deck seating, and top off at about $100 in the lower deck. Games against local rivals the Kings and Sharks are generally more expensive, as are weekend tilts. Bargains can be found on the secondary market, but the high cost of parking ($25) and food drive up the overall cost. Extras 4 An extra point is awarded for the enormous pro shop with plenty of merchandise tie-ins with the Mighty Ducks movie franchise. No matter if you want your shirt with the name Kariya or Selanne, Goldberg or Conway on the back, you’ll find it here. An extra point is awarded for the banners hanging from the Honda Center rafters. The retired numbers for Ducks greats Paul Kariya (#9), Teemu Selanne (#8) and Scott Neidermayer (#27) hang alongside Division, Conference and the team’s lone Stanley Cup banner, won in 2007. Free programs are available to all fans at Ducks games. A final extra point is awarded for the southern California touches throughout the facility. In addition to banners and photos commemorating highlights of Anaheim’s hockey history, fans may notice surfboards, beach scenes and skateboards decorating the walls. Final Thoughts While hockey may not be the first thing on your mind as you wander around southern California during a warm winter day, a trip to the Honda Center provides a mighty good experience for any fan, whether you are coming from the frigid north or not. Follow Paul Baker’s stadium journeys on Twitter  and Instagram  @PuckmanRI.

Photos by Greg Venuto, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.00 Little Caesars Arena 2645 Woodward Ave Detroit, MI 48201 Detroit Red Wings website Little Caesars Arena website Year Opened: 2017 Capacity: 19,515 The Red Sea Of Detroit Little Caesars Arena, the Detroit Red Wings 3rd home, is a sea of red. Between the home fans’ jerseys, the red banners hanging from the rafters, and the arena with robust red lighting is almost an assault on the eyes. But there’s no doubt whose building this is as fans file into the seating area. It’s hard to believe the facility is already seven years old but it is still tied for the third youngest in the NHL with T-Mobile in Las Vegas. The Red Wings played at the Olympia from 1927 to 1979 before moving to Joe Louis Arena on the Detroit River from 79 until 2016. Little Caesars, which anchors The District Detroit, a 50-block, mixed-use development connecting downtown and midtown, is also home to the NBA’s Detroit Pistons . The Red Wings are one of the Original Six – the group of six teams that made up the National Hockey League between 1942 and 1967. Detroit, which plays in the Atlantic Division of the Eastern Conference, was once a major player but has not been to the playoffs since 2016. From 1997 through 2008, the Wings won four Stanley Cups including back-to-back crowns in 97 and 98. The post-season drought has diminished the enthusiasm to an extent but the city is a hockey hotbed referred to as Hockeytown. A glass roof is erected between the buildings and the arena itself. The roof forms an indoor "street" that serves as the arena's concourse which is open year-round. There is also an outdoor plaza with a large video display. The east side of the building is connected to bars and restaurants. The BELFOR Training Center, the official practice facility of the Red Wings, is connected to the building on the north side. It is also home to Little Caesars Amateur Hockey. Food & Beverage 5 The four restaurants at Little Caesars Arena are: • PointsBet Sports Bar • Mike's Pizza Bar • The Mixing Board • UWM District Market There are at least 10 different bars. Coca-Cola products are the arena soft drink of choice. The Coop, 313 Grill Co., and Little Caesars Pizza (with traditional Detroit style available) are found on both the power and upper concourse. For more local fare there is the Dearborn Sausage Haus and National Coney Island. There is also standard stadium food such as hot dogs and a taqueria. Atmosphere 4 The stadium has an old-time feel combined with an impressive brick facade. The Southwest entry might be the most impressive next to the Via Sports Bar and the Ted Lindsay statute. The concourse is an open bright space with high ceilings in which you can see outside through the glass ceiling. There is a band playing before the game which creates a festive atmosphere. There are manhole covers with names and numbers of many of the Red Wings/Pistons’ greats. The Red Wings have no trouble drawing fans but enthusiasm and winning go hand in hand and the Wings have not made the playoffs since 2016. The Wings averaged 18,980 last season (2023 - 2024) and are sold out for almost every game. On this weeknight visit, there were many families and younger fans which is great for the team and the league. The crowd is knowledgeable but maybe not as passionate as one would expect from an Original 6 team. The Red Wings have a great organ led by famous organist Lance Luce but rely more on recorded music to pump up the crowd. Luce has been at LCA since 2017. The music and PA announcements are played at an acceptable level. The LED lighting exhibition leading up to the game is impressive. The arena has smoke machines in each corner of the rink that billow white and red smoke following Red Wing goals. Neighborhood 4 The city of Detroit gets a bad rap. The city is clean with no graffiti and few homeless people around. The area around the arena is safe. Hockeytown is a great spot for fans to congregate pre and post-game. LCA is close to the Fox Theater with Comerica Park and Ford Field in reasonable proximity. The two most famous hot dog places (American Coney Island and Lafayette Coney Island) are 19 minutes away on Michigan Avenue. Detroit dogs are topped with chili, onions, and mustard. The legendary Buddy’s Pizza, famous for its Detroit-style square slices, is just a 15-minute walk from the stadium. The Greektown area with its casinos is about a mile away and the Hollywood Greektown Hotel is a good option with lower prices than most. Hotels are expensive as there are not a plethora of choices downtown. Fans 4 Red Wings jerseys with the well-known winged wheel are worn by most of the fans in attendance. The Wings have averaged 19,393 for the first month of the 2024 season just short of capacity. Other than Let’s Go Red Wings the fans have no other chants. Access 4 Downtown Detroit is quite a distance from the Detroit Airport and minimal public transportation is available from the airport. An Uber ride will cost $50 – $60 each way to and from downtown. An above-ground People Mover train and QLine streetcar (both are free) can be taken to get close to Little Caesars Arena. The People Mover stops about half a mile away, while the QLine drops fans off right in front of the arena at Sproat St/Adelaide St. There are numerous parking lots with a 10-minute walk to the arena. Parking ranges from $30 to $50 and the LCA website will direct you to parkwhiz.com to pre-purchase. Ride share drop off and pick up is on W Fisher Service Drive. There are four entry points to Little Caesars Arena. Two on Woodward Avenue, one on Sproat, and one on Henry Avenue. Gates open 90 minutes prior to puck drop. The arena has 20 portals in the lower bowl which provide access to the seating area. Sections 119-124 have a lower portal to get to the seats closest to the ice. It is a bit burdensome as fans have to go down/up two sets of stairs to enter or exit the seating bowl. Portals 21-72 are on the upper concourse, and 73-77 are in the Labatt Blue Club and 78-82 are in the Michigan First Gondolas. Concourses are wide but still can get congested between periods. The upper-level seating area is extremely steep and the seats have minimal legroom. Return on Investment 3 The Red Wings rank 13th on the Fan Cost Price Index at $436.16 for four average-price tickets, two small draft beers, four small soft drinks, four regular-size hot dogs, parking for one hour, two game programs and two least-expensive, adult-size adjustable caps. Weeknight tickets can be had for around $130 (including fees) behind the net and $75 in the upper level behind the goal depending on the opponent. Craft beer is $12.99, Dasani bottled water is $5.99, small soda is $7.43, and a hot dog is $6.99. Extras 3 One point for the Michigan First West Gondola which is designed to entertain from the most unique vantage point imaginable. The Gondola, which also includes the press box, gives guests a unique view that not all stadiums offer.  Another point is awarded for exhibits, sculptures, and artwork displayed on the concourse and in the Cadillac Plaza and many Red Wing retired numbers and championship banners that hang from the rafters. A third point is for a small museum in the upper bowl devoted to Detroit sports.  There are exhibits dedicated to both the Red Wings and the Pistons. Final Thoughts Affectionately known as Hockeytown, Detroit is a unique market in the United States where a pretty substantial argument can be made that it is a hockey-first market. ---- Follow Greg Venuto’s stadium journeys on Twitter  and   Facebook

Photos by Gregory Koch and David Welch, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.71 L.P. Frans Stadium 2500 Clement Blvd NW Hickory, NC 28601 Hickory Crawdads website L.P Frans Stadium website Year Opened: 1993 Capacity: 5,062 Hickory, Dickory, Dock, the Crawdads Really Rock Minor League Baseball in Hickory, North Carolina has a long and storied history going back to 1936. However, after 1960, the city did not have a baseball team for over 30 years, until the Hickory Crawdads came to town in 1993. Named for a local crustacean, the team plays their home games at L.P. Frans Stadium, named for a local Pepsi bottler whose daughters helped fund the construction of the stadium. From 1993 to 2024, the Crawdads played in the South Atlantic League, moving from Low-A to High-A when the league changed levels as part of the restructuring in 2020. However, in 2025, when the Rangers' Low-A affiliate, the Down East Wood Ducks, moved to Spartanburg, South Carolina, the Rangers elected to move the new Spartanburg team up to High-A with its new stadium, and move Hickory down to Low-A. Beginning in 2025, the Crawdads compete in the Carolina League. Food & Beverage 4 Concessions at L.P. Fans Stadium are above average, packing as much as they can into a small stadium. All the usual classics are here, including hot dogs, burgers, chicken tenders, and personal pizzas (from Domino's.) Although Pepsi products are sold here, the fresh squeezed lemonade is a fan favorite and is better than anything you might get in a bottle. Local North Carolina favorite Cheerwine is also available in bottles at select stands. This is something we would like to see more often at ballparks in North Carolina to represent the local soda brand. Note that L.P. Frans Stadium is a cashless facility, so the stands only take credit cards. If you have cash, you can exchange it for Crawdads Cash at fan services and pay with that. Atmosphere 4 LP. Frans Stadium is a fine looking ballpark with a gorgeous brick exterior. Fans enter through a gate behind home plate, and the concourse runs from one end of the seating bowl to the other. Unfortunately, most of it does not have a view of the field. Additionally, while much of the seating bowl will be in the shade for late afternoon games, the concourse itself will be in brutal sunlight. It can be quite annoying to walk out onto it on your way to the restroom or concessions after sitting in the shade for some time. All seats at the stadium are chairbacks with an excellent view of the action, albeit through a net. There is a large scoreboard in right-centerfield which also shows player stats. The Crawdads have a myriad of promotions on and off the field, which often relate to each other. For instance, when Stadium Journey visited, the Crawdads were playing as their alternate identity, the Goat Karts, so several of the promotions were goat-themed, including baby goats frolicking in a pen outside the ballpark, and a contest where three (human) kids had to do the best goat impressions that they could. The Crawdads have a mascot named Conrad, who rather appropriately is a crawdad. Neighborhood 2 The Crawdads play in Hickory, North Carolina, in the eastern foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains. L.P. Frans Stadium is located in between the local airport and a Pepsi bottling plant, so there is not much in the immediate vicinity, but if you head back to Route 321, which you would be taking to get in, you can find a few, mostly chain options. Still, Hickory is one of the smallest, most remote markets in minor league baseball, so there is very little going on here. Fans 3 Hickory has a small but loyal fan base. Although they only draw a couple thousand fans a game, those who do show up come early and stay for the whole game. Many of them are season ticket holders or at least come to a lot of games a season. A Crawdads game is a community experience for the fans, something which sadly seems to be lost across most of affiliated minor league baseball nowadays as the game becomes more corporatized. Access 3 Hickory is located at the intersection of I-40 and US Route 321. Route 321 is an expressway to the south of Hickory until you get to the Gastonia area about an hour to the south, but if coming from the north, it will involve steep mountain grades across the Blue Ridge and heavy traffic. There is a large parking lot adjacent to the stadium, with an overflow lot next to that which necessitates taking a flight of stairs down to the closer lot. Parking costs $5, and only credit cards are accepted. Once inside, the concourse is wide and restrooms are sufficient. Return on Investment 5 Crawdads tickets start at just $12 with the most expensive seats being just $14. We recommend getting seats in the 200 sections behind home plate for $13, as these offer the best view while still being in the shade the vast majority of the time, except the rare morning start. Parking is just $5, and concessions are affordable as well. Overall, a Crawdads game is an outstanding value, but bear in mind this is a cashless facility. Extras 5 Look for the statues of a pitcher, catcher, and batter outside the stadium, always a popular photo op. A second star for the kids' play area on the third base concourse, featuring a merry-go-round, bouncy castle, and more. Scorecards are available at the fan services table, a rarity nowadays as keeping score is a lost art. If your scorecard has a certain player's signature on it, you can win a prize. The team store behind home plate sells an extensive selection of Crawdads gear, including their alternate identities, the Hickory Goat Karts, the Hickory Dickory Docks, and the Llamas de Hickory. The restrooms are cleverly labeled Crawdudes and Crawdettes, though they are also labeled conventionally in case you can't figure out which one is which. The Merry-go-Round at the kids' play area. Photo by David Welch circa 2021. Final Thoughts A Hickory Crawdads game may be small town baseball in a remote location, but it is still a worthwhile experience. L.P. Frans Stadium is gorgeous architecturally, and the Crawdads do a good job with promotions and fan engagement. It is disappointing they do not draw bigger crowds, but given its location, there may be little they can do about that.

Photos by Terry McCutchen, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.43 Riders Field 7300 Rough Riders Trail Frisco, TX 75034 Frisco College Baseball Classic website Riders Field website Year Opened: 2003 Capacity: 10,216 The Riders of Frisco Frisco, Texas is a booming suburb of the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex in north Texas. As home to the world headquarters of the Dallas Cowboys , Major League Soccer’s FC Dallas , Dude Perfect’s New Theme Park, and the PGA Tour’s new corporate facility, as well as many museums and numerous shopping options, Frisco has become a destination city, especially for sports enthusiasts. The Frisco Classic, managed by PEAK Events, is a pre-season NCAA Division I baseball tournament featuring top collegiate teams from around the country. The tournament began in 2017 and was the first of 4 similar tournaments hosted by PEAK Management. The teams typically consist of SEC, Big 12, Big 10 and ACC members, with quality regional Group of 5 teams invited as well. Many teams who have played in Frisco have gone on to experience post-season success in super regionals, as well as qualify for the College World Series. Being held in the Double A facility of the Frisco RoughRiders , the games have a big time feel even though they are early in the non-conference schedule. Schools are treated to a well-run event played on a top-notch playing surface in front of large crowds, usually in good weather; many coaches have stated this is an early peek at the requirements to be successful if their teams qualify for post-season play.   Food & Beverage   4 There are 16 unique food and beverage vendors, each serving different menu options. Each individual concession stand offers different items and is named in such a manner that the flavor profile of the food is obvious. For example, El Rincon and Rojo’s serves Mexican-inspired dishes, Coop and Kennel and Frank’s serve hot dogs and chicken dishes, and The Sweet Spot serves ice cream dishes. There are also three separate bar areas where mixed drinks are offered in addition to beer. All of these areas are enclosed, with air conditioning and TVs showing live action of the game. During most of the 2025 tournament, some of the specialty vendors were closed for games with smaller crowds, namely Frisco Philly’s and Donato’s Pizza. All the concessions were open for the Saturday night game between LSU  and Nebraska , however, which drew a stadium record crowd of 11,003.   Atmosphere   5 With a seating capacity of a little over 10,000, the atmosphere is fully dependent on the schools playing, which is part of the reason that organizers attempt to schedule highly ranked teams from Power 4 conferences, most notably the SEC and Big 12, plus a regional Group of 5 team that will provide a solid fan base. The 2025 version of the Classic included LSU , Nebraska , Kansas State , and Sam Houston State University , the latter from Huntsville, Texas. Nebraska fans are famous for following the Cornhuskers nationwide, while Kansas State and Sam Houston State both have fairly large alumni numbers in the DFW metroplex. The fanbase that impacted the atmosphere the most, however, was the purple and gold clad faithful of the LSU Tigers – they came out in record numbers and created the feeling that these games were actually in Alex Box Stadium (the Huskers home up north) when their favored 9 took the field. On Saturday night, in fact, the record crowd was so large and rowdy that it reportedly consumed all the stadium's alcohol supply, requiring organizers to have more beer delivered for Sunday’s games.   Neighborhood   4 Rider Field is located in Frisco, Texas, a suburb of the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex. It’s nestled in a bustling shopping district and destination mecca near the intersection of the Dallas North Tollway and State Highway 121. There are plenty of hotels to choose from within walking distance of the ballpark including the Embassy Suites-Frisco (which is attached to the ballpark), Hilton Garden Inn-Frisco, Hyatt House Dallas-Frisco, and Tru by Hilton Inn-Frisco, among others. In fact, the accommodations within a few minutes’ drive to the ballpark include nearly all price points and amenity levels. When looking for dining options outside the facility, the choices within a short drive are virtually endless. One can easily walk to Wild Pitch Sports Bar and Grill, Perry’s Steakhouse, Norma’s Cafe, Rodeo Goat, or Gloria’s Cantina among others.   Fans   5 Attendance at the tournament is dependent on multiple factors, mainly the teams involved and the weather. The odds of playable weather conditions in late February in North Texas are high, but periodically rain or cold temperatures will dampen fan desire to attend the event. In the brief history of the event, attendance has averaged around 7,000 per day. The tournament organizers attempt to select major college teams, ideally those with solid local fan bases and quality baseball programs, which helps to produce large crowds for the tournament. Teams from northern areas are looking for southern games early in the season, so their participation is solid, while regional regulars such as Texas A&M , Oklahoma State , and Arizona  have used the classic as early season road tests to gauge where their teams rank in relation to the rest of the nation. The larger schools will have fans who travel to Frisco to attend the tournament, plus there are always numerous alumni of these institutions who call the DFW area home, who take advantage of the opportunity to see their teams in action so close to home.   Access   5 Located just off the intersection of Dallas North Tollway and State Highway 121 and less than 30 miles from both Dallas Love Field and Dallas-Fort Worth (DFW) International Airport, Rider Field is easily accessible no matter which airline is chosen by out-of-town travelers. Other than normal traffic in a major city, traffic flow around the ballpark is smooth and clearly marked. With signage posted beginning over a mile from the venue, it’s not difficult to get to the designated parking areas from multiple points of entry. The main parking lot sits across Rough Riders Trail from the south end of the stadium, while the main gate and ticket windows are at the corner of Rough Riders Trail and Diamond Drive.   Return on Investment   3 A single day at Rider Field for the Frisco Classic provides a full day of high-level collegiate baseball without breaking the bank. Tickets can be purchased for each day or as a tournament pass; a day pass is good for 2 top-level games and costs $20, while the tournament pass price begins at $50. Parking prices are $15 per day, but the facility is within walking distance from multiple hotels in the area, including most of those listed in the Neighborhood section above. High concession prices make the event a little less feasible cost-wise as well, but not outrageously so. Concession prices are slightly higher than most college games with costs similar to those you would expect to pay at Minor League Double-A and Triple-A games. For example, a souvenir soda costs $9, bottled water $5, and a 16-ounce beer $9.50. Hot dog baskets are $11, burgers cost $15, and most other specialty food items will require between $16 and $20. Don’t forget your debit/credit card though, as Frisco is cashless and only accepts digital or card payments.   Extras   5 Between inning games and contests for prizes are prevalent. Since the tournament is a month before the Frisco RoughRiders begin their season, the tournament is a dress rehearsal for the in-game staff to work on all of their sponsored games and activities, which is a win for the crowd since it gives many a chance to win prizes, as well as makes breaks in play move quickly. The tournament-winning team usually celebrates by jumping into the lazy river; this unique victory celebration creates a memory and provides photo opportunities not available in most settings. The staff is also extremely friendly and helpful. The facility has all its employees on the clock and in training for the upcoming season during the Classic, plus as a showcase presentation for PEAK events, there are PEAK personnel spread throughout the ballpark for assistance. Souvenirs can be acquired for the tournament's participating teams as well as for the Frisco RoughRiders. The Riders store is open for all games, thus allowing baseball memorabilia collectors the opportunity to procure items they desire. Concessions can be purchased using Stadium Drop – fans are able to scan a QR code, order and pay digitally, and have food delivered to their seats. This is an extremely convenient option. I personally didn’t utilize this option, but can see how the convenience is worth any extra expense or time required for the wait.   Final Thoughts NCAA Division I baseball has grown in popularity and become a major entertainment option within the past several years. With the NIL era in full force and MLB cutting their draft to only 20 rounds, several top-tier athletes have chosen to play college ball instead of signing professional contracts after high school. The Frisco Classic provides a perfect, early season opportunity to see some top-level players and highly ranked teams compete before the grind of conference schedules begins. I would suggest making plans to attend the entire tournament in order to see all four teams play one another; this will also allow you to witness most of the lineups in action. Planning ahead with hotel reservations and travel can assist in budgeting. Also, if you are able to get accommodations within walking distance of the field, you will not only save on parking but also be able to take a short break between games if you want.

Photos by David Welch, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.86 Covenant Health Park 500 East Jackson Boulevard Knoxville, TN 37915 Knoxville Smokies website Covenant Health Park website Year Opened: 2025 Capacity: 6,355 “It’s Baseball Time in Knoxville” Professional baseball has deep roots in Knoxville, dating back to 1897 with the Knoxville Indians of the Southeastern League. That league didn’t last, but pro ball briefly returned in 1904. A more stable run began in 1909 with the Knoxville Appalachians, followed by the Reds in 1914. After a short hiatus, baseball once again returned in 1921 with the Knoxville Pioneers, who soon adopted the name Smokies, a nod to the nearby Great Smoky Mountains. Knoxville’s first affiliation was with the Boston Bees ( Braves ) in 1936. In 1953, Knoxville Municipal Stadium opened just east of downtown. It was renamed a year later for Bill Meyer, a Knoxville native and former Pirates  manager. The stadium became the heart of pro baseball in the city for nearly 50 years, until it closed in 1999 and was demolished in 2003. Though the stadium structure is gone, the field is still in use by Pellissippi State College. Knoxville joined the newly formed Southern League in 1963, elevating the level of play and giving the Smokies a lasting place in Double-A baseball.  Over the years, Knoxville has partnered with more than one-third of the MLB franchises, the longest running of which has been with the Chicago Cubs , beginning in 2007. In 2000 the Smokies moved to Kodak, 20 miles east, leaving Knoxville without professional baseball. That changed in 2025, when the Smokies returned to the city with the opening of Covenant Health Park. The new stadium marks not just a homecoming, but a revival of Knoxville’s long-standing history in minor league baseball.   Food & Beverage   5 Food and drink options are plentiful throughout Covenant Health Park. Forks on First specializes in ballpark staples like burgers, hot dogs, and chicken tenders. Burger options include a classic, a veggie, and the Smoky Mountain Burger, featuring bacon, pimento cheese, crispy onions, and BBQ sauce. Coop 865 focuses on chicken dishes such as chicken and waffles, chicken mac & cheese, and a Tennessee favorite, the hot chicken sandwich.  Knox Smoque serves pulled pork, beef brisket, and mac & cheese, with sides like fried pickles and house-made kettle chips. Ballpark Bites caters to fried food fans with mozzarella sticks and “Rocky Tots”, namely tater tots topped with bacon, queso, ranch drizzle, and green onions. Finally, BarleyMe offers fresh pizza options. In addition to the above, carts scattered around the concourse sell everything from tacos and cheesesteaks to specialty hot dogs. To ease congestion, self-service drink refill stations are also available – an underrated but effective solution for keeping lines moving. For dessert, head to Sweets along the third baseline; this stand offers over 80 sno-cone flavors, ice cream milkshakes, and cinnamon-sugar churros. Also, a grab-and-go market in the left field corner offers convenience store-style snacks and drinks. Most notable, however, is the impressive selection of local craft beers; breweries featured include Knoxville’s Alliance Brewing Co., Schulz Braü, Ebony & Ivory Brewing, Gatlinburg Brewing Co, and Uxl Beer Co. (known for its popular PB+J Mix Tape), as well as Iron Forge Brewing Co. from Sevierville (which brews the Smokies-branded Light Lager). In total, fans can choose from about 50 beer options representing nearly 20 breweries. The selection also includes canned cocktails, seltzers, and wine. There are also two full-service bars in the stadium – behind home plate The Backstop is a full-service bar offering a wide range of mixed drinks. For a livelier social scene, however, the Modelo Watering Hole in right field is a popular hangout.   Atmosphere   4 In line with modern stadium design trends, Covenant Health Park lacks a traditional grand entry gate. Instead, fans enter at the corner of Patton Street and East Jackson Avenue, ascending a multi-tiered stairway painted with the word “Knoxville”. While the stairs may appear disjointed at first glance, a view from above reveals the full artistic design. The concourse resembles a scenic walking path more than a standard corridor, highlighted by a steel pedestrian bridge in center field that crosses over First Creek. The creek, which also runs behind former Bill Myers Stadium, one of the homes of the early Knoxville Smokies, is an unintentional link to the city’s baseball history. Traditional seating runs roughly halfway down each line and to the foul poles with what are called picnic areas, but are probably more akin to group social seating areas with high top tables. Along with these seating areas, other social seating areas include concourse suites, and four-seat half-moon tables that increase the social part of the game much more than trying to talk down the row to others in your group. Drink rails are also popular with fans who do not want to be confined to a seat. Other than a section in right field, however, there is very little outfield seating. The underside of the grandstand canopy is finished with yellow pine, adding a small but beautiful touch to the aesthetics of the stadium. In what has become the norm for stadium design, social areas have been implemented throughout Covenant Health Park, including the aforementioned Modelo Watering Hole. This bar has a dozen different beers on tap, ten different spirits, and a selection of wines. The area is also backed by lounge couches, corn hole, and a ping-pong table. The voice of public address announcer George Yardley is a throwback to a classic stadium feel; Yardley’s intentional cadence and southern drawl really bring out the charm of the region. One of the stadium’s most striking visual features is the massive scoreboard shaped like the state of Tennessee – it is heralded as the largest scoreboard in minor league baseball. In addition to the line score and ball-strike count, it also displays real-time player stats and pitch speeds.   Neighborhood   4 The area directly around Covenant Health Park is still a work in progress.  Apartments beyond left field, and the Delaney Condominiums in right, are nearing completion, while additional spaces accessible from outside the stadium are expected to become retail or restaurant venues. The stadium is within walking distance of Knoxville’s Old City district, known for its vibrant bar and restaurant scene, as well as the nearby Market Street neighborhood, which offers excellent dining options and hotels. The area is also known for its nightlife that should still be bustling following a Smokies game, especially on Fridays and Saturday nights. Other nearby attractions enhance the experience of a game day visit; the University of Tennessee is less than three miles away, making it easy to catch a college baseball  or softball game. The Knoxville Ice Bears of the Southern Professional Hockey League may also be in season, while for basketball fans, the Women’s Basketball Hall of Fame is just down the road. Knoxville was also home of the 1982 World’s Fair – probably nothing celebrates The Fair more than the 266-foot tall Sunsphere on the grounds of World’s Fair Park. The neighboring Knoxville Convention Center is also home to then World’s Largest Rubix Cube. Note that the area just north of Covenant Health Park does feel a bit concerning, so having a bit of a heightened sense of awareness if heading in that direction might be advisable. Fans 4 The Smokies’ return to Knoxville has come with a lot of excitement. Even while being in the top 50 of all minor league attendance while in the more isolated Kodak, the move back to the city has seen an increase in average attendance per game, drawing roughly 5,300 fans per home date thru the early months of this season. Despite many of the fans populating the social areas of the stadium, most are in tune with the ups and downs of the game and help create a true home-field environment.   Access   3 With its downtown location, parking around the facility comes at a premium. The Smokies promote parking  with a free shuttle bus service to and from the ballpark from the Summer Place, Langley, and Market Square parking garages. Those looking for free parking might look to the West Magnolia Avenue parking lots, or private lots in the area in proximity to the stadium start at $20. Those using rideshare to get to Covenant Health Park are dropped off on the north side of the stadium, and must walk the exterior of the venue to the main entry at the corner of Patton Street and East Jackson Avenue. For the most part, the concourse is wide enough to easily handle large crowds with minimal congestion, but there are some spots behind home plate where food carts and promotional tables do create a bit of a choke point. The remainder of the concourse is spacious, however, leaving plenty of room for fans to navigate the stadium.   Return on Investment   3 Ticket prices seem to be a touch on the high side, with adult tickets starting anywhere between $18 to $23, depending on whether it is a weekday, weekend, or holiday game; these rates are prior to taxes and a convenience charge of $2.50 to $3 applied to each ticket. Therefore, when all is said and done, an individual ticket ends up costing $22 to $27. At $5 for prepaid parking or $7 for day-of parking, the return on investment is more than reasonable when considering parking at similarly-sized ballparks. Concession and apparel prices definitely are subject to stadium premiums, but not much more than would be expected at other sports facilities. There are some deals that can be found on t-shirts in the team shop, though.   Extras   4 The Smokies have three mascots who make the rounds throughout the game – Knox and Jackson, a father and son bear duo, as well as mountain man Mountain Joe. As with most mascots, the trio spends their time taking endless photos with fans and helping host mid-inning games. Space is at a bit of a premium, and Covenant Health Park does a good job of squeezing features into interesting areas. For example, the children’s play area has found a home tucked under a section of apartments in left field. Statues of Knoxville Giants legends Jerry Benjamin, William M. Brooks, Claude Dickey, Forrest Maddox, William Nathaniel Rogers, and Jim Tugerson honor Knoxville’s Negro League history. Another statue commemorates the Payne Avenue Little League, the city’s first league for Black children. In a nod to their parent club, the Smokies play “Go Cubs, Go!” after each win, bringing a little bit of Wrigley Field’s charm to Tennessee.   Final Thoughts Baseball’s return to Knoxville has come with a great deal of excitement, and with good reason. The stadium experience in Kodak was enjoyable, but pretty much started when you entered the gates and ended as soon as you left. Alternatively, what the Smokies have created in Knoxville is a minor league baseball experience that seamlessly transitions from outside the stadium, in, and back out again once the ball game is over. Despite there being some challenges that impact the overall experience, the Smokies have done what they can to mitigate the impact they make on the experience. Baseball at Covenant Health Park is one that will surely only improve as more of the surrounding area takes shape.

Photos by Gregory Koch, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.14 First National Bank Field 408 Bellemeade St Greensboro, NC 27401 Greensboro Grasshoppers website First National Bank Field Year Opened: 2005 Capacity: 7,449 Hop on Down to Greensboro Baseball First National Bank Field in Greensboro, North Carolina is the home of the Greensboro Grasshoppers, the South Atlantic League affiliate of the Pittsburgh Pirates. Built in 2005, the stadium replaced the aging and outdated World War Memorial Stadium, which had been in use since 1979. At that point, the team rebranded from the Bats to the Grasshoppers. Baseball has been played in Greensboro since 1902, although not always continuously. The Greensboro Farmers lasted just that inaugural 1902 season but would return in 1905. After several more on-and-off teams over the years, the Greensboro Hornets came to town in 1979, and baseball has been played here ever since. Food & Beverage 4 There are three different main concession stands at First National Bank Stadium, with special names like Cornwallis's Last Stand and O'Henry's Corner, but all three serve similar menus. Hot dogs are available, including several specialty dogs, as are burgers, spicy chicken sandwiches, and all your standard ballpark fare. What brings this ranking up a notch is the several specialty stands located in carts and tables around the concourse. Here you will find nachos (topped with pulled pork and other toppings if you wish), ice cream sundaes (sadly not in a helmet) and more. Keep in mind First National Bank Field is a cashless facility, so only credit cards are accepted. Atmosphere 4 A Greensboro Grasshoppers game is a lively experience the entire evening. Before the game starts, the teams' two mascots, grasshoppers named Guilford and Guilly drive around the field in their golf cart and get the crowd energized. Guilford is furry and cute, while Guilly is not furry and is dressed like a pirate in homage to the Grasshoppers' affiliation with the major league Pittsburgh Pirates. Fireworks are shot off after every Grasshoppers' home run. The team plays sound effects over the PA system throughout the entire night, including classics such as the breaking glass for foul balls as well as references to pop culture. They're particularly fond of "What's the matter, are you scared of Grasshoppers?" from Bug's Life but also use classic lines from The Simpsons and other TV shows and movies. As for the stadium itself, there is some berm seating down the right field line, but the remainder of the seats are box seat chairbacks. This is a small, intimate stadium, so no matter where you sit, you will have a great view of the action. There is a large scoreboard in right-centerfield that mostly shows player stats and the lineups in addition to the basic gameday information, but is capable of showing videos as well. Neighborhood 5 First National Bank Field is located in the heart of Center City Greensboro, a mixed-use development that includes apartments as well as hotels and local businesses. Grey's Tavern and Fisher's Grill are popular eateries within a mile of the ballpark, and you will be able to find just about any other cuisine that you want nearby as well from Italian to Chinese to Mexican to Greek to Korean. History buffs will definitely want to check out the International Civil Rights Center & Museum on the site of the Woolworth's where the first sit-ins occurred in 1960. There are guided tours available every day of the week except Sunday, but you must book in advance. Fans 4 The Grasshoppers draw good crowds to a typical home game, especially on Friday and Saturday nights. Although the ballpark may not completely sell out, expect around 4,000 to 5,000 fans for a typical home game, which is is near the top of the South Atlantic League. The fans are active and will get loud when the Grasshoppers score or make a big play in the field. They are also knowledgeable about the game and the team and will often comment to each other on what is going on and why something played out the way it did. Access 4 First National Bank Park is located just a few miles off of I-85 and I-40 in the heart of Greensboro. The main entrance to the stadium is located halfway down Bellemeade Street, across from a large parking garage that costs $5, card only. There are some other private lots nearby that may cost less and/or accept cash, but which will be a longer walk. Once inside the stadium, there is a spacious concourse that runs along most of foul territory and a little bit of fair territory. You can see the field from the entire concourse, which is a plus when waiting at the concession stand. There are several sets of restrooms which are more than big enough for the crowds. One downside of access at First National Bank Field is that gates open only half an hour before first pitch for weekday games. (They do open an hour before on weekends.) This is disappointing for fans who want to get in early and explore the ballpark. In fairness, they did open the gates a few minutes early when we visited. Return on Investment 5 Tickets to Grasshopper games are very affordable. Berm seating is just $11, while if you want an actual seat, that will cost $15-$17 depending on how close to home plate you are. Keep in mind there is an extra surcharge for buying on gameday. Parking is just $5, and can be less if you are willing to walk. Concessions are affordable as well. Keep in mind First National Bank Field is a completely cashless facility, including the parking garage, although some private lots nearby do take cash. Extras 3 Richard Wilkinson, the stadium usher in the aisle between Sections 108 and 109, has been named the funniest usher in minor league baseball. Between innings, he will use a dry erase white board to show super corny jokes to the amusement of fans sitting in those sections. He will also occasionally use the whiteboard to make announcements to the fans or to welcome them to the ballpark at the start of the game. The Grasshoppers have a bat dog named Willie Mae Mays who will run onto the field to retrieve the Grasshoppers' bats in her mouth, to the enjoyment of fans. A third and final star for the kids' play area down the right field line. Greensboro Grasshoppers' usher Richard Wilkinson holds up dry erase boards with a super corny, yet funny joke. Final Thoughts First National Bank Field is a gorgeous, modern stadium with all the amenities one might expect of a newer ballpark. The Greensboro Grasshoppers have a loyal fan base and put on an outstanding gameday experience. Baseball fans in North Carolina will definitely want to hop on down here to check out a game.

Minor league baseball names have had a long history of unusual nicknames that are have been connected to the city, geographic location, or the parent club. Many names have been lost in time, a blip on the radar, and one them comes from Terre Haute, Indiana. From 1955-1956, the Terre Haute Huts were members of the. Three-Eye League, but how did they get their name? The city had quite the history of baseball dating back to amateur teams in 1870. By 1883, one of those clubs went by “Awkwards” which meant at the time “someone difficult or dangerous to deal with.” They merged that year with a ball club named the Blues and remained the “Terre Hautes”. Team names would not be improved with the advent of professional baseball in 1884. The city was experiencing rapid population growth, and Terre Haute joined the Western League. This team did not have a nickname, but by 1891, the name Tots, short for Hottentots, began being used for baseball teams in the city. It was a corruption from the term Terre Hautentots, a name historically used and found in countless articles around the state and the country to describe someone from Terre Haute.  By the 1880s, the name was used in baseball articles describing teams from the city; then in 1891 referred to the professional club in town. However, the Tots name would be replaced throughout the following years with new names either through fan voting or team management. Terre Haute ball clubs would be called the Stags, Browns, Highlanders, Terre-iers (yes, spelled that way), and Miners. Several times, newspapers used a combination of these names in one season. A headline in the Marion (IN) Leader-Tribune, July 24, 1913 Fortunately, the Tots name never disappeared, and the local media often refer to it in bylines. It became the official name in 1921 and would remain that way until the team disbanded in mid-1937.  When baseball returned in 1946, it took the name of its parent club, the Philadelphia Phillies. The Three-Eye League club would leave town after the 1954 season, and it was time for a new name for its ball club, one that would have its own identity outside of its new parent club in Detroit. The Terre Haute Baseball Club held a name-the-team contest in the Terre Haute Tribune , soliciting hundreds of responses from fans of all ages. The winner received a $100 watch from Hillman’s Jewelers. The paper suggested names that are alive and in motion, along with ones that aren’t too long that would fit much better in newspaper headlines. “ A lot of fans like the name of the Tigers, but others oppose this on the sole ground that they believe the city should have a permitted name for a team that would be suitable under all conditions, meaning it would fill the bill regardless of the big league affiliation that the city might have.” On April 13, the name picked for the team was the Huts.  The newspaper did not provide a reason for the decision, and there does not seem to be a connection to the area, nor was it “alive and in motion”. The other top entries were the Tots, Browns, and Brownies. When Ralph Nichols, a local barber by trade, was awarded his $100 watch. The article added that another citizen, Jim Walker, suggested the name. Walker campaigned to have it adopted, and he rounded up as many votes as possible from city residents.  A modern photo of a Quonset hut that were constructed in Terre Haute A Bob Nesbit column from the Terre Haute  Tribune on April 19 shed some light on the Huts moniker. He penned the following blurb: “Those fans down at Stran Steel, who make Quonset huts, did a good job of putting up a campaign to name the new team in honor of their product. Since the name also fits well with the name of our city, everything worked out fine.” Did the Terre Haute Huts get their name from a local steel company and had its employees send ballots to the local newspaper? Has the mystery been solved after almost 70 years?  A Quonset hut is a prefabricated structure in the shape of a semicircle that was mass-produced after World War II. There were 150,000 to 170,000 produced during the war and sold to the public after the fighting ended. They are still visible in many parts of the country as homes, businesses, and even military bases. Nesbit added that the name fit the city well and probably liked that it was short for print purposes. Terre Haute is French for "high ground" and the word "Haute" would be mispronounced by locals as "hut". The name was short and similar in sound to the former team name Tots, and it did make for great print in newspaper bylines. Surprisingly, more than 121 names were proposed and listed regularly in the newspaper. Many of these names were fascinating and hinged on modern branding in today’s game. They included the following: Wabash Valley Catapults, Vigo Gems, Candlelighters, Hoosier Pacemakers, Gold Cox, Hustlers, Bowcats, Bingos, Meows, Tiger-Cats, Cavaliers, Valley Cubs, Speeders, White Hats, and Atoms.  There were many entries for the new baseball team in 1955, Terre Haute Tribune The Huts name would last a little over a year; the club folded after the first half of the 1956 season with a 40-26 record due to lack of attendance. It marked the end of minor league baseball in Terre Haute. A little over a decade later, the ballpark would be converted solely into a football stadium with artificial turf. In 2011, the summer collegiate Prospect League added a team in town. The name selected was Rex, and there was a good reason behind that decision. Besides being the Latin word for king, the name comes from Rex Coffee, produced, roasted, and packed downtown by Clabber Girl. The club also mentioned its unique name ties in with others from the past: Tots, Huts, Stags, and Terre-iers.  The Huts name briefly shined in Terre Haute between 1955 and 1956 and before anyone began to pay attention to the ball club, it was gone. However, a look back at old newspaper articles of the era produces a possible reason behind its name.  If Rex can pull out a retro jersey night, this reporter will be there.  ------ Follow all of Marc’s stadium journeys on Twitter @ballparkhunter   and his YouTube channel .  Email at Marc.Viquez@stadiumjourney.com

Photos by Paul Baker, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.00 Campanelli Stadium 1 Feinberg Way Brockton, MA 02301 Brockton Rox website Campanelli Stadium website Year Opened: 2002 Capacity: 4,750 Rox Revival    When the Brockton Rox left the Can-Am League in 2012 and moved to the summer collegiate wood-bat Futures League, team ownership assured fans that the move was temporary, and the Rox would return to professional baseball quickly once they straightened out their finances. It took 13 long years, but the Brockton Rox are finally back in professional baseball. What a long, strange trip it’s been.      The original iteration of the Rox debuted in the Northern League in 2002. Their home, Campanelli Stadium, opened along with the start of the team. The ballpark was named for Alfred Campanelli, a suburban housing mogul and Brockton native. He donated two million dollars to the City of Brockton for a project that would “substantially benefit the people of Brockton.”      The team was a success, bringing affordable baseball to the hardscrabble city of Brockton, located about 25 miles south of Boston. The club was christened the Rox, a derivative of the nearby Red Sox and to honor Brockton native Rocky Marciano, the legendary heavyweight champion who went 49-0 during his career.     However, the team’s success on the field and at the gate did not translate to the front office, where the team slipped into unmanageable debt. As a last-ditch effort to keep baseball alive in Brockton, the franchise was moved to the collegiate Futures League until they got the team’s finances under control.     Unfortunately for local fans, this never happened. The Rox passed through a series of ownership groups who seemed to progressively pay less and less attention to the team and the stadium. Factor in similar neglect from the city, and Campanelli began to deteriorate, culminating in an infamous raccoon infestation  at the ballpark.      Things began to turn around in the early 20s when new team ownership and Brockton city administration partnered to invest some long-overdue attention and money into Campanelli Stadium. Renovations were made to virtually every corner of the facility, including new offices, clubhouses, plumbing, HVAC and kitchen equipment and a new video scoreboard in left-center field. The stated goal of the upgrades were to bring professional baseball back to the city.     In 2024 these efforts were rewarded when the independent Frontier League granted an expansion franchise to Brockton. The team was christened the “Chowdahheads” after a standard name the team contest. After lukewarm reaction and copyright issues, the team pivoted and rebranded as the Knockouts. For the 2024 season, two teams (the professional Knockouts and the summer collegiate Rox), played at Campanelli.     As you might expect, this wasn’t an ideal situation for either team. Neither team attracted a decent following, and the splitting of resources affected all aspects of operation. The Rox announced they would be folding at the conclusion of the 2024 Futures League season.    On January 29, 2025, a new ownership group, headed by New York Boulders owners Bill Janetschek, Rob Janetschek, Shawn Reilly and Baseball Hall of Famer Jim Rice, was introduced to the public. They immediately announced that the team would return to the classic “Brockton Rox” name and logo with the goal of returning professional baseball in the city to its glory days.  Food & Beverage 2    There are a pair of concession stands located on either side of the main entrance of the ballpark. Depending on the size of the crowd, one or both of the stands may be open. Basic stadium fare is offered here, with hot dogs, burgers and chicken tenders anchoring the menu. Assorted sides, including french fries, pretzels, popcorn and chips round out the menu. Portable stands sell walking tacos and Mini Melts.   Coca-Cola products are featured at Campanelli Stadium. Fans looking for an adult beverage can choose from a selection of beer including Budweiser, Corona and Dogfish Ale. Fans who remember the old days of the Rox are most excited about management’s vow to re-open the right field beer garden, which was always one of the more popular features of the ballpark. Be patient fans, there are no plans to have it opened in 2025.   Atmosphere 3    Here is where fans who have been visiting Campanelli Stadium in recent years will see the biggest difference. The buzz is back in Brockton, at least so far early on in the 2025 season. New ownership is working hard to not only get fans back in the seats, but to make sure they spend as little time as possible in those seats.   The nightly promotional schedule features some sort of deal or attraction every night of the week. Part owner Jim Rice has already shown up to throw out a first pitch and sign autographs for fans. More guest stars are planned throughout the season.   If you’re a traditional baseball fan who likes to watch a ball game in silence so you can hear the sounds of the game, you are not the target audience at a Rox game. Music and sound effects fill the air between virtually every pitch, the PA announcer really leans into his work filling the ballpark with sponsor reads, game information and banter with the on-field emcee, who makes sure there are games and promotions going on between every half inning. Some early favorites have been the “Rox, paper, scissors” contest against a player, the donut eating contest, and the Brockton Bread Race. Fan cams, dance contests and junior announcers ensure that the fans are part of the show, too.   In recent years Campanelli has felt more like a library than a ballpark. New Rox management has taken the old “Fun is Good” attitude pioneered by the original Rox and turned it up to eleven. So far, results are positive. Neighborhood 3    Campanelli Stadium is situated on the campus of Brockton High School, the largest High School in Massachusetts. Brockton is a city of about 105,000 residents located 25 miles south of Boston. Originally named North Bridgewater, the city was later named in honor of Isaac Brock, the British commanding general at the Battle of Queenston Heights, the first major battle of the War of 1812. A couple of trivial facts about Brockton: during the Civil War it was the nation’s largest supplier of shoes, and it is the second windiest city in the United States.     There are many dining options in the immediate vicinity of Campanelli Stadium for visiting fans, but many of these establishments are of the fast-food variety. Among the more notable spots nearby are Pho 89, Charley’s Cheesesteaks, and McMenamy’s Seafood. Stadium Journey recommends a pair of restaurants on the other side of Route 24 near Stonehill College, Stoneforge Grill and Brack’s Grill & Tap. The Residence Inn here is a quality lodging option. There are no shortage of dining, lodging or entertainment options in the area should you widen your search.    Should you be visiting the area, there are many attractions located just a short drive from Brockton. Boston is just 25 miles to the north, and the popular summer attractions of Cape Cod are just 35 miles to the southeast. The historic destinations of Plymouth, MA and Newport, RI are both within an hour’s drive of Campanelli Stadium.    Fans 2    It’s very early in the 2025 season, but early returns have been promising. Opening day saw a crowd of over 2,000 pass through the turnstiles, with attendance surpassing the 1,000 fan mark every game of opening weekend. It’s a far cry from the beginning of the 2024 season for the Knockouts, when the team struggled to draw more than a couple hundred fans.   In addition to an increase in the number of fans at Campanelli Stadium, there’s a palpable increase in energy in the stands. Fans appear to be more engaged, and Rox staff ensure that fans are into the action with a full plate of activities going on throughout the stadium throughout the game. The game day experience is a work in progress, but it’s truly an impressive start.   Access 4    Campanelli Stadium is located about a mile from Route 24, which connects Fall River and much of the Massachusetts South Coast with the Greater Boston area. Interstates 495, 93 and 95 all pass within a short distance of Brockton.     While driving is the primary method to get to the ballpark, the Brockton Area Transit Authority’s  number 3 bus does have a stop at the High School next door. The final bus departs at 9:30 pm, so plan accordingly. The Massachusetts Bay Transit Authority’s  Fall River/New Bedford Line brings passengers from downtown Brockton north to Boston and south to Fall River and New Bedford.    The Rox website advises visiting fans to park in the large lots at Brockton High School. The school lots are a short walk from the ballpark. Be warned that the path from the high school’s main lot to the ballpark is unpaved and unlit. Early on in 2025, the team is having all fans use the main entrance, where the ticket offices and team store are located. A set of stairs leads to the entrance of the ballpark and the concourse level. There is an elevator located in the main plaza for those who need it.    The seating bowl stretches from short left field around to the right field foul pole. An open concourse runs atop the seating bowl. Seating consists of red plastic stadium seats with decent leg room. Sections far down the right field line contain metal bleachers with backs. All seats feature good views of the field. Rest rooms, while in need of some freshening up, are plenty large enough for the typical Rox crowd.   Return on Investment 5   Tickets for Rox games range in price from $10-$16. There are deals and promotions scattered throughout the season which will lower prices. Check the team website for further details. Parking is free in the lots at Brockton High School. While concessions are a bit on the high side, the Rox have stayed true to their mission statement to provide an affordable alternative to the more expensive ballparks in Boston and Worcester.   Here's a tip for local fans: If you have a debit or credit card from Eastern Bank (one of the team’s sponsors), you can save 5% on all concession prices and 15% on all purchases in the team store.   Extras 2   Two retired numbers hang on Campanelli Stadium’s outfield wall. Brockton native sons Rocky Marciano (#49) and Marvelous Marvin Hagler (#62) are immortalized with their final victory totals. Behind the ballpark in the entry plaza to Marciano Stadium is a statue of Rocky Marciano. Measuring 20 feet, it is noted to be the tallest statue of a sporting figure in the world. There is a statue of Marvin Hagler downtown near where the famous Petronelli gym once stood.    Final Thoughts    New Rox ownership has a lofty goal: to return enthusiasm for professional baseball to the city of Champions. Will the Rox Revival be successful? Time will tell, but so far, the Rox are ready to roll.   Follow Paul Baker’s stadium journeys on Twitter  and Instagram  @PuckmanRI.

Photos by Gregory Koch, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FAN FARE Score: 3.14 Truist Point 301 N Elm St High Point, NC 27262 High Point Rockers website Truist Point website Year Opened: 2019 Capacity: 5,000 Indie Rockers If you make a trip to the Piedmont Triad of North Carolina, you will find the High Point Rockers, a baseball team in the independent Atlantic League, that calls Truist Point their home. The Rockers began play in 2019 after the Bridgeport Bluefish and their stadium ceased to exist. The Rockers nickname was a winner of a "Name the Team" contest and pays homage to High Point's booming furniture industry, specifically rocking chairs. Truist Point seats about 5,000 fans and is located in the heart of High Point. Despite its name, High Point is not at a particularly high elevation - at one point it was the highest point along a railroad in North Carolina, but that was before the tracks were extended across the mountains to the west. The tracks are still there today, and you can hear the occasional train blowing its horn during the game. Food & Beverage 4 There are several different concession stands at Truist Point. Most of them serve similar, though not identical, menus. In right field, you will find the Pitchin' Kitchen, and right next to that, since Truist Point now hosts soccer as well, you will find Kickin' Kitchen. There are several other stands down the left field line serving similar items. All of the classics are here, including burgers (which come with pickles on them, although they don't tell you that), hot dogs, chicken tenders, and more. Since this is North Carolina, pulled pork barbecue is also available at one stand. For those with a sweet tooth, ice cream and funnel cake fries are available. The ice cream comes with self-serve chocolate syrup, and the kids seem to enjoy getting to use the squeeze bottle themselves. Soda and bottled water are also available, as is beer to those fans of age. The prices are about typical for a ballpark at this level, but additional value can be had from combo deals that include both a main food item and fries. Atmosphere 3 Truist Point has a weird design for a stadium. For starters, although the capacity is officially 5,000, there are only about 10 or 11 rows of standard seats seats. Above that, you will find club and group areas, something the team leans very heavily into. The seats behind the Rockers' dugout are also all club seats which sell for an enhanced price, although the seats directly behind home plate are not. A large videoboard is located in right-centerfield. The field itself is also bizarre. The surface is all turf, including the infield, which itself is not too unusual. However, instead of the infield "dirt" being dirt-colored turf, it is instead the color of grass, although not the same shade of green as the rest of the field. Truist Point is now home to a soccer team in MLS Next Pro as well, and that league required that the entire field be green. However, the Atlantic League requires the infield "dirt" to be a different color than the "grass" in order to enforce the rule that four infielders must be on or inside the dirt at all times, hence the slightly different shade. This has turned Truist Point from one of the nicest looking turf fields in baseball to one of the ugliest. The Rockers have a mascot named Hype, who appropriately for the team name, is a rocking horse. He can be seen roving the stands interacting with fans, and also races kids on the field in a contest during the game. Other contests on the field range from the standard ones to more unusual ones like throwing as many cupcakes as possible through a hole in an inflatable donut. Neighborhood 3 High Point is one of three major cities in the Piedmont Triad of North Carolina, along with Greensboro and Winston-Salem. It is a medium-sized city with a lot to offer, although little of it is within walking distance of the ballpark. Sweet Old Bill's is about a mile from the ballpark and offers southern comfort food, barbecue, and beer on tap. They are also an official sponsor of the Rockers. You will find many other places to eat, drink, and hang out in that section of Main Street as well, including Frady's Taphouse and Eatery and Tom's Place. Fans 2 The Rockers average about 1,900 fans a game officially, which ranks them towards the bottom of the Atlantic League. The actual number of people in seats on a given night will usually be substantially less than that, as this total includes season ticket holders who don't show up. The fans are not usually that involved, although you do get the occasional excited screaming kid or drunk heckler. Usually they get bored of that pretty quickly. Expect a lot of empty seats at a typical Rockers home game. Access 3 High Point is located along I-85 and I-74, about halfway between Durham and Charlotte. Depending on traffic, it could take you between an hour and 90 minutes to drive from either the Raleigh-Durham area or Charlotte to get to High Point. It is part of the Piedmont Triad, which also includes the nearby cities of Greensboro and Winston-Salem. There are several lots near the stadium where you can park for $5. They are clearly signed, as are lots you should not park in if you do not want to get towed. Keep in mind the lots are cash only, so prepare accordingly. Gates open only half an hour before the game, which is disappointing for fans who want to get in early and explore. Once inside, the concourses are more than wide enough for the crowds. There are several sets of restrooms, all of which are more than sufficient for the crowds that use them. Return on Investment 4 Assuming you are not sitting in one of the many club areas, a High Point Rockers game is not particularly expensive. Tickets start at just $8 for outfield seats. The most expensive non-club seats are directly behind home plate for just $16. The numerous club seats will cost you about $50 each, and are not really worth the cost. Be sure to check social media before you buy tickets, as additional discounts and even free tickets for select groups are frequently available that can further enhance value. Concessions are affordable and parking is not bad at just $5. Overall, a Rockers game is an above average value for the fans. Extras 3 There is a kids' play are down the left field line as well as a team store near home plate. Each of these are worthy of an extra star. Autograph seekers and those looking to interact with the players may wish to stand along the right aisle in Section 107 before the game, which is on a rail overlooking a tunnel between the Rockers' clubhouse and dugout. Final Thoughts Truist Point is an unusual stadium, and not necessarily in a positive way. Nonetheless, if you are in the Piedmont Triad, a trip to a Rockers game can be a fun way to spend a summer's night. Hang out with Hype and watch a baseball game up close for a great price.

Photos by David Welch, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.71 Fifth Third Park 300 W. Henry Street Spartanburg, SC 29306 Hub City Spartanburgers website Fifth Third Park website Year Opened: 2025 Capacity: 5,000 Look LettUs Cook The 2025 Minor League Baseball season marked the return of affiliated baseball to Spartanburg, South Carolina, for the first time in 31 years with the arrival of the Hub City Spartanburgers. Baseball in Spartanburg dates back to 1904, when the city fielded a team called the Spartans. Over the years the team adopted several names, including the Red Sox and Pioneers, and initially played at Wofford College before relocating to Duncan Park in 1926. In the early 20th century, Spartanburg played independently across various leagues before settling into the South Atlantic League. The city had brief affiliations with the St. Louis Browns (1946) and the Cleveland Indians (1947–1955), but it would be the affiliation with the Philadelphia Phillies that lasted 31 years (1963-1994) which would leave a lasting impression on the city, which is still evident today. During the three decades without affiliated baseball, Spartanburg remained active in the sport through summer collegiate leagues, including an earlier incarnation of the Spartanburgers. Now affiliated baseball has returned to Spartanburg; Hub City rejoins the South Atlantic League as the High-A affiliate of the Texas Rangers .   Food & Beverage   4 Fifth Third Park does a good job blending traditional ballpark fare with unique, regionally inspired options – Firebox Corner offers not just pepperoni and margarita pizzas, but also a deep-fried version topped with “Fairy Dust” (grated Parmesan), while Bojangles Chicken Crossing serves a small sampling of the southern chain’s menu, including Cajun chicken sandwiches, Chicken Supremes, and Bo’s Bird Dogs. The star of the show, however, is the Spartan Burgers build-your-own burger bar. With nearly 70 available toppings, fans can stick to the basics or get adventurous with options like Nutella, jelly, or Froot Loops; burgers can also include veggie or meat patties. The standout “Spartanburger” is topped with pimento cheese, a fried green tomato, and onion straws, with additional food carts behind home plate specializing in sausage varieties and multiple styles of nachos. The biggest downside of the otherwise strong concessions here is the “grab-and-go” setup – with items being left under heat lamps, it can leave some of the food cold. Though the Carolinas are traditionally Pepsi country, Coca-Cola products are the stadium drink of choice. Other non-alcoholic options include Monster energy drink, Powerade, and fresh-squeezed lemonade from a stand near the left field gates. Adult beverage selections are broad; along with typical domestic beers are craft-style options including beers from New Belgium, Wicked Weed, Sierra Nevada, and Golden Road’s Mango Cart. Seltzers, canned cocktails, and individual servings of wine are also available, and the Cabooze Bar Cart behind home plate offers handmade mixed and frozen drinks. While the beer list is extensive, more local brews would be nice to see.   Atmosphere   4 The Spartanburgers celebrate the city’s railroad legacy with their Hub City moniker, in reference to the city being a hub of railroads in the south. The tracks that run just beyond the third baseline are reminiscent of the early days of baseball, when fields were commonly found adjacent to the town’s train depot. Upon first sight of First Third Park, the neon “Spartanburg” sign atop the stadium, in diner script, pops with city pride. The seating bowl is bi-level; the lower level is individual plastic chairbacks from midway up each line, with mesh-backed seats behind home plate. There are also several additional seating areas, including high top tables, group seating, concourse suites, drink rails, and a grassy berm stretching from left to left-center field. Though the rows are a bit steep, the seating bowl does provide excellent sightlines and plenty of leg room. The outfield wall plays pretty consistent in right, but center field is a poke at 411’. Left field is a touch short at 328’ but it is protected by a wall approximately 15 to 18 feet high. The scoreboard, situated in right-center field uses a 1950s, drive-in themed display to provide game statistics, information on the pitcher’s pitch count, pitch speed, and pitcher and batter individual statistics. Hub City does a good job keeping the burger and railroad themes going throughout the game. Strike outs are celebrated with the ringing of an “order up” style bell, the stadium announcer refers to base runners as “burgers”, and home runs are celebrated with the sounding of a train whistle – this really ties in both themes of the team well; even in-game entertainment pieces use burger-themed contests. Spartanburgers game definitely have an atypical game presentation for baseball, but it goes a long way in creating a fun stadium atmosphere. For example, the stadium’s public address announcer uses the power of the microphone to stir the energy of the crowd with chants and prompts to get loud between pitches. In an era where baseball has become more of a laid-back experience, this approach works well in creating a fun game atmosphere that feels more like a basketball game than baseball. The concourse is kept lively by Steve the Conductor, who makes his way around the concourse dressed in overalls and a conductor’s cap; Steve greets fans and gets them to join him in belting out a loud “Choo-Choo!” rallying call.   Neighborhood   4 Fifth Third Park is a short walk from downtown Spartanburg, an area with an artsy vibe and plenty of personality. Sculptures line the sidewalks and the Spartanburg Music Trail highlights local musicians via QR codes – there are 11 markers, including one honoring The Marshall Tucker Band, most notable for their song, “Can’t You See”. Downtown also has a strong collection of locally-owned restaurants along a section of Main Street, which is closed to traffic so tables can be set up for spacious outdoor dining. Music fills the air day and night, providing both pre and post-game options for food, drink, and music. One establishment of interest in the area is FR8yard, an outdoor bar and music venue that has seats from Duncan Park. Downtown Spartanburg also seems to be in the midst of a revitalization, as empty store fronts appear to be in the process of being filled. The Children’s Museum of the Upstate, Hub City Railroad Museum, and the free to play Sparkle City miniature golf course are all family-friendly points of consideration in the area.   Fans   4 Excitement around town is high with the return of professional baseball. Early attendance numbers over 3,000 fans per game, with crowds swelling to over 4,000 for weekend matchups, especially when rivals like the Greenville Drive  visit. If this trend continues, the Spartanburgers will finish among the South Atlantic League’s top five in attendance this season.   Access   3 Spartanburg is at the junction of two interstates that run though the southeast, namely I-85 which runs regionally from Atlanta to Charlotte, and I-26 that runs from the South Carolina coast in Charleston to Asheville, North Carolina. Fifth Third Park is just south of downtown Spartanburg. Some streets around the stadium shut down leading up to gates opening, so the easiest approach is from the north side of Morgan Avenue. This provides for the easiest access to the multi-level parking deck just beyond the left field confines, and this garage provides direct access into the ballpark. There is also some street parking within walking distance if you arrive early enough; street parking is free after 5 pm. Primary entry points can be found in the right and left field corners of the stadium, with the left field gates being the most popular. There is also a home plate gate, but it is more out of the way, so it doesn’t get nearly as much use as the other points of entry. Even with many concourse level suites and food carts, there is still plenty of room for fans to move around without feeling as though they are packed in shoulder to shoulder. Fifth Third Park is not completely circumnavigable, however – fans can only walk to center field and roughly three-quarters of the way down the right field line. In future years, though, office space and housing will begin to pop up in the open grassy area beyond right and center field, which may help to tie both sides of the field together with one continuous walkway.   Return on Investment   3 Tickets start at just $5 for weekday berm seating, increasing to $8 on Fridays and $10 on weekends and holidays. Fees typically add 21–28% to the ticket price. Parking seems reasonable at $10, but if you are willing to walk, free spots can be found in the downtown area – street parking is free after 5 pm. Concessions seem reasonably priced, in line with typical ballpark prices. Apparel and other souvenirs do seem to be on the expensive side, however, but nothing that isn’t in line with current industry standards.   Extras   4 Mascots Chuck the Burger, an anthropomorphic cheeseburger, and a yet-to-be-named Carolina Parakeet have an on-going playful rivalry that sees the feathered mascot constantly chasing Chuck around the field, concourse, or other parts of the stadium. While not engaged in the chase, both mascots are busy taking countless photos with fans around the stadium, as well as helping host mid-inning games. A display inside the home plate entrance features vintage wooden seats from Shibe Park, home of the Philadelphia Phillies  from 1909 to 1970; the seats were later reused at Duncan Park. The display includes photos chronicling Spartanburg’s baseball history, with a separate exhibit behind home plate commemorating the Spartanburg Mill League in the early 1900s. A large children’s play area is located down the left field line, providing a great space for kids to burn off some energy during the game; the climbing wall there incorporates a colorful mural of Spartanburg into its design. There is a specific focus on using art as part of the wow factor at Fifth Third Park, from the mural-covered walls to the baseball-themed chandelier just inside the Home Plate Gate, and the giant bobbleheads placed at each of the outfield gates – all of these add to the artistic beauty of the stadium.   Final Thoughts A new team and stadium usually bring a lot of buzz to a city, and the Hub City Spartanburgers really deliver on that. Fifth Third Park is not just a fun spot to watch baseball; it feels like a celebration of Spartanburg. The diner and railroad themes, mixed with the recognition of the city’s baseball past and artistic vibe, bring into the ballpark much of what has shaped Spartanburg into the city it is today.

Photos by Chris Green, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.71 Rainbow Wahine Softball Stadium Kalele Rd Honolulu, HI 96822 Hawaii Rainbow Wahine website Rainbow Wahine Softball Stadium website Year Opened: 1985 Capacity: 1,200 Island Softball Though many may think of Hawaii as a vacation paradise and less of a sports destination, the atmosphere at University of Hawaii athletics events seeks to change that, and Rainbow Wahine softball is no different. A facility that feels like the venues of yesteryear, while offering free admission, is the highlight here, and loyal fans are plentiful.   Food & Beverage   3 There is only one proper concession stand at Hawaii softball games, and its menu is accordingly limited. Hot dogs ($6), chili dogs ($7), chili bowls ($5.50), and a chili frank plate ($6) are the highlights, while other options include cheese nachos ($6), chili cheese nachos ($6.50), Enjoy snacks ($4.50), chips ($2.50), and candy ($2.50). Drinks include 20 oz bottled sodas and water for $4.50, and there is also a local vendor who sells Dippin’ Dots ice cream for $6 from a separate cart under the grandstands.   Atmosphere   4 The stadium itself is simple enough – the main seating area behind home plate features a roof to cover the seats and the small press areas. However, the support beams and dark aesthetic harken back to old stadiums from the beginning of baseball’s existence. The left and right field lines feature additional backless bleacher seating that is open to the elements, though netting protects all seats so you won’t have to worry about getting hit by a foul ball. The left field ramp from the ground level to the grandstand also offers an elevated look at the bullpen for the visiting team. Right field features restrooms that are covered by large graphic walls featuring the team’s schedule, while along the back side of the main seating area are banners featuring star players from the team’s past, connecting the team to their past successes. The biggest plus here is the view from Rainbow Wahine Softball Stadium; the field orientation facing north means the outfield view is campus housing and the tropical foliage-covered foothills of the Ko’olau Mountains.   Neighborhood   4 The ballpark itself is located on the University of Hawaii campus, located just north of the popular Waikiki Beach area of Honolulu. Just a few miles from campus are the world-famous sandy beaches that have attracted visitors for hundreds of years, and you’re also not far from local restaurants, as well as chain favorites and hotels. To the east is Diamond Head State Monument, a popular hiking site, and beyond that are iconic shorelines of rocky cliffs. Fans   4 The fans at Hawaii softball games are mostly locals, or friends and family of visiting teams. Being located in such a popular tourist city means that visiting teams will travel well thanks to fans wanting to make a whole trip out of watching their favorite team play in Hawaii. The fans here are also very sport-knowledgeable, and know when to cheer with each dramatic play on the field. On top of that, the free admission to games means many students come and go throughout the day, as gaps in their schedules permit between classes. This laid-back atmosphere also fits with the island vibe.   Access   3 The parking at Hawaii softball games is arguably the biggest struggle for this game day experience – the nearby Kalele Road Garage and UH Guest Parking Garage offer the best and closest options. Entry off nearby Dole Street or Kalele Road makes for easy in-and-out access; both of these are located right off the H1 Highway, making for easy driving if you’re staying nearby, or even if you are staying farther away. Return on Investment   5 Tickets to Hawaii softball games are completely free. With affordable parking options nearby, you literally pay almost nothing for a game here, and getting to watch D1 NCAA Softball for free is a great reason to take in a game at Rainbow Wahine Softball Stadium.   Extras   3 The stadium is located across the street from both the baseball  and football  facilities at the University of Hawaii, while tennis plays their matches next door. This means visiting other sporting events on the same day is easy whenever multiple events are taking place. Hawaii softball also offers giveaways at some games, including goodies for fans. Finally, some games throughout the year are themed, meaning fans can get various experiences as they take in a game at Rainbow Wahine Softball Stadium.   Final Thoughts Though most fans visiting Hawaii may not expect softball to be on their sports to-do list, missing this free admission show would be a mistake. Located in a beautiful part of campus, this simple yet enjoyable setting gives you everything you need as a sports fan to satisfy your needs when it comes to college softball.

Photos by Chris Green, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.57 Moody Erwin Center 2001 Robert Dedman Dr Austin, TX 78712 Texas Longhorns website Moody Center website Year Opened: 2022 Capacity: 11,313 Texas Basketball Excellence Imagine what happens when you have your team’s biggest fan design the ideal sports arena for your favorite team. Taking into account food options, fan services, and sightlines, you construct the perfect facility, and that is exactly what the University of Texas did when Matthew McConaughey helped design Moody Center in 2018. Arguably the biggest Texas sports fan there is, McConaughey was deeply involved in the venue’s creation. The result? One of the best college basketball areas in America, especially for women’s basketball.   Food & Beverage   5 Texas is known for great food, and Austin itself is a bustling center of culinary expansion in the region, so it comes as no surprise that Texas basketball games give you a wide variety of food options from local restaurants. And while prices may be high compared to some sports facilities, the quality is top-notch. A sample of the various options you can find here include BBQ short rib sliders ($14), tacos ($15), Trisha Yearwood’s Party Nachos ($25), sopapillas ($8), and local ice cream ($6-$8). Drinks include beer ($8-$18.75), soda ($4-$5), cocktails and spirits ($16-$35), and even a rotating wine and champagne menu that constantly changes ($17+). Atmosphere   5 The arena has all the modern touches you’d expect at a brand-new NBA stadium. Modernized suites, HD screen scoreboards, and a standing-room only sky deck are some of the features you can enjoy while you’re in Moody Center. The grand entrance features the Longhorn logo hanging above as you walk in, and a massive fan store sells every sort of Texas fan gear you could possibly need. Perhaps what makes this women’s basketball experience best, however, is how they manage the arena capacity – while the upper-most level is not usually open for women’s basketball games, the team has come up with an ingenious way to hide the empty seats that are not in use. Large projector screens are extended down to cover those seats, and instead show a constant flow of game statistics, fan engagement, and advertisements for UT events and games – this adds yet another layer of excellence for the hardcore fan who likes to follow the sport beyond the score. The pre-game intros also include laser lights and pyrotechnics, giving you the big-game feel college basketball deserves, but rarely serves up.   Neighborhood   5 Texas basketball plays in the heart of downtown Austin – the city center is visible from the arena’s outside patios, so you are right there in the middle of one of the most vibrant and quickly growing cities in the nation. The airport is a bit of a drive, however, depending on traffic. For great food you can’t skip The Salt Lick or Torchy’s Tacos. Austin is also home to the Congress Bridge, famous for its thousands of bats that fly out every night, as well as Zilker Park on Lady Bird Lake. Finally, for a hotel, look for Hilton Austin Airport or Holiday Inn Austin Airport as two options that are great, due to their proximity to the airport and to major highways that lead to downtown. For sports fans, Moody Center’s location right near the other athletic facilities on campus is great for watching multiple games in a day, with softball , tennis , and baseball  located right down the street.   Fans   5 Texas fans are among the most hardcore in all of college sports. Women’s basketball is no different, as games routinely feature completely packed arena seating. To make it more impressive, the fans are incredibly sport knowledgeable; they know every player and every chant for each situation. Team colors are a must for the wardrobe, and even the hardcore folks come decked out head to toe in Longhorn gear. On top of that, the hospitality is impressive – fans here are welcoming and kind to visitors.   Access   5 Moody Center enjoys the luxury of being quite literally one block from the nearest interstate highway – located off exit 235 on I-35, the facility is refreshingly easy to access. The Manor and Trinity Street Garages are your closest options for parking, with numerous other garages and lots also open for fans to park for varying prices.   Return on Investment   5 Tickets for Texas Women’s Basketball are incredibly affordable, starting at just $9. Simply taking into account the quality of Moody Center and the fact the team is one of the best in the nation, you’re getting a top-tier basketball experience in a modern facility for low cost. Parking is also plentiful in various lots and garages right next to the arena.   Extras   3 The facility boasts countless championship banners and retired player numbers in the rafters, and graphics all over the main concourse showcase the history of Texas basketball over the years. Just outside the Northwest Lobby in the main concourse is a copy of the original drawing that Matthew McConaughey drew with Charles Attal when they were designing the arena. Before the game starts, fans can enjoy the various sponsor and fan activations outside the main entrance of the facility, as well as activities for kids.   Final Thoughts Texas Women’s Basketball is one of the top programs in the nation lately, and their arena experience reflects that. Texas fans are known for their loyalty and fervor, and Moody Center was perfectly designed to capture and embrace that love for their home team. Without a doubt, this is one of the top women’s basketball experiences in the entire country, and skipping it would be a grave disservice to the sport.

Photos by Chris Green, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.43 Sebring International Raceway 113 Midway Dr Sebring, FL 33870 SpeedTour website Sebring International Raceway website Year Opened: 1950 SpeedTour’s Florida Season Kick-Off The start of the race season shows up early in Florida, and Sebring is a perfect place to celebrate that. The annual SpeedTour weekend, featuring SVRA, Trans Am, and International GT, showcases sportscar racing’s past and future. Held each year in late February, this race is a great place for families and car enthusiasts, complete with car shows and thrilling race action. Food & Beverage   4 There is no shortage of food vendors around the track at Sebring. From the main paddock and ever-popular Track Shack (get The Beast, it is probably the best item you can eat at the track and is only known on the secret menu at Sebring) to the various drink and snack stops around the track, you never have to go too far to get something to quench your thirst, or ease the pain of hunger. The cost of everything is also what one may consider moderately fair, as food and snack items range from just a few dollars to $12 to $14 for bigger items at the Snack Shack. The event also invites several food trucks to the event as well, which are set up near the paddock area. Atmosphere   3 The Sebring facility is steeped in racing history; fans from around the world regard it as one of the best tracks for many reasons. SpeedTour weekend features a much more laid-back vibe compared to the IMSA 12 Hours , and everyone seems to be here to have a great time. The track lacks many conventional amenities one would expect from a top-level racetrack, but makes up for it with viewing access and history. Access to Green Park is also included all weekend, something not always open during smaller events. However, the facility itself has some massive upgrades needed. For example, almost all the roads through Green Park and trackside are dirt, meaning the dust gets really heavy at times. The restrooms around the facility are also beyond abysmal, featuring moldy troughs in the men’s rooms, as well as bugs galore with no AC to speak of. Grandstands have been added at various corners but are no less sparse, and views of the front stretch and finish line are extremely limited, with no good angles to be had for fans outside the paddock suites.   Neighborhood   3 There isn’t exactly anything around Sebring International Raceway, as it’s located in the middle of nowhere. Sebring itself is a town located in the middle of Florida, at least an hour and a half from the nearest major city or population center. Thus, while the town of Sebring itself may have some shopping and dining, as well as a few hotels, you are likely better off camping at the track for the whole weekend.   Fans   4 The fans at SpeedTour weekend cross over from other events at Sebring, including IMSA , SCCA, and HSR events. Trackside camping is popular all around the track, and as usual, several fans decorate their campers and campsites with lights and decorations. Thankfully, the craziness of IMSA weekend is nowhere to be found here, and a much more family-friendly atmosphere can be enjoyed because of it. Without a doubt, Saturday is the best day to attend, with the most racing action on track happening that day, complete with car shows and fan access to several grid walks on pit road. Access   3 The roads in and out of Sebring aren’t exactly major highways, with the biggest road being US-27 running towards Miami to the South and Orlando to the North. There is plenty of parking at the track, however, and trams help take you from parking lots farther away from the main grandstands and paddock to points of interest around the track. You never feel like you are too far from anywhere either, as there are several perfectly placed crossover bridges around the track to get you to points of interest throughout the weekend. Any fan can also come down to the paddock and get up close to the stars and cars that are in attendance.   Return on Investment   4 Tickets to SpeedTour weekend are much less expensive than IMSA’s 12 Hours  in March – this means you get to enjoy the sights and sounds of the race cars of yesteryear without breaking the bank. A family 4-pack of weekend tickets is just $175 and includes parking. Weekend 2-packs are $125, while a single weekend pass is just $65. If you want to add on camping for the weekend, that is just $50. Single day tickets are also available for Friday ($20), Saturday ($30), and Sunday ($30). Parking passes for the VIP parking lot are $25 a day, or $35 for the weekend. Without a doubt, this is a great event to take younger fans to as well, and your access is much more up close here than at traditional races you may go to.   Extras   3 Taking in the race at Sebring has its perks for fans, with various autograph sessions held throughout the weekend. In addition, fans also have the opportunity to get into the paddock area of the track free of charge, giving an up-close view of the teams as they prepare for one of the year's biggest races. Also, before the main event on Saturday, all the teams bring their cars out to the false grid before the race starts, where fans can come to see the cars and drivers up close, before the cars head out onto the track. While exploring the facility, there are also various info plaques to help tell the history of the track, including at the Flag Pole, the Officer’s Club, and Turn 7 at the Seven Hotel.   Final Thoughts The annual SpeedTour weekend is a great place to watch some racing action on one of America’s most historic race circuits. Filled with exciting action, this weekend is a must-go for all the fans who don’t want the craziness of the IMSA 12 Hour  weekend, but instead are looking for a family friendly race day.

Photos by Gregory Koch, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.00 Long Reach High School Field 6101 Old Dobbin Ln Columbia, MD 21045 DMV FC website Long Reach High School Field website Elite Soccer in the DMV DMV Elite is a semi-professional soccer team competing in the Mid-Atlantic Division of the National Premier Soccer League (NPSL). DMV Elite previously played their home games at Howard High School in Columbia, Maryland, but abruptly moved five minutes away to Long Reach High School one game into the 2025 season. The field at Long Reach is larger than the one at Howard, which was a major factor in the decision to move. The DMV in the team name refers not to the Department of Motor Vehicles, but to D.C., Maryland, and Virginia. The NPSL, together with the UPSL and the confusingly named USL League Two, comprise the fourth division of American soccer. They are the highest level that is not fully professional, and consist mostly of current college soccer players and recent graduates. The pay is structured in a way that allows current athletes to retain their amateur eligibility if they are competing in the NPSL over the summer. However, occasionally some aging former professional who just wants to continue playing somewhere will show up in the NPSL as well. Food & Beverage 5 Fans will have several options to choose from for food and beverage at a DMV Elite home game. A food truck is typically parked right outside the stadium gates, offering its menu to fans. The selection will vary by game, but when Stadium Journey visited, there was a taco truck serving up freshly made tacos as well as quesadillas and churros. There is also a concession stand open inside the stadium, run by the high school's booster club. Although DMV Elite plays their home games during the summer, when high school is winding down or over, the booster club is still working the concession stand raising money. You will find mostly snacks here such as chips and candy, but hot dogs and pizza are also available. Bottled water and soda are available at the concession stand, but may not be available at the food truck depending on the game. Prices at the concession stand are quite affordable, with nothing costing more than a few dollars. The food truck prices will be more expensive, but are also better food. Taco truck at DMV Elite FC Atmosphere 2 There are large sets of bleachers along each sideline at Long Reach High School, separated from the field by a black running track. There are lines on the field for many different sports - soccer has the yellow lines, and occasionally the white ones where they overlap with football. On top of the goal is a set of (American) football goalposts, which occasionally get hit by shots. They are considered out of play, but this can cause confusion if the ball bounces back into the field of play. There is a scoreboard at the stadium, bit it is not used for DMV Elite games. You will have to keep track of the score yourself, or ask someone if you arrive late. An extremely small clock is located on top of the press box, but fans sitting on that side will not be able to read it without turning all the way around, and it is so small they may have trouble even then. There is not much going on here other than the game itself. Fans will be able to hear some of the chatter going on on the field, which they may enjoy, but you're really coming here solely to watch the game. Neighborhood 4 Long Reach High School is located just down the street from Columbia Crossing shopping center, which includes many chain restaurants ranging from Mission BBQ to the BGR Burger Joint and many, many more. Other shopping centers are located nearby along Rouse Parkway (State Route 175). The Ale House on Dobbin Road is very popular with the locals as well. Columbia is also located halfway between Washington, D.C. and Baltimore, so both cities are easily accessible a short drive away. Fans 2 DMV Elite FC draws only a few dozen fans to a typical home game, spread out among the spacious bleachers. Most of the fans are dead quiet, though occasionally you'll get a fan who just likes to loudly complain about the refs. The NPSL is a development league for officials as well, so their quality isn't always the best, and most fans recognize this and lay off them. When we visited, there was one loyal DMV Elite fan trying to make a Supporters' Section by himself and banging a drum the whole game. Unfortunately, there were no similarly loyal fans to join him. We still give him credit for this and hope to see more people like him soon. Access 4 Columbia, Maryland is located about halfway between Washington, D.C. and Baltimore along I-95 via Rouse Parkway (State Route 175). Drive along that road a couple miles and you will soon be at Long Reach High School. Parking is available in a spacious lot that is more than large enough for the crowds DMV Elite draws. Only the few rows closest to the soccer stadium are typically filled up. Just pay attention to the one way traffic flows coming into, out of, and through the lot. Restrooms are available near the entrance on the side of the concession stand. They are small, but given the small crowds DMV Elite draws, they do not need to be any bigger. Return on Investment 4 Admission to DMV Elite games is $15 for adults, with discounts available for youth. Concession prices are very affordable at the stand as well. The food truck will probably be more expensive, but it's much better quality food so you will get what you pay for in the end. Overall, a DMV Elite FC game is an excellent value. Extras 0 There are no real extras here. Final Thoughts Although a DMV Elite FC game is pretty basic, it's an affordable and family-friendly way to take in a soccer game on a warm summer night. Conveniently accessible from Baltimore, Washington, and Northern Virginia, this is a fun experience for soccer fans throughout the DMV.

Photos by Chris Green, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.14 Lime Rock Park 60 White Hollow Rd Lakeville, CT 06039 Lime Rock Park website Memorial Day Classic website Year Opened: 1957 Capacity: 75,000 Lime Rock’s Summer Kickoff Despite the best efforts of the track’s neighbors, Lime Rock Park is a historic and popular racing facility hidden away in northwestern Connecticut. Nestled in a small valley and surrounded by stunning forests, this New England center of speed is small yet fierce, attracting race fans from around the globe to its secluded curves. After hosting the likes of IMSA  and SRO World Challenge over the past few years, the classic Memorial Day race weekend now features Trans Am action and some local vintage cars. The track also plays host to a variety of racing series over the calendar year, from SCCA to the Skip Barber Racing School. In 2025, the event took a downward turn sadly, due to the departure of SVRA from the schedule and a decreased entry from IGT and Trans Am. While a last-minute addition of local vintage cars was welcomed, it still meant a significantly diminished race day schedule and smaller field sizes.   Food & Beverage   4 The small size of Lime Rock Park means you are never too far from anywhere, which makes finding food easy. From food trucks to small vendors at various corners around the track, getting food is easy for fans. The track also features a paddock food stand that has ice cream, a wide selection of burger options, and more to satisfy the appetite of any race fan. The main food booths are in the paddock area and at the top of the Turn 2 hill, where the majority of fans watch the race from. A burger or impossible burger costs $12.75, while a turkey burger costs $12. Hot dogs range from $8 to $10.50 depending on the toppings you want, including the Bull Ring Bacon Dog which includes bacon relish and crispy fried onions. Drinks range from $2 for a coffee or juice to $4.50 for soda or Gatorade. Snacks like cookies, brownies, candy, chips, and pastries range from $2.50 to $3. Thanks to an on-site beehive, fans can also purchase small batch track-grown honey for $37.50. Atmosphere   4 The beauty all around Lime Rock Park is simply stunning – the vibrant green mountains that border the track help make the car colors pop even more than normal. The smell of campfires also fills the air, as some of the best race fans in the country take up residence at the track for the weekend. With a paddock that is open to all fans during all race weekends, and victory lane located at the bottom of an amphitheater-style hill for fan viewing, there is almost nowhere on the track you can’t find a great view. In addition, drivers frequently toss out hats to fans after celebrating their wins. Also, autographs are easy to get here, and the pre-grid walk before the main race always brings out the fans. But perhaps most overlooked are the main paddock restrooms, which are always spotless and fully air-conditioned. Unfortunately, unlike years past, the lack of SVRA cars and a decreased entry list for IGT and Trans Am means a much less full paddock for fans to explore.   Neighborhood   2 If you want to feel unwelcome by the residents in the town where your sporting event is being held, just travel to Lime Rock Park. Weekend homes for New York City residents dot the streets around the track, and almost every single one has a large yellow sign outside their home that reads “SUNDAY NO RACING!” in protest of the track’s noise. Though the debate has raged for years, it nonetheless makes new fans and visitors to the facility feel rather unwelcome in this small New England town. Easily the biggest downside of Lime Rock Park is its location and the lack of any large towns nearby. Quite literally located off small one-lane roads, the track is bordered by homes and farm fields, mixed with dense New England forest. The nearest hotels are Interlaken Inn and Wake Robin Inn, both a good 15-minute drive north into Lakeville. Food options in Lakeville, the nearest town, include Black Rabbit Tavern and The Woodland restaurant. In addition, for sightseers Haystack Mountain State Park offers great hiking trails, while the Saville Dam area is a favorite spot for photo takers.   Fans   4 The fans at Lime Rock Park are diehard racing fans – they follow IMSA, SRO, SVRA, WEC, Trans Am, and more, making them extremely sports-knowledgeable. They’re also passionate about their favorite drivers, fly the flags of their preferred manufacturers, and pack the hillsides for every headliner and support race during a given race weekend. From club racing to vintage and pro weekends, Lime Rock Park is rarely empty when a race is in town. Access   2 Parking on site at Lime Rock Park is plentiful, both inside the track and out. However, that is where the convenience ends – located over an hour from the nearest interstate highway, Lime Rock Park is in a very secluded part of Connecticut, relatively speaking. The nearest major city, Hartford, is equally as far. Located between US-7 and US-44, Lime Rock Park is easy to drive past if you don’t catch the small signs that point you towards the facility. Its distance from anywhere with sufficient lodging or dining is also inconvenient for those traveling to the track from out of state, some of whom don’t like to venture far from the action.   Return on Investment   3 Lime Rock Park is one of those tracks in North America that everyone knows about and says you should visit once. The compact nature of the track makes this the sports car racing equivalent of a bull ring, making the on-track product quite exciting to watch. Add to this the car-lovers dream that is the open paddock, and you have the perfect mix of beautiful surroundings and quality racing that motorheads crave. Tickets for the Trans Am event on Memorial Day weekend are generally affordable, though price increases have taken effect this year, with Friday tickets going for $35, Saturday or Monday tickets now at $72, full weekend tickets at $90, Sunday car show tickets at $15, and infield parking at $35. Add this to the dramatically smaller field sizes in recent years, and you are paying more for less than before. Nonetheless, this event is still a great event for fans to attend, and an overall good value.   Extras   3 The track features vintage racecars on display near the paddock grill concession stand, showcasing the track’s history. The main midway is also home to vendors and displays, showing fans the latest tech and offering great giveaways at the races. In addition, the track’s victory lane is located at the bottom of the hill by Turn 2, creating an amphitheater-style winner’s circle that makes you feel like you’re part of the celebration. Before the races, fans are welcomed onto the grid for a pre-race grid walk, where they can get up close to the cars and stars racing at the track, and with the moratorium on Sunday racing, Memorial Day Weekend also features a massive classic car show and local beer festival on Sunday, before the race action returns on Monday. Final Thoughts Lime Rock Park is secluded to say the least, and whether that is good or bad depends on the fan. What isn’t up for debate is its status as a shining star in the racing world for over 60 years, and the natural beauty that surrounds it. If you’re a racing fan, this track is a must-see on anyone’s bucket list – the track is constantly trying to improve the fan experience, and unlike other stops on the calendar, this facility doesn’t seem to age poorly, meaning you’ll be comfortable whenever you’re here.

Photos by Chris Green, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.14 Sonoma Raceway 29355 Arnold Dr Sonoma, CA 95476 Sonoma Raceway website SpeedTour website Year Opened: 1968 Capacity: 47,000 Sonoma’s Late Spring Race Fest Sonoma Raceway has a long and storied history in motorsports. Hosting the likes of NASCAR, NHRA, and IndyCar over the years, it is now home to one of the early rounds of the SpeedTour SVRA and Trans Am schedules. Being held in late April annually, this event has slowly grown itself to a solid event with tons of on-track action all day throughout the weekend. Fan-friendly and budget-friendly, this weekend is likely to soar to the top of the California race fan’s list of events to attend every year. Food & Beverage   3 The track has various concession stands and food trucks during the weekend, complete with the likes of burgers ($13.99-$14.99), grilled chicken sandwiches ($13.99), breakfast burritos ($7.99), and hot dogs ($11.99). The paddock cafe is also open on race weekends, giving everyone another option for food and beverages, with both inside and outside seating options. Atmosphere   3 The action on the track is top-notch, as Trans Am and SVRA host no less than 10 races during the weekend across multiple different race groups. Fans can catch everything from the top-level Trans Am TA race teams to the vintage SVRA machines from days past. Four days of practice, qualifying, and racing make this one of the most jam-packed events of the year for the track and the fans, which means you won’t go long without seeing some great race action. Being a NASCAR and NHRA facility also means that seating is plentiful all around the track. RV parking spots with track views can also be purchased by fans, and the suites offer stellar views, including the new Turn 11 complex with its outdoor patio seating. One of the best viewing spots has got to be the Turn 2 terrace with seating under arbors and shade trees. On top of this the paddock is completely open and accessible to all fans, giving you an up-close look at how the teams prep the cars for action.   Neighborhood   4 There is practically nothing immediately around Sonoma Raceway, but that makes for quite a nice location for a track. Sonoma is close enough to San Francisco and the Bay Area to make visiting one of the country’s most beautiful cities, with plenty to see and do, an easy task. However, it is just far enough away from the hustle and bustle of the city and nestled away in the beautiful hills of California wine country, to give you the country feel you want when relaxing. To the west is Novato, and to the east is Vallejo – food options include In-N-Out Burger, a California fixture, as well as many more. Hotels are also plentiful in both areas, and attractions range from the Golden Gate Bridge and several national parks to the south, to wine country in the north.   Fans   2 Many race fans in Sonoma who want to watch pro racing without the NASCAR prices turn to this event as a great option, especially given the incredible access afforded during SpeedTour races. On top of this, trackside camping is plentiful, with RVs lining the upper level of the camping area above the Esses. Unfortunately, this event doesn’t draw the crowd expected at SRO America weekend earlier in the year, so you won’t have the crowds to create the big race atmosphere many fans seek at the track. Access   2 Easily the only downside to Sonoma Raceway is the location of the track in proximity to the highway. From San Francisco you need to take the 101, and from Oakland/Sacramento/Vallejo you have to take I-80. Both highways will take you to the 37, which is the main highway to the track. The problem? Near the track it becomes a one-lane road that widens to two lanes at times, but no wider. Thankfully, when you arrive parking is beyond plentiful around the facility, with many grandstands offering close parking spaces for those willing to drive around. Return on Investment   5 Going to the track is worth the trip for SpeedTour at Sonoma – this facility is a must-see on any race fan’s list, making it worth the venture into northern California. Tickets to SpeedTour weekend here are also incredibly affordable, with weekend passes coming in at just $40 for presale and $70 at the gate. Friday tickets are $15 online and $25 at the gate, Saturday or Sunday is $25 online and $30 at the gate, and family 4-packs are $120 online only. On site general parking is free. Extras   3 Drivers host several fan walks on Saturday and Sunday that are open to all fans. In addition, victory lane is right there next to the main grandstands, which means fans can celebrate with their favorite drivers and teams after each race. Finally, the paddock and garages are all open to fans, which means you can get up close to the teams and cars while they work on race setups, and you can talk to the crews during the weekend. Final Thoughts If you are looking for a racetrack in a beautiful location in one of the most picturesque areas of the country, look no further than Sonoma Raceway. The track features some quality race action for fans to see, and most of the track is visible from the same spot, a rarity in road-course racing. With affordable prices, a growing fan base, and great food options, you have plenty to look forward to as a fan when you arrive at Sonoma.

Photos by Eric Moreno, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.00 Freeman Coliseum 3201 E Houston St San Antonio, TX 78219 San Antonio Gunslingers website Freeman Coliseum website Year Opened: 1949 Capacity: 11,700 San Antonio Gunslingers – Freeman Coliseum In sports, in pop culture, and in life in general, few things capture the imagination quite like the concept of nostalgia. In sports, you have throwback uniforms, old-timers’ games, and jersey retirement ceremonies to stoke the nostalgic flames of fans. This is one of the chief draws of the National Arena League’s (NAL) San Antonio Gunslingers . Now in their inaugural season in the NAL, the Gunslingers harken back to the days when the first incarnation of the USFL called the Alamo City home. Those Gunslingers played for two seasons in the springs of 1984 and 1985 at historic Alamo Stadium. While beloved (they featured future college football Head Coach and current television analyst, Rick Neuheisel, as their starting quarterback and star player), the team was also were steeped in controversy. The 2022 version has visions of lasting longer with less of that controversy and more success. Adding another dash of nostalgia is their home stadium, the legendary Joe and Harry Freeman Coliseum. Once upon a time, Freeman Coliseum was the largest indoor arena in San Antonio, and was the site of some of the biggest entertainment acts to visit the city, as well as home to two of the city’s now defunct minor league hockey franchises, the San Antonio Iguanas of the Central Hockey League and the San Antonio Dragons of the International Hockey League – these days the venue is mainly used for concerts and the annual San Antonio Stock Show & Rodeo . With hopes riding as high as a gunfighter in the saddle, read on to see if the latest arena team to hit the Alamo City has enough beyond their trade in nostalgia to make it worth your while. Food & Beverage 3 When it comes to the food and drink scene at the old Coliseum, the best word to describe it is going to be “adequate”. There are several what I would call “traditional” stands along the main concourse area, as well as several beer stands. The main food stands have all your old favorites: hot dogs ($5), hamburgers ($7), Frito pie ($8), soft pretzels ($5), nachos ($7), and popcorn ($6). They also offer fountain sodas ($5 for regular and $6 for large), as well as domestic and premium canned beers ($9 and $10 each). Nothing flashy, nothing fancy, but it will get the job done and won’t put too much of a strain on your wallet, which is always a plus. Atmosphere 2 It’s fair to call the venue middle-aged at this point, and I’ve been coming to events at Freeman Coliseum since I was a young child. Aside from some cosmetic upgrades, to me it looks fairly unchanged. This is both a positive and a negative. For me, and I would imagine with a number of other long-time residents of the area as well, there is a certain appeal to taking in events at the coliseum. Again, there is a nostalgia factor to the venue. However, I’m not sure nostalgia has the same sort of draw to everyone else. The renovations done a few years ago added some nice cosmetic upgrades, including some murals and photos highlighting some of the history of the building. For first-time, new visitors, though, the draw might soon wear off once you get past the shiny concourse and into the playing area. Especially once you get into your seats; some folks might find them to be a little cramped. Arena football is always a weird sport that’s shoehorned into whatever venue can hold it. In my opinion, the smaller the venue, the better for this sport. Freeman Coliseum looks cavernous during Gunslingers games and that isn’t helped by the acoustics. The team does its best by trying to offset it with their emcees and public address announcers, but that just makes the loudness that much more noticeable. Five hundred people yelling in a big cave is still 500 people yelling in big cave. Neighborhood 3 I’ve written numerous times about the area where Freeman Coliseum resides. It shares a parking lot with the home arena of the NBA’s San Antonio Spurs, AT&T Center . The Gunslingers schedule starts in the late spring and ends during the early summer, at the tail end of the NBA season, so there is a chance that if you time your visit to San Antonio just right, you could double-up your sports visits right in the same parking area. The area of town that the arenas both reside, the far east side of the city, is still a bit lagging in terms of attractions, restaurants, and lodging for fans who want to stay close to the venues. However, the good news is that you are within a 10-15-minute drive of the city’s vibrant downtown. The Alamo , River Walk , Tower of the Americas , HemisFair Park , and the Historic Pearl , basically everything they show you on television about San Antonio, is downtown and is just a short drive away from Freeman Coliseum. A relatively new restaurant that is adjacent to Freeman Coliseum is BallHoggs BBQ. Serving up everything that anyone looking for good Texas barbecue could, BallHoggs – the brisket is phenomenal – is a great option to try before or after Gunslingers games. Heck if you’re in Texas, you must eat barbecue at least once while you’re here! In terms of lodging, there are a number of affordable motels along the highways that surround the arena. These include Econo Lodge Inn & Suites Downtown Northeast and Quality Inn I-10 East. Again, if you’re looking for something more upscale or high-end, San Antonio’s downtown (with all of its options) – including one of the best hotels in the United States, Hotel Emma – is just a short drive away. Fans 3 There’s that cliché about Texas and it’s love of football, and I can tell you for a fact that by and large, it’s more truth than myth. The Gunslingers, for a first-year, lower-tier, niche sport, still draw a decent crowd to Freeman Coliseum. By decent I mean several thousand fans. As I mentioned, the coliseum is cavernous, so it will feel emptier than it really is, but the crowds are there. Why? Because it is football. The team has also wisely signed a few players with local ties to give fans familiar names to root for. Again, there is the nostalgia factor for longtime residents, as well. Regardless, so far, so good. If they can sustain the fanbase they have and grow it, San Antonio has limitless potential for growth, and an unquenched desire for any type of pro football to latch onto. Access 4 Like it’s shinier younger brother and neighbor, AT&T Center , Freeman Coliseum is accessible by two major interstates, I-10 and I-35. As mentioned both are 15-minute drives from downtown San Antonio and from San Antonio International Airport, for those flying into the city for a Gunslingers game. Once you get on site, there is one entrance to Freeman Coliseum’s parking lot, and the parking is just $10 each game. Return on Investment 4 Single-game tickets for the Gunslingers start at $20 per person, which is not bad. For the game I attended, one of the team’s main sponsors was actually giving away free tickets to fans, which is an even better bargain. With parking being at a low cost and concessions being reasonably priced, this is a great way to spend an afternoon enjoying some football out of the hot summer sun. Extras 2 The Gunslingers are still finding their feet in their maiden season, but they already have a few pretty good traditions built in. The Six Shooters Cheerleaders perform in between quarters and at halftime. They also have reenactors dressed as Old West gunfighters patrolling the stands taking photos with fans, and they even have a reenactor who rides a horse that leads the team out of the tunnel during introductions. I’m a sucker for a live mascot, but it’s still a pretty cool site to see. Final Thoughts Arena football might not in all honesty be everyone’s cup of tea. However, if you enjoy football, the Gunslingers are doing what they can to make these games fun for fans of any interest level. I think if you take the time to take in a game and visit Freeman Coliseum, I think you’ll enjoy yourself. In no way would I put it on a bucket list of any kind; however, if you have time, and if you’re in San Antonio, come on down. Gunz up! Follow Eric Moreno’s Stadium Journey on Twitter at @EricMoreno6477 . Visit Eric Moreno’s writer’s portfolio site at ericmoreno.contently.com .

Photos by Andrei, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.57 Maples Pavilion 655 Campus Dr Stanford, CA 94305 Stanford Cardinal website Roscoe Maples Pavilion website Year Opened: 1969 Capacity: 7,392 Hoopin’ It Up at The Farm Built in 1969, Maples Pavilion has been home to the Stanford men’s and women’s basketball teams as well as the women’s volleyball team. Maples underwent a $30 million renovation in 2004 and currently hold 7,392 spectators. Now in its 50th year of operation, Maples Pavilion is named in honor of Oregon lumber magnate Roscoe W. Maples. Upon his death in 1963, Maples bequeathed most of his $2 million estate to the university. A member of the class of 1904, he left school before graduating to support his parents, and later went on to succeed in the lumber business. In that time, the Cardinal made 16 NCAA Tournament appearances, reaching the Final Four in 2004 as well as producing future NBA brother tandems of Jarron and Jason Collins and Brook and Robin Lopez. Food & Beverage 4 Maples Pavilion has a very diverse food menu for a venue its size. At “Cardinal Fast Break” you’ll find a chicken Caesar and turkey cheddar wrap as well as a Bavarian pretzel or a spinach/feta pretzel. For those coming in from the wintery Northern California elements, Vietnamese soup, Pho, with your choice of chicken or vegetarian, is also available. The standard hot dogs as well as grilled brats, polish pork sausage, and campus classics farm burgers and axe burgers are available at the “From The Farm For The Farm” stand. Sweet treats range from French beignets, cotton candy, Häagen-Dazs ice cream bars, kettle corn, and chocolate chip cookies. Coke product beverages as well as Dasani bottled water are the beverage options, with beverages also available in a 32 oz commemorative cup at a reasonable $7. California Pizza Kitchen stands are also on site but not operable due to a lack of attendance. Atmosphere 3 Maples Pavilion is split into an upper and lower level. The lower level is made up of assigned chair back seats except for one sideline which is the risers in which the student section stands. The sidelines in the upper level are assigned bench seating while the endlines are general admission bench seating. Banners celebrating the athletic program's national titles and other vast accomplishments including the team’s March Madness appearances are placed throughout the walls in each corner. Because of the small capacity, you’ll never be far from the action. When packed, the place can be loud. Unfortunately, on most nights, the place is rarely filled and at times can make for a hollow feel. Neighborhood 4 The closest shopping and dining options are across the El Camino Real in the Town & Country Village. One of the more popular options is Gott’s Roadside which has excellent food but is very crowded during peak times. There are also specialty stores if you like to shop. Downtown Palo Alto is just a few blocks beyond the Town & Country Village. The Stanford Shopping Center features more shops and restaurants to check out. Palo Alto is a very affluent community and the downtown reflects that. The most popular sports bars are The Old Pro and The Patio. They have similar options for food and drink but The Patio offers outdoor seating and The Old Pro seems a bit more college-centric. Fans 3 The crowd is a mix of demographics and is a great outing for families looking for an affordable, accessible basketball option. Most of the fans stay engaged and cheer on the Cardinal at appropriate times. Like with any fan base, team performance can dictate what type of fans will be at the games. Because the Cardinal has not exactly been a Top 25 team as of late, as well as its distance from San Francisco and San Jose, where most of their alumnus reside, Maples Pavilion has not exactly been packed to the rafters as in recent times. It is not uncommon to see a lot of youth groups in attendance on any given night. Though a kind gesture and a great way to establish continual ties with the community, one should not expect a rabid presence that contributes to a true home-court advantage. Access 4 Stanford sits between two major freeways (101 and 280) and along the thoroughfare El Camino Real. During rush hour the drive to Palo Alto along the vehicle-heavy peninsula is troubled by severe traffic. An alternative to arriving at Maples Pavilion is the Caltrain, the Bay Area’s commuter train that travels to points between San Francisco and San Jose. Palo Alto Station is the station located closest to the venue with a campus shuttle available during weekdays. The main drag in Palo Alto is the El Camino Real and it runs north/south from just south of San Francisco to San Jose. From El Camino Real you take Galvez St into campus and make a left onto Campus Drive. Parking is available across the street in parking structure 7. Street parking is available on evenings and weekends in Palo Alto. When entering the pavilion, you can enter through three of the four corners and end up in wide, spacious corridors. You can walk around the interior building and can enter your section number. When you find your section, you walk up into the interior and then either up again to the upper level or back down to the lower level. Return on Investment 4 General admission tickets to most games, including rivals Cal, UCLA, and Arizona start at $15. I have to believe this is due in large part to the recent lackluster play throughout the entire Pac-12 conference. Though GA’s at $15 are a great bargain, especially for a program like Stanford, be advised that seats directly behind the baskets will have an obstructed view of the overhanging basket supports that extend to the roof. While this may offer an old-school feel, the obstruction can be somewhat annoying. Like any college athletic program in a major market, the product on the court is not the only source of entertainment for the locals, and with Stanford being a considerable commute for most along The Bay, getting fans to fill the seats can be difficult, leaving blocks of tickets available on any given night. Extras 3 Going to a Stanford basketball game on The Farm can be a unique experience, if anything, for one reason…The Stanford Tree. Over the years, The Tree has had numerous variations and has made some newsworthy headlines along with the Stanford Band, albeit not always for the right reasons… During the game, The Tree can be seen dancing and prancing along to tunes from the Stanford Band, ranging from classic rock to alternative. Both The Tree and the band offer an irreverent style of entertainment that’s mostly entertaining but at times can be offensive dependent on one’s point of view. Though the band and The Tree are likely to be at the game, because of their “reputation,” if they should be missing from that evening’s contest, there’s a great chance some “mischief” has been involved… During the national anthem, the Stanford Dolls can be seen signing the anthem, a nice touch for the hearing-impaired fans. Final Thoughts From San Jose to San Francisco, the Bay Area is full of entertainment options. Stanford basketball is one of the more affordable options along the way. If you’re a college basketball fan, a trip to Maples should be on your to-do list. Though Maples does not offer the raucous atmosphere that a Duke basketball experience may offer, the experience here still has its unique qualities. In addition, you get to be entertained throughout the game by the ever so irreverent Stanford Band along with their famous, or infamous Tree. It’s an experience that needs to be witnessed live at least once along your Stadium Journeys…

Photos by Gregory Koch, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.00 Shepherd Stadium 901 Meridian Ave Colonial Heights, VA 23834 Tri-City Chili Peppers website Shepherd Stadium website Year Opened: 1948 Capacity: 2,000 A Real Hot Pepper Baseball has a long and storied history in the city of Colonial Heights, Virginia. Baseball was played on the site of present-day Shepherd Stadium dating back to at least the 1920s. Although there was no stadium at the time, there was a field with a rickety fence and bleacher seating which played host to a number of recreational teams. In 1948, Mayor Frank R. Shepherd organized the construction of a proper stadium on the site, which would go on to host American Legion baseball, high school baseball, and the Boy’s Invitational Tournament organized by the local Optimist Club. In 2020, Shepherd Stadium was awarded a franchise in the Coastal Plain League, a collegiate wood-bat summer league with teams in Virginia, the Carolinas, and Georgia. The team, known as the Tri-City Chili Peppers in reference to the cities of Colonial Heights, Petersburg, and Hopewell, was unable to begin to play that year due to the COVID-19 pandemic but made its much-anticipated debut in 2021 in a newly renovated stadium. The CPL has a history in the Tri-Cities region, with the Petersburg Generals being a member from 2000 to 2016. However, the Chili Peppers bring the league to Colonial Heights for the first time. Food & Beverage 4 There is one concession stand down the first baseline in a plaza area which offers many options. Classic ballpark fare such as hot dogs and hamburgers is available here, as are more unique items such as barbecue sandwiches, pulled pork nachos, fried pickle chips, and a smoked turkey leg. As a signature item, the team offers a cheeseburger with pimentos and bacon, which comes with a side of fries. For those with a sweet tooth, ice cream from a local manufacturer is available as well. Beer, wine, and hard seltzer are available for those of age. Make sure to pick up a wristband before you order. All prices are fairly reasonable here. Atmosphere 4 The Chili Peppers do a lot to create an impressive atmosphere at their baseball games. Featuring music, between innings contests, and a chili pepper mascot named Blaze, there is something for everyone here in the Tri-Cities. Kids who arrive early can sign up to participate in the contests themselves by looking for the sign near the entrance to the stadium. The PA announcer manages to be loud and engaging without being over-the-top while the on-field host does a good job of keeping the fans engaged during breaks in the action. As for the stadium itself, it has been renovated in anticipation of the Chili Peppers’ arrival, and despite being over 70 years old is looking as good as new. All seats are chairbacks and the upper rows are over an overhang, similar to older grandstands in Lynchburg, Hagerstown and elsewhere. However, a plaza has been added down the right field line with a concession stand, team store, and picnic tables for fans to sit at and eat. There is a scoreboard in the outfield which shows the line score, other basic information, and scorekeeping decisions. All in all this is a very nice ballpark with an electric atmosphere for a Chili Peppers game. Neighborhood 3 Shepherd Stadium is located on a residential street, but if you head out of the ballpark towards The Boulevard (the main street through town) you will find some options. Trapezium Brewing Company is located a short drive away, as are a number of other options serving everything from Italian to soul food to breakfast to a traditional bar and grill. Many of these options are across the Appomattox River in Petersburg, but all are close by. Fans 5 Although Shepherd Stadium does not typically sell out, the fans who are in attendance are passionate and loud when cheering on the Chili Peppers. Chants and cheers can be heard before and during the game. The Chili Peppers attract fans of all ages, from people old enough to have been watching American Legion ball when this park first opened to families with small children. The fans are part of why a Chili Peppers game has such an impressive atmosphere – the team does a lot, but without the fans, this just wouldn’t be the same. Access 3 Shepherd Stadium is located just off I-95 via Exit 54. The stadium is then a couple of miles away. There is a small lot located right across the street from the stadium. Once that fills up, Chili Peppers staff will direct you to an appropriate lot, although you may have to park somewhat far away. Once you get inside the stadium, it’s fairly easy to get around. Concession stand lines shouldn’t get too long and there is rarely if ever a line for the restroom. Getting out of the stadium at the end of the game is fairly simple too since people are parked in different places so you don’t have everyone coming out of one lot. Return on Investment 4 Tickets are $10 for general admission seats which get you anywhere above the first five rows of the stadium. If you want to sit in the first five rows, you will have to buy a multi-game plan or season tickets to get a reserved seat. These are available for a discount if you plan on going to multiple games. Otherwise, stick with the GA tickets. In any case, when combined with the affordable concessions and free parking, a visit to a Chili Peppers game is a great deal. Extras 4 On hot summer days, the Chili Peppers give out free fans for the fans to cool themselves off (no pun intended.) There is a team store down the first baseline by the concession stand, a Kids Zone down the third baseline, and a cornhole game down the first baseline as well. All of these deserve their own stars. Final Thoughts Although Shepherd Stadium is almost 75 years old, you wouldn’t know it from attending a Chili Peppers game here. The stadium has all the amenities and excitement of a newer stadium. Although the Chili Peppers are one of the newest teams in the Coastal Plain League, they have already built up a group of loyal fans and we hope the experience continues to be this good for years to come.

Photos by Gregory Koch, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.43 Barbara Hodel Center 10 Patrick Henry Circle Purcellville, VA 20132 Virginia Valley Vipers website Barbara Hodel Center website Year Opened: 2009 Capacity: 1,200 Basketball in the Viper Pit The Basketball League, known as TBL for short, is a low-level minor league basketball league, a step below the G-League, with 40 teams competing across the United States. One such team, the Virginia Valley Vipers, calls Virginia's scenic Shenandoah Valley home. From 2022 until 2024, the Valley Vipers were based in Winchester, Virginia, on the campus of Shenandoah University at the James R. Wilkins, Jr. Athletic Center . In 2025, they moved down Route 7 to Purcellville and the campus of Patrick Henry College. They now play in the gymnasium at PHC's Barbara Hodel Center, a building that also holds many other university facilities. Although the quality of play on the court in the TBL isn't anywhere near the NBA, nor is it even on par with the G-League, the teams are independently owned and unaffiliated with NBA clubs (unlike the G-League clubs which are owned by their NBA affiliate) so the experience is often more similar to what you would see at the minor leagues in other sports. TBL teams often have zany uniforms, similar to what you saw in the NBA in the 90s, and family friendly entertainment. Food & Beverage 3 There is a table in the lobby of the Barbara Hodel Center that sells concessions for Valley Vipers games. Options include hot dogs and pizza slices as well as assorted snacks such as popcorn, candy, and chips. Bottled water and cans of soda are available to drink. As Patrick Henry College is a very conservative Christian school, alcohol is not available here as it is prohibited on campus. Prices are quite reasonable here, with nothing more than a few dollars. However, there is no posted menu so you will have to ask the price. Both cash and cards are accepted, but be warned that the line moves very slowly. Atmosphere 4 Walking into the Barbara Hodel Center will put you in a small lobby with a ticket table in front of you. Doors to the gymnasium are to your right, while concession stands and restrooms are straight ahead. There are other entrances to the gymnasium as well, but when you first arrive, the one directly on the right is the one you will use unless you want to head to the concession stand or restroom first. All the seats at the Barbara Hodel Center are on one side of the court, except for a few courtside seats behind the basket and some on an elevated stage on the other side that are also sold as "courtside" seats although they are higher than court level. The first few rows are reserved chair backs, while the remainder are general admission bleachers (although part of the bleachers may be blocked off and reserved for large groups.) All seats will have a great view of the action, so unless having a chair back or reserved seat is important to you, there is no reason to splurge on one. Before a Valley Vipers game starts, the lights will go out in the arena and a pink spotlight will shine on the court as the Valley Vipers are introduced. A hype video plays on the two video boards on the far sideline, which are really more like the temporary screens you would use to watch a movie somewhere than permanent videoboards. This does not affect the quality, but it does give the arena a rather improvised feel. The PA announcer is constantly talking during the action, getting the crowd hyped up and praising the Valley Vipers' play. Some will find this annoying, while others will find it unique, charming, and enjoyable. Like you would have at an NBA game (but unlike a typical college game), music is also played over the speakers during the action. During timeouts, kids get to come on the court and participate in contests like shooting baskets and racing down to the other end of the court. These are the pretty standard contests with nothing too unique. The Valley Vipers have a mascot named Venom, who rather appropriately is a Viper. He will interact with fans sometimes, like at halftime, but he was nowhere to be found for most of the game when we visited. Neighborhood 3 Purcellville is located in western Loudoun County, which technically makes it a suburb of Washington, D.C., although it has a much more rural feel than does eastern Loudoun. The Purcellville Pub (usually known simply as "The Pub") is a team sponsor and popular local eatery and bar, and the team can often be seen there after the game hanging out with fans. Manhattan Pizza is located across the street from the Patrick Henry campus and serves New York-style pizza. There are several other nearby restaurants as well in the shopping centers. Fans 4 Valley Vipers fans may not fill up the arena, but the ones who do show up are loud. They wave noisemakers throughout and stomp on the bleachers during the opposing team's foul shots. Between the loud crowd and low ceiling, it can get quite loud in here at times. A lot of their energy is simply because the PA announcer tells them to get loud, but they can make noise without his prompting too, if he ever decides to stop talking. This is the Valley Vipers' first year in Purcellville, but they already have an established fan base of all ages who goes to the games and passionately cheers on their team. If the Valley Vipers are playing a nearby TBL team like the Frederick Flying Cows or the Capital Seahawks, expect a good number of visiting fans to show up as well. They will be treated with respect and should not run into any issues. Access 3 Purcellville is located along State Route 7, a few miles west of Leesburg and the end of State Route 267 (the Dulles Greenway). You may be doing some driving along rural roads to get there, but you should still make good time. It is about an hour from Washington, D.C. depending on traffic. Once you are on the PHC campus, parking is available in a large lot next to the Hodel Center by the tennis courts. A few spaces are marked as reserved for Patrick Henry staff. While fans seemed to be parking here without issue, we suggest parking in one of the many other spaces to be safe. Keep in mind the spaces on the sides of the tennis court have very narrow aisles, so backing out could be a problem. You may be better off parking behind the tennis court although this means a slightly longer walk. Restrooms are available around the corner from the gymnasium and are clean and generally sufficient for the crowd size. It is worth noting that Stadium Journey visited during Patrick Henry's summer break, and there will probably be more PHC students on campus and in the Hodel Center itself during the academic year, which could affect parking and other access issues. Return on Investment 4 Admission to Valley Vipers games is $15 for general admission, $25 for reserved chairbacks in the first few rows, or $30 for court side seats. Concessions are reasonably priced and parking is free. Overall, a Valley Vipers game is an excellent value. Extras 3 Although not directly related to the Valley Vipers, the Patrick Henry moot court college championship banners hanging in the rafters are unique enough to earn an extra star here. Programs are available at the entrance for just $5. If you buy one, the players are available to sign it after the game. A third and final star for all the polite, friendly staff here. Final Thoughts Basketball fans can find family-friendly fun at an affordable price in Purcellville by checking out a Virginia Valley Vipers game. A match day here is sure to be full of energy from before it even starts up until the very end. If you are in Virginia's Shenandoah Valley, be sure to check out a Valley Vipers game at the Barbara Hodel Center.