Photos by Dave Cottenie, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.29 Les Prince Field @ Ron Joyce Stadium Michell Cr Hamilton, ON L8S 4L8 McMaster Marauders football website Ron Joyce Stadium website Year Opened: 2008 Capacity: 6,000 A (Mc)Master Class in Football McMaster University was founded in Hamilton, Ontario in 1887.  It was named after Senator William McMaster, who left $900,000 for the purposes of founding the university.  It has grown to over 37,000 students over the years.  In 1901, McMaster fielded its first football team and would join the CIAU, precursor to the current USports, in 1906.  The moniker of Marauders was adopted in 1948.  The Marauders have achieved  success on the gridiron since the turn of the millennium, earning eight Yates Cups as OUA Champions, all of which were post-2000. In 2011, the Marauders earned the ultimate achievement, winning a Vanier Cup with an overtime victory over the Laval Rouge et Or.  The Marauders also earned six championships during their brief associations with sub-conferences.  McMaster has also been home to five Hec Crighton winners as national football MVP. The modern Marauders call Les Prince Field @ Ron Joyce Stadium home.  They played at iconic Ivor Wynne Stadium, former home of the Hamilton Tiger-Cats, while the on-campus facility was being built.  The stadium is named after founding partner of Tim Hortons and former CEO, Ron Joyce.  The field is named after Les Prince, who contributed to McMaster for 34 years as a coach, athletic director and Dean of Students. Food & Beverage 3 Inside Ron Joyce Stadium, McMaster Catering Services sets up a temporary concession stand.  Hot dogs, burgers, chicken sandwiches are available along with chips and popcorn.  Coffee, soda, and bottled water are beverages available at this stand.  Inside the adjacent David Braley Centre, there is also a Booster Juice.  Fans who wish an alcoholic beverage, beer sales are past the north endzone and must be consumed in that area as opposed to the grandstand. Atmosphere 3 Ron Joyce Stadium is a single grandstand stadium that sits on the east side of the south-north oriented Les Prince Field.  It is on the campus of McMaster University and surrounded by a number of residence buildings along with the David Braley Athletic Centre to the south.  The field is surrounded by attractive, black, wrought-iron fences that allow fans to see in, as well as to give the stadium a real presence on campus.  Before the game, fans may be interested in popping in to the David Braley Centre and checking out the McMaster Athletics Hall of Fame.  Along with builders Les Prince and Ron Joyce, plaques for other builders Arthur Burridge, David Braley and Ivor Wynne can be found along with McMaster legends Jesse Lumsden, Ben Chapdelaine, Phil Scarfone, Kojo Aidoo, Kyle Quinlan and the venerable Russ Jackson. Ron Joyce Stadium features light brick with maroon accents. There isn’t too much to see in the stadium itself other than a display for the donors to the stadium project.  The stadium features three sections of reserved stadium seating in the centre, flanked by a total of six sections of general admission bleachers.  The incline is steep and the grandstand is raised to give terrific sightlines.  A large box for operations and press sits behind the top row of the grandstand.  Be wary of the last row in front of the pressbox as it provides less legroom than other rows.  One of the first videoboards for Canadian University football, having since been upgraded, sits at the south end.  A large notation of the 2011 Vanier Cup Championship is emblazoned on the facade, south of the pressbox. The gameday atmosphere at McMaster is strong.  Members of the McMaster Marching Band perform the national anthem, marching bands not being that common in Canadian Universities.  It would be beneficial if they could contribute more to the game.  Cheerleaders lead the crowd in cheers and perform acrobatic stunts at field level and DJ Jukebox plays music during breaks in the action.  The use of an eagle screech sound effect is prevalent.  The PA announcer for McMaster is solid, but is hampered by a terrible system which echoes significantly.  The mascot, Mac the Marauder, participates in cheering at field level. Neighbourhood 3 Ron Joyce Stadium is located on the campus of McMaster University in the Westdale neighbourhood, west of Central Hamilton.  There are a few spots for pre or post game food and drink nearby, including Phoenix Craft House, East Meets West Bistro, West End Pub, West End Diner and Dragon Court.  Heading toward Central Hamilton to Hess Village may be a bit more interesting. There are a few other sporting options in Hamilton.  McMaster fields a few other athletic teams, including basketball .  The Hamilton Cardinals , Forge FC  and Toronto Rock  may be other appropriate options.  However, the star attraction of the Steel City is the CFL’s Hamilton Tiger-Cats .  Other tourist options in Hamilton include the Canadian Warplane Heritage Museum, Dundurn Castle, and HMCS Haida National Historic Site.  For fans wishing to stay near campus, the Hampton Inn downtown is a good option. Fans 3 USports football attendance is fairly elastic depending on factors including weather and time of year.  Rainy or cold weather will hurt attendance significantly along with a Thanksgiving Weekend scheduled game or one in late August, before students populate the campus.  The Marauders usually attract between 1,000 and 3,000 fans per game.  The game that was reviewed was very well-attended as it was move-in weekend for the first year students, and the evening Marauders game was part of the orientation activities.  Mac fans are not atypical of Ontario fans and are fairly reserved until something big happens.   Access 4 Ron Joyce Stadium is located on the campus of McMaster University, in the Westdale neighbourhood.  It is north of Highway 6, east of Highway 8 and west of Highway 403, on Mitchell Crescent on campus.  Getting to campus isn’t terribly difficult, but will require a bit of city driving.  There is some parking on campus, but the best bet is to use the parking garage under the stadium whose entry is at the north end.  HSR bus stops can be found on campus for those interested in public transit.  Fans should consult the Hamilton Street Railway  website for fares, schedules and maps.  Getting around the stadium is not too difficult and the washrooms are adequate for the facility. Return on Investment 4 USports Football provides great value for the sporting dollar.  Reserved seating is pricey at $39, but General Admission tickets go for $22.  Students and seniors have discounts and McMaster students have a steeper discount.  Concession prices are decent and parking may have a cost, however, sometimes the parking is free, as was the case for the game that was reviewed.  The gameday atmosphere at McMaster is strong and the team is consistently competitive, providing a good product on the field. Extras 3 An extra mark for the McMaster Athletics Hall of Fame. An extra mark for the consistently competitive team that the Marauders field. An extra mark for the McMaster Marching Band. Final Thoughts If fall means football, then a trip to Hamilton for the McMaster Marauders should be in the cards.  A good facility with a competitive team is what fans will get and Les Prince Field @ Ron Joyce Stadium provides comfort and solid sightlines.  In the end, it all works out to a (Mc)Master Class in football. Follow all of Dave’s sporting adventures on YouTube , Twitter , Threads  and Instagram @profan9.

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

Photos by Aaron S. Terry, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.86 Callaghan Stadium 605 Beckett Hill Rd                                                                                                                                                   Princeton, WV 24740 Concord Mountain Lions website Callaghan Stadium website Capacity: 3,700 Appalachian Mountain Lions Concord University is located in Athens, West Virginia, though your GPS might call it Princeton, WV instead. Their football teams compete in NCAA Division 2’s Mountain East Conference, which includes schools in West Virginia, Ohio, and Virginia. The Concord Mountain Lions play their home games at on-campus Callaghan Stadium, which has a capacity of 3,700. The team’s school colors are maroon and gray, although the athletic teams sometimes don all-black uniforms.   Food & Beverage   2 There are very basic concessions at Callaghan Stadium – a small selection, but enough to get you through a game. On offer are hot dogs, Chick-fil-A sandwiches, popcorn, candy, and drinks (bottled Pepsi or diet Pepsi, water, and Powerade). Prices are low with most items costing $3 or less, though they might run out of food by halftime, so you may want to grab your snacks early.   Atmosphere   3 The gameday atmosphere during a Concord Mountain Lions game is decent – they have a mascot who races kids and teens across the field during breaks in the action. The first 50-yard dash includes kids 11 and younger and is run during halftime; the second is run after the third quarter and includes kids 12 through 17. Another nice feature is that re-entry is allowed; you can leave the stadium during the game and come back later, which is convenient in case you want to hit the Subway in the student center, find better bathrooms, or just want to get out of the sun for a few minutes. Speaking of the sun, there is no shade to be found, even though the facility is surrounded by greenery, although you can bring umbrellas inside the stadium, something a lot of larger venues won’t let you do. Another nice perk is that there are two team gear stands inside, one right next to the main entrance (where the ticket booth is) and another up the short hill next to the grandstand – it is not a long walk between the two by any means but is a nice touch to have multiple locations so that lines are shorter. The facilities seem a bit dated, as there is only one static scoreboard behind one end zone, with no capability for video replays.   Neighborhood   2 Athens is a very small town with almost nothing of note near Callaghan Stadium – though you are only about 5 miles east of I-77 (use Exit 14 for the venue), from the setting you would never know it. There is a pizza place in town, as well as a gas station, and the aforementioned Subway inside the Concord University student center, but nothing in the way of hotels or nice restaurants unless you want to drive about 10 miles back to Princeton proper; if you take Exit 9 from I-77 you will see all kinds of hotels and restaurants, as well as the West Virginia welcome center. There is a small wildlife museum a mile or two from Callaghan Stadium, but it is only open on weekdays, so you wouldn’t be able to visit before or after the game unless you come for the weekend. There is also a railroad museum and a Civil War Museum nearby, but the Civil War Museum is also only open on weekdays, and the railroad museum is only open from 11-4 daily, making it tough to see either of those on football game day, either.   Fans   2 The fans are pretty solid during a Concord Mountain Lions game, making some noise during big plays, but there are not very many of them – the visitor grandstand especially is practically deserted, and the home side stands are nowhere near a sellout. I didn’t notice a real student section either.   Access   4 Except for the potentially out-of-the-way location (although remember you are only 5 miles from I-77), it is easy to access Callaghan Stadium. Even if you arrive close to kickoff time, you should still be able to park at the top of the hill right behind the main stands, either in one of the small lots or along the roadway. There is also a larger parking lot at the bottom of the hill, though it may be reserved. The stadium's main entrance is at the bottom of the small hill, where the ticket office and one of the team gear stands are located. However, I entered through the gate at the top of the hill, without a ticket, and they still let me in through that gate, after which I walked down the hill and got one. It might not look like it, but there is one set of real bathrooms inside the facility, on the home side – the men’s is on the right side of the press box/concessions building and the women’s is on the left. There are also port-a-johns you can use, so you may not think there are real bathrooms, as they are kind of tucked away, but they are there.   Return on Investment   3 Tickets are only $10 each, parking is free, and concessions are cheap. That said, it may not be worth your while to come to this out of the way location unless you are a pretty diehard fan, or unless your team happens to be playing the Mountain Lions that week. Concord football is a pretty basic experience, so some fans may miss the raucous atmosphere of a larger venue. However, on the plus side, it is dirt cheap, and you won’t have to fight any crowds – you can be in and out before and after the contest in no time at all.   Extras   2 Callaghan Stadium has great scenery with all the greenery around the venue, and the mascot is solid. They also have cheerleaders on hand to entertain fans, but the marching band is small.

Photo by Michael Davis, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.71 Baylor Ballpark 1612 South University Parks Dr Waco, TX 76706 Baylor Bears website Baylor Ballpark website Year Opened: 1999 Capacity: 5,000 Baylor Ballpark In 2024 Baylor Ballpark is celebrating 26 years as home of the Baylor University Bears baseball team. The ballpark is located on the campus of Baylor University, and is constructed of red brick and green steel beams, keeping with the décor and architecture found all around Baylor University. The stadium has a capacity of five thousand, but the largest crowd ever (during a game versus Texas A&M ) far exceeded that number, with a record crowd of 5,911 on April 21, 2021. The ballpark’s surface is Bermuda grass with dimensions of 330-400-330. The Baylor program has been successful over the last two decades since the ballpark opened in 1999 – the team has close to a 70% winning percentage over that time period, which has helped Baylor host four regionals and three super regionals during Baylor Ballpark’s history, including a 14-8 record during the post season.   Food & Beverage   3 Baylor Ballpark has the basic fare expected at a sports venue. There are two permanent concessions stands, with one located behind home plate at the entrance of the park, and the other near third base. The concessions stand by third base offers Mr. Beast Burgers and cheesesteaks, with cheesesteaks costing $11 and burgers costing $10. The menu at Baylor Ballpark is limited, but the prices are not outrageous – the most expensive items are the burgers and cheesesteaks. The pricing for some of the other items are nachos for $6 and hot dogs, pretzels, candy, and peanuts at $4. The popcorn might be the best option at $3, but if you want to eat before the game that is also an option, as there are plenty of restaurants in Waco to satisfy any food craving. In terms of drinks, Baylor Ballpark offers fans both Pepsi products and of course Dr Pepper products, Waco being the birthplace of the latter beverage. The largest drink here is the souvenir cup at $6, but unfortunately this 32 oz souvenir is the one sold at Baylor football games , and not a baseball-themed cup. The smaller drinks at Baylor Ballpark are 20 oz of soda for $4, with other choices for the same price, being bottled water and Gatorade. There is also lemonade sold at a mobile stand on the concourse, along with funnel cakes, corn dogs, and fruit ice chills.   Atmosphere   3 Baylor Ballpark is a wonderful ballpark for college baseball fans to take in a game. The ballpark is architecturally simple and complements the surrounding campus. The park seems to be a visit to the past, yet is very well maintained for a ballpark built in 1999. The unique part of Baylor Ballpark is the grass berm along the first baseline, where fans can throw down a blanket or set out lawn chairs, and the berm also provides kids with entertainment as they slide down the grass. The seating area has 3,200 basic green seats, with the box and reserved seating wrapped around home plate from first to third base, with a total capacity of 5,000 fans. There are several access points to the seats, including a walkway between the box seats and reserved seats. In addition, the scoreboard in left center field includes a video replay screen, and the fences are covered with local business advertisements just like you would see at a minor league ballpark. Between innings, the scoreboard will show highlights of Baylor Bears who are currently in the major leagues. The staff also does t-shirt tosses, and music being played can also be expected during breaks in the action. Behind home plate, a strikeout counter is manually kept for fans that want to keep track of how the pitchers are performing that day. The ballpark seating faces northwest to give a view of the Brazos River and McLane Stadium beyond the outfield fence. There are also two bear statues near Baylor Ballpark’s main entrance, which can be a great photo opportunity for fans. Games also feature the typical contests and music between innings, and after every inning, Baylor’s slogan of “Sic ’em” is shown on the videoboard, and Baylor’s song “Baylor Line” is played whenever the Bears have a meeting on the mound. Overall the atmosphere is what is expected for a college baseball game, but the atmosphere can easily be heightened when a rivalry series with Texas  or Texas A&M  comes to Waco.   Neighborhood   3 Baylor Ballpark is part of Turner Athletic Complex on University Parks Drive, next to Ferrell Center and Gutterman Stadium (Baylor softball). Buzzard Billy’s Restaurant is along the Brazos River, near McLane Stadium , and is the closest restaurant. However, the city of Waco has numerous restaurants to enjoy, especially BBQ, while attending a Baylor sporting event – BBQ places to choose from while in town include Rudy’s Country Store BBQ, located off the interstate exit on Circle Drive, and Coach’s Smoke, located in downtown Waco on Austin Avenue; Coach’s Smoke is a good choice for beer as well. However, the most popular BBQ restaurant in Waco is Vitek’s BBQ at 1600 Speight Ave, which is on the south side of Baylor’s campus. Vitek’s BBQ is home of the Gut Pack, a dish which includes brisket, sausage, Fritos, and beans; if you decide on this dish you won’t need to eat for the rest of the day, as it is heavy and filling, as well as delicious. You should plan on arriving early, however – Vitek’s does serve outside as well as inside, but the wait can be long no matter which one you choose. If you aren’t in the mood for BBQ, George’s Restaurant is another popular place to meet before, during, or after the game. This restaurant has been serving Waco since 1930, and the crowds here are large, so be prepared to get there early. But the newest craze in town is Magnolia Table, a lunch spot created by TV personalities Chip and Joanna Gaines. Of course, being in Texas there is also Tex-Mex cuisine, and a strong recommendation in that space would be Trujillo’s Comedor Y Cantina on La Salle Avenue. All these choices mean Waco has great options besides fast food, so you’ll easily be able to find something that suits you. If you’re looking for something to do while in town, Waco is home to the Dr Pepper Museum, which is open on Saturdays. You’ll get to see how the popular Texas soft drink is produced, walk through its history, and even get your own Dr Pepper drink. Or, if you want to stay closer to the ballpark, on campus you can visit the Bear Habitat; this exhibit is home to Judge Indy and Judge Belle, Baylor’s two live black bear mascots. Another option is the Texas Ranger Museum – the Texas Rangers are a law enforcement treasure, and the museum does a great job chronicling their history. And of course, the gift shop has plenty of fun items for the kids to commemorate their visit, from Ranger badges to toy shotguns. If these options do not sound appealing, a short drive west from downtown is the Waco Mammoth Site, a re-creation of an on-site mammoth dig, or you can visit Cameron Park Zoo, either of which would mean a great time for the family and ensure unlimited memories of your trip to Waco.   Fans   3 Baylor Bears fans are what you would expect at a college baseball game – the average attendance at the stadium is about 1,800, which ranks Baylor in the top 50 for college baseball home attendance. The university is a 14,000-student undergraduate private school, and the fan base reflects this, with its makeup of alumni, students, friends, and player family members. The fans can get loud at certain points during the game, especially when Baylor scores or makes a good defensive play.   Access   5 Baylor Ballpark is one of the most accessible stadiums around, with parking available just outside the entrance. Parking is free and the lot is large enough to hold fans for both baseball and softball games being played at the same time. The ticket booth is just outside the main entrance, and buying a ticket is quick to do. There are four entrances into the main grandstand, plus an additional ramp for disabled fans, and all seating has green chairback seats, except for the metal bleachers behind left field. There is also a grass berm hill, on the first base side near right field, where you can have blanket or chair seating (but bring your own). The ballpark does have an awning for protection from the weather, covering the upper portion of the reserved seating, so remember that when choosing whether to sit in the more expensive box seats. The small number of bathrooms at Baylor Ballpark is interesting, but the one set of bathrooms in the main concourse seems to have no issues with long lines. The seating area also has a walkway between the box seats and reserved seating, and the signage is very good around the ballpark.   Return on Investment   5 Baylor Bears baseball single game tickets could be the best bargain in the Big 12 Conference – the closest seats are $20, these being the box seats in the first five rows around the dugouts and behind home plate. However, a better choice is the reserved seating around the infield for $10, which is the upper portion of the seating area. Baylor also offers mid-week game specials on their website. The low cost tickets, free parking, and inexpensive concessions all make a day at Baylor Ballpark a highly scored return on investment.   Extras   4 Baylor Ballpark has a great relaxing setting, with the Brazos River and McLane Stadium  visible just beyond the outfield. The ballpark has been home to Baylor Baseball for the past 25 years, and continues to be an impressive ballpark, with only a few small renovations over the years – the most recent was before the 2024 season, when Baylor installed a 24’ by 68.4’ digital videoboard. This Daktronics videoboard has a 13HD video display on a 560x1596 pixel screen, with capabilities for instant replay and video highlights. Baylor Ballpark is located on the site of Ferrell Field, Baylor baseball’s home from 1977–98, thus continuing the program’s baseball history, as seen throughout the concourse. The remarkable return on investment here provides a wonderful day at the ballpark.   Final Thoughts Baylor Ballpark is certainly a great place to take in some college baseball action. The ballpark is very accessible, the atmosphere is relaxing, and the fans are knowledgeable, respectful overall, and consistently inject themselves into the game; Baylor Ballpark, Baylor Baseball, and Waco combine to make beautiful trip for everyone.

Photo by Eric Moreno, Stadium Journey The Houston Roughnecks of the United Football League (UFL)  announced on September 12th that they will return to familiar surroundings in time for the 2025 season. After spending the 2024 season at historic Rice Stadium , the Roughnecks will return to TDECU Stadium in 2025.   “In an exciting new chapter for the Houston Roughnecks , we're thrilled to return to the University of Houston’s newly renovated TDECU Stadium ,” said UFL President and CEO Russ Brandon. “Our partnership with the University of Houston has been a highlight in our spring football journey, and we can’t wait to build on the electric atmosphere we experienced in 2020 and 2023 at TDECU Stadium. Their state-of-the-art venue will surely elevate our game-day experience and deepen our connection within the Houston community.”   TDECU Stadium , on the campus of the University of Houston, was the home for the Roughnecks during its 2020 and 2023 seasons as members of the XFL. In 2023, the Cougars were accepted into the Big 12 Conference.   To keep up with promotion to a Power Four conference, the university began significant renovations to the stadium and its surrounding facilities, including added premium seating options and new video boards. Because of the work done on the stadium, the Roughnecks were forced to relocate for their maiden season in the UFL.   “We are excited to welcome the return of the Roughnecks to TDECU Stadium and the campus of the University of Houston,” Houston Vice President for Intercollegiate Athletics Eddie said. “It is a thrill for us to showcase football year-round inside TDECU Stadium while sharing the latest in fan-focused facility upgrades with the Roughnecks and their passionate supporters.”   “This relationship with the Roughnecks and United Football League not only enhances our mission for Houston Athletics to be a centerpiece within the community but also creates valuable opportunities for monetary growth and investment in our department.”   The 10-game regular season schedule for the Roughnecks and the UFL has yet to be announced, but games are slated to kick off in the spring of 2025. ---- Follow Eric Moreno's Stadium Journey on Twitter at @EricMoreno6477 .

Photos by Gregory Koch, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.57 Audi Field 100 Potomac Avenue SW Washington, DC 20024 Washington Spirit website Audi Field website Year Opened: 2018 Capacity: 20,000 Catch the Spirit The Washington Spirit are a National Women’s Soccer League charter member, beginning play in the inaugural 2013 season. From 2013 to 2017, the Spirit played all their home games at the Maryland Soccerplex in Boyds, Maryland, but as the popularity of women’s soccer in the United States grew, they began to outgrow the 4,000-seat venue. In 2018 and 2019, the Spirit played most of their games at the Plex but played a handful in downtown Washington, D.C. at Audi Field, also home of MLS team D.C. United. For 2020, the plan was to play four games each at the SoccerPlex, Audi Field, and Segra Field in Leesburg, Virginia, before moving out of the Plex in 2021. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, they were unable to follow through with their plans in 2020 but split their time between Segra Field and Audi Field in 2021 and 2022. Beginning in 2023, the Spirit plays all home games at Audi Field. Food & Beverage 5 Audi Field has a wide range of concessions that should satisfy any fan’s palette, many of which celebrity chef Jose Andres provides. In addition to classic options such as burgers and pizza, fans can pick from more unique options such as pupusas and arepas. The stadium's concessions seem more designed for the demographics of soccer fans than football fans, but there is still plenty to enjoy. . Prices can be quite high, with one meal costing $20-$25 between the meal and a soda or water, even more, if you are planning to drink alcohol at the game. Atmosphere 5 Other than the Supporters’ Section (more on that later), every seat at Audi Field is a chairback. There are two levels plus suites, although the upper level is typically closed for Spirit games unless they are expecting a large crowd. There is a large video board behind the Supporters’ Section, and a much smaller board on the other end. If entering Audi Field through Gate A, this will put you directly in front of the Spirit Stage, which features pregame performances by everyone from drag queens to high school bands. If you turn left and head onto the concourse, you will find SpiritVille, featuring a kids' play area, face painting, a photo booth, and a merchandise tent. There are also picnic tables with big screen TVs for the adults to hang out at and watch the game while their kids play. The Spirit has a mascot, an eagle named PK, and does a lot to promote the atmosphere during the game, ranging from on-field contests at halftime to giveaways at the gate. Before each match, the teams walk onto the field flanked by pillars of smoke, setting the stage for what is to come. As is normally the case in soccer, the real energy here comes from the fans. The Supporters' Section is located behind the north goal, and members of the various Supporters' Groups will stand, bang drums, and cheer for the full 90 minutes. Other fans get into it as well, with chants being heard throughout the game. This makes a Spirit game an electric atmosphere. Neighborhood 4 Audi Field is located in an up-and-coming part of D.C., near Buzzard Point. There is currently a lot of construction going on around the stadium, so expect it to improve even more in the future. For now, All About Burger is a popular local burger place located a few blocks from the stadium, Bonchon serves up Korean-style fried chicken nearby, and there are other options closer to Nationals Park. Of course, you are in Washington, D.C., so there is plenty to do if you head towards the National Mall, and much of it is free. Just keep in mind if you want to tour the White House or Capitol, you will need to book that in advance. Fans 5 As noted above, the Washington Spirit has an outstanding fan base. There are four core Supporters' Groups at Spirit games, located behind the north goal. They stand for the entire game, banging drums, waving flags, and starting chants urging their team to victory. The Spirit Squadron was the original Supporters' Group, supporting the team since its inception. Rose Room Collective was created by and for people of color, while 202 Unique aims to support LGBTQ fans and their allies. Buzzard Point Social is an up-and-coming group that has entered the Supporters' scene in the past few years. Although the groups each have their own members and target audience, they join together to support the Spirit on matchday and are a major part of the experience here. The other fans help bring the energy too, joining in with the Supporters or even starting their chants. When the Spirit scores, expect the whole crowd to rise to its feet and make Audi Field extremely loud. Supporter's culture is a big part of soccer, and it is great to see the Spirit finally getting the love they deserve. The Spirit have broken attendance records again this year, and routinely draw near-capacity crowds to Audi Field. This is a far cry from just a few years ago, where they were drawing about a thousand fans a game to the Maryland SoccerPlex in Boyds. Women's sports have come a long way in the last few years in terms of fan support, and the Spirit are no exception. Access 4 When going to Audi Field, your best bet is to use public transit or a rideshare app like Uber or Lyft. If taking the Metro, take the Green Line to Navy Yard-Ballpark and walk about ten minutes to the stadium. If arriving at the stadium by car (whether one driven by you or an Uber/Lyft driver) there is a lot of construction surrounding the stadium right now so it may be hard to figure out how to get right there, although an Uber/Lyft driver should be able to get you close. Parking is very limited and can be purchased in advance through SpotHero, but the cheapest spots will cost about $25 and can be located a 15-minute walk from the stadium. To get closer will cost you two to three times that, if not more. There is no dedicated stadium parking lot like there was at Segra or the SoccerPlex. A limited amount of metered street parking is available but arrive early if you want to park close. Restrooms are located throughout the concourse and are of a more than sufficient size for the crowds. Closed caption boards show PA announcements, but do not show Supporters' chants like at some other soccer stadiums. These are a major part of the soccer experience, and it is disappointing that they are not accessible for all to experience. The Spirit do have an ASL performer sign the national anthem simultaneously to the vocal or instrumental performance, and show them on the video board so that all fans, not just those sitting on that side of the stadium, can see them. The ASL performer is given equal recognition to the vocal performer when announced beforehand, which the Spirit didn't start doing until recently, so this is nice to see. Return on Investment 5 Tickets start at around $23 for seats in high rows in the corners or behind the goals and go up to about $70 for seats near midfield or even more for suites. Just keep in mind if you buy the cheap seats that the Supporters Section is behind the north goal and that area is safe standing only, so you will be standing for the full 90 minutes. You may also have your view obstructed by waving flags at times. However, there are plenty of other seats available for a comparable price if this is not your thing. Many games have additional discounts available, such as a $38 deal for two tickets, two hot dogs, two bags of chips, and two glasses of water, or a ticket and a beer for $15. Check the promotions page on the Spirit website for more details. For all home games, further discounts are available to college students, tickets, and first responders Concessions can also get quite expensive, but the food is good. The club seats come with free food and beverages, but you will only be able to get these seats from the team if you buy season tickets. If you want to go this route, it can be a great deal. Otherwise, you will need to buy them at resale prices, which will result in you paying significantly more, particularly with fees. Given the matchday experience is spectacular, a Spirit game is a great value, although the Ticketmaster fees are frustrating. Extras 4 Look for the painted sculptures outside the stadium of a cherry blossom and a soccer ball. The Spirit Stage and SpiritVille are each worthy of an extra star here for being places for fans to hang out before the game. A fourth and final star for the many places in the stadium selling Spirit merchandise. If you are concerned your favorite option will be sold out, you can buy online in advance and pick up in the stadium on matchday to avoid shipping fees. Final Thoughts Women's soccer has been steadily growing in the United States for many years, and the Washington Spirit is no exception. Fans are turning out to watch them in record numbers, and there is an excitement surrounding this team that has never been seen before. Since the Spirit moved into Audi Field full-time, the atmosphere there has been electric. The fan support is phenomenal, the product on and off the field is incredible, and a Washington Spirit game is a great way for the whole family to spend an afternoon or evening.

Photos by Lloyd Brown, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.86 Davidson College Stadium 109 Patterson Court Circle                                                                                                                                                     Davidson, NC 28035 Davidson Wildcats website Davidson College Stadium website Year Opened: 2024 Capacity: 5,000 The Wildcats' New Den Davidson College is a private liberal arts school affiliated with the Presbyterian Church (USA). It is in the village of Davidson, NC, which is 19 miles north of Charlotte, NC. The school was founded in 1837 and has a student body of just over 1,900 students. The school offers more than 74 majors and other academic programs. The athletic teams at Davidson are known as the Wildcats. They play at the FCS level of NCAA Division I football as a member of the Pioneer Football Conference. Davidson first fielded a football program in 1896. They played at the Division III level of competition through 1992, when they moved up to the FCS level. The Wildcats have gone to the FCS playoffs three times (2020,2021 and 2022). Davidson’s rivalry game each season is the interstate battle with Presbyterian College. This game is known as the Carolina Border Clash, with the winner taking home the 1919 Cup. The kickoff to the 2024 college football season was also the beginning of a new era for the Davidson College football program. For the first time in a century, when the Davidson Wildcats stepped out on their home field, it was not in Richardson Stadium. The opening of Davidson College Stadium is the crowning achievement of the Athletics Done Right: The Next Step capital campaign to take athletics to the next level at the school. Richardson Stadium, built in 1923, will stay in use as the track and field stadium at Davidson. While Davidson College Stadium primarily serves as the home of the football and lacrosse programs, it also serves a much broader purpose to benefit the entire Wildcats athletic program. The 56,000-square-foot three-story building atop the home side of the stands is known as the Game Changers Field House. It houses several facilities that are being used by all the sports teams at the school. These include the Sports Performance Center (weight room/training room), the Sheridan Brothers Locker Rooms, showers, coaches’ offices, a film room, team meeting rooms, and a media center. The top floor of the Field House will have a large multipurpose room for use by boosters and other campus activities. The new stadium includes stands on both the home and visitor sides of the field. This is a huge change from the home and visiting fans having to share the same seating area. It also allows the cheerleading squads and bands from each school to focus on their respective fanbases. Food & Beverage 4 One of the main beneficiaries of the new stadium on gamedays is the concession stands. They are located at the concourse level of the stadium, which is atop the seating bowl at the 50-yard line. The Richardson Stadium concession area was located quite a distance from the seating area. The state-of-the-art food prep area greatly reduces the wait time to receive your food. The concession stand has also expanded its menu to include NC Hot Chicken, pork BBQ, potato wedges, and a more diverse beer and wine list. Pepsi brand sodas and North Carolina favorite Cheerwine are the featured soft drinks. Unfortunately, there is no permanent concession stand on the visitor’s side of the field. Davidson College Stadium also has several local food vendors lined up for games with temporary setups. These include Sully’s Steamers sandwiches, Crazy Pig BBQ, and Bojangles. Atmosphere 4 Moving into a brand-new stadium has brought a whole new feel to attending home games at Davidson. The faculty, administration, and alumni sections of the seating bowl are located between the 40s at midfield and feature chairback seats… much more comfortable than the bleacher seats at Richardson Stadium. The other sections of the stands still feature bleacher seating. By spreading stands over both sides of the field, the new structure was able to place the seats closer to the playing field, as no seats are more than 15 rows from the playing field. The new electronics package at Davidson College Stadium is a vast improvement over Richardson Stadium. The basic, high school-level scoreboard used at Richardson Stadium has been replaced by a high-definition Armfield Foundation video board. The lighting and sound system at the new stadium is now state of the art. The playing surface at the new stadium also adds to the improved atmosphere at home games. It features a very attractive graphics package with each of the end zones featuring one of the team’s colors (red and black). There is also a script “D” at the 50-yard line of the field. The new artificial turf should also reduce injuries for both the home and visiting teams, as it is a much more giving surface than its predecessor. The playing surface is known as Field 76, which is the number Coach David J. Fagg wore during his playing days at the college. Coach Fagg then served as the head football coach at Davidson during the 1970s. After retiring from the coaching profession, he became a fundraiser for the Davidson Athletic Fund. Neighborhood 5 Davidson College Stadium is located at the north end of the Davidson College campus. It is still within walking distance of the main campus quad and the charming downtown Davidson business district. The downtown area is very pedestrian and bike-friendly with both walking trails and bike lines. It is very much a college town, with mom-and-pop stores serving the student population. One of the local favorites is the Soda Shop. It has been open since 1951 and serves the typical soda shop menu of hot dogs, hamburgers, and milkshakes. Those looking for more adult fare can choose between the Brickhouse Tavern and Il Bosco. The downtown area also features the Our Town Cinema and Drafthouse. Most of the lodging accommodations for visitors to Davidson are located at the I-77 exit, which is only two miles from the campus. They include the Davidson Village Inn, and the Homewood Suites by Hilton-Davidson. If you will be staying in Davidson over a football weekend, be sure to visit Lake Norman. It is the largest manmade lake in North Carolina. There are numerous recreational activities available at the lake, including a picnic area, fishing, boating, and swimming areas. Fans 4 Attending a game at Davidson College Stadium is the quintessential small college football experience. Davidson only has 1,900 students, and most of the alumni live in the greater Charlotte area. This means it does not require a lot of effort to get back for all the home football games. They are very knowledgeable about the players, as the school’s small size makes it likely you might know several classmates who also play on the football team. They are very welcoming of visitors and are glad to recommend places to eat at or visit while you are in town. The students are also well-behaved at games, with no trash-talking, as the school has a very strict honor code. The stands are packed for every home game, as alumni have turned out in large numbers to check out the first new Davidson football stadium in more than 100 years. Access 4 The Davidson campus and the football stadium are very easy to get to from I-77. From Charlotte: Take I-77 North for 19 miles to the Davidson exit (Exit 30). Turn left onto Griffith Street and follow it until you reach North Main Street. Turn left on North Main Street, then right on Patterson Court Circle. There is a large, paved parking lot right outside of the stadium. Gameday parking in this lot is $30, with free parking available in a grass lot next to the baseball field. Overflow parking is available at the Baker Sports Complex just south of the stadium. Davidson College Stadium is much easier to navigate than Richardson Stadium. While Richardson Stadium was charming, it was built well before many of the amenities we expect to see in a sports facility existed. There are multiple ticket windows too so you should not expect much of a line when you buy your tickets. There are several entry points into the seating bowl, so you should have no trouble getting to your seats. The concourse and the aisles are wide enough that you should have no problem getting around the venue. The seating bowl is in a U–shaped, with the concourse circling to the other side of the field at one end atop a berm. The other end of the field is where the videoboard is located. There are three entry gates at Davidson College Stadium. Gates open 90 minutes before kickoff. Return on Investment 3 Attending a game at the new Davidson College Stadium will not cost you an arm and a leg. The three middle sections between the 40s on the home side of the field feature chairback seats, which are $24 for adults and $12 for youth (under 18). All other seating in the stadium features bleacher seating and is considered general admission. (General Admission also means bench seating… bring a seat cushion!). The general admission seats are $14 for adults and $7 for youth (under 18). The grass berm at the end of the field is also considered General Admission seating. Parking is $30 in the paved lot just outside of the stadium. Parking is free in the grass lot next to the baseball field or at the nearby Baker Sports Complex. As far as concession prices, the stadium standards are reasonably priced. Some of the items on the newly expanded menu such as the Impossible burger, the NC Hot Chicken, and several items on the beer and wine list are somewhat more expensive than you would pay at a retail establishment. Extras 3 Nearly 25 percent of the Davidson student body is involved in one of the NCAA sports at the school. The Wildcats have beaten the University of Georgia Bulldogs. The game took place in 1906, with a score of 15-0. Davidson used the recently approved forward pass to seal the victory over the Bulldogs. Davidson has the 4th smallest enrollment of any school competing in Division I football. Davidson is a member of the Atlantic 10 Conference in all sports except football. Final Thoughts After playing in Richardson Stadium for more than a century, the football program has moved to a new state-of-the-art facility just up the street. While the football program is the major beneficiary of the new stadium and the Game Changers Field House, the facility will also service the needs of all 21 Division I sports programs at the school. The training facilities, sports medicine offices, the strength and conditioning rooms and sports performance laboratories housed in the new structure will be available to all Wildcat athletes. In addition, the alumni will have access to the Gallery 18 multipurpose space housed on the top floor of the Field House for their meetings. There are also plans to allow the townspeople of Davidson, NC to use the building for community events as the schedule allows.

Photos by Aaron S. Terry, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.57 Wildcat Stadium 145 Main St Durham, NH 03824 New Hampshire Wildcats football website Wildcat Stadium website Year Opened: 1936 Capacity: 11,015 130+ Years in Durham The New Hampshire Wildcats have fielded a football team since 1893, and currently play at the FCS level in the Coastal Athletic Association. The Wildcats play their home football games at Wildcat Stadium, an on-campus facility which includes a running track around the field – the venue is also used by the school’s lacrosse and track and field teams. The stadium holds 11,015 fans and was opened in 1936. This is the third football venue used by the Wildcats during their history.   Food & Beverage   5 The main concession stand (603 Eatery) at Wildcat Stadium has a large selection of choices, including hot dogs, burgers, chicken sandwiches, steak and cheese subs, pulled pork, chicken tenders, pizza, mac ‘n cheese, and chili as main dishes, plus snacks such as fries, nachos, popcorn, pretzels, cookies, candy, and brownies. The prices are reasonable, as the most expensive main dish item is only around $9, which is pretty good nowadays as sports stadium prices go. Drinks include soda, PowerAde, bottled water, coffee, tea, hot cocoa, and seven choices of beer and hard seltzer ($7 and up) – on the home side, alcohol is only sold at separate “quick stands”, which also sell popcorn, hot dogs, and pretzels, so if you are looking for a little shorter line for food, you can grab something to eat at one of those quick stands instead of at the main stand.   Atmosphere   4 Wildcat Stadium is a great venue, especially for the FCS level – what you may notice as you first walk in is all the different sections of seating. The home side has a subtle press box, faced with brick and bracketed by peaked roofs on each end, so it blends into the stands. The student section is below the press box, on the left side if you are facing it, easily visible due to the UNH banners being waved by the students in the front row. There are also field-level suites behind one end zone (white tents), as well as the Bud Light Beer Deck next to the visiting stands – the beer deck has white Christmas strung over blue tailgating tents, so would be a great place to visit (standing room only) if you need to get out of the sun. You can also watch from the small hill in front of the videoboard. The field itself is surrounded by a dark blue and grey track, and the medium-blue UNH end zones really pop against the green of the field and the surrounding trees.  There is a large videoboard behind one end zone (the ticket booth/will call is underneath it) – a single videoboard works fine here, as there isn’t any real seating behind that end zone (although a few people do watch from the grassy area on that end). The Wildcats have a great mascot, and of course cheerleaders, both of whom mostly hang out in front of the student section. But what really sets Wildcat Stadium apart is the pre-game festivities – the cheerleaders lead the team onto the field, which is pretty typical, but the honor guard sports a 13-star flag representing New Hampshire’s status as one of the 13 original colonies. The band also spells out “USA” as the National Anthem is played, and “UNH” prior to that, which is always fun to snap a photo of. The aforementioned honor guard also fires off a vintage cannon every time the Wildcats score.   Neighborhood   3 Wildcat Stadium is surrounded by several of the school’s other athletic facilities, but there are a bunch of restaurants starting about a mile away along Main Street toward the east-southeast, including Hop + Grind for burgers or The Spot for health food, plus a couple of pizza places.  There are several hotels in that area as well. In terms of attractions, there are a lot of parks and other nature areas for those who want to take a hike or otherwise enjoy the local scenery – New Hampshire has a lot of natural beauty and a lot of greenery for visitors to enjoy. There is also a children’s museum and the Woodman Museum about six miles away, the latter being a collection of four historic houses showcasing local history. And if you want to visit the coast, the beaches of New Hampshire and Maine are less than half an hour away.   Fans   3 Wildcat Stadium has a pretty loud student section, and the stands are pretty full on the home side – certain games can easily sell out. The visiting side may appear mostly empty during some games, depending on the opponent, although you will see plenty of fans in the aforementioned Bud Light Beer Deck, some of whom likely walked over from the home side, as you are allowed to walk all the way around the field at Wildcat Stadium. There is also a pretty solid tailgating scene before the game, mostly in the large parking lot behind the videoboard, but also some tailgating in the lots behind the visitor stands.   Access   3 There is a lot of traffic around the stadium even if you arrive several hours before the game, and there doesn’t appear to be any cash parking nearby – all the lots I saw were reserved and/or had to be pre-purchased. I did see some fans walking from further away, so there is parking around, but just not close. Once you get into the stadium, however, moving around is pretty easy – there are bathrooms and concessions on the home side, although no bathrooms I saw on the visiting side. There is of course the aforementioned beer deck on the visiting side, and you are welcome to walk around the stadium as you please during the game.   Return on Investment   4 Tickets to UNH football games at Wildcat Stadium start at $31 using the UNH athletics website – this a is reasonable price for FCS football, and lets you attend a game here for between $50 and $60, per person, including parking and typical food and drinks. I consider this a good return on investment for the modern stadium, as well as the amenities and festivities you will see here.   Extras   3 The Bud Light Beer Deck is a nice feature, and is something you may not often see at a college football game. The multiple different seating options are also a plus, in case you want to watch the game from a few different vantage points – even though there is a track around the field itself, it stills feels like you can get really close to the action at Wildcat Stadium.   Final Thoughts There aren’t many great football experiences in this particular part of the country, unless you want to drive down to Massachusetts and see Boston College or the New England Patriots . But if you are looking for a pleasant day or evening in a scenic country setting, you can’t do worse than taking in a Wildcats football game in Durham, NH. The stadium is great, and you will have a wonderful time. Go C-A-T-S!

Photos by Michael Davis, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.86 Globe Life Field 734 Stadium Drive Arlington, TX 76011 Texas Rangers website Globe Life Field website Year Opened: 2020 Capacity: 40,300 Globe Life Field – Texas Rangers Globe Life Field is the third home to Major League Baseball’s Texas Rangers – the Rangers organization began in 1972 when the Washington Senators relocated to Arlington, Texas. Formerly a minor league stadium for the Dallas/Fort Worth Spurs, the Rangers first stadium opened in 1965. Originally called Turnpike Stadium, it was renamed Arlington Stadium in time for Texas Rangers first season as a franchise. After 22 years of playing in Arlington Stadium, the Rangers opened their updated and impressive new ballpark, The Ballpark in Arlington, in 1994. The Ballpark would undergo a few name changes during the Rangers tenancy – the last name while the Rangers still played there was Globe Life Park, but the name was changed to Choctaw Stadium (the venue’s current name) after the Rangers left. The third and current home is Globe Life Field, a retractable roof stadium that opened in 2020, with a seating capacity of just over 40,000; the new ballpark is just across the street from the Rangers former home. Globe Life Field’s opening was delayed due to the COVID-19 pandemic, with the first game being played without fans on July 24, 2020. However, although the pandemic pushed back the 2020 MLB season and cost the Rangers fan attendance in their new ballpark, there was a bright side, as Globe Life Field was selected to host the 2020 National League championship series and the 2020 World Series. Baseball Fans were allowed to attend those playoff games, and people finally got to see the Rangers new home firsthand. In the five seasons of Globe Life Field’s existence, the ballpark has hosted many events – these include the National and American League Championships, the 2020 and 2023 World Series, and the MLB All-Star Game, as well as college football games and year-round concerts.   Food & Beverage   5 The Texas Rangers have had food and beverages at their stadium since the 1970s. One of the most common food items at sporting events began in Arlington, as the Rangers were the first team to introduce nachos to fans. The same nacho company, Rico’s, has been supplying the chips to Rangers fans for decades. One of their most recent nacho offerings comes in the form of the Boomstick, a three-pound two-foot-long hot dog covered with chili, nacho cheese, jalapenos, and caramelized onions. Last season the Rangers created a spin-off, the Boomstick Burger, which substitutes two feet of burger for the hot dog, while this season the Boomstick Triple Play, the Texas Rangers classic 2-foot feast features all three of the following – 1) two Nolan Ryan Beef patties topped with Rico’s nacho cheese, lettuce, tomato, onions, and pickles, served on an 8-inch bun; 2) a foot-long Texas Chili Company hot dog topped with Texas Chili Company chili, Rico’s nacho cheese, grilled onions, and jalapenos; and 3) a towering helping of Tostitos tortilla chips, topped with chili, nacho cheese, grilled onions, and jalapenos. This stadium also has other creative menu items, enough so that a whole article on just the food offerings could be written. Globe Life Field also has local vendors, such as Hurtado Barbecue, Golden Chick, Pluckers, and a Texas favorite, Whataburger. The Rangers also connect with fans looking for vegan options, who can choose from a full menu including vegan burgers, sandwiches, nachos, and chicken nuggets at the Visiting Vegan. Concession prices are a bit high here, but fans are getting plenty of food for what they are paying. Soft drinks include Coke products, along with PowerAde and Dasani for non-carbonated options. In addition, Globe Life Field does not stop at just an abundance of food options, as all sorts of beer and alcohol can be found just by turning your head. There are several full-service bars and beer carts around the stadium that serve seltzer, wine, mixed drinks, and beer from both national brands and local brewing companies; Hopadillo Hazy IPA from Karbach Brewing Co. and Estrella Jalisco are two of the more popular choices. Also, starting after Memorial Day, Karbach Sky Porch hosts a happy hour on Fridays and Saturdays, where beers are served for $4 two hours before the first pitch. Overall there are plenty of choices for any fan that attends a Rangers game, and you get a lot for what you are paying.   Atmosphere   4 Globe Life Field is not an attractive ballpark from the outside, especially when you compare it to the team’s old facility across the street. However, once you are inside the ballpark it transforms into one of the better retractable roof stadiums in the country, and the glass used around the stadium lets in enough light that you don’t feel like you’re inside a warehouse. Originally fans compared this venue to the other major league ballpark in the state, Minute Maid Park in Houston, but Globe Life Field has a lot more character than the home of the Astros. Globe Life Field has a large video board suspended high above right field, which is the main source of gameday information. There are also two other large videoboards showing information during the game – one is a vertically hung auxiliary scoreboard in centerfield, for the game’s lineup, and the other is situated high above the party porch in left field. As fans enter the ballpark they can walk around the different concourses, and see Rangers history throughout, including a Texas-sized clock and Ranger Hall of Famer uniforms in centerfield. There is also not a better moment leading up to the first pitch than when long-time public-address announcer Chuck Morgan makes his standard announcement, as the umpires and managers wrap up their pre-game meeting – “Ladies and Gentlemen, it is Baseball Time in Texas!” Chuck Morgan has been the voice of the Texas Rangers for the past 41 years; he is in the Texas Rangers Hall of Fame, and one day Cooperstown should be calling him to fill his place among the great baseball announcers. The Rangers game presentation is basic and simple – the Rangers have created the Rangers Six Shooters, the team’s spirit squad, and the mascot Rangers Captain, a palomino-style horse dressed in the team’s uniform wearing number 72, marking the first year of the Rangers organization. The staff also entertains by leading fans in singing throughout the game, including the fifth inning “Deep in the Heart of Texas” and the 7th inning stretch with “Take Me out to the Ballgame” and “Cotton Eye Joe”. A popular mid-inning activity is the Dot Race, which started at Arlington Stadium with Chuck Morgan stating “As a reminder, this is an exhibition. No wagering, please.” – this is now a Rangers tradition that helps set the experience here apart from what you will see anywhere else. Overall, the Ballpark, Chuck Morgan, and the Rangers fans provide an above-average atmosphere compared to other ballparks around Major League Baseball.   Neighborhood   3 Where once there were only warehouses, back when Choctaw Stadium (formerly Globe Life Park) first opened in 1994, Globe Life Field now has a neighborhood. The ballpark is next to Texas Live!, a place filled with various restaurants for fans to visit during pre and post-game. The restaurants are Guy Fieri’s Taco Joint, Pudge’s Pizza owned by Rangers legend Ivan “Pudge” Rodriguez, Lockhart Smokehouse, Troy’s (owned by Hall of Famer Troy Aikman), and Texas Live! not only has restaurants but also a hotel, called Live by Loews – Loews recently opened a convention center adjacent to Texas Live!, Globe Life Field, and Choctaw Stadium. Also just to the west of Globe Life Field is AT&T Stadium, home of the Dallas Cowboys , while just to the north, across the street from Choctaw Stadium, is the home of the new Medal of Honor Museum. There are also other places to spend time while on your visit to Arlington – Six Flags over Texas and Hurricane Harbor Waterpark are both within a mile and a half of Globe Life Field. The International Bowling Museum and Hall of Fame are also within that 1.5-mile radius, as well as the Arlington Museum of Art.   Fans   4 The saying that everyone loves a winner holds for Texas Rangers fans if going by attendance. Rangers fans have increased their attendance from the bottom half of Major League Baseball to currently being the 11th-highest, with a current average of 33,367 fans per game. This season Globe Life Field fills approximately 83% of its 40,000-seat capacity, an increase of 11% since the team won the World Series last season. There are plenty of true Rangers baseball fans in the DFW area. Many Rangers fans have renewed their season tickets for many years before the team’s recent success, finally being rewarded with the 2023 championship year. The fans here are loud, knowledgeable, and respond accordingly in all game situations. Globe Life Field’s roof being enclosed adds to the loudness of the fans here, but overall, the fans themselves are above average.   Access   3 Globe Life Field is located in the heart of Arlington’s entertainment district. Arlington is in the middle of the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex, making up the fourth-largest metropolitan population in the United States. Two airports support the DFW area, including Love Field near downtown Dallas, about twenty-one miles from Globe Life Field, for Southwest Airlines flights. However, the majority of flights arrive at DFW International Airport, which is ten miles from the ballpark. The City of Arlington is the largest populated city in the United States that does not have public transit, so the only way to get to Globe Life Field from either airport is a rental car or rideshare. The cost from either airport on average is $40 one-way. Driving to Globe Life Field is easy, as it is located off Interstate 30. There are plenty of options for parking around the ballpark, with prices ranging from $20 to $40. Pre-paid parking is offered and is a fantastic way to minimize cost and time searching if you book ahead. Also, if you are staying in a hotel near the ballpark, many have a shuttle to the stadium. Once at the ballpark, there are six entrances into Globe Life Field. The most common, the north entrance, is adjacent to Texas Live! Gates open about 2 hours before the first pitch. When walking inside the ballpark, there is plenty of signage to help you navigate throughout the facility – the wide concourses provide plenty of space for fans to walk around and see the sights. Note that when buying tickets, however, the lower field-level seats are only accessible to those who have tickets there.   Return on Investment   3 Major League Baseball has gone to flex pricing across the league, so the cost of Texas Rangers tickets truly depends on the night, opponent, and even specific popular promotional giveaways. Since supply and demand flex pricing is a guessing game, the earlier you can lock in a price, the more protected you are against rising costs. For example, the Rangers website lists tickets as low as $23 and as high as $567 for one game, but on a different night the low and high prices rise to $33 and $723, which doesn’t include service fees, which can add $10 to $20 to each ticket. For some games, it would be more economical to look at third-party sellers, as season ticket holders sometimes sell their seats. Despite all of this, however, Major League Baseball is still the most affordable of the major league sports. The parking cost here is average compared to the rest of Major League Baseball, starting anywhere from $20 to $45 for lots around Globe Life Field. However, the parking is also on a flex pricing schedule, so the more popular the game the higher the cost – popular games can add another $10 to the parking cost in the same location as a different game. Nevertheless, there is pre-sale parking available, which is a good option, especially for out-of-town fans. Globe Life Field’s concessions have the typically high costs common at sports venues, and when the Rangers create new food items, or if you choose one of their already popular items like the Boomstick, the food and drink costs can go above your normal expectations. The days of baseball being low-cost entertainment are no longer here when it comes to Globe Life Field. However, Major League Baseball still provides the lowest cost among all the major sports.   Extras   5 The obvious extra to Globe Life Field is that the ballpark has a retractable roof – although the venue is an eyesore to some looking in from the outside, the constant 72 degrees indoors keeps fans and players from enduring the Texas summer heat. Other things add to fans’ enjoyable time at Globe Life Field. For example, behind home plate on the main concourse there is a unique opportunity for fans to see and visit with the Texas Rangers longtime public address announcer Chuck Morgan, who welcomes baseball fans to Arlington with his announcement of “It’s Baseball Time in Texas.” In addition, outside Chuck Morgan’s office are display cases full of Rangers memorabilia – this season, the 2023 World Series trophy has been a constant attraction for fans to see and photograph. In addition, outside Globe Life Field there are plaques of Texas Ranger Hall of Fame inductees, on display outside the stadium's northeast entry point, adjacent to the statue of Benjie Molina and Neftali Feliz celebrating the Rangers 2010 American League Championship. There are also two bronze statues of Texas Rangers Hall of Famers Nolan Ryan and Ivan “Pudge” Rodriquez, on opposite sides of the ballpark. The Rangers have also announced that the Rangers third Cooperstown inductee, Adrian Beltre, will be joining them as a bronze statue, to be completed in time for the 2025 season. Another perk is that former Rangers players sign autographs for an hour before Friday and Saturday night games, in the New Era Alumni Alley behind section 103 in the northwest corner of the ballpark. Globe Life Field’s outfield wall recognizes numbers of significance throughout Rangers history – the distance markers are the numbers worn by players that are in the Rangers Hall of Fame, namely 29 – Adrian Beltre, 34 – Nolan Ryan,10 – Michael Young, 7 – Ivan Rodriguez, and 26 – Johnny Oates. Lastly, Globe Life Field’s distance from home plate to the backstop is 42’ in recognition of Jackie Robinson’s retired number throughout baseball.   Final Thoughts Although the former Rangers ballpark, Choctaw Stadium , is still standing and in use, Globe Life Field has become a better asset to the Rangers and to the Arlington community. Globe Life Field has succeeded in every reason for which it was built – especially the indoor retractable roof, which keeps Rangers fans in a perfect climate of 72 degrees and away from the Texas summer heat. Although Globe Life Field is not as nice, architecturally speaking, as the stadium it replaced, the new ballpark is a year-round venue, bringing in summer concerts, college football games, PBR World Finals, and the most important thing of all, a Texas Rangers World Series Championship.

Photos by Lloyd Brown, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.00 Tropicana Field 1 Tropicana Dr St. Petersburg, FL 33705 Tampa Bay Rays website Tropicana Field website Year Opened: 1990 Capacity: 31,042 Swinging with the Rays The Tampa Bay Rays and Tropicana Field are often seen as one of the less popular outposts in the MLB. We feel like it is best not to judge a book by its cover, however. The stadium exterior is not inviting at all, as it is a concrete shell with little or no ornamentation. To some extent, this is to protect the stadium from the hurricanes that the region experiences frequently. Unfortunately, it was built before the technology was available to have a retractable roof. It is the only stadium in the MLB with a fixed roof, The team is looked at as one of the teams with the lowest payrolls in the league. This is true, but the Rays also have one of the most competitive teams in the Eastern Division of the American League. They typically earn a wild card spot in the playoffs regularly. Once inside the ballpark, we find that the Tampa Rays staff does everything possible to ensure that you have an enjoyable experience at the game. The park does have a better-than-average concessions program, and there are some unique activities available over and above the game itself to keep you and your family entertained. You also need to remember that there are no seats where you must deal with the sun in your eyes or where you must deal with the hot and humid weather Tampa experiences in the summer. Food & Beverage 4 Tropicana Field offers a better-than-average food and beverage program. Some concession stands are set up on the concourses, while others are set up in food halls off of the concourse. of the stadium. The first and third base food halls will mirror the same food items, so you will be able to find your favorite food close by. Bird and Batter feature a menu filled with chicken delicacies, including chicken sandwiches and tenders. Pacific Counter offers an exotic menu that includes sushi bowls, seaweed salads, and spam musubi. Tampa is also known for its Cuban sandwiches, which are found at the Cubanos stand in section 121. The Budweiser Porch in center field is home to even more concessions including RumFish, which offers mahi mahi fish tacos and firecracker shrimp. If you prefer sit-down dining, two restaurants in Tropicana Field will allow you in hours before the gates open. The Outfielder Bar and Grill and Baseball and Rec offer great food and allow you to beat the crowds by parking early at the stadium. You still would need to wait 90 minutes before the first pitch to get to your seats in the ballpark. The widest selection of beers in Tropicana Field can be found at the Craft Beer Corner at Section 136 or the Coppertail Brewery at Sections 113 and 122. Note: Tropicana Field is one of the few MLB ballparks that allows you to bring in food or water. Food must be an individual serving, wrapped, bagged, or contained in a soft-sided container that meets bag requirements. Bottled water must still be sealed and be less than one liter. If you have children with you, you can bring in one sealed juice container per child. Atmosphere 2 Once you’ve entered the seating bowl, it may take you a few minutes to get used to the interior of Tropicana Field. The roof is very high, but below it are several suspension wires and steel girder walkways. It is important to know that these areas are considered “in play”, so a ball that bounces off of one of these areas can be caught for an out or can result in an inside-of-the-park home run if the team in the field is delayed long enough in playing the active ball. The concourses at Tropicana Field are narrow and not open to the field. They can get very congested both before a game and during breaks in the action. Another awkward feature of Tropicana Field is the concourse, which goes 360 degrees around the stadium but requires you to go down a flight of stairs once you reach the outfield as the concourse drops one floor below the rest of the walkway. One thing you need to be aware of when finding your seats at Tropicana Field is the numbering system for the sections inside of the ballpark. The sections do not run consecutively. Even-numbered sections are to the east of home plate, and odd-numbered sections run to the west of home plate. This was very confusing for a first-time visitor. The Rays seldom open the upper-level seating area in the Tropicana Dome due to low attendance at games. While this means that all available seats are close to the action, it detracts from the atmosphere at the games. Neighborhood 3 There are several things to do before and after a Rays game. The Salvador Dali Museum offers a look at the work of the eccentric artist and his fascinating creations. A second attraction located close to Tropicana Field is the Florida Aquarium. It allows you to meet more of the Rays family and many other sea creatures. You won’t have to go far to find food and drink after a Rays game. The Green Bench Brewing Company is right next door. The Central Avenue District is also nearby and is home to many bars, breweries, and restaurants. Fans 2 It is no secret that Tropicana Field and the Rays are having a difficult time filling the seats, despite having a very competitive team. The published capacity of the stadium is 42,735, but that includes the 300 level of the stadium, which is usually covered by a tarp and is unoccupied for all but a few games or when the Rays are in the playoffs. The capacity then drops to 25,000, making Tropicana Field the smallest stadium in the MLB by capacity. Many people point to the location and design of the stadium as reasons for the lack of support. The stadium is more than 20 miles from the city limits of Tampa, and drivers have only one route they can take to the stadium due to Tampa Bay. A second issue has to do with the allegiances of the fans in the Tampa area. A large segment of the baseball fans in the Tampa/St. Pete area is retirees who moved to the area and bring their allegiance to the teams located where they lived for most of their lives. Other fans have allegiances to teams based in their area during spring training. Tampa is home to the Yankee's spring training, and when the team comes to Tampa in the regular season, it often results in more Yankees fans in the building than Rays fans. The Red Sox are based in nearby Ft. Myers, and they also bring a large fan base to outnumber the locals when they play at Tropicana Field. Finally, the Rays face a great deal of competition in drawing fans to games. They must compete with both the Buccaneers and the Lightning for the local sports dollar. Both of those teams have won multiple championships in their sport/ played in their sport’s championship games. Access 3 A little geography lesson is necessary when trying to get to a Rays game. Despite the team name, Tropicana Field is located in downtown St. Petersburg rather than downtown Tampa. Traffic can be a bear getting around Tampa Bay in the evenings, so allow plenty of travel time to the stadium. Once you get to Tropicana, we find the parking situation to be very easy. The lots have plenty of space for the typical attendance at Rays games. Others find the best way to get to and from the stadium is by using one of the rideshare services. Drivers are widely available in the area, so the wait for a ride is usually very short. Another option for visiting fans in the St. Petersburg area is to check and see if your St. Pete hotel offers a shuttle to and from the games, as many hotels/motels do offer this service. Often the hotel will have tickets available for games as a service for their guests. The second option is to take public transit to a game. The PTSA bus system that serves St. Petersburg has a Route 15 bus that does have a stop at Tropicana Field. The parking lots at Tropicana Field open four hours before the first pitch. Tailgating is permitted and even encouraged. No charcoal grills are allowed. No access to the interior of the ballpark is allowed 90 minutes before the first pitch. At that point, you may enter the ballpark through any of the venue’s six main gates. We have already addressed the issues with the crowded and narrow concourses once you are inside the Tropicana Dome in the Atmosphere section of this review. Return on Investment 3 Let’s start with the best news. Tickets to Rays games are amongst the cheapest in MLB. The average ticket price for the Rays is $26. This places it as the second lowest ticket price in the MLB after Oakland. You’ll also find that there are good views of the action from almost anywhere in the ballpark. The furthest seats from the field are at the 300 level, which is not even open unless the lower levels are sold out. You do need to know that some games are “premium priced” and have more expensive tickets. These would include games against their division foes… the Boston Red Sox and the New York Yankees. (The Yankees spring training facility is in Tampa, and they have many local fans as a result). Parking at Tropicana Field is $15. The concessions program offers a wide menu of items at reasonable prices. Extras 4 Tropicana Field offers a unique experience while you are at the game at no extra charge. The Ray Touch Tank is near section 150 in right-center field. The 10,000-gallon water tank features several cownose rays. You may safely touch them, as their barbs have been removed. Unfortunately, the Ted Williams Hitter’s Hall of Fame formerly at Tropicana Field has closed permanently. Rays Tuch Tank at Tropicana Field, Photo by Lloyd Brown, Stadium Journey Another activity at Tropicana Field that is kid friendly is a visit to Raymond’s Tree House in right field. Raymond is the team mascot who is very friendly. He is a blue furry creature (the team says he is a “sea dog”…we’ll take their word on that) His tree house is a playground that offers several games and other activities. Make sure to visit the Tree House during the fifth inning, as Raymond will personally greet you and he will pose for a picture with your child. Adults might want to sneak over to the nearby photo booth, where you can pose for your baseball trading card! Hurricane Ian did major damage to the Rays spring training stadium and facilities in Port Charlotte, Florida. This forced Tropicana Stadium into emergency use as the site for the Rays entire home schedule of Grapefruit League games. If the Rays game does not completely satisfy your baseball itch, consider attending one of the nearby Florida State League games nearby. The stadiums in Dunedin, St. Petersburg, Tampa, and Ft. Myers are all close to Tropicana Field. In the spring these stadiums serve as the spring training home of the Blue Jays, Phillies, Yankees, Twins, and Red Sox. Once the regular season begins, these stadiums are turned over to their minor league affiliates. It is a great way to see the stars of tomorrow. Final Thoughts It is no secret that the home of the Rays is seen as the ugly duckling of MLB stadiums. Its’ exterior has no appeal and its support system of wires and beams have resulted in a set of ground rules to cover plays where the ball has hit a beam or support wire. On the other hand, the Rays are a very talented team and frequently go to the playoffs. The members of the Rays gameday staff in the stands are also cited by many visitors to the Bay area as being extremely helpful and going out of their way to ensure that fans have a good time at Tropicana Field. Here’s hoping that the Rays can finally negotiate a deal for a new stadium located on the Tampa side of the Bay, as the team’s lease with Tropicana Field expires in 2028.

Photos by Paul Baker, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.14 Dale Lippert Field 69 Maple St, Franklin, MA 02038 Dean Bulldogs football website Lippert Field website Year Opened: dedicated 2015 Capacity: 1,500 __________________________________________________________________________________ These Dogs Play in the Yard Dean College is a private college located in the small city of Franklin, Massachusetts. Founded in 1865, it has an enrollment of 1,200 students who work toward bachelor’s and associate degrees at the college’s four schools. Long known as Dean Junior College, the school transitioned to a four-year college in 1995.   Lippert Field is part of the larger Longley Athletic Complex. Also located here are Dean College’s baseball, softball, and soccer fields. Lippert Field also serves as home to the Dean lacrosse team. The facility is located about a mile from campus.   Dean Lippert served as a Dean College faculty member from 1964 until 2006. He coached several of the college’s teams and served as Athletic Director for 13 years. He was also a part of the town of Franklin community, serving on several local boards and teaching at Franklin High School.   The Dean Bulldogs have competed in the Eastern Collegiate Football Conference since their debut in 2017. The team won a conference championship in 2019. With the ECFC disbanding after the 2024 season, the Bulldogs will be joining the Massachusetts State Collegiate Athletic Conference, a conference consisting of schools in and around Massachusetts. Dean has played in one postseason game, losing the New England Bowl to Endicott College in 2019.   Food & Beverage 0    There are no concessions available at Lippert Field. Fans are welcome to bring their snacks to enjoy during the game. You’ll be sure to see many beverages from the local Dunkin’ at a Dean football game.   Atmosphere 2   When I entered the Longley Complex and the parking lot attendant asked me if I wanted to park in the tailgating section, I had high hopes for the game day experience here at Dean College. Unfortunately, those hopes were quickly dashed. The tailgating scene here at Dean is very restrained, and honestly, quite typical of what you’ll find at other Division Three schools. You’ll find some people hanging out by their cars having snacks, but you won’t find the big-time barbeques and parties you’re used to seeing in NFL and big-time college parking lots.   The game day presentation at Dean is a basic one, to be sure. Music plays over a decent sound system before the game. Unfortunately, the same four or five songs were on repeat the day of Stadium Journey’s visit. The PA announcer does a good job delivering game information. His style was not over the top, yet not monotone. A scoreboard in the southeast corner of the field displays basic game information. Other than that, there’s not much else to speak of here. There is no pep band, no cheerleading squad, and no student section. Most of the energy generated here comes from the fans in attendance.   Neighborhood 2   Longley Athletic Complex is located about a mile from the Dean College campus in a residential neighborhood. The city of Franklin is located in southeastern Massachusetts, roughly equidistant from the larger cities of Boston, Worcester, and Providence. It has a population of about 36,000 residents. The town was named after founding father Benjamin Franklin, who helped establish the first library in the United States here in 1790.   Visiting fans won’t find much in the way of dining or lodging options near the Longley Complex, as it is located in a residential neighborhood. Fans looking for local dining options will find plenty of options on Central Street by Interstate 495, including Railery Publick House, 3 Restaurant, and Mak’s Roast Beef. Plenty of lodging options can be found out by I-495 and a little further away in neighboring Foxboro where Interstates 495 and 95 meet.   If you’re visiting the area and looking for other sporting options, Gillette Stadium, home of the New England Patriots  and New England Revolution , is only ten miles away. Of course, options are endless in the nearby cities of Boston, Providence, and Worcester.   Fans 3   It’s difficult to accurately gauge the attendance at a Dean football game as there are no tickets to count. Stadium Journey attended the Bulldogs’ 2024 season opener on a beautiful September Saturday afternoon. The announced attendance was 490, which appears to be an accurate estimate of the crowd. Here at Stadium Journey, we often refer to these types of smallish crowds as “friends and family” crowds, as the majority of the people in the stands have a connection with the players on the field. As a result, the fans know their stuff and are enthusiastic in their support of the Bulldogs.   Considering the small size of Dean College and the fact that Lippert Field is located off campus, there is a respectable turnout from the student body. With the Bulldogs’ schedule consisting of local teams, you’re guaranteed to see a good turnout by visiting fans. In fact, during Stadium Journey’s visit, visiting fans outnumbered home fans by at least two to one.   Access 3   The Longley Athletic Complex is located close to downtown Franklin, a small city roughly equidistant to the cities of Boston, Providence, and Worcester. Interstate 495 runs right through the city, intersecting with I-95 just a few miles from Franklin. The sports complex is located about two and a half miles from the interstate but is easily reached through these suburban streets. Fans utilizing public transportation are out of luck. While the Greater Attleboro-Taunton Regional Transit Authority (GATRA) recently started a route that serves parts of Franklin, the closest stop is over a mile away.   Also located at the Longley Complex are Dean College’s baseball, softball, and soccer fields. Fans will enter the complex into a gravel lot located directly behind the grandstand. The grandstand is handicap accessible, consisting of metal bleachers without backs. There is plenty of room in this open field for fans to bring their lawn chairs and set up camp along the western end zone or on parts of the sideline. From Stadium Journey’s perspective, this is the way to take in a Bulldogs game.   There are no permanent concessions or restroom facilities at Lippert Field. A few port-a-johns make up the available facilities. This is as basic a college football facility as you’ll ever see, but it’s nice to be able to set up your shop and take in the action. If you visit with younger fans, there’s plenty of room for them to run around and kick around a soccer ball if they wish. You’re also likely to see some four-legged fans in attendance here.   Return on Investment 5   There is no charge to attend a Bulldogs football game. With free parking on site and no concessions available, you won’t reach for your wallet even once while visiting Lippert Field. Extras 0   There is nothing at a Dean College football game that can be considered extra. This is as bare-bones an experience as you’ll find in college football.   Final Thoughts   College football facilities don’t come more basic than Lippert Field. On the plus side, you can bring your chair and cooler, stake out a spot on the sideline, and enjoy an afternoon of college football without spending a single red cent.   Follow Paul Baker’s stadium journeys on Twitter  and Instagram  @PuckmanRI.

Photos by Marc Viquez, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.29 Indianapolis Motor Speedway 4790 W 16th St Indianapolis, IN 46222 Indianapolis Motor Speedway website Indianapolis 500 website Year Opened: 1909 Capacity: 257,325 The Greatest Spectacle in Racing The Indianapolis 500 might be the most famous race here in the United States and perhaps on the planet. The annual race takes place the Sunday before Memorial Day and attracts an international audience to the city of Indianapolis. Record numbers of fans flock to the 2.5-mile oval track and create an atmosphere that many will talk about for the rest of their lives. The annual numbers produce crowds of close to 250,000. The Indy 500 is considered the crown jewel of the Indy Car season and has become an American tradition. The weeks leading up to the race include various events including Pole Day, Bump Day, Fast Friday, and Post-qualifying practice at the Brickyard. Carb Day, sponsored by Miller Lite, features live music concerts on the last day of practice for the drivers and takes place on Friday; it’s considered the biggest event at the track before the race. Other events away from the track include the OneAmerica 500 Festival Mini-Marathon and IPL 500 Festival Parade downtown. The complex was built in 1909 as a gravel and tar track that hosted a selection of small events. These events would attract large numbers from anywhere from 15,000 to 40,000 and by the next season, $155,000 was spent to repave the track with 3.2 million bricks, each weighing 9.5 pounds, in 63 days. A 2-foot by 9-inch concrete wall around its perimeter was also added before the start of the season. On Memorial Day (known as Declaration Day from 1868-1967) 1910 the first events on the updated track drew an outstanding 60,000 spectators to the track. Crowd sizes would thin out throughout the season at the track and the decision was made to focus on a single, large-scale event that would soon attract the attention of both American and European racing teams and manufacturers. On Tuesday, May 30, 1911, the first Indianapolis 500 was staged and won by Ray Harroun who came out of retirement and capture the $25,000 purse in his Marmon Wasp. Since that day, the Indianapolis 500 has been held annually except from 1917 to 1918 and 1942 and 1945 due to World War I and II. The brick track would be eventually paved with asphalt except for a middle portion of the front straightaway by 1938. According to its website, in October 1961, the remaining bricks on the front straightaway were covered with asphalt. A 36-inch strip of the original bricks was kept intact at the start/finish line, where it remains today as the fabled Yard of Bricks. Food & Beverage 4 The carnival-like atmosphere produces similar food products that include the traditional giant turkey legs that sell close to 1,000 the weekend of the race, followed by the giant breaded tenderloin sandwich that can feed up to three people. Others prefer the basic track burger, but there are still copious amounts of race track foods to satisfy the masses who embark upon it every year. There are pork skewers, Italian and Polish sausages, grilled pork chops, giant fried chicken fingers on a stick, and pulled pork sandwiches. If you are a traditionalist, there are hot dogs — over 27,000 served at last year’s event — along with an assortment of beer and cola options. A few newer beer options include Hinchtown Hammerdown pilsner released by local Flat 12 and Race Day Lager brewed nearby at Daredevil Brewing Company. Fans are allowed to bring in their own food, and beer including. You are allowed to bring in an 18 x 14 x 14-inch cooler to the race. Glass bottles are not allowed inside the track. Something else that should not be brought in is whole peanuts, they are considered bad luck at the 500. Atmosphere 5 The gates open the day of the race at 6 am with the traditional blasting of the cannons, if you happen to be there at this time you are smart, while others are fighting traffic into the area, you have the opportunity to enjoy many of the events inside the track before the race. This includes everything from possible celebrity sightings, museum tours, and plenty of shopping and eating. The IMS museum is open and features exhibits, cars, and plenty of memorabilia from the track's illustrious history. The midway offers more exhibits, plus virtual reality simulators and go-karts, and there are plenty of pre-race ceremonies that include the marching of the Borg-Warner Trophy to the bricks and red carpet arrivals. The weather is usually very hot this time of year so dress lightly, wear sunscreen, and drink plenty of water. IMS has set up five different cooling buses and 75 mist sprayers around the track for fans to gain some relief from the sun. There is a collection of events leading up to the race that includes the singing of the National Anthem, ‘America the Beautiful,” “Back Home Again in Indiana” followed by the command of “Drivers, start your engines.” This also includes the playing of “Taps,” hundreds of balloons sent off into the skies above, and a flyover by a U.S. military plane. Neighborhood 4 Main Street in Speedway has received a major facelift in the last few years resulting in multiple restaurants, breweries, and entertainment options. 1911 Grill offers 300 seats that overlook two indoor kart tracks offering American pub fare. It is owned by former IndyCar Series driver Sarah Fisher and her husband. Bourbon and Barbecue serve smoked Memphis-style brisket and pork over cherry, hickory, and oak while offering an impressive collection of fine bourbon. Big Woods and Daredevil Brewing are two local breweries that are popular among many locals. Big Woods originated out of Nashville, Indiana, and is known for their pulled pork nachos and Quaff ON! amber beer. Daredevil is a 10,000-square-foot taproom that produces German-style ales and lagers and American pale ale and IPA. Fans 4 The Indianapolis 500 attracts an estimated audience of around 230,000–highlighted by a sold-out crowd at the 100th annual race in 2016. The popularity has not waned locally as many have been attending the event since they can remember. The crowd is friendly, laid-back, and in great spirits. It would be hard to find a single person who is not welcoming to any visitor to the track on race day. Access 3 The IMS track is the largest sporting venue in the world and getting around the track can be a hike for many, but then again there is so much to see and many enjoy staying in one spot once the race has begun. When exiting the track one has to have the patience of Jobe, because it will take some time to exit. Local police do an admiral job of directing traffic back onto 16th Street/Crawfordsville Road and towards I-465. One option is to take a shuttle bus from either the airport, IUPUI campus, or downtown for a $37 round trip. Return on Investment 5 The cost of a ticket to the race is as low as $35 leading up to the day before the race, it will cost $5 extra the day of the event. Other ticket options range from $60 to $135 for seats closer to certain turns and areas. When it comes to parking all interior and exterior lots are sold out years in advance, but the surrounding residents will gladly charge anywhere from $20-$30 (average) to park on their lawn, driveways, or even on the street in front of their houses. There may be a few homes that charge a bit more, but make sure you have cash. The Snake Pit is a concert line featuring popular EDM heavyweights who perform in the infield of the IMS oval during the race but it will cost $55 before the race to enter the concert area. However, it’s one heck of a good time and if you enjoy the blend of house, disco, hip-hop, and techno, this is the place to be on race day. The IMS website does encourage fans to purchase tickets in advance to receive the best possible pricing. If you are planning on taking the race next year, you will save on many specials through the website. Extras 5 The Indy 500 has plenty of extras that include a list of traditions and pre-race events, unlike any other event in the country. The facility gets one point for the various activities that include the Midway, Parade of Bands, and shopping and food areas before the race. If you arrive at 6 am when the track opens, you get to take advantage before the crowd swells. The track gets a second point for the famous command of “Drivers, start your engines” which is usually said by a member of the Hulman-George family since 1955. For many years until recently, the command was “Gentleman, start your engines.” The world's largest drum makes an appearance at the Indy 500, Photo by Marc Viquez, Stadium Journey The third point is for the singing of “Back Home Again in Indiana” which has been a staple at the race since 1946. From 1972-2014 actor Jim Nabors sang the honors with the Purdue Marching Band, following his death, Chicago Blackhawks anthem singer Jim Cornelison has taken over the mantle. A fourth point for the traditions that include the winning driver drinking a bottle of milk at the victory lane first started in 1936 and revived again in 1954. There have been times when drivers did not drink milk, much to the chagrin of many in attendance. A fifth point is of the excitement and ambiance that the 500 still provides each year; the event is the largest single-day event in the country and still attracts an impressive 200,000 fans for the race each year. Final Thoughts If you have an event that you can attend once in your life, the Indianapolis 500 is one of those events. The sights and sounds of this are spectacular and are something to revel in and it offers something for even the non-racing fan like myself. ------ 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: 3.43 Watkins Glen International 2790 County Route 16 Watkins Glen, NY 14891 Vintage Grand Prix website Watkins Glen International website Year Opened: 1956 Capacity: 38,900 Taking to Watkins Glen’s Turns While Watkins Glen International may be best known for the annual IMSA 6 Hours  or the NASCAR Cup Series race, the yearly celebration of vintage racing that is the Hilliard US Vintage Grand Prix is perhaps the most unique event at the track. Since they first began racing here in 1948, the speedway has attracted some of the greatest racers in all of motorsports, across a wide variety of manufacturers. Now, this history is celebrated yearly when SVRA, Trans-Am, and IGT take to the track. Sadly, 2024’s event saw increased ticket prices, an earlier date thanks to NASCAR’s shifting schedule taking over the September weekend previously used, and the annual vintage festival no longer happening on the same weekend.   Food & Beverage   3 Watkins Glen International doesn’t have a lot of food vendors, with the main paddock cafe located in the main paddock near the front stretch – fans looking to visit the outer parts of the track may have slimmer pickings than those watching from the finish line. That said, the choices in the fan zone are simple, ranging from burgers ($13) and hot dogs ($5-$9) to chicken tenders ($15) and smaller snacks ($4-$8), while drinks run $4 for coffee or hot cocoa, $5 for water, Powerade, and sodas, $11 for Seltzer, $9-$11 for beer, and $7 for lemonade. Food trucks also line up inside the paddock area, offering various additional options as well.   Atmosphere   3 Watkins Glen International is located in New York’s Finger Lakes region, making the facility a beautifully located racing venue – the area is full of beautiful trees, meaning fans can find some shade in the hot sun. In addition, the track is laid out to be one of the fastest road courses in North America. Large grandstands also line the front straight, Turn 1, the esses, and the final corner complex, offering many different viewpoints for fans to watch from. For a raceway filled with history (the track regularly hosts NASCAR, IMSA, and others, and has also hosted the likes of IndyCar and Formula 1 in the past), you cannot help but feel like you’re witnessing history come alive at this SVRA weekend. Unfortunately, this year saw the removal of the annual vintage festival in downtown Watkins Glen, including the historic car reenactment on the old course, as well as a massively decreased car count from the vintage races as well.   Neighborhood   4 The track itself is about 5 minutes south of the town of Watkins Glen, nestled on the southern shores of Seneca Lake. The town is beautiful and quaint, featuring numerous local shops and restaurants, while north of town is New York wine country, with countless wineries all along the lake. For those willing to drive, the town of Ithaca is just a half hour east, where you can find hotels, restaurants, and shopping in the same town that is home to Cornell University. To the south, Elmira and Corning are 30 minutes away – if you visit the latter you can see the Corning Museum of Glass or the National Soaring Museum. In addition, sightseers routinely flock to Watkins Glen State Park for stunning hiking through a canyon of waterfalls, as well as Lakeside Park to watch the stars rise over the waters of Seneca Lake.   Fans   4 The fans at Watkins Glen International are once again a cross-section of sportscar racing diehards. New York racing fans are among the best in the country, and know how to throw a great party – the camping grounds are full all weekend long, and the fans know who to cheer for when the race is on the line. In addition, Friday’s vintage reenactment will see fans line the street while the cars dive past for hours, propping up folding chairs to get a view of the fun, much like one would see at a Fourth of July parade in a small town.   Access   3 The biggest downside in getting to Watkins Glen International is its relatively isolated location – the nearest major highway is I-86 to the south and west, at least a 30-minute drive away. Traffic thankfully doesn’t back up nearby, though, and the roadways are relatively clear all weekend. Once at the track parking is plentiful all around, but navigating the track’s tunnels, bridges, and walkways can be daunting, as the facility is rather large. Track maps are placed throughout the venue, however, making getting from place to place a little easier.   Return on Investment   3 Tickets to SVRA weekend rose sharply in 2024, starting at $69 for a one day weekend ticket to $91 for a weekend pass – this is considerably higher than SpeedTour weekend ticket prices at other racing venues. Parking is free however, so you can get away without having to pay too much more, and the cost of SpeedTour weekend is still much lower than for the NASCAR and IMSA weekends at Watkins Glen.   Extras   4 There are always several autograph sessions throughout the weekend for fans to meet their favorite drivers in each respective series. The track also has several fan zones to get you up close and personal with show cars, as well as to pick up some free giveaways. Fans can also wander the paddock area for free, giving you a great look at the teams working away at their machines, and victory Lane is also open to all fans, unlike at larger race series, offering fans the ability to take part in the podium celebration.   Final Thoughts The Watkins Glen vintage weekend is a showcase of the sport’s history and future, putting on a stellar weekend of racing that stretches across five days in early September. Without a doubt, this event is a great one to put on your racing calendar, offering great weather, unparalleled access for fans, and top-notch on-track activity.

Photos by Steven Kee, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.00 Prudential Center 165 Mulberry St Newark, NJ 07102 New Jersey Devils website Prudential Center website Year Opened: 2007 Capacity: 17,625 The Devils are Rock Solid in New Jersey The New Jersey Devils have been playing games at the Prudential Center in Newark, New Jersey, lovingly known as “The Rock” since 2007. It was a $375 million move from the Meadowlands Sports Complex in East Rutherford and would give the three-time Stanley Cup champions a first-class building to call home. The Devils played at the Meadowlands for nearly 30 years. This move was to help revitalize the City of Newark. The Prudential Center was to be the cornerstone of this revitalization, which included the Newark Bears & Eagles Riverfront Stadium (since demolished) and the New Jersey Performing Arts Center. The arena has become a more viable and proven candidate to be the city’s symbol for that sign of revitalization. The arena is a sight to see and deliberately meant to draw your eyes’ focus to it with its red & black exterior and cylindrical glass corners three-story corners. Outside are statues that pay homage to hockey, and the GRAMMY Museum Experience is attached to the Prudential Center with a separate exterior entrance. Food & Beverage 5 The concessions at The Rock are top-notch and offer quite a bit of variety, along with local staples that set it apart from other buildings in the league. There is a little bit of everything to sample and taste. There are a few new stands: Street Taco Cantina (Sect 2, 12, 107, and 133), Piez Italian Eatery (Sect. 4, 16, and 130), Black Board Burgers (Sect 130), Sumo Dogs (Sect. 4), and Mighty Quinns barbecue (Sec. 4). The more adventurous eater may try the sumo dog, a foot-long dog topped with wasabi relish, togarashi cheese sauce, teriyaki sauce, jalapenos, and nori. NJ Steakhouse (Sect. 101), Bayonne Diner (Sect. 1), The Chicken Coop (Sect. 6, 101, and 111), Jersey Grind (Sect. 12 and 111), and Glatt’s Kosher (Sec. 4, 19, and 123) will offer more traditional arena food from steak sandwiches, burgers, chicken tender baskets, hot dogs, french fries, and pulled beef sandwiches. The local variety is also present and includes the Goya Ironbound (Sect. 4 and 118). The stand is influenced by the nearby Ironbound section of town and offers Portuguese cuisine. The Mojo Rotisserie Chicken Plate includes a mojito-marinated half-roasted chicken served with a side of white rice and black beans. You will also find a Taylor Ham, egg, and cheese sandwich, cheesesteaks, and zeppoles at The Taste of the Boardwalk. There are 100 varieties of beers, wines, and ciders at the arena, including local favorites such as Kane, Carton, Forgotten Boardwalk, 902, and Jersey Girl. The national favorites from Bud and Coors are also here, along with cocktails and non-alcoholic beverages. Atmosphere 4 The Prudential Center has created a fan-first culture that begins with greeters welcoming folks to the game as they exit the escalators. Outside the arena is Championship Plaza, a huge gathering space before the game that is home to a 22-foot, 6,000-pound stainless steel hockey player statue. On the other side of the building is the Martin Brodeur statue, which was dedicated in 2016. The future Hall of Famer and NHL leader in career wins, shutouts, and a host of other records weighs in at 1,000 pounds. It is a nice tribute to one of the game's best netminders. The Devils incorporate 3D graphics projected on the ice that move back and forth from the fire, ice, and other vivid images. It is home to the largest center-hung video digital scoreboard providing fans with information, replays, and highlights. The 89,000-pound scoreboard is almost four stories tall and was created to provide the ultimate live experience at the arena. The team’s official mascot N.J. Devil skates onto the ice waving a glowing pitchfork before the game. Later, he can be found throughout the building in the stands banging a drum, posing for photos with fans, and cheering on the Devils after every score. The team also employs a live organist Pete Cannarozzi who has his area for fans to pose for pictures on the lower mezzanine section. The team’s official goal song is “Howl” by Gaslight Anthem, the easy-going arena-rocker song popular with the home crowd. All of the seating provides vantage points of the ice and are not obstructed by the copious amounts of championship banners and retired numbers hanging on all four sides from the ceiling. The seats are plush and cozy, providing an ample amount of leg space. The atmosphere is heightened when the teams play against rivals New York Rangers and Philadelphia Flyers. The building is cashless at the box office, team shop, and all concession stands. There are Reverse ATMs with zero fees available at multiple kiosks. 12”x14” bags are permitted, and anything larger, except child care or medical bags, isn’t permitted. There are also 6 family restrooms located on the main and upper concourse. There is also complimentary wheelchair access. Neighborhood 3 The Prudential Center is in a nice little pocket in Newark where fans can easily walk to great places to eat and get back and forth through mass transit. The Ironbound District is easily one of the state’s premier neighborhoods and worth a visit even after a night of hockey. The Ironbound neighborhood is a mixed-use of residential homes, retail, coffee shops, restaurants, bakeries, clubs, and parks located half a mile from the venue on Ferry Street. The predominantly Portuguese neighborhood is home to some of the best Spanish-Portuguese establishments in the metropolitan area. The Iberian Peninsula, Iberia, Spanish Tavern, and Mompou are just a few of the restaurants where one can enjoy flavorful and classic dishes from Spain, Portugal, and Brazil (rodizio). Redd’s Biergarten is home to the 5-Hour $5 Happy Hour six days a week from 2-7 pm. The German Beer Garden has an urban flare and provides guests with a gathering place featuring multiple bars, televisions, and long communal tables that encourage socializing. Mad For Chicken has wings, tenders, kimchi fries, fried dumplings, and kielbasa bites. A few other recommendations include Chateau of Spain, Ferry Street BBQ, and Hobby’s Deli. Fans 3 The fanbase is strong at home games, especially with the current season that sees the club fight for first place in the division. The Devil fan is hardcore, but many will point out their low attendance figures (close to 90 percent to capacity). They play in a market with two other NHL teams within an hour’s drive from one another, but with consistent winning seasons, you might see larger crowds at The Rock. Access 5 The Prudential Center is 2- blocks from Newark Penn Station, providing services to New York City and other points in New Jersey via Amtrak, PATH, NJ Transit, and Newark Light Rail. A PATH train ticket costs $2.75 (one-way) and stops at Greenwich Village, the 9/11 Memorial, and Brooklyn Bridge in New York City and Hoboken and Jersey City in New Jersey. The PATH will also take visitors to 33rd Street in Manhattan, several blocks from Times Square. The parking lots range from as low as $15 to as high as $30. One option is to park at the Iberia Restaurant for free in the Ironbound district–if you grab something to eat or drink–and walk the seven blocks to the arena. Various lots near the arena offer varying prices. Inside the building, the spacious concourses are separated into two sections offering fans easy access to seating assignments, concessions, bathrooms, and exits. Traffic inside moves freely during game action but will get crowded, like most other hockey arenas, during intermission. Return on Investment 4 The cost of a ticket will depend on who the Devils are playing. A single-game ticket against its arch-rivals, New York Rangers, can fetch close to $100 and will more likely sell out closer to game time; tickets on the secondary market will sell for half the price. The two team’s buildings are separated by a short PATH Train ride and will sell out when the Blueshirts are in town. The Devil’s other rivals, the Philadelphia Flyers, will cost much less but are no less intense as they are hated as much as the Broadway Blues. Affordable options include visits from Toronto, Los Angeles, Anaheim, Ottawa, and Chicago that will cost under $30 in advance. The return on investment depends on your price point. The concession prices tend to be high but are in line with other NHL venues, and parking is relatively inexpensive compared to the cost at MetLife Stadium or venues in New York City. The modern building also provides comfortable views of the rink and easy access to all sections and concourse levels. Extras 4 The arena receives one point for the Jersey-inspired food, including Taylor ham, zeppoles, Italian hot dogs, and disco fries. These are items you won’t find at other NHL arenas and are inclusive. You can also wash it down with a local craft beer or cider. A second point is awarded towards the organization’s history dating back to 1982 when the club arrived from Denver. There are murals of former greats, trophy cases featuring the club's three Stanley Cups, and the Brodeur statue. The retired numbers of Hall of Famers Scott Stevens, Scott Niedermayer, and Brodeur also make everyone know whose building this is. The arena also displays almost every high school hockey jersey in the state. The arena received a third point for being one of the first NHL buildings that partnered with KultureCity to provide sensory training to its staff for customers with autism. There are sensory rooms, social stores, and sensory bags for customers and parents with children on the spectrum. The Rock gains another point for the biggest video scoreboard in the league. The newly installed board provides an innovative way to connect fans to the game on the ice and through social media. Final Thoughts The Prudential Center is a stunning facility, offering almost everything the hockey fan could ask for in the 21st century. The arena is accessible via mass transit, close to great restaurants, and provides a variety of services and features throughout the game. With the Devils playing winning hockey, the experience will only improve at “The Rock.”

Photos by Paul Baker, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.86 Campus Field 5151 Park Ave Fairfield, CT 06825 Sacred Heart Pioneers website Campus Field website Year Opened: 1997 Capacity: 3,334 The Independent Pioneers   Sacred Heart University is a private Roman Catholic university located in Fairfield, Connecticut. It was founded in 1963 and was the first Catholic school in the United States to be staffed by laypersons. Today, Sacred Heart is the second largest Catholic university in New England, offering 80 degree programs at the Bachelor’s, Master’s and Doctorate level to its 10,500 students.   Sacred Heart University has hosted football teams since 1991. The Pioneers originally played in Division III, moving up to Division II in 1993 and then up to the FCS subdivision of Division I in 1999. In 2024 the Pioneers dissolved their longtime membership in the Northeast Conference, joining the Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference. Unfortunately, the MAAC does not sponsor football, which has forced the Pioneers to compete as one of two independent teams in the FCS. No plans have been announced regarding future affiliation.   Campus Field, which opened in 1997, is located adjacent to the William H. Pitt Center . In addition to hosting the school’s football team, both of the Pioneer lacrosse and track squads call the facility home.   Sacred Heart won or shared six conference championships during their time in the Northeast Conference. They have appeared in the FCS playoffs four times, most recently in 2021, losing in the first round every time. Two Sacred Heart alumni, Jon Corto and Julius Chestnut, have played in the National Football League.   Food & Beverage 3    There is a pop-up tent in the entrance lot run by SHU Dining that handles concessions at Campus Field. The menu offered here is pretty basic, with burgers, dogs, chicken fingers and sausage sandwiches available. Snacks, including fries, nachos, pretzels and assorted candy can also be found here. Cans of Pepsi products are sold. Fans looking for an adult beverage will have to proceed to the Outpost.   The outpost is Campus Field’s beer garden. Located in the southwest end zone, all fans can access this area for an additional ten-dollar charge. A variety of beer and wine is sold here, as well as special menu items. During Stadium Journey’s recent visit, for example, the special item was a loaded baked potato.   Without a doubt, the most popular concession items at Campus Field were the gigantic specialty cookies from Crumbl. Their signature pink boxes could be seen all over the facility.   Atmosphere 3   The game day atmosphere at a Sacred Heart football game is a fun one, but not one that is over the top or overly loud. Fans are into the game and the social activities on tap, but this is not a place where visitors would feel intimidated. The feel at Campus Field is more like a backyard barbeque than a big-time college football game.   The Sacred Heart Marching Band, cheerleaders and dance squad are on hand to perform throughout the game. Party areas at either end of the field add to the atmosphere, and the PA announcer adds a bit of energy to the proceedings without being too over the top. The video board in the southwest end zone provides graphics and basic game information, but unfortunately is not utilized for replays.   Neighborhood 3   While Fairfield is a really nice place to live (in fact, towns in Fairfield County are regulars on any “Best Places to Live in the United States” list), it’s not exactly what you would consider a destination location. The Sacred Heart campus is located in a residential area, with few lodging or dining options in the immediate vicinity. The Trumbull Mall is located a mile from campus, complete with the usual chain offerings, such as the Cheesecake Factory.   Adjacent to the Sacred Heart campus is the Discovery Museum and Planetarium. This attraction features rotating exhibits and interactive educational displays. Right next door to Campus Field is JP’s Diner, a 50s style full-service restaurant which is open on game days.   The Sitting Duck Tavern is a popular local watering hole, and there are numerous options in downtown Bridgeport, located just a few miles away. Visiting fans will find no shortage of lodging or dining options along Route One, the main business thoroughfare in the area, and Interstate 95.   Fans looking for sporting options in the area will find plenty of options nearby. Sacred Heart teams play basketball at the Pitt Center , baseball at Veterans’ Memorial Park  and hockey at the beautiful Martire Family Arena . In addition, Fairfield University is just five miles away, with the Leo Mahoney Arena  hosting the Stags basketball team. The Bridgeport Islanders, the top farm team of the New York Islanders, play downtown at Total Mortgage Arena .   Fans 3   Campus Field’s posted capacity is a meager 3,334. Their listed average attendance for the 2023 season was 6,346. Even with these inflated numbers, the Pioneers still rank smack dab in the middle of the nationwide FCS attendance rankings, landing at number 59. Stadium Journey visited Sacred Heart on the school’s homecoming day on a beautiful September Saturday afternoon, with an announced attendance of 4,869. Through three games in 2024, average attendance is 4,025. I’m not saying these numbers are inflated, but there are plenty of empty seats to be found around Campus Field. Something here just doesn’t feel right.   The fans who pack Campus Field week after week are here to enjoy the community feeling cultivated at Sacred Heart. This is a low-key party atmosphere. Fans aren’t going to be overly rowdy, but they will support their Pioneers passionately. The crowd here is small-school football at its best. Party areas such as the Outpost in the southwest end zone and the fancier President’s Tent in the northeast end zone add to the party atmosphere and certainly boost attendance. There’s a good turnout from the student body here, but no organized student section to be found.   Access 3   Sacred Heart University is located in suburban Fairfield, Connecticut, a town of about 60,000 residents in the southwest corner of the Nutmeg State. The campus is situated in the northeast corner of the city, directly across the street from neighboring Bridgeport. Sacred Heart is easily accessed by either the Merritt Parkway or Interstate 95. Traffic in this part of the state is usually quite heavy, so you may have to allot extra time to arrive at Campus Field. Fans using public transportation will be glad to know that the Greater Bridgeport Transit (GBT)  number 4 bus routes from Bridgeport’s busy Amtrak station to a stop right at Sacred Heart’s front entrance on Park Avenue.   Parking for Pioneer football games can be a challenge, particularly when a large crowd is present. Most of the spaces near Campus Field are reserved for VIPs and those who pay for the privilege. Free parking is available in the South Garage, about a quarter of a mile from the field, and the North Lot, about a half mile from the field. At least the scenery on this attractive suburban campus is worth the walk. Unfortunately, signage isn’t clear on campus and many of the roads are blocked off. If parking in the South garage be aware that you must enter the garage on the second level on the side of the garage, not the street-level entrance, which is reserved for President Tent ticket holders.   Fans enter Campus Field at the northeast corner of the facility. The concession stand, ticket office and team store are all set up in the parking lot here. Seating at Campus Field consists of metal bleachers on either side of the field. The home (east) grandstand is raised several feet off the ground, allowing fans to look over the mass of people on the sideline. The presence of the track around the field pushes spectators back a bit further from the action. Rest rooms are located in the adjacent Pitt Center and the Bobby Valentine Health and Recreation Center.   Return on Investment 4   Tickets for Pioneer football games are affordable, priced at $20 for reserved seats and $15 for general admission seating. Fans wishing to access the Outpost beer garden can do so for an additional $10 fee.   Parking is free in the South Garage or North Lot. Concessions are reasonably priced, with most items costing six dollars or less. Overall, a visit to Sacred Heart football is an affordable entertainment option for local sports fans.   Extras 1                                                                                                 Banners hang on the exterior wall of the adjoining Pitt Center honoring all the championship teams that call Campus Field home, including the 6-time NEC conference champion football Pioneers.   Final Thoughts   The affiliation shuffle that took place in college football this past offseason also affected teams at the lower levels of the sport. Playing as an independent hasn’t seemed to affect the game day experience at Campus Field. This is a fun place to catch a game that would be a nice addition to any local FCS conference looking to add a team.   Follow Paul Baker’s stadium journeys on Twitter  and Instagram  @PuckmanRI.

Photos by Dave Cottenie, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.43 Guelph Gryphons Athletic Centre 50 Stone Rd. E Guelph, ON N1G 2W1 Guelph Gryphons basketball website Guelph Gryphons Athletics Centre website Year Opened: 2016 Capacity: 2,200 From Aggies to Gryphons The Ontario Agricultural College was founded in Guelph, Ontario in 1874.  One of the oldest institutions of higher education in the province would grow to engulf the MaDonald Institute and Ontario Veterinary College as the University of Guelph in 1964.  Guelph would grow to nearly 30,000 students at the time of writing, making it one of the larger universities in Canada.  The OAC would compete athletically as the Aggies.  With the advent of the University of Guelph, the moniker of the Gryphons was adopted.  The Guelph Gryphons first basketball team hit the floor in 1964 and have enjoyed various degrees of success over the years.  The Gryphons’ success culminated in a Wilson Cup as conference champions in 1990 and a W.P. McGee Trophy recipient as National Champions in 1974. For years the on campus home of the Gryphons was the small, yet intimidating W.F. Mitchell Athletic Centre.  Named after the Guelph Athletics Director of 33 years, the Mitchell Centre was known for its boisterous fan support.  The growing university required a more comprehensive approach to athletics and a new basketball facility was part of that vision.  The Guelph Gryphons Athletic Centre opened in 2016 and pushed the idea of what a state of the art facility was in USports.   Food & Beverage 2 The main concession at the Gryphons Athletic Centre is in the main lobby near the main entrance and offers a small and simple selection of snacks.  Popcorn, cotton candy, chocolate, chips and granola bars are all available.  Bottled water, soda and Powerade are the beverages that are available.  Alcohol is not available at basketball games. Atmosphere 4 The exterior of the Guelph Gryphons Athletic Centre is attractive and features a unique roofline with smart-looking red and dark grey siding.  It is right along Ring Road and very prominent from the street as opposed to some other embedded athletic facilities.  The main entrance for the Gryphons Athletic Centre on Ring Road is the Garney Henley Entrance, named after the basketball coach from 1966-76 who would lead the Gryphons to the National Championship.  Henley also is a member of the Canadian Football Hall of Fame after playing 16 years in the CFL for the Hamilton Tiger-Cats and won 4 Grey Cups.  A large display touting Henley’s accomplishments can be found in the lobby, immediately upon entry to the Athletic Centre.  Along the northwest hallway, past the bright and clean lobby, is the Gryphons Athletic Hall of Fame.  Smartly designed with separate areas for Athletes, Builders and Teams, fans can find enshrinements for the 1974 and 1990 basketball teams, among other honourees.  The Gryphons Athletic Centre connects to the Mitchell Centre, and University of Guelph recreation facilities are also found here. Entering into the seating area of the Guelph Gryphons Athletic Centre, fans will immediately notice how bright the area is with plenty of natural light allowed in.  The playing surface is sunken and fans enter on a running track which circles behind the seating area.  The court runs from northeast to southwest.  Each of the four sides surrounding the court has a set of retractable seats with the northeast and southwest bleachers going right to the floor and northwest and southeast elevated.  The northwest side is the spot to get the perfect centre court logo picture and has plastic chair seating as opposed to plastic benches.  A temporary merchandise table can be found in the south corner of the track.  Media facilities are above the track on the northwest side.  Overall the gym is bright and clean and professional looking.  Guelph boasts of a centre hung, four-sided videoboard, which is unique for this level of basketball.  On the game that was reviewed, which honoured the 1974 National Championship team, a banner for the National Champions hung on the northwest side.  However, this banner placement seemed temporary. The gameday presentation is fairly simple.  The PA system is excellent and music is played during the pregame and breaks which is not uncommon.  The mascot, Gryph, can be found traversing the crowd during many games.  The south corner has a large, inflated Gryphon arch, which players enter the floor through.  Guelph has a very strong, student run media production for its athletic teams. Neighbourhood 4 The Guelph Gryphons Athletic Centre is located on the campus of the University of Guelph, on the west side of the city.  As a large university, there are a number of bars and restaurants just off campus that will service the students.  Some options include The Shakespeare Arms, Beertown, The Burger’s Priest, Guelph BBQ and Borealis Grill.  Although none are that far, hopping in the car to get off campus and towards Stone Road would be the best idea.  For other sporting options, the Guelph Gryphons field a full complement of athletic teams including hockey  and football , which are also on campus.  The Sleeman Centre is near and the home of the OHL’s Guelph Storm  and the Guelph Royals  hit the diamond in the summer months.  Perhaps the highlight of the Guelph Gryphons athletic calendar is The Frosty Mug , which is also played at the Sleeman Centre.  Other Guelph tourist options include the River Run Centre for plays and concerts, the Guelph Civic Museum and McCrae House, birth home of John McCrae who wrote the poem “In Flanders Fields.”  For fans wishing to stay near campus, the Delta is an available option. Fans 3 Assessing OUA basketball fans is difficult as attendance figures are not normally published.  Anecdotally, the Gryphons enjoy a decent following and definitely do not play in front of a full complement of empty seats.  Some of the atmosphere from the Mitchell Centre seems to have been lost and the fanbase is not nearly as loud or boisterous.  There is definite room for improvement, but the Gryphons are not the least supported team in the OUA.   Access 5 The Guelph Gryphons Athletic Centre is located on the east side of the campus of the University of Guelph.  It is located with the other UofG athletic facilities and is immediately west of East Ring Road.  Fans will have to traverse the city a bit in getting to campus as it is located south of Highway 7 and east of Highway 6.  The main artery through Southern Ontario is Highway 401, and Guelph is a few kilometers to the north.  There is plenty of parking on the opposite side of East Ring Road and behind the hockey arena.  There is usually no charge for parking during athletic events.  For fans who wish to take public transit to the game, there are Guelph Transit bus stops on Ring Road that lead through campus.  Fans should check out the Guelph Transit  website for fares, maps and schedules.  Getting around the Guelph Gryphons Athletic Centre is not difficult at all and the entrance to the basketball seating area from the track is good for those with mobility issues.  The washroom facilities are adequate for the arena. Return on Investment 5 There are few bargains in sport on the same level as OUA basketball.  Adult tickets to see the Guelph Gryphons are $10 with youth and staff going for $5.  Students of the University of Guelph are free.  Basketball tickets are actually doubleheaders with the women’s basketball team playing either before or after the men.  Concession prices are decent and parking can be found on campus for free.  The investment for the Gryphons is very low and fans can easily bring the family.  The product on the court is very good and fans will no doubt enjoy themselves.  Overall, the return on investment for the Guelph Gryphons is excellent. Extras 2 An extra mark for the University of Guelph investing in their athletic programs with up to date facilities. An extra mark for the high quality, student-run broadcast at the University of Guelph. Final Thoughts A steadfast member of the OUA, the Guelph Gryphons offer a basketball experience in one of the premier facilities in the conference.  Taking in a game at the Guelph Gryphons Athletic Centre is very enjoyable and it won’t come close to denting the pocketbook. Follow all of Dave’s sporting adventures on YouTube , Twitter , Threads  and Instagram @profan9.

Photo by Andrei Ojeda, Stadium Journey Or is it? As the anticipated countdown to the A’s final scheduled home game at the Oakland Coliseum  on September 26 approaches, Sacramento news radio station KFBK is reporting that Major League Baseball has not yet agreed to the upgrades to Sutter Health Park .  Among the upgrades to the stadium is the installation of artificial turf. Many are questioning how safe it would be given Sacramento’s triple digit heat during the summer months.  "I'm not convinced, to tell you the truth, that this will be the A's last game in the city of Oakland," said Oakland Mayor Sheng Thao. "I always say, if the A's want to stay in Oakland, we welcome them back to the negotiation table.” The team's director of baseball communications released a statement Thursday, saying, "It is a certainty that the A's will play their 2025 season in Sacramento as planned. MLB is continuing to work productively with the MLBPA on the details of the transition." Though the A’s have sold out their final home game for September 26th, despite pleas and even offers of volunteer labor , the derisively nicknamed Mt. Davis, unused since 2019 will remain closed.  Currently, Sutter Health Park  is the home to the Sacramento River Cats, the Triple A affiliate of the San Francisco Giants. Barring other new developments that continue to test the faith and patience of A’s fans, the A’s and River Cats will be sharing Sutter Health Park throughout the 2025 season. Sutter Health Park, Photo by Andrei Ojeda, Stadium Journey Will September 26 be the last time A’s fans walk along the BART bridge to The Oakland Coliseum?

Photos by Eric Moreno, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.00 UFCU Stadium 1100 Aquarena Springs Dr San Marcos, TX 78666 Texas State Bobcats website UFCU Stadium website Year Opened: 1981 Capacity: 28,000 Texas State Bobcats – UFCU Stadium Excitement has reached levels that haven't been seen in San Marcos, Texas, in over a generation – the Texas State Bobcats are experiencing a level of prominence they have not experienced to date as members of the Football Bowl Subdivision (FBS). After a historic 2023-24 season, in which they won a program-high eight wins, as well as won their first bowl game, the Bobcats are riding a wave that fans hope can carry them to even greater postseason glory. After their fantastic campaign last season, investments in the stadium were begun during the 2024 season, including a new multi-year naming rights agreement  and expanding the stadium with a new end zone complex , slated to be completed by 2025. The Bobcats have called their current stadium home since 1981; it was in these early seasons that the team experienced its greatest levels of success, including taking home two Division II national championships (in 1981 and 1982) under Hall of Fame head coach Jim Wacker. The Bobcats are now looking to duplicate some measure of this success with head coach G. J. Kinne – read on to learn what’s got Texas State fans excited in San Marcos.   Food & Beverage   3 The food and beverage options at UFCU Stadium are what I would classify as “fine” – there are plenty of stands where you can get your traditional game day fare (e.g. hot dogs, popcorn, nachos, peanuts, etc.). The alcohol policy at the stadium changed in 2016 to allow the sale of it during games; now you can buy beer (including some from Texas breweries like Karbach, Ziegenbock, and St. Arnold’s) at multiple kiosks and carts throughout the main concourse. In terms of other foods to look out for, you can find a barbecue stand, a Chick-fil-A stand, a Pizza Hut stand, and an empanadas cart. There is also a stand selling fresh-squeezed lemonade and carnival fare such as funnel cake, kettle corn, cotton candy, and candy apples.   Atmosphere   4 The atmosphere at the last game I attended at UFCU Stadium was, quite frankly, electric. For transparency’s sake, this was a rivalry game, with a lot at stake, and the contest was being broadcast nationally on one of the 4-letter network channels. The game had one of the largest crowds in the history of the stadium, and that made the atmosphere even better. For the window-dressing part of this section, UFCU Stadium has several team stores inside for fans to purchase team merchandise. The exterior of the luxury boxes on the home side of the field is also adorned with markers commemorating the team’s successes (i.e. their conference and national championships). The pregame festivities included the performance of the band (more on them in the Extras section), as well as having the school president and his wife, clad in matching Texas State embroidered leather jackets and cowboy hats), lead the team out onto the field while riding a motorcycle – only in college football, only in Texas.   Neighborhood   3 San Marcos is pretty much the picture-perfect realization of a Texas college town. Halfway between San Antonio and Austin, it has grown considerably over the years in terms of population, but it still retains a lot of what made it arguably the Lone Star State’s best college burg. The Bobcats are the only game in town, and the interest in the school shows – especially among the student body in the last few years, as the football team’s fortunes have risen. UFCU Stadium sits right on campus amidst Texas State’s athletics complex ( Bobcat Ballpark  and Strahan Coliseum  are within walking distance), so if you plan your visit right you might be able to catch another Texas State game, depending on the time of the year. In terms of things to do, the absolute main draw to the area is the beautiful San Marcos River . It is a hotbed of swimming, kayaking, tubing (especially tubing), and fishing in the state, as people flock from all around to get a taste of the river when the weather is right. Up until October, visitors to San Marcos looking to take in a game at UFCU Stadium will also be able to get their sample of river life before the temperatures head south. Since this is a college town, most of the dining options near the stadium are going to cater to the student body. However, a couple of highlights to be on the lookout for include Spud Ranch  (gussied-up baked potatoes for the win) and Lucy’s Tacos  (you can’t go wrong with Tex-Mex in this part of the world). There aren’t any lodging destinations (aside from vacation rentals) near the stadium, but there are quite a few within a 10-minute drive of the venue, including Fairfield Inn & Suites Austin & San Marcos  and Motel 6 San Marcos .   Fans   3 While it has not always been the case, especially in recent years, the fans are showing out right now for the Texas State Bobcats. The most recent game I attended – again, a rivalry game, but still – was a virtual sellout. Fans were decked out in their maroon and gold in and around the stadium hours  before the game. They were also exceptionally loud from my vantage point, which added to their home field advantage. However, the one caveat I will put out is that this is virtually uncharted territory for Bobcat fans; things were bleak in terms of fan interest in the not-too-distant past. Keeping this interest in the program, if things should slow down on the field, will be a test they’ll need to take at some point down the road.   Access   3 San Marcos is roughly smackdab in between San Antonio and Austin along Interstate 35 and its endless, ongoing construction projects. The campus is about 35 minutes from downtown Austin and about 45 minutes from the Alamo City’s downtown – if you’re flying in from somewhere, Austin Bergstrom International Airport is 41 minutes away. There isn’t much in the way of public transportation in San Marcos; there are limited bus routes and shuttle buses on campus if you choose not to drive. The only other option is, of course, a rideshare service. Once you get to the stadium, however, parking is plentiful in five full lots open to the public, as well as at numerous businesses nearby that offer their lots for a fee.   Return on Investment   4 Single-game tickets for Bobcats games at UFCU Stadium start at $20 per person, with pre-purchased parking passes starting at $15. Concession prices are also relatively low for FBS/DI football. For the attention that the team is getting these days, this is looking like quite the bargain – I wouldn’t expect these costs to stay this way for much longer if the Bobcats continue this upward trajectory.   Extras   4 Texas State offers up a lot of the pageantry that is unique to college football, and that goes a long way toward making gamedays so special. The festivities start right out of the proverbial gate with the Bobcat Marching Band , aka the “Pride of the Hill Country” – the band performs the school fight song while marching across the field before the game. They also spell out “CATS” and “STATE” as they play “Deep in the Heart of Texas” to the delight of the fans in the stands. The Texas State Cheer  team and their costumed mascot, Boko , also perform throughout the game. In addition, one of the main draws at games is the famous Texas State Strutters . This team, known for their distinctive uniforms, has performed in parades and functions all over the world. The Strutters are a highlight, so plan your halftime trips accordingly.   Final Thoughts I’ve been to quite a few games at the former Bobcat Stadium over the years. However, what Texas State has going on right now at UFCU Stadium is unlike anything I’ve experienced in the past. There is an energy and excitement around athletics – especially the football team – that hasn’t been seen here before. College football fans will find a lot to enjoy about the stadium and the program right now. I think visitors will also find San Marcos a nice place to spend a day. While I wouldn’t put them down as bucket list worthy, the Texas State Bobcats and UFCU Stadium are still worthy of a trip if you have the time. Follow Eric Moreno's Stadium Journey on X @EricMoreno6477 .

Photos by Marc Viquez, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.00 Comerica Park 2100 Woodward Ave Detroit, MI 48201 Detroit Tigers website Comerica Park website Year Opened: 2000 Capacity: 41,574 A Carnival Like Atmosphere at Comerica Park Comerica Park has been the home of the Detroit Tigers since 2000 after playing at the corner of Michigan and Trumbull Avenues since 1896. The new ballpark replaced Tiger Stadium, which debuted in 1912 and ushered in a new era of baseball in Detroit. The stadium’s construction cost $300 million and featured a 40,000-plus seating capacity, 102 private suites, a playground area for children, a wrap-around concourse, and dimensions that are pitcher-friendly. The stadium also features 9 tiger statues at the two main entrances that provide one of the best looks in major league baseball. This is Tiger Town. Food & Beverage 5 There is plenty of great food at the ballpark, from your common hot dogs, nachos, peanuts, and soda pop to a few more adventurous items. Visitors can enjoy the iconic coney dog with chili and onions, but also check out this Detroit snap dog with a natural casing that gives the customer a beautiful snap when they bite into it. If you're looking for just your normal hot dog, it's also here at various concessions throughout the stadium. If you're looking for something a little bit bigger, there are Italian rope sausages with grilled onions and peppers, giant burgers from the 313 Burger Company, pulled pork and brisket sandwiches from 313 Barbecue, featuring The Notorious P.I.G. which is a pulled pork sandwich with mac and cheese jalapenos and crispy onions. There are also pulled pork city tacos that are served on grilled corn tortillas and melted cheese. Two regional food items are available: Detroit-style city chicken and pasties. The city chicken is cubed pork, wrapped in bacon, deep-fried, and served on a stick. It was commonly made with veal or pork since it was more readily available than chicken. Pasties are popular in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan and are pastries filled with minced meat and onions. At the ballpark, they also fill it with mac and cheese, brisket, or apples. There are plenty of local restaurants serving up unique eats. They include El Ray Taqueria’s Sonoran hot dog, Green Dot Stables shawarma fries with grilled chicken and garlic sauce, Breadless gluten-free options, Lobster Food Trucks mac and cheese with lobster, and Yum Villages version of nachos with jerk chicken and a spicy sauce made from peaches and apricots. Atmosphere 4 Comerica Park offers a carnival-like atmosphere during the baseball game and features enough quirky amenities that set this place apart from other ballparks in Major League Baseball. The first thing fans will notice is the giant tiger statues at the main entrance. There are nine in total and two even sit on top of the stadium and peer down at the fans. There are many ball clubs named after animals, but none of them feature as many statues of them at the stadium. The outfield area offers the Chevrolet Fountains that provide a liquid fireworks display. It is synchronized to music and changing lights and is used to celebrate home runs and other in-game moments. There are 6 granite statues of former Tigers legends Ty Cobb, Willie Horton, Al Kaline, Hal Newhouser, Charlie Gehringer, and Hank Greenberg. They are 11-13 feet tall and appear more like mythical superheroes than baseball players. Another great section is the Big Cat Court behind section 119. The area is designed circularly and offers a variety of food from different Detroit neighborhoods and offers entertainment for kids and adults. There is a carousel featuring Tigers to ride on for an additional charge, the tiger retail shop, the Tiger Den lounge, an open-air grill and beer hall, and a Ferris wheel that is shaped with multiple baseballs. The grill area features different pop-up restaurants from time to time with an alternating menu. The ballpark offers open views of the Detroit skyline, concession areas that allow fans to enjoy the game while they are online, and a collection of memorabilia on display from the Tiger’s 120-plus-year history. There are multiple retail shops, kiosks, and lounge areas sponsored by national retailers. Neighborhood 4 Comerica Park is located in Downtown Detroit and is buzzing during game days. When you're inside the stadium you can't help but notice the home of the Detroit Lions Ford Field behind the left field area. The Little Caesars Arena that houses the Detroit Red Wings in Detroit Pistons is a few blocks away from the main entrance of the stadium. Some various bars and restaurants are open before Tigers games, one of them is Tin Roof Alley which offers rooftop seating with a gorgeous view of the stadium. Down Below they offer live music before the game in a giant patio setting. Hockeytown is a Red Wings-themed restaurant and bar offering pub food and drinks. A few other places within walking distance from the stadium include the Elwood Bar & Grill, Brass Rail Pizza, Mom's Spaghetti, and the Detroit Beer Company. Also in the neighborhood is the Fox Theater and Detroit Opera House which is home to live concerts and performances. Fans 3 Tiger fans or devoted group of individuals who are still looking for the elusive fifth World Series championship that has eluded them for almost 40 years. The seasons have been lean for the Tigers since their last playoff appearance in 2014. However, when the team starts building a championship-caliber club, the ballpark will be rocking once again. Still, it's not hard to spot a fan not wearing the iconic Old English D at the game. Access 4 Downtown Detroit is easily accessible from both I-75 and I-375. There are multiple parking decks near the stadium and it is advisable to arrive a little bit earlier to avoid any congestion. parking prices will range to the much higher $30 closer to the stadium, but there are spots on the street or in independent Lots that are much cheaper a few blocks away. Return on investment 4 A ticket to a game or relatively inexpensive, but it depends on what promotional event or who the team is playing. a fan could check out a second ticket website and scoop up a docket for as low as $10. However, if there is a valuable giveaway at the game that price could double or triple in price. The concession prices were somewhat less expensive compared to some other major league ballparks the Stadium's website staff has visited in the last few years, but there were no value items during our visit. A basic hot dog is $6 and macro beer is $10 Extras 4 The ballpark earns extra points for providing a carnival-like atmosphere that includes a Ferris wheel, a tiger theme carousel, and a liquid light show against fountains in the outfield. Fans can also enjoy a wide range of food from local area restaurants and take pictures in front of one of the nine tiger sculptures at the main entrance. I would also suggest doing the same for the six former Tiger legends inside the stadium in the outfield. Final Thoughts Comerica Park doesn't get a lot of the attention that other major league ballparks do, but it stands out among many of its contemporaries. When you're walking around the concourse and visiting certain areas you know you are at a ballpark in Detroit. The accessibility, surrounding neighborhood, and unique touches make a Tiger game worth your time in the Motor City. ----- 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: 4.71 Progressive Field 2401 Ontario St Cleveland, OH 44115 Cleveland Guardians website Progressive Field website Year Opened: 1994 Capacity: 43,345 Cleveland Still Rocks The halcyon days of grand expansion in MLB took over in the 1990s and early 2000s. Out of these new stadiums emerged some all-time showcase facilities ( Camden Yards , PNC Park , and Coors Field ), while others faltered and have already been replaced (Globe Life Field and Turner Field). For their part, Cleveland opened the gates to what was called Jacobs Field in 1994 and never looked back. Progressive Field has become a shining example of how to maintain a beautiful baseball stadium over the years, altering the seating in the upper deck, incorporating local food and beverage providers, and maintaining a modern look in a facility that is nearing its 30th year in operation. As with the stadium, the Cleveland Guardians’ team name reflects the city’s local heritage, taking the name from the Guardians of Traffic statues that adorn each end of the Hope Memorial Bridge that leads to Progressive Field. Food & Beverage 5 The food at Progressive Field has long been regarded as among the best in all of baseball. Standard ballpark fare is available as one would expect – classic hot dogs ($4.50), popcorn ($6), sodas ($3.75-$9), peanuts ($5), Cracker Jack ($4.75), and more all call the stadium’s various concessions stand home. But what helps the options stand out here are the local vendors; Great Lakes Brewing Co. and Fat Head’s Brewery are among the local beer options you can find in the stadium. In addition, Momocho in Section 149 has previously been named the best ballpark food in all of baseball, while other local options include Barrio, Sweet Moses, Dynomite Burger, Happy Dog, and Melt. Another favorite is Ohio City Burrito, serving massive burrito bowls for $13.75 that rival those of any stadium food you’ll find. Artisan Pizza’s Inferno Pizza with spicy sausage, pepperoni, cheese, kalamata olives, basil, and hot peppers for $12.50 is also a fan favorite. Atmosphere 5 The stadium’s aesthetic hasn’t changed over the years, yet it continues to remain classic and relevant. Its iconic light towers adorn clothing and are almost as much a symbol of the stadium as the team itself. The Cleveland skyline rises over the outfield walls, giving the stadium a true city feel. The big digital LED scoreboard in left field is viewable from anywhere you sit and features a stunning display with all the vital statistics of the game and players. The famous hot dog races remain a Cleveland staple during games, while staff runs up and down the dugout roof waving large flags to hype up the crowd. Unique to Progressive Field is the outfield bullpens – situated right in the middle of the outfield seating, both bullpens allow fans to get up close to watch the action of the pitchers warming up, both before the game and during. Neighborhood 5 Next door to Progressive Field is Rocket Mortgage Field House , home of the Cleveland Cavaliers and the Cleveland Monsters . Cleveland’s historic downtown Public Square is just a few blocks away as well. Here you will find the classic architecture of the city’s past in places like Tower City and The Arcade. Both of these locations also house hotels, with Hyatt Regency housed in The Arcade’s upper levels and Ritz-Carlton in Tower City. Food options are also plentiful, with local favorites The Winking Lizard and famous Sylvan’s Restaurant all nearby. Visitors can also see some of the local sights, such as West Side Market or the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame within a few minute’s drive of the stadium. Shopping and entertainment are all nearby as well, and for nature lovers, Cuyahoga Valley National Park is south of Cleveland and well worth the short drive. Fans 4 The fans in Cleveland are known for loyalty. Currently holding the longest active drought without a World Series title to their name, Guardians fans have endured years of near misses. Nonetheless, their fans are among the most loyal in sports. Regardless of their record, Cleveland’s faithful turn out to Progressive Field to watch their team take on the rest of its major league foes. However, while once holding a record 455 sellout games, tickets are a bit easier to get nowadays. The fans in Progressive Field are also deeply sports-knowledgeable, meaning you won’t see bandwagon fans in the seats here. Access 5 Getting to Progressive Field is quite easy. Located right downtown, I-90 will deliver you right to the front steps of the stadium. Parking lots dot the landscape around the stadium, offering plenty of options for fans. The best option is the Gateway East Garage ($20), located right across the street from the Left Field Gate. This garage also features a walkover bridge that connects to the stadium’s middle concourse for easy entry and exit. Lots in the area can range from $15 on up depending on the game and the day. Signage is also plentiful on game days, allowing for easy navigation. Return on Investment 4 Tickets to the Guardians range from $15 to $120 depending on the game and day. Numerous promotions fill the calendar during the season as well, offering more bang for your buck. With middle-deck tickets at $30, you can get a great seat for a low price, meaning a family of four can enjoy a day at the ballpark for less than many may assume. Extras 5 The right field gate is home to some Cleveland Guardian statues of players from their past. Larry Doby, Jim Thome, and others are honored here in an area that connects both inside and outside the gates, all the way down to Heritage Park. Here, you can see Cleveland’s past players honored as well, and walk through a beautiful garden area that celebrates the team’s history. Another great feature is the team’s history celebrated throughout the concourse – large images and banners adorn the halls all around the stadium. The team store is also a showcase for fans at the game; open on game day hours before the gates open, you can visit the team store all morning and afternoon, before it closes and connects to the inner concourse. Finally, the middle deck is home to the Kids Clubhouse. Here, interactive games and play areas are available for the smallest fans at the park. Final Thoughts The Guardians continue to showcase what makes their home one of the best home stadiums in the major leagues. Progressive Field has everything you would want in a perfect setting. Top food and beverage options mix here with a constantly improving stadium that remains one of the best in baseball. Affordability and easy access also create a welcoming environment that makes for one of the best game-day experiences around.

Photos by Dave Cottenie, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.29 Great American Ball Park 100 Joe Nuxhall Way Cincinnati, OH 45202 Cincinnati Reds website Great American Ball Park website Year Opened: 2003 Capacity: 42,059 And This One Belongs To The Reds In 1881, the Cincinnati Red Stockings were a charter member of the American Association and joined the National League in 1890. This makes the Reds, as they were named in 1890, the oldest team in Major League Baseball. It is for this reason that baseball in Cincinnati is just a little bit different and a little bit more special. Opening Day for the Reds is unlike anything else in the majors and holds near holiday status in Cincinnati. Winning five World Series titles, the Reds have enjoyed their share of ups and downs. From the Big Red Machine to the 1919 Black Sox scandal. From Johnny Bench and Joey Votto to Pete Rose and Marge Schott. The history of baseball in America is nowhere near complete without a full chapter on the Reds. In 2006, Bob Castellini took over the Reds as the primary and current owner. Home for the Reds is Great American Ball Park; possibly the best corporate name for a ballpark in the country with Great American Insurance holding the naming rights until 2033. The Reds ballpark trajectory is similar to many other Major League teams with the venerable years of the Reds playing at Crosley Field. The seventies through the nineties sent the Reds to the regrettable circular, multi-purpose Riverfront Stadium, before returning to a baseball-specific stadium in 2003. Food & Beverage 4 The culinary experience at Great American Ball Park is solid. A healthy mix of ballpark expectations and Cincinnati staples is what one could expect at a Reds game. Chick-fil-A, Porkopolis, and Frybox are all spots that fans may want to check out. The local favorites are goetta, which can be found at several different locations, and the Skyline Chili concessions. Skyline Chili Coneys are among the most recognizable Reds concession selections. New for the GABP is Skyline Chili Nachos, which seem like they should have been around forever. 50 West Burgers have new options including the GABP Burger, which is a Goetta burger. Sections 144 and 428 feature the All You Can Eat Stands where fans can purchase a pass for unlimited soda, popcorn, peanuts, chips, and 5 hot dogs. The beer selection at GABP is among the best anywhere. The Reds Brewery District, by section 118, offers the largest selection of craft beers. Moerlein, Taft’s, and Mad Tree may be selections for the connoisseurs at the game. For a unique GABP experience, fans may wish to get tickets inside The Handlebar, which is the restaurant that can be found past centerfield, shaped like a riverboat. Atmosphere 5 Great American Ball Park is among the elite constructed ballparks in the league. The main entrance at home plate is at the northwest corner of the lot at the corner of Johnny Bench Way and Joe Nuxhall Way. The exterior differs from the retro classic parks that feature the now overused red brick and green seats. The main entrance features a clean, white iron and light brick look that is unique among its peers. However, the exterior of the building is nearly lost by the presence of the plethora of Reds bronze statues which are at the top of the league. Joining Joe Morgan and Johnny Bench are the “Reds Legends of Crosley Field” which feature four bronze statues interacting together. The battery of Joe Nuxhall and Ernie Lombardi are attempting to strike out Frank Robinson, while Ted Kluszewski watches on. Possibly the most iconic statue of the group, however, is the Pete Rose statue, which depicts Rose in his unique, head-first slide, pose, hair flowing in the wind. A bit of an engineering marvel, there seems to be no better way to show Rose. The interior of Great American Ball Park does not disappoint. The main concourse features a host of treasures for those fans looking for a bit of an adventure. Numerous nods back to the original Reds and those Reds teams who were champions can be found throughout the ballpark, including giant newspaper pages hung from the ceiling. Unique street names will help fans traverse the concourses. There are plenty of Reds markings around the concourses just in case fans can’t remember who plays at Great American. The seating bowl offers a huge variety of seating options on three main levels. A separation between the home plate and third base upper decks is known as “The Gap'' and offers a peek into the stadium from the outside. Beyond centerfield. The Handlebar is an indoor/outdoor restaurant fans may wish to purchase tickets and inhabit. With the Power Stacks in right centerfield, the illusion of the riverboat, a Cincinnati staple, is prominent and gives a local feel to the structure. The Power Stacks shoot fireworks during the national anthem and home runs and fire when a Reds pitcher strikes out an opponent. The massive videoboards in left-center and right-center are state of the art and offer more information than any baseball fan could desire. Reds history is honored with the achievements of the World Series teams of 1919, 1940, 1975, 1976, and 1990 with pennants on the facia in left field. Behind the plate, the retired number of Jackie Robinson is joined by the numbers of Fred Hutchison, Johnny Bench, Frank Robinson, Joe Morgan, Ted Kluszewski, Tony Perez, Sparky Anderson, Dave Concepcion, Barry Larkin, and Pete Rose. The numbers are joined by microphone discs for broadcasters Marty Brennaman, Joe Nuxhall, and Waite Hoyt. The gameday production at a Reds game is as good as any in Major League Baseball. The Reds use their fair share of pyrotechnics. The mascots, Mr. Red, Mr. Redlegs, Rosie, and Gapper can be found throughout the ballpark interacting with fans and posing for photo ops. Redzilla, a dune buggy that fires t-shirts into the crowd, zips around the diamond a couple of times during select games. The use of the organ is higher than many other ballparks, giving the Reds experience a bit of a classic feel at times. Neighborhood 5 Located in the Central Business District in Downtown Cincinnati, Great American Ball Park is ideally situated to take advantage of the best the city has to offer. Just north of the Ohio River and east of the home of the Cincinnati Bengals, Paycor Stadium, the GABP has several great options for food and drink within steps of the stadium. The area between the two stadiums is hopping! Moerlein Lager House, Yard House, The Filson Queen, Holy Grail, and Taste of Belgium are all very close. For fans looking for other sports in Cincinnati, the Cincinnati Bengals are just to the west of GABP, and immediately to the east is Heritage Bank Center, home of the Cincinnati Cyclones of the ECHL. Just north in the OTR district is TQL Stadium, home of FC Cincinnati of MLS. The University of Cincinnati also hosts Bearcats football , basketball , and baseball amongst other sports. Xavier Musketeers basketball is also a popular option. For fans wanting a more cultured experience, the National Underground Railroad Freedom Center is a must-visit as well as a riverboat cruise on the Ohio River. A walk around Smale Riverfront Park, in the area between the two stadiums, may also be of interest. For fans wanting to stay near the ballpark, the AC Hotel by Marriott looks right over first base. There are also several options north of the highway. Fans 3 The June 2023 resurgence of the Reds behind projected phenom Elly De La Cruz has produced a swelling at the turnstile for the Reds. At the time of writing, the Reds are averaging over 21,000 fans per game. This places them in 21st place in Major League Baseball. Previous years, where the Reds struggled in the standings, saw over 17,000 fans per game and ranked them 24th in the league in 2022. Cincinnati is a baseball town, but attendance has not been as inelastic as in other markets. However, if the Reds consistently put a contending team on the field and draw stronger crowds, the mark for fans will no doubt increase. Access 4 Getting to Great American Ball Park is not too difficult. It is nestled neatly between the sunken highway I-71 and the Ohio River, part of the Central Business District in Downtown Cincinnati. Parking north of I-71 might be the best idea as getting down past the highway will make congestion a little more of a reality. For fans coming from out of town, the proximity of Great American Ball Park to the major arteries is a plus. Interstate 75 can be found to the west and I-71 to the south with I-471 to the east. For fans wishing to take public transit, the light rail can be reached right outside of GABP as well as bus stops. Fans should consult the Go Metro website for fares, maps, and schedules. With security protocols for Major League Baseball constantly changing, Stadium Journey recommends consulting the Cincinnati Reds website for the most up-to-date security information including bag policies and prohibited items. Return on Investment 5 The Cincinnati Reds are one of the most affordable experiences in Major League Baseball. As with most teams, ticket prices are becoming increasingly difficult to decipher as they change from game to game. Tickets can be found for $20 in the upper bowl and go up to around $125. A lower bowl ticket can be found for under $60 in the outfield area on the first and third base sides. The best value may be found in the 400 level on the third base side, which is equidistant to the 300 level on the opposite side but goes for $35 instead of $110. According to the 2022 Fan Cost Index, the Reds are far below the league average of $204 and end up in the bottom third at $157. Concession prices are what one would expect and parking can be found for $30 or less. The experience is solid and the gameday production, although not over the top, offers a good balance between a classic baseball feel and modern production. Extras 4 An extra mark for the history and longevity of the Cincinnati Reds, having been around since 1881, the oldest professional team in baseball. An extra mark for Opening Day in Cincinnati. Opening Day is akin to a holiday and there is no other franchise or city that places as strong an emphasis on Opening Day as Cincinnati does. Two extra marks for the Cincinnati Reds Hall of Fame and Museum. Although it requires a separate ticket, which usually comes with an excellent souvenir, the Reds Hall of Fame is simply the best team-centric museum in all sports. Final Thoughts The Cincinnati Reds have grasped a hold of their history and celebrated it better and stronger than any other team in Major League Baseball. Great American Ball Park captures that feeling and offers a fantastic baseball experience. If the Reds are doing well, it is that much better and must be considered among the elite of MLB. A Reds victory at GABP will have fans joining Reds legend Marty Brennaman proclaiming “And This One Belongs to the Reds.” ---- Follow all of Dave’s sporting adventures on Twitter and Instagram @profan9.

Photos by David Welch and Lloyd Brown, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.57 Truist Park 755 Battery Ave Atlanta, GA 30339 Atlanta Braves website Truist Park website Year Opened: 2017 Capacity: 41,084 Welcome to Braves Country Truist Park has been the home of the Atlanta Braves since 2017. It is in suburban Cobb County, just outside of Atlanta’s ring road, I-285. The stadium has a seating capacity of just over 41,000 seats. In addition to Braves home games, Truist has hosted college baseball games, music concerts, and even church services.  Truist Park is the anchor for The Battery Atlanta, a mixed-use development with bars, shops, restaurants, a hotel, several office buildings, and an apartment complex. It will serve as the host ballpark for the MLB All-Star Game in 2025. Food & Beverage 3 There are two sit-down restaurants located in Truist Park. The Terrapin Taproom is located next to the Battery gate into the ballpark. It is open year-round in addition to gamedays. The second is only open during home games. It sits atop the right field wall. Patrons of the Chophouse can sit outside in specially outfitted seats with a great chance to catch a home run ball. The former Xfinity Rooftop high above the third baseline is now the Blue Moon Beer Garden. It serves the widest variety of Molson Coors beer options in the park. There is a rotating set of food stalls to complement your selected beer. There are a variety of food and beverage stands along the concourse. Classic Treats sells hot dogs, pretzels, fries, and candy ballpark standards. Atlanta-based Chick-fil-A also has multiple locations around the park.  Pizza enthusiasts can get their fix at The Slice. Those who need to cool off from one of those hot and humid summer days in Atlanta can choose from the King of Pops frozen popsicles, Mayfield ice cream, or Dippin' Dots. Beverages include bottled water, Coca-Cola brand sodas (is there another brand of soda sold in Atlanta?)  Adult beverages sold at Truist Park include the following brands: Coors, Blue Moon, Corona, Leinenkugel, Miller, Sam Adams, Terrapin, and Yuengling. Each season the Braves and their concessions partner add some new specialty food items to the stadium menu. This season these items include “The Big Queso”- One pound of grilled marinated chicken with Chihuahua cheese, pressed between grilled golden brown sourdough bread and spicy queso sauce. “The Grand Slam Nacho” – Two feet of tricolor tortilla chips, topped with jalapeno queso, chicken Tinga, black bean and corn salsa, salsa verde, salsa roja and lime crema. “Uncle Charlie’s Chicken” – Hand-breaded deep-fried chicken breast, dipped in a spicy sauce. Topped with bread and butter pickles and served on a hardy pretzel bun. The “Pitcher’s Mound” – A generous helping of waffle fries topped with slow-smoked brisket. Served nacho style with spicy cheese sauce, pico de gallo, salsa roja, and lime crema. The “Perimeter Dog features a foot-long, half-pound hot dog topped with sweet bacon jam, spicy sport peppers, diced Vidalia onions, and lemon-pepper Dijonnaise sauce. Atmosphere 4 Truist Park provides a wonderful atmosphere to enjoy an evening or afternoon at the ballpark. First-time visitors may want to walk around the exterior plaza that encircles the stadium. There are statues of several prominent Braves located at each gate of the stadium. These statues salute Bobby Cox, Phil Niekro, and Warren Spahn. Once inside the ballpark, fans need to head to the Braves Monument Garden along the first base concourse. This area features several displays about the history of the Braves and exhibits on the Braves uniforms of the past, balls from significant games in the Brave's history, and a look at the equipment used by Braves players in key games. The centerpiece of this area is a statue of home-run king Hank Aaron. Behind his statue is an art installation of 755 bats, reflecting his career total of home runs. Truist Park also caters to the younger fans. They probably enjoy the game for a while, then get kind of cranky and restless. The outfield concourse has a children’s area known as the Hope and Will Sandlot. It is set up like a carnival midway, with lots of games, a zipline, and visits with various animated characters. It is a great way to keep the kids happy and helps them burn off the excess energy, The Braves do a great job of entertaining the fans before, during, and after a game. The Heavy Hitters drum team performs before games in the plaza outside of Truist Park. Once inside, Blooper, the team mascot, keeps you laughing at his antics. Atlanta’s version of the character race features a hammer, a paint can, and a drill from Home Depot, as the hardware chain is based in Atlanta. A second race features a fan in the stands against “The Freeze”, a costumed sprinter. Despite a sizeable difference in the ground covered, the Freeze is usually the first to cross the finish line. Neighborhood 4 The area surrounding Truist Park is a live/work/play development known as the Battery Atlanta. It is located just outside of the Chop House gate of the ballpark. The Battery Atlanta features more than a dozen restaurants, including Antico Pizza, Fox Brothers BBQ, Superica, and Goldberg’s. There are also several entertainment venues in the area, including Punch Bowl Social and the Coca-Cola Roxy concert facility. Two office towers serve as the regional headquarters for Comcast and Truist Bank. There are three apartment complexes on site as well. Fans can book a hotel in the Battery Atlanta complex and stay just outside of the outfield gates for Truist Park. Brands include The Doubletree Suites at the Battery Atlanta, the Hampton Inn and Suites Atlanta-Galleria, and the Omni Hotel at the Battery Atlanta. The Omni Hotel features a rooftop pool that overlooks the playing field, allowing hotel guests to enjoy the games without paying for tickets. The Battery Atlanta is open year round. In addition to the earnings produced by the complex, it also functions as a pre or postgame hangout for fans, which helps to spread out the traffic arriving before the game or leaving after the game. Fans 4 The Braves enjoy one of the most engaged fanbases in Major League Baseball, as Truist Park was 96% full for every game in the 2023 season. The team saw more than three million fans come through the gates during the campaign, placing it in fourth place in the MLB. It is easy to understand, as the Braves had 104 victories, won yet another division title, and had the MLB MVP in Ronald Acuna playing right field and stealing more than 70 bases in 2023. The Braves have broad geographic support due to being the first MLB franchise in the South and its long history of being one of the pioneers in cable television. A quick check of the out-of-state license plates in the parking areas confirms the Brave's strong reach. While there will always be a difference of opinions on the Tomahawk Chop, the fans don’t hesitate to do the Chop during a Braves’ rally. Access 3 Atlanta is a city that is notorious for its traffic jams. However, Truist Park is a great improvement over its predecessors in that it can be approached from several directions, while both Atlanta Fulton County Stadium and Turner Field were on the very congested Downtown Connector (I-75/I-85). Truist Park is located at the I-285/I-75 interchange on the north side of Atlanta. Anyone using a driving direction app should use 755 Battery Avenue Atlanta, GA 30339 for Truist Park. Fans staying in the downtown Atlanta area can take the CobbLinc bus route 10 from the Arts Center MARTA station. This is an express route. Take the bus to the bus stop located at the corner of Windy Ridge Parkway and Cobb Parkway (NOTE: This route does not operate on Sundays). Rideshares will drop fans off/pick up fans along Windy Ridge Parkway, which is adjacent to the Battery. Parking is available at both the Red and Silver Decks adjacent to the Battery. There are also numerous surface parking areas along Circle 75 Parkway, Interstate North Parkway, and Windy Ridge Parkway, all of which are less than a five-minute walk from the stadium. For information on parking locations and fees, go to www.mlb.com/braves/ballpark/parking . Fees vary by opponent and the lot’s distance from the ballpark. Parking must be purchased in advance at the above web address. Persons with disabilities that need specific assistance as far as parking, seating, or other issues should contact the Braves at 404-577-9100, extension 5, or send an email to accessibleservices@braves.com   in advance of the day you plan to attend a game so that arrangements can be made. Return on Investment 3 The Braves utilize dynamic pricing for tickets. Games against a division rival or a marquee opponent will be more expensive than tickets for a less important game. The Braves rank in the middle of MLB rankings for ticket prices. It is important to understand that Truist Park has a cantilevered design in the seating bowl, resulting in some upper deck seating being closer to the action than a seat at the 100 level of the ballpark. This can result in significant savings on tickets. Seats in the outfield provide a better opportunity to catch a ball, as Truist Park has netting that extends down the foul lines. Parking at Truist Park ranges between $17-$52 for home games. The closer the parking is the stadium, the higher the cost. The rates are also higher for games that feature a division rival or other marquee games. Extras 4 To cut down on the carbon imprint of the ballpark, the Braves are introducing the use of aluminum cups at all bar locations and club locations throughout the stadium. This will be a new addition to the existing Green Team Recycling Program.  Truist Park has made major improvements to its Clubhouse Store that are designed to get fans through the store and checkout much quicker so they can get back to their seats without missing much of the action. The store has been expanded by 1500 feet. There is a section of the store dedicated to just the jersey selection and game-used merchandise. The number of checkout stations has been doubled. The Braves celebrated the 50th anniversary of Hank Aaron’s 715th home run to pass Babe Ruth through several special events during the 2024 season. The video board in center field provides constant updates on the game statistics and information on upcoming events. Final Thoughts Truist Park is everything fans could ask for in a baseball experience. The overall experience at Truist Park is top-notch when factoring in The Battery and the excitement of the product on the field.

Photos by Gregory Koch, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.43 McGonigle Hall 1800 N Broad Street Philadelphia, PA 19121 Temple Owls website McGonigle Hall website Year Opened: 1969 Capacity: 3,900 Give a Hoot for Temple Volleyball Located on the campus of Temple University in the heart of Philadelphia, McGonigle Hall is home to the Owls' volleyball program, as well as the gymnastics and fencing teams. The 3,900-seat arena opened in 1969 and served as the home of Temple men's basketball until 1997 when the Liacouras Center opened down the street. Women's basketball continued to play in McGonigle until 2022 when they joined the men at Liacouras. The volleyball arena itself is part of a larger complex that includes the full McGonigle Hall building as well as the connected Pearson Hall. These buildings include practice facilities, athletic offices, weight rooms, and classrooms. Food & Beverage 3 There is one concession stand at McGonigle Hall at the back of the concourse behind the baseline. Only a basic menu is served here, with hot dogs, soft pretzels, and popcorn the only hot items. Candy, chips, bottled water, and soft drinks are also available. The concession stand will not open until close to game time, if not later. There are other options inside the larger McGonigle Hall building as well. Vending machines are available in the lobby, which sells what you would expect from one, and there is a Panera Bread location that sells its usual menu, which fans can bring into the stadium. The Panera Bread caters to the whole Temple student body, not just fans attending a volleyball match, so the lines can get long. If you go this route, we recommend buying your food before the game. Fans are also free to bring their food into the arena. Atmosphere 4 Walking through the front doors of McGonigle Hall will put you in the lobby of the larger building. The volleyball arena itself is through a set of glass doors to your right, and you can then walk up or down to your seat, as all seating is general admission. The lower sections are plastic bleachers with seatbacks, and are not much different from regular seats, except that there is one continuous bench to sit on, instead of individual seats. The seatbacks in the lower level fold down from the back, and fans will often stomp on empty ones during the game to generate noise. Two scoreboards in the corners show only the basic information, while two video boards are in the other two corners. Keep in mind the part of the basic scoreboard that purports to show team fouls (a holdover from McGonigle's days hosting basketball) shows how many sets a team has won. The points total shows how many points they have won in the current set. Before a Temple volleyball game, the lights go out in the arena and a hype video plays on the videoboards to get the crowd ready. A spotlight shines on the players as they are introduced, and then the announcer shouts "Let's GOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO Owls," holding the O in "Go" for an impressively long time. During breaks in the action, the videoboards can be used to display trivia or other interactive content. Neighborhood 3 Temple University is located in North Philadelphia near the intersection of Girard Avenue and Broad Street. Although this was once a very bad neighborhood, it has improved somewhat. There are multiple chain restaurants within a block of the arena, including the always-popular Raising Cane's. Other restaurants are located nearby along Girard Street, including John's Seafood, Crown Fried Chicken, and Angie's Vietnamese Cuisine. The Met Philadelphia, a prominent concert hall, is a short walk away on Broad Street. You will find other options nearby as well, including Larry's Steaks, serving up the classic Philadelphia cheesesteak. Fans 4 The Owls draw a good crowd for volleyball, and while the upper sections will the pretty empty, the lower sections will be mostly full. While the crowd may not be as big in numbers as some schools, these fans are loud, passionate, and rowdy. They shout, scream, and stomp on the seats or the ground. Temple students show up in good numbers as well, which helps the atmosphere here. Interest in college volleyball seems to be on the rise, so the experience could be even better here soon. Access 5 If driving to McGonigle Hall, you will park either in the lot right next door or in the Liacouras Center Garage about a block away. Either way, parking is $22, payable by credit card on exit. If coming from within Philadelphia, you can use the Cecil B. Moore metro station on the Broad Street Line (currently rebranding as the B), which is about a block away. Parking in the adjacent lot may be difficult, especially on weekdays, but you should have no trouble parking in the Liacouras Garage. If there is an event going on there, parking may be more expensive, but you should still find a spot. Restrooms are available in the lobby of the McGonigle-Pearson Halls complex. To get there from the arena, exit through the glass doors and turn right. Walk to the back of the lobby under the staircase, and turn left. The restrooms are in an alcove up ahead. If this sounds complex, the good news is the way to the restrooms is signed, but the bad news is the way back is not. Make sure to turn left out of the restroom into the alcove, then right into the main part of the building. Then head straight ahead to the arena doors. There is very little legroom in the seating area, so getting to and from your seat can be difficult, as can getting up to let others in. Return on Investment 3 Admission to Temple volleyball games is free, and concessions are reasonably priced, but paying over $20 for parking brings this score down significantly. . Extras 2 A graphic featuring pairs of owl eyes overlooks the court at McGonigle Hall, glaring down from above, as a reference to Temple's unique athletic nickname. A second star for the pregame introductions, complete with hype video and spotlight. Final Thoughts McGonigle Hall may not be as modern or fancy as the Liacouras Center down the street, but Temple volleyball has a good home here. With rowdy fans and a stadium setup that seems to suit them, a Temple volleyball game can be quite an exciting experience.

Photos by Marc Viquez, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.57 Bob Warn Field 931 N 1st St Terre Haute, IN 47807 Indiana State Sycamores website Bob Warn Field website Year Opened: 1978 Capacity: 1,000 A Fine Facility for the Wabash Valley Bob Warn Field at Sycamore Stadium debuted in 1978 but was renovated and transformed in 2009 into a more luxurious facility. The home stadium for the Indiana State University baseball team has never looked better and with a capacity of 1,000 seats, it is a much larger venue that has also attracted the Terre Haute Rex of the Prospect League during the summer months. The field gets its name from longtime ISU baseball coach Bob Warn who piloted the program from 1976-2004 and led the Sycamores to their only College World Series appearance in 1986. On campus, Warn is a legend and he now has a stadium with his name and will leave a lasting legacy to future ballplayers. From the outside, the field looks especially elegant with a beautiful salmon stucco finish. Still, on the inside, it is the familiar aluminum bleacher seating resembling what the ballpark had during its first 30 years of service. Do not get me wrong, Terre Haute has a great baseball tradition that almost vanished during the summer of 1956, and with renovations to the stadium, Indiana State has created a very impressive ballpark for the college and the city to use. Food & Beverage 2 There is one concession area near the main entrance of the stadium. There are few choices and prices range from moderate to high. For example, the super nachos are $6. The area is behind the seating concourse and one would need to step away from the game for a few moments to get something to eat or drink. Atmosphere 3 The Sycamores attract a nice crowd to their home games. You do not have your standard friends and family of the players on the field. The local supporters are proud of their new facility and seem to enjoy watching from comfortable views from the grandstand. Neighborhood 2 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 sits 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. J Gumbo’s is my destination for cheap eats and creative thinking; try the Black and bleu dip with nachos, bumblebee stew, Cajun nachos, Jean Lafitte po’boy, and creole ratatouille. Across the street is the Coffee Grounds, which used to be my old hangout during my first year as an undergrad at college. A good cup of coffee is also expected with conversation. Fans 3 The Sycamores attract their fair share of the casual and dedicated fan base. Many in attendance are friends and families of the ballplayers. However, they are students of the game and are focused on the diamond. If you are interested in great baseball conversations with a few hundred fans, this is the place to be during the warm or cool spring nights in Indiana. 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 games are $10 and are not a bad price to watch college baseball. There are discounts for both students and military service men and women. Extras 1 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.

Photos by Marc Viquez, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.29 Memorial Stadium 3300 Wabash Ave Terre Haute, IN 47803 Indiana State Sycamores website Memorial Stadium website Year Opened: 1970 Capacity: 12,764 College Football in the Wabash Valley Memorial Stadium was built in 1924 and was the home to everything in town from baseball games, high school football, 4th of July celebrations, soccer matches, and circuses. The original horseshoe-shaped grandstand seated 16,000 and for the size of Terre Haute was quite large and impressive. It featured an aesthetically pleasing arch at the entrance that was dedicated to the memories of all who served the country during the First World War. That all changed when the Indiana State football team took the field for its home opener in 1967, the natural grass field was replaced with AstroTurf becoming the first outdoor venue to feature synthetic grass, and three years later the original grandstand was demolished in favor of permanent seating that also included locker rooms, concession stands, bathrooms, and a press box. The only remaining piece of the original structure was the memorial arch and the outfield wall. In essence; Memorial Stadium was built in 1970 and not 1924 as it boasts. There were plans for additional changes that would have included another 12,000-13,000 grandstands on the north side of the field to increase capacity to 26,000 but those plans appeared to run out of favor by 1976–the same year the Sycamores joined the Missouri Valley Conference and reclassified as a Division I football program. In 1996, the visiting bleacher section was razed in favor of a landscaped knoll that serves as the general admission section. The artificial turf would be permanently removed in favor of the updated field turf in 2009, but for all intense purposes, the stadium remains almost unchanged since the major renovations had been completed in time for the 1970 football season. The Sycamores football program has seen limited success on the field and their tenure at Memorial Stadium may be coming to a close shortly. The only exception was the 1983, 1984, and 2014 seasons when the club qualified for the playoffs. The 2014 squad made it to the second round before losing to Chattanooga 35-14. It was the program’s most successful season in 30 years and a chance for the hometown crowd to get behind its football team. The university and the city hope to construct a new football stadium downtown with various sites having been reported. However, talks have been going on for quite some time. One of the major blemishes about the stadium has been its distance from campus (1.6 miles). The long trek has resulted in “The Walk” during the Homecoming game where fans begin drinking at 8 AM at a downtown bar and making their way to the game while stopping off at other bars and party tents set up along Wabash Street. Food & Beverage 2 There are three concession areas underneath the grandstand that serve a small array of food. Depending on crowds, there may only be one that is open for service. There is not a lot to choose from at the game, but there is enough to keep your stomach satisfied until it is time to leave. King size candy bars, nachos, hot dogs, and popcorn sell for $3. The brat and chili cheese dogs are $4, and the sycamore nachos are $6. Pepsi products are sold inside the stadium. Atmosphere 2 There is not a bad seat in the house at Memorial Stadium and the school provides a spark from their mascot Sycamore Sam, cheerleaders, marching band, and the dance troop, the Sparkettes. However, the atmosphere is rather tame for college football. There does not seem to be any traditions, except for “The Walk,” where students, locals, and alumni walk over a mile from downtown and stop at every bar or watering hole along the way to Memorial Field during homecoming ceremonies. Terre Haute is filled with classy joints and it is too bad this type of revelry is not spread out throughout the season. However, one can find multiple tents from numerous Greek and non-Greek organizations during the warmer months and there will always be a collection of die-hards at the game. An interesting part of the stadium is the general admission section which consists of a grassy knoll where fans are invited to bring out blankets and lawn chairs to watch the game. It is a unique vantage point in comparison to the metal bleachers at the main grandstand. Underneath the grandstands are hollow hallways and spaces that would be ideal to house a few more concession and souvenir stands (the current souvenir stand is a couple of tables and racks outside of the main entrance). The grandiose feature is the original arched entrance that has been left intact since 1924. It is a work of art, and one should take a couple of looks around the base and rows of the structure. It houses two small ticket windows and displays the names of servicemen who fought in the First World War. So revered is the entrance that, if the Sycamores were to relocate downtown, the entrance would be saved from demolition. Neighborhood 3 Memorial Stadium is situated between a commercial and residential area of town. There is a multitude of establishments to choose from after the game for dining choices. Rick’s Smokehouse and Grill is within the footsteps of the stadium’s lot, along with a few fast-food chain restaurants. A little further down Wabash Avenue are a few local places worth checking out after the game. Sonka’s Irish Pub and Grill have a wonderful selection of craft beer on draft and even better food. Across the street at Ambrosini’s one can enjoy thin crust pizza and chicken wings, and J.Gumbo’s offers affordable Cajun and Creole dishes by the bowl or plate. My hands-down favorite place for pizza is at the Pizza King located next to The Bally (a favorite among the college crowd for more than 40 years). The thin crust pepperoni and barbecue pizza make me pass on the fact that it is not New Jersey pizza, just do not tell anyone. If you are looking for fancier establishments, M. Moggers and Stables across the street from one another on Poplar Street are your likely destinations. A couple of great places for a drink later on in the night are The Verve and 7th and Elm Bar and Grille. Another hidden treat is the square-shaped donuts from Square Donuts, a great place for a sweet treat and a cup of coffee. A little further south near the interstate of I-70 is a smorgasbord of familiar chain restaurants, hotels, and retail box shops. This could satisfy the traveler with his or her family and would be the best place to find a great rate on a hotel or motel. It’s a safe, friendly, and convenient area to spend a night in the Wabash Valley. Fans 2 The fans in Terre Haute at times are fickle about the university’s sports teams. It is hard to imagine witnessing a football game with a near-capacity crowd. Then again, there has not been a lot to cheer about since 1984 when the Sycamores last appeared in the NCAA Division I Championship playoff. There have been a few spots of winning seasons, but I sometimes wonder where the fans are since the town could easily support consistent crowds during the warmer parts of the season. Access 3 It is rather simple to enter and exit Memorial Stadium. It is situated less than two miles away from campus and parking is ample around the facility. There are friendly parking vendors to help direct you to the perfect angle for parking in the grass lot and you are never far away from the entrance to the stadium. The best part about attending a game is that the parking is free. The stadium is also a few miles away from I-70 and there are two options for arriving depending if you are visiting from east or west of town. In this day and age, trust the GPS will get you there on time. Return on Investment 3 The tickets are inexpensive at $10, four dollars more for homecoming games, and only $4 for children (2-18). It is a very plausible way for a sports fan to spend the afternoon without setting your wallet back a few paychecks. Extras 1 There are a lot of great places to eat after the game that are nearby. You do not have to travel very far to enjoy friendly establishments along the main drag of Wabash Avenue. Final Thoughts I have attended quite a few games at Memorial Stadium in the last 15 years, and I would recommend anyone to take part in homecoming festivities. However, and speaking as an alumnus, it is time for Indiana State University to put its football program on the map with either a brand new stadium or major renovations to its current facility. Here is hoping for progress in the Wabash Valley.

Photos by Chris Green, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.57 Road America N7390 WI-67 Elkhart Lake, WI 53073 SRO Motorsports website Road America website Year Opened: 1955 Capacity: 150,000 SRO Takes Over Wisconsin Road America is often regarded as one of the greatest race tracks in the world, let alone the US. While the track’s annual schedule features IndyCar, IMSA, and others, SRO America provides a weekend of GT-only sportscar racing. The “supercars” on track offer stellar racing over four days, including unrivaled fan access and unique fan event opportunities. Racing in a beautiful setting that proves to be both fan-friendly and easy to navigate, this summer event is a must-see on the SRO slate.   Food & Beverage   5 There are a lot of places to eat at Road America, and the ones that exist are an absolute treat for the pallet. With over 20 concession stands located around the course, Road America is led by The Gearbox, a hillside concession stand and bar that features some of the best views on the property, as well as the best food around. Being in Wisconsin you can get the best cheese and sausage foods there, as well as a brilliantly tasty breakfast food called eggers.   Atmosphere   5 The atmosphere around Road America during race weekend is very family-friendly and relaxed. The best in the sport are taking part in some of the most exciting racing around, and despite the tension of the competition, everyone – including the teams and drivers – is in a relaxed and fun-loving mood. There is just something about the beauty of the countryside and the forests around the premises that put everyone in a go-race-and-enjoy-every-minute-of-it state of mind. In addition, the quality of the on-track action is enough to make any fan excited to see what happens around the next corner. The excitement fills the air every time a car takes to the track, be it for practice, qualifying, or for a race. Road America also features some of the cleanest racetrack bathrooms anywhere. Add that to the incredible track store and free fan shuttle that can take you around to the various viewing areas, and you have a solid basis for calling this one of the best racing circuits around. In 2024 the track also debuted a new walking and golf cart path around the outside of Canada Corner, offering an alternative to the massive staircase that used to be your only option.   Neighborhood   4 The area around Road America is exactly what you would expect to find in rural Wisconsin – rolling hills, farmland, forests, and small towns. The town of Elkhart Lake is quaint and small, but is seething with racing history and lore. Famed racing announcer David Hobbs calls this small town home, and the fans here are all die-hards who watch everything that happens on the track. If you’re looking for somewhere to stay near Road America, there is a wide variety of small bed-and-breakfasts to pick from in and around Elkhart Lake, as well as some cabins that can make you feel like you’re roughing it…sort of. In addition, the town of Sheboygan is only 20-30 minutes away by car, providing fans a chance to stay in a hotel chain of their choice – Holiday Inn, La Quinta, etc. are all located in Sheboygan. If you’re looking for something to eat, Sheboygan has a wide variety of restaurants, from Applebee’s to McDonald’s. But by far the most must-see eatery near Road American is the Stop-Inn Tavern at Siebkens Resort in Elkhart Lake, a local bar that all of racing royalty has passed through at one time or another. And, for those looking for something else to see and do, the Kettle-Moraine State Forest is not far from the racing facility, providing some great hiking options. In addition, the Kohler factory is in nearby Sheboygan, and Road America’s location is just a 30-minute drive from the Great Lakes.   Fans   4 Fans at Road America are much like those in the rest of the Midwest – die-hard and series-knowledgeable. They’re also absurdly kind and sweet, willing to help in any way possible when you need assistance with anything. They also pack the camping areas around the speedway, making for one brilliant fan block party. While not exactly sporting the crowd sizes seen at IMSA or IndyCar weekends, the SRO weekend at Road America has seen a steady increase in attendance over the past few years – no doubt this has been thanks in part to increased advertising and fan outreach for the event.   Access   4 Getting to Road America isn’t as difficult as getting to some sports facilities. That said, it is off the beaten path – at least a 10-minute drive from the nearest highway, Road America requires you to drive down some single-lane roads through the hilly countryside. Once you’re at Road America, you’ll discover that there are several other entrances to the track that you didn’t know about, which can be frustrating if you had to wait in line for hours; check the fan map of the venue to identify these alternate gates and entrances. The biggest plus at Road America is that the main entrance had a complete makeover in 2016, adding more entrance booths for faster processing of fans and campers. The track also features preferred VIP parking passes for $30.   Return on Investment   5 Road America is one of the best tracks at which you can watch a race, and tickets to SRO weekend are very affordable. Friday tickets are $30, while Saturday or Sunday only are just $45. A weekend pass for $80 is also available. 2-day VIP tower suites run $375, while upgrading from an existing ticket will cost just $325. The facility is huge, but you are given plenty of options to watch the race from without having to move from place to place. Watching from the right location can give you up to six corners of the track to see all at once, and you also get access to the grandstands all around the track, as well as access to the paddock, with your admission ticket to most races. Trackside camping is also popular, ranging from $50 to $325. Trackside cabins are also available for $980, while golf cart rentals cost between $315 and $395.   Extras   5 Perhaps the biggest fan attraction during SRO weekend is the annual racecar parade and festival in downtown Elkhart Lake, on Thursday evening of race weekend. Here, all the cars participating in the race weekend drive down through the town of Elkhart Lake and stage in front of Siebkens Resort. Then, fans can walk up and get a close view of all the cars, as well as meet some of the drivers for autographs. You can also take a trip to Elkhart Lake, and follow the original track layouts through historic markers along the roadside. Before it had its current layout, Road America was a true street course, running through Elkhart Lake itself and over the hills on the various roadways in the nearby area. Back at the track, where once a zip line ended now stands a high vantage point for fans to watch the action at the track inside the final turn. The former zip line landing platform is now a giant viewing zone, and while you may have to climb a lot of stairs to get there, the view is well worth it. Additionally, if you have ever wanted to try your hand at racing, you can sign up for racing school at the track. If you can’t peel your eyes away from your mobile device, you can also engage with the race on social media, and see your photos and tweets on the various big screens around Road America by using specific hashtags and handles on Twitter and Instagram. But if treetop views and social media aren’t your thing, you can also take a wandering hike through the forest on several pathways that meander through the mountains above Kettle Bottoms and Canada Corner – these trails lead from the top of the peak to the bottom of a newly-cleared pathway along the infamous straightaway. Finally, several autograph sessions happen during the weekend in the fan zone, offering fans a chance to see some of their favorite drivers.   Final Thoughts If you want to see racing history and meet modern-day sports stars, take a trip to Road America – you will not be disappointed in what you find. In addition, if you want to take a step above that, go camping on the property during race weekend – the fans are nice, the action is top quality, and the weather is almost always beautiful. It’s hard to find a better place to see racing in North America than Road America.

Photos by Meg Minard, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.71 Snapdragon Stadium 2101 Stadium Wy San Diego, CA 92108 Map It San Diego Wave FC website Snapdragon Stadium website Year Opened: 2022 Capacity: 35,000 Make Waves The San Diego Wave FC joined the NWSL (National Women’s Soccer League) and began play in 2022.  They won the NWSL Shield in 2023 and the NWSL Challenge Cup in 2024.  San Diego Wave FC Banner, Photo by Meg Minard, Stadium Journey They play their home matches at Snapdragon Stadium, a new (2022) multipurpose venue that serves as the home for many San Diego sports teams, concerts, and other festivals and events. Crews built the stadium on the old Jack Murphy Stadium / Qualcomm Stadium site.  Snapdragon Stadium is located at SDSU Mission Valley.  The university leaders guided the stadium’s design and overall development. Food & Beverage 4 Snapdragon Stadium has plenty of food and beer choices at higher-than-average prices.  It has Hodad’s (regional burger restaurant with delicious hamburgers), Gaglione Brothers (specialty sandwiches), Best Pizza and Brew (pizza and salads), Ultra Classics (hot dogs, pretzels, nachos), Cali BBQ, The Taco Stand (yummy looking tacos and burritos), Cardiff Tri-Tip (tri-tip sandwiches and nachos), and more.  Other kiosks line the concourse selling treats and snacks.  The northeast corner has several food trucks selling ice cream, sausages and brats, and all kinds of traditional stadium fare.  The concourse hosts seven local brew stations, each representing a different San Diego brewery.  The stadium also has six bars placed throughout the concourse.   Beers cost a hefty $14 - $16; Pepsi products run $7 - $9. Vendors roam the stands selling lemonade, water, popcorn, kettle corn, etc. The venue has plenty of tables, chairs, and benches on the concourse for fans to sit and enjoy their beverages instead of bringing them to their seats.  Atmosphere 4 Watching a San Diego FC Wave game at Snapdragon Stadium is an enjoyable afternoon or evening out.  The stadium is new and comfortabl e, and the game day experience is entertaining. The stadium has three levels of seating on one side, two on the other, and seats behind each goalpost.  The seats don’t look it, but they’re surprisingly comfortable.  Where you sit depends on how much you want to spend or how many steps you want to climb.  All seats have a clear view of the pitch.  I sat behind one of the goals ($20) and had a perfect view of the entire pitch and stadium.  The venue has minimal shade for afternoon games.  Bring sunscreen.  Snapdragon Stadium has two video boards in opposite corners showing the game, the score, and replays.  It also has closed captioning on each end of the sideline ribbon boards detailing goals, substitutions, and announcements. Nicely done.  TVs are mounted on the bottom of the grandstands so fans walking the concourse can still catch the game action. Closed Captioning at Snapdragon Stadium, Photo by Meg Minard, Stadium Journey The PA announcements are made in both English and Spanish.   The music volume is perfect.  They play lots of Taylor Swift songs.  The San Diego Wave has a decent-sized merchandise shop near the southeast entrance with several satellite booths along the concourse.  Neighborhood 3 A parking lot surrounds Snapdragon Stadium, so there’s not much to see and do within walking distance. Chain restaurants within 2-3 miles of the venue include Yard House, BJ’s, Lazy Dog, and Wood Ranch.  But why go with chain restaurants when all of San Diego is just trolley stops away?  Head down to the Gaslamp Quarter for a Padres game and a plethora of dining and drinking establishments.  Or stop off the Green Line at the County Center/Little Italy Station and savor one of that district’s mouthwatering restaurants (Buon Appetito Restaurant is a favorite).  The Green Line also takes fans to Old Town San Diego , a historic neighborhood with museums, shopping, restaurants, and hotels. Two other well-known tourist attractions in San Diego are the San Diego Zoo and San Diego SeaWorld. No hotels are within walking distance of Snapdragon Stadium, but the city has plenty to offer, many along I-8, three-five miles away from the stadium.  Or investigate renting an Airbnb for something a little more local. San Diego hosts several other sporting events during the NWSL season:   San Diego Padres MLB (baseball), San Diego Gulls AHL (hockey), San Diego Legion MLR (rugby), San Diego Royal USLC (soccer), and San Diego State University football and baseball .    Fans 3 Plenty of fans tailgate.  The parking lots are set up well for tailgating with large dumpsters and porta potties.  The supporters group, the Sirens , sit behind one goal (known as The Cove) and cheer on the Wave FC with drums and chanting.  Attendance is strong, ranging from 25,000 to over 30,000 fans per match.  Many fans wear the colorful jerseys of the San Diego Wave FC.    The fans and staff welcome all visitors to  a Wave FC match. Access 4 Getting to and moving around Snapdragon Stadium is easy, though the concourse gets mobbed at half-time. The best way to get to the stadium is to take the MTS San Diego Trolley .    Take the Green Line to the Stadium Station, and the venue is right there.  MTS provides additional trains after the matches. For those driving, parking is $32.  The venue is close to I-8, I-15, and I-805.   It is 10 miles northeast of the San Diego Airport.  Uber and Lyft services are readily available with a designated drop-off/pick-up area near Gate 1 (northeast side of the stadium).  The stadium has benches near the ticket office for fans to wait for their late-arriving friends and family.  The security check is thorough.   Your best bet is to pack your stuff in a 12” x 6” x 12” clear sports bag or a 4.5” x 6.5” purse.  Expect to open any wallets or zipped containers you pack an d to prove your water bottle is empty.  Gates open one hour before kickoff. Restrooms are plentiful and clean, with baby changing tables in all.  The venue provides eight gender-neutral family restrooms. Return on Investment 4 Ticket prices range from $20 to $350 (field level).  Concession prices are high.  Parking costs are high.  For an affordable, enjoyable game day, buy a $20 ticket and take the trolley.  Bring a sealed bottle of water or an empty water bottle.  The stadium has rehydration stations for fans to fill up their water bottles .  Eat before or after attending a game.  San Diego Wave FC offers theme nights and giveaways such as Kids Free Day, Latino Heritage Night, Pride Night, Military Appreciation Night, and more.   Take advantage of visiting one of these themed games. . Extras 4 A few items are worth mentioning again.  The rehydration stations come in handy, especially at  afternoon games.  The venue has lockers for rent outside of Snapdragon Stadium if you’re coming directly from the airport or your bag doesn’t meet the bag policy rules.  We give an additional accolade to the venue for providing closed captioning for those soccer fans unable to hear.  The concourse has a row of seats from Jack Murphy Stadium. The stadium offers tours of its facility, but even those are pricey ($30). Seats from former Jack Murphy Stadium, Photo by Meg Minard, Stadium Journey Final Thoughts Snapdragon Stadium is a sparkling new facility that hosts plenty of sporting and non-sporting events.  Watching a San Diego Wave FC match at the venue is a pleasurable, though costly, experience.  Take public transportation, purchase the lower-priced seats, and spend a few hours enjoying women’s soccer.  San Diego Wave FC at Snapdragon Stadium, Photo by Meg Minard, Stadium Journey

Photos by Richard Smith, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.14 Johnny Unitas Stadium 7500 Osler Dr Towson, MD 21252 Towson Tigers website Johnny Unitas Stadium website Year Opened: 1978 Capacity: 11,198 Johnny U Stadium at Towson U Johnny Unitas Stadium was known as both Towson Stadium and Minnegan Stadium from its opening in 1983 until a remodel in 2002 when they added 6,000 seats and rebranded it to honor Baltimore Colts legend and Towson supporter Johnny Unitas. The field itself still honors the late Donald “Doc” Minnegan, former coach and athletic director at Towson. Towson University is the second-largest public university in the State of Maryland. Located just north of Baltimore, it is home to approximately 21,000 college students, of which 18,000 are undergraduates. The university began as the Maryland State Normal School in 1866. The university has 60+ undergraduate majors, 30+ master’s degree programs, and a handful of doctoral programs. The Towson football played for the Football Championship Subdivision National Championship in 2013, falling short against North Dakota State. Towson is also known for their impressive gymnastics program. They have been the 1968 AIAW Division II National Champions, 1995 and 1998 USA Gymnastics NIT Champions, 3-time Calloway Invitational Champions, 15-time ECAC Champions, and 2007 USA Gymnastics National Champions. The lacrosse team also reached the finals of the 1991 NCAA Division I Men’s Lacrosse Championship and reached the semifinals of the 2001 NCAA Division I Men’s Lacrosse Championship. Tigers have been the sports team name at Towson since 1961 replacing The Golden Knights, Indians, and the Teachers as names used by various sports. There are four tiger statues around campus, one across the street in front of TU Arena (where Towson gymnastics, basketball, and volleyball compete). All of the major athletic teams at Towson compete in the Coastal Athletic Association (CAA). Technically, CAA Football is a legally different conference than the main part of CAA, but its offices are the same as those of CAA proper. Since joining the CAA in 2001-02, the Tigers have won 16 league championships. Gymnastics competes in the East Atlantic Gymnastics League. Food & Beverage 2 The stadium has basic food offerings. Four main concession stands offer the usual variety. The concourse is open and has plenty of space for additional offerings if they so wish. Prices are okay, but not great. Beer is available around the stadium. Atmosphere 3 The stadium is split into two distinct sections. The main side is on the same side as the old Minnegan Stadium grandstands used to sit. That side also has a press box. A walkway around the top of the horseshoe hill takes fans to the opposite side grandstand, where the students, band and most of the opposing fans sit. When popular CAA teams are the opponents expect to see many of their fans in attendance throughout the whole complex. A track separates the grandstands from being too close to the action. The Towson Marching Band, Towson Dance Team, Pop Squad, and cheerleaders all do a good job entertaining the crowd. A tiger mascot, named Doc, roams the stadium. Neighborhood 3 Besides TU Arena and the old Towson Center Arena, there is nothing right by the stadium. Even though you may have to drive to other places, Towson is a semi-urban environment with a very large shopping mall and numerous restaurants in the area. Try the Charles Village Pub in the heart of downtown Towson for good food and drinks. Some other great options are The Crease and Sushi Hana. Baltimore is also a quick drive away. Fans 3 This is a work in progress. For many years, Towson was known as a commuter school. But in the last couple of decades, there has been an increase in residential students. Students are starting to come to games in larger numbers helped by a free convenient shuttle to games. Unitas Stadium, as well as the neighboring TU Arena, are located at the far end of the campus, not near any of the residence halls, so it will not always be a destination for too many students. It has improved over time in this regard. Access 4 Towson is located right off the Baltimore Beltway/I-695. The only negative is that Towson is a maze of roads getting to the Osler and Auburn locations of the sports complexes. Parking is plentiful. But the best bet is to park on the central part of campus and walk over to beat the crowds. Return on Investment 4 The ticket prices for adults start at around $25. For the high level of football, the prices are acceptable. Extras 3 The team store is located in the grandstands underneath the press box. There are usually a few bits of merchandise on sale on game days. The Towson Dance Team is nationally recognized and provides great entertainment during games. In addition, Doc the Tiger is a good mascot, providing entertainment for all ages. The Towson University Wall Of Excellence displays the school’s accomplishments in a variety of sports. Final Thoughts Johnny Unitas Stadium is a nicely designed stadium that has many well-designed fan amenities. The large separation between the sections of the stadium, along with the track, is the only thing that keeps the facility from being a more intimate and louder stadium.

To christen the first Stadium Journey's Obstructed Views episode for a Canadian Football League team, Dave and Paul bring in an expert, host of the Alouettes Flight Deck Podcast, Tim Capper. What is the Montréal Alouettes experience like and how is it unique among the CFL venues and what the heck does it have to do with the band U2? Grab a beer a bagel and some poutine for the latest episode of Stadium Journey's Obstructed Views. You can read Stadium Journey's review of Percilval Molson Memorial Stadium and the Montreal Alouettes game day experience here

Photos by Steve Ohnsman, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.71 Little League Central Region Complex 7185 South Indianapolis Road Whitestown, IN 46075 Map It Little League Central Region website Little League Central Region Complex website Year Opened: 2021 Capacity: N/A Central Region Little League The Little League Softball and Baseball International Tournament is played around the world. In the USA, they start with local district competition followed by state championships; the next step is Regional play located at five facilities around the country.  There, 53 teams (50 states plus Washington DC, and a second team each from California and Texas) vie for the chance to move on to the World Series held at Williamsport, PA.  The ten regional champs compete to become the USA champion; simultaneously, ten international champs play to determine the International champion.  Those two teams play one game to see which wins the overall championship . The softball series starts first, followed by the baseball series. REGION LOCATION YEAR OPENED STATES NO TEAMS Great Lakes Whitestown, IN 2021 KY, MI, IN, OH, IL 5 Midwest Whitestown, IN 2021 IA, MN, ND, SD, KS, NB, WI, KS 8 Metro Bristol, CT 1993 CT, NY, RI, NJ 4 Mid-Atlantic Bristol, CT 1993 DE, PA, DC, MD 4 New England Bristol, CT 1993 MA, ME, NH, VT 4 Mountain San Bernardino, CA 1971 CO, MT, NV, UT, WY 5 Northwest San Bernardino, CA 1971 AK, OR, WA, ID 4 West San Bernardino, CA 1971 AZ, HW, NOCAL, SOCAL 4 Southeast Warner Robbins, GA 2010 AL, FL, GA, NC, SC, TN, VA, WV 8 Southwest Waco, TX AR, LA, NM, MS, OK, TXE, TXW 7 International Lamade Stadium Williamsport, PA 1959 US & International Volunteer Stadium Williamsport, PA 2001 International The age and regions of the five US facilities include San Bernardino, CA, built in 1971, and Whitestown, Indiana. Before, opened in 2021.  Bristol, Connecticut, serving the Northeast began in 1993, while the regional facility in Warner Robbins, GA (2010) serves the Southeast. I could not find the opening date for the Waco, TX complex.  Typically, ESPN broadcasts the last few games of each region; the ESPN and ABC networks show all of the Williamsport games. We attended three days of games in Whitestown this 2024 season.  Prior to its opening, an older facility near Indianapolis, now Burnett Park , hosted the Great Lakes and Midwest regional competition.  Opening ceremonies are held the day before the first scheduled games.  Early in the tournament, four games are played at 11 am, 1 pm, 4 pm, and 7 pm; the two regions play two games each day. Food & Beverage 2 Food options are quite limited, but get the job done.  All beef hot dogs are $3.50; nachos vary from $3.50 to $8; Pepsi products, Gatorade, and bottled water go for $3.  Four unique flavors of cotton candy are fun. Customers order at one window and pick up at another.  Service is friendly and efficient.  Credit cards are accepted. A wide range of restaurants about one mile northwest of the stadium, on Whitestone Parkway, offers solid options for take-out. Atmosphere 4 The stadium offers three seating areas.  We recommend the section right behind home plate with green plastic seats and a roof overhead that provides shade, though no cup holders.  Seats along the baselines, traditional aluminum bleachers, are in the sun for much of the day.  The stadium’s backdrop, facing east, is the I-65 highway, which has constant traffic noise.  As the announcer introduces each state team, that state's university fight song is played – a clever touch.  The music and PA announcements are quite loud.  The scoreboard is excellent, with information about each player and the pitch count, which is very important due to Little League rules intended to protect the pitchers’ arms.  Before some of the games, the players dance to the Cha Cha Slide Dance:  The Cha Cha Slide Dance - YouTube Interesting facts:  the Softball Regional plays first, followed by Baseball.  Softball plays on an all-dirt infield, so the grounds crew has to install new sod for the baseball games in a very short interval.  This crew also does an incredible job of redoing the field for each game.  Umpires, grounds crew, and ushers are all volunteers, per Little League tradition. Neighborhood 4 This stadium resides in a suburban location with an apartment complex to the north.   There are no restaurants or bars within walking distance.  About one mile northwest, a wide range of restaurants offer American and International fare that will satisfy most fans: Thai, Asian fusion, Mexican, Teppanyaki steakhouse, Sushi, Pancake House, pizza, and barbecue will meet all your needs. Moontown Brewing Company is an old converted high school, 5 miles north of the ballpark on the other side of I-69. As expected, Indianapolis (about a 30-minute drive southeast) has many excellent tourist opportunities:  museums, parks, and a zoo.  The Eiteljorg Museum, Eagle Creek Park , and the Indianapolis Motor Speedway/Museum are suggested places . For other sports activities, check if the Indiana Indians (MiLB) are in town. Nearby hotels (about two miles from the ballpark) are a Holiday Inn Express, Fairfield Inn, and Hampton Inn. Fans 4 The majority of fans attending regional games are family and friends from each state.  Quite a few local baseball fans join in the fun.  Overall, the fans are involved and supportive of the players and their performance.  Thankfully, no noise-makers are permitted!!  Attendance varies; the closer the state, the more fans.  As the tournament draws to a close, more fans show up for the championship games.  There is a lot on the line for each team – a chance to play on the fabled Williamsport Field! Access 4 Located just south of exit 130 off I-65, the stadium offers excellent access.  A large grassy parking lot is adjacent.  Unfortunately, no public transportation is available.  A shaded concrete patio has picnic tables.  The air-conditioned gift shop offers official Little League regional shirts, jerseys, sweatshirts, hats, and souvenirs. Photos of earlier champions adorn the walls.  Clean, modern restrooms are behind the concession stand. Return on Investment 5 When there is no charge to go to the games and free parking is provided, the return on investment is optimal!  Concessions are reasonably priced.  Unfortunately, they do not offer a program or rosters for the teams.  A bracket is posted near the gift store which shows the game results. Extras 4 One point each for free entry and parking. Another for the friendly staff.  A fourth for the amazing ground crew.  Final Thoughts Little League Regional competition allows all baseball fans the chance to see some remarkable performances by young athletes; 12 years later, some of these kids are playing in the show!  Free entrance and parking make it a bargain!  Pick a location near you and enjoy a game or two.