Black College Football: The Game that Time Forgot is an appreciation of HBCU football and all that makes it special. Carlos Lock, the author of the book, grew up in Jackson, Mississippi as a devoted fan of the Jackson State University Tigers. He attended his first Tigers game at the age of eight and fondly remembers watching Jerry Rice, Lewis Tillman, and Steve McNair coming to play at Mississippi Veterans Memorial Stadium. He hardly ever missed a game in his youth, as he sold football programs to the fans every weekend to earn his way into the stadium. Lock shares his early appreciation of music by listening to the Sonic Boom of the South, one of the top school bands at the HBCU level. One of his first “away” games was a trip to Grambling with his dad. He recounts his amazement at being at a game where the legendary Eddie Robinson was coaching him. He heard his name for his whole life, but seeing Robinson on the sidelines in person was a magical moment. Later in his life, Locke was serving in the U.S. Army and was stationed at Fort Hood. One weekend he and a young lady attended a Cotton Bowl Classic game featuring Prairie View A&M and Southern University, his fourth and fifth HBCU teams he has seen play. It was love at first sight, as the couple fell in love with the two teams on the playing field, as well as with each other. They got married the next year… thanks to HBCU football.  The author then attended college at Hampton University in Virginia. He never missed a home game during that time, as the Pirates moved from the CIAA to the MEAC. This introduced him to two new HBCU-affiliated conferences and many more HBCU teams. After his time in the service ended, Locke began to expand on his visits to HBCU campus-based football games. He recalls watching Steve “Air” McNair during his days at Alcorn State University and Jerry Rice when he played for Mississippi Valley State University. In more recent years, the author has attended numerous Classics games. Classics games are typically a one-time meeting between two HBCU schools that have never played each other, as they typically play in different leagues. These classics are often put together by promoters in larger cities that are anxious to pair up two “name” schools for a game. It also brings awareness and notoriety to the two competing schools. Lock remembers the Whitney Young Classic in 1971 vividly, not because it matched up Morgan State University against Grambling, but because it was played in Yankee Stadium, one of the most famous sports venues in the country. He recounts numerous other classics he has attended, and as more of them are scheduled, he begins to see that they often match up with very unevenly matched squads. He feels that this expansion of the concept has watered down the contests from “unforgettable” to very mundane affairs. This later chapter leads us to the title of Lock’s book. We’ve talked about the excitement, the great matchups, the iconic players and coaches… so why “ The Game that Time   Forgot ”? The author sees that many of the things that made Black College football unique and special have been lost over time. We’ve already discussed the overuse of the word “Classic”. A second issue, ironically, is the integration of colleges and universities following desegregation during the Civil Rights era. Great African American players in the 1950s and 1960s had no choice but to attend HBCU schools, so the quality of football played at the HBCUs was top-notch. Once state schools started to integrate, they lost these star players to the bigger NCAA schools. Another point made is that the general exposure and awareness of HBCU schools went down, as black professional football players of the 1950s-1960s would always have their alma mater’s listed in their bio. Suddenly, players were attending larger integrated schools where their football skills would be recognized by pro scouts and professional football fans much quicker. The lack of a major television contract has had a major negative impact on football teams at HBCU schools. The TV networks each have large TV contracts with each of the major football conferences, bringing millions of dollars in revenue to member schools. However, outside of the Celebration Bowl, there are very few national telecasts of HBCU games. This heavily impacts the HBCU’s financial revenues, which are already tight to begin with. Obviously, with less exposure on TV, and less revenue from sports, it is difficult for HBCU schools to offer as many scholarships as possible to promising players. The facilities, such as the stadiums, training rooms, and locker rooms don’t have all the bells and whistles the major colleges can offer due to the limited financial resources. The author offers several suggestions on how Black College Football can return to its glory years. One of his first suggestions is to redevelop a Black National Championship competition or playoff. Right now, most HBCUs play at the FCS level of Division I NCAA Football. The FCS level of competition offers a 24-team playoff series at the end of the season. However, the MEAC and the SWAC choose to link their conference champions to the Celebration Bowl, a single game that is seen as the Black College Championship Game. This results in no HBCU schools getting the exposure and recognition offered by the FCA Championship Playoffs. This also leaves both the SIAC and CIAA teams totally out of consideration as the Black College National Football Champion. He suggests how a playoff system for HBCU football programs would work and names cities that have a large media presence that could serve as a permanent host for the title game. Another suggestion is to elevate the level of coaching at the HBCU level to create stronger teams. It has always been difficult for qualified black assistant coaches to get head coaching jobs in the NFL. Lock suggests that making college head coaching jobs at HBCUs more attractive is one way for promising assistant coaches to move to the head coaching position at HBCU member schools. Finally, former pro football players from HBCUs could become much more involved in recruiting players to attend and play football at their alma mater’s. Carlos Lock has written a very thought-provoking book that celebrates the great heritage black college football has brought to HBCUs in the past while suggesting some changes that will bring back some of the prestige the games have lost over the past few years.

Photos by Lance Sutehall, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.86 Alabama Soccer Stadium 500 Peter Bryce Blvd Tuscaloosa, AL 35401 Alabama Crimson Tide website Alabama Soccer Stadium website Year Opened: 2004 Capacity: 1,500 Rolling With The Tide At The Soccer Stadium Women’s soccer has been a varsity sport at the University of Alabama since 1986. As of the writing of this article, the Crimson Tide have made six NCAA tournament appearances, including an appearance in the Final Four of the College Cup in 2022. The Tide has six alumni in the NWSL and another in Liga MX Femenil. The Alabama Soccer Stadium has been the home of the Tide’s Women’s soccer program since 2004.   Food & Beverage   3 The lone concession stand sells basics such as a slice of pizza ($8), hot dogs ($6), chips ($3), popcorn ($7), and candy ($3). Rita’s Italian Ice ($8.50), milkshakes ($9), frozen drinks ($9), and custard cookie sandwiches ($9) are also offered. Bottled beverages on sale include water ($6), Coca-Cola branded sodas ($6), and Powerade ($5). Finally, beer is sold at the concession stand ($11). The stand is cashless. Atmosphere   4 There is a giant red Tube Man at the entrance of the stadium. After entering the stadium gate, the concession stand and merchandise table are to the left. Walking towards the seating area you pass a table with Gameday info and Alabama Women’s soccer posters. The seating area consists of 15 rows of metal bleachers with the middle of the seating area only having three rows to make room for the camera. The team locker rooms are located behind the bleachers The stadium features a giant video board in the right corner, and the team benches are located across the field from the seating area. When the tide takes the field, smoke machines behind the goals go off. Those smoke machines are also activated whenever Bama scores, and when Bama has won. After the starting lineups are announced, the players throw t-shirts into the crowd and they give the fans high fives after the game. Alabama offers various promotions to encourage attendance including team poster signings on Sunday evening games and other themes throughout the season. Students earn “Tide Loyalty” points for attending soccer matches which helps with priority access to football season tickets. The involvement of the students makes an Alabama soccer game an intense women’s soccer environment.   Neighborhood   5 The Alabama Soccer Stadium is located in the northeast of campus next to the Student Recreation Center and near Rhoads Stadium, home of Alabama softball. This part of campus is the furthest from Tuscaloosa’s entertainment district “The Strip” but less than 2 miles away. Newk’s Restaurant is nearby on University Boulevard while Baumhower’s Victory Grille is across McFarland Boulevard. Next to Baumhower’s is PopStroke, a mini golf course that is also a restaurant. Shopping options nearby include Midtown Village and University Mall, both of which are across the street from each other. For Lodging, Hampton Inn is located between Baumhower’s and PopStroke while Hotel Capstone is on campus, next to Sewell Thomas Stadium. I would recommend staying near downtown Tuscaloosa as there are more lodging options and plenty of restaurants. Plus the strip is more accessible, the River Walk is beautiful, and Capitol Park shows the remains of the old Alabama State Capitol building.   Fans   4 The fans fill up the Alabama Soccer Stadium with families and students packing the stands. The fence was lined with flags representing the nationalities of the players on the field. The students were bringing energy throughout the match. One of the students was banging on a drum throughout the night which added to the atmosphere.   Access   4 From I-20-59, turn off Exit 73 and make a right on Highway 82. Turn off on the ramp to University Boulevard and make a right. Make another right on Peter Bryce Boulevard and the soccer stadium will be on the left beside some tennis courts and the Student Recreation Center. There are two free parking lots near the stadium, one by the aforementioned facilities and another on the other side of the field by the Greek houses. The Alabama Soccer Stadium Has one main entrance where the concession stand and restrooms are located. The seating area is straightforward and the aisles are wide enough to move freely.   Return on Investment   5 In terms of a return on investment, I do not think you can do better than free. Parking and admission to Alabama soccer matches are free to attend while concession prices are what’s expected. There is also a chance to catch a t-shirt and High Five the Tide after a win. Alabama soccer is an underrated way to spend an evening in Tuscaloosa.   Extras   2 Several practice soccer fields surround the soccer stadium with games going on around the Alabama soccer game. The soccer stadium shares a parking lot with the nearby Student Recreation Center, which includes Stran-Hardin Arena, home to Alabama’s wheelchair basketball teams. The women’s team has won ten national championships while the men’s have won three. Final Thoughts The student body and the community have embraced the Alabama Crimson Tide’s women’s soccer team over the years. The program has been on the rise over the years and their 2022 run to the final four proves the Alabama women’s soccer team is a force to be reckoned with. The fans and students believe that the Tide will roll when they are on the pitch. They have reason to.

Minor League Baseball has returned to Columbus, Georgia, and the franchise will be known as the Columbus Clingstones. The franchise introduced its branding and uniforms at an event in town on Friday afternoon. Team colors are black, peach, yellow, and Kelly green.  However, what is a clingstone?  Diamond Baseball Holdings explained in a press release that it is “one of the most popular varieties of peaches, named for its flesh that stubbornly clings to the pit, signifying the grit and determination the team will display on the field as well as an unyielding commitment to the community.  The name and the logo embrace the peach as an iconic representation of the state of Georgia.” Photos Courtesy of Diamond Baseball Holdings The roundel primary logo features a smiling, anthropomorphic clingstone peach holding a bat at his side and wearing his cap backward. Secondary logos include a scripted wordmark of the city, an inaugural season patch, a peach headshot, and a baseball bat tree, including peach-colored baseballs. The Clingstones revealed three uniforms: all white with a script Clingstone wordmark with a black and green bill cap, a black top uniform with the team logo on the right chest, and white pants, but the third uniform stands out. It is a peach-colored chromo look with a green wordmark script, along with an all-green cap.   Photos Courtesy of Diamond Baseball Holdings The Clingstones also opened up a team shop that includes a collection of merchandise in various colors. The ball club will debut in April 2025 at the newly renovated Synovus Park, formerly Golden Park, which opened in 1926.  Final Thoughts It's a fresh new look for the world of minor league baseball. The primary look of the clingstone peach is a home run, along with the unique color combination of black, peach, and Kelly green. It is what a minor league baseball should look like. ------ Follow all of Marc’s stadium journeys on Twitter @ballparkhunter   and his YouTube channel .   Email at Marc.Viquez@stadiumjourney.com

Photos by Gregory Koch Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.14 So Sweet a Cat Field 107 Larchwood Ave West Long Branch, NJ 07764 Monmouth Hawks website So Sweet a Cat Field website Year Opened: 2007 Capacity: 500 (estimated) So Sweet a Field Hockey Stadium Located just a mile from the Atlantic Ocean and 50 miles from New York City, Monmouth University is right in the heart of New Jersey. The Monmouth field hockey team plays its home games on campus at So Sweet a Cat Field. The stadium is named after an animal belonging to Jane Freed, whose large donation helped fund the stadium, but it is not the kind of animal you would expect. It is not a reference to how good Freed's pet kitty was, but the name of one of her racehorses. Food & Beverage 0 There is no food or beverage for sale at So Sweet a Cat Field, but fans are free to bring their own. Atmosphere 2 So Sweet a Cat Field is pretty basic, even by college field hockey standards. Two small sets of bleachers are located along one sideline, straight ahead as you come in. Many fans of the visiting team will sit in the near set, as it is across from their bench. Monmouth fans will sit on the other set for the same reason. The bleachers are very close to the field and low to the ground - the bottom row will have your feet on the grass. There is not much going on here besides the game itself. The PA announcer will announce the lineups before the game, and the goalscorers, but that is about it. Neighborhood 4 Located just a mile from the Jersey Shore, there is plenty to do in the vicinity of Monmouth University's campus. Although it is in a residential neighborhood, the beaches of Long Branch are just a five-minute drive away. While these won't be helpful later in the season when the temperature of air and ocean is chilly, it is extremely popular early in the season, over Labor Day Weekend before it cools off. Long Branch and West Long Branch offer numerous restaurants, serving everything from tacos to pizza to Portuguese. While it is more lively when the weather is warm, it can be nice to experience the area without the crowds later in the fall. Fans 2 Monmouth field hockey may draw a hundred fans a game, but about half of them will typically be fans of the other team. It is almost exclusively friends and family of the players, though an occasional Monmouth student may show up. Even compared to other college field hockey programs across the country, this is low attendance. Access 3 Monmouth University is about 15 minutes off the Garden State Parkway via Exit 105 or a 90-minute train ride from New York City. If you do choose to drive, parking is available in a lot right next to the stadium for free. It shouldn't fill up, but if it does, other lots are available nearby. You will need to walk along the grass to get to the bleachers, but beyond that, getting around isn't a problem. Restrooms are located in a shed in the far left corner of the field, near the American flag. They are not signed until you get over there, but people will direct you if you ask. Return on Investment 4 Admission to Monmouth field hockey games is free, as is parking. You won't pay anything for concessions because there aren't any. However, there isn't enough here to earn the top score. Extras 0 There are no real extras here. Final Thoughts A Monmouth field hockey game is a pretty basic experience, even compared to other college field hockey venues. While the stadium may have the best name of any venue in the sport, the experience here is not as impressive. Still, if you are a fan of the sport and are in the area, you may want to head down to So Sweet a Cat Field to check it out.

Photo by Richard Smith, Stadium Journey The 2024 NFL season is upon us, with the season having kicked off on Thursday, September 5th – it’s an annual rite of passage for fans to plan out their season, look at schedules, book trips, and shop for tickets. However, it’s also a reality that the current state of economics in the country is due to inflation. In the past decade, the cost of attending NFL games has skyrocketed, outpacing even the rate of inflation in most teams’ home markets. This phenomenon, known by economists in the entertainment sector as “funflation”, was recently analyzed by the experts at Freebets.com . Tracking ticket costs and food and beverage pricing among other metrics for the past 10 years, the results found that: •         NFL attendance costs have risen at 142% of the rate of inflation since 2015. •         The average cost of attending an NFL game increased by 44% from 2015 to 2024, which significantly outpaces general inflation of 31% during the same period. •         NFL teams who have most increased the overall price of attendance include the Las Vegas Raiders  (+129%), Cleveland Browns  (+112%), and Tampa Bay Buccaneers  (+88%). At the other end of the spectrum, the New York Jets  (+5%), Dallas Cowboys  (+8%), and New York Giants  (+14%) have gone against the trend of overinflated costs – while their costs have gone up, they are significantly lower than most teams in the NFL. However, in the decade that was analyzed, the gap in prices between general admission and premium tickets has continued to widen; this seems to indicate a growing disparity between the types of game experiences that fans can take part in. Many factors have contributed to the rising costs, which at some point could challenge the average fan’s ability to attend games in person. However, attendance rates show no sign of slowing down in the interim, proving the NFL is still the king of pro sports in the United States. Click this link to read the full report from Freebets.com . ---- Follow Eric Moreno's Stadium Journey on Twitter at @EricMoreno6477 .

Photos by Andrei Ojeda, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.14 LoanMart Field 8408 Rochester Ave Rancho Cucamonga, CA 91730 Rancho Cucamonga Quakes website LoanMart Field website Year Opened: 1992 Capacity: 6,200 The Epicenter California’s Inland Empire is a great market for minor-league baseball.  In less than 90 minutes, fans can stop by the stadiums of three minor league franchises.  Perhaps the most storied of all of these franchises, call the city of Rancho Cucamonga its home. The franchise is well known by stadium travelers due to its unforgettable city name, regionally appropriate nickname, comfortable venue, and reputation for a great fan experience. Opened as The Epicenter in 1992 at a cost of around $20 million, the Rancho Cucamonga Quakes and the stadium have enjoyed a prosperous run. Since its debut, the venue has snagged the record for single-season attendance among the California League, has been purchased by an investment group that includes former Royal-great George Brett and has had a renovation in 2008. In 2013, the Epicenter became known as LoanMart Field after the franchise signed a ten-year naming rights agreement. Even with the name change, folks still fondly refer to the yard as The Epicenter. Food & Beverage 4 For those who may have been accustomed to the traditional Dodger Dog, you may be somewhat disappointed that it is no longer served. However, a Hoffy all-beef dog has replaced the much loved Dodger Dog and is equally just as enjoyable sans the Dodger tie-in.  Other items on the menu include a Quakes bacon cheeseburger, pepperoni pizza slices, brats, BBQ pulled pork sandwich, Philly cheesesteak, chicken tenders/wings, and fries.  If you’re in the mood for some South of The Border tastings, carne asada fries, Mexican-style street corn, burritos, nachos in a souvenir helmet, and quesadillas, all with the choice of carne asada, chicken, or carnitas are available at the left field cantina.  If carrying a sweet tooth, soft serve ice cream, churros, and churro sundaes are served up in a souvenir helmet. Cotton candy and assorted candy varieties are also available.  Pepsi product sodas are sold as well as bottled water and Gatorade. Domestic brew options from Anheuser Busch and Coors products are available as well as premium craft brews ranging from Firestone 805, Kona Big Wave, and Elysian Contact Haze IPA. Atmosphere 5 The Epicenter is a truly beautiful venue, where the sun is likely always shining, and the tree-lined outfield fence is only overshadowed by the towering San Gabriel Mountains in the distance. One thing you will see a lot in the stands are blue-clad fans. As in, Dodger Blue. Since joining the Dodgers farm system in 2011, the Quakes have added Dodger Blue to their color scheme, and it shows in the stands as fans are dressed in both Quakes and Dodgers attire. The affiliation with the Dodgers gives fans an added enthusiasm.  As they enter The Epicenter there’s this feeling in the air that they are watching the future of their big league team. Neighborhood 4 The neighborhood is located where the Mohave Trail, Old Spanish Trail, Santa Fe Trail, El Camino Real, and the former Route 66 all meet. Fans will notice many of the old Route 66 markers throughout the streets on the way to the stadium, particularly along Foothill Blvd. The stadium is located in the Rancho Cucamonga Adult Sports Park, surrounded by three softball fields and two soccer fields. Just a few minutes away are most of your common fast food eateries as well as several other sit-down options at nearby Victoria Gardens. Richie’s Real American Diner is your standard diner that also offers a wood-smoked BBQ. Richie’s Diner pays tribute to the local area’s Route 66 roots. Fans 4 During the history of the franchise, the team has at one point or another been affiliated with each of the three Southern California MLB teams ( Padres , Angels , and Dodgers ). Rancho Cucamonga Quakes MLB Affiliations, Photo by Andrei Ojeda, Stadium Journey The Rancho Cucamonga fans are a passionate bunch. Due to its current affiliation with the Dodgers as well as its proximity to L.A., don’t be surprised should you see plenty of Dodger Blue in the stands. The Quakes do an outstanding job of marketing their product as well as paying tribute to their parent club, even adding Dodger Blue to their color scheme. So knowledgeable and passionate are the fans here about both the Single A and the big club, should you walk around Dodger Stadium in Rancho Cucamonga Quakes gear chances are good you will have a fan or two come up and pay you a compliment. Access 4 Depending on traffic, Rancho Cucamonga can be anywhere from 45 to 90 minutes away from Downtown Los Angeles. The stadium is located not far from the 10, 15 and 210 freeways. Parking is very plentiful and reasonable at $5. Should a huge crowd be expected especially for a fireworks night game, overflow parking is also available on a lot across the street from the stadium. Return on Investment 4 Compared to the parent club in L.A. ticket prices are still a bargain though somewhat pricey for Single A baseball, with prices starting at $18 for Club Box seats to $22 for The Super Box.  The Dugout Deck, located next to the Quakes’ third base dugout sells for $29 and provides tables for families and friends to place their food and personal items. If bringing along a group of four, the Strike Zone provides table seating between the dugouts atop the Super Box aisles at a total of $133. Extras 4 The tree-lined outfield wall and San Gabriel Mountains in the distance provide a truly perfect baseball setting. LoanMart Field is located in the Rancho Cucamonga Adult Sports Park and is surrounded by recreational baseball/softball diamonds. If any of the fields are empty, visiting fans can easily find some space to play a game or simply toss a baseball back and forth. Also in the concourse, fans will find the day’s starting lineups and current California League standings. Rancho Cucamonga Quakes Starting Lineups, Photo by Andre Ojeda, Stadium Journey Along the left field concourse is the All-Star Walk of Fame. LoanMart Field Walk of Fame, Photo by Andrei Ojeda, Stadium Journey This display dates back to the team’s infancy in 1993 and pays tribute to every notable Padre, Angel, and, Dodger that ever donned a Quakes uniform either as a step to the bigs or a stop on a rehab assignment. The list along the Walk that includes among others Clayton Kershaw, Wally Joyner, and recent Hall of Fame inductee Vladimir Guerrero is both plentiful and impressive. Dodgers Passing Through Rancho, Photo by Andrei Ojeda, Stadium Journey Final Thoughts Since 1992 many a future Big Leaguer has passed through the foothills of the Inland Empire.  Rancho Cucamonga will continue to be the Single-A West Coast affiliate for the Dodgers for the foreseeable future.  The Quakes continue to be a leader in the California League circuit. Being located an hour from Downtown Los Angeles and its affiliation with the Dodgers benefits the Quakes greatly as evidenced by all the blue and white in the stands. One final fun fact. As you approach LoanMart Field one of the entrances that LoanMart Field is located on is named after the late great comedian Jack Benny. Click here  for more fun facts on Jack Benny’s ties to the city of Rancho.

Photos by Gregory Koch Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.29 Hesse Field on the Great Lawn 107 Larchwood Ave West Long Branch, NJ 07764 Monmouth Hawks website Hesse Field on the Great Lawn website Year Opened: 1993 Capacity: 1,000 (estimated) Soccer on Daddy Warbucks' Great Lawn Located just a mile from the Atlantic Ocean and 50 miles from New York City, Monmouth University is right in the heart of New Jersey. Hesse Field on the Great Lawn is located on Monmouth's campus and is home to the Hawks' men's and women's soccer teams. The stadium is located in the shadow of The Great Hall, a historic mansion that formerly belonged to F.W. Woolworth Company president Hubert Templeton Parson and his wife. Monmouth University acquired it in 1955 and it is currently preserved as a historic landmark. Movie buffs may recognize The Great Hall as the building used for Daddy Warbucks' mansion in the 1982 film Annie . The Great Hall is also known as Shadow Lawn, and is not to be confused with The Great Lawn adjacent to it. Hesse Field is the soccer stadium located on The Great Lawn, which served as a campus quad surrounded by various buildings. There is an additional grassy area behind the stadium that is also part of the quad. Food & Beverage 1 Concessions are sold out of a tent outside Edison Hall, behind the goal that will be on your left as you are sitting on the bleachers. The options are very limited here, with only bottled water, soda, and a few assorted packaged snacks such as chips, candy, and cookies. Fans can bring their food as well, and it is best to do so or eat before or after the match. The good news is that nothing costs more than $2, but bear in mind only cash is accepted. Atmosphere 4 Hesse Field on the Great Lawn features metal bleachers along one sideline, on the opposite side of the field from The Great Hall. There is also a small hill on the mansion side of the field that some fans like to sit on. Wherever you sit, you will be up close and personal to the action at all times. A scoreboard to the right of the seating area also shows shots, saves, and corner kicks for each team, but the labels are illegible at night. The setting on a campus quad in the shadow of a historic mansion does make for a unique place to watch a soccer game, and between the setting and the crowds (more on that later), the atmosphere here can be quite enjoyable. However, because of all the grass and trees in the area, there can be a lot of bugs flying around for night games, especially early in the season before the first frost. We recommend you bring bug spray, although most of the bugs don't bite and are just nuisances. Neighborhood 4 Located just a mile from the Jersey Shore, there is plenty to do in the vicinity of Monmouth University's campus. Although it is in a residential neighborhood, the beaches of Long Branch are just a five-minute drive away. While these won't be helpful later in the season when the temperature of the air and ocean is chilly, it is extremely popular early in the season, over Labor Day Weekend before it cools off. Long Branch and West Long Branch offer numerous restaurants, serving everything from tacos to pizza to Portuguese. While it is more lively when the weather is warm, it can be nice to experience the area without the crowds later in the fall. Fans 4 Monmouth soccer averages about 400 fans a game, filling the bleachers on The Great Lawn quite well. There are the usual friends and family, but also many locals, some of whom have kids who play youth soccer. College soccer is a bigger sport at Monmouth than at many other schools, and it has an accordingly large fan base. While you don't have the roar of the crowd you might see at a professional soccer venue, the fan spirit is quite good for this level. Access 3 Monmouth University is about 15 minutes off the Garden State Parkway via Exit 105 or a 90-minute train ride from New York City. There is a small parking lot right next to the stadium, but according to the Monmouth athletic website, fans are not permitted to park here and must instead park in the main campus lot near Kessler Stadium and the OceanFirst Bank Center . home of Monmouth football and basketball respectively. Parking is free as long as there is not an event at either of those venues. If there is, refer to their respective parking policies. You will want to park as close to the basketball arena as possible, then walk under one of the breezeways that connect the buildings along the academic quad. Turn to your left and walk around Edison Hall (or cut through it you can) and Hesse Field on the Great Lawn will be up ahead on your right. It is about a five-minute walk in total. All that being said, we did observe some fans parking in the lot adjacent to the stadium, and they did not seem to encounter any sort of problems. Park here at your own risk, or use the main lot and walk if you want to avoid any potential trouble. Restrooms are available in Edison Hall. Enter through the door near the concession tent. Note that players also use these doors to get to or from the field, so if they are entering or exiting (such as at halftime), you will need to wait for them to do so. Return on Investment 5 Admission to Monmouth regular season soccer games is free, parking is typically free as long as nothing else is going on, and concessions are quite affordable, albeit very limited. With the gorgeous campus settings and great crowds, a Monmouth soccer game is an excellent value. Extras 2 One bonus star here for the setting of the stadium next to a historic mansion. A second star for the banners behind one goal honoring Monmouth's conference championships and NCAA Tournament appearances. Final Thoughts Hesse Field on the Great Lawn is in a location that is truly worthy of its name. The Monmouth soccer program has built up some loyal fans over the years, and between the crowds and the setting, a Monmouth soccer game on The Great Lawn is a great way to spend a fall afternoon or evening.

Photos by David Welch, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.00 BayCare Ballpark 601 Old Coachman Rd Clearwater, FL 33765 Clearwater Threshers website BayCare Ballpark website Year Opened: 2004 Capacity: 8,500 BayCare Ballpark – Clearwater Threshers Shortly before the MLB season begins, spring training comes to a close, and training facilities transition from hosting Major League Baseball’s stars, to preparing for the upcoming season and welcoming the game’s future stars. To that end, minor league baseball’s Florida State League kicks off its season just after the MLB season starts. The Phillies partnership with the city of Clearwater dates back to the 1940s, but the Threshers, then named the Clearwater Phillies, would start to play in the Florida State League in 1985 at Jack Russell Stadium, which they would call home until the end of the 2003 season. The 2004 season would see a move further inland to the newly built Brighthouse Field, which is adjacent to Carpenter Complex, the Phillies’ training facility.   Food & Beverage   5 BayCare Ballpark effectively brings the flavors of Philadelphia, its suburban Delaware County (Delco), and nearby Jersey Shore to Clearwater. Manco & Manco Pizza, known for its sweet-sauced Philadelphia-style pizza, makes its way south from the Jersey Shore boardwalk. Additionally, Delco’s Original Steaks and Hoagies offers the iconic Philadelphia cheesesteak, and Charlie’s Philadelphia Italian Ice provides the classic "water ice" for those with a sweet tooth. The concession stands here offer a mix of traditional ballpark fare along with a large amount of specialty items. Alongside classic options such as hot dogs, corn dogs, burgers – including Beyond Burgers – chicken sandwiches, and stadium nachos, there are unique offerings like jalapeno burnt ends, mango habanero cheese bites, and even the Greek baklava. BayCare Ballpark also stands out with its diverse selection of condiments, including a variety of hot sauces and non-traditional options such as Jamaican jerk, honey sriracha, and chipotle citrus. Soft drinks come from the Coca-Cola family of beverages, Gold Peak Tea, or lemonade. For adult beverages fans can visit Frenchy’s Tiki Bar in left field for specialty, frozen, bucket, or mixed drinks, as well as a full range of craft and domestic beers, seltzers, and hard teas. In addition, McGillicuddy’s Beers of the World offers an impressive selection of local and regional craft beers, while several beer carts feature local Tampa brewery Coppertail Brewing Co. Even with some concession carts not in operation, BayCare Ballpark provides a diverse array of options that go beyond what is typically found at most ballparks at the A level.   Atmosphere   3 Using a Major League spring training stadium for Class A baseball offers several advantages, though it also presents some challenges. On one hand, the comfort and several amenities that are typically absent at Class A facilities are nice to have. BayCare Ballpark, for example, boasts a spacious 360-degree concourse and a large grassy berm that extends from right field to left center, with only the batter’s eye in straightaway center field interrupting its expanse. The stadium also features a Mediterranean-inspired design, complemented by the palm trees that surround its exterior – these are comforts that are not commonly part of the Class A baseball experience. At the same time, the size of the stadium, paired with a modest crowd, is a bit of a drawback from the complete game experience. While mid-inning entertainment is not completely barren at BayCare Ballpark, most of that time is filled with scoreboard games and contests, more so than the typical on-field activities. There are plenty of seating options around the stadium, but it is always beneficial to be able to escape the Florida sun when possible – seating along the third baseline will provide some relief. And while afternoon games provide a minimal escape from the sun’s rays, the overhang of the press box and suites does provide a few more rows of escape and comfort.   Neighborhood   4 BayCare Ballpark is located just across the Courtney Campbell Causeway, which links Tampa to Clearwater on the Pinellas Peninsula. Clearwater is about 30 minutes north of St. Petersburg, making a Threshers- Tampa Bay Rays double dip a real possibility. Three other Florida State League teams – Dunedin , Tampa , and Bradenton – are also all within an hour's drive. In addition, with the stadium’s proximity to the Phillies  training facility, Carpenter Complex, fans here can observe the backfields, which are often used for Florida Complex League games or inter-organizational scrimmages – this can be a real treat for baseball junkies who enjoy watching young players develop their skills. The area surrounding BayCare Ballpark features a high concentration of apartments, single-family homes, and strip malls, with a mix of nationally recognized restaurants and stores. Among the local favorites is Lenny’s, one of the more popular breakfast spots in Clearwater. Also within 2 miles is the original Hooter’s restaurant. There is also a notable presence of 3-star hotels in convenient proximity to BayCare Ballpark. If the sun and sand of Clearwater Beach are more of a draw, the beach is about a 20-minute drive from the BayCare Ballpark. Clearwater Beach is home to numerous higher-end hotels with more amenities than those closer to the stadium, a variety of restaurants, and oceanfront activities, including the Clearwater Marine Aquarium. However, traffic can be heavy, making travel to the beach somewhat slow during peak times.   Fans   3 As a whole, the Florida State League has faced challenges with consistent attendance figures. However, Clearwater seems to be a bit of an exception to that, standing out as the top draw among teams in the league, averaging nearly 2,500 fans per game – significantly more than the next closest club. Clearwater has long been the top draw in the league, enjoying its top spot since the 2010s. Despite smallish attendance figures, Thresher fans follow in the footsteps of their parent club counterparts, who need little prompting to get involved in the game. From the early part of the game, fans start a rhythmic clap, helping to will a third strike to end the inning. And despite the low-key nature of the league, the crowd does a good job keeping themselves part of the game experience, frequently starting chants and cheers even without prompting from the game’s entertainment crew. The Florida heat and humidity can have a significant impact on turnout, as Sunday afternoon games do tend to be pretty lightly attended.   Access   4 BayCare Ballpark is located just off US Highway 19, which runs through Clearwater, making the stadium easily accessible. Highway 19 connects to I-275, with access from the north via Gulf to Bay Boulevard in Tampa, and from the south via the Skyway Bridge from Bradenton. Take note though, that traffic through Tampa can be heavy and challenging to navigate. Parking is located just a short walk from the entrances on either side of the stadium, which lead up to an elevated concourse that wraps completely around the field. There is elevator access on the first base side for those who are not able to traverse the stairs, while the third base side is accessible via a ramp to the right side of the stairway. Ticket offices are located at the top of the stairs on both sides of the stadium.   Return on Investment 5 Standard tickets for Threshers games range from $9 to $14, giving fans an affordable sporting experience. Parking is available for $5, which is quite reasonable compared to many other stadiums. Additionally, the Threshers offer frequent discounts, with tickets on Tuesdays starting at just $1, and free parking on Sundays. Concessions do seem to be a touch high, but there are certainly a handful of options that make buying a hot dog, slice of pizza, or soda much more palatable.   Extras   4 Depending on the time of year, the backfields of the Phillies player development complex are often bustling with activity. These areas are used for young players developing their skills, players rehabbing injuries, and Florida Complex league games against nearby teams. The Clearwater Phillies/Threshers Hall of Fame can be found down the right field concourse and includes many of the heroes of the Phillies  2008 World Series team. For those bringing younger fans to the game, a kid’s play area is tucked into the corner of the left field concourse and includes an inflatable bounce house and playground. There are also free sunscreen stations around the stadium, which offer fans the opportunity to apply a coat of protection from the bright Florida rays.   Final Thoughts The reorganization of Minor League Baseball heading into the 2021 season saw the Florida State League transition from the Advanced Class A level to the more developmental Class A level. While this shift might seem minor to fans simply seeking an enjoyable baseball game, they may not understand the developmental nature of young pitchers, who are still honing their command of the strike zone and still developing their ability to throw quality strikes, while batters are working on plate discipline. This learning curve can lead to valuable teachable moments for players, but may also cause frustration for fans who are more focused on the final box scores. Among facilities in the Florida State League, BayCare Ballpark stands out as possibly having the most comprehensive minor league baseball experience. With its top-notch facility and typically the largest attendance in the league, it provides an exceptional game-day experience, where even a wayward bat dog would likely stop by to check out the facility.

The College Football Hall of Fame in Atlanta recently introduced a new permanent exhibit featuring the important roles Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) have played in the field of college football. “Celebrating HBCUs” tells the story of HBCU football through videos, collections of memorabilia, and stories told by the coaches and key players at the various HBCU institutions. One exhibit features the biographies of some of the HBCU’s greatest coaches, including Eddie Robinson, Billy Joe, Jake Gaither, John Merritt, and Rod Broadway. A separate module looks at some of the top players to come out of HBCU programs and the impact they made at the NFL level. These players are a who’s who of NFL Hall of Famers, including Walter Payton, Jerry Rice, Doug Williams, Buck Buchanan, Ken Houston, and Art Shell. The Gameday Experience exhibit explores the many great traditions, rivalries, and marching bands that make HBCU Saturdays so unique. Interactive panels feature the profiles of the four athletic conferences (SIAC, CIAA, MEAC, and SWAC) that comprise the HBCU world. It explores the power teams, players, and coaches in each conference and looks at the championship teams that each conference has produced. HBCU football has also played a significant role in leading the fight against racial injustice. There is an in-depth exhibit about the Wyoming 14, a group of Black players at the University of Wyoming, who protested the school policies of an opponent, which barred Black people from the priesthood. They stood their ground, resulting in their being cut from the team and being harassed by the leadership at their school. They stood by their principles, and eventually they were able to get the policy of blocking Black people from serving as priests was changed. Unfortunately, the players were never reinstated. However, their actions inspired many other college teams to get involved in social justice issues during the civil rights era. Visitors to “Celebrating HBCU’s” will also see the Celebration Bowl trophy. which is awarded to the winning team in the annual contest between the champions of the MEAC and SWAC conferences. The Celebration Bowl is widely regarded as the Black College National Championship Game. “Celebrating HBCU’s” is a long overdue salute to an important segment of college football. For more information on the new exhibit, go to www.cfbhall.com  .

Photo by Aris MESSINIS / AFP) (Photo by ARIS MESSINIS/AFP via Getty Images I always love it when the Olympics arrive because it introduces us to many new sports and a few we don't get to see too often. My friends always ask me what is your favorite event during the summer Olympics, and I never have to think too hard about it. My favorite Olympic event is handball. Sure, you can enjoy beach volleyball in front of the Eiffel Tower, swimmers jumping into the Seine River, or a 50-year-old man from Turkey winning silver in pistol shooting, but handball has always captured my fancy every four years when it comes into prominence to most Americans. Team handball (most fans say handball)  is a sport that is not too hard to understand; it shares similarities to basketball, hockey, and soccer. It is played on a court 40 meters long and 20 meters wide. A group of 7 players, including the goalie, make up the two sides. The scoring is simple: throw a ball past the goalie and into the next, and you score a point. The team with the most points wins at the end of the game. This past January at the Men’s EHF Euros, a world-record crowd of 53,000 was on hand at Düsseldorf’s MERKUR Spiel-Arena to watch France take on Macedonia and Germany battle Switzerland. The tournament secured television agreements with over 30 broadcasters around the world. A record crowd of 53,586 showed up for a Euro '24 game in Germany, Photo Courtesy of the EHF I enjoy watching the high-scoring contests that feature body slamming, dribbling, jumping, and high-throwing action from beyond the semi-circular crease. I fell in love with the sport the first time I watched it in 1992, but now that events are easily accessible, it has become mandatory television the past week. Why hasn’t this game become more popular in the United States? "It's tough when it's a sport that's not on TV regularly and not a sport you can easily play as a kid, in high school, or college," says Minnesota Team Handball President Josh Hetterick. "You play  it in some gym classes but if there were youth and high school leagues that would make a difference. Some colleges (Ohio State, North Carolina, West Point, Air Force, Pittsburg, and Auburn) have handball clubs but there needs to be more for it to gain real interest. Also, if it were to be broadcast on ESPN or NBC Sports more regularly and in prime time, you'd see a jump in interest." Hetterick is hosting team tryouts for new players for the next four Wednesday nights in Bloomington, Minnesota, just south of the Twin Cities. He laughed about being able to teach anyone what they need to know about the game in preparation for the next Summer Games in Los Angeles. Just like curling in the Winter Games, the sport gets a boost from American TV audiences. In the United States, the game is minor, and the US national team struggles in international competitions. The men’s team has a 4-25-1 record in Olympic competition and hasn’t qualified since the 1996 Atlanta Games (because we hosted it). Their record in the World Championships is 2-27-0 and has one appearance since 2001.  At this rate, a US pickleball team has a better chance in international competition. Perhaps our best athletes are not playing handball. I can’t blame them; where would one even go at a young age to play the game, and how many kids in the neighborhood will knock on your mom’s door asking if you want to play a game at the local park? When one does develop an interest, would they have to leave the country to develop and hone their skills at an international or professional level? “Facility accessibility and funds,” says a Chicago Inter Handball Club member via Facebook. There are no professional leagues in the United States, unlike in Europe, where the top loops are in Spain, Germany, France, Hungary, Denmark, and Poland. However, the Northeast Team Handball League is a competition for amateur clubs in the Northeast United States. A few amateur clubs play in Chicago, Boston, New York, Milwaukee, Washington, and Philadelphia.  The sport has been played here since 1926 but has never caught on like many other games. There have been discussions about creating a professional league in this country, but it might not become realistic until both U.S. squads perform at a high level in international competition.  Heterick believes that much has to be done to lay the groundwork for the sport in this country. "It's all about organization, support, and a grassroots/pipeline foundation. There is a disconnect in that pipeline right now from youth to teen to adult. There are adult handball clubs in the USA, but very few of them have a youth/teen part in the club. There is just not a strong organizational structure for handball in the USA and until we get that and get support and structure, we're going to continue this vicious cycle." Every Olympic year will park curiosity for this unique sport for many Americans. Clubs like Chicago Inter Handball Club, Flint City (Michigan) Sporting Club, and Minnesota Team Handball will see a bump in interest and a few new members join the fray. Maybe they will be catalysts to train a future group of handball players. The Minnesota club will receive 8-9 calls per week during the Olympic Games that include both men and women. This results in the club hosting try-out events during and after the Olympics to prepare for the increased numbers which are usually around 8-12 more players. I can concur with this, when I was still living in New Jersey, a high school friend of mine went to open tryouts at the South Plainfield Curling Club after the Salt Lake City Winter Games. He wound up joining full-time and developed quite a skill for the sport, participating in various bonspiels (curling tournaments) in the United States and Canada.   The games will be held in Los Angeles in 2028; perhaps either the men or women can make a run in handball, played in front of thousands of fans and watched by millions more on TV sets, phones, and computers globally. Maybe it will be the boost for this sport to catch fire and push the league to prominence either at the international or professional level.  The knockout stage will be played at the Pierre Mauroy Stadium in Lille, France, from August 7- 9, with the medal games taking place on August 11. Interesting Facts Karl Schelenz, Max Heiser, and Erich Konigh created the rules on October 29, 1917 in Berlin. The first international games were held in 1925 (men) and 1930 (women) It debuted at the 1936 Berlin Games as an outdoor event. The event returned in 1972 with Yugoslavia winning gold. The first women’s games were held at the 1976 Montreal Games, with the Soviet Union winning gold. The International Handball Federation was created in 1946.  There are 30-plus international competitions around the world. France won gold in men and women at the Tokyo 2020 games. Follow all of Marc’s stadium journeys on Twitter @ballparkhunter   and his YouTube channel .   Email at Marc.Viquez@stadiumjourney.com

Photos by Matt Colville, Stadium Journey When then Pearl, Mississippi Mayor Jimmy Foster lured the Greenville Braves to town at the end of the 2004 minor league baseball season, he wanted baseball to last in the Jackson metro area for at least the next 20 years. His vision has been achieved, because on September 3, 2024, the Mississippi Braves will begin their final homestand at Trustmark Park, marking exactly 20 years that baseball has been played here – no more and no less. At the beginning of the 2024 season, it was announced that the Atlanta Braves  would move the double-A club from Greenville to Columbus, GA beginning in 2025. With teams now in Augusta , Rome , Columbus, and Gwinnett , the Braves will have three of their four minor league affiliates in Georgia next season. Unfortunately, the Jackson, MS area is no stranger to losing minor league teams – in 1999 the Jackson Generals, Double-A affiliate of the Houston Astros , packed their bags and moved to Round Rock and then Corpus Christi , the latter where they remain to this day. The Generals played closer to downtown at Smith-Wills Stadium, which was also home to the Jackson Mets from 1975-1990, until becoming the Generals in 1991 and playing here until 1999. Many residents were disgruntled at losing their team in 1999, so when baseball returned in 2005 it was initially a big success. This area of the country is part of " Braves  Country", so when the opportunity to get a Braves-affiliated team presented itself, city officials raised enough money to build the $28 million, 8,840-seat, state-of-the-art stadium. At the time there wasn't much in Pearl – the sleepy town of 20,000 was mostly residential, but as more and more people moved out of Jackson the suburbs continued to grow. In 20 years, this exit off Interstate 20 has grown to include multiple restaurants, hotels, an outlet mall, Bass Pro Shop, and of course Trustmark Park. At first, the M-Braves were a big draw for the area, but attendance waned in recent years, and not even the chance to see some of baseball's top prospects in Ronald Acuna, Ozzie Albies, Dansby Swanson, Austin Riley, Michael Harris, and Spencer Strider could bring fans to games. In fact, in 2023 the Mississippi Braves ranked 29th out of 30 Double A teams in attendance. The biggest question is what will happen to Trustmark Park once the Braves move? Besides the M-Braves, the facility gets plenty of usage throughout the year – the ballpark's biggest game every year is the Governor's Cup, when Mississippi State  plays Ole Miss , and Southern Miss  usually plays a game or two here every year as well. These games are big draws for the stadium and usually sell out. The Mississippi high school baseball state championships are also played here every year, and D3 baseball's Belhaven University has also used the stadium for their home games since 2023. The venue even served as a concert space in the summer of 2024 when Miranda Lambert performed there. The ballpark has aged well in the past 20 years, and, other than maybe a new paint job on the rails, you'd have a hard time telling it's 20 years old. There have been some rumblings recently that a new independent or summer collegiate league team will move into Trustmark Park, but that remains to be seen – if people couldn't support the Mississippi Braves, what's to say they will support the new team either? But regardless of what happens to Trustmark Park in 2025, it just won't be the same as coming to a Mississippi Braves game. The Braves signage around the park will no longer be here next year, and any traces of the past will be long gone, such as the Braves Wall of Fame on the third base concourse, which features names like Freddie Freeman and Brian McCann. Also gone will be the giant mural of Braves manager Brian Snitker, the first M-Braves manager. The Ronald Acuna mural at the main entrance, as well as the Braves logo on the huge video board in center field, will also no longer be there after this season. The final home game in franchise history at Trustmark Park will be against the Tennessee Smokies  on Sunday, September 8.

Photos by Chris Green, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.14 Herr-Baker Field 980 E Division St Fond du Lac, WI 54935 Map It Fond du Lac Dock Spiders website Herr-Baker Field website Year Opened: 2013 Capacity: 2,000 Dairyland Baseball The Dock Spiders are a hidden gem in the vast Wisconsin sports world. With Milwaukee just an hour south and the racing mecca of Road America  just thirty minutes east, the town of Fond du Lac finds itself nestled on the shores of Lake Winnebago. Here, you can find baseball in the form of the 2018 Northwoods League championship-winning Dock Spiders. With a simple stadium that features clean sightlines and cozy touches, you’re sure to find a great spot for watching America’s pastime.   Food & Beverage   4 There are several options for food and drinks at Dock Spiders games. Home Plate Cantina features nachos ($5-$11.25) and walking tacos ($9), as well as mixed liquor drinks ($5-$10). Above the seats in left field is the Drink Shanty, where you can find beer ($6-$8) and sodas ($3) at affordable prices. Water is also sold at the Drink Shanty for $3.50, along with assorted snacks at $5 each (peanuts and popcorn). The main concession stand is the Festival Foods Grill – here you can find a wide array of options. Pizza ($5), brats ($5.50), hot dogs ($4.50), burgers ($6-$7.50), chicken tender baskets ($11), and pulled pork sandwiches ($7.25) are all on the menu, as are waffle fries ($4), helmet cheese fries ($6.50), cheese curds ($6.50), jumbo pretzels ($4.50), and helmet mac ‘n cheese with BBQ pulled pork ($7.50). Snacks and drinks are also plentiful, including beer served in souvenir bats for $15.   Atmosphere   4 Located next to the campus of Marian University, the stadium itself is simple in design. Reminiscent of some D1 college stadiums and other minor and independent league fields, Herr-Baker Field features five separate seating sections. On top of that, the main concession stand is under a covered area, meaning waiting in line during those hot summer days won’t be a miserable time, since you’re in the shade. There is a sizable team store under the seats in left field, and right field features a respectable kids' play area with inflatables for the youngest fans. The scoreboards feature both video replay and traditional scoring options, but the best view may be from the patio on the Rooftop Picnic Deck, offering elevated views and great seating options.   Neighborhood   4 The area around Fond du Lac is exactly what you would expect to find in rural Wisconsin – rolling hills, farmland, forests, and small towns. While it lacks the variety and quantity of a large city, you could do way worse in your rural travels. The town of Fond du Lac is quintessential Americana, with a traditional Main Street downtown district as well as a large park along Lake Winnebago, which features fishing and boating as well as sports fields and picnic spots. Hotels are plentiful nearby, with Hampton Inn and historic Hotel Retlaw your best bets. If you’re looking for something to eat, the area also has a wide variety of restaurants, from Buffalo Wild Wings (which hosts Dock Spider watch parties for the team’s away games) to McDonald’s. For those looking for something else to see and do, the Kettle-Moraine State Forest is not far from the town, providing some great hiking options. In addition, the Kohler factory is in nearby Sheboygan, and Road America  is just thirty minutes east.   Fans   3 The fans at Dock Spider games are mostly locals; they’ve embraced their team with full hearts. and fill the seats on most nights. While the stadium isn’t that large to begin with, the fans can bring the noise when needed. That said, it is a more relaxed atmosphere than some sports venues you may have visited, so if you’re looking for a loud and rowdy stadium experience, you’ll be a bit let down here. Don’t let that detract from the enjoyment of the game, however, as it also means your fellow fans are kind and courteous, always welcoming, and open to casual conversation.   Access   3 To get to Herr-Baker Field, the best route is along Route 23. Once you enter the east side of Fond du Lac, you can drive south on Prairie Road until you arrive at the front gate for Herr-Baker Field. Parking is plentiful all around the streets of Marian University just outside the stadium, so get there early if you want to walk a shorter distance.   Return on Investment   5 Tickets are incredibly affordable for Dock Spider games, starting at just $12 for bleachers and $14 for box seats, and you can upgrade to patio tables for four at $150 (total), or VIP Suites for $532. All-you-can-eat seats are also available for fans at various games, and giveaway and theme nights are fairly common with the Dock Spiders.   Extras   3 The main entrance features a large display case of baseball history in the Fond du Lac area. Here you can discover the history behind the team and the stadium, as well as some famous players who have come through town. The right field area features a kids play area, while left field features the Rounding Third beer garden. Fans can also sit for a photo in the oversized wood chair outside the main gate, which features the Dock Spiders logo.   Final Thoughts The Dock Spiders are a great option for baseball fans in Wisconsin who want a truly family-friendly atmosphere, with affordable ticket and food options. Located in a beautiful part of the state along Lake Winnebago, Fond du Lac is also a quaint town with many options for fans who want to stay the night and explore the area around them.

Photos by James Hilcheb Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.71 Veterans Memorial Stadium 950 Rockford Road SW Cedar Rapids, IA 52404 Cedar Rapids Kernels website Veterans Memorial Stadium website Year Opened: 2002 Capacity: 5,300 Cedar Rapids Kernels Veterans Memorial Stadium in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, opened in 2002. The current stadium replaced the original Veterans Memorial Stadium, now the parking lot, that opened in 1949. Cedar Rapids has a rich baseball history began in the late 19th century. After a seven-year hiatus due to World War II, baseball returned to town in 1949 and has been played there ever since. The original Veterans Memorial Stadium hosted many teams in different leagues throughout the 1940s and 1950s. In 1962, the stadium became home to a Midwest League team and has been affiliated with it since, although under different names: Red Raiders, Cardinals Astros, Giants, and Reds. The Kernels name was adopted in 1993. In 2013, the Kernels became a Single-A affiliate of the Minnesota Twins after having spent 20 seasons as an affiliate of the Los Angeles Angels. In 2016, the stadium played host to the Midwest League All-Star Game. With realignment occurring before the 2021 season, the ball club moved from being the Low-A affiliate to the High-A affiliate of the Twins. After minor league contraction, the Kernels are one of three remaining affiliated minor league teams in Iowa, the  Quad Cities River Bandits , and the Iowa Cubs . In 2023, the team installed a brand-new LED video board that allows for much more information and video content for fans. The renovations also included a new playing surface, a stadium annex, a players' lounge, and locker room renovations. Food & Beverage 3 Nothing jumps out at you as being overly unique, but there are plenty of food options for all tastes. The typical fare of hot dogs, burgers, nachos, etc is well represented. Ice cream is a good option, especially on the hot, humid summer days that Iowa is known for. The best bet is the Hot Corner Grill located down the third baseline. Here you have options of numerous-sized burgers, pulled pork, cheese steak, and a ribeye sandwich. They also give a litany of different topping choices. On select games, there are BBQ and Mexican carts open on the concourse. For beverages, Pepsi products are the featured soda along with water and sports drinks. Beer is available in both domestic and specialty (imports and craft brews). Wine and mixed drinks are also available. Atmosphere 4 The majority of the seating is traditional stadium-type seating. The seats are comfortably sized and have cup holders. It doesn’t much matter where you sit in sections 104-118. All the seats have a great view of the field. If your preference is to stay out of the sun, your best bet is the back rows of club seating, especially behind home plate and the third base dugout. These areas also give you a good view of the new scoreboard, which is beyond the right field wall. Down the right field line, sections 100-103, are plaza seating. These are metal bleachers and not particularly comfortable. It is well worth the extra couple of bucks to go with club seats. The concourse is easy to maneuver and although you have a clear view of the field while standing in line for concessions, there are TVs throughout the concourse with a live feed of the game. A particularly nice feature is the standing tables that line the concourse. If you would rather stand while eating your food, this is a great option without missing a single pitch. In the left field corner, there is a play area for kids. It is kind of tucked away behind a concessions area, which makes it difficult for parents to watch both their kids and the game at the same time, but still a nice option. Neighborhood 2 Veterans Memorial is situated in a complex style setting along with the Cedar Rapids Ice Arena , home to the Cedar Rapids RoughRiders of the USHL, a multi-purpose high school stadium, a small tennis complex, and a park. The stadium is located in the Kingston district, in the southwest of town. This area is home to a mix of industrial and residential sections. As such, entertainment venues, bars, and restaurants are hard to come by, but there are a few good options. Directly across the street is the Stadium Lounge. While not the flashiest place around, the traditional bar-style food is good, drinks are reasonably priced, and the employees are pleasant. Try the broasted chicken. A great selection is the Irish Democrat Pub & Grille. About four miles away from the ballpark, the Irish Democrat offers up some great food and plenty of beer options. Just across the river is Bricks Bar & Grill. Bricks offers up a fun atmosphere along with good food and about 60 beers to choose from. Another fun option is the Flying Wienie. They serve all sorts of hot dog combinations. You are out of luck if you go to a game on Sunday…they are closed. If staying in Cedar Rapids, you have the choice of lodging with a cluster of hotels a couple of miles south of the stadium, just off I-380. The Holiday Inn Express is a nice spot, with decent prices, and clean rooms. Fans 4 While Cedar Rapids isn’t the biggest city around, the thing that stuck with me was that everyone seemed to know everyone else, like people were coming to the ballpark with their summer families. It is a refreshing experience and makes for a great time. The fans are quite pleasant, follow along with the game, get loud when the game dictates, and generally enjoy themselves. Access 4 Veterans Memorial Stadium is located about a mile away from I-380 and is easy to find. Upon arriving, there is plenty of parking, which is all free. Once inside, the concourse is wide, and getting around the stadium is very easy. The restrooms are clean and sufficient for the amount of fans that generally attend the games. Getting in and out of the stadium is easy and the vast majority of concessions are situated so you won’t miss any of the game if you are standing in a line. Plenty of handicapped seating is available. Return on Investment 4 Tickets are priced anywhere from $12-$18. With parking being free and the concessions around what you would pay elsewhere, a trip to Veterans Memorial Stadium is a very good value and an enjoyable time. Extras 5 Before, or after the game, a visit to the Linn County All Veterans Memorial is a must. It is located just outside the stadium and is a very well-done tribute to the local men and women who served the United States. Photo by James Hilchen, Stadium Journey As a nod to their affiliation with the Minnesota Twins, a prominent sign in left field displays the retired numbers of all the Twins (along with Jackie Robinson’s number 42). There is also a nice tribute to pitcher Nick Adenhart, a former Kernel, who went on to pitch for the Angels but was killed by a drunk driver. Inside the Diamond Store (team store), is a room that houses the Cedar Rapids Baseball Hall of Fame. This is a must-see if you are interested in the history of baseball in this city. On the wall are pictures and bios of those in the Hall. Display cases house old documents, uniforms, bats, balls, and autographs of some of the players who spent a portion of their careers in Cedar Rapids. The team offers free tours of the suite level, which has a great timeline of the history of baseball in Cedar Rapids. The outfield wall has some unique dimensions at Veterans Memorial Park. Down the line measures 315 feet. The wall enters the playing area and about fifteen to twenty feet in, goes back at an angle, and then straightens out again. This is a unique feature that makes for some interesting bounces when the ball goes off the wall. The left field gap is deep and a batter would have to step on one to get it out of the park there, at a distance of 407 feet. A special mention to the staff at the ballpark. They are very friendly and will point you in the right direction for whatever you need. Final Thoughts Veterans Memorial Stadium isn’t anything fancy, but it provides everything you need to enjoy a fun baseball experience. If you are a ballpark fanatic, don’t sleep on this one.

Photos by Chris Green, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.71 Road America N7390 WI-67 Elkhart Lake, WI 53073 IMSA website Road America website Year Opened: 1955 Capacity: 150,000 IMSA’s Midwest Home 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, Trans Am, and others, IMSA provides a weekend of GT-only sportscar racing. The product on track offers stellar racing over four days. 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 IMSA schedule. Couple that with a revival for IMSA’s fanbase in recent years, and you’ll quickly see why this is such a popular weekend.   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 to that the incredible track store and the free fan shuttle that can take you around the various viewing areas, and you have a solid basis for calling this one of the best tracks around. In 2024 the track also debuted a new walking and golf cart path around the outside of the Canada Corner, which leads to the bottom of the hill where grandstands can be found. New signage is also featured throughout the track, with the track layout carved into metal slats around the bases.   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 are 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 some time or another. And, for those looking for something to see and do, the Kettle-Moraine State Forest is not far from the track, 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   5 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. Additionally, the fan attendance in 2024 was the highest in decades, showcasing IMSA’s increase in attendance across the board at all their tracks.   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 may discover there are several other entrances to the track that you didn’t even know about, which can be frustrating if you had to wait in line for hours; check the fan map of the venue before you go 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.   Return on Investment   5 Road America is one of the best tracks at which you can watch a race. 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.   Extras   5 You can take a trip to Elkhart Lake just a few miles away, and follow the original track layouts through historic markers along the roadside. Before it had its current layout, Road America was once 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 from, 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. The tracks also features several selfie stands around the property for fans to get photos of themselves at various iconic trackside locations. However, 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 go 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, and with the atmosphere during IMSA weekend, it is hard to pass up this perfect event.

Photos by Paul Baker, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.86 Mohegan Sun Arena 1 Mohegan Sun Blvd Uncasville, CT 06382 Connecticut Sun website Mohegan Sun Arena website Year Opened: 2001 Capacity: 10,000 The Sun Also Rises   The WNBA Draft Class of 2024 has spearheaded an unprecedented increase in attention for the women’s professional game. But even before this, there were areas of the country that could have truly been called women’s basketball hotbeds. Back in 2003, the league took advantage of the rabid following for the UConn Huskies women’s team and moved the Orlando Miracle to the Nutmeg State.   The franchise, which was unsuccessful in Florida, was purchased by the Mohegan tribe and moved to their casino, Mohegan Sun, located in Uncasville, Connecticut. The team’s nickname is derived from its affiliation with the casino, and its logo is an interpretation of an ancient Mohegan tribal symbol. At the time of their debut, the Sun was the first professional sports franchise to be owned by Native Americans.   The Sun has qualified for the WNBA playoffs in 15 of their 21 seasons in Connecticut. They have made the league finals on four occasions, most recently in 2022. The Sun has yet to win the WNBA championship.   Food & Beverage 4   At a place like Mohegan Sun Arena, where there are several world-class dining options just steps from the entrance, it would stand to reason that the concession options inside the arena wouldn’t try to outshine these options. And that is certainly the case at a Sun game. While the concession menus do have highlights, they do not stray far from arena basics.   Stands line the inner edge of the concourse as well as the atriums on either side of the facility. In a departure from the norm, assorted subs and wraps highlight the menus at most stands. Arena standards such as hot dogs and nachos round out the selections, along with an impressive selection of snacks.   The highlight of the Mohegan Sun Arena concessions experience can be found at the Frank Pepe pizza stand. Easily the most popular item sold here, individual slices or entire pizzas can be purchased. Unfortunately for apizza connoisseurs, the slices here are a pale imitation of those found at the original restaurant in New Haven. They are still quite tasty, though.   Coca-Cola products are featured at Mohegan Sun Arena, offered in both bottles and fountain cups. There is a Roadies’ Taphouse located in both arena atriums, with an extensive beer list to choose from. Local beers, craft beers, and canned cocktails give patrons plenty of quality choices.   Atmosphere 4   The Sun does its best to put on a family-friendly game day experience in a location that may not be considered family-friendly. As you enter the arena, you are likely to be greeted by Blaze, the team’s fuzzy orange mascot, who spends the beginning of its evening interacting with fans. Members of the Sun’s dance squad, Solar Power, also greet fans at the entrances.   Local organizations line the concourse running raffles and offering giveaways. Feel free to sign up for contests and pick up a free roster sheet while you circle the concourse. The interior of the arena has been designed to mimic the overall aesthetic of the casino and evoke the look of the local forest.   As you enter the seating bowl, you’ll notice the scoreboard. While it’s got a crystal-clear picture and is put to good use with hype videos, replays, and promotions, it’s tiny by today’s standards. On either end of the seating bowl are additional video boards that display basic game stats.   The Sun staff do their best to keep everyone entertained during their visit to Uncasville. From pyrotechnics during player introductions to music played during the action to the presence of dance teams and an emcee who doesn’t stop exhorting the fans to make noise all night long, there’s plenty to see and do. Throw in fan contests during play stoppages, t-shirt tosses, and other giveaways, it’s almost sensory overload at Mohegan Sun Arena.   Neighborhood 5    Eastern Connecticut is an area full of small towns and wooded countryside removed from the urban areas of southern New England. Still, Mohegan Sun Casino is centrally located within the region and is located roughly an hour from Providence, Worcester, Hartford, and New Haven. Neighboring Foxwoods Casino is just over 10 miles to the east.   Mohegan Sun is one of the largest casinos in the United States, with over 364,000 square feet of gaming space. For fans who come to Sun games and do not want to gamble, the casino also contains theaters, nightclubs, 44 different restaurants with enough variety to satisfy any appetite, and 130,000 square feet of retail space, all located just steps from the arena’s front entrance. While the casino may not be your traditional neighborhood, the number and variety of entertainment choices available before or after a Sun game are impressive. More information about Mohegan Sun’s dining, entertainment and lodging options can be found here.   Fans visiting the area during the summer months of the WNBA season may wish to visit nearby Mystic, a seaside town and tourist attraction known for its historic seaport, maritime museum, preserved sailing ships, and aquarium. It's a popular destination for travelers in the area.   Fans 3   Throughout much of their existence, the Sun ranked in the top half of the WNBA’s attendance rankings. For the 2024 season, the Sun has dropped to 9th place in the league, with an average attendance of about 7,500 fans per game. Attendance is up almost 1,200 fans per game, with Mohegan Sun Arena filled to 80% capacity. These facts speak to the quantum leaps that the WNBA has experienced in support this year.   Even though the Sun play in a casino, where you wouldn’t figure to see a whole lot of younger fans, you will find a good mix of families here at Mohegan Sun Arena. The Sun’s staff do their best to create a family-friendly atmosphere, and their efforts show in the stands. Given the location of the arena in a casino, the crowd does tend to skew older than in other venues. This also may be due to the casino’s location in a less-populated area.   Access 5    Mohegan Sun Casino is located just off Interstate 395, which runs north-south through eastern Connecticut. Interstate 95, which runs east-west parallel to the Connecticut shoreline, is just a few miles away. Route 2A (Exit 9) off of I-395 will deposit fans right at the Casino.   There are several free parking garages surrounding the casino, none of which are more than a 10-minute walk to the arena entrance. If you can resist the bells and lights of the casino floor, you will be at the game in no time.   Once inside the arena, fans will enter into a clean, attractive concourse that is more than large enough to handle a typical Sun crowd. Lines for concessions move quickly, except at halftime. Likewise, restrooms are clean and more than large enough to handle a typical Sun crowd.   The steeply-pitched seating area is octagonal and separated into upper and lower levels. All seats are individual padded stadium seats, colored maroon on the lower level and blue on the upper. The arena is designed to accommodate several different types of events, and for basketball, the view from all seats is excellent.   Return on Investment 3   Ticket prices to Sun games fluctuate wildly, depending on the day of the game and the opponent. Weekday game tickets start at $25 and top out at $110 for center court seats. A scan of ticket prices for a late-season Friday night game against the defending champion Aces show prices more than doubled for this contest. The Sun offers deals and giveaways for games throughout the season. Follow the team’s social media pages and check in on the Sun website for flash sales and other deals.   Parking is free in the garages that surround the casino. Concessions at the arena are priced similarly to other venues in the area.   If you can resist the siren call of the gaming floor, you will find your visit to Mohegan Sun Arena to be the most affordable evening of entertainment. Who knows, you may even end up leaving the place with more money than you had upon arrival!   Extras 3                                                                                                 An extra point is awarded for the overall visual appeal of the Mohegan Sun Arena. The facility was designed to evoke the surrounding forests of eastern Connecticut and to fit in with the overall style of the casino. The muted colors and Native American decor are not often seen at a sporting facility and make for a very visually pleasing venue. Just outside the entrance to the arena visitors will find an indoor waterfall, as well as several mechanical wolves atop faux stone towers. These wolves will sit back, wag their tails, and howl from time to time.   Just outside the Arena is a Walk of Fame which honors some of the bigger acts to have played at the arena. Also, just steps from the arena entrance is the Wolf Den, where up-and-coming artists, as well as some well-known names, play free concerts. Acts as diverse as Herman’s Hermits, Maxi Priest, Kenny Wayne Shepherd, Los Lonely Boys, and Buck Cherry have played free shows in this intimate, 300-seat setting.   Hanging from the rafters at the Mohegan Sun Arena are several banners, honoring the team's conference championships, Billy Joel's ten consecutive sellouts at the facility, and the “Fight of the Century” between Mickey Ward and Arturo Gatti, which took place here on May 28, 2002. Other banners contain several Sun retired numbers and commemorate Mohegan Sun Arena’s “Venue of the Year” awards.   Final Thoughts   While a casino in the woods of eastern Connecticut may not be the first place that comes to mind when thinking of where to bring the family for an evening of sporting fun, the Mohegan Sun Arena is an excellent facility. There is something for everyone at Mohegan Sun, even the younger fans. And if some adult entertainment is what you are looking for, the options located just steps from the arena's front door are numerous and outstanding. -------   Follow Paul Baker’s stadium journeys on Twitter  and Instagram @PuckmanRI.

Photos by Marc Viquez, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.71 Legends Field 1800 Village West Pkwy Kansas City, KS 66111 Kansas City Monarchs website Legends Field website Year Opened: 2003 Capacity: 6,537 A New Reign in Kansas City Note: The Kansas City T-Bones rebranded as the Kansas City Monarchs on January 21, 2021. Our review is from when the club was still the T-Bones. If you travel a little further down I-70 and the Truman Sports Complex and cross the border into Kansas, you will find sports venues ranging from the Kansas Speedway to Children’s Mercy Field, and CommunityAmerica Ballpark. All three venues make up an impressive complex that consists of the Hollywood Casino, NASCAR Racing Experience, Great Wolf Lodge, an outlet mall, and many places to eat. The ballpark is home to the Kansas City T-Bones of the American Association, an independent ball club that began play in 2003. It has 6,537 fixed seats but increases to 7,500 when you include the concourse, picnic area, right field grass berm, and center field party area. There have been several times in the past that crowds above 10,000 have been reported. The ballpark also serves as home to the Kansas City Kansas Community College baseball team, and local high school programs, and was once the home pitch of the Kansas City Wizards (now Sporting Kansas City) from 2008 to 2010. Food & Beverage 4 There is a great selection of food options at the ballpark that is highlighted by the jumbo t-loin sandwich for $7.75 which is shareable and affordable. However, there are also plenty of barbecue options to be found that is worth enjoying while watching a game. The facility has a Fry Shack stand that serves up fried pickles, fried mushrooms, corn nuggets, and jalapeno poppers. There are also the usual food items of pizza slices, brats, nachos, and hot dogs. The Craft Brew Station features wraps, specialty pretzels, Philly sandwiches, wine, and craft beer selections from Kansas City’s Boulevard Brewing Company. The prices for some of the concession items are very reasonable, but other items tend to be on the higher side. However, there is enough variety that one can find something to eat to fit the budget but get the t-loin, it’s delicious. Atmosphere 3 The T-Bones offers a typical minor league ballpark experience that equates to a family-fun atmosphere. The ticket prices are low, the concessions are varied, and there are enough promotions throughout the season to attract fans to the ballpark. The team offers weekly promo nights that include kids eating free on Monday nights, happy hour pricing on Tuesday nights, post-game catch on the field on Wednesday nights, $1 beers on Thursday nights, and post-game fireworks on Friday nights. The usual promotions, but popular at getting fans in the seats and creating value for your dollar. The wide concourse that wraps around provides vantage points from numerous angles and can accommodate crowds that swell around 10,000 around the holidays during the summer. The ballpark offers a team store, a children’s play area, and a basketball court for the older kids. Sizzle the Bull is a friendly mascot that the kids will enjoy during games. Neighborhood 4 The ballpark is part of a sports and entertainment complex that also houses a soccer field, raceway, casino, outlet malls, and restaurants. It is the type of area where you may grab dinner before the game and then have a cocktail or two after the game and before you head home. Joe's Kansas City Bar-B-Que is one of many great places, Photo by Marc Viquez, Stadium Journey However, one of the best barbecue joints in the entire country is 16 miles near the state line and is worth the visit. Located in a former gas station is Joe’s Kansas City Barbecue which is world-renowned by chefs, locals, and tourists. There might be a line, but you can grab a beer or enjoy the smell of smoke as you near the cashier. Everything is good, including the sides, but the burnt ends are what you need to eat if you get the chance. However, Kansas City is known for its barbecue, and believe me, there are so many places in town to enjoy a smoked piece of meat. The list includes LC’s, Slaps, B.B’s Lawnside, Q39, Gates, and Char Bar. The only problem is not to overload on the barbecue, but you’re in Kansas City, one of the best cities in the world for barbecue. There are also great places to visit outside of eating including the National World War I Memorial and Museum, Negro Leagues Baseball Museum, the Money Museum, Science City at Union Station, and the College Basketball Experience at the Sprint Center downtown. The Negro Leagues Baseball Museum is a highlight of the a. trip to KC, Photo by Marc Viquez, Stadium Journey The WWI Museum is a fascinating look at an often overlooked war that is as interactive and engaging as it is informative. If you have time for baseball, there is a team called the Kansas City Royals who play at Kauffman Stadium from April to October. I hear that they even have fountains in their outfield and a great kids’ play area. Fans 3 The attendance at T-Bones games is routinely in the top third of the league with a healthy average of around 4,000 fans per game. The stadium has all the needs and wants of a 21st-century fan and many who attend games do an admirable job of cheering on the home team. They are your typical minor league fan of the independent leagues, they want value for their dollar, and they certainly get that here at the stadium. Access 5 The stadium is at the I-70 and I-435 intersection with plenty of signs guiding motorists to both the complex and ballpark. There is plenty of free parking and a spacious concourse that wraps around the entire field with plenty of room to move around. All bathrooms, concession stands, and exits are marked Return on Investment 4 Single ticket prices all have a $2 upcharge on game day events and fans are allowed to bring in one 20-ounce unopened bottle of water. General Admission/Lawn seating tickets are $6.50, Bleacher Select $9.50, Select Seat $11.50, Choice Seat $13, and Prime Seat $16. These are pretty typical prices for indy baseball clubs and even with a $2 upcharge, one can watch baseball under $10. The food selection is varied and is reasonably priced and a huge plus is that all parking for home games is free of charge. If you happen to have a Price Chopper card, a lawn seat is only $4.50 on Wednesday nights if you show it at the box office when purchasing your ticket. Extras 3 The stadium gets one point for having both free parking and $2 hot dogs for all home games. The stadium gets a second point for its spacious concourse and easy convenience to get around the facility. There are plenty of vantage points to sit back and enjoy the game from many spots in the ballpark. The stadium gets a final point for having local icon Buck O’Neil’s 22 retired. Final Thoughts Legends Field is a very nice place to watch a baseball game; it’s spacious, plenty of promotional nights, and is easy to get to by car. If you happen to be in town when the T-Bones are playing, watching a game on the Kansas side of the city might be worth your effort.

When Major League Baseball took over operations of the affiliated minor leagues in 2021, contracting 40 teams, it was a real boon for the independent leagues. Contraction opened up previously occupied markets and created opportunities for indy leagues to loosely affiliate themselves with Major League Baseball. One of the leagues to take advantage of the changing landscape was the American Association. Today, the American Association consists of 12 teams stretching geographically through the midwest from Manitoba to Texas. Many of the circuit's teams are located just outside of major league markets, where they can market themselves as affordable alternatives to the more expensive big league teams. Stadium Journey correspondents have visited all 12 of the American Association ballparks, rating each one according to our patented FANFARE scale, which takes a look at a facility's food, atmosphere, surrounding neighborhood, fan support, value, and more. We have ranked them all here for you in one convenient list. Share your thoughts on our social media channels @Stadium Journey. Shaw Park - Winnepeg Goldeyes 4.14 Marc Viquez - The Winnipeg Goldeyes are a class act in the world of independent league baseball. The crowd support, enthusiasm, friendly staff, and all-around great time are what visits Shaw Park a great investment with your ballpark dollar. Legends Field - Kansas City Monarchs 3.71 Marc Viquez -Legends Field is a very nice place to watch a baseball game; it’s spacious, has plenty of promotional nights, and is easy to get to by car. If you happen to be in town when the Monarchs are playing, watching a game on the Kansas side of the city might be worth your effort. Haymarket Park - Lincoln Saltdogs 3.71 Paul Baker - Haymarket Park is a nice facility located close to downtown Lincoln and the University of Nebraska. Sports fans visiting the area should be sure to check out nearby Memorial Stadium. Baseball fans will enjoy the mix of the ballpark’s small-town feel and modern amenities. Northwest Medicine Field - Kane County Cougars 3.57 Marc Viquez - Northwestern Medicine Field is an older minor league ballpark with a main concourse that does not wrap around the ball field. The atmosphere is festive with food trucks, lawn seating down both foul lines, a KidZone behind right field, and three wooden party decks for large groups. Plus, there is plenty of food and beverages to keep fans of all ages satisfied. Newman Outdoor Field - Fargo-Moorhead RedHawks 3.57 Paul Baker - Ballparks like Newman Outdoor Field and cities like Fargo are the backbone of minor-league baseball. Boasting affordable prices, a friendly atmosphere and a comfortable, fun place at which to watch a game, a trip to North Dakota is a worthy Stadium Journey for any baseball fan. Impact Field - Chicago Dogs 3.43 Marc Viquez - Impact Field is a fantastic-looking stadium and pushes the boundary for stadium design and aesthetics. The Chicagoland is a crowd with both major league and MLB partner league ballparks, and the Dogs provide a lot of fun and excitement with their branding, ticket pricing, and promotional nights. The Depot at Cleburne Stadium - Cleburne Railroaders 3.43 Michael Davis - The Depot at Cleburne Station is the headstone of future development around Cleburne, and the brand-new ballpark has the potential to keep professional baseball in Cleburne for many years to come. While Cleburne, Texas may not be a tourist hot spot, what it does have is an immaculate ballpark for any baseball fan. Sioux Falls Stadium - Sioux Falls Canaries 3.43 Chuck Utech - There are newer parks. There are some with more state-of-the-art features. There are few though that marry a feel of the community with amenities. Sioux Falls Stadium is an excellent ballpark that baseball fans can enjoy. Franklin Field - Milwaukee Milkmen 3.29 Marc Viquez - Franklin Field is not your ordinary baseball stadium. It blends in well with the neighborhood, and it will only be challenged by the imagination of its architects. The enthusiasm by the game day staff dressed as milkmen, and the numerous dairyland themes make for an alternative to watching professional baseball in Milwaukee. U.S. Steel Yard - Gary Southshore RailCats 3.00 Eric Hasman - U.S. Steel Yard is a nice ballpark and one of my favorites because it plays big (lots of triples). Even though it is not located in the best neighborhoods, it is safe and a place any ballpark enthusiast should see. Wisconsin Brewing Company - Lake County Dockhounds 3.00 Paul Baker - The developers of Wisconsin Brewing Company Park made many bold choices when they designed this multi-purpose park. Unfortunately, the result was a bland facility that features a less-than-ideal setup for all the sports it was designed to host. Once the kinks are worked out in this brand-new facility for this brand-new team, this will be a fine addition to the American Association roster of ballparks. Lewis and Clark Stadium - Sioux City Explorers 3.00 Paul Baker - Lewis and Clark Park is a small-town ballpark that is in danger of being passed by, even by the independent American Association. As the league continues to move into newer ballparks in larger cities, small cities like Sioux City are in danger of losing their teams. This is hardly an indictment on ballparks like Lewis and Clark Park, which are quickly becoming obsolete as the stadium arms race escalates.

Photos by Gregory Koch, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.29 Buckley Field 4300 Powelton Ave Philadelphia, PA 19104 Drexel Dragons website Buckley Field website Year Opened: 2017 (renovation) Capacity: 500 (estimation) Roar Like a Dragon Located about a mile from Drexel University’s main campus in Center City Philadelphia, the Vidas Athletic Complex consists of several fields that are home to several of the Dragons' athletic programs. In the back of the complex is Buckley Field, home of Drexel field hockey. This stadium was extensively renovated in 2017 and is named after Bob Buckley, a member of the Drexel Board of Trustees. Elsewhere in the complex, you will find Vidas Field , home of Drexel soccer and lacrosse, as well as a softball field, tennis courts, and a practice field. Food & Beverage 0 There is no food or drink for sale at Buckley Field, but fans are free to bring their own. There are plenty of places to buy food nearby. Atmosphere 3 The seating area at Buckley Field consists of one set of bleachers along one sideline. These seats put you pretty close to the field and you will have a great view of the action. Many fans also choose to stand along the fence surrounding the field. Keep in mind that depending on how close you are, you may be within range of the water cannons, so be sure to move away when they turn them on before the game and at halftime unless you want to get wet. (This is not such a bad thing on a hot day early in the season, but if it is a cold, windy, 40-degree day in late October or early November, you will regret it.) A small scoreboard on the right side shows the score, clock, and time remaining on penalty cards. For the most part, there is little going on here other than the game, but there is one unique tradition. Before Drexel penalty corners, the sound of a dragon roaring is played over the PA system, an allusion to Drexel's nickname. This gets the crowd fired up for what is typically a big moment in the game. Neighborhood 5 Buckley Field is located about a mile from Drexel’s campus in the Center City area of Philadelphia. Just within a few blocks of the stadium, you will find numerous restaurants ranging from pizza to Jamaican to Indian to Ethiopian and many others. Of course, every Philadelphian has their favorite place to get a cheesesteak in the city. For other entertainment, the Philadelphia Zoo is less than two miles away and history buffs will want to check out the Liberty Bell and other historic sites while they are in town. Fans 3 Drexel draws about 100-200 fans a game for field hockey, many of them friends and family of the players. Although this is a typical crowd in numbers, it is a more passionate bunch than at most places. The crowd can get rowdy at times, such as during penalty corners or scoring opportunities for the Dragons. They come decked in Drexel gear and seem dedicated to supporting the team for the whole game. Access 4 There are many highways into Philadelphia although you will have to do the last couple of miles of driving on city streets which can have heavy traffic at times. Once you arrive at the Vidas Athletic Complex, you will drive through the gates into a parking lot in front of the soccer stadium. Parking here is free, a rarity in a major city like Philadelphia, and if the lot fills up, street parking is available nearby. Once you park, you will walk around the corner to the right, past the soccer stadium, and go back past the field house and restrooms to get to Buckley Field. The lot may fill up, especially if there is another event in the complex before the field hockey game. Restrooms (real ones, not Port-a-Potties) are located behind the field house in between Buckley Field and Vidas Field, and are of sufficient size for the crowds, even if multiple events are going on at once in the complex. If arriving by public transit, the 46th Street metro station on the Market-Frankford Line (currently rebranding as the L) is only a few blocks away from the complex. You will enter through the same entrance as vehicles and follow the same directions as above. Return on Investment 4 Admission to Drexel field hockey games is free, parking is free if you manage to snag a space in the lot, and you won't pay anything for concessions because there aren't any. However, there isn't enough here to earn the top score. Keep in mind that free admission applies to regular-season games only. For conference and NCAA tournament games, there may be an admission charge. Extras 4 There is a merchandise table selling Drexel athletic gear between Buckley Field and Vidas Field. The hats that look like Drexel mascot Mario the Dragon are especially popular. A second star for the dragon roar during penalty corners, a unique sound effect. On the far side of the field, look for the flags honoring Drexel's appearances in the NCAA tournament. A fourth star for the chance to see multiple games in the Vidas Athletic complex in one visit. If you time things right, you can easily see a soccer and field hockey game back to back. Final Thoughts With the roar of the dragon and the passionate crowds, a Drexel field hockey game can be a fun way to spend a fall afternoon or evening if you follow the sport. In any case, it's hard to argue with the chance to see a sporting event completely for free, especially in a major city like Philadelphia.

Photos by Chris Green, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.14 Virginia International Raceway 1245 Pine Tree Rd Alton, VA 24520 SRO Motorsports website Virginia International Raceway website Year Opened: 1957 Capacity: 10,000 Virginia’s Sportscar Racing Mecca The famed Virginia International Raceway has been a favorite visit among sportscar racers for decades, hosting multiple events during the season including IMSA, Trans Am, and GridLife. The winding roads through the hills of rural southern Virginia are challenging for many, while also providing a beautiful, verdant backdrop for some of racing’s best to test each other’s mettle. Visiting the track has become a must-do for some of racing’s biggest fans over the years, and a visit to the facility helps you understand why rather quickly.   Food & Beverage   3 There are several food options in the main paddock area, including the popular Paddock Café. This spot nestled next to the track features burgers, hot dogs, chicken fingers, and more. To make it easier for fans to order, the café also has several bundle options that generally run in the $10 range for a main item (burger, chicken, etc.) plus fries and a drink. In addition, the track has snacks, ice cream, and various other items for sale at the main concession stand, and some food trucks pop up during the bigger race weekends down in the paddock area as well. Recently, automated tablets have been added here to speed up the ordering process, but lines to pick up orders are no less short. The track also has an on-site restaurant called Oak Tree Tavern & Connie’s Pub, which is a more upscale option than something on the quick service side down by the paddock. The biggest downside at Virginia International Raceway, however, is that there are no other food options around the facility for fans who set up camp in other parts of the venue, or who wish to wander the property to watch the racing action. Thankfully, during SRO weekend the aforementioned food trucks are here to offer alternative food and beverage options for fans.   Atmosphere   5 Virginia International Raceway’s track is big, fast, and beautiful. Most of the track’s viewing areas offer views that extend beyond just one corner and include the complex heading up to and away from where you are set up, something that many other road courses are unable to boast. The fans also tend to come from all around and pack in the viewing mounds and grandstands around the facility, meaning you will be surrounded by your racing friends all weekend. The paint scheme and architecture of the various buildings harkens back to southern plantation-style homes, as well as to the farmhouses and barns that the rural south has become known for. Situated next to a watershed for a river, the surrounding area is also full of beautiful green trees to give Virginia International Raceway that special wooded look. VIR also continues to improve the fan access experience year over year – new tent camping areas were opened up a few years ago inside the turns 1-4 area on the driver’s left, while the RV camping and fan viewing areas were also extended far down the backstretch.   Neighborhood   1 The biggest downside to VIR is its lack of neighbors – while there is peace in the solitude of VIR’s rural setting, there is quite literally nothing around Virginia International Raceway in any direction for at least half an hour. Located just over an hour north of the greater Raleigh-Durham area in North Carolina, and half an hour southeast of South Boston in Virginia, you’d have to drive a while to find anything as far as hotels or restaurants. A lot of fans and teams stay in Danville, VA to the west, which is where you can find the closest places to eat – here you can find restaurants such as Buffalo Wild Wings and 2 Witches Winery & Brewing Company, or lodging options such as Sleep Inn & Suites and Courtyard by Marriott. For something to do while in the area, South Boston Speedway features local short track racing on weekend nights, or down in Durham, NC you can visit Duke Forest for a quiet hike in the suburbs.   Fans   3 The fans at Virginia International Raceway are pretty great as far as sportscar racing fans go. They love anything motorsports, show up en masse for race weekends, and know everything about the sport they love and the drivers who compete in it. You can find everyone from young fans who are just learning about the sport, to diehard loyalists who have been going for a long time. While SRO weekend may not sport the same number of fans as one can see during IMSA weekends, the crowd is no less impressive, growing year after year thanks to SRO’s fan outreach.   Access   2 To get to Virginia International Raceway you have to drive off the main roads. State Highway 58 is the closest main roadway, connecting Danville to South Boston – there are no other major highways in or around the area, with I-85 almost 30-45 minutes away to the southeast. That said, once you get to the track parking is plentiful on site and is well-marked. Fans can also enjoy getting around the facility easily, thanks to the signage pointing them towards the paddock area from the main parking lots in the infield.   Return on Investment   4 Tickets for SRO at VIR are affordable, offering fans the ability to not have to break the bank to get access to exciting racing. Camping passes are also affordable, which means you can take in the races on-site without losing your shirt. Add in relatively average concession prices, and a family of four can watch a full weekend of quality sportscar racing for under $250 all in.   Extras   4 Virginia International Raceway’s victory lane is located right in the main paddock, meaning fans can get up close to the post-race celebrations. SRO brings in a large platform for the ceremonies, meaning you can see them from the back in the crowd as well as from upfront. The venue also erects TV screens at various points around the property for fans to see the action around the track while it is happening, meaning you won’t miss anything regardless of where you decide to watch the race from. Tickets to race weekend also get you into the paddock area for free, something other tracks and races require an additional ticket for. In addition, races at Virginia International Raceway also generally include driver meet and greets and autograph sessions for fans to see the stars up close. SRO itself also hosts various autograph sessions during the race weekend, allowing fans the ability to meet their favorite drivers.   Final Thoughts Taking a trip to Virginia International Raceway is a must-do for any race fan who wants to see some quality sportscar racing; the track is big, technical, and exciting. Fans from all around flock to the speedway for a day at the races, and it’s easy to see why. While driving to the track and finding a place to stay nearby may be a challenge, Virginia International Raceway offers plenty for both casual and diehard sports fans to make your visit worth the trek.

Photos by Terry McCutchen, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.57 Momentum Bank Ballpark 5514 Champions Dr Midland, TX 79706 Midland RockHounds website Momentum Bank Ballpark website Year Opened: 2002 Capacity: 6,669 Rockin' in the Midlands Since 2002 Momentum Bank Ballpark has been home to the Midland Rockhounds, the Double-A affiliate of the Oakland Athletics . Located in West Texas on the border of the Chihuahuan desert and the Panhandle Plains, the Midland-Odessa area is most famous for two things: oil and high school football. The ballpark is an oasis in the landscape that has brought visitors from the days it was built – the Rockhounds are anticipating hosting their 10 millionth fan at some point during the final few games of 2024, or early in the 2025 season. Before this stadium was built, the team played in Christensen Stadium as the Cubs (1972-1984) and Angels (1985-1998) before rebranding as the Rockhounds in 1999. A rockhound is a nickname for a geologist, in honor of the oil and gas industry, which is responsible for approximately 30% of the Permian Basin’s workforce. The Rockhounds and their predecessor names have won 7 championships in their history, most recently in 2017. They were also leading their division by 2 games late in August when I last visited on a warm Sunday afternoon. Food & Beverage   4 Upon entering the ballpark gate you are met with a plethora of aromas, including the smell of grilled sausages, burgers, barbecue, Mexican food, popcorn, and more wafting through the air. Multiple concession stands and kiosks are spread from foul pole to foul pole; in addition to traditional ballpark fare such as hot dogs, hamburgers, popcorn, and pretzels, the Rockhounds also offer foods such as Philly cheesesteaks, PB & J hot dogs, supreme nachos, and grilled chicken sandwiched. Momentum Bank Ballpark also offers numerous beer offerings beyond the standard market brands, including local craft beer Tall City  in 4 different styles, Yuengling, and the Texas beers Karbach and Saint Arnold's Lawnmower .   Atmosphere   3 The slightly smaller-than-life-size catcher statue on a large home plate-shaped cement pad welcomes visitors to Momentum Bank Ballpark as you walk up from the north. Displayed on the cement in front of the catcher are bronze plates recognizing championships and other team accomplishments through their history, which sets the tone for an enjoyable experience. Fans are treated to a beautiful view of the field from directly behind home plate as they enter the gate, and head toward the team store, concession stand of choice, or their seats. There is a large video scoreboard beyond the right field fence, which displays player information as well as advertising, and between inning challenges and quizzes – video ribbon boards above the seating on both baselines display current player statistics and line scores. There are also three pitch clocks, one on the outfield berm which is visible to the crowd, batter, catcher, and home plate umpire, as well as two on the backstop visible to the fielders and field umpires. Like most MiLB franchises, the Rockhounds promote their sponsors well – during most home games of the 2024 season they offer either an advertised promotion, giveaway, or discount. For example, every Tuesday game promises 2-for-1 tickets, Wednesdays call for half-price hot dogs, Saturday games end with postgame fireworks, and fans are given free ice cream for all Sunday games. In addition, Thirsty Thursdays have drink discounts and Fridays are usually when cap, t-shirt, and jersey giveaways take place. It seems that no matter which game you might choose to attend, value is added to your ticket purchase.   Neighborhood   4 Located off Loop 250 in northwest Midland, the area around Momentum Bank Ballpark is home to newer homes and businesses, as well as open land plotted for future development and growth. There are numerous quality hotels across the street from and within walking distance of the ballpark – these accommodations include Tru by Hilton , Townplace Suites , and Residence Inn   among others. No matter what your palette desires, you should be able to find a restaurant within a few miles of Momentum Bank Ballpark to satisfy you; eating establishments within a long line drive include Raising Canes, Osaka Japanese Steakhouse , Clear Springs Seafood and Steaks , and   La Mision Mexican Food . Or, if you’re looking to have a drink and relax after the game, Fair To Midland  Kitchen and Bar or The Hemingway  are two excellent options just a short distance away.   Fans   3 Momentum Bank Ballpark, and Midland in general, have been home to a consistent fan base since baseball was introduced to the Permian Basin in the 1970s – this is well documented by the average of over 250,000 fans per season, or over 3500 per game. The game I most recently attended was a late summer Sunday afternoon the week before school started, so attendance was lower than normal. Fans in attendance cheered for between-inning game participants and made noise when the Rockhounds snuffed out a late-game rally from the opponent; you can tell that regular fans are very knowledgeable about the game here and want to have an impact on its outcome.   Access   4 Getting into the ballpark is easier here than at many other stadiums – Momentum Bank Ballpark is located in Scharbauer Sports Complex, which houses Grande Communications Football Stadium as well as competition soccer fields, ensuring plenty of parking lots within less than 100 yards of the ballpark’s gate. The Rockhounds also offer free parking, which makes for a wonderful first impression. Public transportation is available to most games, but is not an option as a way to get back after the game ends, since the rides end at 7:30 pm – Uber  and Lyft  are much better options and are typically available when needed. Mobile tickets are required at Momentum Bank Ballpark, and the process was effortless using the MiLB ticketing software. Gates open only 30 minutes before the first pitch on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Sundays, but an hour prior for games on other days. Clear bags are required, but you are allowed a 20-ounce water bottle if you desire. The concourse is large enough for multiple grill kiosks, a bar down the third baseline, a safety tent, and an information table without hampering movement at all. Lines move fast due to concession options in all areas of the stadium. My suggestion is to take time to walk the concourse around the ballpark and enjoy the view from every angle. If you are fortunate enough to attend a night game, you’ll want to catch the west Texas sunset behind the first base stands from the left-field berm.   Return on Investment   4 Attending Rockhound games is an affordable event. Ticket prices range from $8 for general admission berm seating to $12 for reserved seats in sections well down both baselines, up to $22 for premium reserved seats in the sections behind home plate. While there are no bad seats at Momentum Bank Ballpark, the added price for premium reserved seating is worth the added cost. You can also find other opportunities to save through promotions such as 2-for-1 tickets on Tuesdays, Thirsty Thursdays, free ice cream Sundays, and half-price hot dogs on Wednesdays. Concession prices here won’t break the bank either – non-alcoholic drinks are $4.50 to $6, and most beer and wine cost between $7 and $9 depending on your selection. Adding food items, a person can enjoy a meal at the game for less than $20 and easily feel satisfied, which is very much in line with other Double-A experiences in the minor league system.   Extras   3 An extra point is given for the splash pad – only those who’ve experienced the Texas summer heat would understand this. Points are also added for the friendliness and accommodation of the staff, as well as for the free parking.   Final Thoughts Midland Rockhound Baseball is the only professional baseball option within 250 miles. As such, the leadership and game presentation could easily become stale, with the staff here counting solely on their monopoly to sell tickets and bring in crowds. Instead, they have chosen to offer an experience that is fun for all ages and different levels of baseball acuity. Whether you are spending one night in Midland or an extended time, attending a Midland Rockhounds game should make the to-do list.

When Major League Baseball took over operations of the affiliated minor leagues in 2021, contracting 40 teams, it was a real boon for the independent leagues. Contraction opened up previously occupied markets and created opportunities for indy leagues to loosely affiliate themselves with Major League Baseball. One of the leagues to take advantage of the changing landscape was the Frontier League. Today, the Frontier League consists of 16 teams stretching geographically from Quebec to St. Louis. Many of the circuit's teams are located just outside of major league markets, where they can market themselves as affordable alternatives to the more expensive big league teams. Stadium Journey correspondents have visited all 16 of the Frontier League ballparks, rating each one according to our patented FANFARE scale, which takes a look at a facility's food, atmosphere, surrounding neighborhood, fan support, value, and more. We have ranked them all here for you in one convenient list. Share your thoughts on our social media channels @Stadium Journey. 1. Duly Health and Care Field - Joliet Slammers - 4.29 Eric Hasman - Duly Health and Care Field has a surprising lot of pros to make it one of the best ballparks in the Chicagoland area. It offers a wraparound concourse, creative food options, cheap prices, a healthy selection of craft beers, and an active surrounding neighborhood to make it well worth your while to visit. 2. Mercy Health Stadium - Lake Erie Crushers - 4.00 Chris Green - The Lake Erie Crushers are a team that is perhaps overlooked too often, which is unfair to their extremely family-friendly atmosphere. Mercy Health Stadium is well laid out, and while it may not feature multi-level suite boxes or upper deck seating, the venue offers great sightlines and comfortable seating in all areas. 3. Thomas More Stadium - Florence Y'Alls - 3.86 Marc Viquez - Thomas More Stadium is a small stadium that packs in a big punch. It is a simple facility that makes up for it by getting base hits with free parking, local food variety, affordable prices, and a positive attitude. The use of the water tower and the phrase "Florence Y'all" is awesomely fun. If the Reds are not in town, take the short drive and watch the team play. 4. Joseph L. Bruno Stadium - Tri-City Valley Cats - 3.71 Paul Baker - While “The Joe” may not stand out from the crowd as a facility, the ValleyCats do a whole lot right at Bruno Stadium. With a game day experience that features a top-notch menu, excellent customer service, and numerous extras, a trip to Tri-City is certainly worth taking. 5. Stade Canac - Quebec Capitales - 3.71 Paul Baker - Quebec would never be considered a baseball city by most fans, but Les Capitales has been one of the more successful independent teams both on and off the field. A trip to historic Stade Canac is one worth taking for any ballpark chaser. 6. Grizzlies Ballpark - Gateway Grizzlies - 3.71 Marc Viquez - It is a marvelous, little ballpark that has become one of the better ones in independent baseball. The ticket prices are affordable, the food is creative and fun, and promotional nights should attract fans to the stadium. When in St. Louis, there is more than one option for a baseball game. 7. Bosse Field - Evansville Otters - 3.57 Marc Viquez-Bosse Field is an example of baseball from another time and its aura can be felt the moment you walk through the main entrance. To many, it’s a tourist attraction and a baseball destination for ballpark travelers. However, it remains “a foe to time” and “a monument to the city” and one of the last of its kind in professional baseball. Photo Courtesy of Julio Bocher 8. Wild Things Park - Washington Wild Things - 3.57 The Wild Things have been a mainstay in the Frontier League since 1997. Located in the suburbs of Pittsburgh, the team likes to boast that it is where local baseball fans can come to see a team win. 9. Clover Stadium - New York Boulders - 3.43 Paul Baker - Clover Stadium is one of the nicer independent ballparks in the northeast. It always felt out of place in the Can-Am League, but with the circuit’s merger into the Frontier League, it will have some worthy peers. If this ballpark was located in a downtown area, it may be listed among the best in all of independent baseball. 10. Skylands Stadium - Sussex County Miners - 3.43 Gregory Koch - Skylands Stadium may be far away from everywhere everyone thinks of when they think of New Jersey, but it is still a great place to watch a baseball game. Between the unique and fitting architectural style, and all the on-field and off-field ways the team promotes the fan experience, a Sussex County Miners game is a great way to spend a summer evening. 11. Wintrust Field - Schaumberg Boomers - 3.29 Eric Hasman - The Schaumburg Boomers experience is noticeably better than the Schaumburg Flyers experience from many years ago. It seems the Boomers are keeping up their winning ways and are always upgrading the fan experience. Wintrust Field is worth checking out during any ballpark tours of the Chicagoland area. 12. Ottawa Stadium - Ottawa Titans - 3.29 Paul Baker - While Ottawa Stadium's glory days may be behind it, the ballpark remains a functional facility that fits the Frontier League well. While it may be too large for the needs of the Titans, it’s great to see baseball continue in Canada’s capital after years of uncertainty. 13. Stade Quillorama - Trois Rivieres Aigles - 3.14 Paul Baker - Trois Rivieres will not be a destination considered by many baseball fans when planning a road trip. However, a trip to Quebec to see Stade Quillorama is a worthwhile stadium journey for any fan. This old-timey facility is a cozy place to catch a game, and the small city of Trois Rivieres is a unique destination to include on a ballpark road trip. 14. Ozinga Field - Windy City Thunderbolts - 3.00 Eric Hasman - This ballpark is one of the best-kept secrets on the south side of the Chicagoland area. The design of the ballpark, the local fans who tailgate, the support of the club, and the affordable pricing should make Ozinga Field a can’t-miss for any baseball traveler. 15. Campanelli Stadium - New England Knockouts - 2.86 Paul Baker - Can the Knockouts go the distance, or will they be another independent league TKO? Early returns are not promising, but this fight is far from over. While Campanelli Stadium doesn’t do anything new in terms of the facility itself or the game-day experience, this is a worthy addition to the Frontier League roster of ballparks. 16. Hinchliffe Stadium - New Jersey Jackals - 2.86 Paul Baker - While there was a great deal of criticism surrounding the efforts to preserve and restore this historic facility and the Jackals’ subsequent move there, it’s wonderful to be able to step back in time and experience a baseball game in an original Negro League ballpark. While some of the choices made in setting up the field may be questionable, this is a place that every baseball historian should endeavor to visit.

Photos by Dave Cottenie, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.71 Daniel S. Frawley Stadium 801 Shipyard Dr Wilmington, DE 19801 Wilmington Blue Rocks website Daniel S. Frawley Stadium website Year Opened: 1993 Capacity: 6,404 Blue Celery in the First State Minor League Baseball returned to the largest city in the First State in 1993 when the Peninsula Pilots were relocated to a brand new ballpark in Wilmington, Delaware.  The team was named the Blue Rocks after the blue granite found along Brandywine Creek.  The Blue Rocks initially began in the Carolina League as the Single-A Advanced affiliate of the Kansas City Royals.  The Blue Rocks would be affiliated with the Royals until 2004 and from 2007 to 2020 until the reorganization of Minor League Baseball.  In 2021 Wilmington was moved to the South Atlantic League and affiliated with the Washington Nationals .  Successful on the field, the Blue Rocks claimed five Carolina League titles. The home of the Wilmington Blue Rocks is Judy Johnson Field @ Daniel S. Frawley Stadium.  Opened in 1993 to coincide with the new team, the stadium is named after the Mayor of Wilmington from 1985 to 1993 Daniel Frawley, who was integral in getting Minor League Baseball back in Wilmington.  The field is named after Judy Johnson, a Negro League star and Hall of Famer who lived in Delaware for almost 75 years.  One curiosity of the Blue Rocks experience is the fans' fascination with Mr. Celery, a stalk of celery mascot who emerges to celebrate each Blue Rocks run to the tune of “Song 2” by Blur. Food & Beverage 3 The culinary experience at Frawley Stadium is decent.  The main concession stands offer popcorn, Cracker Jack, peanuts, pretzels, hot dogs, burgers, chicken tenders, and fries.  A couple of other note spots include Grotto’s Pizza and the first base side Chickie’s and Pete’s stand.  A Philadelphia staple, Chickie’s and Pete’s offers cheesesteaks and their famous Crabfries.  Coca-Cola products are the soft drink of choice at Frawley Stadium.  The beer selection in Wilmington is decent and includes Coors Light, Miller Light, Heineken, and Yuengling.  Local brewery Wilmington Brew Works also offers a team-branded beer, Woo-Hoo Brew complete with the image of Mr. Celery on the can. Atmosphere 4 Frawley Stadium has an attractive exterior and looks more modern than its 30-year age.  Brown brick with light accents and blue trim make for a smart-looking color scheme.  The main entrance behind home plate is up a set of stairs and directly above the ticket window, which would be directly behind home plate.  Blue Rocks markings are tastefully added to the exterior and a photo of the 2019 Carolina League Champions highlights many photos in recessed arches on the exterior.  A bronze statue of Judy Johnson with a dedication plaque is a perfect meeting place for fans before the game.  Also of note, two dedication plaques for pitcher Vic Willis and umpire Bill McGowan, both born in Wilmington and members of the Baseball Hall of Fame, sit in the flower beds outside the main plaza. Inside the park, the main concourse is covered yet open.  Unfortunately, Frawley Stadium does not offer a 360-degree path around the park.  The seating bowl is a split level with an exterior walkway.  There are several different seating options.  There is bar seating by the Chickie’s and Pete’s along the first base side and the Picnic Pavilion is in leftfield. The seating bowl does not offer much in the way of shade.  Views of the Wilmington skyline and I-95 can be had from the main grandstand.  The suite level to either side of the pressbox and behind the main seating bowl is full of blue highlights and has large baseballs and pennants as recognition for the championship teams and the retired numbers of Mike Sweeney, Johnny Damon and Robin Roberts along with Jackie Robinson.  A display list of Blue Rocks players who have played in MLB is of note in the concourse. The game day experience in Wilmington is what one would expect in Minor League Baseball.  There are plenty of on-field promotions between innings and promo items thrown into the crowd at times.  Rocky Bluewinkle, the Wilmington mascot, interacts with the crowd and participates in the pregame activities.  The most unique feature of a Blue Rocks gameday is the presence of Mr. Celery.  A secondary mascot for the team has taken on a bit of a life of its own in popularity.  The main appearance of Mr. Celery comes after a Blue Rocks run when he comes out of a gate behind the plate and celebrates Blur’s “Song 2.” Neighborhood 4 Frawley Stadium is located in the Riverfront neighborhood of Wilmington between I-95 and the Christina River.  There are a few options for pre or post-game food and drink within walking distance of the ballpark.  Some options include Iron Hill Brewery, Big Fish Grill, and Del Pez.  Immediately southeast of Frawley Stadium is the Chase Center on Riverfront, which is the city’s event center.  Further away, and across the Christina River, is the similarly named Chase Fieldhouse, home of the Delaware Blue Coats , an affiliate of the Philadelphia 76ers in the NBA G-League.  From the exterior of Frawley Stadium, fans can enter the Delaware Sports Hall of Fame.  Donations are accepted and there are several terrific displays, including an excellent Judy Johnson display which tells his story in his own words.  Other tourist options include Nemours Estate and Hagley Museum.  For fans wishing to stay near the ballpark, the Westin Wilmington and Hyatt are just steps away. Fans 3 In the 2023 season, the Wilmington Blue Rocks averaged over 2,500 fans per game.  This ranks 87th in the 120-team MiLB.  The Blue Rocks are also 8th in the South Atlantic League out of 12 teams.  There is plenty of room for improvement here.  At the game being reviewed, fans in attendance were very quiet and reserved.  Interest in the game seemed waning.   Access 5 Frawley Stadium is located in the Riverfront neighborhood of Wilmington, east of I-95 and west of the Christina River.  The park is encased by Shipyard Dr., Matt Minker Way, Judy Johnson Dr., and Frawley Dr., nice nods to some of the important figures in Wilmington Blue Rocks history.  Getting to the ballpark is very easy with I-95 located very close.  There is plenty of parking on site both north and south of the ballpark and the majority of it is free.  For fans wishing to take public transit, some buses stop on Judy Johnson Drive.  Fans should check out the Delaware Transit Corporation website for fares, maps and schedules.  The Amtrack station is also about a mile away.  Getting around the ballpark is easy and the washrooms are adequate for the facility. Return on Investment 4 Blue Rocks tickets start at $13 for General Admission and go up to $15 for a box seat and $18 for field-level box seats.  Parking is free and concession prices are what one would expect.  The gameday experience in Wilmington is solid and fans will have a good time.  In the end, the value of a Blue Rocks game is strong. Extras 3 An extra mark for the Delaware Sports Hall of Fame and the excellent Judy Johnson display. An extra mark for the seemingly organic popularity of Mr. Celery, who has permeated much of the Blue Rocks promotion. An extra mark for the success the Blue Rocks have enjoyed on the field with five league titles, including four in their first eight years. Final Thoughts With an excellent acknowledgment of Delaware baseball and sports history, the Wilmington Blue Rocks have put together a good presentation of Minor League Baseball.  Judy Johnson Field @ Daniel S. Frawley Stadium is a solid home for the team and offers plenty for fans.  The popularity of the Mr. Celery character is curious and seems pretty organic.  It is just something that needs to be seen in person to fully understand. Follow all of Dave’s sporting adventures on YouTube , Twitter , Threads  and Instagram @profan9. Photo by Paul Baker, Stadium Journey

Photos by Meg Minard, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.43 Raimondi Park 1689 20th St Oakland, CA  94607 Map It Oakland Ballers website Raimondi Park website Year Opened: 1947 Capacity: 2,500 You Can’t Take Baseball out of Oakland Baseball returns to Oakland via the B’s (Ballers) instead of the A’s (Athletics).  After the announcement that the Oakland Athletics would be moving out of Oakland at the end of the 2024 season, two former Oaklanders decided to build a baseball team to create an identity that unites the citizens of Oakland.   They envision the team and the stadium as a place to help heal the wounds of Oakland sports fans. It’s a remarkable story to hear about the team’s management reaching out to the fan base for assistance finalizing the ballpark’s renovation to make it usable for opening day.  Bringing the fans together and making them feel part of the team and organization helps the healing process. Raimondi Park opened in 1910 as Bayview Park and renamed in 1947.  It is dedicated to Ernie Raimondi, an Oakland native who played in the minors, who was killed in action in World War II.   A $1.6 million investment went into th e current re novation of historic Raimondi Park.  Crews built the stadium quickly (in two months or so).  It works as a first-year minor league stadium with upgrades on the list for future years. The Oakland Ballers are one of the newest independent Pioneer Baseball League members, beginning play in 2024.  Food & Beverage 3 The Oakland Ballers provide a decent choice of refreshments and an excellent choice of canned beers. Most concessions are behind the first base grandstand, with another small table behind the third base seats.  Traditional stadium fare is sold at the concession stands behind the first base grandstand.  Hot dogs, bratwurst (including a vegan option), nachos, hamburgers, cheeseburgers, chicken tenders, fries, and more sell in the $9 - $14 range.  Sodas are Coca-Cola brands.  Beer choices are too numerous to list.  A local brewery, Almanac, created a special beer called Ballers Love just for the team.  It’s a hazy IPA and tastes pretty good.  Beers generally run $12 a can. Beer Choices at Raimondi Park, Photo by Meg Minard, Stadium Journey The venue has rotating food trucks located near the right field entrance.  This area is probably your best bet for yummy food.  Be sure to visit this spot before getting something from the traditional concession area.  Atmosphere 4 It’s a fun time at a Ballers game.  With the game action, between-inning contests, Oakland 68s, and special themed nights, visitors will enjoy themselves. Almost every home game is a special event night:  Halloween in August, First Responders Night, BART Night, Rugby Night, Latino Heritage Night, etc. The seats are built and placed above the field.  It is similar to a temporary Formula 1 racetrack  setup. Premium reserved seats behind home are fold-down chairs with minimal width and legroom .  The other reserved seats (behind the dugouts) and GA (general admission) seating are bleachers. A f ew sections in the GA areas are net-free. Yeah!  The seating areas have handrails.  Ramps and an ADA lift are available for those unable to climb steps.  The first base side is more popular and has more seats.  The su n shines on  fans on the third base side for the first few innings.  The seating areas do not have shade, though most games are played in the evening.  Bring sunscreen if it’s an afternoon game.  Bring a jacket or sweatshirt for evening games, as it can get chilly when the sun sets. The press box and dugouts are manufactured from old shipping containers, a nod to Oakland’s Seaport just a few miles away.    A new video board sits in right-center field.  It displays the line score, home team player information, balls, strikes, and outs.  It only shows the lineup for the Ballers, not the visiting team.  A whiteboard with the starting lineup is something the organization is looking to do for next season. Apartments are beyond right field; an ivy-covered brick warehouse is beyond left field. Fans can see the city of Oakland in the distance beyond the third baseline.  The bullpens are adjacent to each other next t o the ri ght field foul pole. Raimondi Park Bullpens, Photo by Meg Minard, Stadium Journey The gameday operations do a fantastic job at lowering the music volume when the PA announcer speaks.  Thankfully, there’s minimal ‘noise’ between the pitches, so fans get to enjoy the game and the Oakland 68s drums and cheers. Fun between-inning contests include a dizzy bat race, banshee boogie races, and more.  Kids get to run the bases, and the players sign autographs after Sunday games.  Good stuff and not overdone! Neighborhood 3 There is not much to see and do within walking distance of Raimondi Park. Kowbird is known for its spicy chicken sandwiches and is a block away. A few local Mexican restaurants are less than a half mile from the ballpark. The best place for food, drinks, and entertainment in Oakland is Jack London Square , a little over two miles from the ballpark.    Here you’ll find seafood restaurants (Scott’s Seafood and Seabreeze on the Dock), French cuisine (Left Bank Brasserie), American (Fat Lady Bar and Restaurant, Oakland Grill, Nation’s Giant Burgers and Pies), and much more. Several delicious breweries are in Jack London Square:  Line 51 Brewery (recommended), Oakland United Beerworks, Cellarmaker, and more. There are no hotels near the ballpark.  Downtown Oakland (two or so miles from Raimondi Park) has a Residence Inn, a Ramada, a Marriott, a Courtyard, and more. Other sports to see when in town include the Oakland Roots (USLC), Oakland Soul (USLW), and the San Francisco Giants (MLB).   Plenty of Pecos League baseball teams are within a 30-minute drive:  San Rafael Pacifics , Martinez Sturgeon , Vallejo Seaweed , and the Dublin Leprechauns .  Fans 3 You have to admire Oakland sports fans, still showing up for sporting events after losing three of its major league professional teams in the last decade.   First are the Oakland 68s , a group of loyal Oakland sports fans who bang drums, wave flags and banners, and cheer all Oakland sports teams (kind of like soccer supporter groups).  They visit Raimondi Park and embrace the Ballers as they did the Athletics.    The Oakland Ballers have the warmest, friendliest staff members who smile, make you feel welcome, and are willing to chat for a bit if desired.  The wonderful thing about the Oakland fans is the diversity and acceptance of other fans’ cultures and lifestyles.  Access 3 Raimondi Park is in West Oakland, not far off I-880.  Free parking is on the streets surrounding the ballpark.  The stadium has two lots that range from $8 - $20.  The team encourages fans to take the BART to the West Oakland station, and a shuttle will pick fans up.  I tried this and waited more than 45 minutes for a shuttle, but it never arrived.  Instead, I took the 29 bus, but it dropped me off in Timbuktu, and I had to hoof it back to the stadium anyway.  Taking the BART is a fantastic idea, but I wouldn’t count on the shuttle.  Maybe that’ll be an improvement for the 2025 season. Uber and Lyft are plentiful in the neighborhood. San Francisco Bay Oakland International Airport is the closest commercial airport, 11 miles south of the ballpark. The stadium has two entrances, one at 20th St and Willow St, the other on 18th St.  Fans go through security first, then can purchase their tickets (no paper, they text you a link).  A sign says clear bags only.  I saw several fans with non-clear bags, so I’m unsure if it’s enforced.  I’d recommend bringing your items in a 14” x 6” x 14” clear sports bag. The venue has enough ramps for fans who can’t use stairs, and it has an ADA lift.  The restrooms are porta-potties, something I recommend looking at upgrading for future seasons.  Return on Investment 3 Ticket prices range from $12 - $35.  These are on the high end for Pioneer League games. Premium Reserved Seat ticket + fees: $35.00 Bleacher Reserved Seat ticket + fees: $28.00 General Admission Seat ticket + fees: $24.00 Ballers Bargain Bleacher ticket + fees: $18.00   Concession prices are about average.  Fans can get free parking on the street (arrive early).  Once the shuttle is working, taking the BART is an excellent, affordable choice.  The game day experience is fun and worth the sports dollar entertainment expense. The team has plenty of theme night games, so look those up when planning a trip to West Oakland. . Extras 5 The Pioneer League and the Oakland Ballers are testing the ball-strike challenge, where the pitcher, catcher, or batter can question a ball or strike.  Kelsie Whitmore, a member of the Oakland Ballers, was the first female player to start a game in Pioneer League history in 2024.  She did it at Raimondi Park. The mascot, Scrappy, is a possum and is a tribute to the possums residing at the Oakland Coliseum.  The team has a ceremonial first batter instead of a first pitch. The stadium has a mural for four baseball players whose roots are in Oakland:  Frank Robinson, Curt Flood, Vada Pinson, and Ernie Raimondi. Built By Oakland, Photo by Meg Minard, Stadium Journey Final Thoughts Attending an Oakland Ballers game at Raimondi Park is an inclusive, community-oriented event, perfect for the entire family.  Kudos to the owners and team for developing a much more fan-based sports team to assist Oaklanders with the healing process of losing the Athletics.

Photos by Ashvin Lad, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.29 Grayson Stadium 1401 E. Victory Dr. Savannah, GA 31404 Savannah Bananas website Grayson Stadium website Year Opened: 1926/1941 Capacity: 5,000 Welcome to Bananaland The Savannah Bananas have taken the country by storm with their brand of baseball called Banana Ball. They incorporated 11 distinct rules that allow for a fast-paced game, fan interaction, and a 2-hour time clock to set it apart from a traditional game. Historic Grayson Stadium becomes Banana Land on game days. The stadium opened in 1926 and was the home to multiple minor league teams until 2015 when the Savannah Sand Gnats relocated to a Segra Park in Columbia, South Carolina. The Bananas moved in the following year as members of the Coastal Plain League, hoping to bring fans back to the stadium. The club soon began developing quirky gimmicks and promotions during home games. Owner Jesse Cole donned a yellow tuxedo and top hat and interacted with the crowd through song and dance.  Soon, the Bananas added a grandma coach who brings out a tray of tea and cookies, a luchador (professional wrestler) coach, a fire-breather, a stilt walker, a breakdancing coach, and a circus performer. Banana Ball was developed in 2018 and played in front of a home crowd in 2020 , soon it was what the fans expected to see at games. The team would play its regular summer collegiate schedule with a mix of Banana Ball but opted with the latter when it left the CPL and began barnstorming full-time for the 2023 season. The Bananas have not looked back since. Food & Beverage 4 The Bananas offer an all-you-can-eat with the purchase of a ticket to a game. The food options are served grab-and-go in three locations: main concession, right field concession, and open container concession booths. The entrees include hot dogs, hamburgers, cheeseburgers, chicken sandwiches, and veggie burgers. The snacks include cookies, chips, and popcorn; while the drinks include bottled water and Coke products. The three concession areas also provide additional menu options such as nachos, chili cheese dogs, soft pretzels, roasted peanuts, French fries, and garbage can nachos.  If you have room for dessert, local Leopold’s ice cream offers flavors of vanilla, chocolate, mint chocolate chip, bananas foster, and banana split. There are also seven varieties of Dippin’ Dots for the little kids. Garbage Plate Nachos, Photo Courtesy of the Savannah Bananas The ballpark has multiple areas to purchase an alcoholic beverage from canned drinks, mixed drinks, specialty cocktails, and draft beers. At the game, you can grab beverages from various spots including Split’s Bar, Left Field Landing Bar, Thirst Base Beer, Top Deck Bar, and the Craft Corners. The Top Deck Bar features an assortment of canned drinks that includes the common Bud Light, Corona Extra, Modelo, and Michelob Ultra, but also the local Classic City Lager, Cutwater Margarita, 3 Taverns Rapturous, and Service City Banana Beer. Mixed drinks include Jack & Coke, Gin & Tonic, Moscow Mule, and Titos & Lemonade. Based on the team’s official website, the three signature items to try at a game are the Banana Beer, Banana Split Soda, and the Slippery Banana.  Banana Ball Rules, Photo Courtesy of the Savannah Bananas Atmosphere 5 When minor league baseball left Grayson Stadium, they left it in good condition for a future team. However, what the Bananas have been able to create was beyond anyone’s expectations. The only way to describe the atmosphere is one big party with 5,000 friends. Fans line up outside the main entrance in the party plaza three hours before the game. The pre-game entertainment features a parade, music, games, and opportunities to interact with the players. Once inside, the party continues, including the stadium’s host, The Young Professor. He engages with the audience, introduces players, and commentates on several activities before the game. There is also the throwing of the first banana (instead of the first pitch) from a lucky fan. It is then a 2-hour party, featuring a combination of choreographed dancing, scoring celebrations, fan involvement, and trick plays. The bottom of each inning is played as if it were the bottom of the 9th. You might witness multiple walk-off celebrations by the Bananas, or instances during the game where the umpire, the infield players, or both teams join together in dance.   Speaking of dancing, there is plenty of that from the Banana Nanas (a senior citizens dance team), the Man-Nanas (the dad-bod cheerleaders), and the “Hey, Baby” dance where Cole leads the entire stadium in a choreographed dance that lasts for 90 seconds.  Neighborhood 4 Grayson Stadium is located in Midtown, about 6 miles from the Historic Landmark District that is the hub of Savannah. The district offers 22 park squares, museums, monuments, restored 18th-century homes, shops, and over 100 restaurants. Visitors can take a ghost tour, take a ferry ride on the Savannah River, or stroll down the cobblestone streets of River Street with an open container. The Eastern Wharf District is a vibrant waterfront neighborhood with stunning river views. The Victorian District is a 50-block neighborhood of Victorian homes and beautiful grounds and fountains, and the Canal District is home to the Emarket Arena and the Savannah Ghost Pirates of the ECH L. Ferry Boat Ride on the Savannah River, Photo by Marc Viquez, Stadium Journey Southern hospitality can be found everywhere in town, along with homemade Southern cuisine, fresh seafood, and live music. The Shrimp Factory, Vics on the River, The Olde Pink House, Alligator Soul, and Tubby’s are recommended. Various rooftop bars, including Electric Moon, Rocks on the Roof, and Top Deck, highlight the nightlife in Savannah. Fans 5 Grayson Stadium seats 5,000 people and is sold out for every Banana game during the season. The fans attend early for pre-game festivities outside the ballpark and are decked out in team gear from head to toe. The fanbase is impressive with a wait list that could fill the ballpark double its size. The Bananas are not just loved in Savannah but have become a national brand with fans across the country. Pre-game festivities in the party plaza, Photo Courtesy of Ashvin Lad Access 3 Grayson Stadium has two main entrances: the third base gate and the first base gate; the latter also serves as the VIB entrance.  The main entrance party plaza is behind the backstop, with open seating areas in right and left field, on the right field deck, and behind the reserved seats behind home plate. The games attract 5,000 fans and lines for concessions and merchandise will be long. However, concourse areas in the seating bowl allow for movement during the game and several seating areas are properly spaced around the ballpark. Return on Investment 4 An open seating ticket costs $35, and a VIB Experience ticket is $75 when purchased from the team's official website However, tickets sell out fast due to demand if purchased on a secondary website, expect to pay double to triple the price. Children under 3 years old are admitted free to games. VIB tickets are available to everyone through the K-Club, group open seating, and the ticket lottery system. Fans get early entry and the best seat in the ballpark. They will also get to greet Bananas players before they take the field. There are multiple free parking areas around the stadium including the grass lot behind the ballpark, Daffin Park Drive (street parking), Fresenius Kidney Care (Victory Drive and E. 42nd St.), and the grass lot between the tennis courts and soccer field on Victory Drive. Extras 5 The garbage can nachos are served on top of a garbage can that can feed a whole family of four. It includes nachos topped with cheeseburgers, hot dogs, chicken, jalapenos, and cheese.  The Bananas have plenty of traditions, including throwing out the first banana and honoring the Banana Baby to the tune of The Lion King. You can see the influence at other sporting events throughout the nation. Every game the ball club honors the Banana Baby, Marc Viquez, Stadium Journey If you like to dance, this is the place to be from the Banana Nanas, the Dad Bod Cheerleading Squad, and Banana Splitz, a youth dance team. There is also plenty of dancing by the coaches and players during the game.  The cast of characters includes Maceo Harrison, a breakdancing base coach; Dakota Albritton, who bats on stilts; DJ The Invader, who wears a space helmet; Mat Wolf,  the Rodeo Clown; Cowboy Kyle, who’s the one with the yellow cowboy hat; and Zach Phillips who tears his sleeves off his jersey. Final Thoughts A Savannah Bananas game is unlike any baseball event in the world. The team has taken the baseball world by storm and can be seen on their barnstorming tours from coast to coast. However, if you can grab a ticket to see them at Grayson Stadium, it is worth the price of admission. ----- Follow Marc’s stadium journeys on Twitter @ballparkhunter   and his YouTube channel .   Email at Marc.Viquez@stadiumjourney.com

Photos by Dave Cottenie, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.57 FNB Field 245 Champion Way Harrisburg, PA 17101 Harrisburg Senators website FNB Field website Year Opened: 1987 Capacity: 6,187 Island Baseball Sensylvania The idea of island baseball leads one to think of some exotic locale such as Hawaii or Puerto Rico.  However, in this case, island baseball refers to Central Pennsylvania.  In 1907 baseball in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania took up residence on City Island in the middle of the Susquehanna River.  Baseball was played here until 1952.  In the eighties, once again the push for baseball on City Island was loud and the City of Harrisburg built Riverside Stadium to attract Minor League Baseball.  In 1987 the Harrisburg Senators moved in.  In 1991 the team would change affiliates from the Pittsburgh Pirates to the Montreal Expos and remain with the franchise even after its move to Washington to become the Nationals .  The stadium changed names numerous times with various banks holding naming rights.  In 2015 the naming rights were acquired by FNB Financial and the upgraded ballpark was rechristened FNB Field.  Upgrades to the ballpark were necessary to keep the team in the Pennsylvania Capital.  Ownership of the franchise has bounced around from a city-owned team to Michael Reinsdorf to Mark Butler of Ollie’s Bargain Outlet, eventually, becoming part of the massive Diamond Baseball Holdings conglomerate. Known as Sensylvania, the experience is one for all baseball fans. Food & Beverage 4 FNB Field offers a solid lineup of concession options.  There are a few concession spots in different areas of the ballpark. Hot dogs, nachos, pretzels, fries, pizza, and other simple snacks are on the menu.  Spots fans will want to check out start with the Backstop BBQ and Arooga’s Wing Shack, located on the first base side at ground level.  Backstop BBQ offers brisket, pulled pork, and smoked sausage, while hand-tossed chicken wings and burgers along with fries and funnel cake are found at the wing shack.  The pretzels here are pretty massive and worth considering also.  Later, a stop at the Sweet Spot for some Hershey’s hard or soft ice cream can finish the culinary experience.  Pepsi products are the soft drink of choice at FNB Field and a variety of domestic beer can also be found. Atmosphere 4 FNB Field is a unique facility starting with the entry.  Fans enter the ballpark from the leftfield side as opposed to the traditional home plate entry.  This makes the exterior of the ballpark a bit different.   The team store is immediately in view and features several Senators markings, along with Washington Nationals markings.  The championship seasons of 1987, 1993, 1996, 19997, 1998, and 1999 are marked on the outside.  Temporary banners of former Senators who have gone on to the big leagues welcome fans as they enter the ballpark under the protection of a large overhang at the left field plaza.  Fans may want to check out the City Island Carousel, which is further to the left of the entrance and not part of the ballpark.  The Senators continue their nod to the history of the franchise with the life-size bobbleheads that make up the 25th Anniversary all-time team.  They can be found under the grandstand closer to the first base side and include well-known names from the Expos and Nationals including Matt Stairs, Stephen Strasburg, Cliff Floyd, Michael Barrett, Ryan Zimmerman, Brandon Phillips, Bryce Harper, and the favorite son of the Senators, Vladimir Guerrero.  Guerrero’s number 27 is also retired and hangs on the left field fence beside the number 42 of Jackie Robinson.  FNB Field offers a wide variety of seating options.  The main grandstand is fairly steep and offers a split seating bowl with an open walkway between the two levels.  Some seats in the main grandstand are protected from the elements by an overhang.  Down both baselines, there are more seats some in right field and more in leftfield.  A set of bleachers is found on the right field side of the stadium and a picnic area is in right field also.  Picnic tables with umbrellas, perfect for large groups, are along the third base side of the park at the concourse level.  FNB Field is a 360-degree park and there are spots to hang out just about everywhere.  Of note, in the left field cheap seats, the section in the corner is open to all.  A lifeguard chair sits behind the section and on hot days, there is an attendant who sprays the crowd with water in that section from the chair. The gameday production at a Senators game is about what one would expect at a Minor League Baseball game.  There are plenty of promotions throughout the game between innings. A moment of note during the game that was reviewed was the Senators mascot, Rascal, dancing on the field with a few kids, dressed just like him.  They were known as the Little Rascals. Neighborhood 4 FNB Field is located on City Island,  in the middle of the Susquehanna River, adjacent to Downtown Harrisburg.  There are several spots for pre or post-game fare downtown, which can also be accessed by the pedestrian bridge from the island.  McGrath’s Pub, Federal Taphouse, Bacco’s Pizzeria, and Palumbo’s are all good options. There isn’t much in the way of other sporting options in Harrisburg, but the Hershey Bears  of the AHL are right next door.  In addition to other Hershey entertainment options, fans should consider the National Civil War Museum and Pennsylvania State Capital as other tourist options.  City Island Beach, mini golf, and the Skyline Sports Complex can be found on the island.  For fans wishing to stay near the park, the Quality Inn and Hilton are close. Fans 3 The Harrisburg Senators enjoy decent support at the turnstile.  In the 2023 season, the Senators averaged over 4,200 fans per game.  They rank 53rd in Minor League Baseball and 7th in the Eastern League.  The game that was reviewed was a mid-week, afternoon game with plenty of kids in attendance.  The fans at the game reviewed were pretty reserved, and not overly boisterous.   Access 3 FNB Field is located on City Island, which can make getting to the ballpark a bit of a challenge.  The island is south of Downtown Harrisburg.  Downtown is north of I-85 and there is not too much of downtown that requires traversing.  That being said, getting to the island on the Market Street Bridge can be slow.  There is parking on the south end of the island and finding a spot should not be a big issue.  Finding parking in Downtown Harrisburg and walking across the bridge may be a better option.  For fans wishing to take public transit to the game, the train station at Market and Aberdeen.  Fans should check the Capital Area Transit  website for fares, maps, and schedules.  Inside FNB Field, there are plenty of stairs that will require traversing.  The concession stands on ground level become a bit more of a challenge, with stairs to get there and back up to the grandstand level.  The washroom facilities are adequate for the facility. Stadium Journey recommends checking the Harrisburg Senators  website for the most up-to-date security info, including prohibited items, gate opening times, and security protocols. Return on Investment 4 Tickets for the Harrisburg Senators can be found for a decent price.  Dugout boxes go for $25.  Most seats can be had for $21 and the cheapest seats are $19.  Parking on the island is $5 and concession prices are what one would expect.  The experience at FNB Field is solid and fans will have a good time.  In the end, it all adds up to a good MiLB experience at a price that will not require a meeting with a banker. Extras 3 An extra mark for the unique island setting. An extra mark for the success the Senators have enjoyed on the field, winning the Eastern League Championship four seasons in a row. An extra mark for being the only game in town. Final Thoughts Taking a trip to City Island for some Harrisburg Senators baseball is a great plan for some summer entertainment.  FNB Field is truly a unique facility and the team puts together a good experience.  Sensylvania is the place to be. ---- Follow Dave’s sporting adventures on YouTube , Twitter , Threads  and Instagram @profan9.

Photos by Richard Smith and Lloyd Brown, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.57 loanDepot park 501 Marlins Way Miami, FL 33125 Miami Marlins website loanDepot park website Year Opened: 2012 Capacity: 36,742 Fish Depot The Miami Marlins are a Major League Baseball team that plays in Miami, Florida in loanDepot Park (yes that is the official stylization of the name). The Marlins began as an expansion team in the 1993 season as the Florida Marlins. From 1993 to 2011 they played in the stadium now known as Hard Rock Stadium, then known as Joe Robbie Stadium. In 2012, the team moved to loanDepot Park (then known as Marlins Park), their first exclusive home and the first to be designed as a baseball park. As part of an agreement with park owner Miami-Dade County to use the stadium, the franchise also changed its name to the Miami Marlins before the 2012 season. loanDepot Park is a retractable roof stadium located on the site of the former Miami Orange Bowl in Little Havana about 2 miles west of Downtown Miami. It is the third-smallest stadium in Major League Baseball by official capacity. It often seems even smaller because the upper deck is only used occasionally for big games. The facility hosted a second-round pool of the 2013 World Baseball Classic, a first-round pool of the 2017 World Baseball Classic, the 2017 Major League Baseball All-Star Game, and the championship game of the 2023 World Baseball Classic. The park also hosts soccer matches, fundraising galas, and other events during the winter. It also hosted the Miami Beach Bowl from 2014 through 2016. Food & Beverage 4 The concessions offerings at loanDepot Park have a good amount of Latin food, as well as kosher food for the many Jewish fans who live in the South Florida area. Traditional ballpark fare is available at Top Dogs, the Fowl Pole, Fat Tuesdays, and Magic City BBQ. Latin-inspired foods are available at El Mercadito, PINCHO, Bites de la Calle, and Street Taco. If you are open to trying new foods, check out the Change Up STAND. This stand offers a test kitchen menu of possible future food offerings at loanDepot Park. The menu is always being rotated so it is a good place to check out every time you attend a Marlins game. The Family Fav’s Stand has some cheaper, albeit smaller, options. as part of its 305 menu. The Biscayne Brew Hall is located between sections 15/16 and features the Marlin’s lager, as well as an assortment of craft beers. Atmosphere 4 loanDepot Park has a different look and feel from pretty much any other MLB stadium. It feels like a Miami stadium. and doesn't follow the trends of others. Some may not like that but we find it sort of refreshing. When the stadium opened, a large art installation in center field was certainly discussed by many people It included all sorts of elements that are suggestive of South Florida. The art installation has now been relocated to the exterior of the ballpark. The stadium has a glass wall that gives you a stunning view of the Downtown Miami skyline. loanDepot park Glass Panels, Photo by Lloyd Brown, Stadium Journey The Marlins have several special event nights, including various ethnic heritage nights. The team also has a great Marlins Museum located on the concourse and just like at Disney World, it ends at a souvenir stand. Neighborhood 3 loanDepot Park is on the edge of the Little Havana section of Miami. There are not many choices in the way of restaurants or entertainment right by the stadium. Of course, Little Havana has many great options to choose from. We are a big fan of trying the Mojitos at Old's Havana AND the Ball & Chain. It is always great to compare... For many other options, you will need to get far away from the stadium area. Fans 2 The Marlins don't draw that well. Often the majority of the fans are of the visiting team. It is a very relaxed time at a Marlins game and not a typical baseball environment. Access 3 I-95 South and I-75 South are relatively nearby, but traffic is likely to be a problem accessing the stadium. The old Orange Bowl location is just not a perfect location for a large amount of fans converging into a location. loanDepot Park has four parking decks and six surface lots near the stadium. You can prepay for parking but it is easier to just pay by app once parked. It may feel weird not stopping and paying before entering the parking area, but it is a very smooth process. All parking areas offer a full complement of ADA-accessible spaces. You could walk from Little Havana to a game but that might not solve parking issues, as that area has parking issues of its own. loanDepot park is served by two Miami-Dade Metrorail stops within a mile of the ballpark (Culmer and Civic Center), the Tri Rail Connection via the Historic Overtown/Lyric Theatre Station to MiamiCentral Station, eight other Metrobus routes, and the City of Miami Trolley Route. Another great option is Brightline, which offers free shuttles from their downtown Miami station to and from the game. Return on Investment 4 Ticket prices are generally on the lower end of MLB stadiums. The secondary market will be a great place to find even cheaper prices. Parking costs are variable so a weeknight game against a non-traditional opponent may be cheaper than a division. rival on a weekend. Concession prices are reasonable compared to most MLB ballparks. Extras 5 loanDepot Park has hosted a few unique events like the World Baseball Classic, and even an NCAA college football bowl game. loanDepot Park is built on the site of the former Orange Bowl Stadium. There are numerous signs mentioning the history of the stadium. The Bobblehead Museum, on the concourse, has more than 600 baseball-related statues in a cool display case that keeps the heads bobbling away. Bobblehead Museum, Photo by Lloyd Brown, Stadium Journey Billy’s Boathouse has a foam-surface playground that is very safe for the kids to play on. Billy the Marlin is the team's mascot. The team has bands and cheer squads keeping one engaged in the action. There are often post-game concerts and events so check the team's website before coming to the game. Final Thoughts loanDepot Park may never make the top of MLB baseball stadium lists, but it is still an enjoyable place to watch a game in an environment that feels very true to its environment.

A few years ago, I wrote an article on this site about a ballpark in Thetford Mines, Quebec , that was once part of Autostade in Montreal. It was quite a discovery for me since I thought the former home of the Montreal Alouettes was demolished right around the time of my birth, but little did I know that parts of it were still in play a few kilometers to the north in the mining town. As with many things, my curiosity got the best of me, and I decided to dig deeper into the stadium’s origins. I soon realized that it was never really intended to be a professional sports stadium, but just happened to become one based on what was happening in the city at the time. During its ten years of usage, and loathing, by almost everyone who took in a game at the stadium, it was home to pro sports clubs: Canadian Football League, North American Soccer League, Continental Football League. and when the National League expanded to Montreal, the ill-conceived home of the Montreal Expos. The Allouettes had hoped to have a stadium built in Ville D'Anjou by the 1965 CFL season At the time, Montreal did not have a proper football stadium. McGill Stadium was built in 1915 and is not the same venue today. Delorimier Stadium was in a residential area and was unable to be expanded. In 1963, the Als announced they would build a new 40,000-seat stadium in time for the 1965 CFL season. The stadium would be located in Ville d'Anjou, offer parking space for 10,000 cars, a practice field outside its exterior, and feature a three-tier press box. It could be expanded to 60,000 and completed in three phases that would end with a $5,000 domed roof. Unfortunately, the plans fell through soon after the announcement. However, a new stadium for Expo 67 was in the planning stages. Construction began on January 28, 1966, and the major selling point was that it would be portable if it ever had to be relocated to another part of town. The 25,000-seat venue cost $3.2 million and was built at the Point St. Charles Waterfront in Montreal. It was built expressly for Expo 67 and used during the six months of Expo 67 for military events, circuses, horse shows, and international soccer. Autostade Managing Director Dave Dauphinee was optimistic about the stadium's future after the Expo's events in a statement in the Montreal Gazette after its completion. “It’s an idea setting for an all-round sports centre. It has unlimited possible parking facilities in the area, including ample spaces under the Bonaventure thruway. The field itself is an excellent one. The stadium complex has every conceivable ultra-modern facility to handle big crowds.” Autostade opened for business with a Montreal Beavers loss to former Als head coach Perry Moss's Orlando Panthers The Montreal Beavers of the Continental Football League were its first main tenants. The minor league operation had been based in Ft. Wayne the season before but relocated for the 1966 season. The Beavers inaugurated Autostade with a crowd of 10, 800 in a 49-27 defeat to the Orlando Predators. However, there were ominous signs of things to come in that first game. Kick-off was delayed by 20 minutes after the main fuse blew three hours before the game and knocked out the lights in the stadium. Fans complained that they had trouble finding their cars after the game in the unpaved, unlighted, and unmarked lots surrounding the venue. The rest of the season crowds between 4,000 to 11,000 were the norm for Beavers games. Even with respectable crowds at the stadium, it was still at best one-third full. The wind whipped fans from the nearby St. Lawrence River, a harbinger of things to come with style and comfort. The Beavers were forced out of the stadium for Expo 67 and relocated to a 10,000-seat stadium in the suburb of Verdun before quietly folding after its second season. The Beavers did leave a legacy and one that is most likely ignored by football historians; they were the first pro football team to utilize the slingshot field goalpost. The revolutionary field goal posts were different from the standard H-shape posts of the time, and in just a few short years, a majority of football stadiums adopted the single-post field goal. It was invented in Montreal by Joe Rottman, a retired magazine distributor, and part-time inventor. He came up with the concept of what newspapers called at the time a “tuning-fork design” during lunch with Alouettes head coach Jim Trimble and Jack Rabinovich, the originator of skateboards in Canada. Rottman was so upset that he couldn’t get a word in between the two men about skateboarding that he held up his fork, bent it, and asked them if they ever heard of a one-legged goalpost. The slingshot-stye goal post made its debut at Autostade, and by the following year it was in every NFL stadium in the United States He then began work on his concept and displayed it at Autostade. A set of posts cost $2,200 and were custom-made, and Rottman and Trimble both saw the potential of 38,000 colleges and high schools in the United States and 3,000 schools in Canada adopting their invention. Autostade also featured Xenon lamp lights, the first of its kind, in North America. A few newspaper reporters added that the lighting was so natural that it was almost daylight. However, those lights would be looked upon a lot differently a few years later when meager crowds braved the cold and chilly nights for football and soccer games. The first CFL game played at the stadium with the tuning-fork field goalpost took place on November 19, 1966, between the Ottawa Rough Riders and Hamilton Tiger-Cats in game two of the Eastern Conference Finals. Renovations on the North Side stands, and the construction of the Civic Centre (now known as TD Place Arena) prevented the game from being played at the Riders home at Lansdowne Park. The field had to be adjusted from the American version to the Canadian version. The sidelines left about 7 feet between the grass turf and the hard-surface track. The players and field crew were pushed back on the track along with placing down coconut matting next to the turf boundaries to help guard against injuries. The first CFL game at Autostade was a playoff game between the Rough Riders and Tiger-Cats in 1966. An estimated 14,000 fans made the trip to Montreal with rail service departing the Canadian capital at 8:45 am and returning at 6 pm; a crowd of 20,000 plus witnessed the game creating a Grey Cup vibe a week before the big game in Vancouver. The Riders mauled the Cats 42-16 to win the aggregate series 72-17. The crowd control was described as disgraceful and inexcusable during the playoff game. It was reported that fans flocked to the field in the second half, and spectators who remained in the stands threw bottles from the stands delaying the game several times. All balls kicked into the end zone were gobbled up as souvenirs by fans wrestling with one another for the ultimate prize. A few more engaged in fisticuffs with players with reports of shoving, arguing, and running onto the field during the final quarter of play, chasing loose balls, and attempting to climb the goalpost. There was one report of Hamilton’s Angelo Mosca knocking a fan onto the ground with his helmet after being punched on his chin by an unruly customer. Ottawa GM Red O’Quinn said Montreal police refused to enter the stadium to police the games. The next year Expo 67 opened and attracted millions of people from all over the world. The world exhibition commemorated the country’s centennial birthday with hundreds of exhibits on display, Autostade became the venue to host a myriad of events from international soccer to horse shows. Six countries took part in a round-robin soccer tournament from May 31 to June 11 that was sanctioned by FIFA and the Canadian Soccer Association featuring the Soviet Union, England, Czechoslovakia, Italy, West Germany, and Canada. The national teams were split into divisions of three in a double-elimination format that capped off with England defeating West Germany in the final in front of 20,653 people. A total of 652,344 people took in a variety of events that included a two-night track and field meet, a three-day lacrosse tournament, the Ringling Brothers circus, the Canadian Armed Forces tattoo, the Maurice Chevalier’s Flying Colors show, the Gendarmerie Francaise, the Wild Horse Spectacular, and the Great Western Rodeo. When the National League expanded to Montreal in May of 1968, it was Autostade that was slated to become the temporary home of the baseball club. The initial plan was to increase the capacity to 35,000 and cover it with a roof for $3 million. The dimensions would be 330 feet to the left and right field and 410 to centerfield. Being that the stands were removable, the conversion of the football field to a baseball stadium would seem very logical at the time until a permanent dome stadium would be ready in 1971. “The only thing that worries me right now is giving people a good ballpark. Fans will have to rough it at Autostade before the other park is ready, but this is a good baseball town.” This could have been the baseball dimensions for the Montreal Expos inaugural season in 1969. That changed when NL president Warren Giles visited the stadium in July of 1968 and deemed it unsuitable for baseball. The cost of the roof now ballooned to $7 million. That prompted a four-hour meeting between the mayor, sponsors, city officials, and baseball executives to upgrade Jarry Park from a 3,000-seat venue used for local baseball leagues to a 33,000-seat venue that would now be the home for the baseball club in 1969. The switch in venues ended Autostade’s brief run as a major league venue. A similar position would take place six years later when there was a chance that it would have to substitute as the main stadium for the upcoming Summer Games due to a province-wide strike of 1,200 ironworkers that began in November 1974. The strike forced the shutdown of the $380 million Olympic Stadium; if it was not completed on time, sections of Autostade would be relocated near its site which would include a second deck to increase the capacity to 55,000. The strike ended in May 1975, and construction resumed on Olympic Stadium. After the Expo had concluded, the Montreal Alouettes moved from Molson Stadium downtown to the new facility in 1968. Management thought that the lack of parking space at McGill was to blame for the sparse crowds. The club also relocated ticket offices, executive offices, and practice facilities to the two-year-old stadium. However, it soon became clear that the new venue had its red flags. Workers did not have much time to prepare the field for the game; the goalposts were inverted by the groundskeeper, who was from Europe and unfamiliar with gridiron football. Assistant Coach Ralph Goldston quipped: “As if we didn’t have enough trouble kicking field goals last year.” Als head coach Kay Dalton felt that they would fill the stadium once the team began winning, adding that “in Montreal, it’s what’s up on the scoreboard that counts, you’ve got to win faster here.” However, there were other concerns about the new stadium that would put a black cloud over it for the rest of its existence. The local newspaper columnists and reporters described it as being “a dark, dismal concrete cavern” and “damp and dark.” The conditions of the dormitories and tunnels resulted in one player walking out over the conditions at the stadium. Dalton thought the lighting hurt his players finding the ball on passes. Autostade featured large gaps between each seating section The practice field was much worse with potholes littering the grounds that caused injuries to two of the Larks star wide receivers. “You could shoot ducks off it any day you care, too,” added Dalton. There was also the mighty wind of the St. Lawrence River that would snap up balls in the air and send them into the water. A crowd of 27,214 took in a game against the Toronto Argonauts that was the largest in club history. However, the Alouettes would average 18,000 per game during the 1968 season; the following season, average attendance fell to 12,169. It was becoming evident that Autostade was a highly unfavorable facility for football at a time when the team compiled a 5-19-4 record over two seasons at Autostade. The crowd was much better during the 1969 Grey Cup between Ottawa and Saskatchewan. A total of 400 police officers marched around the playing surface with three-foot-long billies and wearing hard hats for crowd control. The influx of police officers was due to concerns about ongoing FLQ separatist terrorist bombing activities in Quebec and to secure the protection of Canadian Prime Minister Pierre Trudeau, who was in attendance. The 33,172 fans taking in the game went off without notice. It was the largest crowd for a sporting event in Montreal history at the time. The championship game netted over $400,000 in ticket sales money, the first Grey Cup to reach this mark. Attendance did improve to 24,191 during the Larks 1970 Grey Cup-winning season, but quickly tumbled the following season, prompting an announcement that the club was moving back to McGill University for the 1972 season, citing that the “windswept waterfront stadium had been disappointing in terms of attendance, season ticket sales, and sightlines.” Attendance for the first four years at Autostade was much lower than expected. The move back to the smaller Molson Stadium (20,000) would be offset by adding seating to the track around the field and bumping up ticket prices. The belief was that fans would pay more for better seating to watch a CFL game. The stadium could also be expanded to 26,000 if needed. During this time, Als’ owner Sam Berger purchased a club for the North American Soccer League in hopes of bringing in additional revenue. The Montreal Olympique operated at Autostade for the 1971 season to disappointing crowds before relocating to the smaller University of Montreal Stadium the next season. The team would cease operations after three years after being unable to secure a suitable venue in town. The Allouettes return to McGill in 1972 proved to be a disaster for Berger and his wallet Berger was paying for rent, taxes, and maintenance at the “architectural monstrosity” and then had to rent out another football field. Berger had gambled that he would have complete control of the stadium and reap money from other events from concerts to sporting events. A three-year deal was set to play at the McGill with the hopes of Olympic Stadium being ready for the 1975 season that Berger believed would set up a trial run for the 1976 Summer Olympics. The plan backfired, average attendance fell to a meager 14,224 fans per game at McGill, resulting in the club returning to Autostade the following season. The Als would win the Grey Cup in 1974 and lose a heartbreaker 9-8 the next year in the championship game on a missed field goal in the closing seconds. By 1975, construction had begun on the new Olympic Stadium, and all eyes were focused on when it would be ready for football. The difference between the two venues was night and day and helped usher in a few years of record crowds, not just for the team but for the league. Berger couldn’t wait to get out of the Autostade that he switched dates with the Ottawa Rough Riders to ensure a meeting would take place at Olympic Stadium, a crowd of 50,000 would be on hand for that contest. Berger might have thought he was dreaming when he looked at the packed stands in the ultra-modern stadium. The last game held at Autostade was a 28-0, trouncing of the Argos in front of 20,444 spectators on September 5, 1976. Three weeks later, the Larks beat the Riders 23-2 at Olympic Stadium in front of 68,505 people, a record crowd for the league at the time. The top four crowds in CFL history took place at Olympic Stadium during its first four seasons and would culminate with 69,093 for a game on September 6, 1977, against Toronto. The 1977 Grey Cup established a still-standing record of 68,318. Montreal was in love with its football team again and finally had its modern stadium A record crowd enjoys a Thetford Blue Sox game on Canada Day in 2015. The old stands don't look much different. Autostade would quietly be dismantled from the Montreal landscape with its parts transferred to other cities in the province. A total of five sections would be relocated to Thedford and repurposed as a baseball stadium, and four more sections moved to the city of Hull, now Gatineau, for a planned baseball stadium at Mont-Bleu High School. However, it appears that the latter never occurred. Former Als and NFL Hall of Fame coach Marv Levy reflected on the difficulty of selling tickets to football games during his time with the club (1973-1977) in his autobiography Marv Levy: Where Else Would You Rather Be? "The stands were low and far removed from the playing field. Traffic around the stadium, where several freeways met and tangled, was heavy and chaotic. The parking lots were ill-lighted, unmarked, and filled with deep, jagged potholes. The walkways were damp and slippery. Autostade sat in a soot-covered field, devoid of landscaping or vegetation, with no structures on any side to deflect the icy, knifing winds that attacked during Quebec's early arriving winters. Try selling tickets to that show!" It can be concluded that it was never meant to be a permanent fixture of professional sports, but more of a temporary home at a time when a lot was happening in Montreal: Expo 67, Major League expansion, the re-emergence of the Alouettes, and even the 1976 Olympic Games all laid claim to the funky, mod stadium nobody liked. Autostade was indeed an accidental football stadium. ---- Follow Marc’s stadium journeys on Twitter @ballparkhunter and his YouTube channel .

Photos by Lloyd Brown, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.29 Enmarket Arena 620 Stiles Ave Savannah, GA 31415 Savannah Ghost Pirates website Enmarket Arena website Year Opened: 2022 Capacity: 7,300 Savannah’s New Haunted House of Hockey Savannah, Georgia is a city that has received national acclaim for its historic preservation over the years. As the original city of Georgia in the colonial era, it has one of the largest historic districts in any American city. However, the Savannah Civic Center in Downtown Savannah has not been on any preservation lists. Built in 1974, the building is now technically obsolete in many ways and is worn by its heavy usage over the last 48 years. It had lost much of its business to the Savannah Convention Center, located just across the Savannah River from the Historic District of Savannah. Numerous sites for an updated venue to take some of the load off the civic center were considered. Fast forward to 2022, and that much-needed facility is now open. The Enmarket Arena opened its doors for business in February 2022. The facility has a seating bowl that can hold 9,500 for basketball and large meetings and 7,300 for ice hockey. In addition to the seating bowl, the facility offers 12 luxury suites, five loge boxes, and a large party suite. Enmarket Arena is less than two miles west of Downtown Savannah and the Historic District. The new arena will buoy the fast-developing Canal District. Enmarket, the naming sponsor, is the largest convenience store and gas station operator in the Coastal Empire. Once the arena was on its way to becoming a reality, the business community set out to recruit a hockey team/program to serve as the featured sports program in the venue. Their search for a tenant was successful in the form of the Savannah Ghost Pirates hockey team. The Ghost Pirates are an expansion team, playing in the Southern Division of the ECHL. This Division includes teams from Charleston, SC (South Carolina Stingrays); Greenville, SC (Greenville Swamp Rabbits); Orlando, FL (Orlando Solar Bears); Estero, FL (Florida Everblades); Norfolk, VA (Norfolk Admirals), and the metro Atlanta, GA area (Atlanta Gladiators). This division is set up to foster multiple rivalry games each season due to the cities’ proximity. The Ghost Pirates are affiliated with the Vegas Golden Knights of the NHL and the Henderson Silver Knights of the AHL. Food & Beverage 4 Enmarket Arena has recruited a wide variety of food vendors nationally and locally to be a part of its food and beverage offerings. Many of the vendors specialize in one type of food, such as the 912 Doghouse (chili cheese dogs, slaw dogs, brats), Taquero Y Taco (Birria tacos, pork tacos, beef tacos, and vegetarian tacos), Last Kernel Popcorn and Backstage BBQ (BBQ nachos, pulled pork sandwiches, and BBQ chicken). Among the local restaurants opening a location at the arena are Spanky’s, Port City Pizza, PS Tavern, and 520 Wings. Enmarket Arena Hometown Favorite Spanky’s, Photo by Lloyd Brown, Stadium Journey Alcohol is the focus at the Jack Daniels Bar, the Wicked Weed Brewing Company, and the Enmarket Grab and Go. All transactions at Enmarket Arena are cashless. Atmosphere 4 The opening of Enmarket Arena has been in the making for many years, and the locals have turned out in droves to enjoy some great concerts and the arrival of ice hockey in Savannah. The entrance to the arena features a soaring two-story lobby with plenty of glass to allow plenty of natural light. The lobby is home to the ticket windows for the facility, as well as the Ghost Pirates team store. Fans are delivered to the seating bowl of the arena via several escalators. A spacious concourse is filled with a wide variety of concession items that should fit the taste of most every fan. There are three levels of seats surrounding the hockey action, with the first and second levels accessed via the concourse. The top level of seats is considered club level and can only be accessed via a private elevator. Very comfortable chairback seating is found throughout the area. The legroom is quite comfortable and there are no obstructed views of the action. There is netting at both ends of the ice for safety reasons, but it is a fine enough thickness that it will not interfere with your enjoyment of the game. The puck-in-play rule is strictly enforced throughout the facility. Our only disappointment was the lack of drink holders in some areas of the seating bowl. Fans can keep up with the key plays and game stats via the four-sided center-hung videoboard/scoreboard. Numerous quizzes, music, kiss cams, and news of upcoming events fill the breaks in the action on the ice. Neighborhood 5 Savannah is one of the top tourist cities in the southeastern United States. It is famous for its preservation efforts, which have resulted in one of the largest historic districts in the country. Many of the homes in the historic district have been converted to B&Bs, giving visitors a unique opportunity to stay in a home dating back to the 1700s. The city is also known for River Street, which fronts the Savannah River, and is filled with restaurants, nightlife, and shops. Enmarket Arena is in the Canal District of Savannah, which is just west of the Historic District and the River Street entertainment and shopping area. The arena is less than two miles from the many squares that have existed since colonial times and that Savannah is known for. Amongst the many attractions in the area are the Georgia State Railroad Museum , the Mercer-Williams House Museum (made famous by the book “Midnight in the House of Good and Evil”), and the many museums and galleries linked to the Savannah College of Art and Design. Savannah is also known as a foodie heaven, as it is home to Paula Deen, Elizabeth’s on 37th Street, and the Bird Cookie Company. Most of the downtown hotels are concentrated along Bay Street and River Street, and they are a short walk from the Enmarket Arena. The Plant Riverside District opened recently as an extension of River Street and has both hotels and B&Bs as lodging options for visitors. To get detailed information on the sights, sounds, tastes, and lodging options available in Savannah, go to Visit Savannah. Fans 5 The Savannah Ghost Pirates have gotten off to a terrific start with the development of a fan base. Savanah attracts people for vacations from all over the country. It also has a huge retirement population due to its warm weather, history, and a wide range of recreational activities, both on dry land and on the ocean. A sizable portion of these retirees lived most of their lives in areas of the country where hockey is readily available and popular. This has provided a very hockey-knowledgeable fan base that is thrilled to have a team in Savannah. The Ghost Pirates already have one of the largest season ticket bases in the ECHL. In their inaugural season, most games were sold out weeks in advance, leaving some fans with a “ghost of a chance” to get in the game! You may be wondering about the name Ghost Pirates. Well, one of the first things the ownership of the team did was to allow the public to take a role in the naming of the team. Savannah has a long history of pirates plying their trade along the Georgia coast. The city is also known for its supposedly haunted cemeteries and homes. This was a brilliant move, as it gave the public some “buy-in” to the new franchise. The public also named the team’s mascot… resulting in Davy (as in “Davy Jones locker.”) The team uniforms are green. This is in recognition of the fact that Savannah has a heavily Irish population and hosts the largest St. Patrick’s Day celebration in the U.S. after New York City. The most involved fans are the season ticket holders, known as ‘Fantoms.” Access 4 Enmarket Arena is located less than a mile west of Downtown Savannah and the Historic District. The arena is easy to get to through a variety of routes. Free Trolleys run from the Savannah Civic Center lot on West Liberty in the Historic District to the Enmarket Arena both before and after the games. Trolley service starts 90 minutes prior to the puck drop. The Enmarket Arena strongly urges fans to prepurchase their parking well before their event. Once at the Enmarket Arena, doors open 60 minutes prior to the puck drop. Return on Investment 3 Enmarket Arena offers Ghost Pirate tickets at a variety of price points based on location in reference to the rink layout. Tickets on the sides in the lower level cost $44, while tickets on the sides in the upper level go for $32. Corner seats on the lower level retail for $34, with tickets in the corners on the upper level going for $20. Seats behind the nets on the lower level are $27, while seats on the upper level behind the nets go for $25. Parking is $15-$20 depending on which lot you choose. Parking passes must be prepurchased from the Enmarket Arena website. Concession prices are no bargain, but they are in line with what you would expect at a sports venue (i.e., $6 hot dogs, $10 hamburgers, $6 sodas, and $5 bottled water). All purchases at the Enmarket Arena are on a cashless basis and all tickets are digital. These prices are in line with what other ECHL-level hockey venues are charging. However, Savannah is one of the top tourist destinations in the South, and downtown and riverfront hotels can be very expensive (more than $300/night). The rule of thumb is that the further away from the historic district and the riverfront your hotel is, the price goes down dramatically. Lodging in the Midtown and Airport areas is much less expensive, and still offers easy access to the arena. Extras 5 The Enmarket Arena partners with Live Nation to book concerts for the facility. In the first year of operation, the arena has hosted concerts by Reba McIntyre, Alan Jackson, Jason Aldean, Keith Urban, Jimmy Buffett, Bon Jovi, Journey, Pitbull, the Eagles, and Andrea Bocelli. The arena incorporated the latest in building techniques to exceed the goals for low carbon emission, energy efficiency, water efficiency, and minimizing the amount of waste produced. Savannah has a large military presence in the form of Hunter Army Airfield and Fort Stewart. The Ghost Pirates offer a 10% discount on tickets for military members and their families. Season ticket holders for the Ghost Pirates are referred to as “Fantoms,” while children enrolled in the team’s junior hockey club are known as “Davy’s Matey’s.” The Hostilo Hoops Basketball Tournament features 10 college basketball teams competing over a two-week period each November. The tournament has both men’s and women’s competitions. The Savannah Athletic Hall of Fame is located at Enmarket Arena. Savannah Athletic Hall of Fame Enmarket Arena, Photo by Lloyd Brown, Stadium Journey Final Thoughts Savannah has been one of the top tourist destinations in the South for many years. What it has been missing is an active sports scene. The opening of the brand-new Enmarket Arena promises to change that situation very quickly. The addition of a minor league hockey franchise in the form of the Ghost Pirates will result in several natural sports rivalries being created between Savannah and neighboring ECHL teams in Savannah, Jacksonville, and North Charleston. Savannah’s Hockey Haunt is on!

Photos by Richard Smith, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.43 Citi Field 123-01 Roosevelt Avenue Flushing, NY 11368 New York Mets website Citi Field website Year Opened: 2009 Capacity: 41,922 New York Citi The New York Mets is one of two major league clubs based in New York City, the other being the New York Yankees. The Mets were founded in 1962 to replace New York's departed teams, the Brooklyn Dodgers and the New York Giants. The team's colors evoke the Dodgers' blue and the Giants' orange. The Mets played home games for the 1962 and 1963 seasons at the Polo Grounds in Manhattan before moving to Queens. From 1964 to 2008, the Mets played their home games at Shea Stadium, named after William Shea. Since 2009, the Mets have played their home games at Citi Field next to the site where Shea Stadium once stood. The first game at Citi Field was on March 29, 2009, with a college baseball game between St. John's and Georgetown. The Mets played their first two games at the ballpark on April 3 and 4, 2009 against the Boston Red Sox. Citi Field hosted the 2013 Major League Baseball All-Star Game, marking the second time the Mets have hosted the event (the first being in 1964, the inaugural season of Shea Stadium). The naming rights were purchased by Citigroup, a New York financial services company, for $20 million annually. Citi Field is located in Flushing Meadows–Corona Park, specifically the Willets Point neighborhood. The neighborhood near the Flushing River has been known for years for its automobile shops and junkyards. Changes do appear to be happening. Food & Beverage 5 Citi Field has one of the most extensive programs of food variety we have seen around any league. There are basic food stands all the way to specifically unique offerings. There are over 100 concession stands and restaurants. Fuku by David Chang serving spicy chicken sandwiches is an example of one of the unique options. A Shake Shack sits in center field behind the scoreboard and surprisingly seems to be not too much more expensive than other, non-stadium locations of the chain. This is a good time to mention prices around. the park. Prices are not cheap but it is a major league stadium and in one of the major cities of the world, so high prices shouldn’t be a shock. Other great options are Tacocina, Pat LaFrieda’s, Caesars Sportsbook Metropolitan Grille, and the chopped cheese cart in the left field concourse. Chopped cheese is a legendary NYC specialty. There are numerous clubs and specialty locations around that stadium that different tickets get one into. Even cheap tickets may get you into a club or two. Atmosphere 5 Outside the stadium is the original Big Apple from Shea Stadium. That makes a great pre-game meeting spot. You will also see the wonderful structure of the ballpark which is trying to resemble Ebbets Field. Entering behind home plate by way of Jackie Robinson Rotunda sets a great tone for the stadium. Maybe Jackie didn't play for the Mets, nor even in any team based in Queens, it is a special place for any fan. As you go up the staircases or escalators you will see the day’s lineup presented as a series of oversized baseball cards. Walking around the stadium's concourses is a pleasure with cool touches such as the Shea Bridge, Mets Museum and Hall of Fame, as well as the Piazza 31 Club. While it might be a bit weird how much of the stadium is trying to reach into the history of the Brooklyn Dodgers and Ebbets Field since that is a whole different part of New York City, that doesn't mean it doesn't work. This is a great place to watch a game with a knowledgeable and diverse baseball crowd. Neighborhood 3 In the past, we would rank this as a two, but our experiences in the neighborhood were better than that grade. We also have hope for the future of Willets Point. The construction of the new soccer stadium for New York FC of Major League Soccer is happening across the street from the back of Citi Field. That is bringing to an end many of the junkyards and auto shops that made such a horrible view from Citi Field, as well as Shea Stadium. We also attended a game during the qualifying matches for the US Open Tennis Championships , commonly called the US Open. Since 1978, that tournament has been played at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center right across train tracks from Citi Field. It would be hard to miss the massive Arthur Ashe Stadium. The qualifying matches are free to attend, draw a good crowd, and provide a great atmosphere to the area. The main tourney brings in even larger crowds and even a greater feeling of excitement to the area. We admit that without the US Open going on, the feeling around Citi Field could be a bit dreary. We are hopeful that Willets Point will soon become a new place. Fans 5 The Mets seem to have a good and strong fan base that shows up even when the team is not doing so well. Fans cheer when they need to and support at all the right times. There is a very knowledgeable fan base. Access 5 This is New York City, so traffic and busy areas are the norm, but Citi Field is as easy to get to as one can expect. The 7 Train of the New York Subway system runs right next to the stadium and drops fans off at the Mets- Willets Point station. The 7 runs from Hudson Yards on Manhattan’s west side and terminates one stop beyond Citi Field in Flushing. The Long Island Railroad, running between Penn Station in Manhattan and Port Washington in Long Island, also stops at Citi Field and is connected to the 7 train station by an elevated boardwalk. This boardwalk also takes fans to the USTA facilities. Beyond the USTA is also the remains of the 1964 World's Fair. There are also massive amounts of parking lots around the stadium, but once again, note that this is New York City and driving might not be the best solution to getting to the stadium., If the US Open is going on you may also want to think again about driving as spaces will get even more limited. Lines are long to get into the stadium since most want to enter via the Jackie Robinson Rotunda. Other gates will have smaller lines and you can always visit the rotunda at a later part of your visit. Return on Investment 3 This is a Major League Baseball stadium in a Major League kind of town, so expect prices to be high, especially if a big rival such as the Phillies are in town. If it is a Subway Series with the Yankees expect even higher prices. Even with all of that, the secondary market can likely get you some decent prices, especially on a weeknight game. Extras 5 The Ebbets Field style facade is a nice-looking extra for this ballpark. The Jackie Robinson touches might not make sense, but as long as a baseball great like Jackie is remembered who could complain? The concourses and all the cool extras such as the Shea Bridge make for a great atmosphere for fans. The team displays its history throughout the facility in cool ways. Make sure to stop at the Hall of Fame and Museum as it is slightly hidden. The ability for fans who have bought tickets of various prices to get into a special club is a cool touch, even if that club is pretty much a bar and food stall with some seating, it makes one feel like you are special. We spent some time in the Hudson Whiskey Club waiting for a brief rain delay, and it was wonderful. The view to Arthur Ashe Stadium is pretty cool, as well as some views back to Manhattan and nearby LaGuardia Airport. Final Thoughts It is surprising to this writer that Citi Field has not gotten much love in terms of being a great ballpark. It is a fun place to see a game. We can only surmise that the Willets Point neighborhood has been a drag on the fan experience of this place, as well as at Shea Stadium. Hopefully, the neighborhood will improve.

It was dubbed the “House of Horrors” and the “House of Thrills”. It featured a distance from left field to home plate at a measly 233 feet; its stadium was more suitable for football and track and field. When a pop fly becomes a home run, a line drive to left field turns into a double play, and a 12-4 lead in the ninth is not safe – there must be something odd at the ballpark. In 1974, Eugene Emeralds of the Pacific Coast League relocated to Sacramento and renamed the Solons, who originally played in town from 1903 to 1960. The plan was to build a 2,500-seat ballpark, but it would not be ready for the upcoming season. That is when the Solons announced they would call Hughes Stadium home, much to the amazement of many in the community. Hughes Stadium 1st base Line, Center for Sacramento History Hughes had been built in 1928 and served as a home for college and high school football games. It had been the home of the Camellia Bowl, the NAIA national football championship since 1961, and featured a cement track and field around the grass field. Such measurements would seem impossible for a baseball diamond. The Fresno Bee Sports Editor called it “miserable, a dinosaur stadium designed by a blind architect,” but that did not stop the City Board from granting permission for the PCL club to use it as a ballpark for the 1974 season.  Solon’s organization put up a 40-foot screen in left field that was 233 feet from home plate (the league minimum was 250 feet). The rumor was that PCL officials were unaware of the configuration originally listed at 261 feet in initial press clippings. However, that was not the case on opening night on April 17. Mt. Sacramento in the distance, Center for Sacramento History A crowd of 17,318 was on hand to watch the Solons lose 10-3 to Spokane, just a few hundred 209 shy of what the San Francisco Giants attracted to Candlestick Park for their home opener that season. Fans were greeted by 5 home runs by both clubs, along with countless children chasing foul balls behind the third baseline.  Fans were curious about the new home of the Solons, one that was heavily promoted in game-day programs and pocket schedules that year. The “House of Thrills” was a huge promotion in attracting fans to baseball games in hopes of coming home with a handful of souvenirs smacked off the bats of hopeful future major league players. The screen, dubbed Mt. Sacramento, was a feast for right-handed batters who quickly took advantage of the hitter-friendly facility. A total of 51 home runs were launched in the first six home games of the season, and by season’s end, Solon’s batters would launch 250 dingers, while opposing members swatted 241 into the metal bleachers. “If you want to bring in the people, you have to bring in the fences,” said FM John Carbray. “When the fences are closed, it’s fair to both sides. Nothing kills attendance like a 2-1 pitching duel.” Hughes Stadium Baseball Dimensions/1974 Pocket Schedule Carbray was a natural-born promoter who promoted everything from boxing, drag racing, post-game rock concerts, soccer, and basketball. He would later help build the PCL Fresno Grizzlies off the ground in 1993. “The fact that he (Carbray) coaxed the PCL into allowing the Solons to play in a ballpark that was about as legal as a spitter serves to indicate that the man has something, besides modesty going for him,” wrote Jack Bluth in the San Mateo Times . Outside of the ballpark, young fans would burn calories chasing home run balls bouncing off the parking lot pavement, but many more bought a $3 to see the balls fly out of the stadium. The Solons attracted 295,851 fans on the season, an average of 4,109 per game. The number was tops in the league and bested the previous year’s leader, Hawaii, who attracted 238,390 fans. “You don’t see anybody leaving early. Here you can be down 6-0 in the sixth and still expect to come back. Win or lose, it’s exciting,” added John Carbray.  “Most PCL teams would be happy as punch to have 2,000 to 3,000 people.” The other oddities of the action on the field were that sac flies were a quixotic feat, the left fielder would play more of a deep shortstop position and throw runners out at first base, and ground balls into the left field would result in force outs at second base. Hughes Stadium Portable Dugouts, Center for Sacramento History The stadium did not have dugouts but turned makeshift-covered benches colored powder blue and yellow as the spot for the club to sit during the game. The pitching mound was torn out throughout the season to accommodate other sports but never put back in the exact spot. Pitchers claimed this caused them to have sore arms. Early inning games featured a glare from the sun in left-handed pitchers, with later innings distracting left-fielders. A few of the games were delayed 15 minutes. Home runs and the uniqueness of the ballpark were the main attractions, but so were a few of the promotions. A 20-foot scoreboard was blown up after the 5th inning of one game, and a daredevil stuntman rode through a fiery outfield wall before jumping his bike over 14 cars. The majority of cars were owned by fans in exchange for free tickets for use in the stunt. It attracted a crowd of 9,000 to the game that night. Future major leaguer Gorman Thomas belted 40 of his 51 home runs at home; journeyman Bill McNulty led the Salons with 55 home runs, 44 coming at Hughes. Four other members had 28 or more home runs on the season. The team scored 937 runs but allowed 1030 for the year. “I like the city, and the fans were great, but I won’t go back,” Gorman quipped to the Wisconsin Rapids Daily Tribune during spring training of 1975. Hughes Stadium Scoreboard, Courtesy of CBS News There were plenty of distractors. Mainly pitchers where the club ERA at the end of the season was 6.82. It was a place that psyched out pitchers and crushed their egos with a broken-bat swing, a potential home run. “I don’t care what they do; I don’t want to go back,” commented Tom Hausman the following season. The right-hander gave up 43 home runs at home, but only 7 of them were on the road. “If you could come out of a sane season there sane, you were doing a  good job.” The Solons established eight records that included the following:  most home runs by one club (305), most home runs combined in a park (491), most home runs by one team in one game (10), most home runs by two teams in one game (14), most grand slams in one game (3), most grand slams in an inning by two clubs (2), most grand slams in one inning by one team (2), and most home runs by a player (44 by McNulty). The Solons also tied a league mark with four consecutive home runs in one game. In 1975, the left-field screen was pushed back, and the concrete tore up to further the distance to 251 feet. There were an additional 22 new light fixtures to improve the vision of fielders who would try in vain to secure a pop-up home run. Most importantly, the venue was given an exemption from the Field Act earthquake standards for one year. Hughes Stadium 3rd base Line, Center for Sacramento History The Solons led the PCL in attendance with 252,201 customers and clubbed 196 home runs–down a bit from the previous year. The pitching staff once again posted a horrific 5.71 ERA. The following season, the writing was on the wall for baseball in Sacramento. Attendance fell to dead last with 82,324, and home runs tailed off slightly with “only” 183 round-trippers at Hughes. In 1977, the franchise was shifted to San Jose with the condition that it would return to Sacramento if a new ballpark would be built within three years. Solon’s new GM Joe Gagliardi hoped a new 3,500 stadium would be ready at Cal Expo, the site of the state fair, by 1978. Unfortunately, fans would have to wait for another 22 years for it to be constructed. Raley Field, now Sutter Health Park, would open in 2000 for the Sacramento River Cats–where both earned run averages and home runs shrunk to more respectable levels. The 10,624-seat ballpark is considered one of the finest in the minor league leagues and a favorite among ballpark travelers. Hughes would be earthquake-proof but later went through a multi-million dollar renovation and re-opened in September 2012.  The Sacramento City College venue is used for athletic events, classes, local high school games, state-wide athletic championships, and showcases except baseball. We will never see another ballpark quite like it ever again, or will we? Fans still enjoy the long ball. —— Follow Marc’s stadium journeys on Twitter @ballparkhunter   and his  YouTube channel .