Photos by Paul Baker, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.57 GoMart Ballpark 601 Morris St Charleston, WV 25301 Charleston Dirty Birds GoMart Ballpark website Year Opened: 2005 Capacity: 4,500 A Toast to the Dirty Birds   Professional baseball has been played in the city of Charleston since 1910. Numerous franchises in numerous leagues called West Virginia’s capital home before the Charleston Wheelers arrived in town in 1987. Originally a co-op team with a roster made up of players from several franchises, The Wheelers won a South Atlantic League championship in 1990.   The team was rebranded as the Charleston Alley Cats in 1995, but was unable to find a consistent MLB affiliate or even consistent ownership, as the team was sold numerous times. With the construction of Appalachian Power Park in 2005 the team was rebranded as the West Virginia Power. But still, stability eluded the franchise, as the team was dropped from affiliated baseball with the Great Minor League Baseball Reorganization of 2020.   A new ownership group led by Andy Shea, who was also the owner of the Lexington Legends, purchased the team in February 2021. Both teams joined the independent Atlantic League for the 2021 season. In September 2021 the team was rebranded as the Charleston Dirty Birds, a reference to the canary in a coal mine. During their first three seasons in the Atlantic League, the Dirty Birds have qualified for the playoffs once.   Food & Beverage 3    Concession stands are located on either side of the ballpark. The menu here doesn’t stray too far from standard ballpark fare. Fans can get a little taste of West Virginia by purchasing a pepperoni roll, a favorite local snack. On the plus side, prices are very reasonable throughout the facility.   Pepsi products are featured at GoMart Ballpark. For fans who enjoy an adult beverage during the game, local craft beers from Stone Brewing are featured alongside the national brands.   Atmosphere 4   The Dirty Birds put on a typical minor league baseball show, with not a lot going on throughout the game to distract one’s attention from the action on the field. There’s a scoreboard in left-center field that is put to good use with graphics, photos and videos, the sound system is decent, with the typical music and PA adding to the atmosphere. The team’s mascot, a giant canary, roams the concourse interacting with fans.   There’s a kids zone behind home plate where younger fans in attendance can let off some steam, a mini golf course located down the left field line where fans can get in a quick nine holes, and some art work throughout ballpark by local artists that gives the ballpark a little flavor. The first base concourse is meant to evoke memories of Eutaw Street in Baltimore. It’s a nice, small facility in a nice, small town.   This all sounds pretty average so far, so why the above-average score? Three words: The Toast Man. Local politician Rod Blackstone has been taking up residence behind home plate at Charleston professional baseball games since 1992, dating back to the days of the Charleston Wheelers and Watt Powell Park. Blackstone leads the cheers in the sections behind home plate, punctuating visiting team strikeouts by yelling “You Are Toast!” and throwing pieces of toast in the air. How integral to the team is the Toast Man? When GoMart Ballpark was built in 2005, they made sure to include a power outlet and room for Blackstone’s table and toaster.   Neighborhood 2   GoMart Stadium is located in the East End of Charleston, West Virginia’s downtown. The CAMC General Hospital is behind the first base side of the facility and the state capitol building is about two miles away. Despite the ballpark’s downtown location, there’s not a ton of dining or lodging options right near the ballpark. Charleston is a small city of about 50,000 residents, so getting around the area isn’t too difficult if you’re staying in the area.   Capitol Street (ironically located in the opposite direction from the capitol building from the ballpark) is a historic dining and shopping area of the city. It’s located less than a mile from GoMart Ballpark. The Greater Charleston area offers many outdoor activities for fans visiting during baseball season.   Fans 4   The Dirty Birds have ranked in the middle of the Atlantic League attendance rankings since their arrival in the circuit, averaging about 2,500 fans per game in 2023 and 2024. The crowd is pretty typical of most minor league crowds around the country, with a mix of diehard fans, casual fans enjoying an affordable night out, with families and groups scattered throughout the ballpark.   As mentioned before, sitting behind home plate with the Toast Man and the rest of the Dirty Birds’ superfans will give a visiting fan a totally different perspective of the Charleston game day experience. Their presence lifts this score above the average.   Access 5   Interstates 64 and 77 meet and combine in Charleston and run a short distance from GoMart Ballpark. Exit 100 drops visitors off about three blocks from the park, while the onramp to the interstate runs right along the third base side of the facility. Parking is located in a pair of lots right across the street to the ballpark’s entrance. Fans using public transportation can take the 11 or 14 bus to the stop at the corner of Morris and Smith Streets.   The box office and main entrance to GoMart Ballpark are located in the right field corner of the ballpark on Morris Street. After a quick security check, fans will enter a concourse meant to evoke images of Eutaw Street at Camden Yards. The team store and concession stands are built into the buildings that run along this concourse.   The 360-degree concourse that runs along the top of the seating bowl allows for views of the field from most points. Lines to the concession stands and restrooms are not usually an issue here. Seating consists of individual plastic chairs with cupholders. Sections furthest down the foul lines consist of metal bleachers with backs. There are picnic tables and areas for fans to mingle scattered throughout the ballpark. Fans who wish to roam around the facility will find plenty of standing room areas.   Return on Investment 5   Tickets to Dirty Birds games are very affordable, priced at $8 for general admission seats, $10 for box seats and $11 for premium seats in the sections behind home plate. Weekday games are discounted by one dollar. Purchasing your tickets on the day of the game increases the cost by two dollars.   Parking in the lots across the street from the entrance to the ballpark costs $5. With reasonable concessions prices, an evening at GoMart Ballpark is a most affordable entertainment option for central West Virginia sports fans.   Be aware that GoMart Ballpark is a cashless facility. Fans can convert cash into a card at the box office, team store, or fan assistance table.   Extras 2   The Michael C. Paterno Wall of Fame is located on the back side of the press box, honoring some of the more notable players from the area or those who passed through town during their careers. Among the notable names to be found here are Dave Parker, Kent Tekulve, Tommy John and Trevor Hoffman. Of course, the Toast Man is immortalized here as well.   Nods to Charleston’s baseball history can be found all over GoMart Ballpark, from the former team logos painted on the back of the press box to the Charleston Charlies gear sold in the team store.     Final Thoughts   GoMart Ballpark may not be the type of ballpark that makes anyone’s “Best Of” list. But it does many things well. It’s inexpensive, cozy and thanks to The Toast Man and the cast of regulars in Section 107, incredibly entertaining. This ballpark suits the Atlantic League, the city of Charleston and its baseball fans perfectly.   Follow Paul Baker’s stadium journeys on Twitter  and Instagram  @PuckmanRI.

This week we are recapping some baseball parks we visited the last few months, and one of them is in the family! __________________________________________________________________________________ Audio versions of the Stadium Journey podcast can be found by searching HIAC Talk Radio   wherever you look for your favorite podcasts. Video simulcasts of all the Stadium Journey podcasts can be found on Stadium Journey's YouTube page . Join us live as we record every other Monday on our social media streaming channels.

Lumped in with the plethora of retro classic ballparks that now dot Major League Baseball, Comerica Park in Detroit, home of the Tigers, seems to get lost in the shuffle. Is it just another of the new cookie cutter parks, or does it stand out amongst the crowd? Grab a beer and join Paul and Dave to discuss another great baseball Stadium Journey on the latest episode of Obstructed Views. You can find Stadium Journey's review of Comerica Park and the Detroit Tigers game day experience here.

Photos by Chris Green, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.86 Pittsburgh International Race Complex 201 Penndale Road Wampum, PA 16157 SpeedTour website Pittsburgh International Race Complex website Year Opened: 2002 Motorsports Outside the Steel City Taking over and renovating an old racetrack into a modern facility is no easy task, yet the folks at Pitt Race have done exactly that. Formerly known as Beaver Run, Pittsburgh International Race Complex is a well-manicured racetrack just under 45 minutes northwest of Pittsburgh proper. The layout is challenging, featuring lots of elevation changes and technical corners. However, for all the positives for the updated facility, there is a general lack of access for fans, as well as a very inconspicuous location. Nevertheless, the Trans Am and SVRA SpeedTour weekend is by far the biggest pro event on the track’s calendar, meaning fans flock to this track for a taste of top-level motorsports.   Food & Beverage   2 There isn’t a permanent concession stand anywhere at the track, so food trucks are brought in for fans. On top of the fan viewing hill is an ice cream/shaved ice truck that offers drinks and cold snacks, while down in the main paddock a local BBQ food truck is stationed, featuring both breakfast and lunch menus for fans and crews. Selections for food can change from race event to race event, which means prices are unpredictable. Other than the food trucks, a few vending machines for drinks are located around the facility. To make matters worse, the only real food options immediately outside the track itself is a local Subway shop that gets quite busy.   Atmosphere   3 This track is beautiful – verdant vistas greet you in all directions, and well-manicured grounds make for a welcoming sight. There is also a go-kart track on site, as well as a fan shop and an event center for rent. Victory lane is located in the paddock, allowing easy fan access to watch the winner get their trophy at the end of the race. Unfortunately there are also some major downsides to the track; fan viewing options are limited, and there aren’t a lot of shade trees to help you beat the summer heat. Overall, while aesthetically pleasing, there is still much work to be done for the circuit to challenge others in the Northeast region for fan attention.   Neighborhood   2 There isn’t too much nearby for fans to find at Pitt Race – the track is located down a small road that turns off seemingly into a neighborhood. Outside the circuit, few hotels and restaurants exist aside from a Subway and some old-fashioned motels. The nearest highway exit with proper restaurants and hotel chains is about 20-25 minutes south of the track.   Fans   3 The fans at Pittsburgh International Race Complex are casual enjoyers of motorsports; this region of the country doesn’t have a long history for sportscar racing, meaning that most fans in attendance aren’t in the diehard category. On top of that there aren’t a lot of attendees on hand, even on Sunday for the main event. This means that palpable feeling of excitement you get at other tracks is hard to find at Pitt Race.   Access   3 The track is located only a few miles from a major highway, which makes getting to the circuit rather easy. However, its location is very well hidden, and signage is at an absolute minimum. The road up to the track’s entry gate is small and unkempt, making you doubt whether you made the right turn. In addition, once inside fans can only access just under half of the circuit trackside – the entirety of the far side of the track, as well as all the infield areas, are off limits, even to media due to a lack of walls or barriers. Where crossover bridges and infield viewing areas would be a welcome addition for fans to take in more of the track, they’re forced to settle for viewing from the top of the fan hill only, or from the event center balcony.   Return on Investment   4 Tickets to SpeedTour weekend here start at $20 for a Friday ticket, while Saturday or Sunday access runs $30. A weekend pass is available for $65, while family four packs ($175) and two-packs ($125) that include general parking are also available. This means watching professional racing at Pitt Race won’t break the bank to get in the front door.   Extras   3 The flag poles near the event center feature memorial plaques for several members of Corvettes of Pennsylvania, who were friends of the track. Also, as is tradition at SpeedTour events, a fan walk takes place before the main Trans Am races, giving fans the chance to see the cars and stars of the races on track up close and personal. Finally, the circuit features a go-kart track on site, allowing anyone who has the need for speed to get a sample of what it’s like to race.   Final Thoughts Pittsburgh International Race Complex features so much potential to be a great facility – a challenging track that looks pretty to the eye, it unfortunately lacks the finer touches fans crave in terms of both creature comforts and overall access around the circuit. While tickets are inexpensive to come watch Trans Am and vintage SVRA racing here, there isn’t too much to truly draw fans to this track over others in the region.

Photos by Gregory Koch and Richard Smith, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.86 Entertainment and Sports Arena St. Elizabeth’s East Campus 1100 Oak Drive SE Washington, DC 20032 Washington Mystics website Entertainment and Sports Arena website Year Opened: 2018 Capacity: 4,200 A Mystical Night in Washington The Washington Mystics have played in the WNBA since the league’s second season, in 1998. Originally, the team played in Downtown DC at Capital One Arena, the same arena that is home to the Washington Wizards and Capitals. In 2019, the Mystics moved across the Anacostia River to Southeast DC and the Entertainment & Sports Arena. Located on the grounds of St. Elizabeth's a former state mental hospital, the ESA is a much smaller arena, seating only 4,200, and was seen as more conducive to the crowds the Mystics were drawing at the time. Food & Beverage 4 There are several concession stands at Washington Mystics games selling all the usual arena classics like chicken tenders, hot dogs, burgers, and pizza. The tenders come with your choice of several different dipping sauces and are a fan favorite. Italian ice and frozen custard from Rita's are available for those with a sweet tooth. Pricing is on the high end and only credit cards are accepted. Atmosphere 4 With only 4,200 seats, the Entertainment & Sports Arena is quite small and all seats offer a good view of the action, though they may be quite cramped. Along one sideline, there are two levels of seating, with stairs from the concourse going up to the upper section. On the other sideline is some VIP seating. There is also lower-bowl seating along both baselines. Videoboards are located at either end, and smaller boards in the corners show player stats. The Mystics have a mascot named Pax, who is a panda and entertains fans before the game. She also does things like t-shirt tosses during the game. During breaks in the action, there are several promotions to keep the crowd engaged. There will be contests on the court and the video board, and several fan cams and tosses where Pax and the dance crew will toss promotional items into the seats. Neighborhood 3 Let’s start with the bad news – although the Congress Heights neighborhood is supposedly “on the rise,” it is not quite there yet. Although the immediate vicinity of the arena is perfectly safe, thanks in part to the police and security presence, you do not want to venture too far away unless you are in the safety of a vehicle or public transit. If you must explore the immediate vicinity on foot, most of the restaurants in the area are chain ones. You’re better off hopping on the Metro or taking an Uber and heading to other parts of the District for better options. Speaking of which, once you get outside Congress Heights, there are a lot of things to do in Washington, and most of them are free. Whether it’s taking in the monuments and other sights on the National Mall or visiting one of the many museums, there’s truly something for everybody. All government-run attractions are free, but some privately owned ones are not. Just keep in mind if you plan on touring the Capitol or the White House, you will need to schedule that in advance. Fans 5 In the 2024 season, most Mystics games have been played at or near capacity, leading to calls for them to possibly move back to the larger Capital One Arena. Already a few games with larger crowds have been played there. For now, although the crowd is small in absolute numbers, almost every seat will be full. The Mystics crowd has a tradition of standing until the team scores its first basket, so be prepared to do that, at least if you want to see it. They can get quite loud at times, after big baskets or other plays. Some of this is due to attempts from the team to pump up the crowd, but much of it is organic as well. At this point, a good portion of the crowd seems to be cheering for individual players (who may have been notable in college) rather than teams, although there are a large number of genuine Mystics fans as well who cheer for everyone. Crowds in the WNBA as a whole have been on the rise, and the Mystics are no exception. Access 3 If driving to the Entertainment & Sports Arena, it is about a mile off of Interstate 295 via local roads. There is a garage and a parking lot next to the arena, where parking will cost $20 prepaid or the day of the game. Be warned that getting into the garage can take a few minutes as people pay or scan their passes, and getting out of the garage can take half an hour or longer, especially if you are parked on a higher floor. It is not well organized. The good news is that public transportation is available. The Congress Heights stop on the Green Line is located about a five-minute walk away. Despite concerns about the neighborhood, this walk is safe and there is a police presence to make sure of it. Just be warned that Metro has long headways and frequent track work, especially on weekends and over the summer when the Mystics play the bulk of their games. Plan accordingly and check for any track work on the day of your visit. If coming from outside the area served by the DC Metro, you can park at a suburban station and take the train from there. Parking costs will vary depending on the station and day of the week, but should not be more than a few dollars. If coming from the north, we recommend parking at the Greenbelt or College Park stations, and if coming from the South, we recommend parking at the Branch Avenue station. All of these stations are on the Green Line, so you avoid having to make a transfer. If coming from the east or west, you will likely park at a Silver, Orange, or Blue Line station, which requires a transfer to L'Enfant Plaza. The concourse can get extremely crowded to the large crowds, making navigation difficult. There can also be a wait for the restrooms at times. It seems the arena designers were not expecting the frequent sellouts the Mystics have. Return on Investment 4 If you buy your tickets at face value, they will start at around $25 depending on the game and where you sit. This is not too expensive. However, games do sell out, which will force you to buy resale tickets if you do not buy early enough. This can cost two to four times face value. We recommend buying early to avoid this. Concessions and parking are a bit on the high end, but this is not unexpected in a major city. Ultimately, a Mystics game is still a very good deal, as long as you buy tickets early enough to pay face value. Extras 4 There is a souvenir stand that sells merchandise. There will often be a selection of merchandise that is special to the game you attend and is offered at a lower price. Pax the Panda is a great mascot that is pretty unique to sports arenas. Look for the Mystics' 2019 WNBA Championship banner in the rafters. Before the game, the team host leads the crowd in a call and response. The host will ask "Who are we?" and the crowd will answer "DC". Then the host will say "Whose house is this?" and the crowd will say "Our house', then the game will tip-off. Final Thoughts The Washington Mystics are drawing sellout crowds to the Entertainment & Sports Arena nearly every game and seem to be outgrowing their home there very quickly. Someday soon, they may move back to Capital One Arena, but for now, a Mystics game at the ESA is a great experience, though not as good as it might be in a larger and fancier arena.

Photos by Dylan McLean, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.00 Riverside Arena 500 Fourth Ave NE Austin, MN 55912 Austin Bruins website Riverside Arena website Year Opened: 1976 Capacity: 2,500 Friday Night Lights in Austin No, this isn’t another piece highlighting the fanfare of high school football in Texas. The sport here is Tier II Junior hockey, and this “Austin” can be found about 1,000 miles north of the one in Texas.  Austin, MN is home to the Austin Bruins of the NAHL, a league whose rapid growth in recent years will see its number of member clubs grow to 35 in the Fall of 2024. The Bruins debuted as an NAHL expansion team in the 2010-2011 season, playing games out of Riverside Arena in downtown Austin, which they share with the local High School and youth hockey teams.  Junior hockey in Austin dates to the 1970s when the Austin Mavericks of the MidjHL (and later, the USHL) also called Riverside Arena home. Food & Beverage 3 Riverside Arena has one concession stand run by the Austin Youth Hockey Association, and it has the traditional hockey arena fare and prices that one would expect.  Along with assorted candies, the concession stand sells hot dogs, brats, pretzels, and even ramen, all priced at $3.50 or less.  The few “higher end” items available are $4.50 pizza slices, walking tacos for $5, and for those with a bigger appetite and open to spending a few more bucks, Loaded Nachos sell for $7.  Non-alcoholic beverage options include Coca-Cola products, coffee, tea, cappuccino, and bottled water, along with the one beverage required by any facility that dares to call it a Hockey Arena , Hot Chocolate. One thing that’s not available when the local Peewees are on the ice but is for sale during Bruins games, is alcoholic beverages.  In addition to tap beer for $4, Bruins fans looking to imbibe can also purchase a glass of chardonnay or cabernet sauvignon for $4, in addition to several choices of “hard” canned beverages such as Beast and Carbliss.  Lastly, for those who want to ensure their cup stays filled for the duration of the game, 10 packs of Fireball or a Dr. McGillicuddy’s Variety pack, are on the menu for $35 each.  Despite having a relatively standard hockey arena menu (other than the alcoholic drinks), Bruins fans seem eager to eat it up, literally.  Despite the staff doing a good job filling orders and keeping people moving, there remains a line at the concession stand throughout nearly the entire game. Atmosphere 5 During my visit, this is the area where Austin shined, giving their team a big home-ice advantage. The game I attended was on a Friday night, and although I arrived in plenty of time for puck drop, I found the arena parking lot already full which was a good sign right off the bat. Riverside Arena is a classic hockey barn like many found throughout Minnesota, and due to the fan support and the in-game production put on by the Bruins, it feels like you’ve entered the heartbeat of the town. There’s little doubt that Bruins games are happening in Austin, as witnessed by a capacity crowd of fans filling the stands on both sides of the ice.  At game time the lights dropped and a light show, complete with a disco ball, commenced to welcome the Bruins to the ice.  With Kid Rock’s Bawitdaba blaring through the P.A., the team hit the ice, bringing their flag-waving Bruins fans to their feet.  A nice touch followed soon after when a local youth “Player of the Game” skated out with the players as the starting lineup was announced.  A large video board, as good as any found in a D1 hockey arena, hangs above one end of the ice showing highlights and advertisements between periods.  Young kids and teens roam the arena throughout the game, stopping to cheer whenever the Bruins score, while the diehard hockey fans rarely leave their seats. The effort the Bruins organization has put into creating a fun and exciting atmosphere for their fans has made NAHL hockey a must-see event in Austin. Neighborhood 4 Riverside Arena lies right in the middle of Austin’s downtown commercial district, adjacent to the Cedar River. Like the town itself, the arena’s neighborhood is as clean and safe as you’d expect in a small Minnesota farm community.  For postgame festivities, there are plenty of bars and restaurants within walking distance of the arena, and if that’s not your thing you can always check out the Hormel Museum (home of SPAM) only a few blocks away.   Fans 4 The arena is packed with fans on both sides of the rink, and they are fully engaged with the action on the ice throughout the game.  Being Minnesota, it isn’t surprising to find a very knowledgeable fan base that understands the nuances of hockey, and when both cheers and boos are appropriate.  I found that Bruins fans not only knew the players, often calling them out by first name while cheering them on, but they also knew each other. Several times I overheard fans discussing “last game” or specific players, making it obvious that they were regulars at Bruins games. The only minor annoyance I encounter comes from the cellphone-wielding teens whose habit of roaming the stands during play occasionally blocks the view.  With the game being a social event for them though, I don’t mind. I am happy just to see that many teenagers attending a game live and in person.  Overall, the fans are plentiful, engaged with the game, and well-behaved.   Access 4 From the Twin Cities, take I-35 southbound to Owatonna where you'll exit onto U.S. Hwy14 heading east.  After 2.9 miles take the ramp to U.S. Hwy. 218 heading southbound.  Take 218 S for 30 miles into Austin and turn left onto Oakland Ave. W, and continue for 0.2 miles as Oakland becomes 1st Ave. SW.  Turn left onto 1st St. SE. then turn right onto Oakland Ave. E, drive for 0.2 miles and turn left onto 4th St. NE, and the arena is 0.1 miles straight ahead.  The arena offers free parking in its sizeable lot, with on-street parking also available at no charge.  Return on Investment 5 With single-game tickets costing only $7 and the quality of the game on the ice, attending a Bruins game is possible on most people’s budgets, and is well worth the investment. . Extras 3 If you’re a hockey fan or if you’ve spent time in a hockey arena, odds are that at some point you’ve heard the Gear Daddies  song “ I Wanna Drive the Zamboni ” coming out of the PA.   It just so happens that the Gear Daddies were born and raised in Austin, MN.  As the primary ice arena in town, when lead singer and songwriter Martin Zellar penned the tune, the arena he was speaking of was Riverside Arena in his hometown of Austin. Final Thoughts With the USHL being the only junior league above the NAHL in the US, you know that you’ll see quality hockey when attending a Bruins game and the setting makes it that much better.  Austin is a charming, small midwestern town that loves its hockey and supports its Bruins.  If you ever find yourself in the town that SPAM built, make time to take in a Bruins game while you’re there because Austin does hockey just as well as they do canned meat.

Photo by Eric Hasman and Marc Viquez, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.43 Legacy Fields 851 Center Ross Rd Crown Point, IN 46307 Map It Lake County Corndogs website Legacy Fields website Year Opened: 2009 Capacity: 600 Have a Corndog & a Smile In 2022, its inaugural season, the Lake County Corndogs baseball team captured the Northern League crown. They lost the championship in 2023 in their second season. In 2024, the Corndogs left the Northern League and are playing independently. Their opponents during the 2024 season mostly seem to be teams from the CSBL (Chicago Suburban Baseball League) and the Crestwood Collegiate League (wood-bat, semi-pro leagues). Hopefully, they are back in a league next season. Playing as an independent team seems like a college pickup game. The club is privately owned and is looking to make an impact with fans outside the city of Chicago in The Region. The team calls Legacy Fields in Crown Point, Indiana, its home. The ballpark holds approximately 600 and opened in 2009. The Corndog's name was chosen from a fan contest. The name combines two area staples: corn stalks growing in the area and the local high school Bulldogs nickname. The logo is catchy and fits in well in minor league baseball. Food & Beverage 3 The ballpark has a concession stand and a beer garden with a surprising choice of reasonably priced food and drinks. The concessions are geared more towards kids. The food options include cheeseburgers ($3.50), chili dogs, hamburgers, walking tacos ($3), nachos / pretzels ($2.50), and popcorn ($1). Of course, there are corn dogs for $2. Some surprising items are string cheese, Slim Jims, freeze pops and cow tales ($0.50). Soda, Gatorade, lemonade or iced tea are $2. The beer garden is sponsored by the local Off the Square Brewery. They provide an ale made especially for the ball club, Batter Up Ale, which is tasty. In addition, there are a couple of other domestic beers, such as Coors. They are $6 for a 20-ounce can, and a souvenir cup is an extra $2. If you are not a beer fan, you can choose a variety of White Claws. Atmosphere 2 The complex has two fields and also serves as home to the local Babe Ruth League and it looks like it. No netting protects the fans. Instead, there is black chain link fencing with many poles. This makes it difficult to see the action on the field. With that said, this field is a good fit for low-level summer collegiate league baseball. A double-decker press box offers more than enough space for radio and staff purposes and features aluminum bleachers behind the home plate and bleachers on each side of the press box. Another section of aluminum bleachers extends down the right field line. At the bottom of the press box, a concession area faces the main entrance. Cornelius the Corndog, a corn dog with mustard, is the mascot. He dances on the field and runs with the kids in between innings. He did not make an appearance at the game I attended. I am not sure why. A kid's zone is in the large grassy area down the right field line. The sound system is clear and loud enough for the various in-between gimmicks that include on-field contests like a hula hoop competition and the after-7th inning stretch for kids. Kids also chase foul balls and turn them into the concession stand for an ice pop, or they can keep them. The team encourages kids to turn them in. Sponsored by Off The Square Brewing, a shelter serves as the Beer Garden between the two fields. Fans entering the area need a wristband to enjoy a beer, and it is packed for weekend games. A small table offering concessions is next door, selling t-shirts, adult and youth caps, and other collectibles, from stuffed animals to mini baseball bats. Neighborhood 2 Legacy Fields is surrounded by a residential neighborhood and a wastewater treatment plant. However, downtown Crown Point is 1.5 miles from the downtown square of Crown Point. Multiple restaurants in that area include Station 21 American Grill, Ricochet Tacos, Tavern on Main, True BBQ and Whiskey Bar, and Twelve Islands. Crown Point Brewing and Off the Square Brewing are two local options for craft beer. Of course, chain fast food places like McDonald’s, Starbucks, Pop’s Italian Beef & Sausage inhabit the downtown region. Crown Point is close to two other ballparks: Oil City Field and US Steel Yard in Gary. Oil City Stadium is home to the rival NW Indiana Oilmen and is worth a visit in downtown Whiting, while the Railcats play in Gary, bringing in large crowds on weekends. Fans 3 I am told the Corndogs have created a nice fan base. However, on the day I went, approximately 100 people were in attendance, many of whom were parents of the players and a few other traditional fans. The atmosphere is similar to other summer collegiate leagues at this level. Kids chase foul balls, friends and family have a few laughs, and properly cheer for home runs and runs scored. Access 2 Legacy Fields is located a few miles west of I-65 and accessible by GPS on your phone. The closest exit is the 109th Street exit. The field itself is easy to move around, with three sets of bleachers surrounding the ball field. There is no public transportation in the area of the ballpark. Return on Investment 3 The price of a ticket is $6 - $8, concession prices are no more than $4, beer is $6, and parking is free. The crowd is usually festive, and kids’ activities take place in between innings. If you have the time, the downtown square in Crown Point is visiting. . Extras 2 The Corndogs earn points for having affordable concessions and a beer garden with local and affordable beer. They get an extra point for encouraging kids to turn in foul balls for ice pops. The field gets a point taken away for the chain link fencing blocking the view. I hope this can be changed to netting. Final Thoughts The Corndogs management knows how to build a good team. Hopefully, they will be able to add some new items to the experience in the future. The stadium offers a small-town feel with plenty of affordable options at the concession stand and beer garden.

Photos by David Welch, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.71 Georgia Highlands College Baseball Field 5441 GA Hwy 20 Cartersville, GA 30121 Cartersville Cannons website Georgia Highlands College Baseball Field website Year Opened: 2024 Georgia Highlands College Baseball Field – Cartersville Cannons Even before the college baseball regular season comes to an end, summer collegiate baseball leagues are already starting up. Established in 2005, the Sunbelt Baseball League (SBL) is a summer collegiate wood bat league that plays baseball at college and high school fields around the metro Atlanta area and into Alabama. A new addition to the Sunbelt Baseball League for the 2024 season is the Cartersville Cannons, who call the new Georgia Highlands College Baseball Field home. Like many teams in the SBL, their roster is comprised of a diverse collection of players from all NCAA levels, NAIA, and junior college programs. However, most players do tend to be from the area, or play on a nearby collegiate team.   Food & Beverage   4 The traditional concession stand at Georgia Highlands College Baseball Field is not in use for Sunbelt League Baseball games. Instead, food trucks provide a variety of food, drinks, and sweet treats. While the selection of trucks may vary from game to game, fans can expect to find the ballpark staples. During my most recent visit, The Sloppy Skillet truck was serving Sloppy Joes, Sloppy Nachos, and Sloppy Dogs, along with smash burgers and other fare.  A well-rounded selection of sides were also available. For those who might need to cool down from the Georgia summer heat, a second food truck offers flavored shaved ice and candy.   Atmosphere   2 Georgia Highlands College Baseball Field is new but relatively basic – the stadium is situated in a wide-open field with Georgia pines as a distant backdrop, and is neighbored by the school’s matching softball complex. A brick and concrete grandstand extends from dugout to dugout, featuring a mix of aluminum-backed benches and individual, fixed-back seats behind home plate. The upper row of seating is spacious enough to accommodate tailgating chairs, which several fans make use of. Mid-inning changes are typically uneventful, with only music playing as teams switch from batting to the field. There are no ad reads, on-field contests, nor other types of mid-inning fan engagements. Instead, baseball with the Cartersville Cannons offers a very straightforward experience, without the thrills that have become commonplace at many other baseball venues.   Neighborhood   2 Georgia Highlands College Baseball Field is located on the westernmost edge of campus in the northwestern Georgia town of Cartersville. The park is just under four miles from downtown Cartersville, which has a high concentration of independently owned restaurants and shops. Closer to the field on Highway 41, visitors can find a variety of regional and national chain eateries, one of the more popular being the uniquely southern Guthrie's and their chicken fingers. Cartersville is steeped in American history – south of the city, just off the banks of the Etowah River, are the Etowah Indian Mounds, while a bit further out is the Civil War site of the Allatoona Pass Battlefield, part of Sherman’s March to the Sea. In addition, closer to the Georgia Highlands campus, Savoy Automobile Museum is just an open field away from the ballpark.   Fans   2 The Cannons draw modest crowds, typically around 50 fans per game. The crowd mainly consists of family members along with a small contingent of friends and college teammates. There does not seem to be an overabundance of younger fans in attendance. Fans are generally more subdued than at regular season games, but still react to good plays on the field, and will also let umpires hear their displeasure over questionable calls, too.   Access   3 Just under two miles off I-75, which regionally runs between Atlanta and Chattanooga, Georgia Highlands College Baseball Field is a fairly straight shot once off the interstate. However, driving from Atlanta can be a bit of a challenge due to typically congested traffic through Cobb County to the south of Cartersville. Once at the baseball/softball complex, parking is just a short walk to the baseball stadium. Ramps provide access to the lower section of the grandstand on both sides, serving as the only walkways for fans to use. Wheelchair-accessible areas and seating for those who may have difficulty traversing stairs are also available. Overall, Georgia Highlands has done a good job of providing a hassle-free experience for all attendees.   Return on Investment   5 With an entrance fee of $7, the expense is reasonable for summer collegiate baseball, especially considering that some teams in the league charge more. The food trucks charge restaurant rates for their offerings, but the portions are generous and appropriate for the price.   Extras   1 As previously mentioned, the seating layout for those with mobility challenges greatly enhances the experience, making the facility accessible for all. Companion seating adjacent to wheelchair cutouts goes the extra yard.   Final Thoughts Cannons baseball may not be at the top of the list of must-see summer collegiate baseball destinations, but it offers a night of baseball where the game is the main attraction. As Georgia Highlands College Baseball Field matures, it should only further enhance the Cartersville Cannons baseball experience.

Photos by Lance Sutehall, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.71 Pohl Gymnasium 1100 College St Columbus, MS 39701 MUW Owls website Pohl Gymnasium website Year Opened: Unknown Capacity: 570 Getting Ws at the W Columbus, Mississippi is home to the Mississippi University for Women (MUW), a public institution that has over 2,300 students enrolled. Despite its name, the school’s enrollment is currently 23% male. MUW started as a women’s only institution in 1884 when it was called the Mississippi Industrial Institute and College for the Education of White Girls. This was the first women’s public college in the United States. It was renamed the Mississippi State College for Women in 1920 before another renaming gave the institution its current name in 1974. In 1982 the U.S. Supreme Court ruled that the school’s single sex admission policy was in violation of the fourteenth amendment and had to accept qualified men. Since that ruling, MUW has been a co-ed institution academic wise. While the academics had been integrated, the athletic programs continued to be exclusively for women. In 1971, MUW won the Commission on Intercollegiate Athletics for Women (CIAW) national championship in basketball, becoming the third program to accomplish that feat. The CIAW was the predecessor to the Association for Intercollegiate Athletics for Women (AIAW) which eventually folded into the NCAA. The point is MUW is part of women’s college basketball history. Unfortunately on November 10, 2002, a tornado ripped through Columbus and MUW. The tornado damaged a large part of the campus, including Pohl Gymnasium. The tornado forced the program to shut down their athletic program. In 2017, sports came back to MUW, this time the Owls would have men’s teams. Five years later, the Owls joined Division 3’s St. Louis Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (SLIAC). The school has had numerous proposals to change the name of the school due to the fact that it has not been a women’s institution in over four decades. As of the writing of this article, no name change has been approved. Food & Beverage 2 There is a concession stand at the entrance that sells basics such as hot dogs ($2), popcorn ($1), candy ($1), chips ($1), sodas ($2), Gatorade ($2), and water ($1). Have cash on you as the stand does not have a card reader. All proceeds go to the Owls Student Athletic Advisory Committee. Atmosphere 3 When you enter Pohl Gymnasium, there is a trophy case showing off various athletic successes from the MUW program over the years. After opening a door and walking to the seats you see a sign that says “Win Every Day” as well as a USCAA women’s basketball championship banner.  There is a running track that surrounds the gym above the seats and the players' locker rooms are upstairs by the track on the opposite side of the seating area. Only one side of the gym has seats. Two LED matrix scoreboards are in each corner of the gym, which face the seating area. They display the basics of points, period, time, and TOL. The gym displays banners of the other schools in the SLIAC above the players' benches and officials' tables. Neighborhood 3 Columbus is part of Mississippi’s Golden Triangle that also includes Starkville and West Point. Columbus is home to the Columbus Air Force Base and is therefore considered to be a Military town. On the campus of MUW is Summer Hall where there is an art gallery that is free to the public. A few blocks northwest is Columbus’ Main Street, where other attractions include the home of Tennessee Williams and the Riverwalk Trail hiking area. Dining options on Main Street include Harvey’s for Southern fare, Munson and Brothers Trading Post for pizza, and Huck’s Place for Cajun cuisine. There are plenty of chain hotels in Columbus including a Red Roof Inn, Days Inn, and La Quinta. Fans 2 MUW does not have a large fan base but its students and alumni get behind the Owls, win or lose. The fans seem to be knowledgeable about D3 basketball. Access 3 Coming from Highway 82, the drive to Pohl Gymnasium involves turning onto Military Road and driving until reaching 11th street where heading South will get you straight to the venue. There is a gravel parking lot across the field from the gym. Once inside, the gym is on the left. Return on Investment 5 On my visit to Pohl Gym there did not seem to be anyone charging admission to the public. This means I was able to see a MUW Owls Women’s and Men’s game for no charge. With free parking, it’s worth stopping by MUW to witness just how good D3 basketball can be. . Extras 1 Tennessee Williams was born in Columbus. His childhood home is now a museum. Final Thoughts Pohl Gymnasium may not have all the bells and whistles of a D1 basketball arena. However, it is a great place to watch competitive college basketball in its purest form.

Photos by Chris Green, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.71 Otter Sports Complex 4113 2nd Ave Seaside, CA 93955 Cal State Monterey Bay Otters website Otter Sports Complex website College Baseball by the Sea The sports scene in Monterey is somewhat limited – aside from races at Laguna Seca  or soccer at nearby Cardinale Stadium  with Monterey Bay FC, you don’t have many options. However, college sports fans can find solace in the fact that Cal State Monterey Bay fields sports teams, including a baseball program. Situated right on campus adjacent to the school’s other athletic fields, the Otter Sports Complex is Monterey Bay’s home for baseball.   Food & Beverage   3 There are several food trucks and concession stands open right behind the grandstands where you can find numerous options. Steak sandwiches, melts, flatbreads, nachos, or grillitos are available for $12, steak & bacon sliders or chicken artichoke wraps are $10, chicken wings are $8, hot dogs, nachos, fries, or grilled cheese sandwiches are $7, and water or soda costs $3.   Atmosphere   3 The stadium itself is simple enough; reminiscent of local baseball fields, there are three grandstand sections that are all open and available to fans who wish to sit in any of them. Many fans bring their own folding chairs and line them up right against the fencing itself behind home plate to watch the game. Landscaping, through simple, features beautiful flowering bushes and trees, making for a nice aesthetic. Weather in Monterey is practically perfect all year round, which means you won’t be uncomfortable watching CSU-MB games.   Neighborhood   5 Monterey is like much of the rest of coastal California; beautiful and relaxing. Boasting the weather and scenery of the Bay Area, but with the small-town feel of more inland locations, Monterey features a regional airport, numerous locations to stay at, and a wide variety of places to eat. In addition, the world-famous Monterey Aquarium is just minutes from CSU-MB, as are Fisherman’s Wharf and Cannery Row. The locals are kind and courteous, always willing to give you directions and recommendations on where to go, and no matter what time of the year you are going, there is always some sort of festival or celebration going on, such as Italian Fest, Jazz Fest, and Octoberfest. For great food check out Gusto’s Handcrafted Pasta & Pizza, or Hula’s Island Grill. Hotels are plentiful here, including Hilton Garden Inn Monterey and Hotel Pacific. The stadium’s immediate location, the town of Seaside, also features numerous restaurants and hotels.   Fans   3 The majority of those in attendance are family and friends of the players on the field. With that said, there is also a notable attendance of younger fans, be they local youth players themselves, or kids who just want to watch baseball without their parents paying the price of MLB teams up north. The fans who do attend games here are also sports knowledgeable, knowing all the players on the field as well.   Access   5 Parking is plentiful on-site for $5 – these lots offer easy in-and-out access to fans attending games here, and payment for parking is made at the pay stations as you enter the lot, making for a seamless experience on game day. To get to the stadium, you just need to take the Lightfighter Drive exit from Highway 1; from there, you’re practically dropped off right next to the parking lot entrance.   Return on Investment   5 Ticket prices are $10 for adults and $5 for kids, making games at CSU Monterey Bay incredibly affordable. Couple that with very affordable prices for parking and concessions, and you have a great day watching college baseball for a great price. Also, with the great weather you won’t be miserable watching the Otters take the field, so this really is a win-win for all parties.   Extras   2 QR codes are posted at various locations for fans to scan each game’s digital program. The field also allows fans to walk around behind the warm-up area for the visiting team, giving you an up-close view of their workouts and bullpen action.   Final Thoughts Going to Monterey may not bring college baseball to mind, but this should change for diehard fans of the sport. CSU Monterey Bay features a great affordable product with stellar weather in a fantastic city – this is a great option for fans who want to catch some sports, either if you’re visiting or a local.

Photos by Eric Hasman, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.29 Duly Health and Care Field 1 Mayor Art Schultz Dr Joliet, IL 60432 Map It Joliet Slammers website Duly Health and Care Field website Year Opened: 2002 Capacity: 6,016 A Name to Call Home in Joliet The Joliet Slammers are members of the Frontier League and play at Duly Health and Care Field, formerly, DuPage Medical, Joliet Route 66 Field, Slammers Field and Silver Cross Field. The stadium was built for the Joliet Jackhammers which played in the former Northern League from 2002 to 2010.  In 2010 the Jackhammers changed their name to the Slammers and joined the Frontier League. The name refers to the famous prisons of Joliet and Will County (Joliet Correctional Center and Stateville Correctional Center) as well as a common baseball term for a grand slam. The team even has a logo of a jailbird donning prison stripes as its mascot. In 2018 the Slammers replaced the natural grass with field turf.  The field dimensions are 348 feet to left field, 400 feet to center field and 327 feet to right field. During the offseason, majority ownership of the team was acquired by Mike Veeck (son of former White Sox and Cleveland Indian owner) and Bill Murray (movie star/comedian). On most nights you can see Night Train Veeck, Mike’s son at the ballpark. Food & Beverage 5 The food stands have names based upon Joliet and baseball: Crossroads Grill and Steel City Grill. There is the usual ballpark fare of nachos ($7), hot dogs ($5.50), hamburgers ($9), chicken strips ($9) and pizza slices ($9.50). There are tacos from a local restaurant which is a few blocks from the ballpark (Sunshine Mexican Cafe) which are excellent ($4 each though on Saturdays they are $2). However, there are other options like the “porkando which is mac and cheese, brisket or pulled pork ($16), brisket ($12), pulled pork or pork tenderloin ($10). Cole slaw, mac & cheese and key lime pie are available as sides for $5, $4 and $7 respectively. There is also a giant soft pretzel with beer cheese ($15). I recommend any of the above. For your sweet tooth ice cream is provided by a local ice cream shop, the Creamery. They have cones and ice cream sandwiches from $6 to $10. In addition, there is cheesecake on a stick and chocolate covered bananas. New this year (2024) is a cookie stand (local cookie shop Crumbl) which has big gourmet cookies for $6. These cookies are excellent. The barbecue pork nachos are highly recommended and tasty. The lines at the food concessions move fairly quickly.  The condiment selection here is the basic: ketchup, mustard, onions, and relish and sadly they are in packets. One thing nice is that when you buy a souvenir cup of soda for $9, refills are $3. There are many varieties of tap beer: Budweiser, Corona, Shock top, Michelob Ultra, Coors and Sam Adams. A 20-ounce draft beer is $7 (domestic) or $9 (premium), 16-ounce cans are $7, and 24-ounce beer cans are $8.  The stadium has a a main bar behind home plate that provides excellent views from behind the backstop and a friendly wait staff. The area is home to at least 12 different canned craft beers (Slammers Lager, Field of Dream Honey Vienna Lager) and some tap craft beer from a local brewery. In addition, there are Moonshine based cocktails for $9 (these are excellent) and wine for $8. Atmosphere 4 Entering the ballpark, fans must walk up a flight of stairs (there is an elevator too in the main entrance) to get to the concourse which overlooks the field. The stadium has two levels: the main concourse and a level of skyboxes above. The stadium features a 360-degree concourse that links to a very large play area behind center field. The main seating area runs from first to third base and there are approximately 20 rows of seating. In addition, there are two lawn areas down the right and left field lines. There are no permanent outfield seats, but there is a chair rail along the left field wall.  There is a concession building, which is not open this 2024 season, in the left field with rooftop seating that is open to everyone on most games but occasionally will be rented out for parties. The rooftop area is a great place to watch the game for a while. Lastly, in right field, there is a standing area complete with a rail for beverages and/or food. The Slammers have two mascots Spike (a dog) and J.L. Bird (a crow in a prison outfit). Both are found throughout the stadium and on the field during the game. J.L. Bird was even featured on ESPN during his first season with the club. The team store cleverly called the “Clink,” is large, but lacks a healthy selection of team products (shirts, hats, etc).   The between inning entertainment is the usual minor league stuff: throwing t-shirts, high low, and a few kid races.   The Slammers brought back a cool a sculpture of construction guys sitting on an I-beam eating and watching the game over a third base concession stand. Recently, the Slammers instituted a “Metra train” race. It is three cutouts of different colored trains and people run from the scoreboard to the a point in right field to determine the winner. Neighborhood 4 The ballpark is located in downtown Joliet. Several businesses are located to the north and west of the park, along with a high school to the east of the park. Some residential housing is to the south of the park. There are a lot of small independent restaurants and bars within the vicinity, The Blue Taco is an excellent place with really good food. Also, the Chicago Street Pub has the best Reuben and juicy burgers. The Shoebox is piled with BBQ ham, American cheese, tomato and red onion on a Milano bun. If you want a higher end restaurant, go to Cut 158 for steaks. Beer lovers should head to Richardson’s Sports Bar which is about 1 block from the park. After the game, if you want, there is good Live music at The Forge, which is a few blocks from the ballpark. Right outside the right field side of the park, there was a gay bar Maneuvers (it is closed now but according to neighbors it should be opening again), but I have my doubts since it has been vacant for a while now. In addition, Harrah’s Casino and the historic Rialto Theater are within a couple of blocks of downtown. The Rialto books mid-level acts, plays, and various musicals during the season. In addition, the Forge, another bar / music venue, is located a few blocks from the stadium. The Forge does book some nationally known bands. Other things to do in the area are the Joliet Area Historical Museum (for the history of the city and region) and Route 66. The Illinois Rock and Roll Museum on Rt. 66 (open 2022) located at 9 E. Cass is about a mile from the park and offers a history of musicians and bands with ties to Illinois. For you record buffs there is Audiophile Records which has albums and more. Lastly, about 3 miles from the park at 1125 Collins St, Joliet, is the world-famous Old Joliet Prison (featured in the Blues Brothers movie). It was built in 1858, and offers tours. Fans 3 The fans in attendance are very friendly. The Slammers attendance is usually anywhere between 1,800 to 2,500 per game. The mix of fans is the same as any other ballpark, lots of families, people who are really into baseball and people who just like to hang out and catch up. Access 5 The park is located in downtown Joliet. It is not hard to get to since it is about one mile north of I-80. There are many ways to get to the ballpark. The Joliet Transportation Center, serving two Metra lines, is right outside the stadium. There are also bus lines near the stadium. There is plenty of parking surrounding the stadium and it is free. We do not recommend parking on the adjoining street on the south side of the stadium because there are many foul balls hit into car windows. Bags and purses are allowed into the stadium but may be subject to search. Return on Investment 5 The price of a regular ticket ranges $9 for lawn seats to $15 for reserved seating (tickets are $2 more on game day at the gate). On Tuesdays, the tickets are cheaper. The suites can be rented for $23 to $30 per person (food and soda are extra). Extras 4 There is a firehouse across the street in left field which has 560’ painted on it. Yes, if a home run hits the firehouse, it would have traveled 560’. Also, there is a small field for physically challenged people. Occasionally, I have seen kids using the field. There is a guy who dresses in a tuxedo who entertains the crowd by juggling and interacting with the fans at most games.  In addition, he comes around with a garbage bag and picks up garbage with a pair of tongs. And in the last row of Section 110, there is a Joliet Slammers superfan/historian, Craig, who is known by the name of “Mr. Downtown Joliet.”  If you need to know something about downtown Joliet, this is the man to go to. Final Thoughts Duly Health and Care Field has a surprisingly 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.

Photos by Chris Green, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.86 WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca 1021 Monterey Salinas Hwy Salinas, CA 93908 WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca website SpeedTour Series Year Opened: 1957 Capacity: 11,000 Vintage Excitement in Monterey WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca is a world-famous speedway housed atop the high hills outside of Monterey, California. The speedway has hosted some of the world’s biggest racing stars over various racing series, and continues to be a fan and driver favorite as the years progress. Each spring, the SVRA and Trans Am SpeedTour weekend provides an early-season chance for fans to get up close to some of the best vintage racing in America. With multiple classes of cars taking to the speedway’s tight turns, fans have a lot of racing action to watch during a weekend. Also, thanks to a recent investment in the track’s infrastructure, fans can expect an even better product going forward.   Food & Beverage   4 Finding something to eat is easy to do at WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca, as the track is home to various food vendors and beverage carts around the property – at nearly every vantage point there is something to eat. The majority of food selections are standard burgers, hot dogs, sausages, and a few salads. One of the most popular spots, however, is a small unassuming shiny Airstream sitting in the middle of the paddock. Here, fans can get all sorts of beverages, from fresh hot coffee to iced coffee, blended mochas, and smoothies. In addition, the little trailer also has various selections of desserts and sweets, including homemade cookies and brownies. The main concession stand at the track features oak smoked tri-tip sandwiches ($19), burgers ($16), brisket sandwiches ($19), and more. Drinks range from $3 for bottled water and $4 for soda to as much as $6 for energy drinks and sparkling waters. Alcoholic beverages are also available, with beer ($12-$14) and wine ($14) on the menu.   Atmosphere   5 The weather in central California is almost always perfect. Rarely seeing the temperature rise higher than the low 80s on race day, the atmosphere at WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca is nearly all-but-guaranteed to be ideal. In addition, the facility is located on the top of the coastal hills outside Monterey, making it a perfect spot for a breezy afternoon. Large oak trees even line the track at various places, giving fans somewhere to hide from the sun if it does get warm. Additionally, fans can camp over the weekend at the track, as the property serves as a recreational park during weekends when there’s no racing. During SpeedTour weekend here, fans have the chance to watch vintage racing, Trans Am’s west coast series, and the Optima Batteries Search for the Ultimate Street Car competition.   Neighborhood   4 Monterey is like much of the rest of coastal California; beautiful and relaxing. Boasting the weather and scenery of the Bay Area but with the small town feel of more inland locations, Monterey features a regional airport, numerous locations to stay, and a wide variety of places to eat. In addition, the world-famous Monterey Aquarium is just minutes from WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca, as are Fisherman’s Wharf and Cannery Row. The locals are kind and courteous, always willing to give you directions and recommendations on where to go. And no matter what time of year you are going, there is always some form of festival or celebration going on, such as Italian Fest, Jazz Fest, and Octoberfest. For great food, check out Gusto’s Handcrafted Pasta & Pizza, or Hula’s Island Grill. Hotels are plentiful, including the Hilton Garden Inn Monterey and Hotel Pacific.   Fans   3 The fans in Monterey are big-time race fans, having flocked to WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca for years. They all know the best places to watch from, so asking for a little advice will be met with kind suggestions for the newbie race fan. They also know how to party, putting on some great cookouts overnight in the camping areas. And if you want help understanding what’s going on, you can ask anyone. While other races weekends, such as IMSA  or IndyCar, may draw larger crowds than the SpeedTour event, the fans nonetheless bring a respectable crowd.   Access   3 Getting to WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca is a bit of a difficult task, thanks in part to the traffic coming in and out of the canyon in which the track is located. While the route from either Salinas or Monterey is pretty straightforward, the roads are almost all one-lane thoroughfares, meaning one slow car can make traffic a nightmare. Additionally, getting up the side of the mountain once inside the track’s gates can be daunting to those who aren’t used to driving up steep inclines. Parking is plentiful and available at various locations on the property, with additional parking passes available for different parking lots. Once at the raceway, moving around is aided by various bridges across the track to get from the inside to the outside of the course; just be sure to bring your hiking shoes, as the hillside walks are pretty impressive. Recently renovated, the main bridge over the front straight connects fans from the paddock to the hillsides overlooking the straight, meaning fans wanting to make their way to the infield from the main frontstretch grandstands can now easily access either side.   Return on Investment   4 The track itself is very challenging, making for some of the most exciting and closest racing in the sport. The famed corkscrew complex is also world famous for its difficulty, giving the best of drivers fits on race days. Combining the massive fan zone and the easy to see victory lane setup, SpeedTour Weekend at WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca offers a lot of up-close access that fans may not get at other racing events. Tickets are generally affordable, and parking is plentiful and free for all ticket holders.   Extras   4 The corkscrew is the biggest draw here, and the hillside viewing at the track gives fans the best chance to view one of the most intimidating corners in all of racing. Spectators can also experience a great fan zone here at WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca, featuring numerous autograph sessions during race weekends. Something that is also different about WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca is the hiking trails on site; walking up the hills to several of the viewing spots can be a workout unto itself. The weather also gives fans a beautiful backdrop from which to watch racing, as the typical morning fog in California creates a dramatic vista in the early hours.   Final Thoughts If you want to find a historically significant spot to watch racing that features brilliantly perfect weather conditions, a culturally vibrant city nearby, and the essence of thrilling action on track, you should look no further than WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca. The fans will welcome you with open arms, and the symphony of motors roaring through the mountains will fill your heart with joy. This is definitely a bucket-list track for true racing fans to visit.

Photos by Chris Green, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.00 WWTR (Gateway) 700 Raceway Blvd Madison, IL 62060 SpeedTour website World Wide Technology Raceway website Year Opened: 1985 Capacity: 78,000 Gateway’s Other Racing Showcase The sound of race cars is not an uncommon sound around World Wide Technology Raceway; the track hosts the likes of IndyCar, NHRA, and NASCAR every year. However, the Trans Am and SVRA SpeedTour weekend at the track is a new kind of race for the facility since its debut in 2023, as it features pro racing and sportscars on the track’s infield road course layout. This means a new kind of racing is available to fans in St. Louis that hasn’t been around for many years.   Food & Beverage   1 The concession options at WWTR were already somewhat limited, but the most recent event saw a new low – where once were food trucks and a concession stand outside the main grandstand, now sits an empty lot. Instead, the only current food option is a small infield table situated under an easy-up tent, with no distinct signage to attract you to their hot dogs and soda for sale. This is literally the only option at the track for food and drinks beyond a soda vending machine, with most teams and fans bringing in their own food or cooking at the track.   Atmosphere   3 The racing takes place on the track’s infield road course, which means that fans in the main grandstands will be able to see all the corners from their seats; this is an advantage of racing in an oval setup, as with many traditional road courses you can only see certain sections of the track if you don’t move around. Another thing that makes this event special is that all tickets offer fans free access to the pits and paddock area of the track, which lets you get an up-close view of the drivers and teams as they work on their cars before heading out to the track. This also allows you a closer look at the track’s infield section, as well as getting fans up close to victory lane. As far as facilities goes, the track has many restrooms available for fans, though many down below the grandstand were closed during the most recent event. However, the seating is open to all.   Neighborhood   2 There isn’t much nearby for the track’s fans to visit – located across the river from downtown St. Louis, Madison, Illinois is more industrial near the raceway; the restaurants and shopping options are several exits away on I-64 in either direction. For hotels, 10 minutes in either direction will get you to some major brands, but nothing exists closer to the track.   Fans   2 The fans showed up to World Wide Technology Raceway first SpeedTour weekend, a welcome surprise to perhaps an underserved market for sportscar racing. That trend didn’t follow this year, however, as fewer fans arrived for the weekend festivities. The fan walk before the Trans-Am feature race on Saturday was packed with the fans in attendance, but even then, it wasn’t much of a crowd.   Access   5 To get to WWTR, you simply need to take exit 203 off I-55; this will drop you literally at the track’s gates. From here parking is plentiful for fans, and walking to the infield is also easy thanks to the Turn 4 tunnel and backstretch crossover gate, which is open before the racing starts each day.   Return on Investment   5 Tickets to SpeedTour weekend here are incredibly affordable, and fall far below the prices you’ll find for the NASCAR and IndyCar race weekends at WWTR, starting at $25 for single day tickets on Friday and going up from there. Couple this with the free parking and the incredible access offered to fans, and you have a very worthy weekend at the track for race fans, without having to break the bank. Also, the added bonus of seeing multiple races and multiple classes on track throughout the day means you get much more racing for your buck than you do during any other race event at this facility.   Extras   3 Fans can get up close and meet drivers for autographs during the free pre-race fan walk on pit road, before the Trans-Am feature race on Saturday. All fans also have access to the paddock with their ticket, allowing them to see the teams working on the cars up close. Finally, the infield go kart track is open all weekend for anyone who wants to go racing on their own.   Final Thoughts This race may be the hidden gem for racing fans in St. Louis if you’re a diehard fan. World Wide Technology Raceway hosts many events throughout the year, but none offer as much access for free with your ticket as does SpeedTour weekend, and with a condensed two-day schedule, you can catch all the racing action you want over a shorter period of time, whereas other events may spread the action out over multiple days.

Photos by Chris Green, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.71 Lime Rock Park 60 White Hollow Rd Lakeville, CT 06039 Lime Rock Park website Memorial Day Classic website Year Opened: 1957 Capacity: 75,000 Racing’s Other Memorial Day Tradition Despite the best efforts of the track’s neighbors, Lime Rock Park is a historic and popular racing facility hidden away in northwestern Connecticut. Nestled in a small valley and surrounded by stunning forests, this New England center of speed is small yet fierce, attracting race fans from around the globe to its secluded curves. After hosting the likes of IMSA and SRO World Challenge over the past few years, the classic Memorial Day race weekend now features SVRA vintage racing and Trans Am action. After IMSA’s departure in 2024, SpeedTour Weekend now holds the distinction of being the track’s flagship professional race event. The track also plays host to a variety of racing series over the calendar year, from SCCA to the Skip Barber Racing School.   Food & Beverage   4 The small size of Lime Rock Park means you are never too far from anywhere, which makes finding food easy. From food trucks to small vendors at various corners around the track, getting food is easy for fans. The track also features a paddock food stand that has ice cream, a wide selection of burger options, and more to satisfy the appetite of any race fan. The main food booths are in the paddock area and at the top of the Turn 2 hill, from where the majority of fans watch the race. A burger or impossible burger costs $10, while a chicken tenders and fries basket costs $11. Hot dogs range from $7 to $8 depending on the toppings you want, while drinks range from $2 for a coffee or juice to $4.50 for soda or Gatorade. Snacks like cookies, brownies, candy, chips, and pastries range from $2.50 to $3. For 2023, the main concession stand now features a newly paved queue area, as opposed to the rocky pathway that was there before.   Atmosphere   5 The beauty all around Lime Rock Park is simply stunning – the vibrant green mountains that border the track help make the car colors pop even more than normal. The smell of campfires also fills the air, as some of the best race fans in the country take up residence at the track for the weekend. With a paddock that is open to all fans during all race weekends, and victory lane located at the bottom of an amphitheater-style hill for fan viewing, there is almost nowhere on the track you can’t find a great view. In addition, drivers frequently toss out hats to fans after celebrating their wins. In addition, autographs are easy to get here, and the pre-grid walk before the main race always brings out the fans. Perhaps most overlooked are the main paddock restrooms, which are always spotless and fully air-conditioned.   Neighborhood   2 If you want to feel unwelcome by the residents of a town in which your sporting event is being held, just travel to Lime Rock Park. Weekend homes for New York City residents dot the streets around the track, and almost every single one has a large yellow sign outside their home that reads “SUNDAY NO RACING!” in protest of the track’s noise. Though the debate has raged for years, it nonetheless makes new fans and visitors to the facility feel rather unwelcome in this small New England town. Easily the biggest downside of Lime Rock Park is its location and lack of any large towns nearby. Quite literally located off small one-lane roads, the track is bordered by homes and farm fields, mixed with dense New England forest. The nearest hotels are Interlaken Inn and Wake Robin Inn, both a good 15-minute drive north into Lakeville. Food options in Lakeville, the nearest town, include Black Rabbit Tavern and The Woodland restaurant. For sightseers, Haystack Mountain State Park offers great hiking trails, while the Saville Dam area is a favorite spot for photo takers.   Fans   5 The fans at Lime Rock Park are diehard racing fans – they follow IMSA, SRO, SVRA, WEC, Trans Am, and more, making them extremely sports-knowledgeable. They’re also passionate about their favorite drivers, fly the flags of their preferred manufacturers, and pack the hillsides for every headliner and support race during a given race weekend. From club racing to vintage and pro weekends, Lime Rock Park is rarely empty when a race is in town.   Access   2 Parking on site at Lime Rock Park is plentiful, both inside the track and out. However, that is where the convenience ends – located over an hour from the nearest interstate highway, Lime Rock Park is in a very secluded part of Connecticut, relatively speaking. The nearest major city, Hartford, is equally as far. Located between US-7 and US-44, Lime Rock Park is easy to drive past if you don’t catch the small signs that point you towards the facility. Its distance from anywhere with sufficient lodging or dining is also inconvenient for those traveling to the track from out of state, some of whom don’t like to venture far from the action.   Return on Investment   4 Lime Rock Park is one of those tracks in North America that everyone knows about and says you should visit once. The compact nature of the track makes this the sports car racing equivalent of a bull ring, making the on-track product quite exciting to watch. Add to this the car-lovers dream that is the open paddock, and you have the perfect mix of beautiful surroundings and quality racing that motorheads crave. Tickets for the Trans-Am and SVRA event on Memorial Day weekend are generally affordable, though price increases have taken effect in 2024, with Friday tickets going for $35, Saturday or Monday tickets now at $85, full weekend tickets at $105, Sunday car show tickets at $15, and infield parking at $35. Add this to the dramatically smaller field sizes in recent years for SVRA’s vintage races, and you are paying more for less than before. Nonetheless, this event is still a great event for fans to attend, and an overall good value.   Extras   4 The track features vintage racecars on display near the paddock grill concession stand, showcasing the track’s history. The main midway is also home to vendors and displays, showing fans the latest tech and offering great giveaways at the races. In addition, the track’s victory lane is located at the bottom of the hill by Turn 2, creating an amphitheater-style winner’s circle that makes you feel like you’re part of the celebration. Before the races, fans are welcomed onto the grid for a pre-race grid walk, where they can get up close to the cars and stars racing at the track, and with the moratorium on Sunday racing, Memorial Day Weekend features a massive classic car show and local beer festival on Sunday before the race action returns on Monday.   Final Thoughts Lime Rock Park is secluded to say the least, and whether this is good or bad depends on the fan. What isn’t up for debate is its status as a shining star in the racing world for over 60 years, and the natural beauty that surrounds it. If you’re a racing fan, this track is a must-see on anyone’s bucket list – the track is constantly trying to improve the fan experience, and unlike other stops on the calendar, this facility doesn’t seem to age poorly, meaning you’ll be comfortable whenever you’re there.

Photos by Eric Hasman and Michael Rusignuolo, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.00 Canal Park 300 S Main St Akron, OH 44308 Akron RubberDucks website Canal Park website Year Opened: 1997 Capacity: 9,097 Ducks in the Canal The city-owned Canal Park takes its name from the Ohio and Erie Canal that runs beyond the outfield of the ballpark. The ballpark opened in 1997 and was designed by Populous, the same architectural firm that designed the Indians’ Jacobs Field. The ballpark holds 9,097. Currently, the Akron RubberDucks, changed their name in 2013 from the Aeros to reflect the history of Akron’s rubber industry. The RubberDucks have been the AA Eastern League affiliate of the Cleveland Indians since 1989 when they were located in nearby Canton, Ohio at Thurman Munson Field. The ballpark is asymmetrical with the following dimensions: Left Field: 331 feet, Left Center: 376 feet, Center Field: 400 feet, Right Center: 375 feet, Right Field: 337 feet. The hi-definition scoreboard in right center field gives information on the game and a sideboard in left center provides additional information. There are ball-and-strike ribbon boards at the ends of the luxury boxes. Canal Park has a large concourse, which makes it easy to walk around the park when crowded, an area that runs from left field to right field that allows access to all the regular seating areas. In addition, the seats are angled toward home plate. The gift shop is big with a nice selection of jerseys, shirts and hats. It is low on key chains, magnets and other small trinkets. One huge seller is the Duck Bubble Gun which sells for $6. This is a bubble gun in the image of a Rubber Ducks head and blows bubbles. The kids love this. Food & Beverage 5 The ballpark has themed concessions located along the concourse. Godfather’s Kitchen has hot dogs ($2 or $3.75), Italian sausage ($5.50), Papa John’s pizza ($5). Tater’s dishes has your standard ballpark food (hot dogs, chicken for $5, hamburgers for $6 and pulled pork nachos for $9). The Dog Pound specializes in hot dogs, bratwurst ($5.50), kielbasa ($7.50) and Italian sausage ($5.50). The Biergarten sells sausages and dogs. The Sock Hop is all about ice cream which including floats ($5 or $8). The Nice to Meat U Grill has monster hamburgers and some “extreme” items. Big portions of food are not a problem here because there are some “extreme dining” options at the ballpark. Some examples are the “Nice 2 Meat U Burger” (three steakhouse seasoned Certified Angus Beef burgers-1.75 lbs, two beef franks, crispy bacon, grilled onions and American cheese on a toasted Kaiser bun for $15), the “Three Dog Night” (Kielbasa split in half with a bratwurst inside, split in half with a hot dog inside of it topped with sauerkraut and served on a sub bun for $12), “Pineapple TerriyAKRON” (a half pineapple hollowed out and filled with a mixture of white rice, grilled chicken, diced pineapple and Thai chili garlic sauce topped with a teriyaki glaze for $12), “Not Your Routine Poutine” (a 10 oz portion of French fries topped with gravy, cheese curds, pulled pork, green onions and bacon bits for $12) and the “Screamer” (21 scoops of a premium ice cream on top of a brownie base and finished off with chocolate syrup, bananas, whip cream, sprinkles and maraschino cherries served in a souvenir helmet for $25). There are more extreme items too. Besides the usual foods there some unusual items you don’t find at other parks. For example: build your own Steak sandwich ($9.50), pierogies ($6.50), turkey legs ($7.50), veggie burger / bratwurst ($7 / $6.75), corn dogs ($3.75), sauerkraut balls ($5), wedge salad/assorted vegetables/ hummus & pretzels and fruit cup (all $5), cannolis ($2.50), mini donuts ($7) and apple pie ($3.50). Beer prices at the park are $4.50 / $7.75 / $11 for a 12oz / 20oz / 32oz domestic draft (Budwieser). Premium drafts (Yuengling, Shocktop and Leinenkugel’s) are $5 / $8.75 / $12.50 for a 12oz / 20oz / 32oz. Of course, there are local “Craft” beers on tap too from the Canton Brewing Co., Ignite Brewing Co., Lock 15 Brewing Co., Hop Tree Brewing, R. Shea Brewing which are all $8. In addition, there are some other local craft beers in bottles / cans – Mucky Duck and Rhinegeist Brewery for $7. The Tiki Bar in right field in addition to beer serves hard liquor and wine. A bottle of soda / Powerade is $.4.25 and Iced tea is $4.75. Fountain drinks are $2.75 / $4 / $7.50 for a 16oz / 24oz / 32oz. Bottled water is $3.50 and a slushie is $4.50. Coffee/cappuccino/hot chocolate is $2.50. In addition, to the concessions there is the “Game Grill & Bar” located in the right field corner. You can sit out on the patio on the right field walkway to watch batting practice while you eat, but you won’t be allowed into the park before the gates open outside. The “Game” delivers standard bar & grill fare, with most entrees under $12. The restaurant is also home of the extreme item the “Squealer” which is a foot-long Five Star Meats hot dog, stuffed with pulled pork and wrapped in bacon that is deep fried and topped it with shredded cheddar cheese and a drizzle of tangy BBQ sauce. Atmosphere 3 The concourse at Canal Park runs from right-center to left field and the main seating bowl is below street level. Suites are above the seating bowl from about first to third base. There is nowhere in the park besides in the Tiki Bar, in the restaurant or under the suites to get out of the sun. The “kids” zone consists of a blow-up slide near the Tiki Bar in right field and a small concourse section behind home plate that has some minor games like racing cars and “fish for a rubberduck” and win a prize. There are three entrances that open about an hour before game time (for those not in luxury boxes or season ticket holders): Buchtel Avenue, Canal Entrance, and State Street. Lines can get extensive on promotional days. The Diamond Boardwalk is open before game time to take you beyond third base to the actual Canal Park beyond the outfield, but the gate to the boardwalk gets closed before game time. Autograph seekers will want to be by the home first base dugout before and after the game. Between-inning entertainment includes the mascots, regular minor league contests, races, and quizzes, post-game includes toss-a-ball, fireworks (special nights), and kids running the bases (on scheduled days). Neighborhood 3 Canal Park is located in the heart of downtown Akron across the street from the University of Akron. The old canal area is being renovated into parks and performance spaces, but there are closed factories and manufacturing buildings in the area. Right outside of left field is the Ohio & Erie Walkway Trail / Locke 2 Park (one of 19 locks once used to move canal boats) and the Akron Children’s Hospital. In addition, the Richard Howe House (and canal museum) and Locke 3 Park (a small park that hosts bands in the summer) are all around the ballpark. Being downtown there are many restaurants, fast food restaurants and bars in the area too. Within a couple of miles is the Akron Zoo, the Akron Art Museum, the E.J. Thomas Hall of Performing Arts Hall and the National Inventors Hall of Fame. About a half hour from Akron is the Pro Football Hall of Fame located in Canton, Ohio. Fans 3 Like most of the minor leagues, the RubberDucks cater to locals and families. Many fans here seem to be interested and knowledgeable about their players and the Cleveland Indians who are their parent club. Of course, there are people just there to hang out and socialize. Cleveland is about 40 minutes away from Akron and that helps draw some Indians fans to this park. The RubberDucks are averaging over 4,500 per game this season (2019) and for the past five years. The people and workers at the game are very friendly and willing to talk about the park, team and area, if you should choose. Access 4 Access to the ballpark is easy. The ballpark is located in downtown Akron located at the intersection of S. Main and State St and is accessible by car or bus. The park is approximately 10 minutes north of intersection of I-76 & I-77. It is also about 12 miles south of the intersection of I-80 and Route 8. Canal Park is about a 40-minute drive to Cleveland and Canton, two hours to Columbus and Pittsburgh and two hours to Toledo. There are several municipal and private lots within walking distance of the park which costs $5 to $10. In addition, there is limited meter parking which is free on the weekend, if you get there early enough you may get lucky and not have to pay for parking. The Akron METRO buses will get you to the ballpark (routes 1, 4, 9, 10, 14, and 34) for $1.75 per ride or $2.50 for a day pass. In addition, Greyhound buses are available and the Akron station is just down the street from the park If you are flying in to or out of Akron, the Akron-Canton Airport is down I-77 about 30 minutes to the south of the ballpark. Return on Investment 5 Tickets are relatively cheap here. Reserve Seats on game day are $13 for adults ($12 for Juniors & Seniors), with General Admission at $7. The “Duck Row” just beyond third base in left field, delivers swivel seats and in-seat food and drink service for $17 and “Homerville in right field with two rows of 11 swivel-seats with drink rails in front of the Tiki Bar is $25 but you receive either two (2) 16-ounce beers or four (4) 24-ounce sodas. In addition, you can rent out the “Park Fowl Territory” Picnic-style seating starting at one table of eight people, with options for up to 400 (50 tables). Minimum 24 people for a picnic outing and a two-hour, all-you-can-eat buffet-style picnic, beginning one hour before the game. Lastly there is the Tiki Terrace in right field. Groups as small as 24 guests can reserve this area, however if no groups have rented the area anyone can sit here. Included in this area is a two-hour, all-you-can-eat buffet-style picnic, beginning one hour before the game. As with all teams if you get season tickets or group seats in advance you will receive a discount. Extras 5 The RubberDucks receive an extra point each for the following: Giving out a 1st game certificate and button at the Guest Services booth if you say this is your first game. They also have scorecards and programs for free. Lastly, if you feel like participating in the in-between inning contests you sign up there for a chance to do so. The Greater Akron Baseball Hall of Fame (free admission) that honors both the players, teams and umpires from the Akron area is located just north of the Rubber Duck’s Team Shop with an outside entrance at the park. The two main team mascots, “Rubberta” the duck or “Webster” the duck walk the concourse and are available for pictures and autographs. The RubberDucks also have “Orbit” the space cat, “Homer” the inflatable pigeon but apparently they are not there every game. The POW/MIA seat on the first base side and LeBron James number is retired too. The “Duck Mug” which is a 16oz plastic mug (for soda) resembling the logo the sells for $12.50 but refills are only $1. Final Thoughts Canal Park is a comfortable, clean and well-maintained ballpark and is definitely worth the trip based upon the food alone but the people definitely make this park a must see.

Photos by Chris Green and Meg Minard, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.14 Chase Field 401 E Jefferson St Phoenix, AZ 85004 Map It Arizona Diamondbacks website Chase Field website Year Opened: 1998 Capacity: 48,519 Las Serpientes The MLB Arizona Diamondbacks (D-Backs) unexpectedly claimed the 2023 National League Championship but fell to the Texas Rangers in the World Series.  The team has made it to the postseason several other times over its 26 seasons, winning the World Series in 2001.   The D-Backs play their home games at Chase Field, formerly known as Bank One Ballpark. It is one of eight major league baseball stadiums with a dome or retractable roof, definitely needed for the scorching hot summers in Phoenix, AZ.   The D-Backs organization enhanced the gameday experience this 2024 season.  The organization added new, colorful lighting used expertly to heighten the pregame introduction and intensify the game highlights, home runs, etc.  Red and white lights flash, strobe, and propel throughout the stadium.  All very nicely done.  The organization also added a new sound system using CO12 loudspeakers for better announcements, broadcasts, and music sound clarity.  Chase Field hosted WBC (World Baseball Classic) games in 2006, 2013, and 2023. It serves as a concert hall several times throughout the year. It has held soccer matches, bull-riding contests, Supercross and Monster Jams, and more.  With its new audio and lighting systems, expect even more concerts and events at the stadium. The D-Backs put on a good gameday operation. To me, there is a vast difference in seeing a game with the roof open vs. the roof closed, so if doable, try attending a game in April when the weather isn’t as hot, and the roof is open. Food & Beverage 4 Like most MLB facilities, all varieties of food stands, concessions, bars, snacks, and drink offerings are widely available at Chase Field at traditional high-priced stadium prices.  There are too many to list but click here to get the full directory.    Some offerings include Hungry Hill sangwiches – yes, spelled with a g (sausage, bratwurst, meatball, etc.), Rey Gloria’s Tamales, Bat Flip Burgers, D-Backs BBQ Alley, Cold Stone Creamery, Streets of New York Pizza, and Gadzooks (a local Phoenix restaurant known for their enchiladas).  Vegan burgers and wraps are available at some concessions. To help reduce wait time, some Grab N Go stands are set up along the concourse. Several stands offer ‘avoiding gluten’ and/or vegan and vegetarian choices. Concession stands sell canned and draft beers, hard seltzers, cocktails, margaritas, and wine throughout the stadium.  Craft beers include local Phoenix Four Peaks, Elysian, Golden Road, and Cerveza Importada.  A Hop Valley stand is on the first level down the first base side. A Leinenkugel stand is on the third level.   Chase Field provides value items at their Double Header concession stands where a Pepsi, hot dog, corn dog, or popcorn are each just $2.99. That’s quite a deal when all you desire is a snack.   Three restaurants are at Chase Field: Guy Fieri DTPHX Kitchen & Bar @ Caesars Sportsbook  (across from the main entrance) Cold Beers & Cheeseburgers  (left field – open 7 days a week) Estrella Jalisco Cantina   (upstairs in right field – open to the public)   The first level of Chase Field has way more concession options than the third level. Even though the organization added more express lines this season, concession lines can get long (especially for Cold Stone Creamery and Icees).  Outside food is permitted in the stadium as long as it’s in a clear plastic baggie. Fans can bring sealed bottles of water in as well. Atmosphere 4 The Diamondbacks provide an excellent gameday experience where, for the most part, the actual game still seems like the focus of attention. The stadium is a bit dark inside when the roof and panels are closed. It’s much brighter and cheerier when it’s open. That said, it is a relief to have a roof and air conditioning during the sweltering hot months of the summer.   The stadium has three levels of seating, with the middle level being the club level. Most seats are comfortable standard green fold-down stadium seats with cup holders and plenty of legroom. The upper third level is rather steep. The lower left and right field seating areas have metal bleachers with backs and cup holders. A net protects the first-level seating areas from sections 111 – 134.  The turf is Shaw B1K synthetic turf, installed in 2019.     The scoreboard features game information and video replays. Panels on each side of the scoreboard display the lineups for each team. The scoreboard provides closed captioning for ‘canned’ announcements. The organization runs a slew of promotions throughout the season which include events like bobblehead giveaways, fireworks, ethnic heritage days, religious celebration games, etc. Even though the venue has a new, clear, focused and directed sound system, the volume is still perfect for a ballgame.  Fans can have conversations with their neighbors without having to yell over the music.  Because of its design, the audio works just as well when the roof is open or closed.    A unique feature at Chase Field is the swimming pool in right-center field. A few other stadiums have that now (like the Marlins’ loanDepot Park and the Jacksonville Jaguars’ venue), but Chase Field was the first. Another spot to visit when in the park is the History & Championship Exhibit – a museum documenting the Arizona Diamondbacks’ history - its origination, logos, victorious moments, signed autographs, gold gloves, and more. The museum is on the first level, center field concourse. Chase Field Swimming Pool, Photo by Chris Green, Stadium Journey Neighborhood 5 Located in downtown Phoenix, Chase Field is within a few blocks of many restaurants, bars, hotels, and other entertainment. The Arrogant Butcher, Pizzeria Bianco, The Kettle Black Kitchen, Ingo’s Tasty Food, and Majerles’ are just a few blocks away. If you’re just looking for an affordable craft beer before the game, check out the Whining Pig. A Huss Brewing Brewpub is a few blocks from the stadium. Recommended places to stay within walking distance of the stadium include the Hyatt Regency Phoenix, Renaissance Phoenix Downtown, Courtyard by Marriott Phoenix Downtown, or Springhill Suites. Plenty more are in the neighborhood. Since these are right smack downtown, they are pricey. Other hotels near the Valley Metro light rail stations may offer more affordable choices.   Attractions near Chase Field include the Arizona Science Center, Wells Fargo Museum, Heritage Square, and St Mary’s Basilica. You may be able to catch a WNBA Phoenix Mercury  game or a late season NBA Phoenix Suns  game at the Footprint Center a block away. You may also be able to catch a Phoenix Rising FC (soccer) game when in town. It's just a few stops east on the light rail. Fans 3 Diamondback fan attendance has increased since the team’s 2023 conference championship.  The fans provide decent encouragement to the team.  Fan attendance generally runs over 50% full.  However, when popular teams like the Red Sox, Cubs, Dodgers, or Yankees come to town, the stadium sells out. [I switched sentences] The Diamondbacks are about the middle of the pack in overall MLB attendance.   Most fans sport their Diamondback hats and jerseys to games and they are very welcoming to visiting fans.  Access 5 Chase Field is very accessible via automobile as it has close and easy access to I-10 and I-17. Plenty of parking is available for $25 - $30 in nearby garages and lots. The Chase Field Garage at 401 S 4th St and the Jefferson Street Garage at 333 E Jefferson St are the closest and are covered. Parking is cashless at most garages, but some of the lots are cash-only.   Even better than driving, Phoenix’s Metro Light rail system  has a stop right near Chase Field’s entrance either at the 3rd St/Washington or the 3rd St/Jefferson stop, depending on which   direction you are travelling. Light Rail Station at Chase Field, Photo by Meg Minard, Stadium Journey If travelling from out of town, Sky Harbor International Airport is the most popular airport in the area. A fan can take the light rail right from the airport to Chase Field. Located in the APS Solar Pavilion by the main entrance, the stadium offers lockers to store luggage or oversized items. Gates open 1 ½ hours before the first pitch on Sunday - Thursday and two hours before on Friday and Saturday. Chase Field allows fans to bring in clear stadium bags (12” x 6” x 12”) and small hand-sized clutches.   Inside the venue, the concourses are wide (even on the third level), though I expect during a sold-out game, even those can get crowded. Only one escalator is available near the main entrance at Jefferson and 4th St. Elevators are on hand to get patrons to the higher seating levels. The stadium is equipped with seven all-inclusive restrooms, which have baby changing tables. Return on Investment 4 Single-game ticket prices have increased and range from $25 up to $225 (plus astronomical Ticketmaster fees).  Prices vary based on the gameday and the opponent. Check third-party sites to see if there are less expensive tickets if attending just one game. The D-Backs have extremely affordable season ticket holder packages and deals (even mini plans), so if you live in the area, that is a more affordable option.   Take advantage of one of the many promotional games, even a Kids Free Weekend, to get the best bang for your buck.    Concession prices are high but not uncommon for MLB stadiums. They do have the $2.99 deal, so that’s a fantastic bonus. The Taste of Chase concession stand next to the main merchandise shop offers 25% off your purchase if you use a Chase credit or debit card. A $4 day pass ($2 for seniors) on the light rail makes getting to the ballpark quite reasonable.   All in all, attending a game at Chase Field is worth any fan's sports entertainment budget. Extras 4 Chase Field has several additional items worth noting.   Audio and Lighting Enhancements – Upgrades to the sound system and lighting structure improve gameday excitement with the use of advanced technology. Energy Efficient Pavilion – The APS Solar Pavilion provides 14,000+ square feet of shaded entry, plus it generates additional solar power energy.   Organ Music - Organist Bobby Freeman, located on the third level near the top of the escalator and kid’s zone, is a joy to listen to during the game. D-Backs Insider – The organization provides a printed program with team articles, a scorecard, the schedule, advertisements, and stadium features. Final Thoughts Chase Field provides pleasurable gameday enjoyment and is easy to reach and traverse. The swimming pool and the retractable roof and panels offer unique elements to the ballpark. A recommendation is to visit early in the season (April) to enjoy a game with the roof open. Phoenix is a vacation destination in early spring and late fall, so enjoy a D-Backs game when in town.

Photos by Eric Hasman and Paul Baker, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.00 U.S. Steel Yard One Stadium Plaza Gary, IN 46402 Map It Gary SouthShore RailCats website U.S. Steel Yard website Year Opened: 2002 Capacity: 6,139 Hitting the Right Notes in Gary The building of U.S. Steel Yard caused quite a bit of stir because of where it was being built (apparently Gary doesn't have a great reputation) and the high price tag (over $40 million). The baseball park itself is a quite nice. The exterior is a red brick facade that extends all the way down both streets it is built on (Stadium Plaza and Route 12). The design of the ballpark has an open concourse overlooking the field with luxury boxes stacked above. The concourse is almost a full 360-degrees which allows fans plenty of places to wander. They are currently doing construction on a bridge which doesn’t allow fans to crossover. So fans have to walk around right field to get to the left field side of the ballpark. The ballpark is plays big. The dimensions are 320’ to left, 380’ to left center, 400’ to center and 335’ to right and the wall is at least 14’ high.  Home runs are hard to come by here. The RailCats play in the American Association Baseball League. Food & Beverage 4 The food and beverage have changed a bit over the years, but the variety of options is pretty good and reasonably priced. The 3 main concession stands are behind home plate (the Region) and the down the left and right field lines. The “Region” stand serves up hamburgers ($6) and hot dogs ($5). 18th Street Brewery has a smoked pulled chicken sandwich ($9), a pork sandwich ($10) and Italian sausage ($8). The “Broadway” stand serves a Chicken Tender basket for $10, Bratwursts ($6) and Beggars pizza for $7. “Herbkoe” Fun Foods, down the right field line, is for desserts. Here you can get ice cream cones ($6-$10), ice cream nachos ($12), an ice sandwich $10 or cheesecake on stick for $9 and a chocolate covered banana $5. Next to the Herbkoe's is a pierogi stand which has sells 3 or 5-potato and cheese pierogis served with onions and sour cream for $6 or $8 (on Wednesdays, pierogis sell for $1. If soft pretzels are your thing this is the place for you. The best soft pretzel in any ballpark I have had is here, it is the “Ben’s Pretzel.” The pretzels are made on site and are delicious. They sell for $7 and come as a whole pretzel or pretzel bites. Domestic drafts are $7 for a 20-ounce and premium drafts are $9 for a 20-ounce.  The Leinie Lounge Bar serves Leinenkugel drafts, Barefoot wine, White Claw, Yuengling, Modelo, Twisted Tea, Oberon, local brewery IPAs and mixed drinks between $7 and $11.  Pepsi products and water range from $5-$6. Atmosphere 3 In 2021, the RailCats completed some updates to the park. The bullpens were moved from the first and third base warning tracks into right field, where new outfield fencing and wall pads were installed. This made hitting home runs to right field a lot easier. In addition, three seating sections down the right field line were removed to create a family-friendly berm area where visitors can enjoy the games from their blankets. There is also protective netting extending from dugout to dugout. The team gift shop, McShane’s South Shore Depot, is huge.  A great selection of jerseys, caps, and t-shirts and other swag are available to purchase. Behind the batter’s eye in center field is a small children’s playground area. In addition, there is a small deck with lounge chairs and a water fountain that is shaped like home plate. The right field concourse area has a building which is vacant and used to be various restaurants. Hopefully, the RailCats can do something with this building. It is not a good look to have a vacant building at a ballpark. Rusty the RailCat, the mascot, dances on the team dugout, poses for pictures and is available for pictures and hugs by fans of all ages. The ballpark borders on E. 4th Avenue and I-90 to the point where extensive netting is in place to keep balls from smashing into cars on the adjoining street. Neighborhood 1 The ballpark suffers from being in a less than desirable neighborhood and there is not much do around the park before or after the game. The stadium is near the exit and entrance ramp to I-90 and many will look in neighboring cities for options after the game. About a 10-minute drive from the park is Michael Jackson’s boyhood home, located on 2300 Jackson Street. Fans of the King of Pop can take photos of the old home and venture to Broadway to the closed Palace Theater that displays the Jackson Five are playing “tonite.” Gary is home to the 18th Street Brewery and Taproom that is regarded among the state’s acclaimed craft beers. Enjoy beers such as Candi Crushable Pale Ale and Best Patio Pils (my favorites) at the taproom. And, just a few miles down the road in Munster, Indiana, is the state’s most recognizable craft brewery, Three Floyds Brewpub.  Their restaurant has closed, but you can still buy their year-round brews...Zombie Dust, Jinx Pproof, Gumballhead and Turbo Reaper. Of course, they have seasonal beers too. Gary is nearby the Indiana Dunes National Park that provides trails for hiking and sandy beaches for cooling off during the summer. Michigan City Outlet Mall offers a few hours to search for deals, and Chicago is less than a half hour away by car. In addition, the Majestic Star Casino and Hard Rock Casinos are about a 15-minute drive from the ballpark. Both casinos have plenty of restaurants and gambling with sports books (but they don’t take bets on the RailCats), if that is your thing. Fans 3 The fans are pretty much there for the game. Of course, some are there just to hang out and have a good time. The fans do get in involved with the on-field promotions, which is nice. The main on-field guy is Jason who has been there a long time. He has a lot of energy and gets people involved. The people like their baseball are used to the winning ways of the team. The RailCats have six (6) appearances in the Championship and with three (3) Championships. Though, the past nine (9) years have been rough with only 2 (two) playoff appearances. Access 4 Getting to the park is very easy since it is near the highway which provides easy in and out. In addition, free parking can be found in numerous small lots that are a short distance from the park. While the park is located in a rundown area, there is plenty of police presence, so fans should not be concerned for their safety. The wide-open concourse wraps around the entire field and allows visitors access to bathrooms, concession areas, and exits/entrances. Return on Investment 4 The ticket pricing options are among the better values in the area and in independent baseball. Terrace seating tickets start at $10 and reserved seating is $14. Suite bar seating is $25. There is a dollar surcharge when purchased on the day of the game and for “Fireworks” Friday nights, the tickets are a $1 more. The RailCats have daily deals such as All You Can Eats Monday: $18-All you can eat hot dogs, popcorn and peanuts; Taco Tuesday offer $3 beef tacos and $5 margaritas; Pierogi Wednesday – $1 pierogis and $5 12oz Craft Beer; Thirsty Thursday nights feature $3 domestic beer. Friday are fireworks and Saturdays are a giveaway night. Extras 2 The staff is very friendly and personable. They do a great job making you feel valued and at home. Banners of past RailCat players adorn the concourse. It is always nice to see a team recognize their history. In addition, the RailCats have 4 retired numbers: #42 for Jackie Robinson, #23 for Wille Glen (RailCats career leader in nearly every measurable pitching category and is an amazing 43-11 with a 3.03 ERA in 88 career RailCats games), #27 Greg Tagert (former longtime manager who won 3 Championships) and #45 for Joe Gates (a former coach of the RailCats). Final Thoughts U.S. Steel Yard is a really nice ballpark and one of my favorites because it plays big (lots of triples). Even though it is not located in the best of neighborhoods, it is safe and a place any ballpark enthusiast should see.

Photos by Aaron S. Terry, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.00 Tucson Arena 260 S Church Ave Tucson, AZ 85701 Tucson Sugar Skulls website Tucson Arena website Year Opened: 1971 Capacity: 8,692 Arizona’s IFL At present the Indoor Football League has 14 teams, 3 of which are located in Arizona – the Northern Arizona Wranglers, the Arizona Rattlers, and the Tucson Sugar Skulls, which probably have the best team name in the league. The Rattlers and Sugar Skulls have the same owners; the Rattlers have been so successful in their 30-year run (winning 6 championships in that time), it only made sense for the owners to create a second team in 2019. The Sugar Skulls play in Tucson Arena, the arena inside Tucson’s convention center. The arena is shared with minor league hockey’s Tucson Roadrunners , as well as a club hockey team from the University of Arizona. The facility has a maximum capacity of 8,962 fans and was built in 1971 – the complex is listed on the National Register of Historic Places due to some of the acts it has hosted, including the Ice Capades and Elvis Presley. Food & Beverage 4 Tucson Arena offers 2 tiers of concessions – when fans enter the facility they will most likely progress onto a walkway at the top of the seating bowl. This walkway holds a slew of higher-end concessions, including Mexican (nachos, tacos, etc.), Chick-fil-A, a pretzel and churro vendor, gourmet cheesecake by the slice and brownies, and hot mini donuts, along with a couple of beer vendors, with prices a little on the high side, for example, $9 for a Chick-fil-A sandwich or hot pretzel with beer cheese, and $12 for tacos, nachos, or the quesadilla. But if you walk down to the lower 100 level (either by walking down through the stands or by walking back out to the outer concourse and using the back staircase), there are 2 “hidden” concessions stands, one on each side behind/under the 100 level seating – this concession stands offer a smaller selection of lower priced options (hot dogs, popcorn, nachos, and packaged candy), as well as bottled water, soda, and draft domestic or premium beer. Admittedly the quality of the concessions downstairs is not quite as good as the upper level, but they do come in a little cheaper if you are trying to keep to a budget – think $4 for a pretzel (add $2 for cheese) and $7 for nachos. Atmosphere 3 The best thing about a Sugar Skulls game is their mascot – a skeleton-faced individual decked out in Skulls team gear. He is constantly roaming the field pumping up the crowd, often jumping up and dancing on the wall around the field, and directly interacting with the crowd in the first row. He also participates in some of the on-field contests, for example when two fans are invited onto the field to try and kick a field goal to win a prize, or at the end of the third quarter when fans toss mini footballs into a bucket at midfield – the balls are numbered, and any fan who gets their ball in the bucket has a chance to win a prize as well. Besides the mascot there is also a dance team, the Sugar Dolls, and plenty of loud music being played, especially favorites like YMCA and Sweet Caroline, where the music is turned down at certain parts and fans are asked to sing the words. All the seats are also soft chair backs, which is a plus, but there is only one scoreboard on the far end, making it hard to see replays, and there are not very many fans in the stands (more on this later). Neighborhood 3 Tucson Arena is not far from downtown Tucson, so you can find plenty to see and do not far from the venue, including myriad restaurants, the most common of which are Mexican, being that this is the southwest. A couple of non-Mexican options are Reilly Craft Pizza and Drink , known for its upscale thin crust pizza creations and beer garden, and Hub Restaurant & Ice Creamery , which offers ice cream of course, but also several seafood options, as well as lighter fare like sandwiches and salads if you are looking for lunch. There are also plenty of hotels in the area. Another great attraction to be on the lookout for is the Sonora Desert Museum , a few miles west of the city – this is a great way to look at some of the local flora and fauna. You can even look a cougar right in the eyes from about 1 foot away (through a thick pane of glass, fortunately). Also, as you travel up and down I-10, you may get to see some trains passing you – the area is still a hotbed for railroad activity. Fans 2 At the most recent game I attended, the game went into overtime and by the end of it, there were hardly any fans still in attendance. There was not a ton to begin with either, but to have so many of them trickle out during a close game was a little disappointing, and even at its fullest the low attendance made the arena seem very empty. Don’t get me wrong – there were certainly a few diehards in attendance, dressed in full regalia as you will always see at any sporting event, but overall the attendance was lackluster. It may take time for the team to build up more of a fan base, being a newish team. Access 3 Traffic is not too bad getting to Tucson Arena, but I would suggest parking across the street from the venue and walking over, rather than parking in the small parking deck right next to the convention center. The cost is $10 either way, but it took a while to get out of the parking deck, which given its small size (only 3 levels) should not have been the case. Access inside the convention center is a little odd as well – I mentioned what I called the back staircase earlier, and if you use that, it feels like you are walking through the dingy bowels of the convention center to get to your seat. On some level it is kind of cool, because you can walk right up behind the end zone where the players and Sugar Dolls are, and no one will stop you because that is technically one way to get to your seat, so from that perspective you can get a close view of the inner workings of a game. However, the main end zone is set off a little from the field, meaning fans can’t stand under the net and try to catch footballs after kicks like you can at other indoor football venues. Return on Investment 3 Tickets to Tucson Sugar Skulls games start at around $25 including ticketing fees, which is pretty reasonable, although they made me buy 2 tickets for 1 person because you aren’t allowed to leave a single seat in the row. Otherwise, I think the price is certainly fair, and parking and concessions are not out of line depending on what you get, but except for the mascot the experience inside is a little lacking. Extras 3 The Sugar Skulls do all the normal things you generally see at indoor football games, like the music and the on-field contests, but there isn’t a whole lot that stands out besides their cool team name and their mascot. The Sugar Dolls do a nice job, especially if you are sitting in the main end zone where they perform for most of the game (when they are not out on the field itself). I did notice the Sugar Skulls have cheaper team gear than other teams in the area, so that is a plus if you are looking for a souvenir of your visit. They also did have a local musician do a guitar solo for the National Anthem at the last game I attended, which was pretty sweet. Final Thoughts If you are in the area, a visit to Tucson Arena for a Sugar Skulls game should be somewhat enjoyable, but if you are willing to travel a little further north, some of the other indoor football teams in the region offer a bit more as part of their experience and have venues that are a little less dated.

Photos by Meg Minard, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.43 Tucson Arena 260 S Church Ave Tucson, AZ 85701 Map It Arizona Wildcats Hockey website Tucson Arena website Year Opened: 1971 Capacity: 6,521 Bear Down Rise Up The Arizona Wildcats hockey team (University of Arizona) plays their home games at Tucson Arena.   The Wildcats share the arena with the Tucson Roadrunners of the AHL (American Hockey League) and the Tucson Sugar Skulls (IFL – Indoor Football League).    The Arizona Wildcat s are in the ACHA (American Collegiate Hockey Association) as part of Men’s D 1 in the WCHL (Western Collegiate Hockey League) conference.   The team hoisted back-to-back WCHL championship banners in the 2018 – 2019 and 2019 – 2020 seasons.  You wouldn’t believe it based on how they played the day of Stadium Journey’s visit in late 2023.  Arizona Wildcats History Display, Photo by Meg Minard, Stadium Journey   Built in 1971, Tucson Arena, part of the Tucson Convention Center, was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 2015.   Updated features within the last few years include:   ·       Small ribbon boards on each side of the video board ·       Video boards on th e back side of t he camera wells ·       Loge boxes (used for Roadrunner hockey) ·       An upgraded plaza area outside ·       New parking garages ·       Additional party areas (again, used for the Roadrunners)     Before 1979, the team was a student-run sports club.   From 1979 – 2011, the team became the Arizona IceCats.  It was a founding member of the ACHA.  In 2011, the University of Arizona took over the administration and changed the name to the Wildcats.  Food & Beverage 2 Only one  of the two permanent concession stands is open for a Wildcats game. Only a few portable stands are operational.   This suits the lower attendance crowd.  It’s enough to get you by if you’re hungry.   Choices include macho nachos, regular nachos, hot dogs, pretzels ($7 - $12), and snacks like chips and candy.   Other munchies include kettle corn ($5), cotton candy ($5), and lemonade. A well-needed coffee/expresso cart is on one concourse, which sells a variety of coffee, expresso, chai, lattes, and more.   Pepsi products are the soda of choice ($5/$6), and beer and alcoholic beverages are offered ($8 - $18).    One big downside… staff at a table on the outer concourse require showing ID to get a drinking age verified wristband, certainly not uncommon and much smoother than pulling out ID at a drink cart. The table attendees insist on putting the band on the right wrist even if a paying visitor wants it on their left.  There’s no debate, not even a question asking whether it’s a medical need.  This response demonstrates awful customer service, which the Arizona Wildcats or the Tucson Arena game day operations need to revisit. Atmosphere 3 Seating is U-shaped with rows of seats on three sides; the concourse is above the seating area, and the game is in view the entire time when walking the concourse.   The best seats are on the sidelines, and I’d recommend the second level to get a better look at the whole ice surface.   The seats are tight, have cupholders on the sides of the seats, and there’s enough legroom.   The arena does not have a center-hung scoreboard.  Instead, a video scoreboard is on the top end of the U, while a standard stat board is on the wall above the bottom of the U.  Neither shows the shots on goal stat.   They do announce the shots on goal after the end of each period.  The PA announcer does a fantastic job.  His voice is clear and understandable.   The arena temperature is freezing.   Be sure to wear and bring extra layers including a hat, gloves, a scarf, and a blanket.  The ceiling at the top of the U proudly hangs the two WCHL championship banners and two retired Wildcat jerseys. There’s minimal indication that the Arizona Wildcats play at Tucson Arena.   The arena is  all about the Tucson Roadrunners.   Pregame, the video board shows a nice interview with Coach Chad Berman. The video staff displays a fantastic Bear Down intro before the start of the game.   Between periods, the video board shows pre-recorded player interviews, and there’s a Chuck-a-Puck contest at every game where the winner gets something, like a free meal at Rudy’s Bar-B-Q (a sponsor).    Arizona Wildcats Banners, Photo by Meg Minard, Stadium Journey   Honestly, the play of the game I saw on this visit was ghastly.   Passes didn’t connect.  Wildcats’ players couldn’t clear the zone.  The players were not aware of where the other players were positioned on the ice.  The opposing team scored short-handed goals against them.   They have had great teams.  As of this writing, their record is 8 – 10, so I guess they just had a very bad day when we visited.   Neighborhood 4 Visiting Tucson is a treat.  It is not as commercialized as the Phoenix area, and it maintains much of its natural beauty by not building and destroying its land and natural settings and landscape. The arena is downtown near El Presidio Park, the old county courthouse, and the Pima County courthouse.  Several museums are within walking distance, including the Children’s Museum and the Museum of Contemporary Art.  Or, if it’s a pleasant fall day, walk the Turquoise Trail, a historical walking tour of downtown Tucson.  A good place for a pregame dinner within walking distance (1/2 mile) of the arena is the El Charro Café .  Other places include The HUB (ice cream, food, and drinks), Miss Saigon Downtown (Vietnamese), or Empire Pizza & Pub (New York-style pizza). Tucson offers several breweries near the arena.  Barrio Brewing, Pueblo Vida Brewing Company, and Iron John’s might be worth a visit if craft breweries are your thing. Not walking distance but worth visiting when in the Tucson area are the Mission San Xavier del Bac (founded in 1692), the Saguaro National Park (home to the nation’s largest and most abundant cacti), or t aking a drive up to the top of A Mountain (Sentinel Peak) for a beautiful view.   The biggest event in Tucson is the Gem and Minera l Show a t the end of Jan / beginning of Feb each year. One hotel, Double Tree by Hilton Tucson Downtown Convention Center, is right next to the hot el,   but it’s pricey.  We recommend Hotel McCoy about 2.5 miles from the arena.  It is a reasonably priced hotel and has all sorts of nifty items. Other sports to see during hockey season include the Tucson Roadrunners (AHL) , and the A rizona Wildcats (University of Arizona) football , basketball , and baseball teams.  Fans 1 Not a whole lot of fans show up for Wildcats games.   Crowds are much larger when rival ASU comes to town. Those in attendance groan, moan, and applaud at the appropriate times . Access 3 Currently, quite a bit of construction is in process around the area. Click here  for a parking map.  Visitors first enter a wide outer concourse which contains the ID check table. Then, they enter the inner concourse through additional glass doors. Parking is available right next to the arena for $10, which is ludicrous for club hockey. Other lots and garages a little further away run $3 - $5. Street parking is available a few blocks away for free.  Tucson has a Sun Link Streetcar service (a light rail) that drops fans off just a few blocks from the arena, which is an alternative option to get to Tucson Arena for a game. The nearest airport is Tucson International Airport, about 8 miles south of the arena.  Tucson is about a two-hour drive from Phoenix.    Upon entering the arena, fans must go through a metal detector and security check.  Backpacks and large bags are not allowed. Standard sports clear bags (14” x 16”) are permitted, though security does ask you to open everything inside your bag (but does not provide a table to place your bag while trying to maneuver this).   I’m not quite sure the reason for the clear bag if they’re going to make you take out and open everything anyway.  Security procedures at arenas always baffle me. Doors open 60 min before puck drop.   Fans enter at the top of the concourse and head  down to the seating areas. The seating areas provide handrails in the middle of the steps. Sufficient wheelchair-accessible seating is on the top of the seating bowl with good views of the action on the ice.   Once inside, walking the concourse is easy as few fans attend Wildcats hockey games. Tucson Arena Corner View, Photo by Meg Minard, Stadium Journey Well-kept and clean bathrooms are at each end of the U and downstairs at the bottom end of the U.  Return on Investment 3 Be sure to check promos on their website.   And ask about them when purchasing tickets at the ticket office.  The Wildcats offer Kids Day, Senior Day, Bogo Tickets, and more.   Tickets generally run $13; games against ASU (Arizona State University) are $18. Seniors, kids, and the military get in for $7.   The first 200 students with a CatCard (University of Arizona identification card) get in for free.  Tickets are general admission.   Concession prices are what is expected for an AHL-first arena.   Parking in the garage is astronomical for club hockey.  The best games to attend are against ASU, as there’s some heated competition during those. Extras 1 Be sure to pick up a single-page roster sheet of both teams when entering the rink .   Final Thoughts Tucson, AZ is a fantastic city to visit.   The Arizona Wildcats hockey clu b has ha d great success in previous years.    If in the area in the fall/winter, check their schedule to see if you can attend a game.

Photos by Meg Minard, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.71 Tucson Arena 260 S Church Ave Tucson, AZ 85701 Map It Tucson Roadrunners website Tucson Arena website Year Opened: 1971 Capacity: 6,521 ¡Bip! ¡Bip! Los Tucson Roadrunners están disfrutando de su octava temporada (2023-2024) en la AHL (American Hockey League) como afiliado de la NHL (National Hockey League) Arizona Coyotes. El equipo se originó como el equipo Springfield (MA) Falcons AHL y se mudó a Tucson, AZ, antes de la temporada 2016-2017. Juegan sus partidos en el Tucson Arena, de 52 años de antigüedad. Construido en 1971, Tucson Arena es parte del Centro de Convenciones de Tucson (TCC), que se agregó al Registro Nacional de Lugares Históricos en 2015. Recibió una renovación de $22 millones en 2014, que incluyó nuevos baños, iluminación, asientos, una sistema de sonido, una cocina nueva y un marcador de vídeo. Los Roadrunners comparten Tucson Arena con el equipo de hockey Arizona Wildcats (Universidad de Arizona) y los Tucson Sugar Skulls (IFL – Indoor Football League). El Tucson Arena alberga otros eventos de entretenimiento, como Monster Jam y Cirque de Soliel. Uno de los mayores atractivos del Centro de Convenciones de Tucson es la Exposición de Minerales y Gemas, que suele realizarse durante las dos primeras semanas de febrero. Food & Beverage / Bebida alimenticia 4 Tucson Arena ofrece una tentadora oferta de opciones de comida durante los juegos de los Roadrunners. Dos puestos de comida permanentes están a la izquierda y a la derecha después de ingresar a la pista. Varios carritos de comida independientes se alinean en el borde superior del vestíbulo. Las concesiones permanentes ofrecen wrap de pollo BLTA (tocino, lechuga, tomate y aguacate), hamburguesa doble gigante con queso, nacho macho, deliciosa quesadilla de birria, hot dogs al estilo Sonoran y panini de pavo ($9 - $14). Se venden comidas y refrigerios tradicionales del estadio, como hot dogs, palomitas de maíz, algodón de azúcar, pretzels suaves y similares ($7). Los especiales del primer viernes incluyen una cerveza de barril nacional por $5 y un hot dog por $5. Los carritos de comida independientes a lo largo de la explanada incluyen DJ's Filling Station (los famosos hot dogs, hamburguesas y salchichas de Sonora de Tucson: $ 8 - $ 9), Tucson Tamales ($ 6 - $ 12), el carrito de pretzels y churros y mini donas con cuatro ingredientes diferentes ( $6/solamente efectivo). Chick-fil-A vende sus famosos sándwiches de pollo, otros wraps y ensaladas en juegos selectos. Un carrito de Maui Wowi ofrece batidos. Los productos Pepsi son el refresco preferido ($5/$6/$8), y se ofrecen cerveza y bebidas alcohólicas ($10 - $18). Barrio Brewing Co. y Dragoon Brewing (cervecerías locales de Tucson) tienen carritos de cerveza a cada lado de la explanada que venden varias de sus propias cervezas de barril. Entre las dos puertas de entrada hay un carrito que ofrece cerveza y cócteles. Es una selección bastante buena con varios platos locales de Tucson. Recomendamos la quesadilla de birria (que los fanáticos pueden pedir al estilo vegano) y una cerveza local. Atmosphere / Atmósfera 3 Los asientos tienen forma de U con filas de asientos en tres lados; la explanada está encima del área de asientos y el juego está a la vista todo el tiempo mientras está caminando por la explanada. Los mejores asientos están al margen. Recomiendo el segundo nivel para tener una mejor vista de toda la superficie del hielo. Los asientos son estrechos, tienen portavasos a los lados y hay suficiente espacio para las piernas. Las secciones están claramente marcadas y hay ujieres útiles en la parte superior de cada área para sentarse.   En los años recientes, la ciudad instaló asientos en la parte superior de la U junto al escenario del locutor, agregó palcos de hospitalidad de aspecto cómodo en la parte superior de varias secciones (solo $40 por persona/$160 en total) y agregó una nueva cubierta de fiesta sobre la portería sur.   La arena no tiene un marcador colgado en el centro. En cambio, hay un marcador de video en el extremo superior de la U, mientras que un tablero de estadísticas estándar está en la pared sobre la parte inferior de la U. Tableros de cinta cortos (uno a cada lado del marcador de video) muestran a los patrocinadores. Se instalaron paneles de video en la parte posterior de las cabinas de cámara que muestran un bucle de los próximos eventos en el TCC.   La temperatura está bien; traiga una chaqueta o sudadera adicional, guantes y gorro si tiende a tener frío. El responsable de la música la toca entre cada parada del juego (bastante común en el hockey). La música está incómodamente alta. Lleve tapones para los oídos si es sensible a la música alta.   Las promociones del día del juego incluyen chuck-a-puck, una rifa 50/50, concursos de fanáticos como sillas musicales, hockey sobre pipí y lanzamiento de camisetas. Los Roadrunners tienen una variedad de eventos a lo largo de la temporada, incluidos muchos obsequios y noches como Noche de comedia, Noche de anime, Noche universitaria de $ 10, Noches para niños gratis, Harry Potter, Lanzamiento de oso de peluche y más.   Tome una hoja de lista en la mesa de servicio al cliente frente a la sección 214 en el vestíbulo interior. También muestra la clasificación de AHL. Una delicia sorprendente es que las luces se mantienen encendidas entre períodos, aunque se bajan un poco antes del juego.   Dos Zambonis limpian el hielo; uno parece un ratón (patrocinado por una empresa de control de bichos).  Neighborhood / Barrio 4 Visitar Tucson es un placer. No está tan comercializada como el área de Phoenix y mantiene gran parte de su belleza natural al no construir ni destruir su tierra, su entorno natural y su paisaje. El estadio está en el centro, cerca del parque El Presidio, el antiguo palacio de justicia del condado y el palacio de justicia del condado de Pima. Hay varios museos a poca distancia, incluido el Museo de los Niños y el Museo de Arte Contemporáneo. O, si es un agradable día de otoño, recorra el Turquoise Trail, un recorrido histórico a pie por el centro de Tucson. Un buen lugar para una cena previa al juego a poca distancia (1/2 milla) de la arena es El Charro Café. Otros lugares incluyen The HUB (helados, comida y bebidas), Miss Saigon Downtown (vietnamita) o Empire Pizza & Pub (pizza al estilo de Nueva York). Tucson ofrece varias cervecerías cerca del estadio. Barrio Brewing, Pueblo Vida Brewing Company y Iron John's merecen una visita si lo tuyo son las cervecerías artesanales. No a poca distancia, pero vale la pena visitar cuando se encuentre en el área de Tucson, se encuentran la Misión San Xavier del Bac (fundada en 1692), el Parque Nacional Saguaro (hogar de los cactus más grandes y abundantes del país) y conducir hasta la cima de ‘A Mountain’ (Sentinel Peak) para una vista hermosa. El evento más importante en Tucson es la exposición de gemas y minerales que se celebra a finales de enero y principios de febrero de cada año. Un hotel, el Double Tree by Hilton Tucson Downtown Convention Center, está justo al lado del hotel, pero es caro. Recomendamos el Hotel McCoy a unas 2,5 millas del estadio. Es un hotel a un precio razonable y tiene todo tipo de artículos interesantes. Otros deportes para ver durante la temporada de hockey incluyen los equipos de fútbol , ​​hockey , baloncesto y béisbol de los Arizona Wildcats (Universidad de Arizona). Fans / Fanáticos 3 Los visitantes ven muchas camisetas de Tucson y Coyotes. Muchos fanáticos traen sus cencerros y los tocan en el momento apropiado (aunque no rivalizan con los campaneros de los AHL Colorado Eagles). Los Roadrunners tienen una base sólida de fanáticos acérrimos, y ayuda que el club matriz esté a solo 130 millas al noroeste. Los Roadrunners han promediado entre 3500 y 3750 por juego desde la pandemia, lo que los coloca al final de las cifras de asistencia de la AHL. Access / Acceso 4 Actualmente, se están realizando bastantes obras en la zona. Hay estacionamiento disponible justo al lado del estadio por $10. Otros lotes y garajes un poco más lejos cuestan entre $3 y $5. Hay estacionamiento en la calle disponible a pocas cuadras de forma gratuita. Haga clic aquí para ver un mapa de estacionamiento. Tucson tiene un servicio de tranvía Sun Link (un tren ligero) que deja a los fanáticos a solo unas cuadras del estadio, lo cual es una opción alternativa para llegar al Tucson Arena para ver un partido.   El aeropuerto más cercano es el Aeropuerto Internacional de Tucson, a unas 8 millas al sur del estadio.   Y Tucson está a unas dos horas en coche de Phoenix. Al ingresar a la arena, los fanáticos deben pasar por un detector de metales y un control de seguridad. No se permiten mochilas ni bolsos grandes. Se permite una bolsa deportiva transparente estándar (14” x 16”). Las puertas se abren 60 minutos antes de que caiga el disco. Los fanáticos ingresan primero a un amplio vestíbulo exterior que contiene la mesa de mercancías. Luego, ingresan al vestíbulo interior a través de puertas de vidrio adicionales. Un visitante ingresa por la parte superior del vestíbulo y se dirige a la zona de asientos. Las zonas de asientos cuentan con pasamanos en medio de los escalones. En la parte superior de la zona de asientos hay suficientes asientos accesibles para sillas de ruedas con buenas vistas de la acción sobre el hielo. Una vez dentro, caminar por la explanada puede estar abarrotado entre períodos. Hay baños limpios y bien cuidados en cada extremo de la U y abajo, en el extremo inferior de la U. Return on Investment / Retorno de la inversion 4 Los boletos para juegos individuales cuestan entre $17 y $79. $39 te llevarán más o menos al centro del hielo, en el segundo nivel, y proporciona el mejor valor para el juego. Los Roadrunners cobran unos dólares extra cuando se compran los boletos el día del juego. Verifique las secciones 203 y 205 (que dan al área de penalización) o las secciones 221 y 223 (que dan a los banquillos de jugadores). No consigas asientos en las filas A o B.   Las ofertas especiales incluyen muchos paquetes de boletos para grupos, planes flexibles y 12 juegos que permiten una tarifa reducida. Recuerde buscar noches de "niños gratis" durante toda la temporada. Los fanáticos pueden encontrar estacionamiento gratuito en el centro y los precios de las concesiones son bastante razonables en comparación con otros lugares de AHL. Aunque los precios han aumentado desde su primer año en la AHL, sigue siendo una buena inversión del dólar en entretenimiento deportivo de un aficionado. Extras 4 Mención aparte merece la zona de mercancías en el vestíbulo exterior. Hay mucho espacio para caminar y comprar. Gira la rueda en la mesa de promociones y gana chucherías como pegatinas, gafas de sol, llaveros, etc. La TCC Plaza fuera del estadio fue recientemente renovada con nuevas fuentes, árboles, flores y un jardín. Una característica única y no tan común en las pistas de hockey es que los bancos de los jugadores no son lo suficientemente largos para que quepa el portero suplente. Se sientan en un taburete detrás del cristal por donde los jugadores entran a la pista. Un aplauso adicional para la ciudad de Tucson por continuar manteniendo y actualizando el Centro de Convenciones de Tucson y el Tucson Arena. Final Thoughts / Pensamientos Finales Visitar Tucson, AZ y ver un partido de los AHL Roadrunners es una experiencia agradable y vale la pena echarle un vistazo. Es una instalación bastante agradable para ver un partido de hockey. Muchas gracias a Jim Minard por su ayuda con la traducción.

Photos by Meg Minard, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.71 Tucson Arena 260 S Church Ave Tucson, AZ 85701 Map It Tucson Roadrunners website Tucson Arena website Year Opened: 1971 Capacity: 6,521 Beep! Beep! The Tucson Roadrunners are enjoying their eighth season (2023-2024) in the AHL (American Hockey League) as an affiliate of the NHL (National Hockey League) Arizona Coyotes.   The team originated as the Springfield (MA) Falcons AHL team and relocated to Tucson, AZ, before the 2016 – 2017 season.  They play their games at the 52-year-old Tucson Arena. Built in 1971, Tucson Arena is part of the Tucson Convention Center (TCC), which was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 2015.   It received a $22 million renovation in 2014, which included new bathrooms, lighting, seats, a revamped sound system, a new kitchen, and a video scoreboard.    The Roadrunners share Tucson Arena with the Arizona Wildcats hockey team (University of Arizona) and the Tucson Sugar Skulls (IFL – Indoor Football League).   The Tucson Arena hosts other entertainment events, such as Monster Jam and Cirque de Soliel.  One of the biggest draws to the Tucson Convention Center is the Mineral and Gem Show, usually the first two weeks in February . Food & Beverage 4 Tucson Arena provides a tempting offering of food choices during Roadrunners games.   Two permanent concession stands are to the left and right after entering the rink.  Several stand-alone food carts line the upper rim of the concourse.   Permanent concessions offer chicken BLTA (bacon, lettuce, tomato, and avocado) w rap, jumbo double cheeseburger, macho nacho, mouth-watering birria quesadilla, Sonoran dog, and turkey panini ($9 - $14).   Traditional stadium food and snacks like hot dogs, popcorn, cotton candy, soft pretzels, and the like are for sale ($7).  First Friday Specials include a $5 domestic draft beer and a $5 hot dog. Stand-alone food carts along the concourse include DJ’s Filling Station (Tucson’s famous Sonoran hot dogs, hamburgers, brats - $8 - $9), Tucson Tamales ($6 - $12), the Pretzel and Churro Cart, and  Mini donuts with four different toppings ($6/cash only).  Chick-fil-A sells their famous chicken sandwiches, other wraps, and salads at select games.  A Maui Wowi cart provides smoothies. Pepsi products are the soda of choice ($5/$6/$8), and beer and alcoholic beverages are offered ($10 - $18).  Barrio Brewing Co. and Dragoon Brewing (local Tucson breweries) have beer carts on each side of the concourse that sell several of their own brews on tap. A   cart offering beer and cocktails sits between the two entry doors.   It’s quite a nice selection with several local Tucson dishes.   We recommend the birria quesadilla (which fans can order vegan style) and a local brew. Atmosphere 3 Seating is U-shaped with rows of seats on three sides; the concourse is above the seating area, and the game is in view the entire time when walking the concourse.   The best seats are on the sidelines. I recommend the second level for a better view of the entire ice surface.   The seats are tight, have cupholders on the sides of the seats, and there’s enough legroom.   Sections are clearly marked , and helpful ushers are at the top of each seating area.     Within the last few years, the city installed seating along the top of the U next to the announcer’s stage, added comfy-looking loge hospitality boxes at the top of multiple sections (only $40 a person/$160 total), and added a new party deck above the south goal.   The arena does not have a center-hung scoreboard.  Instead, a video scoreboard is on the top end of the U, while a standard stat board is on the wall above the bottom of the U.     Short ribbon boards (one to each side of the video scoreboard) show sponsors . Vid eo boards were installed on the back of the camera wells which run a loop of upcoming events at the TCC.       The temperature is okay; bring an extra jacket or sweatshirt, gloves, and hat if you tend to get chilly.   The person in charge of music plays it between every stoppage in play (quite common in hockey) . The music  is uncomfortably loud.   Bring earplugs if you are sensitive to loud music.   Game day promotions include chuck-a-puck, a 50/50 raffle, fan contests like musical chairs, pee wee hockey, and t-shirt tosses.   The Roadrunners have a variety of events throughout the season, including many giveaways and evenings like Comedy Night, Anime Night, $10 College Night, Kids are Free Nights, Harry Potter, Teddy Bear Toss, and more.    Grab a roster sheet at the customer service table in front of section 214 on the inner concourse.  It also shows the AHL standings.  A surprising deli ght is that the lights are kept on between periods, though they are lowered a tad pregame. Two Zambonis groom the ice; one looks like a mouse (sponsored by a critter control business). Neighborhood 4 Visiting Tucson is a treat.  It is not as commercialized as the Phoenix area, and i t maintains much of its natural beauty by not building and destroying its land and natural settings and landscape. The arena is downtown near El Presidio Park, the old county courthouse, and the Pima County courthouse.  Several museums are within walking distance, including the Children’s Museum and the Museum of Contemporary Art.  Or, if it’s a pleasant fall day, walk the Turquoise Trail, a historical walking tour of downtown Tucson.  A good place for a pregame dinner within walking distance (1/2 mile) of the arena is the El Charro Café .  Other places include The HUB (ice cream, food, and drinks), Miss Saigon Downtown (Vietnamese), or Empire Pizza & Pub (New York-style pizza). Tucson offers several breweries near the arena.  Barrio Brewing, Pueblo Vida Brewing Company, and Iron John’s are  worth a visit if craft breweries are your thing. N ot within w alking distance but worth visiting when in the Tucson area are the Mission San Xavier del Bac (founded in 1692), the Saguaro National Park (home to the nation’s largest and most abundant cacti), and taking a drive up to the top of A Mountain (Sentinel Peak) for a beautiful view.   The biggest event in Tucson is the Gem and Mineral show at the end of Jan / beginning of February each year. One hotel, Double Tree by Hilton Tucson Downtown Convention Center, is right next to the hot el, but it’s pricey.  We recommend Hotel McCoy about 2.5 miles from the arena.  It is a reasonably priced hotel and has all sorts of nifty items. Other sports to see during hockey season include the Arizona Wildcats (University of Arizona) football , hockey , basketball , and baseball teams.  Fans 3 Visitors see lots of Tucson and Coyotes jerseys.   Quite a few fans bring their cowbells and ring them at appropriate times (though they don’t rival the AHL Colorado Eagles bell-ringers).   The Roadrunners have a strong base of diehard fans, and it helps when the parent club is just 130 miles northwest. The Roadrunners have averaged 3,500 – 3,750 per game since the pandemic, placing them toward the bottom of the AHL attendance numbers. Access 4 Currently, quite a bit of construction is in process around the area. Parking is available right next to the arena for $10. Other lots and garages a little further away run $3 – $5. Street parking is available a few blocks away for free. Click here for a parking map. Tucson has a Sun Link streetcar service (a light rail) that drops fans off just a few blocks from the arena which is an alternative option to get to Tucson Arena for a game. The nearest airport is Tucson International Airport, about 8 miles south of the arena.  And Tucson is about a two-hour drive from Phoenix.    Upon entering the arena, fans must go through a metal detector and security check. Backpacks and large bags are not allowed. A standard sports clear bag (14” x 16”) is allowed. Doors open 60 minutes before puck drop.     Fan s first enter a wide outer concourse which contains the merchandise table. Then, they enter the inner concourse through additional glass doors. A visitor enters at the top of the concourse and heads down to the seating area. The seating areas provide handrails in the middle of the steps. Sufficient wheelchair-accessible seating is on the top of the seating bowl with good views of the action on the ice. Once inside, walking the concourse can get crowded between periods.   Well-kept and clean bathrooms are at each end of the U, and downstairs on the bottom end of the U.  Return on Investment 4 Single game tickets range from $17 – $79.   $39 will get you more or less at center ice, on the second level, and provides the best value for the game.   The Roadrunners charge an extra few dollars wh en tickets are purchased on game day.   Check for sections 20 3 and 205 (faces the penalty box) or sections 221 and 2 23 (faces the player benches).   Do not get seats in rows A or B. Specials include plenty of group, flex plan, and 12-game ticket packages allowing a reduced far e.  Remember to l ook for 'kids are free' nights throughout the season. Fans can find free parking downtown and concession prices are pretty reasonable compared to other AHL venues. Though prices have increased since their first year in the AHL, it is still an altogether good investment of a fan’s sports entertainment dollar. Extras 4 The merchandise area on the outer concourse is worth another mention.   There’s plenty of room to walk around and shop.  Spin the wheel at the promotions table and win tchotchkes like stickers, sunglasses, keychains, etc.   The TCC Plaza outside the arena was recently refurbished with new fountains, trees, flowers, and a garden.   A unique feature not that common in hockey rinks is that the players' benches are not long enough to fit the backup goalie.   They sit on a stool behind the glass where the players enter the rink. Extra applause goes to the city of Tucson for continuing to maintain and update the Tucson Convention Center and the Tucson Arena. Final Thoughts Visiting Tucson, AZ and watching an AHL Roadrunners game is an enjoyable experience and one worth checking out.   It’s quite a nice facility in which to watch a hockey game.

Photos by Andrei Ojeda, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.57 Lee's Family Forum 200 South Green Valley Pkwy Henderson, NV 89012 Henderson Silver Knights website Lee's Family Forum website Year Opened: 2022 Capacity: 5,567 Camelot Amidst Slapshots *Editor's note: The former Dollar Loan Center was renamed the Lee's Family Forum on April 4, 2024. The name change comes after only two years of the original 22-year naming rights contract had elapsed. The newest franchise in the AHL is the Henderson Silver Knights. The Silver Knights added as the Las Vegas Golden Knights ownership group purchased the San Antonio Rampage and relocated them to Henderson, NV to serve as the AHL affiliate of the parent club. The club began play in time for the 2021-2022 season. The club began play with games held at the Orleans Resort Arena, with play shifting to the brand-new Dollar Loan Center in Henderson in April 2022. The Dollar Loan Center is a 5,567-seat arena located on the former site of the Henderson Pavilion Amphitheatre. The venue also serves as the home of the Vegas Knight Hawks of the Indoor Football League and the Southern Nevada Sports Hall of Fame. Food & Beverage 4 Several concession stands known as FanFare are located along the concourse. They offer a burger basket ($16), hot dogs ($7), brats ($7), chicken tenders w/fries ($12), chips ($5), candy ($5), popcorn ($5), Coca-Cola brand sodas ($6) and water ($5). A full-service restaurant, the Craggy Range Sports Bar and Grille, is in the arena. It offers a wide range of pub fare including sliders ($12), nachos ($16), wings ($15), burgers ($16), BBQ sandwiches ($15) and fish sandwiches ($13). The sports bar offers more than 15 craft beers. The Golden Goblet offers alcoholic drinks. These include deluxe cocktails ($12 for singles), luxury cocktails ($15 for singles) and a wide assortment of craft beers ($13). Nacho Daddy has an individual stand. It offers a Supreme Tostada Nacho or BBQ Chicken Nachos which both sell for $15. Atmosphere 4 The Dollar Loan Center differs from most athletic venues in that it has adopted a specific theme that is carried out in the names of its various amenities and also in the outfits worn by facility staff. It becomes readily apparent that the parent club Las Vegas Golden Knights are behind the decision to adopt a Modern Medieval theme for the Silver Knights new home. You will be greeted by a ticket taker in a Medieval outfit and served by a wench at the concession stand. Town Crier Welcomes Crowd, Photo by Lloyd Brown, Stadium Journey The various components of the arena also have Medieval themes (i.e., the 28 suites are known as chambers, premium seats are the Royal Landing, the plaza is known as the Tiltyard, where jousts are held, the penalty box is a dungeon and restrooms are, of course, the Throne Rooms.) The arena mimics the parent club’s staging of a castle at one end of the ice and a pair of decks at the other end (known as the King’s Lookout and the Queen’s Lookout). The center hung scoreboard features a war horse and the team store is known as The Saddlery. After a Silver Knights win, the town crier comes out and proclaims a victory over the opposing kingdom. While we think this unique aspect of the arena works in the world of Las Vegas, where hotels, shops and restaurants are all based on themes… we’re not sure it would work anywhere else. The arena features a 360-degree concourse at the top of the seating bowl. The concourse is wide and offers excellent circulation during breaks in the action. You will not lose sight of the action on the ice from the concourse, as it offers open views from anywhere in the arena. There are also drinking rails for fans who wish to stand while enjoying a beverage or some food from the concession stands. The Southern Nevada Sports Hall of Fame lines one wall of the arena. It features local athletes from UNLV, as well as the many boxers and other sports elite that are linked to the Las Vegas area. Neighborhood 4 Henderson, NV is a suburb of Las Vegas. It is the second largest city in Nevada, with a population of over 330,000. It is located just southeast of the Las Vegas Strip and Harry Reid International Airport. Like its larger neighbor, Henderson is all about entertainment, food, and fun. You will have no problem finding something to do near The Dollar Loan Center before or after a Silver Knights game. There is an Artisan Booze District with several craft breweries to choose from, tasting rooms for local wines and a distillery. The Water District is known for its great shopping and unique boutiques. Lake Las Vegas offers an oasis of water sports in the middle of the desert. Fans 4 The kingdom of Henderson has welcomed the Silver Knights with open arms. Thus far games are drawing an average crowd of 4,500 per game and the fans have already identified some of their favorite players. The fanbase tends to break about 50% hardcore hockey fans and about 50% teens and children from the area youth hockey program. Even though the team is new to the Henderson area, it is a very knowledgeable crowd. The Silver Knights have also seen a noticeable number of fans from the visiting team’s hometown, as the lure of Las Vegas coupled with a hockey game can make for a fun sports travel weekend. Access 3 The Dollar Loan Center is convenient to reach from anywhere in the Valley, including the Las Vegas Strip or Harry Reid International Airport. Visitors to the area typically use cabs or rideshares to get around the area, as things are close together and parking at casinos can be very pricey. Many hotels along the strip offer shuttles to sports events in the area. Directions to the Dollar Loan Center are quite easy: From I-215: Take Exit 5 (South Green Valley Parkway) and follow the parkway for .6 miles. The Dollar Loan Center will be on your left. The RTC bus system also has two routes (#111 and 221) that offer a stop directly in front of the arena. Return on Investment 3 Henderson and Las Vegas offer a wide variety of entertainment options, but that can come at a high price. Tickets for Silver Knights games cost $48 for seats along the sides of the rink, $38 for seats in the corners and $28 for seats at the end of the rink. Concession prices are high for this level of competition. Parking at the Dollar Loan Center is $10 prepaid, or $12 the night of the event. All transactions are cashless at the Dollar Loan Center. Extras 3 The Dollar Loan Center hosted the Big West Conference College Basketball Tournament in its inaugural year. The Dollar Loan Center was built utilizing practices proposed by the Green Building Initiative to be environmentally friendly. While the medieval theme may not be your cup of mead… we think it works well in Henderson! Final Thoughts The addition of the Silver Knights to the Las Vegas area, along with the brand-new Dollar Loan Center, has been a great boon to the activities available for visitors to the Henderson area. The location offers convenience for the parent club to pull up players from the AHL level to fill in for an injured player or give a promising player a shot at playing at the NHL level. The Dollar Loan Center can offer a wide variety of sports, entertainment, and meeting facilities when the hockey season ends.

Photos by Gregory Koch, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.29 Navy-Marine Corps Memorial Stadium 550 Taylor Ave Annapolis, MD 21401 Annapolis Blues FC website Navy-Marine Corps Memorial Stadium website Year Opened: 1959 Capacity: 34,000 A Bay of Blue in Annapolis The Annapolis Blues FC are one of the top soccer clubs in the National Premier Soccer League (NPSL). Part of the fourth division of American soccer, the NPSL mainly features current or recently graduated college players, with a pay structure that allows them to retain their amateur status and continue competing in the NCAA. The Blues play their home games at Navy-Marine Corps Memorial Stadium, also home to the US Naval Academy's football and lacrosse teams. Food & Beverage 5 There are many different options to eat at Annapolis Blues games. Permanent stands and mobile carts offer similar options to what you would find at Navy football games. Hot dogs, chicken tenders, and burgers are available at the permanent stands, as are popcorn, pretzels, chips, and candy. Soda, bottled water, and beer are available to drink. A mobile cart sells cheesesteaks as well. Were these the only options, this score would not be as high as it is. However, there are additional places to buy food at Annapolis Blues games. The Picante food truck sells burritos, tacos, nachos (with far more toppings than typical stadium ones), chimichangas, quesadillas, and other Mexican food. Chick-fil-A is available at a tent, and Nothing Bundt Cakes sells personal-sized Bundt cakes. Another cart sells ice cream, both in the regular and vegan varieties. Prices at the specialty places can be a bit high, but they are good food so it is worth it. Prices at the permanent stands are lower, but the food is not as good. Atmosphere 5 Although the quality of play on the field at an Annapolis Blues FC game is semi-professional at best, the atmosphere in the stadium is on par with professional games. As in most soccer games, most of the energy comes from the fans (more on that later), but the team does things as well. A pregame hype video shows highlights from previous Blues games and gets the fans ready for the match. There is a lengthy pregame program, honoring a local veteran or fallen soldier, and inviting people (often kids) onto the field for a ceremonial first kick, similar to a first pitch in baseball. After Blues goals, the team will dim and flash the stadium lights in celebration, at least once it gets dark enough for this to have a noticeable effect. It is worth noting that only one side of the lower level is open for Blues games. About 60% of the seats on this side are chairbacks, while 40% are bleacher seating. The bleacher seats are used for the Brigade of Midshipmen during Navy football games, and as they are standing for the whole time, presumably Navy did not consider it worthwhile to install chairback seating here. The lower part of the leftmost section is used for the Supporters Section at Annapolis Blues games, and while they will typically be standing for the entire match, most of the people in the bleachers will be sitting. The Blues attract large crowds, so arrive early if you want a chairback, especially if you have many people in your group. Videoboards are located at either end of the stadium. Neighborhood 5 Annapolis is a small-sized city of about 40,000 people, but that doesn’t mean there’s nothing to do. There’s a shopping center located across from the stadium with a few basic restaurants, but you can find far better food a short drive away. Annapolis being located on the Chesapeake Bay, there are plenty of great seafood restaurants nearby, including Buddy’s Crabs & Ribs, The Boatyard Bar & Grill, and the Sailor Oyster Bar, all located within a couple miles of the stadium. If you want an authentic sweet treat after your meal, The Boatyard sells the official state dessert of Maryland, Smith Island Cake, which is made fresh on Smith Island daily and brought up by ferry. The real attraction, though, is the U.S. Naval Academy itself. The grounds are beautiful, and there’s so much history, so be sure to take a tour while you’re in town. Keep in mind, however, that driving onto Academy grounds is prohibited without proper military clearance. Fans can board a shuttle from the parking lot to take them onto Academy grounds. Fans 5 Although attendance is usually not high in the NPSL, the Annapolis Blues are the exception to that rule. They regularly draw over 8,000 fans a game, and have been known to draw over 10,000. At the time of writing, the top eight single game attendances in NPSL history have all been at Annapolis Blues games. The Supporters Section, known as the Bay Bhoys, is located in the lower part of the leftmost section of sideline seats. They will wave flags, bang drums, cheer, and stand the whole game urging the Blues to victory. However, fans in all sections will start chants and cheers, blow horns, and even occasionally wave flags. This is an extremely loud and rowdy crowd. It is the best in the NPSL and it isn't even close. In fact, it is better than the crowds at many professional-level games. Fans will arrive several hours before kickoff and tailgate before the match. They will get on line early, before gates even open, to make sure they get the best seats, as everything is general admission. This kind of dedication is unheard of at this level outside of Blues games. Access 3 Navy-Marine Corps Memorial Stadium is located just off U.S. Route 50. Take Exit 24 for Rowe Boulevard, and the stadium is just up ahead. Parking is available in a lot next to the stadium for $15, which is paid by credit card at the entrance. Part of the lot is paved while the remainder is grass. Once inside, it is relatively easy to move around the concourses and other spaces. However, it can get crowded at times. Restrooms are on the concourse and there may occasionally be a wait, especially at halftime when there are larger crowds. That being said, you should be able to get back to your seat by the start of the second half if you leave your seat when the halftime whistle blows. Getting out of the lot can be a challenge at the end of the game, with everyone trying to leave at once through only a couple of exits. However, once you get on Rowe Boulevard, it should be smooth sailing from there. Return on Investment 4 Tickets are just $12 each, with discounts available for youth and groups, and must be purchased online in advance. There is a giant QR code on the marquee outside the stadium to scan to buy tickets if you haven't done so by the time you get to the stadium. However, the $15 for parking is quite steep. The Blues do not control the parking lot or how much it charges, but this is still quite expensive and brings this score down a notch. Concessions are reasonably affordable if you're willing to buy from the permanent stands. The specialty food is more expensive but worth the money. Overall, an Annapolis Blues game is a great value and fun for the whole family. Extras 3 One extra star here for the fantastic crowds. As mentioned above, the Annapolis Blues have the best fans in the NPSL and it isn't even close. They are a major part of why this experience is so good. There is a Kids' Zone in one corner of the stadium. There are several extras here pertaining to the stadium's role as home of the Naval Academy sports teams. Were this a Navy athletic event, we would award each of them their own extra star. This is not, but since the Naval Academy still plays a significant role in the City of Annapolis, we will award one combined extra star for all of them. The walls of the stadium list all the foreign conflicts in which Naval Academy graduates fought. There is also a model of a Blue Angel plane located outside the stadium gate. Final Thoughts A summer evening watching Annapolis Blues FC soccer is one fans are not likely to forget. The experience here is on par with professional stadiums, even if the quality of play on the field is not. The Blues have a fantastic and loyal fan base, and a matchday here has a tremendous atmosphere. Soccer fans in Maryland and the surrounding area will definitely want to check a Blues game out.

Photos by Lance Sutehall and Michael Davis, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.00 FedExForum 191 Beale St Memphis, TN 38103 Memphis Tigers website FedExForum website Year Opened: 2004 Capacity: 18,400 The Tigers Are A Pouncin’ The Memphis Tigers play their basketball games seven miles away from their campus at the FedExForum in downtown Memphis. More famous for being the home of the NBA’s Grizzlies , FedExForum has been the home of Memphis basketball since 2004. There is a proud tradition with the Tigers program as they have made 22 NCAA Tournament appearances that have not been vacated, including an appearance in the NCAA Championship Game in 1973. They have retired the jerseys of nine players, including #25 Penny Hardaway who is now the head coach of the program. Food & Beverage 4 The good news is that the FedExForum has a lot of concession options due to the fact that it is an NBA arena. The bad news is that those concessions will cost you NBA concession prices. Standard fare includes nachos ($7), pretzels ($6), candy ($4), peanuts ($4), and bottomless popcorn ($8). Soft drinks are Pepsi branded with options including bottled drinks ($4.50) and souvenir cups ($9). Combos include a Grind City burger combo ($17), Memphis Hot Chicken ($16), and Memphis Sausage ($15). Vendors selling food in FedExForum include Rendezvous for BBQ, Delta Grill for Burgers, and Fowline Pizza. Alcohol is sold throughout the arena with options including wine ($10), cocktails ($13), beer ($12.50), and seltzers ($13.50). FedExForum is a cashless venue. Atmosphere 4 The concourse of FedExForum is mostly decorated for the Grizzlies, not the Tigers. The only thing I saw that was specifically for the Tigers was a makeshift “Tiger Bookstore” souvenir stand. Once inside the seating bowl, the Memphis Tigers court has the logo with a tiger scratch in the background. The band and the student section sit behind one of the baskets.  The cheerleaders and dance team also keep the atmosphere of the arena up during the game. Pouncer the Tiger walks all around FedExForum entertaining the crowd as well. Neighborhood 5 FedEx Forum is located on Beale Street which is one of the main tourist attractions in Memphis. Beale Street is famous for its Blues clubs and restaurants. Some of the dining options on Beale Street include B.B. King’s, Blues City Cafe, and Wet Willie’s, all of which have live music. There are also several bars on Beale Street if you want a drink. Lodging options near Beale Street include the Westin, Hampton Inn, and a Hyatt Centric. If you stay near Beale Street you won’t need your car once you get to your hotel. Fans 4 The fans of the Memphis Tigers are very passionate about their team and travel well. It is a tall task to get FedExForum to be an intimidating atmosphere, yet the Tigers fans do a great job. The student section do a great job of keeping the energy up during the game. The energy that the students give spreads throughout the rest of the arena. The band, cheerleaders, spirit squad, and Pouncer also do their part to get the fans going. If the fans get going, FedExForum can be an intimidating place to play. Access 3 FedExForum is located on Beale Street. Safe parking nearby in a parking garage is going to run $30. Parking garages further away will cost you less. It is possible to score street parking but do that at your own risk. I parked on a nearby street for free and walked to FedExForum but I also attended a game on a Sunday afternoon.  Once inside, the arena is easy to navigate through with plenty of concession stands and restrooms. The seats are all chair backs and have plenty of legroom. Return on Investment 3 Memphis Tigers basketball has variable pricing for games. Tickets start at $10 for upper level seats and go up to $150 depending on the seat, opponent, and date. If you buy a $20 ticket, park for another $20, and get some food, you are paying over $50 for a program in the American Athletic Conference. Extras 5 FedExForum hosted one of the few 1 vs 2 matchups in college basketball history when the Tennessee Volunteers came to play the Memphis Tigers in 2008. The venue hosted the C-USA tournament from 2005 to 2009 and hosted the American Athletic Conference tournament in 2014 and 2019. It hosted the NCAA tournament four times, last time in 2024. The venue has banners showing the successes of the basketball program. There are also banners of all nine of the retired jerseys for the Memphis Tigers basketball program Final Thoughts FedExForum is a great basketball venue as the Grizzlies can attest to. When the Tigers program is doing well it can also be an intimidating college basketball venue.

Photo by Gregory Koch, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.57 Montgomery Blair Stadium 51 University Blvd East Silver Spring, MD 20901 Silver Spring-Takoma Thunderbolts website Montgomery Blair Stadium website Year Opened: 2005 Capacity: 710 Home of the Silver Spring-Takoma Thunderbolts Montgomery Blair Stadium is located in Silver Spring, Maryland on the grounds of Montgomery Blair High School. During the school year, it is home to the school’s baseball team, while over the summer, it plays host to the Silver Spring-Takoma Thunderbolts of the Cal Ripken Collegiate Baseball League. The Ripken League is a collegiate summer wood bat league in the Washington, D.C. area containing eight teams across the DC Metro area. Although the field itself has existed for many years as the home to MBHS baseball, until 2005 it was just that – a field, not a stadium. In 2002, the Thunderbolts came to town and opted to expand the field into a proper stadium with a capacity of around 700 seats. At the time, the team competed in the Clark Griffith Collegiate Baseball League, but they opted to move to the Ripken League in 2005 and the Griffith League folded shortly thereafter. The name honors both the city of Silver Spring, where the team is located, and the nearby city of Takoma Park. Several former T-Bolts have gone on to play professionally, including major league pitchers Jonathan Papelbon and Brett Cecil. Food & Beverage 3 Montgomery Blair Stadium has a decent range of concession items. Hot dogs, pizza slices, hamburgers, and cheeseburgers are the main meal options, with none of them costing more than $4. Nachos are also available for $3. There is a wide range of snack options as well, ranging from traditional treats like ice cream, peanuts, and popcorn to more unusual ones like honey buns, Welch's fruit snacks, and Pop-Tarts. None of the snacks are more than $2 and most of them are a dollar or less. Soda cans, bottled water, and Gatorade are available to drink. The stand takes credit cards as well as cash. Given the stadium is located on the grounds of a high school, alcohol is obviously not sold here. Although outside food and beverages are allowed in the stadium, alcohol is not. Attempting to bring in alcohol not only violates stadium policy but state law and could potentially result in criminal charges according to the announcements on the PA system before the game. Atmosphere 3 Although Montgomery Blair Stadium is not large by any means, it is still a nice place to watch the game. All seats are chair backs – rare at this level – divided into three stands, although one is blocked off. One is located directly behind home plate and is in the shade of the press box before the sun goes down. The other two are between the dugouts and home plate. There is not a bad seat in this stadium. A scoreboard is located down the left field line, but it only shows the most basic information. The Thunderbolts do a better job at promoting an atmosphere than most teams in this league. There are several between inning contests for the kids and trivia questions for the adults to keep everyone engaged. There is also a raffle where fans can win various prizes from the team and sponsors. This really makes you wonder why the team calls it that. Music is played over the PA, but the sound system is not the best and seems to alternate between being way too loud and being way too quiet. Neighborhood 4 Silver Spring is a suburban neighborhood typical of what you would find just outside our nation’s capital. The stadium itself is located near the Four Corners intersection, where Route 29 meets University Boulevard. A number of restaurants are located at that junction, including The 4 Corners Pub and a number of chain restaurants, but your best bet is to take the short drive into downtown Silver Spring. This is where most of the action is located in this town, including several bars and restaurants ranging from Italian to Ethiopian to Cuban to, of course, American. You are also about a 30-minute Metro ride away from downtown Washington, D.C. where you can tour the many monuments, memorials, and museums dedicated to our country’s history. All of the government-run attractions are free, though some of the private ones charge for admission. Just keep in mind that if you want to tour the Capitol or White House, you will need to book in advance. Fans 3 The T-Bolts will draw a little over a hundred fans per game, which sadly is above average for this league. With so much else going on in this area, fans are just not that into summer collegiate ball, and may not even realize this league exists. However, the fans who do show up are knowledgeable about the team and the game, cheer on their T-Bolts, and stay until the end. Some of them seem to be friends and families of the players, but there are also local individuals and families who just want to attend a baseball game. Since the Ripken League footprint is so small, there will often be fans of the other team there as well. Access 4 Montgomery Blair Stadium is located on University Boulevard (State Route 193), just east of the junction with Route 29. There is ample parking in the high school’s main lot, though you may not be able to park right next to the stadium. The front gate is located in between the school’s softball stadium and its football stadium. Once inside, you can purchase your ticket from a table in a little vestibule area, then head in. You should have no trouble getting around once inside. Restrooms are located in the football stadium adjacent to the baseball stadium. They are more than big enough to handle the crowds at T-Bolts games considering they were designed to handle much larger football crowds. Return on Investment 5 Tickets are $6 for adults and $2 for children under 18. Children under the age of five and all youth in baseball and softball uniforms get in free. Concessions are affordable and parking is free. Tickets can be purchased online in advance, but you will have to pay a small fee to do so on top of the ticket price. It is easier to just buy at the gate, as the games never sell out. A visit to a Thunderbolts game certainly won’t break the bank, and they put on enough of a show in a nice enough stadium to make it a worthwhile trip. . Extras 3 There are programs and roster cards available at the entrance. Although half of the program consists of advertising, the team has to make money somehow and there is still some good information on the team and its players. Most of the ads are for local businesses as well, which can provide some ideas for places to check out after the game. There are about 40 college flags located in an area between the entrance and the home plate stand, representing some of the schools represented by current or former T-Bolts players. The displays are really quite impressive. One final star for a cart selling Thunderbolts merchandise that is located near the concession stand. The prices aren’t bad, either. Final Thoughts If you ask sports fans to name a baseball team in this area, they will almost certainly mention the Washington Nationals. But the Nats are not the only baseball team to play their home games in the capital area. Unfortunately, most baseball fans don’t realize the Ripken League exists, or that it has teams in almost every part of the D.C. area. Most people in Silver Spring, Takoma, and the rest of Montgomery County don’t realize this fabulous opportunity to see baseball at an affordable price exists right in their backyard. Although the quality of play isn't as good as you would get at a major or even minor league ballpark, the affordability can't be beat.

Photos by David Welch, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.00 Geodis Park 625 Smith Ave Nashville, TN 37203 Nashville SC website Geodis Park website Year Opened: 2022 Capacity: 30,000 No Matter How Far for the Gold and Blue Nashville is quickly becoming one of the up-and-coming sports cities in the country, with the high level of support the Nashville Predators receive, the past successes the Tennessee Titans have experienced, and the Triple-A Nashville Sounds routinely in the top 5 of minor league baseball in attendance annually. The city has also received a lot of support to attract a Major League Baseball expansion franchise, and is beginning to establish itself as a soccer town, with the addition of Nashville SC as part of Major League Soccer (MLS) in 2020. Nashville SC is not the city’s first run at professional soccer – dating back to the early 1980s the Nashville Diamonds played in the American Soccer League. Later, the Nashville Metros and Nashville FC competed in various professional soccer leagues from the late 80s throughout the mid-2010s. Nashville SC first came to fruition as a member of the USL Championship level for three seasons, leading to the establishment of an MLS franchise in Nashville for the 2020 season under new ownership. Initially playing at Nissan Stadium for their first two seasons, the Boys in Gold would move into the soccer specific Geodis Park in time for the 2022 season. As of 2024 the 30,000-seat stadium is the largest soccer-specific stadium in the United States or Canada.   Food & Beverage   5 Geodis Park does well to give fans a wide array of food and beverage options, while keeping wait times to a minimum. Practically every stand also has an additional cart somewhere else on the concourse, providing alternative locations to help keep lines short. Food options consist of Latin America fare at Taqueria Zepeda, with steak or chicken nachos, tacos, and quesadillas, and the Latin flavors continue with three types of empanadas, yuca fries, fried plantains, banuelos (balls of fried dough rolled in sugar and cinnamon), and mango rice pudding. Central BBQ takes care of that southern staple with three types of BBQ sandwiches, while pub grub from Nashville’s Corner Pub focuses on burgers and smoked wings. From pizza to gourmet hot dogs, smash burgers, and the iconic Nashville hot chicken, there are no less than six local food spots featured around the stadium. Lastly, for those seeking a quick snack, Circle K grab-and-go stations offer a variety of snacks and beverages, minimizing the wait time for a small filler. The local offerings also extend beyond food to craft beers and cocktails – the facility features beers from Hap & Harry’s Tennessee Beer, Hub City Brewing, Half Batch Brewing Company, Little Harpeth Brewing, Wiseacre Brewing Company, and the Nashville SC branded Pitch from Music City Beer Co. Ciders and spirits from Tennessee-based Bearded Iris, Diskin Cider, and Sugarlands Shine are also available; fully stocked bars are also conveniently located around the concourse. For non-alcoholic options, Geodis Park offers soft drinks from the Coca-Cola family, cold brew coffee, Body Armor, and Red Bull.   Atmosphere   4 A handful of MLS teams share stadiums with National Football League teams, just as Nashville SC once played in Nissan Stadium . Unlike most NFL stadiums, however, Geodis Park’s design is inspired by the industrial factories that once populated the neighborhood, and features a large canopy that overhangs most of the seating area. Exposed steel beams contribute to Geodis Park's modern feel. The game presentation here is what would be expected from top-tier soccer matches in the United States – pre-match excitement builds with a steady stream of flames, sparks, and yellow smoke throughout player introductions. During the match, however, the focus remains on the game itself, with the chants, songs, and beats from the supporters going a long way in creating a top-notch MLS experience. With just 150 feet between the touchline and the first row of seating, fans are right on top of the action on the pitch. When choosing seats it largely depends on the desired experience – it should be noted that seats in the supports section are standing only, with arched back supports for fans to lean against. That area is definitely a fun place to take the game in from, but it is not for everyone. For example, following goals, drinks are known to be sent high toward the heavens in celebration. There really are not any bad seats at Geodis Park, but the upper level of seating is a bit steep, and traversing the stairs can be challenging.   Neighborhood   4 Geodis Park is the centerpiece of Nashville’s Wedgewood-Houston neighborhood. Known for their festive nightlife, Nashville's popular areas "The Gulch" and "Broadway" are both within two miles of Geodis Park; these neighborhoods are well known for their high concentration of restaurants, hotels, and nightlife options. Although Geodis Park is a bit removed from the excitement of Nashville’s Broadway, there are still a handful of points of interest nearby. For example, the renowned Hattie B’s Hot Chicken and the legendary Zanies Comedy Club are both just over a mile from the stadium. While the immediate area around Geodis Park may not offer many pre- and post-match options, the surrounding areas provide nearly endless choices for entertainment, dining, and lodging.   Fans   4 Nashville’s attendance numbers only tell part of the story – averaging 28,000 fans per match, Nashville SC ranks solidly in the top 10 for MLS attendance. With Geodis Park's capacity of 30,000, few other MLS clubs rival the crowd size Nashville sees. For fans, a smaller stadium near full capacity often offers a better experience than a larger stadium with many empty seats, where the passion of the fanbase can dissipate into the empty seats. Nashville SC has several different groups of supporters , collectively known as “The Backline”, who work throughout the match to create a festive soccer experience. They beat drums and other percussion instruments, rattle cowbells, chant, and wave flags, maintaining high energy throughout the match. For the most passionate soccer fans who enjoy diving right into the revelry, "sitting" in this section would be ideal, but for a more reserved experience, fans in the rest of the stadium are also actively engaged in the match, albeit with slightly less enthusiasm than those in the supporters’ section.   Access   3 Geodis Park is conveniently located less than a mile from I-65, a major interstate artery in the Southeast running between Louisville, Kentucky, and Birmingham, Alabama. Nashville SC tries to make getting to the stadium as convenient as possible for fans from around the Nashville area, with buses from the southern reaches of metro Nashville, Antioch, and Murfreesboro transporting fans to matches. Free parking is available at Fort Negley, but that is over a mile away, and there does not appear to be shuttle service there to and from the stadium. Parking in the surrounding neighborhood is discouraged, with signs posted on the streets closest to Geodis Park to prevent game-day parking. Once at the stadium, entrances are located around the perimeter, making entry quick and easy. Despite the numerous concession carts around the concourse, the walkways are wide enough to minimize congestion. The club and suite sections of Geodis Park are restricted to ticket holders for those areas, preventing the stadium from being fully accessible. When leaving the parking lots after the match, pack your patience; the lots are often highly congested. Although attendants are available to help organize traffic flow there is only so much they can do to help, given the restricted movement on the surrounding streets and the number of vehicles from numerous lots trying to leave through a single exit point.   Return on Investment   3 Tickets to Nashville SC matches are reasonably priced, starting at around $20 for a spot in the supporters’ section. However, parking rates seem disproportionately high, starting at over $30 per car. There are some alternatives to avoid this price, but those options don’t provide post-games shuttles, and there aren’t many choices near Geodis Park. While free parking is available more than a mile away, the distance may outweigh the benefit for many fans. Concession prices are consistent with those at most other stadiums – the basics are relatively affordable, while some specialty items are a bit more expensive for what you are getting.   Extras   5 Geodis Park doubles as an art museum of sorts, featuring fifty-eight pieces of artwork by local artists displayed around the stadium. The area outside the supporters’ entrance on the north side of the park offers several activities for visitors to enjoy before entering the gates; entertainment includes several soccer skills centers, promotional tents, and live music. The festivity of the supporters’ section contributes significantly to creating an enjoyable soccer experience for all attendees, even those not seated in that section. After the match, the team pays tribute to their supporters by lining up across the top of the penalty area to sing the Nashville SC anthem, “Never Give Up on You”. The song's importance is highlighted as fans pass through the supporters’ gate, with the lyrics printed overhead on the wooden ceiling.   Final Thoughts Sports fandom in most international cities does not get bigger than the passion it shows for its soccer club. Though it might never rival that level of intensity in the United States, it has grown into a major contributor to the fabric of a city’s culture. Geodis Park does a good job at giving visitors an entertaining American soccer experience in a beautiful venue – the facility pulls in the excitement that comes with the city of Nashville and makes it part of the complete experience. What Nashville SC has achieved in a relatively short amount of time is impressive. They have built a top-notch soccer facility and cultivated a fun and exciting stadium atmosphere, laying the foundation for a successful American soccer experience for years to come.

With the European and South African club rugby seasons officially over, it is now time to look ahead to next season’s Investec Champions Cup. The Investec Champions Cup is an in-season tournament in which clubs from the Gallagher Premiership (England), TOP 14 (France), and United Rugby Championship (Ireland, Scotland, Wales, Italy, and South Africa), compete. Round 1 is slated for the first weekend of December with the knockout stages starting in April. Last season saw Stade Toulouse of the TOP 14 defeat Leinster Rugby of the URC 31-22 in front of 61,531 fans at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in London. This season’s final will be played at Principality Stadium in Cardiff on 24 May. The top 8 teams at the end of the regular season for each respective union qualify for the following season’s Champions Cup. The champions of each union head up three of the four pools for the following season and the winner of the Champions Cup heads up the fourth. In the event that the Champions Cup Winner is also the champion if its respective union, the runner up of that season’s Investec Champions Cup is awarded the top spot in its respective pool. The pool draw took place on 2 July, so here’s what we’re looking at for next season’s Investec Champions Cup: Pool 1 Pool 2 Stade Toulousain (TOP 14) Leinster Rugby (URC – Ireland) Union Bordeaux-Bègles (TOP 14) ASM Clermont Auvergne (TOP 14) Hollywoodbets Sharks (URC – South Africa) Stade Rochelias (TOP 14) Exeter Chiefs (Gallagher Premiership) Bristol Bears (Gallagher Premiership) Leicester Tigers (Gallagher Premiership) Benetton Rugby (URC – Italy) Ulster Rugby (URC - Ireland) Bath Rugby (Gallagher Premiership) Pool 3 Pool 4 Northampton Saints (Gallagher Premiership) Glasgow Warriors (URC - Scotland) Munster Rugby (URC – Ireland) Racing 92 (TOP 14) Vodacom Bulls (URC – South Africa) Sale Sharks (Gallagher Premiership) Stade Francais Paris (TOP 14) DHL Stormers (URC – South Africa) Saracens (Gallagher Premiership) RC Toulon (TOP 14) Castres Olympique (TOP 14) Harlequins (Gallagher Premiership)

Photos by Marc Viquez, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.00 Estadio Antonio Escarre Av. 22A San José, San Cayetano, Costa Rica Asociación Deportiva Beisbol Master website Estadio Antonio Escarre website Year Opened: 1955 Capacity: 3,800 Costa Rica Baseball When you think of baseball in Central America, Costa Rica does not come to mind. However, there is a ballpark worth visiting when in San Jose. Estadio Antonio Escarre is the largest baseball stadium in the country. Built in 1955, the stadium holds 4,000 with a covered roof, bleacher seating on each foul line, and a manual scoreboard in a mixed-residential neighborhood of San Jose. Baseball has been played near the ballpark’s site since 1921 when the city’s first official baseball field was dedicated at nearby Plaza Gonzalez Viquez. In 1941, a new ballpark was constructed 300 meters away that would later bear the name Antonio Escarre, the General Director of Sports. The ballpark would be remodeled in 1955, with lights added in 1961. The stadium would be heavily renovated between 2012-2013, seeing improvements to the concrete stands, seats on the second floor, new lights, and a dressing room. During almost 70 years of operation, the ballpark has hosted two World Championship series (1961 and 1973) and two Central American Championships (1972 and 2013). The stadium is home to numerous amateur leagues. The Asociación Deportiva Beisbol Master (Master Baseball Sports Association) offers two levels: a 7-team league of 40-year-old players from April to September and a 6-team circuit of younger talent that operates from October through April. No matter when you are in San Jose, there is more than likely a game on a Saturday afternoon starting at 1:15 PM. Costa Rica is not known for its baseball; there hasn’t been a player from the country to make it to the major leagues. Most players in this league are from Venezuela, Nicaragua, Cuba, and Puerto Rico. However, how does a sport thrive in a soccer-mad country? Keep reading to find out more about Estadio Antonio Escarre. Food & Beverage 3 There is a concession stand near the entrance of the ballpark offering inexpensive items: hamburgers, fries, hot dogs, and local dishes that include salchipapas (fries covered with slice sausage and topped with ketchup, mustard, or mayonnaise) and vigoron  (cabbage salad, boiled yuca, and chicharrones, all wrapped in a banana leaf). Also, empanadas are sold and are filled with chicken, cheese, or beef and cheese. The stadium does not serve alcoholic beverages but offers Coca-Cola, Fanta, Gatorade, coffee, and tea. Local sodas include Jet, Big, Raptor, and Jugo. Items are served in combination platters, and some of the bottled drinks come in two sizes. Some of the food items sell out towards the end of the game. Photos by Marc Viquez, Stadium Journey Atmosphere 3 The ballpark’s main entrance has a distinct look that feels like it's frozen in time from another era of the game. The colors and texture would look right at home along Miami Beach’s Art Deco hotels and buildings. The stadium sits on the main streets and avenues with little room for moving cars zipping by the outside of its doors. Most stadiums of its era have a main concourse directly underneath the seating bowl; however, Le Escarre has five rows of plastic seating that provide a unique view of the game. The first few rows are as close as the suite-level seats at the   Jimmy John’s Field   outside Detroit. These seats are ideal since it rains frequently during June and early July. The upper deck of the stadium is fully covered. The individual seats offer comfortable views of the game down below. There is a large netting that protects fans from foul balls or thrown bats during the game. Upstairs are views of the surrounding neighborhood. There is a manual scoreboard in left field, two seats of small bleacher seats down each foul line, and a small general store that sells gear to the players. The concession stand offered tables and chairs, but most fans enjoyed their food and drink from their seats. The majority of the noise comes from the players on the field or the dugouts. Neighborhood 3 The ballpark is in the San Cayetano neighborhood, boarding Barrio La Cruz, a few miles south of downtown towards the west side. The ballpark is between Avenida 22A and Calle 7. The mixed residential and business district houses many local businesses and a few fast-food restaurants. The small restaurants include The Baseball Player Soda across the street from the main entrance. They offer hamburgers, nachos, burritos, empanadas, and traditional dishes served cafeteria-style with rice, beans, potatoes, chicken, beef, and maduros (fried sweet plantains). Huaraches offers Mexican cuisine, while Pollo Granjero is a local fried chicken chain.  Don Cleto Gonzalez Viquez Statue, Photo by Marc Viquez, Stadium Journey On Saturday mornings, there is a farmers market that takes place near the stadium with street vendors and fresh produce for sale. Plaza Viquez also houses a small soccer field that is home to Esuadran FC, a lower-level football club, 300 meters away from the baseball stadium. Downtown San Jose is filled with many places to see including the Children’s Museum, National Museum, Museo del Jade, Central Market, and pedestrian-only streets that are filled with shops, restaurants, and street vendors. A bit outside of town is Irazu Volcano National Park offers close-ups of a dormant volcano. Fans 2 Sadly, only a few people attend games at the ballpark. There were 50 people in the 3,800-seat stadium cheering on family members and friends on the field. You could always tell who's family member was up at the plate due to the loud screech in their voices. The atmosphere is similar to a small college ballpark or Limeport Stadium in Pennsylvania. Access 3 The stadium has two levels with staircases on the outside of the main grandstand. There is also bleacher seating down the foul line that has walkways behind the dugouts. There is plenty of seating on the first level and much more on the second level. Parking is available on the streets around the ballpark’s perimeter. If driving, or taking Uber or DiDi, use Waze to access the streets to arrive at the ballpark. Return on Investment 4 The price of admission is free and menu items are extremely affordable. The price of a burger, fries, and a drink is 2,000 Colones ($3.82 US dollars). An empanada is 1,000 Colones ($1.91 US dollars) and some of the smaller drinks are under a dollar. The stadium does not offer programs, or merchandise, or have many fans in the seats. However, the price of admission and food items is hard to beat. Extras 3 The stadium earns a point for its variety of food, and affordable prices. The food is tasty and offers traditional and local fare for the customer. The stadium earns a second point for its seating structure. There are seats underneath the main grandstand, and a roof covers the grandstand seating structure.  The final point is for the ballpark’s asthetics. It does not look quite like other buildings I have been to in my life. It has a style that has been captured in time. Final Thoughts I was unaware of a baseball stadium in San Jose until recently, but it is worth grabbing something affordable to eat while watching the game. It makes for a great way to spend a few hours on Saturday in between travel plans in and around the city.  _____ Follow all of Marc’s stadium journeys on Twitter @ballparkhunter   and his YouTube channel .  Email at Marc.Viquez@stadiumjourney.com

Photos by Richard Smith and Paul Baker, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.00 Wellspan Park 5 Brooks Robinson Way York, PA 17403 York Revolution website Wellspan Park website Year Opened: 2007 Capacity: 5,200 Revolution in the White Rose City York, Pennsylvania was the first capital of the United States. The title claim comes from the assertion that the Articles of Confederation was the first legal document to refer to the colonies as “the United States of America,” and York happened to be the capital when it was adopted. York is known as the White Rose City while nearby Lancaster is known as the Red Rose City city about the Wars of the Roses. For many years a baseball rivalry existed between the two cities with the York White Roses and Lancaster Red Roses. The York White Roses existed from 1894–1969, although technically they were known as the York Pirates the final year in town. League membership moved around between the Eastern League, Piedmont League, Interstate League, New York-Penn League, Tri-State League, Pennsylvania State League, and Keystone Association. The former home of the White Roses, now known as Bob Hoffman Stadium, is still located in town and is in use as a softball field. The original concrete walls of the stadium still exist. An upward-sloping hill was, and is, a unique distinction of the stadium. Of course, softball uses fences of a shorter distance and so the hill is no issue for the modern players. It must have been quite a thing to witness and play in the day. In 2007, the Revolution came to town as part of the independent Atlantic League. Food & Beverage 5 Check out the “Hungry Fan Map” on the main concourse for more information. There is a good selection of options at the stadium, more than some stadiums double their size. There are numerous permanent stands, as well as more temporary setups around the concourse. Fat Boys Pizza and Hoagary have two separate stands next to each other with quite a few options that we can most recommend. Macho Nacho serves large nachos in a full-sized helmet. Or you can opt for some chicken fingers and fries, also served in a helmet. Ripleigh's Creamery has great ice cream, with another helmet option, of course. Atmosphere 4 Fans enter the stadium through Brooks Robinson Plaza. The Orioles great played for the White Roses and was a part of the Revolution's operations until he died in 2023. The grandstand is a basic bowl set up and offers a great view from pretty much any seat. A fun place to sit is in the lawn section beyond center field. In that location, there is also one row of seating both in front of the lawn and in front of the playground area. A nice addition to the stadium is the “Arch Nemesis” wall in left field. Basically, it is a green monster type wall. There is a hand-operated scoreboard in the wall. Fans can walk behind the wall and see the scoreboard operator in action. There is a walkway that extends around the entire field and offers some great views. The team has a man clad in revolutionary garb, who fires off a small, real cannon at the start of the game and when the Revolution takes the lead. Be prepared, as it is VERY loud. The team mascot is named “Downtown.” Neighborhood 4 The baseball stadium is just north of the downtown area. Downtown York is not far away and there are some great bars and restaurants here. Stop in at White Rose Bar and Grill or Holy Hound Taproom for a bite and drink pre or postgame. Holy Hound has 30 beers on tap. Route 30 is a place to find almost every chain restaurant and hotel brand in existence. Recommendations here would be Cheddar’s and Mission BBQ. The Harley-Davidson Motor Company has a large facility in York. Check their website for the occasional tour. Fans 3 York is about the middle of the pack in attendance within the league. The fans that sit right behind the plate are knowledgeable. Once you get out to the fringe parts of the park you may see the more casual fan. Wellspan Park seems to make both types of fans feel right at home. Access 3 Route 30 and I-83 are the big roads in the area. The stadium sits not far off of these roads in the north of downtown York. Parking is $5 cash at nearby Smalls Athletic Field. Other lots are for pass-holders only. Most people will enter through the main gates at Brooks Robinson Plaza Return on Investment 4 Ticket prices at Wellspan Park are fair, ranging from $9 (lawn) to $15. There is also a nice variety of season and package plans. There is a parking charge of $5 but that price is low and reasonable. Extras 5 It is great to see the manual scoreboard in operation. So make sure to use the walkway and go behind to see the operator at work. It is a fun little thing the Revolution added to the park to add character. Also, make sure to spend some time before the game and check out the Brooks Robinson statue. The statue in the plaza shows a young Brooks in his York White Roses uniform. The entire Brooks Robinson Plaza is a nice little feature as well as serving as a great pregame meeting spot. The loud cannon is a nice little feature. Just be prepared because that cannon is loud. The ballpark has a nicely designed play area and a carousel in center field. Wellspan Park is home to the tallest outfield wall in all of baseball. At 37 feet, 8 inches, the left field wall is called the “Arch Nemesis,” and is 8 inches taller than the famed Green Monster at Fenway Park. There are four retired numbers on the façade of the press box at Wellspan Park. Brooks Robinson (5), Jackie Robinson (42), Andy Etchebarren (8) and Corey Thurman (35) are the honorees. Final Thoughts The York Revolution and Wellspan Park offer a nicely designed stadium with some really interesting features that are sure to please both the serious and casual baseball fans.

Photos by Lance Sutehall, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.29 Harrison HPER Complex 14000 Highway 82 Itta Bena, MS 38941 Mississippi Valley State Delta Devils website Harrison HPER Complex website Year Opened: 1977 Capacity: 5,000 The Devil Went Down To The Delta The small city of Itta Bena, Mississippi is home to Mississippi Valley State University, a Division One Historically Black College and University (HBCU). The school enrolled over 2,000 students during the Fall 2023 semester. The athletic programs are known as the “Delta Devils” and they compete in the Southwestern Athletic Conference (SWAC). The basketball team has made five NCAA Tournament appearances, last making the big dance in 2012. Food & Beverage 2 Stadium basics such as nachos ($4), popcorn ($2), hot dogs ($4), wings ($6), and Pepsi branded beverages ($3) are sold at the Harrison Complex. Cash and cards are accepted for payment but alcohol is not sold at the arena. Atmosphere 3 Upon walking into the Harrison Complex the floor greets you with a logo of the Delta Devils program. After walking up a flight of stairs to enter the seating bowl, a trophy case showcases the athletic successes of the Delta Devils program. The venue was renovated in 2016 and the result is a seating bowl with chairback seats that only go 11 rows back. The walls are decorated with banners showcasing the successes of the program over the years. The band does an amazing job of keeping the energy up during breaks in game action. During halftime they play so loud that you can not hear yourself talking. Neighborhood 2 Itta Bena is a small town. Dining options include Larry’s Fish House, W8 Restaurant and Sports Bar, and Capricorn’s Cafe. There’s not much in the way of tourist attractions in Itta Bena. A drive eight miles East to the Museum of the Mississippi Delta in Greenwood is worth a stop. Lodging will also be in Greenwood with hotel chains such as Hampton Inn, Holiday Inn, and Comfort Suites being options for overnight stays. Fans 2 The band does a great job of keeping the atmosphere up during basketball games. The fans that do show up to games have pride in the Delta Devils. Access 3 The campus of Mississippi Valley State is on highway 82. After entering the campus the arena will be on the left. The arena is easy to walk around as long as you can walk up a flight of stairs. Return on Investment 3 A ticket is $15 and lets you see both a men’s and women’s game. The band will give some great performances. The parking is free and concessions probably won’t run you more than $10. $25 for a day of SWACtion is what the Valley offers. Extras 1 Jerry Rice played college football for the Delta Devils. Final Thoughts Mississippi Valley State has its struggles as a underfunded school in a small town. But its alumni are proud to be alumni and there have been successes for the Delta Devils over the years. The fans and alumni are ready to see a competitive Delta Devils program again. Hopefully Mississippi Valley State can deliver soon.