Photos by James Clotfelter, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.57 Luther Williams Stadium 150 Willie Smokie Glover Dr Macon, GA 31201 Macon Bacon website Luther Williams Field website Year Opened: 1929 Capacity: 3,500 Bacon & Baseball While the Macon Bacon has only been a part of the middle Georgia community since 2017, the historic Luther Williams field has been a part of the fabric of Macon since 1929. The 3,500-seat park has seen its fair share of baseball, and it continues to play a role in the sporting culture of middle Georgia with quirky seating, a manual scoreboard, and the timeless beams that hold the awning over the grandstand. The Bacon are members of the Coastal Plain League, a wood bat summer collegiate league. Food & Beverage 2 The food and beverage here come in two waves. Season ticket holders have their all-you-can-eat concession stands, while the single-game goer has two concession stands on opposite corners of the grandstand. Here are the basic concession foods like nachos, hot dogs, hamburgers, pretzels, etc. In addition to these items, you can select from their “baconized” menu which is essentially the same basic concessions with bacon added to them for an upcharge of $5. I recommend sticking to the normal concessions as the upcharge of $5 to add burnt bacon bits to your cheese nachos is not worth it, and the normal items are reasonably priced.  In terms of alcoholic options, there is a full bar in the concession stand behind home plate and numerous lite beers and IPAs in the corner concession stands. Atmosphere 3 The atmosphere at a Bacon game is nothing to frown upon, nor is it anything out of this world. While it is a very old stadium, Bacon has done a fantastic job preserving its character while adding modern and quirky amenities. There is terrace and patio high-top seating along the foul lines, mixed with the traditional bleachers covered by a supported tin roof with a manual scoreboard. The bottom sections are chairbacks, while the top sections are bleachers with seatbacks. So if bleachers do not bother you, I suggest you go with the cheapest ticket. Unless you are stuck behind a support beam, there is not a bad seat. The Bacon staff tries to help you out with this issue by highlighting any obstructed view when purchasing tickets on their website. While there is no video board, Bacon still makes sure they find a way to do crowd activations in between innings. Whether it is having on-field musical chairs, or having some of the players race toddlers on a big wheel tricycle, they make sure something is done in between each break in action. The team store is located in a little room behind home plate, but because the area is so small they also set merchandise available for sale outside in the concourse to accommodate the crowd. With merchandise being said, keep an eye out for promotions that the Bacon hold, as they often do merchandise giveaways, or waffle house vouchers depending on the night. The night’s promotions can be found on their ticketing website. Neighborhood 2 The town of Macon itself does not give the fuzziest of vibes when compared to other cities in the beautiful state of Georgia. Luther Williams Field is situated inside a public park known as Central City Park and sits alongside recreational soccer and baseball fields. There is not much that one would want to walk to in terms of a pre-game or post-game location. I would suggest you take the brief car ride to Macon’s downtown strip as it is pretty nice with a plethora of bars and restaurants such as Downtown Grill, Piedmont Brewery & Kitchen, and Little India. However, there is not a plethora of hotels in the area, but I would suggest you stay in Hilton Garden Inn or TownePlace Suites, located on the campus of Mercer University, for the best budget option. Macon is also home to the Georgia Sports Hall of Fame, Macon City Auditorium, Mercer University, and the Macon Coliseum. Fans 4 Although a relatively new franchise, the residents of middle Georgia seem to have a keen interest in this franchise. I believe that were in attendance for an exhibition match, as I could not find the opponent in the league standings, but the stadium was nonetheless sold out, which seems like a common occurrence for a Bacon home game. This crowd is not crazy passionate about their team, but they continue to show up and support the small local franchise in town, and families like to use it as an excuse to have a night out of the house. Access 3 The stadium itself sits in a recreation complex just east of downtown Macon, it is not right off the interstate, but still close to it. With it being in a rec complex, the free parking is simply pulling over in the grass lots surrounding the field. This does make it kind of hectic getting out of games because you are prone to being blocked in by other cars that break the unwritten rules regarding the organization of a rather unorganized parking structure on the grass. There is only one entrance gate to the venue, which does make the lines potentially slow, so it is advised you get to the stadium a little early to make sure you don’t get stuck in the line. There are ticket offices beyond security, but it is advised you purchase your tickets online before the game because it is prone to selling out. Once in the stadium, the outside concourse is very wide and easy to navigate, and the grandstand walkway splits the two levels of seating. Return on Investment 3 The get-in price for bleacher seating is $15, which does seem steep for summer league ball, but it is nothing absurd and is canceled out by free parking. Concessions are generally on par with stadium prices as long as you don’t add bacon to the items. If you are coming with a group be on the lookout for group promotions such as free hats and other items during select nights for groups of five or more. Extras 3 It is the oldest baseball in a state that baseball has a stranglehold on. It has bizarre seating areas combined with a non-electric scoreboard which successfully modernizes the stadium but also preserves the history that makes it unique. Final Thoughts Is this the coolest experience in baseball? No. But is it worth checking out if you live or ever find yourself in middle Georgia? Absolutely. It is classic low-level summer baseball that calls both baseball purists, as well as the casual fan to its gates time in and time out.

Photos by Chris Green, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.00 Circuit of the Americas 9201 Circuit of the Americas Blvd Austin, TX 78617 Circuit of the Americas website SRO America website Year Opened: 2012 Capacity: 120,000 SRO at the Circuit As if to blast the stereotype of everything being bigger in Texas into flat-out appropriateness, Circuit of the Americas (often denoted as COTA for short) in Austin provides no better example of this. Indeed, the site of the annual US Grand Prix for Formula One is also host to a myriad other races throughout the year, including the likes of SVRA, NASCAR, and others. The annual SRO GT World Challenge weekend is also becoming a fan favorite, drawing racing fans with five classes on track throughout the weekend, showcasing the best racing action with some of the biggest stars in sportscar racing.   Food & Beverage   3 The main grandstand features a host of food vendors serving everything from traditional sports fare to southern-inspired dishes, including the Rev Bar. Being in Texas, after all, the food options include Mexican and barbecue dishes, all washed down with some cold beer. In the infield fans can expect a great little hole-in-the-wall (only in size) café in the paddock, featuring a beautiful patio outside surrounded by trees and bushes, giving a great view of the garages and pre-staging area for most of the cars. Here you can find (when it is open) food and beverages to suit your fancy. Pizzas are $8, with a combo running $10 (including a drink), while drinks by themselves are $3 for fountain drinks and $4 for Powerade and Vitamin Water. Chicken tenders and fries are $7, deli sandwiches, hamburger baskets, grilled chicken sandwiches are $8, and black bean burgers, deli wraps, or a trip to the salad bar are $7. On certain days there is a chef’s featured item, such as homemade meatloaf, mac-n-cheese, and a vegetable medley for $10. That said, if you are exploring the far reaches of the facility, you may not have as many options available as you have in the main spectator areas, meaning you will have to walk a while or wait patiently for later, should the hunger bug strike. Thankfully this year (2024), the track added food trucks in the fan area in the paddock to add some variety.   Atmosphere   4 Everything is bigger in Texas, and that includes the crowds. During fan walks on the pit road grid before races at Circuit of the Americas, it is wall-to-wall fans hobnobbing with drivers, teams, and the cars they pilot on track, complete with a mariachi band and riders on horseback flying Texas and American flags. The track itself is a beautiful facility that lends itself to the fan experience – the main grandstand is shaded from the harsh Texas sun, thanks to a perfectly placed roof over part of the seating. The quality view can also be had for most of the infield stands as well. By far, the coolest thing here at Circuit of the Americas is the giant tower in the middle of the track. The observation platform in the tower is open to all fans for $10 a person, providing an elevator to view the race from over 200 feet above the action. In addition, the floors in the tower are see-through, giving you the feeling of floating on air – no other track has anything as unique as this. Additionally, a theme park complete with roller coasters is being constructed on-site, set to open in time for the 2025 season.   Neighborhood   3 This is a hard section to write about, as the city of Austin itself (a good 15 to 20-minute drive from the Circuit of the Americas track), is a bustling city of music, incredible food, and youthful energy. It is no secret why F1 picked this city, and why the annual SXSW festival is held here every year. However, as the track is on the outskirts of town, the racing can easily feel a bit detached from the city’s atmosphere, despite the ever-growing neighborhoods next door to the facility. There isn’t much else right next to the track – hotels are all about 10 minutes away, at least, as are any shopping and dining options fans would flock to. Thankfully the airport is right near the track, providing easy access to your flight in and out of Austin. For great food, one can’t skip Salt Lick or Torchy’s Tacos. Austin is also home to the University of Texas and Zilker Park on Lady Bird Lake, and of course, a stop in Austin isn’t complete without visiting the bats under the Congress Bridge.   Fans   4 That good ol’ Texas comfort can be felt through the fans at the track – sports fans can be hard to figure out, but Austin’s motorsports enthusiasts are all about the racing on the oval. They know the drivers, they know the cars, they know exactly what is happening, and are eager to cheer on their favorite drivers all weekend long. In addition, they’re generally a kind and considerate bunch, which makes a day at the races at Circuit of the Americas a family-friendly experience. The SRO America event even set a record in 2023, selling over 10,000 tickets to the three-day race weekend at COTA, and this season those efforts continue to bear fruit, with fans packing in the infield viewing areas once again.   Access   4 Getting to Circuit of the Americas isn’t hard, in that the track isn’t hidden away. In actuality, you can see it from pretty much everywhere, thanks to its giant lit-up tower at night. However, the roads in and out of the venue are only one or two lanes, making a big event hard to reach, thanks to the traffic, though parking is plentiful on-site. The re-paving and expansion of most of the roads in and out of the track in recent years has also eased the ingress and egress at the facility. Once at the track getting around is easy, thanks to the various tunnels, pedestrian bridges, and signage pointing you on your way around the venue. Also, during the event, there are a few fan shuttles that take you from one point to another.   Return on Investment   5 Whether you’re a race fan or not will dictate whether you feel the need to visit this new crown jewel of a race circuit. However, you can see why average fans would want to come – the views are spectacular all around the track, the cost of tickets and flights into Austin are generally low, and the city is a great attraction unto itself. Tickets to SRO at COTA start at just $15 for Friday, with Saturday or Sunday day passes only costing $30. A regular weekend pass sells for $55, and if you want to join one of the car corrals, that weekend pass is $150. Suite upgrades range from $275 to $499. Downtown is full of reasons to visit on its own, so adding a world-class racetrack to the mix makes it even better! In addition, Circuit of the Americas features great fan access, with the paddock easy to find and navigate during race weekends.   Extras   5 Circuit of the America’s big tower is a modern marvel to behold, but did you know there is a world-class concert amphitheater at its base? Another unique feature is the bold American color scheme – all around the track’s run-off areas you can see red, white, and blue, plus star-and-stripe painted designs, making not only for a photogenic track but one that makes you feel very patriotic as well. Outside the track, a large, inclined zip-line is available to thrill race fans with a view of the front stretch. Also, a live driver talk is held during the SRO Motorsports Twitch show with Ash Vandelay, for fans to watch interviews with the drivers. Fans can also take part in the popular go-kart facility, located right behind the main grandstands throughout the weekend.   Final Thoughts Circuit of the Americas certainly is a gorgeous facility that lends itself to the comfortable viewing of some great racing action. Furthermore, placing it next to one of the best up-and-coming cities in America was a genius move. That said, if you want somewhere young and hip to visit that is also home to a quality sports facility, definitely put Circuit of the Americas on your list.

Photos by David Welch, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.00 Toyota Field 500 Trash Panda Way Madison, AL 35758 Rocket City Trash Pandas website Toyota Field website Year Opened: 2020 Capacity: 7,500 Toyota Field – Rocket City Trash Pandas Professional baseball had a few brief incarnations in the Huntsville, Alabama area during the first half of the 20th century, but none lasted more than two seasons. It was not until 1985 that affiliated baseball found a stable home in Huntsville with the arrival of the Huntsville Stars at Joe W. Davis Stadium. The Stars served as the Double-A affiliate of both the Oakland Athletics (1985-1998) and then the Milwaukee Brewers (1999-2014). Names such as Jose Canseco, Nelson Cruz, Jason Giambi, Mark McGwire, Tim Hudson, Ryan Braun, and Prince Fielder would move through Rocket City before establishing themselves as some of the top players in Major League Baseball during their careers. Huntsville would go without professional baseball following the 2014 season when the Stars would move to Biloxi  and become the Shuckers, but the sport returned to the area in 2020 when the Mobile Bay Bears relocated to the Huntsville suburb of Madison as the Rocket City Trash Pandas. However, the debut of the Trash Pandas would be delayed until 2021 due to the cancellation of the 2020 Minor League Baseball season. Nevertheless, once the Trash Pandas took the field their popularity soared, much like a rocket from the nearby U.S. Space and Rocket Center.   Food & Beverage   5 Rocket City gives fans numerous options that rival those in major league parks. Toyota Field has three traditional concession stands which each serve a common base menu, but each also hasitsr own unique concession items – the “Dumpster Dive” stand features Rocket City Hot Fries, while “Gravity Grille” has ballpark cheesesteak fries and “All Stars” serves up wings and pizza. A fourth concession stand, “Sweet Space”, specializes in sweet treats, primarily ice cream. Complementing an already strong base menu, concessions here also regularly rotate specialized menu items throughout the season. In addition to the traditional concessions, there are also three carts located around the concourse. The most impressive of these is Lucile’s at Bullpen Bar and Grill, which serves a variety of BBQ, smoking their meat on site. Toyota Field offers a full menu of alcoholic beverages. Options include canned wine from Archer Roose, seltzers from High Noon and Truly, and Surfside hard peach and iced teas. In addition, along with typical national brands, local Huntsville brewers Yellowhammer Brewing and Straight to Ale are featured – fans can enjoy Yellowhammer’s Belgian-white and red lager, Straight to Ale’s Monkeynaut IPA, and Birmingham-based Good People Brewing’s Muchacho.  Self-service, automatic tap stations are available on each side of the stadium. If those options are not enough, Toyota Field also has three separate bar areas, the most prominent being the Inline Electric Rock Porch situated just beyond the right field wall, which overlooks the field and appears to ever so slightly overhang the right field fence. Toyota Field boasts one of the most complete and creative concession menus in the minor leagues, offering a diverse selection that caters to all tastes, from main meals and snacks to beverages.   Atmosphere   4 Toyota Field has a bit of a minimalist feel to its design; there is no grand entry plaza fans walk into nor state-of-the-art features, but the ballpark makes the game experience as enjoyable as any other minor league stadium. The configuration of the outfield wall has typical distances down each of the lines and to center field, but everything between those points is anything but typical – the wall has several areas that angle back rather sharply or go from 8’ immediately up to 10’. Fans are kept entertained throughout the game with on-field activities and scoreboard games. Sound drops and in-game ad reads are frequent, almost to the point of being a bit too much. Team mascot “Sprocket” is part of the pregame introductions, and also makes another appearance to take photos with fans following the 7th inning stretch. Also entertaining the crowd is the astronaut race as four cartoonish astronauts, Buzz (Aldrin), Neil (Armstrong), Mae (Jemison), and Sally (Ride) race from the left field corner to just beyond home plate. There are several seating options throughout Toyota Field; the grassy berm down the right field line is popular with families. The back three rows of the seating bowl behind home plate and in the sections down each line feature high-top bar seating, while standing room drink rails are limited to just behind home plate, as the concourse level suites are situated where drink rails along each side of the field typically would be. However, the limited drink rails on the concourse are made up for by the bullpens each having their own, giving fans places to stand and interact with players during the game.   Neighborhood   3 Toyota Field is the centerpiece of the Town Madison development in the rapidly growing Huntsville suburb – the area around the stadium already features a variety of regional and national restaurants, hotels, apartment buildings, and housing, with much more in progress. As Town Madison continues to develop, it will offer even more to visitors. The main attraction in the area is the U. S. Space and Rocket Center, less than 10 minutes from Toyota Field up I-565, roughly 10 miles from downtown Huntsville. Early-season games might be paired with a visit to Propst Arena to catch the Huntsville Havoc  of the Southern Professional Hockey League. As construction continues, the area surrounding the stadium will become an even more attractive destination, offering visitors a wide range of amenities just steps from the stadium.   Fans   4 The Trash Pandas do a good job drawing fans out to their games, consistently finishing in the top 10 for AA attendance and leading the Southern League. Typical attendance numbers exceed 5,000 fans on any given night, with weekend games often attracting 6,000 fans and occasionally surpassing 7,000. Fans are actively engaged, responding enthusiastically to stadium audio prompts and call-and-response sound clips. This involvement early in the game helps in creating an environment where fans get loud in response to big plays later in the game.   Access   4 Toyota Field is relatively easy to get to as interstate bypass I-565 runs just beyond the third base side of the field. The ballpark is also roughly a 12-mile trip from the I-65 junction that runs between Nashville and Birmingham. If attending a weekday game, use GPS for the current best route to take. Madison Boulevard often backs up a great deal leading up to the first pitch, so it might make more sense to drive past the stadium on I-565 West, and then get back on the interstate in the opposite direction, as Toyota Field has its exit for those heading eastbound. There are two primary entrances into Toyota Field: one up the right field line, the Pepsi Gate, and another well beyond center field. Lines at both entrances move quickly, even on stadium giveaway nights. The concourse is divided into an upper and lower level – the upper level, accessible from the Pepsi gate, runs along the top of the seating bowl from foul pole to foul pole. Stairs and an elevator in the left field corner provide access to the outfield plaza, while stairs and a long ramp in the right field corner complete the circuit around the field. The concourse is fairly wide, allowing groups of fans to pass through with little to no interference from concession lines. After the game, despite there being just two main routes out of the parking lot, traffic flows well to get fans home; exiting via Town Madison Boulevard leads directly back onto I-565.   Return on Investment   4 Trash Panda tickets are quite affordable, with berm seating down the right field line available for just $8, and seats behind home plate starting under $18. To save on parking purchase it online for $6.75, which is a $3.25 discount from the drive-up rate of $10 – these prices include service fees. Concession prices are slightly high but consistent with what might be expected for stadium food and drinks. Given the reasonable rates for tickets and parking, the higher concession prices at Toyota Field are not much of a disappointment.   Extras   4 Almost immediately upon passing through the right field gates, fans are greeted by the familiar thwack of bat to ball. The concourse also has an open view of the batting tunnels, allowing fans to watch players take some pre-game cuts while making last-minute game preparations. Rocket City pays homage to Huntsville's baseball history with the concession stand down the left field line, "All Stars", named in honor of the Huntsville Stars. The stand also uses the retro Stars logo as part of its signage. Baseball is known for its "unwritten rules" – the parts of the game not in the rule book, but that players are supposed to understand and play by. What is not talked about much are the “unwritten rules” for fans; one of the most overlooked of these rules is not moving through the aisles during play. To prevent this, at Toyota Field, the ushers at the top of each section ask spectators to wait until between at-bats to take their seats. An extensive play area makes up most of the outfield plaza beyond the center field wall; multiple inflatables and games are spread out around this area, providing kids with many options if watching the game is not at the top of their list.   Final Thoughts When a city loses a baseball team, it often leaves a void in the community that can be difficult to fill, but the return of baseball to the Huntsville, Alabama area has been a resounding success so far. What has been created at Toyota Field and in the surrounding Town Madison development creates a minor league baseball experience that builds on the local support from the community, and gives visitors all they need to make a trip to see the Trash Pandas as convenient, affordable, and enjoyable as possible.

Photos by Gregory Koch, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.43 Shirley Povich Field 10600 Westlake Dr Rockville, MD 20852 Bethesda Big Train website Shirley Povich Field website Year Opened: 1999 Capacity: 710 Train Time Located in Bethesda, Maryland, in the D.C. suburbs, Shirley Povich Field is home to the Bethesda Big Train of the Cal Ripken, Sr. Collegiate Baseball League (CRCBL). The CRCBL consists of eight teams from across the DC Metro area, and the Big Train is by far the most successful team in the league, winning or sharing all but one championship since 2016 as well as three in a row from 2009-2011. Povich Field is named after longtime local sports columnist Shirley Povich, who covered baseball for over 50 years and was one of the last living reporters to have covered Babe Ruth. He began his career with the Washington Post in 1923, and although he officially retired in 1973, he never stopped covering the game. His last column was published in 1998, one day after his death. Food & Beverage 4 There are several concession options at Shirley Povich Field, all from local vendors. A hot dog truck is located down the third baseline. Fans can buy hot dogs with just ketchup or mustard for $5 or can purchase specialty hot dogs for $8. There are several specialty options to choose from, or fans can customize their own from up to 12 toppings. Combos are available to lower the price - two classic dogs, a bag of chips, and a drink cost $12, or if you want specialty hot dogs instead, the combo costs $18. You can get the kids' combo, with one hot dog, chips, and a drink for $8. The main stand is located behind home plate and has several more options. Cheese pizza is $5 a slice, while pepperoni pizza is $6. The pizza is from the local restaurant Gregorio's Trattoria and is much better than most ballpark pizza. At least for this area, it is very good pizza in general, even by regular rather than ballpark standards. Chick-fil-A sandwiches cost $6.60, or you can get eight nuggets from Chick-fil-A for the same prize. A pulled pork sandwich with cole slaw is $8, while a cheeseburger or Beyond burger with lettuce and tomato will cost you $9. Several snacks are available as well. Candy or Big League Chew costs $3, as do chips, Cracker Jack, and popcorn. Blow pops are two for a dollar, and a giant soft pretzel (and we do mean giant) costs $6. Fries are $5, and you can get a side of cheese sauce for $3. Bottled water will cost $3, while Powerade, lemonade, sweet tea, and assorted Coca-Cola products will cost $4. A Kona Ice truck is also located down the first base line selling its wares. Atmosphere 5 While most CRCBL stadiums are very basic, Shirley Povich Field could easily be a minor league stadium if not for the small size. Other than a few bleachers down the right-field line, all seats are chairbacks and have an excellent view of the action. The stands only go about five rows up, so every seat will get you close to the action. A scoreboard in left-centerfield shows the linescore and count as well as the time and temperature. The only major downside of the stadium layout is that the sun sets in centerfield and will be in your eyes for the first few innings. As for the gameday experience, that is also comparable to the minor leagues. There is often pregame music on the concourse and there will typically be multiple first pitches by special guests. Once the game starts, the experience is every bit what you would see at a higher level. Between innings, there will be contests on the field or promos over the PA system. There is a costumed mascot named Homer, who is a dog and can be seen roaming the crowd during the game. The Big Train strive to create a community feel to games, and they have certainly succeeded at their mission. There are giveaways in almost every home game and there are often pregame performances on the concourse. Check the schedule for specific nights, but the Big Train has featured a mariachi band on Latin Baseball Night, a group of dragon dancers to honor Montgomery County's sister cities, and more. Photo by Maggie Laird, Bethesda Big Train Neighborhood 4 Shirley Povich Field is located in Cabin John Park, which is operated by Montgomery County. There is an ice rink and some recreational fields located near the stadium, all part of the park. A shopping center is located across the street which includes a Five Guys, a taco place, and several other shops. There are several hotels on Democracy Boulevard a couple of miles from the stadium, and Cabin John Park also has a campground for those visitors to the area looking to stay in a more natural environment. The Cabin John Village shopping center is about a mile and a half away and has many shops and restaurants. Gregorio's Trattoria, which also tells their pizza at the ballpark, is an Italian restaurant located here. The Grove (a standard bar and grill) and The Pretzel Bakery (which sells freshly made soft pretzels and related items like pretzel hot dogs and calzones) are worth checking out as well. Washington, D.C. is a short Metro ride away and features various museums, monuments, and other sites, although you will need to drive to a nearby station and park first. Whether it’s visiting the Smithsonian or taking a walk along the National Mall, there is something to do for everyone in our nation’s capital, and most of it is free. Fans 5 The Big Train consistently ranks at the top of the Cal Ripken League in attendance, and it isn’t even close. The Big Train average over 500 fans per game, which may not seem like much, but it puts the stadium near capacity and all the other teams struggle to draw even half that. The crowd is a mix of longtime fans, young families, and everyone in between. It is truly the community affair that the team's founders envisioned. Fans are knowledgeable about the Big Train and passionate. Most of them stay for the whole game even as the hour gets late and the score isn’t particularly close. A lot of them can be seen wearing their own Big Train gear. Games here are often family affairs with lots of small children in attendance, but you get some older people as well, many of whom have been following the team since its inception in 1999. Access 3 Shirley Povich Field is located just off I-270 and I-495. Take the exit for Democracy Boulevard, follow it to Westlake Drive, and the entrance to Cabin John Park will be up ahead on your left. From there, head past the ice rink, and the stadium will be up ahead. There are several other baseball fields in the complex used for recreational purposes, but Shirley Povich Field will be very clearly signed. Due to the large complex, there is more than enough parking available. However, the parking lot can be a tight fit and make exiting after the game difficult, especially if people are trying to enter the lot as well to go elsewhere in the park. You may have to park a short distance away, but you will find a space. Unfortunately, Shirley Povich Field is not easily accessible via the D.C. Metro. Restrooms are small but sufficient for the crowd in most cases. The men’s restroom can be hard to find as it is hidden off in the corner and not, as one would expect, across from the women’s restroom. Return on Investment 5 Tickets are just $12 per game. While this is on the high end for the Cal Ripken League, the experience at a Big Train game is far superior to the other teams, so it is well worth it. Concession prices are higher than other teams in the league, but it is better than most ballpark food and is less expensive than at most professional stadiums. Overall, a Big Train game is an excellent value whether you are a solo traveler or visiting with the whole family. Extras 5 Look for the Cal Ripken, Sr. Collegiate Baseball League Hall of Fame down the first-base line. Extensive Big Train programs are available in the stadium. There are also banners honoring Shirley Povich and Walter “Big Train” Johnson behind home plate and a plaque honoring Povich by the entrance. Be sure to check out the Shirley and Walter Plaza to the left of the main concession stand, featuring a statue of Shirley Povich interviewing Walter Johnson. It is a popular photo opportunity to take your picture with the statue. Down the first baseline past the Picnic Pavilion, there is a kids' play area featuring a moon bounce and chalk for children to draw on the ground with. Although we can only award five stars in this category, there is a sixth extra worthy of mention. Down the first baseline, there is signage that displays Big Train players who have made the major leagues, the date of their debut, and arrows pointing to their major league ballpark along with the distance from Bethesda. Final Thoughts The Big Train have certainly succeeded in creating a top-notch community baseball experience in Bethesda. On a warm summer night (or the occasional 10 AM Sunday game), baseball fans in Montgomery County will certainly want to make the trip to Shirley Povich Field. It is baseball fun for seasoned fans, young families, and everyone in between.

Photos by Gregory Koch, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.29 Casey Field West Oak Street Covington, VA 24426 Covington Lumberjacks website Casey Field website Year Opened: 1952 Capacity: 2,000 VBL Baseball in the Alleghany Highlands With 12 teams nestled up and down Virginia’s scenic Shenandoah Valley, the Valley Baseball League is one of the oldest collegiate summer wood-bat leagues in America. The Covington Lumberjacks play their home games at Casey Field, a former Appalachian League venue that hosted the Covington Red Sox in 1966 and the Covington Astros from 1967 to 1975. Today, Casey Field is also a football stadium used by Alleghany High School. It has a strange layout - centerfield is very short to accommodate the football bleachers, and there is a Pesky Pole situation in left field. The foul pole is extremely shallow, then juts out almost completely straight, to accommodate a construction area for a new field house for the high school. Food & Beverage 3 Concessions are sold out of a window down the first baseline by the entrance. Options for meals include hot dogs, nachos, barbecue sandwiches (in this part of the country, invariably pulled pork), cheeseburgers, and pizza slices which are better than you'd expect for this part of the country. Snacks include peanuts, candy, popcorn, and french fries. Bottled water and soda are available to drink. Icees are also sold out of a truck near the entrance. Even though this is a high school stadium, beer is available for sale out of a tent behind home plate. Bottled water can also be purchased at this tent, for fans who don't want to wait in a long line just to get water on a hot night. Prices are reasonable for the most part. The Icees, which are sold by an outside vendor, cost $5 but nothing else, even the beer, is more than $3.50. Atmosphere 3 There are several sets of bleachers near home plate at Casey Field, but no aisle to climb up them, which makes getting around challenging. There is also a very large set of bleachers in centerfield which is the sideline seating for football games and is mostly unused for baseball, although a few fans do sit here. Many fans also choose to bring their own chairs and sit at the bottom of the bleachers or by an opening in the fence near the concession stand. Other than the centerfield bleachers and the aforementioned gap, all seats are behind a metal fence. It is not as thick as in some other places, but is more intrusive than netting. This is a pretty basic gameday experience. Music is played during breaks in the action, but not particularly loudly. The PA announcer is involved and will often welcome local guests, but is not over the top. There are few if any on-field contests, so a Lumberjacks game is a pretty simple experience. Neighborhood 3 The City of Covington is located in Southwest Virginia in the Alleghany Highlands, but not quite in the Allegheny Mountains (yes, the spelling is different and it's all quite confusing.) This is a very scenic area of the state with gorgeous mountain views, hiking trails, lakes, and more. There is not much to do in Covington beyond a few chain restaurants, including a KFC right next to the ballpark. Clifton Forge is about ten miles away and has more options. It also has a major railroad history, which may be of interest to railfans. Fans 4 The Covington Lumberjacks draw a few hundred fans for a typical home game. This may not seem like much, but the population of Covington is only about 5,000 people, plus another 15,000 in surrounding Alleghany County. Lumberjacks games are truly a community affair, and most of the fans seem to know each other, although they are welcoming of newcomers. During player introductions and big moments, the fans will ring cowbells to show their support for their team. They wear Lumberjacks gear and are generally a passionate crowd. Access 2 Covington is located just off I-64 via Exit 14. If coming from the west, you will probably have to cross over the mountains to get here. If coming from the east, the drive will still be hilly but not fully mountainous. Once you reach the ballpark, there is a paved lot down the right field line and a gravel one beyond the left field fence. Street parking is also available once these fill up, but be warned some of it is within foul ball territory. The big problem with access here is the bleachers. There are no aisles to climb, making getting up them extremely difficult. You will have to step over rows of seating and work your way around fans who are aleady there to get up or down. This brings the rating down significantly and is why so many fans bring their own seats. Restrooms are available next to the concession stand and are a generally sufficient size, although you may have to wait a couple minutes. They also get extremely warm on hot days. Return on Investment 5 Admission to all Lumberjacks games is free. Most Valley League teams charge a few dollars, which isn't much money, but free is better. Concessions are extremely affordable as well. As a result, a Covington Lumberjacks game is a fantastic value. Extras 3 Look for the free roster cards by the concession stand. The gorgeous view of the surrounding mountains is worthy of a bonus star here - many of the Valley League venues have great views and Covington is no exception. A third and final bonus star for the 50-50 raffle. The Lumberjacks operate as a non-profit, and this gives fans a chance to support the team and potentially win a cash prize. Final Thoughts Although Covington may not have the fanciest stadium in the Valley League, it has a strong and loyal fan base. It's hard to argue with watching free baseball in a scenic environment on a warm summer night, and a Lumberjacks game allows you to do all of these things. Baseball fans in the Alleghany Highlands will definitely want to make the trip here.

Photos by Gregory Koch, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.86 American Legion Field 302 River Park Dr Danville, VA 24540 Danville Otterbots website American Legion Field website Year Opened: 1993 Capacity: 2,588 No Otter Baseball Team Like Danville American Legion Field in Danville, Virginia, opened in 1993 as the home of the Danville Braves. The club played in the Appalachian League, which at the time was at the Rookie Advanced Level of Minor League Baseball, and was the first stop on the professional journey of many prospects. In 2020, Major League Baseball eliminated the Rookie Advanced level and the Appy League became a summer collegiate league for rising freshmen and sophomores associated with USA Baseball's Prospect Pipeline. At that time, the club changed its name from that of its former parent club to the Danville Otterbots. The "Otter" part of the nickname references the playfulness of otters and the nearby Dan River, while the "bot" part of the nickname reflects Danville's role as a growing STEM hub. American Legion Field is also home to the Danville Dairy Daddies of the Old North State League, another summer collegiate league. The Dairy Daddies play at home on days when the Otterbots are on the road and went viral for their logo of an extremely muscular cow. This review will focus on the Otterbots experience, but there are many common elements. Food & Beverage 4 Concessions are sold out of several windows behind the grandstand. You will find a wide range of options here, including hot dogs, burgers, chicken tenders, grilled chicken sandwiches (those previous two available in buffalo or regular form), barbecue sandwiches (which in this part of the country invariably means pork), and bratwurst. Hot dogs are available in regular or footlong size and can come topped with chili and cheese or peppers and onions if you wish. Snacks include french fries, funnel cake fries, soft pretzels, popcorn, peanuts, nachos, chips, cotton candy, and Icees. There are also some special options available. The Scotter Dog, named after the team's mascot, is a footlong hot dog topped with pulled pork and barbecue sauce. The Bots Fries are french fries topped with pulled pork, barbecue sauce, nacho cheese, and jalapeños. They used to offer a similar item with tater tots and called the dish the Ottertots, but now it is in french fry form, thus ruining what was an amusing pun. Combos are also available, with your choice of a hot dog, hamburger, cheeseburger, or chicken tenders, plus fries and a drink, available at a discounted price. Soft drinks are all Pepsi products, and beer is available at a separate window. Atmosphere 4 There are three "sections" of reserved chairback seats at American Legion Field under a covered grandstand behind home plate. However, we use the term "sections" useless, because each assigned section has several sections of seats with aisles in between. These seats have fans above blowing air to keep spectators cool on hot days. Uncovered general admission bleachers are located on either side of the grandstand. Wherever you sit, you will have a good view of the action. An open-air, uncovered concourse runs behind the seating area, although you cannot see the field from here. This is where you will find concessions, the merchandise stand, restrooms, and everything else you might be looking for other than your seat. A second, much narrower walkway allows fans to get around the reserved sections. The Otterbots have the usual on-field contests between innings, usually with kids picked out of the stands to compete for various prizes. There are no truly unique contests, but they do keep fans engaged. The Otterbots have a mascot named Scotter, who appears to be a regular otter rather than a robotic one, although maybe this is like in Blade Runner where you have incredibly realistic robot animals. Scotter gets up to numerous hijinks in the stands including pretending to eat fans' food, mocking them for being on their phones during the game, and going sliding down the railing of the seating area. Following the playing of "Take Me Out to the Ballgame" during the Seventh Inning stretch, the Otterbots play "Cotton Eyed Joe" and fans are encouraged to dance along. Scotter will lead the dancing while pretending to eat a giant energy bar and encourage the crowd to have energy themselves. The scoreboard at American Legion Memorial Field is in left-center field and can show information on players as well as the linescore and other basic information. The Otterbots will also often show graphics gently mocking the other team. For the game Stadium Journey attended against the Pulaski River Turtles, they showed a graphic of Franklin the Turtle and his sister, with their father replaced by the Otterbots logo looming over them. Neighborhood 3 American Legion Field is located inside Dan Daniel Memorial Park, adjacent to the Dan River in the City of Danville. There are several other things to do in the park itself, including a children's playground, a skate park, and several hiking and walking trails. Keep in mind the park (other than the stadium itself) closes at dusk, so you will not be able to use any of the facilities after the game. The Dan River bisects Danville, and many local businesses are located on or near the river. The Cotton at Riverside Mill offers sweeping river views as well as alcohol and various entrees. Checkered Pig serves award-winning barbecue (as always, pork) plus ribs and brisket. There are several chain restaurants and hotels as well. Danville only has about 40,000 people, so it is not a hustling, bustling city but it is not boring either. Fans 4 While weeknight games don't draw as well, Otterbots games on a Saturday night can draw close to 2,000 fans in a stadium that seats around 2,500. The fans are full of energy and love cheering on their team and interacting with Scotter. Many of them come dressed in Otterbots gear they bring themselves or get at the stadium. Of course, your experience will vary depending on what night of the week you go, but on a Saturday night, the crowd at an Otterbots game is full and ready to rock. Access 3 To get to Danville, take US Route 29 almost to the North Carolina state line (or just over it if coming from the south.) Take the exit for Dan Daniel Memorial Park and follow the road to the stadium. If not using a GPS, you will have to look for the stadium yourself as it is not signed particularly well. There is a small lot next to the stadium, which will fill up if you don't get there early enough. Be warned that it is within foul ball territory. Several other lots are located nearby and throughout Dan Daniel Memorial Park, so you should have no trouble parking. However, you may have to walk a bit. Restrooms are located on the outer concourse and are generally of a sufficient size for the crowd. The outer concourse itself has plenty of space, although the walkway in the grandstand is quite narrow. Fortunately, people usually move quickly so as not to block others. Please be polite and do the same. Return on Investment 5 Otterbots tickets are just $11 for reserved seats and $8 for general admission. Concessions are generally priced quite reasonably, although you may pay a few extra dollars for premium items. However, a regular-sized hot dog is just $3 and a cheeseburger just $5. Even the most expensive non-alcoholic item, the Scotter Dog with all its toppings, is just $12, which is less than you'd pay for more basic items at many stadiums. Extras 4 Look for the history wall just inside the main entrance. This honors all the baseball teams that have played in Danville over the years. In addition to the aforementioned Danville Braves, the wall honors the Danville All-Stars of the Negro Leagues, the Danville Leafs, who were a minor league team from 1906 to 1958 and competed under several different names, and the Danville 97s, a Carolina League team who competed in the league for only one year in 1998 as a temporary situation while the Myrtle Beach Pelicans' stadium was being built. There is a team store on the concourse selling not just Otterbots merchandise but that of the Danville Dairy Daddies, the other team to play here. Both teams are known for their unique nicknames and logos and so the merchandise is very popular. A kids' play area is located down the right field line. A fourth and final star for Scotter the Otter (or is he a robot otter?) He is a unique mascot with wild antics and hijinks and is always a crowd favorite. Final Thoughts An Otterbots game is an enjoyable way to spend a warm summer night watching a baseball game. With an intimate stadium and a crazy mascot, it's affordable fun for the whole family.

Photos by Gregory Koch, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.43 Capital One Park 1600 Scotts Crossing Road McLean, VA 22102 Capital One Park website Potomac League website Year Opened: 2023 Capacity: 300 Northern Virginia's Hidden Baseball Gem Located in Tysons, Virginia, bounded by elevated metro tracks and a highway interchange, Capital One Park is Northern Virginia's newest baseball stadium. Opened in 2023, the ballpark is located in Capital One Center, a mixed use development adjacent to Capital One Headquarters that also includes a hotel, a concert hall, shops, and restaurants. During the summer, Capital One Park is home to the Potomac League, a summer collegiate baseball league consisting mostly of players with ties to the area. Similar to the United Shore and Mavericks Leagues, the Potomac League consists of seven teams all playing at one centralized location. Two or three games are played per day, creating an opportunity for a day full of baseball. Food & Beverage 3 Concessions are sold out of the Plates Loaded food truck behind the grandstand. Although it has a limited menu, the food is high-quality. Burgers are $5 (add $1 for cheese) and are big and juicy, hot dogs are $4, pretzels are $4, chips are $2, and water and soft drinks are $. The service here is very quick, our food was ready and waiting for us at the next window before we even finished paying. Atmosphere 4 Capital One Park is a small, intimate ballpark, with 300 chairback seats located behind home plate. Some of the upper rows are in the shade, which will come in handy on a hot summer day. There are also some picnic tables located down the lines for groups. No matter where you sit, you will have a great view of the action. The league organizers do a great job getting fans involved. There are between-inning contests for kids every two innings or so, and with so many contests and so few fans, and with so many contests and so few fans, if your kid wants to participate in one, they will probably be able to. There are also giveaways such as t-shirt and sunglass tosses, and given how small the ballpark is, your chances of getting one are better than they'd be almost anywhere else. Elevated Metro tracks run beyond the first base line, making this one of a handful of ballparks around the country where you can see trains pass during the game. Trains will pass by frequently throughout the game. Neighborhood 5 Although Capital One Park has a McLean address, the area surrounding the stadium is more properly classified as Tysons, one of the fastest growing business districts in the country in the heart of Fairfax County.. Tysons is regarded as a classic example of an edge city - an area of the suburbs that feels more comparable to the downtown area of a city. In fact, due to severe restrictions on heights of buildings in the District of Columbia, this feels more like a classic downtown than Downtown DC does. As mentioned above, the park is part of Capital One Center, which also contains a concert hall, several shops and restaurants, the Watermark Hotel, and Capital One headquarters itself. The Perch is located on the roof of Capital One Hall and features food trucks, a beer garden, a putt-putt course, and more open space to hang out. Several other restaurants will be opening soon in Capital One Center but are not open as of time of writing, including a pizza place and a taqueria. There are plenty of other places to hang out in Tysons as well. The area is famous for not one but two giant shopping malls, Tysons Corner Center and Tysons Galleria, which offer a wide variety of shopping and dining including the original Apple Store. Founding Farmers is a popular American restaurant, and Fogo de Chao is a Brazilian steakhouse famous for its large salad bar. Whatever you want to do, you will probably find it in Tysons. Fans 2 Most of the fans are friends or family of the players on the teams, although there are some families with young children as well. As most of these players played high school ball locally and have family in the area, the crowds can decently fill the 300-seat stands, although it does tend to empty out between games before the new fans come in. That being said, based on the overall numbers, this is not a large crowd at all and it seems most locals don't even realize this place exists. Access 4 How easy it is to get to Capital One Park depends on what time of day you are coming. Rush hour traffic in Northern Virginia is some of the worst in the country, and it is especially bad in Tysons, where numerous highways converge with not enough space to accommodate all movement between them. If you are coming any other time, traffic should probably be lighter, and you can take your choice of the Capital Beltway, State Route 267, or State Route 123, among others. We suggest using a GPS app such as Waze to take you around traffic and on the best possible route. Once you arrive, parking is available in a lot next to the stadium for $5 for one game or $10 for the whole day. A garage near Wegman's is available if that lot fills up. The Silver Line of the Washington Metro runs right by the stadium, with the McLean station a short walk away. Unfortunately this does mean people will use the lot for Metro parking even though they are not supposed to, and if coming on a weekday, you may find the it full even if you arrive well in advance. Restrooms are available, including a family restroom, and are of a sufficient size for the crowd, although the metal toilets and sinks are an odd touch that seems out of place here. Return on Investment 5 Tickets are just $5 and get you into all games played that day, making this an excellent value. The ticket booth only takes cash, so be prepared, although the food truck accepts credit cards. . Extras 1 Look on the concourse for the statue of Bruno the Bear, the official mascot of Capital One Park. Bruno is based on a real bear who made headlines in October 2022 after he was spotted roaming the streets of Tysons and the surrounding area. Final Thoughts Capital One Park is situated in an odd location, surrounded by highway interchanges, elevated train tracks, and numerous mixed-use buildings. Few Northern Virginia residents know it exists, and even those who work in Tysons and drive by it every day may not give it much thought. However, the Potomac League has found a way to create a great atmosphere her. With two or even three games played back-to-back, you can take in a whole day of baseball here and have a great time.

Photo Courtesy of Marc Viquez, Tony Ray, Craig Smith, Melinda Stierns, and Kelly Larsen Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.14 Wade Stadium 101 N 35th Ave W Duluth, MN 55807 Duluth Huskies website Wade Stadium website Year Opened: 1941 Capacity: 4,200 Old-School Baseball at “The Wade” Wade Stadium has been hosting baseball since 1941 and the old, venerable facility has shown its age in recent years. It has changed little since it constructed 381,000 bricks from a nearby neighborhood street 77 years ago. However, over time, the old ballpark needed dire repairs, which finally occurred before its 75th anniversary. In 2014, the stadium received $4.6 million in renovations to help resurrect the deteriorating historic ballpark. The year before the portion of the exterior walls along the first base side collapsed. The ballpark was also known as having the worst field conditions in the league due to an outdated drainage system that would cause cancellations with the slightest of rains. In 2015, Wade Stadium was rechristened with a new artificial surface, lights, scoreboard, and much-needed care to the brick walls. Both players and fans welcomed the improvements and it was becoming a state-of-the-art facility. At this time, ownership is hoping that the second phase of renovations can take place towards the grandstand and concession areas. The Duluth Huskies of the Northwoods League have called the historic stadium home since 2013 along with local area high school baseball programs. The Huskies have averaged between 1,300 to 1,600 fans per game and have been league finalists in 2004 and 2013. The ballpark was the longtime home of the Duluth Dukes from 1941 to 1970 in the original Northern League. In 1993, a new Dukes team debuted in the independent Northern League and operated until 2002. Originally named Duluth Municipal All-Sports Stadium, its current name is for Frank Wade, owner of the Dukes from 1935 to 1953, who died on January 12, 1953; a year later on February 3, 1954, the stadium was renamed Wade Municipal Stadium. Food & Beverage 3 Wade Stadium has improved its concession areas in recent years providing fans with normal ballpark fare and items that should spark interest in a first-time visitor to the stadium. The prices are reasonably fair and fall in line with other ballparks in the Northwoods League. There are now three separate concession stands and two beer stands that accept credit cards. The main concession stand is behind the 3rd base grandstand entrance and Section D. The Short Stop Concession stand offers hand-scooped and packaged ice cream, hot dogs, brats, hamburgers, nachos, popcorn, and Pepsi products. The Brickyard Grill includes much of the same items but differs with the inclusion of 4 cheese Polish, chili cheese dogs, and Harley’s nachos (pulled pork, cheese, BBQ sauce on nacho chips, coleslaw, potato salad). There is also an assortment of candy, cotton candy, peanuts, and freshly popped popcorn. Photo Courtesy of Untappd Local Mad Paddle Brewing Company produces Huskies Lime Drive, an American Lager with a taste of lime. The brewery also sells Cosmic Lounge (New England IPA0 and Bent Hop (IPA) at the ballpark. Fans can also find Coors Light, Miller Light, High Life, Summer Shandy, Twisted Tea, Duluth Cider-Gitch, and other wines and hard seltzers. Atmosphere 3 When you have an older stadium such as Wade Stadium there is going to be an atmosphere of respect towards the building. There is a wow factor when you first approach the building bare witness to the brick-laced exterior. The simplicity of the entrance also adds a touch of nostalgia, but it’s once you are inside that you either appreciate the place or find it cumbersome. The covered grandstand offers two sections of bleacher seating with seat backs for added comfort, eight pillars hold up the roof that supports a small press box, and bleacher seating extends down the first and third base sides of the stadium. The brick design is also evident inside the building down the right field and left field lines where tall light towers also make their presence. Picnic tables are situated in the right field area that provides a nice view of the historic grandstand. Harley D. Husky can be spotted almost anywhere in the stadium, the official team mascot is a favorite among fans of all ages. Underneath the grandstand is a tight and narrow concourse that houses many of the concession areas and bathrooms. It is a design that is quintessential Americana and fits perfectly here at “The Wade.” Fans get a chance to meet up and mingle before making their way back to their seats. A nice social mix of fans creates a true sense of community identity. Neighborhood 3 The Wade is located three miles from the impressive and vibrant downtown scene that is making Duluth one of those sexy new towns everybody has to visit during the summertime. The ballpark is located in a residential neighborhood on the west side of town and driving is recommended to get to many of the restaurants and entertainment in the area. The dining options are almost endless with restaurants that include fine dining, breathtaking views of Lake Superior, and places to enjoy typical pub fare. Sir Benedicts offers outdoor seating with views of the lake and happy hour 7 days a week, Clyde Iron Works uses wood fire ovens to serve pizza in an urban industrial environment, and Black Woods Bar and Grill is famous for ribs, rotisserie chicken, and steaks. A complete directory can be found here . Duluth is home to a few breweries and a distillery. Canal Park Brewing Company, Hoops Brewing, Blacklist Brewing, Bent Paddle Brewing Company, and Vikre Distillery are within the downtown area and provide a way to enjoy some of the area’s finest beers and hard liquor. The city was voted the “Best Town Ever” by Outdoor Magazine. There are over 6,834 acres of city parkland, 178 miles of wooded trails, 16 designated trout streams, plus scenic drives, walks, or bike rides along Lake Superior. Visitors can spend a day on the water with a harbor cruise, charter fishing, sailing, kayaking, or paddle boarding. Stadium Journey tip-give yourself at least 2-3 days in town, you will be surprised by what Duluth has to offer and how scenic the city is from up on the hill down to the lake walk. If you ask me, spend an extra day in Duluth before heading two hours south to Minneapolis-St. Paul. Fans 3 The fans have hovered around a base average of 1,348 per game since the Huskies' inception in 2003. With that being said, attendance did see an increase in 2015 (the first year of field renovations) and 2016 (where a record of 1,611 fans per game watched a 30-43 ballclub). The collegiate summer team appeals to many since games begin in late May or early June and the nights are not as chilly as they are in early April in this part of Minnesota. The folks in the audience are a collection of individuals of all ages rooting for their home team or enjoying a night out at “The Wade.” If you are lucky, you might even get a chance to talk to a few old-timers who can tell you stories about the place from many seasons ago. Access 4 The Wade was built with old bones and houses one main concourse underneath the grandstand that is home to concession stands, bathrooms, and entrances to the seating of the ballpark. They are narrow and somewhat cramped but with crowds of around 1,300, never cumbersome. The occasional weekend or firework promotion will swell the crowd and concessions lines could get long, but generally move rather quickly. The stadium is about a 5-minute drive from I-35 and parking is abundant around the facility. Downtown is about 3 miles from the stadium and is best accessed by car or Uber/Lift. Parking is free in the main lot or behind the stadium using the 35th Ave. W access near right field. Additionally, parking is available at the Wheeler Athletic Complex across Grand Ave. Return on Investment 3 The cost of a ticket to a Huskies game is $11 for grandstand seating and $12 for reserved seating; as with most baseball clubs, there is a savings of $2 if tickets are purchased in advance. Weekly promotions include $5 tacos in a bag on Tuesday, 25 percent off hot dogs on Wednesday, $5 domestics on Thursday, $5 wine on Friday, $4 pints of Bent Rail Light Lager before Saturday games, and $6 ice cream sundaes on Sunday afternoon. On Wednesday, the team partnered with The Duluth Experience to offer a package that includes a 30-minute tour of the stadium, a shuttle ride to and from Bent Paddle Brewing Company that includes four flights of beer, and a game day ticket for $25. Extras 3 The Wade stands out due to its exterior finish of repurposed stone. There isn’t another stadium like the one here in Duluth, and its appearance harkens back to baseball of a different era. The recent improvements have made the stadium a much better place for fans and players. The synthetic turf field holds up better to the rain, the updated drainage system causes fewer delays and cancellations, and the updated scoreboard is a welcome sight. Players offer autographs after every game near the first baseline picnic area. Final Thoughts Wade Stadium is an old-school, simple, vintage, and charming ballpark. It should be loved by many, but perhaps scorned by few who don’t necessarily enjoy watching games at baseball’s closest thing to a time machine-a 77-year-old building. However, take in the smell of a hot dog or freshly popped popcorn, hear the crack of the baseball, and watch a few kids laughing. It is good baseball, no matter the decade. ------ Follow all of Marc’s stadium journeys on Twitter @ballparkhunter and his YouTube channel . Email at Marc.Viquez@stadiumjourney.com

This week the gang is joined by ballpark chaser extraordinaire Joe Robertson, who has visited over 750 ballparks. 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.

Photos by David Welch, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.00 Rickwood Field 1137 2nd Ave W Birmingham, AL 35204 MiLB at website Rickwood Field website Year Opened: 1910 Capacity: 8,300 It’s Nice to Have You in Birmingham Professional baseball returned to Birmingham’s Rickwood Field in 2024 as part of Major League Baseball’s Tribute to the Negro Leagues. Previously the field has hosted the Rickwood Classic, an annual minor league baseball game between the Birmingham Barons and a Southern League opponent, from 1996 to 2016. After a hiatus in 2017 for stadium maintenance, the Classic resumed from 2016 to 2019. Following the cancellation of the 2020 Minor League Baseball season, Rickwood Field would not see professional baseball again until MLB announced that 2024 would feature both minor league and major league games to pay tribute to those who played in the Negro Leagues, as well as to honor the career of Willie Mays – Mays, from neighboring Fairfield, Alabama, began his professional career at Rickwood Field as a member of the Birmingham Black Barons. Food & Beverage   5 MLB’s use of Rickwood Field to showcase minor league baseball includes a full production effort, with concessions being no exception. MiLB at Rickwood Field: A Tribute to the Negro Leagues highlights some of Birmingham’s local staples. Fans can still enjoy ballpark classics like hot dogs, burgers, and nachos, but with a local twist featuring some of Birmingham’s well-known eateries. Dreamland BBQ offers smoked pork and chicken sandwiches with classic Alabama white sauce, nachos, and smoked sausage on a stick. Eugene’s Hot Chicken provides jumbo chicken tenders with signature sauce and loaded “chix fries”. Local food truck Awww Shucks serves gourmet roasted corn on the cob in three styles. Alcoholic beverages include common national brands, along with selections from Alabama breweries Yellowhammer and Cahaba, featuring Groovy Dan’s West Coast IPA and Blonde Ale, respectively. What Rickwood has done is take the basics and simply make them not so basic any more, just by partnering with some of Birmingham’s more notable establishments to add their own touches. Atmosphere   4 One of the most beautiful aspects of Rickwood Field is that it has retained much of its original charm. The cupola on the tiled roof remains consistent with the original design, and additions such as the fully covered grandstand reminiscent of the 1920s, and the reconfigured main entrance reminiscent of the 1930s, are very similar to their original forms. With MLB's decision to play at Rickwood, the stadium required upgrades to meet major league standards, including minor adjustments to home plate positioning, field angle, and bullpen relocation behind the outfield fence. What is a bit disappointing is with MLB’s oversight of stadium upgrades, some of the classic signage throughout the field’s confines was replaced in favor of MLB’s sponsors – gone is the Alabama Power Company mascot holding electric bolts and the “It’s Nice to Have You in Birmingham” signs, which have been replaced by current MLB advertisers.  The saving grace is the new signs were designed in a historically accurate representation, but it’s just disappointing that some of the classics are no longer there. Another casualty to the upgrades were the in-ground dugouts that you often saw players sitting on top of during the game, due to the coziness of the original dugouts. Keeping with the kitschy-ness of minor league baseball, the Rickwood game utilizes interactive games with fans throughout the stands to fill the time between innings. A temporary video screen was also installed in right-center field for the MLB game to broadcast mid-inning contests, replays, and serve as an auxiliary scoreboard alongside the manual scoreboard in left field. When choosing seats, it's tough to go wrong – seats around home plate and up the lines keep fans close to the action, while the covered right field area provides great views of the stadium. However, be mindful of the steel support beams used for the roof, as they can create obstructed views. Neighborhood   2 Rickwood Field is located in the Rising-West Princeton neighborhood of Birmingham’s west end. The area presents a mixed impression, characterized by a combination of residential and industrial zones, but with a notable number of abandoned and decaying homes and businesses – the neighborhood may elevate visitors' situational awareness rather than create a sense of immediate intimidation. Food options in the vicinity are predominantly chain restaurants, though there are a few independently owned establishments as well. One nearby option is Southern Caribbean, which serves Jamaican cuisine and might be worth a visit. Birmingham holds significant historical importance in the civil rights movement, particularly during the 1950s and 60s. The Birmingham Civil Rights Institute, located about four miles from Rickwood Field, is in an area rich with historical landmarks – the 16th Street Baptist Church, Kelly Ingram Park, and the marked routes of protestors through the streets of Birmingham highlight the pivotal events that occurred during the city's fight for equal rights. Fans   5 One of the beautiful aspects of Rickwood Field games is the fans who use the occasion to showcase their prized throwback jerseys of teams and players that have graced this field. And while you will find jerseys of recognizable teams and players, some represent obscure figures that only well-educated students of the game might recognize. Fans from around the South, and even the country, make a pilgrimage to see a game at the nation’s oldest stadium used for professional baseball. Rickwood games typically see a 4,000 to 5,000 bump in attendance compared to typical weekday games for the Birmingham Barons. Fans are not just there to experience the spectacle of the historic stadium; they also passionately support the Barons and show strong pride for Birmingham. Rickwood itself is also a source of great civic pride for Birmingham natives, who all seem to have a story about playing there. Access   3 Getting to Rickwood Field is typically straightforward, with just a few turns needed off Interstate 20/59, which bisects Birmingham. However, the high demand for games here can overwhelm the area's parking capacity; as a solution, fans park at nearby Legion Field and are shuttled to the streets outside Rickwood. Accessing the stadium requires patience due to the large crowds. The main entrance along 12th Street can take time to get through, but opens up once you are past the security check. The area immediately outside the stadium serves as an external concourse, allowing visitors to navigate without contending with a crowded internal walkway. While there are limits to how much a historic stadium can be upgraded, Rickwood’s field concourse is designed to allow fans to move fairly easily in both directions, provided there are no obstructions. However, when fans stop to take photos or to simply admire the stadium, it can create significant backups. Additionally, the step up from the concourse to the upper section of seating is substantial, so care is needed when navigating the aisles. Return on Investment   4 Tickets for games at jewel sites like Rickwood Field come at a premium price. For the last MiLB game played at Rickwood in 2019, tickets started at $10. However, with the heightened interest due to MLB's involvement and the game's tribute to the Negro Leagues, ticket prices have significantly increased – for the latest event, prices started at $30 for seating in the sections above the walkway. Although this is higher than typical minor league ticket prices, the historic nature of Rickwood Field and the unique atmosphere of the game make it a reasonable investment. Concession prices are comparable to restaurant rates for similar quality food, though serving sizes on some items could be a bit more generous. However, where prices do seem to be rather inflated are with souvenirs, such as on t-shirts starting at $35. Overall, the inflated prices for games at special locations like Rickwood Field should not come as a surprise given the unique experience and historical significance of both the stadium and the event itself. Extras   5 Simply walking through the front entrance of the stadium and first laying your eyes upon the field is breathtaking for those who appreciate the historical importance of Rickwood Field. Not enough can be said about how special a game at Rickwood Field is. Rickwood Field itself is a museum of baseball. The thought of being in a stadium that has hosted so many greats of the game is enough to send chills down your spine. The stadium even has both clubhouses set up with lockers adorned with replica jerseys, of players who have graced Rickwood’s field in the past. Additionally, a combination gift shop and museum is located on the first base side of the exterior concourse. When professional baseball comes to Rickwood Field, there is a nod to the stadium's history in the music played before the game – music specific to the era plays over the stadium’s public address system, and is accompanied by a live organist entertaining fans during pre-game. Despite changes over the years, some historical aspects have remained; the manual scoreboard was added in 1928 and the lighting stanchions from 1936 stand out immediately. Rickwood was the first minor league stadium outfitted for night baseball, so the scoreboard and lighting towers are features that just are not seen in today’s stadiums. Final Thoughts From its early days hosting industrial leagues near the turn of the century, to the Southern League and Southern Negro League until the 1960s, Rickwood Field has been integral to the sport's history. For baseball and stadium enthusiasts, Rickwood Field is a must-visit – it serves as a live action museum. From the moment you pass through the entryway, it is impossible not to feel the history of the stadium and imagine all the greats who once played on this field. Rickwood Field offers an experience where fans forget about the modern comforts of present day stadiums and enjoy the game as the main attraction. Unlike modern day stadiums with social gathering areas and children’s play zones, Rickwood focuses purely on the game on the field. Major League Baseball’s decision to use Rickwood Field for their tribute to the Negro Leagues put a much-deserved spotlight on this historic relic, which had begun to fall into disrepair. The upgrades the stadium received in preparation for hosting Major League Baseball should ensure that Rickwood Field continues to stand as one of the most important baseball stadiums for generations to come.

Photo by David Welch, Stadium Journey On June 20, 2023, Major League Baseball (MLB) commissioner Rob Manfred announced that MLB would be coming to Birmingham, Alabama’s Rickwood Field for a regular season matchup between the St. Louis Cardinals and the San Francisco Giants. The latter team’s involvement in the game pays tribute to Giants legend Willie Mays, who grew up just four miles from Rickwood. Willie Mays not only grew up in Birmingham's surrounding neighborhoods but also made his professional baseball debut at Rickwood Field. At age 17, Mays played for the 1948 Birmingham Black Barons of the Negro Southern League. In 2024, a year after MLB announced the matchup, the Giants will play at the same stadium, honoring Mays' legacy and that of the Negro League’s players. Older than both Boston’s Fenway Park (1912) and Chicago’s Wrigley Field (1914), Rickwood Field opened in 1910 and is currently the oldest baseball stadium to currently host professional baseball. Ironically, the first game was played between the Birmingham Barons and the Montgomery Climbers – these same two cities will be represented 114 years later for a Southern League (AA) matchup between the Birmingham Barons and the Montgomery Biscuits. The four-day recognition of Willie Mays and the Negro Leagues aims to shed light on a league that remained in the shadows for far too long; the events begin Monday evening with a screening of the HBO documentary, Say Hey, Willie Mays! Tuesday will feature events across Birmingham, including a 24-foot-tall Topps card of Willie Mays displayed outside the Birmingham Civil Rights Institute – the card was created by former Birmingham Baron and MLBer Micah Johnson and is part of a six-card set honoring the heroes of the Negro Leagues, which will be on display from Tuesday through Thursday with special guests in attendance. Regions Field, the current home of the Barons, will also host MLB’s Play Ball youth initiative. The day will conclude with “MiLB at Rickwood Field: A Tribute to the Negro Leagues”, as the Barons and Biscuits play as the Birmingham Black Barons and the Montgomery Gray Sox, respectively, representing the teams from the 1920 Negro Southern League season. This will mark the first minor league game at Rickwood Field since 2018 when the Barons hosted the Chattanooga Lookouts. Much of Wednesday’s events will focus on the Birmingham community, including visits to Children’s of Birmingham, a reception for former Negro League players and their families, and the dedication of a Willie Mays mural at 1801 1st Street South. The day concludes with “Barnstorming Birmingham”, a celebrity softball game at Rickwood Field featuring former major leaguers CC Sabathia and Ryan Howard, along with native Alabamans Jameis Winston, Terrell Owens, University of Alabama quarterback Jalen Milroe, and others. Thursday will feature the main event of the week, “MLB at Rickwood Field: A Tribute to the Negro Leagues”. The teams will represent Black baseball from their cities, with the Cardinals wearing jerseys representing the Saint Louis Star, and the Giants donning the jerseys of the San Francisco Sea Lions. Tickets for this game have been limited, with Alabama residents given the first opportunity to purchase tickets, and 26% of the 8,300 tickets reserved for the Birmingham community and youth groups, at no cost. For those unable to secure tickets to Rickwood, watch parties are planned at several locations around the city. MLB partnered with Friends of Rickwood, dedicated to preserving the park's legacy, and the City of Birmingham to transform Rickwood Field from an aging relic into a historical gem able to host Major League Baseball. Upgrades included expanding the dugouts, adding handicap-accessible seating, upgrading the playing surface with new drainage and sod, installing padding on the outfield walls, and improving the lighting while preserving the iconic light stations. Overall, Rickwood Field has benefited from $7.5 million in upgrades. Baseball history permeates the atmosphere at Rickwood Field – as of the 2023 induction class, more than half of all National Baseball Hall of Famers have graced its grounds. Mays will be a featured player, but Hank Aaron, Ernie Banks, Roy Campanella, Larry Doby, Josh Gibson, Monte Irvin, Satchel Paige, and Jackie Robinson also started their careers in the Negro Leagues before moving to Major League Baseball. Many other stars of the Negro Leagues, such as James “Cool Papa” Bell, Oscar Charleston, Rube Foster, Walter “Buck” Leonard, John Henry “Pop” Lloyd, Norman “Turkey” Stearnen Taylor, Willie Wells, and Smokey Joe Williams also left their indelible marks on the game, despite never getting the chance to play in the major leagues. At the press conference held at Rickwood Field to officially announce the game, Harold Reynolds, former MLB player, and current MLB Network commentator, shared a text message from Willie Mays. In the message, Mays hoped the spotlight on Rickwood “will be a chance to remember so many really good ball players from the Negro Leagues who played at Rickwood Field, but never got the chance to play in the big leagues”.

Photo By Lance Sutehall, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.14 Dunn-Oliver Acadome 1595 Robert C. Hatch Dr Montgomery, AL 36104 Alabama State Hornets website Dunn-Oliver Acadome website Year Opened: 1992 Capacity: 7,400 The Hornets’ Nest The city of Montgomery is home to the campus of Alabama State University, one of the oldest historically black colleges and universities (HBCUs) in the nation. Alabama State’s athletics are known as the Hornets and they play in Division One’s Southwestern Athletic Conference (SWAC). The venue is named for Charles Johnson “C.J.” Dunn and James Oliver, two of the Hornets’ most prominent coaches. The Hornets have called the venue home since 1992. Alabama State has made four NCAA Tournaments at the Division One level, last making the big dance in 2011. Food & Beverage 2 The concession stands have a limited menu that includes nachos ($9), hot dogs ($4), popcorn ($4), candy ($2), chips ($2), and Coca-Cola brand bottled beverages ($4). Alcohol is not sold at the Acadome. Atmosphere 4 When entering the Dunn-Oliver Acadome you first see trophy cases showing off the athletic successes of the Hornets sports programs over the years. Once you walk into the seating bowl you might imagine that you are walking into a hornet's nest. The ceiling looks like a honeycomb of a bee hive and the three-point arcs also have the pattern on the floor. There is a lot of black and gold throughout the arena with the seats alternating between those colors, the out-of-bounds area of the court is black, the free-throw lane is gold, and the banners that are displayed on the walls are also gold. There is a hornet at center court of the playing floor. You know instantly it’s the home of the Alabama State Hornets basketball program. The walls have banners showing postseason successes and the numbers of retired players. There is a modern scoreboard on one end of the arena. Alabama State’s cheerleaders, dance team, and band do an amazing job of keeping the energy up during a game. Stinger, the Alabama State mascot, walks around the arena keeping families entertained. Neighborhood 3 The campus of Alabama State University is located in Montgomery which is the capital of Alabama. The capitol building is located less than two miles north of the university. Other landmarks worth checking out in Montgomery include the Rosa Parks Museum, the Freedom Rides Museum, the Civil Rights Memorial, and the Scott and Zelda Fitzgerald Museum. Dining options include Wintzell’s Oyster House, Dreamland BBQ, and Bibb Street Pizza Company. Chain hotels such as Embassy Suites, SpringHill Suites, and Hampton Inn are located in downtown Montgomery. Fans 3 Alabama State fans are passionate about the Hornet's athletic teams and are appreciative of the athlete's efforts. Helped by the atmosphere created by the band, cheerleaders, dance team, and Stinger, the fans are engaged throughout the game. Access 4 Coming from I-65, turn onto I-85 and get off exit 1 onto Arba Street. Turn right on S Decatur Street and make a left on Carter Hill Road. The Acadome will be on your left and is hard to miss. From I-85 westbound, get off at exit 1 and turn left onto S Union Street. Make a left on Carter Hill Road and look for the Acadome. Parking is free and there is plenty of room to walk around once inside the building. Return on Investment 4 Tickets are only $10 for a men’s and women’s basketball doubleheader. Even if you drop $10 on concessions you will only spend $20 for a day of SWACtion as well as hear performances from an amazing marching band. Extras 2 There are plenty of museums around Montgomery to visit if you have some time to check them out. The venue hosted high school basketball regionals for several years but stopped hosting a few years ago. Final Thoughts You will not go wrong with spending a day at the Acadome as you will get to see competitive Division One basketball with an amazing band and not break the bank while doing so.

Photos by Dave Cottenie, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.57 Ted Reeve Community Arena 175 Main Street Toronto, ON M4E 2W2 Toronto Beaches website Ted Reeve Community Arena website Year Opened: 1954 Capacity: 1,350 Life’s a Beach East of Downtown Toronto, the historic neighbourhood of The Beaches can be found.  In the Beaches community, lacrosse has a deep and storied history.  It is possible that the Toronto Beaches Lacrosse Club dates back to one of the first field lacrosse games in Toronto in 1867.  The formal history of the club dates back to 1915.  The Beaches played a Junior B box lacrosse circuit from 1979 to 1983.  The modern Toronto Beaches joined the Junior A loop in 1991, folded in 1997 and restarted in 1998.  Success has been fleeting for the Beaches in the Ontario Junior Lacrosse League, but they did make two Iroquois Trophy Final appearances in 2002 against the St. Catharines Athletics and 2022 against the Whitby Warriors. The home for the Toronto Beaches is definitely a community experience in The Beaches.  The Ted Reeve Community Arena is a hub for the community.  Built in 1954, Ted Reeve Arena has a long, illustrious hockey history.  It is named in honour of Ted Reeve, who lived his entire life in The Beaches.  Ted Reeve served in World War I and won two Grey Cups as a football player, and a Mann Cup as a lacrosse player.  He also won three Yates Cups at Queen’s University as a coach.  He is a member of the Canadian Sports Hall of Fame and was well established as a writer. Food & Beverage 3 The west end of the Ted Reeve Arena has an enclosed snack bar and seating area that looks out to the floor.  Burgers, hot dogs, fries, bagels, popcorn, chips and chocolate bars are all on the menu.  Pepsi products, Gatorade, water, and smoothies are the soft drink options, as well as a full coffee bar.  Inside the arena in the southwest corner, beer and water is also sold. Atmosphere 3 The Ted Reeve Arena is part of a larger community park which includes a sizable playground and ball diamonds.  The building is definitely on the older side and the exterior is fairly nondescript with a large sign over the west entrance.  Light brick and a rounded roof  delineate the exterior features.   A large mural is painted on the east side of the building near the parking lot.  A memorial stone is found at the west side commemorating Ted Reeve and his contributions to sport. Upon entering at the west side, patrons are greeted with a massive painted mural honouring the arena's hockey and lacrosse history along with Ted Reeve.  Once tickets have been purchased at the temporary table at the entrance, fans will head to the arena concourse.  Immediately the history of the Ted Reeve Arena will become obvious with numerous trophy cases filled with trophies and memorabilia that go back decades.  Unfortunately for the lacrosse fan, everything is focused on the vast hockey tradition at the arena.  There are some Toronto Beaches markings around the arena, including two large banners on either side of the east end scoreboard.  The roof of the arena is a simple arched roof with silver insulation, seen in so many arenas around Ontario.  The floor runs from east to west and the north side of the floor is the spot to be for a centre logo picture.  With playing surfaces not exactly consistent in the OJLL, Ted Reeve Arena features a polished concrete floor, which is not the greatest. The seating bowl encircles the entire floor and has 3 rows of old, plastic, stadium seats.  The seats are actually from Exhibition Stadium, which was the former home of the Toronto Argonauts and Toronto Blue Jays.  There is no rhyme or reason to the numbering of the seats in Ted Reeve Arena. The gameday production at a Toronto Beaches game is very simple.  There is no music during gameplay like is normally seen in the National Lacrosse League.  The PA system is very good and it is easy to hear announcements. Neighbourhood 5 Ted Reeve Arena is located in the Upper Beaches neighbourhood of Toronto, surrounded by Main Street, Gerrard Street and Ted Reeve Drive.  It is just east of what would normally be considered Downtown.  There are a number of places to eat and drink in the immediate area.  Some places include Bodega Henriette, Beach Hill Smokehouse, Red Tape Brewery and Prologue Cafe. For sports fans, Toronto is heaven.  There are a tremendous number of sports options.  Just west of Ted Reeve Arena are the homes of the Toronto Blue Jays, Toronto Raptors, Toronto Maple Leafs, Toronto Marlies, Toronto Argonauts and Toronto FC.  The University of Toronto is just north and home of the Varsity Blues (hockey, football, basketball) and Toronto Metropolitan University, home of the Bold (hockey, basketball) and further north is York University, home of the Lions (basketball, hockey, football).  For fans of lacrosse, the OJLL’s Mimico Mountaineers home, Mimico Arena, is a short drive away.  Also, Toronto Maple Leafs baseball can be seen for free during summer months.  Other tourist options in the Beaches neighbourhood are Balmy Beach Park, and Woodbine Beach.  Of course there are other tourist options in the City.  For fans who wish to stay near the arena, the Toronto Don Valley Hotel & Suites is close. Fans 3 It is difficult to assess the fan support of OJLL venues as the league does not publish attendance figures.  At the game that was reviewed there were a fair number of fans and considering the Monday Night schedule, the number of fans was higher than expected.  There are a number of minor lacrosse players in attendance and players are granted free entry. Access 4 Ted Reeve Arena is located in the Upper Beaches neighbourhood of Toronto.  Adjacent to Downtown Toronto, it is not the easiest place to drive to.  Traffic can be a big challenge coming from the east, west or north.  There is some free parking on the site of the arena, but with plenty going on with the ball diamonds and two arenas, a plan to be at the arena early is a good one.  For fans wishing to take public transit to the game, Ted Reeve Arena is a block south of the Danforth GO Transit stadion, which also services the TTC.  Fans should consult the GO Transit and TTC websites for schedules, fares and maps.  Ted Reeve is an older arena, but it is not terribly difficult to get around.  Washroom facilities are adequate for the number of fans in attendance. Return on Investment 5 Toronto Beaches lacrosse, along with the other experiences in the OJLL, offers tremendous value for the sporting dollar.  Tickets for the Beaches are $10 each with some discounts for kids and seniors.  Toronto Beaches minor lacrosse players get into the game free of charge.  The action on the floor is high calibre and fans will definitely have a good time. Extras 2 An extra mark for the long history of the Toronto Beaches Lacrosse Club. An extra mark for the seats in Ted Reeve Arena being reused from Exhibition Stadium in Toronto. Final Thoughts Taking in some Junior Lacrosse in the Toronto neighbourhood of the Beaches is a great way to take in a neighbourhood that tourists may not normally head to and to get a flavour of a part of Toronto.  Toronto Beaches lacrosse is a great way to catch some high calibre lacrosse at a price that is very palpable. Ted Reeve Arena is a historic neighbourhood arena with a significant amount of charm.  Head out! Life’s a Beach! Follow all of Dave’s sporting adventures on YouTube, Twitter, Threads and Instagram @profan9.

For twenty plus years, Crazy Legs Conti has been a consistent staple on the competitive eating circuit, which is highlighted by The Nathan’s Famous International Hot Dog Eating Contest at Coney Island on the Fourth of July. Crazy Legs, who was a three-sport athlete at Johns Hopkins, never defeated Joey Chestnut, but he’s arguably the most colorful character in the history of competitive eating. No surprise, he’s hilarious in his documentary, Crazy Legs Conti: Zen and the Art of Competitive Eating, available on Tubi, and his book, The Loneliness of the Long Distance Eater: A Competitive Eater’s Diary. Crazy Legs took a few moments to discuss eating, his beloved Celtics and a smorgasbord of other subjects. STADIUM JOURNEY: Besides the nude modeling, the window washing and the beverage managing, you worked a lot in film production. You were fortunate enough to work for the late Morgan Spurlock. What was that like? Did you discuss competitive eating? CRAZY LEGS CONTI: Morgan was a stellar guy - creative and a lot of fun to be around. He had hoped for me to eat one hundred chicken nuggets as fast I could for Super Size Me, but the league, rightfully so, thought it might be a mixed message with competitive eating and health. Later, I joined Morgan in London for a show he did, New Britanica, where I ate four entire meals  - two American, two English - against an English eater. I got to meet Jamie Oliver backstage, and we were fine pals until I went out and demolished the food in my usual messy fashion. I didn’t waste any, but I don’t think he was hip to competitive eating, and I haven’t heard from him since. STADIUM JOURNEY: There's no shortage of monikers in competitive eating, but you have arguably the best. How did this nickname come about? If you care to share, what’s your given name? CRAZY LEGS CONTI: My given name is Crazy Legs Conti, and its origin I’ll leave a mystery, but I have several monikers from my food stuntman attempts. I ate my way out of an eighty foot cubic box filled with popcorn, dubbed, “The popcorn sarcophagus,” which earned me the monikers, “The David Blaine of the Bowel,” “The Evel Knievel of the Alimentary Canal” and “The Houdini of Cuisini.” I also like these others: “The David Bowie of the Bun” and the “Salvador Dali of the Deli.” STADIUM JOURNEY: Well before you were a competitive eater, you were competitive in more conventional sports, specifically basketball. In fact, at Belmont High in Massachusetts, you were inducted into their Basketball Hall of Fame. What sports did you compete in? Discuss some of your accomplishments? CRAZY LEGS CONTI: Yes, I was induced into Belmont High’s Basketball Hall of Fame, a great honor. We almost made it to the Eastern Conference finals to be played on the parquet of the Boston Garden but lost in double overtime on a last second shot. One can learn a lot in defeat, whether it's hoops or hot dogs. I played a couple years in college - Division 3 - at Johns Hopkins, but also was a back-up punter and did the high jump. I was a three-sport varsity college athlete but better at the pregame meal than the actual athletic endeavor, so it’s not strange I turned pro in eating. STADIUM JOURNEY:You've spoken highly of the meatball subs at Belmont High School, what were some of your other favorite eating haunts growing up? CRAZY LEGS CONTI: My aunt Adele was the lunch lady, and though I brought my own lunch - liverwurst, gross I know - on meatball sub day, Aunt Adele would load up a sub beyond bursting. I was also a fan of the pizza place in Belmont Center but mostly because I could see retired Boston Bruin Derek Sanderson. He had quite the life journey and is now sober. His autobiography is great. STADIUM JOURNEY: What's your favorite sports venue in Boston? Which venue was a young Crazy Legs spending the most time at? CRAZY LEGS CONTI: The Boston Garden was so important to me that I now only see my beloved Celtics on the road. I was there when Bird stole the ball and threw it to my all-time favorite player Dennis Johnson. Greatest five seconds of my life. Most other things have taken longer than five seconds. I am also a huge fan of the Boston Marathon. I attended every year growing up, cheering on the later runners, after they’d hit the wall and were barely hanging on to finish. It teaches one a lot about the human body’s limitations but also how the mind can push one beyond those limits. I ran it in 2007 and absolutely loved every step. I was coming off a hot dog qualifier the day before and indeed 21.5 in hot dogs and marathoning is the wall. STADIUM JOURNEY: So back to Hopkins, playing two sports in college is super difficult, but three seems next to impossible. What was this experience like? CRAZY LEGS CONTI: I loved my time at Hopkins, but basketball was my primary sport. We had such a strong team and made the NCAA tournament each year. I didn’t get a lot of playing time as I was too short for the four spot, but when it came time for me to retire after my sophomore year, I left my shoes on the court. I still have trouble simply playing pick-up these days because the level of play is underwhelming. I truly enjoyed my time on the competitive hoops court. The other sports came along as I was helping out my buddy, Dan “D-Fly” Flynn, who was the starting punter on the football team but also a wide receiver. He wanted to focus on offense, so his family, a true football dynasty of folks, trained me one summer on punting. The high jump was to help out the head coach of the track team who was also the defensive head coach of football. He basically let the lunatics run the asylum by having us screw up the Fosbury flop each match. STADIUM JOURNEY: You were the Blue Jays' third-string punter. What's that like? CRAZY LEGS CONTI: I moved up to second string when someone got hurt. I really needed another year to get better, but I loved punting. One time in practice, I nailed one that cleared the fences and bounced to the business across the street. D-Fly noticed the business my punt landed in front of and opined, that I really took that one to the cleaners. STADIUM JOURNEY: At Hopkins, you excelled at the pre and post-game meals. Which were some of your all-time favorites? Did you ever overindulge to the point that it affected your on-field performance? CRAZY LEGS CONTI: I did eat nine bagels in one sitting before a football game but didn’t end up playing which due to the expanding bread in my belly, was probably for the best. STADIUM JOURNEY: So you're in New York City now, do you have a favorite sports venue? CRAZY LEGS CONTI: I catch a lot of sports in dive bars now, so I can have some wings and drink beer. I like to use the meat umbrella and keep one hand sauce free. I am a fan of the Hairy Lemon on Avenue B and 3rd. I watched every Celtics playoff game there leading up to this year’s championship. The Celtics made the banner happen on the court, I did the same except with buckets of Miller Lite and twenty wings at a time. STADIUM JOURNEY: Where can you get the best slice in NYC? Best chicken parm? CRAZY LEGS CONTI: I think the slice game is overrated because one has to do a reheat. I tend to go to whole pie places. I love Arturo’s on Houston downtown and the original Patsy’s Pizza on 1st Avenue and 116th uptown. If you make it to Queens, a place called Milkflower is great too, a modern take on pizza where toppings like arugula and toasted lemons make appearances. I always go for eggplant parm over chicken parm, and the best is at Mike’s Deli on Arthur Ave,, but late night, while drunk, your neighborhood pizza joint will satisfy. STADIUM JOURNEY: So you broke into competitive eating by scarfing oysters. What is it about oysters? CRAZY LEGS CONTI: Oysters are my spirit animal, and I think it’s okay to eat one’s spirit animal. They are great for the environment and make everything around them better. They are basically the Larry Bird of the natural world. I love the taste too - briny, sharp, interesting - probably like Larry Bird’s sweat. STADIUM JOURNEY: You played a competitive eater on The Sopranos. How did that come about? Describe the experience. CRAZY LEGS CONTI: I was friendly with the casting person, as her husband helped produce the documentary, Crazy Legs Conti: Zen and the Art of Competitive Eating, so when she called me, she said if I played a cannoli eater I couldn’t be considered for a different role later on. I don’t know what role a dreadlocked white guy could play on The Sopranos, so I wisely took the eating role. We did eleven takes of eating and then they broke for lunch. I had no room, so I hung out outside. Later the assistant director said the cast wanted me at lunch to talk competitive eating. That was a missed opportunity. STADIUM JOURNEY: As far as speed eating hot dogs, do you have a technique? With Joey Chestnut not competing this year, who are the favorites to take the yellow mustard belt? CRAZY LEGS CONTI: I dunk my buns in Tang to change the taste and avoid flavor fatigue. If it’s good enough for the astronauts in space, it’s good enough at the competitive eating table. If Joey doesn't appear I’ve got Pat “Deepdish” Bertoletti winning in OT against Australia’s James Webb with the number in the low fifties. It’s going to be a heck of an afterparty if Deepdish wins. He has a lot of siblings from Chicago, and it’ll get wild at Ruby’s on the Boardwalk post contest. STADIUM JOURNEY: George Shea does wonderful, hilarious play by play on the Fourth at Coney Island. How do you keep yourself from laughing and not choking? Or do you just tune him out? It seems like you must because he’s hilarious. CRAZY LEGS CONTI: George is a masterful writer, and then he puts those magic words into the performance with such aplomb. One does tend to try to maintain a Zen focus as you ascend the stage, but during the contest, there have been a few times that Eater X and I started laughing as George went on a tangent about his pet hamster Bullet, and how much he misses him. Sometimes the melancholy bits are the best STADIUM JOURNEY: How does it feel moments before you enter stage on the Fourth? What are you thinking? How are you feeling? CRAZY LEGS CONTI: I’ve competed at the Nathan’s finals sixteen out of the last twenty-three years. This year, the numbers were astronomical, and I’ll be out at Coney to support the eaters. The years I ate, the thrill is electric. There is really nothing more surreal and fun at the same time. Forty thousand fans at Stillwell and Surf, cameras from around the world - the place becomes this magical vortex of joy. Any butterflies an eater has in their stomach are quickly squashed by Nathan’s hot dogs and buns. STADIUM JOURNEY: What's next for Crazy Legs Conti? CRAZY LEGS CONTI: I am a gourmet and a gourmand. I love great food in greater quantities. I think my unique perspective on food would be great to highlight as a TV food host. I’ve traveled the globe eating a lot quickly, but I would be thrilled to slow it down for audiences and enjoy each single bite. Jon Hart is @manversusball

Photos by Matt Colville, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.00 Mobile International Speedway 7800 Park Blvd Irvington, AL 36544 Mobile International Speedway website Year Opened: 1965 Capacity: 9,000 The Fastest Half-Mile in Alabama For over 50 years Mobile International Speedway has been South Alabama's premiere speedway. Nicknamed the fastest half-mile in Alabama, the oval-shaped track has welcomed some of the top drivers in the history of stock car racing. From Donnie Allison, Rusty Wallace, and Kyle Petty in their early years to Michael Waltrip and Kerry Earnhardt – all have come through Mobile on their way to the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series. The track even launched the careers of local drivers Cale Gale and Grant Enfinger, who would later compete in ARCA and the Craftsman Trucks series. Mobile International Speedway has seen it all since opening in 1965, hosting some of the top drivers and local races. In addition, MIS has been a Hollywood filming location, a popular Christmas light destination, and was even once owned and promoted by a popular professional wrestler. Recently Mobile International Speedway went through some changes, which included new ownership – the search for new owners resulted in the speedway closing for about a year, but when the track re-opened in July 2023, the new ownership included former local driver Eddie Shoemaker, who also operates Mobile Dragway, which is located next door to MIS. Now twice a month from March through September, expect to see action-packed, fast-paced racing on Alabama's Fastest half-mile track. Food & Beverage   2 There is one stand located under the grandstand about halfway down; the usual fare can be found with hamburgers, hot dogs, nachos, corn dogs, sausage dogs, and popcorn rounding out the menu, with prices ranging from $3 to $6, while for $10 you can purchase the chicken tender or chicken wing baskets. Coca-Cola is the soft drink provider here, with fountain drinks going between $2 and $4. In addition, right next to the concession stand is the beer garden, with prices running $5 for a Tall Boy canned beer. Also, make sure to check out the boiled peanut stand on the north side of the concourse under Turn 4 – for $5 you can purchase some of the best tasting boiled peanuts I've ever tasted in my life. Atmosphere   3 Part of the charm of attending Saturday night races here is that not much has changed since the 1960s. From the moment you arrive and pass under the brick archway welcoming you to the speedway, it is almost like going back in time 50 years. Racing is held usually every other Saturday from March until September, and while most of the drivers are local, occasionally you will get a big-name driver coming through the area. Mobile International Speedway is located right next to Mobile Dragway with a huge grass field providing the parking. To get to the concourse you must walk up about 30 metal steps, entering the area which provides concessions under the grandstand. The grandstand itself is quite simple – made up of 15 rows of wooden boards held up by metal awnings, which hold 9,000 people. A small press box made of tin sits at the top of the rows. The track is a half mile oval with the grandstand in between Turns 1 and 4. A unique thing about the track is there are no walls or barriers around the track, except in front of the grandstands. The track was built on farmland, so without any walls or barriers you can see a good way out into the fields, meaning if you go off the track there is nothing keeping you from walking onto the surrounding farmlands. An old barn sits beyond Turn 2, providing a nice added touch to the view. The pits also have wall pads filled with various local sponsors, adding to a small-town feel. Neighborhood   2 Irvington is a small community of about 800 people located in rural Mobile County. There's not much to do here after dark, with racing at MIS the only thing happening on the weekends here. On some Saturdays Mobile Dragway next door will be hosting drag racing, but that wasn’t happening during my most recent visit. If you want to take a day trip before the races you are 15 minutes away from Bellingrath Gardens, which is one of the most beautiful gardens in the south, and a must visit if in south Alabama. Another day trip worth checking out nearby is Dauphin Island, about 20 minutes south of Mobile International Speedway – not very many people know about Dauphin Island, so you'll have miles and miles of beautiful beaches all to yourself. Once on the Island make sure to stop at Historic Fort Gaines, a Civil War-era fort believed to be haunted. There is also a ferry that takes you across Mobile Bay and to Gulf Shores if you want to explore that side of Alabama. Dauphin Island also has a small aquarium, an Indian mound, a golf course, and several miles of nature trails, and is less developed than the nearby beach towns of Gulf Shores and Orange Beach, so you will find less people there, which may be appreciated by some. Make sure to stop off in Bayou La Batre right before you get on the island – this tiny community is known as the shrimping capital of the country and was the setting for Bubba Gump's Shrimp Company in the novel and movie Forrest Gump. While there make sure to grab a bite to eat at Lighthouse Restaurant, voted one of the best seafood restaurants in the South, and if you come in May, you may even get to see the Blessing of the Fleet, the Catholic ceremony where ships are blessed for a safe and successful fishing season. It's a festive event because, before the shrimpers embark into the Gulf, the small town has a huge celebration for the shrimp boats, an event which attracts thousands of people. Fans   3 MIS has been South Alabama's premiere racetrack for over 50 years now – it may not be close to Talladega, but this area of Alabama is also a hotbed for stock car racing, and it shows here. The 9,000-seat grandstand is usually about three-quarters of the way full on race night. A lot of the drivers are local, so you'll see many fans who come out every weekend. There's nothing else to do in Irvington on Saturday nights, so that helps as well with attendance at the track. You'll also encounter a good mix of families who come out to the races. There are usually five or six different races each night, and each race features a different style car and is very fast, with each race only lasting 20 to 30 laps, which is pretty quick for a half-mile oval. Spectators are definitely engaged from the start to the checkered flag – during my most recent visit they raced pro trucks (30 laps), pure stocks (20 laps), pro late models (40 laps), sportsman (25 laps), and crown stocks (20 laps). Access   3 Mobile International Speedway is located about 20 miles south of downtown Mobile on Highway 90, a rural two lane back road that runs from Pascagoula to Mobile. Getting to the track is fairly simple despite being located on a back road – the track is conveniently located a few miles south of Exit 10 on Interstate 10. You can't miss the track, as it sits to the left about 2 miles south of the Interstate. There is plenty of parking in the huge grass lot on the property. The only issue I ran into at the track is the access if you are in a wheelchair or have a disability; because of the steep stairs at the entrance, and because there are no wall or barriers around the track, the only wheelchair access is between Turns 3 and 4, where you can be wheeled onto the track and into the stands. To access the pits there is an access point from the grandstand, but you must walk on the track to get to it. Return on Investment   3 Tickets to sit in the grandstand are $15, while tickets in the pits are $30. I consider this a good return on investment, as concession prices are fairly cheap and you can't beat the free parking. My recommendation to get the full experience is to go on a Saturday when they are drag racing at nearby Mobile Dragway – you can catch drag racing in the afternoon, then go to MIS in the evening. The races at Mobile International Speedway usually start around 8 pm and last until around 11 pm. It is fairly quick, fast-paced action, and you are right up on the track less than 50 feet away from the cars as they line up. Extras   5 One extra for the track being used as a filming location for the 2009 film The Final Destination; the opening race scenes were filmed at the track during the summer of 2008. Another extra for all the big races and big names that have been here over the years, as mentioned earlier. Some of the races MIS has hosted include the ARCA Mobile 200 from 2012 to 2015, as well as regular stops in the 1990s of Mobile 150 (NASCAR K&N Series East) and the Hooter’s Pro Cup Series. A ton of NASCAR regional races and ASA races have been held here as well. There is a billboard in the pits reading "Welcome to Mobile, Home of Lee Fields", who was a longtime owner and promoter of the speedway from 1972 until his death in 2000. Fields was also a notable wrestler in the Gulf Coast during the old territory days of pro wrestling – Lee held numerous titles in the 1970s including Gulf Coast Heavyweight Championship. Fields would have become a bigger star had he signed with another promoter, but he didn't want to move away from Mobile. Another wrestler with an affiliation to Mobile International Speedway is former WWE wrestler Bob "Hardcore" Holly – this popular attitude-era star from Mobile actually began his career as a stock car driver here in 1992. Holly would later sign with Vince McMahon in 1994, embarking on a 14-year career in the WWF, beginning with a race car inspired gimmick wresting under the name of Thurman "Spark Plug" Holly. MIS also hosted the annual Alabama Racing & Wrestling Hall of Fame for a number of years, honoring some of the greatest drivers and wrestlers from the area. Former wrestling manager legend William "Paul Bearer" Moody was the emcee at the Hall of Fame ceremony. Another extra for Mobile Dragway sitting next door if you want to catch some drag racing before you go into MIS – as mentioned they do drag racing there on most Saturdays. There is also another smaller track about 10 miles down the road in Grand Bay called Sunny South Speedway. One final extra for the Christmas lights on display here during the holiday season – in 2023 Mobile International Speedway began hosting Mobile's Annual Christmas Nights in Lights. The Gulf Coast's # 1 Christmas lights display was originally set up at Hank Aaron Stadium, but moved here after that stadium's closing. During December lights are set up all around the track, and cars are welcome to drive on the track through the interactive Christmas display. They also do a pretty elaborate Halloween lights spectacle here called Thriller Lights.

Photos by Paul Baker, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.57 Campanelli Stadium 700 Belmont St Brockton, MA 02301 Brockton Rox website Campanelli Stadium website Year Opened: 2002 Capacity: 4,750 Rox on the Rocks Campanelli Stadium is named for Alfred Campanelli, who donated two million dollars to the City of Brockton for a project that would “substantially benefit the people of Brockton.” The city used this money to build the ballpark that would bear his name in 2002. Campanelli Stadium serves as home to the Brockton Rox and the Frontier League’s New England Knockouts. The Rox began play in 2002, competing for ten years in the independent Can-Am League and its predecessors. Since 2012 the Rox have played in the Futures Collegiate Baseball League, a wooden bat summer league featuring players with New England ties. The Rox were originally planning to play only a single season as an amateur team while they straightened out their finances, but 2024 marks the team’s thirteenth season in the Futures League. The name “Rox” is a derivative of the nearby Boston Red Sox, as well as Brockton native Rocky Marciano’s name. The Futures League has given new life to many abandoned ballparks throughout New England. In addition to Brockton, former professional ballparks in Burlington, Nashua, New Britain, Norwich, Pittsfield and Worcester are part of the circuit. Food and Beverage 3 There are concession stands on either side of Campanelli Stadium, with only one stand open during Rox games. The menu offered does not stray far from ballpark standards, with hot dogs, burgers, sausage and pepper sandwiches, and chicken fingers anchoring the menu. A decent menu of snack items is also available here. An ice cream stand located on the third base side of the ballpark serves up Dippin’ Dots and other snack items. Pepsi products are featured at Campanelli Stadium, available in both bottles and fountain cups. A decent variety of beer is sold at the concession stands, highlighted by offerings from local brewery Brockton Beer Company and The Girls Brewery. Atmosphere 2 Baseball fans who have visited Campanelli Stadium during the inaugural season of the Knockouts will have undoubtedly seen how the team is working hard to incorporate video, audio and on-field entertainment into the game day experience. Unfortunately, the same cannot be said for the game day presentation during a Rox game. The show at a Rox game is very basic when compared to the Knockouts. While fans who enjoy a more traditional baseball experience will enjoy a game here, casual baseball fans may be left wanting more. The new state-of-the-art video board is utilized solely for basic graphics and player headshots. The are no on-field shenanigans during a Rox game, although the Rox’ mascot, KO the kangaroo, can be found wandering the field interacting with fans. The PA announcer keeps the proceedings moving with sponsor reads and lineup announcements. Music and sound effects keep the ballpark from becoming totally silent during a Rox game. Despite the best efforts of the staff and enthusiastic fans, there’s only so much energy a crowd of 100 can bring to a 4,000-seat stadium. Neighborhood 3 Campanelli Stadium is located in the hardscrabble city of Brockton, a city of approximately 106,000 residents located 25 miles south of Boston. Originally named North Bridgewater, the city was later named in honor of Isaac Brock, the British commanding general at the Battle of Queenston Heights, the first major battle of the War of 1812. A couple of trivial facts about Brockton: during the Civil War it was the nation’s largest supplier of shoes, and it is the second windiest city in the United States. Baseball fans visiting Brockton for a Knockouts game will not find much near the ballpark in terms of dining or lodging options, although Pho89, McMenamy's Seafood and Charleys Cheesesteaks are solid choices. Just a few miles away, Stoneforge Grill and Brack’s Grill & Tap offer outstanding pub fare near Stonehill College. The Residence Inn here is a quality lodging option. For fans visiting during the baseball season, there is much to see and do in the area. As mentioned before, Boston is just 25 miles to the north, and the popular summer attractions of Cape Cod are just 35 miles to the southeast. The historic destinations of Plymouth, MA, and Newport, RI are both within an hour’s drive of Campanelli Stadium. Fans 1 The presence of two teams at Campanelli Stadium this summer has had a distinct negative effect on attendance for the Rox. On most nights the fans number only in the dozens. Halfway through the 2024 season, the Rox are only averaging 125 fans per game. Most of the fans in attendance have a personal connection with the players on the field, and as a result are knowledgeable about the game and enthusiastic in their support. With the compact geographic footprint of the Futures League, you’ll often find many visiting fans in the stands as well. Access 3 Campanelli Stadium is located on the campus of Brockton High School about a mile from Route 24, the highway which connects the Massachusetts South Coast with the Greater Boston area. Interstates 495, 93, and 95 all pass within a short distance of Brockton. While driving is the primary method to get to the ballpark, the Brockton Area Transit Authority’s number 3 bus does have a stop at the High School next door. The final bus departs at 9:30 pm, so plan accordingly. The Massachusetts Bay Transit Authority’s Middleboro/Lakeville train brings passengers from downtown Brockton north to Boston (and soon south to Fall River and New Bedford) throughout the day until after midnight. The Rox website advises visiting fans to park in the large lot at Brockton High School. This has proven to be problematic, as the path from the lot to Campanelli Stadium is unpaved, unlit, overgrown with brush, and strewn with trash. Even worse, the path is blocked by a fence, forcing fans to push their way through this barrier. For now, Stadium Journey advises that fans park in the lots along Feinberg Way behind the stadium. The businesses on this street do not charge for the use of their lots (at least not yet). Most fans will enter Campanelli Stadium via the main entry plaza, where the ticket offices and team store are located. Additional entrances are located on the third base side of the ballpark and in the deep right field. No matter which entrance you use, you will be required to climb a set of stairs to reach the concourse level. There is an elevator located in the main plaza for fans who need it. The seating bowl stretches from short left field around to the right field foul pole. An open concourse runs atop the seating bowl. Seating consists of red plastic stadium seats with decent legroom. All seats feature good views of the field, even with the strange placement of cameras atop the first base dugout. A deck in right field provides a unique, if unfinished, spot from which you can take in the action. Return on Investment 5 Before heading to Campanelli Stadium, be aware that the facility is totally cashless. Tickets for Rox games are priced at $8 for outfield seats, $10 for upper infield seats and $13 for lower infield seats. Purchasing tickets on the day of the game increases all prices by two dollars. Parking at the lots on Feinberg Way and at Brockton High School is free of charge. While some concession prices may feel high for this level of baseball, overall food and beverages are priced similarly to other area facilities. Extras 1 Boxing fans may want to take a walk behind Campanelli Stadium to Champions Park, where a statue of legendary boxer and Brockton native Rocky Marciano is located. The Rox have retired two numbers in honor of notable local athletes who never played for the team. Brockton residents Rocky Marciano (#49) and Marvin Hagler (#62) have numbers retired matching the number of victories each man recorded in his boxing career. Their jerseys hang on the outfield wall. Final Thoughts When Rox ownership was awarded a franchise in the professional Frontier League, it surprised many when they announced that the Rox would continue operations. Having two teams in the same facility has proven to be problematic, with the great majority of attention given to the professional Knockouts. As a result, the Rox have suffered in terms of sponsorship, fan support and gameday atmosphere. The future of the Rox beyond the 2024 season looks, well, rocky. Follow Paul Baker’s stadium journeys on Twitter and Instagram @PuckmanRI.

Photos by James Hilchen, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.71 Iowa Speedway 3333 Rusty Wallace Dr Newton, IA 50208 Iowa Speedway website Year Opened: 2006 Capacity: 30,000 The Fastest Short Track on the Planet Newton Speedway is a 7/8 mile oval track located in Newton, Iowa, about 30 miles east of Des Moines. 2024 was a massive year for the track, with the debut of the first ever NASCAR Cup race in Iowa. The three-day series of races (both ARCA and Xfinity led up to the Cup race), saw massive attendance with two sellouts and a big crowd for ARCA. The track has changed ownership throughout the years, with NASCAR acquiring the site in 2013. Prior to 2024, the track has hosted numerous IndyCar races along with NASCAR Camping World Truck Series, NASCAR Xfinity Series, and ARCA, but was never able to land the elusive Cup race. Food & Beverage 4 Iowa Speedway is cashless, so plan accordingly. There are 3 permanent concession areas that serve your typical fare for sports venues. In anticipation of the large crowds, plenty of temporary food vendors were brought in that allowed for much more variety than in the past. Whether your preference is pizza, Mexican, BBQ, Asian, etc, it is available. In addition, plenty of snacks like kettle corn, ice cream, etc. are available. One negative of the weekend that I have not encountered at other tracks is that no outside food or drink was allowed. Fans are allowed to bring two sealed bottles of water per person, but nothing else. Pepsi products are the soda of choice along with numerous choices of domestic beer, wine, and mixed drinks. Food and drink prices are about what you would expect for a NASCAR race. Atmosphere 5 Just outside the entry gates were all the driver/team merchandise trucks. Entering the gates, there are different race/car related displays and sales promotions. The NASCAR experience area was a fun place to stop. Among the items to see were the actual car that Richard Petty drove when he won the infamous 1979 Daytona 500. There were also driver autograph session and Corey LaJoie recorded his podcast in front of the live crowd. Concessions and restrooms are all under the seating area. As you enter the seating area, the entire track becomes visible. Grandstand seats are all bleacher seats, so you will be sitting on a bench. Padded seats and chairbacks are allowed to be brought in, provided there is no metal in them. In the middle section of the seating area is the Newton Club. Newton Club tickets cost more than the grandstand, but the seats are chairbacks. Another perk of the Newton Club is there is an indoor area where you can sit and you can purchase drinks without missing any of the race. If it is a rainy day or particularly warm, this is the preferred option as you can get out of the rain or go inside and cool off in the air conditioning. The recommended seats are from about halfway up the seating area to the top. If sitting in the first few rows, portions of turns 2 and 3 aren’t easily seen. As with almost all tracks, the seats face pit road so it’s easy to see what is going on with the cars when they pit. Prior races I’ve attended at the track haven’t been particularly well attended, but when the crowd is full, like on the most recent weekend I attended, the race atmosphere is amazing. Neighborhood 2 The track sits on the outskirts of Newton, Iowa. Newton is a small town (approx. 15,000) and, as such, there isn’t much to do outside of attending the race. Driving into town will yield some good results though. Giovannis Pizza stands out as the option here. The pizza is tremendous and if you want to try something different, they offer a “grinder” crust, which is essentially a fried pizza crust. Giovannis is about 3 miles from the track. Newton also has plenty of fast-food options if you just want to grab something for the road. If staying for a long race weekend, there are a few lodging options, including the AmericInn and Cobblestone Inn and Suites, which are both within a mile of the speedway. Fans 5 Like with most Cup races, fans are super passionate. A good percentage wear shirts and/or hats of their favorite driver or team. Fans will also let you know if they don’t like you. This is evident especially during driver introductions. They are engaged throughout the race even when their driver isn’t near the front of the pack. Access 3 Getting to the track takes a bit of time. Newton is about 30 minutes east of Des Moines and the track sits just south of Interstate 80. It’s easy to see from the freeway and there is plenty of signage to direct you. Parking is ample. Once inside, concessions seemed to flow well with no long waits. When full, there are lines for the restroom, particularly at the end of a stage or during an extended yellow flag. If the Cup series is to become permanent at the speedway, this will need to be addressed. There is plenty of handicapped seating available. The only real drawback is leaving the track once the race is over. There are only two ways to get back to the freeway and one is quite cumbersome through back roads. Return on Investment 4 Parking is free is you want to walk a little bit. You can pay if you want to park closer, but this option will need to be purchased online prior to the race and those spots can sell out. Tickets to the Cup race were reasonable at around $100 or a little more, but with the hype of the first Cup race, tickets sold out in the presale so they were going for much more on the secondary market. If you can secure tickets directly from the speedway and not on the secondary market, it is a great value to see a Cup race at a track that hasn’t hosted one before. Extras 3 One extra point goes to the staff. The ticket takers and concessions folks were all very friendly. There were numerous opportunities to meet the drivers and get autographs. Fans showed up early all three days for such activities. The speedway has a Field of Dreams vibe to it, being surrounded by corn fields. Final Thoughts The Iowa Speedway is a bare-bones, but fun race experience. The first Cup race was an unqualified success and there’s no reason to think this track can’t improve on what it needs to if NASCAR can commit to an annual return. The “fastest short track on the planet” is worthy of hosting a race annually and well worth a visit. ------ Follow my sports journeys on Twitter and Instagram: @stadiumjwriter

Photo by Gregory Koch, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.29 Meridian High School Stadium 121 Mustang Alley Falls Church, VA 22043 Virginia Dream FC website Year Opened: N/A Capacity: 2,000 Soccer Dream Cloud in Falls Church Virginia Dream FC is a semi-professional lower division soccer team based in Falls Church, Virginia, in the suburbs of Washington, D.C. The Dream play their home games at the stadium of Meridian High School, which serves the Falls Church City Public Schools (FCCPS). This stadium is also nicknamed "The Cloud" when the Dream play here, although this is not official. As is often the case at the lower levels of American soccer, there are several teams competing under the Virginia Dream moniker. A club in the United Premier Soccer League (UPSL) competes during the fall and spring, while a club in the National Premier Soccer League (NPSL) competes over the summer. This review will focus on the experience at an NPSL game. The NPSL, together with the UPSL and the confusingly named USL League Two, comprise the fourth division of American soccer. They are the highest level that is not fully professional, and consist mostly of current college soccer players and recent graduates. The pay is structured in a way that allows current athletes to retain their amateur eligibility if they are competing in the NPSL over the summer. However, occasionally some aging former professional who just wants to continue playing somewhere will show up in the NPSL. At the time of writing, former USMNT and DC United goalkeeper Bill Hamid is the starting goalkeeper for the Dream. Food & Beverage 4 Concessions at a Virginia Dream game are sold out of a food truck from local taco truck La Raza. Tacos, quesadillas, burritos, nachos, and elotes (Mexican street corn) are available with a variety of meats, or with vegetables. Tacos cost $3.50 each, elotes are $5, and the other options range from $9-$13 depending on your choice of meat., Steak and cheese or chicken and cheese sandwiches are available for $12. Various sodas are available to drink, including Jarritos, a popular Mexican brand known for their fruity flavors in glass bottles. So is bottled water. For those with a sweet tooth, tres leches cake is available for dessert. Atmosphere 3 Although there are bleachers on both sides of Meridian High School Stadium, fans at Dream games typically sit on the one on the same side as the entrance. Although separated from the field by a running track, these seats still have a great view of the action. There are also areas to sit on the concourse, either in your own chair or on some concrete blocks that are large enough to be used for seating. The bleachers themselves are metal without backs, although fans in the top row may be able to lean against the press box. The PA announcer at Dream games is lively without being too over the top, and tries to keep the fans engaged. However, there is no announcement of goal scorers or recipients of yellow or red cards, which can make the game difficult to follow. If you are attending the game with small children, game staff often roam the stands before the game looking for volunteers to serve as ball kids. If this is something your child would be interested in, get to the game early. Neighborhood 5 Meridian High School is located on the western end of the City of Falls Church, which like all cities in Virginia, is not part of any county. It is sometimes nicknamed "The Little City" as it is much smaller in terms of population and area than the surrounding jurisdictions. In fact, by area, the census bureau considers it the smallest county-equivalent in the United States excluding some obscure areas of outlying territories. That being said, there is plenty to do here in Falls Church and the surrounding area. Your best bet is to look along Route 7, known as Broad Street in the City of Falls Church and Leesburg Pike in the surrounding area (much of which also has a Falls Church address despite being in Fairfax County.) Mike's Lazy Sundae, located at the intersection of Haycock Road and Leesburg Pike just down the road from Meridian High School, serves ice cream, sundaes, and comfort food such as burgers and fries. (Think a similar concept to Dairy Queen, except way, way better.) Sfizi Cafe in the City of Falls Church is a popular Italian place. Whatever food you want, you can probably find it somewhere in the surrounding area. The Falls Church area has excellent places of almost all cuisines, including Thai, Bolivian, and just about everything else. Eden Center in Seven Corners, a few miles down Route 7, is a shopping center with numerous Vietnamese restaurants, and some have said this area has the best Vietnamese food in the world outside of Vietnam. Pho 75 is located on Arlington Boulevard, not in Eden Center, but has been highly praised as well. Keep in mind many of the Vietnamese places, including Pho 75, are cash only. Fans 2 A few dozen fans attended the Dream game that Stadium Journey visited, and considering this is the fourth division of American soccer, these are typical crowds. The crowd consisted of a mix of young families and older fans. They were not particularly involved, but this is unsurprising for this level. Access 4 Meridian High School is located just off Route 7, near the interchanges with I-66 and I-495 (the Capital Beltway.) Parking is available for free in a lot near the entrance to the school. There is a garage as well, but this is privately owned by nearby businesses and you will have to pay. Stick to the lot. The parking lot for Virginia Tech's Northern Virginia satellite campus may appear to be closer to the stadium than the high school lot, but the area is fenced off, so you will need to walk around if you park here. It also costs money, so there is no reason to do so. The West Falls Church Metro station on the Orange Line is located right next to the high school, although you will have to walk around a ways so it will take about 10 minutes. Return on Investment 5 Tickets are just $10 to Virginia Dream FC games. Children under 12 get in free, as do Falls Church City Public Schools students with valid ID. This makes a Dream game an excellent value. Extras 0 There are no real extras here. Final Thoughts Taking in a Virginia Dream FC game under the lights on a warm summer night is a fun experience for the whole family. While the team doesn't draw the largest crowds, one hopes that will change over time as the club builds up a following. Even so, soccer fans in Falls Church and the surrounding areas will want to head to "The Cloud" to check out a game here.

Photos by Gregory Koch, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.29 Calfee Park 700 South Washington Ave Pulaski, VA 24301 Pulaski River Turtles website Calfee Park website Year Opened: 1935 Capacity: 2,500 Along the Appalachian League Trail: Pulaski Located in Southwest Virginia, the Pulaski River Turtles are an Appalachian League baseball team that plays their home games at Calfee Park. The stadium opened in 1935 and was built by the WPA following the Great Depression. It was extensively renovated in 2015. Until 2020, the Appalachian League was an affiliated minor league at the Rookie-Advanced level, and was many players' first professional stop. The Pulaski club was affiliated with many major league teams over the years, most recently the Yankees from 2015 to 2020. After the 2020 season, Major League Baseball eliminated the Rookie Advanced level and the Appy League became a summer collegiate league for rising freshmen and sophomores affiliated with USA Baseball's Prospect Development Pipeline. Although the quality of play has gone down, the experience has stayed similar or perhaps even gotten more enjoyable as teams adopt their own identity rather than use that of the parent club they are many miles away from. Food & Beverage 4 Most of the concessions at Calfee Park are served at a food court area down the first base line by the entry gate there. At the main stand, you will find an extensive menu including chicken tenders, cheeseburgers, and a barbecue sandwich (which in these parts invariably means pork), plus hot dogs, chili dogs, and pita pizza. Healthier options include a club wrap (with ham, turkey, cheese, lettuce, tomato, mayo, and bacon) and assorted salads. Many of the meal options also come with fries or chips. Soda (Pepsi products), bottled water, Gatorade, slushies, and chocolate milk from local vendor Duchess Dairy are also available. For fans of age, "adult refreshments" (i.e. beer) can be purchased too. Other stands sell different items. One stand in the food court area sells ice cream and another sells hot candied nuts and lemonade. A stand down the third base line has cheesesteak. You will certainly not go hungry at Calfee Park as there is plenty to eat here. Atmosphere 4 Most seats at Calfee Park are chairbacks, although there are some general admission bleachers down the left field line. All seats are behind netting except part of the bleachers, although it is not intrusive. There are some club seats behind home plate which include in-seat waiter service, and reserved seats on either side, but the remainder of the seating is general admission. The lower and upper sections to the right of the club area (as you face the field) are reserved, as is the lower one to the left. Oddly enough, the lower sections down the first base line have a worse view than general admission seats, as the suites to the right of them are raised higher, inexplicably blocking the view of a significant portion of right field. Do not waste your money sitting here, although if you do, you should have no problem sitting in the general admission area instead. Many of the lower sections below the concourse are marked as reserved but no longer are. The seating down the third base line is partially covered, which is nice on a hot day, while the seating down the first base line is not. There are may on-field contests between innings, some of which involve the mascots. When not participating in contests, Slider, a river turtle, and Calf-E, a cow (named after the stadium) can be seen roving the stands and interacting with fans. They also appear in short vignettes on the videoboard. That same board, in left centerfield, shows player stats as well as the pitch speed to two decimals (which seems impossibly precise) while a smaller scoreboard in right-centerfield just shows the linescore. Neighborhood 2 Calfee Park is located in a residential area of Pulaski with several houses overlooking the field. Supposedly David Justice hit a home run to one of the houses in right field when he played minor league ball here, although this may just be a legend. In any case, there is not much to do in the immediate vicinity, so you will have to drive to the Main Street area to do anything else. Even along Main Street, there is not much going on and many local businesses have closed since the pandemic. Compadres Mexican and The Dawg House (which serves hot dogs) are some local restaurants fans might enjoy. Fans 3 The River Turtles average about 1,300 fans a game, which puts them towards the middle of the Appalachian League. The crowd is a mix of young families, longtime fans who have seen many affiliated teams come and go over the years, and everyone in between. Kids can be seen lining up along the wall by the left field bleachers or hanging out near the visitor's bullpen by the left field gate hoping to get their hands on a ball, but are generally good about not getting in the way of other fans. The crowd can get loud at times, but is generally not too involved. That is about what you'd expect for this level. The fans are just here to enjoy baseball on a warm summer's night, and there's nothing wrong with that. Access 3 Pulaski is located off I-81 in the southwest part of Virginia via exit 94. You will then drive through residential neighborhoods, up and down hills, for a few miles, and perhaps wonder if your GPS has gotten you lost. It hasn't, this is just where the stadium is. There are several lots surrounding the stadium, both behind home plate and in left field, and gates in each location. The one near home plate will put you closer to the concession stands and most of the seating area. You will have to do some walking, including stairs or ramps, to get there from the left field gate but it is nothing too difficult. Restrooms are available near both entrances and are of a sufficient size for the crowd. The concourse is pretty narrow in some places but is generally not an issue due to the crowd size. Return on Investment 5 Club seats behind home plate are $15, and as mentioned above, include in seat wait service. Availability for these seats for single game seats is very low. Reserved seats in sections 1 and 3 are $11 above the concourse or $12 below. As mentioned, some of the lower rows of Section 1 are obstructed by the club, so we don't recommend you sit here. General admission seats are $5 and will get you in anywhere except sections 1 and 3 plus club and suite areas, although some sections are still marked reserved. Seniors can buy general admission tickets for just $1, although this must be done at the box office on gameday. Concessions are affordable and parking is free Overall, a Pulaski River Turtles game is an excellent value. Extras 2 Look for the team store on the concourse selling River Turtles merchandise. A second star for all the history at Calfee Park. Baseball has been played here since 1935, and many great players have made Pulaski their first professional stop on their trip to the majors. Notably alumni include David Justice, Mike Stanton, Mark Wohlers, and most recently, Anthony Volpe, who played here in 2019 during Pulaski's final season of affiliated ball. Final Thoughts On a summer night in the Blue Ridge Mountains of Southwest Virginia, a Pulaski River Turtles game is definitely an experience worth checking out. Although the team is no longer playing affiliated ball, they have managed to form their own identity, and baseball fans in the area should definitely head down to Calfee Park for a game.

Photos by Greg Venuto, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.29 Heritage Financial Park 1500 Route 9D Wappingers Falls, NY 12590 Hudson Valley Renegades website Heritage Financial Park website Year Opened: 1994 Capacity: 5,400 Yankee Baseball, Hudson Valley Style The quaint confines, nicknamed the “Dutch” by locals, obtained naming rights in March 2023 and was rebranded as Heritage Financial Park. The facility, located in Wappingers Falls, New York, became the NY Yankees High A affiliate in 2021 after being tied to the Tampa Bay Rays. The Renegades play in the High A South Atlantic League. Catcher Austin Wells and shortstop Anthony Volpe of the Yankees played at Hudson Valley and two more former Renegades (Jasson Dominguez and Oswald Peraza) are expected to join the Yankees later this season after rehabbing from injuries. The season runs from April 5 to September 8.  Saturday games typically start at 5:05 and Sundays begin at 2:05. Monday is dark with only two games scheduled all season. Gates open one hour before game time. The facility also hosts corporate events, weddings, fundraisers, and concerts.  The field received a major upgrade with new field turf being installed in the offseason.  The turf is the same quality as what is used in major league stadiums.  Other stadium upgrades for 2024 include: a new, state-of-the-art home clubhouse, and alongside the clubhouse there are new group spaces and seating options available. There is a new upper deck group area, outfield seating, and drink rail seating in left field, and a beautiful new group space that is available to rent out for events.  There are also newer and larger bathrooms. The enhancements allowed capacity to increase to 5,400 up from 4,494.  HV averaged 2,870 in 2023. Food & Beverage 3 The food choices are somewhat limited but at the same time, there are more alternatives than some minor league venues.  There is a Mexican food stand with tacos and nachos.  The loaded helmet nachos are $13.50 and tacos (chicken, beef, or bean) are $4 each or 3 for $10.  Premium beers are $13 (25 oz.), Bud is $11 and cocktails are $9.50. There are of course ballpark staples such as hot dogs, hamburgers, chicken tenders, peanuts, and french fries. Pepsi products are the beverage of choice. Atmosphere 3 The park has a friendly vibe with plenty of people working and eager to greet. The stadium's main entrance is behind home plate and an entrance for season ticket holders is on the first base side. As you enter the stadium the concourse divides the lower and upper sections of seats.  There are nine rows of seats directly behind the plate in the 100s and 12 rows in the 200s. The music and announcements are not too loud and the between-inning contests are popular. The Renegades employ the same four-bell chimes (Westminster Quarters) heard at Yankee Stadium for years when the Bronx Bombers score.  The HV mascots are a family of raccoons with Rascal and Rosey the leaders of the pack. Neighborhood 3 There are places to hang out before or after the game a short drive from the stadium. There are a few restaurants on 9D as you approach the venue from the south. There is a pizza place (Leo’s Italian Restaurant) a Chinese place and a salad place (Green Bowl) in the mall across the street.  For local craft beers, there is Two Way Brewing and Hudson Valley Brewing (Thursday-Monday) which are located just south of the stadium in Beacon. 21 Burgers and Wings in Wappingers Falls is a good local sports bar. Sloop Brewing @ the Factory in Hopewell Junction is a popular location and only a 15-minute drive east of the stadium. Fans 3 The stadium gets a good mix of older, young people and families. There is a hearty group of season ticket holders who attend the majority of games. In May, the Renegades set an attendance record during a rare “weekday game”. Thirty years after the Renegades first played in Dutchess Stadium, 5,619 students, faculty, and staff from several area schools showed up on a partially rainy “Education Day” to watch the Renegades play the Jersey Shore Blue Claws. The Renegades Team Store can be accessed via the Renegades Offices, located between the main gates & the Renegades Box Office. On game days, the Renegades Team Store is only accessible to fans inside the ballpark through the entrance next to the 3rd Base Concession Stand & across from the Family Restroom. Access 4 The stadium itself is situated in Wappingers Falls, a village of about 6,064. The drive to Heritage Financial Park from New York City is serene and scenic, especially along Route 9 or 9D. The historic Hudson River is nearby and the ballpark is just off I-84 and minutes from the Newburgh-Beacon Bridge. The Taconic Parkway is also close by and with all of the parkway/highway access it is easy to make a Stadium Journey from upstate New York, Putnam and Westchester Counties, Connecticut, and Orange County on the west side of the Hudson. It is an hour’s drive from White Plains, only 40 minutes from Danbury, Connecticut, and 60 miles from Yankee Stadium. Return on Investment 4 General Admission tickets along the right and left field lines for weekend games are just $10.50.  Field-level, cushioned seats are $26. On our recent visit, a few of the cushioned seats were torn. Food prices are standard for the minor league but a bargain compared to the big leagues. Parking is $10 ($7 for pre-purchase). Extras 3 One point is for a host of promotions.  Renegades has 15 fireworks shows including most Friday nights, and two on Saturday nights and runs several other enticing promotions including Sunday Family Funday which includes fun for the whole family at the ballpark including the dog. Face painters and balloon artists will be on hand. The other fantastic promotion is the Renegades/Yankee combo. Fans who purchase tickets online for any Sunday game excluding Father’s Day include a 2024 Renegades Hat and also a ticket to the Sunday, September 29th Yankee season finale at 3:05 pm against the Pittsburgh Pirates. Point two is for the Renegades Family 4-Pack: 4 Tickets, 4 Renegades Hats, and 4 Meal Vouchers for $99. The third point is for the new club in left field and drink rail seats and the new turf. Final Thoughts Heritage Financial Park is a solid venue to take in minor league baseball.  The scenery is picturesque, the ballpark is cozy and the new improvements make it even more worthy of a stadium journey. And there’s always a chance to witness a future NY Yankee.

Photos by David Welch, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.43 Silverbacks Park 3200 Silverbacks Way Atlanta, GA 30340 Atlanta Hustle website Silverbacks Park website Year Opened: 2004 Capacity: 5,000 You Gotta Hustle Silverbacks Park has hosted various professional sports teams over the years, including men’s and women’s soccer, rugby, and its current resident, the Atlanta Hustle of the Ultimate Frisbee Association (UFA). The Hustle joined the league, then known as the American Ultimate Disc League, as part of its expansion leading into the 2015 season. What started with just eight teams has grown into a league with 24 teams across two countries, including 22 in the United States and two in Canada, located in Montreal and Toronto. Food & Beverage   5 Silverbacks Park takes a unique approach to concessions – besides a small stand on the upper walkway that serves bottled and canned beverages and snacks, there are no traditional concession stands. Instead, Willie B’s Bar and Grill, at the north end of the stadium, offers a full menu including burgers, grilled hot dogs, wings, chicken tenders, tacos, salads, and more. Willie B’s also features a full-service bar with 14 beers on tap, including the Athens-based Creature Comforts’ flagship beer, Tropicalia. For those not interested in beer, there are options like Truly hard seltzer, Twisted Tea, and prosecco on tap. Canned beers, including White Claw, Angry Orchard, and Long Drink, are also available. Non-alcoholic options include Coca-Cola products, various energy drinks, Jarritos Mexican soda, and coconut water. Be aware that menu prices do not include tax and gratuity, which are added when you pay for the order. Atmosphere   4 Silverbacks Park does not have much of a traditional main entry point – the gates adjacent to the primary parking area are a bit non-descript, but the stairway from a secondary parking lot on the south side of the stadium offers a better view of the playing area and the stadium. Silverback Park is like any other ultimate frisbee field, similar in size to a football field, with an 80-yard long playing area and two 20-yard long end zones. Basic scoreboards are hung at each end of the field to show game time and score, but the one at the north end occasionally doesn’t work, and the times shown on the boards also do not appear to be synchronized. Ultimate is a game of constant movement with little to no breaks in the action, leaving limited time for fan interaction games or activities. However, breaks between quarters are very fan friendly. Kids are often brought to the sideline at midfield to compete in contests after the 1st and 3rd quarters. Though there is not a lot of time between scores, the team does take time to squeeze in some recognition of groups who are in attendance at the match that night. In addition to the entertaining nature of the game, the in-game DJ Hank plays popular music throughout the match that you can easily catch yourself dancing in your seat to. Leading commentary throughout the game, and calling out scoring plays, is in-game host TJ Baker – Baker and DJ Hank are also known to sprint down the sidelines with a Hustle flag to celebrate scores, creating a fun game experience. All tickets are general admission seating, which includes most of the nearside seating area, except for midfield, which is reserved for season ticket holders. Seating is limited to only one side of the field. Neighborhood   2 Silverbacks Park is in unincorporated Atlanta, pinned in by the flyover ramps of I-285. The area is a mix of residential neighborhoods, office parks, and strip malls. While food options immediately nearby are mostly chain restaurants, Buford Highway, known in Atlanta for its concentration of highly regarded international restaurants, is not far away. The area surrounding Silverbacks Park does not offer all that much in the way of recreational points of interest, but with the accessibility of I-85 that leads to downtown Atlanta, a nearly endless number of options is just about a 15-mile drive away. Closer to the frisbee venue is downtown Tucker, with several locally owned shops and restaurants, as well as the Tucker Brewing Company. A bit further out, Stone Mountain Park offers various activities, including a 36-hole golf course, miniature golf, and hiking trails around and up the world's largest piece of exposed granite. Visitors can also take a cable car to the top. Though the immediate vicinity does not offer many options, there are definitely a handful within a reasonable drive. Fans   4 The Hustle have a loyal following, largely comprised of Atlanta's ultimate frisbee community.  Many fans are either wearing Hustle shirts or jerseys, or are clad in gear from their high school or college frisbee clubs. Attendance typically ranges from the high hundreds to nearly one thousand fans per game, and they come ready to support the Hustle. Fans are also engaged, often responding to the in-game host’s call-and-response chants and cheers during play. Overall, Hustle fans are supportive of their hometown team and appreciate the efforts of the visitors; they do a great job embodying the sportsmanship that ultimate frisbee is built around. Access   3 Silverbacks Park is situated at the junction of one of the busiest interstate intersections in the country, known as “Spaghetti Junction”, notorious among locals for severe traffic delays during evening rush hour. The Hustle have taken Atlanta’s traffic into consideration when scheduling start times, however, aiming to minimize rush hour challenges for fans – Friday night matches do not start until 8 pm, and on Saturdays the first pull is at 7:30 pm. The northeast line terminus of Atlanta’s subway system, MARTA, is about three miles from Silverbacks Park, so if using the subway to access the stadium, rideshare is probably the best option to get to the venue, as the surrounding area has limited sidewalks. The first parking area inside the gates fills quickly, as it serves both Silverbacks Park and the adjacent rec league soccer fields. A larger lot accessible via a service road along the stadium's western side leads to stairs down to the southern entrance of the facility. The concourse, elevated above field level, encircles most of the seating bowl. Visitors with mobility challenges might find it difficult to access the upper concourse if they enter through the north gates, or if they go from the walkway to ground level after coming through the south end of the stadium. Return on Investment   3 Ticket prices start at $20 when purchased online, rising to $25 for walk-up purchases. This might be a touch high, especially when combined with a $5 parking fee. However, each ticket includes a drink voucher for a beer, seltzer, soft drink, or bottled water, which adds some value. At Willie B’s, food prices are comparable to those found at a typical bar and grill. Customers should be aware that an 18% gratuity is automatically added to the bill – this is noted on both sides of the menu but can be easily overlooked. Extras   3 Trophies won by previous teams that have called Silverbacks Park home are displayed behind the bar at Willie B’s. At halftime, fans are invited onto the field to toss their frisbees around, and after the match they can come back to the field to take photos and chat with Hustle team members, and again throw their frisbees. The Hustle do a lot to grow the game of ultimate frisbee in the Atlanta area. During the summer months, the team hosts their own futures camps and supports local ultimate frisbee camps run by neighboring communities. These efforts helps foster passion for both the game and the team. Final Thoughts With players nicknamed “The Waiter”, “The Watchtower”, and “The Machine”, the festive atmosphere of ultimate frisbee is just the tip of the iceberg here. The entire experience at Silverbacks Park is highly entertaining, from the action on the field to the lively environment surrounding the match. Despite not being at the forefront of professional sports, ultimate frisbee is a highly engaging and entertaining experience. The game is fast-paced and high-scoring, with scoring plays possible from any position on the field at any time. Players display lightning-fast speed, impressive vertical leaps, and a willingness to lay out completely horizontal to make plays, adding to the excitement. The combination of the players' impressive physical skills and the fun atmosphere at Atlanta Hustle matches ensures that even newcomers will enjoy an evening at Silverbacks Park.

Photos by Dave Cottenie and Patricia Beninato Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.57 PNC Park 115 Federal St Pittsburgh, PA 15212 Pittsburgh Pirates website PNC Park website Year Opened: 2001 Capacity: 38,747 The Bucs Play Here The Pittsburgh Pirates are one of the oldest franchises in major league baseball, as they were founded in 1881 as the Pittsburgh Alleghenys. It is unique among the MLB teams in that it has never moved away from its city of origin. The Pirates played in the first World Series in 1903. They lost that one but have gone on to win five World Series and nine National League Championships in the years that have followed. The home of the Pittsburgh Pirates is PNC Park. It is located on the North Shore section of Pittsburgh, across the Allegheny River from Downtown Pittsburgh and the Golden Triangle. The stadium opened in 2001 and has a capacity of 38,747. It is the fifth home of the franchise since its founding 137 years ago. It replaced the multipurpose Three River Stadium, marking a decided departure from the utilitarian design of its predecessor. PNC Park was designed by HOK, a firm noted for its engineering and architectural skills in sports facilities. It features a stone and steel exterior, reminiscent of ballpark design in the 1930s. Many locals say it reminds them of the old Forbes Field of a bygone era. The field dimensions are 320’ to right field, 410’ to left center and 399’ to dead center. The field features natural turf. Food & Beverage 5 Pittsburgh is known as a foodie town, probably due to the many ethnic groups that make up its population. While it will always offer traditional baseball foods like any MLB stadium, visiting fans will be shortchanging themselves if they do not try out the many local specialties unique to the Steel City. The concessions program at PNC Park proudly features a strong set of dishes that will leave visitors wishing their hometown ballparks would add them to their menus. The centrally located Tastes of Pittsburgh concourse offers the greatest diversity of stadium food. This includes the legendary Primanti Brothers deli sandwiches, Mrs. T’s Pierogies, Quaker Steak and Lube, Augustine’s Pizza, and Manny’s BBQ. Primanti Brothers sandwiches have been a Steel Town favorite since the 1930’s. The mile-high sandwiches feature deli-style meats, cole slaw, and French fries between two specially baked buns. Pierogies are a Polish creation, with a dough dumpling filled with ingredients like potatoes, cheese, and onions. Other foods available in separate areas of the ballpark include Cannonball Burgers, Chicken on the Hill, Deli Dogs, and Coop de Ville. Every Thursday is $1 Hot Dog Night. Pittsburgh is also known as a great beer town, with hundreds of craft brews created locally. Many of these brews are available at the Fat Head’s Bullpen Bar just beyond the centerfield wall. PNC Park also features a wide selection of beers in its convenience store outlets, The Market, scattered throughout the park. PNC Park is one of the few major league ballparks that allows outside food to be brought in. There are size limits in place, and drinks must be in a sealed clear plastic container. No alcohol or sodas can be brought into the park. Atmosphere 5 Coors Field may have the Rocky Mountains and Oracle Park may have San Francisco Bay, but no stadium shows off its hometown better than PNC Park. It offers spectacular views of downtown Pittsburgh over the outfield walls. The ballpark takes everything that could be a negative and turns it into a positive. The riverside location presents some challenges, but the park embraces it. PNC is not a big ballpark as far as capacity. However, this means that it offers a much more intimate feel to the venue, resulting in even the highest seat in the stadium being no more than 88 feet from the field. PNC Park does an excellent job of creating a deep sense of the history of the franchise. There are statues devoted to Pirate icons Honus Wagner, Roberto Clemente, Willie Stargell, and Bill Mazeroski outside of the stadium. Additionally, the retired Pirate numbers are featured in a display near the Center Field gate, and large baseballs along the riverwalk salute Pirate players who have been elected to the Baseball Hall of Fame. The Pirates did not integrate until the rest of the MLB in the late 1950’s. However, Pittsburgh was home to two of the most successful franchises in the Negro Leagues… the Homestead Grays and the Pittsburgh Crawfords. The Pirates have included a display featuring the history of the two teams at the Left Field entrance gate to PNC Park. Neighborhood 4 PNC Park’s site was chosen to take advantage of Pittsburgh’s many downtown attractions. The immediate area surrounding the park is known as the North Shore, as it is on the north shoreline of the Allegheny River. Visitors to this side of the river have plenty of options for dining, entertainment, exercise, and culture. Attractions within walking distance of PNC Park include the Andy Warhol Museum, the Carnegie Science Center, the Riverwalk, and Acrisure Stadium... the home of the Pittsburgh Steelers. Dining and drinking establishments on the North Shore include Burgertory and Mike’s Beer Bar, which carries more than 80 craft beers on tap. Lying just across the Allegheny River from PNC Park is Downtown Pittsburgh and the Golden Triangle. The two sides of the river are linked by the Roberto Clemente Bridge, which becomes a pedestrian-only thoroughfare on gamedays. This makes it extremely easy to visit the downtown area before or after a Pirates game. Downtown attractions within easy walking distance of PNC Park include the Heinz Hall for Performing Arts, the Fort Pitt Museum, and The Western Pennsylvania Sports Museum at the Heinz History Center (which offers several exhibits about the history of baseball in the Pittsburgh area). Fans 4 The Pirates have one of the most dedicated fan bases in the MLB. They still turn out in large numbers and support the team despite one of the longest absences from the playoffs in the MLB. The fans understand that the team is in one of the smallest markets in either league and operates with limited financial resources. However, they are proud that their team has made the investment in the ballpark that has it winning accolades from all areas of the country as ‘the best ballpark in the MLB.” The fans often bring their out-of-town friends to games, as win or lose, the ballpark shows the best their hometown has to offer. The terrific local cuisine served at the park, the many attractions close by, the iconic views of the Pittsburgh skyline over the outfield walls, and even the unique ways of getting to the park make PNC Park a matter of civic pride for the fans as well as the team. Access 5 Unlike many ballparks located in a large urban area, PNC Park offers a variety of options for fans to get to the Pirate games. Persons coming from the north can take I-279 South and take exits 2B or 1B to lots on the North Shore. Other travelers coming south on Rte. 28 South can exit at East Ohio Street to reach the parking lots. PNC Park is also located within a mile of both I-376 and I-579. Fans coming from the south should park in one of several lots in Downtown Pittsburgh. Fans can then cross the Alleghany River via the Andy Warhol Bridge to PNC Park. The Waze App will advise you on the best route to take to the stadium on gameday. The PRT light rail system runs free shuttle service from Downtown Pittsburgh/Golden Triangle stations to the North Side Station located just outside of the Home Plate gate at PNC Park. The Clemente Bridge between Downtown Pittsburgh and the North Shore is pedestrian-only use on gamedays. The most unique way of traveling to PNC Park is via the Gateway Clipper water shuttles. The shuttles ferry fans from the Station Square Complex on the Monongahela River to PNC Park on the Allegheny River. This journey also includes a short portion of the Ohio River. The cost for the Gateway Clipper option is $15 roundtrip. Gates at PNC Park open 90 minutes before the first pitch for Friday night and weekend games. They open 60 minutes before games on Mondays and Thursdays. Return on Investment 4 The light rail system stations serving the Golden Triangle Stations and the North Side “T” Station provide free rides to and from the park on gamedays. Fans can use the MLB Ballpark app to locate and prepurchase their parking before heading to the games. Parking on the North Shore typically costs $15 -$25. However, fans arriving early may be able to park at the Carnegie Science Center lot for just $10. Parking in downtown Pittsburgh typically goes for $10-$15. The Pirates use a dynamic pricing model for tickets. Weekday tickets start at $25, while Friday night tickets start at $26. Saturday tickets start at $27, and Sunday afternoon games start at $25. Some series will reflect higher beginning prices, especially games involving the Phillies and other division rivals. Standing Room Only tickets are sold for $10 once the seating reaches capacity. PNC operates as a cashless facility. Extras 5 One extra goes to having the backdrop of the Downtown Pittsburgh skyline just beyond the outfield walls. Unlike every other MLB ballpark, the home team dugout at PNC Park is on the third base side of the field. The Pirates get to enjoy the views of the Downtown Pittsburgh skyline. PNC is always looking for ways to improve the ballpark and the gameday experience for the Pirate fans. A new videoboard has been installed recently that is twice the size of its predecessor. It has been erected behind the left field wall, leaving the view of Downtown Pittsburgh unobstructed. In addition, self-ordering kiosks have been installed at PNC Pops Plaza that allows you to place your order from multiple concession stands in one transaction. This speeds up the concession lines, allowing fans to get back to their seats quickly so they do not miss much game action. The Bucco Brigade oversees all in-game entertainment. They coordinate the activities of the team mascot, the Pirate Parrot, as well as T-shirt tosses, hot dog shoots, and baseball quizzes during breaks in the action. They also manage the Pirate Pierogies character race in the middle of the fifth inning. There are several group seating areas within PNC Park. They include the Rooftop underneath the videoboard in left field, the Porch in center field, the Left Field Lounge, and the Azul Lounge on the third base side of the field. There are 69 PNC Luxury Suites around the infield portion of the field. There is an excellent privately managed Roberto Clemente Museum located just across the Clemente Bridge from PNC Park. Visits/tours must be prearranged by contacting the museum at www.robertoclementemuseum.com. Final Thoughts For any fan of baseball, a trip to see the Pittsburgh Pirates at PNC Park is an absolute must. With some improved play on the field this season, hopefully more fans will embrace the experience and flood the park on the banks of the Allegheny.

Photos by Gregory Koch, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 1.71 Chuck Stevens Baseball Field 11300 Gainsborough Rd Potomac, MD 20854 Koa Sports Green Wave website Ride the Green Wave The Maryland Collegiate Baseball League is a summer collegiate baseball league based in Maryland, in the Baltimore and Washington, D.C. area. Most players come from local colleges or are otherwise based locally. The Koa Sports Green Wave is based in Montgomery County, just outside DC. They play their day games at Chuck Stevens Field at Winston Churchill High School in Potomac, and their night games at Wheaton Regional Park, as Chuck Stevens Field does not have lights. This review will focus on Chuck Stevens Field. Food & Beverage 0 There is no food or drink for sale at Green Wave games. Fans can bring their own. Atmosphere 1 There are several places at Chuck Stevens Field to watch a game from, but none are particularly good. There is a small set of bleachers behind home plate, but your views of the left field corner from here will be obstructed by the dugout. Bleachers are also located further up the left field line but it is difficult to see home plate from here. In either case, you will be caught through a thick metal fence rather than netting. Some fans also choose to bring their own chairs and sit closer to the fence, often with umbrellas to stay cool. It offers marginally better views but can obstruct other fans' views. Some fans also choose to sit in the outfield, as there is a gap in the fence down the foul line, so this offers an unobstructed view. However, there are no seats here, so you will need to either bring your own or stand. A scoreboard is located in the outfield but is non-functional, so you are on your own to figure out the count and score. Music is played during breaks in the action, but there are no announcements like starting lineups or player introductions. This is an extremely barebones experience, to say the least. Neighborhood 3 Winston Churchill High School is located in a mainly residential neighborhood, so there is not much in the immediate vicinity. However, the Cabin John Village shopping center is located a short drive away and offers many options. Gregorio's Trattoria is a locally popular Italian restaurant and is probably your best option here. Fans 2 The Green Wave only draws a few dozen fans a game, and most of them are friends or family of the players. They do seem to be pretty knowledgeable about the team and the league, which is a plus. Access 2 There is a small lot at Winston Churchill High School next to the football stadium, and a larger one closer to the school. Another lot is located closer to the baseball field but is blocked off by vehicle traffic. It is open to pedestrians, and you will need to walk through it past the tennis courts to get to the stadium. Then you will walk along a gravel path and down a grass hill. It is not easy to get to the field. There are no restrooms at the field itself, but there are some in the football stadium, about a five-minute walk away right next to the entrance. They are of a sufficient size for the crowds. Return on Investment 3 There is no cost to attend a Green Wave game. However, there isn't enough here to earn more than an average value. Extras 1 Look for the plaque honoring the field's namesake, longtime Winston Churchill High School coach Chuck Stevens. Final Thoughts A Koa Sports Green Wave game is an extremely basic experience. True baseball diehards and purists and completions who want to visit as many stadiums as possible may want to check this out, but if you're not in one of those groups, this may not be the ballpark for you.

Photos by Marc Viquez Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.29 Franklin Field 7035 S. Ballpark Dr. Franklin, WI 53132 Milwaukee Milkmen website Franklin Field website Year Opened: 2019 Capacity: 4,000 Milk & Baseball in Milwaukee Franklin Field opened in 2019 on the site of the former Crystal Ridge Landfill in Franklin, Wisconsin, in the Milwaukee metropolitan area. It is home to the Milwaukee Milkmen of the American Association. Known as Routine Field during its inaugural season, but after a legal dispute about naming rights left the baseball stadium with a temporary moniker of Milkmen Stadium before settling on Franklin Field in 2020. The stadium blends in well inside The Ballpark Commons, a mixed-use development, home to live, work, and play areas that will include a beer garden, taco restaurant, brew pub, apartments, senior living housing, a hotel, an indoor sports complex, and a performance and wellness village. The Rock Sports Complex features six baseball fields and is home to 2,000 baseball games annually inside the Ballpark Commons. The stadium adds its name to big, bold, and distinctive facilities to the American Association and Wisconsin Brewing Company Park in Oconomowoc, Wisconsin, and Impact Field about an hour south in Rosemont, Illinois. All ballparks are spacious, detailed for large social areas, and are alternatives to major league baseball in the metropolitan area. Food & Beverage 3 A main area for food and drink is behind the backstop which offers an array of options for the customers at the game. The food stand is called the Burger Company and sells burgers, fried chicken sandwiches, hot dogs, chicken tenders, brats, nachos, fries, and cheese curds. The unique options are truffle parmesan fries, milkshakes, and milk and cookies. The Barcadi Bar offers alcoholic beverages from beers, hard seltzer, vodka, whiskey, tequila, and brandy. A few of the can and draft varieties include products from MillerCoors, Vizzy, High Noon, Happy Thursday, Terrapin, and Angry Orchard. The ballparks offer additional portable stands throughout the concourse that sell popcorn, grilled corn, and cupcakes. A Mexican food truck is set up near the main entrance. A few more stands are visible but were closed during our visit. Atmosphere 3 The 4,000-seat ballpark offers areas of seating for fans on the wraparound concourse. The Leinenkugel Hop Yard is an impressive two-level area on the third base side of the venue that incorporates repurposed shipping containers, and the semi-private cabana seats behind the seating bowl of the concourse offer lounge seating and service. Visitors enter Franklin Field from the outfield entrance in the left-field corner. They’re welcomed by the Leinenkugel Hop Yard area and the team’s official gift shop as they make their way to the main concourse. Visitors can buy an all-you-can-eat-and-drink ticket to the Hop Yard and choose from an array of local beers and food while enjoying the game from various viewpoints of the enclosed area. The colors of black and white are evident throughout the building, which also extends to the advertisements on the outfield walls. The game day staff members are dressed as milkmen with black bow ties, offering services at portable stands and the main concession area behind the backstop. The seating bowl offers plastic theater-style chairs in the colors of gray and yellow that add a welcome change in look not commonly found at other professional ballparks. On the top of the concourse is private cabana-style seating for groups. A video scoreboard is above the grass berm seating in left field, known as the pasture. The words “popcorn” can be heard over the sound system whenever there's a foul ball. The club offers a free bag of popcorn with every foul ball returned. There is still more grass seating down the first baseline that also features trees that add to the natural beauty of the surrounding area of the neighborhood. In the distance behind the left field wall is a large grassy hill that blends in with the large open areas in the outfield of the stadium. There are plenty of promotions: cow racing, cookie tossing, dizzy bat race, and frozen t-shirt contests. Bo-Vine is the team’s official mascot and can be seen during many of these promotions and in the stands during the game. Neighborhood 3 Franklin Field is inside the Ballpark Commons, a mixed-use development that will be home to live, work, and play areas that will include a beer garden, taco restaurant, brew pub, apartments, senior living housing, a hotel, an indoor sports complex, and a performance and wellness village. Luxe Golf Bays rises above the ballpark down the left field line and is connected to the Dog Haus and Brick Pizzeria & Ristorante. The Dog Haus offers burgers, hot dogs, and sausages with a variety of toppings, along with an impressive menu of draft beers. Brick features Neapolitan pizza and calzones baked in wood-fired ovens. There is also an open-air plaza that is perfect for families to eat and play. Across the street is Coffee Blend Cocktails that will satisfy your sweet tooth. However, a trip up north to Milwaukee is where you will find more attractions, including tours of the Fiserv Forum, the Milwaukee Arts Museum, the Harley-Davidson Museum, and the Miller and Pabst Breweries. The Milwaukee Waterfront is also worth visiting on a nice summer day. The Historic Third Ward is home to restaurants with sidewalk tables, scenic river walks, the Milwaukee Public Market, shops, and the National Bobblehead Museum and Hall of Fame. There is also a collection of local breweries in town: Good City Brewing, MobCraft Beer Brewery, Third Space Brewery, Lakefront Brewery, Sprecher Brewery, and Great Lakes Distillery. Fans 3 There is a good showing of fans who are there for an affordable night out at the ballpark and a few taking a curiosity in the new independent club in town. Fans are keeping score from their seats, many are mingling with friends, and folks are enjoying the new car smell of the ballpark. Access 4 Franklin Field is located 15 miles south of downtown Milwaukee off of S.R. 36 and near the interstates of 94 and 43. General Mitchell International Airport is less than 10 minutes to the east. The best option is by car to a Milkmen's game. The stadium is wide open, and the concourse wraps around the seating bowl. It can become a little congested near the concession stands, but the rest of the stadium offers plenty of room to move around and vantage points for photos from visitors. Return on Investment 4 The Milkmen tickets start at $11 for their version of grass berm seats dubbed “The Pastures” and bleacher and terrace seating sell for $14. Other ticket prices include the Dugout Seats for $18 and Scout seats for $20. The Leinenkugel Hop Yard includes an All-You-Can-Eat area until the 7th inning. Merchandise ranges from shirts for $22 to ball caps for $30, concession items are as low as $4 for a locally made hot dog to $8 for a fried chicken sandwich, and the parking is free of charge. There are daily themes at the games: Thirsty Thursdays, where beer is a buck, Buy-One-Get-One-Free ticket nights, Freinds & Family Deals, and Mexican Fiesta, where the Milkmen become the Lecheros de Milwaukee and wear specialty jerseys. It is incorporated with additional tables, stands, and in-between innings of entertainment. Extras 3 The Milkmen earn a few extra points for creating an atmosphere that blends well with is "America's Dairyland" theme. The team and ballpark's colors of black and white are distinctive throughout the venue. The Ballpark Commons is an active area with restaurants, stores, and golf bays that can create full-day activities for fans at the game. The stadium earns a final point for free parking. Final Thoughts Franklin Field is not your ordinary baseball stadium. It blends in well with the neighborhood, and it will only be challenged by the imagination of its architects. The enthusiasm by the game day staff dressed as milkmen, and the numerous dairyland themes make for an alternative to watching professional baseball in Milwaukee. ------ Follow all of Marc’s stadium journeys on Twitter @ballparkhunter and his YouTube channel. Email at Marc.Viquez@stadiumjourney.com

Photos by Chris Green, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.14 Cardinale Stadium 4441 2nd Ave Seaside, CA 93955 Monterey Bay FC website Cardinale Stadium website Year Opened: 2021 Capacity: 6,000 Soccer in the Bay The Monterey area is known for its great weather and beautiful scenery, but perhaps what is missing most is a true professional sports franchise – until 2021, soccer fans here had to look north to San Jose for the closest place to quench their thirst for sports. Now, thanks to Monterey Bay FC, this need has finally been met. The team plays at Cardinale Stadium, on the famed campus of Cal State Monterey Bay, featuring views of the ocean from the grandstand and a hearty mix of local food vendors to satisfy cravings while at the game. All things considered, this may be the hidden gem of California’s bustling soccer scene. Food & Beverage   4 To go hungry at Cardinale Stadium is to be blind – everything you could imagine, from typical stadium fare to food from local businesses, can be found here. Favorites like elite cups ($10), baked potatoes ($13), baked pasta ($20), mac ‘n cheese ($15-$20), cheesesteaks ($20), chicken wraps ($20), specialty corn dogs ($9-$14), calamari ($20), and so much more can be found at the various vendors. Drinks are easy to find too, with Alvarado Brewing as the main attraction for local beer. If you can’t find anything to eat or drink here, you’re simply not looking hard enough. Atmosphere   4 The game day vibe at MBFC games is unmatched; the grandstands are filled for each game, and a family-friendly atmosphere permeates throughout. Pre-game fan activities include a kids’ zone outside the main gates, giving the youngest fans a chance to have fun before the match kicks off. Sponsor activations are also plentiful, with giveaways prevalent at most games. Theme nights are also popular here, with the likes of Star Wars night and others on the schedule. The stadium itself is simple enough, and features grandstands with backed benches for seating. The middle sections on the home side feature individual seats, and the end zone supporters’ section is the place to be for the team’s rowdiest fans. Vista views of the Pacific Ocean greet fans to the west of the stadium, while coastal pines provide shade to fans on the north side of the western end of the facility. With the stadium’s color scheme matching that of the team, and logo merchandise available at several locations, it’s easy to see what makes this such a sought-after experience for local sports fans. 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 form of festival or celebration going on, such as Italian Fest, Jazz Fest, or Octoberfest. For great food, check out Gusto’s Handcrafted Pasta & Pizza, or Hula’s Island Grill. Hotels are plentiful here, including the Hilton Garden Inn Monterey and Hotel Pacific. The stadium’s immediate location, the town of Seaside, also features numerous restaurants and hotels. Fans   4 The fans in Monterey are loyal and diehard. Best of all, they’re incredibly family-friendly, with many young fans making up those who are in attendance – this makes for an enjoyable atmosphere. Most of the games feature full or nearly sold-out games, and the chants from the supporters’ section don’t stop from the first kick until the final whistle. Access   5 Parking is plentiful on-site for $20 – these lots offer easy in-and-out access to fans attending games at Cardinale Stadium, 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   4 Tickets start at just $22 for MBFC games at Cardinale Stadium, which is a steal for professional soccer, and with the incredible atmosphere and stellar weather, you’re in for great value. Add in parking on par with many other events at $20, and you’re right on target for what you’d expect to spend at any other sporting event. The prices for concessions can be a bit high, however, and that is likely to be what puts the biggest dent in your wallet, but with the quality of the food included, you’re sure to see value there as well. Extras   3 The stadium features various seating options – from the supporter section in the far end zone to the sideline premium VIP seats, you have multiple options to pick from. You also can see vista views of the ocean from the stadium and entrance area, which makes for something unique among sports facilities. Finally, with MBFC games being held on CSU Monterey Bay’s campus, you’re also among the rest of the school’s athletic fields, meaning you can easily schedule your trip to also include some college baseball or softball nearby. Final Thoughts You may not think of Monterey as a soccer mecca, but the fans here are sure to impress even the most diehard soccer fans around. For a professional team in a relatively small city in America, the setup at Cardinale Stadium is well worth a visit for anyone looking for a day of sports when visiting the California coastline.

A historic ballpark in Fort Worth, Texas, will be torn down in the coming months. The Tarrant Regional Water District Board of Directors (TRWD) voted Tuesday night to demolish the LaGrave Field after deeming it a public safety hazard. The TRWD took control of the site in 2019 and had a contract with the Save LaGrave Foundation in the hopes of restoring the former home of the Fort Worth Cats, but ended the agreement with the foundation a year later. Since then, the TRWD has spent $200,000 annually on the property. The current LaGrave Field opened in 2002 as the home of the newly formed Cats of the Central Baseball League. The original dugouts were repurposed as suites for up to 10 people, the original home plate was left intact, and a replica of the covered bleachers was constructed behind the right field walls. The Cats would cease operations after the 2014 season. The original stadium opened in 1926 to replace the all-wooden Panther Park that opened in 1911. The Ft. Worth Panthers (Cats) had won 7 straight Texas League pennants, and fans flocked the ballpark by the thousands. A modern facility was built for the newfound interest in the team. The concrete and steel structure had seating for 12,000 and offered a view of the nearby Trinity River and kept the Panther Park name. One of the people instrumental in the success of the Cats was minority stockholder and business manager Paul LaGrave. Little did he know that the stadium would bear his name after his untimely death at age 44 in January 1929. The grandstands were destroyed on May 15, 1949 by fire. Fans would continue to watch baseball by bringing foldable chairs and finding seats on the first and third base bleachers. However, the following season, the stadium was rebuilt. The Cats would continue to play until 1958, returning for one final season in 1964. Parts of the old ballpark would be sold off and transported throughout the state. St. Mary’s University and Marble High School purchased parts of the bleachers and light standards. A few floodlights were sent to the University of Texas-Pan American in Edinburg. LaGrave Field was hoping to restore the city’s professional baseball history that began in 1884, but after sitting in squalid conditions and being home to vandalism and vagrants for almost a decade, the decision to raze it puts an end to its future as a home to a professional team. The stadium sits on close to 350 acres of prime real estate and is part of the future Panther Island economic development. Several plans include a mixed-use waterfront district, possibly including apartments, businesses, and hotels or a waterfront destination. ------ Follow all of Marc’s stadium journeys on Twitter @ballparkhunter and his YouTube channel. Email at Marc.Viquez@stadiumjourney.com

Photo by Gregory Koch, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.43 Frank Mann Field 3700 Commonwealth Ave Alexandria, VA 22305 Alexandria Aces website Frank Mann Field website Year Opened: 1978 Capacity: Acing It In Alexandria Frank Mann Field is home to the Alexandria Aces of the Cal Ripken Collegiate Baseball League. The CRCBL is a summer collegiate wood bat league featuring six teams in the Washington, D.C. area. It formerly contained as many as 12 teams, but has decreased in size in recent years. Three of the teams are based in Maryland, two in Virginia, and one in the District of Columbia itself. The stadium was built in 1978 and hosts the Bishop Ireton High School team as well as several youth teams in addition to the Aces. It is named after former Alexandria mayor Frank Mann. Prior to hosting the Aces, it was the home of the Alexandria Dukes of the Carolina League from 1978 to 1983. The Dukes later relocated down I-95 to Woodbridge, and after adopting several other names, became known as the Potomac Nationals. Following the 2019 season, the P-Nats moved again and became the Fredericksburg Nationals. In addition to the subpar facilities, the Dukes were reportedly concerned about the prohibition on alcohol sales due to the stadium being located next to a school. Food & Beverage 2 The food selection at Frank Mann Field is nothing special, but you will certainly not go hungry here either Concessions are sold out of a tent behind home plate, and the only meal options are freshly grilled hamburgers and hot dogs. There are also a wide variety of snacks, plus soft drinks and bottled water. As Frank Mann Field is located on school grounds, alcohol is not available for sale. Prices are reasonable, with nothing costing more than a few dollars, and payment can be made with cash, PayPal, or Venmo. Atmosphere 2 This is truly baseball at its basics. There are only a handful of metal bleachers seating maybe a few hundred fans. All seats are separated from the field not by netting but by a chain link fence that can make it difficult to see the action. There is a scoreboard in left-center field that shows the line score and count and the team plays music in between innings, but there really isn’t that much else here. A 50-50 raffle offers fans the chance to win a cash prize while raising money for the team, but that is about it. For baseball purists, this will be a fun experience, but those who enjoy the between inning distractions will be out of luck. Neighborhood 5 Frank Mann Field is located in Alexandria, just across the Potomac River from the District of Columbia. Although there is not much within walking distance of the stadium, those willing to drive around Alexandria will find quite a bit. The Old Town neighborhood a couple miles south is one of the nicest parts of the entire metropolitan area. Visitors will find riverfront views and streets lined with restaurants, shops, and more. As Alexandria is a very diverse area, you will find ethnic food of just about every nationality, whether it’s Bolivian, Salvadoran, or Italian. Il Porto Ristorante has fantastic Italian food and is conveniently located just up King Street from Pop’s Old Fashion Ice Cream, where you can finish off your meal with homemade ice cream. Hotels are ample in supply as well – check out the Old Town or Crystal City areas. Fans 3 The Aces draw a decent crowd of a couple hundred fans per game. While the bleachers won't be full, the crowd here is about what you see at most venues in the league, maybe a little bit higher. The crowd is a mix of longer-time fans and young families, and kids can be seen scurrying around the seating area during the game. You'll hear some cheering after big plays, but this crowd generally doesn't get too involved. Access 4 Frank Mann Field is located just off Commonwealth Avenue in the City of Alexandria. Parking is free in a lot adjacent to the stadium, with additional spaces being available beyond the outfield fence. Do not park on the street or you will be towed. Be careful about parking too close to the entrance, as you will be in foul ball territory. All Aces games start at 6:30 PM, which means you will likely be dealing with rush hour traffic to get to a game if you come on a weeknight. D.C. traffic is some of the worst in the country, so be sure to allow a lot of extra time. It’s not quite as bad in the summer as during the rest of the year, but that isn’t saying much. The recently opened Potomac Yard station on Metro's Blue and Yellow Lines is about a 20 minute walk from the stadium. Return on Investment 5 Tickets are $7 for adults and $3 for children. Concessions are incredibly affordable as well. This makes an Aces game a great value. Extras 3 There is a tent near the entrance selling team merchandise. There is a table near the entrance offering not just free roster cards (for the Aces only, not their opponent) but free copies of a local newspaper's special edition about the Aces' season. A dubiously named dunk tank down the right field line provides fans with the opportunity to throw balls at a bucket of water to make it dump its contents on the person below. This is quite popular with kids and others looking to cool off during the game. Final Thoughts Although not well-known in the Alexandria area, an Aces game can be an enjoyable way to spend a summer night watching baseball. It is affordable fun in a great city, and it is a shame that more people don't know about the team.

Iowa Speedway hosted its first NASCAR Cup Series race, the Iowa Corn 350, on Sunday evening and to say it was anything other than a complete success would be an understatement. Fans showed up in droves not only for the Cup race on Sunday, but the stands were packed on Saturday for the Xfinity Series race and there was also a great turnout for the ARCA race on Friday. Last October when Iowa Governor, Kim Reynolds, Cup driver Brad Keselowski, and other NASCAR luminaries made the announcement that a Cup race was coming to the speedway, excitement of NASCAR fans in Iowa and surrounding states soared. Cup Series tickets sold out during the presale. The Xfinity race sold out as well and there weren’t many tickets left for Friday’s slate of Cup practice and an ARCA Menards race. For fans, there were little issues that could be expected for such a large influx of people. Lines to get in could move a little quicker, there could be a few more restrooms, and the logistics of leaving the area with 30,000-plus other people could have been a bit better planned, but all-in-all, it seemed to go very well. From the driver’s perspective, many spoke highly of the track, having run there in ARCA or Xfinity races. In fact, 10 drivers have previously won races at other levels in Iowa. There was some concern about a repave of turns 2 and 4 and the effect it would have on tire wear. The results and effects of the repave weren’t completely conclusive, but many drivers wanted to come back, including Iowa Corn 350 winner Ryan Blaney, whose mother is from Iowa. Blaney told the Des Moines Register, “…Honestly, it exceeded my expectations as far as race-ability. The crowd tonight was awesome. If that doesn’t make you want to come back, I don’t know what will.” There was some doubt whether this time would ever come. Iowa Speedway opened in 2006. Despite rumors of the top level of NASCAR coming to Iowa, nothing ever materialized. The speedway hosted numerous events including the ARCA Menards Series and Xfinity Series along with IndyCar series events. In 2019, the track was purchased by NASCAR and hopes once again surged that a long-awaited Cup race would be possible. Those hopes were quickly dampened by the Covid epidemic. Since Covid, an IndyCar weekend has returned. ARCA Menards Series races came back as well but were not well attended. Attendance wasn’t a problem this weekend. Fans showed up early to take in other activities before the races. At the NASCAR experience area, you could listen to a NASCAR podcast being recorded by driver Corey LaJoie, attend driver Q&A sessions, and get autographs. Drivers made appearances and signed autographs at other sponsors displays throughout the weekend and most fans seemed to leave with at least one item from their favorite driver or team from the numerous merchandise areas. All things considered, the weekend couldn’t have gone much better if you made the trip to Newton, Iowa and Iowa Speedway.. Will the Cup series race return in 2025 and beyond? Time will tell. But for one hot and steamy weekend in June, the “fastest short track on the planet” proved it can be a player on one of auto racing’s biggest stages.

The city of Brockton, Massachusetts refers to itself as “The City of Champions.” This moniker comes from its history of producing boxing champions, most notably Rocky Marciano and Marvelous Marvin Hagler. On Thursday the city unveiled a statue of Hagler in the shadows of the site of legendary Petronelli Gym, where Hagler famously trained during his fighting days. The statue, commissioned at a price of $150,000, is located in the new Hagler Park at the corner of Petronelli Way and Hagler Way. Hagler passed away in 2021 at the age of 66. He finished his career with a record of 62-3-2 with 53 knockouts. He was the undisputed Middleweight champion from 1980-87, making 12 title defenses during that time. Hagler was inducted into the World Boxing Hall of Fame in 1993. Boxing Illustrated named him the 1980s Fighter of the Decade, and he was named Boxer of the Year twice. Dozens of people were in attendance at the unveiling, including family members, former opponent Vito Antuofermo and city leaders. “I will say one thing about Marvelous Marvin, he never forgot where he came from,” Mayor Robert Sullivan told the crowd. “So today he is not here physically, but he is here in spirit.” The statue, which stands about six feet tall, depicts Hagler throwing one of his legendary left jabs. At the base of the statue are replicas of his three championship belts. A dogwood sapling, which should grow to about 12 feet tall, is planted at the park to honor Hagler’s mother, Ida Mae Lang. Hagler’s statue is the second erected in the city honoring a local boxing champion. In 2012, the World Boxing Council gifted a $250,000, 22 foot-tall statue of Rocky Marciano. This statue, the largest statue of a sporting figure in the world, is located at Rocky Marciano Stadium on the campus of Brockton High School, behind Campanelli Stadium, home of the New England Knockouts and Brockton Rox.

Photos by Dave Cottenie, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.14 Scotiabank Rink @ Iroquois Park Sports Centre 500 Victoria St. W. Whitby, ON L1N 9G4 Whitby Warriors website Iroquois Park Sports Centre website Year Opened: 1974 Capacity: 2,500 The Warrior Way One of the lacrosse hotbeds in Canada can be found in Whitby, Ontario.  Colloquially known as the ‘Town’ of Whitby, with a population of over 135,000 and located along Highway 401, Whitby lives in the shadow of the giant metropolis of Toronto to the west and the automotive hub of Oshawa to the east.  Organized lacrosse dates back to the sixties and Whitby currently fields teams at the Junior A (OJLL), Junior C and Senior A (MSL) levels.  The Junior A Whitby Warriors were established in 1968 as the Whitby B&R Transporters at the Junior B level.  In 1975, they advanced to the Junior A level as the Whitby Consolidated Builders and were renamed the Whitby Warriors in 1984.  The Warriors boast the third most Minto Cup Championships as Junior A lacrosse National Champions with eight and ten Iroquois Trophy Championships as Ontario Champions.  Some of the Warrior alumni include NLL players Mark Matthews, Chris Corbeil, Zach Greer, Dan Ladoceur and Gavin Prout.  Former NHL players Gary Roberts and Joe Nieuwendyk also suited up for the Warriors. Home for the Warriors is the Scotiabank Rink in the Iroquois Park Sports Centre.  Part of a massive sports complex, both indoor and outdoor, what is now the Scotiabank Rink was the original building which opened in 1974.  The rink is a classic, old school arena which has ice in the winter for hockey and is the home of box lacrosse in the summer months. Food & Beverage 3 The Iroquois Park Sports Centre has one main concession, which supports the multiple indoor facilities which are currently part of the park.  The concession is a typical snack bar type facility which offers a number of typical offerings.  Hot dogs, burgers, fries and poutine, cotton candy, popcorn and chips are all on the menu.  Soda, water, juice, coffee, tea and slushies are the beverage options.  Pepsi products are featured and alcohol is not available. Atmosphere 3 Iroquois Park is a massive sports facility that includes baseball diamonds, football and soccer fields, a pool, fitness centre and multiple arenas.  The Iroquois Park Sports Centre refers to the complex that houses the arenas and other indoor facilities, where the main arena built in 1974 was built around.  Grey brick with red siding accents produce the look of the main rink exterior, however, plenty of glass can be found at the entrances and newer areas of the building.  The entry to the Iroquois Park Sports Centre is at the east side and brings fans into a large atrium that links the various parts of the Sports Centre.  The atrium has a number of trophy cases dedicated to a number of clubs and sports, including the Warriors.  The atrium also links to the Whitby Sports Hall of Fame which is surprisingly strong and features a number of items that treasure hunters will enjoy.  Some members of the hall include lacrosse royalty Gavin Prout and Dan Ladoceur, OHL and CHL commissioner David Branch and NHL legends Joe Nieuwendyk and Adam Foote. The main arena, which is also the original arena, is named the Scotiabank Rink.  Just outside the arena is a team picture and dedicated plaque to the 1958 Whitby Dunlops hockey team that featured Harry Sinden and went to the Olympics.  Inside the Scotiabank Rink the clock immediately turns back and fans are met with the bones of an old school hockey barn that has been upgraded to modern standards.  The Scotiabank Rink  has ice and is used for hockey in the winter months and as a result has a concrete floor playing surface.  The floor runs from west to east and with no logo at the centre of the floor, either the north or south side offers pretty much the same view.  Upgrades are obvious, especially when it comes to the seats, which are modern plastic arena seats on the north and south sides.  There are no seats on the ends.  The east side of the arena is reserved for lacrosse accolades and includes banners from the Senior A (Major Series Lacrosse) Brooklin Lacrosse Club, formerly known as the Redmen.  Minto Cup banners for the 1980, 1984, 1985, 1997, 1999, 2011, and 2013 Warrior teams hang proudly against the wall.  The most recent addition, the 2022 Minto Cup Championship hangs on the protective netting at the end. The gameday production at a Warriors game is very simple.  Warm-ups featured no music and there was no music during the game.  Basically, the only aspects of gameday production included the 50/50 draw and goal and penalty announcements.  If today’s sports are over-produced, the Warriors experience is underproduced. Neighbourhood 3 Iroquois Park is in the Port Whitby neighbourhood, which is south of Downtown.  There are a few spots one might consider for pre or post game food or drinks.  On the Iroquois Park site is BarDown Gastropub.  Other options include the Lake Grill and Town Brewery. For other sporting options, fans could consider the Whitby Warriors Jr. C lacrosse team or Major Series Lacrosse’s Brooklin Lacrosse Club.  The Oshawa Generals of the OHL and Ontario Tech Ridgebacks hockey and basketball are not far away. All of the lustre of Toronto is about an hour’s drive west.  Other tourist attractions in Whitby would include the Whitby Harbour Lighthouse, Lynde House Museum and Whitby Waterfront.  The Holiday Inn Whitby/Oshawa is a close accommodation for fans wishing to stay in the area. Fans 2 It is difficult to assess OJLL fans as attendance figures are not published.  For the most part, Warriors fans seem to fall in the “friends and family” category with maybe a couple hundred in attendance at best.  The Warriors typically play home games on Tuesdays, which is always a tough night for spectator sports.  Fans in attendance are pretty passive, which is not uncommon for Southern Ontario. Access 4 Iroquois Park is located in the Port Whitby neighbourhood and adjacent to Downtown.  South of Highway 401, it is not that difficult to get to, provided that fans are not having to come through Toronto, which is always a traffic headache.  There is plenty of free onsite parking.  For fans who wish to take public transit, the Whitby GO Transit station is right by the park and services GO Transit and Durham Region Transit.  Fans should consult the GO Transit and Durham Region Transit websites for fares, maps and schedules.  Getting around Iroquois Park Sports Centre is not difficult at all and the washroom facilities are good. Return on Investment 4 OJLL lacrosse provides a solid return on investment.  Whitby Warriors tickets are $12 with discounts for Seniors.  Children under 14 are free to enter also.  Parking is free and concession prices are decent.  The action on the floor is great and provides a glimpse into the future of the National Lacrosse League.  Warriors games are a bit under-produced and a few small adjustments would take the return on investment for the Warriors to the next level. Extras 3 An extra mark for the Iroquois Park Sports Centre as the host of the annual Ontario Lacrosse Festival. An extra mark for Whitby as a lacrosse hotbed. An extra mark for the long term success the Warriors have enjoyed, culminating in 8 Minto Cup Championships. Final Thoughts Inexpensive and fun, a trip to Whitby, Ontario to take in a Whitby Warriors lacrosse game is well worth it.  Whitby is a hotbed of lacrosse and there have been plenty of famous alumni who have pulled on a Warriors jersey.  The Scotiabank Rink @ Iroquois Park Sports Centre is a solid venue that offers fans just about all they would need in a facility and makes the Warrior experience one to remember. Follow all of Dave’s sporting adventures on YouTube, Twitter, Threads and Instagram @profan9.