Photos by Marc Viquez, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.29 The Cougar Den 3901 N Kinser Pike Bloomington, IN 47404 Bloomington High School North website The Cougar Den website Year Opened: 1972 Capacity: 3,020 Bloomington’s Cougar Den Bloomington High School North has the distinction of being the last IHSAA Boys Basketball State single-class champion. The Cougars defeated Delta High School 75-54 at the RCA Dome on March 22, 1997, in front of a raucous crowd who were watching an end of an era in Indiana history. The next year the basketball tournament was broken into four classes and the debate on whether Indiana should return to a single-class system has been vehemently debated since that Cougars championship victory over 20 years ago. Today, the Cougars play in a basketball frenzied town that features rivals Bloomington South and Indiana University. Bloomington North features an enrollment of 1,584 students and is a member of Conference Indiana features city rivals Bloomington South who usually draw large crowds to home games during the season. The Cougar Den was built in 1972 with the high school and has a capacity of 3,020. A number that would rank among the highest in many other states, but is behind 145 other high school gyms in Indiana in capacity size. The team plays on Tom McKinney Court, named after the man who coached the Cougars for 17 years and led the team to 9 sectionals, 2 regionals, 2 semi-states, and that last single-class state championship in 1997. Food & Beverage 3 There is one concession stand outside the gymnasium on the main floor offering the usual items found at many other high school gyms. The prices range between $1-$3 and patrons can select from hot dogs, nachos, pretzels, and beef jerky. Pepsi products sell by the bottle for $2 and fans can add cheese or chili to their hot dogs and nacho selections. Atmosphere 4 The layout of the gymnasium follows many of the designs that were created in the 1970s; much smaller than their counterparts of the previous two decades, but still impressive in size and status. There are two sections of seating on both ends with balcony seating overlooking both nets. Past titles of all sports programs are displayed on the east end of the gym, while all former Mr. Basketball jerseys are featured on the west end of the facility. Two simple scoreboards also are displayed on the walls. Outside in the main lobby, there are trophy cases that highlight the Cougars 1997 state championship, the last single-class champion in the state. A parquet floor was installed for the 1997/98 season and new lower-level bleachers and railings were put in a few years ago. The interior of the gym is accented with a nice amount of school colors of gold and burgundy and the upper-level areas offer standing-room-only seats against the railings. Neighborhood 4 The high school is located three miles from the downtown college vibe of Indiana University, about a 10-minute drive by car. There are a lot of great places to eat and visit during one’s time in Bloomington and it all depends on what you are looking for at the time. Mother Bear’s has legendary pizza and is a favorite among locals, but parking can be a “bear” outside the establishment. Upland Brewing Company is headquartered in town and serves two of my favorite beers Free Time Lager and Champagne Velvet Pilsner, plus good pub food. BuffaLouie’s offers some of the area’s best wings that come in 20 different sauces including Lucifer Buffalo, Maple Bacon, Montreal Steak, and Rasta Jerk. Lennie’s and Bloomington Brewing Company is another popular choice of voodoo chili, shrimp and blue crab dip, meatball sandwiches, and pizza. Janko’s Little Zagreb is a steak and seafood restaurant featuring 100 bottles of wine. The nightlife consists of hobnobbing with the college crowd and if that is your thing, then Nick’s English Hut and Kilroy’s on Kirkwood are your two top choices. They also made Buzzfeed’s Best College Bars in America list. Fans 3 The gymnasium was sold out for the game against New Albany during our visit, but that is because of a young man named Romeo Langford who typically plays in front of capacity crowds wherever he goes during his senior year. The home crowd was subtle and surprisingly quiet for its size, but they did make sure that they would be heard after every home team score and fast break. A typical crowd for home games ranges anywhere from 500-1500 per game Access 4 The high school is located near S.R. 37, which in a few years will be part of the I-69 expansion that will stretch from Evansville to Indianapolis, but you will need a GPS to arrive at the gymnasium due to limited road signs. Once inside, the gym is spacious enough to move around, even in front of capacity-sized crowds. Return on Investment 4 The price of admission is $5, concession items range between $1-$3, and parking is free. These prices are in line with other high school gyms in the state and after the game, one gets to enjoy the quaint, college town of Bloomington, Indiana. Extras 1 Bloomington North gets one point for its half-time show that entertains the crowd during a time when other gyms don’t offer such activities. Final Thoughts A nice, serviceable high school gymnasium that when it’s packed is full of basketball hysteria. The local area and prices of admission should be on your radar when visiting Hoosier Temples. ------ Follow all of Marc’s stadium journeys on Twitter @ballparkhunter and his YouTube channel . Email at Marc.Viquez@stadiumjourney.com

Photos by Marc Viquez, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.43 The Eel Dome 601 Lankford St Clay City, IN 47841 Clay City High School website The Eel Dome website Year Opened: 1956 Capacity: 3,000 Clay City's Eeel Dome The Eel Dome in Clay City, Indiana, might be one of the top-name gyms in the country. The home of the Clay City High School Eels has produced many memories from sectional tournament play and championship-winning teams from the mid-1970s. Recently, it received much-needed renovations to spruce the old place up for future generations. The gym was dedicated on July 9, 1956, and cost the district $500,000. The 2,300-seat sunken gym was designed by Ralph Legeman and replaced the old gym that had been constructed in 1921. Its first game was on November 2, 1956, against Staunton High School, in which the Eels lost 56-32 in front of a capacity crowd. The boys’ basketball team has captured 10 out of 12 sectional championships at the gym, plus 3 regional titles, including the 1974 team that went 25-1 before falling to Jeffersonville in front of 12,300 fans at Roberts Stadium in Evansville in the semi-state finals. The girls’ program has captured three sectional tournament titles. In 2018, both the Eel Dome and the high school went through a major renovation. The project was completed at $32,000,000 without raising local taxes. The new features at the gym were a wrap-around concourse, new locker rooms for both athletes and PE classes, a training room, a weight room, and public restrooms. The following year, a new basketball court was installed during the summer of 2019. It replaced the original floor that had been installed 64 years earlier. Sections of the floor were made available for purchase to the public through the school. The sections are still available and cost as little as $10 to as high as $100. Food & Beverage 3 Two separate concession stands inside the gymnasium offer a rather standard fare of menu items. Unfortunately, they were closed during our visit due to COVID-19 and it appeared that fans were allowed to bring in their pre-packaged items and drinks. The menu items included hot dogs, nachos, popcorn, candy, and pop. A hot dog is rather affordable at $1.50, one of the cheapest in the state. The concession items are within the average range of many other gyms in the state, and it might be best to grab a bite to eat before or after the game. Atmosphere 4 In comparison to other Ralph Legeman-designed gyms, this place feels much newer than other of its contemporaries. The place offers a little natural lighting, LED lights, an updated balcony, fresh colors of purple and silver, and a nice-looking court and center logo. The one advantage is that the building once featured windows on both sides that are not frosted over to prevent sunlight from causing trouble with shooting on the court. The windows still provided a little natural lighting along with updated LED lighting up above the court and seating bowl. The seating bowl is painted silver with purple bleacher seating, purple coloring is along the baseline on the concourse, and banners welcoming fans to “THE EEL DOME” hang on both sides of the gymnasium. The balcony area is set up for the media and provides a birds-eye view of the court at one end. Before its construction, a stage was located on the court level. All of the boys’ and girls’ basketball championship banners are hung together above the balcony for proper viewing from the stand. This area features the new wrap-around section of the gym that offers four large windowless openings for a unique view of the game on the court. The center court logo is painted with an interlocking CC with a lifelike interpretation of an eel. There is also another logo that mimics the Golden State “City” logo that is placed in certain parts of the dome. Neighborhood 3 Clay City is a small town but features two spots worthy of visiting when in town. Glory Days is a bar and restaurant that is known for good food and reasonable prices. There is a bar area where one can grab a bite and a restaurant portion in the front of the building featuring nostalgic photos from the 1950s and 1960s. However, it is its basketball collection that is the highlight of this establishment. The main lobby offers a museum-like gallery of Clay City and former high school memorabilia from schedules, newspaper articles, letterman jackets, signage, pieces of gym court, magazine covers, team photographs, and school banners. I wonder if the folks at the Indiana Basketball High School Hall of Fame know about this collection. There is also a nice area dedicated to former Indiana State Sycamore Springs Valley High School legend Larry Bird. The other place to eat is Joe’s Garage BBQ which is designed to look like an old beat-up garage that is about to fall over on itself. Inside, folks can enjoy barbecue ribs, pulled pork, brisket, burgers, and award-winning chicken wings. The sides are also a highlight, and plentiful, and include fried jalapenos, sweet potato casserole, fried okra, and mixed greens. Some specials include a pit beef sandwich and a giant smoked pork chop that Fred Flintstone would approve of on his plate. Fans 3 Due to COVID-19, there was a limited number of fans allowed into the gymnasium during our visit. I was locked out when I had to go back to my car for a part of my camera. Normally, the places pack them in for both boys' and girls' basketball games during the winter and the gym is going to host boys' sectional games this year. Fortunately, the small crowds can’t take away from the joy of begging a game or the road of the faithful in the stands. Access 4 The gym is designed for easy access with one main door entering the building and four doors opening to the parking lot after the game. The city itself is located 13 miles south of I-74 at the Brazil exit. During COVID-related times, the concourse and seating bowl is wide open. Return on Investment 4 The cost of a ticket is $5 and concession prices are among the cheapest in the state. A hot dog is $1.50 and nachos are $2, one heck of a deal for fans watching a basketball game. Fans also get to enjoy a sharp-looking, and recently renovated gym, plus enjoy a couple of great restaurants in town. Extras 3 The Eel Dome earns a point for its pristine and sharp look throughout the concourse and seating bowl. Another point is for the recent renovations that included a new court, wrap-around the concourse, and balcony for fans to enjoy. A final point is for the concession pricing. Final Thoughts The Eel Dome is among the best names in all of Indiana high school gyms. It is also a classic sunken gym design that looks a bit more modern and vibrant than many others of its kind. The pricing, atmosphere, location, and local restaurants visiting the gym are an ideal choice during the winter months in Indiana. ---- Follow all of Marc’s stadium journeys on Twitter @ballparkhunter and his YouTube channel . Email at Marc.Viquez@stadiumjourney.com

Photos by Meg Minard , Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.57 The Hangar 45116 Valley Central Way Lancaster, CA 93536 Year Opened: 1996 Capacity: 4,600 Hanging out at The Hangar The Lancaster JetHawks are the high single-A baseball team (California League) of the Colorado Rockies . They have also been affiliated with the Mariners, D-backs, Red Sox, and Astros since their move to Lancaster, CA from Riverside, CA in 1996. They originated in Reno, UT in 1947 under various names and leagues. The JetHawks are named for Lancaster’s rich history of aerospace engineering. The 23-year-old stadium’s name is called The Hangar. A NASA F/A-18 Hornet jet adorns the entrance of the stadium to honor the history of the aerospace industry. The organization provides best in class customer service and a fan feels warm and welcome attending a game at The Hangar. And, the staff actually appear to enjoy working there and making guests and fans feel good about being there. Food & Beverage 4 Plenty of food choices are available at The Hangar. Depending on attendance, all stands may not be open. The concession stands sell different main choices so look around first. Be aware lines can get very long and move slow so get your nourishment early or plan on missing some of the game. Pizza, chicken Caesar salad, pulled pork sandwiches, nachos, build your own tater tots, burgers (including turkey), spicy chicken sandwiches, and chicken tenders and fries round out the baseball specialties ($6.50 – $16). Traditional snacks like hot dogs, peanuts, popcorn, pretzels, candy, etc. are available at most stands. Down the first base outer concourse is a stand selling burgers, cheesesteaks, and beer brats with chips ($8 – $10) as well as a Budweiser beer stand. Ice cream treats include sundaes, helmet sundaes (to share), cones, dessert nachos, apple pie ala monde, and cotton candy ($4.25 – $18). Coca-Cola is soda provider for the JetHawks ($4 – $6). Domestic beer (Bud, Bud Light, Stella Artois, and the like) runs $6.50 – $9.50 depending on size and brand. Craft beer lovers should head to the Golden Road Brewing Patio near section 113 on the third base inner concourse ($9 for 16 oz of one of their delicious brews – $2 off on Mondays). All–in–all a decent selection, just be prepared for the lines that can form. Atmosphere 4 The JetHawks provide a fabulous game day experience. Fans can get seats right smack in front of bullpens (sections 119 and 121 down the third baseline and 118 and 120 down the first baseline. Row A is the very first row (net-free). The first base side is the JetHawks home side. Fans on the first base side get the sun setting in their face the first few innings. The Hanger Bullpens, Photo by Meg Minard, Stadium Journey Nets only go to the end of dugouts. Faded, green, stadium fold-down chairs with cup holders make up the seating areas (two levels of seating with a walkway between the two). Seats are wide enough with plenty of leg room. Some suites are above the second level on each side of press box. Two party decks/tents are located down the third base side that can host large events. A highway is beyond the outfield. The kids bounce house and play area are down the first base concourse. A clear, crisp, easy to read video scoreboard is in left field. It shows score by inning, line up, balls, strikes outs, player at bat with his stats, and an analog clock. Even better, a manual scoreboard is located in right field which brings back some of the nostalgia of visiting minor league ballparks 20 years ago. Misters are in the home dugout; not the visitors. Common in minor league baseball, but still annoying – music is played too loud when the starting lineup is announced so one can’t hear to update their scorecard. Just lower the music volume. The rest of the game the music volume is fine. The JetHawks provide many promotional games throughout the season: Harry Potter Night (scarf giveaway), Christmas in July, Star Wars Weekend, Fireworks Nights, and more. In game entertainment includes all the traditional contests, races, trivia, etc. The mascot, Kaboom, is non-intrusive and yet still provides entertainment for kids and adults during the game. Neighborhood 3 Lancaster is a respectable city to visit and while no night life is walking distance to the stadium there is plenty to see and do in and around town. A few regional fast food restaurants are nearby with In-N-Out being the most popular choice, but don’t shun El Pollo Loco which originated in Los Angeles. If you are looking for a few local options, drive the two miles downtown to the BLVD. Here one can find a collection of ethnic cuisine that includes 1800 Burritos & Tacos, Rio Brazilian Grill, Cuban Express, The Tai Restaurant, Cantarito Salvadorean Restaurant, and more. The BLVD has the MOAH (Museum of Arts and History) and Lancaster Performing Arts Center for some cultural entertainment and there’s often some kind of event occurring in the downtown area. Craft beer lovers will enjoy Bravery Brewery (about 5 miles from the stadium) providing a wide variety of excellent brews. And, when in Lancaster, one must drive over the Musical Road at least once. Closer to the stadium, an IMAX movie theater is nearby (just across Valley Central Way). The Lancaster Marketplace (a shopping center) is just behind the next-door hotels. A Homewood Suites and a Hampton Inn are right across the street from The Hangar parking entrance. Just across Highway 14 is a Best Western. So, plenty of places are available within a ½ mile for those spending the night. The Hanger - Hotel Across the Street, Photo by Meg Minard, Stadium Journey Fans 3 The JetHawks fans consist mostly of families and friends or couples on a date night out. Several groups also attend the games. Die-hard fans are seen throughout the stadium as well as those fans who are simply there for a pleasant evening of entertainment. Average attendance over the last few years run 2,200 – 2,400 and puts them middle of the pack for the California League. Fans cheer when appropriate and express civilized displeasure at disappointing plays and calls. Access 4 Once in Lancaster, getting to the ballpark is extremely easy. It is right off highway 14/138. Lancaster is about 70 miles from Los Angeles. The Hangar is a little further from other South Division California League venues with the Inland Empire 66ers and the Rancho Cucamonga Quakes the closest each at about 1 ½ hour drive. Remember – it’s Southern California – always add extra time to the GPS drive time. Antelope Valley Transit has a bus stop right near the ballpark (Route 11 – Avenue I and Valley Central Way) though it looks like it is does not operate on Saturday or Sunday evenings so getting back from a game may be difficult. Check their website for schedules, maps, and fares. Parking is available for $5 cash. Some of the parking is covered and those carports also double as solar panels, producing an astonishing 98% of the ballpark’s electricity. Just another cool thing about the park and the JetHawks organization. A friendly bag check is performed on entry (non-clear bags ARE allowed), though outside food and beverages are not. Moving around the seating area and on the outskirts of the concourse is open. The only congestion is in the concourse when the lines for the concessions are tremendous. These lines block ease of pedestrian movement through the outer concourse especially during the middle innings of the game. Return on Investment 5 Attending a JetHawks game is worth every sports dollar penny spent (which is not much – especially with their promotional days). Single game tickets range from $10 – $17; a $1 military, senior, or child discount is offered. Daily deals include Bark & Brews – every Monday bring your dog to the park (dogs get free admission ). And $2 off all craft beer in the Golden Road Patio. Tuesday is Community Hero night – BOGO, every Saturday home game has giveaways (hats, backpacks, cool stuff) and more. There’s something going on every day of the week. Parking is $5 (which is equal to or lower than some of the other California League stadiums). And, it’s just an enjoyable evening out. Extras 2 The program handed out upon entry is produced quite well with articles, advertisements from local vendors, information on upcoming events at the ballpark and in the community, rosters, and a scorecard. JetHawks Hall of Fame (HOF) plaques are posted on the concourse columns. Final Thoughts Visiting The Hangar brings back waves of nostalgia of minor league baseball 20 or so years ago where all staff members greet fans warmly. Where after the first few innings you can move around and not have the staff member tell a fan they can’t sit somewhere because it’s reserved (and stadium is 20% full). Between inning games are goofy but fun and the noise volume doesn’t give you a headache nor is it so loud you can’t talk with your neighbor. Yeah, it’s a bit away from the other teams in the California League and the big boys in Los Angeles and Anaheim but it’s so worth a visit. I’m going back.

Photos by Paul Swaney, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.57 The Palace of Auburn Hills 6 Championship Drive Auburn Hills, MI 48326 Detroit Pistons website Year Opened: 1988 Capacity: 21,231 Demolished: 2020 The Palace In 1988, the Detroit Pistons made the move from the Silverdome in Pontiac to the elaborately named Palace of Auburn Hills. Located in a far north suburb, the Palace is located just over 32 miles from Detroit’s city center, the longest distance between an NBA arena and the primary city it represents. The Pistons opened the new arena by winning back-to-back NBA championships in 1989 and 1990 behind the Bad Boys of Isaiah Thomas, Joe Dumars, Bill Laimbeer, et al. Fifteen years later, the cast of Chauncey Billups, Ben Wallace, Rasheed Wallace, and Rip Hamilton brought home the franchise’s third NBA championship in 2004. Following the 2009 season, the Pistons found themselves in a state of constant disappointment, missing the playoffs in six consecutive season despite playing in a rather weak Eastern Conference. This resulted in the team ranking at or near the bottom of NBA attendance by percent of capacity. This in part can be attributed to having the largest arena in the NBA with a capacity of 21,231. No doubt that team performance had a significant impact, but the first rule in real estate is location, location, location. When all of those things converge (isolated location, poor quality on the floor, and an oversized building) it can take away from the overall experience. A berth in the 2016 NBA playoffs hopefully signals the start of better things again for men of Motown. This arena may be out of the way, but once you’ve arrived, it’s a great place to see an NBA game. Food & Beverage 4 The Palace offers up a good variety of food and drinks along their one single concourse which connects upper and lower level seats. There are plenty of local items, and that should be your focus, although prices seem a bit high overall. It’s a long walk all the way around the concourse, so it would be worthwhile to check the Palace concessions list before you make your visit. Specific recommendations include the Open Pit Pork Belly Sliders from Maplewood BBQ ($12) near section 123, Smoked Kielbasa from Dearborn Sausage Company at the Linkery ($10) also near section 123, or more typical items from Championship Grill near section 110. There is also a wide variety of beverages available throughout the area. Fans of local craft beers will be attracted to the Craft Brewhouse located near section 112. You’ll find selections from Michigan breweries like Bell’s, Arbor Brewing Company, Dark Horse, Founders, and New Holland ($9.50). Craft cocktails go for $13.50. Coca-Cola products are available in two sizes ($4.50 and $6.50 for a souvenir size). You can also find bottled water ($4), Monster energy drinks ($6), and Tim Hortons coffee ($2). Atmosphere 4 The Palace of Auburn Hills nails it when it comes to entertainment value. The combination of the announcer, dancers, scoreboard videos, promotions, and in-game entertainment are hard to beat. Seats are comfortable with slightly better than average legroom, but no cup holders. Even from the very back row of the upper seating section you have a good view of the action on the floor. The court design is classic bordered in red with the circular Pistons logo at center court. The center scoreboard is one of the best in the league, with large screens and angled screens so that you have a view of the replays, video montages, and statistics whether you are sitting courtside or behind the baselines. It’s large without being the monstrosity that is taking over at many sports venues these days. John Mason is a name you probably have never heard, but he is a master of the mic as the PA announcer at the Palace of Auburn Hills. His signature call of “Deeeee-troit Baaasket-balllll!” is perfect. He no doubt adds to the overall experience. The Pistons offer a rather good drumline and dance team and you will hear and see them throughout the game during breaks in the action. Hooper, the Pistons’ horse-themed mascot, is also present in the stands and on the court throughout the contest. Look for Hooper to man a t-shirt turret and shoot shirts into the stands. The Detroit Pistons also do a good job of attracting popular (or once popular) artists. In 2016, halftime performers included CeeLo Green, Young MC, The Four Tops, and Uncle Kracker. For seating options, shoot for sections 201 or 230 so you are in the upper section near center court with a view of both benches. These seats provide good value as well as a good perspective of everything happening on the floor below. Neighborhood 3 There’s no doubt that location is the biggest negative of attending a Pistons game, although there are a couple of options for pre or post game food or drinks. Ciccarelli’s 22 Sports Bar is located just across the street from the Palace, and has some of the biggest screens that you will encounter in a sports bar, including HD Theatre Projection screens. There are at least 40 screens in all, and they do a good job of ensuring that the day’s biggest games are up for your viewing pleasure. The food is good as well with sort of a Canadian-Italian undertone to the pub grub, including poutine and arancini mixed in with burgers, BBQ, pizza, and pasta. A mile or so down the road is another classic sports bar, Hoops. They’ve been a mainstay in the area for more than two decades. Go for the wings here, or one of their burgers or sandwiches. If you are looking for additional sports experiences while you’re in the area, check the schedule for the Oakland University Golden Grizzlies who put on a good show in nearby Rochester at the O’rena. Of course during the season there are also opportunities to find doubeheader opportunities with the Red Wings at Joe Louis Arena, and to a lesser extent with the Lions at Ford Field or Tigers at Comerica Park. Auto enthusiasts should make a trip to the Walter P. Chrysler Museum. If you are looking for a hotel near the arena, then the Hawthorn Suites by Windham is your best bet. Fans 3 The Pistons have ranked at 25th or lower in average attendance in the NBA in 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, and 2016. In 2004, the team led the league in average attendance. Sure, that was a championship season, but the point is that the basketball fans in southeast Michigan have the wherewithal to make the trip to Auburn Hills when there is a quality team on the court. Now that the Pistons have once again returned to the playoffs, and have an exciting nucleus, it is time for Pistons fans to return and make an impact in the seats. In the meantime, the benefit of having 5,000 or so empty seats is that you should be able to move around almost anywhere in the upper section to choose your seat. Seat assignments are more strictly enforced in the lower sections. The fans that come to the Palace are knowledgeable of the sport and show good etiquette. You won’t see fans walking around very often while the ball is in play. Access 3 Getting to the Palace is not too difficult. It is located immediately east of I-75 and west of Highway 24. The local police and Palace officials do a terrific job of moving traffic out when the event is over. This is a huge bonus considering that arenas and stadiums that are in more rural areas tend to have more difficult times getting traffic moving slowly. During the week you can expect some rush hour traffic all around the Detroit metro area so plan accordingly and give yourself extra time. Parking will cost you $15 for Pistons games, and unfortunately you don’t have many options as there is no street parking to speak of, but there is plenty of room in the large lot surrounding the Palace. This price point is about average compared to the rest of the NBA. Given the low attendance, it may be wise to cut that cost down a bit to attract more fans. Inside The Palace, the abundance of stairs is a bit daunting. Sharing one concourse for both the upper and lower bowl increases traffic and the concourses are not that wide to begin with. Washroom facilities are adequate, although you will find lines for both men’s and women’s restrooms during peak periods. Return on Investment 4 Tickets for Pistons games can often be found for as low as $8-$12 on ticket marketplaces. Parking is near league average at $15, and food and beverage prices are about right, maybe slightly on the high side. Overall, everything is priced at about what you would expect. Look for daily deals in the Pistons team shop as well, especially as the season winds down. Extras 4 An extra mark for PA announcer John Mason who brings so much to the Pistons experience. An extra mark for the Palace being the first major arena being built while being completely privately financed. An extra mark for Hooper and his slapstick routine that he plays with visiting players during the warmup. One final extra point for the three championship banners and many retired jerseys hanging from the rafters at the Palace. Final Thoughts The Detroit Pistons are a proud franchise that seems to be on a resurgence. While the location isn’t ideal, the facility and in-game entertainment more than make up for any hassle in making the drive up to Auburn Hills.

Andrew Bauhs of College Football Tour joins us again this week as we talk about the changes in college football and his never ending quest to see every stadium in the country! 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 Tuesday at 7 PM Eastern at danlaw.tv .

This week the podcast crew counts down the ballparks of the Frontier League. Which one comes out on top according to our FANFARE score? Which ballparks come up short on their gameday experience? How about the new ballparks in New Jersey and New England? __________________________________________________________________________________ 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 Marc Viquez, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.43 The Tank 6760 IN-42 Eminence, IN 46151 Eminence HS Eels website The Tank website Year Opened: 1957 Capacity: 1,400 Welcome to The Tank The Eminence Eels are one of the last small-town high school basketball teams in the state of Indiana. The town is situated 34 miles southwest of downtown Indianapolis and was able to fend off consolidation from the 1950s to the 1970s. The 7-12 school has a total enrollment of 189 students. Its basketball teams play in The Tank, built in 1957 and proven to be long-lasting compared to its previous gyms. The Eels’ first gym was built in 1920 for $5,000 and provided the team with a gym to call their own. It burned down after a Tuesday night practice on December 14, 1928. The destruction was estimated at $3,800, above the cost of insurance. A new gym was constructed a few years later that would have a seating capacity for 500 people, but that too would be destroyed by ablaze by an overheated coal stove that was attempting to heat the gym for a game on February 12, 1955. A favorable wind prevented the blaze from spreading to nearby classrooms. The fire exceeded the $25,000 in insurance on the building, also damaged other parts of the school, and stocks were sold at $10 to the public to fund the new basketball facility. The basketball team would be homeless and played home games at nearby Monrovia High School for two years before moving into their current home in November 1957, and they have been there ever since. The Tank has outlived all its predecessors combined as it enters its 64th season. The most extensive renovations took place in September 2009 to the tune of $110,000. It included the walls painted, the wooden bleachers and floors sanded and refinished, and new red and blue covers and end caps for the bleacher seating. There was also a fresh coat of paint for the stage and ceiling, new stripes and logos on the court, and six new basketball goals that replaced the original backboards. Eminence is one of two high schools in the country named the Eels; the other school, Clay City is 45 miles down the road to the west. Both schools get their name from the nearby Eel River, and surprisingly, there are no eels found in the river or anywhere in the state. The boy’s basketball team captured four sectional championships and one regional title in 1962. The Eels have also won several conferences, invitational, and conference championships. Food & Beverage 3 There is a small concession window just outside the gym in the main lobby that has limited menu items. However, they include the standards of hot dogs, nachos, candy, snacks, and cola. There isn’t enough to keep you full and it is suggested that you grab something to eat before or after the game. Atmosphere 4 Despite its size and the current pandemic, The Tank does not disappoint when it comes to its energetic crowd and ambiance. The 1,400-seat bleacher seats are 4 feet off the ground, providing fans with an ideal view of the court, where they focus heavily on the hometown Eels. A stage is situated at one end with a red curtain. The 12-row sections are colored in royal blue and red with a small walkway on top. There is also a series of large wooden archways that hold up the roof, and provide a unique look from the stands. Staircases are on both sides of the seating section to provide easy access. The colors and logos are sprinkled throughout the venue that includes the school’s giant eel logo at the center court, the school’s official seal on one side of the wall, a “Welcome to the Tank” sign near the entrance, and a collection of sectional, regional, conference, and tournament banners above the doorway entrance. There are also many red and blue stripes to add to the aesthetics of the small gym. The outside lobby features a trophy case with memorabilia that includes photos, banners, basketballs, and trophies. A small table is set up for collecting tickets, and there is even merchandise for the kids available at another table. The concession stand and bathrooms are also both outside the gym doors. A light show is performed when the Eels enter the court that features music and a player introduction. A few other schools have similar introductions of their players, but the small confines and acoustics get the already passionate crowd a little more pumped up for the contest. Neighborhood 2 According to the school’s website, the area is almost entirely agricultural with a family atmosphere. Community support is strong, and they take pride in being a smaller rural school corporation. The town was laid out in 1855, and two years later its post office opened that is still in operation. The high school was founded in 1885, and the current building was constructed in 1931. There have been multiple additions to the school since, including the gym after the fire in 1957. However, there is not much to see in town besides a basketball game. Once you enter Eminence, you are almost about to leave Eminence. The town is 3 miles south of I-70 at Exit 51 and about 35 miles away from downtown Indianapolis. It does not have anywhere to eat, and the closest spots are towards the intersection. Fans 4 The small community gets behind the basketball team, and it is evident even when a limited amount is allowed inside the building. The fans provide an atmosphere that isn’t too far removed from a normal year of high school basketball. The small gathering showed their dismay when a tight contest slipped away from the Eels in the fourth quarter of play. Access 3 The high school is located 3 miles south of I-70 and is easy to locate once you have entered the town. The setting is easy to access with the staircases and could get somewhat cumbersome during larger crowds in the building. That was not the case during our visit and fans are up close to the action in the lower seats on each side. Return on Investment 4 The price of a ticket is $5 a person, and snacks are inexpensive. However, the gym has that wow factor and is a small drive from downtown Indianapolis. One great thing about many Indiana gyms is that they are not too far a drive from larger cities. It is also a great value to enjoy one of the last great small Hoosier temples. Extras 4 The Tank earns points for the light show that introduces players at the beginning of the game. It is a great way to get the crowd hyped before the contest. The second point is the wow factor of its design, colors, and setup. The third point is for the main school building which greets patrons when they pull into the parking lot. The final point is for the wooden arches that hold up the gym’s ceilings. A unique look that gives this small town a gym its distinction. Final Thoughts Small-town basketball is alive and well in Indiana at The Tank. The home of the Eminence Eels is a throwback experience and a reminder that a small school can rank with bigger schools in terms of atmosphere and fan participation. The Tank is a short drive from Indianapolis and easy to add to your high school basketball gym tour. _____ Follow all of Marc’s stadium journeys on Twitter @ballparkhunter and his YouTube channel .

Photos by Aaron S. Terry, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.14 Thomas A. Robinson Stadium Nassau, The Bahamas Bahamas Bowl website Thomas Robinson Stadium website Year Opened: 1981 Capacity: 15,023 Bowling in the Bahamas Thomas A. Robinson National Stadium opened in 2012, and seats 15,000. The $30 million venue was a gift to the Bahamas from the People’s Republic of China, and replaced the original Thomas Robinson Stadium, which is located nearby. The multi-purpose facility hosts mostly soccer matches, but also other sporting events, such as the Bahamas Bowl, and features plastic chairback seating on both the east and west sides, as well as an oval track around the field. The stadium is named after Thomas Robinson, former sprinter at the University of Michigan, and first Bahamian to win a medal in international competition. Robinson competed in four Olympics in the 50s and 60s, and was inducted into the Michigan Men’s Track & Field Hall of Fame in 2006. Food & Beverage 4 During the Bahamas Bowl, Thomas A. Robinson Stadium offers a wide array of food and beverage options from Tiki huts located in the southwest corner; this is the only part of the stadium that has any concessions. Food selections range in price from $2 up to $10, depending on whether you want just a snack or a full meal. There are generic stands that sell a variety of items, or specialty stands run by local restaurants that offer Bahamian fare. The lines are a little longer at the specialty stands because the food is very fresh – for example, you can watch the chef chop fresh fruit, conch, and vegetables right in front of you. The generic stands offer items such as sandwiches, chicken wings, fish fingers, hot dogs, meat balls, macaroni, fried fish, conch fritters, chicken legs, and seafood salad, as well as snacks such as fries, ice cream, small cakes, cotton candy, and popcorn, while the specialty stands have jerk chicken or pork, stewed chicken, curry mutton or curry chicken, ox tail, boiled or fried fish, conch, and plenty of other seafood options. Drink options include coffee, tea, bottled water, Coke products in cans, smoothies, beer in cans, and milo (a chocolate malt beverage). Beer costs $5, but you get a discount if you buy three or six at once – brands available include Coors, Heineken, and Guinness, as well as local favorites Radler and Kalik. Smoothies cost $8, and come in a wide variety of fruit flavors. Coffee, tea, and milo are only $1, and sodas/bottled water are $2 – Bahamas Goombay Punch is the most popular soda choice. Atmosphere 3 The crowd is very small during the Bahamas Bowl, but the staff does a good job of providing a fun atmosphere, regardless. The seats are set pretty far back from the field, mostly because of the track, but also because the stands are raised. This makes it pretty easy to see the action, however, and since the venue is so small, there really isn’t a bad seat in the house. The venue also has large scoreboards behind each end zone, which are easy to see from anywhere inside the stadium. Fans who attend the game will be rewarded with plenty of giveaways, including free t-shirts and pom-poms, as well as a Junkanoo performance during halftime, featuring traditional Bahamian costumes, dancing, and music. You will also find local companies giving away samples of things like personal care products. In addition, you can check out the fan fest, located in the southwest corner, which has football-themed games and a bouncy house for the kids. And no matter which teams are invited, you will always see plenty of orange and white, in the form of Popeye’s flags, banners, and on-field logos. There are also plenty of Bahamian flags, as well as one or two US ones (both national anthems are played before the game begins). Neighborhood 4 The stadium is in the Bahamas, which is hard to knock. However, not everything here is a resort area. Thomas A. Robinson National Stadium is located outside Nassau (the capital city) on New Providence, the Bahamas’ 11th-largest island. The 21-mile long island features some amazing resort areas, especially on the east end near Paradise Island, where you can participate in unforgettable experiences such as literally swimming with dolphins. The stadium, though, is located in a more rural area near the center of the island, close to a large lake. To get there you may drive through some pretty run-down neighborhoods, and there isn’t much in the immediate vicinity. The scenery is beautiful, however, with gorgeous palm trees and other tropical vegetation in view as you look out during the game. There are lots of great restaurants located in the resort areas along the beach, or in Nassau proper. There are also plenty of things to do on the island, depending on how much time you have or how much you are willing to spend; for example, snorkeling, cruises, fishing, etc. Or if you happen to be a landlubber, there is a zoo near the stadium showcasing wildlife from all across the Bahamas. Be aware that many of the activities, such as snorkeling or the dolphin and sea lion experiences, take several hours and start early in the day, so you probably won’t have time for them on game day. That said, you may want to plan for several days, if possible. The nicest resorts (and most expensive) are near Paradise Island, which is pretty far from the stadium. Cheaper (and closer) accommodations can be found in the Cable Beach area or in Nassau. Be aware that if you come from the US, you probably won’t want to rent a car, since they drive on the left down here and you probably aren’t used to that. Cab fare can easily run over $100 per day, depending on how close you are to things, so be sure to plan ahead for what you want to do/where you want to stay. Lastly, note that Bahamian dollars are interchangeable with US ones – just be sure to offload your Bahamian ones as much as possible before you leave, as it will be very difficult to exchange them back home. Fans 2 Since this is an away game for both teams, and a pretty far away one at that, there aren’t many fans who show up – perhaps only five or six thousand in total (which is about one-third full). You will see some fans of the two participating schools, but more than half are Bahamian locals here to enjoy American football. The fans do get pretty loud, and the announcer does a really good job of making every play matter, and keeps the fans engaged with gusto and passionate play calling. A big part of the crowd noise is actually a result of the overhang on each side, which keeps the sound in, and makes it seem much, much louder than it should, given how few fans are actually here. Access 4 Thomas A. Robinson Stadium is a cinch to get in and out of, and easy to move around, because it is small and isn’t very crowded. A lot of fans get to the stadium via shuttle buses as part of tour packages, and others come via cab (namely Americans who didn’t rent a car because they don’t want to drive on the left). That said, there aren’t many cars coming in and out, so if you do choose to drive, parking won’t be too much of an issue, and most of the parking is free right outside the gate (although there are a couple of areas where you have to pay $5). The main entrance into the stadium is from the southwest corner, which includes the main ticket office (a small wooden shed outside the stadium), as well as will-call for the two visiting teams (each team has its own table). There is a slight snarl in this corner, because the fan fest and all of the concession stands are here, but once you get past those, the stadium is practically deserted. Also, there are smaller entrances along the east and west sides if you want to avoid the southwest corner altogether. Return on Investment 3 Getting to the Bahamas can be pretty expensive, but is definitely worthwhile. Attending the bowl game here may be a different story, however – since this is generally not a marquee matchup, unless your team is in the game, it may not be that interesting. The stadium is easy to get around and provides local fare, but you can find that elsewhere on the islands. Also since the crowd is so small, there won’t be a lot of energy, so I am not sure I would go just for the game. But if you want an excuse to visit, football is always a good one. Just don’t forget your passport, and make sure you plan to stay at least a few days so you can take in some of the sights. Tickets can be purchased at the door for as little as $10 if you don’t buy beforehand, and you can pretty much sit wherever you want, since it won’t be full. I would not recommend buying tickets from the participating schools, however, as you will have to pay $40 or more. Extras 2 Being able to watch a real football game (not soccer) in another country is pretty neat. Also, the weather and location are hard to beat – the great thing about the stadium is that even though it is pretty hot, the overhang on each side of the stadium protects you from the elements, and creates a nice breeze through the seats, making it seem much, much cooler than you might expect. Final Thoughts Bowl games are a lot of fun, and there are a lot of destinations to choose from. Attending the Bahamas Bowl isn’t a bad choice, especially if your team is playing here, so consider a visit to the islands. There is so much to do here, and the bowl staff does try to put on a great show for you. Besides, where else can you watch American football at a soccer field?

Photo Courtesy of SSU Athletics Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.57 Tiger Baseball Field 3219 College St Savannah, GA 31404 Savannah State Tigers website Tiger Baseball Field website Year Opened: 2012 Capacity: 800 Savannah State’s Simple Stadium Unless you live in or around Savannah, Georgia, you probably know very little about Savannah State University. The school is an HBCU located on the outskirts of Savannah. SSU’s Tigers compete in the MEAC, a Division I conference composed entirely of HBCUs. Prior to joining the MEAC, the athletic program enjoyed success at both the D2 and D3 levels. Of course, moving up to D1 meant less success (at least initially), but the Tigers managed to win three conference titles in just their first four years in the MEAC. One of those conference championships came in 2013, and it belonged to the baseball team. The Tigers baseball team won their division and the MEAC tournament on their way to their first NCAA regional appearance. The baseball program is certainly on the rise, but it’s important to remember where they came from, especially when talking about their stadium. Since the team so recently joined Division I, Tiger Baseball Field is still a low-budget facility. As the team continues its rise, I would expect the facility to improve with it. For now, the small and simple facility provides an easy way for fans to watch the team. Food & Beverage 3 Concessions are located behind the third base dugout in a small brick building. Here you’ll find the basic stadium fare with good pricing. Hot dogs are only $2, as are Coke products and water. The most expensive item on the menu is a basket of five wings for $4. Honestly, there’s nothing wrong with this concession stand. There are no local specialty or luxury items, but you won’t overpay for your food here. Atmosphere 2 Again, I have a hard time knocking this facility. The school recently moved up from Division II and made the necessary improvements to field a competitive team. There just isn’t much to this stadium. The seating area is made entirely of metal bleachers and comes complete with a tiny box in the middle used for announcing and keeping score. Fans can also sit around the stadium in the lawn areas. The sound system is…well, kind of distracting. There is a single speaker mounted on the aforementioned brick building. Since it’s so far away from the seating area, the speaker needs to be quite loud. For those seated the appropriate distance from the speaker, this works well. On the other hand, if you sit on the third base side of the bleachers, you won’t be able to hear much during announcements and music. The scoreboard sits behind the right field fence. It’s a simple nine-inning scoreboard that covers all the necessities. Stadium lights are one of the few luxuries of this field. Not all D1 baseball fields boast stadium lighting, so I suppose that makes this facility a bit nicer. Neighborhood 3 Let me start this section off by saying that at Stadium Journey, we rate a neighborhood first and foremost by what is in the immediate area. I say this because if Tiger Baseball Field were anywhere near downtown Savannah, this would easily be a 5. The fact is, downtown Savannah is a 15 to 20 minute drive from the SSU campus. Within the immediate area, you’ll see a dollar store, a seafood market, and a sports bar. With the sports bar being a possible exception, these aren’t exactly the places you want to see after the game. Now let’s talk about downtown Savannah. If you’ve never been, surely you’ve heard from people how great it is. Everyone has their favorites in Savannah, and you should absolutely look around the area. There’s no shame in acting like a tourist in a city like this. Fans 1 Every fan here is a friend or family member of a player which isn’t always a bad thing. At this field though, there just aren’t enough fans to speak of. I don’t expect parents to be getting up out of their seats and yelling, but most are content in their own conversations. I hope that if the team becomes more relevant, some students might come out to the games. For now, though, there just isn’t much of a fan base here. Access 4 I-95 runs about 20 minutes away from the city, making it easy access from anywhere on the east coast. You’ll take I-16 to I-516, which will lead you right to the campus. Once you get to SSU, you must talk to a guard who shows you where to park. Parking is free and is just across the street from the game. Return on Investment 4 There is no cost to attend a Savannah State baseball game, and with concessions being so cheap, you probably won’t spend more than $10 to eat and see a game. Do you get a good return on your investment? I suppose since you’re investing very little, the answer is yes. Extras 1 The only thing of interest around the stadium is the Blue Angel replica plane displayed near the complex. It was donated by the Naval Air Force Museum to SSU’s Navy ROTC program. Final Thoughts There just isn’t much to this stadium. It’s not anyone’s fault, per se. This is just a small school that is relatively new to D1 athletics. That doesn’t mean it’s a bad stadium or not worth the experience. If you live near Savannah and enjoy baseball, you should absolutely come to a free game at SSU.

Photos by Andrei Ojeda, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.86 Titan Gym 800 North State College Blvd Fullerton, CA 92834 Cal State Fullerton Titans website Titan Gym website Year Opened: 1964 Capacity: 4,000 Where Titans Clash Named for the school’s nickname, Titan Gym was built in 1964 and seats 4,000 fans. Despite its age, a number of improvements in recent years have kept the gym serviceable for Division-I basketball. A new scoreboard, chair backed seating, and a redesigned floor are just a few of the renovations since 2012. Food & Beverage 2 A concession stand outside the main entrance serves up dogs, snacks and beverages at reasonable prices and includes hot dogs ($3.50) and polish dogs ($4). Both also come as combos with a bag of chips and a 16 oz soda for $2 more. Pepsi product fountain beverages are available in three sizes, 44 oz ($4.50), 32 oz ($3.50), 24 oz ($2.50). Coffee is also available for $2. Snacking options include nachos with cheese and jalapenos ($3.50), churros ($2.75), soft pretzels ($2.75, $3.25 with cheese), peanuts ($4.50), assorted candies ($3), sunflower seeds ($2) and chips ($1.50). Gatorade ($3.50) and bottled water ($2.50) are also available. If all you’re looking for is snacking options or bottled drinks, another snack stand is set up inside the arena just inside the concourse of the main entrance. Atmosphere 3 Several chants are heard inside of Titan Gym, some of which are choreographed after free throw makes. Banners honoring retired Titan hoopsters as well as national champion teams, along with murals of various student-athletes adorning the walls, definitely adds to the gym’s intimacy. In some ways the layout of the gym resembles that of Cal State Northridge’s Matadome . Despite the size of the venue, it holds sound extremely well and has a rather vibrant atmosphere. The dance team, winners of 14 National Division I Jazz Title’s , is always at peak performance, treating fans to a variety of dance routines to the tunes of various genres. This is quite impressive given their lack of local exposure compared to the more renowned local programs, USC and UCLA. Tuffy, Fullerton’s mascot, is a furry grey elephant voted upon by the students, and is very active throughout the game and in the stands, and is always happy to interact with his fans. The Stampede, the student section is rather sparse and lacks some of the traditional rituals at college basketball games. Also lacking in the section is the presence of student section specific shirts. This section could have used either some blue or orange. Neighborhood 3 The surrounding area around campus has a vast variety of pre and post game dining options, including your standard chains KFC, Panera Bread, and Five Guys Burgers and Fries. BIGS Fullerton is probably the best place nearby to pick up some wings. Beyond just the wings, they have weeknight specials as well as all sorts of fried pub food including sweet potato and curly fries. They offer over 40 beers on tap, so it could make for some good times. Oggi’s, a brewhouse that not only specializes in pizza but has a full dining area with multiple screens to view other sporting action, has several chains in Orange and San Diego counties, including Fullerton. Cal State Fullerton is a mere 10-15 minute drive from Anaheim so if you’re looking for other entertainment and dining options, downtown Disney is another option. If you don’t plan to pay the mouse a visit, parking for up to 2 hours is free, 4 hours with validation from local venues. Fans 3 As with most athletic programs, the fan support is a reflection of the product on the court. Though not filled to capacity, those who are in attendance are very active often making plenty of noise in their attempt to rally behind the home five. Because no seat is far from the action, any kind of unified noise the fans can create will definitely be felt by the players on the court. Access 3 The stadium is just minutes off of the 57, which quickly connects to the 5 and 91 freeways. Unfortunately the gym is not easily identifiable once you arrive on campus, so make sure you have some time to walk the campus and find it. CSUF is easily accessible from several major streets, however, you may want to do a quick online search before heading out as construction is being performed in several areas, particularly on State College Blvd south of campus. Parking for Titan Gym events are available on a “Park and Pay” basis for $2 an hour, with daily permits for $8. However, if the game you are attending is a weekend game, you may be in luck with some free parking. There is only one main concourse accessible to fans inside the main entrance. Fans wanting to access the concourse or seats will be walking behind the baskets or along the sidelines behind the courtside seats. Fans are permitted to walk outside the concourse to purchase concessions as well as stretch and walk around so long as they maintain their ticket stub. The restrooms are rather small, but with the size of the venue, fans are unlikely to experience any backups. The stalls actually have foot pedal flush values, something you don’t see every day. Return on Investment 3 Season ticket packages for men’s basketball are available for $468 for courtside seats and $168 for reserved sideline seats. Each season ticket package includes a per-seat donation to the basketball program. Otherwise, courtside seating is $40, reserved seating with chair backs along the sidelines are $13, general admission bleacher seating behind the baskets are $10, $8 for seniors 65 and older and $6 for children 6 and younger. All of these are reasonable prices for Division-I college basketball. Most seats are extremely close to the action, with sideline seats only 8 rows and general admission seats 15 rows deep so you’ll get a relatively good vantage point regardless of your seat. Extras 3 In the lobby of the gym, you’ll find the Titan Hall of Fame. Plaques commemorating the great athletes that contributed to the Fullerton program are recognized. Greg Bunch and Leon Wood are the two men’s basketball players that are honored here. Along the north side rafters, fans can spot the retired numbers of former Fullerton basketball numbers. These include Bruce Bowen (25), Cedric Ceballos (31), Greg Bunch (30), Leon Wood (20), Josh Akognon (1), Scott Cutley (2) and Rodney Anderson (4). Along the rafters on the south sidelines fans can spot the national title banners won from all of Fullerton’s athletic programs. Of course, when Tuffy isn’t busy hexing the visiting team he is roaming the stands always happy for photo opportunities with fans during breaks in the action. Final Thoughts The CSUF Titans are known nationwide for their dominant baseball program, who play at Goodwin Field, but their basketball program is worth checking out. The gym offers an intimate feel with no seat being far from the action. CSU Fullerton has produced some quality NBA players and perhaps eventually the basketball program may be that so-called Cinderella team that dances in March. Be sure to take some time to walk this beautiful campus, as well as the neighborhood before setting foot in the gym. Once inside, don’t be fooled by the small gymnasium as once the game starts, it has a rather big campus feel. Follow me @ good_drei on Twitter and Instagram for other pictures and happenings in L.A. and SoCal.

Photos by Gregory Koch, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.86 Tommy Lasorda Field at Meiklejohn Stadium 3331 River Fields Dr Philadelphia, PA 08105 Penn Quakers website Meiklejohn Stadium website Year Opened: 2000 Capacity: 850 The Might of the Penn and Lasorda The University of Pennsylvania's baseball team has called Meiklejohn Stadium home since 2000, although it has been known by several names since it opened. Originally known as Murphy Field, it changed its name to Meiklejohn Stadium in 2006 in honor of a donor who financed a major renovation. Later, it underwent another renovation, and in 2023 formally changed its name to Tommy Lasorda Field at Meiklejohn Stadium. Lasorda has no connection to the school, but Penn alumnus Warren Lichtenstein, who financed the renovation, was close friends with the former Dodgers skipper, who is a native of the area. Meiklejohn Stadium is tucked away in the River Fields Complex, along with several other Penn athletic facilities. It is surrounded by a power plant, an interstate highway, the Schuylkill River, and some train tracks. There are enough trees to make the setting seem at least somewhat more rustic than it actually is, and despite the unusual setting, Meiklejohn Stadium manages to be a nice place to see a game. Food & Beverage 0 There is no food or drink for sale to the general public at Meiklejohn Stadium. When Stadium Journey visited, there was a hospitality area for the donors who supported the Tommy Lasorda Field project which provided them with food and beverage, but as we attended the day of the dedication, it is unclear if this will continue. In any case, this area was only open to donors. Some of the parents of the players will bring food to share and may set it up on a table, but again, this is not for the general public. Fans are permitted to bring their own food and drink. Atmosphere 4 Meiklejohn Field is a unique ballpark in an unusual urban setting. The power plant down the right field line hums throughout the game, trains can occasionally be heard blowing their horn on the tracks, and cars drive by on the Schuylkill Expressway beyond the outfield fence. Despite this, Penn somehow makes the setting work. The field is surrounded by a seating bowl, and surprisingly for this level, all seats are chairbacks. Rather than walking along concrete in the seating area as you would at most stadiums, the ground here consists of white crushed stones, making for a unique visual environment. The public address announcer is passionate but not over the top, and helps get the crowd into it. Music is played during breaks in the action, as is standard. If you didn't know where you were, the atmosphere would seem pretty similar to that of many northeastern college baseball venues, but the fact that it is nestled in the middle of the city in an environment that seems part urban park, part just urban, makes it unique. Neighborhood 5 Meiklejohn Stadium s located in a park next to several other Penn athletic venues in the University City Neighborhood of Philadelphia. Within a short walk, you can find numerous restaurants ranging from pizza to burgers to chicken to bars, and much more. Most of this can be found north of the stadium, as the university hospital is located directly to the south. The Schuylkill River is directly to the east, but there are plenty of options as you head west along the streets as well. The New Deck Tavern is one favorite, as are the White Dog Café and highly rated Mexican restaurant Cucina Zapata. Fans 3 Penn baseball attracts several hundred fans a game to this small stadium. While friends and family of the players make their presence known. plenty of alumni and other Penn fans also show up. Going to a game here is a social activity for many of them, and a chance to hang out and talk, but they can be passionate and loud at times as well. The crowd is slightly larger than your typical college baseball crowd in this area, although not necessarily as passionate. Access 2 Meiklejohn Stadium is located in the River Fields Complex and finding it can be tricky if you are not using a GPS. The Waze app took us right to the stadium when we punched in the name, but others have reported trouble in the past. There is a lot right next to the stadium, and others elsewhere in the River Fields Complex when that fills up. It is not clear if you need to pay for parking and even security was unsure. In the past, fans could park for free at Penn games, but several fans have reported receiving tickets this season, so we were advised to pay just to be on the safe side. Parking is paid in advance at the kiosk, for $4 an hour up to $13 for the whole day. If you are staying for the whole game, you will probably pay the max rate. Remember to put the ticket on your dashboard before you go in to the stadium. Both a portable restroom and a real one in a trailer are located near the entrance, although there may be a wait at times. To get there from the seating area, you either need to walk all the way around and back, or walk up to the top of the seating bowl and down a steep hill, then do the reverse on your way back. Return on Investment 4 Admission to to Penn baseball games is free. There is no charge for concessions because there aren't any. This means that the only charge will be for parking, which is quite pricey, assuming there is indeed supposed to be a charge. However, a Penn game is still a good value even with the cost to park. Extras 2 Free programs are available in a box on the side of the press box. The Penn batting cages and bullpens are right by the entrance, so fans can watch the players before the game up close. Final Thoughts Tommy Lasorda Field at Meiklejohn Stadium is in one of the most unique settings in college baseball. Despite this, and perhaps in part because of it, a visit here is an enjoyable experience for any fan of college baseball.

Photos by Meg Minard, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.86 Toyota Arena 4000 East Ontario Center Ontario, CA 91764 Ontario Clippers website Toyota Arena website Year Opened: 2008 Capacity: 9,736 AC Clippers We Are IE The Agua Caliente Clippers of Ontario are one of the newer teams in the G League beginning operation in 2017. They are affiliates of the Los Angeles Clippers who are just 45 miles west of Ontario. The G League (Gatorade League) is the developmental basketball league (minor league) of the NBA. The Agua Caliente Clippers play their home games at the impressive looking Toyota Arena (formerly known as Citizens Bank Arena). The Toyota Arena, operated by the city of Ontario, boasts being the largest and most modern arena in the Inland Empire region as well as hosting over 125 events each year. Other sports teams who call the Toyota Arena home are the Ontario Reign (AHL – American Hockey League) and the Ontario Fury (MASL soccer). The team name comes from the Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians, a federally recognized tribe with resorts and casinos in Palm Springs who are a significant sponsor of the Clippers. Note: In July 2022, the team name changed from Agua Caliente Clippers to Ontario Clippers. Food & Beverage 3 One main concession stand and a few stand-alone food carts are open for Agua Caliente games. Dawg Gone, the major stand just inside the main entrance offers a variety of hot dogs, bratwurst, sausage, and chicken tenders $5.75 – $10.50 Veggie trays and fresh fruit cups cost $5.75. Snacks such as popcorn, nachos, pretzels, peanuts, candy, cotton candy run $5 – $8.75 (the highest is for bottomless popcorn). Coca-Cola is the soft drink provider with choices running $5.75 for a regular and $7 for a souvenir cup/$2 refills. A few stand-alone food carts dot the east end of the concourse providing ice cream, nachos, and other additional snacks. Just one full bar complements the concourse concessions offering a large variety of beers including local craft brews as well as wine and cocktails. Expect to pay $12 – $14 for beer and up to $14.50 for a premium cocktail. The self-order kiosk is not in operation during an Agua Caliente game as the crowd is much smaller and not all the concession stands are open. During a Clippers game, concessions are only open on the east side A very small merchandise area sells Agua Caliente Clippers merchandise. Atmosphere 2 The Toyota Arena has quite a sleek looking exterior with tall glass atrium entrances with the rest of exterior dark grey on the bottom, beige on top. Palm trees line the front and east sides. No benches are provided outside to sit and wait for friends but the southside main entrance handicapped walkway has a ledge that can be used. The concourse wraps around the entire seating area, however, the west end of the concourse and seating area is not used and is a ghost town during an Agua Caliente game. Fans enter the seating area midlevel and go down to seats (rows run A – N). Handrails are provided. Most of the upper level seating is curtained off with only the sections facing center court open. Twenty-four suites are edged between the two layers of seating. No fans occupied any of them during this review’s match up. Extremely comfortable, wide, blue-cushioned seats with cup holders and minimal legroom furnish the arena. Two rows of floor seats round three sides of the basketball court. The temperature is comfortable; depending on your heat/cold tolerance – a long sleeve t-shirt may be all that is needed. The music selection is not too loud and is played throughout most of the game. Several promotions and giveaways are offered at an Agua Caliente game. T-shirt tosses, shoot a basket for money during one of the breaks, an autograph session at the end of the game, different dance studios entertaining the fans at half time are just some of the treats provided to the fans. Neighborhood 4 The surrounding area resembles a business park with office buildings dotting the nearby streets. Currently under construction right across the street from the arena is an Element by Westin hotel. Other plans for the same nearby area are to build residential town homes and dwellings, restaurants, brew pubs and a shopping center. A few nearby places to eat include Hamburger Mary’s (not recommended as service is slow and the food not worth the price), Benihana’s and El Torito. Ontario Mills, one of the top shopping malls in Southern California, is within a few minutes’ drive and provides a surplus of dining options ranging from coffee to fast food to casual sit down as well as an AMC move theater and 200+ shops. An excellent hotel to stay when visiting the Toyota Arena is the LaQuinta Inn and Suites. It provides a free shuttle to/from the Ontario International Airport and even to the arena, which is a little over ½ mile away. It’s spotlessly clean and provides a good breakfast in the morning. Lodging adjacent to Ontario Mills include all the usual chains like Hyatt, Hampton Inn, Country Inn and Suites, Ayres, Aloft. Most hotels provide a shuttle drop off to the arena. Other places for entertainment can include the Whispering Lakes Golf Course for those golf enthusiasts, the Planes of Fame Air Museum for aviation history buffs, and the Rancho Santa Ana Botanic Garden is just about 15 minutes outside of town. One unique and unusual place to visit in Ontario is the Graber Olive House, home of the renowned Graber Olives. Guides tours particularly during harvest time Oct – Dec (also the beginning of the hockey season) are offered. Fans 2 The Agua Caliente Clippers draw very few fans. Those that do attend, understand and appreciate the game on the court. It would be nice to see more fans at the arena for basketball especially since the parent team is so close. Access 4 Getting to the Toyota Arena is relatively easy. It’s less than 2 miles from the I-10 and I-15 interchange and less than 3 miles from the Ontario International Airport. Parking is plentiful and costs $10 for a Reign game. Parking attendants look like they do a thorough job of directing traffic to and from spots. Rideshare drop off and pick up is on the north side of the arena on Ontario Center [road]. OmniTrans offers bus service (Route 81) with the closest stop at Concours St and Mercedes Ln. However, it doesn’t look like service is offered late at night to get back after an evening game. Check OmniTrans for schedules and fares. Gates open one hour prior to puck drop and entrance to the arena includes the typical security check. At this time, clear bag regulations are not enforced. Traversing the concourse is easy with more traffic during intermissions and at the end of the game. Handicapped seating is available at the top of the first level of seating and above the second level. Restrooms are plenty clean and available throughout the venue. Lines will form between periods. Return on Investment 3 An evening out at an Agua Caliente Clippers game is an affordable sports choice for fans in the Inland Empire region. Tickets range from $12 (end seat) – $100 (floor seats) plus an additional $4 service fee. Concession prices are on the major league level. $10 to park is high for G-League, as is a $12 beer or $14.50 cocktail. To combat some of these expenses, the Clippers do offer value packs: Chick-fil-A 4 for $44 includes 4 tickets and Chick-fil-A meal vouchers on select dates, and $5 Bud Light Thursdays. The organization has giveaways throughout the season and many theme games. Since the Clippers in no way sellout, get the end seats and then move over after the first quarter. Extras 2 The half time entertainment and theme games are quite enjoyable. The Toyota Arena is an attractive looking building and it does provide comfortable seats for watching basketball games. Final Thoughts Attending an Agua Caliente basketball game is a stark difference than attending a Reign game at the same arena. Hopefully, as the G-League and minor league basketball gets more popular, more fans will come out the Toyota Arena to watch the Clippers.

Photos by Andrei Ojeda and Meg Minard, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.71 Toyota Arena 4000 East Ontario Center Ontario, CA 91764 Ontario Reign website Toyota Arena website Year Opened: 2008 Capacity: 9,736 Together We Reign Affiliate of the NHL LA Kings, the Ontario Reign are an AHL hockey team playing in Ontario, CA. AHL hockey (American Hockey League) is kind of like AAA in baseball, the highest level before reaching the pro’s. The Reign play their home games at the sleek looking Toyota Arena (formerly known as Citizens Bank Arena). An ECHL hockey team called the same name, Ontario Reign, played at the same arena until the 2015 minor league hockey shake-up, during which the LA Kings moved their AHL affiliate from Manchester, NH to Ontario and the ECHL Reign moved to Manchester with each keeping the former team’s name. The Toyota Arena, operated by the city of Ontario, boasts being the largest and most modern arena in the Inland Empire region as well as hosting over 125 events each year. Other sports teams who call the Toyota Arena home are the Agua Caliente Clippers (G-League basketball) and the Ontario Fury (MASL soccer). The Ontario Reign provide quite an entertaining evening of hockey. Food & Beverage 4 Plenty of appetizing food is available for purchase at the Toyota Arena. Dawg Gone (hot dogs, bratwurst $5.75 – $10.50), Urban City Taqueria (Mexican $7.75 – $10), The Pizza Joint (pizza and chicken wings), Fuel Filling Station (burgers, chicken tenders $10.50 – $11 served with fries), and Good Guy’s Sandwich Co (sandwiches, mac ‘n cheese $5.75 – $12.75) round out the permanent concession stands. Snacks are offered at all of these. Coca-Cola is the soft drink provider with choices running $5.75 for a regular and $7 for a souvenir cup/$2 refills. Stand-alone food carts dot the concourse providing ice cream, nachos, and other additional snacks. Two bars complement the concourse concessions offering a large variety of beers including local craft brews as well as wine and cocktails. Expect to pay $12 – $14 for beer and up to $14.50 for a premium cocktail. Something I had not seen before, but I understand this is popping up more and more at sports venues, is a self-order concession stand kiosk, where fans can use digital display systems to order and pay for food thus reducing wait time at the traditional concession stands. Atmosphere 4 The Toyota Arena has quite a sleek looking exterior with tall glass atrium entrances with the rest of exterior dark grey on the bottom, beige on top. Palm trees line the front and east sides. No benches are provided outside to sit and wait for friends but the southside main entrance handicapped walkway has a ledge that can be used. As nice and bright and beautiful as the exterior is, the interior is unexpectedly dark; both the concourse and the seating area. The dark concourse wraps around the entire seating area with views of the ice rink only available behind one of the goal nets as the rest of the entrances to the seating sections are draped with black curtains. I’ll guess this is done more for the concerts performed at the arena than for hockey games. Fans enter the seating area mid level from the concourse and go down to seats (rows run A to O). Or climb some steps from the concourse for seats in second level (rows A up to N). Handrails are provided. Twenty-four suites are edged between the two layers of seating with the remaining twelve suites located above the second level near the northeast entrance corner. Extremely comfortable, wide, blue-cushioned seats with cup holders and minimal legroom furnish the hockey arena. It’s chilly in the rink during the hockey game so be sure to bring extra layers. The music selection is upbeat but too loud to have a conversation with your neighbor. No closed captioning is offered nor are the goal and assist scorers’ names displayed on the scoreboard. That information is only announced audibly. The scoreboard is center hung and is the perfect size for the rink. It provides a video of the game action, and the basic hockey information such as goals, time left, period, penalties, SOG, and time outs remaining. Local restaurants and businesses sponsor seat or section promos and giveaways for which the fans go bonkers. When an opposing player gets called for a penalty, all fans shout “Get in the Shed” as he’s skating to the box – sponsored by Tuff Shed. Intermission entertainment includes local dance clubs and acts and youth hockey clubs. The organization has theme nights like a Wild West Night or Comic Hero Night. A newer feature of the Toyota Arena is the outdoor North Patio where pregame Beer fests and other merrymaking is offered on select nights. It is an altogether fun time at a Reign game; one worth going to more than once a season. Neighborhood 4 The surrounding area resembles a business park with office buildings dotting the nearby streets. Currently under construction right across the street from the arena is an Element by Westin hotel. Other plans for the same nearby area are to build residential town homes and dwellings, restaurants, brew pubs and a shopping center. A few nearby places to eat include Hamburger Mary’s (not recommended as service is slow and the food not worth the price), Benihana’s and El Torito. Ontario Mills, one of the top shopping malls in Southern California, is within a few minutes’ drive and provides a surplus of dining options ranging from coffee to fast food to casual sit down as well as an AMC move theater and 200+ shops. An excellent hotel to stay when visiting the Toyota Arena is the LaQuinta Inn and Suites. It provides a free shuttle to/from the Ontario International Airport and even to the arena, which is a little over ½ mile away. It’s spotlessly clean and provides a good breakfast in the morning. Lodging adjacent to Ontario Mills include all the usual chains like Hyatt, Hampton Inn, Country Inn and Suites, Ayres, Aloft. Most hotels provide a shuttle drop off to the arena. Other places for entertainment can include the Whispering Lakes Golf Course for those golf enthusiasts, the Planes of Fame Air Museum for aviation history buffs, and the Rancho Santa Ana Botanic Garden is just about 15 minutes outside of town. One unique and unusual place to visit in Ontario is the Graber Olive House, home of the renowned Graber Olives. Guides tours particularly during harvest time Oct – Dec (also the beginning of the hockey season) are offered. Fans 4 Reign fans are pretty hardy and passionate. They like to drink (though they’re not obnoxious) and they like to yell at the ref, especially when a call is made against a Reign player. They often become seat coaches as the third period rolls around. Lots of Reign and LA Kings jerseys are worn by fans. They are as interested in the action on the ice as they are in winning a Double-Double from In-N-Out. Have no fear, they are very respectful to other fans in the stands. The AHL Ontario Reign have generally been in the top five of average attendance records since their 2015-2016 initiation averaging between 7,600 and 8,500 a game over the last few seasons. So, they certainly support their team. At the game we visited, most fans stayed all the way to the very end of an exciting overtime game. The only disappointment I have is very few fans bring cow bells. Only a handful; it’s quite wimpy for such a strong crowd. Access 4 Getting to the Toyota Arena is relatively easy. It’s less than 2 miles from the I-10 and I-15 interchange and less than 3 miles from the Ontario International Airport. Parking is plentiful and costs $10 for a Reign game. Parking attendants look like they do a thorough job of directing traffic to and from spots. Rideshare drop off and pick up is on the north side of the arena on Ontario Center [road]. OmniTrans offers bus service (Route 81) with the closest stop at Concours St and Mercedes Ln. However, it doesn’t look like service is offered late at night to get back after an evening game. Check OmniTrans for schedules and fares. Gates open one hour prior to puck drop and entrance to the arena includes the typical security check. At this time, clear bag regulations are not enforced. Traversing the concourse is easy with more traffic during intermissions and at the end of the game. Handicapped seating is available at the top of the first level of seating and above the second level. Restrooms are plenty clean and available throughout the venue. Lines will form between periods. Return on Investment 3 An evening out at an Ontario Reign game can be expensive compared to many other AHL venues. Tickets range from $24 – $28 (upper corner defending end) to $80 – $102 (on the glass). These prices include the $3 service fee the Ontario Reign adds to each ticket. Concession prices are on the major league level. $10 to park is high for an AHL arena, as is a $12 beer or $14.50 cocktail. To combat some of these expenses, the Reign do offer value packs. Chick-fil-A 4 for $64 includes 4 tickets and a Chick-fil-A meal (Wednesdays and Sundays), $2 Bud Light Fridays, Family Fun Pack where tickets start at $27 and include a hot dog and a soda, and more. Check the Reign website for details on these offers. All that said, it IS a fun, exciting time at a Reign game and the prices here are much lower than their parent club, the LA Kings, 45 miles to the west. Extras 3 The Ontario Reign will host the 2019-2020 AHL All Star Game at the Toyota Arena, something that is always an enjoyable time. Retaining the team name of Reign after moving from Manchester deserves an extra mention. Several banners hang from the rafters, including ECHL Reign Division Championships, the Manchester Monarchs 2014-2015 Calder Cup Championship, and a banner for the 2015-2016 AHL Division Championship. Final Thoughts I like it here. It’s a good minor league hockey environment. One worth visiting again.

Photos by Andrew Kulyk, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.14 Toyota Center 7016 W. Grandridge Blvd. Kennewick, WA 99336 Tri-City Americans website Toyota Center website Year Opened: 1988 Capacity: 6,000 Bringing Together the Tri Cities The Tri City Americans, representing the adjoining cities of Kennewick, Pasco and Richland in the State of Washington, are one of the flagship original franchises of the Western Hockey League. Its origins began in Calgary, before city hopping to several locations throughout British Columbia, with a 5-year stop in Billings, Montana along the way. They have been located in Tri Cities since 1988, and have played in the Toyota Center in the bedroom community of Kennewick since the arena opened that same year. The facility also doubles as a theatre, offering a season of Broadway musicals and other stage shows. The team has had a colorful history in the community, having experienced numerous ownership changes and various attempts to move the franchise out of the region despite robust fan support. For the past decade and more the team has been co owned and run by former NHL stars Olaf Kolzig and Stu Barnes, both of whom played for Tri Cities and have deep ties to the franchise and the community. The team has never won a league championship, its closes brush with glory coming in the 2009-10 season when they lost in the WHL finals. Their biggest rival is from across the state. The Spokane Chiefs are just a two hour drive from Kennewick. Both fan bases travel well, and games featuring these two teams are often exciting and heated both on the ice and in the stands. A New Year’s Eve clash has become an annual tradition. Food & Beverage 5 Quite honestly, the vast selection and presentation of the concession fare is quite astonishing for a team at this level. The food at Toyota Center is amazing. The beer is amazing. Concession stands and vending carts are everywhere, and the smart fan visiting for the first time should do a 360 around the concourse before deciding what to eat because the choices are so many. Choices include Coke products and bottled water ($3) and popcorn helmets ($8, with $4.50 to refill). The Mexican stand offers two enchiladas or two tacos for $8.50, along with burritos, taco salad or chips salad. There is actually a coffee barista stand offering various lattes and cappuccinos along with Americano coffee in all sorts of flavors ($3-$7). Another stand offers gourmet sausages with a basket of fries ($8). A Baskin Robbins ice cream stand has a single scoop ($4), and a double ($6). A hand carved NY Strip sandwich comes with chips ($10) or potatoes ($12) and looks amazing. Papa Johns sells pizza in oversized slices ($4). They fry up bags of mini donuts in all sorts of flavors ($5/dozen). Poutine, a dish consisting of fries, gravy and cheese curds can be purchased for $6. Arena standards such as burgers, chicken strips and chicken sandwich baskets with fries are available for $8. A Chinese stand offers sweet and sour chicken, General Tso chicken or teriyaki chicken complete with chopsticks ($8). Local craft brews are sold throughout the facility, including a special brewed Americans Amber, made especially for the team. On the suite level is a large seating area with tables, open to any ticket holder, offering a concession stand and bar service for fans wishing to dine in prior to the game. The portions are huge, the service friendly, the choices almost endless. Outstanding. Atmosphere 5 You’d think with such mediocre on ice results all these years, and a team tucked into an American corner of a league which has a massive Canadian footprint, that things would be pretty sedate here in Tri City. Not so. There are fans clanging cow bells, a mascot named Winger who works the crowd and exhorts the loud support, a game night presentation which is light on kiss cams, electronic cheer sequences and canned music, instead letting the fans own the cheers. One super fan, a guy named Scott, is dressed in Ams gear and a kilt, waving an oversized flag of the State of Texas for some inexplicable reason, and dons a helmet which lights up and flashes every time the home team scores a goal. He tosses confetti and the fans eat it up. It’s a fun building to watch a game. Neighborhood 3 Think of Kennewick as one big sprawl suburb, a big bedroom community with no real downtown to speak of. The Toyota Center is tucked behind a large boulevard of strip plazas and malls. Drive behind this cluster of retail, and you’ll find yourself in this large mixed use office, hotel and apartment district with windy single lane streets and roundabouts. Much of the development is new and there are acres and acres of vacant land just east of the area ripe for new development. It’s not exactly a quaint walkable neighborhood, and the arena itself is surrounded by ample, well groomed and landscaped parking lots. The locals recommend a few good sports hangouts not too far from the Toyota Center, including Kimo’s Sports Bar and Brewpub, Ivar’s Seafood Bar and Uncle Sam’s Saloon. Fans 4 These aren’t your average, minor league, come for the cotton candy and beer type of fans. They understand the game and have a real passion for their team. The Tri City Americans enjoy pretty large support from the community, and the team engages that community in many ways, mostly through its superior customer service platform. Walk anywhere in the arena and it feels like one huge local family. Out of towners are easily spotted, and concession workers, ushers and game day staff go out of their way to make you feel welcome and at home. On the night we visited, they were offering professional photo ops with a former Ams star, complete with a portable studio and backdrop. The line snaked its way around the concourse for a chance to snag a photo with the player. Nobody complained. The fans were eating it up. It’s a love affair between the Ams and this community. Access 4 Getting in and out of the neighborhood surrounding the Toyota Center is really easy. Enter from the west at the marquee along North Columbia Center Boulevard and it takes you right into the arena neighborhood. There are also access points from the south and the north. There are multiple parking lots surrounding the venue and ingress and egress is a snap. Parking is shared with the nearby Three Rivers Convention Center. There are no public transportation options, so car it is. Return on Investment 4 Adult tickets run $20, except for select premium games where the price goes to $23. There are discounts given to seniors, teens, and youths. Check out the team website and you might find some geared promotions, including a two for one Tuesday special and some four pack deals. Parking at the arena is free. We already raved about the concessions and the prices won’t kill the wallet. Extras 4 We will award one star for Stu Barnes and Olaf Kolzig, who have stepped in to give this franchise stable ownership and a consistent product. Their banners hang proudly from the rafters. And why not! Two stars go to the game day staff. We can’t emphasize enough how important it is for arena staff to treat their guests and fans with respect and courtesy. The Tri City Americans go the extra mile to make their fans feel welcome. The one thing they police very carefully? They stringently guard the alcoves to make sure fans don’t walk up and down the aisles while play is in progress. But do so in a very polite and upbeat way. Interestingly, we saw most fans in their seats stay put until a break in the action, leaving the aisles unobstructed. They take their hockey seriously here. Add one star for the one goofy media timeout fan participation thing, where the PA announcer asked all the “men” to step forward to do the dance off. What that meant was time for the youngsters to take their shirts off and wave them up above their heads. Never saw so many shirtless kids at one time in one place other than the beach. Final Thoughts The WHL is one of those vast Canadian based leagues with but a small footprint in the United States, mostly here in Washington. The Tri City Americans don’t try to emulate their Canadian counterparts – other than a Canadian flag in the rafters and poutine on the menu, their whole mojo, logo, colors, event presentation, exudes “Americans.” Don’t underestimate the Tri City Americans. It is a super hockey experience, played in a fairly middle aged arena which has the look and feel of an old hockey barn. Make your way there and take part in the fun.

Photo Courtesy of Tyler Smith Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.86 Truist Arena 500 Nunn Dr Highland Heights, KY 41099 Northern Kentucky Norse website Truist Arena website Year Opened: 2008 Capacity: 9,400 Valhalla Wasn’t Built in a Day Opened in 2008, BB&T Arena ushered in the new era of Northern Kentucky Norse basketball. The school announced its intentions to move the school’s athletic programs from the Division II level, where they had great success, up to Division I. However, that era came a bit later than expected after the arena proved a bit too nice for the Ohio Valley Conference. Luckily, the Atlantic Sun would step up and accepted NKU months later in December 2011. After playing three of the NCAA-required four probationary seasons in the A-Sun, including 2015 where the conference allowed the Norse to play in the conference tournament earlier than required, the Norse announced the surprising news that the school was abruptly moving its teams to the Midwest-based Horizon League for the 2015-2016 season. Note: The arena name changed to Truist Arena in April 2022. Food & Beverage 3 With smaller crowds, for now, the arena has one main concession stand open in the corner outside section 108. It’s a small menu with the basics like burgers, hot dogs, Papa John’s pizza, popcorn, and nachos. Prices are slightly higher than expected at a small college, but still in line with most arenas ($4-$8 for most items). Like the other Cincinnati-area schools, NKU serves alcohol at its on-campus arena with Budweiser and Bud Light on draft ($7 for 20 oz) at the main concession stand and also at a smaller beer-specific stand outside sections 105 and 106. The main stand does offer a couple premium beers (also $7), including cans of Stella Artois (16 oz pour), and an area beer in Cougar Bait (an American Blonde Ale; 12 oz pour) from Lexington, Kentucky’s Country Boy Brewing. On the student section side, there’s a small stand without beer sales tucked behind section 101. On the open platform above the seats, there’s a small ice cream stand. I’m assuming there’s a contingency plan for when the upper deck seats are used but even now there could probably be something done to get the line at the main stand moving quicker. Observing the stand outside of halftime showed the lines still backed up, blocking the concourse path. Atmosphere 3 Designed in part by local firm GBBN Architects and 360 (now HOK Sport), seating at BB&T Arena is configured for 9,400 with a complete lower bowl and a 3/4 upper deck. The seating bowl offers great views from every angle. The place is modern, bright and comfortable and is one of the nicer venues among mid-major programs.. Like many basketball-centric schools, BB&T Arena serves as not just the home of the men’s and women’s basketball programs, but also as the spiritual home of all the university’s athletic programs. This is exemplified in the NKU Athletics Hall Of Fame near the arena’s main entrance on the north end. All of the school’s championships and star players from the Division II era are recorded here. It really shows just how successful the school was and how it aided their ambition to step up to the Division I level. In their time as a Division II power since the early 70s until 2012, Norse athletic teams racked up 50 conference titles in the Great Lakes Valley Conference, 25 NCAA regional championships and three national titles. The trophies spill out into another case in the concourse. As crowds increase hopefully the school will consider moving the inflatables outside of the arena area and give that space to the students or some sort of standing perch. It is odd to see that stuff taking up space while the game is going on. Neighborhood 2 The campus was built in the early 1970s, and the architecture reflects the concrete brutalist-inspired structures popular at that time, but the campus is also being augmented with modern glass and steel buildings like Griffin Hall . NKU is still very much a commuter campus, so there’s not much life on it outside of class hours, though the university has put an effort into growing that. The surrounding town of Highland Heights is a car-centric suburb. Along with the grocery and drugstores, there are a number of shops and restaurants that dot the strip malls along Alexandria Pike (US 27). There are some decent spots nearby like local favorite Frisch’s and fast-casual chains like Chipotle and Smashburger. Fans 2 It is natural that NKU’s crowds are going to be smaller for the near future. You don’t build fan loyalty overnight and the school is still in the nascent years of its D-I era. Add in that they’re fighting for attention in a region crowded with college basketball from the likes of Kentucky, Louisville, Cincinnati, and Xavier and it’s quite the uphill fight for the young program. Nonetheless, it is still a bit disappointing to see the lack of student turnout. Perhaps the oversized student section exacerbates things, but the empty bleachers are surprising. In fairness, along with fighting to get locals to care and become invested in Norse basketball, NKU is trying to shift away from being a commuter school, and currently has only 16% of its 15,000 students in university-related housing. Access 4 NKU is located about seven miles south of downtown Cincinnati, Ohio. The campus is quite easy to reach as it sits near the intersection of Cincinnati’s beltway (I-275) and Kentucky SR-471, which starts downtown as a spur from I-71. From the city’s airport in Hebron, KY it’s just 15 minutes on 275E to the campus. After turning on Nunn Drive or using 3 Mile Road/University Drive exit from 275 (East only), the NKU Soccer Stadium and the arena are the first pieces of the campus you’ll encounter. Parking is simple as the main Welcome Center garage sits next to the arena across University Drive along with a couple of surface lots. From the garage second level, there’s an elevated walkway straight to the arena’s main entrance that also serves as one of the campus’ major visual landmarks. The surface lots next to the arena, Lot O, are generally reserved for donors and premium ticket holders with the exception of accessible parking spaces. There is also designated accessible parking in the surface lots next to the garage. Return on Investment 3 Tickets are $10 ($12 day of game) and parking is $5, which has to be one of the best sports deal in this area. Add in some snacks and a group of four can have a night out for around $70 total. With the school’s investment in the program, the Norse should continue to improve on the court, and with time should hopefully turn into a decent mid-major team. While this review was based on a men’s game, I’d advise basketball fans to look at attending a women’s game, as well. The women’s team has historically been the more successful of the two, winning two of the school’s three national titles, and continues to fare better in the D-I transition. Extras 3 One point for the Norse nickname and theme. It’s a unique choice amongst Division I schools and the school has done a nice job of utilizing Norse imagery to add to the school’s sports culture and atmosphere. Even with the smaller crowd, you’ll still see a number of students and fans wearing Viking hats and the school mascot, Victor E. Viking, is all over the place. As well, the upper-level seating is divided into the Thunder and Lightning Decks. One point for the move to the Horizon League. The A-Sun was a means to an end in the transition to Division I, but the Horizon offers many benefits as the school wraps up its probationary stage and works toward that eventful NCAA tourney berth. One point for the Hall of Fame. It shows that NKU has been excelling at sports long before the arena was built and provides major context to the history of Norse athletics. Final Thoughts There are the makings here for a great basketball atmosphere but it’s going to take time and, really, stakes. There are tons of schools that would love to have a facility this nice and the Norse fans will hopefully come around and make this a tough place for teams to play. I’m looking forward to seeing what the crowds look like here in a couple seasons when the Norse are fighting for Horizon League tournament position and have a shot at the NCAA’s.

Photos by Martin McNelis, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.43 Turners Cross Curragh Road Cork, Co. Cork Ireland Cork City FC website Turners Cross website Year Opened: 1897 Capacity: 7,100 Cork City The city of Cork, known as ‘the rebel county,’ is synonymous with sport, from gaelic games to rugby and football. The professional football teams in Cork have had many guises over the generations, from Cork Hibs, Cork Celtic and even a post World War Two side called Cork City. However, the current football team were established in 1984 and are known as ‘the Rebels’ or ‘the Leesiders.’ Throughout their relatively short history, the club have had several homes, from Turners Cross, Flower Lodge (also known as Christy Ring Park), Bishopstown and then back to Turners Cross in 1996. The club also played a European tie against Bayern Munich in 1991 at the local rugby stadium, Musgrave Park, and utilised Shelbourne’s Tolka Park to fulfill a couple of league fixtures that same year too. Cork City have had notorious and high profile financial issues over the last thirty two years, which came to a head in 2008 as the country’s economic crash bit hard into the football clubs. Cork went into administration (referred to as examinership in Ireland) and were spared going out of business by a supporter-led takeover known as FORAS – Friends of The Rebel Army Society. Despite a temporary reprieve, it wasn’t enough to prevent a court battle which saw the club forced to start in the second tier of Irish football in 2010, but the recovery has been quick and the club now operate on a more sound and secure financial footing. Boasting some of the best facilities in the League of Ireland, they also play to one of the biggest average attendances. The last two years under manager John Caulfield, himself a former cult hero with the club, have seen the team challenge a dominant Dundalk side, finishing as runners up in the league and cup in 2015. With the current campaign reaching its conclusion they still have the opportunity to right the wrongs of last season. Turners Cross is situated just over a mile outside the city centre and is nestled in the midst of a modern housing estate. It has been used for both GAA games and football over its 120-plus years. From having mainly grass embankments with an old covered ‘shed,’ a two year modernisation programme was completed in 2009 and leaves it as one of only two stadia in the country with four fully covered all-seater ends, the other being the Aviva Stadium, which is used predominantly for international football and rugby. The stadium has held some youth fixtures and finals over the years, along with minor international matches. Most notable though is the full international played at Turners Cross in May 2016, as Ireland lost 2-1 to Belarus in a friendly prior to European Championship Finals in France. Food & Beverage 3 There are a couple of points within the stands for fans to buy food, both hot and cold. All are easily accessible, with reasonable sized queues, though it’s best to avoid going just before half time which is the busiest period. The popular food ranges from chips at €3, burger & cheeseburger at €4, jumbo hot dog at €4, chicken burger €4 and fish €3.50. Tea, coffee and other soft drink are priced at €2, with cans €1.50 and Lucozade €2.50. Atmosphere 4 With the four stands occupied, even half full, Turners Cross is a great venue to watch football. Like other League of Ireland clubs there is a very close-knit community link among the supporters. There is an expectancy for the team to deliver without it being a demand or arrogance among fans. There is an evident passion within the crowd, none more so than the ‘Commandos 84’ ultra group who congregate behind the Joe Delaney Stand in what is the most recently-built stand. The Donie Ford Main Stand is where the majority of the activity is, as this is where you will find the corporate area, media facilities, Police control box and more. It is a popular area with a lot of fans; indeed, it is the designated family section too. There is a small television gantry perched on top of the stand and the players dugouts are on this side. On the left is the St Anne’s Stand which predominantly houses the away supporters with an access turnstile area designated for them. The league sponsor SSE Airtricity run competitions with selected fans to try and kick the ball through a hole from distance, with prizes being match tickets to a future fixture. There are also youth sides playing four a side with small goals for around ten minutes of the interval. By and large sitting in any part of Turners Cross provides a decent view of the pitch. If you were to find yourself sitting in the front row of any one of the four stands means you will be at pitch level and maybe not ideal. If the sun is out, which is something of a novelty in Ireland, you may find yourself squinting if you are sitting in the Joe Delaney Stand! Neighborhood 3 Set among housing a mile from the city centre, there are shops and a couple of pubs literally outside the ground, mainly for home supporters. They are busy, but the service is good and you may be able to get a seat as well. It is a busy city, but laid back. There are a couple of shopping centres, plenty of bars, cafes, restaurants and some fast food options. The latter is always welcome after a few drinks and watching the football. Fans 4 Cork City have a passionate fan base, with a lot of flag bearers, singing, drums and occasional pyrotechnics! It can be a colourful and noisy experience and this is pretty much throughout the full ninety minutes. The club have been playing to an average home gate of just under 3,000, having nearly reached 5,000 for fixtures versus Dundalk and Shamrock Rovers and a near sell out for their Europa League Qualifier against KRC Genk of Belgium. Access 4 The stadium is very accessible in terms of getting to it and moving around inside it. The only end that you would struggle to get near would be next to the away fans. If for whatever reason you wanted to sit in a different area, by and large you could find seats in three of the four stands. The number 203 bus to Ballyphehane stops on Patrick’s Street at a cost of €1.80 and passes right by the ground, while Kent train station is five minutes’ walk from the city centre and there are a couple of taxi ranks en route. Taking the latter option would set you back no more than €10 to Turners Cross. There is street parking directly outside the ground and around the streets nearby. It can be busy, but the traffic flows away from it with ease. Tickets can be bought online from Ticketmaster.ie and from a couple of designated local shops in the lead up to any home fixture. You can also walk up on the night and buy from the cabins outside the Joe Delaney Stand. This area is well stewarded with minimum fuss trying to enter. Return on Investment 4 The club run a very fair ticketing policy with adults priced at €15, youths aged between 13-18 at €10 and under 13s and pensioners at €5, making it affordable for all age levels. From the admission cost, programme and prices of food and drink, Cork City offer a good return for your outlay. Extras 2 The match programme costs €4 and is full colour, great value, an informative read and overall very well produced. The club are also still selling a book about the 2008 collapse and subsequent take over in 2010, called “Death of a Football Club” and written by former player Neal Horgan. It is a very honest account of what was happening behind the scenes, told first hand by an employee affected by the whole situation. Final Thoughts As one of the biggest and best-supported clubs in the country, not to mention the fact it has a full complement of stands, Turners Cross is a recommended visit. The city itself is also steeped in history and a very popular tourist destination.

Photos by Paul Donaldson, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.14 Turpin Stadium 468 Caspari St Natchitoches, LA 71457 Northwestern State Demons website Turpin Stadium website Year Opened: 1975 Capacity: 15,971 Fork ‘Em Demons! Turpin Stadium, home of the Northwestern State Demons football team, provides a great environment for NCAA DI-FCS football. Though times have been rough for the Demons on the field as of late, the combination of a great stadium experience and being located in one of the best small towns in America makes attending a Northwestern State football game a memorable experience regardless of the overall record. Turpin Stadium was constructed in 1975 and has a current seating capacity of 15,971. The stadium layout features an east and west grandstand with a video scoreboard in the north end zone and the Jack Clayton Plaza and fieldhouse in the south end zone. The overall experience is highlighted by a great pre-game and halftime performance from the Spirit of Northwestern (SON) marching band and spirit squads as well as a nice tailgating atmosphere in Donald’s Demon Alley. Food & Beverage 2 Turpin Stadium offers the basic stadium fare but is a little light in terms of variety or specialty items. Permanent concession stands are located on both the east and west sides of the stadium under the grandstands. Traditional game day grub includes hot dogs ($3.50, $4 with chili & cheese), hamburgers ($4), nachos ($4), and Frito pies ($4). Snacks are available ranging from popcorn to peanuts, plus a few other typical items like chips and candy. You’ll also notice a Domino’s pizza cart in the concourse serving up sliced pizza. The clear favorite at Turpin is the loaded nachos, which comes with a heaping pile of chili, cheese and peppers. Your beverage options are headlined by bottled Coca-Cola products and PowerAde for $3.50. Alcoholic beverages are not sold at Turpin Stadium. The main stands accept debit/credit card, but you may want to bring along some cash for the Domino’s pizza cart. Atmosphere 3 The atmosphere at Turpin Stadium for a Northwestern State Demon football game has lost some luster as the program has experienced some rough stretches on the field. However, Turpin Stadium is still a great venue for FCS football and there are several game day elements which help make it one of the better environments in the Southland Conference. Turpin Stadium has the traditional west and east grandstands with no seating behind the end zones. The west grandstand offers two tiers of seating. The best seats are along the 50 yard line on the west side in the lower deck. Visiting fans will find friendlies in the northwest side of the lower deck in Sections J & K. The student section and the band will be located on the east side of the stadium. The Turpin Stadium scoreboard is equipped with a small video replay screen located in the north end zone. The south end zone holds the Jack Clayton Plaza and fieldhouse. While almost every college football program features spirit squads and a marching band, Northwestern State comes through with one of the best programs in the conference. The Spirit of Northwestern (SON) Marching Band nearly fills the entire playing surface during their excellent performances. They are complemented by the Demon Dazzlers dance team and Demon Heat color guard. Vic the Demon is NSU’s costumed mascot. You’ll notice him making his way around the stadium posing with fans. ROTC members man a canon in the north end zone, which is fired after Demon scores. On third downs, the sound of a belting bell is played which fires up the home crowd. The tailgating scene outside Turpin Stadium is definitely a highlight of the overall experience. Also, the Demons do a great job of memorializing past legends and historic moments through the west side concourse. Neighborhood 4 Turpin Stadium is located on the campus of Northwestern State University in the beautiful small city of Natchitoches, Louisiana (pronounced “Nack-a-tish”). While there’s not much immediately surrounding the stadium outside of college buildings, the stadium is located just two miles from the historic downtown area along the Cane River. While in town, be sure to try the unique regional dish of Natchitoches, the meat pie. And your best bet for a classic one is at Lasyone’s. The Pioneer Pub is a great stop after the game for a few local brews and a pub style menu. Mama’s and Papa’s are two separate restaurants located next to each other on Front Street and feature two different styles of menus and atmospheres. Try Mama’s for some good fried seafood. While in Natchitoches, a stroll down the river side in the historic downtown area is a must. The streets are decorated with potted flowers along the sidewalks and the Cane River is in view. This provides for a beautiful and relaxing stroll. There’s a great small town feel here that justifies the title of “Best Southern Small Town” bestowed by USA Today’s 10 Best Reader’s Choice award. While Natchitoches isn’t littered with amazing attractions, there are a few good stops for entertainment while in town, outside of the scenic views. Be sure to stop by the Louisiana Sports Hall of Fame and the Bayou Pierre Alligator Park. Natchitoches is locally known as the Bed and Breakfast Capital of Louisiana. One of the more popular stays is the historic Steel Magnolias House, the original site of the famous movie filmed locally. The Front Street Inn offers a comfortable stay in the downtown area, and the Best Western by I-49 offers a good value. Fans 3 The Demons haven’t given fans much to cheer about lately. Though it may seem like decades to some NSU faithful, it wasn’t that long ago that Northwestern State was a perennial conference title contender. Despite a somewhat diminished on-field product, Demon fans still turn out to support their team (though in lesser numbers than in years past). Typical attendance is around 10,000, but can dip to around 6,000 at the tail end of tough years. There are a few neat fan traditions at Demon football games. For one, you’ll definitely notice the NSU “fork ’em” hand signal, as fans proudly put it high in the air during the fight song and after big plays. Also, near the end of the fight song, fans join together in belting “beat the hell outta (insert opponent name).” The student section is known as the “Inferno” and can be a raucous group to deal with when the Demons are winning. However, with the recent rough stretch on the field, the Inferno has been a few flames short of the fire it once was and has the potential to be. As the only game in a small town, Northwestern State seems to have a ton of untapped potential for an amazing fan-made environment. If the Demons can find a way to string together a few conference title contending seasons, the Turpin Stadium experience will likely burst back onto the Southland Conference scene as one of the best. Access 4 Turpin Stadium is very accessible both in terms of getting to the stadium and moving around once inside. The Northwestern State University campus and Turpin Stadium are located just off I-49. One of the few drawbacks is the rural location of Natchitoches (not conveniently located near any major cities or airports). Several of the parking lots around the stadium are reserved, but you can find paid parking close by in the Prather Coliseum lot ($10) and, if you don’t mind a short walk, there’s plenty of free on-campus parking north of Turpin. Two ticket booths are located on both ends of the west grandstand. You’ll want to make sure to enter on the side you plan to sit since there isn’t a way to cross over to the other grandstand once inside. You may experience a short line at the ticket window, but it moves quickly. You’ll walk through the entrance without much of a hassle. Once inside the stadium, there is plenty of room to move around from the spacious concourse underneath the grandstand to the aisles and rows in the stadium. If you’re planning to sit in the upper level on the west side, there are two ramps leading up on both sides of the concourse and an elevator in the center. Restrooms are a bit dated, but large enough to handle typical crowds. Be sure to check out NSU’s game day guide on their website for tips on navigating Turpin Stadium and enjoying your game day experience. Return on Investment 4 NSU Demon football provides a minimal overall investment and the return is great. The price for premier seating at Turpin is one of the lowest in the Southland Conference at only $20. General admission is available for $15, which is about middle of the road within the Southland. Though the concessions menu is limited, the price is manageable. Nearby parking is $10, but free parking is available within walking distance. It’s hard to beat the value of Southland Conference match-up or in-state battle for the overall cost. Extras 2 Demon football games at Turpin Stadium feature a few extra elements which help to elevate the overall fan experience. Northwestern State does an excellent job in memorializing the past under the west grandstand. The columns along the concourse are decorated with pictures of Demon football legends including Mark Duper, Terrence McGee, Marcus Spears, Jackie Smith, and Bobby Hebert. You’ll also notice historic team pictures and shots from legendary games. Donald’s Demon Alley is the place to be during pre-game. Complemented by the recently constructed Collins Family Pavilion, you’ll find plenty of purple-clad fans cooking up pots of jambalaya, grilling boudin, and firing up barbecue pits in front of a festive scene that includes a live band.

Photo Credit Frank L Aymami III Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.57 UNO Lakefront Arena 6801 Franklin Ave. New Orleans, LA 70122 New Orleans Privateers website UNO Lakefront Arena website Year Opened: 1983 Capacity: 8,933 Let’s Hear It for UNO When most people think of New Orleans they think of things such as Jazz, Cajun food and Mardi Gras. However, there is a whole lot more than just that offered in the Big Easy. One item that few people outside of the city are aware of is the University of New Orleans Privateers basketball team. The Privateers have been around since the late 60’s and in 1976 made the jump from Division II to Division I. The Privateers originally started as a member of the Sun Belt Conference, but after hurricane Katrina they nearly stepped down to Division III due to a drop in enrollment. Instead they decided to remain in Division I and joined the Southland Conference, effective for the 2013-14 academic year. The Privateers play their home games at UNO Lakefront Arena, an arena built in 1983 with a capacity of 8,933. The arena has had its share of bumps and bruises due to hurricane seasons, with the worst being hurricane Katrina, which kept the arena closed for nearly three years due to substantial repairs. The arena is just the right size for the Privateers needs, but isn’t at the top of what the Southland Conference offers. Food & Beverage 3 The Privateers don’t shy away from giving fans plenty of options for food and drink. Since the arena is located off of campus you will have no problem finding a variety of alcoholic beverages. Some of the selections found on tap or in a bottle at Lakefront Arena include Budweiser, Bud Light, Miller Lite, Michelob Ultra, Fat Tire, and my personal favorite Abita. Beer prices are right on par with your usual stadium and arena averages. UNO Lakefront Arena also has a nice variety of food selections. The arena carries all your normal snacks and munchies such as chips, candy, popcorn, and pretzels. You can also find some fulfilling items like cheeseburgers, pizza and my favorite smoked sausage. The Privateers give you a nice variety all while offering it at a reasonable price. Atmosphere 2 The Privateers have moved to the Southland Conference and unfortunately they left their fans and spirit in the Sun Belt. The crowds have been a bit sparse. The pep band is nice and energetic, and gets the crowd on their feet on occasion; however the game is more of a social gathering or get together for most in attendance. Neighborhood 4 The arena is located on the outskirts of New Orleans. The neighborhood around the arena is mostly filled with gas stations, supermarkets, and fast food restaurants so I would highly advise going into downtown New Orleans for any nice meal. New Orleans has something for absolutely everybody, from great food to great music to even better entertainment. Some of the best seafood and Cajun food can be found in New Orleans as well as some of the best jazz music in the entire world. If you’re looking to party or hang out for some drinks then Bourbon Street is a great option. If the Lakefront Arena didn’t offer enough for your sports appetite then check out the schedules of the Pelicans , Saints , or Green Wave and you are almost guaranteed that at least one will be in town. Fans 1 I have seen the majority of basketball venues in the Southland Conference and I have to say that the Privateers are definitely at the bottom when it comes to their fans. The student section is almost non existent and the crowd consists of mostly older alumni. The fans that I observed had no interest in the game and were using it as a social gathering to catch up on all the latest gab. When the Privateers get any kind of run or nice play there is little to no reaction from the fans other than a light cheer here and there. The pep band does their best to try and get the crowd into the game, but it seems like the Privateers following isn’t quite there yet. Access 3 Access to the stadium is easy once you figure out exactly where you need to be. Parking at Lakefront Arena is free and is readily available within mere footsteps to the arena. The concourses are wide enough to allow for easy traffic around the arena, but the bathroom stalls are very narrow. Stalls are also located on the urinals which is strange especially since they are extremely narrow, making for some uncomfortable moments, especially if you are standing next to someone. Return on Investment 2 Tickets for a Privateers game can be found anywhere from $10-$25 depending on where you would like to sit. Ten dollars is about the most I would pay for an additional experience to Lakefront Arena, as the atmosphere and fans just leave a lot to be desired. If you are in the area and just need something to kill some time as a sports fan, then the Privateers are a viable option. Extras 2 There are not a whole lot of extras or perks when it comes to Lakefront Arena. The biggest bonus is that the Privateers is located in one of the best cities in the United States. If you haven’t visited New Orleans before, then make an excuse to do so soon. The other point I award is for the free parking. It is always great to see an arena that offers free parking in today’s age.

Photo courtesy of USF Athletics Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.14 USF Baseball Stadium 4202 E Fowler Ave Tampa, FL 33620 South Florida Bulls website USF Baseball Stadium website Year Opened: 2011 Capacity: 3,211 Stunning Views in Tampa USF baseball may not be as popular as the baseball programs at some of the other major schools in Florida (such as Florida State, the University of Florida, or UCF), but USF Baseball Stadium is easily one of the most visually stunning and impressive college baseball venues in the state. Sporting a unique twin-stadium setup with USF’s softball field, this facility offers the best in comfort, viewing angle, and overall experience for both hardcore and visiting fans alike. Food & Beverage 3 The food options at USF Baseball Stadium are what one would expect from a college sporting event, and the concessions stands look top-quality. Featuring multiple stations and lines to help keep congestion down, getting a snack is smooth and painless. In addition, you are likely to find a great deal depending on what day you visit. At Tuesday home games, for example, fans can get $2 hot dogs, pretzels, popcorn, or small sodas, while all Wednesday games feature $2 hot dogs. Atmosphere 5 USF Baseball Stadium is stunning. With two patios behind first and third base, plenty of seating to pick from, and viewing berms that extend along both foul lines, you have no shortage of places to sit and watch the game. The seats themselves are contoured, meaning you fit into the seat rather than just sit on it. There is covered patio on the upper deck along the first base line, called the Donaldson Patio, which gives you an elevated view of the action. The best part of this section is that it also offers views of the USF Softball Stadium on the other railing, as both venues are connected. USF Baseball Stadium’s entrance area features ticket offices for future games, schedules for both USF softball and baseball teams, and a team store for fans to get the latest gear. Neighborhood 4 USF is located just north of downtown Tampa. The Tampa Bay area as a whole has experienced a revitalization recently, with both Tampa, St. Petersburg, Clearwater, and the various other suburbs getting an influx of new restaurants, shopping areas, and more. The campus is also close to major highways, making exploring the greater bay area rather easy for visiting fans. Hotels line the roadways outside of campus, as do restaurants and stores. And being located along the west coast of Florida not far from the water, you are sure to feel a cool breeze off the Gulf, to help with the warmth of Florida’s sun. Fans 3 The fans at USF Baseball Stadium are varied, from students to older fans who love the game of baseball. On nights that feature big games and rivalry matchups, the stands are full. However, lower division opponents draw more modest crowds that aren’t as diehard as some fans are. While they are no less passionate, and cheer for their hometown Bulls with every big swing of the bat, fans on these nights can seem a bit disinterested at times. Access 4 USF’s campus is located within easy driving distance of I-75 and I-275, and the campus is pretty easy to navigate as well. Signage lets you know where the various sports stadiums are, and once you get to USF Baseball Stadium, parking options are plentiful across the street at the Sun Dome, home of USF basketball. Once inside USF Baseball Stadium, it is pretty easy to get around from one side of the field to the other. Return on Investment 5 Tickets at USF Baseball Stadium run starting as low as $5 for general admission, which is any seat not at field level behind home plate (those seats can be more expensive, and include padded seats). With concessions reasonably priced and parking free, you end up with a pretty affordable game at a top-quality D-1 college baseball venue. Extras 5 The stadium’s proximity to USF’s other athletic fields, not just USF Softball Stadium, makes it a great place for fans to be able to jump from game to game whenever they want to catch more than one sport in a day’s visit. USF Baseball Stadium also posts the schedules of both softball and baseball outside by the main entrance, as well as the starting lineups for both teams before the first pitch. Fans also have the ability to purchase USF items from the team store, which is located next to the concessions stand on the lower level. Also, as stated before the Donaldson Patio is arguably the best place to catch a game at USF Baseball Stadium, with an upper level view of the field as well as comfortable tables to sit at. In addition, team offers free giveaways at every game, from posters of the teams to t-shirts and other memorabilia. Final Thoughts USF Baseball Stadium is one of the most stunning in Florida, let alone Tampa. Great for families and diehard fans alike, the home of the South Florida Bulls is a must-visit for any sports fan passing through the area. Not to be outdone by its competitors, USF Baseball Stadium deserves billing as one of the most comfortable and well designed in college baseball.

Photo Courtesy of utrgvrider.com Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.57 UTRGV Fieldhouse 1201 West University Dr Edinburg, TX 78541 UT-Rio Grande Valley Vaqueros website UTRGV Fieldhouse website Year Opened: 1969 Capacity: 2,500 Deep South Texas Division I Home The Fieldhouse, located in the city of Edinburg (in the Deep South Texas), has a unique charm. It may not be impressive from the outside but it is inside. Built in 1969 the Fieldhouse has aged well. Major renovations to the bleachers on both sides, center court, and a graphics layout has given the venue a face lift that makes it a great place to visit. With a name change from UTPA to UTRGV in fall 2015 came new court insignias and branding around the Field House and campus. The new looks are only the start of the face lift that the Fieldhouse may get in the near future. Food & Beverage 2 Honestly food and drink at the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley Fieldhouse is nothing to write home about. There is not a kitchen or even a concession stand inside. In the courtyard outside of the west entrance two mobile trailers sell concessions. ‘Concession’ is the right word because you will not find too many extravagant stadium foods like burgers. Hot dogs are available most of the time if the demand isn’t too much. A strong suggestion from the concession stand options is hot cheetos with cheese. This is a regional snack that is the spicy version of hot cheetos with a hearty spoonful of nacho cheese. (Served with a fork because it is as messy as it sounds.) Other than that it’s an average variety of chips, drinks and candy bars. If you want good eats I would suggest eating on University Drive before or after the game. Atmosphere 3 Even though Texas-Rio Grande Valley is known as a commuter campus everything about a UTRGV game is a college experience. The UTRGV pep band is always fun and keeping the attitude light no matter the score. The band is always loud but are sometimes rivalled by that of fraternities or the student section. The video scoreboard is impressive for the size of the arena. Spanning nearly the entire end line on the south side, the video board offers instant replay and also serves as a scoreboard. Just above the video board you’ll find the 1962-63 NAIA National Championship banner. On the left side hangs a banner recognizing the 1980-81 NIT bid and to the right hangs the retired jersey of Luke Jackson (NBA and Olympic champion). Near the walkway on the southwest corner and Fieldhouse wall is a plaque which pays homage to the coach of the ’63 championship team as well as the father of UTPA, now UTRGV basketball, Sam Williams. Above the east side bleachers is a “Welcome to the Valley” banner. Neighborhood 2 Edinburg, Texas is not exactly a hot spot for tourism. It is a suburb of a town, McAllen, that isn’t really heavy on attractions either. There is a very unique culture along the US-Mexico border, but sadly there is not much more to do than eat out. Within a mile or so radius of the Fieldhouse there is a plethora of eating options catered for the college students (or fans). There are tons of fast foods options if you just want to fulfill a meal but there’s some nicer sit down options as well. My top suggestion is to check out the University Drafthouse. The Drafthouse is newly opened and is tailor-made for game days. They will even stream UTRGV away games if there is streaming capabilities wherever the Vaqueros are traveling. The restaurant keeps more than 30 beers on tap, many in bottles and serves some top notch hamburgers (something you’ll have leave campus to do). There’s also a taqueria right across the street if you want to get into the traditional food of the Rio Grande Valley. La Mexicana won’t take too much out of your wallet and the meal should be memorable. The history of the area can be further explored at the Museum of South Texas History. Another neat stop is the Tejano Walk of Fame near the Edinburg city hall which serves as a tribute to Tejano music legends. Edinburg in itself isn’t overflowing with attractions, so I recommend lodging in nearby McAllen at the Hilton Garden Inn. McAllen is a much larger city with tons more to do and is only a skip south. About an hour and a half east of Edinburg is the summer time travel stop of South Padre Island. Depending on the timing and weather for your trip, you may want to try to include a stop here as a side excursion. Fans 3 Since UTRGV doesn’t boast a football team (yet), basketball is the pride and joy of the school. UTRGV fans often go the way the team goes. If the team isn’t winning the crowds will thin out. Even during rough seasons however, you can find some passionate fans wearing green and orange to support the team. There is a very loyal group of senior citizens that often purchase season tickets that you can always find frequenting the bleachers at the Fieldhouse no matter what the state of the Vaqueros may be. Sadly tough times have fallen upon the Vaqueros and often attendance can dip below 500 fans a night. A factor contributing to this is the cross-country opponents they face during conference play. It might be hard for a crowd to get behind a rivalry with a team from say Bakersfield, California. If you attend a game against a more geographical rival, like UT-San Antonio then you are likely to find a more healthy crowd. Fans are always into the game, cheering hard when good things happen and everything you would hope for in a college crowd. If you’re lucky you can even catch the Fieldhouse on an extra festive day with pre-game tailgates or pep rallies. Access 3 UTRGV’s Fieldhouse in Edinburg is approximately a 20 minute drive from the Rio Grande Valley’s nearest airport in McAllen. If you fly into the other international airport in Harlingen, you can expect a 45 minute to an hour drive. Finding the Fieldhouse has been said to be a challenge to non-regulars. This mostly stems from the fact that almost all of the buildings on the campus have the exact same exterior and the Fieldhouse is no different. Look for parking lot F. Wheelchair access is available upon request and you’ll be seated somewhere on the floor. The restrooms are outside of the doors that non-season ticket holders enter through and lines are nonexistent. Return on Investment 3 An adult ticket will set you back $8, or $10 for reserved which is reasonable considering you are catching NCAA Division I action. Parking is always free. A better on-court product might have warranted a bump in ROI but until UTRGV starts to host and compete with high-caliber opponents or even makes a run at WAC success it still can seem like a tough sell. The price leaves room for a decent meal before or after your evening at the Fieldhouse. The Rio Grande Valley has one of the lowest costs of livings in the country so a visit to South Texas won’t break the bank. Extras 2 The pep band likes to play sing along tunes and also leads the heckling department. It’s also fun to do the fake shot clock countdown which has been known to force a few point guards to rush the play. In 2012 a Coca-Cola sponsored video board was installed that is very helpful for those keeping stats to see exactly what every player on the court is doing in terms or points, assists, rebounds and fouls.

Photo Courtesy of UC Davis Athletics Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.14 University Credit Union Center 750 Orchard Rd Davis, CA 95616 UC Davis Aggies website University Credit Union Center website Year Opened: 1977 Capacity: 8,000 The Pavilion at ARC The Pavilion at ARC is a beautiful facility on the campus of UC Davis,15 miles west of Sacramento. The “at ARC” addition to the name happened when the school finished the attached Activities & Recreation Center, where many students go to get their daily work out in. When walking up to the box office at The Pavilion, the ARC looks far more imposing. The windowed walls reveal an elevated track, a climbing wall, and table tennis, as well as opportunities for many other activities. Back in 1977, the then Recreation Hall, opened its doors for intercollegiate and intramural competition. Though the Aggies recently began play in Division I, the basketball team was Division II National Champions in 1998. Since joining the NCAA’s top division they have had mixed success. They are currently struggling through a season in which they’ve only registered one win. Perhaps the most infamous event held at The Pavilion is the yearly Doxie Derby , held on the school’s “Picnic Day” . Thousands of spectators crowd into The Pavilion to watch the lovable dachshunds during the most popular day-drinking day of the year for students, residents, and fun-seekers. Officially it’s the campus’ open house, a day for parents to come and visit with their kids and for prospectus students to check out the school. Note: The facility's name was renamed the University Credit Union Center in July of 2021. Food & Beverage 2 I highly recommend eating before arriving at The Pavilion. If not for the lack of options there, then for the plethora of options in the neighborhood. In the gym, they operate a fold-up table at one entrance where you can find chips, nachos, and candy. Drinks available are bottled soda and water ($3). The concession area is well staffed but otherwise less than thrilling. Atmosphere 3 Notably, many UC Davis students were away on break when I attended the Thursday night matchup between the Aggies and UC Riverside . This was apparent by the sheer number of empty seats at The Pavilion. The Aggie band was quite energetic and helped to pick up where vacationing students left off. They played many pep band staples and their own renditions of today’s popular songs. When the opponents shot at the basket in front of them, they made sure their presence was known. The Pavilion is a beautiful venue in which, with a general admission ticket, you can move around a bit and pick your favorite spot. What I really liked was that they pulled up the excess seats that weren’t going to be filled on this particular night. This forces (allows) the fans to sit closer to the action and creates a more intimate atmosphere. This also allows for wider promenades as the entire second level was pushed back against the walls. Neighborhood 4 The UC Davis campus butts up against the downtown Davis neighborhood. This area is a vibrant mix of students and families and visitors should take advantage of the atmosphere that the neighborhood provides. If looking to grab a bite before the game you truly can find a little of everything. KetMoRee is an upper scale Thai restaurant with good happy hour deals while Sophia’s is more moderately priced Thai food. There is also pizza (Woodstock’s), brunch (Crepeville), burgers (Burgers and Brew), sushi (Fuji), and Mexican (El Mariachi) all within walking distance of The Pavilion. If you’re looking for more of a party atmosphere before or after the game, I’d recommend Froggy’s or The Graduate, affectionately known as “The Grad”. Microbrew enthusiasts take note that there is indeed a brewery in Davis serving up some suds. Sudwerk is a brewery that creates their own versions of traditional German-style beers while still providing some of the California staples like pale ales and IPAs. A farmer’s market is held year-round, rain or shine, on Saturdays at Central Park. Lastly, it should be noted that the city of Davis is very much a bicycle friendly town. They take special care to ensure the safety of bicyclists on the city streets, and the town logo even has a bicycle on it. You may even see funky, old-school bikes cruising around town. Fans 3 As noted previously, the gym was not close to full. There certainly is a lot at play here; students on vacation, Thursday night, struggling team to name a few. Those in attendance were quite engaged with the Aggies performance. Logistically, a younger crowd sat on one side (general admission) and an older crowd on the other (reserved, mostly season tickets). Each side brought plenty of energy and knowledge to The Pavilion. Access 5 The UC Davis campus is located conveniently off of highway 80, 15 miles west of Sacramento and 75 miles east of San Francisco. Getting there isn’t difficult but you should certainly expect significant traffic during peak hours after work. Downtown Davis is easy to get around for first-timers as many of the streets progress numerically and alphabetically, so you never feel like you’re unsure of your location. There is a local bus service, UniTrans, operated by UC Davis that services much of the city and all of the campus. Buses are driven by university students and cater the inevitably odd schedules of college students. Beyond the local buses, there is also an Amtrak stop that stops downtown. This train goes through Sacramento with bus connections that can take passengers as far as Tahoe and Reno. Going the other direction, the “Capitol Corridor” train passes through Berkeley, Oakland, and San Jose, with connections to San Francisco. When games are sparsely attended, The Pavilion is a one-level venue, allowing for huge walkways around the perimeter of the lower level. These areas are so wide that you may be able to fit another couple basketball courts above the actual playing surface. Because of this getting to and from restrooms and the concession stand is no problem at all. Return on Investment 3 As for single-game tickets there are two price ranges. General admission tickets are $10 and reserved seats are $12. I didn’t see much of a difference between the two except that the general admission seats are on one side and the reserved on the other. Sometimes at venues, reserved seats would have seat backs and general admission would be on bleachers, but that wasn’t the case at The Pavilion. Extras 2 There’s not a lot to get excited about at The Pavilion other than the play on the court. It is fun to follow along, through the hanging banners, the Aggies progression through Division II play, to Division II prominence, to finally being a Division I program. Final Thoughts I’ll definitely be back for another basketball game at The Pavilion when it’s better attended. The venue is nice and the amenities good and I’d love to see the building rocking. It seems that the Aggies are still trying to find their way in the NCAA D-I landscape and I’m excited to see what they do the next few years.

Photos by Aaron S. Terry, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.71 University of Charleston Stadium 1549 Piedmont Rd Charleston, WV 25311 University of Charleston Golden Eagles website University of Charleston Stadium website Year Opened: 1979 Capacity: 18,500 Country Roads, Take Me Home to D2 Football University of Charleston Stadium is located in Charleston, WV near the state capitol, and is owned by Kanawha County Schools. Due to lack of funds to maintain the venue, however, the county partnered with the University of Charleston, which provided $1.5M in 2003 for upgrades such as new turf, a new skybox, and new locker rooms, in exchange for access plus naming rights. The stadium is shared by the university’s lacrosse and football teams, and is also used by the local high school. The stadium was originally built in 1979, and currently holds 18,500 fans. Food & Beverage 3 University of Charleston Stadium has very low-cost concessions, including burgers, calzones, pizza, hot dogs, corn dogs, nachos, and Chick-fil-A sandwiches (separate stand), with nothing over $3.50; other options include packaged candy and popcorn for $1.50, or chips for 50 cents. However, if none of those options are to your liking, you can also pay $10 out in front of the stadium for an all-you-can-eat buffet sponsored by the alumni club, and enjoy barbecue, chicken, beans, coleslaw, dessert, canned soda, and bottled water. Once inside the stadium drink options include soda, Gatorade, bottled water, coffee, and hot cocoa for between $2 and $3 each. There are two concessions stands inside University of Charleston Stadium, one underneath each grandstand in the exact middle. Despite the low attendance at games, concessions lines can be pretty long, especially during halftime, so you may want to opt for the Chick-fil-A stand instead, which is a separate stand located close to the main entrance, outside the grandstand area itself. Atmosphere 3 The UC Golden Eagles at University of Charleston Stadium provide a decent atmosphere for football – on one hand the attendance is very sparse, so there is not much crowd noise at all, but on the other hand you can walk around pretty much wherever you want, so you can get really, really close to the action. In fact, you can even stand next to the field the whole time and the staff won’t bother you, as long as you don’t get on the turf itself. The field is surrounded by a track, and the cheerleaders perform in front of the home side all game long. There is no mascot, however, and there is no video board either, so you can’t watch any replays. Neighborhood 3 University of Charleston Stadium is in a pretty run-down part of town, but it is close to the state capitol, and there are a couple of restaurants and other attractions nearby if you happen to be in town for the day or weekend. The most popular tourist attractions are the Capitol itself and the Clay Center (sort of a children’s museum), and there are also a couple of decent restaurants within a mile or so of the facility, including Bluegrass Kitchen (featuring upscale comfort food) and Soho’s (an Italian bistro and bar). If you plan to be in Charleston overnight, there are plenty of hotels around depending on your preference and budget – the two closest are Residence Inn and Charleston Capitol Hotel. Fans 1 Very few fans come out to Golden Eagles games at University of Charleston Stadium, so the venue will generally be practically empty. Part of this is of course due to the weather, as it can get pretty darn cold in the Appalachian Mountains by October or November – the scenery here is nice, though, with the mountains clearly visible in the background as you watch the game. Access 4 Getting to University of Charleston Stadium could not be easier – the stadium is literally visible from the freeway (I-77/I-64 practically goes right over the top of it at Exit 99), and there is free parking on the other side of Elizabeth Street from the facility; you can park about 100 feet from the main entrance. While the venue itself is a little run-down, there are more than enough bathrooms to accommodate the small crowd, so the only wait you might have it at the aforementioned concessions stands. Return on Investment 4 Tickets to UC Charleston games at University of Charleston Stadium cost just $10, which is as cheap as you will probably ever see for college football. And while you will not find a ton of energy at this venue, being able to walk right up to the field makes it well worth it, and you can’t beat the free parking and cheap concessions. Extras 1 There is not much at University of Charleston Stadium besides the game itself, but you do get the nice scenery in the background, all the seats are chair back benches, and there are also UC painted school buses parked right on site, so that might be something to explore while you are at the game – selfie, anyone? Final Thoughts The closest FBS stadium to Charleston, WV is over in Huntington , or you can drive several hours north to see West Virginia play. But for the money and the ease of access, seeing a game at University of Charleston is not a bad way to spend an afternoon in the Mountaineer state.

Photos by Gary Butterworth, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.43 Upplands Bilforum Arena Råbyvägen 71 Uppsala, Sweden 754 60 Almtuna IS website Upplands Bilforum Arena Year Opened: 1974 Capacity: 2,800 Established 1932. Since 1948. Uppsala is planning a new arena. It could potentially open as soon as 2017. When it does, no one will be surprised if Almtuna IS becomes a force in Swedish ice hockey. For now though, hockey-mad Sweden’s 4th-largest city boasts only a 2nd-tier team playing in a third-rate arena. There’s nothing really wrong with any of this, but it is a bit shocking. You’d expect hockey to be a bigger deal here in Uppsala. Almtuna IS (AIS) formed as a multi-sport club in 1932 and added ice hockey a few years later, hence their confusing tagline, “Established 1932. Since 1948.” Almtuna has spent the past half-century bouncing around the middle-levels of Swedish ice hockey. These days, AIS plays in the HockeyAllsvenskan, the 2nd-level league one step below the SHL. 2012 was once rumored as a potential opening date for the new arena. That didn’t happen, but a new building does seem pretty much assured, even if the 2017 opening date is also looking questionable. Until then, Almtuna’s home is the A-hall of Metallåtervinning Arena (“Metal Recycling Arena”). Metallåtervinning is a complex of three rinks, all under separate roofs, which serves the community’s needs for hockey, skating, and bandy. It’s humble, but it’s doing an admirable job of punching above its weight class. Editor’s Note: Metallåtervinning Arena has since changed its name to Gränby Ishall and then to Upplands Bilforum Arena in 2020/2021. Food & Beverage 2 I once rented a VHS movie from “Dave’s video and tanning salon.” A few years later, I bought some loose tea from “Real-tea,” a mall kiosk that sold tea leaves and real estate. I was reminded of these unusual combos during the intermission at the Almtuna game. Metallåtervinning Arena is compact. Space is at a premium. So, concession stands do double-duty as merchandise counters. You can order a Coke and a cap. Selection of snacks and souvenirs is on the slim side, but that shouldn’t be too much of a surprise. Just a glance at this unpretentious arena should let you know that this is a no-frills, utilitarian place. It doesn’t get your hopes up, so it doesn’t let you down. A traditional Swedish coffee and pastry is on offer, as are packaged snacks and bottled Coke products. A small bar gets packed to capacity during intermissions. If you only attended matches here, you wouldn’t get hungry, and it would probably never even occur to you that other arenas might offer more. Atmosphere 3 Can an arena be too small even if it’s not selling out? For the 2014-15 season, Uppsala is the third-largest city in the 14-team HockeyAllsvenskan, yet it has the second-smallest rink. Many of the teams Almtuna faces in the HockeyAllsvenskan have spent significant time in Sweden’s top league and boast big, modern arenas. That’s not the case here, where the most distant seats are nine rows from the ice. Everyone is right on top of the action. The proximity to the players is certainly a plus for the fans who make it to the games, but could it also be a minus? Despite the small capacity, games here rarely sell out. We have to wonder if the small-time venue makes people take the team less seriously, which discourages new fans from coming and which, as part of a vicious cycle, allows the team to drag out its tenure in its undersized home. Metallåtervinning Arena wouldn’t be out-of-place if it were home to a Junior B or Senior team in Canada, or even as home to a top-level team in a lesser hockey playing country like Denmark or France. For the second-highest level of professional hockey in a major hockey-playing nation, though, you’d expect fans and players alike to have just a little bit more. Metallåtervinning Arena doesn’t do anything wrong, but it just doesn’t feel right. Neighborhood 2 Thanks to its home in Uppsala’s northern Gränby neighborhood, Metal Recycling Arena was once known as “Gränbyhallen.” Gränby has a suburban and car-centric feeling, but the area is well-served by city buses. Bicyclists are also fairly common. Central Uppsala has much more to entertain visitors, but Gränby does have a pleasant park and “Gränby Centre,” a large shopping mall. Other than that, it’s mostly apartment buildings. Should you want to hoof it, these can all be reached on foot within 20 minutes or so. Most fans, though, will want to roll in shortly before the puck drops and head out shortly after the final whistle. Fans 3 Almtuna fans deserve a pat on the back. Numerous Swedish cities smaller than Uppsala host better hockey and better facilities. A few of these aren’t even that far away. Yet Almtuna has a small devoted following. Its main fan club, the Red Lions, stands on concrete steps behind the goal, waves flags, and cheers for the team non-stop. Fans of the opposing team have their own standing section on metal risers behind the far goal. They are protected by a team of more security guards than are really necessary. Access 3 If you’re in Stockholm and the home teams are out of town, a quick trip up to Uppsala is an easy way to scratch the hockey itch. Stockholm’s Arlanda airport is actually slightly closer to Uppsala than to the capital, and trains run frequently along this busy route. Walking to the arena from central Uppsala would take close to an hour, so most people come by car. The arena complex is easy to find along a main road. Given the arena’s small capacity, parking is adequate and traffic isn’t a major concern for most games. From Uppsala’s city center, you should be able to find a taxi to get you to the arena, but the ride won’t be cheap, and you probably won’t be able to find one on the street for the return trip. The bus might be a better option. City bus #3 towards Uppsala Östra Nybystop picks up at many stops, including just outside Uppsala’s main railway station, and drops off on the main road just outside of the arena. The bus runs about every 10 minutes, but you may want to re-confirm bus routes, timing, and frequencies locally. Most bus drivers speak English and accept (or even require) credit cards. At night, it can be easy to overlook the venue, so you might want to ask the driver to alert you at your stop. Uppsala is a university town, and students here like bicycles. You can park yours next to the rink, and most don’t even bother to lock up their bikes. After arriving, fans enter the arena from street level and buy their tickets indoors. While definitely a small building, nothing feels cramped. Lighting is adequate. From the hallways (we hesitate to use the term “concourses”) restrooms initially appear undersized but prove larger than you might expect. Aside from the seats, everything here is on ground level. Though you will have to make your way up some stairs to get to your seat, the small capacity means that you won’t have to climb too far. Wheelchair access is at ice level in the corners. As such, fans with special needs will have an exceptionally easy time here, and a good view of the action. Return on Investment 3 Value is in the eye of the beholder, and nowhere is this more apparent than Metallåtervinning Arena. On one hand, paying professional-level prices in such a small and bare bones arena just doesn’t feel right. Then again, relatively few venues in Sweden or elsewhere allow for such intimate access to high-level hockey. Maybe it’s a bargain. Maybe it’s a rip-off. Maybe our view is skewed since we lucked into a 50% off all merchandise sale, but we say the pros and cons balance, and the value is about average. Extras 3 Metallåtervinning Arena exudes low expectations. With such a basic building, it would be easy for Almtuna IS to slack off. After all, who would question why a team in a community rink wouldn’t have this or that? Almtuna, though, isn’t resting on its laurels until the new arena is built. Team photos line the walls. A small video board behind the net gives you the basics. And there are seat cushions. As you walk up the stairs to take your seat, there are piles of foam seat cushions for you to borrow. Frankly, the seats aren’t particularly uncomfortable without the cushions, nor do the cushions make them particularly comfortable. But they are there if you need them, and an usher comes around to collect them all after the game. The cushions seem like a lot of work for a miniscule payoff, but Almtuna gets points for expending the extra effort for its fans’ comfort. Also unique is the roof. White tiles with hardwood support beams do just enough to add some Nordic flavor while differentiating the place from other small buildings. Finally, there’s the fact that Metallåtervinning Arena is just different. Worldwide, there are very few remaining venues where you can watch high-level sports in such intimate settings. Almtuna is in line to join the 21st century trend of big, fancy arenas. Until then, we’ll give Almtuna IS and Metallåtervinning Arena bonus points for being different and not letting themselves become victims of circumstance. Final Thoughts Some arenas are greater than the sum of their parts. This review may not indicate it, but we actually really enjoyed our time here, and we’d have no hesitation about making a return trip. But it’s true that fans who like the feeling of big-time hockey will be disappointed. Fans who enjoy the more intimate hockey experience typically found at lower levels will love the intimacy that Metallåtervinning Arena provides. But even those who love the place will likely admit that this place just feels a little too small, and a little too insignificant for the Hockeyallsvenskan.

Photos by Paul Baker, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.14 Oncenter War Memorial Arena 800 S State St Syracuse, NY 13202 Syracuse Crunch website Oncenter War Memorial Arena website Year Opened: 1951 Capacity: 6,159 In Memory of our Service Veterans If there is one thing that can be said about the arenas of the American Hockey League, it is that they are varied and unique. Some of the teams play in modern, spacious buildings that they share with NBA teams, such as the Quicken Loans Arena in Cleveland . Others play in fine mid-sized arenas, like the Dunkin’ Donuts Center in Providence , while others play in tiny bandboxes that are filled to the rafters with noise and fans, such as the Utica Memorial Auditorium. Buildings like Syracuse’s Oncenter War Memorial Arena belong in yet another category. What this building may lack in amenities and creature comforts, it more than makes up for in history and character. While many venues are called memorials, the Oncenter War Memorial contains far more than just your standard vague plaque honoring those who sacrificed their lives for this country. Built over the course of three years from 1949 to 1951, the War Memorial is listed on the National Register of Historic Places, which means it has been deemed worthy of preservation. While this may hamstring any tenant wishing to make renovations to the arena, it ensures that the wonderful memorial will remain for years to come. The Crunch are the fourth AHL team to call the War Memorial home, following the Warriors, Eagles and Firebirds. The National Basketball Association’s Syracuse Nationals played here from 1951 to 1963, winning an NBA title in 1955. The building has hosted an NBA All-Star game in 1961, NCAA Frozen Fours in 1967 and 1971, as well as AHL All-Star games in 1998 and 2016. Perhaps more importantly to many hockey fans, scenes from the legendary hockey film Slap Shot were filmed here. Food & Beverage 2 The concessions menu at the War Memorial does not stray far from arena basics. There are several stands scattered throughout the two concourses which offer hot dogs, hamburgers, chicken tenders, French fries and pizza. Snacks such as pretzels, popcorn, nachos and assorted candy can also be purchased here. Fans looking for a more unique item should try the Crunch Dog, which is a Hoffman’s hot dog topped with crispy onions, bacon and cheese sauce served on a pretzel roll. Also, with Syracuse being so close to Canada, poutine is on the menu. For those unaware of this Canadian delicacy, poutine consists of French fries topped with gravy and cheese curds. Thirsty Crunch fans can choose from several brands of beer, including Molson Canadian and Miller Lite. Offerings from local brewer Beak and Skiff are also sold here. Pepsi products are featured at the War Memorial. Atmosphere 3 The Crunch offer the standard game day presentation, with giveaways, loud rock music, t-shirt tosses, and other features which have become common in minor league sports. The team employs a mascot, Crunchman, who interacts with fans throughout the game. In addition, there is a dance squad who provide distraction during play stoppages. In a building as old and historic as the War Memorial, some of these touches seem strangely out of place. Hanging from the rafters of the War Memorial are banners honoring the Crunch’s one division and conference title, banners honoring championships won by the old Blazers and Stars, as well as banners honoring local Welterweight boxing champion Carmen Basilio and the Syracuse Nationals, NBA champs in 1955. Neighborhood 3 Despite the War Memorial’s downtown location, there is little to do in the immediate vicinity of the facility. The Ale ‘N’ Angus Pub is the only restaurant immediately adjacent to the rink. The area around the War Memorial is usually very quiet and safe. Armory Square, an area with several fine bars and restaurants, is just over a half mile from the War Memorial. Local favorites Dinosaur BBQ, Empire Brewing Company, and Pastabilities can all be found near here. Syracuse University is located about a mile away in the opposite direction on University Hill. Fans 3 Syracuse averages around 5,500 fans per game at the War Memorial, which is good for the middle of the pack in the AHL. As is the case with most minor league clubs today, the Crunch market themselves as affordable family entertainment, and the crowd in attendance on any given night reflects this philosophy. The crowd is a mix of families out for a night of entertainment and die-hard fans who live and die with each shift. Many fans will notice a group of Crunch superfans who attend each game dressed as the Hanson Brothers from Slap Shot, complete with mullet wigs and black horn-rimmed glasses. At some point every game, usually at the opposition’s first penalty of the night, the PA system plays the Bonanza theme, and the Hansons run along the aisle, high-fiving fans along the way and encouraging fans to make some noise. Access 4 The War Memorial is part of a larger complex, which also consists of the Nicholas J. Pirro Convention Center, Civic Center Theaters and Everson Plaza. Together the buildings are known as the Oncenter. The Oncenter War Memorial is located in downtown Syracuse, just blocks from Interstates 690 and 81. Plentiful parking can be found within a few blocks of the War Memorial. Driving directions and a parking map can be found here . Fans will enter the War Memorial on either side of the building. There is a small entry lobby on both sides, a welcome feature when battling a cold central New York winter. Once passing through a quick security check, fans will find themselves in the cramped horseshoe-shaped concourse. Fans will find a table set up with various Crunch merchandise across the hallway. The Exhibit Gallery, featuring life-size replicas of actual Syracuse area veterans representing the Revolutionary War through the Vietnam War is located on this concourse. Interestingly for a building of this size, the War Memorial has dual concourses. Fans with upper level seats will climb a set of stairs to the upper concourse, which contains its own set of concessions, restrooms and the Veteran’s Honor Wall, which recognizes over 63,000 service men and women who have resided or currently reside in Onondaga County. Once inside the arena, fans will immediately notice the stage at the far end of the arena adorned with the phrase “in memory of our service veterans.” Some seating is located here as well. The seating bowl is split into upper and lower sections, each featuring individual folding seats. The upper level is bisected by a walkway located about halfway up. Return on Investment 4 Tickets for Crunch games range in price between $16 for stage seats to $20 for lower level seats. Waiting until game day to purchase your tickets will cost an extra two dollars. Youth tickets cost $16. In addition, the Crunch offer a variety of group ticket deals to further increase value. Parking in the many lots surrounding the War Memorial starts at five dollars. Concessions, while not cheap, are not out of line with other venues of this size. Overall, catching a Crunch game at the War Memorial is an affordable entertainment option for central New York sports fans. Extras 3 The War Memorial is more than just a building with a plaque attached to it honoring those men and women who sacrificed everything for their country. Walk the halls of the arena, and you will come across an impressive display containing life-sized mannequins dressed in the actual garb of local residents representing uniforms from the Revolutionary War to the Vietnam conflict. A large display also houses a significant amount of historical items. If you are a history buff, it’s worth getting to the arena early to check out. On the upper concourse is the Veteran’s Honor Wall, which lists over 63,000 Ononganda County residents who served in various branches of the military. Scenes from perhaps the most iconic hockey movie ever made were filmed here at the War Memorial. In an homage to the film, three Syracuse superfans have been coming to games dressed as the Hanson Brothers. What started as a Halloween costume has turned into a Syracuse hockey tradition. Hidden away in a small alcove on the upper concourse is a display commemorating the War Memorial’s significant place in basketball history. The Syracuse Nationals played here during the 1950s and 1960s, winning an NBA championship in 1955. Syracuse hosted the first game to use the 24 second shot clock. Nationals’ president and founder Danny Blasone was a proponent of the shot clock, and was instrumental in getting the NBA to adopt its use. Final Thoughts As a hockey venue, the War Memorial does nothing that will blow you away. It is infinitely more interesting as a memorial and as one of the locations in the iconic movie Slap Shot. For hockey fans who have an interest in our nation’s history, the War Memorial is worth a visit. Follow Paul Baker’s stadium journeys on Twitter @PuckmanRI .

Photos by Richard Smith, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.29 Urbana High School Athletic Complex 298-100 E Michigan Ave. Urbana, IL 61801 Urbana Tigers website Urbana High School Athletic Complex website Year Opened: 2011 Capacity: 1,000 Tiger Complex Urbana High School is the only public high school in Urbana, Illinois and was established in 1872. The current building was built in 1914 and is rumored to be haunted. Notable alumni of the high school include Roger Ebert and former Miss America Erika Harold. Music artist Ludacris spent some time at Urbana High School before moving away. In 2011, the Urbana began construction on several projects to update the older facilities. The school demolished its football and soccer fields in the spring of 2011 and combined them into a new state-of-the-art football/soccer field with artificial turf and several bleachers. It was called the Urbana Tigers Athletic Complex and the project cost an estimated $4.3 million. Food & Beverage 3 There is a surprisingly large menu for a high school football stadium. All the usual offerings are available and the prices are reasonable. There are some more unusual options such as walking tacos and pork chop sandwiches. Wait until the end of the 3rd quarter and the stand offers some bargains as they do not want to keep extra food items around between weeks of the game. Atmosphere 3 There is one long and basic grandstand along the home side of the field. A smaller visitor stand sits along the side of the school on the opposite side from the home stand. That is pretty much it as it is a basic stadium. The scoreboard is brand new and does offer a nice videoboard. A marching band and cheerleaders fill out the normal high school sports offerings. Neighborhood 5 Urbana is a slow pace kind of town. But there are three places that jump out as must visits. Black Dog Smoke & Ale House offers amazing barbecue, just expect to wait in line to get in and that the tasty burnt ends will go quickly. Crane Alley is a nice bar with some great beers and Masijta Grill is a great Korean barbecue. Also check out the beer garden/ art space called The Sipyard. A very short walk away is the area along Green and Wright streets called “Campustown.” There are many bars, shops and restaurants in this area, and they tend to cater to young college students. Older fans will want to center their post game activities around downtown Champaign. Once a pretty boring downtown area, one will now find many bars and restaurants. The Esquire Lounge is a local icon and should be a stop for everyone. Try a pork chop sandwich and say hi to owner Pedro. Other great downtown spots are Derailed 57, Blind Pig Brewery, the gastropub DESTIHL, sports bar Jupiter’s, and Farren’s Pub & Eatery (at a very hidden location at 308 N Randolph Street). There is also a much larger version of Jupiter’s on the outskirts of Champaign (2511 Village Green Place at The Crossing Center) that is also a good choice. If visiting that second Jupiter’s location also try Billy Balooz right next door (2521 Village Green Place at The Crossing Center). Fans 3 The fans here are pretty standard high school fans. The high school kids run and socialize without paying much attention, but the older fan base is engrossed in the action. They are a friendly bunch of people. Access 4 Champaign and Urbana are both easy cities to navigate. There is plenty of parking both near to the stadium and also on the north part of the school. Champaign-Urbana is at the crossroads of I-57 and I-74, as well as being the eastern terminus for I-72 so getting to the area from Chicago, Indianapolis and points west will be pretty easy. Return on Investment 3 The games are only $5 to attend so the value is quite good. Concession prices are also quite reasonable. There are no other costs for attendance. Extras 2 Check out the tiger statue outside the main entrance of the stadium complex. The school is very old and offers some cool architectural styles. It is pretty cool to see the various additions to the school over time and to note the change in style of design. Final Thoughts The Urbana High School Athletic Complex offers a pretty basic high school athletic atmosphere. It is worth a stop if you are in the area.

Photos by Chris Green, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.57 Utah Motorsports Campus 2091 N. Sheep Lane Tooele, UT 84074 Utah Motorsports Campus website Year Opened: 2006 Capacity: 8,000 Speed Between the Peaks of Utah “There is nothing in the desert, and no man needs nothing.” – Prince Feisal, Lawrence of Arabia Utah Motorsports Campus is unique in many ways. Opened as Miller Motorsports Park, it was the longest road course in North America until 2014 saw Thunderhill Raceway undergo a massive expansion. Utah Motorsports Campus sits at a high altitude, located just outside of Salt Lake City at nearly 5,000 feet above sea level. There is also the intense heat that comes with being located in the middle of the desert. Yet, despite what some may feel are negatives, this track has the bones of a top-notch racing facility. Bought in 2015 by a Chinese company, Utah Motorsports Campus is now being used as a test-bed for how that company will build and operate raceways in China. From the great sound system to the fan access to the teams and drivers, few can argue with the brilliance of this course’s layout and design. However, the venue lacks a few touches that most other facilities would find useful, and would consider no-brainers. Food & Beverage 2 The concessions are by far the biggest downside to a race at Utah Motorsports Campus – if you find yourself hungry at some point during the day, your choices are limited. The track’s lone concessions stand no longer is open during major race weekends. However, in 2016 the Rodigio Grill opened on site, bringing high-quality (and somewhat high-priced) Brazilian food to the track. In addition, various food carts and food trucks also make their way to the track during race weekends. In 2018, the venue also featured a variety of food trucks that arrived on site during Sunday racing, giving fans another option for something to eat at the track. Atmosphere 4 The feeling you get at Utah Motorsports Campus isn’t one of intense competition that has all the drivers and teams feeling like they’re on a knife’s edge, but rather one of relaxed and laid-back fun. This is a good thing, however, as it adds to the overall enjoyment of the race day experience. Add to that the music that plays in the various grandstands around the course, and you can rock out to some quality tunes in between on-track sessions. There is also easy access for fans to get up close to the garages, where all their favorite drivers and cars are being worked on – this puts a smile on everyone’s face, no matter how hot or cold the weather may be. Neighborhood 3 Utah Motorsports Campus is quite literally in the middle of the desert. However, just a 20-minute drive east is Salt Lake City, and just five minutes southeast of the track is Tooele, where you can find numerous lodging options with affordable prices; the Tooele Comfort Inn & Suites is routinely rated as one of the best hotels in the chain’s arsenal around the country, as is the Hilton Garden Inn in Sandy, UT. Numerous new hotels are popping up right next to Salt Lake City International Airport as well. Tooele also has a wide variety of dining options – one of the favorites for fans and teams is a restaurant called the Bonneville Brewing Company, which is a multi-level restaurant and brewhouse with sports on TVs all over the place. Fans craving Brazilian food can also visit the Rodigio Grill on site at Utah Motorsports Campus. For those looking to explore some of the great outdoors, Utah Motorsports Campus is located just minutes away from the shores of Great Salt Lake State Park, and there are also several mountain trails and ski resorts nearby. In addition, fans can drive into Salt Lake City to see sights such as Temple Square and the Clark Planetarium. Fans 4 For being in the middle of nowhere, the locals sure do pack in the facility during race weekends. Noted as a favorite track among competitors, loyal fans turn out in droves for events at Utah Motorsports Campus, and for good reason – the on-track action is fast and furious, giving the fans a brilliant show to watch. Being in Utah also means that the people are kind and courteous, making for an at times overwhelmingly enjoyable and family-friendly atmosphere at the track. Access 3 Getting to Utah Motorsports Campus isn’t intrinsically hard to do, but the facility is a bit off the beaten path. After exiting US-80 towards Tooele, fans will find themselves driving past endless desert until suddenly a racetrack appears. Traffic can back up after a period of time, due to the small roads heading in and out of the raceway. Additionally, while parking on site is quite numerous, getting to your favorite spot may require a long walk. Thankfully, a fan shuttle is offered during races to get you from place to place along the nearly four-mile road course. There is also a ton of camping space available next to the track, giving guests who want to stay the full weekend a chance to “rough it” racing-style. Return on Investment 4 Utah Motorsports Campus is quite picturesque, despite its location. Mountains border the speedway on the east, west, and south, with the Great Salt Lake bordering on the north. Tickets are not generally expensive, and getting to see top-quality racing on the track is worth the price of admission – just bring your own food. Extras 5 The facility at Utah Motorsports Campus is host to a wide array of additional amenities for fans, starting with the go-kart track – not only is it large, it can be split into two separate tracks that can be run simultaneously. The Ford Museum is also on-site, which is home to some classic vintage cars from the Ford Motor Company; note that the museum is open during race weekends. Another giant thrill at Utah Motorsports Campus is the large zip line, and the autograph sessions held throughout the weekend are a fan favorite that give fans the best chance to meet their favorite drivers, and get an autograph to go with their other racing souvenirs. Another interesting aspect at Utah Motorsports Campus is the location of Victory Lane, quite literally tables away from the port-side seating for the track’s only concessions stand. In addition, the track offers a perfect chance for fans to see the cars up front and personal, with most drivers and teams willing to pose for photos during each race’s pre-grid set up. Final Thoughts Coming to Utah Motorsports Campus in the high desert heat of Utah can be challenging for some, but for many racing diehards, stopping at the facility is a surreal experience. The track is new, long, and fast, and is quickly becoming a favorite among drivers. As long as you stay hydrated and eat well before your day, Utah Motorsports Campus is destined to become a jewel of motor racing.

Photos by Dave Cottenie, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.29 Varsity Stadium University of Toronto 299 Bloor St W Toronto, ON M5S 1W2 Toronto Varsity Blues website Varsity Stadium website Year Opened: 2007 Capacity: 5,000 Varsity Blues The Toronto Varsity Blues have a ridiculously long history when it comes to football. The origins of the football program at the University of Toronto are murky at best. Many believe that the first ever game at University of Toronto, maybe even in Canada, was on November 9, 1861. Through more than 150 years of football at Canada’s largest university, the road has been filled with ups and downs. The Toronto program lays claim to winning the first ever Grey Cup in 1909 and count former Prime Minister, Lester B. Pearson among alumni who helped coach the Varsity Blues. Home for the Varsity Blues program has been Varsity Stadium since its inception in 1911, when the original stadium was built. Varsity was also home to the Toronto Argonauts until they moved to Exhibition Stadium in 1959. Varsity has hosted 21 Vanier Cup games as the National Championship game for university football in Canada, as well as 30 Grey Cups. The third Grey Cup ever played was hosted at Varsity, where the game would be a staple for years. The Varsity Blues have seen their share of success including Grey Cup Championships in 1909, 1910, 1911, and 1920. When the Grey Cup would become an exclusively CFL trophy, the Blues would go on to win Vanier Cups in 1965 and 1993. The Blues also claim 25 Yates Cup Championships as conference champions between 1898 and 1993. Unfortunately, the Varsity Blues program has fallen on hard times. In 1992, the program was nearly cancelled and the miracle that was the 1993 Vanier Cup victory was followed with a fairly sharp decline of performance on the field. The Varsity Blues have not posted a winning record or made the playoffs since 1995. Between 2001 and 2008 the Varsity Blues would claim a record 49 game losing streak. During this period, Varsity Stadium would be torn down and rebuilt. The centre of controversy with plenty of rumblings of the Argonauts making a return to Varsity, the new Varsity Centre would be completed in 2007 with a modest 5,000 seat grandstand and modern facilities. The new Varsity Stadium provides the Varsity Blues with one of the nicer venues in the OUA and the football program has seen some improvements in recent years. However, the new Varsity Stadium and latest coaching staff of the Toronto Varsity Blues has not yet been able to change the tune at Varsity away from those Varsity Blues. Food & Beverage 2 The concessions at Varsity Stadium are not overly spectacular. Under the grandstand, there is a small concession stand. There you will finds a fairly limited variety of snacks. Hot dogs ($3), burgers, chips and candy are all available. Soft drinks that are available are Pepsi products ($2.25) as well as water and a few different iced tea flavors. On a cool evening coffee or tea may be the way to go, which are also available. Further south under the grandstand there is a licensed area where alcoholic beverages can be purchased. Molson Canadian, Coors Light and Alexander Keith’s IPA are available for sale but may not be brought out of the enclosed area or to your seat. Atmosphere 4 Varsity Stadium is one of the nicest venues in the OUA, but it lacks that visible history which may be expected. From the outside, Varsity Stadium is a nice enough venue. Wrapped in red brick and wrought iron, the field can be seen easily from Bloor St. On Bloor Street you will see the main piece of history at Varsity. Dividing the stadium from Bloor St, just under the videoboard, is an original brick wall from the 1911 incarnation of the stadium. At the west end of the wall there is a Heritage plaque outlining the significance of the Grey Cup. Also at the west end of the stadium, at the corner of Bloor and Devonshire, there is a small square, which is a great meeting place before the game and a spot where you can peek through the fence and see some football action. After entering the gate at the northeast corner of the stadium, patrons are led under the grandstand. The field is north-south oriented and the seating area is on the east side. The concourse is pretty nondescript and doesn’t offer too much that is interesting. The southeast end of Varsity Centre also encompasses the historic Varsity Arena. The seating area at Varsity Stadium is fairly simple. Metal benches with backs are found throughout the grandstand. The slope is significantly steeper than other stadiums in the conference and sightlines are very good. Varsity Stadium is also home to the Varsity Blues Track and Field program and also encompasses a full eight lane track, which brings the fan a little farther from the football action. At the north end of the stadium is the videoboard, an item that is still a bit of a novelty in the conference. That being said, the videoboard is older and nowhere near the quality that can be found at the professional level. From your seats, if you look to the south you will find the Varsity Centre Pavilion, and beyond that, the iconic CN Tower can be easily seen from the stadium. The gameday production is about what you would expect for football in the OUA. The production is student-run with typical promos and contests. The PA system at Varsity Stadium is excellent and announcements are clear and crisp. The game that was reviewed was scheduled for the Thursday before the Thanksgiving weekend, a time that students are traditionally leaving campus, and it seemed like a bit of a skeleton crew working. The Toronto Engineering Society provides the Lady Godiva Memorial Band, a band with an interesting history, however they were not in attendance at the game reviewed. The game does begin with the firing of the cannon which will take those unaware by surprise for sure. The Varsity Blues make good use of their videoboard, often boasting of more National Championships than any other school, however there are few obvious reminders of that history within the stadium. Considering the difficulties the Blues have had on the field, they should embrace their history and do a better job putting it on display. Neighbourhood 5 The University of Toronto neighbourhood is second to none in the entire CIS. The St.George Campus, which hosts the athletic facilities, is at the north end of what is still considered part of Downtown Toronto as well as part of Old Toronto. In the immediate walking area, there are a ton of options for pre and post game fare. Signatures, Gabby’s, Madison Ave Pub, Duke of York, and Fox and Fiddle are all options that are very close and worth a look. There are also a number of large chains and fast food that can be found on Bloor Street. There are a ton of things to do in downtown Toronto and you can’t go wrong with a weekend or even a week in the area. Varsity Centre is located right beside the Royal Ontario Museum, which requires a number of hours for a good visit. On the other side of the stadium the Bata Shoe Museum can be found for something very different. The St. George Campus of University of Toronto is also a short subway trip to the heart of downtown Toronto where you will find the Harbourfront, CN Tower, Ripley’s Aquarium and the Hockey Hall of Fame. The Eaton Centre is also not too far and the centre of Toronto’s shopping scene and the Theatre District is also right there. If you are looking for more of a sports fix then you are in luck. The University of Toronto also fields a whole host of other athletic programs including hockey at Varsity Arena , also part of Varsity Centre, and basketball at the brand new Goldring Centre for High Performance Sport . Varsity Blues rivals the Ryerson Rams host their athletics out of the former Maple Leaf Gardens and play hockey at the Mattamy Athletic Centre at the Gardens and basketball at Coca-Cola Court . The pros are also not far away with the Toronto Maple Leafs , Toronto Raptors and Toronto Rock calling Scotiabank Arena home, the Toronto Blue Jays calling Rogers Centre home, the Toronto Marlies calling Coca-Cola Coliseum home and Toronto FC and the Toronto Argonauts playing at BMO Field. There are a number of fine hotels to stay at in Toronto. Probably the most convenient is the Holiday Inn, located right across the street from Varsity Centre. Fans 2 Let’s face the facts, the Toronto Varsity Blues football program has not been a good one in decades. With the last winning season for the Blues coming all the way back in 1995, getting fans to come out to Varsity has been a real challenge. The Blues have shown a little bit of life in the last few years, but are still a ways from a playoff appearance. In 2016 and 2015 the Blues have struggled to draw more than 1,500 fans per game and rank near the bottom of the conference in average attendance. During the 2014 season, the Blues attracted an average of over 2,200 fans per game and ranked 8th in the OUA. There is a great deal of room for improvement and the University of Toronto needs to do a much better job attracting students to football games and to make the Varsity Blues football experience part of the Toronto student experience. The fans in attendance that are cheering for the Blues can only be described as die-hard, as the product has been so poor over the last few decades. Varsity Stadium is a great venue for visiting fans, however. You will often find many travelling fans who are in attendance to see their team, who happens to be playing at Varsity. Access 4 Toronto traffic can be a real challenge and getting to Varsity Centre can be a bit of a pain. Varsity Centre is located a fair distance from all major highways in the area. Almost equally distant from highway 401, 427 the Don Valley Parkway and Gardiner Expressway, driving to Varsity will involve some very slow going through the city with many lights and stop and go traffic. What Varsity lacks in challenges for getting there by car, they make up for with proximity to public transit. Varsity is located near stops for two different subway routes which makes getting there not too terrible with public transit. Check out the TTC website for fares, maps and schedules. There are a number of parking options around Varsity Centre. Rates are not terrible and you can probably park for $10 for the duration of the game. A little research on parking options will go a long way before heading into the city by car. The ticketing window and main gate are at the northeast side of the stadium off of Bloor Street. Credit card services are available and there is very rarely any sort of wait at the box office. Getting around the stadium is no problem, mainly because there is often not close to a capacity crowd. The space under the grandstand is more than adequate for getting around. The washroom facilities are also more than adequate for the number of fans that are typically in attendance. Return on Investment 3 Tickets for Toronto football will run $12 for General Admission and $20 for reserved in the centre section. There will be a charge for either parking or public transit. Concession prices are decent also. OUA football can offer a fantastic return for your sporting dollar. However, decades of poor teams can make it a bit of a crapshoot as to what type of game you will get. Blowouts are commonplace at Varsity and the stadium can empty at halftime if the game gets out of hand. Extras 3 An extra mark for the alumni and friends of the Varsity Blues program who saved the program in 1992 and led to the miracle 1993 Vanier Cup team. An extra mark for the annual Red and Blue Bowl where the Varsity Blues take on their crosstown rivals, the York Lions. Both teams are often struggling in the standings and the game can often be entertaining and close. An extra mark for the Toronto Varsity Blues attempting to rekindle a classic cheer . Final Thoughts The Toronto Varsity Blues have had a rough road through the CIS for decades. They have a great facility in a fantastic, big market city, which should help both at the gates and in recruiting. Be selective when choosing a game and try to avoid a mismatch. If you can do this you will have a great time in Toronto. Otherwise, you may just be singing the Varsity Blues. Follow all of Dave’s sporting adventures on Twitter @profan9 and on Instagram .

Photos by Jared Goodman, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.29 Vert Stadium 1018 N College Dr High Point, NC 27262 High Point Panthers website Vert Stadium website Year Opened: 2007 Capacity: 1,100 Hit the Vert Vert Stadium has consistently been ranked as one of the best track & field, soccer, and lacrosse facilities in the country and the venue lives up to that standard each and every gameday. Reopened in 2007, “The Vert” has been a big draw for High Point University, serving primarily as the permanent home of HPU’s lacrosse and soccer programs. The venue is named for Dick Vert, a 1960 graduate who ran cross country and middle distance at the institution, and later became an HPU trustee. Several upgrades have been made to Vert Stadium in the last few years, the most recent of which came in 2011 when one of the best artificial turf systems on the market was installed. The Mondo 3NX turf, developed in Italy, is able to reduce heat by 30 percent and has the best shock absorption of any available artificial turf. The main program that plays on the state-of-the-art turf is the men’s lacrosse program, debuting in 2013 as part of a $2.1 billion initiative focused on growth. The team has clinched Southern Conference championships three times since its inception, most recently in 2018, and advanced to the NCAA Tournament in 2015 Food & Beverage 3 The Vert offers several different concession choices, including the typical stadium fare, available at two stands on either side of the concourse. With virtually no lines and quick and friendly service, the concessions are top-notch for such a facility. An added bonus is that both stands accept credit cards as well as cash. While the prices may be a little steep for a Division I lacrosse venue, there are some bargains to be found. A refillable popcorn bucket, which can be replenished an unlimited number of times during the match, is just $9. Some cheaper options include a hot dog ($3.75), a pretzel ($4), nachos ($4.25), and even half and whole Dominos pizzas ($4 and $8, respectively). Bottled Coca-Cola products are also available for $3.50 each. Alcohol is not served at the venue. Families and groups can take advantage of the Family Pack Combo option, which includes 4 hot dogs, 4 chips and 4 drinks for just $22. Other Combos are also available, giving fans a chance to save a few bucks while they’re at the game. Atmosphere 3 Because Vert Stadium does not have a large seating bowl, the entire grandstand offers a great view of the playing field. The pitch of the seating area is so gradual that almost the entire field can still be viewed from the back of the concourse, despite being behind 10 rows of seats. The very first row isn’t right on top of the field either; an eight-lane track surrounds the artificial turf and thereby separates the seating area from the field. The seats themselves, painted in HPU purple, are very wide and each seat has an affixed cup-holder. There isn’t a bad seat in the house, as each seat offers a great view of the action. Rocking chairs, practically a requirement anywhere in High Point, are also available at the top of the concourse near the ADA seating. Despite being a small venue, both the PA announcer and the music blasted during stoppages in play are unreasonably loud. They’re so loud, in fact, that for the duration of the game the sounds can be heard in echo as they bounce off residential homes across the street. A sizable video board sits at an angle on the right side of the field, directly opposite the seating area. It doubles as a scoreboard from which fans can glean stats such as goals, shots, saves, and penalties for each team. After every goal made by the Panthers, a purple HPU t-shirt is tossed into the crowd and one of the concessionaires steps onto the concourse, blows a horn, and attempts to pump up the fans. Autographed merchandise is also given away during intermissions. Because most men’s lacrosse matches start at noon, the sun is usually overhead for most of the game and doesn’t present an issue visually. After Daylight Savings Time begins, the sun may be in your eyes for at least the first half of the game. While the sun isn’t usually a factor during colder months, when temperatures start to rise it can become a scorching nuisance. The Vert doesn’t offer much relief; however, because the seats face east, a slight bit of shade does fall over the concourse when the sun starts dipping into the west. Six picnic tables, complete with large umbrellas, are also located on the concourse. Neighborhood 3 The Witcher Athletic Complex is located off University Parkway on the north side of campus, just a few miles from downtown High Point. While there aren’t any restaurants within walking distance of campus, there are several decent eateries just a short drive away. North Main Street is about a mile from the Vert and that’s where you’ll find most of the familiar chain eateries. The Biscuit Factory is a gem for folks looking for breakfast before noon games. After the match, fans can hit up Sammy G’s Tavern, which often runs promotions when HPU wins, located about 4.5 miles off-campus in the Deep River area. The joint is a bit pricier than some of the chains you’ll find off Main Street but it offers typical American fare and makes a good stop for a post-game bite. Fans looking for something to do after games can take the short drive into downtown High Point and explore the shops and eateries available there. The High Point Museum is about half a mile in the other direction and presents a history of the High Point region, including highlights of the area’s deep furniture roots. The museum is free and is open until 4:30pm daily except Sunday and Monday. The Courtyard by Marriott, a sponsor of High Point athletics, is the nearest hotel at 1.5 miles away. The property is just off I-74, making it both convenient and affordable. Fans 4 Anyone who’s ever attended a lacrosse game will know that even the smallest crowds can be intimidating. Home and away fans are typically evenly balanced in High Point, since most fans have a personal connection with the players on the field. In other words, the away team always travels well. When the Panthers do well on the field, the home fans can get very involved and loud, but the same is true for the away team. If you’re not paying attention to the action, it’s often hard to judge by the crowd which team has just made a goal or a save. The most energetic fans, either home or away, like to stand for the whole game at the front of the concourse to cheer on their team. While Vert Stadium never usually fills to capacity, it typically does draw a decent crowd. On most game days, the seating area will be two-thirds to three-quarters full Access 5 Vert Stadium is only accessible by car, but the complex does offer several parking options, all of which are free. Fans who arrive at least a half-hour before the opening face-off should be able to secure a spot in the Witcher Athletic Complex parking lot right in front of Vert Stadium, located off of Panther Drive. Late-arriving fans may have to park a little further away in the College Village Shopping Center parking lot, an approved HPU lot, and take the short 10-minute walk to the stadium. Both options are free of charge and there’s usually a parking attendant on hand to answer any questions. High Point, as one of the cities of the Triad region, is accessible by several interstates and highways. Interstate 74 is the closest major highway to campus at just 1.5 miles away; it comes from Winston-Salem in the north and heads to Asheboro in the south. I-74 also provides a connection to Interstate 77 near the Virginia state line. Interstate 85 is the busiest nearby road and is a direct link to some of the largest cities in the state. Just 15 minutes to the north is Greensboro, while Charlotte is 1.5 hours south on I-85. Another major thoroughfare, Interstate 40, provides connection to Raleigh/Durham in the east and Asheville in the west and can be accessed off either I-85 or I-74. The nearest airport is Piedmont-Triad International, about 20 minutes to the north in Greensboro. Tickets can be purchased online in advance or day-of-game at the box office; regardless of which option you choose, you will end up with a paper stub as there are no online ticket options. There are also no security measures in place at Vert Stadium. Handicapped guests have many parking spaces available to them in the parking lot and once inside the Vert, there are about 12 ADA seats available at the top of the seating bowl. Should those seats be full, there are plenty of additional spots on the concourse that offer good views of the action. Vert Stadium’s restrooms are some of the cleanest I have ever seen at a sporting venue. The space is large, beautifully decorated and features an extension of the PA system, an added bonus. Return on Investment 4 With general admission tickets priced at just $5, a family of four can easily enjoy a fun afternoon at the Vert as well as a decent snack for about $40. Parking is free. One downside is that fans are not allowed to bring their own food and drink into the venue, something typically allowed at other DI lacrosse facilities. Fans looking to cheer on High Point’s lacrosse team for the entire season are able to purchase a season pass for $25 per person. This is a great deal if you plan on attending six or more games in a single season. Youth season passes are $15 each. Extras 1 Aside from the gameday experience at the Vert, there isn’t too much going on. Roster sheets and posters are given away for free during each game. Final Thoughts High Point’s men’s lacrosse program, though fairly new, has garnered quite a following in the area, and this helps to increase the university’s profile in the community. HPU is already woven into the fabric of the city, as you’ll find the color purple splashed throughout High Point, from fire hydrants to street signs. The top-notch athletic facilities at High Point University, and the experiences they offer, continue to build that image and keep the fans coming back time and again.

Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.14 Villa Park Trinity Rd Birmingham, England B6 6HE United Kingdom Aston Villa FC website Villa Park website Year Opened: 1897 Capacity: 42,682 England’s Finest Villa Park is the home of English football club Aston Villa, one of the twelve founders of the English Premier League. Their stadium, Villa Park, was established in 1897 and was given the official name Aston Lower Grounds. The current capacity of this all-seater stadium is 42,682. The highest attendance ever at Villa Park was recorded on the 2nd of March 1946 in an FA Cup 6th round match against Derby County. That day, 76,588 spectators passed through the turnstiles. At that time, like most of the British grounds, Villa Park had large terraces and few seats. Since the late 1970’s the stadium was completely rebuilt and finalized more 20 years later. Each stand has their own design, the old brick facade of the former Holte End remained untouched during the rebuilding, and the impressive staircase and its old facade are unique features of the ground. Villa Park is definitely one of the more interesting grounds in the Premier League. The Holte End is by far the most impressive stand of the ground. This huge two tiered stand was opened in the 1994-1995 season and has a capacity of 13,472 seated supporters. The other stands of the ground are the North Stand, the Doug Ellis Stand and the Trinity Road Stand. The Trinity Road Stand was opened in 2001 and is the only three-tiered stand of the ground. The away supporters are located in a corner of the Doug Ellis Stand close to the North Stand. Just under 3,000 fans can be accommodated in this section. Some historical events have occurred at Villa Park. It hosted three matches during the World Cup in 1966. Villa Park also hosted four matches during the EURO 1996 Championships. The stadium hosted the last ever final of the European Cup Winners’ Cup in 1999, and all told has hosted 55 FA Cup semi-finals. Food & Beverage 4 There are plenty of stalls (outside) and counters (inside) the ground where you can obtain your food or drinks. Inside the grounds you pay for a really good cheeseburger £3.50, and all kinds of pies costs £3.30, while hot dogs are priced at £2.60. When you are really hungry you can buy a traditional fish & chips which is served with vinegar or mashed peas. There are wide screen televisions on the concourse broadcasting the match. So you won’t miss any of the action if you get up for a bite to eat. Atmosphere 5 For a groundhopper like me, Villa Park was on my bucket list for a long time. Villa Park is a true British traditional football ground where every stand is different, stands alone and has is its own character. The Holte End still has its original brick facade. No other British stadium can top the authenticity of the Aston Villa stadium, though the stadiums of Tottenham Hotspur and Everton come close. Neighborhood 3 Villa Park is located approximately 2.5 miles from the city centre towards the north part of the city of Birmingham. Villa Park is located close to Aston Park. In this part of the city you will find many cultural influences. You will find many multicultural shops. You will find loads of Pakistani and Indian restaurants, Jamaican hairdressers and all kinds of other small businesses. On the road towards the stadium (Witton Lane) is the Aston Hotel. This hotel dates back from the time the stadium was built, and the hotel has the same facade as the stadium making it one with its surrounding. Fans 4 The Aston Villa fans are very colourful people in many ways. When they go to match days most of them are dressed up in their claret and blue shirts. During the match they support their team for the full 100 percent. The noise which rolls down from the Holte End will give you goose bumps. Access 4 Overall the stadium is easily accessible for fans of most clubs in the country. It is situated close to the motorway (M6), Birmingham is situated in the Midlands in the heart of the country. On the M6 take exit 6 and follow the signs for the A38 and follow the signs to Villa Park. Parking can be a problem as the area around the stadium is designated as street parking for residents only. The Witton train station is within walking distance of the ground so fans would be advised to take public transport if possible to Villa Park. Return on Investment 5 A category scheme for ticket prices is in operation (A B & C), with the most popular games costing more to watch. The ticket prices for an A category match vary from £31 to £45 and for a C category match from £25 to £37. Very reasonable prices if you compare them with other Premier League clubs in the country and especially in London. So not only the ticket prices, but also the food prices are very affordable at Villa Park. Along with a great atmosphere inside the ground you will get good value for money. Extras 4 Aston Villa offers guided tours on Wednesdays, Fridays and some Sundays (not on matchdays). The cost for the tour is £12.95 for adults and £7.95 for under 16’s. The Villa Park tour is great, it’s a must for all football fans. Our tour lasted 2 hours and was really interesting. On the perimeter of the ground you will find the Villa Store where you can buy almost everything in claret and blue. Final Thoughts When you spend a weekend in Birmingham there is always something to do. If you stay just for the football, then try to combine your stay with some other matches. Besides Aston Villa there are two more League clubs playing in Birmingham, there are City and Wallsall. In the neighbouring cities of Wolverhampton, West Bromwich and Leicester you will find some League football teams as well.

Photos by Marc Viquez, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.29 Wade E. Miller Arena 601 N Breiel Blvd. Middletown, OH 45042 Middletown High School Middies website Wade E. Miller Arena website Year Opened: 2017 Capacity: 2,410 Middletown Middies New Chapter in Basketball The next chapter of Middletown High School basketball debuted on December 9, 2017, with the opening of Wade E. Miller Arena. The hometown Middies new home replaced the iconic Wade E. Miller Gym that had been its home since 1952. The Miller Arena is part of a $96 million project that has seen renovations to the adjacent high school and the addition of a new middle school. The arena has a capacity of 2,140 with ample standing-room-only spaces around the court’s upper perimeter. The other additions feature improved lighting and sound system, a walking track, a strength center, an athletic office, a community room, trophy cases, a strength center, and a wrestling room. The school’s most famous alumnus is basketball Hall of Famer Jerry Lucas who guided the Middies to back-to-back state championships in 1956 and 1957, including a 76-game winning streak and 63 points in his final game. Lucas later stated that he never lost a game at the old Miller Gym during both his junior and senior high school playing career. Other alumni include NFL Hall of Famer Cris Carter who ranks seventh with 1,299 points on the court and current Chicago Cubs outfielder Kyle Schwarber who posted a .408 career average on the diamond while with the Middies baseball team. Food & Beverage 3 There is one area for concessions and it is located inside the high school down a short hallway. The area is large enough that tables are set up for fans to sit and talk while they eat before or during halftime of the game. The usual high school snacks are available, but the one to try is the Peil Dog which is topped with pickled jalapeno peppers and melted nacho cheese sauce; it’s also a bargain. All of the menu items are no more than $2-3, except Chick-fil-A sandwiches which seem somewhat steeper in price per sandwich in comparison to the other items on the menu. The other items include pizza slices, hot dogs, pretzels, and bottle pop for $2, nachos for $2.50, and brats for $3. Patrons can also enjoy popcorn, candy, and water for just a buck. Atmosphere 3 Miller Arena has that wow factor the moment you walk through the front door. The bright lighting, wide concourses, school colors of purple and plastic seating create beautiful aesthetics not found at too many other gymnasiums of its kind throughout the area. The arena is equipped with four 9-foot by 12-foot video LED scoreboards at four corners that provide scores, game time, and advertising space. The court, named after Lucas, is emblazoned with a small purple M inside a giant wood-grained M that is tilted. There is quite a bit of purple that easily identifies to the untrained eye that Middletown bleeds purple. The color is everywhere from signage, doors, plastic bucket seating, and murals that are featured on all four sides of the building. The exterior color is also offset by brick and cream coloring. The arena is new, but there is a ton of history with trophy cases displaying jerseys of former basketball greats, championship trophies, and photographs of past teams. There are retired numbers on display along with the school’s six state championship banners-tied for most in the state of Ohio. Fans easily can view all of these displays throughout the wide concourse that also serves as a walking track on non-game days. Before tip-off, Cris Carter is featured in an introduction video that highlights the basketball team's history through videos and photos. The band plays the school song while the home crowd points their index fingers to the center of the court. The tradition has been performed before every game at Middletown for many years. Neighborhood 3 Middletown is in between the major cities of Cincinnati and Dayton, Ohio, and near the campus of Miami University. The 48,702 town offers a few nice places to eat and drink before or after the game. Comb’s BBQ is a cute little spot that has a decor of old knickknacks ranging from guitars, neon lights, signage, and an old phone booth. The barbecue is affordable and delicious. The smoked wings are a bargain at 6 for $5, pulled pork and brisket sandwiches are large enough to fill you up ranging from $6.25-$8 each, sides are extra. Just down the street is Stefano’s Italian Cafe which is famous for wood-fired pizza and calzones, affordable sandwiches (all cost $6.95), and house specialties that include veal, chicken, seafood, and pasta dishes. Downtown offers a rarity, Rolling Mills Brewing Company a gluten-free brewery that serves both a lager and pilsner. The Sorg Opera House was recently refurbished and hosts live concerts. The historic venue first opened in 1891 and was recently closed for six years before being bought and renovated. Located 17 miles south of Middletown is Jungle Jim's International Market, the Disney World of supermarkets offering everything from beer, wine, cheese, produce, cigars, international foods, and so much more. Grab a pint at the bar and have a drink while you shop for products from around the world. Fans 3 The Middies fans are your typical basketball crowd made up of students, alumni, and parents who cheer on their home team to victory. They create a nice ambiance that begins with the singing of the school’s fight song and create noise to inspire the boys on the court. Access 4 The spacious arena offers plenty of areas to walk around, sit, and locate bathrooms and concessions. There is also plenty of parking outside the building and its location near I-75 makes it convenient for visitors driving from Dayton or Cincinnati. Return on Investment 3 The price of tickets and concession items are affordable to all visitors. The price of an adult ticket is $6 with most concession items no more than $2.50. There is plenty of parking in front of the arena which is free. Extras 4 There is one point for the purple, black, white, and gray murals that are displayed in all four sections of the building which add quite a flare to the game. The arena gets a second point for the 6 championship banners and retired numbers that chronicle the school’s basketball program and history. A third point towards the LED video boards and sound system that gives the high school arena a slightly different feel than other similar gyms in both Ohio and neighboring Indiana. A fourth point to the Peil Dog features jalapenos and nacho cheese sauce on a hot dog. A simple tweak to the traditional menu options that other high schools overlook. Final Thoughts The Miller Arena hopes not only to be a gem of a basketball arena in Ohio but a centerpiece to the community of Middletown. There are many classic basketball gymnasiums in the area offering history and a plethora of memories; that should be the case 50 years from now with the Miller Arena. ------ Follow all of Marc’s stadium journeys on Twitter @ballparkhunter and his YouTube channel . Email at Marc.Viquez@stadiumjourney.com