Photos by Paul Baker, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.71 Walter Brown Arena 285 Babcock St. Boston, MA 02215 Boston University Terriers women's hockey website Walter Brown Arena website Year Opened: 1971 Capacity: 3,806 A Home of Their Own The Walter A. Brown Arena Memorial Skating Pavilion is named for Walter Brown, the original owner of the Boston Celtics and former president of the Boston Bruins. The rink has served as the home to the Boston University men’s hockey team since 1971 and the women’s hockey team since 2005. With the men’s team move in 2005 to Agganis Arena, Walter Brown Arena became one of the few on-campus hockey venues in the country dedicated solely to women’s hockey. Walter Brown Arena is part of the Harold Case Physical Education Center, which also includes Case Gymnasium directly above the hockey rink. The arena stands on the site of Braves Field, which served as home field of the Boston Braves of Major League Baseball before they moved to Milwaukee in 1953. The Case Athletic Center stands approximately where the left field pavilion stands once stood. The Terriers have qualified for 6 NCAA Tournaments and have played in a pair of Frozen Fours (2011 & 2013). Food & Beverage 0 There are no concessions open during Terrier games. It’s a shame, as the concession stands underneath the seating area appear to be in operational shape. There are signs at the stands advertising hot dogs, beer, sandwiches, and that hockey staple, sushi. With the cold temperatures in Walter Brown Arena, some coffee or hot chocolate would sure come in handy. There are a pair of vending machines in the Walter Brown Arena that contain assorted snacks and drinks. They are a popular spot during intermissions, as lines of hungry Terrier fans form. Veteran visitors to Walter Brown Arena simply bring in their own snacks to enjoy while watching the game. Atmosphere 2 Generally, the atmosphere at a BU women’s hockey game is pretty much what you would expect when a crowd of 200-300 people take in a game in a venue that fits almost 4,000. However, if you happen to visit Walter Brown Arena on a day where Boston College is the opponent, the atmosphere here is kicked up a notch or two. A scaled-down version of the BU Pep Band shows up for the Terriers, and they do a great job filling the arena with noise throughout the game. While the student section doesn’t show up in the numbers that the men’s team sees, the women’s team does have their followers, who show up with signs, chants and energy. Many of your standard in-game hockey staples are present here for Terrier hockey fans. The team runs some promotions and giveaways, such as Score-O and an intermission game with a pair of pee-wee squads. If you like a low-key atmosphere with a lot of room to spread out, Walter Brown Arena may be the place for you. Neighborhood 5 Boston University is an urban campus, straddling Commonwealth Avenue for approximately a mile and a half on the Boston/Brookline border. While this area of Boston isn’t considered a popular tourist destination, there is still plenty of things to do in the vicinity. Fans coming to campus will find plenty of choices if eating before or after the game. Raising Cain is a popular fast food place near Case Gym, specializing in several varieties of chicken fingers. T’s Pub is a popular gathering spot about a block away from the Gym, as is Sunset Cantina, which features Mexican-style fare. There are several excellent Thai restaurants around, including the Brown Sugar Café. The Paradise Rock Club, known nationally for giving bands like U2 and REM their first area shows, is located a block away from Case Gym. It continues to host both local acts and up-and-coming national acts. Out of town visitors to Boston will be interested to know Kenmore Square and Fenway Park are just over a mile away. Not far beyond that are the tourist destinations of Copley Square, the Back Bay, the Boston Common and Chinatown. All are easily accessed by the Green Line, which has stops up and down Commonwealth Avenue. Fans 2 Boston University averages about 300 fans per game at Walter Brown Arena, which, although a small fraction of the building’s capacity, puts them right in the middle of all schools nationwide in terms of attendance. If you come to a game against big rival Boston College, expect to see a crowd approaching 1,000 people. Access 4 With the history and status in college hockey’s annals that a building like Walter Brown Arena has, you would expect to see a breathtaking exterior, or at least know you were at the home of one of the biggest programs in the nation. If so, you will be very disappointed as you approach Walter Brown Arena. Located at the end of a dead end street, the plain brick building is marked only by a small sign containing the Boston University logo along with the names of the schools in the Patriot League and Hockey East Conferences. Driving in Boston is a difficult proposition, as streets in the city, in use since colonial times, are laid out in a seemingly random fashion. Streets are narrow, parking is nearly impossible, traffic is seemingly always backed up, and there are construction projects everywhere to further gum up the works. Should you still wish to drive to a Boston University game, Walter Brown Arena is actually not very difficult to get to. The BU campus straddles Commonwealth Avenue, one of the major drags in the city. Walter Brown Arena is about a block from Commonwealth Ave. on Babcock Street. Parking is available in a covered lot located across Babcock St. underneath the New Balance Field. On street parking is also available in the vicinity of Case Athletic Center, but be aware of the times that meters are in operation. The best method for arriving at Walter Brown Arena, as well as most points in Boston, is to take public transportation, known as the MBTA, or “T”, for short. The Green Line’s B train has a stop on Babcock Street just steps from the front door of the arena. Walter Brown Arena is located on the ground floor of the Case Center, which houses both the hockey arena and Case Gymnasium. Fans will enter Walter Brown Arena from Babcock Street into the main lobby. The BU Athletic Hall of Fame is located here, as is the ticket booth. The hockey rink is located right off of the lobby. Fans will enter Walter Brown Arena onto a platform that offers standing room views of the action. The concourse wraps under the seating area, with the press box, rest rooms, and some additional standing room area located at the far end of the rink. The concourse and restrooms are cramped, and must have been really tough to get around in back when this arena was packed for Terriers men’s games back in the day. Seats closest to the ice are individual folding seats, with seats higher up bleacher seating with seat backs. At Walter Brown Arena, the seats a little further removed from the ice offer better views of the action. Return on Investment 4 Tickets for Terriers women’s hockey games cost six dollars, with discounts for youths and seniors. Group tickets cost a mere three dollars. Parking in the lot right across the street from Walter Brown Arena costs ten dollars. There is on-street parking available, but be aware of the hours of operation of the meters. Many fans avoid the cost of parking and aggravation of Boston driving by taking the T to Boston University. A one-way fare costs $2.65 and allows access to much of the city. Extras 2 An extra point is awarded to the history on display throughout Walter Brown Arena. From the many trophies that fill the cases in the lobby to the names that adorn the wall of the BU Athletic Hall of fame located here, Walter Brown Arena’s legacy as one of the hubs of college hockey is front and center here. While BU women’s hockey doesn’t have the following of the men’s team, it is great to see them have their own dedicated home. It’s a luxury not too many women’s programs enjoy. Final Thoughts Walter Brown Arena has a long and storied place in college hockey’s annals, and is worth a visit by any dedicated hockey fan. While the men’s program may have outgrown this facility, it is in good shape, and ready for its new life as home of the women’s program. Follow Paul Baker’s stadium journeys on Twitter and Instagram @PuckmanRI.

Photos by Andrei Ojeda, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.43 Walter Pyramid 1250 Bellflower Blvd Long Beach, CA 90840 Long Beach State Beach website Walter Pyramid website Year Opened: 1994 Capacity: 5,000 25 Years Under the Pyramid Opened for business in 1994, the Walter Pyramid, or as locals affectionately call it, The Pyramid, has become as much an iconic sight in Long Beach as The Queen Mary. OK… that may be a stretch. Celebrating 25 years of operation, it is one of four pyramid buildings in the U.S. along with others in Las Vegas, Memphis, and San Diego. In addition to hosting Long Beach State athletics, it was also the home of the NBA Summer Pro League from 1995 to 2007. When seen from a distance, when you see the sight of a blue shaped pyramid, there’s no mistaking where you are. Food & Beverage 3 Dining options are your standard venue fare of hot/chili dogs, hamburger, cheeseburger and chicken sandwiches from $5.50 to $10.50, chips, peanuts, cracker jacks assorted candy and popcorn from $3.50 to $4, kettle corn $5-$7, $frozen treats $3.75 to $5, regular and bottled coke products from $3 to $5 for a souvenir cup, $4 for coffee and hot chocolate, domestic and premium beer from $9-$11. Atmosphere 3 Watching a game at The Pyramid is one of the more unique experiences in college sports due in large part to its unique setup, given its status as one of four pyramids in the country. Long Beach State does a nice job of displaying their athletic program’s feats throughout the arena with murals along the concourses featuring famous Long Beach State alumnus. The seats are placed on movable sections supported by hydraulics, giving fans the chance to create a louder atmosphere as they can stomp their feet on the metal panels. With a capacity of just over 4,000 seats the inside of The Pyramid, while feeling rather cavernous, is rather intimate with no seat being too far away from the action. Neighborhood 3 The area surrounding the campus of Long Beach State does not really offer much in terms of pre/postgame dining and entertainment. However, The Pike is where the major attractions such as The Queen Mary, Aquarium of The Pacific (one of my favorite Long Beach attractions) and dining options such as CPK, Bubba Gump Shrimp Co., and Q Smokehouse are among the local dining options. Should you happen to have some time to kill before the game and find yourself in The Pike, I highly recommend The Aquarium of The Pacific. One of my favorite things to do at The Aquarium is the touch tanks where you get to pet little baby sharks and rays. Fans 3 With a program that’s currently struggling, the crowds are sparse. Those that do show do their best to back the LBC. Because of the program’s current struggles, the presence of students in the stands is also lacking. Those that do show up in the student section are mostly made up of families and kids. In an area where there are countless pro and collegiate programs, getting the stands filled even close to capacity can be a struggle. Access 4 Arriving to the arena should not be too difficult as it is easily accessible from the 405 freeway and Pacific Coast Highway. Should you decide to use public transit, the Long Beach Transit offers service from downtown LB, with routes 91 and 94 taking passengers inside campus leaving them a short walk away from the arena. When entering the arena, most fans walk up a flight of stairs through an upper concourse that encircles the entire arena. The concourses here at The Pyramid may be some of the widest concourses you will find yourself walking through in any of your indoor arena visits. One of the nice things about the concourse here is that you can walk all the way around and not miss any of the action happening on the court. Return on Investment 4 Ticket prices to see Long Beach State basketball start at $12 and vary based on seat location and level of game. With every seat close to the action Long Beach State games are a good bargain and a great alternative for the locals who don’t want to travel all the way to Los Angeles to see a basketball game in a nice intimate venue. Extras 4 One of the nice things about walking around The Pyramid aside from the ability to walk around the wide concourses without missing any of the action on the floor are the various murals and quotes from past Long Beach State athletes who would go on to stardom, among them Lucious Harris, Craig Hodges, and quotes from recent MLB stars Evan Longoria, Troy Tulowitzki and of course Jared Weaver. Along the west concourse is the school’s Hall of Fame display that also include former 49er and UNLV head coach Jerry Tarkanian. Next to the HOF display is a kids play area where kids can get in some mini hoops action away from the hoops action on the court. At the south end of The Pyramid is a good-sized LED video board that not only displays game stats but shows highlights and other game related action as well. The size and display of the board are so impressive it’s comparable to those used in NBA venues. Final Thoughts It would be very difficult to miss the location of The Walter Pyramid while on campus. One only has to look toward a blue pyramid shaped building and walk toward it. A basketball game inside The Walter Pyramid is one you should experience. It’s not often you can say that you viewed a sporting event under a pyramid-shaped building. At 25 years of service, The Pyramid has housed its share of high caliber athletes. The Pyramid was also the host to the Southern California Summer Pro League during its inaugural year until 2007, hosting NBA teams with their first and second round draft picks as well as other pro summer league teams. It was at The Pyramid where during the summer of 1996 a budding star named Kobe Bryant would make his professional debut.

Photos by Andrei Ojeda, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.14 War Memorial Gymnasium 2335 Golden Gate Avenue San Francisco, CA 94118 San Francisco Dons website War Memorial Gymnasium website Year Opened: 1958 Capacity: 5,300 Hilltop Hoops When people talk about hoops in the Bay Area, much of the focus is on the Golden State Warriors , who will soon call San Francisco home. The University of San Francisco has a reputable basketball history, with the likes of Bill Russell, K.C. Jones and Bill Cartwright putting on the Green and Gold of the Dons before reaching NBA stardom. The Dons have appeared in NCAA Tournament play 16 times, winning the National Title in successive seasons in 1955 and 1956. Built in 1958, War Memorial Gym, known locally as The Hilltop, is a tribute to the USF alumni who died during World War II, the Korean War and the Vietnam War. In addition to hosting both men and women’s athletic events, The Hilltop briefly hosted the San Francisco Warriors during the 1966-67 season. Food & Beverage 2 Nothing beyond your basics, Don’s Dog, Bratwurst, Corn Dog, Round Table Pizza, Nachos for $6, sweet treats such as caramel corn, candy and It’s It Ice Cream for $4, Coke products or Dasani Water for $3. Unusual for a college venue is the availability of alcoholic beverages. Lagunitas and Trumer $8, Bud Light or Red/White Wine for $6. The main food stand is located in the south end of the gym however mobile carts are located in the upper level ends as well. Atmosphere 4 When packed to the rafters, The Hilltop can be a loud and raucous place. For such a small venue, the USF does a nice job of displaying both men’s and women’s conference and national titles as well as the numbers of former USF hoopsters from Bill Russell, K.C. Jones and Bill Cartwright. Inside the foyer on the north end is a mini hall of fame that displays trophies and other memorabilia from USF’s athletic history. Neighborhood 4 The location of the campus is a short walk from some of San Francisco’s famed attractions such as The Haight, where the intersection of Haight and Ashbury was made famous during some Summer of Love. Also nearby is Alamo Square , where the world-famous Painted Ladies are located. If the Painted Ladies look familiar to you, chances are you’ve seen them in a production or two or maybe during an intro to some late eighties sitcom. Golden Gate Park is also a short walk from campus with trails, picnic groves, playgrounds and numerous other cultural attractions including the De Young Museum and the California Academy of Sciences. The Golden Gate Bridge is a short drive away from the USF campus. A nice way to explore your way to the Golden Gate Bridge if you have the time is to walk the three-mile span of the bridge. Fans 4 With Gonzaga as the evening’s opponent, as expected, the gym was filled up to the rafters. Though the visitors brought along a heavy contingent of fans, the support from the USF fans would not be outdone. Because of the level of interest, aisles along certain areas of the upper level as well as the corners of the north end were used to accommodate the overflow crowd. Access 3 From out of town the USF campus is not too convenient to get to because of the lack of freeways within city limits. Several SF Muni public transit lines run within the vicinity of the campus with the 5-Fulton and 31-Balboa having direct access. As with any neighborhood in San Francisco, parking can be difficult to navigate so you will want to plan ahead. Return on Investment 3 Lower reserved tickets along the baselines for most home games go for $20 while general admission seating is available for $15. The quality of play has been exciting with the home five very much in contention for some March basketball. Extras 2 Wherever you’re seated inside the gym you’re never far from the action. Don’t expect any bells and whistles when you attend a game here. Maybe the sound of a foghorn after each trey made by the home five but that’s all. Banners honoring the team’s conference championships as well as their three NCAA champion teams are hung. In the main concourse in the gym’s north end is a mini hall of fame with trophies and other athletic memorabilia. Final Thoughts The level of play has the fans excited about this year’s (2018-2019) team. Attending a game at The Hilltop is a trip back in time, where there is not much inside the venue to distract you from the action on the court. Plans are currently underway to upgrade the existing lobby as well as adding a VIP Club on the west side of the gym. If you’re looking to catch some quality hoops while in the Bay Area while not burning a deeper hole in your pocket, a game at The Hilltop should be on your agenda. With this year’s team, you just may be previewing some pre-March Madness.

Photos by Dave Cottenie, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.43 Warrior Field 252-254 Columbia Street W Waterloo, ON N2L 0A1 Waterloo Warriors football website Warrior Field website Stadium opened: 2009 Capacity: 5,400 New Warriors The Waterloo Warriors are coming off of a few seasons of success that they were not used to. It has been a number of years for the OUA football squad to recover from the unjust, unfortunate and unprecedented suspension of the program after a handful of player positive drug tests. The Warriors introduced coach Chris Bertoia to the mix who immediately paid dividends with the recruitment of the Ford twins, each of which have now moved on to the Canadian Football League. Tre Ford brought the Warriors some unprecedented success with the program’s very first Hec Crighton Trophy winner in 2021 as the Most Outstanding Canadian Football Player in the country. The Warriors have been playing football since 1957 and have enjoyed relative success including two Yates Cups as conference champions. The home of the Waterloo Warriors since 2009 has been Warrior Field. Built in response to the desire not to play on the home turf of the rival Wilfrid Laurier Golden Hawks, Warrior Field has been a work in progress over the years. The erecting of the Feridun Hamdullahpur Field House behind the football stadium has provided Waterloo with an improved facility and an improved fan experience. However, there is still plenty of work to be done. With a new crop of recruits on the field, it will be interesting to see if the recent success the Warriors enjoyed was real or just a blip on the radar. Food & Beverage 2 Concessions at Warrior Field are pretty restricted. University of Waterloo Food Services is on location and provides basic concession options including hot dogs, sausage and burgers. Vegetarian options are also available. Soda and water can also be found at the main tent. Dominos Pizza also has a stand where pizza slices are available. Warrior Field provides just enough to get by, however for fans looking for something more, looking elsewhere before or after the game would be the best idea. Atmosphere 3 Warrior Field provides a very simple structure in a wide open part of campus. Located as part of the Columbia IceField athletic complex, north of Columbia Street, Warrior Field is not an imposing structure. The turf field runs from east to west with a simple aluminum bleacher seating structure on the north side and berm seating on the south side. The most notable feature of the field would be the Feridun Hamdullahpur Field House, which towers over the field, with a large Warriors logo on the facade. The Field House provides washroom facilities and a ticketing office that were not previously present at Warrior Field. The simple, digital scoreboard is at the west end of the field along with the flag poles. The Columbia IceField, which is attached to the Field House, offers other athletic facilities as well as the football offices. Outside of the football office, fans can find the Warrior Football Ring of Honour, which includes such Warrior football greats as Mike Bradley, Tom Chartier, John Shoniker and Dave “Tuffy” Knight. It is unfortunate that these honours are hidden away from regular fans and it is not possible to see this on gameday. Also, it would be beneficial for the Warriors to erect flags or banners commemorating the 1997 and 1999 Yates Cup Championships that the Warriors earned. It is believed that the current seating structure is relatively temporary with a more permanent structure being part of the long game. The gameday presentation is fairly consistent with what fans would expect from any OUA football game. The Warriors enter the field from the northeast corner, running through an inflated Warrior helmet and fog machine. The Waterloo mascot, King Warrior often joins the Warrior cheerleading team on the sidelines. Select games will also bring out the small, but committed Warrior Band to provide music at the east end of the grandstand. The combination of a terrible sound system and little coordination between the band and those providing music and announcing provide a confusing situation at best. Fans often have difficulty following what is going on from a production standpoint. Neighbourhood 4 Two universities, University of Waterloo and Wilfrid Laurier University, within the vicinity of Warrior Field make the surrounding neighbourhood very interesting. The University of Waterloo is an urban campus so there are many nearby options. For the most variety, head over to University Ave and select from a plethora of locals and cuisines. Some spots you may want to check out will include Mel’s Diner, Molly Bloom’s and The Mongolian Grill. The other option would be to head up to King Street where Morty’s Pub is the best among a list of options. If you can arrange to see the Warriors play in the late fall, then you may just hit town in time for Oktoberfest. The largest North American Bavarian festival brings thousands into town and is a highlight for many of the locals. There are a huge number of events for all ages and not something to miss. Otherwise, a Saturday afternoon Warriors game can lead into a great evening of jazz at The Jazz Room at the Huether Hotel, close to Uptown Waterloo. On the campus of Waterloo, the Physical Activities Complex plays host to the Warriors basketball team and Columbia IceField is home to the Warriors hockey team. A short walk across campus leads to the campus of Wilfrid Laurier. The former home of Warriors football is now Knight-Newbrough Field at University Stadium and is home to the Laurier Golden Hawks. The WLU Athletic Complex is home to Golden Hawks basketball and nearby Sun Life Financial Arena at the Waterloo Memorial Recreation Complex is home to the Laurier hockey teams. Across town into Kitchener, visiting fans will most definitely want to catch a Kitchener Rangers hockey game at the Kitchener Memorial Auditorium. If you are looking for a place to stay in town, The Inn of Waterloo and Comfort Inn are both close to the campus. The Inn of Waterloo is a more upscale stay if that interests you. Both are just a few short minutes away by car. Fans 3 Fans support for the Waterloo Warriors is okay. With only four home games per season, each game tends to take on significant importance. With grandstand capacity at only 1,100, most of the time the bleachers are strongly populated. Games against rival Laurier or Guelph will bring out more fans who travel and the first game of the season is usually the most well attended. That being said, most OUA programs struggle with attendance and struggle to connect to current students. It is not unfair to suggest that there are more locals, alumni and families in the stands than students for most games. Access 4 The Feridun Hamdullahpur Field House has significantly improved the accessibility of Warrior Field. Warrior Field is located at the north end of the campus of the University of Waterloo. It is southwest of highway 85 and a pretty significant distance from the highway. To get to Warrior Field, you will be required to drive through the city a bit. Warrior Field is on the same plot of land as the Columbia IceField. You should not be required to drive through the main campus, between University Ave and Columbia Street. Public transit options will be left to the GRT buses, of which there are a few that travel in and around the University of Waterloo. Check the GRT website for schedules and maps relevant to Warrior Field. Parking is available around Warrior Field. There is a pay lot at the Columbia IceField and is predominantly now reserved for season ticket holders and tailgate parties. Free parking is available on weekends behind the optometry building to the east of the Columbia IceField. There is more than enough parking if you give yourself a bit of time before kickoff. The Feridun Hamdullahpur Field House has improved the experience at Warrior Field in two very specific ways. First, the Fieldhouse now houses a permanent ticketing box office. Tickets may be purchased right at the stadium using cash or credit with relative ease and a small lineup. Secondly, and more importantly, the Fieldhouse is open during the game to offer permanent washroom facilities. The portable washroom facilities are now much more limited, with one remaining on the south side of the field, which is a huge, and welcome, change. Return on Investment 4 Waterloo Warriors football, along with the other OUA programs, offer tremendous value for a limited investment. Tickets for the Warriors go for $12 for the grandstand and $10 for the berm with discounts offered for alumni, seniors and kids. Waterloo students are granted berm admission for free with proper identification. Concession prices are not too bad and parking can be found for free. The product on the field is plenty of fun and catching a Warriors game provides a solid Saturday afternoon of sports entertainment. Extras 4 An extra mark for the Warrior Band, which has been running from 1966 and is advertised as “One of the Bands in Canada.” There isn’t really anything like it in the rest of the league. An extra mark for the student-run nature of a Warrior game. The students run just about all of the aspects of the game, including radio and internet streaming broadcasts. An extra mark for the University of Waterloo continuing the recent trend of investing in their athletic programs and athletic facilities. An extra mark for the renewed rivalry against the Laurier Golden Hawks across all athletic teams. The Battle of Waterloo is better than it has ever been. Final Thoughts Waterloo Warriors football will not wow fans with an unbelievable production. OUA football is simple and underrated. Definitely a great place to be on a Saturday afternoon, Warrior Field does its job with room for improvement. On the plus side, the University of Waterloo has shown it is not afraid to invest in facilities on campus and hopefully will continue the trend. How the Warriors will do on the field in the wake of significan graduation remains to be seen. However, the chant of “Water-Water-Water-Loo-Loo-Loo” will remain either way. Follow all of Dave’s sporting adventures on Twitter @profan9 and on Instagram .

Photos by Gregory Koch, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.29 Washington Nationals Youth Baseball Academy 3675 Ely Pl SE Washington, DC 20019 Georgetown Hoyas website Washington Nationals Youth Baseball Academy website Year Opened: 2014 Capacity: 250 Hoya Softball Located in Southeast Washington, DC, the Washington Nationals Youth Baseball Academy opened in 2014 and is a complex consisting of three fields. The main, larger baseball field plays host to several areas high school and college teams as well as the summer-collegiate DC Grays of the Cal Ripken Collegiate Baseball League. There is also a softball field, used by high school, college, and youth teams, and a youth baseball field. The complex was built to serve DC’s underprivileged neighborhoods and provide a place for area children to study and play baseball after school. One of the college teams that call the softball field home is the Georgetown Hoyas. Although the Georgetown campus is across town, the Hoyas play their home games here. Hoya softball has not enjoyed much success over the years – they are one of just two current Big East members never to win the conference tournament. Food & Beverage 2 There is a concession stand at the Nationals Youth Academy, located behind the softball field in between it and the main baseball field. The only real meal options are hot dogs and nachos, but you can also get hot pretzels and many assorted snacks, plus various sodas, Gatorade, and bottled water. Prices are affordable, with nothing costing more than a few dollars. Fans can also bring in their food. Atmosphere 2 Although the main baseball field is much more elaborate, the softball field at the Nationals Youth Academy has a very basic setup. There are two small sets of metal bleachers similar to what you’d see at a little league field. They’re exactly like what you’d see at a little league field because this field is also used by youth players so that’s exactly what it is other than slight variations in the dimensions of the playing field at the college level. The bleachers are separated from the action by a thick backstop that makes it hard to see what is going on. Fans can also stand behind home plate or bring their chairs. There is a scoreboard in the right-centerfield that shows the linescore. An overhang is just up a flight of steps from the concourse and some fans like to hang out here before the game, but you can also watch the game from here if you prefer. Music is played between batters and innings but this is a very basic experience. Neighborhood 2 Although many parts of D.C. are great, the Nationals Youth Academy is not located in the best neighborhood. This choice of location makes some sense, as the complex was intended to help inner-city children play baseball. The area directly around the stadium is safe enough, but as always in an urban environment, be aware of what is going on around you. You probably don’t want to venture too far away from the stadium though. Many more options are available downtown, but unless you want to drive down there and try to find parking, you’re probably going to have to take an Uber or Lyft. Fans 2 The vast majority of the fans in attendance at Hoyas games are friends or family members of the players, or the opposing team. Occasionally, they will run buses to bring students from campus which does help some, but when students can’t really just walk right to the stadium, that significantly hurts their attendance. Occasionally you’ll get someone bored of watching their brother’s little League game wander over from the neighboring field, but that’s about it. Georgetown Hoyas Softball Player Banners, Photo by Gregory Koch, Stadium Journey Access 3 The Nationals Youth Academy is conveniently located a short drive off either I-395 or DC Route 295 (which is the only “state” highway in the District of Columbia.) Parking is available for free in the complex lot. Unfortunately, the Academy is not easily accessible by any D.C. Metro line, but free parking is a rarity in this city so take it where you can get it. The concourses are more than wide enough to accommodate the crowds. The restrooms are of sufficient size as well. Return on Investment 4 Admission is free to Hoyas softball games and concessions are affordable, but there isn’t enough here to earn the top score. Extras 1 There are batting cages located down by the main baseball field where fans can watch the Hoyas and their opponents (plus whoever else happens to be using the complex that day) take some swings before the game. Final Thoughts College softball is just not that big in the northeast. Lacrosse is the only spring sport that matters here. Georgetown does not even have its softball stadium and is forced to play its home games in a youth complex at what is essentially a Little League field with the dimensions rearranged slightly. Even by regional standards, they probably deserve better than that. Still, the Washington Nationals Youth Academy is a nice complex, even if it doesn’t seem like the best place for a Division I softball program to be playing, and a trip to a Hoyas game here can be a nice way to spend an afternoon.

Photos by Gregory Koch, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.00 Washington Nationals Youth Baseball Academy 3675 Ely Pl SE Washington DC, 20019 Georgetown Hoyas website Washington Nationals Youth Baseball Academy website Year Opened: 2014 Capacity: 500 Baseball With the Blue and Gray Located in Southeast Washington, DC, the Washington Nationals Youth Baseball Academy Opened in 2014 and is a complex consisting of three fields. The main, larger baseball field plays host to several areas high school and college teams as well as the summer-collegiate DC Grays of the Cal Ripken Collegiate Baseball League. There is also a softball field, used by high school, college, and youth teams, and a youth baseball field. The complex was built to serve DC’s underprivileged neighborhoods and provide a place for area children to study and play baseball after school. One of the baseball teams that call the academy home is the Georgetown Hoyas. The Hoyas previously played at Shirley Povich Field, and briefly split time between several minor league and summer collegiate venues in the DC area, but beginning in 2023, they moved into the Nats Academy full-time. The Georgetown campus is on the other side of town in the neighborhood of the same name, but they have no on-campus home. Food & Beverage 3 There is one concession stand at a window down the right-field line in between the three fields, which offers a basic menu. Hot dogs (cheese and chili optional), burgers, and chicken sandwiches make up the meal options, although not all of them will be available every game. Nachos, hot pretzels, soft drinks, and bottled water are also available, as are a wide variety of packaged snacks comparable to what you might find in a vending machine. Credit cards are accepted, but there is a $1 service charge for purchases under $5, so group your purchases or bring cash if you do not want to pay this. Atmosphere 3 The Hoyas play at the main field at the Nationals Youth Academy, in the far back of the complex. There are several rows of bleachers surrounding the field, all with an excellent view of the action. There is also room for fans to stand down the lines if they want. A scoreboard beyond the outfield fence shows the linescore and other basic information. There is not much going on here besides the game. Music is played during breaks in the action, and can also sometimes be heard when the games on the other fields have a break in the action as well regardless of what is going on on this field. This can create an odd dissonance between what you are seeing on one field and hearing on another. While the action on other fields can be a distraction, all that is going on on this field in the Georgetown baseball game is the game itself. Neighborhood 2 Although many parts of D.C. are great, the Nationals Youth Academy is not located in the best neighborhood. This choice of location makes sense, as the complex was intended to help inner-city children play baseball. The area directly around the stadium is safe enough, and expect some police presence during night games to make sure it stays that way, but as always in an urban environment, be aware of what is going on around you. You probably don’t want to venture too far away from the stadium though. Many more options are available downtown, but unless you want to drive down there and try to find parking, you’re probably going to have to take an Uber or Lyft. Fans 3 The Hoyas will typically draw a couple hundred fans a game. Some of them are friends or family of the players while others are just general fans of Hoya athletics. Given the long distance from campus, few if any Georgetown students attend. The Hoyas softball team plays at the academy as well, and when both are playing simultaneously it is not uncommon to see fans wander from one game to the other. Occasionally a bored sibling from a little league game will come by and watch an inning or two as well. Although the makeup is unusual, the fans are otherwise what you'd expect from college baseball in the Northeast . At times, they can be loud, but at other times, they are barely audible. Of course, that does not mean it is quiet here, as the fans on other fields may still be making their presence known there, but that just makes this an even odder experience. Access 3 The Nationals Youth Academy is conveniently located a short drive off either I-395 or DC Route 295 (which is the only “state” highway in the District of Columbia.) Parking is available for free in the complex lot, although you will have to walk past the other fields to get where you need to go. Unfortunately, the Academy is not easily accessible by any D.C. Metro line, but free parking is a rarity in this city so take it where you can get it. The concourses are more than wide enough to accommodate the crowds. The restrooms are of sufficient size as well, although the men’s room is tucked away in a corner under some stairs, so you may have to look around a bit for it. Return on Investment 5 Admission to all Hoyas games is free of charge. Concessions are affordable, and parking is free, a rarity in a major city such as DC. This makes a trip to a Georgetown game a great value for fans. Extras 2 There are batting cages located on the concourse behind home plate where fans can watch the Hoyas and their opponents take some batting practice. A second star for the opportunity to also check out a Hoyas softball game or one of the other college teams to call the Academy home during the same visit. Final Thoughts Georgetown baseball has had many homes over the years, but they seem to have settled into the Nationals Youth Academy. It's an unusual setting where a Division I college baseball game is going on steps from a Little League game, but real estate is at a premium in DC and the Hoyas will take whatever field they can get. Although most fans would not think to check out a Hoyas game at the Nationals Youth Academy, they are missing out on a fan-friendly and enjoyable experience.

Photos by Marc Viquez, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.14 Wellness and Events Center 100 Lock St. Newark, NJ 07102 NJIT Highlanders website Fitness and Wellness Center website Year Opened: 2017 Capacity: 3,500 Impressive New Digs for NJIT Hoops For several years, NJIT has waited for a new venue that befits its status as a Division I basketball team. The Estelle & Zoom Fleisher Athletic was barely adequate, seeming more like a high school gym in some respects. Finally, in 2017, the Wellness and Events Center was opened and it is certainly a shiny new addition to the campus. Not only is it the home court for the Highlanders men’s and women’s basketball teams as well as volleyball, it contains several other facilities for the student body at large. But Stadium Journey is only concerned with the experience as a men’s hoops home. So how does it compare to its predecessor? We went there to find out. Food & Beverage 1 There is a single tiny concession stand with bags of chips and candy (M&Ms, Hershey bars, Starburst, Sour Patch Kids, etc.) for $2, and hot dogs for $3. Bottled soda (Pepsi products) and water are $3. As this is a campus venue, no alcohol is served. Atmosphere 3 The building, with its silver siding over tinted windows, dominates a significant portion of the city block on which it lies. The main entrance is located at the corner of Lock and Warren Streets and upon entering, you will walk up a long hallway to get to the box office, with large windows on the left providing a view into a large gym below. After picking up a ticket, you walk through a set of doors into the court, which seats 3,500. There are reserved box seats lower down on both sides of the court, and each end zone has single-seat benches without a back, along with a couple of rows of box seats. There is an upper section of metal benches on one side of the court, which is not sold but is open to sitting in if you prefer some space to yourself. Red dominates the scene, with all lower-level seats displaying this color. The concourse is carpeted and encircles the entire seating bowl, though there is nothing to see as you make your way around. There is a team store near the concession stand. Before the Highlanders are introduced, a nice promo video is played that gets the crowd going. During the breaks, there are a few contests and of course, the dance team and cheerleaders perform. There is no band, however. Above one end is a large video scoreboard that is quite impressive, while the other side sports a smaller digital board. The hashtag to use here is #ProtectTheWEC, which is mildly creative. Neighborhood 2 The NJIT campus is just west of downtown Newark, but there is little around the actual venue. Rutgers-Newark campus is just down the road, and the Prudential Center is about a 15-minute walk, but that would not be advised, at least at night, as Newark is known as one of the most dangerous cities in the country. If you do decide to venture on foot, there are a couple of bars that are nearby, though both were mysteriously closed on the Saturday night I was in town. McGovern’s Tavern has been around since 1936, while Kilkenny Alehouse has a College Night on Thursdays and both looked inviting, though doors were locked. There is also a pub on campus, but that seems more suited for college kids. If you are looking for quick eats, Smashburger has a location just a block east on Warren Street, while Pizza Hut is a block north of Warren. Fans 2 NJIT was the lone remaining independent in Division I hoops until they joined the Atlantic Sun conference in 2015. Despite having newfound conference rivals, the team doesn’t draw particularly well; with just over 600 announced for the game, I attended, meaning that fans who wanted a section to themselves got it. Those fans in attendance did watch the game and make some noise at the appropriate times, but it would be much more interesting if the team was able to rely on a stronger following. Access 4 Getting here from NYC is quite easy – just take the PATH train from World Trade Center or NJ Transit from Penn Station to Newark, and then walk up Raymond Street if you are brave enough. If not, hop on the light rail to Warren Street; the 4-minute ride will cost $1.60. Note that weekend trains are only every 20 minutes. Inside, you can walk around the concourse with no issues, and there are no ushers checking tickets. With so few fans, there are no lines anywhere. Return on Investment 3 Tickets here are $10 for general admission, which is all you need as you can sit pretty much anywhere. In fact, you might be able to get in for free. After purchasing my ticket, I went through the door into the gym, looking for someone to scan or tear the ticket, but nobody was there. NJIT is a mid-major school and they play entertaining basketball in a stadium that is maybe 20% full. If you like having space to stretch out and watch the game, this is the place for you. Extras 0 There is nothing related to the history of the program on display at the WEC. There were displays at the Fleisher Center, which is still standing, so perhaps they will be moved at some time. Final Thoughts The WEC is a nice, new building that deserves more fans and some history on display to make it a more compelling destination for sports travelers who want to get off the beaten path in the New York City area.

Photo Courtesy Grambling State Tigers Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.14 Wilbert Ellis Field at R.W.E. Jones Park Younger St Grambling, LA 71245 Grambling State Tigers website Wilbert Ellis Field at R.W.E. Jones Park website Year Opened: 1962 Capacity: 56,000 Home to Grambling State Baseball Located in north Louisiana on the campus Grambling State University, Wilbert Ellis Field at R.W.E. Jones Park serves as home to GSU Tiger baseball. While Wilbert Ellis Field at Ralph Waldo Emerson Jones Park is certainly a mouthful, it’s hard to deny the impact both men have had on the program and university. Ralph Waldo Emerson Jones is a beloved former president of Grambling State and Wilbert Ellis is a legendary retired coach of GSU baseball. Despite being in the shadow of Grambling football and basketball, Wilbert Ellis Field at R.W.E. Jones Park provides Tiger baseball fans with a modern facility equipped with shaded seating areas thanks to overhead awnings. Food & Beverage 2 The ballpark provides basic concessions at a reasonable cost. The options at the concession stand are limited. However, you can find a couple of satisfying entree items in the foot-long hot dog for $5, a regular hot dog for $3, and nachos. Chili & cheese are available at no extra charge. Snacks including assorted candy and chips are available as well. There isn’t a menu posted at the concession stand, but the staff working the stand will be more than happy to answer any questions you may have. The ballpark serves both canned and bottled Coca-Cola products. Canned drinks are $2 and bottled are $3. Though there’s not much of a variety to choose from, the hot dog with chili and cheese will satisfy your hunger during the game. Atmosphere 3 Wilbert Ellis Field at R.W.E. Jones Park provides Grambling State baseball with a modern facility and a small-college baseball atmosphere in the comfortable confines of the GSU campus. The ballpark benefits from recent upgrades to the seating areas. The bricked columns behind the grandstands are complemented with posters memorializing Grambling baseball accomplishments and both coaches embedded in the stadium namesake. On hot and sunny days, the awning which covers both grandstands is certainly a bonus. There are a few areas where the atmosphere deserves some improvement. Though the chain link fence surrounding the backstop area looks new, it negatively impacts your view of the field. Replacing this with netting would have a major positive impact. Also, the field itself could use some TLC. Entertainment throughout the game is strictly on-field play. In a traditional setting, don’t expect any shenanigans between innings by the marketing crew. Music is piped in throughout the game, however, the sound system is not adequate for the facility and is of poor quality. The home-town fans typically sit in the bleacher grandstand along third baseline under the awning. When the weather cooperates, the chair backs just behind the backstop put you literally right behind the action. Fans of the opposing team typically sit closer to the visitor’s dugout in the grandstand down first baseline. Neighborhood 1 Being hosted at an on-campus stadium, especially one as appealing and comfortable at Grambling State University is a plus. While city of Grambling certainly doesn’t offer a large metropolitan experience, the small college town provides enough to satisfy a day in town for a baseball game. While in town, be sure to check out Ra’jo’s Chicken & Waffles. This unique, local joint serves up its delicious namesake in a friendly environment. Other local options include Spivey’s Fried Chicken and Cain Gang Chicken and Waffles. The GSU campus, in itself, is an attraction. Be sure to spend some time next to the water fountain on campus and checking-out the Greek trees which feature colors of the campus fraternities and sororities on their trunks. The Eddie G. Robinson Museum memorializes one of the winningest college football coaches of all time. It’s a must visit while in town. For extended stays, check out nearby Ruston for additional options. Both Shreveport and Monroe are larger cities and located within driving range. You won’t find adequate lodging in Grambling. Just about 5 miles east in Ruston, however, there will be multiple hotel options. Check out the Hampton Inn (1315 N Trenton St). Fans 1 Matching the small college environment is a small, but passionate, fan base. Fans in attendance are primarily family and friends of the ballplayers themselves, along with a few long-time passionate supporters of GSU athletics. The typical crowd for Grambling baseball games averages around 50-150. Despite some historical success as a program, baseball has not emerged in the area as a must-see event. Getting more fans out to the ballpark would go a long way towards improving the overall game day experience. While GSU baseball doesn’t feature any specific traditions or chants, families of the players on the field certainly get into the spirit of the game. Expect to hear cheers of support when runs are scored, scorning of umpires when calls go the other way, and words of encouragement when the batter steps into the box. Access 4 Access to Wilbert Ellis Field at R.W.E. Jones Park is a mixed bag. The drive to the stadium, access into the gates, and ability to move around once inside are all fairly convenient. The location of Grambling, however, certainly isn’t centrally located. Grambling is accessible of I-20 from both the east and west of the city. Exit onto Hwy 149 and head south towards the GSU campus. Take a left onto College Ave and veer right onto Founder Ave. Immediately turn left onto Younger St. Younger will dead-end at the stadium. Where Younger meets the ballpark is a parking lot that actually serves the Freshman Village Hall and a couple of other dorms, but you can park here during the game. Parking is free and though you may need to park a little further down the street, there are usually spots available. The green space down below the Freshmen village and ballpark is also available, when necessary. The ticket booth and main entrance gate are located directly across from each other. You shouldn’t experience any lines or frustration as you get your ticket and head into the stadium. Saturday games typically feature a doubleheader. The ticket window staff usually leave for the day beginning around the second inning of the second game. The concourses inside the stadium are spacious and allow you to move around easily. Restrooms are small, but typically adequate for Grambling baseball crowds. Return on Investment 2 It’s hard to beat the cost of admission to a GSU baseball game. Adults get in for $5 and most small children get in free of charge. The seating areas have numbered seats, but most in attendance generally adhere to a general admission environment. Though your overall investment will be minimal, the experience may leave you somewhat wanting. . Extras 2 Wilbert Ellis Field at R.W.E. Jones Park features a few “extra” items which support the overall game day atmosphere. As you enter the stadium, it’s hard to miss the posters which memorialize the GSU baseball past. The displays for both former coaches Wilbert Ellis Field and Ralph Waldo Emerson Jones come with brief descriptions you can read. There’s also a poster which lists GSU’s SWAC conference titles in baseball. As you enter the ballpark, the ticket greeter will hand you a free printout which includes the starting line-ups and game notes.

Photos by Marc Viquez and Paul Baker, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.00 Wings Event Center 3600 Vanrick Dr Kalamazoo, MI 49001 Kalamazoo Wings website Wings Event Center website Year Opened: 1974 Capacity: 5,113 You Can’t Get Much Better than K-Wings Hockey The Kalamazoo Wings have been a mainstay in minor league hockey since its founding in 1974. Even though the current incarnation of the team began in 2000, there has always been K-Wings hockey at the Wings Event Center (formerly Wings Stadium), first in the International Hockey League, then the United Hockey League, and now ECHL. Toriginalnal club operated in the IHL from 1974-2000 capturing back-to-back Turner Cups in 1979 and 1980. The K-Wings played in front of packed houses routinely fostering nearby rivalries from Toledo, Ft. Wayne, Saginaw, and Muskegon. However, the team would cease operations in 2000, but would be replaced with a new team in the UHL the following season. The Wings Event Center is a 5,113 hockey arena featuring its original burnt orange, burgundy, and brown seats, a low ceiling, and a narrow main concourse housing four concession stands, and three bars (one at ice level). The arena has the look, smell, and definitely the character of an old hockey barn. The most impressive feature of the entire arena is the 2,300 square foot video scoreboard that was part of a $2 million improvement to the facility in 2012 to add high-tech capacity to the venue. The K-Wings are also innovators, being the first to paint the ice green for St.Patrick’s Day in 1982. Since then, the team has painted the ice orange for Halloween, and pink for both Valentines Day and Breast Cancer Awareness Night. Food & Beverage 4 There is quite a bit of food and drink for an arena that is over 40 years old. It is suggested to look out for special deals since there seems to be quite a few deals at each home game. There are four main concession areas offering hot dogs, chicken tender baskets, brats, nachos, and burritos. There are also specialty items including grilled mushroom swiss burgers and spicy bacon burgers with ghost pepper. If you are looking for pizza, Hungry Howie’s has you covered. Kalamazoo is home to local breweries Bells and Arcadia, along with a slew of other breweries; it is not surprising that you would find a cornucopia of craft beer selections at the arena. The Craft Beer Depot features 50 bottled varieties that are only $4.50. The beer prices range from domestic/craft: canned $7/$8.50, 16-ounce $5.75/$6.75, and 24-ounce $6.75/$7.75. If you are not drinking, Pepsi products are available. Atmosphere 4 Wings Event Center is a classic hockey barn that is a throwback of sorts in the world of minor league hockey. The arena features 18 rows of seats that encompass the ice rink and one main exterior concourse that houses concessions, ticket offices, merchandise booths, and bathrooms. The main merchandise stand is across from the main ticket offices in the front lobby. There are several championship banners hanging up on the wall at one end of the arena and the giant scoreboard features everything from replays, advertisements, and social media activities. There is plenty going on at the arena throughout the night. The Wings mascot Slappy skates around the ice and can also be found in the concourse and seating areas. There is also a lot of intermission activities that include fan participation in trike racing and bubble soccer. After the game, kids are allowed on the ice for a few moments with their parents. Neighborhood 4 Wings Event Center is located off of I-94 and is visible from the interstate. The area is very suburban, but downtown is a quick 10-minute drive where one can find great places to eat and drink. Arcadia Brewing Company and Bell’s Eccentric Cafe are two required destinations for the beer connoisseur, choose from varieties not normally found in your liquor store and a full-service menu. A very fun and interactive spot for beer is the Kalamazoo Beer Exchange where prices are monitored like a stock exchange, when the market crashes, so do the prices. Michigan is known for its coney dogs and Coney Island was rated number 6 on a recent local poll. The long-established restaurant has been serving coneys since 1915 and its thick, crumbled chili and chopped Vidalia onions are among the best tasting in the state. A fantastic nearby brewery is One Well Brewing and is just a mile down the road featuring great beer and food. You can also take the kids to play in the children’s area or at the pinball machines. For the adults, try the Xalapa Jalapeno Blonde Ale, the Sweet Water Street Coffee & Donut Porter, or the Root Beer Float Milk Stout. Fans 3 The biggest crowd of the year is the Green Ice Game on St. Patrick’s Day. The sold-out crowd features waving flags, blowing horns, and plenty of cheering for goals. There is also the goal chant to the tune of “Mony Mony” where the crowd shouts “Hey, guess what? Your goalie sucks!” There are some great Wing fans and attendance has been slightly up this year, but management needs to see more of them at the arena. Access 4 The arena is located off of I-94 and there is plenty of signage to direct travelers to the parking lot surrounding the venue. The arena signage is also visible from the interstate. Once inside, there is one main concourse with entrances that lead into the seating area, but be sure you know what section you are sitting in since the inner concourse doesn’t wrap around to all seats. For high capacity games, the wait times might exceed the time needed and you may miss some action from the game. The Wings have employed several TV screens allowing fans in line the chance to watch the game. Bathrooms are clearly designated inside the building. Return on Investment 5 Tickets for games sell in the price point of $10, $13, $16, and $20-one of the best bargains in minor league hockey. Parking is a $5 fee and a fairly new practice but on par with many other ECHL venues. The prices inside are reasonable including $6 glasses of wine, $5.75 16-ounce beers, $3 boxes of popcorn, and $8 chicken tender baskets. If you are looking to get your dollars worth check out a Wednesday night game featuring $9 tickets, $6 food baskets, and $2 beers. There is also Pop Up Friday games that offer hot deals on concession items or a special experience for fans; details are revealed on Facebook before the game. The St. Patrick’s Day Game is probably the highest attended game of the season featuring $2 green beer drafts and $2 craft beer bottles. When factoring in ticket prices, parking, and concession prices, an evening at a Wings game is one of the best bargains in minor league hockey. Extras 4 One star for the selection at the Craft Beer Depot; they have well over 50 bottle varieties to choose from and at $4.50 for most varieties, it’s a bargain. The second star for the Zamboni Bar, a nice little place to hang out with friends at the game. The third star for the 28 concourse monitors that allow fans to watch the action from the ice while they wait in line for food and drink. The 48-inch plasma TVs make sure that no one misses the action on the ice. One final star for the up-close views of the ice, the place has the feel of a classic junior hockey barn somewhere in Ontario or Quebec; fortunately, you don’t need to cross the border to enjoy old-time hockey. Final Thoughts Watching a K-Wings game is sort of stepping back in time when minor league hockey arenas were small, smoky, crowded, and definitely full of character. The fans in attendance were there for the game and maybe a few fights on the ice. Many of these types of venues have been replaced with modern entertainment vessels that feature everything from suites, catering service, multi-levels, and open view bars of the game. Not that there is anything wrong with that, but sometimes it’s nice to know a place like the Wings Events Center still exists in the hockey world.

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

Photos Courtesy of St Peter's University Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 1.86 Yanitelli Center 2641 Kennedy Blvd. Jersey City, NJ 07306 St. Peter’s Peacocks website Yanitelli Center website Year Opened: 1975 Capacity: 3,200 Where’s the Peacock Pride? The Yanitelli Center, home of the St. Peter’s Peacocks, is a no frills venue which is certainly not one of the better places to take in a game in the MAAC. Kind of like the city (Jersey City) in which it resides, the arena is a bit rough around the edges. While the Peacocks have had some recent success, most years they are the bottom feeders of the MAAC, which probably explains why little has been done to spruce up the Yanitelli Center. The facility opened in 1975 at a cost of $6 million and also serves home to the university’s men’s and women’s volleyball, tennis, swimming, and diving teams. When men’s basketball games are played, collapsible bleachers are expanded to cover the gym’s three full courts to provide intimacy of 3,200 people. The Peacocks have made three appearances in the NCAA tournament: 1991, 1995, and a second round appearance in 2011. The team has captured six regular season conference titles in 1967, 1968, 1969, 1982, 1984, and 1987. The program’s biggest success was in 2017 when it captured the Collegeinsider.com Postseason Tournament (CIT) with a 62-61 victory of Texas A&M Corpus Christi 62-61 on a last second free throw by Trevis Wyche. It was the school’s first-ever national postseason tournament title of any kind. Food & Beverage 1 A small concession stand is located in the hallway outside of the actual arena. It offers a very limited selection of items – pretzels, candy, and soda is about it. With the tiny crowds that the Peacocks draw, it is no wonder that they make little effort to offer much in the way of concessions. My suggestion would be to bring your own refreshments. Atmosphere 2 Crowds are not the biggest or most enthusiastic you’ll ever encounter. In down years, the opponent’s crowd can easily outnumber the Peacock fans in attendance. And there seems to be very few students who attend the games despite the Yanitelli Center being located on campus. I have seen bigger crowds in televised games when the team is better, but overall there just seems to be a general sense of apathy from both the students and community. The Peacocks do have a cheerleading squad, but they only performed a couple times and generally seemed disinterested, like most of the fans in attendance. The arena itself consists of large bleacher sections on each side, but no seating on the ends and no chair back seating at all. Basic scoreboards are located on the walls on each end of the court. Because of how small it is, the Peacocks could have a good home court advantage if they ever could get more fans to come out to the games. Neighborhood 1 This is Jersey City – not exactly the safest place to be roaming around. The campus is located just off the center of the city in what appears to be a rather residential area. There doesn’t appear to be much in the way of restaurants or bars that are within walking distance. But Journal Square, which is the heart of Jersey City, is only about a mile away. Unless you are familiar with Jersey City or comfortable exploring, you are probably best to find some eats before you come into the city for the game. Fans 2 There just doesn’t seem to be much interest from the students or the surrounding community in the Peacocks basketball team. I’m sure some of it has to do with the poor teams they have had, but it’s not like they are bad every year. As recently as 2011 they did make an NCAA tournament appearance. Access 2 If you are driving, you will most likely need a GPS or someone navigating you in order to make your way to the Yanitelli Center without any wrong turns. The campus is located on Kennedy Boulevard, which is a main drag through the downtown of Jersey City. The home of college hoops is located on the corner of Montgomery Street and Kennedy Blvd. There is a small parking garage directly adjacent to the gym which can be accessed off of Montgomery Street. The number of parking spots is limited, but with the small crowds it probably doesn’t fill up often. Because of its proximity to New York City, taking public transportation in is also an option. Return on Investment 4 The Yanitelli Center doesn’t offer much in terms of comfort, so it is a good thing that you won’t have to spend much money to attend a game here. Parking is free and tickets are $10 for all seats (which are bleachers) and $5 for children 2-12, students w/ID, and seniors over 60. Certainly a reasonable price for MAAC level basketball. Extras 1 There is nothing to speak of when it comes to extra features at the Yanitelli Center. Other than some banners on the walls at each end of the court, there isn’t much to celebrate the history of St. Peter’s basketball. There is really nothing too unique about the venue. Unless you have a rooting interest in one of the teams that is playing, I can’t really recommend it.

Photos by Matt Fiedler, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.57 Yankee Stadium 1 E 161st St Bronx, NY 10451 Pinstripe Bowl website Yankee Stadium website Year Opened: 2009 Capacity: 52,325 Pigskin and Pinstripes The Pinstripe Bowl was inaugurated in 2010 and pits an ACC team against a Big 10 team. The game has been played at Yankee Stadium since its inception. The Pinstripe Bowl is a rarity as it is in a cold weather city and takes place at a baseball stadium. The only other bowl game that takes place at a baseball stadium is the Cheez-It Bowl at Chase Field, home of the Arizona Diamondbacks. Next year (2020), there will be three bowls at baseball stadiums as Fenway Park is set to host a bowl game. Yankee Stadium is a unique place to host a game. Fans can see goalposts and cheerleaders while also gazing at Monument Park. The organizers of the event do a great job of melding football with the historic aura of Yankee Stadium. A football game being held at a must-see venue like Yankee Stadium is a recipe for success. Food & Beverage 5 Yankee Stadium has food for every taste. In New York City you can get any type of cuisine you desire, so it’s fitting that Yankee Stadium offers such a wide variety. Those looking for essentials like popcorn, hot dogs, pretzels, candy, and nachos will find them in spades. One of the highlights at Yankee Stadium is the Buffalo Wild Wings stand. Located in section 107, it serves both boneless and traditional wings with a wide variety of sauces. Another new location that opened in 2019 at the stadium is the Benihana stand. The stand is in section 127 and serves traditional hibachi favorites like steak, chicken, and shrimp bowls. Other must see stands are the Jersey Mikes stand which serves various sub sandwiches, and the Lobel’s stand which serves prime steak sandwiches. Yankee Stadium also has many vegetarian and vegan options. There are plenty of salads, pretzels, and peanuts located throughout the stadium. A popular vegan spot is Bareburger in section 132. This stand serves the Beyond Sausage sandwich and also serves black bean burgers. In terms of beverages, you won’t find Coca-Cola as Yankee Stadium is a Pepsi venue. If you’re looking for an adult beverage, there are several bars throughout the stadium including the Franks Red Hot Terrace and the Toyota Terrace in center field. You can find a variety of mixed drinks, wine, and craft beer throughout the park. Atmosphere 4 The atmosphere at Yankee Stadium is truly a unique experience. Since it is not a natural football venue, you get some different angles and points of view than you would normally have. Looking around the stadium you see foul poles, the short porch in right field, the flags waving at the top of the stadium. As you stroll the concourse you see the memorials of former Yankee greats and monuments of the 27 championships that they won. Throughout the game fans are serenaded by the bands of the schools that are playing in the game. At halftime the marching bands perform on the field and really hammer home the traditional atmosphere of a college football game. When the bands aren’t playing, there is plenty of stadium music and organ music as well. Another great element is the huge video board in center field that shows you all the info you need for the game. The down and distance are shown as well as a video of the game. The down and distance and game time are also show on the video “ribbon” that stretches around the stadium. Neighborhood 3 Yankee Stadium is in the Bronx, which is one of the five boroughs that make up New York City. The Bronx itself has a reputation as a bit of a rough area, but things have gotten a bit better over time. Also, if you attend the Pinstripe Bowl or a game at Yankee Stadium in general, there will be plenty of NYPD officers around to keep the peace and make sure everyone stays safe. A short subway ride downtown will give you access to the boundless attractions that NYC has to offer. Fine dining, theater, museums, and many other attractions can be found within the five boroughs. Some of the biggest attractions in NYC include the Statue of Liberty, the MET, Lincoln Center, Times Square, the Empire State Building, and the Bronx Zoo. Of course, there is also any kind of cuisine you can imagine as well as specialty stores like M&M World and tons of other stores and museums. Fans 3 The weird thing about bowl games is that you get different teams each year, which means you also get different fans and different types of fans. There are many historic and exciting fan bases in both the ACC and the Big Ten so the chances are good that the fan bases will show up. The 2019 matchup featured Michigan State and Wake Forest. There was a large contingent from both schools and that allowed for a good back and forth between the fans. The fans were also very respectful towards each other. It was a friendly back and forth that went on throughout the game. The fans were also very knowledgeable about their teams, and they also seemed to acknowledge and have a great respect for the history of Yankee Stadium. The attendance at the 2019 game was 36,895, the 2018 attendance was 37,821, and the 2017 attendance was 37,667. Those attendance figures put the Pinstripe Bowl in the higher level of attendance for non-New Year’s Six bowls. Access 4 Getting to Yankee Stadium isn’t too tough, especially if you take public transportation. Yankee Stadium can be accessed via the NY subway system or by the Metro North train system. If you’re in downtown, you can take the 4, 5 or 6 train uptown to the 161st Street Yankee Stadium stop. You can also take the Hudson Line on Metro North to Yankees East 153rd Street. The tougher way to get to Yankee Stadium is braving the NYC traffic and driving into the stadium. You can find parking lots near the stadium for $20-$30. However, Stadium Journey still recommends taking public transportation into the game. It’s easier and less of a hassle than enduring the traffic and general gridlock of NYC. Once inside the stadium, it is very easy to get around. The concourse is laid out in a very neat way and it is also very spacious. Even with full concession lines, it is easy to walk around the entirety of the concourse at field level. The bathrooms are also very spacious and never feel crowded even with a large amount of people in them. Return on Investment 3 The Pinstripe Bowl is one of the pricier non-New Year’s Six bowls. The average cost of tickets for the 2019 game was $139 and were as low as $82. That’s a pretty steep price especially when you add in the expensive concessions and parking or public transportation. However, the quality of football is good and seeing a game at Yankee Stadium is a unique experience. The experience of seeing a football game at Yankee Stadium helps to alleviate the high price of entry and concessions. Be prepared to shell out over $200 if you choose to come to the Pinstripe Bowl. Extras 3 One star goes to the wide variety of food and beverage options at Yankee Stadium. From Benihana to Buffalo Wild Wings to Jersey Mikes subs, there is no expense spared in bringing in high end food options for fans to enjoy. A second star goes to the sense of history and memories that fans encounter at Yankee Stadium. The pictures and memorials of Yankee legends and championships really adds an extra layer of historical weight to Yankee Stadium and the Pinstripe Bowl. A final star goes to the crew and staff at both Yankee Stadium and the Pinstripe Bowl. They are all very helpful and friendly. There are staff all around the stadium that can point you in the right direction and do so with a smile. Final Thoughts Yankee Stadium is an iconic venue for sports fans. Every fan should visit at least once in their lifetime. The history and tradition of the Yankees is evident throughout the stadium. The Pinstripe Bowl is a unique experience that brings football and baseball together. It is on the pricey side though so be prepared to spend $200 or more. If you can find a relatively cheap ticket, Stadium Journey would recommend that you check out the Pinstripe Bowl if you’re looking for something to do in late December in NYC or you just want to visit Yankee Stadium.

Photos by Adam Pate, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.86 Nika Stadium Shevchenka St. 58 28000 Oleksandriya, Ukraine FC Oleksandriya website Nika Stadium website Year Opened: 1998 Capacity: 7,000 Match Day Oleksandriya The small town of Oleksandriya, located just over 300km south of Kyiv, is enjoying the most prosperous time in its sporting history. Over the last four years, the local club has qualified for European competition on three occasions, reaching the Europa League Group Stages for the first time this 2019-2020 season. The two local football groups merged five years ago, and the new club has spent the last few years in the Premier League of Ukraine. The club still acknowledges the merger by using the swallowed club (FC UkrAhroKom Holovkivka) as its main sponsor – understandable, as it is a large agricultural firm. The Nika Stadium, opened in 1998, is a small compact stadium, with capacity for 7000 spectators on match day. The stadium is located a short walk from downtown. However, most facilities in Oleksandriya are only a short walk, given a population of fewer than 100,000 people. The stadium is located on the Inhulets River banks, which splits the city into two halves. The stadium is set within a larger sports complex that holds administrative buildings, training centers, and conference halls for businesses in the agricultural heartland of Ukraine. The stadium complex is open a reasonable time before match day, allowing supporters to mingle outside in good weather. Although, the setting allows for plenty of local public buses to bring supporters to and from the game. The train station is quite a distance from the ground in the eastern half of the city. Regular trains make the stadium a possible day trip from Kyiv for any potential weekend visitors to the capital. Food & Beverage 2 Being set inside a larger complex, we had hoped to find a good supply of food on offer but were let down. The conference facilities are available for rent on match days, so the restaurant we had been looking forward to visiting was closed. It may be different for other games but worth checking in advance. Several convenience stores are nearby, and the center of the town, just 15 minutes walk away, hosts some good quality restaurants. The club has a hot food outlet outside the ground in the car park, where fans assemble before the game. Beer is available from 20Uah (O.70USD) and is palatable. I chatted with a few supporters as I wanted to learn more about the European experiences, and they all seemed to be munching on dried fish. The dried fish does go well with the beer I should add. Inside the ground, there is a small coffee shop in the stands. Lesson learned, go early for hot food at Oleksandriya as everything seems to sell out prior to halftime. After the game, head to two restaurants in the main town square, which serve a tasty variety of food and drink. Scorini’s serves delicious pizza for less than 5USD$, while Vostoka has a good selection of drinks for under 2USD$ and beer snacks to go along with it. As with many top-level grounds in Ukraine, no alcohol is available for purchase inside the ground. Oleksandriya does offer alcohol-free beer for those of you who need a kick. There is the usual selection of sodas and hot drinks for less than a dollar in the coffee shops – they are still there at halftime. Fans gather for the real beer experience in the car park area before kick-off. Many people enjoy some vodka there as well. It is available from all nearby convenience stores for just a few dollars. The craft beer culture does not appear to have arrived in the rural Kirovograd Region, so for now, depend on the fizzy variety. Atmosphere 3 Small but quaint, the Nika Stadium offers a picturesque and unique experience for the Ukrainian groundhopper. The intelligent design offers viewpoints from all parts of the ground and easy access for visitors. The ground has a selection of stands that are ten rows deep and are scattered around the pitch. There appears to be no preferred seating areas, and fans are distributed freely around the stadium, ensuring that noise comes from all angles. The only part of the ground that is off-access for supporters is the far corner with a selection of pine trees that creates a unique experience (at least on my travels). I can only imagine how it would look in winter, covered in snow. Entertainment is kept to minimal, allowing supporters to mingle and chat during the halftime break. Most supporters head to the coffee shop, given the queue. The scoreboard towers over the ground, proudly displaying the score for all bar the visiting fans. Sadly, on the day of my visit, the club shared the defeat. It also shared little else bar the score, something to consider in the future. Nika Stadium Scoreboard, Photo by Adam Pate, Stadium Journey As with all Ukraine games, the teams enter to the league anthem and sing the national anthem with gusto before kick-off. Before the revolution in 2014, this was less prominent, but it now allows Ukrainians to share their pride. The announcement system is less archaic if truth be told, but it is clear enough to hear messages. Given the lack of money in Ukrainian football, it is perhaps understandable that investment is restricted. For most visitors, the best option for a one-time visit to the ground would be the main stand opposite the conference center. Any of the back few rows allow for views over the coffee shop, but the other stands fail to access it. Nevertheless, the main stand provides quicker access to the sports complex if that takes your pleasure. Overall, either side of the pitch is excellent, but the food is only available on one side. Neighborhood 2 Located on the edge of downtown in small Oleksandriya, the club offers quick access to the center after the game for fans to move on to their home regions. The river Ingulets offers a majestic stroll before the game if you arrive early. Oleksandriya is a tiny place, and sadly this results in little being on offer away from the ground. The fast intercity train makes it possible as a day trip from Kyiv, but Dnipro just two hours away makes for a better option. There are several professional teams within two hours’ drive of the city, which are possible given the staggered kick-off times in the Ukraine leagues. Just be warned, the road to Petrove is in a bad state if you fancy catching Ingulets while at Oleksandriya. After the game, head to two restaurants in the main town square, which serve a tasty variety of food and drink. Scorini’s serves delicious pizza for less than 5USD$, while Vostoka has a good selection of drinks for under 2USD$ and beer snacks to go along with it. With Oleksandriya qualifying for the Europa League, the lack of accommodations in the city is brought into sharp focus. The Biker’s Pub Hotel is around 15 minutes’ walk from the ground. The hotel is fantastic even if small, with large rooms and a bar for customers on-site. The owner is amiable and welcome visitors like a family guest. However, accommodation is something that the city will need to address as the club continues to grow. Fans 4 With home fans scattered around three sides of the ground, the supporters create a good atmosphere when willing. Unlike more common scenes in Ukraine, the noise comes from all sections of the ground, even though the Ultras congregate behind the goal. With a stadium capacity of only 7,000 spectators, it may surprise you that there could be such an atmosphere with only 25% of the ground full. However, the stand designs ensure that noise travels across the pitch. Do not despair; on big match days against Dynamo or Shakhtar, the ground can reach half capacity. They sit 11th of 12 teams in the attendance ranking, with a 20% drop from last year’s attendance – surprising given the European football on offer this year. As with most Ukraine grounds, the Ultras are set apart from other supporters and create a unique atmosphere with flags and flares visible during the match. However, Oleksandriya’s engagement is not restricted to this section, and the fans join in the chants throughout the game. At the match of this review, it may have helped that the club was struggling, and the fans were encouraging them to play harder. Nevertheless, it is great to hear the noise coming from all corners. Access 3 Being set in this remote Ukraine region, the trip is not the most viable for people wanting to take in one game only. It is worth a stop if visiting locations further south on the main Kyiv – Zaporizhya railway. The intercity train travels between Kyiv and Zaporizhya a couple of times a day, with Oleksandriya being the first main stop after leaving the capital. There are also some slower trains, which take about five hours to cover the 300km. There are ample local taxis at the train station to take fans to the stadium area of the city and are very cheap as well. Sadly, the nearest airport is in Dnipro, another 200km down the road, meaning taking the train again to Oleksandriya. While in the town, local buses do provide an alternate, but they are not required given taxi prices. One thing to note, ride-sharing companies such as Uber are not working in Oleksandriya presently. The stadium complex does provide parking (20uah) for the taxi drivers to drop you off if need be. Most home supporters commute to the game via public transport or walk given the proximity to downtown. There is also space on the road for free-parking if you do bring a car with you. For visitors with mobility needs, Oleksandriya provides excellent access through the main stadium gates from the front of the ground. Within the stadium, various gates can be opened to allow you access to all complex areas. Otherwise, entrance to the favored side with the coffee shop requires a descent down a number of stairs, proving difficult after a beer or icy conditions. There is no hiding the stadium’s size – it is small, with all facilities out in the open. Fans have to squeeze into the coffee shop at half time, and queues at busier times are out into the stands. There is space at the front of the stands for wheelchairs but limited. Nevertheless, once inside the ground, it is not too complicated to move around the stadium for different viewpoints. Return on Investment 5 As a club, Oleksandriya understands where it is presently and charges affordable prices for visitors. For less than 5USD, you can have a great afternoon’s entertainment. A ticket to enter the ground will set you back less than two dollars, which is quite reasonable around Ukraine. Programmes are available for 0.80USD and provide a good grounding in the match proceedings, even for those without the language. The food options are available if you desire, and beer is optional before the game as well. Given how cheap it is, there is little additional desire to save money, but you can skip transport, as everything is walkable in the town. There are local shops nearby, which provide cheap snacks before the game for hungry visitors. Extras 1 Drinking beers before the game with the supporters is a must! Final Thoughts Oleksandriya provides an affordable and enjoyable match day experience for those brave enough to visit. The town’s location makes it an excellent stop off south but not advisable to make it the center point of a visit to Ukraine.

Photos by Adam Pate, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.00 Slavutych Arena Lobanovskoho St, 21, Zaporizhzhia, Zaporizhia Oblast, 69000 Ukraine FC Zorya Luhansk website Slavutych Arena website Year Opened: 2006 Capacity: 12,000 Slavutych Arena British Style Opened in 2006, the 12,000 capacity Slavutych Arena in Zaporizhia City, has hosted top-tier football in Ukraine ever since. However, for the last six years, it has welcomed not only the local Metalurg Zaporizhia but also the exiled Zorya Luhansk from the rebel-held eastern regions. Located in the western part of downtown, the stadium is at a good juncture for exploring the treasures of the city and the riverside beaches near the ground. Food & Beverage 4 The stadium location allows supporters to enjoy the restaurants in the city before the game. We have enjoyed a number of them over the years in Ukraine and, on this occasion, visited Bar B.Q just five minutes from the ground. Inside the ground as well, there is a pleasing selection for hungry fans, so do not despair if you arrive late for the game. Within 200 meters walk of the complex, there is a vast array of restaurants, coffee shops, and bars located within a block of Sobornyi Avenue (one of the main roads in the city). They meet all needs ranging from cocktails to small sandwiches – there is even a McDonalds not too far away as well. Most food outlets outside the stadium will accept cash and card, but it is cash only once you enter the arena complex. Bar B.Q has some delicious deluxe burgers on the go, and service is quick. The Old Rabbit coffee shop is also highly recommended as a free space and an excellent place to relax before the game. Being in a city the size of Zaporizhia, there is naturally an Irish bar to visit. Happily for football fans, it is just a few kilometers away from the ground, with beers for a couple of dollars. When nearer, it is best to drink inside the ground. They offer not only a selection of beers, with and without alcohol but the unique surprise of cider (all of more or less a dollar US). I definitely recommend enjoying the cider on offer inside the ground as it is pretty unique in Ukraine. It is also sweet being allowed to take alcohol on to the terraces in the Premier League, so take advantage while you can. Atmosphere 4 The Slavutych Arena takes on a British style than seen elsewhere in Ukraine, providing good vantage points from all sides of the ground. The raised four stands allow a good atmosphere to reverberate around the stadium, encouraging the team on to great results. The four stands are very similar in make-up, with the side terraces being covered in part by a roof. All of the stands are raised quite a degree improving the view of the pitch. However, in Zaporizhya, there is finally a ground without an athletics track. The premium seats are located center pitch, but we were happy with our seats for less than US$2. The sizeable electronic scoreboard stands behind the goal and counts down the seconds until another Zorya victory. That area behind the goal houses the visiting fans It is an impressive building for Ukraine and quite deservedly holds European football within it. The stadium announcer introduces the team before the game and presents the halftime festivities with enthusiasm. It encourages the majority of fans to get involved. There is little of in-game entertainment as the fan engagement is still in its infancy. However, after the game, it is great to see fans gather outside the main stand, waiting for their heroes to appear from after game warm downs. I have seen images in the past of supporters and players celebrating their favorite victories together. We chose to sit in the side stand, but both appear equally recommendable, given that they are covered from the elements. Low attendance in Ukraine means that you have a good selection. Behind the goals, it is open to the elements, but the atmosphere is livelier there if that is your thing. All four stands have access to food courts, pleasingly on the Ukrainian landscape, so take your pick. Neighborhood 5 The downtown district of Zaporizhya stretches along the Dnipro’s right bank, and the stadium is found on its western tip. Just a couple of minutes walk from the main commercial road, the stadium has got access to an abundance of sights and facilities to enjoy while in the city. The ground is located in a prime neighborhood to explore. Several bars, such as Cloud Lounge and Virny are within a few hundred meters walk and serve a full range of beverages. The district also hosts restaurants like Olimp, JP’s, and Kvatira for hungry visitors. A little further afield in central Zaporizhya, the Lviv coffee shop is a necessity to see. Tasty chocolate treats and delicious coffee await its guests. No visit to Zaporizhya is complete without a visit to the island of Khortytsia, where you will find endless legacies to the Ukrainian Cossacks. When visiting in warmer weather, the riverside bars and beaches provide many opportunities for fun and relaxation before the game. Sport-seekers will be happy to know that Motor Sich Company has some teams, most successfully handball and football, which play regularly throughout the year. At the same time, Dnipro is only two hours away for those craving more top-league action. The Platinum Hotel, located just a few hundred meters away from the ground on the riverfront, provides a good option for overnighters near the ground. Comfortable lodgings are available for less than $US50. Further afield, the city offers a great variety of possibilities accessible through several websites. You can choose from beach side lodgings to being in a central downtown location based on your wishes. Fans 3 Given the fact that the host club ‘Zorya Luhansk’ plays in exile, the city of Zaporuzhya has taken the club to heart. The stadium regularly holds attendance within 1,000 of its near competitors, even though the journey from their home city can take over four hours. The ground usually is around 20% full but can grow to half full for the more significant matches. They sit in the lower half of the league table for attendance, but most clubs are in the same ballpark between 2,000 to 3,500 spectators. As a comparison, Shakhtar Donetsk has lost around 50% of its attendance while having to play in exile. Most fans are quite quiet during the game, with Zorya’s chants breaking out around the pitch during high points in the entertainment. For something more exciting, behind the goal to the left of the main stand, you will find the Zorya Ultra, who continually sing throughout the game and are known for their use of pyrotechnics. You are guaranteed an exhilarating experience on that terrace. Access 4 With the central location of the ground, supporters have plenty of methods for easy access to the stadium location and from afar. Given the cost of public transport in Ukraine, it is worth considering staying further away from the stadium to enjoy more of the city. Buses in Zaporizhya are plentiful and cheap, with maps easily accessible via mobile phone applications. Although Uber or rideshare services have not arrived in Zaporizhya yet, many taxi companies offer affordable trips for visitors. For those arriving by train to the city, the station is at the other end of the town, so public transport is necessary. With the stadium set back from the main road, there is an abundance of parking places. In Ukraine, street parking is a legal option, so any of the side streets are opportunities not worth ignoring. It usually is entirely free as the local fans take public transport to and from the game. Tickets are purchasable from several outlets around the ground before the game, where you can choose your gate entry. Each of the four stands has its own access points, gate barriers, and an outside gathering area before entering the stands. It certainly reminded me of a lower league UK variant. Once inside the ground perimeter, people’s movement and flow are very fluid, mainly due to the low attendance figure. Access to the stands is straight forward. However, the raised terraces may provide an issue with the staircase. Toilet facilities are to a reasonable standard and easy access from the ground floor – the space can hold up to 12,000 people, they are at 20% capacity most of the time. Return on Investment 5 Being a larger commercial center, the trip to Zaporizhya city is one of the pricier in Ukraine but worth it compared to its European counterparts. The Slavutych Arena has all the components of a great match day experience. Ticket prices are very affordable, with the most expensive being around 2 dollars USD$. If you are looking for comfort, the main stand provides the most excellent facilities, but the goal’s atmosphere is more lively. I enjoyed the burgers near the stadium for my own preference, but if you check Google Maps beforehand, numerous restaurants are available near the ground. Alcohol inside is another advantage. The extensive public transport system with its unbelievably low prices makes movement around the city straight forward and opens up the space for car parking. Given the vast array of food and drink outlets near the arena, it is worth shopping to find good value. The cheaper seats opposite the main stand provide an equally pleasing view for a smaller price as well. Extras 3 My visit to the Slavutych Arena was the most English of experiences that Ukraine had to offer. You can park easily around the ground and walk up to the stadium. The food courts also resemble a British occasion. Final Thoughts A trip to the Slavutych Arena will provide the big city experience that is comparable to other countries. It is an impressive setup even if the attendance (at least for my game) was low. The facilities around the city scream for a more extended city break that will allow you to enjoy more than just the game day.

Photos by Adam Pate, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.00 Ukraina Stadium Lviv, Lviv Oblast, 79000 Ukraine FC Karpaty website Ukraina Stadium website Year Opened: 1963 Capacity: 28,051 Ukraina Opened during Soviet times in 1963, the Ukraina Stadium in the south of Lviv city has seen grander days. The 28,000 capacity all-seater stadium still hosts Premier League football, with Karpaty and FC Lviv staging their home matches this 2019-2020 season. The city also has several other grounds, making it a great weekend break. Food & Beverage 4 The Ukraina Stadium is scheduled for a big renovation job in the near future. Due to this, most of the facilities inside the ground are not the greatest. However, it is unusually pleasing to see a barbeque on the go. Low attendance also ensures that queuing time is minimal, an added advantage for any supporter. The barbeque that burns throughout the game is a real treasure at the Ukraina Stadium. It is a great chance to grab a hot dog or shaslik stick during the game. However, the authentic delights are in town. Lviv is a tourist hub, better known as the Vienna of the East. The old town – around 5km is a great walking district, full of all types of restaurants. The Lviv coffee shop serves local delicacies that are popular all over the world. Beer is available in the ground for 30uah a cup. In Lviv, a local beer, Lvivske, is nationally famous and available on all corners. There are a couple of beer places that are really worth checking out (Pravda Beer Theatre is one recommended site in the square). Lviv chocolate and coffee are internationally famous, so they must be tried, especially sample a miners coffee underground at the Lviv Coffee Manufacture. It is also worth testing the cherry liqueur that is available at various outlets around the Old Town. Atmosphere 2 The Ukraina Stadium is a classic old-style Soviet ground, built on the side of a hill in Snopkiv Park in south Lviv. The bowl shape is a single-tier with fans having to walk down to pitch side from the entrance at the top of the stand, an unusual concept across Europe. The stadium is a large bowl, which sits in a valley within a hilly suburb of Lviv. As you enter the ground, the bowl descends below you, making it quite unusual in its construction. A merchandise shop is by the entrance, with a decent selection of gear to buy. It is clear that the club has money and is poorly spending it on the playing squad. The supporters are decked out in a good selection of the club colours, highlighting how they invest in the club. With only 800 supporters in attendance, the stadium looks vast, and several sections are utterly unused. You can walk around the top of the stadium throughout the game, taking in an excellent array of vantage points. It is nice to see the food and merchandising available for purchase around the complex. Two scoreboards at either end of the pitch share the goals with the fans. The VIP section is the only area undercover, and those seats have additional padding there. Karpaty is struggling financially, so little is invested in the game day. It is quite surreal, witnessing the dying embers of this club. Although the team is announced to the spectators, little else is. You find your own entertainment during the game. As attendance is tiny, you have a great selection of seat options available. Once you purchase the entrance pass to the gangway at the top of the stadium, you can choose where to sit and have the option to sit in many places throughout the match. Visiting supporters congregate in a section at the opposite end from the home supporters as ,usual. However, the only area covered is on one side of the pitch near the halfway line – if you want to go there, you should pay VIP. Neighborhood 3 The Ukraina Stadium is located in the south of Lviv, around 5 km from the center of the city. Although the stadium is in a picturesque park, downtown is a lot more enjoyable and it is worth spending your time there. If you are eager to eat near the ground, For Rest Meat Club sits very close to the ground, within walking distance. However, a trip to Lviv requires more exploration than just the stadium district. Kryivka in the old town square takes you back to times of the revolution as it is themed on Ukrainian independence – the entrance price is a vodka shot! Baczewski’s, also found in the old town, has excellent menu recommendations and attracts a more luxurious level of clientele. Being the main tourist center of Ukraine, a trip to Lviv is not short of highlights for any visitors. However, for sports fans, there is the Arena Lviv, where the National Team of Ukraine put in performances – sadly, it is too expensive for league teams to rent. Away from football, time spent walking around the old town and visiting the different districts within it is a must. The city thrives on coffee, so dive in and enjoy as much as you can handle. The higher standard of the hotel is more central and commutable by public transport to the ground. Many tourists choose to rent apartments in the old town through Air BnB or Bookings.com. However, ‘Burger+’ is a 3-star hotel with rooms available for 25USD near the ground. A little further afield, you can find ‘Delice’ for around 60USD. Fans 2 Sadly, Lviv football is struggling now, and attendance can number less than 1,000, making the stadium feel empty. Nevertheless, the supporters, who do turn up, try their hardest to build an atmosphere to cheer on their team. Both FC Lviv and Karpathy have seen their audiences drop by over 10% this season, as the teams have struggled at the bottom of the league standings this year (2020). The massive stadium has allowed for bigger gates when Dynamo and Shakhtar have shown up. Nevertheless, both clubs have bottomed out with less than 1,000 attending games (around 3% of the potential capacity). Behind the one goal, a group of hardcore supporters assembles, which numbered around one hundred at the match of this review. They sing throughout the game and bring color with their flags. However, given the arguments that they have with players, it is worth watching from afar. The rest of the ground is silent apart from chatter among spectators – very surreal. Access 3 Given the location of the stadium, access to it and movement around the stadium is top quality. Even on larger games, I would expect a positive experience from visiting the Ukraina Stadium. Lviv offers both train and air hubs for travelers in western Ukraine. It is an accessible city to visit, with trams and buses readily available to whisk you to the stadium. Happily in Lviv, companies like Uber and Bolt exist to improve the taxi and ride-sharing experience at affordable prices. Traffic is an issue in the center of Lviv. If you decide to drive, allow time to leave the downtown district. However, parking options are abundant near the ground, and you should feel secure leaving your car nearby. There are two main entry points to the stadium complex from either end of the pitch. From there, you have access to the walkway around the top of the stadium. Security is on hand, with no significant problems getting into the ground. On more significant match days, there may be a holdup. While the concourse is a real highlight, the steps down to the seating area are quite severe, so take care. You have the option though to watch the game from the concourse. The toilet facilities, on the other hand, are not the greatest and need a desperate upgrade. It is better to go elsewhere and try to avoid those dark pits of despair. Return on Investment 5 Compared to other trips in Ukraine, Lviv is a bit more expensive. However, given the tourist facilities that are on offer, it offers a great return on investment. The stadium complex is similar to others in Ukraine, with the entrance at around 2USD and snacks reasonably priced. It is away from the ground, where expenses exist. The cost of eating out in Lviv and finding accommodation is more on par with central Europe. You can expect to pay up to 20USD for a meal and 50USD for lodgings on average. Although savings are not possible in the ground, there are options elsewhere. Rented apartments provide better value as accommodation in Lviv, with the market very strong. You can also shop around for meals. It is unnecessary to eat in central restaurants for your meal every night, even if some should not be missed. Extras 2 Ukraina Stadium does deserve a couple of extra points. The programme is of good quality and easy to locate on the entrance to the ground. You need to be able to read a good level of Ukrainian, though. There is a souvenir shop at Ukraina Stadium, stocking a variety of merchandise. You may be able to locate some independent sellers around the concourse as well. Final Thoughts A trip to Lviv is a highlight of any Ukrainian experience. Take advantage of the journey and explore the region; you will not be disappointed. Even the Ukraina Stadium provides a clue into the Socialist past of the area.

Photos by Paul Baker, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.86 Hammel Court 315 Turnpike Ave North Andover, MA 01845 Merrimack Warriors men’s basketball website Hammel Court website Year Opened: 1972 Capacity: 1,200 M.C. Hammel Hammel Court is home to the newest Division One basketball team in the nation, the Merrimack Warriors. The basketball arena is located in the Volpe Athletic Center, which also contains Lawler Rink . It is named for former head coach Bert Hammel, who piloted the squad from 1980-2016. Basketball has been played at Merrimack since 1949. A longtime member of Division Two, the team competed in the Northeast-10 Conference from 2001-2019, when the school decided to promote all teams to Division One. As a member of the Northeast Conference, the Warriors are ineligible for postseason play until 2024. While in Division Two, the Warriors qualified for 11 NCAA Tournaments and won the Northeast-10 Conference Tournament three times. Food & Beverage 3 There is a small concession stand in the lobby which offers a limited menu. Burgers, hot dogs, and nachos are sold here. Assorted snacks are also available. On the plus side, no item costs more than six dollars. Pepsi products are sold at Hammel Court. In addition, a limited selection of beer and wine is available. Atmosphere 3 One of the advantages of playing in a small gym like Hammel Court is that the place fills with noise pretty easily. With the gym packed with standing-room-only crowds throughout the season, it can get pretty loud here. The game day experience here is a basic one, as Hammel Court lacks the capabilities for a fancy show. Scoreboards on either end of the gym display basic game stats. All the elements of a typical game day presentation can be found, from the pep band, dance squad, and cheerleading team to a packed student section. T-shirt tosses and contests during play stoppages keep the younger fans in attendance involved. Neighborhood 2 Merrimack College is located in North Andover, Massachusetts, a town of over 31,000 located 24 miles north of Boston. North Andover is your typical bedroom community, with plenty of shops and restaurants for locals, but nothing that would classify the town as a “must-see” destination. Fans looking to avoid the big city price tags of Boston will find many dining and lodging options within a few miles of the Merrimack campus along nearby Route 114 or Interstate 495. Among the local dining options, Bertucci’s Pizza and Fuddrucker’s burgers draw big crowds on game nights. If looking for more of a sit-down experience, Burton’s Grill and Bar is a popular place for a pre-or post-game meal. Fans 4 Attendance has been impressive during the Warriors first season in Division One, with several standing-room-only crowds filling Hammel Court towards the tail end of the season. Even before the crowds picked up, the team was drawing between 600-1,000 fans per night to Hammel Court. It will be interesting to see if the Warriors can sustain these nice crowds, or if attendance will dwindle once the newness factor wears off. The fans at Hammel Court are enthusiastic about the Warriors and fill the small gym with noise throughout the game. The student section is filled to the brim right behind the benches, making their presence known to the visiting team and referees. Their antics may be a bit salty but visiting fans need not worry about bringing the whole family to Merrimack. Access 2 The Merrimack campus in North Andover is located 25 miles from downtown Boston just off Interstate 495, where routes 125 and 114 come together. Traffic in this area can be heavy, particularly if going to a weekday game, but driving is still the easiest way to access the college. Fans using public transportation from Boston can take the MBTA train that stops at the Andover station. Once in Andover, the Merrimack Valley Regional Transit Authority offers bus service to many local spots, including Merrimack College. Complete directions to the Merrimack campus, including local dining and lodging options, can be found here . Hammel Court is located on the southern edge of campus in the Volpe Athletic Center, adjacent to Lawler Rink . Duane Stadium and the other Merrimack athletic facilities are also located in this area. There are parking lots a short walk from the facility adjacent to the Rogers Center for the Arts and on the far side of the football stadium. The entrance to Hammel Court is located on the back side of the Volpe Athletic Center. Fans will enter a large lobby that contains the ticket tables, restrooms, concessions, and the Merrimack Athletic Hall of Fame. Hammel Court will be located on your right, with the rear entrance to Lawler Rink located on the left. Hammel Court is a tiny facility containing retractable bleachers on either side of the court. All seating consists of molded bleaches without backs. When attending on a chilly winter night, it can get tight when a big crowd is present. There is little extra room for coats and fans are packed together tightly in the bleachers. On the plus side, in a small gym such as this, there is no such thing as a bad seat. Return on Investment 5 Tickets to Warrior basketball games are sold as general admission seating for $7. Members of the military, seniors, youth, and Merrimack staff receive a two-dollar discount. With free parking and affordable concessions, a night of Merrimack hoops is the most affordable entertainment option for local sports fans. Extras 1 The Merrimack Athletics Hall of Fame is located in the lobby of the Volpe Athletic Center. Alongside photos of the honorees are plaques listing all All-Americans that have played at Merrimack as well as a trophy case packed with the hardware won by Warrior squads over the years. Banners honoring championship basketball and volleyball teams hang on the Hammel Court walls. Final Thoughts There were many doubters in the Greater Boston area who thought that tiny Merrimack College was making a mistake when it made the move to promote all its teams to Division One. For the men’s basketball team, the move has been a success both on and off the court. The team has set a record for most wins by a school in their first year in Division One and fans have packed cozy Hammel Court all year. ----- Follow Paul Baker’s stadium journeys on Twitter and Instagram

Photos by Matt Colville, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.86 Orange Beach Sportsplex 4385 William Silvers Pkwy Orange Beach, AL 36561 SEC Women’s Soccer Tournament website Orange Beach Sportsplex website Year Opened: 2001 Capacity: 1,500 Soccer on the Beach Each year over 5 million visitors flock to the beaches of South Alabama. The beach towns that make up the Alabama coast bring in over $3 billion in spending per year. One such event that brings in substantial revenue for the area happens every November when the top 10 soccer teams in the SEC meet up in Orange Beach for the annual SEC Soccer Tournament. The tournament is held over nine days, usually a week before Thanksgiving, and brings fans from all over the SEC to the city for an annual November vacation on the beach. The tournament has been held at the Orange Beach Sportsplex every year since 2003, with the exception of 2004 when Hurricane Ivan caused damage to the facilities and the tournament was held in Auburn. There was much uncertainty whether the tournament would be held or not for the 2020 season – exactly two months before the tournament was scheduled to begin Orange Beach took a direct hit from Hurricane Sally, which caused flooding and damage in the city. Fortunately, the Sportsplex did not receive a lot of damage and the tournament was able to be played after some minor repairs. SEC first sponsored women’s soccer in 1993 and since that time Florida has taken home the most titles with 12. In the early years of the tournament the location was rotated between the different schools, but since moving to Orange Beach Florida has taken home five titles, while Texas A&M has taken home three. Usually only the top ten teams of the conference are invited, but because of the COVID shortened season the SEC had during 2020, with each team only playing 8 games, all 14 teams were invited to this year’s tournament. Food & Beverage 2 There is only one concessions stand open and it is just a regular stand that sells the basics. Prices are reasonable with the menu consisting of hamburgers ($5), hot dogs and nachos ($3), bottled Powerade and water ($2), and candy and popcorn ($1). The concessions stand does back up from time to time and only accepts cash. Because you are free to come and go from the venue as you please, I left during halftime at one of the games. I would recommend eating at one of the many seafood restaurants in the area before, during, or after the game. Atmosphere 4 The Orange Beach Sportsplex opened in 2001 and is currently home to the offices of the Orange Beach Parks and Recreation Department. All the fields are used constantly throughout the year by the city’s youth and rec league sports, with the centerpiece being the 1,500-seat stadium where the SEC Soccer Tournament is played. The entire 40-acre complex consists of a quad of four baseball and four softball fields, a larger baseball stadium, two beach volleyball courts, and several smaller practice fields scattered around the main stadium. The soccer stadium is located at the front of the complex with the rest of the fields located in the back. The field at the stadium faces north and south with just one metal bleacher style grandstand located on the east side of the pitch, with seating for approximately 1,500. The west side of the pitch is open and includes the teams’ benches, with a basic style scoreboard on the south side of the field. The facility ties in well with the area as well with palm trees scattered throughout and the skyline of the condos off in the distance behind beautiful tall pine trees that surround the complex. Though the actual sports complex is very pretty and represents the City of Orange Beach quite well, there’s not really anything special about the stadium. The metal grandstand only consists of about 15 rows and is actually smaller than a regular high school football stadium. However, for this one week every November the SEC and the City of Orange Beach go above and beyond to make sure this a top-notch experience, and the atmosphere is really cool. Soccer isn’t the most popular or well-known sport in the SEC, but you wouldn’t know it by coming here. The SEC treats this event with just as much importance as the conference baseball and basketball tournaments. SEC Network provides constant coverage of every game and the conference commissioner usually makes an appearance every year. The main road coming into the complex is lined from one end of the other with flags of the 14 SEC teams. Outside the stadium there is a pretty large pop-up truck that sells a broad collection of SEC shirts and gear. There’s SEC banners scattered throughout the entire stadium with all the teams’ flags displayed on the top of the grandstand, and on the field itself there is one continuous banner that wraps around the entire playing field. The opposite side of the grandstand features a large videoboard that shows the action as it’s shown on TV. I’m not the biggest soccer fan but I was blown away by the overall experience and the set-up of everything here. Orange Beach Sportsplex Flags on Display, Photo by Matt Colville, Stadium Journey Neighborhood 5 The SEC Soccer Tournament could not be located in a better location, with the coast beaches of Alabama bringing in most of the tourism revenue for the entire state. The two cities that make up this section of the coast include Gulf Shores and Orange Beach and they account for about 50 miles of beautiful white sandy beaches, with the beautiful crystal-clear waters being warm enough to swim in practically year-round. There are multiple public beach access points offering everything from crowded beaches to secluded beaches. Numerous high-rise condos line the beach, each offering their own amenities such as private pools, water slides, and lazy rivers. The beautiful waters provide some of the best fishing opportunities in the southeast as well, so if you own your own boat or want to rent one I definitely recommend making a boat ride through all the different waterways to fish or camp out on the islands in the Perdido Pass. The sports complex is located away from the beach on the north side of the city, and the complex itself is kind of hidden off the main road, Canal Road, right behind the new high school. Just across the street from the high school lies The Wharf at Orange Beach, Orange Beach’s premiere shopping and entertainment destination. The Wharf features tons of restaurants, bars and shops, built into the first floor of some luxury condominiums. The area also features a Ferris wheel, zipline, putt-putt golf, a waterpark, and a 10,000-seat amphitheater that attracts top names and acts each year. Also, the road heading into the Wharf features an elaborate light display every night of the year, and during Christmas time the whole grounds are decorated as well. In addition, on the north side of the city is OWA, which is an amusement park with more shopping and restaurants as well as rides and roller coasters; you pass OWA on the main road heading into Orange Beach. Everybody who comes to the beaches of South Alabama should make a stop at the famed Flora-Bama about 10 minutes away right on the beach on the Florida-Alabama line. This famous watering hole has been serving patrons since 1964 and calls itself the last roadhouse in America. It is the go-to hang out spot for everybody from college students to celebrities to politicians and athletes when they come to the area, and although it might be too touristy for some people everybody should make a stop here at least once. For a spot where the locals hang I recommend visiting Pirates Cove Marina, which is located on the north side of the city and is very similar to Flora-Bama, although with less crowds but the same rustic setting. Because of its status as a beach community, there are hardly any big corporate restaurants in the area, so you will find a ton of local seafood restaurants as well. Some popular restaurants include the Cobalt, the Gulf, Crab Trap, Doc’s Seafood, Tacky Jacks, and Big Fish. Between the beach and numerous activities, one could spend weeks in Orange Beach and have plenty to do. Fans 4 The great thing about a tournament of this caliber is it attracts fan bases from all 14 SEC schools. The SEC Tournament is usually stretched out over 9 days, with the first round of games being played on Friday and the Championship Game being played the following Sunday, which ensures that at least two teams and some fans will get a nine-day extended vacation. This is more like a destination tournament, almost on the same level as college basketball’s Battle 4 Atlantis or Maui Invitational. If you watch SEC Network’s soccer coverage the announcers constantly plug the Road to Orange Beach, which is the unofficial nickname of the SEC soccer regular season every year. By moving the tournament to a neutral location in a nice beach town, it ensures that fans are going to travel more so than they would if the tournament was in just another SEC town. For any given game expect to see fans of both teams in the stands. Obviously that first Friday and the Sunday games are going to attract the most fans as they are played on the weekend. Unfortunately, however, because of the single elimination format of the tournament it’s hard to make plans for making a trip here – you could be here over a week or your team could get knocked out on the first day. On Sunday and Tuesday, there are four games played and they take up the whole day, so expect to see many fans come and go. I’d say at each game expect a couple hundred fans in attendance, with the Sunday games and the Championship game having close to 1,000 fans at the max; it’s hard to get the exact number as many people come and go. Obviously when Alabama and Auburn are playing expect to see more fans than usual as their fan base dominates this area, and I even saw a good number of Crimson Tide and Auburn fans tailgating under a pavilion on the Sportsplex grounds. Access 4 The one drawback to coming to this Tournament is just getting to the complex itself. Orange Beach is located about 60 miles southeast of Mobile and about 40 miles west of Pensacola. Unfortunately there is not a major interstate that runs through the town, so your best bet if coming from out of town is to take I-10 about midway between Pensacola and Mobile, then take the Foley Beach Express exit south to Orange Beach for about 45 minutes. Make sure to make a stop at Bucc-ees, the new giant gas station/superstore that just opened last year; it’s about the only thing on the road until you pass the roller coasters at OWA and then get to the toll booth for the bridge that runs into the city. The Wharf and the giant Ferris wheel will be the first thing you see after the bridge; the Sportsplex is right across the street, behind the high school. You can also ride your bike to the Sportsplex through the Gulf State Park trails. I parked on the beach and rode my bike through the winding trails until I reached the Sportsplex; the trails are well maintained and there are maps everywhere to ensure you don’t get lost. There’s a trailhead that pops out right in the Sportsplex parking lot. Return on Investment 4 If you are a fan, friend, or family member of any of the school’s participating in this tournament you cannot find a better return on investment than the SEC Soccer Tournament. Getting to come to the beach for just a few days in the middle of November is obviously a plus for anybody, and being that it’s in the Fall you can expect to see prices on condos and restaurants a little less than they would be in the summer. Tickets are an absolute steal for every game with adult prices being $5 and children’s prices being $2. Also, as the stadium is pretty much open on both ends it’s possible to watch the action on the field and not have to pay for admission. In addition, since the bike trail runs right next to the stadium I also saw many people riding bikes and stopping along the trail to watch some of the games. Extras 4 One extra point for the number of sporting events that are held in the Gulf Shores-Orange Beach area. Besides the SEC Women’s Soccer Tournament the two towns host a ton of different tournaments throughout the year ranging from youth to college sports. Every May the NCAA Beach Volleyball Championship is played right on the beach in Gulf Shores; they bring in temporary bleachers right next to the ocean and the setup and atmosphere is quite cool. In addition, the NAIA Women’s Soccer National Championship is held every year at the Sportsplex, and the complex has also played host to D1 and D2 Men’s and Women’s tournaments, South Alabama soccer matches, and even hosted a semi-pro football team. Newly opened next door to the Sportsplex in 2020 is Orange Beach High School, and the Makos, the school’s nickname, recently began using the complex for their games, with the football team using the field to the south of the main stadium and the baseball and softball teams using the complex as well. With championship golf courses, beautiful water for fishing, and the countless tournaments, this area of south Alabama is living up to its name as a national sports and recreation hub for sports of all kind. Another extra point for the location being located inside Gulf State Park. With over 30 miles of different trails, one could spend countless hours bike riding the different trails around the park. Each trail features its own unique features and is named after a particular theme, for instance, if you’re in the mood to bike ride through gorgeous sand dunes you can take the Rosemary Dunes Trail, while if you want the hilly option with a gorgeous view of the entire park then take the Oak Ridge Trail. There are also plenty of cabins for camping and plenty of RV hookups. Lastly, of course another extra point for the setting itself being right on the beach. Besides some of the aforementioned college basketball tournaments I cannot think of a more prime location to have a conference tournament. The contract with the tournament and the City expired in 2020 and with the high school taking up residence there was much uncertainty over whether or not the SEC would renew. Fortunately, they came to agreement and have signed a deal promising 10 more years of SEC Soccer on the beach every November.

Metropolitan Stadium, often referred to as “the Met,” was built in suburban Bloomington, MN, just outside of the twin cities of Minneapolis and St. Paul. It served as home to both Major League Baseball’s Twins and the National Football League’s Vikings from 1961-1981. Replaced by the Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome, the old ballpark lives on thanks to the presence of a pair of mementos of the old park in a decidedly unexpected location. The Met opened on April 24, 1956, in an attempt to lure a Major League Baseball team to the Twin Cities area. The location in Bloomington was chosen as it was equidistant to both downtowns and it was thought that would be the best location for a ballpark. After discussions with several Major League teams, it was announced that the Washington Senators would move to Minnesota for the 1961 season. The American Football League announced they were placing a team in Metropolitan Stadium for their inaugural 1960 season. However, the NFL was able to persuade the team’s owners to withdraw from the AFL and join the NFL for the 1961 season. Despite improvements and expansion to the facility, it was never considered to be an ideal home for either the Twins or Vikings. The limited capacity and physical deterioration of the Met led to calls for a new stadium to be built for Minnesota’s teams. Both the Twins and Vikings moved to downtown Minneapolis and the Metrodome in 1982. Metropolitan Stadium Home Plate, Photo by Paul Baker, Stadium Journey Today the Mall of America stands on the site of Metropolitan Stadium. More specifically, the Nickelodeon Universe indoor amusement park now occupies the spot where major league baseball and football were once played. There are two reminders of the site’s former usage within this amusement park. While dodging the overstimulated youngsters running around Nickelodeon Universe, head to the entrance to the SpongeBob Square Pants Rock Bottom Plunge. There sits a home plate from the Met in its original location. If you are like me, you’ll immediately take your place on either side of home plate and get into your batter’s stance. Harmon Killebrew Tribute Chair at Mall of America, Photo by Paul Baker, Stadium Journey If you lookout in the direction of left field, you may be able to see another piece of The Met that has been preserved all these years (there’s a ton of stuff in the way, so this may require some movement to properly view it). Once you get a clear view of the far wall, look up and you will see a red chair mounted on the wall. This chair marks the landing spot of the longest home run ever hit at the ballpark; a 522-foot moon shot launched by Harmon Killebrew off of California Angels pitcher Lew Burdette on June 3, 1967. The seat is located at its original distance from home plate and height off the ground. If you are having trouble locating the seat, look above the log flume chute. Killebrew is also honored with the naming of the street Killebrew Drive, which runs along the southern edge of the mall, parallel to where the third baseline would have been located at the Met. For those baseball fans who enjoy incorporating historic baseball sites into their stadium journeys, a trip to the most certainly un-historic Mall of America will be worth your time. Follow Paul Baker’s stadium journeys on Twitter and Instagram @PuckmanRI.

Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.71 Vitality Stadium King’s Park Dr Bournemouth BH7 7AF, UK AFC Bournemouth website Vitality Stadium website Year Opened: 1910 Capacity: 11,700 Cherry Picking at Dean Court Originally featured 1/20/2018 Dean Court, or for sponsorship purposes, Vitality Stadium is the home of AFC Bournemouth of the Premier League. It has been home to the club since 1910 when the land was given to Boscombe FC by the Copper-Dean family in which the grounds bears its name. The ground was the first home to 300 seats but has grown steadily in its century of use. The stands were demolished and the ground was completely rebuilt in 2001, with the pitch rotated ninety degrees from its original position and moved away from adjacent housing that bordered the facility. It reopened as a 9,600 seat ground. Further development continued at the stadium that saw temporary stands and sections of the grounds renamed. It has gone through a plethora of sponsorship names from the Fitness First Stadium, The Seawards Stadium, The Goldsands Stadium In 2015 the stadium was renamed Vitality Stadium but with a capacity of only 11,464–smallest in the Premier League– there has been a discussion on moving the club to a new stadium somewhere in the area. There is also the demand for tickets that outweighs the current seating capacity and improving the size is needed for its viability towards its next 100 years. Food & Beverage 3 Pre-match food kiosks or available midway on the outside of the Steven Fletcher North Stan and opens 3 hours before kick-off offering homemade pies, original-recipe hamburgers, cheeseburgers, and hot dogs. The homemade pies consist of beef & ale, chicken and mushrooms, and three-bean curry. You can buy soft drinks for £2 and beers are also on sale in the concourses under the stands. There are Junior Cherry lunch boxes that are also well priced with chocolate, crisps etc available as well. Atmosphere 4 With under 12,000 seats at the stadium, the atmosphere is quite different in comparison with other grounds in the league. However, the facility does have its own ambiance anesthetics that makes it a curiosity for visitors and fans alike. The Main stand (West stand) houses the hospitality suites and has sections of family seating areas on both flanks. The bulk of the home supporters are located in the Steve Fletcher stand, which is at the north end of the ground and holds some 3000 supporters. The East stand is mainly for home fans but it also houses up to 1,600 visiting fans. It’s a tight space for the away fans and is always heavily stewarded. It is open to the sun and on hot summer afternoons, fans should bring with them sunglass, suntan lotion, or a cap for added protection. The Ted MacDougall Stand is a temporary structure that was erected when the team were promoted to the Championship in 2013 and holds 2,200 fans. his stand is usually only for home supporters, but there have been a few FA Cup and League Cup games when visiting fans of large clubs have been seated there. It is not that often that you’ll find Champagne bars at a football ground, but the Bubbles Bar in the Main stand is exactly that and is used for corporate functions. Most fans are more likely to end up having a drink in the 1910 Club which is also situated at one end of the Main stand building on the first floor. At the opposite left end of the Main stand you’ll also find the Club Shop which is a one-story facility that includes some novel features like a working electronic manikin of Steve Fletcher, complete with goal posts. You’ll also get a good feel for the club and its history by making your way round behind the North stand to the East stand, where the Wall of Fame charts the story of iconic AFC Bournemouth players and teams over the club’s existence. The stadium is well equipped for disabled supporters and has a dedicated Junior fan zone for fun before games. The stadium has seen many upgrades with Promotion to the Premier league. There is now a Pavilion building that houses the media centre and press conference facility and new floodlighting and underground heating has been added to the ground as well as 100 press seats. Even though the corners of the ground are not filled in, fans feel very close to the players and the sound remains inside the ground so you can make your voice heard. It is a much improved atmosphere since the Temporary Ted MacDougall stand has been built. On windy days you will feel the breeze blowing through the corners of the ground though. The Superstore is located on the northwest corner of the main stand and is open until kickoff and then for 20 minutes after the match. This is where you’ll also find the team’s trophy cabinet. match day programs are also sold here for £3.50. The Cherries Community Draw tickets aid the Cherries Community Fund and provide supporters a chance to win great cash prices along with supporting local projects. All the tickets are just £1 each. The Junior Fan Zone is located underneath the family stand in opens two and a half hours before the game. Supporters up to the age of 16 can meet and greet team mascot Cherry Bear and enjoy face painting, games activities, and competition such as FIFIA tournament on Xbox1, table tennis, and penalty kicks. Neighborhood 4 Situated in Kings Park, there are avenues of trees and clear pathways to the ground. Next to the stadium are the training pitches and tarmac car park, which is only a couple of quid on match days. Getting out of the car park can take some time though. The local sub-centre of Boscombe is only a 10 minute walk away and it is well supplied with shops, pubs, and cafes for visiting fans. It is not as attractive as the town centre or the beach, but it’s still a busy area. Bournemouth Square is where you can find a variety of shops and places to eat and drink before or after the game and busses provide transportation at £4.10. Bournemouth Pier is home to Rock Reef, an award-winning attraction offering thrilling family activities including the pier pier racing zipline that hovers over the waves below the pier. The Sovereign Shopping Center offers High Street names, various eateries and retail outlets as well as hosting a wide range of community events. Fans 3 Bournemouth fans have a reasonable selection of chants. They get behind the manager most of all though and love singing his name to Barmy Army. The home fans always do a ‘make some noise for the boys’ appeal going round each of the stands moments before the teams come out. The North stand makes the most noise and singing is fairly good throughout the match, but the fans sing much louder when they are at away grounds. There is perhaps rather a lot of clapping from the Main stand, but some songs will get them going. Access 3 The ground is situated just off the Wessex Way which is a dual carriage way. Visiting fans will find it easy to locate and there is a car park right by the ground for £1 and extra parking facilities at the Sovereign shopping centre in Boscombe and at Harewood College. The train station is a bus ride away if you go to the main Bournemouth station. After the games the roads are busy and it does take 20 minutes to drive out of the area. There are a variety of trains that arrived at the Bournemouth Central train station along with P2 and P3 yellow bus service that is easily accessible from the train station and runs up to every 20 minutes. The X3 service from Salisbury or Bournemouth runs every 30 minutes and M2 buses run every 7 to 10 minutes on matchdays. If driving to the game it is advised to arrive early in order to find a free matchday parking that’s available at Harewood College, a ten-minute walk away from the stadium. There is also parking available to the south of the ground for just £1. However, it is advised to arrive about 75-90 minutes before kickoff to secure a spot for this low price. Sovereign Shopping Center on Christchurch Road, a 15-minute walk, from the grounds, provides parking at a cost of £2 for 4 hours. Return on Investment 5 Ticket prices are by no means the most expensive in the Premier League. Family stand adult price is £29 and adult prices in the North and South stand are £32 and from £33 in the East stand rising up to £45 in the Main stand. Executive prices are £55. There are concessions and low Junior Cherry and disabled prices. For the style of play that we have seen Eddie Howe’s teams play over the last seven years it has been worth every penny. Extras 4 When you go to a match at Dean Court you can also buy one of the best match programmes in the country, it really is packed with information and has won many awards over the last few seasons. It is also good to get there early as you can really get close to the players who will sign autographs. Final Thoughts With under 12,000 seats, Vitality Stadium offers an atmosphere that is quite different in comparison with other grounds in the league. It is the smallest grounds in English Football. However, the facility does have its own ambiance anesthetics that makes it a curiosity for visitors and fans alike. The concourses and stands are tight and crowds can become dense when moving around the stadium. However, just because you are small in size that you don’t pack a punch.

Photos by Richard Smith and Gary Butterworth , Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.71 UMBC Event Center 1000 Hilltop Cir Baltimore, MD 21250 UMBC Retrievers website Chesapeake Employers Insurance Arena website Year Opened: 2018 Capacity: 4,654 Retriever’s Home The University of Maryland, Baltimore County is most commonly referred to as UMBC. Located about 15 minutes west of Baltimore between the suburbs of Arbutus and Catonsville, the university has just under 15,000 students. Sciences and Engineering are some of the highest-profile programs at UMBC, although there are over 50 undergraduate majors and more than 60 graduate programs in total. The university began in 1966 and is a sister college to The University of Maryland, Baltimore County, as well as Towson University and the University of Maryland, Eastern Shore. Freeman A. Hrabowski III has been the charismatic president of UMBC since 1992. Born in segregated Birmingham, Alabama, Hrabowski has a unique surname for an African-American, as his family gained that name from his great-great-grandfather, Eaton Hrabowski, who was a Polish-American “slave master.” He is the co-author of the books, Beating the Odds: Raising Academically Successful African American Males and Overcoming the Odds: Raising Academically Successful African American Young Women. UMBC has risen from a small, largely unknown commuter college to one of the region’s most innovative universities. Sports have not always had great success at UMBC. Lacrosse and soccer are the biggest sports, along with the amazing chess team. Chess has won the Pan American Chess Tournament 9 times between 1996 and 2009. Former team captain Alexander Onischuk went on to become the United States Champion in 2006. Lacrosse is a usual fixture on the scene and is a common sight in the NCAA tournament. Men’s soccer made the Final Four of college soccer, the College Cup, in 2015, eventually losing on the biggest stage around. Basketball came behind a few other sports on campus. But on March 16, 2018, the Retriever team became the first 16th seed to knock off a number 1 seed, Virginia, in the NCAA tournament’s history. Now UMBC and the Retriever name is well known to many sports fans. The UMBC Event Center was opened just a couple of months before that historic win and it replaced the Retriever Athletic Center (RAC). Food & Beverage 2 The UMBC Events Center really has subpar food offerings. There are a couple of concession stands offering no real variety. The concourse is open and has plenty of space for additional offerings. Atmosphere 3 The arena still seems very new. It also seems to be designed for concerts and events just as much as being a sports venue. The seats are designed in a horseshoe shape with a wall on the east end. UMBC has a video board on that end, but no scoreboard over the court. That seems weird to see, but is obviously a nod to the concerts and events also held here. The college is often known as a commuter college. They have had more students living on campus in recent years, but students still do not show up in large numbers. The upper deck is often not used, except for bigger games. Neighborhood 2 There is no neighborhood around UMBC. The campus is located between the Arbutus and Catonsville neighborhoods of Baltimore County. Downtown Baltimore is roughly a 15 to 20-minute drive down I-95. Fans may want to stop into some of the shops and restaurants that line Frederick Road in Catonsville for pre-game activities. Taneytown Deli (807 Frederick Rd) and Duesenberg’s (10 Mellor Ave) both have limited hours but they are the best bets for stopping before afternoon games. Peace-A-Pizza at 15 Mellor Ave offers some very unique pizza options in a family friendly environment. For adults, Jennings Cafe (808 Frederick Road) is a nice neighborhood bar. A great Chinese takeout called China Kitchen is located in Arbutus at 4642 Wilkens Avenue. That quick drive to Baltimore opens up a world of activities and dining options. One of my favorite in the city is, the Abbey Burger Bistro, near the Cross Street Market at 1041 Marshall Street. The beer selection is good and they offer a large array of burger choices, and all are likely to satisfy. Fans 3 The crowds are pretty loud for the medium size numbers that they draw. Over time, this new arena and the fans it will draw in will be a good boost to the team. Access 4 The UMBC campus is easy to access, as it is located off of the Route 166 / Exit 47B of I-95. You will be routed directly into the campus without even going onto any surface streets. Weekday games, while school is in session, may involve looking a bit harder for parking spaces, although it is doubtful this will be much of an issue. If you venture around through the nearby towns of Arbutus and Catonsville, you will use area roads like Wilkens Avenue, Frederick Road, and Rolling Road. You may need a GPS, as these roads tend to ramble a bit. Return on Investment 3 Tickets are generally under $20 and have a good value. Extras 2 Free lineups are a nice extra.  The best extra is the signage celebrating their historic win over Virginia. Final Thoughts The Chesapeake Employers Insurance Arena is a major improvement over the old RAC and is a good home for this mid-major program.

Photos by Lloyd Brown, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.29 The Ballpark of the Palm Beaches 5444 Haverhill Road West Palm Beach, FL 33407 Washington Nationals Spring Training website The Ballpark of the Palm Beaches website Year Opened: 2017 Capacity: 7,858 Washington Moves to Stadium of the Palm Beaches The Washington Nationals moved into the FITTEAM Ballpark of the Palm Beaches in 2017. They formerly played in the Space Coast Stadium in Viera, Florida, a stadium they had inherited from their former time as the Montreal Expos. The Nationals were seeking a new home as the Space Coast Stadium had become dated and they were drawing very sparse crowds. Viera had also become geographically isolated from where the other Grapefruit League teams played, necessitating long bus trips to away games. They share the stadium and the training complex in West Palm Beach with the Houston Astros. The ballpark was built by the city of West Palm Beach to attract a major league team (or two) back for the first time since the Atlanta Braves left for a new stadium in the Disney complex. Moving to the West Palm Beach area meant the Astros and Nationals could play each other at home, while also playing the Cardinals and the Marlins, who are a short distance away in Jupiter. The location of the stadium is between I-95 and the Florida Turnpike, making it very easy to reach via these main thoroughfares. The design of the stadium is very similar to many others in Florida in that it must be elevated as digging down into the ground would result in hitting the high-water table. The stadium is in the center of the complex, with the Astros and Nationals training facilities surrounding it. Food & Beverage 3 For the most part, the concession offerings at The Ballpark of the Palm Beaches are your typical baseball fare. Items include hamburgers w/fries ($11), grilled chicken w/fries ($10), BBQ sandwiches w/fries ($10), and chicken tenders w/fries ($10.50). Other items include ¼ lb. brats ($7.50), hot dogs ($5.50), nachos ($5.50), pretzels ($6), candy ($4.50), and chips ($2.50) Pepsi brand products are sold for $5-$7 depending on the size. For adult beverages, domestic drafts are $10, premium drafts are $12. Canned domestic beers go for $9, while canned premium beers are $10. Cocktails and wine are $9. There is one concession stand named the Capitol Hill Grille, but it does not sell any food that would be unique to Washington DC. Fans with a sweet tooth may want to visit the Beaches Ice Cream stand. They offer an ice cream helmet for $7.50, a soft serve in a cup or a waffle cone for $6, and root beer floats for $7. Atmosphere 3 Nationals fans were very happy when the team relocated to The Ballpark of the Palm Beaches from Viera, as there are frequent flights into the West Palm Beach airport from Washington, DC. Attendance at Nationals home games has picked up dramatically since the move from Viera. The stadium entry is via a set of steps on the west side of the stadium. The exterior of the stadium is virtually hidden, as there is greenery growing all around the stadium. Once you reach the top of the stairs you will be at the concourse level of the stadium. The concourse travels 360 degrees around the field. The seating bowl is located below the concourse level, with only the suites and press box on the second level. The Nationals dugout is on the first base side of the field. Seating capacity at the Ballpark of the Palm Beaches consists of 6,200 seats, and room for 1,400 more fans on the outfield grass berms. One drawback to playing at the Palm Beach stadium is that it does not do much branding of either team in the stadium, apart from the two team’s logos in a sculpture form outside of the stadium. This gives the stadium a very generic feel from other Grapefruit League ballparks that actively promote their tenants through stadium colors, concessions, and imagery. Neighborhood 3 The area around the stadium itself is surrounded by the two teams’ practice fields and training facilities. The complex is so large that shuttle vans take you back to the distant parking lots. Once you exit onto Haverhill Road you will need a car as there are no hotels or nice restaurants within walking distance of the park. Most of the hotels are located along the I-95 corridor and the only restaurants nearby are of the fast-food variety. Since you will have a car, it is well worth your time to head across the causeway from West Palm Beach to Palm Beach. Once in Palm Beach, you will feel like you are in an episode of “Lifestyles of the Rich and Famous.” First check out the boutiques along Worth Avenue, Palm Beach’s shopping district, then visit the Flagler Museum next to The Breakers to learn about this enclave. Before you leave take a short driving tour of homes owned by the Kennedys, the Pulitzers, and many other celebrities. Fans 3 Nationals fans have been thrilled with the move to the Palm Beaches venue. Their attendance numbers are much higher than the Astros and many locals have also adopted the team. The team has created a great rivalry with their training complex neighbors, the Astros, as both teams have won a World Series in recent years. The teams play each other frequently, as the MLB is trying to keep travel to a minimum due to COVID protocols. Fans from both teams can stock up on team memorabilia at the Team Store located by the main gate. Access 3 Getting around at a game at the ballpark is going to require a car. Parking is just after you enter the complex from Haverhill, and the lots are a great distance from the stadium itself. Make sure you take one of the free trams that will drop you off at the park. Once at the stadium, you will have a series of steps to navigate up to the concourse level. All fans must enter through the West Gate, and during the security check, this area can become quite congested. Once inside, the stadium is very well laid out. It has a wide concourse and great signage, making it very easy to locate your seat. BTW, the seats are a generous 20 inches wide, enhancing your comfort level as you enjoy the game. Return on Investment 3 The FITTEAM Ballpark of the Palm Beaches uses a variable pricing system depending on the popularity of the visiting teams. Prices for the different sections can be compared with the slide with the stadium schematic. Field Box seats ($37-$56), Dugout Boxes ($31-$47), Infield seats ($28-$42), Outfield Reserve ($23-$32), and the Banana Boat Berm ($15-$25). Pre-purchasing your ticket before game day brings the price down by $5. Parking is $10 and payment must be made by credit card. Extras 5 The Ballpark of the Palm Beaches has canopies atop the stadium to provide as much shade and sun protection as possible. There are parts of the concourse that allow you to see directly down into the bullpens. Beach chairs atop the berm are available on a first-come/first-serve basis and provide a great view of the field while providing you with a wonderfully comfortable chair. A craft beer corner is in the left-field corner of the concourse. It has more than 32 tap handles to choose from. The popular President’s Race is a part of every game. However, it is in a video format rather than through live appearances by the past Commanders-in-Chief. Final Thoughts While the FITTEAM Ballpark of the Palm Beaches is a very functional facility, it lacks many of the bells and whistles found in other spring training facilities. The video board does not show any replays and there are no scoreboards on the facing of the main seating bowl. The ballpark also lacks drinking and eating rails along the front of the concourse, a standard element in most parks. We found the concessions to be reasonable, and our view of the field was excellent. The lack of branding for the two resident teams was disappointing. Hopefully, some of these features can be added to the stadium for future seasons.

Photos by Lloyd Brown, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.14 Lumen Field 800 Occidental Ave S Seattle, WA 98134 Seattle Sounders FC website Lumen Field website Year Opened: 2002 Capacity: 67,000 Names Change… The Fan Experience Remains The Same The Seattle Sounders FC has been one of the premier clubs in the MLS over the last two decades. They have won two MLS Cups (2016 and 2019), and the Supporters Shield for the best regular season record in 2014. Seattle has two major rivalries with their Pacific Northwest neighbors in the form of the Portland Timbers and the Vancouver Whitecaps FC . The Sounders have played at their current home since 2009. CenturyLink Field changed its name to Lumen Field in November 2020. This was not the result of a new stadium sponsorship agreement. CenturyLink has rebranded itself as Lumen Technologies. Most stadium signage has been changed to reflect this, but due to the immense cost of changing the name on the roof of the stadium, the CenturyLink name remains in place. Lumen Field has a capacity of 67,000, but for Sounders matches the capacity typically is limited to the lower bowl and can hold 37,722. Capacity is typically expanded for the rivalry games against the Timbers or Whitecaps or playoff games. The stadium has 111 suites and 7,000 club seats. Food & Beverage 5 If you cannot find something you like to eat at Lumen Field, you are not likely to find a place you like anywhere. The stadium has 48 different food vendors, covering everything from Pacific Northwest cuisine, hometown favorites, and foods from the International District to stadium standards, pub foods, a value menu…oh, and of course, Starbucks. Seattle is a foodie haven, and local restaurants are represented at stands including Night Market, Hempler’s Hot Dogs, Pacific NW Marketplace, Ivar’s, Beecher’s Mac and Cheese, and ULI’s Sausage House. International flavors are available at Din Tai Fung, Premiere Meat Pies, and Cantina. The Pacific Northwest is also known for its culture of craft brewing. Pub food and craft beer selections are offered at the Beardslee Public House, the Brougham Beer Hall, the Craft House, and the Elysian Brewing Company stand. Lumen Field also offers a shortlist of value menu items for those on a budget. Items include popcorn ($2), hot dogs ($3), Coca-Cola brand sodas in 12-ounce cans ($4), 12-ounce Budweiser brand beers in a can ($5), and for $7 you can choose from a 12-ounce Elysian Craft Beer, a nine-ounce BABE wine or a 12-ounce Virtue Cider. Lumen Field does allow single-serving foods to be brought into the venue. They must be in a clear plastic bag. Atmosphere 4 The design of the stadium, the pageantry and traditions of the supporter’s groups, and the level of talent on the pitch all add up to a very enjoyable experience at Sounders games. The stadium was built on a very small footprint, so designers pioneered the use of cantilevered seating. This brings the fans closer to the action than at most stadiums. They also considered the somewhat soggy climate of Seattle and included a shell-like roof structure that protects 70% of the seats from the elements. The ends of the field are left uncovered, as the design team wanted to provide memorable views of the Seattle skyline at the north end, and views of T-Mobile Park and Mount Rainier at the south end. (A major complaint about the stadium’s predecessor, the Kingdome, was that it prevented fans from enjoying the beauty of the region due to its tomb-like design.) The pageantry of attending a Sounders game begins 90 minutes before the game. Fans and supporter groups participate in the March to the Match. This March begins in Pioneer Square and goes south until it reaches the plaza at the north end of Lumen Field. It is a very colorful event as the various supporter groups wave their flags, sing their fight songs, and participate in a good-natured rivalry of seeing if they can be louder in doing their chants than the other groups. The March is led by the Sounders own band, The Sound Force. Fans also can visit The Ninety, which serves as the team’s clubhouse. It is only open on match days. The Ninety features a look at the history of the team, trophies won in various soccer competitions and of course, offers a place to enjoy a few beers. Neighborhood 4 Lumen Field is in the SoDo (south of downtown) District. This is an area where much of Seattle’s history converges. Just north of the stadium is Pioneer Square. This area served as the city center during Seattle’s early days as a logging town. There are a wide variety of restaurants and shops available in this area. To the east of the stadium is the International District, home to much of Seattle’s large Asian population. This area is known for its excellent dining offerings Just a 15-minute walk to the northwest of the stadium is the Puget Sound waterfront. The waterfront offers a wide variety of clubs, restaurants, and historical sites for visitors to enjoy. This is also where the ferry boats launch for trips to sites on the Olympic Peninsula. It is well worth the time for a round trip on the ferry to get great views from the water of the Seattle skyline to the east and the Olympic Mountains to the west. Fans 5 The Seattle Sounders and the Emerald City Supporters adopted the supporter group concept that long has been placed in Europe many years ago. As a result, the Sounders have one of the strongest (and loudest) fan bases in the MLS. Supporter groups are set up by geographic, ethnic, and all persuasions. These groups go much deeper than just attending a game as they become a social network for the members. Most of the supporter groups affiliate with a pub in their area or maintain a clubhouse for watch parties when the Sounders are playing an away match. They are also active on a year-round basis, participating in holiday celebrations as well as community improvement projects. The supporter groups fall under the umbrella organization known as the Emerald City Supporters. However, each group is free to develop its own identity, which includes its crest, its flag, and its songs and cheers. Many of these groups are based on a specific region of the state. However, the Sounders have supporter groups from as far away as the Midwest or Southern California. On matchday, the supporter groups form up at Pioneer Park and March to the Match. Once inside the stadium, they do their best to maintain the venue’s reputation as one of the loudest in US sports. Typically, these fans will stand for the entire game, creating an energy level that must inspire the home team and intimidate the visitors. They create large tifos, or banners, for each game, which also add to the pageantry of the event. Not every fan who attends a Sounders game is involved in a supporter group. However, they likely have a friend or relative who is. Access 4 The Seattle area offers a wide variety of methods to get to a Sounders match. Lumen Field is near the I-5 / I-90 interchange just south of the downtown area. Parking decks offer around 8,000 parking spaces relatively close to the stadium. However, the Pacific Northwest is known as being a very “green” area of the country, and its citizens are very concerned about climate change. The public transportation options for getting to a game are excellent and it takes a lot of cars off the road. Many fans who live in the downtown area bike to the stadium, where bike racks are provided. The Link light rail system runs from SeaTac Airport up to the University of Washington campus. It has a Stadium Station stop that services both Lumen Field and T-Mobile Park. Commuter rail connects outlying cities to Seattle through the King Street Station which is just three blocks from the venue. A Sounders Game Train offers express rail trips on match days. King County Motor busses will also drop you off at King Street. Persons traveling from the Bremerton area and the Olympic Peninsula can take the Washington State ferry boat system to Pier 52, then walk the 15 minutes south to Lumen Field. Finally, Uber serves as the official rideshare service of the Sounders and offers discounted rides. Return on Investment 3 One thing to know before you go is that all activities related to a Sounders game are on a cashless basis. The face value of tickets to a Sounders match runs from $30 to $90. However, when the stadium is at its typical soccer capacity of just over 37,000, the games are sold out. Tickets on the secondary market can easily run into three figures. There are about 8,000 parking spaces spread out around the SoDo District. On game days these lots will charge $30 or more. The public transit options for a Sounders game can save you a great deal of money. The light rail and bus systems drop you off just a block from the stadium and typically cost no more than $5 a trip depending on the distance traveled. Commuter rail to outlying areas make it possible to get home after a game, rather than spending a night in Seattle, which has very high hotel rates. The ferry boats can also save time and money for fans coming over from the Olympic Peninsula. Extras 4 The Sounders home pitch has been the site of a wide variety of soccer tournaments. These include two MLS Cup games, the CONCACAF Gold Cup, and several USL games and college competitions. The City of Seattle is bidding to serve as one of the US host cities for the FIFA World Cup competition in 2026. If it is selected, it will have to replace its FieldTurf playing surface with a natural grass playing pitch. The stadium has long been known as one of the loudest stadiums in the world. Many think the shell-like roof helps to amplify the sound. It has been in a back-and-forth competition with Kansas City’s Arrowhead Stadium for the title of loudest venue. The all-time attendance record for the stadium as far as soccer is 69,274 in 2019. This game featured the hometown Sounders in the MLS Cup game against Toronto FC. The Sounders were victorious, bringing home the Cup for the second time in the team’s existence. Final Thoughts There are very few sports venues that can match the pageantry and energy level created at Seattle Sounders FC games. The name of the stadium may change, but the great fan experience remains the same. You might say it is il-lumen-rating!

Photos by Chris Tuck, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.57 Ashton Gate Ashton Rd. Bristol, England BS3 2EJ United Kingdom Bristol City FC website Ashton Gate website Year Opened: 1887 Capacity: 27,000 Home of the Robins After investing £47.2 million into the club in 2009, Bristol City chairman Stephen Lansdown has transformed the sporting landscape in Bristol. The city’s largest stadium ‘Ashton Gate’ has reaped the benefits. Lansdown first joined the board in 1996 and by creating ‘Bristol Sport’ he has brought together Bristol City men’s and ladies' Football clubs, the Bristol Bears men’s and ladies' rugby club, and the Bristol Flyers (the city’s basketball side) under one umbrella. Football at Ashton Gate has been in evidence since the turn of the 19th Century and after redevelopments in 1928, 1970, and 1994, the stadium clubs fresh investment. Under the new chairman, these refurbishments have now come to fruition and Ashton Gate is now a modern, stadium helping put the city of Bristol on the sporting map. Bristol City nicknamed ‘The Robins’ have played at Ashton Gate since 1904 and currently play their matches in the Championship in the English Football League (EFL). City, needed had two main periods in the top level of English football, in the late 1900s and the late,27,000-capacity. They are certainly due a return to the top-flight, and they now have the home facility to underpin their promotion dreams. Bristol is located in the southwest of England, approximately 120 miles west of London and 43 miles from the Welsh capital of Cardiff. The urban population of Bristol is over 650,000 making it one of the largest in the UK (11th). Food & Beverage 4 The main food outlets outside the stadium can be found near the corner of the South and Lansdown stands. This is the location of the main Sports Bar & Pizzeria which is built into the side of the ground. Burger grill and fish and chips concession stalls are also located here with a KFC just across the road in the South Bristol Retail Park. Burgers and hot dogs at the grill start at £6. Cod and chips are £8. Inside the stadium, the food offerings are much improved. Gone are the days of football grounds in England selling pie and Bovril only. Here you can satiate your hunger with pizza, chicken strips, and locally-made pastries at reasonable prices. Hot drinks are a little on the expensive side at £2.50, and soft drinks such as Coke, Fanta, and Sprite are the same price. Alcohol, which in England is only allowed to be consumed in the concourse areas, is also available, Thatchers Cider costs £4.80, Guinness, Heineken, Amstelhas1900s, and IPA cost £5. Cash and card are both accepted for payment and each concession stall looks clean, smart, and well-staffed. Atmosphere 4 The latest developments to the stadium have had a huge impact on the aesthetics of Ashton Gate. Before the 2016/17 season 1970s Southwest, the Williams, and Wedlock stands were demolished, the Dolman stand was extended, and the pitch relayed. The result is a locally-made, before, and smart stadium fit for the modern-looking first-class sport. No more large posts obscuring your views from the away end. The Atyeo stand, named after club legend John Atyeo (who also has a statue outside) has just over 4,000 seats and is usually given to away fans. This is the only stand that isn’t structurally joined to the others. The rest of the ground is a bowl/horseshoe shape with no breaks between the stands. The Dolman stand runs along one touchline and is a single-tier structure housing around 6,500 supporters. Behind the goal opposite the Atyeo stand is the South Stand with over 6,000 seats, finally, the jewel in the crown is the extensive and expensive Lansdown Stand. This two-tiered structure holds nearly 11,000 fans and affords views back across the city and even a snapshot of the famous Clifton Suspension bridge to your left. For the match Stadium Journey attended only 6,000 were in attendance spread across three of the stands, due to government Covid restrictions. The atmosphere made by fans though was excellent and shows that a full Ashton Gate could generate some serious noise. Two large scoreboards in opposite corners of the ground are well placed and provide all the usual information you need including action replays where appropriate. The PA system is loud, very loud. Neighborhood 4 Back in 2015, Bristol was named the UK’s first ever European green capital; it has also been named the best place for under 25s to live outside of London Bristol is a large and bustling city with a long maritime history despite the main docks moving out west to Portbury. The river Avon flowing through the city is still a key feature with old wharfs, bars, and restaurants providing a new economy for this enigmatic metropolis. The juxtaposition between the affluent parts of the city and the less salubrious areas gives the city an edgy vibe and the university ensures you will see younger people dominate in the city centre and drinking hot spots. The stadium is found in the wharves, center southwest of the city, a couple of miles from the city center. The main landmark on that side of the city is the famous Clifton Suspension Bridge, built in 1864, which can be seen high up in the gorge that cuts through the western side of the city. Other attractions include a fantastic street art scene, the zoo, Brunel’s SS Great Britain, and Cabot Tower erected to mark the 400th anniversary of explorer John Cabot. City centre shopping can be supplemented with a visit to the Cribbs Causeway mall just over 10 miles north of the center. The city is littered with places to get a drink; lots of real ale establishments and quirky venues like the Bristol and Bath Rum Distillery located at 87-89 Park Street. For away fans visiting the stadium, the Nova Scotia which looks out over Bristol harbour is worth a visit. Opposite on the north bank of the river is another pub, the ‘Rose of Denmark’. Both are around a 20-minute walk from the ground. Bedminster Cricket club offers a bar and car parking and is just a 15-minute walk to the stadium. Fans 3 Pre-covid, in the 18/19 season, Bristol City FC's average attendance was a healthy 21,080. There is no doubt that if Bristol City made it into the Premier League, they would fill the stadium each week. The highest attendance for a City match is 43,335 who packed into Ashton Gate in 1935 for a fixture v Preston North End. Since the redevelopment, 26,088 is the largest attendance for City v Manchester United in the League Cup in Dec 2017. City’s main rivals are Bristol Rovers who currently play in the fourth tier of English football and there is no love lost between the red of the city and the blue of Rovers. As well as ‘anti-Rovers’ songs, all the usual chants will be heard at Ashton Gate, and of course expect songs referencing cider, the local drink of choice! Bristol Bears also based at Ashton Gate had an excellent recent average attendance of 17,924, one of the highest in the Guinness Premiership. Access 3 The city is very accessible from London and Cardiff. Bristol Airport serves visitors from further afield. By car, you should follow signs from the M4 or M5 and if you are traveling by train, the main station is Bristol Temple Meads, and center the closest is Parsons Street. Making your way from the city centre across to Ashton Gate in the southwest corner of the city takes a little more thought. You can walk to the ground from the centre but a bus/taxi would probably be better, match day bus services are normally in operation from Bristol Temple Meads to the stadium and back. For full details for traveling to the stadium including parking, click here. Return on Investment 3 With the 20/21 season played largely behind closed doors, ticket prices quoted are from the previous season. BCFC members attracted significant discounts on tickets but for a ‘one-time’ visitor expect to pay £27 for an adult in the south stand up to £37 in the upper Lansdown stand. Concession prices are available for U25, U22, U19 and Under 12s plus over 65s. In the club shop, also available online, you can get a scarf for £15 or a beanie hat for £20. The away jersey for 21/22 costs a cool £50. Adding travel, food, and drink, a visit to Bristol is worthwhile but not cheap. Extras 4 The Robins Foundation has recently been tackling loneliness in the city whilst the club has used its premises as an emergency food storage warehouse and a vaccination center during the pandemic The Euro 2020 tournament (played in the summer of 2021) was shown on large outdoor screens for fans to watch together. Elton John and Russel Howard are just two stars performing at Ashton Gate during 2021 and 2022 as well as numerous business events. Plans have recently been revealed to develop a world-class‘ Sporting Quarter’ for the city including a new hotel, arena, gym, and car parking. The two-site development will provide a 4,000-seater home for the Bristol Flyers basketball team and a new urban village development close to the stadium. Final Thoughts It is certainly exciting times for Bristol City fans off the pitch as the club continues to invest and grow its profile and infrastructure. The stadium is now fit for big matches, the most recent being the Vanarama Promotion Cup Final between Torquay United and Hartlepool United which was switched from Wembley due to its Euro 2020 commitments. This demonstrates that this venue is on its way to becoming the first-class facility that chairman Stephen Lansdown has always dreamed of.

Photos by Matt Finnigan, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.71 TD Ameritrade Park Omaha 1200 Mike Fahey St Omaha, NE 68102 College World Series of Omaha website TD Ameritrade Park Omaha website Year Opened: 2011 Capacity: 24,505 Omaha Shines in College World Series Return Very few cities host sporting events with such aplomb and enthusiasm that the sporting event becomes part of civic DNA. Omaha is one such city and the College World Series is one such event. The CWS has been held in Omaha almost annually since 1950, and all but the first three have been played in Omaha (1947-48: Kalamazoo, MI; 1949: Wichita, KS.). It was not held in 2020 because of the COVID-19 pandemic. CWS games are played in TD Ameritrade Park, the CWS’s home in downtown Omaha since 2011. Although Johnny Rosenblatt Stadium, which hosted the CWS from 1950-2010, no longer exists, the local organizing committee, College World Series of Omaha, Inc., has masterfully transported Rosenblatt’s spirit and feel to TD Ameritrade, approximately three miles north of where Rosenblatt stood. This year, the CWS returned with some changes that affected the fan experience. COVID-19 protocols eliminated general admission seating in 2021, so all 24,000 of TD Ameritrade Park’s seats were reserved. All tickets were paperless for the first time in 2021, as well. Fans and stadium staff adapted well, deftly managing crowds entering the ballpark. CWS organizers and volunteers have successfully maintained the event’s feel and traditions, even during the waning days of a global pandemic. Food & Beverage 5 Fans will easily find their favorite ballpark foods at TD Ameritrade. All beef hot dogs ($5 for large / $3.75 for small), cheeseburgers ($7.50), chicken tenders and tater tots ($11), french fries ($4.50), pretzels ($6.50), and pizza by the slice ($7) can be found at permanent concessions stands throughout the stadium. A kids meal, which includes a hot dog, string cheese, goldfish crackers, and a juice box is offered for $6. For those looking for something beyond standard stadium fare, TD Ameritrade has plenty of options. The Nachomahas, nachos with grilled steak, queso, sour cream, black beans, and salsa ($18) can feed multiple people (or one hungry teenager). Oklahoma Joe’s serves its famous BBQ at a stand underneath TD Ameritrade’s primary scoreboard in right field. Pulled pork ($11), pulled chicken ($11), and chopped brisket ($12) sandwiches are served with chips, while loaded nachos ($12) come with a choice of those meats. Beer drinkers will not be disappointed in TD Ameritrade’s selection. Domestic canned beer sells for $8 and local craft beer sells for $9. Keg Creek Brewing’s Red Brick Ale, the Kinkaider Brewing Company’s Grapefruit Radler, and Kros Strain Brewing’s Fairy Nectar IPA are offered throughout the ballpark. Leinenkugel’s Summer Shandy, Miller Lite, Coors Light, and Bud Light are also sold. TD Ameritrade sells Pepsi products, charging $6 for a stadium cup and $4.50 for a regular size. All transactions at TD Ameritrade’s concession stands are now cashless, so fans should be prepared to pay with credit/debit card, or with a cash transfer app. Atmosphere 5 Fans from the eight participating schools bring energy to this NCAA Championship event, as do local attendees and throngs of youth baseball players in Omaha for their own tournaments. The fans are knowledgeable about college baseball and are passionate about their teams. As the CWS progresses toward its denouement, intensity builds and fans grow louder. The games themselves are typically competitive, with fans reacting appropriately to action that could advance a team deeper into the CWS or end a team’s season. Beach balls are prohibited in TD Ameritrade Park. Enterprising fans nevertheless smuggle them uninflated into the stadium. A few puffs of air later and only between innings (per custom), beach balls are volleyed through the stands to the raucous delight of everyone – except for the polite and patient ushers and grounds crew members who confiscate and destroy them. Neighborhood 5 The “neighborhood” that forms around TD Ameritrade Park during the CWS is a baseball enthusiast’s dream. The Omaha Baseball Village , Old Mattress Factory Bar & Grill, and Blatt Beer and Table sit across the street from TD Ameritrade’s right field wall. The Baseball Village is a temporary hamlet of vendors and food, adjacent to a beer garden. Baseball equipment manufacturers such as Oakley, Wilson, and Under Armor peddle their wares here, as do throngs of merchandisers selling hats and t-shirts commemorating the CWS. The Old Mattress Factory, also known as “the Matt,” hosts a large beer garden in its parking lot to the south of the Baseball Village. And Blatt Beer and Table frequently sees long lines form, as fans wait for tables at the closest pub to the stadium. Blatt has a rooftop patio from which patrons can almost see directly into TD Ameritrade, along with a Zesto ice cream shop. Beyond the stadium, Downtown Omaha has its own draws. For instance, the 3,000-foot Bob Kerrey Pedestrian Bridge spans the Missouri River just to TD Ameritrade’s east; the Iowa-Nebraska state line is marked midway across and the span offers great views of the ballpark and the Omaha skyline. It is also a must-visit for runners seeking an interesting route. The historic Old Market neighborhood is a five-minute drive from TD Ameritrade. There, fans will find more than 45 bars and restaurants in historic buildings that stand along brick streets. One highlight in the Old Market is Hollywood Candy, where classic candy and soda, vintage records, and pop culture antiques are all sold. Fans 4 Attendance at the 2021 CWS shattered several records, including highest total cumulative attendance (361,711), highest attendance for the three-game final series (72,226), and the highest attendance for game 3 of the final series (24,052). Mississippi State’s rabid fan base traveled well from Starkville, many driving more than 800 miles to see the Tigers win the school’s first national title in any sport. The CWS remains a very popular draw. Fans from all participant schools, and even some schools that do not qualify for the CWS, bring significantly more enthusiasm than is typically seen at a baseball game. This enhances the experience of watching players vie for a national championship. Access 4 TD Ameritrade Park sits on the north end of downtown Omaha, enabling fans to come to the stadium in several ways. Downtown Omaha has a large number of hotels from which fans can walk to the ballpark. Driving is also relatively easy, with numerous parking options near TD Ameritrade. The City of Omaha has an easy-to-use app (available at www.ParkOmaha.com ) that can be used to find and pay for parking near TD Ameritrade and throughout the city. Fans in 2021 found parking at meters for $1.25 within a half-mile of the stadium. The stadium complex has 4,000 parking places, many of which are available for $15 per car on a first-come, first-served basis. Tailgating is permitted but fans cannot extend their tailgates into adjacent parking spaces and cannot drive tents into the ground. All stadium lots open at 8:00 a.m. on game days and close 90 minutes after the day’s final game. There are plenty of other parking lots within walking distance of the stadium. For instance, Creighton University is located approximately a mile west of TD Ameritrade Park along Cuming Street. Creighton permits tailgating and fans can walk across campus en route to TD Ameritrade. Many parking facilities, including Creighton’s, cannot accommodate RVs and motor homes because of size limitations. There is RV and motor home parking in Omaha; more information can be found at CWS parking information. Fans not wanting to drive to TD Ameritrade Park have several options. Metro Transit Omaha operates the “Stadium Circular,” a bus route with stops between TD Ameritrade Park and other locations downtown, including the Heartland of America Park, Capitol District, and Old Market. A range of options exist for fans wanting to bus to the games, with more information available on Metro Transit’s website. Omaha also has a bikeshare program, with a kiosk at TD Ameritrade park and others within walking distance. More information is available at Heartland B-cycle . Return on Investment 4 The College World Series can be a reasonably priced experience. Single-game tickets in 2021 ranged in price from $20 to $60, depending on the seat location and game time. Normally, a book of 10 general admission tickets sells for $90. Although COVID-19 nixed general admission seating in 2021, organizers expect its return in 2022 to offer fans an even more affordable ticketing option. Concession stand pricing aligns with other, similar events. Fans cannot bring coolers, or outside food and drink into TD Ameritrade. Enterprising fans can pay very little for parking at meters near the stadium. Even parking in a nearby lot or garage will cost no more than $15 – $20 – a bargain relative to other NCAA championship events. Extras 5 The CWS at TD Ameritrade earns a point for the legions of volunteers and workers who fuel the event’s success. From ticket takers to security to ushers to concession stand staff, the people working at TD Ameritrade have helped sustain the CWS’s popularity for decades. Another point is awarded for the CWS’s embrace of history. While Rosenblatt Stadium was torn down in 2012-2013, its memory and location have been preserved in the parking lot of Omaha’s Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium. The zoo, which neighbored Rosenblatt, needed to expand and acquired the land on which Rosenblatt once sat. The expansion happened but zoo administrators ensured that Rosenblatt’s legacy continued by creating “Infield at the Zoo,” a shrine to the CWS’s first Omaha home. There, the old stadium’s “Rosenblatt” sign that arched above the main scoreboard now presides over a miniature turf-and-grass field surrounded by some of Rosenblatt’s actual seats and bricks reclaimed from Rosenblatt. Rosenblatt’s foul poles remain in the parking lot and home plate sits in the location where it sat until 2010. Plaques honor the CWS’s great teams, players, and administrators who helped the CWS become what it is today. The Infield at the Zoo is free of charge and a 10-minute drive from TD Ameritrade. A third point goes to what is perhaps TD Ameritrade’s most photographed location, the “Road to Omaha” sculpture in front of the stadium’s home plate entrance. This statue welcomed fans to Rosenblatt from 1999 – 2010 before moving to its present home. The 1,500-pound bronze statue was designed by noted sports sculptor and Omaha native John Lajba. The CWS awards a miniature replica of this trophy to each year’s most outstanding player. Celebrities coming to cheer on their alma maters or favorite teams earn a fourth point. Fans in 2021 mingled alongside such notables as Dallas Cowboys quarterback and Mississippi State alum Dak Prescott, former Denver Broncos quarterback and Tennessee Volunteer Peyton Manning, and former Vanderbilt and Chicago Bears quarterback Jay Cutler. Past years have seen other notable supporters of participating teams. A fifth and final point is awarded for live music. TD Ameritrade features music piping from the organ that originally provided the soundtrack for the CWS at Rosenblatt. Final Thoughts Even a casual baseball fan will enjoy the CWS at TD Ameritrade Park. The atmosphere, access, and reasonable costs are reasons to catch a game. The quality of play, beauty of the stadium, and friendliness of the volunteers and workers are what make the CWS special. Omaha has made the CWS unlike any other sporting event and deserves its role as permanent host. Follow Matt Finnigan’s stadium journeys on Twitter @mattfinniganco

Photos by Bart Wilhelm, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.57 Bill Taunton Stadium 1401 SW 22nd Street Willmar, MN 56201 Willmar Stingers website Bill Taunton Stadium website Year Opened: 1979 Capacity: 2,000 Welcome to the Beehive In 2010, the summer collegiate Northwoods League expanded into the small town of Willmar, Minnesota (pronounced Will-me, not Will-marr). The Stingers were born and they moved into Bill Taunton Stadium, a park that also houses Willmar high school ball, Ridgewater College, two VFW teams, and an American Legion team. The “Beehive” is a popular destination in a town that I’ll admit I had never heard of before I started watching the Northwoods League. Part of the beauty of minor league and summer college ball is discovering places you’d otherwise never know about. Food & Beverage 4 The main concession area at the Hive is down the third baseline. There are two food stands that have similar offerings. For a fuller menu, choose the “Ruff’s Rally Stand.” While they have standard items like Little Caesar’s pizza slices, $3 hot dogs, $4 brats and nachos, and $5 chicken sandwiches and burgers, they also get a bit more creative with their menu. Sriracha Brats with Pineapple Mango Salsa, Chili Cheese Dogs, Stinger Bites (chicken nuggets in BBQ sauce), Chicken & Waffles, and Beehive Burgers/Chicken sandwiches are all $6-$7. Snack and dessert items such as peanuts, popcorn, and Dilly ice cream bars are all $3. They also have fresh kettle corn. The beer selection is a bit limited. For $6, you can get a 16oz can of Miller Lite, Corona Premier, or Minnesota Gold Lager. There are also 12oz cans of Angry Orchard Cider, Hop Valley IPA, and a few flavors of Truly Hard Seltzer. Gatorade and Pepsi products are sold in bottles for $3. They’re definitely worth the price if you want to try something a little more unique than your standard ballpark fare. I enjoyed the Beehive Burger, which is a hamburger topped with pulled pork and fried cheese curds. Don’t forget the extra napkins. Atmosphere 4 The main grandstand is covered behind home plate and runs dugout to dugout. There are two main sections of seating. Gurley’s Box Seats are standard ballpark seats and sit in front of the main concourse, right behind home plate. Great views and no fans walking in front of you. Box seats are $13. The other main seating section is comprised of metal bleachers right behind the box seats. These run $10. Both ticket prices are a dollar more on the day of the game. There are also several group areas available, two down the left field line, and one down the right field line. All three were sold out the night I was there. A couple premium sections are available such as the Concession Club and Beach Bungalows that come with all-you-can-eat food, but they have to be ordered through the ticket office or online. The playing surface is all grass and is in decent shape. An electronic scoreboard is above the right-center field wall. Basic information is provided: runs, hits, errors, score, pitch speed, but does not include a video board. The crowd was close to a thousand people on the night I attended, which is really good for a Tuesday night. Neighborhood 3 There really isn’t much in the immediate area of Taunton Stadium. Downtown is a few miles away and the only thing within walking distance is a nice water park next door (great for hot days, open to the public, and less than $5). 1st Street, a couple miles away, can provide you with any style fast food that you want. Also within a couple miles of the park is Grizzly’s Wood-Fired Grill, a casual American restaurant known for its wood-fired chicken and steak. For breakfast, I’d recommend Frieda’s Café. Tiny little hole in the wall with great breakfast food. The Foxhole Brewhouse is a local brewpub that makes their own beer. While there are a few hotels in town, they tend to be a bit a bit pricy because there aren’t a lot of them. I actually stayed about an hour south in Redwood Falls to save some money. Fans 4 While a lot of the people at the game were part of large groups, people seemed to really be into the game. The promo team and the two mascots did a great job keeping the energy up right until the end. For the last inning of the game, one little kid behind home plate would yell out “Let’s go Stingers, let’s go” and the ENTIRE grandstand would stomp their feet twice on the metal floor. It got pretty loud, but I loved the spontaneity. A very large percentage of the fans stayed right until the last pitch. Access 2 Willmar is a small town in the middle of nowhere. The nearest interstate is I-94, about 65 miles away. Minneapolis is two hours to the east. US Highways 12 and 71 run through the town. Physical address of the stadium is 1401 22nd St SW. There is a free parking lot next to the stadium. On busy nights, it can fill up. I didn’t see where the overflow parking is located. Return on Investment 4 Tickets are $11 and that will include a nice experience, a good crowd, and a great game. The Gurley’s Foods Box Seat Tickets are located in the lower level of the stadium and cost $13. The food selections are also creative, and you’ll definitely get your money’s worth. Extras 4 The enthusiastic crowd gets an extra point. They show up and they stay into the game until the very end. An extra point goes to the two mascots, Barry and Blue. In the world of mascots, some have “it” and some don’t. Barry and Blue play off the crowd and each other very well. An extra point goes to the staff. Everyone is very friendly. Several workers noticed my Traverse City Pit Spitters shirt and talked to me about my team. The promotions team also does a very good job keeping the crowd enthused. And one extra point goes to the Beehive Burger. I’m a strong believer that when you’re in Wisconsin and Minnesota, you should eat cheese curds. The Stingers fry them up and put them on a burger with pulled pork. Excellent. Final Thoughts I am pleasantly surprised with my visit to The Beehive. Minnesota has a great reputation for small-town baseball, mostly due to their many Town Ball teams. The experience in Willmar definitely stands out in the Northwoods League.

Photos by Chris Green, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.86 Nissan Stadium 1 Titans Way Nashville, TN 37213 Music City Grand Prix website Nissan Stadium website Year Opened: 1999 Capacity: 69,143 Music City Greatness The first annual Music City Grand Prix was one for the record books. Crowds filled the track for all three days of racing action, and the views proved to be incredible. Highlighted by an over-and-back trip across the Korean War Veterans Memorial Bridge that spans the Cumberland River, the track layout races past Nissan Stadium and through the downtown Nashville streets. And being held in Nashville, there are events all weekend long to keep you entertained beyond the track. Food & Beverage 4 To find something to eat at the Nashville GP, one only has to open their eyes. This race has everything you can think of when it comes to stadium fare. To start, the concession stands on the ground level concourse of Nissan Stadium are open all race weekend to fans in attendance. Meal deals are plentiful, with Nashville Hot chicken and waffles ($23 with a beer), bacon cheeseburgers ($25 with a beer), Nashville Hot chicken tenders ($19 with water), BBQ dogs ($19 with a beer), pulled pork sandwiches ($18 with a refillable souvenir soda), and many more options available. If these don’t satisfy your hunger, there are numerous street vendors and food truck options available around the fan zones as well. Atmosphere 5 To call the Nashville GP electric is an understatement. Enduring 90+ degree heat, fans packed the grandstands, even for the traditionally lesser-attended Friday practice days. Crowds were healthy all weekend long, and they cheered and roared with every on-track pass. Even for the GT America race that ran under the lights on Saturday night, not a single seat was open. Drivers and teams in the paddock saw visitors come in droves. Concerts during the weekend on various stages throughout the fan zone kept the fans entertained in between on-track sessions. To top it all off, the fireworks show on Saturday night on the Cumberland River provided the perfect ending to the day’s excitement. Neighborhood 5 The circuit takes place mostly in the Nissan Stadium vicinity, circling the streets and parking lot outside the home of the Tennessee Titans . However, a part of the track also visits the downtown Nashville streets across the river as well. Because of the track’s proximity to the city center itself, it provides the perfect opportunity to explore the town and to catch the race action. On the stadium side, A La Quinta and Quality Inn are located quite literally trackside, as part of the track passes right in front of the two hotels. For food, Nashville’s downtown provides a variety of fare, from locally famous Tootsies Orchid Lounge to Panera Bread. When looking to do something outside of the event, the County Music Hall of Fame and Museum and Ryman Auditorium provide music lovers a multitude of options for things to see and do. Fans 5 When comparing to other events on the schedule, few boasted the number of fans the Nashville GP hosted. With tickets sold out weeks before the event for most ticket options, it was obvious from the start the event would be a hit. And indeed, the fans followed up on the promise. From the diehard, sport-knowledgeable fans to the locals who were attending their first race event, everyone was buzzing with excitement from the first practice laps of the weekend. Access 5 Getting around the event was easy thanks to the plentiful signage and facility maps available to fans. Parking lots were clearly marked with buses and shuttles dropping fans off at their designated entry points. In addition, a large pedestrian bridge across the Cumberland River connects downtown Nashville with Nissan Stadium, giving everyone the ability to walk from one side of the track to the other. Grandstands were also plentiful, offering fans a wide option of views for their race day experience, from nearly every corner on the track. Photo by Chris Green, Stadium Journey Return on Investment 5 Ticket packages for the race offered fans every possible option to experience as much of the race weekend as they could. Discounts for college students were also included, with VIP suites offered everywhere from the Nissan Stadium upper levels to the downtown section of the track. No matter what option best fits your needs, fans were unanimous about their praise of the event, leaving the track looking forward to next year’s race. Extras 5 The concourse for Nissan Stadium was open all weekend long, offering fans a place to rest in the shade during the heat of the day. Paddock access for Trans-Am, SRO GT America, and the Stadium Super Trucks was also free to all fans, giving you an up-close view of the teams as they prepared for the event. Victory lane took place on a music stage set up outside of Nissan Stadium, right in the middle of the fan zone, meaning everyone had the opportunity to celebrate with the race winner from that day. The track also features a section that crosses the Korean War Veterans Memorial Bridge, the first such track on the schedule of any series in America that utilized such a feature. Finally, fans can enjoy a wide array of music during the event, with multiple concert stages set up in the fan areas that showcase top-level talents like Brooks & Dunn, Vince Neal, and others. Final Thoughts The Nashville Grand Prix was a new event on the schedule for IndyCar this season, and with it came many questions. Will the race be a success? Will fans show up in droves as event organizers hoped? Would everything run smoothly for the inaugural race? The answers to all these questions were overwhelmingly positive. No doubt that next year’s event will be a highlight once again. Drivers and teams are already talking about the potential of the Nashville Grand Prix to be a marquee event that rivals the likes of St. Petersburg and Long Beach in terms of longevity and prestige. If this year’s fan response is any indication, that very well could prove to be true.

Photos by Patricia Beninato, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.29 Acrisure Stadium 100 Art Rooney Ave Pittsburgh, PA 15212 Pittsburgh Panthers website Acrisure Stadium website Year Opened: 2001 Capacity: 65,050 Hail to Pitt In a football-crazy city like Pittsburgh, it stands to reason that its stadium would be top-notch. However, the University of Pittsburgh raised eyebrows in 1998 when it announced that instead of going to the expense to renovate the on-campus Pitt Stadium, the Panthers would align with the NFL’s Steelers and play their home games at the stadium under construction on the North Shore of the city, roughly four and a half miles from campus. Built in conjunction with PNC Park , home of the Pirates, and named for the Pittsburgh condiments giant, Heinz Field welcomed the Panthers in 2001. The Panthers are one of the oldest Division 1 football teams in the country, with nine national championships and illustrious alumni such as Dan Marino, Tony Dorsett, Mike Ditka, Larry Fitzgerald, and Aaron Donald. Under current head coach Pat Narduzzi, the Panthers have some top players in Kenny Pickett and Jordan Addison and a devoted fanbase outside just students and alumni. Note: Heinz Field’s name changed to Acrisure Stadium in July 2022. Food & Beverage 4 Tailgating is a big thing at Heinz Field, and fans can bring in their food and drinks. But since it’s not a visit to Pittsburgh without a Primanti Brothers sandwich, if you can’t make it to a city location, you can get one here, as well as wings from the oddly-named Quaker Steak & Lube. French fry fans will want to try Chickie’s & Pete’s Old Bay seasoned spuds, a Pittsburgh sports venue staple. Beer lovers will enjoy a large number of brews available, from Bud and Bud Light to local favorites like Iron City. For the minimalists, you’ll find plenty of hot dogs, burgers, pizza, nachos, and Pepsi products. Heinz Field isn’t a foodie destination, but fans will find lots to suit their tastes. A hot dog and a beer will run you roughly $17. Note that due to the pandemic, all concession stands at Heinz Field are currently cashless. Atmosphere 4 No matter where you sit at Heinz Field, you’ll have a great view of the field. Seats are wide and comfortable, with handy drink holders. However, if you’re sun-sensitive and Pitt’s playing during the day, bring sun protection because there is next to no shade unless you’re sitting in the back of the lower bowl under the upper deck overhang. The scoreboard is giant, crystal-clear, and easily visible (unless you’re sitting below it). As is typical for Big-Time College Football, Pitt’s got a large marching band and lots of cheerleaders, and mascot Roc the Panther is the most enthusiastic cheerleader of all. When Pitt scores a touchdown, the Gateway Clipper ships passing on the Allegheny River just south of the stadium will blow their horns, loudly enough to startle. During game breaks, things like current Pitt players up on the scoreboard lip-syncing and dancing to The Weeknd’s “Blinding Lights” happen, which is funnier than you might expect. Neighborhood 4 Heinz Field is at the western end of the North Shore neighborhood, which means that it’s not immediate to restaurants and hotels and is essentially surrounded by parking lots. Nevertheless, an easy five-minute walk will get you to the (smallish) restaurant district and hotels like Springhill Suites, Hyatt Place, and Holiday Inn Express. Burger fans won’t want to miss Burgatory, which offers every kind of burger you can imagine and a couple you haven’t, and North Shore Tavern is famous for its “steak on a stone,” where you can cook your steak on a super-heated stone. The area has a lively bar scene at night and is clean and well-lit. The neighborhood connects to downtown via the Roberto Clemente (Sixth Street) Bridge, where you can find more restaurants. The famous Strip District is about a twenty-minute walk away from the stadium over the bridge, with an eclectic array of restaurants and shops. Fans 5 Pitt games are populated mainly by its students and alumni, but the crowd will vary depending on the Panthers’ opponent. The stands at Heinz Field are much fuller for games against rivals Virginia Tech, not so much for one-off teams like Western Michigan. You’ll find the students in the northern end zone, and the most popular side of the stadium for non-students is the western side behind Pitt’s sideline. Even when the crowd is small, though, they are loud and engaged all during the game, to the point that it can be surprising how loud a relatively small crowd can be. Expect lots of HAIL TO PITT and LET’S GO PITT chants, and it’s a good idea to learn the words to “Seven Nation Army” and “Lose Yourself,” because you’ll hear them sung a LOT. Even when Pitt is losing, the crowd is into it–no fair-weather fans here. Also, singing along to “Sweet Caroline” at the end of the third quarter is a thing, and no, you didn’t suddenly get transported to Fenway Park as a result. Access 5 No matter how you choose to get there, Heinz Field is exceptionally reachable. If you’re driving, the stadium has its exits from Interstates 376 and 279 and local routes 28 and 65. Parking passes for immediately adjacent lots can be bought when you purchase tickets, but they’re not cheap, starting at around $20 and going significantly up from there. If you don’t mind a little walk, you can find much cheaper parking via ParkingPanda.com and SpotHero.com around the neighborhood and across the river downtown. Port Authority buses have several routes to the stadium, and the Allegheny light rail (T) station is a half-block away, with fares starting at $2.50 one way. The T is free if you stay downtown, so keep that in mind when making lodging reservations. Inside the stadium, wide concourses and ramps abound, with plenty of escalators and elevators as well. Restrooms are clean and in good condition, with wheelchair-accessible stalls. Return on Investment 4 If you enjoy Division 1 college football or just football in general, going to a Pitt game at Heinz Field is a cheap good time. Even when a top school like Clemson is in town, you can get excellent seats in the lower bowl for less than $60. Unlike the Steelers, Pitt doesn’t have any ticket-related promotions for non-students, but it doesn’t matter with prices like these. Also, the team is pretty good, so that means a fun game. If you want the whole tailgate/good college game experience, a Pitt game at Heinz Field is very reasonable compared to other big football schools. Add in the ease of getting there and general good ticket availability, and if you’re around when Pitt’s at home, it’s well worth your time to attend a game. Extras 4 Heinz Field’s Great Hall, sponsored by FedEx, has a great display of Pitt memorabilia and is worth checking out. Those not familiar with Pitt football will marvel at the number of not only NFL players but Hall of Famers that came through Pitt, otherwise known as “I Didn’t Know (Name) Went Here!” If you want to pick up a souvenir, there’s a well-stocked team store on site for all your Panther needs. Heinz Field staff members are pleasant and helpful, and like its baseball brother PNC Park, fans get an excellent view of the Pittsburgh skyline from numerous vantage points throughout the stadium. On early game days, go check out the Carnegie Science Center directly across the street from Heinz Field after the game since there’s always something going on there. Final Thoughts Yes, Heinz Field is primarily associated with the Steelers, but it’s the royal blue-and-gold home of the Panthers on Pitt game days. With easy access, reasonable prices, and fun fans, those who want to experience a big-time Division 1 college football game with all it entails would do well to check out Pitt games at Heinz Field. Add in all the other Pittsburgh amenities, and this should be a legitimate road trip idea.

Photos by Gregory Koch, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.57 Turf Field 2021 Ivy Road Charlottesville, VA 22904 Virginia Cavaliers website Turf Field website Capacity: 1,500 Blue Hoos The University of Virginia Cavaliers field hockey program is among the most successful college field hockey teams in the country, making the NCAA tournament 24 times in their history, including five Final Four appearances. The Cavs have won the ACC Field Hockey Tournament once as well, in 2016. The Cavaliers play their home games at Turf Field, which despite the uninspired name is one of the nicest field hockey venues in the country. It has hosted the ACC Tournament six times, most recently in 2009. It also played host to an exhibition match between the Olympic teams of the United States and Argentina in June 2012, as both Turf Field and the Olympic field hockey venue in London have the same unusual blue-colored turf. Virginia’s field hockey team, like all its teams, is officially known as the Cavaliers but unofficially known as the Wahoos, or Hoos for short, in reference to an unofficial nickname for all University students and alumni. Food & Beverage 2 Turf Field sells concessions out of a trailer in between the entrance and bleachers. While there isn’t much here, consider that most college field hockey venues in the country don’t offer any concessions. Pretty much the only thing here that can be a meal is hot dogs for $4, while other options to eat include hot pretzels for $5 and candy and chips for $3. To drink, fans can find Pepsi soda products and Gatorade for $5 and bottled water for $3. Credit cards are accepted with the exception of Discover, although when we went they were having technical difficulties accepting American Express as well. Be prepared or bring cash. . Atmosphere 4 Once you walk into Turf Field, the first thing you will notice is the unique blue turf, similar to that at the Boise State football stadium. From the entrance, you will walk past the restrooms and concessions up to a large set of bleachers to watch the game. The seats in the middle sections are in the shade during day games thanks to the press box, while the seats further towards the sides are not. We recommend picking an appropriate section based on the weather for that day. Some fans seem to like to sit right on the edge of the sun and shade sections so they can move around when they get too hot or cold. On fall days when the weather in this part of the country can vary by the minute, this seems like a wise move. Turf Field also has a large scoreboard in the far left corner as seen from the bleachers, which also shows the shots, saves, and penalty corners for each team. Theoretically it also shows what half the game is in, but it remained stuck showing the first half for the entire game when we visited. Additionally, as college field hockey switched to quarters a few years ago, this is not the most helpful even when it works. Unfortunately, the way it is designed, there is no way to change it to account for quarters without completely replacing the scoreboard. Neighborhood 4 Turf Field is located on the campus of the University of Virginia, which is one of the most beautiful campuses in the country. Once you get off campus and into the city of Charlottesville, there is plenty else to do. Boylan Heights is a popular bar just off campus and serves up good food as well. It is just one of many places to eat, drink, or have fun along University Avenue ranging from bagel bakeries to bars to sushi restaurants. History buffs may also want to check out Monticello, the home of Thomas Jefferson. Fans 4 Although field hockey is and will always remain a minor sport on college campuses compared to things like basketball and football, the sport does draw a good crowd here compared to most places. While the 400-500 fans a game the Cavaliers draw may not seem like much, it consistently ranks them towards the top of the nation. Many fans are friends and family of the players, but you also get some UVA students and locals. Many of the children in attendance play youth field hockey themselves and dream of making the NCAA someday, but there are also longtime fans of the program and of UVA athletics in general. The fans are passionate and it can get quite loud in here after big plays by the Hoos. Access 3 If coming to Charlottesville from the east or west, you will likely take Interstate 64. If coming from the north or south, you will take U.S. Route 29. Although both are major roads, Route 29 has a few traffic lights along the way, so you won’t make as good time as you would on the highway. Still, you should be able to make reasonably good time if you head that way – the lights are for the most part few and far between. Once you get on campus, finding the stadium can be hard. There are no signs and it isn’t prominently visible from any street. Some GPS apps are better than others at getting you to the right place – Waze instructed us to drive onto a sidewalk to access the stadium and we had to switch to Google Maps, which took us to the appropriate lot, UHALL West. However, once you are in UHALL West, it is still not entirely clear where to go as there are no signs. If you arrive early, you may see the sprinklers watering the field (no, the turf doesn’t grow, but this is needed to make the ball roll properly) and you can also look for the stadium lights in the distance. There is a path from the back right corner of the lot near the athletics training trailers that will take you right up to the stadium and there will be many helpful staff on hand to direct you where to go if you still can’t find the right way. Return on Investment 5 Admission to all field hockey games at Turf Field is free, with the possible exception of ACC and NCAA Tournament games. Parking is free and concessions are affordable if limited. Considering this is one of the top field hockey stadiums and top field hockey teams in the country, this is a very good value. Extras 3 The unique blue color of the playing surface is an extra in its own right. Free game programs are available on a table at the front gate. A third and final star for all the extremely helpful and polite staff we encountered here. Final Thoughts When you think of athletics at the University of Virginia, the first team that comes to mind is the basketball program that won the national championship in 2019. The second program may be the football team which has had some recent success as well, or perhaps the baseball team, which has made the College World Series five times since 2009. However, there is another highly successful program at UVA who plays in an elite stadium, and that is the field hockey team. The Hoos have one of the nicest field hockey stadiums in the country, not to mention one of the best fan bases. Turf Field may have an extremely boring name, but let this be a lesson in why not to judge a book by its cover. This is one of the best field hockey experiences in the country and is anything but boring.

Photos by Gregory Koch Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.71 JMU Field Hockey Complex 1251 Carrier Drive Harrisonburg, VA 22801 James Madison Dukes website JMU Field Hockey Complex website Year Opened: 2003 Capacity: 500 Dukes Field Hockey Nestled in the scenic Shenandoah Valley town of Harrisonburg, Virginia is the campus of James Madison University. JMU’s athletic teams, known as the Dukes, compete in the Colonial Athletic Association. The Dukes’ field hockey program plays at the appropriately named JMU Field Hockey Complex, which opened in 2003 and seats 500 fans. Food & Beverage 0 There is no food or beverage for sale at the JMU Field Hockey Complex. Fans are free to bring their own, but cannot bring it onto the track if they choose to watch from there (more on that in a bit.) Atmosphere 3 Walking into the JMU Field Hockey Complex will put you on a small concourse above some metal bleachers. Fans can also walk down the bleachers to a track that surrounds the field and watch from there to get a closer look. All in all it is a very basic layout, with a scoreboard in the corner also showing the most basic information. The Dukes’ mascot, a dog named Duke Dog, sometimes will make appearances at the beginning of the game. He is always a fan favorite when he shows up. Neighborhood 4 Harrisonburg is a beautiful college town nestled in the scenic Shenandoah Valley. Although it is not large, there is a lot to do here. Macado’s is a regional restaurant chain with several locations in the Valley and surrounding area, including one right here in Harrisonburg. They are known for their burgers, wings, and delicious hot sandwiches, as well as their large collection of local sports memorabilia. The Magpie Diner on West Gay Street is open for breakfast and lunch and is a local favorite. There are several hotels in the area long Route 33, including a Doubletree, a Clarion, and a Candlewood Suites. . Fans 3 The Dukes only draw a couple hundred fans a game, but for a stadium that only seats 500, that is about half full. Those who do show up are mainly friends and family of the players, JMU students, or those with some other connection to the university. They are passionate and cheer on the Dukes throughout the game. It can get quite loud here despite the crowd size, particularly after Dukes goals. The fact that most of the fans pack into a few sections rather than spread out adds to the atmosphere as well Access 3 The JMU Field Hockey Complex is located a short drive off Interstate 81 via exit 247A. Once you get off the highway, some GPS apps will attempt to take you to the wrong side of the stadium. If the GPS allows, we suggest navigating to Lot C-10 or C-12, which is where you will need to park anyway – the stadium is right in between the two lots. There are small restrooms in the stadium located in a trailer on the concourse. They are clean but smell about like you would expect restrooms in a trailer to smell. Return on Investment 4 Admission is free, parking is free, and you won’t spend any money on concessions because there aren’t any. But there isn’t enough here to earn the top score. Extras 2 Free programs are available at the fan marketing table as you come in. There is a giant inflatable Duke Dog that the players enter under during pregame introductions Final Thoughts College field hockey is just not a huge deal at James Madison. Their football program has won the FCS Championship recently and their basketball program just opened up a shiny new arena, but few seem to care about the field hockey team. This is unsurprising, and those who do follow the team are passionate about it, making a visit to the JMU Field Hockey Complex a better experience than one might expect at this level.

Photos by Gregory Koch, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.14 Patchin Field 309 Letcher Ave Lexington, VA 24550 VMI Keydets website Patchin Field website Year Opened: Unknown Capacity: 1,000 Key(det)s Soccer The Virginia Military Institute (VMI) is located in Lexington, Virginia, and is one of six Senior Military Academies in the United States. The SMAs represent a sort of middle ground between the service academies and civilian universities. Of the six academies, VMI is the only one that does not also admit civilian students, but all of them share some common traits. All SMAs have a Corps of Cadets with military standards and training comparable to the service academies, but unlike service academies, students are not required to enlist in the military upon graduation. Nonetheless, many choose to do so and have served the United States in wars around the world. Unlike the service academies, senior military academies are not tied to any one branch, and VMI graduates have gone on to serve in the Army, Navy, and Air Force. Many VMI cadets and graduates also fought in the Confederate military during the American Civil War, and it was referred to as the “West Point of the Confederacy” at the time. VMI’s athletic teams are known as the Keydets, and the soccer team plays at Patchin Field. Located right next to Gray-Minor Stadium , home of the Keydets baseball team, Patchin Field is named after longtime VMI athletic trainer Herb Patchin. Food & Beverage 0 There is no food and beverage for sale at Patchin Field. Fans are permitted to bring their own. In the event there is a game going on at Gray-Minor Stadium, fans may be able to buy something from the concession stand there, but as the seasons do not overlap except for a few offseason exhibitions in the spring for soccer and fall for baseball, this is unlikely to work out. Atmosphere 3 Patchin Field is a quaint soccer field nestled at the bottom of a hill. There are a few small sets of bleachers at field level, and many fans choose to bring their lawn chairs and put them down on the grass. Fans can also stand on the concourse of Gray-Minor Stadium or place their lawn chairs on the hill behind the goal in the shade. Wherever you sit, you will have a great view of the action. There is a scoreboard in one corner which shows only the most basic information, and many aspects of it, such as displaying the half, were not working when we went. College soccer is not very big at VMI, so the team seldom has any promotions going on. There wasn’t even a fan marketing table. However, for fans of soccer, this is a chance to watch the game in its purest form, two teams of amateurs going at it, most of whom will never play professionally and are playing for the love of the game. Neighborhood 1 Lexington, Virginia has been given the rather cynical and ironic nickname Lex Vegas. Unlike its Nevada counterpart, Lexington is a small, quaint, conservative college town in Virginia’s scenic Shenandoah Valley. Even more unlike the real Vegas, the entertainment scene here is almost non-existent. There are many ways to take in the natural beauty of the Valley in and around Lexington, plus some historic sites on and around the Institute, but that’s about it. Fans 3 VMI averages between 50 and 100 fans a game, though sometimes they will get slightly more than that. However, the compact nature of the seating can make it seem fuller than it is. Most of the crowd is friends and family of the players or those with some connection to VMI. They cheer on the Keydets throughout the game, regardless of the score. Although there are fundraising efforts underway to expand Patchin Field, a crowd of about 100 people looks better in small compact bleachers and lawn seating than it would in a larger seating area. The bleachers can get pretty full here with the crowds, though not to the point of discomfort. Access 3 To get to VMI, you will need to take Interstate 64 to Exit 55. Fans coming from the north or south will need to first take Interstate 81 to Exit 191 for I-64 – Exit 55 is the next once you get on. From there, it is a short drive to the Institute. Once on campus, you will need to park in the lot outside Paulette Hall, then walk under the Gray-Minor Stadium bleachers to reach Patchin Field. The lot at Paulette is small, and if it is full then you have other options such as the Parade Grounds, but that is your best bet. Keep in mind that parking will be drastically more difficult if there is a home football game the same day, so check in advance to be sure. There are no restrooms at Patchin Field itself, but you can walk up a flight of steps to the concourse of Gray-Minor and use the ones there. Return on Investment 4 Admission is free, parking is free, and you won’t spend anything on concessions. However, there isn’t enough here to earn the top score. Extras 1 One star for the immense military history at the Virginia Military Institute. While the treatment of such history has been controversial recently due to it being seen as celebrating the Confederacy, efforts are underway to present it in what is considered a more appropriate fashion. That debate is beyond the scope of this review, so we will just say that regardless of what you think of the history here, it is still history. Final Thoughts Patchin Field is a nice little soccer field in the shadow of a bigger baseball stadium. Although college soccer isn’t very big here, a trip to Patchin is a nice opportunity to watch the game for free in a historic military setting.