Photos by Lloyd Brown, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.14 PNC Park 115 Federal St Pittsburgh, PA 15212 Pittsburgh Pirates website PNC Park website Year Opened: 2001 Capacity: 38,747 Baseball in the ‘Burgh The Pittsburgh Pirates are one of the oldest franchises in major league baseball, as they were founded in 1881 as the Pittsburgh Allegheny’s. They are unique in the baseball world in that they have never relocated from their city of origin. PNC Park serves as the fifth home for the franchise since those early days. PNC Park opened in 2001 just down the street from its previous home at Three Rivers Stadium. It is one of the smaller MLB ballparks by capacity at 38,747. PNC Park is also an “old school” ballpark as it features a natural grass playing surface. Featuring archways and materials like stone, steel, and brick, the structure embraces a classic architectural style. Food & Beverage 5 Most people would not say that Pittsburgh is a “foodie” town. However, the food and beverage program at PNC Park will convince you otherwise. While the stadium favorites are always present, it is well worth your time to check out the concession stands featuring foods that are unique to the melting pot of populations that live in the Pittsburgh area. Some of the more popular stands in the park are Primanti Brothers, Manny’s BBQ, Deli Dogs, Ballpark Burgers, Cannonball Burger, Nachorita, Chicken on the Hill, and Chickie and Pete’s. Several of these outlets are in a food court set up known as Pop’s (Pirate superstar Willie Stargell’s nickname) Plaza. Fans place their orders at a centralized kiosk, then pick up their food at the appropriate food counter. Drinking establishments are also well represented at the ballpark. The Miller Lite Landing is located atop the right field wall, with a two-level bar offering more than 40 beers on tap. Several breweries have stands at PNC Park, including Great Lakes Brewing Company, the Fat Head Bullpen Bar, and the Brew Kettle. Many of the drinking establishments are open to the field, so you will not miss much of the action on the diamond. PNC Park is unique in that it allows outside food to be brought into the ballpark. It must be in single-serve portions in a clear plastic container. No alcohol or sodas may be brought into the park. Atmosphere 4 While PNC Park is one of the smaller ballparks as far as seating capacity, it more than makes up for it as far as the setting it provides for fans to watch the game. The park is nestled along the banks of the Allegheny River, with picture postcard views of the Pittsburgh skyline and the many bridges that link the North Shore with the downtown area over the center and left field walls. The ballpark is physically connected to the downtown area by the appropriately named Roberto Clemente Bridge. Thankfully, the large video board for PNC Park is in left field, so it will not interfere with your views of the river or the downtown area Neighborhood 4 The home of the Pirates is the North Shore District of Pittsburgh. The ballpark’s neighbors include the North Shore Tavern, Burgatory and Foundry Table and Tap. The ballpark is also close to the Strip District, with its nice mix of restaurants shops and wellness centers, as well several cultural facilities such as theatres and museums. Football fans may be interested in taking a tour of Acrisure Stadium, the home of the NFL’s Pittsburgh Steelers , as it is located just down General Robinson Street from PNC Park. There are two museums with close ties to the Pirates located just across the Roberto Clemente Bridge from the ballpark. The Roberto Clemente Museum and the Western Pennsylvania Sports Museum in the Heinz History Center both feature exhibits related to the hometown team. Sports fans interested in contemporary art may be interested in visiting the Andy Warhol Museum located just a few blocks from PNC Park on the North Shore. Fans 4 Pittsburgh fans share a similarity with other northern sports franchises located along bodies of water. Games early in the season require dedicated fans and a heavy coat. The Pirates have not been deep into the playoffs in several years, and attendance drops quite a bit after Labor Day. The smaller crowds do not affect the enthusiasm level, as Pirate fans are quite loyal and always look forward to “next year.” Fans from other markets don’t realize that Pittsburgh is the smallest market in the MLB. The Pirate organization doubles down by building great relationships with its fans in making each game experience a positive one, through quality vendors, unusual offerings such as the children’s play area and through community involvement for local charitable organizations. PNC Park offers a very special area for its younger customers just behind the right field walls of the field. The Family Fun Zone features cartoon versions of the Pirate Parrot, a pint-sized athletic field, a climbing area, and an area for prospective sports announcers to try out their verbal skills. Access 4 Getting to a Pirates game is very easy, as there are multiple ways to reach PNC Park. There are several parking lots/garages along General Robinson Street just outside of the ballpark, with more than 10,000 parking spaces. The free PRT light rail system has a station (North Side Station) just outside of the Home Plate entrance to PNC Park. Event parking near PNC Park includes the North Shore Garage or Red Lot #6, both of which are on General Robinson Street. There are 10 entry gates into the ballpark, but several provide limited access to areas such as the club/private box level or for season ticket holders only. Gates open 90 minutes before the first pitch on weekends and one hour before the first pitch on weeknights. Concourses in the park are wide, and you should not have much problem in reaching your seats. When the call of nature reaches you, there are 18 men’s restrooms and 20 women’s restrooms. Return on Investment 4 Attending a Pirates game at PNC Park is relatively inexpensive compared with most MLB teams. Parking at the North Shore Garage is $20 on game nights, and Red Lot #6 on General Robinson Street is $40 on game nights. You may find cheaper parking near the ballpark by using the Spot Hero app. The PRT light rail system delivers you right to the stadium at a price that’s hard to beat, as it is free within the downtown zones. The Pirates use dynamic pricing for their tickets. This means weekend games and games against popular opponents will cost more than weekday games or games against less significant opponents. Ticket prices are also determined by where in the ballpark you choose to sit. Ticket prices range from $15 to $40 based on these factors. The cheapest seats in the house are $13-$25 and are in the upper deck/outfield. Seats in the lower-level infield cost $30-$60 and Club level seating runs $70-$150. PNC Park partners with StubHub as its preferred third-party ticket vendor. You may find cheaper tickets on the secondary market. The concession prices at PNC Park can vary a great deal. You will find some real bargains at the generic stands, while you can expect much higher prices for the items at the more specialized stands featured at the park. All purchases at PNC Park are done on a cashless basis. ATMs in the ballpark will provide charge cards in exchange for cash. Extras 4 One extra goes to having the backdrop of the Downtown Pittsburgh skyline just beyond the outfield walls. Unlike most other MLB ballpark, the home team dugout at PNC Park is on the third base side of the field. The Pirates get to enjoy the views of the Downtown Pittsburgh skyline. The character races at Pirates games feature a competition between different flavored pierogis. The area between the Riverwalk and the stadium is filled with large colorful versions of the team’s retired numbers for their elite players of the past. There are four statues of Pirate elites spread around the exterior of PNC Park. They are Honus Wagner (home plate gate), Roberto Clemente (center field gate), Willie Stargell (left field gate), and Bill Mazeroski (right field gate). Final Thoughts Pittsburgh has one of the longest histories with baseball of any city in the country. Attending a game at PNC Park is a great way to celebrate the greats of the game (Wagner, Mazeroski, Stargell, and Clemente) who played their entire careers in the Steel City.

A different type of baseball game was played at Victory Field this past weekend. A game that emphasizes fun and features black lights, glow-in-the-dark baseballs, mandatory mid-game dance breaks, and plenty of music. The Cosmic Takeover Tour is more of a party than a baseball game. It didn’t matter to the 10,000-plus fans who packed the home of the Indianapolis Indians on Friday night for the first of two games between the Tri-City Chili Peppers and the Glow-Mojis. Many had been at the ballpark since 4:30 in the afternoon when the pre-game party started inside the centerfield entrance concourse. They were there for the glow-in-the-dark merchandise, live music, player autographs, and anything else that would stick to the plate. When the Chili Peppers are not touring the country with their brand of unique baseball rules and haberdashery, they are members of the Coastal Plain League. A summer collegiate league club based in Colonial Heights, Virginia. However, just like another former CPL ball club, the Peppers decided to create their own rules, and it's on the road this season to seven different cities around the country. Indianapolis was the final stop on the tour, featuring dates in Nashville, Tenn., Worcester, Mass., Toledo, Ohio, and Durham, N.C. A few from the staff and crew said that the 10,000 fans were the most boisterous they’ve seen this year and a fantastic way to end the first season’s tour. The game is played in two halves, one during daylight and the other under the cloak of darkness. The rules are somewhat different for both halves and include no bunting. A walk leads to the batter taking a Fungo swing, and fans can pull out a giant Uno card to change a rule. One night, the players ran clockwise on the bases, and the next night, there was no foul territory (any ball hit was live and felt like a cricket match). The highlight of the game is when the lights shut off, and everything from players’ uniforms, bats, balls, socks, bases, and baselines glows in the dark. Fans in the stands also shine brightly underneath the portable black lights set up in the outfield. It is a visual that makes the first-time visitor feel like they are in the movie Tron.  It is truly a sight for the eyes to see the players and fans glow in the dark. Shirts, caps, balls, and socks light up from all around the building. The base paths and bases also glow. It works quite well as players seem adjusted to the game at night. To say you have to be there would be an understatement. It is a game that is meant to be watched live. However, the game is very busy, and so much takes place on the field and through the PA system. Music is constantly played at every at-bat and in-between innings, player introductions take place with walks through the stands, and random players pop up on the diamond throughout the evening. It can also be a very long game if you arrive at the block party at 4:30 and stay until the end at 10:30 PM. The game ended with various rounds of home run derby that also included a few rounds of regular baseball played in between. Each homerun counted as a run, and a 12-10 score could quickly rise to 26-21 by the end of the 9 innings. It is an evening where something is always going on, and if you blink, you will miss it. The Cosmic Baseball Takeover Tour is over for the season, and next year will most likely include more cities across the country. The Chili Peppers' branding is bigger than you think, and its presence on social media is full of color, pop, and revelry. However, the thousands who stayed until the very end had happy faces, and many said that they would return. A gentleman who was in town for the game said the following. “I don’t understand baseball and don’t watch it, but I know what’s going on tonight. This is fun, and I would like to see them come to my town next year.” I have a feeling that will happen. ------ Follow all of Marc’s stadium journeys on Twitter @ballparkhunter   and his YouTube channel .   Email at Marc.Viquez@stadiumjourney.com

Photos by Dave Cottenie, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.43 Wayne Gretzky Sports Centre 254 N Park St Brantford, ON N3R 4L1 Brantford Titans website Wayne Gretzky Sports Centre website Year Opened: 1972 Capacity: 1,000 Telephone City Titans The hockey landscape in Brantford, Ontario, is taking shape.  The Southwestern Ontario city, most known for being the home of telephone inventor Alexander Graham Bell and the greatest hockey player ever, Wayne Gretzky, has seen hockey change drastically in the last few years.  The move of the Hamilton Bulldogs of the OHL to Brantford changed many things.  The Brantford OJHL team, the 99ers, found the area too crowded and moved to King City.  The Junior B installment had a bit of shuffling and came out in 2024 as the Brantford Titans.  Junior B hockey was present in Brantford in the 90s with the Brantford Eagles, who eventually moved down the road to Caledonia to become the Corvairs.  In 2013, an iteration of the Branford 99ers came to town to play in the GOJHL.  The 99ers eventually became the Brantford Bandits and played in the Brantford Civic Centre.  In 2023, the Bandits pursued a failed attempt to move to Kitchener.  In an ownership shuffle, the Bandits owners purchased the Cambridge Redhawks  and sold the Bandits to Jon Clark and Mike Christian, owners of the nearby Junior C, Paris Titans .  The Bandits rebranded as the Brantford Titans and solidified their home as the Wayne Gretzky Sports Centre. The Wayne Gretzky Sports Centre was built in 1972.  In 1982, it was named after Brantford native and favourite son, Wayne Gretzky.  In 1997, the Sports Centre received a huge renovation and is now home to four NHL-sized ice pads and an Olympic-sized swimming pool.  The Gretzky Centre is definitely a community hub and a strong facility for Junior B hockey. Food & Beverage 4 The concession options at Wayne Gretzky Centre are a step above those found in other GOJHL arenas.  There are two main concession options.  The Lookout Lounge offers a full-service bar and restaurant and looks out over the ice surface of the main arena.  The offshoot Lookout Express offers more traditional concession options.  Pizza, burgers, grilled cheese, hot dogs, salads, wraps, popcorn, breakfast sandwiches, and cookies are all available.  Pepsi products, coffee, slushies, juice, and iced tea comprise the beverage options.  Atmosphere 4 The exterior of the Wayne Gretzky Sports Centre is long and large.  A large square in front of the main entry has a full-sized bronze sculpture of Gretzky holding up the Stanley Cup in front of Wayne’s parents, Walter and Phyllis, and a young Wayne.  This area is pretty busy and acts as a drop-off point for many parents dropping off kids for skating, hockey, or swimming.  The exterior of the building is a long structure, with a heavy use of glass, allowing a ton of natural light into the main lobby.  This is no mere small-town hockey barn.  Another note from the exterior is the Karen Roberts artwork “Take Your Shot,” which features a large puck, made of hockey stick shafts, hitting the top corner of a hockey net.  It is found in the parking lot in a spot that was once reserved for Walter Gretzky.  After Walter’s passing in 2021, members of the community placed hockey sticks and pucks in his dedicated parking spot.  Those items were incorporated into the art. After entering the Wayne Gretzky Centre, fans will be wowed by the huge main lobby that connects the pool area with the ice hockey rink.  Towards the ice pads sits the Brantford and Area Sports Hall of Recognition.  This museum not only contains the enshrined members, including both Wayne and Walter Gretzky, but it also houses several artifacts and mementos, many donated by the Gretzkys.  This is definitely worth some time to explore.  Other trophy cases can be found outside of the ice pads.  After purchasing tickets, fans will ascend to the walking track of the main arena, behind the seating area, which acts as a concourse.  The ice surface is oriented north to south, and the main seating area, with a good view of the centre ice logo, is on the west side.  The seating consists of ten rows of modern, plastic, arena seats on the west side and six rows on the east side.  The track allows for standing room around the entirety of the arena.  Protective netting circles the entire ice surface, and a simple scoreboard hangs above centre ice.  A unique plus is the exit at the northeast corner, which offers a significant window and allows natural light into the arena. The gameday production at a Titans game is very simple.  The PA system is decent. Of note on the game that was reviewed, there were some issues with music and announcements at the same time. Neighbourhood 3 Wayne Gretzky Sports Centre is located in the Fairview neighbourhood of Brantford.  It is a fairly residential neighbourhood, but there are a couple of strip malls that are within walking distance.  These include a few spots for pre and post game food and drinks.  Some options include Sociable Kitchen & Table, Yong Great Wall Buffet, Stromboli’s Brick Oven Pizza and Angel’s Diner.  There are also a few other sporting options in Brantford.  The OHL’s Brantford Bulldogs  have taken the city by storm and are awaiting a new arena that is in the works.  It is unlikely that the schedules would cross, but it may be possible to catch some Brantford Red Sox  baseball early in the hockey season.  It is also just a hop, skip and jump over to Paris, where the affiliate Paris Titans  play.  Other tourist options in the area include the Bell Museum, Canadian Military Heritage Museum, Brantford Twin Valley Zoo and Myrtleville House Museum.  For fans wishing to stay in town, the Comfort Inn and Best Western are not far away. Fans 2 With the hockey landscape changing in Brantford, the Titans have yet to fully get a stronghold in the market.  For the 2024-25 season, the Titans averaged 137 fans per game, which was second from the bottom in the GOJHL.  At the game that was reviewed, it was mainly a friends and family type of crowd.  It will be interesting to see what the future holds for the Titans and if they are able to attract larger crowds on a more consistent basis.   Access 5 The Wayne Gretzky Sports Centre is located in the Fairview neighbourhood of Brantford, west of the Wayne Gretzky Parkway.  It is immediately north of Highway 403 and three blocks east of Highway 24.  Getting to the Gretzky Centre is not an issue and fans coming from out of town will not need to traverse the city too much.  There is plenty of parking on site.  For fans wishing to take public transit, there are bus stops on Park Street, immediately east of the Gretzky Centre.  Fans should consult the Brantford Transit website for fares, schedules and maps.  Getting around the Gretzky Centre is not an issue at all and is very spacious.  The arena is fairly modern and comfortable as well. Return on Investment 4 Tickets for the Brantford Titans are very affordable and can be purchased online ahead of time, which is not terribly common for teams in the GOJHL.  Tickets start at $10 with discounts for students and seniors.  It is one of the cheapest tickets for any sporting event, anywhere.  Parking at the Wayne Gretzky Centre is free and concession prices are what one would expect.  The investment is very low, but a bit bigger crowd to provide some more excitement would put the return on investment over the top. Extras 2 An extra mark for the synergy that the Brantford Titans have with their affiliate, the Paris Titans. An extra mark for the Wayne Gretzky Sports Centre as a community hub for the city of Brantford. Final Thoughts The Brantford Titans play in a facility that is quite unique in that it is not new, yet feels big, bright and modern.  The Wayne Gretzky Sports Centre is one of the best facilities in the GOJHL.  There is plenty for fans to explore at the Gretzky Centre and taking in a Titans game is a great way to spend an afternoon or evening. ----- Follow all of Dave’s sporting adventures on YouTube , Twitter , Threads  and Instagram @profan9.

Photos by Andrei Ojeda, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.43 Rose Bowl 1001 Rose Bowl Dr Pasadena, CA 91103 Map It UCLA Bruins website Rose Bowl website Year Opened: 1922 Capacity: 88,565 From Westwood To The Arroyo Seco Prior to 1982, the UCLA football program shared the Los Angeles Coliseum with their longtime nemesis, USC Trojans. Looking for a venue to call their own, the Bruins would come to an agreement with the city of Pasadena. Though some opposed the move due to its distance from campus , the move would prove to be an early success. The Bruins would win the Pac-10 title in 3 of their first 4 years at their new home away from home, each year coming out victorious in the New Year’s Day Grandaddy of Them All. One of the most storied stadiums in all of college football, the Rose Bowl is an iconic structure recognizable to any college football fan. The Rose Bowl has been the site of many classic college football moments as well as the host to five Super Bowls.   Food & Beverage 4 With anticipated crowds being a far cry from even the Jim Mora days, local pop-up vendors, including various food trucks that once gave fans a variety of pregame choices in the Lot H Fan Zone, have disappeared. Though the selections have noticeably declined, the variety is still reasonable. Your usual game day fare of hot dogs, brats, and burgers, as well as specialty hot dogs from the Dog Haus, are available, as is your standard Mexican fare, cheesesteaks, and the favorite Filipino finger food - fried lumpia. If you’re craving a sweet taste, Cathy’s Cookies, a fan favorite from Pasadena to the O.C. , has two vendors set up serving fans warm, delicious homemade chocolate chip cookies. Coca-Cola products are the soft drinks available. Adult beverages include Miller brand beer, Blue Moon, and Dos Equis. Premium spirits are also for sale.  Atmosphere 3 Kickoff. As usual, seats aplenty for UCLA Football, Photo by Andrei Ojeda, Stadium Journey If we were to rate the atmosphere based on the history of the venue and the game day pageantry of the annual New Year’s Day bowl game, the rating without a doubt would be high. With the current sad state of affairs of UCLA Football , the difference in atmosphere between that and the actual Rose Bowl game itself is like choosing between dance techno or emo. A nearly decade-long run of futility and longer, depending on which UCLA fan you talk to, has deflated enthusiasm. These days, the gameday presentation does not even feel like a true collegiate atmosphere with loud music constantly blaring between plays rather than having the marching band play. They even crank up the music as the marching band does its traditional drum cadence during kickoffs. Long-standing cheers encouraging fan engagement, such as the 8-clap and spell out, are rarely performed anymore by the spirit squads. When actually performed, there’s hardly any energy behind it. Did I already mention that UCLA Football is going through a sad state of affairs? You may even be saying that a “3” ranking for such a sad atmosphere would be too high. I wouldn't argue with you. But given the venue’s historic status and picturesque views, I feel that has to be a saving grace in an otherwise unwatchable on-field product. Neighborhood 4 The Rose Bowl is at the bottom of a valley at the foot of the San Gabriel Mountains, whose peaks rise above the stadium and are visible from anywhere inside or outside. Beautiful sunsets over the mountains looking north are common sights here. The neighborhood immediately around the stadium is unique in its relation to the Rose Bowl. You won’t see the iconic stadium as you’re winding through traffic. Instead, you’ll be in quaint neighborhoods with streets lined with palm trees and beautiful homes. Suddenly the expanse of the Rose Bowl parking lot opens up in front of you on the valley floor with the celebrated Rose Bowl sign visible on the front of the bowl. It almost seems like a hidden gem that is a part of the beautiful surrounding landscape. Fans 3 When things are going well, fan support can reach a fevered pitch. However, with UCLA’s almost decade-long football futility and the program’s seemingly disconnected from its core fanbase  , among other reasons cited by longtime Bruin followers , crowds at UCLA Football games have been noticeably sparse. There is often speculation of a significant disparity between the announced attendance and the actual ticket scan count . You can't blame the fans for staying away. UCLA Football. Five minutes in and still plenty of seats, Photo by Andrei Ojeda, Stadium Journey With attendance seeing a significant drop over the years, the upper reaches of both end zones have been tarped off. It’s a sad look. The fact that any UCLA fans actually show up to watch what has become a national embarrassment of a major collegiate program  is in itself worth the mid-level score. Upper north end zone seats are tarped. Such a depressing look… Access 3 Getting into the area of the 134 or 210 is fairly easy (as easy as it can be when navigating through L.A. traffic), but the fact that the stadium lies in the heart of a residential area with minimal major roads cutting through means going can be slow. Though crowds are expected to remain sparse in 2025, it's still a good idea to arrive early, as navigating through some of the narrow roads and the direction of traffic can make the drive a bit of a challenge. If you are attending a game against a highly anticipated opponent, such as Penn State or Nebraska, given their huge following, which will make the anticipated hordes of fans feel they’re in Happy Valley or Lincoln West, allow yourself more time for arrival.   If you have no desire to drive to the bowl, parking in nearby Old Town Pasadena is also available, with prices ranging from $6 and up based on hours and length of stay. Parking in Old Town is a great alternative, especially if you plan on taking in some pre-/post-game entertainment and dining options. Free game day shuttle buses from the Parsons’ parking lot on Fair Oaks Avenue are available for those of you parking in Old Town. As classic and charming as The Rose Bowl is, once inside the seating bowl, you will notice that this is no modern-day venue. The rows are narrow, so you won’t have much legroom between you and the row in front of you. The incline is so gradual that, should you find yourself sitting behind someone tall, you will be viewing the back of their head. Given the regularity of sparse crowds and the undesirable play on the field, relocating to a more viewable seating area should be no issue at all. Return on Investment 3 Even with the reconfigured seating capacity, tickets are more than plentiful. Though box office prices can start from $27, tickets for most games can be purchased for below face value on various 3rd party sites. Given the current program’s abysmal on-field product, you may even be able to utilize a 3rd party site to purchase a ticket in the single digits.   Expect a hike in prices for more notable games against Penn State, Nebraska, Washington, and crosstown rival USC, as prices can start anywhere between $60 into the triple digits. Extras 4 Before entering the Rose Bowl, the statues outside the venue are worth a visit. One is of Brandi Chastain’s celebration of the 1999 Women’s World Cup .  The statue depicts Chastain’s famous celebration from Team USA’s historic win over China.   Just outside the grand entrance is that of legendary broadcaster Keith Jackson, the voice of many iconic moments . WHOA NELLY! Statue of legendary broadcaster Keith Jackson, Photo by Andrei Ojeda, Stadium Journey Another statue that is a must, especially for first-time visitors, is the statue of Jackie Robinson. Unveiled in 2017 , this statue features Jackie in gridiron form. Though Jackie will forever be associated with the number 42, it’s the number 55 that he wore when he played at nearby Pasadena Junior College, now Pasadena City College. This is one of four statues in the L.A. area paying tribute to the man who broke Major League Baseball’s color barrier, the others being across the street from Pasadena City Hall, Dodger Stadium, and Jackie Robinson Stadium. It was at UCLA where Jackie was a 4-sport star. Like MLB, the number 42 has been retired throughout all of the UCLA men's and women's athletic programs. Westwood and Pasadena’s very own Jackie Robinson, Photo by Andrei Ojeda, Stadium Journey Aside from the Jackie Robinson statue, there is also one more permanent display honoring UCLA’s football past. Along the southwest concourse area outside the players tunnel is a statue most recently dedicated to former UCLA Head Coach Terry Donahue . Final Thoughts The actual final score was 35-10. The game was much worse than the scoreboard states. The 26-mile distance from UCLA’s Westwood campus and its football home in Pasadena has always been a commuter challenge for UCLA students and their Westside followers. The current sad state of UCLA Football (Have I mentioned that enough already?) has done NOTHING to persuade fans to battle the notorious southland traffic on the jaunt toward The Arroyo Seco. Fans are fed up with the program. The recent termination of Head Coach DeShaun Foster  has done nothing to temper the displeasure surrounding the UCLA community. The vitriol has not stopped with Foster’s dismissal, as fans and local reporters are vehemently calling for Athletic Director Martin Jarmond's dismissal , as well. There’s talk among the masses of this year’s team possibly going winless in 2025 . UCLA Football has had its share of disappointments throughout the years. Some Bruin fans feel the program still has not recovered from the 1998 Miami game .  That’s 27 years and counting since the program’s last conference championship in a conference that is all but defunct. If your college football journey should bring you out west, don’t let the sad state of UCLA Football dissuade you from visiting the Rose Bowl. Despite UCLA’s fall from college football relevance, the venue’s history alone and the warm fall tailgates with the scenic views of the San Gabriel mountains are still worth a visit to the home of many historic college football moments in The Grandaddy of Them All . UCLA Football. September 2014, when fans actually packed The Rose Bowl

Photos by Dave Cottenie, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.00 Herbert H. Carnegie Centennial Centre 580 Finch Ave W North York, ON M2R 3P9 North York Rangers website Carnegie Centennial Centre website Year Opened : 1966 Capacity: 1,500 Herb’s Rangers Herb Carnegie is a hockey legend.  He was presented with the Order of Canada and the Order of Ontario and was inducted into Canada’s Sports Hall of Fame, Ontario Sports Hall of Fame, and in 2022, he was posthumously inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame.  Carnegie is widely viewed as one of the greatest players to never play in the NHL and should have broken the colour barrier in the NHL in 1938, well before Willie O’Ree did in 1958.  In the most infamous incident of Carnegie facing racism, Toronto Maple Leafs owner Conn Smythe allegedly said that he would pay anyone $10,000 if they could turn Carnegie white so that he could play for the Leafs.  Carnegie had a significant professional career and played many years with the Quebec Aces with Jean Beliveau and for Punch Imlach.  Carnegie went on to found the Future Aces Hockey School, one of the first, and pushed for more equity in hockey.  He even ended up with Spider-Man in the pages of a Marvel comic book.  Carnegie was a Toronto native and grew up in what is currently known as North York.  One of his first teams was the Toronto Young Rangers.  In 2001, the North York Centennial Centre was renamed the Herbert H. Carnegie Centennial Centre. It is most appropriate that the OJHL’s North York Rangers call the Carnegie Centennial Centre home.  The Rangers were established in 1969 as the Richmond Hill Rams and moved to North York in 1992.  The original North York Rangers were the Woodbridge Rangers, who moved to North York in 1967 and bounced between Junior A and B.  The Rangers won 3 OPJHL titles and the 1983 Dudley Hewitt Cup and Centennial Cup.  They folded in 1985.  The current Rangers have had a mix of success, with 2018-19 being their best season. Food & Beverage 3 There is one concession stand at the Carnegie Centennial Centre.  Concession options include hot dogs, grilled cheese, nachos, bagels, candy, pretzels, and Jamaican Patties.  Country Style Coffee and Pepsi products are the main beverages available. Atmosphere 3 The Herbert H. Carnegie Centennial Centre has a very unique look to it and is definitely a love letter to the accomplishments of Herb Carnegie. The exterior is unique with a tilted roof and a combination of white and blue corrugated siding. At the time of writing, there was plenty of construction going on at the Centennial Centre to make the building more accessible. The main entry is at the south on the street side, and fans are immediately brought into a very small breezeway. The ticket table is actually inside the arena area, which is unique to this facility. Taking a left turn after entering will bring fans to the trophy cases. A couple of them are dedicated to Herb Carnegie with a wonderful display. Several Carnegie artifacts are on display, including his “Skating on Thin Ice” Spider-Man comic book, complete with a cover by iconic comic book artist Todd McFarlane.  Other artifacts include several awards and trophies, and his Hockey Hall of Fame plaque.  There are articles and a full description of his Future Aces creed here as well.  In this area, there are also team pictures from Ranger teams of the past, award plaques, and pucks from key Ranger moments.  Throughout the concourses of the Centennial Centre, there are a number of Carnegie murals, including one with all of his achievements over the years, and some old-timey NHL hockey player murals. The ice surface is north-south oriented, with the scoreboard found at the south end.  Two levels of seating are found on the west side.  The strangely sloped roof finds its high point on the west side and slopes down to the east.  Above the benches on the east side hang banners from Rangers of the past, including Tom McCarthy, Gerry O’Flaherty, Ron Lalonde, Bernie Nicholls, and Paul Coffey.  Seats are traditional plastic arena seats.  Championship banners hang on the north end, including the 2019 OJHL South Division Championship and a memorial for Brant Snow, who passed in 2017.  Snow was one of the OJHL’s longest-serving members of the Board of Directors, and the OJHL award for best regular season record is also named in his honour. The gameday production at a Rangers game is very simple.  The sound system at the Carnegie Centennial Centre is very poor, and it is difficult to understand announcements. Neighbourhood 4 The Herb Carnegie Centennial Centre is located in the Branson neighbourhood of North York, a former city and current district in Toronto.  There are a few options for pre- and post game food and drinks in the immediate area.  These include Moon Restaurant, Eisenergs, Belle Bar and the Mandarin.  North York is close to other OJHL teams including the Toronto Patriots , Markham Royals and St. Michael’s Buzzers.  North York is also where York University is found, home of the Lions who play football , hockey  and basketball  on campus along with other sports.  Toronto FC II and York United FC also can York University home.  North York is close to some tourist options including Canada’s Wonderland, Legoland, The Village at Black Creek, Casa Loma and Toronto Botanical Garden. The city also has a number of parks and walking trails. Heading south toward Harbourfront will bring fans to the tourism centre of Toronto.  Options here are plentiful including the CN Tower, Ripley’s Aquarium, Roundhouse Park, Hockey Hall of Fame and Royal Ontario Museum.  Just about any sporting event that a fan could want is found Downtown including Toronto Blue Jays , Toronto Maple Leafs , Toronto Raptors , Toronto FC , Toronto Argonauts , Toronto Sceptres and Toronto Marlies .  Hotel options near the Carnegie Centennial Centre include Novotel North York and Holiday Inn. Fans 2 Fan support of the North York Rangers is not very strong.  For the 2024-2025 season the Rangers attracted just under 100 fans per game.  This ranks the Rangers near the bottom of the league in attendance.  This is definitely a friends and family crowd.  The Rangers play on Sunday afternoons and Tuesdays.  The weeknight games begin at 4:30, which is a pretty terrible time to start a hockey game if fans are expected to be a part of the experience.   Access 3 Herb Carnegie Centennial Centre is located in the Branson neighbourhood of North York.  It is on the north side of Finch Avenue between Bathurst and Dufferin.  This is a busy part of the city.  It is 5 km north of Highway 401, 7 km east of Highway 400 and 5 km south of Highway 407.  Getting to this arena will be a bit of a challenge due to the reality that is Toronto traffic.  There is plenty of parking behind the Centennial Centre.  For fans wishing to take public transit, there are TTC bus stops along Finch Ave.  Fans should consult the TTC  website for fares, schedules and maps.  The arena is very cold, however, the gas heaters over the seating area were in use.  There are plenty of stairs in the arena, but getting around is not that difficult due to the few spectators.  The washroom facilities are adequate for the facility, but definitely on the older side. Return on Investment 4 Tickets for the North York Rangers are $15 with discounts for seniors.  Children six and under are free.  Parking is free and concession prices are decent.  The action on the ice is generally a high quality, and fans will have a good time.  A bigger crowd would definitely enhance the return and overall improve the return on investment. Extras 2 An extra mark for all of the Herb Carnegie artifacts and touches, which makes this venue worth exploring. An extra mark for the link to the Rangers name that Herb Carnegie also has, once playing for the Toronto Young Rangers and he also once had a tryout with the New York Rangers where he was offered a chance to play in their minor league system to start. Final Thoughts The opportunity to see the North York Rangers play at the Herb Carnegie Centennial Centre is one that fans should not pass on lightly.  The venue is a love letter to the hockey legend that was Herb Carnegie and there is plenty to explore when there.  The Rangers offer a good product on the ice and fans will definitely have a good time. ----- Follow all of Dave’s sporting adventures on YouTube , Twitter , Threads  and Instagram @profan9.

Photos by Meg Minard, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.71 Snapdragon Stadium 2101 Stadium Wy San Diego, CA 92108 Map It San Diego Wave FC website Snapdragon Stadium website Year Opened: 2022 Capacity: 35,000 Catch the Wave The San Diego Wave FC joined the NWSL (National Women’s Soccer League) and began play in 2022.  They won the NWSL Shield in 2023 and the NWSL Challenge Cup in 2024.  The San Diego Wave FC joined the NWSL (National Women’s Soccer League) and began play in 2022.  They won the NWSL Shield in 2023 and the NWSL Challenge Cup in 2024.  They play their home matches at beautiful Snapdragon Stadium, a new (2022) multipurpose venue that serves as the home for many San Diego sports teams, concerts, and other festivals and events, including the San Diego State Aztecs football team . Crews built the stadium on the old Jack Murphy Stadium / Qualcomm Stadium site. San Diego Wave FC Banner, Photo by Meg Minard, Stadium Journey Food & Beverage 4 From craft brews to local bites, Snapdragon Stadium serves up plenty of choices—just expect premium pricing.   Many of the concessions feature iconic, local San Diego businesses. It has Hodad’s (regional burger restaurant with delicious hamburgers), Gaglione Brothers (specialty sandwiches), Best Pizza and Brew (pizza and salads), Ultra Classics (hot dogs, pretzels, nachos), Cali BBQ, The Taco Stand (yummy-looking tacos and burritos), Cardiff Tri-Tip (tri-tip sandwiches and nachos), and more.  Empanada Kitchen (specializing in baked Argentine filled pastries), Shawarma Guys (offering a variety of shawarmas and wraps), and Crack Shack (fried chicken) are other San Diego-based eateries in the venue. Snapdragon Stadium Shawarma Guys, Photo by Meg Minard, Stadium Journey Additional kiosks line the concourse, selling treats and snacks.  The northeast corner has several food trucks selling ice cream, sausages and brats, Infused Tacos, and other fare.    The concourse hosts seven local brew stations, each representing a different San Diego brewery.  The stadium also has six bars placed throughout the concourse.   Beers cost a hefty $14.50 - $17; Pepsi products run $7 - $9. Depending on crowd size, some concessions are closed during a San Diego FC match. The venue has plenty of tables, chairs, and benches on the concourse for fans to sit and enjoy their beverages instead of bringing them to their seats.  Atmosphere 4 Watching a San Diego FC Wave game at Snapdragon Stadium is an enjoyable afternoon or evening out.  The stadium is new and comfortable , and the game day experience is entertaining. The stadium has three levels of seating on one side, two on the other, plus seats behind each of the goalposts.  The seats don’t look it, but they’re surprisingly comfortable.  Where you sit depends on how much you want to spend or how many steps you want to climb.  All seats have a clear view of the pitch.  The venue has minimal shade for afternoon games.  Bring sunscreen.  Snapdragon Stadium has two sharp and vibrant video boards in opposite corners showing the game, the score, and replays.  It also has closed captioning on each end of the sideline ribbon boards detailing goals, substitutions, and announcements.  Nicely done.  TVs are mounted on the bottom of the grandstands so fans walking the concourse can still catch the game action. Snapdragon Stadium Sideline Concourse Seats with TVs, Photo by Meg Minard, Stadium Journey The PA announcements are made in both English and Spanish.   The music volume is perfect.  The San Diego Wave FC has a decent-sized merchandise shop near the southeast entrance with several satellite booths along the concourse.  Neighborhood 3 A parking lot surrounds Snapdragon Stadium, so there’s not much to see and do within walking distance. Chain restaurants within 2-3 miles of the venue include Yard House, BJ’s, Lazy Dog, and Wood Ranch.  But why go with chain restaurants when all of San Diego is just trolley stops away?  Head down to the Gaslamp Quarter for a Padres game and a plethora of dining and drinking establishments.  Or stop off the Green Line at the County Center/Little Italy Station and savor one of that district’s mouthwatering restaurants (Buon Appetito Restaurant is a favorite).  The Green Line also takes fans to Old Town San Diego , a historic neighborhood with museums, shopping, restaurants, and hotels. Two other well-known tourist attractions in San Diego are the San Diego Zoo and San Diego SeaWorld. No hotels are within walking distance of Snapdragon Stadium, but the city has plenty to offer, many along I-8, three to five miles away from the stadium.  San Diego hosts several other sporting events during the NWSL season:   San Diego Padres MLB (baseball), San Diego Gulls AHL (hockey), San Diego Legion MLR (rugby), San Diego FC MLS (soccer), and San Diego State University football and baseball .    Fans 3 The supporters group, the Sirens , sit behind one goal (known as The Cove) and cheer on the Wave FC with drums and chanting.  Attendance is strong, ranging from 19,000 to over 21,000 fans per match.  Many fans wear the colorful jerseys of the San Diego Wave FC.    Wave FC matches are a warm, welcoming experience for fans and visitors alike, thanks to the enthusiastic crowd and attentive staff. Access 4 Getting to and moving around Snapdragon Stadium is easy, though the concourse gets mobbed at halftime. The best way to get to the stadium is to take the MTS San Diego Trolley .    Take the Green Line to the Stadium Station, and the venue is right there.  MTS provides additional trains after the matches. For those driving, parking is $35.  The venue is close to I-8, I-15, and I-805.   It is 10 miles northeast of the San Diego Airport.  Uber and Lyft services are readily available with a designated drop-off/pick-up area near Gate 1 (northeast side of the stadium).  The stadium has benches near the ticket office for fans to wait for their late-arriving friends and family.  The security check is thorough.   Your best bet is to pack your stuff in a 12” x 6” x 12” clear sports bag or a 4.5” x 6.5” purse.  Expect to open any wallets or zipped containers you pack an d to prove your water bottle is empty.  Gates open one hour before kickoff. Restrooms are plentiful and clean, with baby changing tables in all.  The venue provides eight gender-neutral family restrooms. Return on Investment 4 Ticket prices range from $20 to $200 (field level).  Concession prices are high.  Parking costs are high.  For an affordable, enjoyable game day, buy a $20 ticket and take the trolley.  Bring a sealed bottle of water or an empty water bottle.  The stadium has rehydration stations for fans to fill up their water bottles .  Eat before or after attending a game.  San Diego Wave FC offers theme nights and giveaways such as Hispanic Heritage Night, Pride Night, Military Appreciation Night, and more.   Take advantage of visiting one of these themed games. . Extras 4 The rehydration stations come in handy, especially  at afternoon games.  The venue has lockers for rent outside of Snapdragon Stadium, if you’re coming directly from the airport or your bag doesn’t meet the bag policy rules.  We give an additional accolade to the venue for providing closed captioning for those soccer fans unable to hear.  The Club recently retired Alex Morgan’s number 13.  She was the Club’s all-time leading goal scorer and has been a central figure in shaping Wave FC both on and off the pitch. San Diego Wave FC Alex Morgan Retired Number, Photo by Meg Minard, Stadium Journey Final Thoughts Snapdragon Stadium is a sparkling new facility that hosts plenty of sporting and non-sporting events.  Watching a San Diego Wave FC match at the venue is a pleasurable, though costly, experience.  Take public transportation, purchase the lower-priced seats, and spend a few hours enjoying women’s soccer.  San Diego Wave FC at Snapdragon Stadium, Photo by Meg Minard, Stadium Journey

Photos by Lloyd Brown, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.57 Raymond C. Hand Park Drane St and Farris Dr Clarksville, TN 37040 Austin Peay Governors website Raymond C. Hand Park website Year Opened: 1970 Capacity: 777 We’re Number One…So Let’s Go Peay! Austin Peay State University is a liberal arts university located in Clarksville, Tennessee. It is affiliated with the Tennessee Board of Regents and has a student body of more than 10,600. The University was founded in 1927 and is named in honor of former Tennessee Governor Austin Peay, a native of Clarksville. This explains the unique nickname and mascot for the school, the Governors. (Note: Please do not take offense at the title of the review. It is cheer that proudly erupts at all APSU sporting events and is on signage all over the campus!) The school was originally founded as a two-year normal school to train teachers, became a four-year college in 1941 and attained University status in 1967. APSU offers more than 50 majors, including arts and sciences, business, education, engineering, nursing, and human services. Best of all, every Austin Peay graduate has the right to be addressed as a Governor! The Governor's athletic programs are members of the Ohio Valley Conference (OVC), which includes teams such as Belmont, Murray State, Morehead State, Tennessee Tech, UT Martin, Eastern Kentucky, and Jacksonville State. Their fiercest rival is nearby Murray State University. Austin Peay has fielded a baseball team since 1931, and has a near .500 record over its entire history. During this period, it has won 10 OVC season championships, six OVC tournament championships, and made six NCAA tournament appearances. Seven APSU baseball alums have reached Major League Baseball. The Governor’s mansion for the baseball program is Raymond C. Hand Park. Built in 1970, it was originally named Governors Park, and then renamed for Mr. Hand in honor of his contribution to major upgrades to the park in 1993. These improvements included lighting for the field, as well as chair back and bleacher seating to replace the concrete seating of the original structure. Subsequent renovations have added wrought iron fencing at the gates, new signage reflecting the Governors’ baseball history, and upgrades to the press box, restrooms, and concession areas. Raymond Hand Park has a natural turf field and a permanent seating capacity of 777. Food & Beverage 2 Concession items are available at Peay! Nuts Grill, which is located on the concourse at the top of the stands on the third base side of the stadium. The menu consists of hot dogs, hamburgers, peay-nuts (that is how they spell it, folks!), popcorn, nachos, candy, and chips. Pepsi is available for $2, Gatorade for $3, and bottled water is $2. Food and beverages cannot be brought into Hand Park, so plan to eat before the game, or you may decide to set up a picnic on the hill behind the outfield walls to watch the action. APSU also has a souvenir stand on the first base side of the concourse with a good variety of Governors baseball gear. Atmosphere 3 The setting for Hand Park is quite attractive, in that it has a city park-like setting, with nice landscaping and trees surrounding the field. You will enter through one central wrought iron gate, which, of course, has the Governors likeness on it. The concourse is located at street level and includes the concessions, press box, and restrooms. The stands and the field fill the natural bowl below you. The seating directly behind home plate is all stadium seats with cup holders. The next two aisles on both the left and right sides of the stands are aluminum bleachers with seat backs. The seats closest to the dugouts on both ends are aluminum bench seating. One of the quirks in the shape of the field is a huge amount of open area behind home plate and in front of the dugouts. Even though all of this is in foul territory, this can play a significant part in a ball game. A wild pitch/passed ball may allow a runner to advance two bases, and runners on second can tag up on a popup into the first base foul territory, as it would take a long throw to get them out. The turnout for Governors games usually fills about two-thirds of the stadium, and the student body and Clarksville locals form a majority of the crowd. The stadium announcer pretty much sticks with the basics of the game, and the only fan participation activity is to play baseball bingo at the end of each inning. Neighborhood 4 APSU is located in the heart of downtown Clarksville, and is within easy walking distance of a majority of the town’s shopping, restaurants, museums, and businesses. Clarksville has a population of more than 132,000 (the fifth-largest city in Tennessee), with APSU and nearby Fort Campbell being the main employers. This has insulated the area somewhat from the recent economic downturn, so you will not find many empty storefronts. Some of the more interesting sites in the area around the university include the Roxy Theatre and the L&N Train Station (the inspiration for the Monkees’ hit song “Last Train to Clarksville”). One of the more popular restaurants in downtown Clarksville is the Blackhorse Pub and Brewery. For the best view in town, stay at the Riverview Inn, located on a bluff with terrific views of the Cumberland River below. Clarksville has been the hometown of an amazing variety of famous people. They include Wilma Rudolph of Olympic fame, Tennessee basketball coaching legend Pat Summitt, golfer Mason Rudolph, poet Robert Penn Warren, and General William Westmoreland. Fans 3 You will definitely be seeing red when you attend a game at Hand Park, as ASPU fans wear the team colors proudly. They love their Governors through thick and thin, and also travel well to the team’s away games. One of the great things about the Ohio Valley Conference is that half of the member institutions are in Tennessee or in southern Kentucky, which is just across the Cumberland River from Clarksville. This means a short drive to a majority of the school’s away games. The mix of fans you will see at an APSU ball game includes townspeople, students, a large turnout of soldiers from Ft Campbell, and an unusually large contingent from the visiting team that makes the short drive over. This results in spirited cheering matches when either team puts on a rally. Offensive rallies are met with the cheer “Let’s go Peay!,” while visiting rallies are greeted with chants of “Peay U!” Access 4 APSU is located just 40 miles north of Nashville, then six miles off I-24 via Wilma Rudolph Parkway. Though it is the fifth-largest city in Tennessee, Clarksville is very easy to navigate traffic-wise, and there is plenty of signage to guide you to the campus. Fans coming in from outside the state can fly into Nashville and rent a car, or take advantage of several shuttle services that run hourly between the airport and Clarksville. Return on Investment 5 Tickets to Governors baseball games are priced at $5 for an adult ticket and $3 for a youth/senior ticket. (Youth tickets are for ages 2-18, and seniors are fans age 65 or older.) Members of the APSU student body and the military receive free admission upon presentation of their appropriate ID. The concessions are limited, but are priced well for the value. Free parking is located across the street in the football stadium parking lot. Unless you are traveling a great distance to see a game, an overnight stay is not required, as Nashville is less than a 45-minute drive away. If a stay is required, most hotels are in the $60 – $80 range, as their primary users are families visiting their loved ones at Fort Campbell. Extras 4 For a town its size, Clarksville offers a surprisingly large number of extras. The Cumberland River Walk lines the banks of this large river on the north side of the city. It features a marina, scenic overlooks, an amphitheater for concerts, and connections to the Clarksville Greenway for hiking/biking enthusiasts. The Customs House Museum has some great exhibits and is housed in one of the most architecturally stunning buildings in town. Those with a taste for the finer things in life may want to sample the Beachhaven Vineyard and Winery just outside of town. The third weekend in April hosts the River and Spires Festival, saluting the river on which Clarksville grew and the many spires found on the older businesses, churches, and academic buildings in town. The festival offers concerts, a food midway, quilting exhibits, and a salute to the military.

Photos by Richard Smith, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.29 Alumnae Field 4701 N Charles St Baltimore, MD 21210 Notre Dame Gators website Alumnae Field website Year Opened: 1997 Capacity: 200 Gators In Baltimore Notre Dame of Maryland University is a Catholic liberal arts college located in Baltimore, Maryland. It was founded in 1873. It is right next door to the “Evergreen” campus of Loyola University Maryland (which it shares a library facility). It is an all-women’s college, as well as having separate part-time coed degree programs. The university has 3,400 students, 550 in the traditional Women’s College, 926 part-time undergraduate and 1,926 graduate students. The original name of the school was the Notre Dame of Maryland Preparatory School and Collegiate Institute. It also spent many years with the College of Notre Dame of Maryland name. In 2011, the school attained university status with the addition of several graduate-level programs. Notre Dame’s athletic teams are members of Division III of the NCAA. All sports but swimming compete within the Colonial States Athletic Conference. Although the swim team does not compete within a conference, it participates in the yearly Old Dominion Athletic Conference swim championships. Overall the university participates in eight varsity sports. The university’s sports teams are known as the Gators and they only participate in women’s sports. Alumnae Field is home to Gators field hockey, lacrosse and soccer teams.. In 2013 the field hosted the Costa Rican National Soccer Team for the squad’s preparation for the CONCACAF Gold Cup Quarterfinals. Food & Beverage 0 There is no permanent food stand at Alumnae Field. Atmosphere 3 Alumnae is on par with a rec or high school field, at best. It is a simple facility at the bottom of a hill. Fans can sit on that hill, a very small grandstand or along a nearby building. There is an announcer and scoreboard for the games. Neighborhood 3 Notre Dame is in a very good part of Baltimore City. The problem is that there is just nothing much around the local neighborhood. Luckily Baltimore is a big city that is not too big to get around. Miss Shirley’s at 513 West Cold Spring Lane is noted for their great breakfast and down-home food. They are one of the closer options to campus. Also relatively close to the university is the Mt. Washington neighborhood that straddles I-83 South (known as the Jones Falls Expressway, or the JFX, by locals). The Mt. Washington Tavern is an excellent restaurant with both a fine food and bar food type of menu. The place is large, and there always seems to be room for more. Parking is the biggest problem here, so it would be worth paying the nominal valet charges. Radisson Hotel at Cross Keys is the closest hotel and has a new and exciting lobby restaurant that is another option. Venturing further from Pimlico, one may want to try out the suburb of Towson with its variety of shops and restaurants. Try the Charles Village Pub in the heart of downtown Towson for good food and drinks. Some other great options are Glory Days Grill, Sushi Hana and Zia’s. Fans 2 As with most small college fields, the bulk of the fans tend to be family or friends of both teams. There will be some local fans who just happen to stop by for the game as well. Access 3 The campus is located in a quiet north Baltimore neighborhood. That means that getting to the campus is not easy. The best route is to travel I-83/The JFX, south and get off at Cold Spring Lane. Other options include exiting I-695, the Baltimore Beltway, and driving south via York Road or Charles Street. York is the busiest route, but may be easier than the high-speed curves of Charles Street. If one is attending weekend games, there should be no problem finding parking. There is a big lot near the tennis courts, and is just a short walk away from the field. I have not attended a game here on weekday nights so I am not sure how filled that parking lot gets. You may want to arrive a little early just in case. Return on Investment 4 You are not going to be watching the highest level of competition, but the cost is about the best you can find. That’s right, there is no admission cost. Combine that with free parking, and you have a pretty great night out. Extras 1 The Notre Dame campus is small, but quite pretty. Take a quick walk around before the game. Final Thoughts There is not too much to see at a Notre Dame of Maryland University women’s soccer game, but the field is still a pleasant place to see some intercollegiate action.

The Team welcomes Jamie Tozer, who has completed the mammoth quest of visiting all 60 CHL venues. The best; The Worst; The Most Unique … Jamie gives his take on all 60 CHL rinks on the latest episode of the Stadium Journey Podcast. Audio versions of the Stadium Journey podcast can be found by searching HIAC Talk Radio wherever you look for your favorite podcasts. Video simulcasts of all the Stadium Journey podcasts can be found on Stadium Journey's YouTube page . Join us live as we record every other Tuesday night at 7PM eastern at danlaw.tv .

We're joined by Stadium Journey correspondent and longtime security staff person Michael Davis to discuss security issues at our favorite stadiums. Audio versions of the Stadium Journey podcast can be found by searching HIAC Talk Radio wherever you look for your favorite podcasts. Video simulcasts of all the Stadium Journey podcasts can be found on Stadium Journey's YouTube page . Join us live as we record every other Tuesday night at 7PM eastern at danlaw.tv .

Photos by Richard Smith, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.43 Gator Court 4701 N Charles St Baltimore, MD 21210 Notre Dame Gators website Gator Court website Year Opened: 1989 Capacity: 1,000 Gators In Baltimore Notre Dame of Maryland University is a Catholic liberal arts college located in Baltimore, Maryland. It was founded in 1873. It is right next door to the “Evergreen” campus of Loyola University Maryland (which it shares a library facility). It was formerly an all-women’s college, but that ended in 2023 as it is now co-ed. The university has over 3000 students. The original name of the school was the Notre Dame of Maryland Preparatory School and Collegiate Institute. It also spent many years with the College of Notre Dame of Maryland name. In 2011, the school attained university status with the addition of several graduate-level programs. Notre Dame’s athletic teams are members of Division III of the NCAA. All sports but swimming compete within the United East Conference. Although the swim team does not compete within a conference, it participates in the yearly Old Dominion Athletic Conference swim championships. The university’s sports teams are known as the Gators. The 2023/2024 season is the first for the men's basketball program. Gator Court is home to Gators basketball and volleyball. It is located within the larger Marion Burk Knott Sports Complex. Food & Beverage 1 There is no permanent food stand at Gator Court. There is a small table set up near the entrance to the gym where candy and chips are sold. The prices are great, but you will want to plan for food. Atmosphere 3 This is a medium size gym that is very reminiscent of a high school gym. Because of the relatively small size, it can get loud pretty quickly depending on the game's action. There is a small simple grandstand on the main side of the court. There are no seats on the other side of the court, behind the benches. A few people stand or sit in an area above the gym level where a balcony has a view of the game's action. These do offer a great view of the action, although this area is not meant for much of a crowd. Neighborhood 3 Notre Dame is in a very good part of Baltimore City. The problem is that there is just nothing much around the local neighborhood. Luckily Baltimore is a big city that is not too big to get around. Miss Shirley’s at 513 West Cold Spring Lane is noted for their great breakfast and down-home food. They are one of the closer options to campus. Also relatively close to the university is the Mt. Washington neighborhood that straddles I-83 South (known as the Jones Falls Expressway, or the JFX, by locals). The Mt. Washington Tavern is an excellent restaurant with both a fine food and bar food type of menu. The place is large, and there always seems to be room for more. Parking is the biggest problem here, so it would be worth paying the nominal valet charges. Radisson Hotel at Cross Keys is the closest hotel and has a lobby restaurant which is another option. Venturing further from the university, one may want to try out the suburb of Towson with its variety of shops and restaurants. Try the Charles Village Pub in the heart of downtown Towson for good food and drinks. Fans 2 As with most small college gyms, the bulk of the fans tend to be family or friends of both teams. There will be some local fans who just happen to stop by for the game as well. The men's team, although new, is still drawing relatively well since many of the players are from the local area. Access 3 The campus is located in a quiet north Baltimore neighborhood. That means that getting to the campus is not easy. The best route is to travel I-83/The JFX, south and get off at Cold Spring Lane. Other options include exiting I-695, the Baltimore Beltway, and driving south via York Road or Charles Street. York is the busiest route, but may be easier than the high-speed curves of Charles Street. If one is attending weekend games, there should be no problem finding parking. There is a big lot near the tennis courts and is just a short walk away from the Knott Complex. I have not attended a game here on weekday nights so I am not sure how filled that parking lot gets. You may want to arrive a little early just in case. The Knott building can be accessed in one of two main ways. The main entrance is on the south side, while if coming from the parking lot, there is a small unmarked door from the north. The north entrance is better anyway as it takes you right to the gym level, whereas the main door brings you to the balcony area. Return on Investment 4 You are not going to be watching the highest level of basketball competition, but the cost is about the best you can find. That’s right, there is no admission cost. Combine that with free parking, and you have a pretty great night out. . Extras 1 The Notre Dame campus is small but quite pretty. Take a quick walk around before the game. There is a small trophy case with some athletic trophies and accomplishments right at the main Knott entrance. Final Thoughts There is not too much to see at a Notre Dame of Maryland University men's basketball game. But the gym is still a pleasant place to see some intercollegiate action.

One of the most influential basketball conferences in College Basketball was the Big East Conference and the origins of the Big East run directly through Rhode Island. The Providence Friars are one of the cornerstone franchises of both the original and current Big East Conference and their experience at Amica Mutual Pavilion is top notch. Grab a beer and join Paul and Dave as they talk some NCAA basketball from New England. You can find Stadium Journey's review of the Amica Mutual Pavilion and the Providence College Friars basketball game day experience here.

Photos by Chris Green, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.71 Michelin Raceway Road Atlanta 5300 Winder Hwy Braselton, GA 30517 SpeedTour website Michelin Raceway Road Atlanta website Year Opened: 1970 Capacity: 10,000 Vintage Atlanta Power While synonymous with the 10 hour Petit Le Mans endurance classic , this facility has become a perfect location to kick of your spring of racing through the hills of northern Georgia. Nestled an hour north of Atlanta, Michelin Raceway Road Atlanta offers some iconic sights and non-stop racing action over four days in the fall. This track offers plenty of great viewing areas and camping, helping the Atlanta SpeedTour rise quickly as one of the best events of the year for fans in Trans Am and SVRA. Food & Beverage   3 There aren’t a lot of concession stands at this track – one lies in the outer paddock behind the Michelin Tower, where you can find burgers ($8.99), grilled chicken sandwiches ($8.99), hot dogs ($6.99), chicken tenders ($9.99), and more standard fare. Fries ($5.99) and drinks (soda, water, beer, and energy drinks) are also offered. Another stand is located in the infield near the Turn 5 area, and various food trucks populate the fan zone midway. Atmosphere   3 The event is like many on the SpeedTour schedule, with three days of support races as well as practice sessions for the main event, to fill the entire slate at Road Atlanta. Fans have access to both paddocks with their event ticket, allowing you to get up close to all the drivers and cars in between track sessions. On Saturday and Sunday before the Trans Am headliner races, the cars roll out to pit lane and grid up to their starting positions. Here, fans can walk the grid freely, getting up close to the cars, meeting their favorite drivers, and snagging some free swag from some of the teams. While the track lacks modern facilities throughout, the fans make up for those deficiencies. And while low for many races at the track, the attendance is respectable for an SVR event. Neighborhood   3 The main downside to Road Atlanta is its location – an hour north of Atlanta proper, this track isn’t near much. Aside from a few small hotels and fast foot locations a few miles down the road, Road Atlanta is very much dominated by rolling hills, suburbs, and farmland. A 15-minute drive south gets you to Buford and the big Mall of Georgia, however, where you can find plentiful hotels and restaurants. Also nearby is Chateau Elan resort and golf course for a more high-level resort experience; recreation can also be found outdoors in nearby Lanier.   Fans   3 The fans at Road Atlanta show up for many events throughout the year, and the SVRA and Trans Am SpeedTour weekend is no different. Camping is plentiful around the circuit, and fans pack the fan walk during pre-race. That said, the numbers still come nowhere close to those of th e IMSA   and HSR events at the circuit.   Access   5 To get to Road Atlanta, Exit 129 on I-85 or Exit 17 on I-985 will both get you to the track in the most direct manner – being located equidistant between these two interstate exits means that getting in and out is easy. Once at the track, parking is plentiful, and the facility also offers a tram that takes fans around the track to the various viewing areas.   Return on Investment   5 Tickets are incredibly affordable for SpeedTour weekend at Road Atlanta, and even for a weekend pass, you’re going to pay measurably less than what you’d pay if you go watch IMSA’s Petit Le Mans event   at this same track.   Extras   4 SpeedTour Weekend at Michelin Raceway Road Atlanta sometimes includes autograph sessions, for all fans to attend for the various series in attendance, completely included in the price of admission. In addition, fans are invited into victory lane for the Trans Am Series during the event. You can also see the improvements at the circuit over the past decade, including a new tower at Turn 1. In addition, the fan midway offers various sponsor displays and interactive activations that offer plenty of giveaways. Final Thoughts While known for bigger races, the SVRA SpeedTour event at Michelin Raceway Road Atlanta is well worth the price of admission – the circuit is iconic, fan friendly for viewing angles, and offers great action on track. No doubt a highlight of the Trans Am season schedule, Road Atlanta is a must see for any sportscar diehard.

Photos by Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.57 Valley Strong Ballpark 300 N Giddings St Visalia, CA 93291 Map It Visalia Rawhide website Valley Strong Ballpark website Year Opened: 1946 Capacity: 2,468 Gateway to Sequoia The Visalia Rawhide are the Single-A baseball team of the Arizona Diamondbacks playing in the California League. The team was known as the Visalia Oaks (and even the Visalia Mets, Redlegs, and Stars) for many years until a rebranding in 2009 when they became the Rawhide. Their home stadium is Recreation Ballpark, a funky little ballpark that some may or may not like. The baseball team has played their entire time at Recreation Ballpark since its construction in 1946. Valley Strong Credit Union obtained the naming rights for Recreation Ballpark, on April 27, 2021. The venue is now known as Valley Strong Ballpark. Visalia is known as the Gateway to Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks (both about a 45-minute drive) and is located in the agricultural San Joaquin Valley of California. Food & Beverage 4 Recreation Field offers a decent amount of food choices and an excellent variety of beer options at relatively acceptable prices. It gets crowded and lines can be long. Concession stands on both the third and first base concourses offer unhealthy $15 combo food choices (hot dog, bacon loaded nachos, cheeseburgers, loaded carne asada nachos or burrito, with tater tots and a drink). Smaller side portions of pretzels, burritos, tater tots, etc. are offered for $5 at the same stands. A decent selection of beer (domestic, imported, and craft) is sold in cans and on draft and runs $8 – $12 (for a tall boy). A better recommendation – head to the Barrel House Brewery beyond right field and get a freshly made street taco or two and one of their delicious beers. Picnic tables with umbrellas are offered there as well to enjoy the refreshments. Atmosphere 3 The most unique aspect of Recreation Ballpark is its grandstand built into a decorated stone structure. The stone itself is painted with pennants on one side and cartoon characters representing all past MLB affiliations on the other. Seven sections (eight or so rows) of standard green fold down seats are behind home. Handrails are not available to assist with walking up those eight or so rows. “Suites” are at the top of the seating area with each owner’s corporate name displayed on a banner above the suite or box seat area. Three lower level rows are just below the main grandstand with a small walkway between the two levels. Avoid sitting in row E as that has the walkway right in front and passersby travel throughout the game disrupting the view of the game. A lower section of seats is also available on the first base side below the walkway. A party area is on the third base side and some berm seating is available down the first baseline and in right field. Nets span the entire seating area except for the right field berm. The right field wall turns into a barn at one point with a section for viewing from ground level through a chain link fence. A Hall of Fame Club is located on the first base side concourse. It is air conditioned, it blocks movement from the first baseline main entrance to other parts of the stadium, and only members or ticket holders are allowed in the club. Loud music and extraneous noises are thankfully absent. A Kid’s Zone is behind the barn in the right field which costs $5 for your kids or grandkids to expend some of their delightful energy. Neighborhood 2 The neighborhood right around the stadium is a high volume vandalism area. Be aware of where you park your vehicle, even in public parking spots. Townsfolk tell me it is getting bad in this area of town. A little over a mile or so away is Main St of Visalia which appears safe (at least during the day). Many restaurants and breweries are along this strip. Sequoia Brewery, Brewbakers Brewing, and Barrel House Brewery are all within a few blocks of each other (walking distance). Of the three, Sequoia Brewery is recommended for its good service, beer, and food. Other restaurants along Main Street include Fuggazzis and Crawdaddy’s (New Orleans Cajun fare). Plenty of other dining choices are along and around Main St. Nearby hotels that look safe include the Comfort Suites Convention Center and the Marriott at the Convention Center. Be cautious of staying at hotels on the outskirts of town as they can be hit or miss (not so much the hotel but the crime area it may be located). For other things to do in the area, Visalia is known as the gateway to Sequoia National Park (45 min drive) so plan a hiking or outdoor adventure trip there when visiting the area. If kids or grandkids are in tow, check out the ImagineU Children’s Museum right in downtown Visalia. Other sports in the area (an hour or so drive) include Fresno Grizzlies (Triple-A Pacific Coast League) and the Bakersfield Train Robbers or Wasco Reserve of the Pecos League (independent baseball league). Fans 3 Fans are quite friendly and helpful. Most are there for an evening out and not so much for the game. Because the stadium only seats 2,468 – including the berm area (it’s the smallest MLB affiliated ballpark), it doesn’t take too many fans to make it feel full. And, although they have had the lowest average attendance of the California League the last few seasons, the stadium is usually 70 percent plus full. Access 2 The stadium is awful for accessibility for those in wheelchairs or needing assistance with steps or mobility. The concourse is narrow and crowded, steps are everywhere, and the elevator takes a fan down to the kitchen – it’s just bad. Bathrooms are clean but check to make sure the stall has toilet paper before using. GPS will take a visitor to the back parking lot (behind the grandstand). The ticket office and main entry are at W Oak Ave and N Giddings St just a block away. A bus system is available in Visalia but service ends too early for leaving a ball game. The closest airport is Fresno about 45 miles north. Return on Investment 2 Ticket prices are extremely affordable with a seat a few rows behind home plate only $11 – not bad. In all, ticket prices range from $7 (pasture seating – berm) to $30 (Hall of Fame Club). Food and beverage prices are below other California League stadiums. The gift shop only accepts credit cards for purchases over $10. Hatpins are not available for purchase. Hopefully, the town can address the crime and vandalism issues around the stadium for future seasons. Extras 2 America’s largest cowbell stands in front of the Barrel House Brewery concession in the right field. Many a fan walk by and strike the object to hear the tone it makes. Fans also get a ‘My First Rawhide Game’ sticker if they indicate it’s their first game (a suitable replacement for not having hat pins). Final Thoughts Valley Strong Ballpark is a stadium one will like because of its quirkiness and affordable prices or not like because of its accessibility and an unsafe neighborhood. It is in the ‘Gateway of Sequoia’ so if in town during the summer, consider checking out a game and let us know your thoughts.

Photos by Meg Minard, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.86 John Thurman Field 601 Neece Dr Modesto, CA 95351 Map It Modesto Nuts website John Thurman Field website Year Opened: 1955 Capacity: 4,000 Going Nuts for Baseball in Modesto The Modesto Nuts baseball team are currently the Single-A affiliate of the Seattle Mariners playing in the California League. They have been affiliated with many major league teams, mostly recently the Colorado Rockies (2005 – 2016) and the Oakland Athletics (1975 – 2004). The team changed their name in 2005 from the Modesto Athletics to the Modesto Nuts when they switched affiliations to the Rockies. The name is derived from the several types of nuts that are grown in the Central Valley region of California. The Nuts play at John Thurman Field, built in 1955, which holds 4,000 fans for baseball. It is owned and operated by the City of Modesto. The Nuts most recently won the California League championship in 2017. Food & Beverage 3 Concessions are behind the grandstands and the seating bowl (one can’t see the field from the concession area). Except for an ice cream / treat truck (which does not remain open long if there is minimal business), the concession stands offer the same items. Based on attendance not all concession stands may be open. Lines generally are not an issue. Food choices look decent and include sausage, burgers, pulled pork, cheesesteak, quesadilla, chicken strips ($8 – $9.50). For real hungry fans try the triple play sandwich (3 meats) or the two-meat sandwich ($10). Add a soda and either French fries or onion rings for an addition $5.50- $6.50. Traditional foods like nachos, corn dogs, hot dog, pretzels, pizza, cracker jack, etc. are all available ($4 – $5). Soda runs $4.25/$5 and Snapple tea, slush puppy, bottled water, coffee and hot chocolate are the soft drinks at the concession. Beer runs $6 – $10 and includes domestic, premium, and craft brews. The concession stands not only sell the domestic beers but also the local craft brews. Wine, margarita, and hard lemonade are also for sale. A separate beer-only stand is behind home on the concourse. Atmosphere 3 The game day experience at John Thurman Field is blah but this probably depends on which game is being attended and how many fans show up. Two levels of six sections of green stadium seats are behind home – five rows then a walkway then an upper level. The lower five rows extend down the baselines. Bleachers with backs are the rest of the seating (general admission). A drink rail is scattered along the walkway. Plenty of places are available for handicapped seating. Nets span across the entire seating area causing zero net-free seats. A group-party picnic area is along the third baseline between the visiting dugout and their bullpen. Similarly, on the opposite side of the diamond is another open space, this side without picnic tables. Instead, it’s where kids tend to congregate as it is near the playground ($5) and the Nuts’ bullpen. This area is particularly unique because the relief pitchers sit facing the field a few feet above the same paved area where people can stand and watch the game net-free. The stadium seats have average width and legroom. Zero legroom provided in bleacher sections (except the first row). And, the seats behind the dugout have exceptional room (hall of fame box seats labelled by the season ticket holders who have purchased them). A really nice video board shows up-to-date player stats, line score, and uncommon in the California League, the pitch count and pitch speed. The merchandise shop has just a few items hats, shirts, a few trinkets but no hat pins. Traditional non-intrusive minor league between inning contests, games, and trivia are provided such as name the cereal and a beer batter. All good fun. Neighborhood 2 Nothing is in the way of shopping or eating in the immediate neighborhood, John Thurman Field sits in a city park. Just beyond the outfield wall is a grove of trees hugging the diamond providing a nature look and feel. The closest neighbor to John Thurman Field is the Modesto Municipal Golf Course and it creates a nice setting. Also nearby are soccer fields, filled with pickup games and picnic areas with built-in barbecues. The closest major neighborhood is across the Tuolumne River and it is all industrial; bottling facilities, meat-packing plants, etc. A mile and a half away from the ballpark is downtown Modesto (separated by a major highway) where drinking, dining and shopping are more readily available; just a five-minute drive. Check out Surhla’s for fresh California cuisine and Raw Sushi Bistro for sushi. Commonwealth, a gastro pub, also comes recommended. For places to stay, a Double Tree is less than 2 miles from the ballpark. A Best Western and a Motel 6 are also in that same area downtown. For things to do if staying in the area, check out E & J Gallo Winery or McHenry Museum and Mansion. Other sports teams somewhat nearby during baseball season are the Stockton Ports (about a 40 min drive) or maybe take a drive down to Fresno and visit Chukchansi Park (about an hour ½ drive). Fans 3 The Nuts are struggling with attendance. So few fans were at the game of this review one could hear conversations on the field and personal conversations in the stands. The average attendance the last few seasons has been a tad above 2,000 per game putting them close to the bottom in the California League. Those that are there do appreciate the game and applaud good plays. Access 3 Getting to the park is not too difficult as it is less than ½ mile off Highway 99. It is $6 to park, cash only. No public transportation to the ballpark is available. Two entry gates are on the first and third base side. The concourse is attractively wide, plenty of handicapped access and seating is available. Buying game day tickets and security access is effortless. Return on Investment 3 Ticket prices range from $9 – $15. AAA members should remember to ask for a discount when purchasing a ticket. The parking price seems to be about what is expected in the California League. And, concessions seem to be on par with other stadiums in the league. The Nuts do offer specials throughout the week like Wiener Wednesdays and Thirsty Thursdays. It’s an affordable way to spend a summer evening out. Extras 3 The starting lineup for the Nuts is photos posted on concourse wall, another unique feature at the ballparks. The concourse is attractively landscaped. Two numbers are retired above the right field wall: 1, for former owner Fred Anderson who funded much of the renovations; and 26, for former Oakland Athletic and Modesto native Joe Rudi. Lastly, the uniqueness of the home bullpen location truly should be considered an “extra.” Final Thoughts The Modesto Nuts at John Thurman Field provide a traditional minor league baseball experience and one families should take advantage. It’s pretty bare bones but the fans that attend do have a pleasant summer evening out. Here’s hoping more fans will stop by and enjoy a game in the future.

Photos by Meg Minard, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.43 Roger Dean Chevrolet Stadium 4751 Main St Jupiter, FL 33458 Map It Palm Beach Cardinals website Roger Dean Chevrolet Stadium website Year Opened: 1998 Capacity: 6,871 Sharing Roger Dean Originating in 2003, the Palm Beach Cardinals are the Florida State League (FSL), Single-A affiliate of the MLB St Louis Cardinals. The team won the 2005 FSL Champion ship and shared the 2017 Championship with Dunedin when the series had to be cancelled because of Hurricane Irma. They share their home, Roger Dean Chevrolet Stadium, with the St Lucie Hammerheads (Single-A affiliate of the Miami Marlins ) . Roger Dean Stadium is best known as the spring training facility for the St Louis Cardinals and the Miami Marlins. The facility hosted the 2000 and 2019 FSL All-Star games. In 2012, the WBC (World Baseball Classic) used Roger Dean Stadium for qualification rounds for the 2013 WBC. Roger Dean Stadium has a beautiful exterior with palm trees, other Florida foliage, and bushes in a park-like setting. The grounds have benches in the shade to sit and enjoy the spring and summer Florida months. Roger Dean Stadium celebrated its 25th anniversary in 2022. Food & Beverage 3 The Cardinals provide a decent selection of food and drink at lower tha n typical spring training prices. Two concession stands are open for a Cardinals game. The Island Grill, a semi-permanent cart, sells stadium jumbo dean dogs and Italian sausages, and some snacks including a hummus snack pack. Their Italian sausage is loaded with peppers and onions and is worth a try. It’s big enough for two people. A permanent, built-in stand called Pizza & Dogs sells more than its title. It offers hot dogs (Nathan’s), crispy chicken sandwiches, pizza, nachos, and snacks such as buckets of popcorn, candy, pretzels, peanu ts, Cracker Jack, and chips. Prices range from $3.50 to $9.95 + tax. Concession stands sell Pepsi products ($5.75 - $6.75 + tax), canned beer (16oz and 25oz), and canned cocktails ($9.95). Beer choices include Bud, Bud Light, Michelob Ultra, Busch, Stella Artois, and a powerful Neon Hug Double IPA ($8.95 - $13.95 + tax). The venue offers a Thirsty Thursday promotion where you can buy a koozie for $5, then bring it back throughout the season and get discounted beer prices. Lines form at the concession stands so get your refreshments early to avoid any wait. Atmosphere 3 The game day environment doesn’t vary much based on which team home team is playing. While the exterior of the stadium is beautiful, the interior is drab. The venue doesn’t display a whole lot of Cardinals imagery (banners, posters, history , etc . ). Two levels of green stadium fold-down chairs with a small walkway between the two levels makes up the infield and baseline seating. A set of bleachers is down the third baseline. Canopies provide some shading for the second level seating areas. The first base side gets the sun (until it sets). Roger Dean Stadium Awning, Photo by Meg Minard, Stadium Journey Remember to bring bug spray. Game day operations play music over the PA announcements. Fans ca n’t understand what the announcer is saying as the music overpowers his voice. My recom mendation is to turn down the music volume three or four notches when the announcer is talking. The ballpark has two scoreboards just beyond the outfield fence. One shows the line score, pitcher stats, and batters due up; the other is a video board and shows a photo of the batter and his stats. It’s quite convenient and helpful for those who keep score. The stadium has a kids play area with bounce houses down the first base concourse. The game day staff offers lots of promotions and activities between innings, typical at minor league games. These include lip sync contests, flex cam, trivia contests, and a cookie race. Other promotions throughout the season are Star Wars Night, Military & First Responders Night, Dog Days, Baseball and Brews, Pride Night, and more! Neighborhood 5 Jupiter is on the southeast coast of Florida. The stadium sits right next door to Downtown Abacoa , a renovated commercial and entertainment district. It has restaurants, shops, bars and breweries, salons, art galleries, spas, and much more. The district has an amphitheater and the town often has concerts and other events on Friday evenings. Recommended places to eat are Stadium Grill (American), Jumby Bay Island Grill (Steak, Seafood, Pasta), and Copacabana ( Cuban/Caribbean). For adult beverages, check out Civil Society Brewing (independent brewery – no food) and Das Beer Garden. The Brick and Barrel Gastropub in Downtown Abacoa is a place for post-game meals and beverages. There is plenty more in Abacoa to choose from, and it’ s all within walking distance of t he stadium. A Courtyard Marriott is right across the street from Roger Dean Stadium. A Homewood Suites is a mile away and is a tad less expensive. Another activity to enjoy in Jupiter is taking a stroll on the Jupiter Riverwalk where several points of historic, environmental, and scenic interests are available to enjoy. Jupiter has several beaches to enjoy the sun, the ocean, swimming, and other park activity. The FSL St Lucie Mets are 40 miles north, also worth a visit when in the area. Fans 2 The fans attending a Palm Beach Cardinals game are there just having a good time. Lots of families with kids, some retired folks, and some fans who just enjoy baseball attend the games. A good mix of both Cardinal and Hammerhead fans attend games at Roger Dean Stadium. Visitors enjoy the between-inning activities and just being at the ballpark. Access 4 Getting to Roger Dean Stadium is relatively easy. It is a mile off Interstate 95 if arriving by automobile. Free parking is available on the street and in the Abacoa parking garage. The closest commercial airport is Palm Beach International, about 20 miles south. It provides flights to and from a few eastern US cities. FLL (Fort Lauderdale Airport) is an hour and a half south and offers more flight choices. The town offers bus services, Route 10, th ough there is no service on Sundays. And it looks as though ret urn service for an evening game is not an option. Once arriving, fans walk through a metal detector. Even though the website says NO bags, I was able to bring in my clear stadium sports bags (12” x 6” x 12”) with no questions asked. The team should remove that entry from its website as it probably prevents many families and other fans from attending games. Fans walk up a flight of stairs to get to the seating area. The venue has ramps all the way down each baseline to get into the seating area. Restrooms are drab but clean. The men’s, ladies, and family restrooms have changing tables for families with young children. Return on Investment 4 Tickets are $12 and all seating is general admission. A game day program is available via QR code or as a magazine. Food prices are acceptable. Parking is free. Best of all, the team has all kinds of promotions throughout the year. Silver Sluggers, Thirsty Thursdays, Kids Club. Every Friday home game is Friday Fireworks. Extras 3 The game day staff deserves recognition for the efforts they take in making the game enjoyable and entertaining for all fans. The Florida State League recently incorporated a balls and strikes ‘challenge system.’ The pitcher, catcher, and batter can appeal the umpire’s call. Each team gets three challenges per game, with successful challenges retained for future use in the game. Roger Dean Chevrolet Stadium is th e only park in the minor leagues to house two teams . Final Thoughts Taking in a game at Roger Dean Chevrolet Stadium is a great option for families, large groups, and individual fans alike. If you want somewhere to get out and enjoy the beautiful Florida weather while watching some quality baseball, consider taking in a Palm Beach Cardinals game. You can stay, shop, eat, and watch the game without having to walk more than a few hundred yards in any given direction.

Photos by Chris Green and Meg Minard, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.43 Roger Dean Chevrolet Stadium 4751 Main St Jupiter, FL 33458 Map It Jupiter Hammerheads website Roger Dean Chevrolet Stadium website Year Opened: 1998 Capacity: 6,871 MiLB on the Florida Coast Roger Dean Chevrolet Stadium is best known as the spring training facility for the St Louis Cardinals and the Miami Marlins. After March each year, two FSL (Florida State League) Single-A clubs, the Palm Beach Cardinals and the Jupiter Hammerheads, share the stadium. Founded in 1998, the Hammerheads are the Single-A affiliate of the MLB Miami Marlins. Just a few notable Hammerhead alumni are Tim Raines, Miguel Cabrera, Martín P rado, and Giancarlo Stanton. Roger Dean Stadium has a beautiful exterior with palm trees , other Florida foliage , and bushes in a park-like setting. The grounds have benches in the shade to sit and enjoy the spring and summer Florida months. Roger Dean Stadium celebrated its 25th anniversary in 2022. The facility hosted the 2000 and 2019 FSL All-Star games. In 2012, the WBC (World Baseball Classic) used Roger Dean Stadium for qualification rounds for the 2013 WBC. Food & Beverage 3 The Hammerheads offer a satisfying selection of food and drink at lower than MLB prices. Two concession stands are open for a Hammerheads game. A permane nt, built-in stand called Pizza & Dogs sells more than its title. It offers hot dogs (Nathan’s), crispy chicken sandwiches, pizza, nachos, and snacks such as buckets of popcorn, candy, pretzels, peanuts, Cracker Jack, and chips. Prices range from $3.50 to $9.95 + tax. The Nathan’s hot dog for $5.50 is a decent selection. The Island Grill, a semi-permanent cart, sells stadium jumbo Dean dogs and Italian sausages, and some snacks including a hummus snack pack. Pepsi products run $5.75 - $6.75 + tax. Concession stands sell canned beer (16oz and 25oz) and canned cocktails ($9.95). Beer choices include Bud, Bud Light, Michelob Ultra, Busch, Stella Artois, and a powerful Neon Hug Double IPA ($8.95 - $13.95 + tax). Lines form at the concession stands, so get your refreshments early to avoid any wait. Atmosphere 3 While the exterior of the stadium is beautiful, the interior is bland. Two levels of green stadium fold-down chairs with a small walkway between the two levels makes up the infield and baseline seating. A set of bleachers is down the third baseline. Canopies provide some shading to the second level seating areas. The first base side gets the sun (until it sets). Third Base Seating with Canopy at Roger Dean Stadium, Photo by Meg Minard, Stadium Journey Remember to bring bug spray. Game day operations play music over the PA announcements. Fans can’t understand what the announcer is saying as music overrides his voice. My recommendation is to turn down the music volume three or four notches when the announcer is talking. The ballpark has two scoreboards just beyond the outfield fence. One shows the line score, pitcher stats, and batters due up; the other is a video board that shows a photo of the batter and his stats. It’s quite convenient and helpful for those who keep score. The stadium has a kids play area with bounce houses down the first base concourse. The game day staff offers lots of promotions and activities between innings, typical at minor league games. These include lip sync contests, flex cam, trivia contests, and a cookie race. Instead of handing out a game day program, the team now offers the program via a QR code. For the first game I attended, they put the QR code on the video board but left it up for just 10 seconds or so; not enough time to get your phone out and take a picture. At another game, they put the QR code up on the video board as dusk approached (fifth or sixth inning), and most phone cameras (at least mine) got a white blob as a photo, so the QR code wasn’t readable. Finally, they placed the QR code on the customer service booth on the concourse for easy scanning. I am told they now hand out printed copies. Good for the game day staff for finally figuring it out! Neighborhood 5 Jupiter is on the southeast coast of Florida. The stadium sits right next door to Downtown Abacoa , a renovated commercial and entertainment district. It has restaurants, shops, bars and breweries, salons, art places, spas, and much more. The district has an amphitheater, and the town often has concerts and other events on Friday evenings. Recommended places to eat are Stadium Grill (American), Jumby Bay Island Grill (Steak, Seafood, Pasta), and Copacabana (Cuban/Caribbean). For adult beverages, check out Civil Society Brewing (independent brewery – no food) and Das Beer Garden. But there is plenty more in Abacoa to choose from , and it’s all within walking distance to/from the stadium. A Courtyard Marriott is right across the street from Roger Dean Stadium. A Homewood Suites is a mile away and is a tad less expensive. Another activity to enjoy in Jupiter is taking a stroll on the Jupiter Riverwalk where several points of historic, environmental, and scenic interests are available. Jupiter has several beaches to enjoy the sun, the ocean, swimming, and other park activity. The FSL St Luci Mets are 40 miles north, which is also worth a visit when in the area. Fans 2 The fans attending a Hammerheads game are there just having a good time. Lots of families with kids, some retired folks, and some fans who just enjoy baseball attend the games. There is a good mix of both Cardinal and Hammerhead fans. Visitors enjoy the between-inning activities and just being at the ballpark. Access 4 Getting to Roger Dean Stadium is relatively easy. It is a mile off Interstate 95 if arriving by automobile. Free parking is available on the street, in the Abacoa parking garage, or in th e garage right across the street, next to the hotel. The closest commercial airport is Palm Beach International, about 20 miles south. It provides flights to and from a few eastern US cities. Fort Lauderdale Airport (FLL) is an hour and a half south and offers more flight choices. The town offers bus service. Route 10 makes a stop near the stadium. The town does not provide service on Sundays. And it looks like return service for an evening game is not an option. Upon arriving, fans walk through a metal detector. Even though the website says NO bags, I brought in my clear stadium sports bag (12” x 6” x 12”) wi th no questions asked. No bags allowed for a single-A baseball game?!!?#! What’s up with that? Fans walk up a flight of stairs to get to the seating area. The venue has ramps all the way down each baseline to get into the seating area. Restrooms are drab but clean. The men’s, ladies, and family restrooms have changing tables for those families with young children. Return on Investment 4 Tickets are $12, and all seating is general admission. Tickets are two bucks less if purchased in advance. The game day program is available as a QR code, but the print is too small to read on your phone. Food prices are acceptable. Best of all, the team has all kinds of ticket promotions throughout the season: Silver Sluggers, Thirsty Thursdays, and Kids Club. Every Friday home game is Friday Fireworks. The Hammerheads hold theme nights like Star Wars and Space Night, and they offer giveaways throughout the season. Extras 3 The game day staff deserves recognition for fixing things quickly like the placement of the QR code and slowing down a scrolling food menu so fans can read it. The Florida State League recently incorporated a balls and strikes ‘challenge system.’ The pitcher, catcher, or batter can appeal the umpire’s call. Each team gets three challenges per game, with successful challenges retained for future use in the game. Roger Dean Stadium is the only park in the minor leagues to house two teams . Final Thoughts Roger Dean Stadium and the Jupiter Hammerheads provide an enjoyable game day experience at a reasonable price. With all the promotions and game day activities, families and fans of all ages should enjoy their time at a game .

The Low-A division of Minor League Baseball consists of the Carolina League, the Florida State League, and the California League. The 2024 Low-A season has just wrapped up, and the playoffs have started. Stadium Journey writers have visited all Low-A ballparks, and we present you our 2025 rankings based on our FANFARE ranking system. This scale takes into consideration a venue’s concessions, game day atmosphere, surrounding neighborhood, fan support, access, return on investment, and more. Therefore, our rankings are much different than many others, and often our scale creates much debate. However, that is the main reason to make lists like this to create debate and discussion, right? Our rankings are based solely on our FANFARE score. However, as you read through the list, you will see quite a few ties. In the case of a tie between several venues, a council of Stadium Journey elders is consulted to break the tie. We encourage you to share your input on our Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram pages. The Tampa Tarpons are not on our list as they are playing temporarily at Community Field, which is located next to their normal home of Steinbrenner Field. The Tampa Bay Rays are in residence at Steinbrenner, making the Tarpons' move necessary. We do not yet have a review of the Tarpons' temporary home. 1. Pelicans Ballpark – Myrtle Beach Pelicans 4.71 Steve Ohnsman - The Myrtle Beach Pelicans have called TicketReturn.com Field their home since 1999, and it is an excellent minor league facility. Located across the street from a large entertainment/dining/shopping complex named Broadway at the Beach, anyone could make an entertaining day of the two properties. The City of Myrtle Beach is heavily oriented to tourists and families, offering many hotels/resorts/golf courses/restaurants, and the Pelicans staff appear to do a great job of attracting local residents and tourists. 2. Atrium Health Ballpark – Kannapolis Cannon Ballers 4.43 Gregory Koch - The Kannapolis franchise was known as the Intimidators from 2001 to 2019, in reference to Kannapolis native Dale Earnhardt's nickname. However, legal issues with Earnhardt's widow over the rights to the name forced the team to rebrand in 2021. At the same time, the franchise, now known as the Cannon Ballers, moved into their gorgeous new downtown stadium after spending the prior years at the aging Intimidators Stadium. The Cannon Ballers nickname reflects Kannapolis's racing history, with the team logo depicting a stuntman with a mustache similar to Earnhardt's. 3. Joseph P. Riley Park – Charlestown RiverDogs 4.14 Lloyd Brown - Joseph P. Riley, Jr. Park has served as the home field for the Charleston RiverDogs since 1997. It is located along the banks of the Ashley River. The 6,000-seat stadium (known locally as The Joe) is named for longtime mayor Joseph P. Riley, Jr. Riley served as mayor for 10 terms, serving from 1975-2016, and was best known for guiding the city through the recovery from Hurricane Hugo. 4. Segra Park – Columbia Fireflies 4.14 David Welch - Professional baseball would make a return to the South Carolina capital in 2016 when the Savannah Sand Gnats would leave coastal Georgia for a newly built stadium in Columbia. Initially, the South Atlantic League Class A affiliate of the New York Mets. The 2021 restructuring of minor league baseball saw changes for the Fireflies – not only did their affiliation change from the Mets to the Kansas City Royals, but they also moved from the South Atlantic League to the Carolina League, but would remain a Class A affiliate. 5. LECOM Park - Bradenton Marauders 4.14 Lloyd Brown - LECOM Park offers you a unique opportunity to check out a ballpark that has seen players like Willie Stargell, Babe Ruth, Henry Aaron, Bill Mazeroski, and Ted Williams play on its field. Its Spanish Colonial architecture and the roof-protected shade over much of the grandstands all bring you back to baseball as it used to be. 6. LoanMart Field – Rancho Cucamonga Quakes 4.14 Andrei Ojeda - California’s Inland Empire is a great market for minor-league baseball. In less than 90 minutes, fans can stop by the stadiums of three minor league franchises. Perhaps the most storied of all of these franchises calls the city of Rancho Cucamonga its home. 7. BayCare Ballpark – Clearwater Threshers 4.00 David Welch - Shortly before the MLB season begins, spring training comes to a close, and training facilities transition from hosting Major League Baseball’s stars to preparing for the upcoming season and welcoming the game’s future stars. To that end, minor league baseball’s Florida State League kicks off its season just after the MLB season starts. 8. Virginia Credit Union Stadium – Fredericksburg Nationals 4.00 Joseph Oakes - After years of playing in the decrepit Pfitzner Stadium in Woodbridge, VA, the Potomac Nationals were set to move 30 miles south to Fredericksburg and become the Fredericksburg Nationals in 2020. Since the 2020 season was canceled due to COVID-19, the move to the new ballpark was delayed by a year. 9. Excite Ballpark – San Jose Giants 4.00 Chris Green - Take a historic stadium that oozes memories of the past greats with architecture that harkens back to baseball’s golden age. Mix in a loyal fanbase that is among the best in the Bay Area. Sprinkle in some stellar weather and add a pinch of minor league magic. This may well be the recipe that one would use to create the magic that is the San Jose Giants. This gem of a ballpark features everything that makes minor league baseball the wonderful draw that it is. 10. SRP Park – Augusta Greenjackets 3.86 Lloyd Brown - SRP Park and the GreenJackets continue to generate buzz in the minor-league baseball community. The facility offers amenities that are not usually found in Low-Class A-level stadiums. These amenities include theatre-style seating, a 360-degree concourse, a top-of-the-line video board in the outfield, and terrific views of both the field and the Savannah River thanks to the TaxSlayer Terrace in right field. 11. Banner Island Ballpark – Stockton Ports 3.71 Meg Minard - The Stockton Ballpark, affectionately referred to by locals as Banner Island Ballpark, sits on what no longer is an island in Stockton, CA. The inlets have mostly been filled in, but the name lives on. 12. Joker Merchant Stadium – Lakeland Flying Tigers 3.71 Chris Green - Publix Field at Joker Merchant Stadium is a beautiful facility thanks to its latest renovation, and the Flying Tigers are a team that tends to get lost in the shuffle of Florida’s bustling sports world, but is no less deserving of a visit. Easily one of the best facilities in the Florida State League, things are looking up for the Flying Tigers. 13. Lake Elsinore Diamond – Lake Elsinore Storm 3.71 Andrei Ojeda - One of the biggest draws to The Diamond is the ballpark’s aesthetic appeal along with its natural surroundings. Over the last several years seating capacity has decreased to create a more intimate and sociable ballpark experience. 14. L.P. Frans Stadium - Hickory Crawdads 3.71 Gregory Koch - Minor League Baseball in Hickory, North Carolina has a long and storied history going back to 1936. However, after 1960, the city did not have a baseball team for over 30 years, until the Hickory Crawdads came to town in 1993. Named for a local crustacean, the team plays their home games at L.P. Frans Stadium, named for a local Pepsi bottler whose daughters helped fund the construction of the stadium. 15. Arthur W. Perdue Stadium – Delmarva Shorebirds 3.71 Richard Smith - Arthur W. Perdue Stadium is a great stadium, and the Delmarva Shorebirds go out of their way to make the stadium a place where both casual and hardcore baseball fans can be entertained and enjoy a quality game experience. 16. Clover Park – St. Lucie Mets 3.57 Meg Minard - Clover Park opened in 1988 and has gone by various names based on sponsorship, but it has always been the Met's home. The stadium holds 7,160 for spring training, but that number is greatly reduced for the Single-A St. Lucie Mets games as portions of the seating area are closed off in the summer. 17. Jackie Robinson Ballpark – Daytona Tortugas 3.43 Chris Green - The idea of a baseball team playing in a beach city in Florida seems about as idyllic as one can imagine, and the stadium surely lives up to the image. With great views from the seats, fans in Daytona are treated to a great experience on game day. 18. Hammond Stadium – Fort Myers Mighty Mussels 3.43 Chris Green - Talking about minor league baseball stadiums, purists look for the old and historic stadiums, while others look for the newest and shiniest facilities. Hammond Stadium may not initially fit either of these categories, having been built in 1991. However, a closer look reveals that the renovations in 2014-15 have completely transformed this once hum-drum facility into a beautiful, tropical oasis in southwest Florida. 19. Roger Dean Chevrolet Stadium – Jupiter Hammerheads 3.43 Meg Minard - Roger Dean Stadium and the Jupiter Hammerheads provide an enjoyable game day experience at a reasonable price. With all the promotions and game day activities, families and fans of all ages should enjoy their time at a game. 20. Roger Dean Chevrolet Stadium – Palm Beach Cardinals 3.43 Meg Minard - Taking in a game at Roger Dean Chevrolet Stadium is a great option for families, large groups, and individual fans alike. If you want somewhere to get out and enjoy the beautiful Florida weather while watching some quality baseball, consider taking in a Palm Beach Cardinals game. 21. San Manuel Stadium – Inland Empire 66ers 3.29 Meg Minard - Nothing special stands out about San Manuel Stadium. It does provide fabulous customer service and a decent game day experience. Go with family and friends on a Friday and get an inexpensive, enjoyable evening out. 22. TD Ballpark – Dunedin Blue Jays 3.14 Eric Hasman - TD Ballpark opened in 1990. It is the home of the Single-A Dunedin Blue Jays and the spring training home of the Toronto Blue Jays since 1977. The ballpark is built on the site of Grant Field, which was the original home of the Jays. The city of Dunedin and this location are the only home that the Blue Jays have ever had since their inception as a franchise in 1977. 23. Chukchansi Park – Fresno Grizzlies 3.14 Meg Minard - Chukchansi is a Native American Indian tribe in central California, known for their beliefs in and advocating early learning and giving students the tools they need to succeed. This also includes continuing education of their historic culture. The tribe owns and operates the Chukchansi Gold Resort and Casino. That casino owns the naming rights to downtown Fresno’s Chukchansi Park. 24. Salem Memorial Ballpark – Salem Red Sox 3.14 David Welch - Baseball stadiums are different than those of other sports, in that the natural surroundings play an important role in how memorable an experience a visit can be. The views at Carilion Clinic Field provided by the nearby Blue Ridge Mountains provide possibly the most impressive backdrop in all of the Carolina League. 25. Segra Stadium – Fayetteville Woodpeckers 3.00 Jared Goodman - While Segra Stadium is unique in some areas, overall it’s a pretty plain vanilla ballpark. The team does a good job of drawing fans and entertaining them on game day, but the high prices and distant parking options are bound to turn some folks away. Hopefully, the revitalization of downtown Fayetteville will keep fans engaged, and it will be exciting to see what the final product will be. 26. The Bank of the James Stadium – Lynchburg Hillcats 3.00 Aaron Terry - The atmosphere can be somewhat laid back and down-home at the ballpark. A Hillcats game is comfortable and relaxing, but not over the top in excitement or exuberance. That said, there are other parks nearby you could visit with bigger crowds and better amenities. But if you do find yourself at The Bank of the James Stadium for a game, you will certainly have a decent time. 27. Five County Stadium – Carolina Mudcats 2.86 Gregory Koch - It seems like in North Carolina, there is a baseball stadium just about everywhere you look. Compared to many of those stadiums, Five County Stadium disappoints. Although it isn’t a terrible stadium by any means, it’s nowhere near as good as many other stadiums in the area, including in nearby Durham. 28. John Thurman Field – Modesto Nuts 2.86 Meg Minard - The Modesto Nuts at John Thurman Field provides a traditional minor league baseball experience, and families should take advantage. It’s pretty bare bones, but the fans that attend do have a pleasant summer evening out. Here’s hoping more fans will stop by and enjoy a game in the future. 29. Valley Strong Ballpark – Visalia Rawhide 2.57 Meg Minard - Valley Strong Ballpark is a stadium one will like because of its quirkiness and affordable prices, or not like because of its accessibility and an unsafe neighborhood. It is in the ‘Gateway of Sequoia’, so if in town during the summer, consider checking out a game and let us know your thoughts.

It is truly a new era in the Alamo City, for both the city and the San Antonio Spurs . With a new generational talent in Victor Wembanyama fully entrenched as the new face of the historic franchise, the team recently announced an innovation to make the energy and excitement at the Frost Bank Center even greater. In time for the impending 2025-26 season, the team recently held open tryouts for a brand new fan section, dubbed the Spurs Supporter Section . The goal is to gather a collection of the loudest, rowdiest, most die-hard fans to fill up a new section and deliver on game days. Wembanyama was on hand for the event and is credited as being the brainchild of the new section; his goal was to mimic the supporter sections that are often found in European soccer stadiums. The tryouts were held in two groups to identify 5-10 “capos” (who are the most passionate fans) to lead chants and ensure that the energy inside Frost Bank Center  never stops. “If this group of Ultras reaches its full potential, it’s gonna help us win games in the future, for sure,” Wembanyama said in a video released by the Spurs. Members of the Spurs Supporter Section are required to attend at least 75 percent of Spurs home games during the 2025-26 season; membership in the section will cost $999 and include tickets and parking passes to all Spurs home games. Wembanyama himself has vowed to pay the membership dues for five of the liveliest fans. The fans will be divided into two sections during home games at Frost Bank Center : Section 114, as well as the standing room only area above Section 114, in the H-E-B Fan Zone.

Photos by Richard Smith, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.71 Tylus Field 650 College Ave Lancaster, PA 17603 Franklin & Marshall Diplomats website Tylus Field website Year Opened: 2007 Capacity: 2,000 A Diplomatic Pitch Franklin & Marshall College (“F&M”) is a private college in Lancaster, Pennsylvania. It was established in 1787. The school was originally named for Benjamin Franklin, but in 1836, it was merged with a college named for the fourth Chief Justice of the United States, John Marshall. Famous alumni include Roy Scheider, Treat Williams, and the late Commissioner of Baseball, Bowie Kuhn. The college’s sports teams are called the Diplomats and mainly compete in the Centennial Conference at the NCAA Division III level. Tylus Field became the home of Franklin & Marshall’s soccer, field hockey, and lacrosse teams at the start of the 2007-2008 academic year. Food & Beverage 1 There are no food offerings at the stadium. We will give the stadium some credit in that a convenience store is about a 2-minute walk away if you find the need for food or drink. Atmosphere 3 The stadium is very nice, but it is a simple setup. As you enter the stadium, you will find two simpl,e small grandstands sitting along the pitch. Neighborhood 3 The college is located just north of downtown, right near Clipper Magazine Stadium. There are many shops and restaurants right near the stadium. The Iron Hill Brewery & Restaurant and The Fridge are some great options within easy walking distance. Besides downtown, the main commercial areas of the Lancaster area are the outlet area east on Route 30 and surrounding the Park City Center Shopping Mall north of downtown. Fans 2 This is truly a friends and family-only type of sports venue. Access 4 Lancaster is an easy area to navigate. Routes 30 and 222 are large roads that any tourist visiting the area will be more than familiar with. Even though the college is located in a busy town, you will seldom find traffic to be too bad. Lancaster is located about half an hour from the state capital, Harrisburg. It is also about an hour and a half to Baltimore and the same distance to Philadelphia. There are many parking spaces around the college. Return on Investment 5 There is no price to attend games at Franklin & Marshall. Extras 1 Check out neighboring Clipper Magazine Stadium before or after the match to see a nice quality independent league baseball stadium. Final Thoughts Tylus Field is a nice, simple college facility, but it still offers a fun atmosphere for sporting events.

Accessibility is something that many fans take for granted, but which is an important consideration for many fans. We are joined by Heather Schey from the Ocean State Center for Independent Living to discuss accessibility issues faced by sports fans with visual impairments. Audio versions of the Stadium Journey podcast can be found by searching HIAC Talk Radio wherever you look for your favorite podcasts. Video simulcasts of all the Stadium Journey podcasts can be found on Stadium Journey's YouTube page . Join us live as we record every other Tuesday night at 7PM eastern at danlaw.tv .

Photos by Chris Green, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.29 Virginia International Raceway 1245 Pine Tree Rd Alton, VA 24520 IMSA website Virginia International Raceway website Year Opened: 1957 Capacity: 10,000 Virginia’s GT Showcase The famed Virginia International Raceway has been a favorite visit among sportscar racers for decades. It hosts multiple racing events during the season, including SRO , Trans-Am, SVRA , and GridLife. The winding roads through the hills of rural southern Virginia are challenging for many, while also providing a beautiful, verdant backdrop for some of racing’s best to test each other’s mettle. Visiting the track has become a must-do for some of racing’s biggest fans over the years, and a visit to the facility helps you understand why rather quickly. IMSA weekend is without a doubt the biggest race weekend of the year at this track, which means this is a must-see for sportscar fans in the area. Food & Beverage 3 There are several food options in the main paddock area, including the popular Paddock Cafe. This spot nestled next to the track features burgers, hot dogs, chicken fingers, and more. To make it easier for fans to order, the cafe also has several bundle options that generally run in the $10 range for a main item (burger, chicken, etc.), fries, and a drink. In addition, the track has snacks, ice cream, and various other items for sale at the main concession stand, and some food trucks pop up throughout the bigger race weekends down in the paddock area. Recently, automated tablets have been added here to speed up the ordering process, but lines to pick up orders are no less short. The track also has an on-site restaurant called Oak Tree Tavern & Connie’s Pub, which is a more upscale option than something on the quick service side down by the paddock. The biggest downside at Virginia International Raceway, however, is that there are no other food options around the facility for fans who set up camp in other parts of the venue, or who wish to wander the property to watch the racing action. Thankfully, during IMSA weekend various food trucks set up near the paddock and fan zone to offer alternative food and beverage options for fans. Atmosphere 5 Virginia International Raceway’s track is big, fast, and beautiful. Most of the track’s viewing areas offer views that extend beyond just one corner, including the complex heading up to and away from where you are set up, something that many other road courses are unable to boast. The fans also tend to come from all around and pack in the viewing mounds and grandstands around the facility, meaning you will be surrounded by your racing friends all weekend long. The paint scheme and architecture of the various buildings harken back to southern plantation-style homes, as well as to the farmhouses and barns that the rural south has become known for. Situated next to a watershed for a river, the surrounding area is also full of beautiful green trees to give Virginia International Raceway that special wooded look. VIR also continues to improve the fan access experience year over year – new tent camping areas were opened a few years ago inside the turn 1-4 area on driver’s left, while the RV camping and fan viewing areas were also extended far down the backstretch. Neighborhood 1 The biggest downside to VIR is its lack of neighbors. While there is peace in the solitude of VIR’s rural setting, there is quite literally nothing around Virginia International Raceway in any direction for at least half an hour. Located just over an hour north of the greater Raleigh-Durham area in North Carolina, and half an hour southeast of South Boston in Virginia, you have to drive a while to find anything as far as hotels or restaurants. A lot of fans and teams stay in Danville, VA to the west, which is where you can find the closest places to eat. There you can find restaurants such as Buffalo Wild Wings and 2 Witches Winery & Brewing Company, or lodging options such as Sleep Inn & Suites or Courtyard by Marriott. For something to do while in the area, South Boston Speedway features local short track racing on weekend nights, or down in Durham, NC you can visit Duke Forest for a quiet hike in the suburbs. Fans 4 The fans at Virginia International Raceway are pretty great as far as sportscar racing fans go. They love anything motorsports, show up en masse for race weekend, and know everything about the sport they love and the drivers who compete in it. You can find everyone from young fans who are just learning about the sport, to diehard loyalists who have been going for a long time. IMSA has seen a resurgence of fan numbers in recent years, and the crowds at VIR reflect that. Filled camping sites and packed hillsides mean the racers are performing in front of large crowds that love racing, and it is a welcome sight. Access 2 To get to Virginia International Raceway you have to drive off the main roads; State Highway 58 is the closest main roadway, connecting Danville to South Boston. There are no major highways in or around the area, with I-85 almost 30-45 minutes away to the southeast. That said, once you get to the track parking is plentiful on site and is well marked. Fans can also enjoy getting around the facility easily, thanks to the signage pointing them towards the paddock area from the main parking lots in the infield. Return on Investment 4 Tickets for IMSA weekend at VIR start at $60 for Friday or Saturday tickets, $70 for Sunday, $80 for the weekend, and $90 for all three days. Car corral packages are available for $80 to $170. VIP hospitality tickets range from $360 to $450 for three-day access, all together putting tickets in the standard range for IMSA. However, considering that this weekend features no less than five different IMSA race series competing on track, this is a great value for how much racing you get to see during the event. Extras 4 Virginia International Raceway’s victory lane is located right in the main paddock, meaning fans can get up close to the post-race celebrations. The venue also erects TV screens at various points around the property for fans to see the action around the track while it’s happening, meaning you won’t miss anything regardless of where you decide to watch the race from. Tickets to race weekend also get you into the paddock area for free, something other tracks and races require an additional ticket for. In addition, races at Virginia International Raceway also generally include driver meet and greets and autograph sessions, so fans can see the stars up close. IMSA itself also hosts various autograph sessions during the race weekend, allowing fans the ability to meet their favorite drivers. Final Thoughts Taking a trip to Virginia International Raceway is a must-do for any race fan who wants to see some quality sportscar racing – the track is big, technical, and exciting. Fans from all around flock to the speedway for a day at the races, and it is easy to see why. While driving to the track and finding a place to stay nearby may be a challenge, Virginia International Raceway offers plenty for both casual and diehard sports fans to make your visit worth the trek.

Photos by Richard Smith Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.57 Steinbrenner Field One Steinbrenner Road Tampa, FL 33614 Tampa Bay Rays website Steinbrenner Field website Year Opened: 1996 Capacity: 10,386 The Pride of the Rays...sorta The Tampa Bay area was impacted by two significant hurricanes in 2024: Hurricane Helene in September and Hurricane Milton in October. Hurricane Helene caused record-breaking storm surge and widespread flooding, particularly in western North Carolina and East Tennessee, as it made landfall in Florida's Big Bend region. Then, Hurricane Milton, a Category 3 storm at its peak, brought catastrophic damage to the Tampa Bay area with winds exceeding 100 mph and intense flooding. The dual impact of these storms left the region in a state of recovery, with extensive damage to infrastructure and property. During Hurricane Milton, Tropicana Field, home of the Tampa Bay Rays, suffered major damage to its unique domed roof. The translucent, Teflon-coated fiberglass roof was largely shredded and ripped to shreds by the powerful winds, exposing the interior of the ballpark, including the field and catwalks, to the storm. While no one was injured, the stadium, which had been considered as a potential staging area for emergency services, was severely compromised. The damage has raised questions about the team's ability to play at the stadium for many seasons, and repairs are projected to cost tens of millions of dollars, creating a complex situation given the team's previous plans for a new ballpark by 2028. The Tampa Bay Rays needed to find a temporary home for the 2025 MLB season. They ultimately secured an agreement to play at Steinbrenner Field in Tampa, the Yankees' spring training facility. This was a logical choice as it was considered the best-prepared facility in the region to host regular-season games, with a seating capacity of approximately 11,000 and already undergoing renovations to its player facilities. The move means the Rays, who have played in a domed stadium since their inaugural season in 1998, are now playing their home games outdoors, a new experience that has led to an adjusted schedule to minimize games during the hottest and rainiest summer months. The relocation is a significant logistical feat, and it has also created a new dynamic for local businesses across the bay, with some in St. Petersburg losing out on game-day revenue, while others in Tampa are seeing a boost. Steinbrenner Field has been the home of the New York Yankees' spring training since 1996. It was originally known as Legends Field, but the name of the stadium was changed in 2008, as the late Yankees owner had become very ill, and the team wanted to honor him while he was still alive, so he would know about it. The stadium has a capacity of 11,026 and is the largest stadium in the Grapefruit League, but very small for the major leagues. Steinbrenner Field is also the only spring training facility in the city of Tampa. The stadium underwent a $40 million renovation in 2017. The Tampa Tarpons of the Florida State League also play here, although they have been temporarily relegated to a smaller field due to the Rays' residency. Food & Beverage 4 Recent renovations at Steinbrenner Field have significantly improved the food and beverage experience for fans. The expansion of the stadium's concourses has allowed for more concession stands and carts, leading to a wider variety of options and faster service. This increased number of service points has also helped reduce congestion on game days. Fans now have a greater selection of food and dining options. While traditional stadium favorites like hot dogs and hamburgers are still available, the offerings have expanded to include more diverse and non-traditional items. The stadium also caters to fans with larger budgets, offering two distinct dine-in restaurants and bar areas, located above the right and left field foul lines, respectively. Additionally, fans can enjoy service at rounded tables and drinking rails in the outfield sections, providing more casual dining experiences. These changes have collectively enhanced both the variety and quality of the food and drinks available at the ballpark. Prices are a bit too high for food. Atmosphere 3 A Tampa Bay Rays game at Steinbrenner Field has a unique atmosphere, as the team has relocated to the spring training home of a rival. The crowds are typically smaller than for a full-fledged MLB team, with attendance often feeling more akin to a minor league game than a major league one. A significant portion of the audience is often made up of visiting fans, particularly when popular teams like the Yankees or Red Sox are in town, which can make it feel like the Rays are playing a road game at their own home field. The smaller capacity and open-air layout, while a change from the domed Tropicana Field, contribute to a different fan experience, but the temporary nature of the venue means it lacks the established identity and fan traditions of a permanent home ballpark. The experience at Steinbrenner Field, while functional, doesn't quite feel like a true home for the Rays. The stadium's architecture and amenities were designed for spring training, not a full regular season, which can be seen in the limited seating and concourse layout. As a result, the "home field advantage" that a team normally enjoys is often diminished, and the atmosphere can be less energetic. For many fans, the game-day experience feels more like a logistical workaround than a celebration of the team, reinforcing the temporary and transitional nature of the Rays' situation as they await the completion of their new permanent stadium. Neighborhood 2 Navigating the Tampa area can be challenging due to heavy traffic, and it's important to plan your trip to Steinbrenner Field accordingly. For those traveling to Tampa, there are several attractions worth visiting. Busch Gardens, a popular theme park known for its extensive gardens and thrilling rides, is located just seven miles from the ballpark. In addition, visitors can find a variety of hotels and restaurants throughout the city to suit their preferences and budgets. Fans 2 The atmosphere at a Tampa Bay Rays game at Steinbrenner Field often feels less like a home game and more like a neutral-site contest, or even a de facto road game. A significant and often overwhelming presence of visiting team fans tends to dominate the stands, with opposing team jerseys, hats, and chants being far more common than Rays gear. This is particularly evident when teams with large national fan bases like the New York Yankees or Boston Red Sox come to town; the roar of the crowd after a visiting team's home run can be deafening, while the cheers for a Rays highlight are often muted and scattered. This dynamic can make it difficult for the home team to build momentum, as the energy in the ballpark consistently favors their opponents. For Rays fans who do attend, the experience can be a frustrating one. They are often outnumbered and out-cheered, making it hard to create a sense of community or home-field advantage. The temporary nature of the venue, combined with the apathetic local attendance, has created an environment where the most passionate fans in the stadium are often rooting for the other team. This unusual dynamic underscores the challenges the Rays face in a new, temporary home, where they are not only rebuilding their stadium but also fighting to maintain a consistent and energized fan base against the backdrop of more nationally recognized franchises. Access 3 Getting to Steinbrenner Field is straightforward. From I-275, take the Dale Mabry Highway exit and head north for three miles. The stadium will be on your right. Parking is available in the large grass lot on the left side of Dale Mabry Highway, adjacent to the football stadium. After parking, fans should use the pedestrian bridge to safely cross the highway and reach Steinbrenner Field. For those with mobility issues, a drop-off area is located directly at the stadium, though drivers must still park in the designated grass lot across the street. Steinbrenner Field is only three miles from Tampa International Airport. Return on Investment 2 The price of admission is often disproportionately high, particularly for marquee matchups against teams like the Red Sox or Yankees, with some tickets soaring to prices that are more typical of a major league stadium than a temporary, smaller venue. This initial cost is compounded by the expenses for parking, which can be significant. Once inside, the cost of food and beverages further erodes the value, with common items like hot dogs and drinks being priced at a premium. When all these expenses are added together, the overall cost of a game-day experience at Steinbrenner Field often feels far too high for a fan, especially when considering the venue's limited amenities and the lack of a true major league atmosphere. Parking is $30 plus tax in the grass lot adjoining the football stadium. Extras 2 There are several great selfie locations at Steinbrenner Field. Outside of the stadium, the Monument Park salute to the Yankee icons, the Steinbrenner statue, and the 911 Memorial form great backdrops. Inside the stadium is a statue featuring the iconic “NY” found on the Yankees’ ballcap. There are also two numbers of retired Yankees located along the outfield concourse. Derek Jeter (#2) and Thurman Munson (#15) are featured in this area. The spring training homes of the Toronto Blue Jays , the Pittsburgh Pirates , and the Philadelphia Phillies are located close to Steinbrenner Field. This allows you to visit two Grapefruit League stadiums in a day if they line up in a day/night combination. Final Thoughts Due to catastrophic damage from Hurricane Milton, the Tampa Bay Rays have relocated to Steinbrenner Field for the 2025 MLB season. This temporary move has created a unique atmosphere, with the team playing in an open-air, spring training-focused venue that often feels more like a minor league park than a major league stadium. Attendance is frequently dominated by visiting team fans, which diminishes any home-field advantage and can be disheartening for loyal Rays supporters. Furthermore, the overall game-day experience is considered a low return on investment due to high costs for tickets, parking, and concessions, making the temporary arrangement a logistical challenge for the team and a pricey outing for fans.

Photos by Dave Cottenie, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.14 TD Civic Centre 79 Market St. S. Brantford, ON, N3S 2E4 Brantford Bulldogs website TD Civic Centre website Year Opened: 1967 Capacity: 2,952 The (Temporary?) Dog House Editor's Note: On September 16, 2025, the Brantford Bulldogs, the City of Brantford and TD announced a multi-year naming rights agreement that changed the name of the Bulldogs' home arena to TD Civic Center starting with the 2025-2026 season. New to the 2023-2024 Ontario Hockey League landscape is the Brantford Bulldogs.  The franchise was established in 1981 as the Belleville Bulls.  With his AHL Hamilton Bulldogs facing losing their affiliation agreement with the Montreal Canadiens , owner Michael Andlauer purchased the Bulls in a shocking transaction.  The Bulls were rebranded as the Hamilton Bulldogs  and played out of the FirstOntario Centre in the OHL from 2015 to 2023.  After numerous battles over an appropriately sized arena for the Bulldogs, Andlauer found out that his team would be homeless for at least two seasons as massive renovations to the FirstOntario Centre would commence in 2023.  Andlauer found a landing spot in Brantford, Ontario, famously the childhood home of Wayne Gretzky, and signed a lease with the city for at least three years. The new doghouse is the Brantford and District Civic Centre.  Commonly referred to as the Brantford Civic Centre, the city-owned arena was built in 1967 and is the former home of the Brantford Alexanders of the OHL.  The Alexanders would move from Brantford in 1984 and are currently the Erie Otters  franchise.  With the move of the Bulldogs, the Brantford Civic Centre received $9 million in renovations split between the Bulldogs and the city.  Speculation is running rampant in the OHL that the move to Brantford may be permanent for the Bulldogs. Food & Beverage 3 The concession options at the Brantford Civic Centre are fairly pedestrian.  Hot dogs, chips, and chocolate bars can be found at some of the concession stands underneath the grandstands at the ice level.  Pizza Pizza slices are also available.   Pepsi beverages are the soft drink of choice at the Brantford Civic Centre and a small selection of beer includes Budweiser, Bud Light, Stella Artois, and Michelob Ultra.  Two concession stands can be found on ice level at the front of the building while four smaller concession stands are found in the corners of the concourse level. Atmosphere 3 Approaching the Brantford Civic Centre, fans will not be blown away by an elaborate exterior.  The main entrance is at the east side and does feature a tree-lined path from the road.  The exterior is dominated by black siding with yellow trim and the city’s coat of arms on the north and south corners.  Immediately there is a feeling that this is the home of the Bulldogs with the colour scheme and front sign.  Upon entering at the south end, fans enter at ice level and are greeted by a new mural featuring important Bulldog moments. Fans won’t be able to stay in this area very long as it is very crowded, a theme throughout the arena.  Fans then ascend to the concourse level, which empties out to the seating area. The main concourse wraps a full circle behind the seating bowl, with small, elevated concession stands in the corners.  The ice is oriented from east to west and for fans who want that perfect center ice picture, it can be taken from the south side of the arena.  On the far east wall, the 2018 and 2022 J. Ross Robertson Cup banners hang, both won while the team played in Hamilton.  Making its way from Hamilton to Brantford is the large, three-dimensional “Bulldogs” sign with faux flames, which is found on the west wall.  The single tier of red and blue arena seats is enough for nearly 3,000 fans.  There are also a number of designated and reserved standing spots along high railings behind the seating bowl.  Sightlines are excellent in the Civic Centre.  Above the centre ice logo is a brand new, small but clear, four-sided video board.  A traditional hockey scoreboard splits the championship banners on the east wall.  It seems that upgrades at the Brantford Civic Centre include new LED lights and a new sound system. The gameday production is on par with other OHL experiences.  The Bulldogs make good use of their new sound system, coloured projection lights, and video board.  The Bulldogs’ mascot, Bruiser, can be found moving around the arena, interacting with fans, and posing for pictures.  The Bulldogs feature a large Canadian flag which is passed along by the fans in the stands, in a practice that is not unique, but not overly common either. Neighbourhood 3 The Brantford Civic Centre is located in the north corner of the Eagle Place neighbourhood in Brantford, just south of downtown.  Several places are closed for a pre or post-game meal.  There are a number of fast food and chain restaurants on Icomm Drive, including Boston Pizza, Sunset Grill and Tim Hortons.  Fans who are looking for something a little more unique can head north into downtown.  The Rose & Thistle, Hudson Public, and The Works are all good options. The best option might be Uncle Sam’s BBQ Smoke House. For fans looking for other sporting options, there are a few in Brantford.  There are other junior hockey options in town with the Brantford 99ers of the OJHL and Brantford Bandits of the GOJHL, both of whom play in the Wayne Gretzky Sportsplex.  The summer finds the Brantford Red Sox  of the Intercounty League taking up residence at Cockshutt Park.  Other tourist options in Brantford include Elements Casino Brantford, directly across the parking lot from the Civic Centre, and Earl Haig Family Fun Park.  For fans wanting to stay in Brantford, they will have to head to Highway 403 where they will find a Comfort Inn and Best Western. Fans 4 For the inaugural campaign, the Brantford fans have turned out to support the Bulldogs.  For the 2023-2024 season, the Bulldogs have averaged over 3,000 fans per game as of this writing.  This puts them in 16th place in the 20-team OHL for attendance, however, the meager capacity of the Brantford Civic Centre shows that the Bulldogs are averaging over capacity.  The fans in Brantford are loud and right into the game.  The only factor that keeps this from being a perfect score is the lack of longevity in Brantford.  A few more years of this and the mark will improve.   Access 3 Getting to the Brantford Civic Centre is not difficult at all.  The Brantford Civic Centre is located in the north corner of the Eagle Place neighbourhood, just south of downtown.  It is surrounded by Icomm Drive and Market Street, with the Grand River just to the west.  It is located significantly south of Highway 403 and fans will have to traverse the city a bit to get to the arena.  However, the drive through Brantford is not difficult and traffic moves smoothly.  There is plenty of parking in the immediate area, which is free.  For fans wishing to take public transit, there are bus stops near the arena.  Fans should consult the Brantford Transit  website for schedules, fares and maps.  Inside the Brantford Civic Centre is a bit of a different story.  Getting around the arena can be difficult and it is very crowded.  Fans will be required to traverse stairs to get up to the concourse level.  The washroom facilities are at ice level, forcing fans to traverse more stairs. Return on Investment 4 The return on investment for OHL hockey is excellent and Brantford falls right into place along its brethren in the league.  Tickets for the Bulldogs are $28 each and $23 for standing room.  This is a bit on the expensive side for the OHL, but not over the top.  Parking is free and concession prices are what one would expect.  The product on the ice is top notch and the fans help create a great hockey environment that new fans will love. Extras 2 An extra mark for the history of the Brantford Civic Centre.  In the eighties, the Brantford Civic Centre was the regular venue for WWF tapings and the home of the “Maple Leaf Wrestling” program which aired each weekend. An extra mark for Brantford as the hometown of Wayne Gretzky. Final Thoughts The Brantford Bulldogs are enjoying a strong initial outing at the turnstile as of this writing and the fans in Brantford have embraced the team as their own.  Time will tell if the Bulldogs return to Hamilton once the renovations there are complete, or if they find a new, permanent doghouse in Brantford. ----- Follow all of Dave’s sporting adventures on YouTube , Twitter , Threads  and Instagram @profan9.

Photos by Jim Flannery, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.43 Scotiabank Saddledome 555 Saddledome Rise SE Calgary, AB T2G 2W1 Calgary Hitmen website Scotiabank Saddledome website Year Opened: 1983 Capacity: 19,283 Hitmen, Take Two The Calgary Hitmen entered the Western Hockey League in 1995, filling the junior hockey gap in Calgary caused by the departure of the Calgary Wranglers in 1987. Named after wrestling legend and team co-founder Brett “The Hitman” Hart, the Hitmen have gone on to enjoy a great deal of success, earning the best record in the WHL four times, and going all the way to the Memorial Cup twice. The Hitmen’s success has extended all the way to the NHL. They’ve had more than three dozen players make it to the pro ranks, including stars Ryan Getzlaf, Brad Stuart and Andrew Ladd. Although the Wranglers played in the old Stampede Corral, the Hitmen play next door in the much larger Scotiabank Saddledome. The Scotiabank Saddledome opened its doors in 1983 and have been home to the Calgary Flames from Day One. The ‘Dome is now also the home of the NLL’s Calgary Roughnecks and, of course, the Hitmen. At almost 30 years of age, the Saddledome is starting to show some signs of age, but it has seen a number of renovations along the way to keep things fresh. Food & Beverage 3 There is a decent variety of choices around the Scotiabank Saddledome. All the typical fare is available at the main concessions at pretty typical prices, whether you’re looking for a hot dog, fries, nachos or popcorn. You will also find Pizza 73, Good Earth Coffee and a Jugo Juice for fans who want something a little different. The Jugo Juice station also has some healthy options, such as the chicken wrap, for the more health conscious among us. Atmosphere 3 The atmosphere at the game I attended was fairly laid back and relaxed; no big energy, no loud cheering. This perhaps can be partly attributed to spreading 7,000 fans around a stadium built to accommodate 19,000. The Avison Young section of the lower bowl (the premium seats) was about half empty and there were very few people above about the 10th row of the upper bowl. With large spaces left largely unoccupied, building a bunch of excitement and intensity in the stands seemed like a challenge. To be fair, Calgary crowds in general tend to be fairly subdued. Also, the Hitmen historically have drawn even bigger crowds to the ‘Dome, which would typically bring up the crowd noise. And overall, although the Saddledome never did rock during the game, it looked like the audience was engaged and enjoying things just fine. Neighborhood 3 The Scotiabank Saddledome is located in the northeast corner of the Stampede Grounds, just south and east of the downtown core. The immediate vicinity, known as Victoria Park, isn’t the best neighborhood in town by a long shot. However, there has been a substantial amount of gentrification in the area in the last few years and things are starting to perk up, with skyscraping condo complexes growing up in a couple locations to the immediate north as well as across the street to the west. And most of those complexes have some kind of restaurant or bar on the ground floor. Just a few blocks due west of the Stampede Grounds on 17th Ave you’ll find a string of clubs and bars that have come to be known as “The Red Mile.” Among the most popular is Melrose Place, right in the heart of things. You’ll also find the Ship and Anchor Pub, which has been repeatedly named Best Neighbourhood Pub in Calgary by local publication “Fast Forward Weekly.” You’ll also find my favorite local Mexican restaurant, El Sombrero, on the east end of the Red Mile. Fans 4 Historically, the Hitmen have drawn some of the biggest crowds ever in the WHL. According to their Wikipedia page in 2004-05 they were the first Canadian Hockey League team to average 10,000 fans per game. This year (2012-2013) the Hitmen average attendance of just over 8,600 is a little more modest than that record-breaking season, but that’s still more than the capacity of every other Alberta WHL rink except Rexall Place in Edmonton. In fact, they have been over the 10,000 mark three times in the 2012-2013 season. As noted above, the crowd is generally low-key but attentive to the game. They know their hockey and they respond appropriately to the hits, the goals and the referees’ calls. Access 3 Calgary has the second highest downtown parking rates in North America, behind only New York City . So if you drive down to the Stampede Grounds, expect to pay for the privilege-parking on the grounds which will run you $13 and, depending on what other events might be going on around the area, might fill up quickly. There are also choices off-site for slightly less expensive parking options. A few local residents rent out yard space for parking and there is some metered street parking in the vicinity for people willing to do a little walking. The good news is that being centrally located means the Saddledome is fairly easy to get to from all directions. Expect the usual stop-and-go delays that go hand-in-hand with traveling downtown in a city of more than a million people. Another good option is taking Calgary’s Light Rail Transit system to the game. The “C-Train” has two stops on the west side of the Stampede Grounds, one to the south and one on the north end which has a connecting walkway that will take you directly to the Saddledome. The LRT tracks cover a significant amount of the city running north and south, so it can be a more convenient option for fans not wanting the hassle of driving downtown, although the trains can get crowded after events. An adult fare for Calgary Transit is $2.75, youths are $1.75. Return on Investment 4 Tickets to see the Calgary Hitmen run anywhere from $16 to $36 while students and children can get into the cheap seats for $12 each. Compared to the price of a Flames game to see NHL hockey this is a real bargain. For the great price, you can count on seeing a quality hockey game in a good location. Extras 4 There are a number of added extras when you come see the Hitmen at the ‘Dome. The walls of the building are lined with memorabilia, photos and trophies commemorating great teams and events from years past in the Calgary area. For example, there is a substantial exhibit remembering the excitement of the 1988 Winter Olympics, which were held, in large part, at the Saddledome. You could probably spend the entire game in the concourse looking at and reading all the displays, so there’s lots to check out. You’ll also find a couple locations of Flames Fan Attic for all your souvenir needs, including clothing and knick-knacks for all three of the ‘Dome’s regular residents: the Hitmen, the Flames, and the Calgary Roughnecks. Roaming the stands during the game, and taking part in activities between periods, team mascot Farley the Fox keeps the kids entertained throughout the event. Looking up into the rafters, you’ll see the large row of championship banners amassed during the Hitmen’s history, along with the Flames’ and Roughnecks’ banners. Final Thoughts Overall, the Hitmen do a nice job of keeping the fans entertained. Taking in a game is well worth it.

Photo Courtesy of AFC Wimbledon Plough Lane was on my schedule for a football match when I visited London in a couple of weeks. However, that might not be the case as the club works to repair its pitch in hopes of hosting another game soon. The home of AFC Wimbledon received heavy damage from recent floodings from the nearby River Wandle, which broke its banks following a period of heavy rain. The club does not know when it will be able to return home. The entire pitch, concourse, buildings, and ground floor were completely underwater. It resulted in the pitch resembling a golf course with sandy bunkers and more than 26,417 gallons of water pumped out of the stadium. The torrential rains also opened up a sinkhole in the corner of the pitch. Club management could spend close to ￡1.5 million to repair the pitch, and club supporter Graham Stacey set up a JustGiving site that has raised ￡108,151 out of 150,000 of its goals for repairs. Volunteers have helped clear away debris inside the stadium this week. The Wombles League Two match with Accrington was postponed after failing to find a suitable stadium in London to play. Its midweek Carabao Cup match against Newcastle will be staged at St James’s Park on Tuesday, October 1. Newcastle will donate ￡15,000 and half of the gate fees will also go to repair the pitch at Plough Lane. James Woodroof, the club’s managing director, told the BBC that he thought the images were AI.  "We didn't realise it was going to be to this extent... It's been 60 years since the water had reached this level, and essentially,AF we were totally overwhelmed by it.” The current stadium, known as Cherry Red Records Stadium, for advertising purposes opened in November 2020.

Photo Courtesy of Spatms Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.86 Joe Miller Ballpark / Cowboy Diamond Common St and Contour Dr Lake Charles, LA 70607 McNeese State Cowboys website Cowboy Diamond website Year Opened: 2008 Capacity: 2,000 Cowboy Diamond, Home to MSU Cowboys Baseball The Cowboy Diamond offers a cozy atmosphere for small college baseball. Located in Lake Charles on the campus of McNeese State University, the ballpark is home field for MSU Cowboys baseball, a member of the Southland Conference and NCAA Division I. Though originally constructed in 1965, the stadium has seen several major upgrades in recent years including a new grandstand in 2008 which features chairback seating behind home plate. Cowboy Diamond has an official capacity of 2,000 but can easily accommodate overflow crowds. While the ballpark both literally and figuratively sits in the shadow of Cowboy Stadium, home to the pride and joy of MSU athletics, Cowboy football, MSU baseball seems poised for an increase in popularity both within the university community and the Lake Charles region. Whether you’re traveling in support of your favorite college ball club or just in town visiting Lake Charles, the Cowboy Diamond has a lot to offer fans of small college baseball in a traditional atmosphere. Food & Beverage 2 The Cowboy Diamond offers up the staple ballpark classics while also providing alcoholic beverages to fans in the Miller Lite Beer Garden. While the experiences lacks a signature item, you’ll likely find something to satisfy your hunger (or thirst) during the game. The main stand is located behind the main grandstand, in a separate facility, closer to the first baseline side. Your main entree options at Cowboy Diamond include hot dogs ($3.50), hot links ($4.50), hamburgers, ($4.50) and nachos ($3.50 for regular, $4.50 for nacho grande). Snack items range from popcorn and pretzels for $2, to Cajun peanuts ($4.50), sunflower seeds ($3), and more. Soda options at Cowboy Diamond are headlined by Coca-Cola products. Fountain sodas are available ranging from $2.50 for a small to $4.50 for a large souvenir cup size. Bottled Dasani water is available for $2.50. The Miller Lite Beer Garden is a neat seating area and pavilion located at the end of the third baseline. There’s a small little hut in this area which sells an assortment of beers and sodas as well. When it comes to recommended concession items, you’ll likely want to stay clear of the hot dog here, as it’s not the best of quality. However, try out the hot link, nacho grande, or keep it simple with a bag of Cajun peanuts. Atmosphere 3 The Cowboy Diamond provides a nice, cozy atmosphere both for families and those looking for a tailgate-style viewing experience. Seats in the main grandstand behind home plate provide shelter from the rain and heat thanks to an overhead awning. Featuring both chair back and bleacher seating, this area is where you’ll find most Cowboy fans. Netting wraps across the entire viewing area in front of the grandstand seats from ground to the top of the awning. Down the third baseline towards left field, you’ll find the Miller Lite Beer Garden and Boardwalk areas. The Boardwalk is a nice place to plop down a tailgate style chair along the foul line wall. Just behind is the Beer Garden area complete with a beer sales tiki hut and a small strip of bleachers. There’s also a pavilion in this area which is a great place for group events and parties. The field dimensions at Cowboy Diamond are 330 down the lines, 375 in the power alleys and 400 in center field. The infield features an artificial surface with a natural grass outfield. There is a traditional styled scoreboard beyond the left field wall. While the interior provides a nice atmosphere for fans, some work could be done to the exterior to make it stand out a little more. For example, the ballpark could have more of a presence if the stadium name was posted on the exterior behind the grandstand seats instead of just a blank white space. The game day staff ensures a traditional baseball atmosphere with a few promotions between innings. Expect to see some smaller on-field promotions like a kid base race. The music selection is appropriate for the typical crowd with a focus on country and rock classics, plus player selected walk-up music. Neighborhood 3 The Cowboy Diamond is located in Lake Charles, Louisiana, on the southern side of the McNeese State University campus. Adjacent to the ballpark is Cowboy Stadium, home to MSU football and the Track and Field Complex. Lake Charles is a medium-sized city in southwest Louisiana and thrives on the oil and gas industry as well as casinos and gaming. In Cajun country, expect to find a few great places to eat and unique entertainment. When it comes to eats, be sure to grab lunch (and a couple of local brews) at Darrell’s. The “Darrell’s Special” is a New Orleans style “poboy” which includes ham, turkey, and roast beef smothered in a roast beef gravy. Steamboat Bill’s serves up delicious seafood including boiled crawfish and a fried seafood platter. Raising Canes is a Louisiana college town staple, and there’s a location off Ryan Street near the ballpark. Considering that casinos aren’t allowed in Texas, Lake Charles benefits greatly by a large crowd making the trek over from the Houston area for a weekend of gambling fun. The Isle of Capri and L’Auberge du Lac are two of the more popular options, if you’re into the casino scene. If you time your visit right, you can catch the Mardi Gras season and a parade or two while in town. Just across from the Cowboy Diamond is the Frosty Factory. This is a great place to grab a local frozen daiquiri before or after the game. Both the L’Auberge and Isle of Capri casinos are also a great place to stay while in town as each also offer hotel services. Fans 2 In Lake Charles, Cowboy football is the unmatched king of the sports scene. Support for Cowboy baseball, however, seems to be on the rise. Cowboy Diamond is the perfect size not only for current baseball crowds, but reasonable growth in the future. For your typical weekend series, expect to see about 600 – 750 fans in attendance. The best attended games of the year will likely come when the Cowboys host in-state rivals like UL-Lafayette or LSU. Within the conference, expect nice crowds for cross-town rival Lamar, and in-state conference foes of Southeastern Louisiana and Northwestern State. Cowboy baseball crowds are engaged and interactive throughout the game. Expect outbursts during big plays and support for pitchers closing out games in the ninth inning. While there are certainly moments where the crowd is quiet, Cowboy fans know when to get into the game. Fans are active during the seventh inning stretch joining in with the classic “Take Me Out to the Ballgame” and clapping along to a fan favorite song referred to as the Cajun National Anthem, “Joli Blon.” Access 4 Lake Charles is accessible from the west and east via I-10 and the I-210 loop. Take the Ryan Street exit off I-210 and head south towards the McNeese State campus. Turn left onto East McNeese Street and then take a right onto Common Street. The ballpark will be on your left on Common Street. Look for a grass parking lot at the corner of Common and Terrace Lane, just behind the left field wall. Parking here will be plentiful and free, plus provides a quick walk to the ticket booth and entrance. The ticket booth shouldn’t have much of a line. If you are purchasing your tickets, be sure to bring along cash as credit is not accepted (though it is accepted at concessions). You’ll quickly grab your tickets and breeze through the entrance, which is at the corner of left field and the third baseline. There’s plenty of room to move around the ballpark, with a courtyard wrapping from left field to the end of the grandstand by first base. The restrooms are old and not the cleanest, but are easily accessible. The main concourse is located at the bottom of the seating area in the grandstand and is wide enough for good traffic flow. Return on Investment 4 The return on investment for attending an MSU baseball game at Cowboy Diamond is pretty strong. With general admission tickets beginning at $8 ($5 for children), there’s very little out-of-pocket investment to get in the gate. In fact, a weekend pass can be purchased for just $20. Reserved chair backs run $15. Concessions aren’t cheap, but also not completely unreasonable. Parking is free. Extras 2 The Cowboy Diamond features a couple of “extra” components which enhance the fan experience at the ballpark. The Miller Lite Beer Garden and Boardwalk area is a neat spot for fans to take in the game in more of a tailgate style, laid back atmosphere. It is a nice overall addition for fans wanting to escape the traditional experience in the main grandstand. There’s a plaque and flower bed honoring the late Harry Chozen, a former McNeese legend. It’s always nice to see programs memorialize the past.

Photo by Ken Thorp, Stadium Journey On Friday, February 24th the Harlem Globetrotters brought their brand of basketball fun and family entertainment to the Mohegan Sun Arena in Wilkes Barre, PA. While this is normally the home of the Wilkes Barre/Scranton Penguins hockey team, the ice was removed, and the hardwood was laid down for the show. The wild and crazy atmosphere they brought with them was electric and captivating to all in attendance. They ran through the crowd telling jokes and goofing around. They danced on the court, performed amazing tricks with a basketball, and brought fans young and old onto the court to get them involved in the show. They even played some basketball in between the comedic acts. So, who are these magicians of the hardwood? What was the experience like for an 11-year-old and his dad? And what did the show and the venue have to offer for the thousands in attendance? Let's find out. On the south side of Chicago, in the late 1920s, a group of men formed a basketball team known as the Savoy Big Five. They were one of the premier acts at the Savoy Ballroom who played exhibitions before dances to try and draw crowds and fight the declining attendance issues the venue was having. After some internal strife, some of the players broke off from the team and formed the "Globe Trotters." Abe Saperstein became the manager and promoter for the team and named the team the New York Harlem Globe Trotters. While we know the Globetrotters today as more entertainment and stunts than basketball, this is a team with a rich history of success and goodwill across the world. On February 19, 1948, the Globetrotters defeated the World Champion Minnesota Lakers of the Basketball Association of America which later became the NBA, by the score of 61-59. A year later they beat them again. In 1950, Nathaniel "Sweetwater" Clifton, a member of the Globetrotters became the first African American player to sign an NBA contract when he joined the New York Knicks. The Globetrotters traveled overseas in 1950 on an international tour. On this journey, they played in front of their largest crowd ever at Berlin's Olympic Stadium. There were 75,000 in attendance. After the trip, a letter was written from the U.S. States Department to Abe Saperstein. In the letter, the team was referred to as "Ambassadors of extraordinary goodwill." The Globetrotters have been acknowledged by U.S. Presidents for what they have done for people around the world. In 1985, Olympic Gold Medalist Lynette Woodard became the first female to play for a men's pro basketball team when she joined the Globetrotters. As we entered the Mohegan Sun Arena and picked up our order of chicken (which was described as the best chicken nuggets ever), we found our way to our seats in the 200 section. A cheese steak would have probably been a better choice because they looked splendid, but when you are with a picky eater you are just happy, they found something they really enjoyed. Food prices were about the norm for any venue for a semi-pro team. The seats were good. There were a lot of open seats around the section, so we had the ability to spread out a little. Seats near the entrances to the section can be a little dicey. The safety bars come up a little high above the stairs and can obstruct portions of the viewing area (especially for children). The show itself was incredible. Everyone in the arena knew that basketball was going to be secondary to the stunts and action they were going to see tonight. There was a little basketball played and, spoiler alert, the Globetrotters won. There was so much more than a basketball game going on. Players were chasing each other up and down the isles with buckets of water and confetti and, it appeared, some people may have gotten a little damp. At one point during the first half, the game was stopped, and a gentleman was brought onto the court to dance with one of the Globetrotters. It was like a scene that came straight out of "Dirty Dancing" (he even managed to do a version of the lift). As the game was going on, one of the players actually climbed onto the rim and started waving to the crowd. Football also found its way onto the court as the Trotters not only huddled up, but they also called a running play and executed it past the end line, which acted as the end zone. The referee said he needed to see an instant replay and the team did the entire play in reverse, in slow-motion, not missing a beat, just to re-run it again. Players were spinning the ball on their fingers for what seemed like forever before inviting a young fan to the court and spinning the ball right onto his finger. The ability of the players to seemingly defy gravity and remain in the air as long as they did just to wait for the ball to arrive and slam it through the hoop was mesmerizing. Photo by Ken Thorp, Stadium Journey Halftime was amazing filled with crazy stunts and fun interactions with the players. The team invited the fans to the ends of the court to purchase Globetrotter basketballs. There were 3 to choose from. They had small, large, and the commemorative ball with gold writing. Considering a standard souvenir for most special events is about $20, I did not see the $35 cost for the large ball to be terribly over the top however the $70.00 price tag for the commemorative ball was a bit steep. After the game, fans were invited down to surround the court for a meet and greet with the players. The ball came in handy as they took pictures and signed autographs. My son garnered several signatures on his ball which made for a great souvenir. Photo by Ken Thorp, Stadium Journey Now was this a flawless endeavor--- by no means. Nothing is ever going to be 100% perfect. As I mentioned earlier, there was a minimal issue with the seats but being that we had some freedom to move around that problem was fixed. As we were waiting for a ball during halftime, they claimed they had run out although I did see 3 left in the bin and I was next online. I explained to the gentleman selling them that we were waiting a while and he just brushed me off as if I was not speaking at all. We had to go across the floor to the other stand to purchase one and wait in line all over again. My son did not seem to mind as we walked past the Globetrotters bench, and he said hello. Lastly, the end of the game player experience was a great idea but completely disorganized and could have been handled far better. Crowds were just gathered in front of players who were understandably overwhelmed but handled it beautifully. Parents were worse than the kids as they tried to weasel in front to get a signature. Lastly, if you are going to pay a visit to the venue, GET THERE EARLY! There is one way in and one way out of the parking lot. It is a smaller venue so it sounds worse than it is, but you will have a bit of a wait and miss the beginning of the show if you do not give yourself appropriate time. Once we made it into the parking lot, parking and entering the arena was easy. There are luxury suites available for advance purchase and at certain times of the year, they are half-price. I can speak from past experience and say they are very comfortable and offer great views of the entire event.

Photos by Stephen Schmidt, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.43 Hammons Field 955 East Trafficway Springfield, MO 65802 Missouri State Bears website Hammons Field website Year Opened: 2005 Capacity: 10,486 More than the Bear Necessities At first glance at one of the gates at Hammons Field, the relationship between the Springfield Cardinals (the Double-A affiliate of the St. Louis Cardinals) and the Missouri State University Bears seems to be one of a symbiotic nature. Consider the following: The man who helped bring MLB-associated minor league baseball back to the area and the namesake of the stadium, John Q. Hammons, is an MSU alumnus. Both teams logos are shown in unity on the signs leading into the park. One of the Bears outfielders, Tate Matheny, is even the son of St. Louis manager, Mike. Once inside the gates, though, that aesthetic balance ends as most all other related signage is emblazoned with the Cardinals logo and colors. It becomes clear that the Bears of the Missouri Valley Conference play second fiddle to the minor league club. That being said, they do so in one of the nicest baseball venues in America’s heartland. Word is that the only park that the MSU players have been equally impressed with in the region is the University of Arkansas Baum Stadium in Fayetteville. The result is an affordable evening or afternoon — tickets are $5 to sit anywhere in the park — to watch Division I baseball in a venue with less of the bells and whistles of a Cardinal game (no radar gun readings in the right field or a mascot), but still many amenities not found in a typical college venue, such as a large playground area on the first base side and a large video board in left field. Food & Beverage 3 When the likes of Missouri, Kansas or another big-draw team comes to town, those in charge will open much more of the park’s many concession areas. On this night, with Oral Roberts in town for a midweek series, there was only one concession stand open with the standard fare. Unfortunately, the prices remain the same for both Cardinals and Bears games, so prepare to hand over $6.25 for that chicken strip basket or $3.75 for a hot dog. On the plus side, thirsty fans who are not interested in Coke products can pay $7.25 for a 20-ounce Budweiser or Bud Light. For whatever reason, one of the workers said that a considerable amount of peanuts are sold at MSU games than when the Cardinals are playing. It should also be noted that not food or drink items are allowed in the stadium except for a sealed bottle of water. Atmosphere 3 The seats look out to a less-than-spectacular vista consisting of traffic from the East Chestnut Parkway in left field and a gathering of industrial buildings beyond the right field wall. The most scenic view can be found in straight away center where a collection of trees complements the grass berms on either side and alludes to the surrounding Ozarks. There is only one gate to enter the stadium (behind home plate), but MSU cheerleaders greet fans, which is a nice touch. The cheerleaders also dance at the top of the concourse and on the dugouts during various stoppages of play. Every seat has a cup holder — even those in the unused upper deck along the third base side. This theme extended into the bathrooms, where, yes, the urinals are also equipped with cup holders to help propel the vicious cycle. The first base side gets more sun, but on an evening game, such as this one, a majority of the seats are shaded in the first inning. Neighborhood 4 The surrounding area certainly is not lacking in amenities. The stadium is located west of Jordan Valley Park, which features The Creamery Arts Center and the Mediacom Ice Park. The heart of downtown is a 15-minute walk away. Locals tend to head to South Avenue, where there are lots of culinary options. One place in particular to check out is Maria’s Mexican Restaurant, 406 South Ave., where a popular order is the fried tacos. Fans can also head due south down the John Q. Hammons Parkway toward the MSU campus and hit up Ebbets Field at 1027 E. Walnut St., a baseball-themed restaurant that pays tribute to the famed home of the Brooklyn Dodgers. Another spot to check out is the Dugout, located just minutes down the street from the park at 1218 E. Trafficway. Fans 3 Given the city’s passion for baseball, the fans are certainly knowledgeable of the game. It was a bit difficult to judge their enthusiasm because of the sparse crowd on a weekday game that started out with overcast skies. Most were probably just happy that they had the option to wear T-shirts and shorts — and not having to sit through the less than ideal weather that has confronted fans for most of the 2013 season. After all, the team had to cancel a game the previous Friday night due to snow. “The weather has absolutely killed both teams,” local resident and longtime Bears fan Michael Zima said of the park’s tenants. “I’ve gone to multiple games this year in long johns.” Access 5 There are plenty of nearby parking options. There is a large lot directly across the street, but at $5 a pop there were not many takers. Most fans park in spots near the Jordan Valley Park attractions. In addition, there is a large parking garage directly across from the ice park. It seems as if the parking rules are relaxed for Bears games, which equates to a greater opportunity of finding free parking closer to the stadium compared to when the Cardinals are in town. The park’s concourses are wide, as one would expect from such a venue. The restrooms are large, clean and feature cup holders. Return on Investment 4 A Bears game may not have all of the pageantry that comes with a Cardinals game, but it’s a very good family entertainment value at $5 for any seat in the house and lots of options for free parking. The only downside is that the food prices do not change; so budget-conscious fans should grab something before — or after — the game. Extras 2 One point is awarded for the perks of being in a quality minor league park, such as the playground in right field, and the collection of great signs. For instance, above one of the gates, the following can be found: “Thank You. We hope you enjoyed your visit.” It’s a simple touch, but it still helps induce that classic baseball nostalgia. An additional point is given out for the concession stand perks of having the hamburger and cheeseburger cost the same ($5.50) and being able to get a baggy with onions, tomatoes and lettuce for no extra cost. Very tasty.

Photos by Marc Viquez, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.43 Bosse Field 23 Don Mattingly Way Evansville, IN 47711 Evansville Otters website Bosse Field website Year Opened: 1915 Capacity: 5,000 Bosse Field is a Foe to Time “The big concrete amphitheater, with its great arch roof, steel beams, constructed throughout of fireproof materials, will stand as a foe to time. Not only will it host present generations, the generations to come will meet there for amusement purposes, and long after every man in Evansville connected with the building of the big stands is dead and gone, the stadium will stand as a monument to the city.” Those were the words that read in the Evansville Journal about the city’s new and modern Bosse Field on June 13, 1915. The terms “a foe to time” and “a monument to the city” have been prophetic and wisely stated; as of this writing, the facility is the third oldest professional ballpark after Boston’s Fenway Park and Chicago’s Wrigley Field . Bosse Field was built as a result of an accident at the city’s League Stadium, which had been constructed in 1894. Temporary bleachers collapsed during Field Day events on May 22, 1914, and 50 people were injured. Field Day was a large, annual event where students from local schools would put on performances featuring music, dance, patriotic displays, and calisthenics for the Evansville public. Mayor Benjamin Bosse wanted to build a ballpark, yet did not have the city funding. He had to sell the idea of a multi-use facility to the school board to get it completed. A total of 10 acres of Garvin Park was selected at a reported cost of $10,000, and construction began on February 15th, 1915. A little over four months later, on June 17th, the stadium was dedicated at 1 p.m., followed by a baseball game at 3:15 and a wrestling match later that evening. For the next several decades, minor league baseball, high school sports, and even a National Football League team found a home at the stadium. Ball club nicknames included the River Rats, Evas, Pocketeers, Hubs, Bees, Braves, and White Sox. The Evansville Triplets, a Detroit Tigers Triple-A club, were the last affiliated club to call the ballpark home in 1984. The Evansville Otters have called the historic ballpark home since its inception in 1995, and improvements were made the following seasons that included a new press box, a new scoreboard, and a new concrete entrance. The Otters are the oldest franchise in the Frontier League and have captured five division and two league championships. The stadium looks very different and, yet, very similar to its debut over a century ago. The shape of the main grandstand and roof looks similar, the basic design of the main facade from the exterior has changed little, and even the parking lot has remained the same. A 1930 renovation replaced the stucco with brick, and in 1957, improvements were made with all new seating in the grandstand, new dugouts, and repairs were made to the portion of the first base concourse that had been previously roped off the prior season. Bosse Field is an example of baseball from another time, and its aura can be felt the moment you walk through the main entrance. To many, it’s a tourist attraction and a baseball destination for ballpark travelers. However, it remains “a foe to time” and “a monument to the city” and one of the last of its kind in professional baseball. Food & Beverage 3 There are concession stands inside and outside the grandstand that offer an array of menu items that include hamburgers, hot dogs, nachos, brats, and french fries that are served with chili and cheese. A few recommendations include the jalapeño brat or pork tenderloin sandwich, and the bucket of fries is a great deal at $3. The nachos are served with white cheese sauce that is somewhat different than the neon yellow variety served at most ballparks, and you can have it topped with pulled pork at a cost of $7. The beer selection includes a variety of Budweiser products that sell for $5 for a 16-ounce draft or $9 for a 32-ounce draft. This also includes the club's very own Otter Ale, a pale ale that is brewed locally by Carson’s Brewery. There are a few more craft selections that cost between $5 $6.25 and include Yazoo (Nashville), Goose Island IPA, and Schnitz (Jasper, Indiana). Pepsi products are served if you choose not to drink beer. Atmosphere 4 Bosse Field offers the quintessential old-school baseball experience. The arched grandstand and covered roof provide fans a glimpse of baseball of another era. With that being said, there are many aspects of the stadium that are still very basic, from its simple scoreboard, narrow concourse, and lack of a wraparound concourse. The covered grandstand is a nice little touch on hot and humid days for fans to get an ample amount of shading; if they are somewhat closer to the top of the seating area, a nice little breeze provides relief. The team's official mascot can be seen walking around the concourse and poses for photos when applicable. The Otterbelles are a group of young ladies who sometimes dress in baseball dresses from the movie; they perform in-between innings, handle promotions, and come around to fans with garbage bags for trash pickup. Still, the main attraction is the 100-year-old baseball stadium that features a classic entrance, brick exterior and interior, and old advertisements that were left behind from the film A League of Their Own . The large foul territory is a pitcher’s friend, and the two dugouts are positioned a little bit closer to one another near the backstop. There is a kids zone outside the first base side of the grandstand that features inflatables, pitching, and hitting zones. The Bud Light Lime Patio is an addition behind the right field wall for groups of 10 or more. Neighborhood 3 The stadium is located two miles from downtown in a residential and commercial district, and there are three great pizza places to stop by after the game. Deerhead Pizza is set in an 1860s building that features live jazz. Turoni’s Pizzery & Brewing is a local favorite set in a rustic building and offering thin-crust pizza and craft-made beer, and Azzip Pizza offers the Westsider, which features barbecue sauce, pulled pork, red onions, Grippo's potato chip seasonings, and Ski cola reduction. Another regional item is the fried brain sandwich that is on the menu at the Hilltop Inn. The historic restaurant has been in business since 1839, and a fried brain sandwich on a hamburger bun with pickles and onions for $9.50. The mushy sandwich is for the faint-hearted; you will probably either like it or despise it. If you make your way downtown, check out Bru Burger, that is located inside the old Greyhound Bus Terminal; in fact, the restored signage outside the building still exists. Brew Brothers Tap House is located inside the Tropicana Casino and offers select $3 drafts along with a great brisket sandwich with homemade barbecue sauce, and The Rooftop offers food and drink with rooftop seating during the warm months. Evansville is home to a few more breweries that include Carson’s Brewery, Maidens Brewery & Pub, Myriad Brewing Company, and Haynie's Corner Brewing Company. Evansville also features the Dream Car Museum, Mesker Park Zoo, Evansville Children's Museum, Evansville Museum of Arts, History, and Science to keep you busy during your stay in the River City. Also, the Tropicana Evansville Casino is located along the river walk and offers free parking for all patrons. Fans 3 We visited the game during the camp game, but the young fans provided a nice soundtrack to the game that was taking place on the diamond. Average attendance for Otters games is around 2,000 each season, and many in the grandstand are there for baseball or just a night out with friends and family. If you are lucky, you might be able to talk to someone who has a plethora of stories from the ballpark's 10 decades of use. Access 3 The historic ballpark is located just west of Route 41 and just north of downtown Evansville. It is at the southeast corner of Garvin Park. Bathrooms, concessions, and seat locations are clearly marked inside the ballpark. Parking is free of charge for all cars in a parking lot adjacent to the stadium. Return on Investment 4 The cost of a single ticket in advance is $5 for a general admission ticket; the price increases to $6 at noon the day of the game. The GA tickets are the upper sections of seating underneath the grandstand. The field box seats are $10 and include in-seat wait service. VIP tickets are $12 and also include in-seat wait service. There is no charge for parking, and concession items are reasonably priced. Extras 4 Bosse Field earns a point for being the third-oldest ballpark in professional baseball and appears to be in rather sound condition. The second point is for the vintage ads that were incorporated for the motion picture A League of Their Own ; they add a nice touch to the historic venue. The grandstand earns a third point for its multiple vantage points that are ideal for photographs of games. The final point is for the Otterbelles, who are a group of young ladies who sometimes dress in baseball dresses from the movie; they perform in-between innings, handle promotions, and come around to fans with garbage bags for trash pickup. Final Thoughts Bosse Field is an example of baseball from another time, and its aura can be felt the moment you walk through the main entrance. To many, it’s a tourist attraction and a baseball destination for ballpark travelers. However, it remains “a foe to time” and “a monument to the city” and one of the last of its kind in professional baseball.