Photos by Richard Smith, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.71 Ripken Experience/Yankee Stadium 873 Long Drive Aberdeen, MD 21001 Notre Dame Maryland Gators website Ripken Experience website Year Opened: 2003 Capacity: 500 Taking a Rip 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 Loyola University Maryland's “Evergreen” campus (which shares a library). 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 baseball team is very new to collegiate competition. The Ripken Experience is one of three home bases for the team at this time. They also play home games at Harford Community College and Joe Cannon Stadium. The Ripken Experience is a series of youth sports fields located near the home of the Aberdeen Ironbirds. Yankee Stadium is the only full-size field in the complex, as the rest are youth-sized fields. Food & Beverage 0 There are no food options available for a Gators baseball game. Atmosphere 2 There are a couple of small stands around the field, but most fans bring their own chairs to sit and watch the game. There is a PA announcer and a nice scoreboard. The overall setting is very nice, and the woods surrounding the field make for a nice atmosphere. Neighborhood 3 The complex is located across I-95 from the rest of Aberdeen. Right near the stadium are Ripken Stadium, two hotels, and some newer housing buildings in the area. One should wander around the youth baseball complex to see the replica baseball fields designed after Fenway, Wrigley, and Baltimore’s own Memorial Stadium. The centerpiece is Cal Sr.’s Yard. It is a near-scale replica of Oriole Park at Camden Yards and even has a replica warehouse building that houses two hotels (Residence Inn Aberdeen and Courtyard Aberdeen). Outside the exact stadium area are some new development that includes a Royal Farms gas station, All American Steakhouse, a mini golf location, and Tropical Smoothie Cafe. A short drive away, back over I-95, is an abundance of restaurants and hotels. Aberdeen, home to the Army’s massive Aberdeen Proving Grounds, is a center of business activity. Olive Tree is a better version of a well-known Italian chain, while Mamie’s Cafe is an old-school Baltimore-style restaurant that offers free desserts with all meals. The Greene Turtle, Panera Bread, and Super Chicken Rico are some other choices with which you can’t go wrong. Chap's Pit Beef is also located nearby and is. a good spot if you want to properly fill your belly before the game. Fans 2 The fans at the stadium are clearly family and friends only. I would doubt there are ever many student fans in attendance unless they know someone playing. Many players on the Gators roster are currently from the local Harford County area, so there are more fans than you would expect for this level, and being so far from campus. Access 5 I-95 runs right next to the stadium, which means that access from there and State Route 22 (a major road across the ever-growing Harford County) is strong. Long Drive (which was named before the stadium was there, surprisingly) is a four-lane road that is the only way into the area. It never gets too busy. Park by Cal Sr's Yard and follow the path between Citi Field and PNC Park to get to Yankee Stadium. Return on Investment 4 Games are free to attend, and there are no other costs associated with the stadium, so the value for the fans is very good. If a good local team is in town, or one of the powerhouse programs is playing, fans will be rewarded with some good baseball skills with very little investment. Extras 3 The nearby Camden Yards warehouse replica is a great extra and gives a bit more to the atmosphere of the complex. A fan should also stop in and check to see if any youth tournaments are using the other Ripken fields. There will be games played there all summer. Although not located at the stadium, Chap's Pit Beef is an extra all on its own. Final Thoughts The field is an enjoyable place to watch a game, especially since it is free.

Photos by Paul Baker, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.43 CCSU Baseball Field 413 Ella Grasso Blvd New Britain, CT 06050 Central Connecticut State Blue Devils website CCSU Baseball Field website Year Opened: 2010 Capacity: 500 CCSU Baseball Field   Baseball has been played at Central Connecticut State University since 1935. For the majority of its existence, the Blue Devils played at Balf-Savin Field on its New Britain campus. In 2010 construction was completed on a new facility located on the same site. In fact, this new ballpark, which consisted of a new artificial turf field, scoreboard, bullpens, batting cages, dugouts and press box, continued to be referred to as Balf-Savin Field for a few more years. In 2014 the facility was re-christened as CCSU Baseball Field.   Founded in 1849 as the State Normal School, CCSU is Connecticut’s oldest public university. Total undergraduate enrollment at CCSU is just over 8,000 students, over half of whom live off campus. 96 percent of the student body hails from Connecticut.   The Blue Devils compete in the Northeast Conference, where they have won nine conference titles and qualified for nine NCAA Tournaments. They have won one game in their combined CWS appearances. Three CCSU alumni have reached the major leagues, most notably pitcher Ricky Bottalico.   Food & Beverage 0   There are no concessions available at a Blue Devils baseball game. There is a lovely little pavilion in between the baseball and softball fields, but it is utilized to prepare meals for the teams and not as a snack bar for fans. Fans are welcome to bring their own snacks into CCSU Baseball Field.   Atmosphere 2   An afternoon at a Blue Devils baseball game is as old-school as it gets. There is nothing to distract your attention from the action going on down on the field. No music is played at all during the game. No walk-up songs, no between innings tunes. It’s a rarity today, for sure. The PA announcer does his job unobtrusively, adding to the laid-back presentation. Given that Stadium Journey’s last visit took place on a blustery March day featuring wind chills down in the 20s, and the press box here is totally open to the elements, It’s no wonder the game day presentation isn’t all that fancy at CCSU Baseball Field. A small scoreboard in left-centerfield displays only basic game information.   If you enjoy being able to chat with your neighbors in the stands, hear the chatter of the fielders and coaches barking instructions to the players, then CCSU Baseball Field is the place for you. If the schedules line up, you’ll be able to move about the athletic complex and take in several games at once. Open Air Press Box at CCSU Baseball Field. Photo by Paul Baker, Stadium Journey.   Neighborhood 3   Central Connecticut State University is located in a residential neighborhood on the northeastern edge of New Britain, a suburban city of 74,000 people located 12 miles southwest of Hartford. CCSU Baseball Field is located on the eastern edge of campus, alongside the school’s other athletic facilities, including CCSU Softball Field , Arute Field and Detrick Gymnasium . While the area around campus is bustling, there are not many attractions in the immediate vicinity for visiting fans.   Fans wanting a unique experience before or after a CCSU game should check out the East Side Restaurant, a German-themed pub complete with staff in traditional Bavarian gear.   For a twist on a traditional American dish, visit Ted’s Steamed Hamburgers in nearby Meriden. Their method of cooking hamburgers in steam trays is unique to central Connecticut, and Ted’s has been featured on several travel shows, such as Man vs. Food and Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives. It’s a favorite spot for this writer.   Fans looking for a place to stay near campus should check out the Courtyard by Marriott and the Extended Stay America, both in neighboring Farmington. Beyond the local options, Connecticut’s capital city of Hartford contains a plethora of dining, lodging, and entertainment options. Sports fans may want to pair a CCSU game with a Hartford Yard Goats game at Dunkin’ Donuts Park  or a Hartford Wolf Pack game at the XL Center .   Fans 2   While CCSU baseball crowds can best be described as “friends and family,” the Blue Devils draw pretty well for a college team in the northeast. As is the case with any team in this area, attendance can vary greatly depending on the weather, day of week, opponent, and most importantly, the weather (yes, I’m aware I said weather twice).   With the majority of the crowd enjoying a personal connection with the players down on the field, it’s not surprising that the fans here are really invested in the game and knowledgeable about the team. Still, this is a very laid-back, friendly crowd. With CCSU’s location near the geographic center of the Northeast Conference, it’s not unusual to see many visiting fans in attendance on a nice spring afternoon (or a frigid winter afternoon, as we witnessed on our last visit, as about 50 fans made the trek up from as far away as Puerto Rico to see family members on the Maryland-Eastern Shore team play). Game Action After the Blizzard of '26 at CCSU Baseball Field. Photo by Paul Baker, Stadium Journey.   Access 4   The CCSU campus is located on the New Britain/Newington town line, about a 15-minute drive from Hartford. Route 9 passes directly to the east of campus, connecting to Interstates 84 and 91 nearby. Driving is the primary method for arriving at this suburban campus. For fans utilizing public transportation, several CT Transit buses access CCSU , with the 140 bus stopping nearby at Arute Field.   Seating at CCSU Baseball Field consists of metal bleachers without backs in the small grandstand behind home plate. Fans wishing to stand for a bit will find areas where they can spread out and take in the action. Some fans opt to bring their own lawn chairs and set up shop further down the foul lines. There is plenty of room for alternate seating. Netting and fencing obstruct views from all points in the ballpark.   Parking is available in a small lot adjacent to the field. Should this lot fill, and it may on a spring afternoon where there are several events taking place, additional parking is available in the large lot on the far side of Arute Field. Restrooms are located in the Pavilion, located on the right field side of the ballpark. They are clean and plenty large enough for a typical Blue Devils crowd.   Return on Investment 5   There is no charge for admission or for parking at CCSU Baseball Field. With no on-site concessions, you will not spend a single cent at a Blue Devils baseball game. Gabe Pitts Dives Back Into First Base. Photo by Paul Baker, Stadium Journey.   Extras 1                                                                                                 The grandstand here is christened as the “Ricky Bottalico Grandstands” in recognition of a $100,000 contribution the CCSU alumnus donated to the school’s scholarship fund. Banners honoring Blue Devils conference championships hang on the back façade of the grandstand. NCAA Tournament appearances are listed on the outfield wall.   Final Thoughts   College baseball in the northeast isn’t the big deal that it is in other parts of the country. Still, that doesn’t mean that a Stadium Journey to this part of the country wouldn’t be worthwhile. Small parks like CCSU Baseball Field provide intimate settings and great value for local and traveling baseball fans alike.   Be aware that the weather during college baseball season in this part of the country can be fickle. Postponements, cancellations, and rescheduling of games are common. Be sure to make your travel plans in pencil and check in with the team websites frequently to avoid missing out.   Follow Paul Baker’s stadium journeys on Twitter  and Instagram  @PuckmanRI.

Photos by Richard Smith, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.14 A.C. Jordan Arena 14000 Jericho Park Rd Bowie, MD 20715 Capital Seahawks website A.C. Jordan Arena website Year Opened: 1973 Capacity: 2,200 Capital Bowie The Capital Seahawks are a professional basketball team playing in the newly named "94 x 50 League". They play at Bowie State University in Maryland. The A.C. Jordan Arena is a part of the larger Leonidas S. James Physical Education Complex and has a stated capacity of 2,200. Bowie State University is a public Historically Black College and University (HBCU) located in Prince George’s County, Maryland. Bowie State is Maryland’s oldest historically black university and one of the ten oldest in the country, opening in 1865. In 1963, Bowie State College was officially named, and in 1988 became a university. It is now a member of the University System of Maryland. The school has 22 undergraduate majors, 19 master’s programs, and two doctoral programs. Food & Beverage 2 There is a simple food stand, but I was fairly impressed. One would have had no problem grabbing a hot dog, nachos, or another snack at this well-stocked stand. Atmosphere 3 The arena seems like a small version of the Towson Center, the former home of the Towson University athletics program. There are many architectural similarities, with the exterior entrance and other interior features being identical. With both being opened in the 1970s, there must have been some state contracts in play here. One buys tickets in the lobby instead of the external box office in front of the Leonidas S. James Physical Education Complex, where you normally buy tickets for Bowie State games. The venue holds 2,200, and you will enter the arena at court level and proceed to your seats by way of the endlines. On both sides, there are lower and upper sections of seats, with the upper deck having a slightly obstructed view of the sidelines of the basketball court. There is no overhanging scoreboard, but there are video boards on both ends of the arena. There is also a mascot and dance squad at Seahawks games. Neighborhood 3 There is nothing too exciting about the residential Bowie neighborhood near the university. Not too far away is a major highway (US Route 301), and it is near many shopping centers and fast-food restaurants. Baltimore is 30 miles away, DC is 18 miles away, and Annapolis is 15 miles away, so you should not be limited by the uninspiring suburban choices right near the school. Poncho n’ Pepe’s Cantina in Crofton doesn’t have the most exciting food selection, but it is a colorful restaurant with many foods and drink specials for pre- and post-game gatherings. Rip’s Country Inn is a longtime family restaurant that is very close to the stadium. If you need solid quality, good food, this is a great option. Comfort Inn on Crain Highway is a decent hotel option. Fans 4 The team has already developed a large and passionate following, and the venue was fairly full. Access 4 Access is good at Bowie State. Sitting near US Route 301, US Route 50, and State Route 3, one should have no problem getting to the game. Traffic can be a bear at times, as this intersection is right between the triangle of Baltimore, Annapolis, and Washington, DC. Plan a little leeway in timing for early evening games. Parking is close to the complex, although if classes are in session, you may have to walk further away. Return on Investment 4 The ticket prices are not too bad, starting at around $15. . Extras 2 There are a couple of nice display cases in the lobby displaying past successes of various Bowie State athletic programs. Many banners are hanging from the roof of the A.C. Jordan Arena that continue the display of Bowie State's athletic success. There are no permanent markings for the Seahawks. Final Thoughts The Capital Seahawks seem like great fun for the whole family at a great price.

Photos by Dave Cottenie, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.00 Coca-Cola Coliseum 19 Nunavut Road Toronto, ON M6K 3C3 Toronto Sceptres website Coca-Cola Coliseum website Year Opened: 1921 Capacity: 8,140 Crowning Achievements In 2023, the Professional Women’s Hockey League was founded.  While not the first hockey league for women in Canada or the United States, it is unquestionable that it has been the most successful.  At the centre of this success has been the Toronto Sceptres.  Although the team has been chastised for the loose links that the team has intentionally or unintentionally created to the Taylor Swift empire (the Sceptres logo is very similar to the logo on the cheerleader outfit in the “Shake It Off“ video), the popularity of the team is strong.  As a founding member of the league, the Sceptres played their inaugural season at Mattamy Athletic Centre, the former Maple Leaf Gardens.  It became clear very quickly that this facility was not going to be sufficient for Toronto, and a move to the Coca-Cola Coliseum was facilitated.  This increased the capacity at the home arena for the Sceptres by nearly 5,000. Coca-Cola Coliseum first opened in 1921 on the grounds of Exhibition Place.  It was built mainly for livestock and horse shows for the Royal Agricultural Winter Fair.  A massive renovation of the building took place in 2002 with the goal of attracting a pro hockey team to Toronto.  The former Ricoh Coliseum reopened in 2003 with the Toronto Roadrunners of the AHL.  The team lasted only one season in Toronto, but the Maple Leafs eventually moved their affiliate to Toronto, and the Toronto Marlies became the main tenant in 2005.  The expansion Toronto Tempo of the WNBA is expected to also play in Coca-Cola Coliseum beginning with the 2026 season. Food & Beverage 5 Coca-Cola Coliseum is operated by MLSE, so many of the concession options that are found at Scotiabank Arena are also here.  Several recognizable brands are found throughout the Coliseum, including Pizza Pizza, Smoke’s Poutinerie, Tim Horton’s, and St. Patties.  Traditional arena fare is found at the Food Junction stand, some of the most unique items are also found here, including Buffalo Chicken tenders, Korean Fried Chicken sandwiches, Beef Taco Loco Fries, Bacon Mac & Cheese eggroll,s and Jerk Chicken Patty Sandwiches.  Molson Canadian, Coors, Heineken, and Steam Whistle are available beers.  The Crown Royal bar has many spirits available as well as wine.  Atmosphere 4 With the renovation of the early 2000s, the exterior facade of Coca-Cola Coliseum remained.  Light coloured brick with unique arched architecture over the entrances keeps the classic exterior look.  Large windows above the southwest entrance allow natural light into the building.  The other main entrance to the Coliseum is at the south, through the exhibit hall, which maintains the light brick and arches over the entrance but adds concrete columns for an even more stunning look.  A large, bronze Coke bottle sculpture before the entrance reminds fans who the title sponsor of the building is, and agricultural art embedded in the brick wall across from the main entrance links back to its origins. Entry in the Coliseum at the southwest corner brings fans past the ticket windows and past huge wooden doors, which were used to keep livestock in their pens.  Along with the doors are posters and captions giving the history of the building.  A few steps further, and past security brings fans into the main concourse.  It will have already become obvious that this is the home of the Toronto Marlies, as there are markings all over for the Maple Leafs’ AHL affiliate.  Pop-up merchandise stands sell Sceptres merchandise. The seating bowl is one level that is split.  The ice is south-north oriented, and the east side is where one would get a picture of the centre ice logo; however, that logo is for the Marlies.  There are some temporary banners for the Sceptres hung over railings, but there really are no permanent markings on the walls or ice for the PWHL team.  An upper concourse is found behind the seating bowl, at the top, and offers some additional concession stands and washroom access.  Above centre ice hangs a four-sided video board with an LED ring above and four slim rectangular boards below.  Suites are found above the seating bowl on the east and west sides. The gameday production at a Sceptres game is solid but not spectacular.  A DJ booth is found in the upper northwest corner, and there is emphasis on female artists throughout the presentation.  Flag-wavers are found on the lower landing on the north end, and they lead some of the cheers.  A unique feature of Coca-Cola Coliseum is that the players travel through parts of the concourse and descend a small set of stairs to ice level between the benches. Neighbourhood 5 Coca-Cola Coliseum is located on the grounds of Exhibition Place in the Niagara neighbourhood of Toronto.  It is immediately south of Liberty Village, which is the closest neighbourhood for fans to get some pre- or post-game food.  It is easily walkable.  Some options in Liberty Village include Liberty Village Market & Cafe, Local Public Eatery, Brazen Head, Chiang Mai, NODO, and Fox And John’s. Coca-Cola Coliseum is shared with the Toronto Marlies  and is the future home of the Toronto Tempo.  BMO Field is across the parking lot and is home to the Toronto Argonauts  and Toronto FC .  A few minutes east, and fans could take in the Toronto Blue Jays , Maple Leafs ,  or Raptors .  Toronto Metropolitan University and fields Bold hockey  and basketball  teams in the former Maple Leaf Gardens.  The University of Toronto also fields a full complement of Varsity Blues athletic teams, including football , basketball ,  and hockey .  There are also a ton of other tourist options in Toronto.  Medieval Times and RBC Amphitheatre are close.  However, hockey fans must take in the Hockey Hall of Fame. Fans wishing to stay near Exhibition Place can choose Hotel X, Radisson Blu, The Neptune, or a host of other options nearby. Fans 5 The popularity of the Toronto Sceptres has been pretty remarkable.  Any time a team forces its way out of a venue due to the need for a bigger venue, it is a big deal.  At the time of writing, the 2025-26 season, the Toronto Sceptres averaged over 8,200 fans per game.  This is above capacity at Coca-Cola Coliseum and ranks 4th in the league.  Each team above the Sceptres plays in a building with a bigger capacity.  The previous season, the Sceptres averaged over 9,000 fans per game, but this figure also includes event games at Scotiabank Arena.  Sceptres fans are louder than typical Toronto fans and show tremendous support for the team. Access 4 Coca-Cola Coliseum is located on the grounds of Exhibition Place in the Niagara neighbourhood of Toronto.  It is on the south side of Manitoba Drive, and immediately south of the Gardiner Expressway.  Although it has a very close proximity to the expressway and is easier to get to from the west than the rest of Downtown Toronto, it can still be a challenge, as Toronto traffic can be a significant issue.  There is plenty of parking on site, which will require payment at a kiosk or on a parking app.  Fans should be cognizant of what other activities are taking place at Exhibition Place, as this can drastically affect parking.  For fans wishing to take public transit to the Sceptres games, they have a couple of options.  A GO Transit station is at the north end of Exhibition Place.  There are also buses and streetcars that can be found at Exhibition Place.  Fans should consult the GO Transit and TTC websites for fares, schedules, and maps. Getting around the Coca-Cola Coliseum is not too difficult; however, initially, the concourses can get congested during pregame.  Once people start to utilize the upper concourse, it thins out a bit.  The washrooms are adequate for the facility. Stadium Journey strongly suggests fans consult the Toronto Sceptres  and Coca-Cola Coliseum  websites for the most up-to-date security information, including prohibited items and bag policy.  Coca-Cola Coliseum is a cashless facility. Return on Investment 3 The Toronto Sceptres are not a cheap experience by any sense of the imagination.  Sceptres tickets start at $68.  Tickets increase to $128 for seats in the middle sections and $184 for seats along the glass. It is assumed that this is at the high end of ticket prices for other PWHL teams.  Parking on site will be at least $15, and concessions are on the expensive side.  However, the product on the ice is solid, and fans will definitely enjoy their trip to see the Sceptres. Extras 2 An extra mark for the success that the PWHL has enjoyed overall at the turnstile and in the TV ratings. An extra mark for keeping a classic venue viable through renovation as opposed to a full teardown.  Final Thoughts The Toronto Sceptres have found phenomenal success in the PWHL since its inception.  The move to Coca-Cola Coliseum was necessitated by the fans, and it is curious if another move is in the not-too-distant future, with attendance better than ever. Follow all of Dave’s sporting adventures on YouTube , Twitter , Threads ,  and Instagram @profan9.

Photos by Paul Baker, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.71 Ballpark at Harbor Yard 500 Main St Bridgeport, CT 06604 Year Opened: 1998 Capacity: 5,300 Home of the Bluefish The Bridgeport Bluefish are a charter member of the Atlantic League, considered by many to be the premier independent baseball league in the country. The team has won the most games in the history of the league, and has won one championship in their history, in 1999. In addition, the Bluefish have made four other appearances in the championship series. The land that the Ballpark at Harbor Yard sits on was purchased by the city of Bridgeport from Donald Trump for $1 and the forgiveness of unpaid back taxes. Before the arrival of the Bluefish, the last professional team to call Bridgeport home was the Bridgeport Bees, who last played in the affiliated Colonial League in 1950. Editor's Note: The stadium closed after the 2017 baseball season. The venue was converted to an outdoor concert amphitheater known as Hartford HealthCare Amphitheater. Food & Beverage 4 A great deal of effort has been put into improving the concessions here in recent years, and the concessions at Harbor Yard are a pleasant surprise. All the ballpark staples are present here, along with cheesesteaks, sausage sandwiches, and pizza from local favorite Massimo’s. Sam Adams American Grill is located down the right field line, and features burgers, grilled chicken, and foot long hot dogs. For something different, check out Uncle G’s Smoke Shack on the right field side of the ballpark, where hungry Bluefish fans can pick up pulled pork or chicken sandwiches, red hots, chili, as well as fixings such as watermelon and fried Oreos. Harbor Yard has a good selection of beers for a park of its size, with choices ranging from domestic (Bud & Bud Light), to imported (Corona & Heineken), to craft beers (Two Roads). There is also a stand offering mixed drinks and wines. For fans looking for non-alcoholic options, Pepsi products are featured here. Atmosphere 2 The atmosphere at Harbor Yard is the typical minor league one, featuring music playing over the loudspeakers at every opportunity, games for the kids between innings, and contests throughout the game. There is an excellent emcee here who brings energy to the ballpark and keeps the crowd involved. Longtime visitors to Harbor Yard will notice that the former play area in right field is gone, replaced by a beer garden that features railing seats right at field level. If you have kids who need to let out some steam, an inflatable play house is located at the end of the left field concourse. Neighborhood 2 The Ballpark at Harbor Yard and its next door neighbor, the Webster Bank Arena, built in 1998 and 2001, respectively, are located in a small neighborhood wedged in between Interstate 95 and the Long Island Sound waterfront. It was hoped that their presence would spur development in the area adjacent to the sports complex. Several buildings were razed to make room for both the stadia and the planned development. Unfortunately, this development has never occurred, leaving only a couple of large unpaved lots adjacent to the ballpark that are now used for parking. Downtown Bridgeport is located on the opposite side of I-95, easily accessible through several underpasses. This area carries a long-standing reputation as an area to avoid, particularly at night. As is the case in many cities, local leaders have worked hard to reverse this reputation, and several businesses have taken up residence in the downtown area. Unfortunately, the area has not totally reached its potential, and many fans come to Harbor Yard solely for the events at the ballpark or arena and leave immediately afterwards. Fans willing to explore the area can find several fine restaurants and theaters in the area, as well as the Barnum and Bailey Museum. Fans 2 The Bluefish averaged just over 2,900 fans per game in 2015, which ranked them last in the 8-team Atlantic League. Crowds are larger on the weekends, where the team has scheduled fireworks shows and family days, but you should have your pick of seats no matter what day you visit. As with most minor league teams, the Bluefish market themselves to families, and the typical Bridgeport crowd does indeed consist mainly of families and groups. Access 4 Ballparks don’t get much easier to find than The Ballpark at Harbor Yard. Located directly off Interstate 95, all one has to do to get to the field is take exit 27A (whether traveling northbound or southbound), follow the signs for a block, and you are there. Parking is available in two lots across the street from the ballpark, or in the garage adjacent to the hockey arena. Additional free parking can be found on street within a short walk of the ballpark. Despite downtown Bridgeport’s less than sparkling reputation, the area around the ballpark is safe. Getting to Bridgeport is a snap, as Interstate 95 passes directly through downtown. The city is located 60 miles northeast of New York City, an hour’s drive south of Hartford, and 20 minutes from New Haven. Amtrak’s northeast corridor trains pass directly behind Harbor Yard, with the station only a couple of city blocks from the ballpark. Harbor Yard follows the typical minor league ballpark blueprint, as fans climb a flight of stairs to get to an open concourse that overlooks the seating bowl and field, except for a section behind home plate that is blocked by the press box. There is a walkway about halfway up the seating bowl that separates the lower blue seats from the upper green seats. Seating in upper sections further down the foul lines consist of metal bleachers. With the small crowds present at Bluefish games, fans will have no problem getting around the ballpark. There is plenty of room at the typical Bluefish game for fans to spread out, and while the restrooms need a little TLC, they are more than large enough to handle the usual Bridgeport crowd. Return on Investment 3 Tickets for Bluefish games cost $15 for box seats (lower sections) and $11 for reserved seats (upper sections). These prices feel like they are a bit on the high side for this level of baseball, but resourceful fans can save $2 per ticket with a AAA card. Just remember to ask the person at the ticket booth, as this discount is not advertised. Parking in the dirt lots adjacent to Harbor Yard costs $7, but seasoned Bluefish fans will often opt for free parking on the roads near the ballpark. These spots fill quickly, so arrive early to take advantage of this bargain. Food prices are in line with other venues of this size in the area. Overall, a night at The Ballpark will not break the bank. Extras 2 The Ballpark at Harbor Yard has a couple of touches that are worth checking out. In the plaza outside of the ballpark is a statue of baseball Hall of Famer and Bridgeport resident James O’Rourke, who is credited with getting the first hit in National League history. Located behind the press box is a mural of several area residents who made their way to the major leagues. Another extra point is awarded for the unique, industrial background here at Harbor Yard. With the giant power plant looming beyond the right field fence and the frequent commuter trains passing by throughout the game, Harbor Yard boasts a most unique backdrop. Final Thoughts The Ballpark at Harbor Yard was once considered the jewel of the Atlantic League, being named as the Atlantic League’s ballpark of the year in 2009. Unfortunately, it is not aging well. With small, lackluster crowds and a less than ideal location, relocation rumors have begun to spring up around the Bluefish franchise. With a new Atlantic League team beginning in nearby New Britain, perhaps new life can be breathed into this tired ballpark. Follow Paul Baker’s stadium journeys on Twitter and Instagram @PuckmanRI.

For more than 20 years, the Windy City ThunderBolts have been a staple of independent baseball in Chicago’s Southland. But when fans arrive at Ozinga Field for the 2026 season, they’ll notice something immediately different. The team has unveiled a bold new brand identity built around electricity, power lines, and a modern aesthetic that reflects both the ballpark’s surroundings and a new era for the franchise. The redesign represents the first major brand overhaul in more than two decades—and it signals that the ThunderBolts are looking toward the future. A Bold but Simple Identity Many sports teams undergoing rebrands choose aggressive mascots, cartoon-style logos, or intricate designs. The ThunderBolts took a different approach. Instead, the team opted for a sleek, minimalist look that emphasizes sharp lines and bold colors over complex imagery. The result is a design some have described as having an “electric” or even “punk rock” feel—simple but powerful. The inspiration came directly from the ballpark itself. Ozinga Field sits among towering electrical infrastructure, with power lines and transmission towers visible beyond the outfield. When the design team visited the stadium, they immediately recognized the visual potential. Those power lines ultimately became a central element of the team’s new visual identity. At one point during the rebranding process, team officials considered changing the franchise name entirely. However, the designers felt the existing name already fit the new concept perfectly. “ThunderBolts already has that electricity and power theme,” GM Mike LaScherve explained. “Once the designers saw the power lines around the ballpark, it made perfect sense to keep the name.” The Designers Behind the Look The ThunderBolts worked with Cincinnati-based BLDG Brand ,  a company with experience creating identities for both major organizations and sports teams. BLDG’s portfolio includes branding work for Georgia Tech, Procter & Gamble, and the Florence Y’alls of the Frontier League. That last project—transforming the Florence Freedom into the Y’alls—became one of the most recognizable minor league rebrands in recent years. With that track record, ThunderBolts leadership trusted the process. “They’re the experts at this,” LaScherve added. “If they could do even a fraction of what they did in Florence, we knew we would have something special.” Interestingly, the rebrand was actually finalized months before it was revealed publicly. The organization considered introducing it during the 2025 season but ultimately decided to wait. With the season approaching and marketing materials already printed under the old identity, debuting a new brand midseason would have limited its impact. Waiting allowed the ThunderBolts to launch the redesign properly alongside other organizational changes. Breaking Baseball’s Uniform Traditions One of the most noticeable elements of the new brand is the ThunderBolts uniform lineup. For the 2026 season, the team will wear three primary jerseys: Black Bolts Blue Carhartt-inspired brown Perhaps most surprising is what’s missing: a traditional white home uniform. White jerseys have been a baseball staple for generations, making the ThunderBolts decision highly unusual. Instead, the team leaned into a darker, more industrial color palette. Bolts Blue is a bright, light blue similar to Carolina blue or sky blue. The brown alternate—often compared to the rugged tone used by workwear brand Carhartt—adds a unique contrast rarely seen in baseball uniforms. Designers felt the blue-and-brown combination complemented the team’s electric theme while giving the club a distinctive visual identity. Fans who attended games in 2025 might have already seen subtle hints of the new palette. Signage around Ozinga Field quietly featured the brown and blue colors throughout the season, offering a preview of what was coming. Fans Respond to the New Look Sports rebrands often produce mixed reactions, especially online. But early responses to the ThunderBolts new look have been overwhelmingly positive. Social media feedback has largely praised the modern design, and merchandise sales have been strong since the brand’s unveiling. “People are usually quicker to criticize than they are to praise on social media,” LaScherve noted. “If it had been a 50–50 reaction, we would have been happy. But the response has been much better than that.” New merchandise has reportedly been selling quickly, suggesting fans have embraced the bold new look. A Ballpark Transformation The rebrand is just one part of a larger transformation happening in Crestwood. The team now operates under new ownership, which also owns the Florence Y’alls. Along with the new visual identity, the ThunderBolts have launched a redesigned website, opened a new team store, and begun renovations around Ozinga Field. Additional improvements to the stadium are expected to be announced before the 2026 season. The goal is to enhance the entire fan experience—from the ballpark atmosphere to the team’s visual presence. “This is all part of one big project,” LaScherve said. “New ownership, new branding, improvements to the ballpark—it’s all about creating a better experience for fans.” Hidden Details Around the Stadium The new brand also includes a wide collection of secondary and auxiliary logos. These smaller marks feature lightning-themed graphics, stylized power towers, and other electric-inspired imagery that reinforce the team’s identity. Some even resemble hand gestures forming lightning bolts. Fans attending games at Ozinga Field will likely notice these logos scattered throughout the stadium on signage, merchandise, and digital displays. The variety of marks creates a sort of visual “Easter egg hunt” for fans exploring the ballpark. “There are a ton of auxiliary logos,” LaScherve   said. “More than we can even keep track of.” A New Era for ThunderBolts Baseball The ThunderBolts previous brand had been in place for more than two decades. While it served the team well, the organization believed the time had come for something new. With fresh ownership, renovations at Ozinga Field, and a bold new identity built around power and electricity, the franchise is hoping the 2026 season marks the beginning of an exciting new chapter. For fans in the South Chicago suburbs, ThunderBolts baseball is about to look and feel completely different. ------ 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: 3.71 Langley Events Centre 7888 200th Street Langley, BC V2Y 3J4 Vancouver Giants website Langley Events Centre website Year Opened: 2009 Capacity: 5,276 They Might Be Giants In 2001, Vancouver, British Columbia, was granted an expansion team.  The Vancouver Giants called the Pacific Coliseum home and enjoyed decent success there.  The Giants took home the Ed Chynoweth Cup as Western Hockey League Champions in 2006 and eclipsed that feat with a Memorial Cup the following season.  The Giants have produced several NHL players, including Cody Franson, Evander Kane, Brendan Gallagher, and Milan Lucic. In 2016, the Giants moved away from the oversized Pacific Coliseum, the former home of the Vancouver Canucks, to the Langley Events Centre.  Built in 2009 and more appropriately sized for junior hockey, Langley Events Centre is a ways from central Vancouver, but serves the suburban cities.  It is also the former home of the Vancouver Stealth of the National Lacrosse League, who later moved west to Rogers Arena and were rebranded the Vancouver Warriors.  The Giants are currently owned by a consortium under the leadership of Ron Toigo, but have consistently boasted of celebrity ownership.  The Giants currently boast one half of the Property Brothers, Drew Scott, and singer Michael Bublé as part of their ownership group, but proudly also boast of hockey legends Pat Quinn and Gordie Howe as former owners. Food & Beverage 5 The food selection at Langley Events Centre is excellent.  Papa John’s Pizza, Nathan’s Famous Hot Dogs, and Triple O’s (a top-notch British Columbia burger chain) are all present in Langley Events Centre.  Other food items include Grilled Cheese, nachos, Mike’s Ice Cream, Righteous Gelato, Nashville Chicken, and Macaroni and Cheese.  A pre-game buffet is also available and should be reserved beforehand.  The beer selection at Langley Events Centre is top-notch.  Molson Canadian and Coors are available at most stands.  However, there is an excellent, local craft beer selection available at The Barley Merchant.  Brands include Dead Frog, Trading Pool, Brookswood, Langley Loop, Camp Beer, Smuggler’s Trail, Five Roads, and Farm Country.  Fans who enjoy wine at the game are in luck as The Wine Bar has a strong selection of BC wines available.  Atmosphere 5 Langley Events Centre is one of the most attractive junior hockey venues in the country.  The LEC is located in Willoughby Community Park and has a host of sports facilities indoors, to go along with the plethora of outdoor sports fields in the area.  The LEC building is attractive with huge wooden beams that support a canopy over the entries that are found at the northwest and southwest corners of the building.  The western side, with the venue name above it, features wooden beams that form an outer structure, along with light siding and windows.  A green space with pine trees to the west adds to the forest/cabin motif, which seems to run through the arena. Upon entry at the northwest or southwest corners, fans must traverse a large staircase to bring them to the concourse level.  Above the staircases, fans will find attractive, local wooden art.  The arena features a main seating bowl consisting of 14 rows of blue, plastic arena seats.  Behind the seating bowl is an open concourse for travel around the arena.  Suites are found above the seating bowl in a horseshoe fashion.  The ice is west-east oriented, with the south side being the spot to be for the perfect centre ice logo picture.  Huge wooden beams support the rounded ceiling and continue the forest motif, providing a very attractive interior.  At the east end, at the top, hang banners honouring Pat Quinn and Gordie Howe as former owners of the Giants.  A mural with the two squaring off back in their playing days adorns the concourse below the banners.  Also hanging at the east end, below the Quinn and Howe banners, are banners for the Giants Ring of Honour.  Members include Scott Bonner, Mark Fistric, Gilbert Brule, Cody Franson, Andrej Meszaros, Brett Festerling, Milan Lucic, Evander Kane, Lance Bouma, Craig Cunningham, and Brendan Gallagher.  Above centre ice hangs a small, four-sided videoboard, which is used for ads and video.  Simple scoreboards on each of the four sides provide scores, time, and penalties.  On the south side of the videoboard, the Giants’ championship banners hang, including the 2006 WHL Championship and 2007 Memorial Cup.  At the west end is a Banquet Hall, which is used for the pre-game buffet and other functions. Gameday production at a Giants game is fairly unique.  The Giants have a dance team, the Jackettes, who perform on the ice between periods and cheer from the stairways in the stands.  The PA system is solid and makes easy-to-understand announcements.  The Giants have two mascots, Jack the Giant and Bucky Beaver, who partake in the pre-game introductions and festivities, and partake in promotions. Neighbourhood 3 Langley Events Centre is located in the sub-neighbourhood of Jericho, part of the Willoughby neighbourhood.  There are a number of spots for pre- or post-game food or drink that are not too far away.  Options include many national restaurant chains as well as Rio Brazilian, The Barley Merchant, The Bistro, Goldie’s Donuts, Brodeur’s Bistro, and S&L Kitchen.  The Trinity Western Spartans share the Langley Events Centre and also play hockey there, as well as basketball in the adjoining gym.  The Vancouver Bandits of the CEBL also call the LEC home.  Teams in Vancouver, including the Warriors, Canucks , Whitecaps ,, and BC Lions ,  are also not too far.  Other tourist options in the area include the Canadian Museum of Flight, Fort Langley, and a few other parks.  Also, the tourist options of Greater Vancouver are not far away, and the skiing in Whistler is worth a drive for those who enjoy the sport.  For fans wishing to stay near the arena, the Holiday Inn and Sandman are good options. Fans 3 At the time of writing, the 2025-26 season, the Vancouver Giants averaged over 3,600 fans per game.  This ranked them 15th in the 23-team WHL.  The previous season, they averaged about 100 more fans and had the same ranking.  There is definitely room to improve here; however, the sports landscape in Vancouver is competitive, and there are plenty of other sporting options.  Fans in attendance are supportive and knowledgeable.   Access 4 Langley Events Centre is located in the Willoughby community in Langley Township.  It is on the east side of 200th Street at 80th Avenue.  It is 2 km south of the Trans-Canada Highway, Highway 1.  It is relatively easy to get to.  There is parking on site, which is free.  For fans wishing to take public transit to the game, there are buses available on 200th and 202nd.  Fans should consult the TransLink website for fares, maps, and schedules.  Getting around LEC is not difficult after the initial stair climb to get to the concourse level.  Concourses are wide enough, and the washroom facilities are good.  Langley Events Centre is a cashless facility. Although security protocols are minimal at Langley Events Centre, Stadium Journey highly recommends consulting the LEC and Vancouver Giants  websites before heading out for the most up-to-date security information and prohibited items. Return on Investment 4 Tickets for the Vancouver Giants begin at $28.50 and go up to over $50.  This would be considered on the high side for the Canadian Hockey League.  Parking at the LEC is free, and concession prices are reasonable.  The product on the ice is solid, and the Giants put together a solid gameday production.  However, the visuals at Langley Events Centre push the experience up just a bit to offer a strong return on the investment. Extras 2 An extra mark for Langley Events Centre, doubling as a community hub with plenty of other sporting facilities and fields. An extra mark for the forest motif that runs through LEC. Final Thoughts The Vancouver Giants do not play in Downtown Vancouver and are a bit of a hike for those who dwell in the city.  However, the Giants do have one of the most attractive venues in the Canadian Hockey League and provide a solid gameday atmosphere, which should not be missed. Follow all of Dave’s sporting adventures on YouTube , Twitter , Threads ,, and Instagram @profan9.

Photo by Marc Viquez, Stadium Journey The Chicago White Sox could potentially make a move closer to downtown and reshape the future of the club while transforming one of the city’s most underdeveloped areas into a vibrant sports and entertainment destination.  Shore Capital Partners has confirmed it has a contract to purchase the Amtrak-owned land. The private equity firm is led by Justin Ishbia, who is in line to become the next majority owner of the White Sox. The 47-acre rail yard is located along the Chicago River, directly across from The 78, a 62-acre mega-development l ocated in the South Loop of Chicago. Sox leadership had previously explored the idea of building a stadium at this site, even releasing renderings of a potential ballpark and surrounding district two years ago. Plans tied to the rail yard acquisition suggest possibilities that include residential buildings, restaurants, entertainment venues, and even a medical facility potentially operated by Northwestern Medicine. White Sox Chief Revenue and Marketing Officer Brooks Boyer emphasized that while the organization’s focus remains on The 78 site, any surrounding development could significantly enhance the fan experience. Adding to the momentum, the Chicago Fire are already constructing a new $750 million, privately funded soccer-specific stadium at The 78. That project, which recently broke ground, is expected to seat 22,000 fans and could catalyze further development in the area. One of the most significant factors in the project’s viability is funding. Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker has made it clear that he does not support the use of public tax dollars for new stadium construction. However, Justin Ishbia’s background in private equity could provide a solution. His involvement raises the possibility that a new White Sox ballpark could be privately financed, similar to the Chicago Fire’s stadium project. Ishbia is not expected to take full control of the White Sox until 2029 as part of a long-term ownership transition agreement with current owner Jerry Reinsdorf. Even so, Ishbia has publicly stated that he expects the White Sox to have a new stadium at some point during his lifetime. The 78 neighborhood is ultimately going to be redeveloped, but could be a bittersweet move for Sox fans who have been attending games at 35th Street since 1901. Rate Field has been the home for the team since 1991, but it is a venue that is past its prime in many areas.  The possibility of a new, downtown-adjacent ballpark represents both excitement and uncertainty.  The combination of land that combines riverfront views, access to mass transit, green space, and mixed-use retail and residential land that is close to downtown Chicago could create baseball’s next big gameday destination for visitors. Once a wistful idea, a new Sox ballpark at The 78 could become a reality by the end of the decade. If the White Sox ultimately make the move, the South Loop could emerge as one of the most dynamic sports districts in the United States. ------ Follow all of Marc’s stadium journeys on Twitter   @ballparkhunter   and his YouTube channel .   Email at Marc.Viquez@stadiumjourney.com

Image by Steven Kee, Stadium Journey During the 2026 FIFA World Cup games at MetLife Stadium  in East Rutherford, New Jersey, spectators can expect a significant shift in the usual game-day experience, particularly concerning parking and tailgating. Due to security measures and logistical arrangements tied to the World Cup, there will be no available parking on-site, which means fans will need to utilize public transportation or designated off-site parking areas.  Additionally, tailgating will be prohibited to maintain a safe and organized environment during these high-profile matches. This means fans will need to adapt to different pre-game rituals, focusing instead on the excitement of the event itself rather than the traditional social gatherings that typically accompany sporting events. Overview of Parking Restrictions Due to the anticipated influx of spectators, there will be no traditional parking at MetLife Stadium. Instead, parking availability will be directed towards the nearby American Dream mall , where fans can reserve spaces for a hefty fee. Reports indicate that parking at the American Dream for the World Cup can cost up to $225 per game. Dynamic Pricing Model FIFA will implement a dynamic pricing model based on demand, meaning parking prices could increase as the event dates approach. Opening match day parking could also fetch high prices in a similar range to those at the American Dream. American Dream Parking Details The American Dream Mall will serve as the primary parking facility for attendees of the World Cup. Here are the specifics regarding this option: Location:   Adjacent to MetLife Stadium, providing quick access. Cost: Starting at $225, with potential for increase. Facilities: Food courts, shops, and waiting areas for attendees. Booking: Reserved parking is recommended due to high demand. Transportation and Transit Options With the limitation on parking, mass transit will be highly encouraged for both match days and weekday commuters: NJ Transit   Rail Service: Trains will operate from Secaucus Junction, connecting directly to MetLife Stadium. Additional services will run on match days, facilitating easy access for fans. Buses may also be available, providing service from Secaucus if rail congestion occurs. Meadowlands Rail Line : Special trains will be arranged for match days, providing transport right to the stadium’s entrance. Only ticket holders will be allowed on this service, ensuring crowd management. Impact on Weekday Commuters The influx of fans and event-related activities will drastically affect the transit system on weekdays as well. Regular NJ Transit commuters should anticipate: Heavier traffic on key lines, especially around major transit hubs like Secaucus Junction and Newark Penn Station. Temporary schedule adjustments for rail and bus services to accommodate increased demand. Additional personnel and signage at stations to help manage the inflow of visitors. For commuters, the adjustment will mean a need for more patience and preparation during the tournament period. Plan Ahead As MetLife Stadium prepares for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, the focus on public transportation and the shift away from traditional parking present both challenges and opportunities for fans and commuters. Attendees are advised to plan, reserve parking at the American Dream mall, and explore nearby transit options to ensure a smooth experience during one of the world’s most celebrated sporting events.

Image courtesy of Aloha Hālawa District Partners The development of the new Aloha Stadium  in Honolulu promises to redefine the sports and entertainment landscape in Hawai’i . With a projected cost of $4 billion, this ambitious project aims to not only house athletic events but also become a vibrant community hub. Why a New Aloha Stadium? The Aloha Stadium , located in Halawa, Hawai’i , was opened in 1975 and was initially built to accommodate the growing demand for sports and entertainment venues in the region. It served as the home field for the University of Hawai’i football team and hosted numerous events, including concerts and international games. However, due to structural issues and the need for modernization, the stadium closed in 2019. The demolition of Aloha Stadium officially began on December 18, 2025; however, in March 2026, it was full-steam-ahead. Initial work started with utility cuts and the removal of hazardous materials before the structural dismantling commenced. It is estimated that the entire demolition process will take approximately 10 months. Plans for a new Aloha Stadium have been underway to develop a more modern facility that meets current safety and technological standards while preserving the iconic spirit of its predecessor. The design aims to create a multi-purpose venue that will serve the community for years to come. Image courtesy of Aloha Hālawa District Partners Project Overview The new Aloha Stadium is part of the New Aloha Stadium Entertainment District (NASED). It is a public-private partnership expected to unfold over the next two decades. The current timeline indicates that the new stadium will open in August 2029, with the construction process having already commenced through the demolition of the existing structure. Seating Capacity: The stadium will initially accommodate 31,000 seats, with plans to expand to nearly 40,000, making it suitable for larger events. Modern Amenities: Plans for the stadium include club-level seating, luxury boxes, and a variety of new fan experiences that enhance the event atmosphere. Surrounding District: The project encompasses 4,100 housing units, three hotel towers, and retail spaces, aiming to create a bustling environment around the stadium. Financial Breakdown The funding model for NASED includes: $350 million from the State of Hawai’i Capital Improvement Project funds and $49.5 million in operating funds, appropriated in 2022. The State and Aloha Hālawa District Partners are working together to address additional development costs above the allocated $350 million. This funding will support amenities and infrastructure improvements in the surrounding area. State officials are committed to community benefits and strong project management to stay within budgets. Current Aloha Stadium Courtesy of AlohaStadium.Hawaii.gov Lawmakers Response to Renderings Unveiled The lawmakers eagerly gathered to witness the renderings of the new Aloha Stadium , a project poised to revitalize not just the venue itself but also the surrounding community. As they examined the designs, Senate President Ron Kouchi remarked, "This stadium will not only enhance our sporting events but also serve as a cultural hub for our residents." Former Representative Saiki added, "We must ensure this facility reflects the community's needs, promoting accessibility and sustainability."  Their discussions centered on the stadium’s potential to host various events, from sports to concerts, while bolstering local tourism and economic growth. Engaging actively in this initiative, the lawmakers emphasized their commitment to making the new Aloha Stadium a centerpiece that enhances the cultural and recreational landscape of Hawai’i. Editor's Note: This article was updated on March 18, 2026, to include the latest statistics provided by Bennet Group Strategic Communications.

The Crestwood Baseball League continues to grow as it prepares for its 2026 season. Founded by Rocco Mossuto just a few years ago, the league has expanded from six teams to 13 (11 full-time, two part-time), in the southern suburbs of Chicago, carving out a unique niche in the crowded summer collegiate landscape. “We’re part of a changing landscape in college summer baseball, and we’re defining our own niche,” Mossuto says. Unlike traditional, ticket-driven models such as the Northwoods League and Prospect League, Crestwood prioritizes player development and quality of life. Games run Monday through Thursday at 5 or 7 p.m., leaving weekends free for work, family, and summer fun. “We want players to relish their summer experiences,” Mossuto explains. “Winning isn’t my priority; what matters is that every player has the chance to hit the field.” Community accessibility is central to the league’s identity. Except for the new Whiting expansion club at Oil City Stadium , games are free to attend, reinforcing the league’s welcoming atmosphere. The league will also stage an all-star game and playoff series at the home of the Windy City Thunderbolts, Ozinga Field , free of charge. “What sets us apart is the varied competition,” Mossuto says. “By avoiding repeated matchups, we maintain excitement throughout the summer.” Teams rotate among 12 area fields—including Trinity Christian College, Chicago Christian, and De La Salle—creating variety for players and fans alike. The league’s flexible structure also accommodates part-time teams, helping avoid the repetitive rematches that often challenge regional circuits. Two of those clubs are the Chicago Clout and the Palos Coyotes. Player accessibility remains a hallmark. Without host housing, the league draws talent from across the Chicago area and Northwest Indiana, generally within a 30- to 40-minute drive. Players cover only uniform costs, and Mossuto reinvests league revenue back into operations. “I handle all logistics,” Rocco states. “From scheduling games to arranging umpires and coordinating field rentals, it’s a lot of work. The league operates on a unique financial model: I charge player fees and team fees based on game costs. I don’t take a salary; any funds generated are reinvested into the league." Rocco anticipates some losses as he invested his own money to launch the loop. However, there's optimism with sponsors like PYT Sports and Beggars’ Pizza that are designed to keep player costs low. “I’m grateful for the support of great people in baseball. Given reasonable field rental fees, I keep player fees manageable,” Rocco explains. “Many coaches and players express their appreciation of how affordable things are.” Rocco would like to create a two-division league with teams in Indiana and Illinois to create a mix of intra-division and crossover games. “I truly believe in this model for today’s college players,” he says. “We want guys who appreciate their summer free time and still love to compete.” At its core, the Crestwood Baseball League offers a balanced alternative in summer baseball—competitive play, local talent, and a schedule that lets players enjoy their summer as much as the game itself. ------ Follow all of Marc’s stadium journeys on Twitter   @ballparkhunter   and his YouTube channel .   Email at Marc.Viquez@stadiumjourney.com

Clemson Tiger's Cheer Squad, Photo by David Welch, Stadium Journey ==> Review Years 1990 - 2008 <== The day in 2007 the student body's passionate roars  put Memorial Stadium in the Guinness Book of World Records showed the incredible devotion and hunger Tigers fans still had, despite their recent lack of major success. These fervent Clemson fans deserved a program that could match their passion with wins. Then the Clemson Tigers hired Dabo Swinney. Dabo Swinney’s Bringing Clemson and Memorial Stadium into the Modern Day! Swinney’s tenure didn’t start with an instant return to the top of the ACC. But he gave the program something it had been severely lacking for decades: consistency. He strung together multiple bowl game appearances in a row and even ended the 2009 season ranked in the top 25. But of course, the Clemson brass wanted far more, so they began an ambitious plan to return to the top rank of college football, continuing renovations to its infamous Memorial Stadium. They ended 2009 ranked, in part, because they started the second phase of the WestZone project that year.   The project transferred many of the resources from the McFadden Building (an athletics administration building), like all the football offices and team meeting rooms .  It added dedicated football training and strength conditioning facilities, and increased the spectator capacity to 86,000, making that Death Valley crowd that much more intimidating to any conference foe or all-time rival who had to step foot in Memorial Stadium. 2010 would also give the now long-standing stadium a new momentum that honored the legacy of the stadium and those Clemson heroes after whom the stadium was named. Built in 1942, in the middle of WW2, Memorial Stadium was named in honor of "all Clemson men who have made the supreme sacrifice for their country." And in 2010, the program would honor those fallen heroes with the Scroll of Honor . A memorial to 498 known men and women who sacrificed their lives for their country, showing incredible bravery and honor in the face of ultimate adversity. It was dedicated by The Clemson Corps,  on April 22, 2010. A fly past of two T-34B Mentors concluded the ceremonies.  "We found documentation in the archives at The Strom Thurmond Institute, yet there was no manifestation of that purpose anywhere around the stadium," Rhodes, co-chairman of the committee that has overseen the memorial, said. "So it was natural for us to pick that location. What greater way than to honor the supreme sacrifice and have that memorial across the street.” "That's prime property, as you can well imagine. But we got the full support of the athletic department, full support of the alumni association, the campus planning office, and the administrative council because they saw that tremendous link between the location and the purpose for naming the stadium." Clemson University's Scroll of Honor Memorial, Photo Courtesy of Brig Spearman With Clemson now closer to tradition and bonded together, bolstered by those who went through tragedy to keep the stadium and the school still standing, the university went all in on blistering the program to higher heights than it’s ever been, spending every penny they had to do so. On January 14, 2011, Clemson University announced its plans for a $50 million athletic building plan, which would include the completion of the WestZone project and a brand-new indoor practice facility. It was designed to stand out as one of the nation's best. State-of-the-art resources like a regulation-size artificial turf football field, a coach's tower, and video platforms, costs $15 million bucks to make Clemson a national power again. “The indoor practice facility will be a highly significant addition for Clemson, not only for football but also for other sports to use,” Phillips said. They also added the oculus which serves as the entrance to the WestZone and features a four-level museum. Following the completion of the northwest concourse WestZone expansion, Clemson made their first major bowl game in decades, the 2012 Orange Bowl to face West Virginia. And while the 70-33 loss is not a happy memory for any Clemson fan, it was the start of greater things to come, for both the program and the stadium. In their return to the Orange Bowl, Clemson would be redeemed by beating Ohio State 40-35. And two seasons later, Dabo Swinney would win his second ACC title as Clemson’s head coach, and that same 2015 season almost returned Clemson to the top rank of college football. They made the national championship game for the first time in the modern era! It would end in another heartbreaker as they lost 45-40, but they’d redeem themselves again two years later. The Clemson Tigers took on the evil empire of Alabama once again in the National Championship game in another nail-biter of a game. But this time it would be Clemson winning by four points, 35-31, clinching their first National Championship since 1981. Surprisingly, during this time, not a lot of work was done on Memorial Stadium, allowing Death Valley stand proudly on its own as it took part in many of the most-watched college football games of the year. But in Clemson’s usual spirit of innovation, that wasn’t going to last long. In 2016, Clemson approved a brand-new football complex right by the practice facility and Memorial Stadium, and construction began in 2017. The $55 million project included a 140,000-square-foot building containing meeting rooms, new areas for students to hang out, and for players to visit after practices and games. With an indoor replica of the Hill and Howard’s Rock, the facility includes a career development and leadership center, a players’ lounge, locker rooms, training/rehab facility, weight room, nutrition center and dining facility, meeting rooms, coaches’ offices, and a recruiting war room.   “We are very excited and appreciative about this new day-to-day home of our program,” said Coach Dabo Swinney. “This complex will be one of the best in the nation and will allow us to continue our pursuit to be among the best programs in the country. We look forward to it being the home of Clemson football for a very long time.” Coach Swinney describes the new complex as the “epitome of Clemson: fun, special, and the best in the country.” “This project will be a huge step forward not only for our football program but for each of our sports,” Director of Athletics Dan Radakovich said. “We’ve begun studies on how best to utilize the WestZone to most effectively impact each of our student-athletes, and we sincerely appreciate the support of IPTAY and all of our donors who will make this new complex a reality.” There was still more to come for both Death Valley and the Clemson Tigers football team. In 2017, Clemson won its third straight ACC championship on its way to clinching a playoff spot and a trip to the Sugar Bowl. There, they lost to rivals Alabama 6-24, but as they have a tendency to do, the next year they came back with vigor. Winning a fourth straight ACC title en route to making the playoffs. They defeated Notre Dame in the Cotton Bowl to earn another trip to the National Championship game to face their worst enemies, Alabama, yet again. Responding to their 2018 blowout with a more emphatic blowout of their own, they defeated the Crimson Tide 44-16. With a third National title came more renovations to Memorial Stadium, approved by the board of trustees. The $60 - $70 million project was aimed to be completed by 2021. It encompassed an upgraded state-of-the-art 50+ ft expanded video board, new lighting and sound systems, a West Concourse Club addition, and a Field Level Club. A new campus-facing entry, with additional seating in the east part of this brand-new entrance. The parking was reconfigured, and the locker rooms were expanded. Accessible seating was doubled in the lower deck, while 130 new seats were added. This marked the first major upgrade to the stadium since the launch of the WestZone project in 2006, and the Tigers delivered in a big way. They rewarded the fan base and community with their fifth straight ACC championship and Dabo Swinney’s sixth overall. They followed it up with a Fiesta Bowl victory before falling in another National Championship matchup, this time to the legendary 2019 LSU team led by Joe Burrow in the clash of the Tigers. This is where the National Championships begin to dry up for now, but despite that, Clemson is still dominating the ACC, and the Memorial Stadium is still being approved upon with the completion of the 126-foot Dabotron .  Named after the most successful coach in Clemson’s history, this jumbotron has high-quality LED field lighting, which displays high-quality special effects. Other upgrades include 688 premium seats for a new master club on the west concourse level and a new field-level club on the west side. They updated the Tiger Walk  (a pregame tradition where fans line up to cheer on the football team as they arrive at Memorial Stadium) with brand-new landscaping and lighting for use all year. Memorial Stadium Tiger Walk, Photo by David Welch, Stadium Journey Memorial Stadium has become much more adaptable over the years. In 2025, Memorial Stadium played host to the Savannah Bananas baseball team. That required 50-foot-high netting and field changes, which operations crews set up and rolled back with little trouble.  Memorial Stadium has hosted several major concerts over the years, including the Rolling Stones’ 1989 stop on the Steel Wheels/Urban Jungle Tour, with Living Colour serving as the opening act. It hosted Pink Floyd in 1994 for The Division Bell Tour and Elton John with Billy Joel in 1995 for the Face to Face 1995 tour.  The Eagles played there in 1996, and in 1997, the stadium welcomed U2, with Rage Against the Machine, for the PopMart Tour. Chiddy Bang even had a Clemson University homecoming event shut down by the police. Since their last trip to the National Championship, Clemson football has added three more ACC titles - 2020, 2022, and 2024 - with Dabo Swinney still in charge. The Tigers is far from the heights it reached less than a decade ago, the program remains strong. Memorial Stadium Honors its National Championships, Photo by David Welch, Stadium Journey Clemson’s investment in football, and the sport’s importance to the identity of the university, all but guarantees that any downturn is temporary. Nowhere is that commitment more visible than at Memorial Stadium.   Millions of dollars have gone into keeping Death Valley one of the most intimidating environments in college football. With a 76 percent all‑time win rate and one of the largest stadiums in the country, Memorial Stadium is built for great moments - and many more are still to come.

Photos by Paul Baker, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.00 Bernard and Jolane Solomon Court at Godfrey K. Cabot Physical Education Cente r 400 Huntington Ave. Boston, MA 02115 Northeastern Men's Basketball website Cabot Center website Year Opened: 1954 Capacity: 1,500 The Temporary Doghouse   When Northeastern found out that Matthews Arena , their longtime hockey and men’s basketball home, was falling over and had to be torn down, they had to find a new place for the teams to play – and fast!   While the hockey teams were forced to turn into nomads, playing all over the Greater Boston area and beyond wherever they can find ice (seriously, they’ve already played a home game in Maine); for the men’s basketball team, the choice was much easier. Northeastern basketball teams have been playing games at the Cabot Center since the opening of the facility in 1954. It is currently the home of the women’s basketball and volleyball teams, so moving the men’s hoop team there was a no-brainer.   The corner of Huntington Ave. and Forsythe St. itself holds a special place in Boston sports lore, as the Cabot Center stands on the former site of the Huntington Avenue Grounds, where the first World Series was played between Boston and Pittsburgh.   The facility was built in 1954 and named in honor of patron Godfrey Lowell Cabot in 1957. Cabot was an industrialist who founded the Cabot Corporation. He was also a benefactor for several of Boston’s colleges and universities. The basketball court at the center is named in honor of Northeastern’s number one fan, Bernard “Bunny” Solomon, who led fundraising for a $2 million restoration of the facility in 2000.   The Huskies have been members of the Coastal Athletic Association since 2005. Northeastern has qualified for nine NCAA tournaments, most recently in 2019. While members of Division Two, the Huskies reached the Sweet Sixteen in consecutive years from 1962-1964. Five Northeastern alumni have played in the NBA, most notably J.J. Barea and Reggie Lewis. The women’s basketball team has qualified for one NCAA tournament, in 1999. One Husky alum, Katasha Artis, played in the WNBA. Cabot Center Entrance. Photo by Paul Baker, Stadium Journey.   Food & Beverage 1   There is a small snack table by the entrance to Solomon Court. Bottles of Coca-Cola products and assorted candy bars can be purchased here. It’s not much, but it will hold you over if you need a snack during the game.   Atmosphere 3   The Northeastern staff put on a good show at the Cabot Center. The video board at the far end of the court is put to use throughout the game with graphics, stats, replays, hype videos, fan cams and more. The gym has an excellent sound system, and music plays during play stoppages. The PA announcer, who does not possess the typical deep baritone of so many of his peers, still does an excellent job keeping fans informed of game information and delivering sponsor messages. The cheerleading and dance teams perform throughout the game, delivering excellent routines and adding energy to the proceedings. It’s easy to see how the Cabot Center could provide a great home court advantage if the Huskies could fill the place. Cheerleaders Perform at Cabot Center. Photo by Paul Baker, Stadium Journey.   Neighborhood 4   Cabot Center is located just ¼ mile from the site of Matthews Arena, the longtime home of Northeastern hockey and basketball. Northeastern University is located on the edge of Boston’s Back Bay neighborhood, one of the city’s most popular tourist and shopping destinations. The Fens neighborhood and South End are also within walking distance of the university. Surprisingly, there aren’t too many dining options directly adjacent to campus on Huntington or Massachusetts Avenues. However, if you expand your search just a little, many of Boston’s major attractions, as well as hundreds of dining and lodging options are located nearby.   While there are many dining and lodging options near Northeastern, most of them will involve a short walk or drive from campus, which may not be what you want to do on a chilly winter night in Boston. Fans visiting from out of town will certainly want to check out the Prudential Center and Copley Place, located just a few blocks from Northeastern. Symphony Hall and the Boston Museum of Fine Arts are both only a couple of blocks from the Cabot Center. In addition, most of Boston’s attractions are easily accessed by a short subway ride. Both the Green and Orange lines have stops adjacent to the Northeastern campus, as does the Commuter Rail and several bus routes.    Fans 1   Since moving to the Cabot Center, Northeastern has announced crowds ranging in size from 800-1,000 for men’s basketball games. This compares pretty favorably to attendance in previous seasons at Matthews Arena, where the team generally averaged in the neighborhood of 1,000 fans per game. The difference is, in the larger Matthews Arena, 1,000 fans looked very sparse, whereas in the Cabot Center, a similarly sized crowd would fill the place nicely.   Stadium Journey visited Northeastern basketball for the team’s final game of the 2025-26 season, which occurred on a Tuesday night during a pretty nasty winter storm. The conditions greatly hindered attendance, which this writer would estimate at about 200 fans. Due to the weather, it’s not likely this crowd is representative.   There was a meager turnout from the student body. The entirety of the crowd appeared to be family members and a smattering of diehard Husky fans. The fans here were quiet and reserved. Not that you’d expect a lot of noise from 200 people. Basketball has never been the marquee winter sport at Northeastern, so the smaller crowds are pretty standard here, unfortunately.   Game Action at Cabot Center. Photo by Paul Baker, Stadium Journey. Access 4   Cabot Center is centrally located within Northeastern’s urban campus at the intersection of Massachusetts and Huntington Avenues. Despite the fact that the Cabot Center is easy to find, that doesn’t make it easy to get to. The ever-present Boston traffic, never-ending construction projects and streets that date back to colonial days make Boston a tough city to drive in. If you must drive, it is best to bring a local along who is familiar with the city landscape. Directions to Cabot Center can be found here .   Many local fans will choose to take public transportation to Cabot Center. The MBTA, known locally as the “T”, drops fans off right across the street from the gym. At just $2.40 for a fare, the T beats the hassle of fighting traffic and finding parking. The Commuter Rail coming in from the western suburbs of Boston also stops on Huntington Avenue, as do several bus routes. Metered parking is available on the streets in the surrounding neighborhood, and there are numerous parking garages in the area. Free parking is available for visiting fans in the Columbus Avenue Garage, a short walk from the Cabot Center.   Fans will enter the Cabot Center on the north side of the gym. A set of stairs lead to the lobby, where the Northeastern Athletics Hall of Fame display and restrooms are located. The gym will be directly in front of you. The snack bar is tucked right inside the entrance. Lines are not an issue anywhere in this cozy facility.   Seats are located on all four sides of the court, consisting of individual stadium seats on either side of the court and plastic bleachers on the end lines. With only seven rows of seats, you’ll be right on top of the action no matter where you sit.    Return on Investment 5   Men’s basketball games are a very affordable sporting option for Boston sports fans. Tickets to Huskies games range from $16-$19 for seats on the gym’s sidelines. As mentioned before, you’ll have a great view of the action no matter where you sit. If you park at the Columbus Avenue Garage, you won’t have to pay at all for parking (this is unheard of in Boston). With only a limited menu available at the snack bar, and no item priced over five dollars, a night at the Cabot Center is a sporting bargain.   Extras 3   Reminders of the site’s historic past as the site of the first World Series game surround the Cabot Center. Just outside the building, on World Series Way, are a statue of Cy Young and a commemorative home plate. Cy Young stands on the spot where the original Huntington Avenue Grounds pitchers mound was located. On an exterior wall of the Cabot Center on Huntington Avenue is a plaque commemorating the site as the location of the first World Series. It’s worth walking around the building to check out these sites before heading inside for some hoops.   Banners commemorating conference championships and tournament appearances for Northeastern’s basketball and volleyball teams hang on the walls of the Cabot Center. Also hanging here are retired number banners for Reggie Lewis and Tesha Tinsley.   The Northeastern Athletics Hall of Fame is located in the lobby of the Cabot Center. The interactive touch screen contains a great deal of information on Husky sports history.   Final Thoughts   The Cabot Center is by no means a suitable permanent home for the Husky basketball teams. But compare this facility to other small gyms in the area, and it doesn’t really come up short. As Northeastern’s new athletics home is built , the sturdy Cabot Center will ably hold down the fort for the next two or three seasons.   Follow Paul Baker’s stadium journeys on Twitter  and Instagram  @PuckmanRI.

Photos by Paul Baker, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.14 Kuzniewski Field 1 College St. Worcester, MA 01610 Holy Cross men's lacrosse website Kuzniewski Field website Year Opened: 2009 Capacity: 1,000 Holy La-Crosse   Kuzniewski Field (known around Holy Cross as Father K Field) opened in 2009 as the new home of the Holy Cross men’s and women’s lacrosse teams. It is also used by the Crusaders football team as their primary practice facility. The field was officially dedicated in 2016 in honor of Rev. Anthony Kuzniewski, S.J., who has served as the chaplain for the athletics department since the mid-1990s.   The first lacrosse team at Holy Cross competed in 1958. For much of the team’s history, they have struggled, posting only 14 winning seasons over their 64 years of competition. Holy Cross has won less than a third of its games all-time. The Crusaders have been a member of the Patriot League since its inception in 1991 and have yet to win a conference title. The Crusaders have yet to qualify for the NCAA tournament. The women's lacrosse team, which began play in 1980, has won two Patriot League titles and has played in two NCAA tournaments, in 2006 and 2007.   Food & Beverage 0   There are no concessions available at Kuzniewski Field. Most fans bring their own drinks and snacks to Crusader lacrosse games. Veteran Crusader fans will come to games well-stocked with food and drink to enjoy in the parking lots before or after the game. You’re very likely to see lots of hot beverages at Kuzniewski Field, particularly during the frigid early months of the season.   There are vending machines in the Hart Center, should you come unprepared and want to take the long walk to get a drink or snack. The Crusaders Line Up for the National Anthem at Kuzniewski Field. Photo by Paul Baker, Stadium Journey.   Atmosphere 2   Compared to many of the other Division One lacrosse stadiums in the area, Kuzniewski Field is a rather plain and basic facility. While the Holy Cross staff does a nice job with the tools at hand, the Crusader gameday experience is not a fancy one. Not that there’s anything wrong with that. Here at Father K Field, the game is the focus.   There’s a simple scoreboard in the southeast end zone that displays basic game information. The sound system is decent, but hardly overwhelming. A rotating cast of PA announcers fills the chair throughout the season, giving fans game information without being too over the top. In a place like Kuzniewski Field, a loud and bombastic gameday would just be out of place.   One thing that Holy Cross fans have in common with other college lax fans around the country is their unwavering support of the home team. As a rule, lacrosse fans seem just a little more into the game and a little more demonstrative than the typical fan at other sports. It’s no different here in Worcester. Most of the noise you’ll hear here comes from the grandstand.   There is plenty of room all around the facility for younger fans to run around and blow off some steam, and you will see lots of games of catch going on over on the adjacent field. This is a pleasant and comfortable place to take in some quality lacrosse.   Neighborhood 3   Worcester is the second-largest city in all of New England, but has never enjoyed much of a reputation as a destination location. That all began to change when the city announced that the Pawtucket Red Sox would be moving to the brand-new Polar Park , located just 2.5 miles from the Holy Cross campus.   The Holy Cross campus is located in southwestern Worcester, about three miles from downtown. There isn’t much in the immediate area of campus in terms of dining or lodging options, but the city of Worcester contains many excellent options.   Worcester’s acclaimed “ Restaurant Row ” on Shrewsbury Street is home to over forty different eateries, shops,s and salons. It’s a favorite destination for locals looking to enjoy a night on the town. Fans will find additional options in the downtown area around the DCU Center . The up-and-coming Canal District, anchored by the new Polar Park , is rapidly growing and worth a look. Likewise, fans looking for lodging options should head downtown, as there is nothing around Holy Cross.   Traditionally overshadowed by its neighbors in Boston and Providence, Worcester is carving out its own niche as an affordable, attractive alternative to those cities. For fans visiting during ski season, Wachusett Mountain  is located just ten miles outside the city limits. Faceoff at Kuzniewski Field. Photo by Paul Baker, Stadium Journey.   Fans 2   Holy Cross doesn’t draw as well as the bigger-name Division One programs across the country. This isn’t really surprising when you consider the lack of success that the Crusaders have had over the years, and the fact that much of the lacrosse season takes place when the weather in Worcester is less than ideal.   Crowds at Kuzniewski Field generally run between 250-500 fans. Crowd size depends on several factors, including the day of the week of the game, the opponent, and the weather. As you would expect, crowd size increases over the course of the season as the weather warms.   Lacrosse fans as a whole are loud and supportive of the home team, and the regulars here at Holy Cross are no different. With the bulk of the Crusaders’ schedule consisting of local teams, you’re likely to see a good turnout by visiting fans as well.   Access 3   The Holy Cross campus is located in southwestern Worcester, at the junction of Interstate 290 and Route 146. Kuzniewski Field is located at the southern edge of campus atop Mount Saint James, behind the Luth Complex (home of the Crusaders basketball and hockey venues) and adjacent to many of the school’s athletic facilities. Complete driving directions to the Holy Cross campus can be found here .   Parking is available in the lots surrounding the Luth Complex and on the access road that circles the facility. Restrooms are located inside the Hart Center as well. There are no concessions or restroom facilities outside at Kuzniewski Field. If you need to use the facilities, plan ahead. It's a long walk back to the bathrooms. A really long walk.   Kuzniewski Field is somewhat isolated from the other athletic facilities at Holy Cross. To get to the field, fans will need to park near the Luth Center and walk through (or around) the Hart Center and the Hart Track and Field Center to get to the lacrosse venue. Once there, there’s a bluff overlooking the northwest end zone that provides excellent views of the field, and a set of bleachers along the southwest side of the field. There is plenty of standing room around the field, and the bleachers are fully accessible for those with mobility concerns. Game Action at Kuzniewski Field. Photo by Paul Baker, Stadium Journey.   Return on Investment 5   There is no charge for admission to Holy Cross lacrosse games. Parking is also free in the lots surrounding the Luth Center. With no concessions available, you won’t need to reach for your wallet even once when visiting Worcester.   Extras 0   There’s not much going on at a Crusaders lacrosse game that can be considered extra. The experience here is a pretty bare bones one.   Final Thoughts   Kuzniewski Field is a basic facility where you can catch some quality lacrosse without spending a ton of money.   Follow Paul Baker’s stadium journeys on Twitter  and Instagram  @PuckmanRI.

Photos by Paul Baker, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.57 Bentley Arena 440 Beaver St Waltham, MA 02452 Bentley Falcons men’s hockey website Bentley Arena website Year Opened: 2018 Capacity: 1,917 Taking Flight at Bentley   Bentley University is a private university with an enrollment of 4,500 undergrads located in suburban Waltham, Massachusetts, about ten miles from downtown Boston. Founded in 1917 as the Bentley School of Accounting and Finance, the school was located on Boylston Street in Boston until it became a four-year college in 1968. Today Bentley is best known for its business programs and is annually ranked among the nation’s best by Bloomberg Businessweek and U.S. News & World Report. Bentley’s sports teams all compete in Division Two, except for its hockey team, which competes at the sport’s highest level.   The Bentley Arena, which cost $45 million to build, is part of the university’s comprehensive 10-year capital plan to modernize and expand the campus. Designed to be a “living lab”, the arena provides hands-on experience for students across many majors, with the gameday presentation run almost entirely by Bentley students.   Hockey began at Bentley in the mid-1960s as a club team, gaining varsity status in 1977. The team won consecutive ECAC3 Titles in 1980 and 1981. In 1998, Bentley moved up to Division One, becoming an inaugural member of the Atlantic Hockey Conference in 2003. The Falcons have qualified for one NCAA Tournament in 2025.   Food & Beverage 3   There is a small concession stand at the east end of the arena. The menu isn’t the most extensive you’ll come across, but all the bases are covered here.   Anchoring the menu at Bentley Arena are hot dogs, burgers, and chicken tenders. A good variety of snacks and sides are available, including pretzels, popcorn (served in a souvenir Bentley cup), assorted candy and chips. Fans looking for a healthier option can choose from Caesar salads, gluten-free sandwiches and fruit cups. Fans looking to avoid the lines at the main stand can head towards a cart in the southwest corner of the arena, which serves snacks and drinks.   Coca-Cola products are featured at the Bentley Arena. Hot coffee and tea are sold, which are welcome additions to the menu in cold winter months. Fans looking for an adult beverage can head to the Bar cart in the northwest corner of the arena, where a selection of beer and wine is sold, highlighted by Cloud Candy IPA from local favorite Mighty Squirrel Brewing.   The arena’s VIP area, “The Cube,” is open to passholders and season ticket holders during hockey games. This private lounge features a cash bar and premium food offerings.   Atmosphere 3   Stadium Journey’s most recent visit to Bentley Arena occurred during the semifinals of the 2026 AHA tournament, which coincided with spring break, so the crowd may not have been fully representative of the Falcon experience. Still, the Bentley staff put on an entertaining show for visiting fans.   The gameday experience here at the Bentley Arena is a pretty standard one for fans who frequent college hockey arenas. Without the student section in attendance, the rink was a bit quiet on this night, even though it was conference tournament time and the game went into overtime. Bentley Arena is filled with local fans, who are fairly reserved in their support of the home team.   All the standard features fans have come to expect at a college hockey game are present here at Bentley. An excellent sound system is put to good use throughout the game. The 90s alt-rock playlist was a refreshing change from the normal noise played at arenas. The PA announcer goes about his business with a theatrical style that is sure to elicit a response from visiting fans. The video board at center ice is put to good use with graphics, replays, hype videos, and more. The Bentley mascot, Flex, and staff participate in t-shirt tosses, games and giveaways to keep the younger and more casual fans engaged. Bentley Arena Entrance. Photo by Paul Baker, Stadium Journey.   Neighborhood 4   Waltham is a city of just over 65,000 located 10 miles northwest of downtown Boston and three miles from Boston’s Brighton neighborhood. The city was a leader in the American Industrial Revolution and a prototype for early industrial city planning. It’s a decidedly blue-collar community surrounded by affluent, white-collar towns.   Given Bentley’s location in a residential neighborhood, visiting fans will not find much to do in the immediate vicinity of campus. Fortunately, there are several dining and lodging options located just a couple of miles away on Main Street near Interstate 95. Mighty Squirrel Brewing is located just a mile from the arena. With downtown Boston located a short drive from the Bentley campus, many out-of-town fans will likely want to head in that direction while visiting Waltham.   Fans 3   The building of Bentley Arena has elevated the program from an afterthought in the Boston hockey scene to a popular destination for local hockey fans. From the old days of the JAR, when attendance could be counted on fingers, Bentley has seen increased attendance and attention since the opening of their on-campus arena. Attendance has settled in consistently between 1,400 and 1,500 fans per game over the past several seasons.   Turnout from the student body is generally strong, and the building is filled with suburban hockey fans night after night. One notable characteristic of a Bentley hockey crowd is that it seems to skew younger than other local schools. Perhaps this is due to the school’s location outside of the city, where it is more accessible to families. Faceoff at Bentley Arena. Photo by Paul Baker, Stadium Journey.   Access 4   Greater Boston isn’t the easiest area for motorists to get around. Traffic jams, construction projects and detours are a way of life in this part of the country. The Bentley campus is located just a few miles from the intersection of Interstate-90 (the Mass Pike) and I-95 (also known as Route 128). Detailed driving directions to Bentley Arena can be found here . Boston’s subway system does not serve Waltham, but the MBTA 554 bus reaches the Bentley campus.   The arena’s 1,917 seats (a number chosen to represent the year the college was founded) are blue, black and gray plastic stadium seats. With the small size of Bentley Arena, all seats have excellent views of the action. There is ample room in between rows to stretch out, and you will not feel cramped while at a Falcon hockey game.   An open concourse encircles the rink, containing in-demand standing room views of the action. Lining the concourse are the concession stand, history displays, murals of Bentley students and staff, and The Cube. Take a peek into the operations center, staffed entirely by students learning the trade. Lines at the concession stand can get long during intermission, but move pretty quickly. Restrooms are new, clean, and ample for a typical Bentley hockey crowd.   Parking near the arena can be an issue. There is a lot for prepaid and handicapped parking right across the street from the arena, but if you want the convenience of this lot, reserve your spot early. Otherwise, you will have to scramble for limited spots around the school’s other athletic facilities, on Access Road, or on the main campus. Bentley provides shuttles for fans parked further from the arena. More parking information can be found here .   Return on Investment 5   Tickets to Bentley hockey games are priced at 23 and 16 dollars. Stadium Journey’s most recent visit took place during the AHA tournament, so these ticket prices may not reflect regular-season prices. Parking in the lot across the street from the arena must be purchased in advance and will cost you another ten dollars. Otherwise, parking is available at no charge along Access Road and in lots on campus. Concessions are very affordable, with most menu items priced under seven dollars. Flex Taunts the Opposing Goalie at Bentley Arena. Photo by Paul Baker, Stadium Journey.   Extras 3                                                                                                 An extra point is awarded for the Bentley hockey history display. Located on the north side of the concourse, several panels chronicle important persons and events in Bentley’s 50 years of hockey. Banners honoring Bentley’s 2025 AHA championship and NCAA Tournament appearance hang from the rafters.   Another extra point is awarded for Bentley’s efforts at sustainability and environmental friendliness. Bentley Arena is the first standalone arena in the United States to receive LEED Platinum certification. The arena has 1,400 solar panels on its roof, which produce 40% of the energy used by the facility. In addition, high-efficiency LED lighting and water-saving fixtures ensure that the arena uses half the power and water that similarly sized buildings would use.   A statue of Bentley’s legendary baseball coach, Robert DeFelice stands in the entry plaza to the arena. The statue was erected to honor DeFelice’s 50 th  season as coach of the baseball team. The statue depicts “Coach” gazing in the direction of DeFelice Field, located across the street from the arena.   Final Thoughts   The term “bandbox” is often used to describe small ballparks, but not hockey rinks. If we were to co-opt the term to use for hockey, it would describe The Bentley Arena perfectly. This cozy facility with its eco-friendly design is a hidden gem in the crowded Boston hockey scene.   Follow Paul Baker’s stadium journeys on Twitter  and Instagram  @PuckmanRI.

Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.57 Lucas Oil Stadium 500 S Capitol Ave Indianapolis, IN 46225 Indianapolis Colts website Lucas Oil Stadium website Year Opened: 2008 Capacity: 62,421 A Gold Standard for the NFL Gameday Experience Lucas Oil Stadium is considered one of the top destinations in the National Football League. Yes, other stadiums have been built across the league since its opening in 2008, but when it comes down to every metric, the home of the Indianapolis Colts is among the better gameday experiences in the league. It has a true downtown feel with bars, hotels, restaurants, and nightlife just a few steps from the main entrance. Its design also blends well with the surrounding area but stands out significantly within the city’s landscape. The 62,421-seat venue features a retractable roof that remains open unless inclement weather or lightning is within the stadium, the temperature drops below 40° F, or wind gusts are greater than 40 miles per hour. However, once closed, it cannot be opened during the game. The open roof provides a natural breeze throughout sections of the stadium and provides some great vantage points of downtown buildings. The streets are packed with fans, and nearby Georgia Street is open for pedestrians, allowing fans to openly carry alcoholic drinks in a cup. Touchdown Town is footsteps from the main entrance and provides live music, skills tests for kids, food samples, and more good times. Even if you are not a football fan, there is a lot of excitement to attract fans to the game. Food & Beverage 5 Lucas Oil Stadium features 59 permanent concession stands and 90 portable locations, offering more than 500 points of sale throughout the venue. With so many options available, fans can enjoy a wide variety of menu items without spending excessive time waiting in line. Popular offerings include hot dogs, brats, barbecue pulled pork sandwiches, cheeseburger baskets, chicken strip baskets, pork tenderloin sandwiches, and Hot Box pizza. The stadium also offers value meals—featuring a hot dog, popcorn, and soda—for fans looking for a budget-friendly option. The Funny Car Café, easily spotted on the stadium’s main level thanks to its glowing neon signage, delivers classic ballpark fare with a value-friendly twist. Fans can grab a combo meal featuring a hot dog, popcorn, and soda, alongside brats, chili cheese dogs, and nachos. One standout item, aptly named For the Fans , layers pulled pork and kimchi atop either a hot dog or a bed of nachos. The Lucas Oil Grill expands the menu with a wider range of options, including cheeseburgers, chicken tender baskets, veggie burgers, and garlic cheese curds—an especially popular value at just $5.50. For barbecue lovers, the Smokehouse serves up brisket and pulled pork, both of which can also be piled onto hot dogs or nachos for a hearty upgrade. Local flavor comes courtesy of Hot Box Pizza, a hometown favorite offering cheese, sausage, and pepperoni slices during games. Clutch Kitchen leans into bold flavors with Asian sticky wings, smoked wings, bacon jam–loaded tots, single and double smash burgers, fried or grilled chicken sandwiches, and a classic Chicago dog. Additional kiosks throughout the stadium provide even more variety, including cheesesteaks, pulled pork brisket nachos, assorted sandwiches, and the ever-popular Nacho Grande. Chef Tony’s Test Kitchen rounds out the experience with wing baskets, churros, and tater rings, as well as Cuban and steak sandwiches—the latter topped with bacon, crispy onions, pickles, and barbecue sauce. The beverage selection includes beer, wine, cocktails, hard seltzers, and a featured “cocktail of the game.” The Big Cat Bourbon blends bourbon with lime juice and passion fruit juice for a refreshing option. Budweiser aluminum bottles are available in both small and large sizes, while imported and local craft beers are offered at a slightly higher price during games. Coca-Cola products serve as the stadium’s primary soft drink options. Atmosphere 5 The design of the stadium is neither modern nor chic, but it blends in nicely with existing buildings and nearby factories. At most stadiums, fans enter vast parking lots well before kickoff to set up chairs, tents, and grills and begin their festivities. However, the stadium is a few feet from vast bars and restaurants open early for Sunday afternoon home games. One of the first places you see near the stadium is Touchdown Town, which opens at 10:00 a.m. and closes just before the game starts at 12:30 p.m. For the duration of its two-and-a-half hours of operation, the area provides a perfect canvas for all fans. “Touchdown Town was created to offer fans of all ages a place to gather together to celebrate and build excitement for the upcoming game,” stated Larry Hall, Colts Vice-President of Ticket Operations and Guest Services. “Fans can enjoy a variety of activities, including live music, football drills, giveaways, food, and drink specials. Touchdown Town serves as the Colts premier pre-game party location.” Once inside, there is not a bad seat in the house in the spacious building. The main entrance features a sound stage for pre-concerts that overlooks the football field. Fans line up around the stage or watch pre-game practice on the field. The wide-open area serves as a town meeting hall for fans, and you cannot help but look around in awe if you are a first-time patron. A sound stage for pre-game concerts overlooks the football field at the main entry plaza. Oversized collages of former Colts players and moments against the wall, entitled “A House Built by Champions,” feature an homage to the state’s car racing industry with various model cars on display in the area. Outside the stadium on South Street is the Peyton Manning statue. Manning was the most prolific player in the team’s Indianapolis history and one of the all-time greats. He put the team on the map and could be credited for the construction of the very building that stands behind him. Neighborhood 5 The stadium is within walking distance of 50 different places to eat, drink, and dance. There are ideal spots within blocks in the downtown area, along with a few more choices in other neighborhoods, a little less than a mile or so from the stadium. The Slippery Noodle is a local institution and the oldest bar in the state; it offers music, food, and drinks, and is across the street from the stadium. Kilroy’s Bar N’ Grill is a local establishment that has made its mark downtown and has plenty of room to accommodate fans before or after the game. If you are looking for a great steak dinner, St. Elmo’s or Harry and Izzy’s are two options. It is under the same ownership and known for its spicy shrimp cocktail sauce that will please the horseradish aficionado. The Fountain Square neighborhood is highly recommended and is bustling on the weekends. A few recommendations are Chili Water Brewing Company and Fountain Square Brewing , video games at Tappers , giant burgers at Kuma’s Corner , or duckpin bowling in a retro atmosphere. The Hotel Whiskey Tango Distillery makes specialty drinks and is a great place to talk with friends. Mass Ave is another vibrant area offering more dining and drinking options. A few recommendations include The Eagle for some of the best fried chicken in town, St. Joseph’s Brewery , located in an old church, FortyFive Degrees for live music, and BRU Burger Bar for its fantastic homemade ketchup to dip into your fries. If you are with the family, downtown has an array of attractions, including the Indiana State Museum , the NCAA Hall of Champions , and The Canal Walk . However, one of the true hidden gems is the Indiana Experience at the Historical Society . Visitors can step into three-dimensional re-creations of historic photographs, complete with characters. Fans 4 The Colts fanbase had been spoiled at the start of the century, with only two losing seasons in 15 years. The state that historically favored basketball became a football town with the championship success of the team. The team also honors many of its season ticket holders with banners on the top level, and their impact can be felt each game. Access 5 Lucas Oil Stadium is a downtown venue easily accessible from the interstate. The imposing structure is visible off of I-70, and there are more than the city and private lots to choose from to park your car. These lots range from $30-$50, and if you're lucky, you may even find free street parking on Sundays. If you do more searching and feel like walking, there are less expensive options north of the stadium off of Meridian, Pennsylvania, and Capitol Streets. Downtown Indianapolis has an array of one-way streets, but many are reverted to direct traffic back onto the interstate after the game. The local police do an honorable job directing traffic after the game to ensure smooth sailing from the parking lots onto the city streets and the local interstate. Inside the venue, the concourses are wide and spacious for easy access. There is plenty of signage, video screens, and open areas to help guide you through your visit. If you happen to get lost, ask a friendly staff member to help you find your way to a particular area of Lucas Oil Stadium. Return on Investment 4 The single price for a ticket ranges from game to game and depends on how well the Colts are doing in the season. In the past, tickets could be purchased online for as low as $20, but when the team is vying for a playoff spot, those prices will increase to around $60. However, when winning, the crowd noise is booming. Parking can be found around the stadium for between $30 to $50, but other spots are much less and require a bit of walking. There is also free street parking in the Fountain Square neighborhood, about a mile away from the stadium. Extras 4 Lucas Oil Stadium earns several points, including Touchdown Town on Georgia Street before the game. The atmosphere includes concerts, lounge chairs, children’s activities, drinks, and outdoor games. The earlier the season, the better the weather will be in Indianapolis. A second point is for the Bud Light Zone, the perfect spot to hang out with friends and enjoy the game. The area is located on the upper concourse at the north end of the building and is a massive party in all four quarters. A third point is for the customer service counters that offer soundproof headphones and weighted blankets to help offset the loud atmosphere inside the building. There are picture menus at all permanent concession stands, and the team has also added a “ Social Story ” to its website, which provides helpful information and photos. The final point is for a downtown location that is accessible by foot as well as by car. A visitor can have a walk with a sea of blue towards the stadium before the game or enjoy a few tailgating spots if arriving earlier by car. Final Thoughts It is hard not to be impressed with the gameday experience at Lucas Oil Stadium for a Colts game. It is a stadium properly made for both the players and the fans. The pre-game festivities, friendly staff, frenzied environment, and location steps from some of the city’s best restaurants and bars make for a perfect way to spend a Sunday afternoon. ______ Follow all of Marc’s stadium journeys on Twitter @ballparkhunter and his YouTube channe l. Email at marc.viquez@stadiumjourney.com

Photos by Marc Viquez, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.71 Kauffman Stadium 1 Royals Way Kansas City, MO 64129 Kansas City Royals website Kauffman Stadium website Year Opened: 1973 Capacity: 37,903 Fountains, Views, and Brews at "The K" Kauffman Stadium was built in 1973 when most facilities of the era housed both football and baseball. These multi-purpose doughnut-shaped stadiums lacked aesthetics, were devoid of character, and were fabulously vapid. The home of the Kansas City Royals is a ballpark- and ballpark only- if its NFL counterpart, the Kansas City Chiefs, wanted to play, it did so across the parking lot in its facility, Arrowhead Stadium. Thank goodness for the forward thinkers of architect Charles Deaton and Chiefs general manager; it would be almost two decades later until another one of its kind was built from scratch when Camden Yards opened in 1992. If Kauffman and Arrowhead were constructed as one multi-purpose stadium, like Three Rivers in Pittsburgh, The Vet in Philadelphia, or Shea Stadium in Queens, they would not exist today. The dominant features of the ballpark include a 322-foot wide water spectacular beyond the outfield walls and a massive chevron-shaped scoreboard in center field. Until 2009, there was no access beyond this part of the ballpark. A total of $250 million in renovations turned the facility into a wraparound concourse to include an impressive children’s play area, a team hall of fame and museum, a social gathering spot behind the fountains, and a few more eateries to enjoy some of that Kansas City-style barbecue. The K is 50-plus years old and regarded as one of the finest examples of a modern baseball stadium; that tradition continues with the 37,903-seat facility offering beautiful views of the outfield, plenty of areas to socialize, and high-quality food that today's customers expect when they purchase a ticket.  Food & Beverage 4 Kaufman Stadium offers a wide variety of food, from the basic standards to local favorites such as barbecue. There is also a value menu with items priced at $5 or less, as well as restaurants and social spaces with beautiful views of the field and the outfield fountains. The new items this year include Joe’s KC Bar-B-Que in right field near the outfield experience. The featured item is the Z-Man sandwich, a beef brisket sandwich with smoked provolone and crispy onion rings on a toasted roll. There is also a Chicken Z-Man sandwich with smoked mayonnaise. The barbecue favorites include SMOAK Craft BBQ, which offers chopped brisket or pulled pork plates and sandwiches, along with a selection of sliders. A few more local favorites are Pasquantinos in section 208. The Vinnie Beef Paswich is their take on Italian Beef, featuring provolone, bacon, hash browns, and Giardiniera. Buffalo State Pizza in sections 234 and 252 and the Italian Sausage Company in Section 224 provide locally sourced ingredients. The Grinder’s stand in the outfield area offers cheesesteaks right before your eyes. A few more interesting spots are the Chickie & Pete’s stand offering crab fries and boneless wings, Polcana serving deep-fried Oreos and churros, Andy’s Frozen Custard with a variety of flavors, and Tender Love & Chicken (three locations) for fried chicken tenders and more.  If you are looking for something to drink, the stadium features a beer garden with six varieties of Boulevard beer (Space Camper IPA, Boulevard Light, Easy Orange, and the original Pale Ale) and hard seltzer lines of Quirk (blueberry slam and lemonade tea). Fans can also enjoy Miller Lite, Coors Light, and Blue Moon at the beer garden and pub. There is also a Quirk and Boulevard-dedicated stand in the outfield behind the fountains. Atmosphere 4 Hours before the first pitch, the massive parking lot is brimming with people tailgating, a scene that occurs at a few baseball stadiums across the country. Once inside, the majority of the seating offers majestic views of the diamond, and the massive 12-story chevron-shaped scoreboard is large and bright enough to provide stats, playback, and player profiles for all to notice from their seats. The main attraction of the stadium is the 322-foot water spectacular, a series of 10-foot high waterfalls that extend from the left to right field of the outfield wall. The waterfalls are the largest privately funded fountains in the world and rise after a Royals home run or in between innings. They also change colors at certain times during the game or when the game moves into the night. The Outfield Experience is a perfect place for children and opens 90 minutes before the game.  Kids can test their pitching arm on the base paths, play on a mini-baseball diamond, play mini-golf, and run on the base paths. There is also a carousel and playground slides to keep the kids entertained for long periods. On Wednesday nights, the area offers concerts before the game. There are six social spaces at the game, including spectacular views of the game from different vantage points of the stadium. The Brew and View is atop the 401 and 402 section on the third base side and includes a $20 voucher for a 24-ounce domestic can of bottled water. Craft & Draft is located at the end of the 301 and 302 sections and includes an in-house menu of smoked chicken wings, quick-fire pizza, and barbecue poutine. Each ticket comes with $20 of loaded value for food and drink. One of the social areas open to the public during our visit was the Rival Sports Bar, located behind the left-field wall and the visitor's bullpen. It is a great place to hang out for food and drinks with friends and family near the fountains. A separate menu includes garlic street fries, a Reuben sandwich, and $20 of loaded value with each ticket. The outfield also houses the Royals Hall of Fame, which is open to the fans for free during the game. The impressive museum features a wonderful collection of paraphernalia, accolades, and many memories of the franchise dating back to its first season in 1969. If you want more history, bronze statues of George Brett, Frank White, and Dick Howser reside in the right field area of the ballpark. Neighborhood 3 The stadium was built in a sports complex outside of downtown just off I-70, but that was the popular choice in the early 1970s.  Downtown Kansas City has changed dramatically since then; however, you are never too far by car to take in some great places to eat and visit in town. The city is famous for its barbecue scene, with standout spots like Gates, Arthur Bryant’s, Joe’s Kansas City, Q39, Char Bar, and LQ's. No matter which one you choose, you’re in for some seriously good barbecue. Joe’s Kansas City Bar-B-Que has various locations, but its original spot in a gas station just across the border in Kansas City, Kansas, is quite the experience. Q39 is located downtown and has quite a reputation among the people in KC. The burnt-end burger, pork belly, and sausage corn dog are highlights. Slap’s BBQ sells barbecue until it is out. The burnt ends are tender, the ribs fall off the bone, and cheesy corn is a nice alternative to mac and cheese. Two places to enjoy a beverage after the game include beer from the Boulevard Beer Hall, a two-story building featuring 30 beers on tap, outside patio seating, and couches for a great place to relax. The other place is J. Rieger & Co., a distillery located in a historic building in the Electric Park district. Visitors can enjoy a mixed cocktail, take a self-guided tour of exhibits, and exit the second floor via an indoor slide. The World War I Museum and Memorial is a comprehensive collection of First World War materials that is informative and detailed, shedding light on a somewhat forgotten part of history. Just down the hill is Union Station, which features exhibits, a planetarium, and the Science Center in the historic train Center. The Negro Leagues Baseball Museum is a comprehensive look at the men and women who shaped baseball, featuring stories about all-time greats, uniforms, and a timeline of the various Negro Leagues. Fans 3 The Royals boast a passionate fanbase that continues to support the team through every season. In 2024, fans were rewarded with an exciting playoff appearance, fueled by the dynamic play of one of the league's top stars, shortstop Bobby Witt Jr. Die-hard supporters filled the stands with energy, while many others enjoyed the stadium's ambiance.  Access 4 Kauffman Stadium is off I-70 in the Truman Sports Complex, eight miles east of downtown Kansas City. There are six different entrances directing motorists to the parking lots, and it is advised to get there earlier for weekend games and promotional events. Once inside the stadium, the wraparound concourse takes fans to all parts of the facility. An older method of exiting fans from the stadium, but effective. Return on Investment 4 Ticket prices can start at $5 for standing-room-only seating and increase based on seating and game day. On average, they’re among the most affordable in Major League Baseball, with slightly higher prices on weekends. Concession costs are moderate and comparable to those at other MLB stadiums. It’s best to buy tickets in advance through the MLB mobile app, where general parking is $21 and reserved parking is $31—both offering a $10 discount compared to gate prices. Fans can find ballpark favorites for $5 or less, including beer, soda, hot dogs, pretzels, and popcorn. They are available in sections 120, 135, 201, 213, 242, 405, 417, and 422. Fans with SRO tickets can enjoy the game from behind the waterfalls or in the outfield ball and lounge areas. Extras 4 Kauffman Stadium receives its first point for the beautiful waterfall display in the Outfield. When you think of the home of the Kansas City Royals, you think of those beautiful waterfalls, and it makes perfect sense to play in the City of Fountains. Kauffman Stadium gets a second point for the children's area in the Outfield Experience section. The impressive playground area is more than enough to entertain kids and keep them busy well into extra innings. Kauffman Stadium receives a third point for being an outlier when baseball stadiums were quite vapid and dual-purpose. It allowed easy modification when renovations took place years later, turning one of the true ballparks into something for fans to enjoy. Kauffman receives a final point for the 12-story scoreboard shaped like the Royals logo. The chevron-shaped scoreboard has been a staple at the stadium since its opening in 1973 and is probably the second most dominant feature. Final Thoughts There's a reason Kauffman Stadium is regarded as one of the class jewels of Major League Baseball for well over 45 years. It is a baseball facility that offers tantalizing views of waterfalls and great menu items for everyone who visits. It continues to reinvent itself, making it a nice place for a stadium journey during the baseball season.  ------ Follow all of Marc’s stadium journeys on Twitter @ballparkhunter   and his YouTube channel .  Email at Marc.Viquez@stadiumjourney.com

Photos by Marc Viquez, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.00 The Doghouse 1850 S 900 W. Lapel, IN 46051 Lapel High School Bulldogs The Doghouse Year Opened: 2008 Capacity: 3,051 Welcome to Lapel's Doghouse The Lapel High School Bulldogs play at The Doghouse. A giant and modern gymnasium that has a capacity of 3,051 and offers well-lit exteriors, plenty of leg room, wide concourses, and plenty of room between the seating and court. Lapel High School has played basketball for more than a century, since 1905. In 1912, the first gymnasium was constructed for the basketball team. In 1924, a new gymnasium was built. The Bulldogs would call the venue home until November 1954, when the school opened a 2,600-capacity gymnasium that featured a stage and lighted parking for 1,000 vehicles. They would play here until the new school and gym officially opened on January 7, 2008. The old Lapel gym is now the home to the middle school, and people tell me it is almost identical to Frankton High School's The Eagle Nest. The Bulldogs have had a successful program throughout the years, capturing six sectional, three regional, and two state championships. The state championships were won in 2005 (that also snapped a 62-year sectional drought) and 2016 on the 2A level. The 1940 Bulldogs team made a Cinderella run to the state finals before losing in the semi-final game against Hammond Tech. Food & Beverage 3 The concession stand items are what you would expect in a high school basketball gymnasium; however, the school has implemented a system to manage traffic flow during busy game periods. The concession stand sells hot dogs, popcorn, pretzels, nachos, and candy. Fans can also purchase loaded nachos with meat.  Chick-fil-A sandwiches are available through a fundraising program and are served until sold out . Pepsi products are served in bottles and pulled from the refrigerator cases by customers . Local favorite Glover’s Ice Cream is served at games in ten varieties. Fans can choose from basic chocolate and vanilla, as well as peppermint candy, blue moon, and cookies and cream.  Atmosphere 3 The Doghouse is very spacious, modern, clean, and well-lit. It serves as the home of the Lapel PE program during the school day, and as a result, it feels somewhat aesthetically vapid . There is a single section of beige plastic seats that rises 25 rows. There is also a small section of seating behind each baseline for the pep band and student cheer blocks. It is a nice setup, placing students almost underneath the basket. The walls are decorated with multiple banners celebrating athletic team accomplishments, including a wraparound banner around the perimeter of the gymnasium. There are also championship banners from the basketball program hovering above the baseline bleacher seating. There is about a 20-foot distance between the last row of seats and the end lines of the court. This is great for moving around effortlessly during the game. In other schools, fans are much closer to the action, but in Lapel, they are further away from all points of seating. The top sections make one feel they might be sitting on the upper deck or at Rate Field in Chicago. The restrooms and concession stand are outside in the school’s hallway, and there appear to be a couple of entrances into the gymnasium. Traffic moves freely, and there are championship accolades in the glass trophy cases. Neighborhood 3 Lapel has a population of 1,800 plus and offers easy access from I-69. The small town seems far away from the big city life of Indianapolis and its surrounding communities, providing a nice escape from the mainstream on a weekend night. The town offers several curious eateries to try before the basketball game. Smoky’s Concession Stand is a family-friendly restaurant in town offering barbecue, pizza, and pub food. Besides ribs and pulled pork, customers can order Italian beef and Reubens, along with fried bologna sandwiches, smoked wings, and chicken parmesan. The place has something for everyone. Pax Verum Brewing Company is an interesting part of town. The old 20th-century building offers 15 drafts plus 6 cans for pouring at the location. If you enjoy a variety of craft beers, Pax Verum makes it an imperative stop in Lapel. A few other places to eat in town are Woody’s and Azul Agave. Fans 3 The Lapel fans show a wealth of support for the home team. They show up in droves during the JV game just to secure an ideal spot for the varsity game. The place can turn on huge crowds during rival games against the Frankton Eagles, but expect a decent-sized crowd for most winter nights. Access 3 The Doghouse is a giant superstore of a high school basketball gym, making it easy to. get around. There is plenty of room to move around between the court and the first rows of seating, and all concession areas are outside in the main building. The seating is spread out, and the top rows seem a bit further than they should be for a high school gymnasium of this kind. Return on Investment 3 An adult ticket is $6 plus fees at the game if paying online. A great value in an age where other high school basketball tickets have gone up in price. The concession items are also inexpensive, with hot dogs costing $3.50. Extras 3 The Doghouse is well-lit and provides enough space to move around during a game. The championship banners hang from behind one end of the floor behind the nets, providing a nice aesthetic to the building. There is an interactive touch screen visual board in the lobby that allows fans to view different championship-winning teams from Lapel's history. Final Thoughts The Doghouse is a spatial, giant building for high school basketball. It serves its purpose as a vessel for hoops, but lacks the charm and ambiance of its predecessor. However, when the place is filled, the building is quite entertaining and an ideal place to be during the cold winter nights in Indiana.

Photos by Marc Viquez, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4 Impact Field 9850 Balmoral Ave Rosemont, IL 60018 Chicago Dogs website Impact Stadium website Year Opened: 2018 Capacity: 6,300 Chicago Baseball with All the Mustard The Chicago Dogs are members of the American Association and play at Impact Field, one of the slickest ballparks in independent baseball. It was designed to entertain all ticket holders and to host a baseball game. The spacious ballpark seats 6,300 and opened on May 25, 2018. The $60-million facility is the newest addition to the list of independent ballparks in the Chicago area and stands out for its color, design, and creativity. Fans will most likely not have to be reminded where they are with motorists on I-294 whizzing by in the distance, the giant Impact Field sign across the parking deck in right field, and a view of the fashion outlet stores behind the outfield walls. However, let’s find out what makes the ballpark one of the better-looking designs in recent years. Food & Beverage 3 The price of concessions is also on par with other independent clubs in the metro area. The menu items are not super electric, but they are what one would expect while enjoying nine innings of baseball. The main concession stand offers jumbo hot dogs, Chicago hot dogs, cheeseburgers, chicken tender baskets, nachos, and soft pretzels. The prices range from $5 to $9. These nachos could feed 1-3 people per order. Photo by Marc Viquez, Stadium Journey. The stadium features The Weiner’s Circle, a much tamer version than the one downtown. It sells its style of char dogs, brats, Polish sausages, and french fries. There is also Salsa, which offers Mexican options, including street tacos and nachos topped with carnitas and chicken. The nachos are large enough for two small kids and are well worth the $10 price. Coca-Cola products are available, and beer options include Miller-Coors brands. A cocktail cart behind the home plate offers mixed drinks of gin, tequila, whiskey, and vodka. Atmosphere 4 Impact Field has a design that is unlike many others in baseball. It features four separate buildings that make up the upper-level suites, party decks, and press box. The colors of metallic black, red, and steel gray offer an amazing combination not found at most baseball stadiums. However, the colors make it stand out from older facilities in the area. Fans enter through the right-field corner of the stadium, which also houses the main ticket booth and official team shop. The team store has plenty of merchandise, from jerseys, caps, t-shirts, and stuffed dolls of the club’s mascots, Squeeze and Ketchup. Squeeze is a bottle of mustard with a big nose and fur; his nemesis, Ketchup, is a bottle of ketchup with an evil smirk in a trench coat. What is shocking is the number of young fans who gather around them waiting for an autograph after they are introduced in the second inning. Squeeze gets the most attention, because mustard, not ketchup, belongs on a hot dog for anyone after the age of 10 years old. Squeeze is a fan favorite at games. Photo by Marc Viquez, Stadium Journey. There are many wonderful aspects of a Dogs game, including a double-sided video board that can be seen by up to 70 million motorists on I-294 on an annual basis. The left-field foul pole is 312 feet from home plate, a nod to the Chicago area code. The right field foul pole is 294 feet from home plate, a nod to the nearby interstate number. The giant car deck serves as a spot for left-handed hitters to bounce homeruns off of it. The ballpark’s name is emblazoned across this area, but there is not too much happening below this area in the right field to the center field concourse. The ballpark also offers high-top tables and chairs in many areas of the concourse, bleacher seating behind the right-field wall, and rail seating above the left-field wall. However, the ample space of Impact Field feels a little bit underutilized at times. Many areas of the ballpark are void of kiosks, party decks, or grass lawn seating. Neighborhood 4 Impact Field is directly across the interstate from the Fashion Outlets of Chicago and a host of other entertainment options before or after the ballgame. The shopping mall features 130 designer outlets that are walkable from the ballpark, but one can also drive and park in the mall’s multi-level parking deck. The area also houses Hofbrauhaus Chicago for liters of beer and German food, Park Tavern, which offers pub food including Cuban sandwiches and hand-cut fries, and Bub City for barbecue. Dave & Buster's is also nearby for video games, large-screen televisions, and pub food options. The Rosemont entertainment district offers a variety of options that include concerts, Zanies Comedy Club, iFLY (skydiving simulator), and the Big Ten interactive experience. Rivers Casino is a few miles north of the district for additional entertainment options. A few local spots south of the ballpark and perhaps a little cheaper on your pockets are Short Fuse Brewing Company, Frannie’s Beef, and Gene and Jude’s. The latter establishment is a local institution that serves depression dogs, loaded with hand-cut fries. You will have to stand up to eat them or enjoy them in your car. Fans 4 The fans at a Dogs game are typical of what you would see at many other ballparks of this kind. They are out to enjoy a night out with friends, family, and co-workers for an inexpensive night out. However, I bumped into one fan who has season tickets with her husband and dresses like a hot dog. She was more than happy to explain her allegiance to the ball club and how she rarely misses a game. Access 5 Impact Field is accessible by both automobile and mass transit. It is located minutes away from O’Hare International Airport. Public transportation includes the CTA Blue Line and the Metra commuter train that stop at the Rosemont station. A free trolley is provided by the Rosemont Entertainment Circulator Trolley that can take you to the ballpark. If traveling by car, the stadium is visible off of I-294, and its exit is just south of the venue. A parking garage is behind the right field and charges $4 a car, but is free if driving a Hyundai. There is additional parking that I have been told is free of charge across the street, but that hasn’t been confirmed. Once inside, the wrap-around concourse provides easy access to all points of the ballpark, and the large outfield terrace area is void of the usual kiosks, seating, and party decks found at other stadiums. Games do not attract near-capacity crowds for most games, and fans can get around efficiently. The main entrance is at the right-field corner of the ballpark. Return on Investment 4 The cost of a ticket will be anywhere from $10 to $17 per game. The bleacher section seating in the right field is an ideal way to enjoy the game for $10. The outfield reserve seats down each baseline are $13, and the infield box seats behind home plate are $17. These prices are on par with a few other independent clubs in Chicagoland. Parking in the garage adjacent to Impact Field is $3 per vehicle (limited availability). Additional parking is available in the Rosemont Entertainment District for a higher fee. The Dogs offer several weekly promotions that include Weiner Wednesday, where hot dogs are a dollar and draft beers are $2.50, Thirsty Thursdays featuring 12-ounce cans for $2, Happy Hour Fridays with live music, and Family Sundays, which offer bottomless popcorn and fountain drinks for $3. Saturday nights are theme nights and conclude with fireworks. Extras 4 The Dogs earn a point for the stadium design that is not from your typical blueprint. It’s sleek, a bit futuristic, and possibly the class of the American Association. The second point is for the two mascots that are almost as popular as the players on the field. Squeeze and Ketchup barely have time to roam around the concourse due to young fans asking for an autograph. The Dog Squad is a group of staff members in red shirts that entertain the fans in between innings, assist fans with on-field promotions, and allow fans to blow a giant air horn from a lifeguard chair behind the backstop on the main concourse. The final point is the $3 parking lot that borders the outfield wall. Final Thoughts Impact Field is a fantastic-looking stadium and pushes the boundary for stadium design and aesthetics. The Chicagoland is a crowd with both major league and MLB partner league ballparks, and the Dogs provide a lot of fun and excitement with their branding, ticket pricing, and promotional nights. It has the potential to be one of the best in the MLB Partner Leagues. ——— Follow all of Marc’s stadium journeys on Twitter @ballparkhunter and his YouTube channel . Email at Marc.Viquez@stadiumjourney.com

Photos by Marc Viquez, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.43 The Eagles Nest 610 East Clyde St. Frankton, IN 46044 Frankton Eagles website The Eagles Next website Year Opened: 1959 Capacity: 2,500 A Hidden Gem in the Hoosier State Frankton Jr./Sr. High School is home to a 2,500-seat basketball gymnasium affectionately known as The Eagles Nest. The gymnasium was built along with the school for the 1959-1960 academic year. The project cost $940,000, and the first game was played on November 2, 1959, with a crowd of nearly 3,000 who saw Frankton defeat Lapel 64-49. There have been many changes inside the gym, from the 49-star US flag to renovations to part of the bleacher seating, but much has remained the same. Visiting the gym is a trip back in time on Friday nights during the cold winter months. That small-school feeling still exists in games against nearby rivals Lapel and Elwood. In December 2025, the gymnasium co-hosted the inaugural Central Indiana Holiday Classic with Elwood High School for the first time. The two-day event features 18 teams from across the state, with six games at each building running from 10:00 AM to 8:00 PM , culminating in championship games the next day. Food & Beverage 4 The concession stand is located at the gym entrance and under the grandstand. The long, narrow stand efficiently moves people in and out during the game, offering a handful of menu items that should satisfy every patron. The items include hot dogs, pizza slices, popcorn, nachos, candy, and Pepsi products. Prices range from $2 for a hot dog to $5 for nachos. However, more is served during the Holiday Classic, which serves as a fundraiser for Frankton High students. Dirty Sodas are available in seven flavors, including Dr. Pepper with vanilla creamer and lime, and Sprite with cherry syrup, cherries, and glitter. They cost $4 each. Chick-fil-A sandwiches are also available for $7, and locally made ice cream from The Depot is served in a variety of flavors for $5 per scoop. However, Rex’s Chili is a must-have at the game. The homemade recipe has been served since 1990 and is available frozen by the quart at all home games; it is served piping hot during the tournament games. Atmosphere 4 The Eagles Nest is a classic bandbox gym with out-of-bounds lines inches from spectators' feet, foul lines rubbing against the stage and stands, and a low-hanging ceiling. It is a callback to another time in Indiana high school basketball. It is a gym with many quirks. Three sides of the gymnasium have seating, but one side has newer plastic bleachers that can be folded up to create more room for gym programs during the school day. There is a corner of the seating bowl with railings that separate it from the rest of the bowl. The cinderblock walls are covered with multiple conference championships from the school's numerous sports programs. The stage is bordered in brick and features a red curtain. The stage area includes a few tables and chairs for media and tournament personnel. There is also a photographer hanging off the stage to capture pictures for the school. The stage is also used for additional seating during higher-attendance games, most notably against the rival Lapel High School. On each side of the stage are banners from school championships, an American flag, a conference banner, and a list of advertisers. Neighborhood 2 Frankton, Indiana, has a population of around 1,800 and is over an hour from downtown Indianapolis and 45 minutes from Fishers, where the Fishers Event Center hosts the Indy Fuel hockey  and the Indy Ignite volleyball teams . There are a few places to visit while in town, including MJ’s Scoops and Moore, The Depot Ice Cream & More, Bernie’s Bar, and Maranatha Coffee Co. Fans 3 During the Holiday Classic, a small group of fans made their way to the gym to cheer their favorite team. When Frankton showed up for the later game, the gym began to fill with locals, parents, and a small student section. They cheered, roared, and clapped throughout the game. Access 4 The Eagles Nest is easy to navigate, with concession stands underneath the grandstand and restrooms at the entrance. Additional concession stands are in the main lobby, and service is relatively quick. The 2,500-seat gymnasium is easy to find a seat, but it can become crowded during packed games. Return on Investment 4 A ticket to the Holiday Classic is $15 for the entire session at Frankton and nearby Elwood High School. This allows fans to watch 6 games while spending $2 for a hot dog and $5 for nachos. It is an affordable way to spend the day during the Holiday season. A ticket to a regular Frankton game is $6 per person.  Extras 3 The Eagles Nest earns a point for its stage at one end, which also serves as space for media and officials. It is framed in brick and features championship banners above it. It creates a nice centerpiece for the venue. The gymnasium earns another point for its concession stand underneath the grandstand. The long, narrow area features the old Frankton center court logo and a team photo from the 1934/1935 season. An additional point is earned for the additional concession items of chili, dirty soda, and Chick-fil-A sandwiches in the main lobby. Each purchase of these items funds school programs and scholarship opportunities. Final Thoughts There are newer, more spacious high school basketball gyms in the area. However, many of them lack the atmosphere that is The Eagles Nest. When the gym is packed, the roar of the crowd can be deafening. A true small-school hidden gym in the state that does high school hoops the best . ------ Follow all of Marc’s stadium journeys on Twitter   @ballparkhunter   and his YouTube channel .   Email at Marc.Viquez@stadiumjourney.com

Photos by Marc Viquez, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.57 Hauser High School Gymnasium 9423 N State Rd. 9 Hope, IN 47246 Hauser High School Jets website Hauser High School Gym website Year Opened: 1966 Capacity: 1,573 A Small Gym That Packs a Punch While the Hauser Gymnasium may not be one of the largest in the state, it ranks highly among the many small-town gyms that dot the map of Indiana. The 1,573-seat venue features an innovative upper-deck design that offers a vantage point not found in many other facilities. The Hauser Jets have made the gym a tough place to play the past few years, posting a winning home record. The town of Hope has a population of only 2,158. Still, on many nights, the majority of its residents make their way to the high school to watch Jets basketball during the cold winter months, since both the school and the gymnasium opened in the fall of 1966. Basketball has been played in town for well over a century, and the Hope High School Red Devils were the original team in town. In 1957, the school merged with Clifford High School and adopted the name Hauser in honor of the town's founder, Martin Hauser. The Student Council would also choose the modern name, Jets, as its new nickname, along with the colors of black and white. The basketball team would play at the old gym until 1966. The old Hope Gym stood for many years and was considered a filming location for the movie Hoosiers, potentially serving as the home court of the Hickory Huskers. Ultimately, however, producers chose the Knightstown Gym instead. The building was later purchased by the Community Center of Hope and continued to host volleyball games, league basketball, fundraisers, and other special events. In April 2022, a fire destroyed most of the historic structure. The Hauser Gymnasium is a gem in Indiana's small-town sports scene. With a seating capacity of 1,573, this venue boasts an innovative upper deck design, offering unique views unmatched by many larger facilities. Home to the spirited Hauser Jets, the gym has become a fortress for its basketball team, showcasing a remarkable winning record in recent years Food & Beverage 4 The gym features two concession areas—one focused on classic game-day favorites and the other dedicated to sweet treats. In the main lobby, fans can choose from a wide variety of options, including hot dogs, steak burgers, BBQ sandwiches, nachos, pretzels, and cheesy breadsticks. Combo meals are available, allowing guests to bundle a main item with a drink and candy for added value. The Coca-Cola Company products are proudly served as the beverage of choice at Hauser Gym. A separate table highlights “dirty sodas,” a fun and popular fundraiser supporting school programs. These specialty drinks blend soda with flavored syrups and coffee creamers to create unique combinations like peaches and cream, tropical twist, and cherry limeade. The second concession stand specializes in snacks and desserts, offering freshly popped popcorn, warm cookies, Nutella treats, and a variety of drinks. A portion of the proceeds from these sales benefits the school’s music boosters. Food Options at the Gym, Photo by Marc Viquez, Stadium Journey Atmosphere 4 Upon entering, the unique upstairs seating immediately catches the eye, with balconies encircling the gym's perimeter. This upper seating area overlooks the court, offering a perspective that is rare in many other facilities across the state. Staircases at each of the four corners lead patrons to the second level, and once seated, you'll enjoy some of the finest views in the building. The student section is dubbed the Danger Zone, and the small group of 50 students dress up in theme outfits, stand, stomp, and cheer throughout the game in support of their Jets. They are small in size but are deafeningly loud to cause havoc to any would-be opponent attempting a free throw. During halftime and after the game, the student group continues the celebrations with more cheering and dancing around the court. Student Section at Hauser Jets, Photo by Marc Viquez, Stadium Journey The players take the court with the sounds of jet engines blasting in the background, and an enthusiastic public address announcer pumps even more energy and excitement into the stands. The sound system works quite well, and it’s hard not to get excited about the opening tip-off. Fans stand and clap during the playing of the school fight song. Multiple black and white school championship banners hang against the walls of the upper deck seating area. The railings of the upper level are adorned with mini-painted silver jets, conference opponent banners hang at the center railing, and the school’s 2006 state championship banner is front and center from the rafters. Neighborhood 2 Hope is a small town of just about over 2,000 people located 20 miles between the towns of Columbus and Shelbyville, Indiana. Access to the town is through S.R. 9, where the school is located. Like many Indiana towns, there is a square that features a few restaurants on Main Street, including El Jefe Mexican Restaurant and The Corner Cafe. However, your best bet might be heading south to Columbus to enjoy some of the great breweries and restaurants that the city has to offer, including 450 North Brewery , or a few miles north in Shelbyville, to enjoy food and beverages at Capone's Speakeasy. The Hauser Gym is close to a few other basketball gyms and a minor league hockey arena. The Columbus North Bulldogs and Columbus East Olympians play in distinct gymnasiums, and the Shelbyville Bruins play at the William L. Garrett Memorial Gymnasium. The Indiana Sentinels of the FHPL also play in Columbus at the Hamilton Community Center & Ice Arena. Fans 5 During our visit, the gym was filled with enthusiastic fans. The Jets have been having a fantastic basketball season, and it was senior night. The attendance accounted for 50% of the town's population. The school's athletic director mentioned that this was typical for a weekend game, and he anticipated even higher turnout in the future. The crowd proudly sported their school colors, engaged in conversations about the team's performance, and reminisced about watching some of the seniors play in junior basketball. Access 3 The small gym is very easy to navigate, with concession stands and restrooms located in the main lobby, along with staircases leading to the upper deck. Despite the potential for large crowds, movement remains comfortable and unobstructed. Conveniently situated on State Road 9, the gym offers ample parking for visitors. Return on Investment 3 The Hauser Gym is somewhat located off the beaten path, but being able to drive through the small towns of the state on small roads is somewhat appealing to many individuals. The price of admission is $6 for adults, the parking is free, and the concessions are no more than $5 per item. You also get to enjoy basketball in one of the most eclectic-looking facilities, perhaps in the area; to me, that’s worth the price of admission. Extras 4 A star is awarded to the Danger Zone, the section made up of 50 high-energy students who provide an atmosphere just as energetic as larger high school facilities and some soccer pitches. The second star is awarded to the mini silver-painted jets that adorn the top rails of the facility. A nice nod to the school’s nickname and a simple way to give the place a little home cooking. A third star goes to the upper deck seating, which is one of the quirkiest in the state. This area offers a unique perspective of the game, providing an enjoyable viewing experience that's also spacious and comfortable. A final star is awarded to the home announcer who adds a level of boisterous frenzy to the pregame warmups, player introductions, and the rest of the game. Final Thoughts While the state is known for hosting some of the largest high school basketball gymnasiums in the world, it also boasts many smaller venues that offer equally enjoyable experiences for watching high school hoops. Hauser Gymnasium comes alive on a chilly winter night; if you can plan a visit, you'll be pleasantly surprised.

Photos Courtesy of @baseballtravels/IG Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3. 29 FedExPark Avron Fogleman Field 974 Getwell Rd. Memphis, TN 38111 Memphis Tigers website FedExPark Avron Fogleman Field website Year Opened: 1972 Capacity: 2,000 From Nat Buring Stadium to FedExPark A new era of Memphis Tigers baseball began in 2010 when the program unveiled a dramatically renovated home ballpark. After spending 36 seasons at Nat Buring Stadium, the Tigers opened the newly transformed FedExPark, a modernized facility that reflected the university’s renewed investment in its baseball program. The transformation was made possible through a $3 million gift from Memphis-based FedEx Corp. The funding allowed the university to completely overhaul the stadium that had served as the team’s home since 1972. In the fall of 2022, a $3.5 million renovation project was made possible through the generosity of Memphis businessman and philanthropist Avron Fogelman, along with stadium namesake FedEx. Fogleman was the former owner of the Memphis Chicks Double-A baseball team from 1978 to 1988. The project introduced a state-of-the-art artificial turf playing surface along with a new videoboard to enhance the fan experience. Additional improvements included upgraded seating areas, new fan safety netting, and a brick exterior wall that gives the ballpark a more polished, welcoming appearance. Fans also benefit from several upgrades included in the redesign. The grandstand area features an expanded press box with dedicated radio and television broadcast booths as well as workspace for media and event staff. New restrooms and concession areas were added to improve game-day comfort. A grand entrance on the left-field side of the stadium welcomes fans arriving from the parking lots and creates an inviting gateway to the ballpark. Food & Beverage 3 Their concession items are simple, but what you would expect to see at a ballpark of this size. The menu options include hot dogs, nachos, peanuts, popcorn, candy, and soda. There is a grill that serves up burgers and brats during the game.  However, one must not overlook the barbecue nachos, a regional delicacy in Memphis. The university also offers its own beer, “Tiger Tail,” exclusively brewed by Grind City Brewing Company . It is a craft malt liquor that is slightly sweet and aged on toasted American oak for a light, smooth taste. Photo Courtesy of David Hill Atmosphere 4 FedExPark is a small ballpark, measuring 318 feet down the left-field line, 317 feet down the right-field line, 360 feet to the power alleys, and 379 feet to center field.  It is a simple design that features 9-10 rows of seating in a brick grandstand. Each seat is made of a blue back seat for added comfort.  However, the park often plays differently depending on the wind. When breezes blow in from left field, pitchers tend to have the advantage. When the wind shifts and blows out toward the left, the ballpark can quickly become more favorable to hitters. The backstop features retired numbers of past baseball greats. There are 12 in total, including Stan Bronson, Jr., who was a batboy from 1958-2014 and is regarded as the "Most Durable Batboy" per Guinness World Records . Neighborhood 3 The ballpark is surrounded by a mixture of commercial and residential housing on the University of Memphis Park South Campus. It is a few miles north of I-240 and near the main intersection of Getwell Road and Park Ave. You are not going to find a lot within driving distance. Downtown Memphis is 8 miles west of campus and about a 20-30 minute drive from the ballpark. Beale Street is a popular tourist destination for live music, famous eateries, and places for drinks. Dyer’s Burgers have been cooked in the same grease since 1912, Bill Sweet’s Sugar Shack specializes in homemade fudge, King’s Palace Cafe serves Cajun-Cuisine and live Blues music, and Rendezvous is your place for Memphis-style barbecue. Within just a few blocks of the arena, visitors will find several of Memphis’ most notable attractions. The National Civil Rights Museum and the Blues Hall of Fame both sit nearby, offering powerful looks into the city’s cultural and musical heritage. A short walk toward the river brings fans to Mud Island, located along the Mississippi Riverfront, where exhibits highlight the history and importance of the mighty river as it flows past downtown Memphis. Fans 4 The fanbase was really into the game despite the Tigers losing record at the time of the visit. There appear to be many regulars who make their voices heard throughout the grandstand and field of play. They bring a much-added punch to the proceedings that is quite welcoming at a ballpark of this size. Access 4 The entrance to the ballpark is in the left field corner, and fans make their way to the grandstand along an inner concourse. There are plenty of areas to move around inside the seating bowl. The best way to access the stadium is by car. Parking is available behind the left field wall. Return on Investment 3 The price of a ticket to the game is $9 for standing room only or $11 for general admission. The price of concessions is reasonable, and it's a comfortable place to enjoy a game during the springtime in town. The Tigers offer multiple promotional days, including $2 Tuesdays, where tickets and hot dogs are just $2. Friday Happy Hour: $2 beer is available 15 minutes before the first pitch and 45 minutes after. Sunday Fundays, where kids are allowed to run the bases and select players are available to sign autographs. There is also Bark in the Park on select nights. Photo Courtesy of David Wolf Extras 2 The ballpark has a nice entrance way in the leftfield corner that makes it easy for fans to park their cars at the game. It includes a small tiger statue at the gate. The food quality is better than expected, including barbecue nachos. Final Thoughts FedExPark Avron Fogelman Field blends modern amenities with decades of tradition. With continued investment in both player development and the fan experience, the ballpark remains a central part of Memphis Tigers baseball and its future growth.

Photos Courtesy of @baseballtravels/IG Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.29 US Bank Stadium 401 Chicago Ave Minneapolis, MN 55415 Minnesota Golden Gophers website US Bank Stadium website Year Opened: 2016 Capacity: 66,655 The Minnesota Golden Gophers baseball team calls Siebert Stadium  its home field, but also has a second home in the U.S. Bank Stadium . The home of the NFL Minnesota Vikings, which seats 73,000 for football games, might be somewhat too massive for a college baseball game. However, the indoor facility makes it ideal for games in the early months of the Minnesota winter. The indoor venue enables the baseball program to host additional home games rather than travel for early-season contests. The team plays 40% of its games at the football stadium, a tradition that began with the Vikings predecessor, the Metrodome. The Metrodome served as home to the Gophers during the early portions of the season from 1985 to 2010 and for two more years in 2012 and 2013. Playing indoors allows the Gophers to begin the season at home earlier than other Big Ten opponents. The Gophers usually begin their season at Siebert Stadium in late March. The artistically engaging décor features random Viking logos throughout the stadium, giving it a local touch while fans enjoy a dramatically different baseball experience. However, there are plenty of Golden Gophers banners across the stadium seats behind the left field wall. The stadium also hosts the Cambria Classic . A weekend event that features six different universities from the area. Spectators enter through the Lower Pentair Gate, and seating is available in Sections 126-130 for the event. Backpacks and purses will be permitted for this event. Larger bags, including duffel bags and suitcases, will not be permitted. The unique atmosphere offered a delightful twist on America's pastime, combining the thrill of football with the charm of a baseball game. Food & Beverage 3 There is one concession stand open for baseball games, and that is more than enough given the attendance figures.  Fans can choose from chicken tenders, cheeseburgers, brats, hot dogs, and fries during the game. The snacks include popcorn, pretzels, nachos, and candy. All drinks are Pepsi products, and alcoholic beverages consist of domestic and craft beer, along with hard seltzers and batch cocktails. The menu options that are available at baseball games. Photos Courtesy of @baseballtravels/IG Atmosphere 3 The home plate is positioned in the southwest corner, providing a beautiful backdrop of sunshine and the Minneapolis skyline. One of the most striking features of this setup is the massive scoreboard. Concession stands are available, offering classic ballpark favorites, which is a must when enjoying a hot dog amidst the excitement—especially under the warmth of the stadium’s glass roof. The dugouts, made from repurposed shipping containers, add an element of quirkiness and charm. A foul ball bouncing off the top provides an unexpected thrill, aligning perfectly with the playful spirit of the event. The dimensions of the field are unusual, with a right-field line measuring just 300 feet but reaching 34 feet high. Instead of a traditional wall, it features a massive black sheet that absorbs the impact of foul balls rather than deflecting them. Left field, measuring 328 feet, has its quirks as well, including spots where the play clock for NFL games resides. There is also plenty of natural lighting that shines through the glass walls and roof. It may be cold on the Minneapolis streets, but it is comfortable inside for players and fans. The wide open concourse offers opportunities for fans. Photos Courtesy of @baseballtravels/IG Neighborhood 4 US Bank Stadium is located just a stone's throw from downtown Minneapolis, though it has a slightly secluded feel. To the west, you’ll find the Target Center,   Target Field , Nicollet Mall , and, for fans of Prince, the iconic First Avenue  nightclub. Across the Mississippi River to the east lies the University of Minnesota. Both areas are rich in fine and casual dining options, accommodations, and unique shopping experiences. Lobster rolls are a specialty at many local eateries, with 1029Bar offering a classic version. Day Block Brewery and Restaurant offers scratch-made pizzas, burgers, and several taps, including Vikingberry Sour, Stadium Blonde, and Cactus Hard Seltzer. The Mill Ruins Park offers a fascinating glimpse into the city’s milling history and is situated right along the river in Mill City Park. For stunning views of the city, the Foshay Museum and Observation Deck  is available for just $10 to $18. The Mill Ruins Park sits along the Minneapolis skyline. Photo Courtesy of Marc Viquez Fans 3 Baseball fans do their best to generate some life inside the cavernous confines of the NFL-sized stadium. Even with the large seating bowl and high ceilings of U.S. Bank Stadium, the Gophers faithful bring plenty of enthusiasm, cheering on big hits and strikeouts while trying to shrink the massive space with their energy.  When the stadium hosts only a Golden Gophers game, the college atmosphere is much more apparent. The familiar sounds of college baseball, chants from the crowd, the buzz of the student section, and the crack of the bat echoing through the building help give the venue a lively, distinctly collegiate feel despite its pro-scale surroundings.  Access 4 Accessing the stadium is streamlined through a single entry point through the Lower Pentair Gate. Fans are required to navigate around the concourse, which can feel more like a maze than a typical baseball venue. Seating is available only in Sections 126-130.  US Bank Stadium is accessible via car, bike, and train. The METRO Light Rail (Blue/Green Lines) all-day passes cost $4 for adults ($2 for seniors/youth/disabilities) and provide unlimited rides on trains and local buses until 2 a.m. the following day.  The light rail system links all of the major stadiums and arenas in the Twin Cities. Fans can visit Target Field , Target Center , CHS Field , Huntington Bank Stadium , Allianz Field,  and the Grand Casino Arena . Return on Investment 3 The price of tickets is $19. The cost of a hot dog is $6.50, and a 16-ounce domestic can of beer is $11.75. The return on investment depends on what the customer is willing to pay. However, watching baseball in Minneapolis in early March, instead of freezing out in the cold at Siebert Field, may up the ante for baseball fans eagerly waiting for springtime baseball.  Extras 3 The main point is the ability to watch baseball at a venue that hosts the sport for only 10 days a year. US Bank Stadium is ideal for Vikings football games, but also nice for a few games of Golden Gophers baseball during the season as well. The stadium also houses other area colleges, university, and high school programs during this time of the year, from St. Cloud Technical Community College to Itasca Community College and St. Cloud State. Attending a game might provide throwback vibes from when the Gophers and Twins played games at the Metrodome. Indoor baseball used to be quite popular and one gets the old-time feelings attending games at US Bank Stadium, sans a Kirby Puckett home run. The glass roof and walls provide plenty of sunshine and views of the Minneapolis skyline. Homeplate is well-positioned, allowing fans to feel as if they are part of the outside world. The dugouts are constructed out of shipping containers. Photos Courtesy of @baseballtravels/IG Final Thoughts The combination of an active NFL stadium reveals that the U.S. Bank Stadium is a versatile venue capable of hosting various events. Whether you're a die-hard baseball fan or just enjoying an afternoon with friends, this unique experience is one to remember, blurring the lines between sports and entertainment.

The Long Beach Coast is an expansion franchise in the Pioneer League, preparing for its inaugural season in 2026 at Historic Blair Field. The ball club has received an overwhelmingly positive response from the community and hopes to connect with the city's diverse population. Team President Ena Patel provided insights into how the Coast is establishing its brand, enhancing the ballpark experience, and fostering a connection with a city eager for the return of professional baseball. Crafting the Long Beach Name While “Coast” has emerged as the primary brand, a deep sense of nostalgia has surfaced. Many fan submissions reference former Long Beach teams, including the Armada, Riptide, and Breakers. Notably, one of the Coast’s assistant coaches has ties to the Armada, creating a direct link between the past and present. Patel has indicated that future throwback nights and clever tributes to these former teams are in the works, demonstrating the organization’s commitment to honoring local baseball history, including starting ticket prices in the single digits.  The team is also embracing a dual identity. Alongside the primary “Coast” branding is an alternate identity: the Regulators. The name is from the 1994 Warren G song “Regulate” that famously opens up with the shout out of “Regulators! Mount up.” The song peaked at number 2 on the Billboard Hot 100 that summer. “We can be both,” Patel explained. “The 11-mile continuous coast is what really unites the city geographically, and the regulator's name represents the people and the culture. We thought that having both really united the Long Beach community.” Creating the Long Beach Look The team’s look was crafted with intention. Local graphic designer Francisco Reyes, Jr., developed the “LBC” hat logo. Reyes, also known as Never Made, has done partnerships with Manchester City and Los Angeles FC. In much of his work, he likes to hide Easter Eggs. He designed the C to resemble a crashing wave and made the words flow like water. He even created the swatch on the team’s wordmark to look like the city’s 11 miles of shoreline.  The color palette reflects the city’s personality: off-white tones inspired by the sand, teal for a coastal vibe, and dark gray rather than black for a modern, urban feel. The result is a fashionable cap and wordmark that resonates with fans beyond traditional baseball enthusiasts. The initial “Tidal Wave” limited-edition hat — named after one of the creative naming contest submissions — sold out quickly. Additional limited-edition colorways are planned, many inspired by other fan-submitted names. The team is still working on team jerseys and will include a nod to Long Beach's diverse community. Patel added that they are working with Reyes and their uniform provider to create a class and modern versions of home and away uniforms.  Calling Blair Field Home The Coast will share Blair Field with the Long Beach State Dirtbags, creating an immediate partnership with California State University, Long Beach. While Blair Field is a historic venue, improvements are underway. Both the university and the Coast ownership group are investing in upgrades. One major addition required by the Pioneer League: a permanent batter’s eye — something the facility has surprisingly lacked. The installation will benefit both the Coast and the Dirtbags. The Coast is working to ensure the ballpark feels like its own during the Pioneer League season. With only a slight overlap between the college and pro schedules, there will be time to transition the stadium into a fully Coast-branded environment. Travelling to a weeknight MLB game can be an ordeal for fans. From Long Beach, a trip to Dodger Stadium can approach two hours in rush hour traffic, even though it’s less than 30 miles. Even a drive to Angel Stadium often runs 30–45 minutes — not including parking fees and premium concession prices. A Team without Restrictions As an independent league team, the Coast is not bound by MLB commercial restrictions. That opens the door for creative promotions and direct fan interaction. Patel pointed to examples around independent baseball where players sign autographs en masse after games and kids leave with signed baseballs — experiences rarely possible in MLB parks. With 51 home games planned, the Coast is actively building its operational team. Internships and summer jobs are in development, particularly through partnerships with Cal State Long Beach students. Roles could span baseball operations, analytics, concessions, retail, and game-day management. The Long Beach Coast isn’t simply launching a team; they’re building a community-driven brand rooted in local pride, coastal culture, and accessibility. In a crowded Southern California sports landscape, that authenticity may prove to be their biggest competitive advantage. ------ Follow all of Marc’s stadium journeys on Twitter   @ballparkhunter   and his YouTube channel .   Email at Marc.Viquez@stadiumjourney.com

Photo Courtesy of Miami University is preparing to turn the page on one of its most recognizable athletic venues. The university’s Board of Trustees has approved a resolution to construct a new multipurpose arena that will eventually replace Millet Hall . This nearly 60-year-old facility has been home to RedHawks basketball and volleyball since the late 1960s. The new building, projected to cost $242 million and authorized to cover construction and related expenses of $281 million , will be built on the current Cook Field intramural sports site and is expected to usher in a new era for Miami athletics. University officials said at least $175 million would be required to renovate and add onto Millett Hall. The new arena is estimated to cost $242 million; the board will authorize $281 million to cover construction  and related costs.  Millett Hall   is the home to men’s basketball. Volleyball and women’s basketball have played at the venue since 1974. The men’s basketball team concluded a 31-0 season while the women’s team finished with a 25-6 record. Trustees approved the resolution for the new facility in February, and it will be built on Cook Field, which is currently used  for intramural sports. The Cook Field site was chosen because it offers greater convenience and support for concurrent, student-centered activities such as  commencements, concerts, and university events. Photo Courtesy of Miami (OH) University The new multipurpose arena aims to resolve the space constraints and persistent operational and maintenance challenges at Millett Hall,  according to its website .  Additionally, it will enable the university to host multiple events concurrently, including commencements, concerts, creative arts performances, and career fairs. Miami athletic director David Sayler told trustees the project is critical to the university’s long-term future, according to the statement. “We are in a unique and dynamic time for Miami University athletics,” Sayler said. “It is time to innovate, invest, and inspire. A new arena benefits all of Miami and will serve as a gateway and beacon for the university.” University officials said the new arena would create additional revenue-generating opportunities that are not possible in the current facility.  Millett Hall cost $7.4 million to construct and opened on December 2, 1968. Construction of the new arena is expected to begin in September, with completion in the fall of 2028. ------ Follow all of Marc’s stadium journeys on Twitter   @ballparkhunter   and his YouTube channel .   Email at Marc.Viquez@stadiumjourney.com

Photo Courtesy of Marc Viquez, Stadium Journey The Horizon League has announced that its men’s and women’s basketball championship tournament will move to The Arena at Innovation Mile in Noblesville, Indiana, in 2027. The agreement runs through at least 2031, bringing postseason excitement and thousands of fans to the fast-growing northern Indianapolis suburb. City leaders in Noblesville spent more than a year and a half pursuing the opportunity through a competitive bid process. Their efforts paid off when the Horizon League selected the 3,500-seat arena as the future home for the league’s second rounds, semifinals, and championship games. The Horizon League tournament has been held at Corteva Coliseum at the Indiana State Fairgrounds for the past seven years, and league officials emphasized that they were not looking at leaving the area. However, when evaluating potential options within the region, the league found that Noblesville’s new basketball-focused venue offered a unique opportunity. The Arena at Innovation Mile is designed for basketball, creating a more intimate environment for postseason play. For student-athletes, that means competing in a venue where every seat feels close to the action, and the atmosphere can quickly become electric. The Horizon League currently features 11 member schools across six states, with plans to expand.  League officials believe the move to Noblesville will showcase the sport in a state that lives and breathes basketball. Sadly, this is another event or tenant that has left the Corteva Coliseum in the past two years. The Indy Fuel relocated to the Fishers Event Center,  only eight miles south of The Arena in Fishers, and the IU-Indianapolis moved back to campus with plans to open up the  4,500-seat James T. Morris Arena this fall. The league has held its basketball tournament in Indianapolis since 2020. The Corteva Coliseum, then known as the Indiana Farmers Coliseum, went through $53 million in renovations between 2012 and 2014 to welcome professional hockey back to the city. With today's announcement, there will be one less sporting event taking place. The venue is hosting the HBCU All-Star Game on April 5. In the booming Hamilton County market, local leaders expect a major economic boost as teams, fans, and families travel to the area each March. Visitors will fill hotel rooms, dine in local restaurants, and explore entertainment options throughout Noblesville and the broader Indianapolis region. Sports tourism officials estimate that events such as the Horizon League Championships generate millions of dollars in economic impact for host communities. With thousands of athletes, coaches, and fans arriving over multiple days of competition, the tournament is expected to become a significant annual event for the region. The partnership also reflects Hamilton County's continued growth as a sports destination. With new facilities, expanding infrastructure, and proximity to Indianapolis, the county is positioning itself to host more regional and national events in the coming years. Once completed, the Arena at Innovation Mile will serve as a centerpiece of Noblesville’s developing Innovation Mile district. The building opened this past November and is home to the Indiana Pacers G-League affiliate, the Noblesville Boom. ------ Follow all of Marc’s stadium journeys on Twitter   @ballparkhunter   and his YouTube channel .   Email at Marc.Viquez@stadiumjourney.com

Photo by Marc Viquez, Stadium Journey Chattanooga Football Club (CFC) has announced a new multi-year partnership with Food City that names the company as the official presenting partner of the Grass Hill at Finley Stadium. A popular spot for matches for fans, the Food City Grass Hill has served as a relaxed, family-friendly viewing area at CFC matches since the club’s early days. It’s situated on the east side of Finley Stadium  along Chestnut Street. In 2024, the club formalized the section as a low-cost, ticketed seating option to make matchdays even more accessible for supporters. “Food City is the official naming rights partner for our Grass Hill spectator section, which has been an open-air, family-friendly space for years,” said Hayes Creech, CFC Communications Director. “It's the perfect area for kids to run around and burn energy, with yard games, sweet treats, and vendors on site.” Food City is a regional supermarket chain founded in 1918. The company operates 137 stores in Kentucky, Tennessee, Alabama, Georgia, and Virginia. There are 10 locations in the Chattanooga area. “Food City is proud to expand our long-time partnership with Chattanooga Football Club by sponsoring the Grass Hill at Finley Stadium,” said Misty Deskins, Senior Director of Marketing for Food City. “The Grass Hill has become a beloved tradition that offers affordable, fun-filled entertainment for fans of all ages.” Creech added that at this  moment in time, there are no further development plans for additional seating in that area. Ticket prices in the Food City Grass Hill cost between $11.79 to $15.26 for single-game tickets. ------ Follow all of Marc’s stadium journeys on Twitter   @ballparkhunter   and his YouTube channel .   Email at Marc.Viquez@stadiumjourney.com

Photos by Gregory Koch Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.29 Cassell Coliseum 675 Washington Street, SW Blacksburg, VA 24061 Virginia Tech Hokies website Cassell Coliseum website Year Opened: 1962 Capacity: 9,275 The Hokies “Cassell” Virginia Tech first started playing basketball at Cassell Coliseum in 1962. The arena, located on the VT campus in Blacksburg, seats around 10,000 fans and is known for being an intimidating place for opposing teams to play. Cassell has undergone several renovations over the years, and despite the harsh concrete exterior, it feels like a much newer arena on the inside. Food & Beverage 5 Virginia Tech offers a wide range of concessions for sale at Cassell Coliseum that are sure to satisfy every fan. The traditional options like hot dogs, burgers, and chicken tenders are available, but so are many other, more unique options. Macaroni and cheese, pulled pork quesadillas, and much more are available at the various stands on the concourse that surrounds the seating bowl. Because of the layout of the arena, it shouldn't take more than a couple of minutes to walk around the entire concourse and check out every stand before you decide what to order. Beer is also available to fans 21 or older. Atmosphere 5 Cassell Coliseum has a harsh concrete exterior that somewhat resembles a UFO with spider-like legs, but this contrasts sharply with the modern concourse you will encounter as you enter. From here, you will enter your section and walk up or down stairs to get to your seat. The stairs are steep, which provides great views of the action and amplifies the crowd noise, with fans so close to each other and the court. This seating layout creates the appearance of a large wall of Hokie fans. Large videoboards are located at each end of the court, but banners for fans in the upper rows of the arena may partially obstruct their view. Before each game, the Hokies' starting lineup is introduced as fans use the flashlights on their cell phones along with a team-provided app to create a light show. Spotlights also shine on the court. Once the lineup is announced and the game is about to begin, "Enter Sandman" plays over the PA system as the crowd cheers and the student section jumps up and down to the music. At the final line, "Exit light/Enter night/Take my hand/We're off to never-never-land," the crowd sings along. The Hokies have a pep band, dance team, and cheerleaders. The pep band is raucous and works with the student section to energize the rest of the crowd. One unique promotion the Hokies offer is Bricks for Bacon. If an opposing player misses both free throws on a trip to the foul line in the second half or overtime, every fan wins free Smithfield bacon. When the bacon is on the line, expect the crowd to be even more raucous than usual. Neighborhood 4 Cassell Arena is located in the heart of the Virginia Tech campus, in the college town of Blacksburg, Virginia. Nearby Main Street offers many options, including the Hokie House restaurant and bar, P.K.'s Bar and Grill, and cuisines from Japanese to Mexican to Nepalese. Blacksburg may be in a remote location, but it is a fine college town. Most of the businesses cater to students or others associated with the university, given the population in this area. Fans 5 Cassell Coliseum has earned its reputation as a tough place for visiting teams to play due to the raucous atmosphere the fans create. Most games sell out or come close, and the crowd is right on top of the action due to the steep seating bowl. The student section, known as the Cassell Guard, is located behind one basket and stands and cheers for the Hokies for the entire game. They are some of the rowdiest students in basketball and go wild from start to finish. At the start of the second half, they unveil a giant "Let's Go Hokies" banner across the student section. Of course, the non-students can be loud as well. With a sold-out crowd in a small, tightly packed arena, it can get extremely loud at times. From singing along to "Enter Sandman" at the start of the game to the moment the final buzzer sounds, Hokies fans are loud and involved. Access 3 The Virginia Tech campus is located about 10 miles off I-81 via US 460. Just follow the signs for the Virginia Tech campus. Once you arrive, you will find that the lots closest to Cassell Coliseum are reserved for donors and season ticket holders. You will need to park in the lots on the other side of the football stadium, about a ten-minute walk away. Parking is free in these lots. A clear bag policy is in effect at Cassell Coliseum, which is far too common nowadays. The steep seating bowl certainly adds to the atmosphere, but it can make it challenging to walk to the top rows of your section. Restrooms are located around the concourse and are sufficient for the crowds. Return on Investment 4 Most tickets at Cassell Coliseum, especially for ACC conference games, are reserved for season ticket holders and donors. If you do manage to buy tickets through the team, it will cost you around $35 for seats in the high rows of the corner sections, though the exact cost and availability will depend on the opponent. Better seats are unlikely to be available except on the secondary market, especially for conference games. The cost on the secondary market varies depending on the opponent. Non-conference games usually go for face value or below. Conference games, especially those on weekends or against big opponents, could go for significantly more, although the cost may come down closer to gameday. The free parking is a plus for this level, and the 10-minute walk from there isn't too bad. Overall, a Virginia Tech basketball game is a good value, especially if you manage to snag tickets through the team instead of resale. Extras 4 Free roster cards are available as you enter your section. Check out the banners in the rafters honoring the accomplishments of all the teams that call Cassell Coliseum home - men's and women's basketball, volleyball, and wrestling. The Virginia Tech Athletics Hall of Fame is located on the concourse and features plaques honoring Hokie greats. The pregame lightshow and "Enter Sandman" are also worthy of a star here. Final Thoughts Cassell Coliseum is an old arena, but it is still going strong after over 60 years. With raucous fans, especially the Cassell Guard student section, and an electrifying atmosphere from pregame until the final buzzer, a Virginia Tech basketball game is a top-notch fan experience.

==> View the 1973 - 1989 Years <== After losing the Independence Bowl in 1985, Clemson rebounded fast, claiming three straight ACC championships from 1986–1988 and never falling out of the top 10. But after the streak ended in 1989, Danny Ford closed his Clemson chapter with a Gator Bowl win and stepped away from the program. The Post-Sanctions Era of Memorial Stadium! Coach Ford's replacement, Ken Hatfield, initially kept up the same success, winning the ACC title in 1991. He left for Rice in 1994 in a repeat of history; Clemson kept a cycle of either above or below average for the next two decades, halting their ACC dominance. The stadium even played host to the Carolina Panthers in their inaugural 1995 NFL season, going 7- 9. Carolina Panthers at Memorial Stadium 1995, Photo Courtesy of the Sumter Item Despite being far from its peak, Clemson fans continued to show up in droves. In 1999, Memorial Stadium ’s attendance record was shattered, and it’s a record that still stands to this day. 86,092 fans wanted to see the first Bowden Bowl , a coaching battle between father and son. With father Bobby Bowden  (Florida State head coach) beating son Tommy Bowden  (Clemson head coach) 17-14, Clemson showed incredible fight, almost beating the #1 team in the country. While the Clemson football program went through a lull, the school continued to invest in the biggest trump card the program had left, its stadium . In 2006, after they beat Colorado in the Champ Sports Bowl, they added the WestZone , which, after years of Memorial Stadium upgrades serving the fans, balanced things out and served the student- athletes that help made Death Valley what it is. The project even finished early while still helping the fans out by giving them more restrooms and concessions. Primarily, the WestZone project created a comprehensive home for Clemson’s student‑athletes, featuring expanded locker rooms twice the size of the originals, upgraded carpeting, photo montages depicting Clemson football heritage, new offices, a student‑athlete enrichment center, and a luxury club level with more than 1,000 seats.  The seating capacity rose to 81,000, adding to what was one of the largest stadiums in the US. Memorial Stadium's West End Zone, Photo Courtesy of MMSA “It is not a coincidence that the quality of our recruiting classes has improved dramatically since we began moving dirt and pouring mortar in the West End Zone of Memorial Stadium,” said Head Coach Tommy Bowden.  “Our fans who follow the program closely see that in the recruiting service rankings, but I see it through personal contact with the quality of young men who are now considering and selecting Clemson. As we continue to build and eventually finish the WestZone Initiative, it will help us reach the championship-quality program we all strive for.” They proved again in 2007 against Boston College that Clemson is ready for a championship-quality program. Clemson’s student body put Memorial Stadium in the Guinness Book of World Records when the crowd noise reached 133 decibels, breaking the loudest college football stadium record. The passionate roars of the crowd in Memorial Stadium that day showed the incredible passion and hunger Tigers fans still had, despite their recent lack of major success. These passionate Clemson fans deserved a program that could match their passion with wins. Then the Clemson Tigers hired Dabo Swinney. ==> Explore 2009 - Present Times! <==

Photos by Dave Cottenie, Stadium Journey. Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.57 Place Bell 19 Rue Claude-Gagné Laval, QC H7N 0E4 Montreal Victoire website Place Bell website Year Opened: 2017 Capacity: 10,170 En Route Vers la Victoire Ripples went through the sports world in 2023 with the establishment of the Professional Women’s Hockey League.  Although there had been other women’s hockey leagues previously, this one seemed like it was going to be different.  A new standard of media coverage and funding was clear from the beginning, and welcoming the best players in the world, including the Olympians, was the goal.  A few years in, and the PWHL is going strong.  One of the cornerstone franchises in the PWHL is the Montréal Victoire.  Featuring stars like Ann-Renée Desbiens, Laura Stace,y and Marie-Philip Poulin with local ties has been a recipe for success. The inaugural season for the Victoire was played mostly at the Verdun Auditorium, an old, 3,800-seat arena in the suburbs of Montréal that has been home to a number of QMJHL teams.  It was clear early on that the Verdun Auditorium was not going to be sufficient for the Victoire and a move to the larger, newer Place Bell in Laval, a city on the island just north of Montréal.  A larger building has not been an issue for the Victoire, which has continued to grow in its initial years. Food & Beverage 4 Concession options at Place Bell are pretty decent.  The biggest issue with concessions is that patrons will have to maneuver the French menus.  Lafleur hot dogs and Pizza Pizza slices are easily recognizable.  Poutine, fries, chocolate, candy, and cotton candy are all readily available.  The soft drink of choice is Coca-Cola, and coffee and other hot beverages are also available.  What looks like a fairly pedestrian menu gets a bump up with the presence of Montréal Smoked Meat sandwiches and a wide variety of alcoholic beverages beyond just the popular Molson Export beer.  A little Google Translate may be in order, but getting through the menu is possible. Atmosphere 3 Approaching Place Bell, fans will immediately be struck by its exterior. It has a presence in the neighborhood and is not inconspicuous. The venue is highlighted by a large, white upper exterior that looks clean and sharp. The entrance to the main facility is well below the white facade and features a glass entrance into a very small entryway. To the west end of the building are the other parts of a larger complex, including an Olympic-sized ice surface with room for over 2,000 spectators. Inside Place Bell, it is clear that this is the full-time home of the Laval Rocket.  The concourse features markings for the Rocket and other items, including murals for other acts, including a WWE mural featuring Montréal natives Kevin Owens and Sami Zayn.  However, there are no markings for the Victoire at the time of writing.  Screens in the concourse mimic the videoboard with the matchup for the day, and pop-up stands sell Victoire merchandise.  It is similar in the seating bowl where the ice is west-east oriented, and the correct view of the Rocket logo at centre ice is from the south.  A couple of banners for the Rocket hang in the rafters.  The seating bowl is generally dark with a full lower bowl and a horseshoe upper bowl.  Again, there are no Victoire markings on the ice or in the seating bowl. Some women-focused ads are found on the boards. The gameday production for a Victoire game is fairly simple.  The in-game host is interesting and engaging.  A DJ booth is in the northwest corner, and, similar to the Rocket, the Victoire tries to push a dance party-type atmosphere.  A focus on female artists is obvious for the music selections during breaks in the action. Neighbourhood 4 Place Bell is located north of the Prairies River, in the Laval-des-Rapides neighbourhood, close to retail and education.  Centre Laval and Quartier Laval offer large-scale shopping options within walking distance of the arena.  Montmorency College is right across the road from a Université de Montréal campus.  Not as flashy as a big city, downtown area, Laval does offer some spots, both local and chain, for pre- and post-game food. Nickels Deli and Valentine are local favourites, and there are plenty of Italian restaurants in the area, including Sergiolino and Boeuf Cochon. Place Bell is shared with the Laval Rocket  of the AHL, affiliate of the Montréal Canadiens.  For other sporting options, fans will have to head south, into Montréal for the Canadiens , Alouettes , or CF Montréal .  University sports are also well represented with the McGill Redbirds, Concordia Stingers, Montréal Carabins, and UQAM Citadins.  Fans could also head north for some QMJHL hockey with the Blainville-Boisbriand Armada .  Fans looking for other cultural experiences in the immediate area could go to the Musée de la santé Armand-Frappier, a local science centre, or head back into Montréal for all it has to offer.  The Courtyard, Le St-Martin Hotel, Holiday Inn, and Comfort Inn are all close for accommodations. Fans 4 The Montréal Victoire have been very successful at the turnstile.  At the time of writing, the 2025-26 season, the Victoire were averaging almost 10,400 fans per game.  This includes a sold-out event at Centre Bell.  This ranks the Victoire 3rd in the PWHL.  The attendance is an improvement from just over 9,000 in the previous season.  Fans in attendance are loud and into the action of the game, and the Victoire have amassed a unique following of supporters.   Access 4 Place Bell is located in the Laval-des-Rapides neighbourhood of Laval.  It is on the south side of Rue Claude-Gagné, between Rue Lucien Paiement and Boul le Corbusier.  Laval is essentially a suburb of Montréal, north of the island.  Montréal traffic is as much an issue as any other big city, and getting into Laval depends on where a fan is coming from.  Place Bell is located immediately east of Autoroute 15 and south of Autoroute 440.  There is plenty of parking around the arena at the campus of Montmorency College.  For fans wanting to head to the game by taking public transportation, there are several options, and a major Metro Station is within a few steps of Place Bell.  The Gare de la Concorde Train station is a few blocks east of the arena.  Fans should check the Société de Transport de Montréal  or Société de Transport de Laval  websites for fares, maps, and schedules. Getting around the arena is not difficult at all, and the washroom facilities are adequate for the crowd at hand.  With the coronavirus pandemic, protocols and security measures are constantly changing.  Stadium Journey implores fans to consult the Place Bell and Montréal Victoire  websites to get the most up-to-date security and protocol information possible. Return on Investment 4 Tickets for the Montréal Victoire start at $37 and go up to $89.  Parking can be found for around $20, and concession prices are about what one would expect.  The investment is relatively low, and taking the family to a Victoire game is a far cry from the expense of taking them to a Habs game.  The atmosphere is good, and the product on the ice is solid as well.  Overall, the return on investment is good. Extras 2 An extra mark for the significant growth displayed for both the PWHL and Montréal Victoire. An extra mark for the Montréal area as a true hockey hotbed. Final Thoughts It is difficult to predict where the Montréal Victoire and PWHL will end up.  Growth has pushed the team out of the Verdun Auditorium into Place Bell, a successful move.  Whether the Victoire continues to grow, requiring another move to a larger building, remains to be seen, but it is not out of the question. Follow all of Dave’s sporting adventures on YouTube , Twitter , Threads ,  and Instagram @profan9.