Photos by Sean MacDonald, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.00 GCU Arena 3300 West Camelback Road Phoenix, AZ 85017 Grand Canyon University website GCU Arena website Year Opened: 2011 Capacity: 7,000 Gee, See You at GCU at GCU Grand Canyon University is a large private Christian university located northwest of downtown Phoenix, with over 100,000 students enrolled, most of them online. It is considered a for-profit school, which leads to some controversy; fellow Phoenix school Arizona State refused to play GCU in any sport, reversing that decision in 2020. The school is trying to change its status, and the legal battles are still playing out, but that is beyond the scope of this review. The school has a thriving athletics program and recently moved to the Mountain West Conference after 12 successful years in the WAC.  The school's mascot is the Antelope, with the teams more commonly referred to as Lopes (the school's parent company trades on the NASDAQ with the symbol LOPE).  Basketball is where the school has enjoyed the most success, with four trips to the tournament, including an upset win over St. Mary's in 2022. The team plays at Global Credit Union Arena, with the GCU acronym matching that of the school in a nice coincidence. It was opened in 2011, and when the school jumped to Division I, the arena was closed for a massive remodel that saw the addition of 2,000 more seats.  These days, the arena is known for its lively student section, and we recently revisited to see how things are doing now that the school is in the Mountain West. Food & Beverage 4 There are five concession stands here, and each one has a specialty item. The first one you will encounter is on the lower level just inside the main entrance. It serves basic fare such as hot dogs ($4.50), brats ($5.50), pretzels ($6), hamburgers ($6/$7 with cheese), with nachos their specialty item (chicken for $9.50, carne asada is a buck more). Go upstairs to encounter four unique stands on the main concourse, with one at each corner.  At Purple Greens Bowls, for example, a California Roll with 10 pieces is only $6.49 while a spicy tuna roll is a dollar more. You can also build your own Poke bowls for $8.49, with chicken or steak as your protein choices. Another option is Loaded Lope Fries, where one pound of fries is topped with two chicken tenders, jalapenos and ranch, and purple cheese. It probably needs to be shared, but at $10, it is one of the best deals I have seen. Wetzel's Pretzels has Wetzel's Bitz (pretzel bites) for $6, and you can get a dipping sauce for $1.50. The other two concessions are Qdoba Burritos and Canyon Pizza Company. Snacks are available, with popcorn running $5, while theater candy is $3.50. It's hot in Phoenix, so you might want to grab an ice cream bar for $4 or a Dibs Cup for $5. Pepsi provides the soft drinks, with a bottle going for $4, the same as a small fountain soda; if you need more, the large version is $5. Bottled water is only $3, while Gatorade is $3.50. Alcohol is not served here. Atmosphere 5 Upon entering, you are at the northeast corner, and you can walk into the arena at floor level, from where you can enter the seating bowl from below. Most fans choose to take the stairs or escalators to reach the carpeted concourse. The arena is rectangular, with concessions at each corner. There are two levels of seating here, with the upper section having just five rows. But it sits right on top of the court, and I preferred being up here, as you get a much different angle. You can also stand here and move around as you wish. One sideline is filled with the student section, who are among the loudest and most active in the country. They were singing and dancing from well before tipoff, adding a lot to the atmosphere. The arena is very compact, so any noise they make reverberates around the entire gym.  The band takes up nearly an entire baseline section as well. This is a school that really turns out for its team, and the band and the students work together to put on a show.  Neighborhood 2 GCU is northwest of downtown Phoenix, mostly surrounded by residential areas. Few eateries off campus are within walking distance, and those are in strip malls. Better to drive back downtown or to another area to enjoy a more relaxing sit-down meal.  In terms of lodging, the Phoenix area has several quality hotels in its various neighborhoods, such as Scottsdale, Tempe, and Mesa. All of these are quite far from GCU (at least 30 minutes by car), but those are better than trying to stay near the venue. There's a lot to do in the city as well. Phoenix is the capital of Arizona, and the State Capitol is one tourist attraction worth visiting; outdoor enthusiasts can hike Camelback Mountain for sweeping views of the city. Of course, the Arizona Cardinals and Phoenix Suns also play locally during the fall and winter. Fans 5 That student section, called the “Havoc”, deserves a place alongside all great student sections in the country. It may even be at the top of that list. They are loud and proud throughout the entire night. We also saw the students rush into the arena, run up the stairs, all in search of the best seat. It was quite a sight.  GCU Band, Photo by Sean MacDonald, Stadium Journey The students stand so there are more bodies than seats in that section, and attendance is regularly above the 7,000 capacity.  The other fans in the arena are nearly just as joyous and engaged as the students. They may not dance and sing as much, but they clearly know the game and enjoy the basketball experience.  Access 4 There are limited transit options here, which is not surprising, as Phoenix is definitely not a transit hub. The campus is located west of I-17 along Camelback Road. Parking is free in the 31st Avenue garage, from where the arena is a short walk away. Getting out is quite easy as you turn west onto Camelback and then perform a quick U-turn to get back to the Interstate. Inside, the concourse is very spacious, and you can get around easily. Concessions can be a bit busy before the game, but if you get there early, you will have no problem. Restrooms are plentiful, and I did not see any lines while I was there. Return on Investment 5 Tickets here are very reasonable, with some games starting at just $5 for general admission (that's during the holiday break, so the student section might be a bit less enthusiastic), while a non-conference game is just $10 for standing room. When the conference foes come to town, prices go up to $15-20. With that said, check the secondary market, which often has tickets for less than face value and a guaranteed seat. When you combine free parking, affordable food, and a unique, energetic atmosphere, this is a venue well worth your time and money. Extras 4 The Jerry Colangelo Museum is located next to the arena and showcases items from the businessman’s life and career in and outside of basketball.  A vault of Bibles is buried underneath center court. The Quad Lawn out front is filled with activities and seems to be a hub before the game itself. It's worth getting there a bit early to check it out. There are two WAC trophies on display on the lower level, a wistful reminder of the team's achievements before the move to the Mountain West. Final Thoughts Overall, GCU Arena is a fantastic basketball venue, with a great student section, excellent concessions, and easy navigation that makes moving around simple. Arizona State might overshadow Grand Canyon University, but if you are visiting Phoenix in the winter, consider a trip to Global Credit Union Arena. Perhaps we will see you at GCU (at GCU)!

Photos by Richard Smith, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.00 Mullett Arena 411 S Packard Drive Tempe, AZ 85281 Arizona State Sun Devils website Mullett Arena website Year Opened: 2022 Capacity: 5,000 A Desert Hockey Home Arizona State University, established in 1885 in the bustling desert oasis of Tempe, Arizona, has evolved from its humble beginnings as the Territorial Normal School into one of the nation’s largest and most innovative public research institutions. The Sun Devils compete in NCAA Division I, primarily as members of the Pac-12 Conference, but their burgeoning Ice Hockey program has blazed its own trail, carving out a respected niche in the sport. Stepping into this new era is the state-of-the-art Mullett Arena, which opened its doors in 2022. This venue is a game-changer, not just for ASU hockey but for the entire college hockey landscape in the Southwest. Designed with an intimate, modern sensibility, the 5,000-seat arena ensures every fan feels right on top of the action. It is a stunning, singular venue that immediately anchors the future of hockey in the Grand Canyon State, solidifying the team’s commitment to competing at the highest level while also serving as a central part of the campus's athletic architecture. The Arizona State Sun Devils men's ice hockey team is a member of the National Collegiate Hockey Conference (NCHC), having officially joined for the 2024-2025 season after competing as an NCAA Division I independent for several years. The National Collegiate Hockey Conference (NCHC) includes the following schools, besides Arizona State University, Colorado College (Tigers), the University of Denver (Pioneers). Miami University (RedHawks), University of Minnesota Duluth (Bulldogs), University of Nebraska Omaha (Mavericks), University of North Dakota (Fighting Hawks), St. Cloud State University (Huskies), and Western Michigan University (Broncos). The conference is scheduled to expand to 10 teams with the addition of the University of St. Thomas (Tommies) beginning in the 2026-2027 season. Mullett Arena Interior, Photo by Richard Smith, Stadium Journey Food & Beverage 4 The prices here trend toward the higher end of the college venue scale, yet there is a standout item that offers a surprisingly great value proposition. For the visiting fan, a slice of the arena's pizza stands as a must-try. This isn't your typical paper-thin piece; the $14 slice of pizza is truly enormous, essentially constituting multiple standard servings merged into one colossal meal. It’s a satisfying, hearty reward for the price, providing enough fuel to last through all three periods of action. Beyond this singular value star, the concession stands deliver the necessary variety of gameday staples, ensuring you never have to venture too far from the ice to grab a classic snack or beverage. The selection is modern and efficient, built to handle a quick rush between periods without sacrificing quality, providing a streamlined experience that enhances the overall gameday flow. Atmosphere 5 The moment the puck drops at a Sun Devils hockey game inside Mullett Arena, the atmosphere is electric, embodying the kind of intense, localized energy that only a 5,000-seat building can generate. The arena's modern, tight design works in perfect concert with the crowd's enthusiasm, trapping the sound and creating a deafening, unified roar that is genuinely intimidating for visiting teams. This intimate, bowl-like configuration, you are never more than a handful of rows away from the action, enhancing the sensory immersion. What elevates this college hockey experience further is the venue’s fascinating past: it also served as the temporary home for the NHL’s Arizona Coyotes from 2022-2024, imbuing it with a distinct professional polish that few college barns can claim. This combined pedigree of top-tier professional use and passionate student support for the college program creates a unique, high-octane environment you simply cannot replicate anywhere else in the Southwest. Neighborhood 4 The location of Mullett Arena is a major win for the traveling enthusiast, placing the venue right in the heart of the ASU campus, adjacent to the dynamic city of Tempe. This is a university town setting that is ripe for exploration before and after the game. Step out of the arena, and you are immediately positioned to explore Tempe's bustling Mill Avenue, a lively hub of restaurants, bars, and unique shops that caters perfectly to a gameday crowd. For those seeking authentic local flavors not found inside the arena, the surrounding area offers a vibrant tapestry of casual and upscale dining experiences that capture the Southwestern spirit. The arena is integrated into the larger ASU Athletics Village, next to the Desert Financial Arena, which provides a seamless, sports-centric district feel. This strategic placement makes the entire gameday pilgrimage easy, allowing visitors to park once and enjoy both the natural beauty of the Arizona landscape and the vibrant life of a major university town, all within an easy walk of the arena. Fans 5 Sun Devil fans bring a tangible passion to Mullett Arena, demonstrating why the program has become such a rapid success in a non-traditional hockey market. The crowds are a perfect blend of die-hard hockey aficionados and an energetic student body, all unified under the banner of the maroon and gold. They are vocal, knowledgeable, and ready to make noise for sixty minutes, turning the intimate confines of the arena into a formidable fortress. You will see dedicated supporters in the stands wearing everything from replica jerseys to the classic gold pitchfork, ready to unleash the famous "Fork 'em Devils!" cheer. This loyalty is clearly driven by the team’s rapid ascent in the college hockey ranks, giving the fans a real sense of pride and ownership over their program and making them incredibly invested in the outcome of every single game. The intensity and engagement of the Arizona State faithful is infectious, making you feel like a welcomed part of the Sun Devil community the moment you take your seat and adding a palpable sense of urgency to the competition. Access 4 Getting to Mullett Arena is refreshingly simple for a major metropolitan area, making the travel day much less stressful for the visiting fan. The arena is strategically positioned in Tempe with excellent connectivity to major interstate highways, particularly the Loop 202 and I-10, providing straightforward routes for those driving in from Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX) or other parts of the Valley. Once near the campus, parking is typically available in multiple adjacent university lots and structures, which are well-managed for gamedays. The layout of the arena itself is highly conducive to smooth entry and exit, further aided by its integration into the greater ASU Athletics Village. For those who prefer public transport, the Valley Metro Rail system offers stations nearby, providing a convenient, cost-effective, and traffic-free way to reach the heart of the action without having to worry about traffic or parking logistics. Regardless of your chosen mode of transportation, the arena’s location emphasizes accessibility, proving that thoughtful design can make a massive difference in the gameday experience. Return on Investment 3 Ticket prices vary depending on the opponent, and we have seen fairly high prices for most games. This is not the type of venue you can just walk up and get a last-minute ticket. Extras 3 The ASU Spirit Squad and the powerful sounds of the Sun Devil Marching Band’s drumline are frequently on hand, injecting constant energy into the stoppages of play and enhancing the sense of school pride. The true star of the show is the legendary mascot, Sparky the Sun Devil. This beloved figure is a constant, visible source of fun and school spirit, and his dedication to the team is quantified with a unique fan interaction: Sparky performs push-ups for every ASU goal scored, matching the total number of goals to date for that game, leading to some truly memorable displays. Adding to the venue's distinctive identity is the Mountain America Community Iceplex, a separate rink attached to the facility that is used for practice and community skating, highlighting the venue’s commitment to growing the sport in the region and ensuring its legacy extends beyond the team itself. Final Thoughts Mullett Arena is the rare venue that manages to feel both state-of-the-art and incredibly intimate, perfectly balancing a modern aesthetic with old-school college hockey passion. It is an essential pilgrimage for any NCAA hockey fan traveling through the desert, proving that the sport is truly thriving under the Arizona sun.

Photos by Richard Smith, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.86 McKale Memorial Center 1 National Championship Dr Tucson, AZ 85721 McKale Center website Arizona Wildcats website Year Opened: 1973 Capacity: 14,655 Bear Down at McKale The Arizona Wildcats men's basketball team is a nationally prominent program that calls the McKale Center home. Technically the McKale Memorial Center, the venue hosts men’s and women’s basketball for the University of Arizona, as well as volleyball and gymnastics. There are also many offices located throughout the venue for various Wildcats athletics. McKale Center opened in 1973 as a replacement for the Bear Down Gymnasium. Bear Down is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and was the “Adams College” gym in the 1984 blockbuster film Revenge of the Nerds. McKale Center was named after J. F. “Pop” McKale, who was the Arizona athletic director from 1914 to 1957. The court itself at McKale Center bears the name “Lute and Bobbi Olson Court” after the legendary Arizona head coach and his late wife. There was a recent renovation to McKale that included the installation of the center-court scoreboard, two LED banners along each sideline, new seating and concessions areas, and relocation of bathrooms to the exterior concourse. McKale Center is the second-largest arena in the Pac-12 conference after Utah's Huntsman Center in Salt Lake City. Arizona gets larger attendance than the Utah venue and has a long streak of leading its conference in attendance in conference history. Food & Beverage 4 The food and beverage score is higher than one would initially think. There are not much food stands in the renovated venue, but the ones that are there off a great variety of food options, including many alcoholic options. Owing to its southwest location, McKale Center has many options such as Burros and Sonoran Dogs. Prices are fairly good, especially for the high caliber of the venue. Atmosphere 5 The University of Arizona is serious about basketball. No matter the successes (or downfalls) of other sports, basketball is the king at this Tucson school. McKale Center is packed with students and local fans for all games. The ZonaZoo is the boisterous student section along the north baseline. Students line up before the game for a good spot in this section. There will be many chants and screams from this section during the game. There is also a good pep band and cheerleaders to enhance the noise. The fans do stand at the start of each half until a basket is made. Although the venue is not the newest one out there, the renovations have made sure that the McKale Center is a perfect, modern venue for high-end basketball. The scoreboard and other displays are what this level of play should have. The venue is pretty interesting in terms of accessing the seating bowl. There is not one main entrance but a series of tunnels and hallways, often through office areas, to get you inside the venue. Neighborhood 4 Tucson, Arizona is the second largest city in Arizona as well as the county seat of Pima County. In the metro area over one million people live. McKale Center is located on the southeastern corner of the campus near Arizona Stadium, home of the university’s football team. There are many restaurant options near the venue. You can’t go wrong with places such as Frog & Firkin, No Anchovies, Gentle Ben’s Brewing, or Dirtbags. If you want to venture away from campus we also recommend Mercado San Agustin and the MSA Annex. In that area, Seis Kitchen is a great Mexican restaurant and Beaut Burger is a great Vegan burger restaurant. Burgers at Beaut are so good, you may not even realize it is not real meat. The Aloft Tucson University is a hotel very close to the McKale Center. We can also recommend the Loews Ventana Canyon resort if you want to go a bit higher end. Fans 4 McKale Center is filled for every game. Basketball is a big deal in Tucson. The student section will be loud and crazy, while the older fans will more likely cheer in a more orderly manner. Access 3 Being located on a crowded urban college campus, parking will be a bit difficult. There are many lots and garages, all at varying price levels. Please plan and either buy parking ahead of time or be very aware of your parking options before heading to the game. There is a good public transportation option in Tucson's Sun Link Streetcar system that stops very close to campus. A good option is to park at the Mercado San Agustin mentioned above and take that option to the game. Return on Investment 3 With the basketball team being such a big deal, prices will tend to be high. Dynamic pricing is used, so you will have to research carefully the particular game you wish to attend. . Extras 4 The unique and varied entrances to the seating bowl are an extra all on their own, but it also offers a fan a way to check out the various displays of past team successes for all the programs that play in the McKale Center. Try to check out Arizona’s Hall of Champions and the Lute Olson statue and display. The varied food offerings, especially southwestern items, are a nice touch. The external concourse, added during recent renovations, allows a nice meeting spot for fans. Final Thoughts The University of Arizona Wildcats is a well-known basketball program and the McKale Center is a great venue for a high level of play.

Photos by Steve Kee, Stadium Journey The Pottsville Maroons, an iconic team in early NFL history, celebrated their 100th anniversary throughout 2025, marking a century since their disputed 1925 championship win. Based in Pottsville, Pennsylvania, the Maroons' legacy in professional football is notable not just for their achievements on the field but also for their connection to the local community. Founded in 1920, the Pottsville Maroons quickly rose to prominence, famously clinching the 1925 NFL Championship. Their season was marked by an extraordinary record, as they dominated their opponents. However, their title was controversially stripped later that year due to a series of disputes stemming from the franchise's decision to play an unauthorized game against Notre Dame, making the episode central to one of the largest scandals in sports history. This narrative of triumph and downfall is what makes the Maroons a compelling subject of discussion—a story celebrated not only by football fans but also by historians and authors. Notably, David Fleming's book, "Breaker Boys: The NFL’s Greatest Team and the Stolen Championship of 1925," highlights their legacy and the broader context of the era. 100th Anniversary Celebrations In 2025, the Maroons centennial celebrations kicked off with a series of events focusing on honoring the team’s legacy and celebrating its historical significance within the NFL and American sports culture. Key Events The pinnacle event took place on August 16, 2025, at the Mountain Valley Golf Course, hosted by the Schuylkill County Historical Society  and the Maroons Centennial Committee. This memorable evening included: Guest Speakers: Former NFL stars Marvin Washington, John Booty, and Mark Kelso shared their insights, reflecting on the influence and spirit of the Maroons. Washington, in particular, highlighted the team’s resilience. Community Engagement: Descendants of former Maroons players shared their stories, reinforcing the team's enduring impact on the community. Jim Ernst, grandson of former quarterback Jack Ernst, emphasized how much the community cherishes the Maroons legacy. Celebrations throughout the year consisted of notable events from the Pottsville Maroons 100th anniversary celebrations throughout 2025: Kickoff Gala : A grand opening event featuring local dignitaries, Maroons alumni, and fans celebrating the team’s legacy. Historical Exhibit : A year-long installation by the   Schuylkill County Historical Society  showcasing memorabilia, photographs, and artifacts related to the Maroons. Speakers' Series: Guest appearances by former NFL players such as Marvin Washington, John Booty, and Mark Kelso, sharing stories and insights. Community Engagement Programs : Events aimed at involving local schools and youth football teams to promote the sport and educate about the Maroons history. Anniversary Game : A special game featuring former players and local teams held at Pottsville's local high school stadium as a tribute to the Maroons’ impact on the community. Family Fun Day : An event filled with activities for families, including games, food stalls, and live music to bring the community together. Charity Auction : A fundraising event featuring signed memorabilia and experiences with former players, with proceeds directed towards historical preservation. Documentary Screening : A film showcasing the history of the Pottsville Maroons and their significant milestones, promoting awareness of their legacy. Awards Ceremony : Recognizing individuals and organizations that have contributed to the Maroons history and community involvement. Legacy Project Launch : Announcing initiatives aimed at promoting youth sports and preserving the history of local football. These events aimed to intertwine the rich history of the Pottsville Maroons with community engagement, ensuring a memorable centennial celebration. Photo by Steve Kee, Stadium Journey Exhibits and Artifacts Throughout the year, the Schuylkill County Historical Society  showcased interactive exhibits that displayed historical memorabilia and artifacts related to the team. Visitors could delve into the team’s storied past, learning about the rugged landscape of early 20th-century football. Commemorative Legacy By inviting local schools and youth teams, the event encapsulated the spirit of football that thrives in Pottsville. A portion of the proceeds from anniversary events was dedicated to historical preservation and educational initiatives focused on the Maroons. The Pottsville Maroons centennial year reaffirmed their role as both a pivotal chapter of NFL history and a cherished part of Pottsville's identity. With plans to continue celebrating their legacy, the community is dedicated to ensuring that the story of the Maroons—America's "lost champions"—is preserved for future generations. As the dust settles on the 100th anniversary celebrations, the Pottsville Maroons continue to symbolize not just a team, but a community woven together by passion, history, and shared memories. Their journey from champions to an underdog tale echoes through the annals of sports history, reminding us of the unyielding spirit found in the face of adversity.

Photos by Aaron S. Terry, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.71 GoMart Ballpark 601 Morris St Charleston, WV 25301 Marshall Thundering Herd website GoMart Ballpark website Year Opened: 2005 Capacity: 4,500 A Tale of Three Stadiums Marshall baseball calls three separate stadiums home – most conference games are played at Appalachian Power Park, a minor league stadium in Charleston, WV that is home to the West Virginia Power. However, due to occasional conflicts and because they do have some fan presence further south, each year one or two series are played at Linda K. Epling Stadium in Beckley, WV, a 2,500-seat venue that is also home to the West Virginia Miners, a collegiate summer baseball team. The third location the team frequents is a local YMCA field back in Huntington, WV, near where the main campus is located – that venue is used mostly for non-conference games. However, since more games are played at Appalachian Power Park than the other two venues, Appalachian Power Park is the subject of this review – this is also the largest and “best” of the three stadiums in terms of facilities, including the brand-new turf and other amenities here. Note: Appalachian Power Park's name changed to GoMart Ballpark in the Fall of 2022. Food & Beverage 3 The concessions are more limited during Marshall games than when the Power plays at Appalachian Power Park, but there is still a fairly good selection. Hot dogs are $3, pizza is $4, and burgers are $5 (add $1 for cheese). Pretzels, nachos, peanuts, popcorn, and Cracker Jack are all $4, which is about average compared to other venues. Coffee and hot chocolate are $2, soda starts at $3, water and Gatorade are $4, and beer is $6 – you can choose Yuengling, Budweiser, Bud Light, or Michelob Ultra. Atmosphere 3 The atmosphere at Appalachian Power Park for Marshall baseball depends on whether or not there is a doubleheader with the West Virginia Power that day. On those days, you will have to pay for tickets and parking, but there is a larger crowd and more concession stands are open. There will also be more energy and excitement in the air due to the larger crowd, but there will also be security on hand so you can’t wander as much. Conversely, on days when there isn’t a doubleheader, there might only be one or two hundred on hand, if that, but you can get in for free and not pay for parking. You can also wander around wherever you please since they don’t bother to have any security on those days since the crowd is so small – it all depends on what type of experience you prefer. If you happen to be the wandering type (like me), there are plenty of different seating options, almost all of which have chair backs. There are also plenty of tables so you can watch while you eat, and even a bouncy house set up for the kids – see the Extras section for more details and to watch a video about the different options. Neighborhood 5 As is typical for larger cities, Charleston, WV is loaded with restaurants, bars, and tourist attractions, along with myriad hotels if you are staying for the weekend. About 10-12 blocks from Appalachian Power Park you will find Pies & Pints Pizzeria, with craft beers starting at $5 and serving a wide variety of fabulous house pizzas. Further out at Town Center Mall, there is an Outback Steakhouse if you prefer something more traditional, or you can visit Tidewater Grill, a seafood & raw bar. If you are looking for something to do before or after you dine, about 3-4 blocks from the baseball field is Avampato Discovery Museum, with programs and exhibits geared towards kids. There is also the Charleston historic district a little further away, as well as the state capitol with its impressive gold dome. Fans 3 While there aren’t very many fans present, almost all of them wear Marshall gear, and they get into the game, yelling at the ref for his frequent (at least in their eyes) horrible calls. They also faithfully cheer their team and boo the bad guys at the appropriate times. Access 5 Appalachian Power Park is easy to get to, only a mile or two off I-64 in Charleston. There is plenty of parking right across the street from the field, which is only $3 when attendants are present – there is a parking deck as well as several surface lots. The surface lots are more than sufficient for a typical Marshall crowd, I never recommend parking decks since there is sometimes a line to get out. There are plenty of bathrooms inside the stadium, more than enough for the typical Marshall crowd; one set on each baseline, and these are commercial size with many stalls and stations, not the typical small ones with only one or two stalls. Return on Investment 4 Tickets for Marshall baseball at Appalachian Power Park cost $7, or $5 in groups of 8 or more. However, as I mentioned earlier on most days they don’t even check, so you can probably get in for free – depending on how many tickets are sold beforehand, the administration sometimes decides not to bother having security show up. If you want to try and get in for free, make sure to pick a non-Power doubleheader day (see the Atmosphere section for more details on this). Even at $7 though it is probably worthwhile, even better at $5. As for parking, when it isn’t free it is only $3, and concession prices are about average. Marshall gear is also available, starting at around $10 or $12 for a hat or shirt, and a little more for sweatshirts and other items, although you can get visors for as little as $5. So all in all, a pretty good value for the experience. Extras 3 1 point for the multiple seating options, including plastic seats with metal armrests and cup holders, picnic tables at multiple levels (top of the concourse, field level, etc.), handicap seating at the top of the concourse, high-top tables with umbrellas, the two-level Bud Light party deck with metal chairs, plastic bucket-style seats on the far side facing the press box, metal bleachers with chair back rails, even seating up in the boxes you can sneak into. See them all here in living color: Another point for the lack of security on certain days that allows you to get in for free and wander all over the stadium as you, please. A third point for the size and enclosure of the facility that helps fans capture errant balls – allow me to explain. One of the most enjoyable activities at a baseball game is the opportunity to chase down foul balls and home runs. At many stadiums, the size and layout are such that these balls are hit out of the park, making it difficult to hunt them down in grassy or off-limits areas. Not so at Appalachian Power Park, where the set-up causes foul balls to mostly land on the concourse behind the press box, and home runs to mostly land on the cement walkway behind the outfield, so kids and others can easily locate them. Final Thoughts A fairly new stadium with great seating options and decent prices, the venue is well worth a visit either for a Power game or a Thundering Herd event. Located in downtown Charleston, it is easy to find plenty of restaurants and other attractions nearby, so an easy choice for a weekend visit if you want to take in the whole series, or just for a day trip.

Photos by Paul Baker, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.86 George H. W. Bush '48 Field 252 Derby Ave. West Haven, CT 06516 Yale Bulldogs website George H. W. 48 Field website Year Opened: 1928 Capacity: 6,200 Historic Bush Field   George Herbert Walker Bush was the 41st President of the United States and the captain of the Yale baseball team during his senior season as an undergrad. In 2021 Yale honored Mr. Bush by dedicating its baseball field, known as Yale Field for almost a century, as George H. W. Bush ’48 Field.   The first baseball team to represent Yale University played in 1864. The team played at various sites around campus until 1882, when the university purchased an apple orchard and farm in neighboring West Haven. In 1927 the school replaced the open field containing a few bleachers with a concrete and steel structure that cost a half million dollars to build.   The ballpark was the site of many major league exhibition games over the years when teams would barnstorm to make extra money. Notable players such as Babe Ruth, Lou Gehrig and Ted Williams played at Bush Field. With an original capacity of 12,000, the ballpark has been downsized and renovated over the years. Most recently, the grass turf, once lauded by Babe Ruth as one of the finest he'd ever played on, was replaced by a FieldTurf surface, a concession to the harsh weather in the northeast during the college baseball season.   In addition to serving as home to the Bulldog nine, Bush Field has been home to the New Haven Ravens of the Eastern League from 1994-2003 and the New Haven County Cutters of the independent Can-Am League from 2004-2007.   Over their long history, the Bulldogs have qualified for the NCAA Tournament six times, reaching the championship game of the College World Series twice (1947 and 1948). 24 Yale alumni have made it to the major leagues.   Food & Beverage 2   There is a small concession stand located at the top of the seating bowl behind the press box. This stand, with a menu consisting of hot dogs, pretzels, candy and Coca Cola products, exists solely to tide Bulldog fans over should they need a snack during the game. It certainly accomplishes this mission. No item sold here costs more than four dollars.   Atmosphere 2   As a rule, college baseball in the northeast is just not the big deal that it is in other parts of the country. The same is true here at Yale University. What does separate Bush Field from other facilities in the northeast is that this is an actual stadium with a long and storied history.   Visiting fans will find a laid-back, simple game day presentation at Yale. Dare I say the atmosphere is scholarly? With small crowds present at this historic venue, an over-the-top presentation just wouldn’t make sense. Music plays over the sound system between batters and innings, but otherwise there’s not a whole lot of extraneous noise at Bush Field. The PA announcer tries his best to inject some energy into the proceedings, which is not always easy to do with a typical small Ivy League crowd in attendance. There is a simple, hand-operated scoreboard in straightaway center field.   Neighborhood 3   Bush Field is not located on the school's campus in downtown New Haven, but about a mile and a half away in neighboring West Haven. Also located at the sports complex is the Yale Bowl , Reese Stadium , Coxe Center and DeWitt Family Stadium. Visiting fans will want to explore the Yale campus, renowned for its unique Gothic architecture. New Haven is developing a reputation as one of the country's best small cities for foodies, with excellent spots located throughout the downtown.   A couple of spots in particular may be of interest to visiting fans. Just blocks from the Yale campus is Louis’ Lunch, which claims to be the birthplace of the hamburger. New Haven is also home to a unique brand of brick oven pizza, called apizza by locals. Frank Pepe’s and Sally’s Apizza, located just over a block apart on Wooster Street, are world famous for this pizza style. Many locals tout a third location, Modern Apizza, located only a half mile from campus. To avoid the crowds of Wooster Street, Stadium Journey recommends nearby Zuppardi’s Apizza in West Haven.   Fans looking for lodging during their visit to New Haven will not find much in the immediate vicinity of Bush Field, but there is no shortage of choices around the Yale campus. The Yale Visitor Center  contains a great deal of information about attractions in and around New Haven.   Fans 2   Crowds at Bulldog games at Yale Field would accurately be classified as a "friends and family" type of crowd. Typical crowds average between 100-250 fans, with a minimal turnout from the student body. Those fans that do come to Yale Field are usually connected in some way to the players on the field, and are knowledgeable, active and vocal. With the bulk of the Bulldogs' schedule consisting of local and conference rivals, it's not unusual to see fans of the visiting squad in attendance.   Access 4   Yale Field is fairly easy to get to. Simply take exit 44 off of Interstate 95 and follow Ella T. Grasso Boulevard for about a mile and a half. Take a left onto Derby Avenue and Yale Field will be on your left in about a quarter of a mile. Traffic can be heavy in and around New Haven, so give yourself enough time to get to Bush Field.   There is free parking at Yale Field in a small lot adjacent to the ballpark, or behind the outfield fence on busier days. There is an overflow lot a short walk down Derby Street.   The seating bowl at Yale Field runs from shallow left field to shallow right field. The seating at the ballpark consists of individual plastic stadium seats behind home plate, with molded bucket seats at field level further down both lines. Metal bleachers with backs make up the bulk of the seating. Standing room is available at the top of the seating bowl and on the party deck far down the right field line. Sadly, the old wooden seats that were original to the ballpark and comprised the last row of seating are no longer here, having been removed in recent years due to deterioration.   There is a cramped walkway beneath the stands. Luckily, since crowds at a typical Yale baseball game are sparse, it is not crowded. It is difficult to imagine how this concourse would handle a large crowd. Bathrooms are well-maintained and clean, and more than large enough for a typical Bulldog crowd. Inclusive restrooms are even available for fans who need them.   Return on Investment 5   Admission to Bulldog baseball games is free, as is parking in the area surrounding the ballpark. Fans can bring in their own snacks to enjoy during the game, but concessions are inexpensive should you need a little something to tide you over before heading downtown.   Extras 2                                                                                                 Bush Field has been the site of many historic games. In 1981 Future Major League stars Ron Darling (Yale) and Frank Viola (St. John’s) hooked up in a classic pitcher’s duel that is considered by many to be the best college baseball game ever played. Darling threw a no-hitter for 11 innings before the winning run scored in the 1-0 final on a double steal in the 12th inning.   An extra point is awarded for the classic design of Bush Field. Recent repairs to the facility served to restore and refresh its façade while stabilizing the shell of the park to extend its useful lifespan. As a result, Bush Field has kept its vintage feel while looking renewed.   Final Thoughts   Bush Field stands out from its brethren in the northeast due to its history and aura. There are not many college ballparks in this part of the country which would be considered a destination for ballpark chasers. Bush Field should certainly be on any baseball fan’s short list.   If planning a trip to New Haven, keep in mind that the college baseball season takes place largely in the months of March and April, when the weather in this part of the country can be fickle. Postponements, cancelations and schedule changes happen regularly. Be prepared to be flexible with your scheduling.   Follow Paul Baker’s stadium journeys on Twitter  and Instagram @PuckmanRI.

Photos by Marc Viquez & Joe Moski, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.43 UC Baseball Stadium 99 W Corry St Cincinnati, OH 45219 Cincinnati Bearcats website UC Baseball Stadium website Year Opened: 2004 Capacity: 3,085 Bearcats, Bats, and a Beautiful Ballpark The Cincinnati Bearcats baseball team began to play at a sparkling new stadium in 2004. It is named Marge Schott Stadium due to a $2 million gift to the Cincinnati athletic department from the Marge & Charles J. Schott Foundation, to whom the controversial Reds owner left most of her estate after her passing in 2004. The baseball stadium shows no signs of age as the structure and seating areas look great. The field itself was renovated to a turf surface in 2014. Cincinnati Bearcats baseball began to play in 1886 and has a rich history in a town where baseball usually comes first each year. They have nine conference championships and seven NCAA tournament appearances. Famous MLB players from the Bearcats include notable names such as Sandy Koufax, Kevin Youkilis, and Josh Harrison. Food & Beverage 2 There are two concession stands at Marge Schott Stadium, one at the top of the stands along each baseline. When crowds are lighter, only the first base stand will be open. The fare is standard with hot dogs, nachos, pretzels, popcorn, and candy offered. Prices seem a bit high for a college baseball game. Soda can be had for $4, peanuts for $4, and coffee/hot chocolate for $2.75. These prices are on par with high-level minor league stadiums and even some major league parks. Tickets are cheap, but buying food and drink will set you back a bit. Beer is sold, which is rare for a Midwestern school. Most of the usual domestic brands are available as are a couple of micros. Atmosphere 3 Structurally, MSS resembles some of the newer minor league parks with seating down the foul lines and an automated scoreboard, and a decent-sized video board out in the right field. It’s a nice small park to watch baseball. Fans seated in any location will still have a great view of the game. If fans are wanting to stand and talk with a friend, there are standing-room areas around the entire concourse. This is a nice feature as many college baseball stadiums don’t have this feature. The seats seem to sit high above the field, giving you decent sight lines regardless of where you sit. The outfield wall is entirely a black tarp material over black fencing. Couple this with the stark brick wall of Fifth Third Arena, which butts up against the right field area of the stadium, and it kind of makes for a boring scene to stare out at. Neighborhood 4 Only a short five-minute walk from Marge Schott Stadium, the street that forms the southern border of UC’s campus, Calhoun Street, has been going through a university-backed transformation. This has included the school buying up and tearing down older properties to build nicer dorms and eventually, condos with street-level retail. A short walk past the soccer stadium on Dennis Street to Calhoun immediately puts you steps away from chains like Panera Bread, Five Guys Burgers, and Buffalo Wild Wings. If you want something a bit more unique, go a block south onto McMillan, or west a few blocks and you’ll pass Pomodori’s Pizza, favored for its wood-fired pizza, and Christy’s & Lenhardt’s, with German food and a beer garden. Fans 4 The new stadium has served to raise the UC baseball team’s profile in recent years. Improved facilities have led to stronger recruiting and thus, more competitive teams to keep fans engaged. The school reported over 1,000 season tickets sold for the 2016 season, which is solid considering the capacity and competition locally for the entertainment dollar. Along with free access for UC students, aggressive marketing to groups (at $1 a person for groups of 10 or more), as well as $20 season ticket packages has brought solid crowds to Marge Schott Stadium. Fans are well-behaved, only shouting out encouragement to their team. UC is a well-liked travel destination for opposing fans and you shouldn’t expect any confrontations between the home and visiting fans. Access 3 It’s relatively easy to get to the Cincinnati campus in the Clifton neighborhood, which sits on the hill just north of downtown Cincinnati. The school can be accessed by either a major highway in the area, Interstate 71 (1.5 miles to the east) or I-75 (three miles to the west). Marge Schott Stadium is a part of the University of Cincinnati’s Varsity Village, the small “neighborhood” of the school’s sports facilities, which includes football’s Nippert Stadium and basketball’s Fifth Third Arena on the southern end of this urban campus. Depending on the time of day, traffic in the area can be a beast. If it is rush hour, it will take you some significant time to get in and out of the campus area, and if you can avoid using the highways during this time to get where you need to, I would recommend it. As for parking, you can pay $5 and park in the Corry Garage, which is right across the street from the stadium. If the game is later in the evening, you may be able to find metered on-street parking, which is free after 6 pm Mondays-Saturdays and all day Sunday. There is some free street parking a few blocks south of the stadium past the CVS. As always, read the street signs carefully to avoid getting ticketed or towed. Return on Investment 4 All seats are $5 for adults and $3 for kids. There are bleachers with backrests along the baselines, but the three sections behind the home plate are individual chairs. There is no difference in price and all seats are general admission. For anyone local to Cincinnati, season tickets are incredibly cheap at $20 for adults or $10 for kids. Food is a bit overpriced, but there are plenty of decent options around the campus if you don’t want to bother with it. Add in the parking options and you have a pretty inexpensive trip to see a ballgame. Extras 4 An extra point for the major league talent the program has been slowly producing over the past few years. Bearcat alumni include Cincinnati natives Boston Red Sox 1B Kevin Youkilis (though he left back in 2001, he’s remained a supporter of UC Athletics) and Pittsburgh Pirates 2B Josh Harrison. Even though Sandy Koufax only played one season at Cincy, that name brings the wow factor. Another point for the increased attention UC has given to the baseball program, a sport that is traditionally not a money generator for most schools. Another bonus point is given for having a real-life bearcat in a cage on the concourse, sponsored by the Cincinnati Zoo. This is a great extra for a college baseball game and gives fans a chance to see the school’s nickname namesake. One final point for UC serving alcohol at its ballgames. It’s nice to have the option if you like a brew with your baseball. Final Thoughts In an area not known for its tradition of college baseball, UC Bearcats Stadium has raised its profile. The park is a good example of the university trying to make the best use of its limited space. At a school that has fervently supported its basketball, and now football program, there is now a spring counterpart for students and local fans to rally around. Everything about this park screams first class and it is something for Bearcat fans and the university to be proud of.

​ The Denver Broncos are poised to make a monumental leap into the future, starting in 2031, with plans for a new stadium featuring a retractable roof. This state-of-the-art facility not only promises to enhance the game-day experience but also stands to eliminate the possibility of snow-affected games in Denver. ​ The design of the new stadium represents a fusion of advanced technology and modern design principles. The retractable roof allows for seamless transitions between an open-air environment and a sheltered one. This feature not only caters to comfort during inclement weather but also expands the range of events that can be hosted throughout the year. ​ Imagine a brisk autumn evening where fans can enjoy the crisp Colorado air while watching the game, only to have the roof closed for those early winter matchups. The architects aim to marry aesthetics with functionality by incorporating large glass panels and environmentally conscious materials, ensuring that the stadium harmonizes with the stunning Rocky Mountain backdrop. ​ One of the most significant benefits of the retractable roof is the elimination of snow-affected games. Historically, snow and cold weather have been integral parts of the Broncos games, creating a rugged, passionate atmosphere. However, these conditions can also impact player performance, safety, and fan experience. ​ With a roof that can be closed, fans can enjoy every game in comfortable weather, regardless of the unpredictable Denver climate. Players will benefit from a consistent field environment, which can lead to improved performances and reduced risk of injury due to slippery conditions. This could lead to a renaissance in the way football is played in the Mile High City, allowing teams to focus on strategy and skill rather than battling harsh weather elements. ​ The versatility of a retractable roof also means that the stadium can thrive beyond just football. Envision hosting concerts, conventions, and even indoor sports during the off-season. The ability to control the environment opens doors for various events that would have otherwise been unfeasible in a traditional outdoor setting. ​ The economic ripple effect of a multi-purpose venue can be substantial. Local businesses, restaurants, and hotels could see increased traffic as fans travel not just for football games but for a diverse array of events year-round. ​ This ambitious project promises to be a boon for Denver’s economy. Job creation and infrastructure improvements are expected during the construction phase and once the stadium is operational. The community stands to benefit from enhanced tourism and increased local spending, which will rejuvenate the areas surrounding the stadium. ​ Moreover, the new stadium represents a commitment to community engagement. Plans for incorporating local art, sustainable practices, and community spaces aim to foster a sense of belonging and pride among Denver residents. ​ The Denver Broncos new retractable roof stadium is a visionary step toward a future where fan experiences are elevated, and weather-related disruptions become a thing of the past. As this project develops, it inspires anticipation not just among Broncos fans but within the entire surrounding community. The promise of snow-free games could truly revolutionize how football is played and enjoyed by the team’s fanbase.

Levi Stadium. Host to Super Bowl XL and home of the San Francisco 49ers As we count the days toward Super Bowl LX between the Seattle Seahawks and the New England Patriots, we at Stadium Journey are excited to present to you our rankings of the game day experiences of all 32 NFL venues based on the most current visits by our vast number of SJ correspondents. 11 of the venues were visited during this past 2025 season.   Stadiums are ranked according to Stadium Journey's patented FANFARE rating scale, which takes into account a venue's food and beverage options, game day atmosphere, surrounding neighborhood, fan support, access (both inside and outside the stadium), return on investment and an extra category for anything that doesn't fall in the other categories. When two or more stadiums receive the same score, a Stadium Journey Council of Elders is consulted to break the ties. To view the complete review, just click on the photo or the link above the photos of each stadium.   The results will undoubtedly provoke discussion and endless debate among you diehards. We’d also like to remind you that the views and opinions expressed by the individual correspondents do not reflect those of all correspondents involved and we at Stadium Journey are not responsible for any emotional outbursts that will occur. As a matter of fact we encourage you to express your thoughts and displeasure on any of our social media channels through Facebook , Instagram , Threads , "X"(Formerly known as Twitter) , and BlueSky . It ’s ok. We’re ready for it.   32. Highmark Stadium - Buffalo Bills 3.0 0     Dave Cottenie -Bills fans are among the loudest, rowdiest, and most drunk in the NFL.  The tradition of destroying tables at the tailgate is no longer newsworthy; it happens so often.  Bills fans can be rude, crude, and merciless.  It will be interesting to see what a brand-new stadium will bring to the Buffalo Bills experience. There were plenty of opposing views as to what the new stadium should look like and where it should be.   Note - The 2025 season marked the final season at Highmark Stadium with the Bills moving to the New Highmark Stadium beginning at the 2026 season.   31. Northwest Stadium - Washington Commanders 3.14   Richard Smith - Suburban Landover is not the most exciting neighborhood. Northwest Stadium sits in an area surrounded by parking lots. That kind of setting can be good for tailgating but often means the area is lacking a bit. Northwest Stadium is a purely functional stadium in a less-than-desirable location. Ultimately the fan experience is better than it looks on the surface but is still far from ideal in the modern NFL.   30. Lumen Field - Seattle Seahawks 3.14   David Hegler - If you were to describe a typical game day at Lumen Field in one word, it would be “electric.” The chants of “Sea-Hawks!” pierce the air throughout the game, instantly giving both the crowd and the team a boost. Lumen Field is still one of the loudest stadiums in the world, often reaching decibels as high as 106 on game day. No matter the year or the team’s performance, the 12s will always make up the majority of the crowd. Still, at the game of this review, there was a surprising amount of 49ers fans in attendance.   29. SoFi Stadium - Los Angeles Chargers 3.43     Aaron S. Terry - The NFL’s newest stadium represents a pricey proposition, but certainly comes with a lot of bells and whistles for fans to enjoy. The Chargers don’t have as strong a fanbase as do the   Los Angeles Rams , perhaps understandable given the latter had a team here decades before, while the Bolts are kind of the new kid in town. That said, you will see a lot of empty seats, and perhaps too many opposing fans during Chargers games.   28. Paycor Stadium - Cincinnati Bengals 3.43   Lloyd Brown - The gameday experience at Paycor Stadium offers wonderful views of both the downtown Cincinnati skyline and the Ohio River. The Bengals Nation is loud and proud. They are extremely loyal to the team, filling the stadium even in December when the weather along the Ohio River is icy. Shortly before the kickoff, Guns and Roses “Welcome to the Jungle” is played, which sends the crowd into a frenzy. You will also see the tiger stripe theme carried out at Stripe the Jungle games, where sections of the stadium alternate between wearing black or orange colored clothing, giving the visual effect of tiger stripes.   27. Empower Field at Mile High - Denver Broncos 3.57   Lloyd Brown - Throughout their existence, the team has played in a venue known as Mile High Stadium in recognition of the field’s presence in the Mile High City and its elevation of 5,280 feet above sea level. This has always been an advantage of the home team. The fans show their loyalty by their presence in some of the most frigid conditions this side of Green Bay during the November and December portions of the regular season and the playoffs. The Denver fans are known for their bright orange attire as a show of support for the team (it also shows up very well on TV games when there is a blizzard going on).   26. MetLife Stadium - New York Giants 3.57     Steven Kee - MetLife Stadium is worth a visit, but there could have been more done with its aesthetics and overall experience. If you are looking to watch a football game with loyal fans, this is the place. Giants fans are unapologetically vocal, making their opinions known on every down. They’ll express exactly how they feel in the moment, and openly show their frustration when the team lets them down. They are just as loud and generous with praise when things are going well. Still, even a single mistake in a lopsided Giants win won’t escape criticism. Regardless, it’s an engaged, knowledgeable crowd that genuinely loves NFL football, and it’s hard not to get swept up in it.   25. EverBank Stadium - Jacksonville Jaguars 3.57     Chris Green - What was once considered an average stadium now features a broad range of unique aspects that makes EverBank Stadium one of the more unique and enjoyable NFL stadiums to visit in America. What sets the Jaguars apart, however, is their continued commitment to their fans. Known for being fan-friendly and fan-focused for many years, including during the down years, the team has continued its commitment to enhancing the fan experience in Jacksonville, even with its recent run of success. Playing in front of packed crowds is once again the norm, and fan fever is at an all-time high.   24. Raymond James Stadium - Tampa Bay Buccaneers 3.57     Dave Cottenie - Raymond James Stadium is a stadium of a nineties vintage that is more simplistic in its design than its more modern counterparts. Raymond James Stadium is a cautionary tale for the future of the NFL.  It is a perfectly adequate stadium that is comfortable and functional, but did not cost billions and is not a marvel and therefore passed over as in need of replacement. It will be interesting to see if, like many other current owners, the Bucs make noise about requiring a new home.   23. Lambeau Field - Green Bay Packers 3.57     Lloyd Brown - The Packer fans are a hardy bunch of folks. When the snow is high and the field ices over (even though there are thermal pipes located underneath the field to prevent that) the fans feel this is ideal weather for the home team, as they practice regularly in this type of weather. The franchise does a terrific job of preserving the history and aura of the Packers in several ways. The Packers Hall of Fame is in the Atrium of Lambeau Field and is a must-see attraction for both Packer fans and visiting fans who love football history.   22. Hard Rock Stadium - Miami Dolphins 3.57   Lloyd Brown - Hard Rock Stadium is an NFL venue that has stayed current with the times, and in many ways is an improvement over its original design. The team has been fortunate to have owners from Joe Robbie to Steven Ross who have been willing to invest whatever funds are needed to improve the fan experience. The most obvious improvement to the stadium is the installation of a canopy roof that covers 92% of the seating areas. This protects fans from the harsh South Florida sun, as well as the heavy downpours that are a frequent occurrence in Florida.   21. Arrowhead Stadium - Kansas City Chiefs 3.57     L loyd Brown - Simply stated… the Chief fans are the most loyal and the loudest fans in the AFC. The Chief fans crank it up early, as they react to the drumbeat from a Chiefs icon calling them to war. The attire of a Chiefs fan is nearly as loud as the volume, as the stands are a sea of red and gold. Despite being one of the oldest stadiums in the NFL, Arrowhead Stadium has stood the test of time well. It keeps reinventing itself by adding such amenities as the Hall of Honor, premium seating locations and a concessions menu featuring BBQ from some of Kansas City’s finest restaurants. They also have one of the most loyal, and officially the loudest, fan base in the NFL, if not the world.   20. Soldier Field - Chicago Bears 3.57     Lloyd Brown - The Bears and Soldier Field both have a legendary history for Chicago natives. The fact that they never got together until the mid-1970s is somewhat symbolized by the present design of the stadium…. a modern-day seating bowl stuffed into a classic exterior dating back to the 1920s. Unlike baseball, where the allegiances are split between the northside/southside, Chicagoans are all Bears fans. Bears fans are amongst the most loyal fans in the NFL. They also know all the words to “Bear Down” and sing it with great gusto after every Chicago score or victory.   19. SoFi Stadium - Los Angeles Rams 3.71     Aaron S. Terry- The NFL’s newest stadium represents a pricey proposition but certainly comes with a lot of bells and whistles for fans to enjoy. The Los Angeles Rams have a stellar fan base – you can tell they missed their team during its long sojourn in St. Louis. The fans here during Rams games are loud and vocal, and most of them are wearing team gear, including a mix of older jerseys as well as those of newer players.   18. US Bank Stadium - Minnesota Vikings 3.71     Chuck Utech - For those who remember the days of the team playing at the cavernous Metrodome on these grounds, this is an improvement of a major magnitude. Fans are decked out in purple as well as those who choose to go with gear in more of the Norse traditions. Outside there is a Viking ship; inside there are a plethora of cultural references such as the Viking horn and drum. “Skol ” is a salute or toast. This is something that will be heard from the fan plaza outside prior to kick-off and up until well after the game has ended. Overall there is a definite jovial camaraderie shared between fans and even rival fan bases   17. Huntington Bank Field - Cleveland Browns 3.86     Dave Cottenie - Cleveland Browns fans are among the most ardent and loyal in all of sports. Browns fans are loud and proud and show up regardless of the weather conditions, which should not be underestimated.  The Dawg Pound is also the most famous fan area in the NFL. An extra mark for the perseverance of the Browns fans as they have struggled with many seasons of non-competitive teams since the team’s return in 1999. Being part of a fanbase that is as ardent, passionate and loyal as any in the NFL is an attractive part of the Browns experience.    16. Ford Field - Detroit Lions 3.86     Dave Cottenie - It is hard to find a group of fans that are more loyal than Detroit Lion fans. To refer to them as long-suffering may be an understatement. Whether it is enjoying the fun in the Pride Plaza or belting out Gridiron Heroes with Theo Spight, the fans of the Detroit Lions make the most of their experience each and every game. Not being required to sit through the cold Detroit winters is a plus and the loyalty of Lions is unquestioned after a long drought of on-field success.   15. Levi Stadium - San Francisco 49ers 3.87     Lloyd Brown - Levi’s Stadium is one of the most technologically advanced stadiums in the NFL. Its location in the heart of Silicon Valley is a major improvement over the 49ers former home at the weather challenged Candlestick Park. 49ers fans are known as “The Faithful” for good reason. They are extremely loud throughout the game and have stuck with the team through thick and thin. Coach Kyle Shanahan has brought winning football back to the Bay area, resulting in sellout crowds despite being 40 miles from its namesake home.     14. MetLife Stadium - New York Jets 4.0 0     Richard Smith - Metlife Stadium really tries to make the stadium awash in green for Jet’s games. With the stadium being a shared venue it is tough making it seem like a Jets stadium and not a Giants stadium. It is not always a success, as the venue can feel sterile at times. The Jets fans seem very blue-collar, especially compared to the fans of the other team that shares the stadium. They are a boisterous bunch that seems to stay excited even when the team’s success has not been great for many years.   13. State Farm Stadium - Arizona Cardinals 4.0 0   Richard Smith - State Farm Stadium is a distinctive venue that offers fans a great sporting experience. The Cardinal fans are known as the Red Sea, and they have a pretty good tailgate scene at the Great Lawn across from the stadium. Once inside the stadium the great scene outside seems to break down a bit. It is partly because so many people who live in Arizona come from other parts of the country and may already have teams they support. One day they are Cardinals fans but when the home team comes to town, “boom” they are fans of the opponent.   12. AT&T Stadium - Dallas Cowboys 4.0 0 Michael Davis - AT&T Stadium has been the home of Dallas Cowboys football for a decade. However, the stadium continues to be a leader in providing top notch entertainment year-round. Cowboys fans are knowledgeable, passionate, and they take every win or loss by their team very personally. Many fans seem to have traveled to Texas specifically for a Dallas Cowboys home game, because it is on their bucket list and has been a life-long dream. A trip to watch a Dallas Cowboys game in the Mecca of sports venues should truly be at the top of any football fan’s bucket list.   11. Allegiant Stadium - Las Vegas Raiders 4.0 0     Lloyd Brown - Allegiant Stadium is the brainchild of the late Al Davis, the longtime owner/managing partner of the Raiders organization. From the time you see the shining black and silver exterior of the building (aka The Death Star), you can see his input into the design of the facility. Las Vegas residents proved they are definitely “big league” when it comes to sports. They have quickly adopted the black and silver colors of the Raiders and filled the stadium for each game thus far. Members of the “Black Hole” from Oakland have not turned their back on the team, as they make the quick flight from the Bay area to create havoc for the visiting team.   10. Gillette Stadium - New England Patriots 4.0 0   Paul Baker - It may be difficult to believe, but this concrete stadium in the woods of suburban Massachusetts is actually a trendsetter in the world of stadium design. The live/work/play community surrounding Gillette Stadium has become a must-have feature in many new facility designs. The hiring of Mike Vrabel has renewed optimism after the failed experiment that was the Jarrod Mayo hiring. Patriots fans have certainly become spoiled with the unprecedented success of the Brady/Belichick years.   9. Mercedes-Benz Stadium - Atlanta Falcons 4.0 0     Lloyd Brown - Mercedes-Benz Stadium remains one of the most innovative stadiums in the NFL and in the world. Its cutting-edge technology and one-of-a-kind design still amaze visitors when they see it in person. Falcons fans begin the season with high hopes, filling the stadium and creating quite a loud environment when the roof is closed. Mercedes-Benz Stadium has received rave reviews from both home and visiting fans due to its innovative design and unique features.   8. Lincoln Financial Field - Philadelphia Eagles 4.14     Richard Smith - Philadelphia has a supremely passionate fan base that is seen as some of the most loyal, ardent supporters in the league. The crowd in Philadelphia turns The Linc into a very loud place and though they are quick to boo and get mad at their team, it is all because they care so much. In terms of attending a game at The Linc wearing the jersey of the visiting team, you may get heckled, but as long as you are respectful, it is highly unlikely to run into any problems. Now, there is an exception as attending a division game rooting for the Cowboys, Giants or Commanders may not be the best idea.   7. NRG Stadium - Houston Texans 4.14     Eric Moreno - The Texans – like most of the NFL – do a great job of making game days at NRG Stadium feel like a very big deal. In addition to the regular accoutrements of the division championship banners hanging from the rafters and the Texans Ring of Honor underneath the press box, the Texans offer up multiple other events and activities that enhance the gameday atmosphere. Costumed mascot? Meet   Toro , one of the best in the league. Oh, and don’t forget the   Texans Mariachis , as you’ll see them during player introductions and at halftime; all great stuff that goes above and beyond what you normally will find in the pro game.   6. Acrisure Stadium - Pittsburgh Steelers 4.14     Lloyd Brown - Coach Mike Tomlin always seems to have his team well prepared, no matter what roster shortcomings the Steelers may have. History, heritage, hard hits, and hoagies all come together as a part of the gameday experience at Acrisure Stadium, the home of the Pittsburgh Steelers. The Steeler fans are easy to spot in their black and gold attire, outfitted with their gold and black “ Terrible Towels ”, which wave incessantly on key plays throughout the game. It is mostly a white-collar crowd, with many families boasting of third-generation support for the Steelers.   5. Nissan Stadium - Tennessee Titans 4.29     Lloyd Brown - Football is a religion in the South, and Nissan Stadium is the church for avid Tennessee Titans fans. They arrive early for services and fill the parking lots surrounding the stadium. They set up elaborate tailgating spreads with plenty of food and drinks to share with family and friends. Once inside Nissan Stadium, the stands become a sea of Titan blue as the faithful fill every seat in the stadium. Despite their intense loyalty to the home team, Titan fans extend southern hospitality to visiting fans.   Special Note: Shortly before this review was done the Tennessee Titans announced their plans to build a new enclosed stadium to replace Nissan Stadium in time for the 2027 season.   4. Caesars Superdome - New Orleans Saints 4.29   Matt Colville - Saints fans are widely regarded as one of the most passionate fan bases in the NFL. Saints fans have endured more than their share of heartbreak over the years. From the infamous “Aints” era, when frustrated fans wore paper bags over their heads, to the darkest chapter in the city’s history, when 30,000 people sheltered inside the Superdome during Hurricane Katrina, Yet through it all, Who Dat Nation has remained unwaveringly loyal, packing the Dome to full capacity every single home game since 2006.   3. Bank of America Stadium - Carolina Panthers 4.57   Aaron S. Terry - The Carolina Panthers were announced as the NFL’s 29th franchise in 1993 and began play in 1995. The Panthers went 12-4 in just their second season, making it all the way to the NFC Championship. Panthers fans are loud and love their team – you will see plenty of them wearing team gear, and they will cheer loudly for big plays out of the field, as well as during third downs. The team has rewarded this passion with two Super Bowl appearances in the past 20 years, and the fans don’t want to let their squad down.   2. Lucas Oil Stadium - Indianapolis Colts 4.57     Marc Viquez - The Colts fanbase had been spoiled at the start of the century with only two losing seasons in a 15-year span. The state that historically favored basketball became a football town with the championship success of the team. 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.   1. M&T Bank Stadium - Baltimore Ravens 4.71     Richard Smith - The Ravens have set a fine stage for enjoying NFL football. Expect the games to be loud inside the stadium. The fans are knowledgeable about all aspects of the game. Baltimore is a football town. They love smash-mouth football and have no problem if the defense wins the game by smothering their opponents. Fans will still respect fans who wear the opposing team’s colors, but they should not expect too much love. The fans are serious about the Ravens and defensive football.

Photos by Eric Moreno, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.57 H-E-B Center at Cedar Park 2100 Avenue of the Stars Cedar Park, TX 78613 Texas Stars website H-E-B Center website Year Opened: 2009 Capacity: 8,000 H-E-B Center at Cedar Park – Texas Stars In 2008, the American Hockey League’s (AHL) Iowa Stars franchise announced a change in who their parent club would be. This left the NHL’s Dallas Stars without a high-level developmental franchise. The solution was to move the minor league Stars to the Austin suburb of Cedar Park, Texas, to a new home in H-E-B Center at Cedar Park, and be re-branded the Texas Stars . Since moving to Cedar Park the Stars have excelled on the ice, winning one regular season title, three division titles, three conference titles, and the Calder Cup once in 2014, and this doesn’t even take into account the dozens of players the franchise has sent to the big-league club over the past decade and a half. The Texas Stars have built a die-hard fan base in and around Austin, and regularly see some of the largest crowds in the AHL. H-E-B Center has proven to be the perfect venue for them, as well – read on to learn what makes this a special place in south central Texas.   Food & Beverage   3 I’ve been coming to H-E-B Center for a number of years now, and I have seen great growth and improvement in their food and beverages scene during that time. There are quite a few national chains, like Bahama Buck’s , Pizza Hut , and one of their newer additions, Tim Horton’s . On a side note, when was the last time you had donuts and coffee at a game? For a hockey game, this is a no-brainer. Heck, it’s a great idea regardless. At other spots you can find burgers, hot dogs, chicken fingers, tacos, and even bread bowls of soup. There are also a few self-serve kiosks where you can buy bottled soda, bottled water, sports drinks, and energy drinks, as well as beer and hard seltzers. You can basically find whatever you’re looking for to eat or drink at H-E-B Center, which makes any sporting event eminently better.   Atmosphere   4 The atmosphere at H-E-B Center for Texas Stars game is truly top-notch; rarely have I seen anything like it in minor league sports. Part of this is due to how large the crowds are at the game (more on that shortly), while another part is due to the variety and uniqueness of the team’s theme nights (more on that later as well). From the moment you walk through the doors, there is an energy here that is palpable. Green lights – reflecting the team’s colors – shine brightly throughout the interior, especially in the seating area and even on the ice itself. Two team stores can also be found for those looking to pick up some team merch. There is also a wall denoting all the players that the minor league Stars have sent on to the NHL, and that makes for a great photo opp. Lastly, the Bud Light Club can be found in the main concourse, and is open to all season ticket holders. This area plays out like a sports bar, and offers a spot for fans to get away from the crowds and watch the game – or whatever other sporting events are going on – in a quieter, more laid back atmosphere.   Neighborhood   4 As mentioned, Cedar Park has become one of the largest of Austin’s suburbs. It is a 30ish-minute drive from Cedar Park to downtown Austin, the latter which is home to all manner of entertainment, dining, shopping, and lodging options. Cedar Park itself is also no slouch. Besides being home to minor league hockey, H-E-B Center is also the home venue for the NBA G League’s Austin Spurs . The two team’s seasons even overlap, so if you time your visit right you might be able to double up on games, if you’re so inclined. For dining options, the venue is right off US Loop 183A, so there aren’t going to be many eateries within walking distance – this also applies to lodging. In the immediate area of the venue, though, you will find chains such as Chuy’s Tex-Mex, Salata , and CAVA . If you venture farther into town, you’ll find some even more options. The same can be said of lodgings; there are two options within a five-minute drive of the facility. These include WoodSpring Suites Cedar Park – Austin North  and Hyatt Place Austin / Cedar Park . As always, your only limit for hotels is your budget.   Fans   4 The Texas Stars average around 6,000 fans, which pretty much guarantees a full house at H-E-B Center. The fans come out in droves, mostly dressed in green sweaters and t-shirts. The crowds are loud and engaged, they do the same bit that the big-league club does during the National Anthem (yelling out “Stars” when it’s said during the song), and all-in-all make things feel bigger than just being a minor league hockey game. The fans here make things a lot of fun, and I think anyone who attends a game will agree with me.   Access   4 H-E-B Center is very easy to get to, whether you’re coming from Austin or up from San Antonio, which is just under a two-hour drive away. As mentioned the arena is right off US 183, and you can see it from the highway. It’s also just over a 30-minute drive from Austin-Bergstrom International Airport, if you’re flying in for a game. Once on-site, parking is plentiful and free. There aren’t many public transportation options available here, however, outside of a few bus routes. If you aren’t looking to drive, rideshares are plentiful in the area. In addition, being so close to the highway makes getting into the venue’s parking lots and leaving games very easy.   Return on Investment   3 Single-game tickets for Texas Stars tickets range from $25 to $35. This is a little higher than the average for the AHL, which might be because of the club’s proximity to Austin. Concession prices are also a little higher than what you might expect to pay at a minor league game, but not by much. Even so, when you take into consideration that parking is free, you’re still coming away with quite a bargain considering that the Texas Stars are annually a playoff club.   Extras   3 When it comes to extras, the Stars have pretty much everything that most minor league teams have. Their main draws are their mascot, Ringo the Ringtail , who I have to believe is the only one of its kind in the country, as well as their theme/promo nights. The Texas Stars do their best to make the theme nights as unique as possible, including offering a Jurassic Night and a Star Wars Night. My visit happened to be a celebration of the Renaissance Fair, where they had jousting, falconry, and vendors selling medieval themed paraphernalia – it was a pretty interesting sight to behold.   Final Thoughts As a native Texan, I can’t say my exposure to hockey has been as extensive as the other big sports. However, I can say that I’ve seen my fair share of minor league hockey over the past 25 plus years. What they have done and built in Cedar Park with the Texas Stars eclipses everything I have seen before; it’s not quite the NHL, obviously, but my visits have been pretty special. If you’re a hockey fan, make pilgrimage to Cedar Park, Texas, when you can. I think you’ll have a great time. Follow Eric Moreno's Stadium Journey on Twitter at @EricMoreno6477 .

Photos by Dave Cottenie, Stadium Journey. Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.00 Sleeman Centre 50 Woolwich St Guelph, ON N1H 3V1 University of Guelph website Sleeman Centre website Year Opened: 2000 Capacity: 4,715 Still Frosty After 16 Years There are few USports events quite like The Frosty Mug.  In 2026, the Guelph Gryphons took to the ice for the 16th time at the Sleeman Centre in Downtown Guelph.  They were followed to the game by nearly 4,900 students, who made the event the party of the year.  Other schools have similar rivalry games, namely the Carr-Harris Challenge Cup between RMC and Queen’s and the Crowchild Classic between Calgary and Mount Royal, but none are quite like the Frosty Mug.  Over a few years, it seemed that the game was going to end up as a rivalry game between the Gryphons and Wilfrid Laurier Golden Hawks, with six matchups in a row and two others for a total of eight of the sixteen; however, the last three years have seen the Gryphons return to somewhat random opponents.  The Frosty Mug is not a rivalry game.  It is being pushed to the stratosphere of USports events by Guelph Gryphons fans.  The first Frosty Mug event was held in 2010 and has grown exponentially to where it is regularly a sell-out.  The centrepiece of The Frosty Mug is the Sleeman Centre.  Regularly the home of the Guelph Storm of the OHL, the Sleeman Centre opened in 2000 and is owned by the City of Guelph.  The Downtown Guelph location is critical for the success of the event, making it easy for students to get to the arena from campus. Food & Beverage 4 There are a number of concession options in the Sleeman Centre.  Pretzels, popcorn, hot dogs, and pizza are all on the menu.  Candy and ice cream can be found at a few of the stands, too.  Some more unique choices include the authentic Roman Pizza at the Penalty Box or some of the huge selection of confections at the Candy Counter.  Coca-Cola products are the soda of the Sleeman Centre, and water, coffee, tea, and hot chocolate are among the soft drinks available.  Sleeman products are available at the beer stands.  Draught Picks Tap House and Grill is a full-service bar on the south side of the arena and is also an option for fans.  For the Frosty Mug, the restaurant is not open as it would be for a normal Guelph Storm game, and is used for VIP guests. Atmosphere 4 The Sleeman Centre is a unique facility because it is built inside a shopping mall. As a result, the majority of fans will not enter through the main doors on Woolwich Street. Parking entrances off Macdonell Street, with fans entering through the south side or through the Old Quebec Shoppes, the remnants of the mall, are far more popular. That being said, the front exterior of the Sleeman Centre is attractive, with light siding and tinted windows. It is not a hulking structure and is almost inconspicuous from the front. Entering through the front or through the mall will take fans to the main staircase, which is essentially under the arena. Fans will pass by the Guelph Sports Hall of Fame, which features a number of notable inductees, including George McPhee, Todd Hlushko, and John Cullen. Guelph also has a history of providing officials to the NHL, including Bill McCreary, Ray Scapinello, Terry Gregson, and Ron Asselstine. Patrons will ascend the stairs to the second level, which is the main entry to the arena.  The concourse around the seating bowl is not very wide, so getting there early for some exploring is the best idea.  The ice at the Sleeman Centre is oriented from west to east, with entry to the concourse coming from the south side.  The north side is going to provide the perfect centre-ice logo picture.  Above the ice is a four-sided videoboard with top and bottom ribbon rings and a simple score clock.  The fascia of the second level, which is home to the club seats and luxury boxes, has a full, 360-degree ribbon board.  The rafters are littered with banners honouring Guelph junior hockey players and accomplishments.  The Frosty Mug has become such a success that the time has come for there to be some sort of permanent recognition of the event in the arena. The gameday production at The Frosty Mug is very simple, yet effective.  The students in the stands really drive the atmosphere.  The team enters the ice from the south side at the beginning of the game through a giant inflatable gryphon, complete with red lights and smoke.  Gryph, the Guelph Gryphons mascot, interacts with the crowd.  During the second intermission, Gryph rides in the back of a pickup truck and rides around the ice, throwing t-shirts into the crowd.  Possibly the highlight of the gameday package is the first intermission performance of the Guelph Gryphons Varsity Figure Skating team, which always garners a huge response from the crowd. Neighbourhood 4 The Sleeman Centre is located in Downtown Guelph.  There are a number of spots for pre and post game food and drink in the area.  Some choices include 1881 Steakhouse, McCabes, NV Kitchen, Royal Electric, La Cucina, Baker Street Station and The Wooly Pub.  Fans looking for more sports in the area may want to consider heading to the University of Guelph where the Gryphons play football at Alumni Stadium , hockey at Gryphon Centre Arena  and basketball at the Guelph Gryphons Athletic Centre .  The regular tenant of the Sleeman Centre is the Guelph Storm  of the OHL.  During the summer, the Guelph Royals  compete in the IBL.  Non-sporting options may include seeing something at the River Run Centre, on the opposite side of Woolwich Street, or taking a tour at the Sleeman Brewery in Guelph. For fans wishing to stay in Downtown Guelph, the Royal Inn and Suites and Western Hotel, may be of interest. Fans 5 The Frosty Mug of 2026 attracted its fifth consecutive sellout, packing the Sleeman Centre with 4,942 fans.  At no point has the attendance of The Frosty Mug fallen below that of the previous year, with the exception of the first post-COVID game which had attendance restrictions.  It is one of the highest attended USports events on the calendar, which is definitely impressive.  The fans in attendance are mostly students, and are loud and boisterous, out for a good time and supportive of their Gryphons.   Access 4 Getting to the Sleeman Centre is not terribly difficult.  The Sleeman Centre is located in Downtown Guelph between Woolwich Street and MacDonnell Street.  The confluence of Highways 6 and 7 is less than four kilometers from the arena, and getting there should not be too difficult.  Most fans are heading to the parking garages off of McDonnell Street, so the intersection of Woolwich and MacDonnell can be a challenge closer to puck drop.  There are a few parking garages downtown, so finding a spot should not be an issue.  For fans wishing to take public transit, the Guelph Transit Station is less than a block away.  Fans should check out the Guelph Transit  website for fares, maps and schedules.  Getting around the Sleeman Centre can be a bit of a challenge as the concourses are not huge.  Intermission times are particularly bad and lines for the washrooms then can be long.  For those wishing to purchase alcoholic beverages, a wristband policy is in effect and the lines for wristbands and alcoholic beverages are always long.  The stairs from the Old Quebec Street Mall may present issues for those with mobility issues. Fans do need to be prepared to have bags checked and be scanned by a metal detector before going into The Frosty Mug.  Event organizers request bags be left at home, however purses are permitted.  Stadium Journey strongly encourages consulting the Sleeman Centre website before heading to the game for the latest security protocols and list of prohibited items. Return on Investment 4 Tickets for the Frosty Mug are priced at $25 and $20 for youth, staff and UofG students.  The reality is that nearly the entire arena is filled with University of Guelph students.  This is significantly more than the regular $10 ticket for a Gryphons hockey game on campus.  Parking is not a significant expense, although in years past it has been free, and concession prices are what one would expect in an OHL arena.  The Frosty Mug is a premier event and is annually among the top attended events at Sleeman Centre.  The atmosphere is terrific and the fans are loud.  A good time is definitely in store for those in attendance. Extras 3 An extra mark for the annual incorporation of the Guelph Gryphons figure skating team into the Frosty Mug, who perform to a rousing ovation during the first intermission. An extra mark for the building of the Frosty Mug game, which began with a modest attendance of over 1,100 to a game that eclipsed its own attendance record each year since. An extra mark for the Frosty Mug itself.  Both teams play for a glass mug.  Like the best rivalry trophies, nothing too fancy. Final Thoughts One of the most significant events in Guelph annually is The Frosty Mug.  The Guelph Gryphons pack fans into the Sleeman Centre every year for the most boisterous and loud hockey event in town.  Getting to The Frosty Mug should be on the bucket list and is a part of a small handful of USports events that fans should not miss if possible. Follow all of Dave’s sporting adventure s on YouTube , Twitter , Threads  and Instagram @profan9.

​ The world of sports and entertainment is ever-evolving, and Chicago has once again made headlines. An innovative change at one of its iconic arenas marks a significant milestone: it has become the first venue to sell a carefully curated selection of unique drinks that cater to a diverse audience. This move enhances the game-day experience and sets a trend for venues nationwide. ​ The United Center in Chicago is set to become the first U.S. arena to offer hemp-derived THC beverages at concerts and live events for guests 21 and older, featuring four 5-milligram drinks from Rhythm and Señorita in flavors such as Lime Jalapeño Margarita, Mango Margarita, and Grapefruit Paloma. While these beverages won't be available during Bulls or Blackhawks games, this launch reflects changing hemp regulations and represents a significant milestone for THC-infused drink manufacturers in Illinois. ​ A New Era for Beverage Offerings Traditionally, arenas have been synonymous with standard fare—massively popular but often mundane options of beer, soda, and water. However, this Chicago arena has stepped beyond the conventional offerings. By introducing locally sourced craft beverages, health-conscious options, and international delicacies, it emphasizes inclusivity. This initiative creates an environment where attendees of all tastes can find something exceptional. Collaborations with Local Artisans This groundbreaking initiative is a result of collaborations with local artisans and beverage producers. By partnering with Chicago's own breweries, distilleries, and beverage creators, the arena not only supports local businesses but also offers patrons a taste of the city's rich cultural landscape. Expect to find everything from artisanal cocktails featuring local spirits to refreshing beverages crafted from organic ingredients. Enhancing the Experience The goal of this beverage revolution is not just to satisfy thirst but to enhance the overall experience of attending events. Imagine sipping on a craft cocktail while enjoying the adrenaline of a live game, or participating in a tasting session before a concert. The arena is focusing on creating memorable experiences that go beyond just the event itself, establishing a community around food and drink that resonates with attendees. Sustainable Practices Sustainability is another pillar of this initiative. The arena aims to minimize its environmental footprint by using recyclable cups and eco-friendly packaging. This approach aligns with the growing consumer demand for environmentally responsible practices in the food and beverage industry. Event-goers will appreciate knowing that their choice of drink contributes not only to their enjoyment but also to a greener planet. Setting a Trend for Other Venues As the first venue to implement this beverage program, the arena in Chicago is setting a new standard. Other arenas and stadiums across the country are likely to take notice, potentially adapting similar practices. This could trigger a ripple effect, encouraging more venues to enhance the guest experience and respond to evolving consumer preferences. Looking Ahead As this program unfolds, feedback from attendees will be invaluable. The arena's management is committed to listening to consumer suggestions, continually refining the menu to reflect the preferences of its audience. The success of this initiative may pave the way for further enhancements, perhaps even expanding into food offerings or themed beverage nights that highlight different cultures. Chicago's arena has taken a bold step into the future of event experiences by becoming the first to offer a unique selection of drinks. By championing local partnerships, sustainability, and guest engagement, it is redefining what it means to enjoy a night out at the arena. This pioneering strategy not only strengthens the connection between the venue and the community but also elevates the expectations of event-goers everywhere.

Photos by Meg Minard, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.43 Pan American Center 1810 University Ave Las Cruces, NM 88003 Map It New Mexico State Aggies website Pan American Center website Year Opened: 1968 Capacity: 12,572 This is NM State New Mexico State men’s basketball has participated in eight different affiliations , mostly in the West and Southwest, with its longest modern run in the WAC (18 years)  before joining Conference USA  in 2023.  The team has reached 4 Sweet Sixteens, 23 NCAA Tournaments, and 5 NIT Tournaments.  The 1969-70 New Mexico State men’s basketball team to date is the only squad in program history to reach the NCAA Final Four. On Nov. 30, 1968 the Pan American Center opened its doors for the first New Mexico State men’s basketball game.  Pan American Center is also home to New Mexico State women’s Aggie basketball and volleyball. The arena hosts various other events throughout the year.  The building is celebrating 58 years; it has had several renovations since it first opened. It sits proudly on the New Mexico State University campus in Las Cruces, NM. Food & Beverage 3 You’ll find your no-frills, basic stadium fare at Pan American Center.   Personal pizza, hot dogs, nachos cost $6 - $10.  A Pete’s Combo  (hot dog, popcorn, and soda) sells at $10.  Candy, churros, and pretzels are available for a snack.   Pepsi products run $6 for a 32 oz drink.  Modelo, Coors Light, Michelob Light, and Kona Big Wave cost $8/can, while Nutrl and Hoop Tea sells for $6.  Atmosphere 4 Aggies men’s basketball delivers a safe, lively, and genuinely welcoming game-day atmosphere. Fans enter the seating bowl and either head down to the first level—25 rows deep—or up to a second tier, separated by a central walkway. During my visit, the upper level was closed. Seating consists of red plastic fold‑down chairs without cup holders, wrapping all four sides of the court. Two tiers line each sideline, while a single level sits behind each basket. The Jag and Linda Cheema Suites occupy a section behind one end zone, adding a premium touch to the layout. A crisp, center‑hung scoreboard anchors the arena, displaying live video, score, possession, quarter time, and other essentials. Additional score displays sit above both end zones. Pan American Center Scoreboard, Photo by Meg Minard, Stadium Journey Entertainment extends well beyond the action on the court. A spirited pep band plays frequently, and the team makes a memorable entrance by descending the arena stairs before introductions and again at halftime. Fans enjoy t‑shirt tosses, dance cams on the main board, and appearances from the Spirit Squad—Sun Dancers, cheerleaders, and Pistol Pete, the cowboy‑themed mascot. The public‑address announcer is outstanding, delivering substitutions, scoring updates, fouls, and play descriptions with clarity and energy—never competing with unnecessary background music. Sound levels are spot‑on, allowing easy conversation, and the audio crew consistently cuts the music when the pep band performs. A fun in‑arena tradition comes when the announcer calls, ‘Out of bounds—Aggie ball!’ and the crowd echoes back, ‘ Aggie ball! ’ The arena temperature is comfortable; a long‑sleeve shirt is plenty. Championship banners, NCAA tournament markers, and retired numbers hang proudly from the rafters, while photos of standout Aggie athletes line the outer concourse, celebrating the program’s history. Neighborhood 4 The Pan Am Center is near the other on-campus NM State Athletic fields in Las Cruces, NM.  Plenty of restaurants and hotels are within 1 – 2 miles of the arena.  Ten or more restaurants (including fast food) are along University Ave from I-10 to the arena:  I-Hop, Burger King, Panda Express, and Chick-fil-A.  The Game Sports Bar and Grill  is a decent pregame place to visit for a beer and a bite.  Weck’s, an NM breakfast/lunch chain, is a worthwhile visit before an afternoon game.  Other things to see and do when visiting Las Cruces include the New Mexico Farm and Ranch Heritage Museum  about three miles from Pan Am Center.  The Museum of Science and Nature or the Las Cruces Railroad Museum may also be worth a visit, depending on your interests.  Of course, a visit to see the world’s largest chile pepper  may be in order, too! Plenty of hotels are near the university.  The closest are the Hilton Garden Inn Las Cruces, Comfort Suites University, and Sleep Inn University.   A whole slew more is within two–three miles of Pan Am Center. Other sports in the area are the Aggies baseball  team and the women’s basketball team.  A trip to El Paso, TX (a 45-minute drive) will take you to the El Paso Chihuahuas , AAA minor league baseball affiliate of the San Diego Padres.  Fans 3 Aggie fans appreciate their basketball team.   They cheer and encourage the players and all stand until the team score its first basket.  During free-throws, many position their fingers into a pistol shape.  The student section, the Panamaniacs , attend in full force, while the band and spirit squad keep the energy up during breaks in play. Panamaniac Student Section and Band, Photo by Meg Minard, Stadium Journey In 2025, the program drew an average of 5,600 fans a game and held the highest attendance record in the Conference USA. Access 3 Getting to the Pan Am Center is an easy drive off I-10.  Plenty of free parking surrounds the east and south sides of the arena.  Handicapped parking is available, as are accessible seats.  Check here for more information on accessible features at the arena. Las Cruces does have a bus stop (Aggie Green), but it looks as if it’s operational only Monday-Friday, 7 am – 6 pm, so it may not be suitable for use when attending a game.  Las Cruces Airport is 12+ miles from the university. The venue has a little plaza area with benches outside the ticket office.  It’s a nice place to wait for friends.  The ticket office is a separate building with polite staff manning the booths. Clear bags 12” x 6” x 12” are allowed, as are small clutches. Pan Am Center has plenty of clean restrooms on the concourse level. Return on Investment 3 Ticket prices range from $15 to $30, with premium matchups against UTEP and UNM running $20 to $50. Parking is free, and concessions are priced fairly. It’s an enjoyable game‑day experience and a solid value for your sports‑entertainment dollar. Extras 4 During the game covered in this review, the Aggies recognized the NM State Athletics Hall of Fame Class of 2026 —a touching and memorable moment. All the NM State banners and photos displayed provide visitors with the vast athletic accomplishments the university has produced.  The staff are genuinely eager to assist and make visiting fans feel truly welcome. It’s also refreshing attending a sporting event where the music volume is kept at a comfortable level. Final Thoughts The New Mexico State Aggies men’s basketball program has completed 119 seasons since its start in 1904. The team has called the Pan American Center home since 1968, giving fans nearly six decades of memories in the venue. Though the arena is among the older facilities in Division I, the game‑day atmosphere remains lively and makes for an enjoyable outing.

Photos by Greg Venuto, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.43 Ingalls Rink 73 Sachem St New Haven, CT 06511 Yale Bulldogs men's hockey website Ingalls Rink website Year Opened: 1958 Capacity: 3,500 Yale Whale Scores An Upgrade Ingalls Rink, better known as The Whale, is known for its consistency and tradition. But this season, Ingalls received a much-needed update. Yale Athletics poured $3 million worth of upgrades into the historic relic, highlighted by the installation of a state-of-the-art, center-hung videoboard. The new videoboard features a four-sided LED display that will showcase live game action, team introductions, and fan engagement content. In addition to the videoboard, the project included two new scoreboards on either end of the rink to display game time, shots, and penalties, a fully upgraded speaker and sound system for improved audio quality throughout the rink, renovated, modernized broadcast control room to support high-quality video production and live streaming and upgraded communications systems to enhance game day operations and venue functionality. All of these were much needed to keep up with the ever-changing game-day experiences in college sports. And the best part is that the alteration did not affect the basic feel and atmosphere of a hockey game at Yale. The Yale Bulldogs, who play in New Haven, Connecticut, are members of the Ivy League. The building was designed by the famous Finnish-American architect Eero Saarinen, who designed the Gateway Arch in St. Louis in 1947. Ingalls Rink, named after David S. Ingalls (‘20) and David S. Ingalls Jr. (‘56), was completed in 1958 and renovated in 2009 fits all the cliches: old school, old-time hockey, and turn back the clock. But the building has charm, sort of the way the Old Boston Garden did. The seats are close to the action, and the glass sounds like it’s going to crack when hit by a shot or run into by the players. Other distinctive features are the cold interior and the occasional smell of the locker room. There are no luxury boxes or high-end food choices. Yale University boasts the oldest collegiate hockey program in the United States. Yale played its first game in 1896, a 2-2 tie versus Johns Hopkins. The Bulldogs are members of the 12-team ECAC (Eastern Collegiate Hockey Conference) and have qualified for eight NCAA Tournaments, a pair of Frozen Fours, culminating with a national championship in 2013. Food & Beverage 2 Viewing a game at Ingalls is a great experience, but eating there is not so much. There is one concession stand at the back of the arena and another underneath the main entrance, which offers identical fare. To access the lower concession stand, team store, and additional bathrooms, fans need to hit the stairs. There are bathrooms on both levels. The limited menu includes hot dogs, pizza, and pretzels for $5 each, candy for $3, and $2 for chips. The drinks include Coca-Cola products, water, hot chocolate, and coffee. A bar, toward the back of the arena and next to the concession stand, was introduced two years ago and seems to be a popular addition. Atmosphere 3 The atmosphere can be electric, but on this visit, the students were on winter brea,k and there was no band or Bulldog in attendance. The new video board is a welcome addition, but more replays should be shown. The board curiously seems to only show goals scored by the home team. The ceiling, which looks like the bottom of an old ship, is quite captivating. Fans are often looking up to check out the surroundings. The arena has a number of display cases to showcase great moments in Yale men’s and women’s hockey. Banners hang from the rafters to commemorate conference champions, NCAA tournament appearances, and the 2013 National Championship. There are also 12 large flags, six each on each side, containing the logos of all 12 ECAC member schools. On the lower level, there is a timeline of Yale hockey containing pictures and memorabilia that was erected following a renovation of the building. Neighborhood 4 Ingalls Rink is situated on the northern edge of a charming campus with beautiful architecture. It is an open campus and easily walkable. Less than a mile away are a host of restaurants, including Bar for classic pizza (not coal or wood-fired), Louis Lunch (opened 1895), which claims it invented the hamburger sandwich, and Rubamba, a small, unassuming Latin American restaurant on 25 High Street. New Haven, referred to as the pizza capital of the United States by Barstool Sports and Governor Ned Lamont, boasts a small but hearty Italian section that includes legendary pizza places, Frank Pepe’s, and Sally’s Apizza (both coal-fired) on Wooster Street. A newcomer to the pizza scene is Zeneli (138 Wooster Street), which opened in August 2019. There is also Modern Apizza (brick oven), less than 1 mile from Yale. Fans can’t go wrong with a pie from any of these establishments, but be prepared to wait for a table at Pepe’s and Sally’s, especially on weekends. New Haven also offers an array of entertainment. The Schubert Theater (247 College Street) and the College Street Music Hall feature plays, shows, concerts, and comedy acts. The only concern for fans is not to wander too far off campus, as New Haven has issues with crime and homelessness. The bars on Temple and Crown Streets are hopping on weekend nights and are a great place for post-gaming. Fans 3 Fan support had been staunch at Ingalls, but losing seasons have taken a bit of starch out of the fan base. Tickets were readily available the last few seasons. Yale has not posted a winning season since 2018-19. The Bulldogs averaged 2076 per contest in 2024-25, up from 1884 per contest in 2023-24, but averaged over 3000 per game from 2009-10 to 2018-19. Many locals attend games, and many enjoy standing and watching from above, which might be the best view at Ingalls. The bowl has an interesting configuration with walkways on each side of the ice that go up and then back down, and afford great views of the ice. Access 4 There is adequate access to the campus coming from I-91 or I-95 into downtown New Haven. The campus is about 90 minutes from New York City and 45 minutes from Hartford to the North and Stamford to the south. There is the four-level Prospect-Sachem parking garage next to the rink, and there is another garage on 55 Lock Street. There is also street parking, but remember that most meters are in effect until 9 pm. New Haven is the last stop on the Metro-North Railroad, and the station on State Street is situated just over one mile from Ingalls. The seating area consists of wooden benches with backs, and the sightlines do vary based on the irregular configuration of the seating area. Most of the views are great. There are no chairbacks in the facility. Return on Investment 5 A center ice seat runs $25 and $35 for premium games versus Harvard and Quinnipiac. Seating behind the net is $20 for non-premium games, and standing room is only $10 ($15 for premium). Seniors (62 and up) can get seats for $20 on the sides and $10 behind the goals for all non-premium games, and an additional $5 for premium. Extras 3 The display and trophy cases in the lobby and downstairs are a nice touch and include the 2013 NCAA trophy. Downstairs, there are tributes to past Yale teams, including the history and construction of Ingalls. Ingalls Rink is about as extra as a rink can get. Great design and the classic feel make it reminiscent of the old Boston Garden on a much smaller scale. The building was included on America’s Favorite Architecture list of 2007 by the American Institute of Architects. The Schley Room, located downstairs, is a hidden gem, featuring team photos from every season and individual accolades players received over the years in the rink. The room is used by the Yale Hockey Association to host receptions or hang out pre-game and during intermissions. It is named for the Schley family, benefactors of Yale athletics. Final Thoughts The Yale Whale is clearly a bucket list destination and worthy of inclusion with other classic hockey arenas like Hobey Baker Rink in Princeton, New Jersey, home of the Princeton Tigers, and Yost Ice Arena in Ann Arbor, both opened in 1923. Once a ticket is purchased, a treat is in store for all sports fans. Just bring some warm clothing if attending on a cold winter’s night. Hopefully, it stays the same for years to come. ----- Follow Greg Venuto’s stadium journeys on Twitter  and   Facebook .

Photos by Marc Viquez, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.86 Fishers Event Center 11000 Stockdale St. Fishers, IN 46037 Indy Ignite website  Fishers Event Center website Year Opened:  2024 Capacity:  7,500 The Indy Ignite Ready to Ignite Indianapolis The Indy Ignite are members of Major League Volleyball and play at the Fishers Event Center. The club began play in 2024 and attracted a crowd of 6,089 for its inaugural game.  The 8-team league provides a livable wage to women's volleyball players with salaries. The Indy Ignite name was announced a year before its first game and pays tribute to the burning passion of the volleyball community, the fierce deterioration of its athletes, and the league’s effort to spark a new interest in women’s pro sports. The golden torch logo is inspired by the state flag and the bronze statue of Victory atop the Soldiers & Sailors Monument in downtown Indianapolis. The Ignite posted a 13-15 record in its inagural season in the  Pro Volleyball Federation. It was good enough to earn a playoff birth and eventually a championship apperance against the Orlando Valkyries. In August 2025, the PVF and Major League Volleyball merged for the 2026 season under the MLV name. Food & Beverage 4 The Fishers Event Center offers multiple food and beverage spots on the first and second floors. The Fuel Zone locations offer fans grab-and-go options for food and beverages. Customers pick up their items and pay for them with their credit card. There are a few kiosks where cheesesteaks and supreme nachos are prepared to order. The arena’s food court is divided into two sections: District Eats for quick bites like freshly made burgers and pizza held individually under warmers, and District Drinks for refreshing beverages, both alcoholic and non-alcoholic.  Other items include giant-sized brats, barbecue pork sandwiches, ham and cheese kolaches, burgers, and hot dogs. Kickin’ Chicken prepares fried chicken sandwiches in front of customers for its sandwiches: regular, Buffalo, and Nashville hot. In 2006, the stand introduced chicken parmesan sandwiches. There is plenty to wash down all the food with Coke products, beer, wine, hard seltzers and ciders, and mixed cocktails. The city's historic railyard inspires the Railyard Pub. The elevated bar offers packaged beers and signature cocktails: Kentucky lemonade, margaritas, and Moscow mules. The local beers include Full Day Ray, Sun King, and King Jugg varieties, within 3 miles of the arena. King Jugg makes the official Black Dog Indy Fuel Ale. All of the beer comes by the can and is available in the grab-and-go from the refrigerators. However, King Jugg does have a kiosk with two varieties on tap, along with a couple mixed cocktails also on tap. Atmosphere 4 Professional volleyball is new to the Indianapolis market, and fans have taken an interest in the Ignite. The first game attracted a sell-out crowd of 7,000 people, while the second game filled the arena to 75 percent capacity. Fans line up for merchandise and then after the game for post-game autographs. The court is set up in the middle of the floor with additional private seating on each side. One of these areas is filled with a group of supporters banging inflatable thundersticks and a mini-bar area for easy access for fans sitting courtside. The team’s mascot, Pepper, walks around this area for pictures. Fans are concentrated on the action on the court, which could be as short as 90 minutes to 2 and a half hours. There are plenty of “oohs” and “ahhs” during long sets where the players make acrobatic and diving moves to keep the ball alive. Music is played briefly after each scoring and during breaks between sets. There are moments of entertainment during breaks, including the Firestarter Dance Team, on-court gimmicks for kids, and a giant volleyball game with an inflatable ball in the stands.  Only clear bags are permitted. Non-clear bags must be smaller than 4.5” x 6.5”, and the arena is a cashless venue. All concessions and merchandise must be made through credit card, debit card, or mobile payment. There are no programs offered at the game. Neighborhood 4 The FEC is in Fishers, Indiana, off of I-69. The arena is within walking distance of   The Yard at Fishers District,   which features a variety of restaurants and bars. They include quick bites such as Shake Shack, Chicken Salad Chick, Torchy’s Tacos, and Bibibop Asian Grill.  The 1933 Lounge, The HC Tavern and Kitchen, and the Sangiovese Ristorante are fine choices. Sun King Brewery is located at The Yard and includes The Fishers Test Kitchen, local chef-inspired cuisine, and rotating test concepts. A few blocks across the interstate are a few more choices, including Full Day Ray Restaurant and Brewery, Parks Place Pub, and King Jugg Brewery. Indiana’s only IKEA and Top Golf locations are within eye-sight of the arena, along with Portillo’s, a spot for iconic Chicago food: Italian beef, Vienna beef hot dogs, sandwiches, and ribs. Fans 4 The fanbase for Ignite games is a mix of die-hard volleyball and casual fans.  They enjoy watching a professional volleyball match and cheer with attacks and kills on the court. When it is a match point, the crowd stands until the game is over. After the match, fans line up in the lower concourse to secure an autograph or photo with their favorite players. A healthly crowd braved the start of a snowstorm that dumped close to 10 inches of snow in the Indianapolis market. Access 5 Fans cannot walk around the upper concourse, as the premium club and suites take up the majority of the western portion of the building. Fans enter from the ground floor and access staircases to the upper concourse. There is enough room to walk around during volleyball games. A few standing-room-only spots towards the northern part of the concourse have slightly obstructed views. Return on Investment 3 There is a demand for Ignite tickets. The costs start at $29 on secondary sites such as TickPick . However, prices can fluncate depending on the demand and opponent.  Check dates, times, and weather for prices. Parking is hassle-free, with 2,000 spaces around the FEC. Fans can pre-pay for the game or scan to pay upon arrival. The cost to park in the general admission lot is $10, while the VIP lot is $20. Menu prices include $6 for a hot dog to $13 for a chicken sandwich with a fry basket. Macro beers are $10, and microbrews are $13. The team shop offers plenty of options for the Ignite at-home games in the Fuel Shop. There is the Merch of the Night, an exclusive offer of 25% on select items each night. Extras 3 Players sign autographs after every game on the lower concourse; based on the number of fans waiting in line, there is a huge demand to meet the new stars of the city. The arena offers grab-and-go items from drinks to food for easy access to and from your seats. After every Ignite home victory, fans can grab a free appetizer with an entree item at the Parks Place Pub. Final Thoughts The Indy Ignite impacted the sports scene in town during its inaugural season. Management has done proper marketing and research, creating an interesting niche for fans in the area. It is an exciting time to be a fan of women's sports, and the MLV is among the many options to choose from here in the United States. ------ Follow all of Marc’s stadium journeys on Twitter @ballparkhunter   and his YouTube channel .   Email at Marc.Viquez@stadiumjourney.com

Photos by Richard Smith, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.71 Chesapeake Employers Insurance Arena 1000 Hilltop Cir Baltimore, MD 21250 UMBC Retrievers website Chesapeake Employers Insurance Arena website Year Opened: 2018 Capacity: 4,654 Retriever’s Home The University of Maryland, Baltimore County is most commonly referred to as UMBC. Located about 15 minutes west of Baltimore between the suburbs of Arbutus and Catonsville, the university has just under 15,000 students. Sciences and Engineering are among the highest-profile programs at UMBC, with over 50 undergraduate majors and more than 60 graduate programs in total. The university was established in 1966 and is a sister institution to The University of Maryland, College Park, as well as Towson University and the University of Maryland, Eastern Shore. Lacrosse and soccer are the biggest sports, along with the amazing chess team. Chess has won the Pan American Chess Tournament 9 times between 1996 and 2009. Former team captain Alexander Onischuk went on to become the United States Champion in 2006. Lacrosse is a usual fixture on the scene and is a common sight in the NCAA tournament. Men’s soccer made the Final Four of college soccer, the College Cup, in 2015, eventually losing on the biggest stage around. Basketball came behind a few other sports on campus. But on March 16, 2018, the Retriever team became the first 16th seed to knock off a number 1 seed, Virginia, in the NCAA tournament’s history. Now UMBC and the Retriever name are well known to many sports fans. The UMBC Event Center was opened just a couple of months before that historic win, and it replaced the Retriever Athletic Center (RAC). Food & Beverage 2 The Chesapeake Employers Insurance Arena has extremely average food offerings. There are a couple of concession stands offering a small variety. The concourse is open and has plenty of space for additional offerings. Atmosphere 3 The arena seems to be designed for concerts and events just as much as for being a sports venue. The seats are designed in a horseshoe shape with a wall on the east end. UMBC has a video board on that end, but no scoreboard over the court. That seems weird to see, but is obviously a nod to the concerts and events also held here. The college is often known as a commuter college. They have had more students living on campus in recent years, but students still do not show up in large numbers. The upper deck is often not used, except for bigger games. Neighborhood 2 There is no neighborhood around UMBC. The campus is located between the Arbutus and Catonsville neighborhoods of Baltimore County. Downtown Baltimore is roughly a 15 to 20-minute drive down I-95. Fans may want to stop into some of the shops and restaurants that line Frederick Road in Catonsville for pre-game activities. Taneytown Deli (807 Frederick Rd) has limited hours, but it is the best bet for stopping before afternoon games. For adults, Jennings Cafe (808 Frederick Road) is a nice neighborhood bar. We also like Sorrento's of Arbutus as a nice option. That quick drive to Baltimore opens up a world of activities and dining options. Fans 3 The crowds are pretty loud for the medium-sized numbers that they draw. Over time, the arena and the fans have become a good boost to the team. Access 4 The UMBC campus is easy to access, as it is located off of Route 166 / Exit 47B of I-95. You will be routed directly onto the campus without even going onto any surface streets. Weekday games, while school is in session, may involve looking a bit harder for parking spaces, although it is doubtful this will be much of an issue. If you venture around through the nearby towns of Arbutus and Catonsville, you will use area roads like Wilkens Avenue, Frederick Road, and Rolling Road. You may need a GPS, as these roads tend to ramble a bit. Return on Investment 3 Tickets are generally under $20 and have good value. Extras 2 Free lineups are a nice extra. The best extra is the signage celebrating their historic win over Virginia. Final Thoughts The Chesapeake Employers Insurance Arena is a major improvement over the old RAC and is a good home for this mid-major program.

Photos by Meg Minard, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.57 Tucson Arena 260 S Church Ave Tucson, AZ 85701 Map It Tucson Roadrunners website Tucson Arena website Year Opened: 1971 Capacity: 6,521 Hockey in Arizona The Tucson Roadrunners are celebrating their tenth season (2025–26) in the American Hockey League (AHL). Formerly affiliated with the NHL’s Arizona Coyotes, the Roadrunners shifted their partnership to the Utah Mammoth following the Coyotes’ relocation to Salt Lake City. The franchise traces its roots to the Springfield Falcons of Massachusetts before moving to Tucson ahead of the 2016–17 season. Since then, the Roadrunners have called the historic Tucson Arena home. Opened in 1971, Tucson Arena is part of the Tucson Convention Center (TCC), which earned a place on the National Register of Historic Places in 2015. A $22 million renovation in 2014 modernized the venue with new seating, upgraded lighting, refreshed restrooms, a revamped sound system, a new kitchen, and a video scoreboard. Today, the Roadrunners share the arena with the University of Arizona Wildcats hockey team and the Tucson Sugar Skulls of the Indoor Football League. Beyond sports, Tucson Arena also hosts major entertainment events, including Monster Jam and Professional Bull Riders (PBR) competitions, making it a versatile hub for the community. Food & Beverage 3 Tucson Arena provides a tempting offering of food choices during Roadrunners games.  Two permanent concession stands are to the left and right after entering the rink.  Several stand-alone food carts line the upper rim of the concourse. Permanent concessions offer macho nachos, street tacos (3/$12), a foot long desert dogs, double bacon cheeseburgers, southwest chicken Caesar wraps, a turkey cheddar bacon ranch salad, and a Sonoran salad, with prices ranging from $12 - $15. Traditional stadium food and snacks like hot dogs, soft sourdough pretzels, chips, candy, and the like are for sale.  Several concession specials include Two for Tuesdays, offering $2 hot dogs and $2 sodas, and Cool Willey’s Frosty Friday ($5 draft beers and $5 hot dogs). Stand-alone food carts along the concourse include Jerimiah’s Italian Ice (Italian ice, Jelati, and soft ice cream), a Maui Wowi cart provides smoothies. Chick-fil-A, cotton candy, popcorn, Dippin’ Dots, Thrifty Brand ice cream, and Express Yourself coffee also sell their fare. Pepsi products are the soda of choice ($6/$7), and beer is ($12 - $15).  Fans can purchase a single cocktail or wine for $10 - $20.  It’s a pretty familiar lineup—nothing that steals the spotlight, but there’s plenty to enjoy. Atmosphere 3 The seating bowl forms a U-shape, with rows on three sides and the concourse running above them. You can see the action the entire time while walking the concourse. Sideline seats offer the best perspective; the second level provides an excellent full-ice view. Seats are on the tighter side, with cupholders on the armrests and average legroom. Sections are clearly marked, and ushers stationed at the top of each aisle are consistently helpful. The arena lacks a center-hung scoreboard; instead, a video board sits at the top of the U, with a traditional stat board mounted on the opposite end. Short ribbon boards flank the video screen with sponsor messages, and additional video panels on the back of the camera wells run a loop of upcoming TCC events. The temperature is generally fine, though those who run cold may want an extra layer—jacket, sweatshirt, gloves, or a hat. Music is played loudly but not to the point of discomfort. Game-day promotions are plentiful, including chuck-a-puck, a 50/50 raffle, fan contests like musical chairs, pee wee hockey, t-shirt tosses, and even pizza delivery. The Roadrunners also host themed nights and giveaways throughout the season. One highlight is Winning Wednesdays: attend a Wednesday home game, and if the team wins, you receive a free ticket to the next Wednesday home game. Other theme nights include Glow Night, Teddy Bear Toss, Peanuts Night, and U of A College Night. Fans can pick up a roster sheet at the customer service table in front of Section 214 on the inner concourse, which also includes the current AHL standings. A pleasant surprise is that the arena keeps the lights on between periods, dimming them only slightly before puck drop. Two Zambonis handle ice maintenance—one of which is cleverly designed to look like a mouse, courtesy of a critter-control sponsor. Tucson Roadrunner Zamboni Cleaning the Ice, Photo by Meg Minard, Stadium Journey Neighborhood 4 Visiting Tucson is a treat.  It is not as commercialized as the Phoenix area, and i t maintains much of its natural beauty by not building and destroying its land, natural settings, and landscape. The arena is downtown near El Presidio Park, the old county courthouse, and the Pima County courthouse.  Several museums are within walking distance, including the Children’s Museum and the Museum of Contemporary Art.  Or, if it’s a pleasant fall day, walk the Turquoise Trail, a historical walking tour of downtown Tucson.  A good place for a pregame dinner within walking distance (1/2 mile) of the arena is the El Charro Café .  Other places include The HUB (ice cream, food, and drinks), Miss Saigon Downtown (Vietnamese), or Empire Pizza & Pub (New York-style pizza). Tucson offers several breweries near the arena.  Crooked Tooth, Pueblo Vida Brewing Company, and Iron John’s are  worth a visit if craft breweries are your thing. N ot within w alking distance but worth visiting when in the Tucson area are the Mission San Xavier del Bac (founded in 1692), the Saguaro National Park (home to the nation’s largest and most abundant cacti), and taking a drive up to the top of A Mountain (Sentinel Peak) for a beautiful view.   The biggest event in Tucson is the Gem and Mineral show at the end of Jan / beginning of February each year. One hotel, Double Tree by Hilton Tucson Downtown Convention Center, is right next to the hot el, but it’s pricey.  We recommend Hotel McCoy , about 2.5 miles from the arena.  It is a reasonably priced hotel and has all sorts of nifty items. Other sports to see during hockey season include the Arizona Wildcats (University of Arizona) football , hockey , basketball , and baseball teams.  Fans 3 The Roadrunners have a strong base of diehard fans. Fans are few but hardy.  Quite a few bring their cowbells and ring them fiercely at appropriate times.     The Roadrunners have averaged over 4,000 per game the last two years, placing them toward the lower end of the AHL attendance numbers. They, of course, do the traditional ‘It’s All Your Fault’ chanting to the opposing goaltender when he gives up a goal. Access 4 Parking sits right next to the arena and costs $15, with payment handled through Premium Parking. Fans willing to walk a bit can find additional lots and garages for around $5. A full parking map is available here . Tucson’s Sun Link streetcar offers an easy alternative to driving, dropping fans just a few blocks from the arena. Tucson International Airport is about eight miles south, and the city itself is roughly a two‑hour drive from Phoenix. All guests pass through metal detectors and a security check upon entry. Backpacks and large bags aren’t permitted, but standard clear sports bags (14” x 16”) are allowed. Doors open 60 minutes before puck drop. Fans first step into a wide outer concourse that includes the merchandise table, then enter through glass doors into the inner concourse.  The concourse sits at the top of the seating bowl, with stairs leading down to the seats. Handrails run down the center of the aisles, and wheelchair‑accessible seating is available along the top row with strong sightlines to the ice. The concourse can feel tight between periods when the building is full. Tucson Roadrunners Social Nest, Photo by Meg Minard, Stadium Journey Restrooms are clean and well-maintained, located at both ends of the U‑shaped layout. Return on Investment 4 Single‑game tickets run from $25 to $102. Around $48 places you near center ice on the second level, though the $25 seats offer a surprisingly comparable view. Good options include Sections 203 and 205, which face the penalty box, or Sections 221 and 223, which look toward the benches. Avoid rows A and B—they sit too close to the glass to comfortably follow the action. Fans can also take advantage of group deals, flex plans, and 12‑game packages that bring the overall cost down. Concession prices are fairly reasonable by AHL standards. While prices have risen since the team’s inaugural season, attending a Roadrunners game remains a solid value for a night of sports entertainment. Extras 4 The merchandise area on the outer concourse is worth a mention.  There’s plenty of room to walk around and shop.  Spin the wheel at the promotions table and win tchotchkes like stickers, sunglasses, keychains, etc. The TCC Plaza outside the arena was recently refurbished with new fountains, trees, flowers, and a garden. A unique feature not that  common in hockey rinks is that the players' benches are not long enough to fit the backup goalie.  They sit on a stool behind the glass where the players enter the rink. Within the same structure of the Tucson Arena is the Tucson Musicians Museum (free), and across the plaza is the Linda Ronstadt Music Hall. Tucson Musicians Museum, Photo by Meg Minard, Stadium Journey Final Thoughts Visiting Tucson, AZ and watching an AHL Roadrunners game is an enjoyable experience and one worth checking out.

Photos by Andrei Ojeda, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.00 Pauley Pavilion 650 Westwood Plaza Los Angeles, CA 90095 UCLA Bruins website Pauley Pavilion website Year Opened: 1965 Capacity: 12,829 The House The Wizard Built Originally opened in 1965, Pauley Pavilion was named for the primary donor, Regent Edwin W. Pauley. The original cost of the facility exceeded $5 million, with contributions from the state, the student body, and the alumni. On December 20, 2003, former coach Wooden and his wife, Nell, were honored as the court was named "Nell & John Wooden Court."  Upon its opening, Pauley Pavilion was designed to accommodate various athletic events. Before the renovation, the baseline seats behind the 2nd half-visiting team's basket were a great distance from the floor. Legend has it that Coach Wooden, the gentleman he is, wanted it that way to prevent his teams from having an “unfair advantage.”  Though it has been 31 years since their last run to glory, the UCLA Bruins basketball team is still the college National Champions leader, with 11 banners hanging in the rafters, 10 of which Coach John Wooden is responsible for.  Food & Beverage 4 Along the south concourse, fans are permitted to an outdoor patio to soak in the Southern California weather.  Food trucks occupy the space and are along the outdoor patio, offering additional concessions for fans. In addition, this area also functions as an extended concourse for fans to roam, as well as dining tables for those wanting to dine outside. It provides fans more room to dine, stretch out, and roam while creating the opportunity to soak in the outdoor elements.  Food truck vendors vary throughout the season, and offerings may include a Korean BBQ truck serving tofu soup, stir-fried kimchi with chicken or shrimp, or even premium plates of ribeye steak & shrimp/lobster. Other food truck options may include shrimp/lobster/fish tacos, fish and chips, or poke bowls. One food truck that seems to be a staple is the Creamy Boys Ice Cream, serving up real fruit New Zealand-style ice cream. Flavors include your basic banana, strawberry, and vanilla, mixed berry, and the Hokey Pokey, a vanilla ice cream with crunchy honeycomb toffee blended and sprinkled on top. The inner concourse offers your usual arena fare: Bruin Dogs, nachos, peanuts, Cracker Jack, an assortment of candies, and Coke products. Other dining options include Fresh Brothers Pizza and Jersey Mike’s, offering their share of specialty pizza and sandwiches. Beer and wine are also now available at the San Pedro Brewing Co. stand. Selections include Coors Light and Dos Equis as well as themed brews Brew ‘n Blonde and Pauley Pale Ale. Atmosphere 5 The moment you approach Pauley Pavilion, you feel a heavy sense of tradition. If it is your first time coming to a UCLA basketball game, you will want to enter through the north entrance. Outside the north entrance is a statue of the late great John Wooden, the man responsible for 10 of the 11 National Championship banners that hang in the rafters.  John Wooden Statue, Photo by Andrei Ojeda, Stadium Journey Like with any historic venue that undergoes a renovation, fans at first can be resistant to change, as many of the Bruin faithful were. But even the most storied venues get an occasional facelift, and Pauley is no different. When the facelift was complete, Bruin fans quickly warmed to her new look as the renovations not only provided wider concourses but countless displays throughout that pay homage not only to UCLA basketball’s storied history but also to its other athletic programs, over 100 total national championships. UCLA Honoring Past Glories, Photo by Andrei Ojeda, Stadium Journey Neighborhood 4 The popular area just outside of campus is known as Westwood Village, and there are certainly options for everyone.   If you're in the mood for a drink, Barney's is the main watering hole for thirsty fans. Diddy Riese has been serving ice cream and cookies to Westwood since 1983. Lines can be pretty long for this popular vendor, especially on weekends. Not your same old chocolate wafers with vanilla ice cream between them, you can choose from 12 flavors of ice cream as your filling and from 10 types of freshly baked cookies as your "bread."    Fat Sal's is also another local favorite that serves up huge sandwiches. The one I always get is the Fat Bruin, served on extra-wide hero bread with cheeseburgers, chili, bacon, onion rings, fries, ketchup, and garlic aioli. Fans 3 UCLA Game Time, Photo by Andrei Ojeda, Stadium Journey With the Big Ten season now underway and school back in session, the Bruins are hopeful that attendance will pick up. You can expect close to and up to capacity crowds against long-time rival USC, as when big-name schools such as Purdue, Indiana, Michigan State, and Michigan are in town.   With 11 National Championship banners hanging in the rafters, an annual trip to the postseason tournament is never enough to satisfy. To the majority of Bruins fans, a trip to March Madness should be a given, so yes, expectations will always be high. When things are going great for the Sons of Westwood, Pauley is rocking, where even the Hollywood types can be seen. Otherwise, don’t be shocked to see noticeable less than capacity crowds. Access 3 The UCLA campus is located in Westwood, and as a result, fans are likely to face some frustrating traffic on the way to the game. To get to Pauley Pavilion, you'll likely take either the 10 Freeway from east or west and connect to the 405 Freeway toward the Wilshire or Sunset Blvd exit. If using the 10 to connect to the 405 north or arriving via the 405 south from the valley, you may want to use the Sunset exit and head west toward campus due to the light rail construction on Wilshire that’s adding additional traffic to the already usual. If coming from the 10, I can’t guarantee it will be much faster. After all, this is L.A., and all those stories you’ve heard about our notorious traffic are no joke.  Once you approach the arena, take note of the many signs directing fans to the parking. Most spots go for approximately $11 and are in a secure garage. If staying on LA's west side, several of Santa Monica Big Blue Buses  operate inside the campus and will drop you off a short walk from the venue. Given Pauley Pavilion’s location, like with most any venue in LA, give yourself plenty of preparation time, and bring plenty of patience. Return on Investment 4 For most games, advance ticket planning is not necessary. With most games not selling out, particularly early-season games when the schedule includes the least attractive opponents, tickets can be found below face value, as low as $5 on various third-party sites. Box office ticket prices can be pricey, particularly against high-profile opponents, with prices starting at $50 into the high triple digits, one of several factors contributing to the program's attendance struggles . However, you may get lucky and see prices drop days and moments toward your desired game regardless of the opponent quality, such as on an evening when UCLA is playing the 4th-ranked team in the country and giving away bobbleheads of coach John Wooden, and box office prices dropped as low as $25! Extras 5 Located right next to Pauley is the UCLA Athletics Hall of Fame. Open up until tip-off before most games, the HOF features many of the school’s athletic accomplishments. Also on display at the HOF is a replica display of John Wooden’s den, displaying many memorabilia items dedicated to The Wizard. Welcome to Wooden’s Den, Photo by Andrei Ojeda, Stadium Journey A popular meeting spot for fans is the John Wooden statue outside the arena. This life-sized statue lists his years with the program and one of his more memorable quotes on a plaque below. The statue is located outside the north entrance of the arena. The statue of Mr. Wooden is not only a focal meeting point for fans, but it’s also one of the more popular photo-op spots among the faithful.  Inside the arena, fans may also note an empty seat behind the Bruins' bench. This seat was where Wooden would sit once his coaching days ended, so the school keeps it open as a tribute to him. Fans are allowed to take pictures of the seats after the game. Out of respect for The Wizard, most fans will not sit in his seat.  Also inside the arena, fans will spot many "Incredible Moments" signs on pillars throughout the concourse. Difficult to miss with their UCLA blue and gold color scheme, these signs honor many of the great achievements in Bruin sports history. No other NCAA men's program has as many NCAA Championship banners as the UCLA program has on display at Pauley. Eleven in total, the first of the championships came in 1964, and the most recent occurred in 1995. Each of the banners has a navy blue background with gold print showing the year and the phrase "National Champions."  While most programs will also acknowledge their conference titles and Final Four appearances, only National Champion banners are raised here. Before the renovation, the banners were located along the rim of the court. With the banners currently hanging above the court, the 11 banners give Pauley that special, imposing presence.  Only Natty’s hung here, Photo by Andrei Ojeda, Stadium Journey Beginning in 1990, UCLA began retiring the jerseys of several of its notable players. The first two inductees to be named were Kareem Abdul-Jabbar (#33, who played as Lew Alcindor) and Bill Walton (#32). In 1996, four additional players retired: Walt Hazzard (#42), Sidney Wicks (#35), Marques Johnson (#54), and Ed O'Bannon (#31). In 2004, a seventh member was added as Gail Goodrich (#25) also had his number retired during the game that commemorated the 40th anniversary of UCLA's first championship. Lastly, it's required that first-time visitors take a stroll down Wooden Way along the east concourse, where they will find one of the more interesting collections of college basketball memorabilia dedicated to The Wizard and the rich history of UCLA Basketball. There is John Wooden's Pyramid of Success, hardwood from previous UCLA home courts, a list of All-Americans, the wall of champions, signed basketballs, and much more.  Let’s take a stroll down Wooden Way, Photo by Andrei Ojeda, Stadium Journey Final Thoughts UCLA Royce Hall, Photo by Andrei Ojeda, Stadium Journey Thanks to some much-needed renovations from 2010-2012, Pauley Pavilion hardly looks her age of 60. If you appreciate a deep history, give yourself plenty of time before or after the game to check out the numerous displays throughout the concourse, particularly those along Wooden Way. If you’re fortunate, you may even come across a former Bruin, especially on a night when a particular team of past glory is being honored.

Photos by Richard Smith, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.86 Ice World 1300 Governors Ct Abingdon, MD 21009 Towson Tigers website Ice World website Year Opened: 1996 Capacity: 300 Tigers On The Ice Towson University is the second-largest public university in the State of Maryland. Located just north of Baltimore, it is home to approximately 21,000 college students, of whom 18,000 are undergraduates. The university began as the Maryland State Normal School in 1866 and is starting to celebrate its 150th anniversary. The university has 64 undergraduate majors, 37 master’s degree programs, and 4 doctoral programs. Tigers have been the sports team's name at Towson since 196,1 replacing The Golden Knights, Indians, and the team's and teachers' names that were used by various sports. The Tigers men’s play in the American Collegiate Hockey Association (ACHA) in the highest division, Men’s Division 1. The Tigers also compete in the Eastern Collegiate Hockey Association (ECHA) for league play against Drexel, George Mason, Lehigh, NYU, Navy, Penn State Berks, Rhode Island, Temple, Villanova, and West Chester. Ice World is a twin rink complex located in Harford County, Maryland, about 20 minutes northeast of the Baltimore area. Numerous youth and adult hockey leagues and teams play at the complex, which also offers many open ice skating times. Food & Beverage 2 Ice World has a snack bar that serves both rinks. The food is a basic snack bar variety, but the pricing is fair, and the overall variety is pretty good. You may want to eat a larger meal before or after attending a game here, but the snack bar will provide basic nourishment. Atmosphere 3 For an arena with such a small seating capacity, Ice World still provides a decent environment for the atmosphere for the Towson team. There is an announcer and good use of music during games. It is not a pro or NCAA Division I atmosphere, but it is pretty good. There are just two small rows of seats, and many people will stand and watch directly at the glass along the corners of the rink. Towson usually plays only on Rink A. Neighborhood 2 Ice World is located in an industrial park off of Maryland Route 7 (Philadelphia Road). There is not much around the area except for the facility. If you want options before or after games, it is best to head either to the Route 24/Interstate 95 interchange or further north on Route 24 towards the larger Abingdon area. The Boulevard at Box Hill is a shopping center with quite a few food options. I would recommend Baccos Italian. Wegman’s Grocery Store is also located here and offers another option for stocking up for the game. Fans 3 Fans who attend hockey tend to be friends or family of the game participants. There will be virtually no students in attendance unless they are friends or family. Ice World is too far from campus for students to attend games. The fans are very knowledgeable about the games and take things very seriously. Access 4 Ice World is located not far off Interstate 95 at the Route 24 exit. Go south from the interchange, make a left (east) onto Route 7 (Philadelphia Road), and then a right onto either Continental Drive or Governor Court. The facility is at the rear of the business park. There is plenty of free parking, although depending on the event occurring on the other ice rink, the lot may get busier. Harford County is located about 20 minutes northeast of the Baltimore area. Return on Investment 4 Tickets are a $5 donation to attendthe Towson game. That price seems very reasonable in that the club sports do not get much money to keep their program operating. Students will only have to donate $2 to attend the games. There is no cost for parking. Towson plays on one of the higher levels of club sports hockey, so the return on investment is fair. Extras 2 Check out the many banners for youth, adult, and college teams that also call Ice World home. There are also many pictures and plaques detailing the successes of the ice skating participants who also call the facility home. You may also want to check on events that are occurring on the other rink. Final Thoughts The Towson Tigers hockey team does a good job of providing a good game environment for their fans, even if they do play quite a bit off campus.

Photos by Paul Baker, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.86 Merkert Gymnasium Chapel of Mary South Easton, MA 02356 Stonehill Skyhawks men’s basketball website Merkert Gymnasium website Year Opened: 1973 Capacity: 1,500 No Stone Unturned   On April 5, 2022, tiny Stonehill College, a private Catholic school located in Easton, Massachusetts with an enrollment of 2,500 undergraduate students, announced it was moving all of its athletic teams to the NCAA Division One level, effective in the fall of 2022. Prior to 2022, Stonehill was a member of the Northeast-10 Conference in NCAA Division Two. Upon its elevation to Division One, Stonehill joined the Northeast Conference.   The home of Stonehill’s basketball and volleyball teams is Merkert Gymnasium. The gym is located in the center of the school’s campus. The building is named in honor of Stonehill student James A. Merkert, who passed away while enrolled in 1978. He was the son of long-time university benefactor Eugene Merkert. The basketball court is named the Paula Sullivan Court, in honor of the school’s longtime women’s basketball coach, who led the squad from 1971-1996.   Stonehill’s athletic teams competed for years as the Chieftains. In 2005 the school officially changed its nickname to the Skyhawks. This name has no connection to a bird but does have a connection to the school’s history. After the school’s property was purchased by the Congregation of Holy Cross, an airfield on site was leased to the Navy during World War II and to private companies afterwards. The airfield was closed in 1955 as the college grew, but the Navy continued to use the land for training exercises and would employ the Skyhawk aircraft between 1954–1995.   While in Division II, the Skyhawks appeared in 15 NCAA Tournaments, reaching the Final Four twice (2006 and 2012). The women’s team appeared in 26 NCAA D-II Tournaments, advancing to the Elite Eight three times. On May 28, 2025, Stonehill College announced that due to a record $15-million donation from Tom (class of ’72) and Kathleen Bogan, planning has begun on a new basketball and hockey arena on campus. In recognition of their philanthropy, the arena will be named the Tom and Kathleen Bogan Arena. There is currently no timeline for construction of the arena. Merkert Gymnasium Exterior. Photo by Paul Baker, Stadium Journey.   Food & Beverage 1   There is a small snack bar in the Merkert Gymnasium lobby. This is the most basic of concession experiences you’ll ever find in a Division One facility. Popcorn, assorted candies and chips are sold here, along with bottles of Coca-Cola products. That’s it. If you’re coming to a Skyhawks game hungry, you’re going to be out of luck.   Atmosphere 3   When you consider that Merkert Gymnasium is basically a gym located in the basement of a classroom building, you wouldn’t expect this to be a fancy facility with a lot of modern bells and whistles available to the Stonehill game day staff. And you’d be absolutely correct. Still, a bandbox of a gym like this can be the type of place that provides a great home court advantage when it’s filled with rowdy students making noise. Unfortunately, that’s not likely to be your experience at Merkert.   The Skyhawk athletic department does the best they can with the tools at hand. The band, dance and cheer teams are in attendance doing their thing. The student section can be hit or miss. Stonehill’s overall enrollment is only 2,400 students, so even if a good percentage of the student body shows up, it’s not a lot of people. But again, in a small gym like Merkert, a little can go a long way. The school’s mascot, Ace, can be found roaming the stands interacting with fans, and the sound system is put to good use during play stoppages, filling this tiny gym with sound. The PA announcer does a good job filling the gym with energy and keeping the crowd involved while providing game information.   Perhaps the most interesting part of the game day experience at Stonehill is the scoreboard at the far side of the gym. And not because it is ultra-modern or because it features a giant, high-definition video board, because it has none of those features. It provides only basic game information (score, time, fouls, time outs, individual stats for players on the floor). What is interesting here is that the numbers change colors like a Christmas tree. Take the clock, for instance. When the clock is counting down, the numbers are green. When the clock is stopped, they are red. During the final minute, they are yellow. The score of the team that is ahead is green. Seriously, you need an instruction manual to read this thing. But it’s kind of fun at the same time. Merkert Gymnasium Scoreboard. Photo by Paul Baker, Stadium Journey.   Neighborhood 3   Stonehill College’s sprawling campus keeps it hidden away from the hustle and bustle happening just beyond the campus borders. Stonehill is located on the Brockton/Easton town line, and state routes 123 and 138 intersect at the southwest corner of campus. Both roads are pretty busy commercial routes, lined with businesses, strip malls and plenty of dining and lodging options for visiting fans. Stadium Journey recommends checking out Stoneforge Grill or Brach’s Grill and Tap for your pre- or postgame meal.   While you may not find many attractions in the immediate vicinity of Stonehill, Boston is located just a half hour’s drive to the north. Visiting fans will find no shortage of things to do there. Fans looking for lodging options close to campus should check out the Residence Inn by Marriott located just off Route 24.   More information about local accommodations, restaurants and attractions can be found here .   Fans 3   The 2025-26 season is the fourth season in Division One for the Skyhawks, so trends are starting to emerge. Attendance has remained steady over the past couple of seasons, with Stonehill averaging just under 800 fans per game. This places them just under the average for their conference, the NEC. Stonehill seems to have filled a void in southeastern Massachusetts, where local fans previously had to venture into either Boston or Providence for their big-time college sports fix.   Generally, Stonehill fans are pretty reserved, but it’s easy to see how this bandbox of a gym would get really loud if the Skyhawks were competing for a conference title and the bleachers were packed with students and crazed fans. This would be a tough place to come play for sure. For now, it’s a place you can feel comfortable visiting and taking in some quality basketball up close. Stonehill Band Plays at Skyhawk Basketball. Photo by Paul Baker, Stadium Journey.   Access 4    Stonehill College is located in suburban Easton, MA, directly to the west of the city of Brockton and 25 miles south of Boston. The campus is easily accessible by car, as both Interstates 495 and 93 lead to Route 24, which runs north-south just a mile from Merkert Gymnasium.   Merkert Gymnasium is located in the middle of campus, not far from some of Stonehill’s other athletic facilities, including W.B Mason Stadium , Lou Gorman Field and the Sally Blair Ames Athletic Complex.   Fans will find ample parking in the Chapel of Mary parking lot located about a tenth of a mile from the gym. Walkways from the parking lot to the gym are wide and well-manicured, although not as well-lit as you might expect.   Fans will enter Merkert Gymnasium into a small lobby adorned with murals from the school’s various athletic programs. The ticket table, snack bar and tiny rest rooms are all located here. Fans will take a flight of stairs down to the gym floor. There are molded purple bleachers on either side of the court. There is no seating on either end of this cozy gym.   Return on Investment 4   Tickets for Skyhawks basketball games are priced at $15 for adults and $10 for youths aged 5-17. Parking is free in any of the lots located just a short walk from Merkert Gymnasium. With inexpensive snacks available at the snack bar, a Skyhawks basketball game is an affordable entertainment option for southeastern Massachusetts sports fans. Game Action at Merkert Gymnasium. Photo by Paul Baker, Stadium Journey.   Extras 1   Banners hang on the walls of Merkert Gymnasium honoring championship programs from the men’s and women’s basketball teams and the volleyball team. Stonehill had quite the successful resume while playing in Division Two.   Final Thoughts   Now that Stonehill has had a few years to settle into their new surroundings in Division One, it’s clear to see that they’ve made some upgrades to the game day experience at Merkert Gymnasium. With a recent announcement that a new facility is on the way for the basketball and hockey teams, this is a program that is poised for a big jump in the near future.   Follow Paul Baker’s stadium journeys on Twitter  and Instagram  @PuckmanRI.

Photos by Gregory Koch, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.43 Fleming Stadium 300 Stadium St SW Wilson, NC 27893 Wilson Tobs website Fleming Stadium website Year Opened: 1939 Capacity: 3,000 Where the Tobs are in Wilson Historic Fleming Stadium has been home to baseball in Wilson, North Carolina since 1939. The stadium has hosted many teams in several different leagues over the years, with the affiliated Wilson Tobs playing there until 1973. "Tobs" was short for "Tobacconists' in homage to the local crop of North Carolina, although the team occasionally went by other names, such as the Bugs and Pennants. After 1973, Fleming Stadium went without a full-time tenant until 1997, when a new team, also known as the Wilson Tobs, joined the Coastal Plain League, a summer collegiate league with teams in Virginia, the Carolinas, and Georgia. The team mostly draws players from the southeast United States, many of whom go on to play professionally. The future of Tobs baseball in Wilson beyond 2025 is uncertain, as the Carolina Mudcats are relocating to a new stadium in Wilson from nearby Zebulon. It remains to be seen if Wilson can support both an affiliated minor league franchise and a summer collegiate franchise, although, as they will not play at the same stadium, there is not necessarily a conflict. Ironically, the Mudcats briefly played at Fleming Stadium while their current home, Five County Stadium, was being built. Food & Beverage 4 There are several different concession stands fans can choose from at Fleming Stadium. Behind home plate, right by the entrance, a stand offers typical options such as burgers, hot dogs, and chicken tenders. Directly across from that, right by the ramp to the grandstand, the sweet shop offers ice cream, both hard-serve and Dippin' Dots. If you head up the right field foul line, there is a food truck with a more expansive and fancy selection, including a pulled pork sandwich, a fried chicken sandwich (buffalo sauce and ranch optional for an extra dollar), and freshly grilled burgers. You can smell the smoke from the grill throughout the stadium. Prices are reasonable, with everything under $6 or so. On Tuesdays, hot dogs and peanuts are discounted to just $2 each. Both cash and credit cards are accepted. Atmosphere 4 Fleming Stadium is a simple ballpark typical of the pre-World War II era with a covered grandstand located behind home plate. The lower half of the grandstand is reserved for chairbacks, while the upper half is general admission bleachers. Overhead fans ensure the fans stay cool no matter how hot it is outside. Despite the simple structure, the team has made some improvements to amenities over the years. Further down the lines, there are group and picnic areas with tables and overhead lights on strings, which can be a fun place to hang out on a summer's night. As the Tobs are introduced and after each run they score, smoke billows from a smoke machine near the Wilson dugout. Depending on which way the wind is blowing, this can make the field slightly hazy for a little while, although you should still be able to see the action. The Tobs have between-inning contests on the field, and these may be linked to the theme of the night (e.g., dogs get to participate in contests for Bark in the Park) or may just be the usual contests. The team mascot is a tobacco worm named Slugger, who will interact with fans throughout the game. Smoke billows from near the Wilson dugout as the Tobs are introduced before a game. Neighborhood 3 Fleming Stadium is situated in a residential neighborhood not too far away from the I-95 and I-795 exits. There are a few retail shopping centers near the I-95 exit and a few great places to eat in town as well that should not be overlooked. Parker's Barbecue is wildly popular and has been in business for many years, serving classic Carolina barbecue. Like many joints in the area, they are known for their long lines and may sell out of the popular foods before closing, so get there early if you want to eat there. Be warned, they are a cash-only business. Fans 3 Fleming Stadium is not a large stadium, but the Tobs do draw good crowds most nights. While the games will seldom sell out, the fans in attendance are loud and passionate about their team. They cheer, clap, and even wave noisemakers to make the atmosphere even louder. They know a lot about their team and the players on the field and love cheering the Tobs on to victory. This is a community crowd, as is typical of these small-town venues, but by no means are they quiet. Access 2 Wilson is located about 10 minutes from both I-95 and I-795, as well as a short distance from US 264/I-587. It is in a residential neighborhood with parking available in a grass lot. Staff will helpfully direct you to a space when you get there. There is some street parking available down the left field line as well, but it was full before we arrived, well before the game, so it is best to park in the grass lot like you are told. A lot of the street parking is in foul ball territory as well, while the grass lot generally avoids this and is closer. Restrooms are available on the concourse behind the grandstand and are generally of a sufficient size for the small crowds. When in the grandstand itself, the first step up the stairs to the seats is a bit high up compared to the bottom of the grandstand, so be careful. After that, you should be fine. The numbering scheme for reserved seats is also a bit weird, as numbers do not repeat across rows as you would expect, so the seats in higher rows will number in the hundreds. It is still easy to find your seat if you pay attention, as they go sequentially. Return on Investment 5 Tickets are just $9 for adults and $7 for kids 12 and under. When buying online, the general admission bleachers cost the same as the reserved chairbacks, so we recommend going for the latter. On Tuesdays, tickets are just $2 each. Concessions are very affordable as well - you can easily get a meal and drink for around $10. Parking is free. Overall, a Tobs game is an excellent value. Extras 3 The North Carolina Baseball Museum is located down the third baseline of the ballpark and offers a collection of material that includes jerseys, photographs, equipment, and other memorabilia. The museum highlights some of the players from the state who are enshrined in Cooperstown, including Catfish Hunter, Jim Perry, and Hoyt Wilhelm. Admission is free with your game ticket. There are free programs available at a tent by the entrance. A team store is located behind home plate as well, selling Tobs merchandise. Final Thoughts Fleming Stadium is a historic, old-fashioned baseball stadium that is a fine place to spend a summer night watching the Wilson Tobs. With an old covered grandstand and a small-town community feel, this is baseball as it used to be played. While Fleming doesn't have all the amenities of more modern stadiums, it is still a great place to watch a game.

Photos by Paul Baker, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.86 Hart Center at the Luth Athletic Complex 1 College Street Worcester, MA 01610 Holy Cross Crusaders hockey website Hart Center at the Luth Athletic Complex website Year Opened: 1975 Capacity: 1,600 The Hart of Holy Cross Hockey   The Reverend Francis J. Hart Recreation Center is part of the Luth Athletic Complex, a multi-purpose facility located on the campus of the College of the Holy Cross in Worcester, MA (pronounced “WUH-stuh” by locals). Reverend Hart was the guiding force behind intramural athletics at the College for more than 40 years, and his legacy is honored in this athletic center. John and Joanne Luth donated $32.5 million to the college in 2015 towards expanding and renovating the athletic department. Their donation largely funded the massive renovations to the complex in 2016. The Hart Recreation Center houses not only the Holy Cross hockey rink, but a 3,600-seat basketball arena , a six-lane swimming pool with a separate diving area, rowing tanks, racquetball and squash courts, and the college’s strength and conditioning facilities. Behind the Hart Center is a full-size track, practice fields, soccer field , and a lighted turf field , which serves numerous varsity sports and intramural programs. Hockey has been played at Holy Cross since 1966. Today, the Crusaders compete in the Atlantic Hockey Association, where they have won three conference championships. Holy Cross has qualified for the NCAA Tournament twice, most recently in 2006. That year, the Crusaders pulled off what is considered to be one of the biggest upsets in tournament history by beating Minnesota 4-3 in overtime. It was the first time a number 15 or 16 seed had beaten a number one or two seed. Two Holy Cross alumni (Pat Rissmiller and Jim Stewart) played in the NHL. The Holy Cross women’s hockey team, which began play as a varsity program in 1999, has yet to qualify for the NCAA Tournament. The women’s team is a member of the Hockey East Conference.   National Anthem at Holy Cross Hockey Game. Photo by Paul Baker, Stadium Journey. Food and Beverage 4 A pair of concession stands, christened “Crucessions ‘Sader Kitchen” are located in the Hart Center lobby. One window focuses mainly on food, one on beverages.   The menu has undergone an upgrade in recent years. In addition to arena standards such as hot dogs, chicken tenders, pizza slices, fries, and nachos, premium sandwiches such as steak and cheese and grilled chicken bacon ranch on naan are available. Enjoy a cup of hot chili, or add some to your dog, fries, or nachos for an upcharge. A selection of snacks can be purchased at either stand, including soft serve ice cream (Stadium Journey is lobbying hard for Holy Cross ice cream helmets). If you’re looking for a healthier item to eat, a variety of wraps and salads are sold here, too. It’s quite a selection for such small stands.   Pepsi products are featured at the Hart Center. Hot drinks, including coffee, tea, hot chocolate, and lattes are popular choices on cold Worcester winter nights. Fans looking for adult beverages will be pleased to find a nice selection of beer, including Sam Adams and Holy Cross Lazy IPA, brewed by local favorite Harpoon.   Here’s a Stadium Journey insider’s tip: there are some vending machines located in an alcove just past the concession stands in the main lobby. Bottles of soda can be found here for a lower price than at the concession stands. This can be our secret.   Atmosphere 2   If you haven’t visited the Hart Center recently, the pair of large video boards that were installed at the rink in 2021 will certainly catch your attention. These boards, one at each end of the ice surface, are put to great use with replays, graphics, and game information. It can be hard to keep your attention on the ice with these huge boards hovering right over the ice.   The Hart Center Rink enjoys a nice sound system, which is put to good use throughout the game. Music blares during play stoppages, and the PA announcer leans into his work, adding some energy to the proceedings. The pep band is in attendance at selected games, and that’s always an element that adds a little something to a gameday atmosphere, even though there’s no dedicated student section at the Hart Center Rink. There’s generally not a big turnout at Holy Cross from the student body, anyway.   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.   Holy Cross 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, 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.   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. Scoreboard at One End of the Hart Center Rink. Photo by Paul Baker, Stadium Journey.   Fans 2     Holy Cross annually ranks near the bottom of the nationwide attendance rankings for Division One hockey teams. With Holy Cross enjoying some success over the past couple of seasons, the Crusaders have seen a tremendous increase at the turnstiles, with average attendance doubling from 2023-24 to 2024-25. Still, their average attendance of about 900 places Holy Cross in the bottom ten nationally.   A Crusader hockey crowd will look familiar to many college hockey fans. Consisting mainly of family members, close friends, and die-hard Holy Cross fans, Crusader crowds are generally enthusiastic and knowledgeable about the team on the ice. Unfortunately, there is generally not a big turnout from the student body, even though this is the only Division One program in Central Massachusetts.   Access 3    The Holy Cross campus is located in southwestern Worcester, at the junction of Interstate 290 and Route 146. The Luth Complex is located at the southern edge of campus atop Mount Saint James, adjacent to many of the school’s athletic facilities. There is a large parking lot adjacent to the arena. The College of the Holy Cross’s location gives it spectacular views of the city below.   2016 renovations greatly expanded and modernized the facility. Fans enter into a bright, modern lobby, which houses the ticket booths. The basketball arena and hockey rink share a concourse, which is where you’ll find the concession stands, restrooms, and Holy Cross Athletic Hall of Fame. Long gone are the ’70s-style carpeting, trophy cases, and stained-glass windows of the old Hart Center.   The hockey rink is located to your right as you enter the facility. Fans enter the rink at the Hart Center on the near side of the rink, and all the seating is located on the far side of the ice. All seating is metal bleachers, with center sections containing cushioned seating. Standing room is available atop the seating area as well as at ice level. The steeply pitched seating area ensures excellent views of the action from virtually all points. There is minimal netting here to obstruct views. Dress warmly, as it’s very cold in this rink.   With the small crowds present at the Hart Center, lines at the concession stand or restrooms are not an issue. Banners Hang at the Hart Center. Photo by Paul Baker, Stadium Journey.   Return on Investment 4   Tickets to Holy Cross hockey games are affordable, priced at $18 for reserved center ice sections and $13 for general admission seating. Parking is free in the large lot adjacent to the facility. Concessions are prices are comparable to other facilities in the area. Be aware that the Hart Center is a cashless facility.   Extras 2   Holy Cross honors its athletic past at the Luth Complex. The Holy Cross Athletic Hall of Fame is located in the building’s lobby. Several notable names can be found among the honorees, including Bob Cousy and Tom Heinsohn. Speaking of Cousy, there’s a statue of him just outside the entrance to the Luth Center.   Plaques in the Hart Rink commemorate significant individuals in Crusader hockey history, and banners hang in the rink honoring conference titles and tournament appearances. Displays honor every player to play for the Crusaders and all the program’s 100-point scorers. Holy Cross Athletic Hall of Fame at the Hart Center. Photo by Paul Baker, Stadium Journey.   Final Thoughts   Several smaller schools in the NCAA’s Division One have built shiny new arenas for their hockey teams recently. Meanwhile, the Crusaders soldier on at the Hart Center. While not as flashy or modern as many area rinks, it’s a solid place for the Crusaders to call home.     Follow Paul Baker’s stadium journeys on Twitter  and Instagram  @PuckmanRI.

Photos by Paul Baker, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.29 Hart Center Arena at Luth Athletic Complex 1 College Street Worcester, MA 01610 Holy Cross Crusaders men’s basketball website Hart Recreation Center website Year Opened: 1975 Capacity: 3,536 The Hart of New England Basketball   The Reverend Francis J. Hart Recreation Center is part of the Luth Athletic Complex, a multi-purpose facility located on the campus of the College of the Holy Cross in Worcester, MA (pronounced “WUH-stuh” by locals). Reverend Hart was the guiding force behind intramural athletics at the College for more than 40 years, and his legacy is honored in this athletic center. John and Joanne Luth donated $32.5 million to the college in 2015 towards expanding and renovating the athletic department. Their donation largely funded the massive renovations to the complex in 2016. The Hart Recreation Center houses not only the Holy Cross basketball arena, but a 1,400-seat hockey rink , a six-lane swimming pool with separate diving area, rowing tanks, racquetball and squash courts, and the college’s strength and conditioning facilities. Behind the Hart Center is a full-size track, practice fields, soccer field   and a lighted turf field  which service numerous varsity sports and intramural programs. Holy Cross has a long and storied basketball history, hosting teams since 1900. The Crusaders won the national championship in 1947 and made it to the Final Four in 1948. Two additional Elite Eight appearances followed in 1950 and 1953. In 1954 the team won the National Invitational Tournament. Overall, the Crusaders have qualified for the NCAA Tournament 13 times, most recently in 2016. Ten Crusader alumni have played in the National Basketball Association, most notably Hall of Famers Bob Cousy and Tom Heinsohn. The Crusaders’ women’s team has appeared in 14 NCAA tournaments themselves. Holy Cross basketball was so highly regarded that they could have joined the Big East Conference when it formed in 1980. The school vetoed the move for academic reasons. Today, Holy Cross competes in the Patriot League, a mid-major conference made up of northeastern schools with high academic standards.   Food & Beverage 4   A pair of concession stands, christened “Crucessions ‘Sader Kitchen” are located in the Hart Center lobby. One window focuses mainly on food, one on beverages. Be aware that cash is not accepted at the Hart Center.   The menu has undergone an upgrade in recent years. In addition to arena standards such as hot dogs, chicken tenders, pizza slices, fries and nachos, premium sandwiches such as steak and cheese and grilled chicken bacon ranch on naan are available. Enjoy a cup of hot chili, or add some to your dog, fries or nachos for an upcharge. A selection of snacks can be purchased at either stand, including soft serve ice cream (Stadium Journey is lobbying hard for Holy Cross ice cream helmets). If you’re looking for a healthier item to eat, a variety of wraps and salads are sold here too. It’s quite a selection for such small stands.   Pepsi products are featured at the Hart Center. Hot drinks, including coffee, tea, hot chocolate, and lattes are popular choices on cold Worcester winter nights. Fans looking for adult beverages will be pleased to find a nice selection of beer, including Sam Adams and Holy Cross Lazy IPA brewed by local favorite Harpoon.   Here’s a Stadium Journey insider’s tip: there are some vending machines located in an alcove just past the concession stands in the main lobby. Bottles of soda can be found here for a cheaper price than at the concession stands. This can be our secret. Fans line up at the 'Sader Kitchen. Photo by Paul Baker, Stadium Journey.   Atmosphere 3   Any seasoned college basketball fan will tell you that the small gyms across the country contain some of the most rabid fans and the best game day atmospheres in the country. While the Hart Center doesn’t draw large enough crowds to measure up to the legendary gyms in the nation, there’s no doubt that if this place filled up, it would be a great place to experience a game.   Holy Cross does have all the elements needed to produce an elite game day atmosphere. The student sections are behind the baskets, just waiting to be filled with rowdy students. The dance and cheer teams are present most nights to perform during timeouts, and when the pep band is in attendance, it adds a lot to the atmosphere in such a cozy gym. A large video board is located on the far side of the gym, along with two smaller boards on the near side. They are put to good use with game information, videos, graphics, and promos. The PA announcer adds energy to the proceedings without being too over the top.   Younger fans and students take part in contests during time outs. Youth teams take the court during halftime, and fans are right on top of the action. The Crusaders would have an incredible home court advantage if the Hart Center were packed. But since it isn’t, you can hear the sneakers squeak on the court and the coaches barking out instructions to their teams. It’s a great place to visit for basketball purists.   Neighborhood 3   Worcester is the second largest city in all of New England, but has never enjoyed 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.   Holy Cross 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 Worcester contains many excellent options.   Worcester’s acclaimed “ Restaurant Row ” on Shrewsbury Street is home to over forty different eateries, shops 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 Polar Park , is rapidly growing and also worth a look. Likewise, fans looking for lodging options should head downtown.   Traditionally overshadowed by its neighbors in Boston and Providence, Worcester is carving out its own niche as an affordable alternative to those cities. For fans visiting during ski season, Wachusett Mountain  is located just ten miles outside of city limits   Fans 2   For the 2024-25 season, Holy Cross averaged about 1,250 fans per game. This put them just above the attendance average for the Patriot League. This figure marks a slight increase over previous seasons. Thus far in 2025-26 (this review was written over the semester break) Holy Cross is averaging about 800 fans per game, but hoops attendance traditionally picks up after the new year.   One thing that you may notice about the crowd at a Holy Cross basketball game is that the crowd tends to skew older. You’ll find plenty of seniors in the stands here, some of whom have been following the Crusaders faithfully for decades. There are plenty of families and locals to be found here too, as this is certainly a place where you can feel comfortable bringing the whole family. Cheerleaders at Holy Cross. Photo by Paul Baker, Stadium Journey.   Access 4     The Holy Cross campus is located in southwestern Worcester, at the junction of Interstate 290 and Route 146. Hart Recreation Center is located at the southern edge of campus atop Mount Saint James, adjacent to many of the school’s athletic facilities. There is a large parking lot adjacent to the arena. The College of the Holy Cross’ location gives it spectacular views of the city below.   2016 renovations greatly expanded and modernized the facility. Fans enter into a bright, modern lobby which houses the ticket booths and restrooms. The basketball arena and hockey rink share a concourse, which is where you’ll find the concession stands and Holy Cross Athletic Hall of Fame.   The basketball arena is located to your left as you enter the Hart Center. Fans holding lower-level seats will enter the arena at floor level, while fans holding reserved or upper-level seats will head to the staircases. Lower-level seats consist of molded plastic bleachers. There are three rows of individual plastic stadium seats at the top of the lower level, and metal bleachers make up the balcony seating. All seats at the Hart Center are painted purple and enjoy great views of the court.   There is a concourse inside the arena that circles the entire court. At points, the concourse overlooks the Hart Center’s meeting rooms and practice court. Standing room is available on this concourse at either end of the court.   Be sure to time your visit to the concession stand and/or restrooms carefully, as lines can form at halftime.   Return on Investment 5   Tickets to Crusader basketball games start at $17 for bleacher seats, with chairback seats priced at $24 and floor seats available for only $30. Discounts are available for youths and seniors. Parking is free in the large lot adjacent to the Hart Center, and concessions are reasonably priced. A Crusader basketball game is a most affordable entertainment option for central Massachusetts sports fans.   Extras 2   Extra points are awarded for the sense of history here at the Hart Center. While the glory days of Holy Cross hoops did not occur here (the Crusaders used to play at the old Boston Garden regularly), there are reminders of the school’s success everywhere. A statue of Bob Cousy greets visitors outside, and the Athletic Hall of Fame is filled with names of Crusader greats. Banners commemorating Crusader tournament appearances and retired numbers hang from the Hart Center rafters.   Final Thoughts   The Hart Center is one of the nicer small basketball facilities in this part of the country. Watching a Crusaders game is an affordable experience in an intimate setting. While Holy Cross no longer competes among the giants in the sport, college basketball historians will enjoy looking around the Hart Center at the reminders of the Crusaders’ glory days.   Follow Paul Baker’s stadium journeys on Twitter  and Instagram  @PuckmanRI.

Photos by Dave Cottenie, Lloyd Brown, Stadium Journey, and Steve Allen State Farm Arena FANFARE Score: 3.86 State Farm Arena 1 State Farm Dr Atlanta, GA 30303 Atlanta Hawks website State Farm Arena website Year Opened: 1999 Capacity: 16,888 Where The Hawks Fly High The Atlanta Hawks NBA franchise relocated to Atlanta from St. Louis in 1968. Since that time the team has called several venues home. They began play at Alexander Memorial Coliseum at Georgia Tech (1968-1972), before moving into the brand-new Omni Coliseum (1972-1997). They then played in the Georgia Dome for two years (1997-1999) while the Omni was torn down and replaced by Phillips Arena (1999-2018). In 2018, the arena was rebranded as State Farm Arena (2018-present). There’s never been any doubt of what city State Farm Arena is in, as the exterior features the word “ATLANTA” spelled out using steel columns along the east side of the arena. Food & Beverage 4 State Farm Arena has an extensive food and beverage program featuring both local restaurants and several stands with Southern favorites on their menus. The 200 level of the arena features the Scofflaw Beer Barn, the A-Town Eats neighborhood, and the Chick-fil-A Fan Zone. One of the premier spots in the venue is Zac Brown’s Social Club, a gourmet restaurant that offers Pit BBQ, glazed salmon, peach pies, and other Southern delicacies. Other locally based restaurants located in the arena include Chick-fil-A, J.R. Crickets, Hot Chicken Tenders, Dolo’s Pizza, and the Westside Grill. The Hawk Walk neighborhood on the 100-level main concourse is home to the more generic stands you would expect to find at a sports venue. As you would expect in Atlanta, Coca-Cola brand soft drinks are served at all vendors’ locations. Atmosphere 4 The Hawks have several entertainment squads keeping the energy level high throughout their games. These include Harry the Hawk (team mascot), the ATL Dancers (dance team), the Flight Crew (break dancers), and the Sky Squad (dunk squad). State Farm Arena also offers a top-notch experience in terms of in-house technology. The center-hung videoboard offers 4,500 square feet of video display with a screen that stretches 81 feet around and 28 feet tall. Xfinity Wi-Fi is also available throughout the arena. Neighborhood 5 State Farm Arena is in the Centennial Park neighborhood in downtown Atlanta. This neighborhood is the epicenter of the top visitor attractions in the city. The arena is located next door to the Mercedes-Benz Stadium, the home of the Atlanta Falcons of the NFL. Centennial Olympic Park is located a block away and is home to both the World of Coca-Cola and the Georgia Aquarium. The College Football Hall of Fame is two blocks down the street. There is several dining establishments located within an easy walk from State Farm Arena. These include the Hudson Grille, Paschal’s Restaurant and Bar, No Mas’ Cantina, Ruth’s Chris Steak House, and Der Biergarten. Out-of-town fans can stay at the Omni Hotel Atlanta, the Embassy Suites by Hilton at Centennial Park, and the Peachtree Plaza Hotel, which are all within walking distance of the arena. Fans 4 The Hawks fanbase is very diverse, as it features longtime locals who have been coming since the Pete Maravich era, transplants who have moved to Atlanta from cities throughout the country with their jobs, and youth who have been attracted by the Hawks school-related outreach programs. The Hawks reach out to each segment of their fanbase through an extensive social media presence. Hawks’ games also draw both local and national celebrities regularly, as the city is the home base for many hip-hop stars. The Hawks draw very well, with an average attendance of 16,500. Fans can pick up their Hawks gear at the main Hawks Shop at Gate 1, or at one of the several satellite locations located around the arena. Fans may want to get a selfie with two of Atlanta’s top athletes before entering the arena. There are statues of Evander Holyfield and Dominique Wilkins just outside the arena on the eastern side of the building. Access 3 Driving directions from the Downtown Connector (I-75/I-85): Southbound: Take Exit 248-C. Follow signs to Mercedes-Benz Stadium/State Farm Arena. Turn right at Andrew Young International Blvd. Continue straight onto State Farm Drive. Northbound: Take exit 248D International Boulevard. Follow signs for State Farm Arena /CNN Center. Head west at State Farm Drive. Driving directions from I-20: Eastbound: Take exit 56B. Head north on Spring Street. Turn left at MLK, Jr Drive to the arena. Westbound: Take Exit 58A. Turn right at Capitol Avenue, which becomes Pryor Street. Head north towards downtown Atlanta and follow signs to State Farm Arena /CNN Center. The most cost-efficient way to reach State Farm Arena is via the MARTA rapid light rail system. The SEC (Sports, Entertainment and Convention) station is located mere feet from an arena entrance. The system charges $2.50 per person per ride, and the system extends out to the northern, eastern, and western suburbs, as well as Atlanta’s Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport. We did find some access issues related to the upper level of seating in the arena. There is a very steep pitch on the 200-level seating. This may make it difficult for some people to navigate the steps down to their seats. The concourses on the 200 level are also much narrower than the lower level, and they become quite congested during breaks in the action. The main way to reach the 200 level is via one of the escalators. These escalators are quite narrow and have space for one person at a time. This resulted in lengthy details at the end of the game. There are six gates of entry into State Farm Arena. Return on Investment 2 A night out on the town at a Hawks game can be a very expensive proposition. Parking in lots surrounding the State Farm Arena begins at $30 and up. It is best to check the ParkMobile app to find the most reasonable places to park near the arena. Ticket prices are flex-priced based on opponent, day of the week, and ticket demand. Low-demand games in the middle of the week start as low as $30. Premium opponents on a weekend can begin at $50-$140 as a starting price. The concession prices at State Farm Arena also tend to be on the high side. A sampling of arena favorites finds hot dogs ($7.50), popcorn ($8.75), French fries ($6.25), Coca-Cola brand sodas ($8.75), and bottled water ($5.50). Beers start at $8.00, with craft beers and imports going for $16.25. Extras 5 Artists that have performed at State Farm Arena include Lady Gaga, Usher, Eric Church, New Edition, Earth, Wind and Fire, Pearl Jam, Paul McCarney and Blake Shelton. The Hawks have honored several Hawks players and management with their numbers being retired and their jerseys being hung in the rafters of the arena. These stars include Bob Pettit, Lou Hudson, Pete Maravich, Dikembe Mutombo, and former owner Ted Turner. State Farm Arena is one of the most energy-efficient. The sports and concert venues in the country. It is TRUE Platinum-certified for zero waste and has also achieved LEED Gold certification. 2025 Billboard Boxscore has named State Farm Arena as the #3 Domestic Top Venue and the #3 Worldwide Top Venue for its role as a concert venue. There are two unusual services located inside State Farm Arena. Killer Mike’s Swag Shop is a four-chair barber shop and shaving emporium owned by local hip hop artist Killer Mike. The arena is also home to a Topgolf Swing Suite indoor driving range. Final Thoughts State Farm Arena is well worth a visit, as it provides a wonderful place to experience NBA basketball. The arena is also located close to Atlanta’s most visited tourist attractions.

Photos by Marc Viquez, Dan Will, and Matt Brennan, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.00 United Center 1901 W Madison St Chicago, IL 60612 Chicago Blackhawks Website United Center Website Year Opened: 1994 Capacity: 19,717 Blackhawks Centennial Celebrations The United Center is the home of the Chicago Blackhawks, one of the NHL’s Original Six teams. The club began play in 1926 and is celebrating its centennial season in Chicago at the time of this writing. During this time, the Hawks have captured six Stanley Cups, several Hall of Fame players, and countless memories. The United Center cost $175 million and features elements from the team's former home, Chicago Stadium. The biggest influence is the angled steel panels around the top level that reflect noise to the seating bowl to replicate “The Roard” from the old arena.  The Art-Deco signage and aesthetics evoke more memories from the old venue. The building is the largest in the United States by square footage, with a capacity of 19,717 and room for approximately 3,000 additional standing-room spectators. The arena includes 167 executive suites, 34 club boxes, and five super suites. The rafters are filled with banners of past championship accomplishments, along with those of the Chicago Bulls, who jointly own the United Center with the Blackhawks. Besides the six Stanley Cup banners, there are multiple retired Hawks legends, Bobby Hull, Denis Savard, Glen Hall, Stan Mikita, and Tony Esposito, to name a few. There are also statues of Hull and Mikita. The United Center is now into its fourth decade of service as the home of the Blackhawks. How does it measure up with some of the rest in the league, in terms of game day atmosphere, comforts, food and beverage, and everything else? Food & Beverage 5 The United Center has 27 concession areas and several upscale dining areas to enhance the game-day experience for fans. The arena offers a wide selection of food and beverage options on the main concourse. These range from regular stands to fancier sections with additional seating, and many have their own social areas. Chicago staples and favorites from around the country are available at the United Center. The main concession stands are labeled Madison Street Eats, Chicago Sausage Shop, Chicago Dish, and Vienna Beef. Customers can order Chicago-style hot dogs, Italian beef sandwiches, Maxwell Street Polishes, chicken tenders and fries, as well as crinkle-cut fries. A few specialty areas include the Honey Butter Chicken stand, which sells chicken sandwiches, biscuits, and fries with pimento cheese. Lillie’s Q is home to pulled pork and chopped brisket sandwiches. This Little Goat Went to the Market fuses Mexican and Korean flavors. Short rib and Korean-style tacos are recommended. Legacy Burgers offers steak and plant-based burgers. A few more Chicago specialties include Giordano’s, which offers thin- and deep-crust pizzas, and the Goose Island Pub, a stand-alone bar that serves turkey, corned beef, and roast beef sandwiches. Many stands also feature Garrett’s Chicago Mix (cheddar and caramel popcorn) to conclude the city’s culinary tour. A few upscale areas on the main concourse include three interesting places to enjoy a drink and socialize with friends. Queenie’s Supperclub draws inspiration from nearby Wisconsin's popular eateries and offers a modern interpretation of a classic Midwestern eatery. Rocky’s Club is named after the former Hawks owner and offers a throwback aesthetic for a timeless cocktail with friends. The FanDuel Lounge is a two-story space that offers state-of-the-art viewing, ensuring no fan misses out on the action. ​ The Blackhawks introduced a  Centennial lineup  for the 2025-2026 season. The highlights included the loaded fries with jalapeno cheese sauce, bacon, tomato, sour cream, and chopped scallions; the steakhouse ribeye sandwich topped with bacon, bleu cheese dressing, and chives; and the Banner Years Hot Dog that features cheddar jalapeno whipped cream cheese, bacon, and chopped scallion. There is also a thin-crust pizza with meatballs, banana peppers, giardiniera, and black olives. Atmosphere 4 Attending a Chicago Blackhawks game feels less like going to a sporting event and more like stepping into a long-standing NHL tradition. From the moment you approach the United Center, there’s an unmistakable buzz in the air. Fans dressed in red, black, and white fill the surrounding streets, moving with a shared sense of anticipation towards the arena’s entrances. Once inside, the atmosphere is evident to all five senses. The building is loud, energetic, and unapologetically proud of its hockey heritage. Long before the game begins, the concourses are alive with activity—fans grabbing classic arena food, browsing merchandise, and debating line combinations like seasoned analysts. Even if you’re new to hockey, it’s easy to get swept up in the excitement. Then comes the moment every first-time visitor remembers: the national anthem. As the lights dim and the singer begins, the crowd erupts, cheering loudly from the first note to the last. It’s not disrespect—it’s tradition. The roar builds, echoing through the arena and sending chills down your spine. By the time the puck drops, you already feel like part of something bigger. During the game, the Blackhawks crowd is engaged on every shift. Big hits are met with thunderous approval, scoring chances bring fans to their feet, and goals trigger an explosion of sound and movement. Even during stoppages, the energy never fully fades, with music, video features, and fan interactions keeping the building alive. What makes a Blackhawks game especially memorable for travelers is the balance between intensity and hospitality. Longtime fans are passionate but welcoming, happy to explain a chant, a rule, or a bit of team history to newcomers. Whether you’re a die-hard hockey fan or attending your first-ever NHL game, you’ll feel included. By the time the final horn sounds, you’ll understand why hockey holds such a special place in Chicago. Attending a Blackhawks game isn’t just about watching a team play—it’s about experiencing the city’s spirit, pride, and love for the game, all packed into one unforgettable night at the United Center. Neighborhood 3 When there is an event at the United Center, the surrounding neighborhood is buzzing with fans heading to the game and grabbing a bite to eat and drink before a Bulls game. The West End of Chicago does have a reputation, but just like the South Side, where the Sox play, the neighborhood is fine during hockey and basketball games. Hawkeye’s  is known for its homemade chili and hamburger specials. There is also an array of wines, spirits, and beers. On warmer days, the sidewalk patio makes for a nice choice before a game.  Park Tavern   serves draft specials before every game, a huge savings off the price of beer at the arena, and  The Kaiser Tiger  and  WestEnd  offer incredible food, chef-driven dishes, and plenty of flat-screen TVs. The Kaiser Tiger offers free shuttle service to Blackhawks and Bulls games. If you are looking for a popular spot in all of Chicago,  The Billy Goat on Madison  is a few blocks away and is known for its “cheezborgers,” made popular from Saturday Night Live. The restaurant is also part of Chicago lore as being the architect of the Billy Goat Curse that saw the Chicago Cubs go 108 years between World Series victories. The neighborhood is in the beginning phases of a transformation called  Project 1901   that will transform the surrounding parking lots into a new mixed-use neighborhood that will connect it to the rest of the city and its people. The $7 billion private investment will include a 6,000-seat music hall, a hotel, retail space, housing, an elevated community park, and plenty of green space all around the United Center. ​ Fans 5 Blackhawks fans are among the most passionate and loyal in the NHL. Despite the lack of success on the ice the past decade, the arena sells close to 100% capacity. The fanbase even travels well throughout the Midwest. Access  4 CTA buses, including the  #20  Madison and  #19  United Center Express, offer direct public transportation. After the game, a fleet of #20 buses returns to the Loop, connecting with CTA trains and Ogilvie Metra rail for easy suburban access. For north-south travel, use the #9 Ashland or #50 Damen buses. The Ashland/Lake station (Green/Pink Lines) is also within walking distance of CTA train connections. Once inside, the seating areas are divided evenly to make for easy access to all sections of the seating area. The upper and lower concourses are somewhat narrow in certain parts but large enough to keep traffic flowing smoothly. ​ Neighborhood 3 When there is an event at the United Center, the surrounding neighborhood is buzzing with fans heading to the game and grabbing a bite to eat and drink before a Hawks game. The West End of Chicago does have a reputation, but just like the South Side, where the Sox play, the neighborhood is fine during hockey and basketball games. ​ Hawkeye’s  is known for its homemade chili and $1.50 hamburger specials. There is also an array of wines, spirits, and beers. On warmer days, the sidewalk patio makes for a nice choice before a game.  Park Tavern   serves $3 drafts before every Bulls game, a savings of 70% off the price of beer at the arena, and  The Ogden  and  WestEnd  offer incredible food, chef-driven dishes, and plenty of flat screen TV’s. ​ If you are looking for a popular spot in all of Chicago, The Billy Goat on Madison is a few blocks away and is known for its “cheezborgers”, made popular by Saturday Night Live. The restaurant is also part of Chicago lore as being the architect of the Billy Goat Curse that saw the Chicago Cubs go 108 years between World Series victories. ​ Return on Investment 4 Ticket prices for Hawks games are  among the highest in the NHL ; however, it can be like playing the stock market, at least on the secondary market. The further out you plan for the game, the more likely you are to find an affordable price. The cheapest ticket as of this writing is $50 for a Wednesday night game against the New York Rangers; however, that price more than doubles when the Detroit Red Wings come to town on Saturday night. It depends on the night, the opposing club, or if there is a special promotion at the game. The  website TickPick   offers prices without additional fees. The cost of concessions is along the lines of other venues in the league. An Italian beef, Chicago-style hot dog, or Polish sausage costs between $8.75 and $9.50. They are among the cheapest items in the building, which also include top-end concessions from local eateries. The price of a draft beer tends to be on the higher side. A domestic draft is $16.50, and a premium draft is $18. However, we are in an era where you plan your dining options before the game if you want to save money. Extras 4 The Blackhawks goal song, “Chelsea Dagger” by The Fratellis, has been a welcome sight after every goal since the 2008-2009 season. It is also played after every home victory and can be found at other hockey arenas, including Hawks   ECHL Indy Fuel game s. The United Center features a unique look compared to buildings of its era. The narrow concourse offers Art-Deco signs and other wordmarks that harken back to the 1930s era Chicago. A favorite stop for both Blackhawks fans and visitors is the Madhouse Store, a 10,000-square-foot retail space co-branded with Bulls and Blackhawks merchandise. The store features interactive technology that lets fans customize their own jerseys or hats and is open to the public daily from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. The fans have a tradition to cheer throughout The Star Bangle Banner. It began before Game 3 of the Western Conference Finals in 1985 when the fans erupted in a loud, sustained cheer that lasted the entire song in an effort to create a hostile environment and rally their team against the heavily-favored Edmonton Oilers. Forty-plus years later, it has become a signature part of the Blackhawks home game experience. Final Thoughts The United Center furnishes an excellent setting to experience NHL hockey, highlighted by a passionate and knowledgeable fanbase. With multiple areas dedicated to entertainment, food, and drinks, the arena offers an abundance to enjoy beyond the action on the ice. While there are many places to watch a hockey game, doing so in Chicago delivers a distinctly different—and memorable—experience. ---- Follow all of Marc’s stadium journeys on Twitter @ballparkhunter   and his YouTube channel . Email at marc@stadiumjourney.com

Photos by Marc Viquez, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.86 The Jungle 901 W. New York St. Indianapolis, IN 46202 IUPUI basketball website The Jungle website Year Opened: 1982 Capacity: 1,215 The Swan Song at The Jungle ​ The IU-Indy Jaguars returned home full-time to The Jungle for the 2024-2025 season after playing ten years several miles north at the   Corteva Coliseum at the Indiana State Fairgrounds . The basketball team will remain here until a new facility opens on campus for the 2026-2027 season. ​ The on-campus building is a 1,215-seat gymnasium that served as home to the Jags from 1982 to 2014. Located on the main concourse of the IU Natatorium, the facility provides the Jaguars' teams a distinct home-court advantage. It is the smallest venue for men’s basketball on the NCAA Division I level. ​ The 2025-2026 season will be the final season at The Jungle for the Jaguars basketball program. The $10 million James T. Morris Arena will open a few yards away on campus. The state-of-the-art arena will have a capacity of 4,000, a sunken bowl, and multiple large windows providing natural lighting. The 134,500-square-foot arena will be home to the school's women’s volleyball programs, as well as university athletic offices and USA Track & Field. ​ The basketball program was launched as an independent varsity sport in 1972, when the school competed under the name IUPUI Metros. The club went 8-4, but by the following season played a 22-game schedule with home games held at Bishop Chatard High School. The next few seasons saw the basketball program bounce from venue to venue, which included the Naval Armory, Market Square Arena, and the Indiana State Fairgrounds Coliseum. The Metros joined the NAIA in 1978, recorded their first winning season in 1980, and made their first appearance in the NAIA National Tournament in 1985. In 1993, the program transitioned to Division II before moving to Division III in 1998—the same year the school adopted the “powerful, swift, and confident” Jaguars nickname (passing on the names Indy Hawks and Riverhawks). ​ Food & Beverage 3 ​ The Jungle features a small concession stand in the lobby, offering a simple menu of favorites and alcoholic beverages. The options are similar to what one would find at a high school gymnasium, minus the alcohol. The prices are low and can be paid through cashless means or in person. Visitors can grab a hot dog, a box of popcorn, nachos, soft pretzels, candy, bags of chips, and Coca-Cola products. The alcoholic beverages include Miller Lite, Coors Light, Modelo, PBR, High Noon Hard Seltzer, and local favorite ciders from Ash & Elm and Taxman Brewing Company. ​ Atmosphere 3 ​ The Jungle is a tiny building, even smaller than many of the high school basketball gyms in the vicinity of Indianapolis. The arena feels more like an exhibition space in a four-star hotel or convention center, but it holds its own, even slightly filled with spectators. ​ The court is set up with 15 rows of chair back and bleacher seating that offer up close views of the action on the court. There is also court-side seating for VIP members. The rest of the setup is rather simple, with two electronic scoreboards on each side of the gym walls. There is also signage, multiple banners, and retired numbers on the walls. ​ The IU Indy band provides the music, and the Jags cheerleaders entertain from one side of the court and at half-court during breaks in the action. This is college basketball at its most intimate setting, and all of the action and interest takes place on the court. There are no masters of ceremonies, mascots, on-court gimmicks, promotions, or t-shirt tosses. ​ Neighborhood 3 ​ The Jungle is located on campus near the center of downtown. It is a short taxi, or Uber ride to Mass Ave or Fountain Square sections of Indianapolis. However, there are a few places nearby within a short walk after the game to visit, including a slew of regional chain restaurants. ​ The Mass Ave. The neighborhood is highly recommended after the game, and it’s where you will find the official meeting headquarters for supporters, The Chatham Tap Restaurant & Pub. The soccer-friendly atmosphere provides food, drinks, and lively conversations. Try their wings, bangers, mash, or Scotch eggs. ​ A few more spots to check out for food on the avenue would be Goodfella’s Pizza, which offers giant New York-style slices, and the Speakeasy Bar in the back. Bakersfield offers tequila and tacos for affordable prices, Union 50 features live music in a very hip atmosphere, and The Eagle has some of the best fried chicken in town. ​ Fans 3 ​ There is a diverse range of fans, from the young to the old, at The Jungle. They provide a nice mix of die-hards who have no concerns voicing their opinions towards the officials and players, and younger fans who cheer on their hometown heroes. ​ Access 3 ​ The gym is small, and getting around from your seat to the lobby is quick. The concourses are wide enough to allow for efficient movement in both small and large crowds. The line for the concession stands can become a little long during halftime, but once seated, fans enjoy quick and easy access to amenities in the building. ​ Return on Investment 2 ​ Game-day ticket prices vary by opponent. For basketball games, general admission tickets are $15 to $20, and reserved tickets are $20 to $25. Tickets for games against closer opponents, Northern Kentucky and Purdue Fort Wayne, will be priced higher. Prices on the school’s website are somewhat lower than those on secondary ticket sites such as TickPick. ​ The menu prices for concessions range from $3 to $4 for items such as nachos, pretzels, popcorn, and hot dogs. Beer prices range from $9 to $12 per can. There is no merchandise table for team gear during the game. ​ There is a parking deck connected to The Jungle that charges $7 for 2 to 4 hours. However, there is no charge to park in Lot 86 at New York and Blake Street on the east side of the gymnasium. ​ Extras 3 ​ Fans have the option to grab a drink or snack from their seat from roving vendors during the game. The Jungle also shares the building with the school’s natatorium. The pool where many Olympians trained is visible through the lobby's windows. A third point is for the throwback Metros gold and crimson jerseys worn by the team. The gold color pops inside the gymnasium. ​ Final Thoughts There are only a handful of remaining games left at The Jungle. The basketball and volleyball programs will relocate to the new James T. Morgan Arena next year, marking the beginning of a new era in basketball for the school and the city of Indianapolis. ------ 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: 3.86 State Farm Stadium One Cardinals Drive Glendale, AZ 85305 Fiesta Bowl website State Farm Stadium website Year Opened: 2006 Capacity: 63,400 Desert Fiesta Of the “New Year's Six” Bowl games that currently make up the College Football Playoff, the Fiesta Bowl is by far the youngest.  One of the two Bowl games currently run by the Fiesta Sports Foundation, the Rate Bowl being the other, the Fiesta Bowl is of humble beginnings.  The first Fiesta Bowl was played in 1971 at Sun Devil Stadium and featured the champion of the Western Athletic Conference.  The Fiesta Bowl would get an upgrade with the formation of the Big XII Conference, which would send its champion beginning in 1997.  The Fiesta Bowl became part of the Bowl Coalition, Bowl Alliance, BCS, and eventually the “New Year's Six,” bringing them amongst the highest profile bowl games.  The Fiesta Bowl currently rotates among the six as a quarter or semi-final game in the College Football Playoff.  It is also among the rotations for the National Championship game, in addition to the playoff game. The Fiesta Bowl was played on the campus of Arizona State University until 2006.  The opening of what is currently known as State Farm Stadium brought the bowl game into a professional atmosphere.  State Farm Stadium was built as the home of the Arizona Cardinals  of the NFL and has brought the biggest events to the desert, including the NCAA Final Four, WrestleMania, and the biggest concerts, including The Rolling Stones and Taylor Swift.  It is located in Glendale, Arizona, northwest of Phoenix, and owned by the Arizona Sports & Tourism Authority. Food & Beverage 5 The concession selection at State Farm Stadium is pretty huge and what would be expected at a modern NFL stadium.  A healthy mix of stadium staples and unique, local options is found at State Farm Stadium, and the website does a great job of detailing everything.  Some of the local options that can be found at the stadium include AZ Nuts, Cold Beers & Cheeseburgers, Honey Bear’s BBQ, Maui Wowi, Sonneburros, Spinato’s Pizza, and Chicago Dawg House.  Some items of interest that should be considered include the Chicken & Waffles, Donut Ice Cream Sandwich, Mexican Street Corn Dog, and Birria Disco Fries.  There are a number of “Grab and Go” points that keep the flow of traffic moving.  Fans will definitely be satisfied with the options. Atmosphere 5 State Farm Stadium has one of the most unique exterior looks of any stadium in the United States.  The rounded silver exterior has huge, distinct panels and was designed to mimic a snake curled around a barrel cactus.  Upon closer inspection, State Farm is essentially an interior stadium with a giant, silver exoskeleton.  If there is a main entrance, it is probably at the north end.  Fans should definitely check out the Pat Tillman bronze statue at the north corner.  Tillman was an Arizona State defensive back who went on to play for the Cardinals.  He famously left his NFL contract to join the Army Rangers and fight in Afghanistan.  He was, unfortunately, killed by friendly fire.  On the east side of the northeast side of the stadium, between State Farm Stadium and Desert Diamond Arena, is the Fiesta Bowl Fan Fest.  The outdoor area, free to all fans, features a variety of food trucks, promotion tents, some games, a stage, and a large replica of the Fiesta Bowl Trophy.  At the 2026 Fiesta Bowl, which was reviewed, the Fan Fest had Dirks Bentley performing on the stage.  There are large screens for fans in the back to also be able to see the performance.  A ticketed Club ‘71 Pregame Party is also in the general vicinity.  There is a Fiesta Bowl Parade, which, curiously, took place five days before the game. Inside State Farm Stadium, there are a number of pop-up merchandise stands with Fiesta Bowl-specific items, including the teams that are participating.  Several murals that are locally focused or feature the Arizona Cardinals are also found in the concourse.  Inside the seating bowl, the field is north-south oriented with the best view of the 50-yard line logo from the west.  Seating in the lower bowl is centric to each school, with one school dominating the east side and another, the west side.  The upper bowl is a bit more mixed.  A large, open social area is in the upper bowl at the north end, with open seating at the end as well.  To host the Fiesta Bowl, State Farm Stadium must add extra seating to meet the minimum capacity.  This is found at the field level at the south end.  Both university bands set up at the south end.  State Farm Stadium has retractable roof panels, which are normally closed.  The panels are translucent and do let in a fair bit of natural light.  A pair of videoboards is found at the north and south ends, with the larger of the two at the south. The gameday atmosphere at the Fiesta Bowl is typical of a college bowl game.  Both school bands perform before kickoff and during halftime.  The Fiesta Bowl mascot, Spirit, takes part in promotions and interacts with fans, as well as the school mascots if applicable. Neighborhood 3 State Farm Stadium is located 9 miles northwest of Phoenix in the Glendale Sports and Entertainment District.  There has been plenty written about the location of sports properties so far from Phoenix, Tempe and Scottsdale.  There is no argument that location aided in the demise of the Arizona Coyotes  of the NHL.  That being said, there are some spots for pre and post-game food and drink that are not too far.  Some of these include Yard House, Dave & Busters, Olive Garden and other chain restaurants.  State Farm Stadium is the regular home of the Arizona Cardinals .  The former home of the Coyotes, Desert Diamond Arena is home to Professional Bull Riding and also schedules a number of concerts.  Camelback Ranch is in Glendale is home to the Glendale Desert Dogs , Los Angeles Dodgers Spring Training  and Chicago White Sox Spring Training .  There are also a number of other sporting options in Phoenix and Tempe.  Other tourist items near Glendale include Desert Diamond Casino, Sahuaro Ranch Park and Tanger Outlets.  For fans wishing to stay near State Farm Stadium, Renaissance Phoenix Glendale, Hampton Inn and Homes 2 Suites are all close options. Fans 4 As with any Bowl game, the fans are dependent on the schools that are participating.  The Fiesta Bowl regularly welcomes over 65,000 for the game.  However, an added hiccup to the fan experience has been the expansion of the playoff.  When the Fiesta Bowl is a semi-final, as it was in 2026, fans are expected to travel to their second or third site of the College Football Playoff.  The quarterfinals are also “New Years Six” bowl games at neutral sites.  The Fiesta Bowl is required to expand its capacity for the game, but rarely reaches that capacity.  The behavior and engagement of the fans is completely dependent on the schools participating and will change from year to year.  However, it cannot be denied that the Fiesta Bowl is a major sporting experience with consistently strong crowds.   Access 4 State Farm Stadium is located in the Glendale Sports & Entertainment District on the north side of Cardinals, between AZ-101, 91st Street and Maryland Avenue.  It is also 8 ½ miles west of !-17 and 5 miles north of I-10.  The stadium is surrounded by parking.  Getting there is not going to be too difficult.  Pre-paying for parking is advisable.  For fans who wish to take public transit to the game, there are bus stops along Glendale Ave.  Fans should consult the Valley Metro website for fares, schedules and maps.  With the pregame fan fest bringing people in very early, getting to the stadium is not that difficult.  However, getting out of Glendale is a different story.  It can take quite a while to get moving out of the parking garage or parking lots.  Getting around the stadium is not too difficult and the washroom facilities at State Farm Stadium are solid.  State Farm Stadium is a cashless facility. The Fiesta Bowl is very clear about their clear bag policies.  However, it is important to ensure that resources are consulted before heading out to the game to get the most up to date security information.  Stadium Journey strongly recommends consulting the Fiesta Bowl  and State Farm Stadium  websites for the most up to date security protocols, bag policies and prohibited items. Return on Investment 4 Fiesta Bowl tickets start at $60 and go up into the hundreds and thousands on the secondary market.  It is a major event as a semi-final or quarter-final for the College Football Playoff.  Most of the tickets for the 2026 game were in the $200 range.  As with most bowl games, it is advised to wait to purchase tickets until the teams are secured.  Often, a high number of tickets will hit the secondary market at this point.  Parking can be found for $25-$35 and concession prices are what one would expect for an NFL facility.  The return for the investment is quite high.  The game has the potential to be very good and the stakes are higher than a normal bowl game.  The bands and fans charge up the atmosphere and help provide a great time. Extras 2 An extra mark for the Fiesta Bowl Museum which is found in Old Scottsdale and provides a history of the game that is worth checking out. An extra mark for the revolutionary sliding field, which travels out the south end on an intricate track system so that it can be maintained in the sun. Final Thoughts Being amongst the most significant bowl games as a member of the “New Years Six,” the Fiesta Bowl is a major sporting event in Arizona annually.  State Farm Stadium provides a professional atmosphere with plenty of big event feel.  This is a long way from the inception of the Fiesta Bowl back in 1971. Follow all of Dave’s sporting adventures on YouTube , Twitter , Threads  and Instagram @profan9.

Photo courtesy of FIFA The 2026 FIFA World Cup  is fast approaching, and dozens of sites across North America are going to be the focus of diehard fans looking to take in the best football on the planet. With the U.S. as the host nation, expectations for the home team are higher than ever. As the World Cup has gotten bigger and bigger, so too has the cost of tickets. This year’s event looks to break the record for costs across the board, putting fans in a bit of a financial bind as they attempt to follow their team across the multi-week, multi-stage event. Recently, Doc’s Sports Service , an online odds-making site, completed a study to determine which fans would have to pay the most to support their team during the group stage of the 2026 FIFA World Cup (the first three matches for each country's team) - the cost for tickets, hotel stays, and travel were all factored into the rankings. Coming in at number one, which is no real shock, was the United States at a total cost of $3,117. Fans of the three host nations – the United States, Canada, and Mexico – had an average cost of $2,875, with Canadian fans paying $2,947, while fans of Mexico faced costs of $2,462. Of the international teams, South African fans pay the most at $2,480, while fans of South Korea would face the lowest costs at $1,341. The 2026 FIFA World Cup kicks off on June 11 with a match between Mexico and South Africa at historic Mexico City Stadium ( nee Estadio Azteca). The World Cup Finals are set for June 19. ------ Follow Eric Moreno's Stadium Journey on Twitter at @EricMoreno6477 .

Photos by Richard Smith, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.29 Horst Athletic Center 901 Eden Rd Lancaster, PA 17601 Lancaster Bible Chargers website Horst Athletic Center website Year Opened: 1975 Capacity: 655 Bible Chargers Lancaster Bible College is a private Bible college in Lancaster, Pennsylvania that is also home to the Capital Seminary and Graduate School. The college was founded in 1933 as the Lancaster School of the Bible. The school became a college in 1973 and started offering Bachelor of Science in Bible degrees in 1981. The college now grants six bachelor's degrees, one associate degree, and two one-year certificates in addition to six master's degrees, nine graduate certificates, and three doctorate programs in Leadership, Biblical Studies, and Ministry. Lancaster Bible College teams are a member of the National Christian College Athletic Association (NCCAA) Division I and the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) Division III. In the NCAA, The Chargers are a member of the NCAA's United East Conference. Men's sports include baseball, basketball, cross country, soccer, tennis, and volleyball; while women's sports include basketball, cross country, field hockey, golf, lacrosse, soccer, softball, tennis, and volleyball. In 2018 the Chargers basketball team won the NCCAA Division II National Championship. with a 78-65 win over Hillsdale Baptist. It seems that the men's basketball team mainly participates in NCAA action now instead of the NCCAA. The Horst Athletic Center is home to the Lancaster Bible College Men's & Women's Basketball programs, as well as the Men's & Women's Volleyball programs. The gymnasium was built in 1975 and renovated prior to the 2015-16 academic year. Food & Beverage 2 There is a very simple concession stand located inside the gym itself. Although it has a simple menu the food choices were good and the product of good quality and cheap. Atmosphere 4 The Horst Athletic Center has chairback seating on one side and bleachers on the other. It is a small gym but the atmosphere is top-notch. The gym is loud and fans seem to be very involved in the action. There are only simple scoreboards and no cheerleaders or mascots seen. The lack of these does not lower the atmosphere score. Neighborhood 3 The college is located in a suburban area of Lancaster. You may want to venture to downtown Lancaster for interesting options pre- and post-game. Besides downtown, the main commercial areas of the Lancaster area are the outlets area east on Route 30 and surrounding the Park City Center Shopping Mall north of downtown. Nearby Lititz is also a good option as it has numerous food and shopping options. Fans 4 The fans are loud and engaged in the action. Everyone is close to the action and fans seem to really enjoy games here at this small gym. Access 4 Lancaster is an easy area to navigate. Routes 30 and 222 are well-known, large roads that any tourist visitor to the area will be more than familiar with. Even though the college is located in a busy town, you will seldom find traffic to be too bad.  Lancaster is located about half an hour from the state capital Harrisburg. It is also about an hour and a half to Baltimore and the same distance to Philadelphia. There are many parking spaces around the college. Return on Investment 4 The cost of the game is a mere $5 and the food prices were also very fair. It may not be the highest level of college basketball but the return on investment is quite good. Extras 2 The college is an interesting visit on its own. There is a nice soccer stadium and other sports facilities nearby. There is a nice little disc golf course right near the Horst Athletic Center. Final Thoughts Lancaster Bible College plays at one of the lower levels of college basketball, but the games presented here are fun and it is certainly an experience that a true sports fan should experience if in the area.

Photos by Michael Davis, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.00 Amon G. Carter Stadium 2850 Stadium Dr Fort Worth, TX 76129 Armed Forces Bowl website Amon G. Carter Stadium website Year Opened: 1930 Capacity: 45,000 Saluting the Armed Forces The Lockheed Martin Armed Forces Bowl began in 2003 as the PlainsCapital Fort Worth Bowl. There have been a couple of title sponsors since then; the current sponsorship by Lockheed Martin has been attached to the game since 2014. The Lockheed Martin Armed Forces Bowl is played on the campus of Texas Christian University at Amon G. Carter Stadium in Fort Worth, Texas. Over the years, the Armed Forces Bowl has aligned with different conferences – there have been 10 different conferences represented at the Armed Forces Bowl. However, the Armed Forces Bowl committee prefers a US military service school if possible, and over the last 12 years, the service academies have been represented in 9 games, with Air Force , Army , and Navy  each playing in 3 games.   Food & Beverage   4 The concession stands are serviced by TCU catering at Amon G. Carter Stadium, which means the same concessions are open for the bowl game as the stadium’s main tenant, TCU football. In addition, besides the basic TCU concessions, TCU catering decided to bring local food vendors to the bowl game to give fans more of a selection – Chicken Express, Chick-fil-A, Bobby’s Fajitas, Railhead BBQ, Pardon My Steak, and the popular pizza near campus, Buffalo Bros, all serve food items inside Amon G. Carter Stadium. Chicken Express has a combo meal (4 tender rolls and a 44-oz drink), while Pardon My Steak provides a cheesesteak. However, my favorite two vendors are Bobby’s Fajitas and Buffalo Bros – Bobby’s Fajitas has beef and chicken fajita nachos, quesadillas, tacos, and tamales, while Buffalo Bros has pizza and wings, which are reasonably priced for a sporting event. Amon G. Carter Stadium serves Pepsi products, with the best value being their 44-oz soda. There is also Gatorade, water, and alcohol available besides soda. The alcohol selection is decent, with typical sports venue prices depending on your selection. Wine is served throughout the facility, but hard liquor is not available outside the club areas. The concession stands and bars at all TCU venues are cashless; TCU Athletics will accept all major credit cards, Visa gift cards, and all forms of non-contact payment, including Apple & Google Pay. Overall, the food and beverages here are above average for a bowl game.   Atmosphere   4 The college bowling scene can be different throughout the country. The bowl games provide fans with untraditional teams, stadiums, and cities, and it is up to the bowl committee to deliver the pageantry of the bowl game. The Lockheed Martin Armed Forces Bowl delivers on every level since its original game in 2001; the bowl is solely a tribute to the armed forces. A few hours before kickoff, outside the stadium, there is an area called Tailgate Outpost. Here you can visit food trucks, pick up military service-related items for veterans and their families, and interact with military hardware, either by taking photos or experiencing what it is like to sit inside.  Pre-game has the typical parachute teams landing on the field, with a fly-over shortly after the National Anthem, and before the rolling up of the oversized American Flag. During each quarter, fans who served are asked to stand and be recognized when their service song is played. In addition, every year during halftime, a new crop of recruits from different services takes their oath of enlistment at the 50-yard line. The bowl also provides two merchandise tables in the concourse for fans to get gear supporting their trip to the game. There is also the Army & Air Force Exchange Service's Wall of Heroes behind the south end zone; the wall is a tribute to all United States military personnel, where fans submit photos through the Armed Forces Bowl website before the following year’s game. The game itself is usually entertaining, and the fans try to be loud and engaged to bring out the best from their teams, in the hope of winning the Lockheed Martin Armed Forces Bowl trophy.   Neighborhood   4 Amon G. Carter Stadium is just 4 miles away from downtown Fort Worth, located in the middle of a residential neighborhood. There are a few dining and lodging options near the stadium – two popular spots on gameday and within walking distance are Buffalo Bros and Dutch’s Burgers. Buffalo Bros serves pizza and wings, while next-door Dutch’s covers the hamburgers. Both places will fill up quickly on gameday. There are plenty of restaurants around Fort Worth; however, Heim BBQ and Joe T. Garcia’s are among the most visited by out-of-towners, and both provide great food. There are also various choices when it comes to lodging, from downtown hotels to the hotel at the Fort Worth Stockyards; the closest hotels are Hyatt Place Fort Worth and the Courtyard by Marriott Fort Worth. There are plenty of other things to do as well while spending your time in Fort Worth. The closest to TCU’s campus is Fort Worth Zoo; the zoo is home to over 7,000 unique species and is located on University Drive across from Colonial Country Club, which holds a PGA event every May. The Fort Worth Stockyards is another fun destination, where you can see cattle run during the day, replicating the end of the Chisholm Trail. There are also plenty of shops, but the most famous attraction is the world-famous Billy Bob’s Texas, proclaimed as the world’s largest honkytonk, famous for its live music and indoor rodeo and bull riding contests. Downtown Fort Worth also has the Water Gardens, or you can visit the hotel where John F. Kennedy spent his last night before he visited Dallas. Fort Worth has a lot to offer, but if you want more, Dallas is only a 45-minute drive away.   Fans   4 The college football bowl scene has taken a hard hit when it comes to fans; the wave of teams and players opting out has the college football fan on a quest to see if these bowl games are worth the investment. The Lockheed Martin Armed Forces Bowl, however, has been an exception to the low attendance around bowl games. In fact, last year’s game set the Armed Forces Bowl record at 50,754, a game between Oklahoma  and Navy . Although that game had an extremely high fan turnout, the Armed Forces Bowl still seems to average over 30,000 every year. The years when Army , Navy, or Air Force  is a participant are when the crowds are especially large. These teams also provide a better atmosphere, as the Lockheed Martin Armed Forces centers around the country’s military.   Access   4 Amon G. Carter Stadium in Fort Worth is about a half-hour drive from Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport and 4 miles from downtown Fort Worth. There is public transit from downtown Fort Worth, but the schedule could be limited, so driving or a ride-share would be the best alternative. The bowl game being played during the holiday season is also a blessing, as the gridlock traffic around Fort Worth is minimal. Driving to the stadium, the exit for TCU is clearly marked off Interstate 20 using S. University Dr, or the Berry Street exit off Interstate 35. Parking near the stadium is easy and plentiful. Most parking can be purchased ahead of the game on the bowl website. There is free parking throughout the neighborhood if you get there a few hours before kickoff. However, if you aren’t familiar with the area, stay with the parking provided by TCU and the Armed Forces Bowl.   Return on Investment   4 Tickets for the Armed Forces Bowl are anywhere from $25-$75 depending on the seat location. And if you happen to get a military service academy participating in the game, then the price will be well worth the cost. Parking is usually around $25, but if you get to the stadium early, you’ll be able to find free parking around campus. Concession prices are what you’d expect when it comes to sporting events, although TCU doesn’t break your wallet, so you'll be able to enjoy the traditional food fare. Overall, the Lockheed Martin Armed Forces Bowl could be the best ROI of all the college bowl games.   Extras   4 The extras that make the Armed Forces Bowl special begin with the Lockheed Martin Armed Forces Bowl trophy; the trophy is unique as it is forged of metal and steel taken from all five branches of the military. The bowl also offers complimentary tickets for veterans and active-duty military members who are available for the game; this is done because the game is a commitment to honor the Armed Forces. Texas Christian University and the City of Fort Worth also support the college football landscape by hosting this bowl game.   Final Thoughts The Armed Forces Bowl is one of four bowl games played across the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex, but it is the only one in Fort Worth. The combination of a top-tier college stadium, along with a bowl committee that focuses on bringing a military service academy as a participant, creates a wonderful experience for any football fan. The Lockheed Martin Armed Forces Bowl may not be a top-tier bowl for college fans outside of the DFW area, but it certainly can hold its own against any bowl game in the country.