Photos by Meg Minard, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.29 Kino Veterans Memorial Stadium 2500 E Ajo Way Tucson, AZ 85713 Tucson Saguaros website Kino Veterans Memorial Stadium website Year Opened: 1998 Capacity: 11,000 Saguaros Back at Kino The Tucson Saguaros are members of the Independent Pecos League (baseball). They joined the Pecos League in 2016 and immediately won the Pecos League Championship their first season. The team is successful as they won the championship again in 2020 and 2021 and have had winning seasons most of their years in the league. They have not been as successful in finding a permanent home. They’ve bounced around a bit with games played at Kino Sports Complex (former home of the Arizona Diamondbacks and Chicago White Sox spring training), Reid Park Sports Complex #5, some games at Warren Ballpark in Bisbee, AZ, as well as games at historic Vargas Field in Winslow, AZ , and Amphitheater High School in northwest Tucson. This 2023 season finds them playing once again at Kino Sports Complex, specifically Kino Veterans Memorial Stadium. Kino Sports Complex is a multi-use sports and cultural event center, the largest in southern Arizona. The complex also hosts the USL2 FC Tucson soccer team, though not on the same field as the baseball games. Food & Beverage 3 The stadium operates one concession stand for Saguaros games. That stand offers the basics at reasonable prices: hot dogs, burgers, and chicken sandwiches run $4 - $6. Snacks of chips, candy, pickles, and nachos cost $2 - $5. Water and Coke brand soda bottles run $2 - $4. Beer choices include Modelo, 805, Michelob Ultra, and others for $8 - $10. Natural Light cans cost $2. Wine is $7. Lines form, particularly pregame and during the early innings. The choices are enough to get you by for a game and more than what a fan would expect at a Pecos League game. Atmosphere 3 The Saguaros and the Sports Complex do a good job at providing comfortable, safe, entertaining baseball. Keep in mind, however, this is Arizona and temperatures easily reach the triple digits even for a 7pm game in late June and July. Bring sunscreen and water. The signs outside the entrance indicate no outside food or beverage but I was allowed to bring in a sealed bottle of water. Fans enter the stadium on to the concourse then proceed down to the seating area. Wheelchair and handicapped seats run all along the top of the seating bowl on the concourse. The seats are faded green stadium fold-down seats with no cupholders but an excellent amount of legroom. They are much more comfortable than they look. Bring a towel or rag to wipe off any bird droppings, dust, and cobwebs. The outer concourses are closed off for Tucson Saguaros games. The stadium’s scoreboard sits beyond the left field wall. It provides the line score and the number of the player at bat. Fans get a lovely view of the Catalina Mountains and beautiful colors as daylight transitions to dusk. Sit on the first base side to get the best view. Kino Veterans Memorial Stadium Dusk, Photo by Meg Minard, Stadium Journey Music is played often and is not intrusive. The speakers line the overhang just above the top row and handicapped seating. Nets extend all the way down the baselines. The stadium does not offer net-free seating for Pecos League games. Neighborhood 3 The stadium’s immediate neighbor is a hospital. The stadium is on the southern end of Tucson, with several places to dine or drink within a mile and many more a little farther. Fast food places like In-N-Out Burger, Raising Cane’s Chicken, and Rudy’s BBQ are nearby. For local independent breweries a mile or less from Kino Stadium, try the Hardbottle Brewing Company or the Copper Mine Brewing Co. Tucson has loads of breweries and restaurants, so head more toward downtown (about 4 – 5 miles) for other choices. The Pima Air and Space Museum is six miles south and worth a visit. Four miles in the opposite direction are the Reid Park Zoo and the Randolph Dell Urich Golf Course (an 18-hole public golf course). Although not really close at all, the Saguaro National Park is worth visiting for its impressive views and scenery. Value hotels like Motel 6, Days Inn, etc., line the I-10 exits north and south of the stadium exit. For more upscale lodging, head closer to downtown. I stayed at the Hotel McCoy, an eclectic, artsy, welcoming, restored 1960’s motel about 5 miles from the stadium, and I highly recommend it. Other spectator sports in Tucson during baseball season include the Tucson Sugar Skulls (indoor football) and FC Tucson (soccer). Fans 3 The fans cheer well when the Saguaros make an impressive play defensively or at bat. Most fans throw out their own garbage vs. leaving it behind under the seats. Quite a few fans keep score which is always a pleasure to see. The Saguaro mascot is the biggest fan of all. She runs up and down the seating area, high-fiving fans when the team gets a hit or scores a run. Plenty of fans sport the good-looking baseball cap and Tucson Saguaros shirts. Tucson Saguaros Mascot, Photo by Meg Minard, Stadium Journey Access 4 Getting to and from Kino Veterans Memorial Stadium is easy via automobile as it is right off Interstate 10. The stadium provides plenty of free parking in front of the venue’s Gate B entrance, the only entrance open for Saguaros games. The gate only opens 30 minutes before game time which isn’t a lot of time for stadium journeyers especially if you want to get a bite to eat before the game. Tucson Airport is five miles south of the venue. The city of Tucson has public transportation. Check SunTran for fares and schedules. Remember to check return schedules, as the bus system may shut down before the end of the game. The ticket office is through the glass doors to the right of the ‘traditional’ box office. It is not marked. Just ask other fans, and they’ll direct you to the spot. Fans can purchase team apparel in there as well. Get Tickets Through the Glass Doors to the Right of the Ticket Booths, Photo by Meg Minard, Stadium Journey The stadium posts all kinds of rules on sandwich boards in front of Gate B, but getting through the security check is actually quite painless. Just bring a 12” x 6” x 12” clear sports bag and no weapons, and you’ll pass right through security. Since attendance is not high, congestion won't be an issue when walking around the concourse. Clean restrooms are open on both the first and third base concourse, as well as family restrooms. The accessible stalls are close to the entrance. The ladies’ room has a changing table (not sure about the men’s room). Return on Investment 4 Tickets are $10 general admission. Fans can sit wherever they choose, can roam around, and switch seats as desired. Parking is free. The food is inexpensive for stadium fare. Even the t-shirts are only $20. Baseball fans get an enjoyable evening out. Extras 3 Visitors still get a decorative ticket with the green and gold Saguaro logo. The team returning to play at Kino Memorial Stadium is a bonus, as it is a fantastic facility for the Pecos League. Another shout-out to the mascot for being approachable, friendly, and so supportive of the team. Final Thoughts If you’re a resident of or a visitor to the Tucson area in June and July, be sure to check if the Saguaros are playing at home. Watching a game is an enjoyable, affordable way to spend an evening out.

In news that was both surprising and expected, recent documents released by the Massachusetts Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs show that Northeastern University is moving forward with plans to replace historic Matthews Arena. Matthews is the home of the school’s hockey and basketball teams, as well as the original home of the Boston Bruins, Carolina Hurricanes, the Beanpot Tournament and virtually every hockey program in and around Boston. The university is currently “explor[ing] opportunities to build a new arena in the near future,” a spokesperson for the university recently stated to Amelia Ballingall of the Huntington News. “Matthews Arena is more than a century old and is reaching the end of its useful life. It has recently undergone structural modifications that will temporarily extend its use. Simultaneously, the university has been making long-term assessments regarding the increasing demand for state-of-the-art athletic and recreational facilities and the existing building’s limitations to meet them.” More specific details regarding a new facility were not made clear, but concerns have arisen recently about Matthews Arena’s stability. Steel scaffolding was put up on the west side of the building in 2024, offices in that part of the facility were moved and seating was roped off without explanation. The environmental engineering firm Haley & Aldrich has reported concentrations of lead, asbestos and other toxic chemicals within the soil on the grounds of Matthews Arena. The parking lot bordering Gainsborough Street is scheduled to be completely uprooted, with 5,000 cubic yards of soil removed. The land on which Matthews Arena sits was once part of Boston’s original wharf, which was replaced with man-made-land in the late 1800s. The land contains high concentrations of clay, which expands when wet and contracts when dry, and sand, which shifts easily and can be damaging to structures. The bedrock underneath the arena has weathered over time and may not be as sturdy as needed. Debris from the row houses that once stood on the site further contaminates the soil. A large renovation or construction project at the Matthews Arena site would be disruptive to the neighboring Orange Line and the New England Conservatory, not to mention the Northeastern athletic teams that call the facility home. While the men’s basketball team would likely join the Huskies’ women’s team at Cabot Center, the hockey teams would likely have to use a temporary home (Warrior Ice Arena and Walter Brown Arena have been mentioned as possibilities), or play on the road for a year or two. The historic value of Matthews Arena is also a concern. The facility is the original home of the Bruins, the Whalers (now Carolina Hurricanes), and an early home of the Celtics. The first NHL game in the United States was played here. Matthews Arena is the oldest hockey rink in the world. How a new facility would respect the historic nature of the site has to be taken into consideration. Space is very limited on the Northeastern campus and surrounding neighborhoods. Considerations on where to put a new facility are multi-faceted. The best plan may be to tear down Matthews Arena and build a new facility from the ground up on the same site. This appears to be the tact that the school is taking. Rumors abound that the 2024-25 season will be the last for this historic rink. While the future of this old barn is unclear at this time, one thing is certain: time is running out for historic Matthews Arena.

Photos by David Welch, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.29 Joe Lee Griffin Field 800 Lakeshore Drive Birmingham, AL 35229 Samford Bulldogs website Joe Lee Griffin Field website Year Opened: 1958 Capacity: 1,000 All for Samford Organized in 1878, baseball was the first athletic team formed at Samford University, when the university was then known as Howard College. The institution would move twice around the Birmingham area, until it found its seemingly permanent home in Homewood, Alabama, just over Red Mountain from downtown Birmingham. Since joining the Southern Conference in 1997, Samford baseball has claimed four conference tournament championships (2012, 2018, 2021, and 2023), earning NCAA tournament bids and winning both regular season and tournament crowns in 2023. Originally built in 1958, the facility would take on the name Joe Lee Griffin Field in 2000, following major renovations that would see the field have more of a stadium feel to it. Food & Beverage   2 A small concession stand is built into the backside of the grandstand, which offers a modest selection of options. Hot dogs and nachos are the main offerings, with snacks of popcorn, chips, and assorted candy also available. Beverage choices include products from the Coca-Cola family of soft drinks plus Body Armor, PowerAde, Gold Leaf iced tea, Dasani bottled water, and Monster energy drinks. Alcoholic beverages are not sold at Samford athletic events. Atmosphere   3 Joe Lee Griffin Field is a rather simple ballpark with not much seating, other than a small grandstand that sits behind home plate that runs just between the on-deck circles. What the ballpark lacks in grandstand seating, however, it more than makes up for with its grassroots feel of fans bringing their own tailgating chairs to line the brick-lined boundaries. The venue is a beautiful brick facility, topped with ornate capstones that blend in perfectly with the surrounding campus facilities. The grandstand is a bit small, running just between the on-deck circles at the front edge of each dugout. This seating includes three sections, a center section of fold-down, aluminum seats between two sections of bench seating with back support. The primary seating area provides very little shade, but those wanting to escape the rays of the sun might think about bringing a tailgating chair to set up on the drive behind the bullpens, which is shaded by tall pines beyond the stadium. The most popular seating area is on the home side, beyond the dugout, and is commonly heavily lined with tailgating chairs. Be forewarned though – there is no protective netting past the dugout, and this area can be prone to hot shots slicing off the bat of a right-handed hitter. The game presentation doesn’t add a lot of extras when it comes to Samford baseball, but the game it kept simple where the action on the field is the star of the show, and this works perfectly well. Neighborhood   3 Samford’s hilly campus is directly off one of the major thoroughfares through Homewood – Samford serves as a buffer of sorts between State Route 149 and the surrounding residential areas. Homewood is also full of beautiful neighborhoods and seemingly endless miles of running and walking trails. Samford is less than four miles from Homewood’s city center, and has a well-rounded choice of restaurants and shops. Visitors looking for legendary Birmingham barbecue can find Dreamland BBQ just 5 miles away. A bit of what might be a controversial take: while Dreamland is a well-known, exceptionally good barbecue spot throughout the southeast, locals might point you to SAW’s Juke Joint for the best in the area. There are plenty of attractions within a 15-minute drive of Samford’s campus. Along with the miles of trails in the area, the Vulcan Monument sits atop Red Mountain and overlooks Birmingham. The Birmingham Zoo is also conveniently located near campus. On campus, Joe Lee Field is sandwiched between Pete Hanna Center and football’s Pete Hanna Stadium, creating the center of Samford’s athletics hub. Fans   3 Samford baseball attendance is rather consistent with other programs throughout the SoCon. When looking at average attendance figures, Samford is in a group of four other schools that are within about100 fans of one another, averaging between 350 to 450 fans per game. The primary concentration of fans populates the grassy walkway up the right field line – this area is rather festive with fans, families, and loved ones discussing the current game, or past on-field heroics. Access   4 Getting to Homewood and Samford from the north or south on Interstate 65 is a relatively straight shot to campus. Those coming from the east or west on Interstate 20 must use a couple of bypasses before reaching Samford. It is not necessarily difficult; just a few extra off-highway miles to navigate. Upon reaching campus, the most convenient parking lot is located beyond left field. Once through the gates of Samford’s west entrance, an immediate left-hand turn leads to the south stadium lot, leaving just a short walk to the left field entrance. However, a parking garage sitting just up the hill from the right field entrance might be a bit more direct for those sitting along the right field line. Navigating the facility is rather straightforward. Given the design of the ballpark, there is not a traditional concourse, but more of a wide-open walkway that Joe Lee Griffin Field shares with neighboring Pete Hanna Stadium. The walkway narrows as it passes behind the home side of the grandstand, transitioning to a grassy path through chairs and shrubbery up the first base side of the field. Return on Investment   4 Tickets run $8 for adults and $3 for children 4-12 years of age. While a handful of schools in the SoCon offer free admission, the rates at Samford are comparable to other programs who do charge. Concessions are reasonably priced and encourage fans to grab a bite or beverage. Extras   4 The back side of the grandstand displays the names of those who have helped to write the history of Samford baseball, and they are also recognized in the Samford Baseball Hall of Fame. Samford’s campus provides a beautiful backdrop for baseball – the dome of the Beeson Divinity School and the spire atop A. Hamilton Reid Chapel sit prominently in the distance. Samford baseball hosts a number of promotions throughout the season, including several stadium giveaways, theme nights, and game experiences for Bulldog fans. The ability to sit along the brick walls that run up both sides of the field puts fans right on top of the action. In fact, Samford might put fans closer to the action on the field than any other baseball field in the nation. Final Thoughts For fans of the simplicity of the game of baseball, the Samford baseball experience is not going to “ooh and ahh” with t-shirt cannons, light shows, and endless on-field contests. What Samford baseball does do is give fans an experience that provides the ability to simply take in the game while they chat about game strategy, lament the perceived bad calls of the umpire, or just sit back and enjoy the game.

Photo by Gregory Koch, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.57 Hummel Bowl 4250 W Braddock Rd Alexandria, VA 22304 Alexandria Reds website Hummel Bowl website Year Opened: Capacity: 2,800 Soccer Reds of Alexandria The Alexandria Reds are a lower-division semi-professional soccer team based out of Alexandria, Virginia, just across the Potomac River from Washington, D.C. As is common at this level of soccer, there are several teams fielded under the Reds' banner. The United Premier Soccer League (UPSL) plays in Spring and Fall, the National Premier Soccer League (NPSL) plays in summer, beginning before the Spring UPSL season ends, and the Women's Premier Soccer League (WPSL) is a lower-division women's league. This review will focus on the NPSL experience, although there are often doubleheaders involving multiple Reds' teams. The NPSL, together with the UPSL and the confusingly named USL League Two, comprise the fourth division of American soccer. They are the highest level that is not fully professional, and consist mostly of current college soccer players and recent graduates. The pay is structured in a way that allows current athletes to retain their amateur eligibility if they are competing in the NPSL over the summer. The NPSL Reds split their time between the Hummel Bowl, on the campus of Episcopal High School, and Limerick Field, in eastern Alexandria. This review will focus on the experience at the Hummel Bowl. Food & Beverage 1 There was no food or drink available for sale at the Alexandria Reds game when Stadium Journey attended. However, their website indicates that food trucks may be available at select home games, so we will give them one star here for that. Fans are free to bring in their own food or drink as well. Atmosphere 3 The Hummel Bowl is a 2,800-seat stadium used for Episcopal High School's football, soccer, and lacrosse games in addition to hosting the Reds. This means that there are several sets of lines on the field, and it can be confusing which are for soccer. Just remember that the soccer lines are the yellow lines and try to ignore everything else. Seating is available on both sidelines. Generally, Reds fans will sit on the sideline nearest the entrance, while fans of the visitor are directed to the far side, and neutrals can sit anywhere. However, this is not enforced except perhaps when a large number of visiting fans are expected. There is a marked "Quiet Zone" behind the Alexandria bench, where fans are asked to not be as loud as they otherwise would be so bench personnel can be heard. However, in practice, nobody sites here. Views can be obstructed by the tents covering the benches and officials' area, especially in the lower rows, but most fans choose to sit in the top few rows to avoid this. All seats are bleachers without backs, but there are a few seats in the top row that enable you to lean back on the press box wall. This is a pretty basic matchday experience. The PA announcer will announce goals, cards, etc. but other than that there is not much going on. You will be able to hear all the shouting between players on the field, conversations with the referees, etc. Some soccer purists will enjoy this, while other people may find it incredibly boring. Although the stadium is far larger than it needs to be for the crowds the Reds draw, the sidelines are very close to the front of the bleachers, making it feel smaller than it is. You will be close to the action, wherever you sit. A scoreboard is located behind one goal and only shows the clock and score. There is room for other information, but this is for football and is extraneous for soccer. Neighborhood 4 The Hummel Bowl is located on the grounds of Episcopal High School. Although it is in a mainly residential neighborhood, the Bradlee Shopping Center is just down West Braddock Road at the intersection with King Street (Route 7). There are several options here, including the Beeliner Diner, &Pizza, and Duck Donuts. The Old Town neighborhood a few miles east is one of the nicest parts of the entire metropolitan area. Visitors will find riverfront views and streets lined with restaurants, shops, and more. As Alexandria is a very diverse area, you will find ethnic food of just about every nationality, whether it’s Bolivian, Salvadoran, or Italian. Il Porto Ristorante has fantastic Italian food and is conveniently located just up King Street from Pop’s Old Fashion Ice Cream, where you can finish off your meal with homemade ice cream. Hotels are ample in supply as well – check out the Old Town or Crystal City areas. Fans 2 A few dozen fans attended the Reds game that Stadium Journey visited, and considering this is the fourth division of American soccer, these are typical crowds. The fans are almost exclusively local Alexandrians or others from the surrounding area, though there will be a few visiting fans as well. While most of the Reds' opponents do not have large fan bases at home, yet alone on the roads, the Annapolis Blues are known for their large fan base, so if the Reds are playing them, expect a good number of away supporters to make the trip. Otherwise, you will probably be able to count the number of away fans on one hand. Access 3 The Hummel Bowl is located at Episcopal High School off West Braddock Road, a short distance from the intersection of Route 7 and I-395. Make sure you punch 4250 West Braddock Road into your GPS - if you simply enter the Hummel Bowl it may take you to the wrong side of the stadium, where only players and staff can park. Once you are on the right side of the stadium, there is a small lot, part paved and part grass, although it almost never fills up. Additional parking is available down the road at Minnie Howard High School if necessary. Keep in mind the lot is gated (as is the rest of the school) and when Stadium Journey visited, the gate was initially closed and did not open until shortly before the stadium did (an hour before game time.) Plan accordingly. Once you park, signage will direct you to the stadium. You will walk down a path, then across a soccer field to the ticket tent, where you can buy tickets if you don't already have them. The soccer field you will walk across is a practice field. Although there is a small set of bleachers, this is not where the game is played. Do not sit in these bleachers or you will miss the game and just watch nothing for several hours. Restrooms are available behind one goal and are of a sufficient size for the crowds. Keep in mind it takes a couple of minutes to walk here from the seating area. As mentioned above, when the Reds are playing Annapolis, the Blues will bring many fans with them, so parking and restrooms will likely be more difficult to access. Return on Investment 4 Tickets are $15 for adults and $10 for youth, with kids under five getting in free. This is a relatively high price for this level of play and basic matchday experience, but certainly won't break the bank. You can purchase tickets online in advance or at the ticket tent on gameday, but cash is not accepted. For doubleheaders with the WPSL or UPSL, your ticket gets you into both matches. Extras 1 One star here for the chance to see two soccer games on one ticket - the NPSL game plus either the UPSL or NPSL game. Final Thoughts If coming to a Reds game, keep in mind this is fourth-division soccer and set your expectations accordingly. This is, as you would expect, a fairly simple experience. You get to watch soccer up close and have an enjoyable summer afternoon, and it's hard to argue with that. It may not be the premier soccer venue in the region, but stadium chasers, soccer groundhoppers, NPSL fans, and local Alexandrians will certainly enjoy taking in a Reds game at the Hummel Bowl.

Photos by Richard Smith, Stadium Journey Philadelphia and cheesesteaks go hand in hand. This iconic sandwich is practically synonymous with the city, much like pizza is to New York. The cheesesteak's origins can often be traced back to the 1930s, with the Olivieri brothers often credited for its creation. Their hot dog stand in South Philly saw the birth of this delicious invention: a sandwich with thinly sliced ribeye steak fried with onions on a long Italian roll. The key ingredient, however, arrived a decade later. In the 1940s, a manager at the Olivieri brothers' restaurant is said to have added melted provolone cheese to the mix, solidifying the cheesesteak's place in Philly's culinary history. For tourists, the Oliveri's stand, Pat's, and their neighbors, Geno's, unfairly steal the cheesesteak spotlight. Their prime location across from each other and their long-standing rivalry make them a popular destination. The truth is, many Philadelphians swear by other cheesesteak joints scattered throughout the city. These shops often boast more unique variations on the classic cheesesteak, with different cheeses, toppings, and roll options. So, if you're looking for a more authentic Philly cheesesteak experience, it's worth venturing beyond Pat's and Geno's. Ask locals for their recommendations or seek out shops with a strong reputation in different neighborhoods. You might just discover your own favorite cheesesteak hidden gem. This writer prefers Philip's Steaks on Passyunk or Tony and Nick's Steaks on Oregon. Tony and Nick's Steaks is a nice quick trip off of I-95, so quick that it is located almost directly under that major highway. It is also the Original Tony Luke's cheesesteak shop but with some family drama, compounded by an IRS fraud case, caused a name change. You will still find other locations branded as Tony Luke's around the area and at the ballpark. Tony and Nick's is also a good stop if on the way to an event at the nearby 2300 Arena, the former ECW Arena. With all this food glory, can you find a good sandwich at Citizen Bank Park? We decided to explore this situation at a game we attended recently. We found three strong cheesesteak options, along with a few more different types of offerings. Since we talked about Tony Luke's earlier we decided to stop at their stand along the concourse. They offer a very good version of the iconic item for $15.99, which is not much higher than other locations in the area. This stand also offers a fine Roast Pork sandwich, another local favorite. Located not far away is another legitimate option in Campo's. This is a popular family-run eatery serving up cheesesteaks, hoagies & specialty sandwiches since 1947 in the area. The ballpark location also sells its famous beef or chicken option known as "The Heater". This option is known as the official cheesesteak of the Phillies, as well as the 76ers, and Flyers, and takes it up a notch with jalapeños, buffalo wing hot sauce, and jalapeño cheddar. Uncle Charlie's Steaks, in a small stand behind Section 109, named after 2008 world champion Charlie Manuel, has a good option served with Herr's potato chips for $17.99. Those are the three main options but you can get a Cauliflower Cheese Steak, with Roasted Cauliflower, Poblano Peppers, Vegan Cheese Sauce, and Sauteed Onions on a Vegan Roll, at Harry the K's restaurant. This is a good healthy option. An option for those with gluten issues is the Gluten-Free Dedicated Stand behind section 122. There is a gluten-free cheesesteak, along with other options such as hot dogs, salads, and brownies. The answer to our question, can you get a good Philly Cheesesteak at Citizen Bank Park, we say the answer is very much a yes. This doesn't mean you couldn't ( and likely should) get another sandwich before or after the game as well. You only live once.

Photos by Lance Sutehall, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.86 Alabama A&M Events Center 4200 Memorial Pkwy NW Huntsville, AL 35210 Alabama A&M Bulldogs website Alabama A&M Events Center website Year Opened: 2022 Capacity: 6,000 The Bulldogs Got A New Building In the city of Huntsville sits the campus of Alabama A&M University, one of the largest historically black colleges and universities (HBCUs) in the state. The athletic teams are known as the Bulldogs and since moving to Division One in 1998 the school’s athletic programs compete in the Southwestern Athletic Conference (SWAC). The Bulldogs basketball program played basketball at the T.E. Elmore Gymnasium from 1974 until 2022. The basketball program succeeded at the Division Two level with ten NCAA tournaments and four elite eight appearances before jumping to Division One. The Bulldogs won the 2005 SWAC tournament. The basketball teams moved to the new Alabama A&M Events Center in 2022 leaving behind the volleyball team that continues to call Elmore home. The Bulldogs hope their new venue will help raise the profile of their basketball program. Food & Beverage 2 Three concession stands are selling classic stadium concessions such as hot dogs ($3), chicken tenders ($6), nachos ($4), popcorn ($3), peanuts ($1), and Coca-Cola brand beverages ($4). Alcohol is not sold at the arena and the stands are cashless. Atmosphere 4 The venue's exterior includes a brick Alabama A&M logo on the ground and a main entrance with glass doors. The students walk upstairs passing by an Alabama A&M logo on the wall to enter the student section. Once inside the main entrance, there is a giant maroon and white Alabama A&M logo that you pass by before walking a flight of stairs to head to the seating bowl. The seats are all chair backs and there are only twenty-one rows meaning that there is not a bad seat in the house. The floor has a bulldog logo at center court and the out-of-bounds area is maroon. There are two scoreboards with each one being behind a basket. Alabama A&M has a very proud and loud band that plays during the breaks in action and has a halftime show that is so loud you can’t hear yourself talking. An emcee also walks around the arena throughout the game to help keep the energy going throughout the game. The cheerleaders and dance team also do their part to keep the atmosphere at a high level. Neighborhood 3 Huntsville is one of the South’s rising cities but to get the most out of a trip to Huntsville you will need to go 4 miles south of the Alabama A&M campus and head downtown. Attractions downtown include the Huntsville Depot Museum, Big Spring International Park, and Huntsville Escape Rooms. If you are willing to travel 5 miles west of downtown I highly recommend spending some time at the U.S. Rocket and Space Center. Dining options in Huntsville include Big Ed’s for pizza, Jack Brown’s for burgers, and Thai Garden. Bars include Catacomb 405, Baker & Able, and Miller’s Tavern. For lodging accommodations, chain hotels such as Hampton, Spring Hill, and Embassy Suites are available. Fans 3 The fans are very passionate about the Bulldogs and show their appreciation for their efforts on the court. The band, cheerleaders, dance team, and emcee all help the fans keep a high amount of energy throughout the game. Access 3 From I-65 you turn onto I-565 and drive until you get to exit 19B in Huntsville when you merge left onto Highway 431. The arena will be on your right and is very obvious when driving by the venue. There is free parking in a field by the arena (parking directly by the arena was reserved when I visited). After walking by the side of the arena and entering the lobby the walkways were wide enough, there were enough restrooms, and the concession stands did not have long lines. The only complaint is leaving the field parking after the game takes a long time as there is only one exit point. Return on Investment 3 Adult general admission tickets go for $20 and typically include both a women’s and men’s game. Children can attend for $10 provided a parent or guardian accompanies them. If you pay $10 for concessions that means you pay $30 for a day of SWACtion. A date night at the Events Center will be $60 while a family of four is likely to drop around $100. You are getting two games and performances from one of the most proud bands in the country for your money. Extras 2 As of the writing of this article, this is the newest college basketball arena in the state of Alabama. Final Thoughts Alabama A&M has a modern arena that can be a tough place for opponents to play at. The fans hope that the new arena can help the Bulldogs become a more competitive basketball program.

Paul Caputo is the host of the Baseball by Design podcast and contributor to the website SportsLogos.net . Tonight, we are talking about minor-league baseball logos and more! Audio versions of the Stadium Journey podcast can be found by searching HIAC Talk Radio wherever you look for your favorite podcasts. Video simulcasts of all the Stadium Journey podcasts can be found on Stadium Journey's YouTube page. Join us live as we record every other Monday on our social media streaming channels.

Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.00 Amerant Bank Arena 1 Panther Pkwy Sunrise, FL 33323 Florida Panthers website Amerant Bank Arena website Year Opened: 1998 Capacity: 19,250 Florida Hockey as Good as Ever Editors Note: The arena name changed to Amerant Bank Arena in Sept, 2023. During recent seasons, the Florida Panthers were known in the news for being the team that had a franchise-low for attendance. In addition, they experienced the smallest season-opener crowd in franchise history. The few fans that showed up could carry on conversations in the upper deck that could clearly be heard in the lower bowl. However, an injection of young talent and a streamlined stadium experience has led to a growing crowd and an even better game day atmosphere. A new logo and a new feel make it a different experience than that of the past. BB&T Center is located in Sunrise, Florida, more than 30 miles north of downtown Miami. The arena has been the home of the Panthers since it opened in 1998, and has a capacity 19,250 when aligned for hockey. Food & Beverage 4 As with any sports arena, food and drinks include the standards of burgers, fries, hot dogs, and chicken fingers. However, the 2016 season saw a complete renovation of the food offerings at BB&T Center, adding specialty items scattered throughout the arena. One of the biggest draws for beverages is the Tim Horton’s coffee carts in the arena, a must-have for coffee lovers and hockey fans alike. A candy-only station and an all-kosher food station are available in addition to the traditional fare. The stadium also features a full-menu version of Subway in the lower concourse that is open during games. However, a buffalo chicken cheesesteak, while amazing and delicious, will cost you $15, not including a drink or side of fries. Pricing is higher than you would pay at a restaurant or store, but that won’t come as a shock to most sports fans. The bottomless soda that comes in a collectible cup for $11 is a must-have for large families who don’t mind sharing a drink and running down to refill it throughout the evening. Atmosphere 3 Panthers games have experienced a mix of atmospheres – the Panthers now draw a solid crowd, when in years past it would have remained relatively empty. The fans at Florida Panthers games are also becoming more knowledgeable, aided in no small part by the influx of exciting young talent to a team with grizzled veterans. Another factor that affects the game day experience is the visiting fans. South Florida is a haven for Canadian snowbirds who come down for the winter, and while here, they pack BB&T Center whenever the Jets, Canucks, Canadiens, Flames, Maple Leafs, Senators, or Oilers come to town, creating a near-home arena effect for these visitors. In addition, similar crowds arrive for Bruins, Rangers, and Flyers games, making for a unique atmosphere. The arena itself has also had minor makeovers in the past year. The new logo is everywhere, and things like pylons and doorways have been decorated in red wrapping as well, adding to the feel that this is the home of the Florida Panthers. Neighborhood 4 BB&T Center is situated in a great area of South Florida – nestled literally on the edge of the Everglades, the other side of the arena is bordered by Sawgrass Mills Mall, full of shopping and eating options. Several nice neighborhoods also surround the area, with homes always looking well-manicured and roads remaining clean and clear. The people are also friendly and welcoming. When looking for a place to stay, hotels are easy to find both in the immediate surrounding area and several exits to the north, south, and east on either I-75 or I-595. Restaurants at the mall across the street include the likes of California Pizza Kitchen and Cheesecake Factory, as well as simpler locations like Chili’s and Steak ‘n Shake. Fans 3 Having to deal with many of the aforementioned issues, fans in South Florida are among the worst when it comes to being fair-weather fans. However, the Panthers are unique as they have a small but extremely passionate fan base and group of season ticket holders that buy into the team wholeheartedly. These fans buy every new jersey and every new gimmick the team comes out with (beware the cow bells from the late 2000s PR push), and they scream as loud as anyone in the league, when they show up. But the recent influx of talent and subsequent winning streaks has also begun to re-attract some past fans who had lost their faith and interest in the Panthers. Access 5 Getting to BB&T Center is very easy. The arena is situated literally feet from one of the biggest highway interchanges in South Florida (where I-75 and I-595 meet), giving equal access from Miami to the south, Fort Lauderdale to the east, Fort Myers to the west, and Palm Beach to the north. Additionally, there is an exit right off the highway that literally empties into the parking lot of the venue. Parking on site can run upwards of $20, but it is plentiful. Thanks to a corporate partnership, if you happen to be driving a Lexus you’ll get free parking onsite right in front of the stadium entrance. Return on Investment 4 For the average fan looking to tick off a stadium from their list of NHL arenas, BB&T Center is a decent one to visit. The Panthers are hit-or-miss in terms of on-ice performance, but lately the trend has been moving upward. While food may be a little too pricey for most, the quality of the on-ice product is on the rise. There is also a lot to see at the games, which makes the atmosphere a lot more fun than it has been in the past. Extras 5 During pre-game, all fans are allowed to visit the ice level seats to watch practices for both teams. This can be quite an experience for someone who can only afford tickets to the upper level. Some fans also may get a free puck from time to time. Throughout the game, there are entertaining games played by fans, and the in-arena host gives away prize packs or tickets to an upcoming concert. Fans can also get some quality used uniforms and team merchandise in the old-time sports store located in the lower concourse. Right next to that is the Den of Honor, a hall of fame of sorts for the Panthers to honor the greats who have passed through the team, and to help the fans relive some of the team’s most memorable and influential moments. If you want to see how a pre-game show is taped, fans can get up close to the pre-show on the outside patio right in front of the entrance. Or, if you want to relax outside and sample a cigar, there is an outside patio on the north side of the facility which features beautiful shade trees and lighting, with patio furniture and a cigar stand by the doorway – this lets you live the Miami lifestyle with relative ease. Final Thoughts All-in-all, BB&T Center is family friendly and provides a quaint atmosphere. The last few seasons are proving that this quaint atmosphere can also swell into a roaring crowd, thanks to successful records. In addition, a better game day experience has led to a more welcoming environment. The Panthers are definitely on the upswing, and a visit to BB&T Center will certainly reflect that trend.

Photos by Michael Rusignuolo and Paul Baker, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.86 Hinchliffe Stadium 186 Maple St. Paterson, NJ 07522 New Jersey Jackals website Hinchliffe Stadium website Year Opened: 1932 (renovated 2023) Capacity: 7,500 A Noble Project There are only four stadia still standing that once hosted Negro League baseball games. Not long ago, that number was in danger of dropping to three. Hinchliffe Stadium in Paterson, NJ, was built during the depression and named for then-Mayor John Hinchliffe. Hinchliffe made his fortune in brewing before closing operations during Prohibition. Over the years, Hinchliffe Stadium hosted numerous events, including football, boxing and even auto racing. Local high schools used the stadium extensively. Duke Ellington and Abbott and Costello even performed here (Lou Costello was a Paterson native). However, Hinchliffe might have been more renowned as a baseball venue, as it was home to both the New York Black Yankees and New York Cubans at times during their histories. Hinchliffe Stadium was overseen by the Paterson School District, who was responsible for upkeep and maintenance. Over the years, as the school system declined and suffered budgetary restrictions, funds formerly allocated to the stadium were diverted for more urgent needs. While the facility was still used heavily into the 1990s, by the end of the 1996-97 school year the stadium was closed and demolition was threatened. In 2009 Paterson (NJ) City Councilor Andre Sayegh visited Rickwood Field in Birmingham, AL. The visit inspired him that the crumbling old stadium in his hometown could be similarly restored to its former glory. He vowed that if he became mayor of Paterson he would fight to make this a reality. When Sayegh was elected mayor in 2018, he, along with the non-profit “Friends of Hinchliffe Stadium,” secured $95 million in funds to restore and upgrade the facility. However, there was a catch. A professional baseball team had to use Hinchliffe as their home park. Enter the New Jersey Jackals. The Jackals, who had played for 25 years at Yogi Berra Stadium on the campus of Montclair State University, announced in August 2022 that they would be moving to Paterson, five miles to the north. The Jackals were founded in 1998, competing in three different leagues over its history. When the floundering Can-Am League merged into the Frontier League, the Jackals were one of five teams invited to join the new circuit. Over their history, the Jackals have won six championships. The Jackals played their first game at Hinchliffe on May 21, 2023 in front of 400 fans. Food & Beverage 2 Concessions are sold from several windows along the first base side of the stadium. A basic menu is available here, with hot dogs, burgers and empanadas anchoring the choices. The usual snack items are also available, ensuring that visiting Jackals fans won’t go hungry should they need something to eat during the game. A Kona Ice truck is stationed right outside the main gate along with the team store, offering a variety of snow cones and cold treats. Cans of Coca-Cola products are sold here, along with a decent selection of adult beverages. Fans looking for some local flavor here will be disappointed, as the menu exclusively features national brands. Atmosphere 2 The Jackals put on a show that will be familiar to veteran minor league fans. Unfortunately, the  size of Hinchliffe Stadium serves to dampen the atmosphere here. When you have a crowd numbering in the hundreds in a facility that seats thousands, much of the energy produced is swallowed up by the emptiness in the ballpark. The scoreboard located at the far end of the stadium in left field appears to have video capabilities but was only used to display player photos and basic game information. The Jackals mascot, Jack, roams the ballpark posing for pictures and interacting with fans. The sound system is excellent and is put to good use with music throughout the game. The on-field emcee takes advantage of this sound system to make as much noise as he can to try and pump up the fans. The PA announcer goes about his job in a more workmanlike fashion. The odd layout of the baseball diamond at Hinchliffe Stadium can either add to or detract from your enjoyment, depending on your philosophical slant. The very short porch in right field with the 30-foot net atop it was cleared with ease several times during Stadium Journey’s visit. The vast empty spaces of Hinchliffe provided ample room for the youngsters in attendance to chase down balls and expend some energy. Neighborhood 2 Paterson is the third largest city in the state of New Jersey, with a population of almost 160,000. Located about 20 miles from New York, Paterson built its reputation as an industrial center in the latter half of the 19th century. It was known as “Silk City” due to the prominence of one of its products. As was the case in many mill towns, Paterson experienced hard times as mills closed and businesses moved elsewhere. At one point Paterson graced the list of the five poorest cities in the United States. Even a cursory glance online will warn visitors of the dangerousness of the city of Paterson. However, if visiting a Jackals game, these fears seem a bit overstated. True, this may not be the most well-to-do neighborhood, but a look around shows the area around Hinchliffe Stadium to be more working class than blighted. As is the case in any large city, there are good and bad areas. That being said, there is little around Hinchliffe Stadium that will beckon fans to stay beyond the last pitch. There are no options as far as dining or lodging are concerned around the ballpark. A couple of restaurants located about a mile southwest of Hinchliffe, Mexico Bar & Grill and Avocado Steakhouse, featured positive reviews, but as mentioned earlier, most fans are likely to get to nearby I-80 as quickly as possible. Hinchliffe Stadium is located within the Paterson Great Falls National Historic Park. The Great Falls of the Passaic River are less than 100 yards from the stadium and are worth a look if you arrive early to a Jackals game. Fans 2 There was much criticism in some circles over the Jackals’ move to Paterson and the cost of the entire stadium renovation project. Overall, fans have been slow to respond to the new home of the Jackals. The official reported attendance is around 2,300 per game, but the eye test shows much smaller crowds. Stadium Journey visited Hinchliffe on a Saturday night in May, and the crowd numbered about 500. Still, the team does have its share of dedicated fans. One such fan, “The Trumpet Guy,” sets up shop in section 114 high above home plate and augments the team’s musical selections throughout the game. Access 3 As you might expect from a ballpark so close to New York City, visitors will have many options for arriving at Hinchliffe Stadium. Interstate 80 and State Highway 19 run just to the south of the ballpark. New Jersey Transit’s 703 and 748 busses stop about a half mile away on West Broadway Street, and the 712 bus runs a few blocks away on Wayne Street. As part of the ballpark’s renovations, a new parking garage was built on the western (third base) side of the stadium. There are a couple of other parking lots in the area, along with some on-street parking for fans who wish to avoid the garage charge. Fans will enter the stadium at the top of the facility behind home plate. Stairs and ramps lead down to the seats from here. All seating consists of aluminum bleachers without backs. Due to the odd layout of the baseball diamond, there are poles and nets throughout Hinchliffe that hamper views. Also, the seats along the first base side of the field are set back a bit from the playing field, and the view is obscured by one of the dugouts. The most desired seats are directly behind home plate, although fans will scatter throughout the stadium. A walkway runs the length of the stadium, allowing access to the concessions, restrooms and distant seating sections. Traffic on this walkway does not impede views of the game at any point. Rest rooms are newly renovated and clean. They are easily large enough for a typical Jackals crowd. Oddly enough during Stadium Journey’s visit, a faucet on the concourse was left open all game, resulting in a waterfall down the stairs and a large puddle on the track behind the dugout. Was the team recreating the Great Falls experience for those fans who missed it? Return on Investment 4 The Jackals provide an affordable, family-friendly entertainment option for local sports fans. Tickets cost $15 for all seats, with options to sit at picnic tables on the field available for those fans who want to splurge. Parking in the garage adjacent to the stadium costs an additional $7. The team recommends you purchase a parking pass in advance, but there are plenty of spots available should you wait until game time. Stadium Journey pulled up to the garage about 90 minutes before game time, and there did not appear to be a charge to park in the garage. Fans wishing to avoid a potential charge will find plenty of on-street parking in the area. Extras 5 The New York Black Yankees called Hinchliffe Stadium home from 1933-1945 with a one-year interruption in 1938. The team honors them, as well as all the other teams to call the stadium home, by flying team flags along Larry Doby Lane, renamed in honor of the baseball Hall of Famer and Paterson native. History oozes from every inch of this art-deco facility. Take a walk around the outside of the ballpark and take in the tiles of ancient athletes participating in numerous track and field events. The original stadium signs have been restored and displayed outside the ballpark. The Great Falls National Park directly adjacent to the stadium is certainly worth a look if you arrive early to the game. The Charles J. Muth Museum is attached to the stadium. It contains artifacts and exhibits that focus not only on local and Negro League baseball history, but other aspects of Hinchliffe Stadium’s history. A final extra point is awarded for the efforts of the city to preserve and restore this historic venue. Final Thoughts While there was a great deal of criticism surrounding the efforts to preserve and restore this historic facility and the Jackals’ subsequent move there, it’s wonderful to be able to step back in time and experience a baseball game in an original Negro League ballpark. While some of the choices made in setting up the field may be questionable, this is a place that every baseball historian should endeavor to visit. Follow Paul Baker’s stadium journeys on Twitter and Instagram @PuckmanRI.

Images Courtesy of ABC-Television A recent discovery on YouTube from the old ABC television show Discovery resurfaced recently. The show was a little before my time, but it aired on Sunday afternoons from 1962-1971 and was geared toward children and teenagers. Each week there would be a different topic and location from around the world. The particular episode focuses on the final days of the 1970 Duluth Dukes baseball team. The show described the episode at the time as a look at minor league players in their small hotel rooms, rundown fields, and rocky bus rides discussing their dreams and goals. The Dukes were members of the Single-A Northern League and an affiliate of the Chicago White Sox. We catch the players mulling around downtown Sioux Falls window shopping as the local Orpheum Theater plays the movie MASH. We also get a few interviews, but the highlight of the episode is the team’s road jerseys that never looked so good in blue. They are no other than the sweet baby blues that the White Sox introduced for the 1964 season. The Sox wore them for 4 seasons, and by this time on the Southside of Chicago, were wearing gray on the road. It looks like at least one of their affiliates had them passed down by the time the 1970s arrived. By the time the uniforms made it down the ranks of the minor league system to Duluth, the jerseys had the Old English Sox logo on the right chest and TV numbers on the left sleeves. The caps are the spitting image of the Detroit Tigers home caps. Perhaps they had been worn by the Evansville White Sox, who had been the top affiliate of the Sox until 1968. Discovery host Bill Owens explains. “Right now, these young athletes are playing small city baseball and uniforms second handed to them by the parent club in Chicago. The uniforms say ‘Sox’ instead of ‘Dukes’, and they’re a little out at the knees. But this is today, and it’s like minor league ball players to better just fair today on a great tomorrow.” Despite being a little ragged and torn at the knees, the uniforms look beautiful and perhaps only a rare time showcased on color film, which has aged well for being close to 54 years old. A few shots showcase the threading, the white outline of the numbers, and the texture of the wool fabric. When this road color was introduced by the Sox in 1964 to reporters before the season, many in attendance thought it was a joke. General Manager Ed Short said the new hues would look better on black-and-white television sets. A few thought it was in response to Charlie Finely’s green and gold uniforms introduced the season before his Kansas City Athletics. The Sox would switch back to gray flannels for the 1968 season, but the following year, the expansion Seattle Pilots and Montreal Expos introduced powder blue road sets, and by 1980, there were 11 clubs sporting powder blue looks on the road in baseball. What makes this discovery fascinating is that today’s audience sees a very rare glimpse of full-color film of the “sweet baby blues” that are only seen on black and white film, photographs, and countless Topps baseball cards from this era, but they never look so good then on this Discovery ‘71 episode. Viewers see the jerseys inside the locker room, during the day at Sioux Falls Stadium, and then at night when the sun goes down. The ballpark opened in 1941 and was renovated in 2000, but what is now known as The Birdcage and home to the Sioux Falls Canary of the American Association still looks somewhat similar. What isn't the same is the multiple advertisements on the outfield walls of long-ago businesses. A few of the ads include E & W clothing which lasted 101 years from 1889 to 1990, Pete's Texaco Truck Stop, Chris's Country Grill, Jay-Shon Chevrolet, and the Kopper Kart Restaurant. Also, in this jersey manager, Joe Sparks is wearing an actual White Sox road jersey from 1964 with the Chicago word mark arched in capital letters. It is a wonderful find from an era when a film from minor league baseball was hard to find. The episodes wind up with the Dukes in their home jerseys, providing a clinic to local Little League players. The home pinstripe sets feature Dukes in the diagonal form down the right chest and look like the home uniforms the parent club wore from 1964-1968. It is during this time we see Wade Stadium, which looks exactly like the same well over 50 years later. The distinctive brick interior and exterior are clearly shown throughout the segment, and even the front entrance has not changed much in the ensuing season. Perhaps a few cosmetic changes and renovations have been made, but the old ballpark is still recognizable. Unfortunately, at both stadiums, the crowds were scarce, maybe a sign of the times of the early 1970s. There were children selling programs in the grandstand while several more jumped up and down the seating or yelled from their seats. It is not an upcoming scene by today’s standards where small crowds are evident at certain times of the year or nights of the week. Sadly, the Dukes folded after the season and almost returned in 1972 as a co-op team in the Northern League. However, six weeks after forming, they pulled out of the loop, and soon after that, the entire league ceased operations. Wade Stadium would be empty of professional baseball for over 20 years until the Dukes and league would be resurrected as an independent league in 1993. The re-discovery of this episode gives us a glimpse of the world of minor league baseball. It was a much different time. The glimpse of the sweet baby blues was a nice surprise to someone like me or fellow old-school baseball uniform lovers. ----- Follow all of Marc’s stadium journeys on Twitter @ballparkhunter and his YouTube channel. Email at Marc.Viquez@stadiumjourney.com

Photo courtesy of Getty Images The WNBA recently began its 28th season in mid-May. Enthusiasm for the league is at an all-time thanks to an influx of exciting rookies, led by number one overall draft pick Caitlin Clark. Across the league, interest has been at its highest since the WNBA’s inaugural season. For fans looking to take part in the action, they are going to have to pay a price, literally – the increased excitement has brought with it a surge in season ticket and merchandise sales across the league. Along with that surge has been an increase in costs for tickets, team apparel, concessions, and more. The online wagering site Bookies.com has calculated what the average cost for a family of four would be to attend a game for each of the league’s 12 teams. This analysis factored in the cost for the lowest-priced tickets, parking, two beers, two sodas, and four hot dogs; on average, fans can expect to spend $274.04 for a game during the 2024 season. According to Bookies.com’s research, this cost is still far lower than the $308.64 needed for the same family of four to attend an NBA game. However, the cost for the most to least expensive WNBA team is wildly disparate. Taking the number one spot for the most expensive team would be a game in the nation’s capital, with the Washington Mystics at Entertainment and Sports Arena – the average cost was determined to be a whopping $418.20, which is somewhat surprising as the Mystics have not won a WNBA title since 2019. The Chicago Sky and the Atlanta Dream round out the top three in terms of most expensive teams to see, with average costs estimated at $378.40 and $356.80, respectively. Perhaps the biggest surprise turned out to be the least expensive team to see; that would be the team who drafted Clark this year and had the number one overall pick last year in Aliyah Boston, the Indiana Fever – to see a game at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis the average cost is just $180.64, which is quite a bargain, but Fever fans should not expect it to stay this low for long. Image courtesy of Bookies.com ----- Follow Eric Moreno's Stadium Journey on X at @EricMoreno6477.

Photos by Gregory Koch, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.86 Audi Field 100 Potomac Avenue Washington DC 20024 DC Defenders website Audi Field website Year Opened: 2018 Capacity: 20,000 A New Football Team In Town...Again The DC Defenders are the newest football team in the Washington, D.C. area. Originally a member of the second incarnation of the XFL in 2020, their season was canceled shortly after it began due to the COVID-19 pandemic. They then joined yet another edition of the XFL. In 2024, the XFL and USFL merged to form the UFL, and the Defenders moved over to that league where they found yet another home. The Defenders play their home games at Audi Field, which is primarily a soccer stadium and is the home of DC United and the Washington Spirit. Food & Beverage 5 Audi Field has a wide range of concessions that should satisfy any fan’s palette, many of which are provided by celebrity chef Jose Andres. In addition to classic options such as burgers and pizza, fans can pick from more unique options such as pupusas and arepas. The stadium's concessions seem more designed for the demographics of soccer fans than football fans, but there is still plenty to enjoy. . Prices can be quite high, with one meal costing $20-$25 between the meal and a soda or water, even more, if you are planning to drink alcohol at the game. Atmosphere 4 Other than the Standing Room section behind one end zone, every seat in Audi Field is a chairback, and no matter where you watch the game from, you will have a great view of the action. There are two levels, although 200-level seats are only located on one sideline, above the suites. There is a large video board behind the SRO section as well as a smaller board on the other end that is capable of showing the video as well as the score and advertisements. Before the game, the Defenders run onto the field as staff carry flags with the Defenders' logo on them. The PA announcer attempts to hype the crowd at times but isn't always successful. A lot is going on on the concourse as well, including games fans can play for a chance to win prizes. The Defenders do keep fans engaged, which is always good for the atmosphere. Neighborhood 4 Audi Field is located in an up-and-coming part of D.C., near Buzzard Point. There is currently a lot of construction going on around the stadium, so expect it to improve even more in the future. For now, All About Burger is a popular local burger place located a few blocks from the stadium, Bonchon serves up Korean-style fried chicken nearby, and there are other options closer to Nationals Park. Of course, you are in Washington, D.C., so there is plenty to do if you head towards the National Mall, and much of it is free. Just keep in mind if you want to tour the White House or Capitol, you will need to book that in advance. Fans 4 While the Defenders will rarely fill up Audi Field, they do draw reasonably well. The fans who show up are loud, passionate, and occasionally profane. They cheer on the Defenders and will often get on the referees' case when they feel a call hasn't gone their way (and will often complain even about an correct call that goes against the Defenders.) This is a loud and tough crowd, so be prepared, although they aren't likely to cause any real trouble for anyone. The fans in the Standing Room section are known for being especially loud and passionate, as well as probably drunker than the rest of the stadium. They are also legendary for building a giant beer snake every game out of discarded beer cups. You can watch it grow as the game goes on. Access 3 When going to Audi Field, your best bet is to use public transit or a rideshare service like Uber or Lyft. If taking the Metro, take the Green Line to Navy Yard-Ballpark and walk about ten minutes to the stadium. Keep in mind, however, that there is often trackwork on Metro, particularly on weekends and during the summer, resulting in single tracking and/or the closing of stations entirely. Be sure to check in advance. If driving in, you can park at one of the stations in suburban Maryland and take the Metro from there so you do not have to contend with D.C. traffic. Crowds will be large on the train after the game, although if you park at the Branch Avenue station in Southern Maryland, you will be taking the Green Line in the opposite direction from most fans so it will be far less packed once you board. If you do arrive at the stadium (whether one driven by you or an Uber/Lyft driver) there is a lot of construction surrounding the stadium right now so it may be hard to figure out how to get right there, although an Uber/Lyft driver should be able to get you close. Parking is very limited and can be purchased in advance through SpotHero, but the cheapest spots will cost about $25 and can be located a 15-minute walk from the stadium. To get closer will cost you twice to four times that. There is still no dedicated team-run parking lot at Audi Field, run by either the Defenders, D.C. United, or the Spirit. Return on Investment 3 Tickets start at $16 for upper-level seats and can go up to $80 for seats near midfield. the Standing Room section is $32. However, with Ticketmaster fees, all of these are a lot more. Concessions are expensive as well, and transit to the stadium may or may not be depending on if you are willing to walk from the Metro. Even then, for a family of four, round trip fare will be about $30-$40 depending on where you are coming from. So this makes a Defenders game an average value, but no more. Extras 4 The unique food offerings are an extra as it is. Look for a team store on the concourse selling Defenders' gear. A third star for the games on the concourse that provides fans an opportunity to win prizes. A fourth and final star for the giant beer snake formed by the fans in the standing room section each game. This is a unique tradition that is always entertaining. Final Thoughts There has been much instability in spring football leagues, and the DC Defenders are no exception. They have found yet another league to play in, the UFL, and have built up a decent fan following. Hopefully, the league sticks around long enough for the fan base to grow further.

Photos by Emma Sutherland, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.43 Wheeler Sports Center 1200 Fulton St Newberg, OR 97132 George Fox Bruins website Wheeler Sports Center website Year Opened: 1977 Capacity: 2,700 George Fox Basketball Located on George Fox’s picturesque campus inside Wheeler Sports Center, Miller Gymnasium provides a great experience for college basketball. The gym holds 2700 fans who attend to cheer on the Bruins, who play in the NCAA III Division, Northwest Conference. Food & Beverage 2 Basketball games at Miller Gymnasium offer your typical stadium concessions. For food, hot dogs and popcorn are available, and Coca-Cola products are your options for drinks. While it is hard to compete with the incredible variety provided by the food trucks at Bruin football games, more options for food and beverages at basketball games would enhance the experience. Atmosphere 3 Miller Gymnasium offers a nostalgic, vintage feel while still being spacious and comfortable. Plenty of seating on both sides of the court offers great views of the action. While the bleachers extend far up to the top of the gym, the width of the building ensures you are not too far from the game. An energetic announcer, along with a well-placed scoreboard in the sight of every seat, keeps the crowd entertained and informed. Neighborhood 5 With downtown Newberg just a 10-minute walk away, Wheeler Sports Center is close to several great restaurants and local shops. Newberg itself has been ranked as one of the safest places in Oregon, and with it being extremely walkable, everything you need is within a few blocks. Newberg provides a wide variety of dining options. A few personal favorites include Thai the Knot (just down the street from the stadium) and Old Town Bar and Grill. Several fast food restaurants are located on the other side of town, which is just a short drive away. Besides great restaurants, Newberg has several local shops, which include antique and clothing stores. Velour (vintage clothing and decor) and Wine Country Antiques are two of my favorite places to shop. A movie theater as well as a drive-in theater can also be found in Newberg. If you are looking to drive a bit, Portland is about 40 minutes from Newberg and has endless options for entertainment, including the zoo, OMSI, as well as many restaurants and bars. Options for lodging in Newberg include a Best Western and a Holiday Inn. Fans 3 Fans typically dress in the Old Gold and Navy Blue George Fox colors to attend games and cheer on the Bruins. Students are passionate about their team and stay involved throughout the action. While it can vary between regular season and tournament games, the gym is usually at half to three-quarters capacity. Access 5 The layout of Wheeler Sports Center makes everything easy to locate. The concessions are located just outside the gym in the lobby, and restrooms are close by. The gym itself is spacious, with plenty of room for fans to sit on both sides of the court. While there is no longer public transit service in Newberg, the town is small enough to be easily walkable anywhere around the stadium. Uber and Lyft rides are available in Newberg. Parking is available just down the street from the stadium off Fulton Street. Other parking lots are available around campus off of Villa and Meridian. Street parking is also available near campus but usually fills up quickly. For easy access to the front doors of the gym, a bridge is located between the Fulton Street Parking lot and Wheeler. While season tickets are not available for Bruin basketball games, tickets can be bought at the door. Return on Investment 5 With ticket prices being $10 for adults and $5 for kids under 18, seeing a basketball game at George Fox is an affordable way to spend your evening. Parking on campus or in the neighborhood is free. . Extras 1 When attending a basketball game at Wheeler, be sure to check out the George Fox Hall of Fame, located just inside the lobby next to the concessions. Final Thoughts Wheeler Sports Center is a great venue to see local Bruin basketball. Newberg is a great community to visit, and the close proximity of the gymnasium to town makes everything you need within walking distance.

Photos by Michael Davis, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.71 Lupton Stadium 3700 Berry St Fort Worth, TX 76109 TCU Horned Frogs website Lupton Stadium website Year Opened: 2003 Capacity: 4,500 Texas Christian University Baseball Charlie and Marie Lupton Baseball Stadium at Williams-Reilly Field is located on the TCU campus in Fort Worth, Texas, and is home to the Texas Christian University baseball program. Lupton Stadium is named for Charlie and Marie Lupton in recognition of a $2 million gift from the Brown-Lupton Foundation, of which Charlie was a founder back in 1944. The playing surface at Lupton Stadium is natural grass with dimensions of 330 feet down the lines, 385 feet to the power alleys, and 400 feet to center field. The double-decker stadium has a capacity of 4,500 and features a cantilevered roof that covers part of the stadium’s grandstands, which helps keep fans protected from the unpredictable Texas weather. Lupton Stadium has had a few renovations in its 20 years of operations – the G. Malcolm Louden Player Development Center was constructed before the 2015 season and features a hitting facility and a Field Turf practice area. Following the development center’s construction a new player’s facility was also added, which includes the home team locker room, team lounge, sports medicine center, equipment room, team classroom, coaches’ offices, and an alumni locker room. The renovations also included the addition of a new 40′ x 23′ video scoreboard in left-center field, as well as the installation of new outfield fences and a general admission grass berm beyond the right field wall. Lupton Stadium has played host to two conference tournaments (2008, 2009), nine NCAA Regional tournaments between 2009 through 2023, and three NCAA Super Regionals (2014, 2015, and 2023). Food & Beverage   3 Lupton Stadium is packed with enough food options that the concourse can’t hold all the food stands, so the TCU Grill, State Fair, and Bobby’s Fajitas are located outside the main concourse along the walkway. The TCU Grill serves burgers and chicken sandwiches for $8.50, while the State Fair stand offers funnel cake, corn dogs, fat free chills, and fresh squeezed lemonade for $5 each. However, Bobby’s Fajitas is the place for Mexican food – the fajita quesadilla and fajita nachos cost $12, regular fajitas tacos cost $5, and a meat and bean burrito or cheese quesadilla run $6 each. Inside the concourse on either side of the baselines, the stadium offers your regular stadium fare of chopped beef sandwiches ($8) and hot dogs ($6). There are also several menu choices for $5 including pretzel, peanuts, fresh fruit cups, and sunflower seeds. Depending on the size popcorn will cost either $4.50 or $7, while regular nachos are $5.50 and candy is $4. Lupton Stadium serves Coca-Cola product at $5 for 24oz, while the larger 32oz size is the better value at $6.50. Other beverages on the menu are sweet tea ($6), 20oz bottled water ($5), and hot chocolate ($4). There is alcohol sold inside the ballpark, though an ID wristband is required to show verification – the beer selection is Coors/Coors Lite or Michelob Ultra, and you can also get wine spritzers; all of these selections cost $9.25. Atmosphere   4 Most of TCU’s baseball games during the season are held on the weekends, with a single game during the week each season. Lupton Stadium has country music being played as you walk towards the entrance, and there are free programs and posters on tables inside the concourse. Behind home plate there is also a lineup card for both teams, as well as a display showing the current Big 12 baseball standings. During the game there are free contests, such as Baseball Bingo, that help you really get into the game, and between innings there is plenty of music, including Sweet Caroline at the top of the sixth, and the traditional seventh inning stretch song, “Take Me Out to the Ballgame”. The atmosphere at Lupton Stadium is always a great one, especially when the noise level reaches certain heights – one of those heights is when a visiting player has 2 strikes, or during other key game situations. It can become electrifying as fans stomp their feet on the metal underneath the bleachers or when the Horned Frogs score – the T-C-U chant can then be heard outside the stadium in the parking lots. Also, regardless of the final score, the TCU baseball team along with the Horned Frog fans sing the alma mater at the end of each game. Neighborhood   4 The Texas Christian University campus is located about 4 miles from downtown Fort Worth, and Lupton Stadium is on the southwest corner of campus. The campus is divided by University Drive, which is the location of a few restaurants popular with TCU students. Buffalo Bros is a sponsor of TCU baseball and a popular place for all TCU fans. Fans flock to this local sports bar, which serves New York Style wings, pizza, and subs. Dutch’s Hamburgers, a burger and beer café that faces campus, is also a great place to eat before attending a TCU event. Dutch’s namesake is Leo “Dutch” Meyer, a TCU grad who became the most successful football coach in football history. But Texas is also big on BBQ, and one eatery listed in Texas’ Monthly Top 50 is Heim’s BBQ, not far from TCU’s campus. There are several tourist attractions in Fort Worth near campus – Fort Worth Zoo on University Drive near the Colonial Country Club is a good place for families. Another option is the Cultural District which has several museums, including the world famous Kimbell Art Museum and Will Rogers Memorial Center, home of the annual Fort Worth Stock Show and Rodeo, both of which are within 5 miles of Lupton Stadium. In addition, a trip to the Fort Worth Stockyards is a must when visiting the Fort Worth area, located just a few miles on the other side of downtown. Fort Worth provides many options for lodging near TCU’s campus – a few suggestions include Sheraton Fort Worth Hotel (1701 Commerce), Courtyard by Marriott Fort Worth (3150 Riverfront Drive), and Fairfield Inn & Suites (1505 S University Dr. Fort Worth). Fans   4 Texas Christian University is a private school with an undergraduate enrollment of nearly 9,000 students, and the estimated number of living TCU alumni is about 88,800, which produces the sense of a close-knit community, making TCU fans support genuine. Horned Frog also fans rank 15th among Division I baseball programs in terms of attendance, with an average of 4,287 last season. When visiting Lupton Stadium you will see plenty of purple and white Horned Frogs apparel, from the youngest child to the most senior adult. Most fans are polite, friendly, and just love their Horned Frogs despite the result on the field. Access   3 Lupton Stadium is located off West Berry Street on the southwest corner of TCU’s campus, near Bayard H. Friedman Tennis Center and Lowdon Track & Field Complex, both of which are about a mile from the center of campus. The main parking lot for baseball games is Lot 13 on Bellaire Drive N, between the soccer and baseball fields. However, on the other side of Bellaire Drive N you may park for free along the streets in the neighborhood – just follow the other cars that will be parked, and be observant of street signs, fire hydrants, and driveways when parking your vehicle. Lupton Stadium has four entrances, with the first two behind home plate – a lower entrance and an upper entrance, both of which are near the ticket booth. Either way there will be stairs, since there is only one concourse, but there is a ramp for people requiring handicap access. In addition to the two entrances behind home plate there is a third entrance behind right field off W. Berry Street, as well as a fourth entrance along the third baseline, which is mostly for students. Once inside Lupton Stadium the walkway concourse is narrow, but perfectly adequate for the crowd size. The signage here provides easy navigation for everything from restrooms and concessions to the seating sections. The bathrooms are okay for small crowds, but with larger crowds there is some backup into the small concourse, as well as lines at the concessions. There are plans for future renovations to widen the concourses, however, which will include new restrooms and renovating the main entrance. The lower level at Lupton Stadium has individual seats, while the upper level consists of metal benches built above the dugouts. The stadium also has suites located between the seating levels that connect to the concourse. Along the right field line near the visitor’s bullpen there is also a large, tiered grass berm that extends around the right field foul pole almost to center field – while this large berm provides an area for kids to play, it also serves as the general admission seating area when the reserved seating is sold out. However, all the reserved seating except for the patio area is protected by netting, so the large berm area is an excellent place to stand for a clearer view of the game. Note that all TCU sporting venues use the clear bag policy, which states that only clear plastic bags will be allowed into the venue. Return on Investment   4 Single game tickets at Lupton Stadium are $18 (adult) or $12 (youth), with general admission in the grass berm and behind the right field fence. Unfortunately the general admission ticket price is the same as the price for reserved seating, which lowers the return on investment – general admission tickets are only offered once the reserved seating is sold out. A trip to Lupton Stadium provides a great fun-filled day which includes free parking, low-cost concessions, and a baseball program which has frequent appearances in the post season, with 6 trips to Omaha and the College World Series in the past 15 years. Extras   4 Historical information at Lupton Stadium includes signs showing players who have gone on to the professional baseball ranks, the stadium’s façade showing past team accomplishments, and the foul and flag poles having been brought over from the program’s former home TCU Diamond. The Texas Christian University mascot is also one of the best mascots in college sports. The various promotions throughout the year that the TCU staff incorporates into the home schedule are also a plus, such as the St Paddy’s Day cap, All-Star sleepover, Kids Days, and the concessions specials.

Photos by David Welch, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.57 Pete Hanna Stadium 800 Lakeshore Dr Homewood, AL 35229 Samford Bulldogs website Pete Hanna Stadium website Year Opened: 1958 Capacity: 6,700 Bobby Bowden Field at Pete Hanna Stadium – Samford University Bulldogs Note that the stadium name changed from Seibert Stadium to Pete Hanna Stadium in 2023. Tucked away on the back side of Red Mountain in the Birmingham, Alabama suburb of Homewood is the campus of Samford University. The southern Baptist-based university with an enrollment of just under 6,000 students has been a member of the Football Championship Series (FCS) Southern Conference since 2008. Despite the smaller setting, game days on Samford’s campus come with all the feel of college football game days in the south. Food & Beverage 5 Pete Hanna Stadium has little in the way of in-house concessions stands except a couple of Coca-Cola trailers on each side of the stadium – rather they make use of several local food trucks from the surrounding area, which provide fans with a wide variety of choices. Cricket’s Sweets & Treats with different flavors of lemonade is a popular option on hot afternoons, and other food trucks serve many high-quality options. Dog Nation specializes in combination hot dogs, sausages, and burgers, while another popular truck is Hollywood Grill, which serves Philly sandwiches, burgers, wings, and variations of fries. Taco Tuesdays serve to build your tacos and quesadillas, and Blacktop Bistro also has a well-rounded menu. Overall, the food choices at Pete Hanna Stadium are wonderful. Not only do they give fans a great variety of options, but a high level of quality. Samford does not permit alcohol consumption on its campus, so needless to say, there are no sales of beer, wine, or other spirits. Atmosphere 3 Pete Hanna Stadium blends seamlessly with the surrounding buildings. The use of brick archways at the entry points is consistent with the architecture that is a common theme around campus. The stadium itself is a bit on the small side but has a very cozy feel, right down to miniature hedges along the stands. The smallness of the stadium does help put fans on top of the action and provides great views of the play on the field. Stadium seating is comprised of two main sections of bleacher seating, built into the hills surrounding the stadium. Seating runs between the 15-yard lines on each side of the field. The west, home side of the field has a small section of nine rows of individual seat backs between the 40-yard lines. Throughout the game, most of the dead time during timeouts is filled by engaging fans in Samford football trivia, player-centered pieces, and advertisements. The marching band does play in response to big plays and scores, but for the most part, the scoreboard features play the bigger role in the game day entertainment. With the eastern stands facing directly into the setting sun for most of the game, the best bet is to go with a seat in the western bleachers. This will not only eliminate the constant distraction of the blinding sun but will also drop the temperature considerably. As of the 2023 season, the north end zone is amid major stadium upgrades which will see $65 million in renovation that will include a walkway that connects the east and west stands. Academic, student recreation and student-athlete services will also be part of the project. Neighborhood 3 Samford’s hilly campus is directly off one of the major thoroughfares through Homewood – Samford serves as a buffer of sorts between State Route 149 and the surrounding residential areas. Homewood is also full of beautiful neighborhoods and seemingly endless miles of running and walking trails. Samford is less than four miles from Homewood’s city center and has a well-rounded choice of restaurants and shops. Visitors looking for legendary Birmingham barbecue can find Dreamland BBQ just 5 miles away. A bit of what might be a controversial take: while Dreamland is a well-known, exceptionally good barbecue spot throughout the southeast, locals might point you to SAW’s Juke Joint for the best in Birmingham. There are plenty of attractions within a 15-minute drive of the Samford campus. Along with the miles of trails in the area, the Vulcan Monument sits atop Red Mountain and overlooks Birmingham. The Birmingham Zoo is also conveniently located near the Samford campus. Fans looking to make an overnight or extended stay near the Samford campus can find a Courtyard by Marriott less than 2 miles away. A bit further, but still in the area, is Aloft in the Homewood city center. Fans 3 Game days on the Samford campus have the feeling that this is the only thing of interest for the entire university on those days. As the morning moves on, the university’s quadrangle fills with what feels like the entire Samford student body. As game time gets closer, fans flock to the entrance of the University Center building in anticipation of the Bulldog Walk. The walk is the unofficial ending of tailgating on the quad, as fans begin picking up and the quadrangle's population begins migrating to Pete Hanna Stadium. Samford fans do a great job packing the house. While they may not create an intimidating football environment for the visiting team, they are into the game and react accordingly to key moments throughout the game. It is typical for Samford to nearly fill the 6,700-seat Pete Hanna Stadium during each home game. This near-capacity crowd week in and week out helps create an atmosphere that makes college football game days such a special event. Access 4 Getting to Homewood and Samford from the north or south on Interstate 65 is a relatively straight shot to campus. Those coming from the east or west on Interstate 20 must navigate a couple of bypasses before reaching Samford. It is not necessarily difficult; just a few extra off-highway miles to navigate. Upon arriving at Samford, parking is free at any of the several parking lots around campus. These can fill up fast, so the best bet might be to head to the parking deck at the back of campus and look for a shuttle bus toward the stadium and tailgating area. Pete Hanna Stadium has two entry points for general admission fans, with the third point of entry for students to easily access the student section. The eastern entry point past the statue of Bobby Bowden allows fans to access the seating behind the visiting bench, while Gate F allows fans to enter the western stands. Given the current construction, fans are not able to access the opposite side of the stadium, so fans will need to enter through the gate where their seat is located. As the renovations are completed the two sides will be connected by an arched, brick walkway, allowing fans to go between the east and west sides of the field. In all, getting to and around Samford is rather simple, but with a limited number of access points to campus, getting back on the road following the game can be a bit of a challenge. The inaccessibility of a whole side of the stadium is also a bit of a letdown, especially when it limits access to certain food trucks. Return on Investment 3 General admission tickets run $15 to $30, depending on ticket availability for each game, with reserved seating going for between $30 and $40. Games with the $15 general admission tickets are a great deal, but ticket prices increasing by 100% for more sought-after games do seem to be a sizable hike. Concessions prices at the handful of concessions trailers are inexpensive when compared to what most stadium concessions run. Food truck prices are a bit higher, but fans are getting a much better quality of food than they would at most other stadiums, so a couple of extra dollars is well worth it. With free parking, the overall investment into a day of college football is worth the cost. Extras 4 Samford has been the starting point for many successful FBS coaches. Jimbo Fisher, Terry Bowden, and Pat Sullivan, to name a few, but none has been more notable than the two-time National Championship coach Bobby Bowden. Not only has Bowden been honored with the field being named after him, but a statue outside of the main entry point welcomes fans to the stadium. Hillside seating along the berm in the northeastern corner of the stadium is a nice option for fans looking for something different than typical bleacher/bench seating. Three to four hours before the start of the game, the Bulldogs offense has a walkthrough in the quadrangle among fans; this draws the interest of a handful of attendees. The second floor of the neighboring Pete Hanna Center is home to the Samford Sports Hall of Fame. The display honors the athletic heroes of Samford and the history of the teams that represent the Bulldogs. Final Thoughts Regardless of the size of the campus, football at southern schools has a different feel to it. While many schools of comparable size as Samford in different regions of the country may have the feel of “just a football game day”, the whole feel of game day at Samford is that a whole day is an event. From the pre-game tailgate setup in the campus quad to the Bulldog Walk, the overall experience is one of enjoyment, from the pre-game festivities to the final whistle of the game.

Photos by Joseph Oakes, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.14 Plumeri Park 221 Ironbound Rd Williamsburg, VA 23188 William & Mary Tribe website Plumeri Park website Year Opened: 1999 Capacity: 1,000 Baseball In the Colonial Capital Plumeri Park is the home of the William and Mary baseball team that plays in the Coastal Athletic Association (CAA) and is located in beautiful Williamsburg, VA. The facility is named after alumni Joseph J. Plumeri II who gave a generous donation to build the ballpark. The ballpark seats 1,000 and it opened on March 20, 1999, when the Tribe defeated Penn State 16-10. Food & Beverage 3 Plumeri Park offers standard concessions in its single concession stand dubbed Rosy’s Café. Food selections include cheeseburgers, hamburgers, hot dogs, and veggie burgers. Snack items include nachos, bottomless popcorn, candy, chips, peanuts, and kettle corn.  Beverage items offered are fountain Pepsi products, bottled water, Gatorade, craft/domestic beer, hard seltzer, and wine. While this is a good selection, we recommend eating before or after if you are attending a game where there is a large crowd expected. When we attended a sold-out game, the concession line was insanely long and folks around us were gone 2-3 innings before they came back with concessions. While the facility will sit 1000, the concessions are not enough to handle nearly that many! Atmosphere 3 The exterior of Plumeri Park is a nice brick façade that looks impressive from the outside. Inside the ballpark, there are two types of seats: reserved chairback seats between the dugouts and two sections of metal bleachers above each dugout. Only the top row of these bleachers has a bench back to these benches. The chairback seats are nice but be warned that they are severely obstructed due to the screen that is hard to see through and the poles holding it up. The bench seating above the dugout offers a much better view of the playing field. This area also enables you to spread out as the chairback seating is pretty tight. There is a single suite adjacent to the press box behind the plate, which also has eight private seats outside the suite. A single scoreboard is located in left field that only provides basic info such as line score, balls, strikes, and outs. The playing surface at Plumeri Park is natural grass; the word “Tribe” is painted on the artificial surface behind home plate, while CAA is painted on the natural grass surface in front of each dugout. Neighborhood 5 If you are looking for other things to do while in town for a William and Mary baseball game, there are many options in the Williamsburg area. Colonial Williamsburg has many colonial-style homes, shops, restaurants, and attractions in the downtown area. One interesting restaurant with great food is Food for Thought, which has a menu as diverse as the minds of great American thinkers. Food for Thought’s décor features biographical pictures of inventors, scientists, and social leaders while the walls display thought-provoking quotes used to set the tone for a positive and enjoyable dining experience. Just down the street from William & Mary is Meadows Original Frozen Custard, which offers some of the best custard and concretes you can find anywhere. Also, nearby is the Jamestown, the first permanent English settlement on the east coast; and Yorktown, the site where the British surrendered and the Revolutionary War ended. There also many other resorts and attractions nearby including theme parks Busch Gardens and Water Country. Fans 3 During our visit, there was a sold-out crowd of 1000. However, this was due to playing nationally-ranked East Carolina. At least half of the crowd were cheering for the Pirates and not the hometown Tribe. For most other games the Tribe averages 400-500 fans per game. Access 3 Plumeri Park is easily accessible from US 60 is Williamsburg, and is located just off of Ironbound Road. However, you must turn right as soon as you see the sign for Plumeri Park. If you wait to you see the ballpark itself at the corner of Ironbound Road and DePue Drive, there is no access the ballpark. This can be confusing if it is your first time, so be alert. If using a GPS, use 221 Ironbound Rd. Williamsburg, VA. Parking is free but is somewhat limited. When we attended a sold-out game, it was an adventure to find a spot. There was no parking attendant and people pretty much parked wherever around the outfield wall and the neighboring soccer stadium. There is a single entrance to Plumeri Park along the first base side that is easily noticeable by a free-standing brick-building ticket booth. Tickets can be purchased here, and just beyond the stadium gates. Entrance is easy and there is no security; they just check your ticket. There are two “concourses” at Plumeri Park: an upper one above the seating bowl and a lower one underneath the stands. Directly behind the concession stand and press box is a brick tower with steps and an elevator that goes to the upper concourse. There are also steps on either side of the stands near the dugouts. Restrooms are on the lower concourse and are spacious and clean. Handicapped seating is plenteous on the upper concourse. Return on Investment 4 Ticket prices are $10 for reserved chairback seats and $8 for general admission bleacher seats. With free parking and affordable concession prices, this is just about right as far as pricing goes for a day at the ballpark. Extras 1 An extra point for the friendly ushers who came up and told us that we could sit in the chairback seats, even with bleacher tickets on a previous visit. Final Thoughts Plumeri Park is a nice little ballpark that is perfect for a program like William and Mary. If you’re ever in the Williamsburg area and are looking to catch some good college baseball, Plumeri Park is just the place for you!

The podcast crew is joined by Melissa Burgess from The Victory Press to discuss the inaugural season of the PWHL. How did the first season go compared to how we thought it was going to go, and what comes next? Audio versions of the Stadium Journey podcast can be found by searching HIAC Talk Radio wherever you look for your favorite podcasts. Video simulcasts of all the Stadium Journey podcasts can be found on Stadium Journey's YouTube page. Join us live as we record every other Monday on our social media streaming channels.

Photos by Paul Baker, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.00 Flowers Park 491 5th Avenue New Rochelle, NY 10801 Iona Gaels website Flowers Park website Year Opened: renovated 2011 Capacity: 500 Flowers Park City Park, also known as Brud Flowers Park, is a 20-acre public park located in New Rochelle, NY. The facility is named for William “Brud” Flowers, a New Rochelle resident and athletic coach. Flowers Park contains three ball fields, two soccer/football fields, a basketball court, a skateboard park and picnic area. The Iona Gaels play their home baseball games at the park’s main baseball diamond, which is also known as City Field. Iona University is a Roman Catholic school located in New Rochelle, NY. It has a total enrollment of approximately 4,000 students who study in 60 undergraduate and 45 graduate programs. The school was founded in 1940 as an affordable college for the sons of New York City’s working class. The Gaels currently compete in the Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference alongside several small private colleges in the Northeast. Most of the schools in the MAAC are Catholic. Iona has won three regular season MAAC championships, but have yet to win the postseason tournament and are still awaiting their first NCAA tournament appearance. Four Iona alumni have played in the Major Leagues. You may be wondering what exactly a Gael is. The term “Gael” formerly referred to someone who spoke one of the Gaelic languages. Today, it is an archaic term for an Irish person. Food & Beverage 0 There are no facilities for food at Flowers Park. Fans are welcome to bring their own snacks to enjoy during an Iona baseball game, or if you’re in the mood for an outdoor lunch, there’s a picnic pavilion right behind the field. A couple of food trucks were seen on the park grounds during Stadium Journey’s visit, but since they aren’t regular features, we won’t be boosting the score on their potential presence. Atmosphere 1 There’s really not a lot here to let visitors know that this is the home of Iona baseball. The school’s game day staff set up shop behind home plate under a temporary pop-up tent. The Iona logo on the tent is the only sign that a D-1 school plays here. PA announcements and music play over a temporary speaker set up behind home plate. If you are sitting further down the lines, you can forget about hearing any game updates. There is no permanent scoreboard here, and the PA announcer does not provide score updates between innings, so you’ll have no way to know the score unless you check your phone. Neighborhood 2 Flowers Park is located near a lovely residential neighborhood in the New York suburb of New Rochelle. The borough of The Bronx is just ten miles away via Interstate 95, with Manhattan only 25 miles away. However, there’s little sign of New York’s urban sprawl once you leave the immediate area around the park. There’s nothing in the immediate area of Flowers Park to attract visiting fans, with only a storage facility, plumbing supply company and auto body shop located across the street from the park. Iona University is about a mile’s drive from Flowers Park, and visiting fans will find some dining options there, highlighted by The Beechmont Tavern, Crotty’s Cheesesteaks and The Mirage Restaurant & Café. Downtown New Rochelle, a few miles down I-95, contains some chain restaurant options and a few lodging options. Most fans will likely continue on into the nearby city for their dining, lodging and entertainment needs when visiting Iona. Fans 2 The crowd at an Iona baseball game can certainly be considered to be a “friends and family” type of crowd. In fact, you may be able to eliminate the friends part entirely. There was no presence from the student body during Stadium Journey’s visit, unless you count the students there to work the game. This also isn’t a place where you’d see a whole lot of support from community-based fans, either. There was, however, a good turnout by family members from both the home and visiting squads. Given the compact geographic footprint of the MAAC, this would not be an unusual development. As you would expect, the fans here are knowledgeable and enthusiastic in their support of the Gaels. Access 4 Flowers Park is located right off of Interstate 95 as it travels from New York City towards Connecticut. It is easily accessible for those driving through the region, with ample parking on site. Also, Flowers Park is served by the Westchester County DOT number 61 bus, which stops at the park numerous times throughout the day. Flowers Park is nicely manicured with paved walkways around the park. Restroom facilities on the right field side of the diamond are well maintained. Seating consists of small metal bleachers on either side of the field, with several areas around the facility for fans who would like to stand or set up lawn chairs while they take in the action. Unfortunately, the chain link fence surrounding the field is thick and obscures views from pretty much all seating areas. Return on Investment 5 There is no charge for admission or parking at an Iona baseball game. You will not spend a cent at Flowers Park, unless the ice cream truck happens to stop by. Extras 0 An afternoon at an Iona Gaels baseball game is as bare bones as a Division One game can get. There is nothing going on here that could be considered extra. Final Thoughts The experience at an Iona baseball game is exactly what you’d expect it to be, very simple and basic. This is a Division One school playing at a public park. While Flowers Park is a nice community facility, this is a ballpark likely to be visited only by those connected to the team or by the most ardent ballpark chasers. Follow Paul Baker’s stadium journeys on Twitter and Instagram @PuckmanRI.

Photos by Gregory Koch, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.57 Audi Field 100 Potomac Avenue Washington DC 20024 DC United website Audi Field website Year Opened: 2018 Capacity: 20,000 A Real Stadium For United D.C. United is a charter member of Major League Soccer, joining the league for its inaugural 1996 season. For the first two-plus decades of their existence, the Black & Red played in cavernous, run-down RFK Stadium, which also served as a baseball and football stadium at various points in its existence. After many discussions of a new stadium, D.C. United finally got one in 2018, moving into Audi Field, a soccer-specific stadium located on Buzzard Point. This long-awaited home was intended to revitalize the atmosphere at D.C. United games, and for the most part, it has done so. Food & Beverage 5 Audi Field has a wide range of concessions that should satisfy any fan’s palette, many of which are provided by celebrity chef Jose Andres. In addition to classic options such as burgers and pizza, fans can pick from more unique options such as pupusas and arepas. Given that soccer’s fanbase skews towards those of Latin American descent, it is nice to see concessions that reflect this diversity. Prices can be quite high, with one meal costing $20-$25 between the meal and a soda or water, even more if you are planning to drink alcohol at the game. Atmosphere 4 Other than the Supporters’ Section (more on that later), every seat in Audi Field is a chairback, and no matter where you watch the game from, you will have a great view of the action. There are two levels, although 200-level seats are only located on one sideline, above the suites. There is a large videoboard behind the Supporters’ Section, although fans on that side of the field will have to turn around to look at it as there is nothing on the other side except for a small board which shows the score, game clock, advertisements, and nothing else. As for the Supporters’ Section, this is where a lot of the energy is. Due to popular demand, the club converted these sections behind the north goal from benches to safe standing a couple years ago. The Supporters (with a capital S) in this section are loud, raucous, and rowdy for the whole game, cheering, waving flags, and really contributing to the atmosphere. The energy in the stadium is less than it was when it first opened and the place was routinely selling out, but is still palpable. That being said, when compared to other MLS stadiums built around the same time, the experience at Audi Field is much more basic, both in terms of the energy and the fan amenities. Neighborhood 4 Audi Field is located in an up-and-coming part of D.C., near Buzzard Point. There is currently a lot of construction going on around the stadium, so expect it to improve even more in the future. For now, All About Burger is a popular local burger place located a few blocks of the stadium, and there are other options closer to Nationals Park. Of course, you are in Washington, D.C., so there is plenty to do if you head towards the National Mall, and much of it is free. Just keep in mind if you want to tour the White House or Capitol, you will need to book that in advance. Fans 4 With D.C. United finishing towards the bottom of the league table the last few years, they are not drawing the crowds they used to. Many of the fans have been following the club since its inception in1996, while others are newer to the team. That being said, the real fan energy comes from the Supporters Section. There are several Supporters Groups, including Barra Brava, District Ultras, 202 Unique, La Banda del Distrito, Rose Room Collective, and Screaming Eagles. These fans are located in Sections 135-137 and can be expected to stand, cheer, chant, wave flags, bang drums, and more for the entire game. The Supporters bring raucous energy for the full 90 minutes, although they no longer fill the section like they once did. For many games, they will make a tifo (large, handmade banner) that they unveil pregame to support the team or various team-related causes. Other fans can get involved too, of course. D.C. United fans, in general, are knowledgeable about the game and the team, and while they’re not afraid to get on the refs’ case when a close call doesn’t go their way. All fans will celebrate D.C. United goals (except for traveling supporters of the visiting team, of course) but none get into it like the Supporters Section. Access 3 When going to Audi Field, your best bet is to use public transit or a rideshare service like Uber or Lyft. If taking Metro, take the Green Line to Navy Yard-Ballpark and walk about ten minutes to the stadium. Keep in mind, however, that there is often trackwork on Metro, particularly on weekends and during the summer, resulting in single tracking and/or the closing of stations entirely. Be sure to check in advance. If driving in, you can park at one of the stations in suburban Maryland and take Metro from there so you do not have to contend with D.C. traffic. Crowds will be large on the train after the game, although if you park at the Branch Avenue station in Southern Maryland, you will be taking the Green Line in the opposite direction from most fans so it will be far less packed once you board. If you do arrive at the stadium by (whether one driven by you or an Uber/Lyft driver) there is a lot of construction surrounding the stadium right now so it may be hard to figure out how to get right there, although an Uber/Lyft driver should be able to get you close. Parking is very limited and can be purchased in advance through SpotHero, but the cheapest spots will cost about $25 and can be located a 15-minute walk from the stadium. To get closer will cost you twice to four times that. There is still no dedicated team-run parking lot, in contrast to the spacious lots at RFK. Return on Investment 2 Tickets are sold with dynamic pricing, so the exact price will depend on the day you go and the opponent, but in general, they range from somewhat affordable to ridiculously expensive depending on where you sit. The cheapest seats are behind the goals and can cost about $30-$50 depending on the game. Keep in mind many of the “seats” behind the north goal are actually safe standing in the Supporters Section. These are clearly marked when buying through the team, but if you buy these, prepare to stand for the entire game (there aren’t even any seats to sit in) and possibly have your view obstructed by flags at times. However, if this is not for you, there are plenty of seats available behind the south goal for roughly the same price. Sideline seats will start at about $60-$80 depending on the game, and go up to about twice that. Premium seats such as suites will cost you even more but may come with food and beverage. These prices are slightly more expensive than most MLS ticket prices, and with D.C. United being a middling team in a stadium far less advanced than others built around the same time, there is little to justify this. Getting to the stadium will be extremely pricey if you do not want to deal with Metro delays, and concessions are expensive as well. While good value can be had if you are willing to go on a weeknight, for the most part a trip to DC United game is quite the pricey endeavor. Extras 3 One bonus star for the murals throughout the stadium honoring DC United history as well as the history of other soccer teams that have played in Washington throughout the years. The Heineken Rooftop Bar behind the north goal provides a unique vantage point to watch a game. A third star for the many unique concession options here. Final Thoughts D.C. United fans had been waiting a long time for a true soccer stadium by the time Audi Field opened in 2018. While Audi Field is a vast improvement over RFK Stadium, it has sadly left off many of the developments seen at successful MLS stadiums built around the same time. The team has remedied some of these, such as by honoring the history of soccer in the nation's capital, but Audi Field remains below the standard we have seen at other venues in the league recently.

Photos by Matt Colville, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.57 Dub Herring Park Poplarville, MS 39470 Pearl River Wildcats website Dub Herring Park website Year Opened: 2019 Capacity: 400 Welcome to 'The Dub' at Fabulous Pop Vegas Pearl River Community College is one of 15 schools that make up the Mississippi Association of Community Colleges Conference (MACCC) for baseball. Located in the small town of Poplarville, MS in Pearl River County, the school opened in 1911, making it the oldest community college in the state. Nicknamed the Wildcats, the baseball program has become a powerhouse in recent years, winning four MACCC State Championships since 2018 and two Region 23 Championships. Prior to 2018 the Wildcats had only won two State Championships, in 1939 and 2004, but the school's greatest feat occurred in 2022 when the Wildcats advanced to and won the NJCAA College World Series, the school's only national championship in baseball. The Wildcats play at one of the finest ballparks in all of Juco baseball, Dub Herring Ballpark. After the 2018 season the school knocked down the old ballpark and built what you see today, including a new press box and 400 chairback seats with a shaded canopy. Re-dedicated after Dub Herring, a local RV and car dealer and longtime supporter of Pearl River athletics, The Dub has a homefield advantage unlike any other, and remains one of the most intimidating places to play in all of Juco baseball. Food & Beverage   3 There is one small stand under the pavilion separating The Dub from PRCC softball stadium. The usual fare is sold here, with hamburgers, hot dogs, sausage dogs, nachos, pulled pork nachos, boiled peanuts, popcorn, chips, and candy rounding out the menu – expect small town prices here, as everything is under $5. Coca-Cola is the soft drink provider with 20 oz drinks selling for $3, and you can also purchase Pearl River baseball and softball shirts, along with hats, at the concession stand. Atmosphere   4 Dub Herring Park is located on campus, as part of PRCC Sportsplex, which also includes Dobie Holden Stadium and the softball facility. The Dub has a unique and interesting design, making it stand out among normal looking ballparks. The grandstand is basically concrete steps that go up, with rows of chairback seats in the Wildcats color of maroon – there are 6 rows of 400 chairbacks separated by a walkway. The exterior of the ballpark is designed with brick, including a brick press box behind home plate. As part of the second phase of the recent renovation, two luxury suites were added down the first baseline prior to the 2023 season. In addition, the great thing about The Dub is that the entire ballpark is shaded, as the first and third baselines are covered by a tin awning held up by three brick columns; the only areas in the sun are the first two rows. Pearl River also does a great job utilizing the maroon color scheme throughout the ballpark, as the entire outfield wall is made of maroon wall pads. There are also no advertisements or sponsor banners along the outfield wall; instead, banners honoring the Wildcats lone national championship, as well as banners honoring the Wildcats MACCC state championships wins cover the wall. The Dub is not a hitter's friendly ballpark due to the "Maroon Monster", an 18-foot-high part of the left field wall, similar to Fenway's Green Monster. The centerfield batter's eye is quite high as well, making this a hard ballpark to hit it out of the park in. A state-of-the-art videoboard scoreboard sits in left center field; this is quite large for a Juco facility. An elevated party deck with two rows of chairback seats also overlooks right field, where you'll find a few of the hardcore fans grilling out and drinking a few beers. The Dub is built into a grassy hill on the first base side, and students will sometimes come and sit on the hill and watch the game. Behind the third base side is a covered pavilion with a concession stand, plus more picnic tables with bench seating. Down the left field line is the Artigues Family Clubhouse, housing the locker rooms and batting cages for the Wildcats – the clubhouse is named after former coach and current Southeastern Louisiana AD Jay Artigues. Lastly, on the outside of the clubhouse is a banner listing all the former Wildcats who have gone on to play at the professional level. Neighborhood   3 As you enter town, you'll see signs welcoming you to Fabulous "Pop-Vegas". The small town has really worked hard in recent years trying to boost the local economy, centered on the local community college and its thriving blueberry industry. You can park on campus and walk a few blocks over to a lively and pleasant downtown area – start the morning at Popa's Donuts or Main Street Coffee for some delicious brew, and then if you want to do some shopping walk across the street to Apple Ltd, the oldest locally owned clothing store in town, open since 1968. Later, walk next door to Pearl River Drugs and sit down at the old soda fountain for some ice cream, or for other restaurants in town there is Wild West Grill, Deb's Pasta and Pizza, and Fiorella's, which sells seafood. Pop Vegas is also home to hundreds of blueberry farms, and the town is nicknamed the Blueberry Capital of Mississippi. Every June they host Blueberry Jubilee, attracting thousands of people to the small town – if in town during this weekend there are several blueberry farms which offer tours, as well as samples of some of the best blueberries in the world. In downtown there is a blueberry-themed water tower next to an old, abandoned water silo; this makes for a great photo op. Also before you leave town make sure you fill up your gas at Hall's Service Station; this vintage station is a throwback, so much so that a gas station attendant actually pumps your gas for you. There is no alcohol sold in Poplarville, as the county is a dry county. Pop Vegas also doesn't have any hotels; instead I would recommend staying about 30 minutes south in Picayune. Or, Poplarville is also about 30 minutes south of Hattiesburg and an hour north of New Orleans, where there are plenty of additional hotels and better food options. Fans   4 With baseball powerhouses Southern Miss and even NAIA William Carey up the road this area of Mississippi loves their baseball, and just 30 minutes down the road it's no different here in Poplarville. Fans show up on gamedays and are quite into the game. Each game averages a couple hundred people spread out throughout the chairbacks – the Dub only has seating for 400 people so expect a sellout, but many of the fans are scattered around, which helps. You'll find fans standing under the pavilion and on the berm area down the first baseline. There isn't a whole lot to do in town at night either, so many of the local residents are ardent supporters of the Pearl River baseball program. It also helps that the baseball program is consistently ranked in the top 10 of the country, not to mention the MACCC schools have a passionate fan base when it comes to baseball, so expect a decent turnout from away fans as well. Access   4 Getting to PRCC’s campus shouldn't be too hard; Poplarville is located right off Interstate 55 about an hour northeast of New Orleans and about 30 minutes southwest of Hattiesburg. Exit 29 to Highway 26 will be your best bet, as it is the main road that heads into town – the school is located a few minutes down 26 just north of downtown. The Dub is kind of hard to find, as it is located on the far north side of campus. If you’re having trouble finding it just go to the north side of the football stadium and it's right there. Once inside the ballpark there are no obstructed views, and it is perfect size for a Juco facility. Return on Investment   3 Tickets are $7 and allow you to sit anywhere you want inside the facility. PRCC has also become a Juco powerhouse in baseball in recent years, so expect a high level of competition between schools. During my most recent visit # 3 ranked Pearl River played # 5 ranked Meridian Community College – a lot of these players will sign with D1 colleges after PRCC. In fact, Pearl River had four sign with D1 baseball schools after the 2024 season, including two who signed with SEC schools. Extras   4 One extra for the Wildcats winning the 2022 NJCAA World Series, capturing the school's first national championship in baseball. A huge banner commemorating that feat sits behind the scoreboard, and is the first thing you’ll see when you come to the ballpark. People in South Mississippi may not be familiar with the name Dub Herring, but I guarantee you they'll be familiar with Paw Paw from Paw Paw's Camper City. Dub Herring is the namesake behind Paw Paw, and since the 1970s has owned car dealerships throughout southern Mississippi. In 1992 Paw Paw entered the RV business and opened Paw Paw's Camper City in Picayune, now known as Paw Paw's Campers and Cars – for the past 30 years everybody with a television on the Gulf Coast has been greeted to the words "That's a good RV Paw Paw" coming through their TV sets. Thanks in part to his famous commercials, Dub Herring holds a special place in the pop culture of the Gulf Coast. Paw Paw did not attend Pearl River, but his grandkids did, and Herring was the one who raised the funds to build the new baseball stadium that now bears his name. Another extra for all the famous baseball players to come through here – Pearl River has had over 20 players get drafted into MLB, with four players making it to The Show. Perhaps the most successful player to ever come out of here is outfielder Wendall Magee, who had a seven-year big league career with the Phillies and Tigers, from 1996-2002. Pearl River has a few famous alumni, but perhaps the most famous alum is Jimmy Buffett, who attended for one year (1966-67). Buffett hated Poplarville, as there are no bars in town to play music in, so he resorted to playing his guitar from his Huff Hall dorm room, which is still standing at the entrance to campus. Another extra for the Wildcats Den, the official on-campus store for Pearl River athletics. Located at the main entrance to the sports complex, this bookstore rivals some of the nicest bookstores you will find at four-year colleges. You can find all the latest Wildcats merch and even some items on sale, and the baseball game is usually playing on TV for those who want to get some A/C during the game. There is also a pretty cool little history museum right across the street, honoring all the school’s past achievements and housing old memorabilia from Pearl River athletics.

Photos by Gregory Koch and Aaron S. Terry, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.29 Sonny Pittaro Field 2083 Lawrenceville Rd Lawrenceville, NJ 08648 Rider Broncs website Sonny Pittaro Field website Year Opened: 2005 Capacity: 2,000 Take a Ride(r) to Sonny Pittaro Field Sonny Pittaro Field is the baseball home of the Broncs of Rider University in Lawrenceville, New Jersey. The stadium opened in 2005, and is named after longtime Rider coach Sonny Pittaro, who retired the year before after leading the team to nine NCA Tournament appearances. The stadium is located at the back of Rider's campus, surrounded by several other fields, including Ben Cohen Field, home to the Broncs' softball, field hockey, and lacrosse teams, as well as the softball field, tennis courts, and track & field complex. Pittaro Field was briefly home to the Trenton Thunder of the MLB Draft League in 2021 due to ripple effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. The Toronto Blue Jays were forced to relocate to Sahlen Field in Buffalo due to border closures, forcing the Buffalo Bisons to relocate to the Thunder's stadium in Trenton. With no place else to go, the Thunder played their home games on Rider's campus until the Canadian border reopened and everyone returned to their normal home. However, in terms of both player and fan amenities, the field is nowhere near the level of other Draft League ballparks, all of which were affiliated minor league stadiums until the contraction of 2020. Food & Beverage 0 No food or beverages are sold at Sonny Pittaro Field, but fans are welcome to bring their own with the exception of alcohol and sunflower seeds. There is a drink machine on site that appears to sell bottled water and soft drinks, but it was not functioning when we visited. Atmosphere 2 There are several places at Sonny Pittaro Field to watch a game from. Chairbacks and bleachers surround the area behind home plate, although the bucket seats are quite narrow with limited legroom. These seats are all behind netting due to their proximity to the field, but it doesn't obstruct the view too much. There are additional bleachers further up the field, outside the dugouts, which are not behind netting. A scoreboard in left-centerfield shows the linescore as well. This is a pretty basic gameday experience. Music is played during some breaks in the action, and the PA announcer can be loud at times, almost as if he is yelling into the microphone. There is little going on here besides the game. Baseball purists will enjoy that, while others may get bored quickly. Neighborhood 3 As Sonny Pittaro is located towards the back of the Rider campus, there is not much else to do in the immediate vicinity. However, if you head back to the main road, you will find several places to eat, hang out, and more. Varsity Pizza is a short drive away and sells great pizza by the slice or as whole pies. The Tastee Sub Shop also seems popular. If you drive about ten minutes into Trenton, you will find many more options as well. Fans 3 Rider typically draws a couple hundred fans a game. Some of these are friends and family of the players, while others are locals who have been coming to games for years and have an almost encyclopedic knowledge of the team and its history. Some former Rider baseball players still turn up for games, and Sonny Pittaro himself has been known to make an occasional appearance at the ballpark that bears his name. The fans can get loud at times, but are mostly subdued during the game. This is typical of northeastern college baseball. As the MAAC covers a small geographic footprint, there will often be a good number of fans of the visiting team as well. Rider fans mostly sit up the first base line, while visiting fans sit up the third base line, as that is where the respective dugouts are. Oddly enough, few fans choose to sit in the bucket seats behind home plate even though those are the only proper seats in the stadium - the rest are uncomfortable metal bleachers. Access 3 Sonny Pittaro and the Rider University campus are accessible via I-295 (formerly I-95 until a few years ago when the designation changed to resolve the infamous gap in the latter.) There are signs directing you to the field once you get on campus if you do not have a GPS. There is a spacious lot in between Pittaro Field and Ben Cohen Field that fans can park in. It is highly unlikely this lot will ever fill up given the small crowds baseball attracts. Even if there are events elsewhere on campus, people attending those will likely not park in the stadium lot as it would be quite inconvenient for them to access the rest of campus. There are no real restrooms on site but there are a few port-a-potties down the first base line. Players use these too, so you may have to yield to them on occasion. Return on Investment 4 There is no charge for admission to Sonny Pittaro Field, and you won't spend anything on concessions because there aren't any. Parking is free as well. However, there isn't enough here to earn the top score. Extras 1 Look for the signage and murals on the outfield walls and dugout honoring Rider baseball history, as well as longtime coaches Sonny Pittaro and Tom Petroff. Final Thoughts Sonny Pittaro Field is a typical northeastern college baseball stadium. While the Broncs certainly have loyal and knowledgeable fans, they don't have too many of them. A visit here is a chance to take in a free baseball game and learn a good deal about the team from the others in attendance, which is always a nice bonus. While it may not be the fanciest stadium, Sonny Pittaro Field is an enjoyable place to spend a spring afternoon watching baseball.

Photos by David Welch, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.00 McWhorter Stadium 114 Baseball Dr Clemson, SC 29634 Clemson Tigers website McWhorter Stadium website Year Opened: 2020 Capacity: 2,116 The Orange and Regalia Softball at Clemson debuted in 2020, and the Tigers got off to a strong start with a 5-1 record – unfortunately the season was cut short by COVID-19, limiting the Tigers’ inaugural season to just 6 games. The abrupt end to the 2020 season did not seem to adversely impact Clemson, however, as in their first full season in 2021 they went 44-8, winning the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC) regular season championship with a 22-5 conference record. Since that time Clemson has firmly established itself as not just one of the top teams in the ACC, but also one of the top teams in the national scene.   Food & Beverage   4 McWhorter Stadium has one main concession stand located on the upper level of the concourse, directly behind home plate. It has somewhat of a condensed menu, but does offer a bit more than just hot dogs and typical snacks. Entrees include hot dogs, burgers, fried chicken sandwiches, and BBQ sandwiches. Nachos, peanuts, and chips are also available, along with an assortment of candy. Frozen Fanta is also a popular choice at this stand, and chili can be added to any of the entrees. A second concession stand, dedicated to snacks, is tucked under the concrete walkway along the third baseline – while this stand sell snacks and Coke products, it is the shaved ice that is the featured item here, where fans can add their own flavoring. Alcohol is not served at Clemson athletic events. There is not much that will blow your doors off, but concessions at McWhorter Stadium do offer more than the typical ballpark choices.   Atmosphere   4 McWhorter Stadium has a very open, modern feel to it. The large press box is topped by a massively large canopy that provides a great deal of shade for the area behind home plate. The stadium’s purple hued seats are also perfectly complemented by the orange trim of the dugouts and the Clemson trademark paw prints. The immediately recognizable paw logo is also prominently displayed on the natural grass in short center field. The in-game presentation is as would be found at many other softball and baseball stadiums around the county; despite there not being a designated stadium host, there are a handful of interactive games such as the cap shuffle, as well as reminders of fan promotions on the scoreboard. When it comes to seating options it largely depends on your desired experience – seats in the grandstand tend to hold the Tigers most ardent supporters, who hang on every out as possibly the most important at bat of the game. The outfield berm, on the other hand, has more of a social atmosphere, but fans there are still into the game, and roar in approval for Clemson hits, runs, and big plays. Despite the large awning there is not a lot of shade at McWhorter Stadium, but fans looking to get out of the sun often find themself standing along the walls of the softball facilities on the first base side of the field, or on the concourse behind home plate.   Neighborhood   5 Clemson, South Carolina is a quintessential college town, where the university is the center of most of what goes on in the area. College Avenue, the hub of activity on weekends, and the scene of much of Clemson’s nightlife, is located just about a mile from McWhorter Stadium. Situated near the northern edge of campus, this area is heavily populated with an array of bars and restaurants, making it a popular destination for both pre and post-game gatherings. During the spring, as days lengthen and temperatures rise, College Avenue buzzes with visitors exploring its shops, bars, and dining spots. While College Avenue has the highest concentration of popular establishments, The Esso Club, a renowned Clemson watering hole, is just a short stroll from Clemson’s athletic neighborhood, which McWhorter Stadium is part of – the rest of the athletics complex includes baseball’s Doug Kingsmore Stadium  , directly behind the softball stadium’s grandstand, while just across the street are both Littlejohn Coliseum  and Memorial Stadium .     Fans   5 Clemson softball packs the stands with standing room only attendees, averaging over 1,800 fans per game, which is impressive given McWhorter’s stated capacity is just a touch over 2,100. The 1,800 fans per game puts the Tigers in the Top 10 nationally in attendance, and nearly double that of the next closest ACC rival. However, it is not just that the seats and concourse are full, but a sea of tailgating chairs also surrounds foul territory, from left field around to the scoreboard in right field. And if that was not enough, a pair of rambunctious fan groups, “Cagle’s Corner” and “The Deep End” , are there keeping the tailgating going throughout the game, taking down celebratory beers and rattling cowbells in response to big plays. It is not just their boisterous nature, but also their unwavering support of Clemson softball that adds so much to the atmosphere here at McWhorter Stadium; these two groups also fly several boat dock flags in support of Tigers players. Clemson softball fans definitely comes with passion and an enthusiasm to get behind their Tigers, which helps create a top-notch experience.   Access   3 Located just about 15 minutes off I-85, Clemson’s campus is easily accessible for fans traveling from Charlotte or Atlanta, with a drive of about 2 to 2.5 hours from each. Once on campus parking is readily available around the stadium. There is plenty of free parking in the lot just outside the main gates for fans with mobility challenges, with additional general parking in Jervey Meadow, just beyond the right field confines of the stadium. McWhorter Stadium has two entry points: a main gate at field level just to the third base side of home plate, and a second, more discrete entrance through a gate and up a short flight of stairs. However, if traversing the stairs to the main concourse is too much, or the long ramp too far out of the way, there is also an elevator at the base of the press box that fans can use to access the top of the seating bowl. Attendees will also find a rather wide walkway that runs from just beyond first base down the third baseline. Several of Clemson’s games are standing room only though, so even with a wide walkway navigating can get a bit crowded. And while the concrete walkway ends as it nears the outfield wall, the grassy outfield berm has been well worn down so much that there is a path. Take caution, though, as the hillside is rather steep, and the large crowd there can make it a bit of a challenge to navigate.   Return on Investment   4 Walk up tickets for general admission start at $10, which is consistent with ticket prices for many other of the higher-level collegiate softball programs in the county.  However, when factoring in free parking, $10 to get in is a pretty reasonable rate; tickets on the secondary market might even be available for $1 before fees are added. Even if tickets do not appear to be available online, berm seating is typically available on a walkup, day of game basis. Concession prices are also kept pretty well in check to where it encourages fans to buy food, rather than simply lament the inflated stadium prices.   Extras   3 Given the popularity of the outfield seating and berm, inclines have been placed at the base of the fence, to allow fans who want to watch from that vantage point a bit of a boost to peer over the top of the outfield wall. The ambiance outside the stadium is every bit the top-notch college sports experience as you will find anywhere else in the country – the hoots-‘n-hollers big rig whistles from the two fan support groups especially add a lot of festivity to the atmosphere, playing off the idea of baseball’s “Cheap Seats” and “The Cajun Café”. In an ode to their university and in unison with the fanbase, the entire team lines up along the first baseline following the game to sing the school’s alma mater with the fans in attendance.   Final Thoughts The Clemson softball program, athletic department, and the Tigers fan base all deserve a lot of credit for where the softball program stands today; the fans for their undying devotion to Clemson athletics, the athletic department for investing seemingly unconditionally into the program, and the softball staff and players for growing a culture that has translated to such a high level of success on the field in such a short amount of time. When looking at both conference and national rankings, it is hard to believe that Clemson softball is a program still in its infancy – walking into McWhorter Stadium it would feel as if the Tigers have been fielding a softball program since the ACC started crowning a champion in 1992. What Clemson has done in establishing itself as a perennial Top 25 softball programs in four seasons is nothing short of amazing.

Photos by Michael Davis, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.43 Horner Ballpark 3000 Mountain Creek Pkwy Dallas, TX 75211 Dallas Baptist Patriots website Horner Ballpark website Year Opened: 2013 Capacity: 3,492 Horner Ballpark - A Baseball Gem in DFW Located in Dallas, TX, Joan & Andy Horner Ballpark is home to the Dallas Baptist University Patriots baseball team. The ballpark was designed by well-known architecture firm HKS using the architectural theme of the campus, a Georgian-style facade of dark red brick. The facility has a capacity of 3,492 (including 4 guest boxes) – opened on February 15, 2013, the venue was ranked 20th best stadium in college baseball by D1Baseball.com. Dallas Baptist University recently became a member of Conference USA, with previous membership in the Missouri Valley Conference and the Western Athletic Conference. Horner Ballpark played host to the 2015 Dallas Regional; a record crowd of 3,242 was announced during the regional, as the Patriots defeated the University of Texas 8-1. Horner Ballpark also hosts Dallas area high school playoff games in May. Food & Beverage   3 There are two concession stands inside Horner Ballpark, one on each of the baselines, which provide basic food and beverages. During my most recent visit, though, only one concession stand was open, so the line was very long. The concessions are limited in selection, but prices are on par with other sporting venues. The highest cost food item is the Patriot nachos, loaded with chili or chopped beef, for $12. Besides the chopped beef sandwich at $9, other items range from $4 to $7 for hot dogs, chili cheese dogs, nachos, candy and pretzels. Beverages at Horner Ballpark consist of Coca-Cola fountain products – a 20oz soda costs $5, while the 32oz souvenir cup is the more economic choice at the same $5, but offers refills for $2. Dasani bottled water is the lowest priced beverage at $3; alcohol is not sold inside the ballpark. Atmosphere   3 Dallas Baptist University sponsors 15 intercollegiate athletic teams, but baseball is the only sport that competes on the Division 1 level. The majority of baseball games during the season are held on the weekends, with a single game during the week. The ballpark contains four guest suites available for rent (each one has audio broadcast available), a pavilion down the left field line for large groups, and party plazas on both sides of the concourse for medium sized gatherings. Horner Ballpark has an Astroturf infield with only the pitcher's mound having real dirt. The dimensions of the playing field are 330 feet down the lines and 390 feet to straightaway center. The home team's bullpen is behind the left center field fence, which you can see through, while the visitor bullpen is located in the corner of right field, since the visitors use the first base side dugout. The scoreboard in right field is basic with no video replay, and has the old name of Patriot Field across the top. There is a small apparel shop called the Patriot Locker next to the main entrance. The 7th inning stretch is the always "Take Me Out to The Ballgame" with the additional playing of a Texas favorite, Cotton Eyed Joe. The most interesting item at Horner Ballpark is the cannon on top of the hill behind the DBU bullpen – the cannon is fired after each home team home run.  The Regiment, a group of 5 Cannoneers, are in charge of protecting and executing the Order of the Cannon; this shows the spirit of the university namesake and legacy of the American Patriot. Neighborhood   3 Dallas Baptist University is located 12 miles southwest of downtown Dallas, near the DFW National Cemetery and overlooking Mountain Creek Lake. The campus is within the City of Dallas limits, but the closest activities for food and lodging are in the cities of Grand Prairie and Duncanville – Grand Prairie is located just across Mountain Creek Lake via the toll bridge, while Duncanville is situated just south of campus off Interstate 20. Horner Ballpark is located on campus, so there isn't much nearby if you are looking for food or lodging. Outlaw's BBQ is about 4 miles across the lake in Grand Prairie, just to the right off Beltline, and there are additional fast food restaurants if you continue west on Pioneer Parkway. Although there isn't much around campus, the school is part of the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex, which opens up an unlimited number of restaurants, lodging options, and attractions; some of the attractions are the John F. Kennedy Sixth Floor Museum, Dallas World Aquarium, and Perot Museum, to name a few. Fans   3 Dallas Baptist University is a Christian liberal arts university with 3,400 undergraduates, so the majority of baseball fans are students and relatives. The fans typically wear DBU sporting apparel, and their support is genuine. The schedule is competitive, so you might see fans from TCU, Oklahoma State, and Oklahoma, for example, filling the stands on the visitor side, so the ballpark doesn't feel empty. Access   3 Horner Ballpark is located on the Dallas Baptist University campus, in a secluded area on the back side behind the student housing. There are two interstates that can be used to reach the school - from the south use Interstate 20 and take Mountain Creek Parkway, while from the north take Interstate 30 to Loop 12 and then onto Mountain Creek Parkway. The main entrance to the university is on Mountain Creek Parkway, but the easiest access to the ballpark is off W. Kiest Blvd / Spur 303, as this way you will avoid having to drive through the hilly campus – for this route use Mountain Creek Parkway or Loop 12 and Spur 408 (from Interstate 20) to the W. Kiest Blvd exit. The first road on the right after The Potter House will lead to the ballpark. Once on campus parking is free; space is limited within the athletics area but you should be able to find a spot. Horner Ballpark does have more than one entrance, but the main entrance is guaranteed to be open and is next to the ticket office. As you walk through the main entrance, the walls on each side show DBU players that went on to a professional career, and the ceiling has the DBU logo with a baseball stitching imprint. The concourses and section portals are narrow but acceptable given the crowd size. There is only one concourse, and all of the seating is below it. At the end of the concourse there are also stairs that take you to left field, the general admission area, or the Patriot Yard in right field. Return on Investment   5 Single game ticket prices for reserved seating are $12; this represent a high return on investment to see a baseball program that has been one of the top programs in the country over the last five years, along with free parking and reasonably low concessions. I recommend seeing a game at Horner Ballpark if you love baseball or just want a fun-filled day. Extras   4 Several Dallas Baptist baseball players have gone on to the pro levels of competition, and the school honors them at the entrance of Horner Ballpark. There are also military statues near the entrance, and a cannon on top of the hill that is used for the home team’s home runs, behind the DBU bullpens. During the most recent game I attended there was even a stoppage of play while Taps was being played at nearby Dallas National Cemetery. Horner Ballpark doesn’t have all the amenities of another ballpark; it is just pure baseball. Final Thoughts Overall the ballpark is a diamond in the rough for the local DFW area baseball fan. The experience provides top notch Division 1 baseball in a quiet setting without large crowds, expensive tickets, nor high-priced concessions. There is so much to do in the DFW area that an out-of-town sports traveler may not have time to pick up a game at Horner Ballpark, but if you make the time you'll find baseball being played at its purest.

Photo by Marc Viquez, Stadium Journey I find myself at the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup, a tournament that has been around since 1913, for the first time in several years. That changed last week when I went to see the Indy Eleven take on San Antonio FC at the Butler Bowl on the campus of Butler University. The two USL Championship foes find themselves in the round of 32 teams, with the winner advancing to the next round to play. The Bud & Jackie Sellick Bowl is not Indy’s home venue, due to commencement ceremonies at Carroll Stadium on the campus of IUPUI, placed the game here. The Butler Bowl is home to Butler's football team but can serve as a soccer pitch, albeit with gridiron marks. It was the second time the club played a US Open Cup match at this location, and hopefully, they could pull out a victory and play again at home in a few weeks. That game would be back in familiar surroundings at Carroll, but will the change of venue make a difference in the team's play? Photo by Marc Viquez, Stadium Journey The ample crowd barely reached their seats when Eleven's Augustine Williams scored with only two minutes to play. Initially stopped by the goalkeeper, the ball found its way across the line. It resulted in a cloud of red and blue smoke from the supporters group The Brickyard Battalion at the other end of the field. Fans did not have to wait much longer as Indy tallied its second goal only eight minutes later off the foot of Jack Blake. This time a massive puff of smoke descended to the skies and through the stands. It appeared that it would be a night of goals, but that would be it as neither team found the back of the net for the next 80 minutes. Between the goals and the final whistle, there were several more shots at goals, cheering from the BYB, a few near misses at the net, silently fewer pleasantries from the opposing players leaving the pitch at half-time, and Indy XI players signing autographs and high-fiving fans after the match. Photo by Marc Viquez, Stadium Journey Indy's next opponent will be Detroit City FC at home on May 22. If they win they will take on the New Mexico United or New York City FC II. Do the Eleven have the legs to make a run in the tournament and capture the $300,000 in prize money and a trip to the CONCACAF Champions Cup. Who will get there is anyone’s guest? MLS clubs have dominated since their introduction in 1996, only losing once to a second-division side in the finals. The USLC Sacramento Republic FC made it to the final game in 2022 before losing to the Orlando City of the MLS. The USL Championship has 9-teams, MLS has 6, and MLS Next Pro has one club remaining in the tournament. Photo by Marc Viquez, Stadium Journey Open Cup games are interesting bags of treats. In some cities, the games are not highly marketed and many fans might overlook the fact that they are not league games scheduled for weekend bouts. The mid-week games don't bring out huge crowds at times, but as each team moves closer to the finals, the crowds do come out. The Detroit City faifthful do enjoy these types of games and will make their presence felt in Indianapolis where a rowdy supporters group will try to outduel the BYB on the other side of the pitch. For the fans, the US Open Cup offers a chance to see USLC clubs battle MLS members on their home turf. It is a rare opportunity when the top two divisions play one another. It also provides an extra game of soccer to watch at your club’s regular grounds or somewhere else in the city. Be on the lookout for the next few months, as the tournament continues until the final match on September 25. Photo by Marc Viquez, Stadium Journey ----- Follow all of Marc’s stadium journeys on Twitter @ballparkhunter and his YouTube channel. Email at Marc.Viquez@stadiumjourney.com

Photos by Gregory Koch, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.57 Nationals Park 1500 South Capitol St SE Washington, DC 20003 Washington Nationals website Nationals Park website Year Opened: 2008 Capacity: 41,888 A National Pastime In 2005, the Montreal Expos moved to Washington, D.C., and changed their name to the Nationals. For their first three years of existence, they played their home games at RFK Stadium, which had previously been home to the Washington Senators. In 2008, the Nats moved into a stadium of their own, Nationals Park, which represented a significant improvement over RFK. The stadium is located only a few blocks south of the U.S. Capitol, which is visible from parts of the upper deck. Food & Beverage 4 Nationals Park has a wide selection of food that will guarantee you will not go hungry. Options include traditional items like hot dogs, burgers, and pizza as well as more unique items like falafel, freshly made donuts, and sushi. Ice cream is available, including a special cherry blossom variety (more cherry flavored than blossom flavored) in honor of DC's legendary cherry blossoms. Several of the concession stands also sell half smokes, a D.C. specialty that is somewhere in between a hot dog and a smoked sausage. There are also foods to serve various dietary restrictions, including gluten-free, vegetarian, vegan, and kosher items. PETA has consistently ranked the stadium one of the best in the majors for vegetarians. The prices are a bit high, though considering this is a major league park, that is not unexpected. The roving vendors typically only accept credit cards, and many stands require you to order either on your mobile device or at a kiosk nearby. Atmosphere 4 All seats at Nationals Park are chairbacks, except for a few tables in centerfield where fans can eat and drink by the nearby bar. Some of the seats down the lines may have an obstructed view of the corners due to other seats jutting out, but for the most part, you’ll have a good view no matter where you sit. There is a giant scoreboard in right-centerfield above the concourse, as well as a smaller out-of-town scoreboard built into the right-centerfield wall. One of the more unique traditions at Nationals Park is the Presidents’ Race. In the middle of the fourth inning of every game, costumed versions of George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Abraham Lincoln, and Teddy Roosevelt will emerge from the center field gate and race around the warning track to a finish line by the first base dugout. During the race, they will frequently get into various hijinks, such as playing dodgeball, getting attacked by a giant ice cream cone, or having their First Lady attack the other racers with her handbag. If you're ever wanted to see the stump of the cherry tree George Washington chopped down come back for revenge, the Presidents' Race is for you. The Racing Presidents and a bald eagle mascot named Screech can be seen on the concourse, stands, and field throughout the game as well, interacting with fans and encouraging them to get loud. Neighborhood 5 Nationals Park is located in the Navy Yard neighborhood of Washington, D.C. Although this used to be a very bad part of town, that has changed since the stadium went up and it is now a perfectly safe, up-and-coming area. There are several bars and restaurants located within walking distance of the stadium, including Mission and Buffalo Wild Wings. A BetMGM sportsbook is located right next to Nationals Park, outside the centerfield gate and attached to the parking garage. Downtown D.C. is a short Metro ride away and has a lot to offer as well. The best part is that most of it is free. Whether it’s walking along the National Mall or visiting one of the many museums, there is so much you can do here. All government-run attractions are free, but some of the privately-run ones are not. Just keep in mind that if you want to tour the Capitol or White House, you will need to book in advance. Fans 2 Nationals fans arrive late and leave early, even at the best of times. Fans will still be filing in two or three innings into the game and will start filing out by the sixth or seventh. Even for the limited amount of time everyone’s inside, there will still often be huge swaths of empty seats, especially now with the team at the bottom of the National League standings. The fans who do show up can get loud at times, with some of them waving their hats and chanting “N-A-T-S NATS NATS NATS!” after every run, but involved fans seem to be in the minority here. It seems to be a place to hang out with friends rather than pay attention to the action on the field. Although Nats fans are friendlier than what you’d experience up I-95 in Philadelphia or New York, there is a happy medium between abusive and uninvolved, and sadly Nationals fans seem to be more at the uninvolved end. Crowds have seemed to shrink significantly since the Nats championship in 2019 as the team has fallen on hard times – there will usually be many empty seats, and if they are playing an NL East rival, visiting fans will make up a significant portion of the crowd. This is disappointing to see given how large the crowds were during the World Series run just a few years ago. Access 4 Nationals Park is conveniently located right next to the Navy-Yard Ballpark Stop on the Green Line of the Washington Metro. Although this may seem convenient, there are frequent Metro shutdowns that may reduce headways to 24 minutes or more or even shut down stations entirely. These shutdowns are most prevalent on weekends or over the summer, which is of course when most people go to baseball games. Be sure to check the WMATA website before you head out if you plan on going this way. There are extra trains after games to accommodate the crowds, but the trains can still get pretty packed. Also, note that the supplemental trains only go a few stops in downtown before turning around to take more fans home. Although fans who plan to transfer to other lines should have no problem, fans who wish to remain on the Green Line past Mount Vernon Square should check the destination sign of their train to be sure it is heading to Greenbelt, or simply get on the first train that comes and transfer later if need be. Fans who are outside the D.C. area don’t need to drive to the ballpark, as they can drive to a suburban station and park there. Parking at Metro stations ranges from $3 to $6 depending on the station and is free on weekends. Fans coming from the south may wish to park at Branch Avenue in Southern Maryland, as you will be heading in the opposite direction from most fans at the end of the game, so your train will be significantly less crowded. Also, you will not need to transfer. Fans coming from the north may want to look into parking at Greenbelt or another station on the northern part of the Green Line, which at least avoids a transfer. If you do plan on driving to the stadium, parking can be $50 or more. Parking in the GEICO garage next to the stadium or other lots nearby can be reserved in advance through the Nationals' website to ensure a spot. Taking an Uber or Lyft may end up being cheaper than parking, depending on where you’re coming from. Keep in mind that prices for rides close to the stadium after the game can skyrocket in price due to increased demand. If you can, we suggest walking a few blocks away from the stadium, which should bring the prices back down close to normal. Return on Investment 3 Like many teams, the Nationals use variable pricing for tickets, so prices can vary depending on the opponent, the day of the week, and if any promotions are going on such as bobblehead giveaways. Expect them to start around $17 for upper-level seats and go up to over $400 for VIP seats behind home plate which include suite access. One additional option for residents of the District of Columbia is to purchase $5 tickets in Sections 401 and 402 at the Nationals Box Office. Although this option was previously available to all fans, effective in 2024 it is only available to residents of the District. The process is easier than in past years as tickets can be purchased in advance, but they must be purchased at the Nationals' box office. Those who are not residents of D.C. cannot take advantage of this offer anymore. Concessions are a bit pricey, but about what you’d expect from a major league venue. Parking is ridiculously expensive, but as you have plenty of other options, that isn’t too big a factor here. While prices have not gone up by much since the Nationals' championship run, the quality of the experience has decreased, with reduced crowds, fewer gameday amenities, later gate opening times, and a lower quality of play on the field. While the return on investment is still decent, it isn't what it once was, especially if you want to sit someplace better than the $5 cheap seats. Extras 3 There is a Ring of Honor on the wall between the upper and terrace levels with the names of former Nationals greats as well as legends from Washington’s previous baseball teams, the Washington Senators (both incarnations), and the Negro League’s Homestead Grays. Look for all the banners and murals with pictures of Nationals players past and present. A third star for the Presidents’ Race, as it is one of the more unique and entertaining traditions in baseball. Final Thoughts After the second incarnation of the Washington Senators moved to Texas in 1972, Washington, D.C. was without a baseball team for over 30 years. In 2005, the Nationals came to town, and in 2008, they got a brand-new stadium. Since then, the excitement has worn off and the crowds have steadily declined, especially as the Nationals’ performance on the field has gone downhill. That being said, Nationals Park is still a nice stadium for fans to take in a Major League Baseball game.

Photos by Andrei Ojeda, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.71 PETCO Park 100 Park Blvd San Diego, CA 92101 Map It San Diego Padres website PETCO Park website Year Opened: 2004 Capacity: 42,445 20 Years As America's Finest Park From 1969-2003 the San Diego Padres MLB franchise called Mission Valley their home. From San Diego to Jack Murphy to Qualcomm, the Friars had their share of memorable moments from Steve Garvey’s 2-run walk-off in Game 4 of the 1984 NLCS to the hitting prowess provided by Mr. Padre Tony Gwynn. The Padres would make two World Series appearances during their days in Mission Valley in 1984 and 1998.  The 2024 season marks the 20th anniversary of Petco Park. In that span the Friars have made three postseason appearances highlighted by their 2022 National League Division Series triumph over their long-time nemesis Los Angeles Dodgers. Food & Beverage 5 There is no shortage of dining options at Petco Park ranging from the traditional hot dogs to an array of fare.   There are your usual ballpark options such as the Friar Frank, the half-pound Big Slugger Dog and bratwurst, and local favorites from Barrio Dogg, Randy Jones BBQ and Hodad’s. A single bacon cheeseburger from Hodads with all the fixings piled high is big enough to satisfy even the biggest appetites. Recent additions to the menu are spicy fried chicken sandwiches from San Diego’s Finest Hot Chicken, acai bowls from Sambazon, and locally sourced frozen popsicles from Holy Paleta, offering exotic flavors from lavender lemonade to pineapple mojito pops, sure to be a refreshing sweet treat for those hot afternoon games. Cardiff’s Seaside Market has a cart located in the both lower and upper concourse on the third base side serving up some tasty Burgundy BBQ tri-tip sandwiches as well as a generous helping of Burgundy Pepper tri-tip nachos. Petco Park offers a wide variety of local craft beers and microbrews. Among the options are Ballast Point, Karl Strauss, Mission Brewery, as well as your typical ballpark variety of Anheuser Busch/Budweiser products. If there’s one brew that you must try at Petco if only to soak in the local brew experience, it’s the San Diego Pale Ale .394. The brew is a simple Pale Ale that pays tribute to Mr. Padre, Tony Gwynn, and his highest season batting average, .394, accomplished in 1994. Coke products provide non-alcoholic options with fountain stations located throughout the yard for free refills. Atmosphere 5 Throughout the years San Diego fans and folks from Southern California have had a reputation for being laid back. Expectations for this season’s team remain high and the enthusiasm throughout the stands has been evident. The recently renovated Gallagher Square, located beyond the outfield seating area is a good way for the casual fan to spend a day at Petco Park. The recent $20 million renovations to Gallagher Square presents fans with more room to maneuver, as well as an updated video board along the Sycuan concert stage, leveled tiered lawn seating and a vastly improved kids play area that features the world’s largest climbable bat and an off-leash dog park. Gallagher Square tickets do not limit fans to just the grass hill as they are free to roam other areas throughout the yard. Gallagher Square, Photo by Andrei Ojeda, Stadium Journey Another addition fans will notice to Gallagher Square is the leveled terrace named after Mr. Padre himself, Tony Gwynn. Fans will also notice the relocation of the Tony Gwynn Statue in the upper deck of the terrace. The terrace also has a pedestrian tunnel leading to the staging area of Gallagher Square. The tunnel also features tributes to Mr. Padre including a six-minute video highlighting some of his accomplishments. Tony Gwinn Tunnel, Photo by Andrei Ojeda, Stadium Journey San Diego has long been known for its military presence. Military exhibits are on display behind the lower right field stands should you choose to arrive early and view the exhibits. A statue of former legendary broadcaster Jerry Coleman, a former Marine Veteran, is located inside the right field entrance gates. Sunday afternoon games bring out a strong military presence as one of the 4 branches of uniformed military personnel make their presence at the yard with the Padres donning their military themed uniforms. Neighborhood 5 Petco Park Exterior, Photo by Andrei Ojeda, Stadium Journey Since Petco Park’s opening in 2004, the vibe around the surrounding neighborhood has continually increased as more residency, as well as pre- and post-game entertainment and dining options continue to develop. The Gaslamp is the place many fans venture to with its wide variety of bars and restaurants. Bub’s at the Ballpark and The Blind Burro are some of the nearby favorites. Bar Basic, with its brick warehouse vibe as well as its signature Mashed White Pie, is also another neighborhood favorite a stone’s throw away from the yard. Fans 4 Despite last season’s struggles the level of enthusiasm among the Friar Faithful has not waned. The Padres continue to draw crowds of close to and over 40,000 per game. The laid-back reputation has mostly been put aside, particularly when their long-time nemesis two hours up I-5 are in town. Access 5 One of the major changes fans will notice when walking through Gallagher Square is the pedestrian flow expansion in the space that would be used for standing room concert goers. The extra space that also leads to the Tony Gwynn Tunnel beneath the terrace allows for more room for fans to wander about and provides fans an extra entry point option. Gallagher Square Space, Photo by Andrei Ojeda, Stadium Journey The downtown location of Petco Park allows for easy access, with parking lots scattered throughout the area. If you park in one of the further lots toward Broadway St and save some dough, the walk to the ballpark is approximately only 15 minutes. If you and your buddies want to do a little pre-game tailgate, Tailgate Park provides fans a small lot to grill, socialize and consume beverages before heading inside the yard. The experience at Tailgate Park is a bit scaled-down. Among the restrictions from your usual tailgate, the use of charcoal is not allowed on the premises as only gas cooking grills are allowed on the lot. The SDMTS trolley is another option for Padres fans who wish to avoid the hassles of driving to the game with park and ride lots available throughout various spots throughout the city. If traveling from points north of San Diego toward Oceanside, the Coaster provides rail service throughout the season to the Santa Fe Depot station where fans can connect free with their Coaster ticket on the SDMTS Trolley to Petco Park and back. Return service on the Coaster departs one hour after the last out or the conclusion of post-game fireworks. The latest Coaster departure is midnight. Return on Investment 4 On most nights, you can get a “Park Pass” starting at $25. The pass allows fans to roam throughout the park without any restrictions. For games that aren’t filled, you should have no trouble finding a seat at the upper level. Otherwise for games where attendance is expected to reach full capacity the “Park Pass,” while still allowing fans to roam the yard, permits fans access to Gallagher Square. Tickets inside the seating bowl for most games also start at $25 with a significant bump when certain teams such as the Dodgers or Yankees are in town. With crowds mostly reaching capacity status it would be worth the few extra bucks for a seat inside the actual seating areas. Extras 5 Located behind the batter’s backdrop at  Gallagher Square, the Sycuan Stage is the first outdoor concert venue of its kind to be included inside an MLB park. Before ballgames, a local DJ spins beats from the stage. The recently renovated Gallagher Square now features tiered lawn seating and an elevated terrace among other fan and concert-friendly features. A recently celebrated addition to Petco Park is a statue of Hall of Fame relief pitcher Trevor Hoffman. The statue is located behind the left-center field bullpens at Hall of Fame Plaza, facing the Gwynn statue, recently relocated to the new Tony Gwynn Terrace, giving the thought that Trevor is throwing to Mr. Padre. The statue of Tony Gwynn has been a very popular meeting spot for years and the Trevor Hoffman statue makes for another popular pregame meeting spot as well. Opened before the 2016 All-Star Game, the Padres Hall of Fame features a timeline of Padres and other baseball history in San Diego, as well as other photos and artifacts and an interactive video display that allows fans to view a profile of a past Padres legend. Outside the Hall of Fame at the Plaza are plaques displaying players in Cooperstown who donned the Padre uniform at some point in their careers. The Breitbard Hall of Fame is located on the field concourse inside the Western Metal Supply Co. The building has a display of 153 plaques honoring athletes who left an impact on San Diego, both native San Diegans and those who played for a San Diego organization. A bronze bust of Johnny Ritchey can be viewed at the Breitbard Hall of Fame. A native of San Diego Ritchey would be the first black ballplayer to break the color barrier in the AAA Pacific Coast League one year after Jackie Robinson would break the MLB color barrier during a time when MLB’s furthest team west was in St. Louis. The historic Western Metal Supply Co. building, Petco Park’s signature feature, is nicely incorporated into the yard, located by the left field corner, with rooftop viewing available throughout most games. The building also houses the main team store as well as several suites and The Loft, a sports bar located on the building’s 4th floor that offers your standard ballpark brews and bites with several screens as well as pool and foosball tables. The Loft is open to all game-day patrons. Bringing the little ones to the yard? A miniature playground that now features the world's largest climbable bat and a whiffle ball field are there for your little ones to enjoy. Gallagher Square also operates as a public park during the day as well as non-game days. Climbable Bat, Photo by Andrei Ojeda, Stadium Journey The historic Western Metal Supply Co. building, Petco Park’s signature feature, is nicely incorporated into the yard, located by the left field corner, with rooftop viewing available throughout most games. The building also houses the main team store as well as several suites and The Loft, a sports bar located on the building’s 4th floor that offers your standard ballpark brews and bites with several screens as well as pool and foosball tables. The Loft is open to all game-day patrons. Bringing the little ones to the yard? A miniature playground and a whiffle ball field are there for your little ones to enjoy. Gallagher Square also operates as a public park during the day as well as non-game days. A plaza of retired numbers that once stood atop the batter’s backdrop can be viewed at the plaza inside the gate located at the corner of Tony Gwynn Drive and Trevor Hoffman Way. In section 114, San Diego’s high school baseball and softball make their presence known. The “San Diego Section” features hats from San Diego County high school teams that compete in CIF (California Interscholastic Federation) play. The display is also accompanied by two interactive screens where fans can search schools and professional players from those schools. Final Thoughts Celebrating its 20th year Petco Park continues to play a huge role in the revitalization of the local area throughout the East Village. With a vibrant neighborhood and enthusiastic fans coming in droves along with one of the more picturesque parks among the 30, it’s no wonder Petco Park continually ranks high in our MLB Ballpark Rankings and other ballpark rankings. ----- Follow and view all of Andrei’s journeys on Instagram @thestadiumjourneyman and @dreiinla.

Photos by James Clotfelter, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.71 Dan Magill Tennis Complex 518 D W Brooks Athens, GA 30605 Georgia Bulldogs website Dan Magill Tennis Complex website Year Opened: 2002 Capacity: 5,000 Tennis In The Classic City Many outside the college tennis world do not know that the University of Georgia has a rich tennis history. The university consistently produces ATP and WTA talent and has accumulated two women's and six men's national championships. The Dan Magill Tennis Complex itself has hosted a total of 24 men’s championships and three women’s championships. This 12-court outdoor court and 6-court indoor court facility is the crown jewel of the collegiate tennis landscape. Food & Beverage   3 One cashless concession stand serves the main outdoor court and one serves the indoor courts. Expect the basics of small stadium foods like hot dogs, burgers, chips, and candy. In terms of drinks, water and Coca-Cola products, including PowerAde, are all provided and bottled. Domestic beer and imports can also be purchased at the concession stand. They are also served with a UGA-branded souvenir cup. Atmosphere   4 The outdoor complex hosts six courts: courts 1–3 are covered by the main stand, and courts 4–6 run along a grass terrace. The main stand is split into two levels: the lower level has chairbacks, and the upper level has bleacher seating. Every ticket to the main stand is general admission, so it is first come, first served for the chairbacks. Across from the main stand appears to be a terrace with shaded, high-top seating, presumably reserved for team dinners. To the left of the main stand, parallel to court one is the player clubhouse with more exclusive shaded seating. The concourse in the main stand splits the two levels and holds the concession stand along with restrooms. Outside the concourse, little gardens and flowers are sprinkled throughout the complex, creating a pleasant atmosphere. There is a scoreboard slightly past court 3 that gives the scores on all six courts as well as the total team scores. Those unfamiliar with the college game will be surprised to learn that fans can make noise during the game. While the umpires may tell the fans to relax if it gets excessive, the students like to get into the action, occasionally engaging in some banter with the opposing team and some instigation from the Georgia players. This intimate environment also allows fans to hear back and forth between players and their opponents, players and the umpire, and players talking to themselves. The entrance to the indoor facility sits right across the street from the Carlton Street Parking Deck adjacent to the outdoor courts. These courts will only be used if weather forces the event to be moved inside. It consists of a much smaller capacity than its outdoor companion, with three humble rows of supported bleachers running along all six of its courts. Each court contains its scoreboard located on the wall across from the bleachers, and a master scoreboard sits at the head of the building. Neighborhood   4 The tennis complex is located in the same lot as Stegman Coliseum (men's and women's basketball and gymnastics) and Foley Field (basketball). It is an on-campus facility, so if it is your first time visiting UGA, be sure to take a stroll around a campus that is regarded as one of the most beautiful ones in the country. Popular on-campus attractions include the athletic facilities, Tate Student Center, the UGA bookstore, and North Campus, which holds the oldest buildings of the first public university in the country. Athens is regarded as one of the best college towns in America. With downtown being adjacent to the north campus, students and visitors are steps away from local shops, restaurants, and bar options. The best time to stroll downtown Athens for the first time would be during the day before the nightlife crowd hits downtown. The Five Points neighborhood holds some great, quitter food options like Sakura Hibachi and Sushi Bar, Pine Bar, and Loaded Pizza, and is also within a walkable distance from the tennis complex. There is one hotel on the UGA campus in the convention center, but there are loads of options outside of campus that you may want to investigate. Many visitors also prefer to book an Airbnb, as Athens is home to many affordable ones. Fans   3 The University of Georgia tennis fans are very knowledgeable of both their men’s and women’s tennis teams. Attendance can vary greatly, as marquee night and conference matches will have much better attendance numbers than the random noon midweek nonconference match. When the SEC championship is hosted, many of the non-UGA matches will have only a handful of patrons and family in attendance. Student turnout also varies depending on the stakes of the match, the quality of the promotion or giveaway, and the time. If it is a good opponent on the weekend, student turnout is very good by college tennis standards, and they give the atmosphere as well as the usual student section banter to opposing players, occasionally sneaking under the skin of the opposing team. It is a usual occurrence for the umpires to calm the crowd when the student turnout is in full force. As for the rest of the crowd, it tends to be the families of the athletes and local families getting out of the house on a nice day. Access   3 Getting to Athens is not always the easiest experience. There is not a direct highway to Athens, but the most common way to get to Athens from Atlanta is I-85 to Exit 106, which will put you on GA 316, otherwise known as University Parkway, and it runs directly to Athens. There is also a world where it ends up being faster to take I-20 from Atlanta. This will take you to Conyers, GA, and put you on a combination of countryside highways to Athens. If coming from Lake Hartwell or South Carolina, it is best to take I-85 to Commerce, Georgia. From Commerce, you can take GA 15 south directly into Athens. Once in Athens, the tennis complex is located directly behind the Stegman Coliseum on the campus of the University of Georgia. The Carlton Street parking deck is free to park on event days, and it is situated right across the street from the indoor complex and approximately a mere 200 feet from the outdoor entrance. The outdoor concourse is simple and easy to navigate, but there is only one set of restrooms, which may get crowded at highly attended matches. The indoor concourse is impossible to get lost in, and it is simply a hallway with a concession stand that takes you straight to the main courts. Return on Investment   5 Admission to UGA Regular season matches is free, and every event is general admission, so it is hard to complain about that. On top of free admission, parking on the Carlton Street Deck is free as well. For non-UGA events, like the 2024 SEC Women’s Tennis Championships, the price per day was $5, and an all-sessions pass was $15. Concessions are on par with every UGA athletic event, which is a more than reasonable price. $2.50 for hot dogs, $5 for hamburgers, $7-$8 for beer, $5 for a pretzel, and $2 for water. Extras   4 The Dan Magill Tennis Complex offers a sense of natural beauty with the garden-like features it incorporates into the complex. Inside the main stand is a long timeline and tribute to the Georgia tennis greats. The grass terrace along courts 4-6 also gives a very green feel to the complex. Outside the outdoor courts is also the ITA Tennis Hall of Fame, which was unfortunately closed for our visits, but when it opens, it will add some more character to this historic complex. Final Thoughts The Dan Magill Tennis Complex provides a quality atmosphere with quality tennis for a non-existent dollar amount. No matter what you are in Athens for, it is more than worth checking out both the men’s and women’s tennis schedules.

Photos by Meg Minard, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.57 Fitch Park 651 N Center Mesa, AZ 85211 Map It ACL Athletics website Fitch Park website Year Opened: 1997 Year Renovated: 2014 Capacity: 125 (estimate) Rookie A's In the sports world, Fitch Park in Mesa, AZ, is mostly known as the workout and practice facility as the Oakland Athletics’ spring training site.  It is a city-owned and operated park.  The park has four ball fields on the west side and traditional city park amenities like a playground, ramadas, and picnic tables on the east side. The ACL Athletics (Arizona Complex League) play their home games there (Field 3) from mid-spring to mid-summer.  The 2024 ACL season runs from early May till the end of July.  It is an earlier start than previous seasons.   This is nice because it’s not quite as hot in early May. The Arizona Complex League (formerly known as the Arizona League) is one of two rookie-level baseball leagues of MLB, the lowest level of the organization.  The games are nine innings and use only two umpires.  If you look at the rosters, most players were born after 9/11.  For many of the players and the umpires, the ACL is their first professional engagement. The ACL Athletics began playing at Fitch Field in 2015.  The team has won the most ACL championships since the league started in 1988. Food & Beverage 0 The stadium does not sell concessions.  Fans can and should bring in their own snacks and beverages.  We recommend bringing in at least two bottles of water as it gets unbelievably hot at these games, brutally hot, especially later in the season. Atmosphere 2 The park has a good-looking, plush green field (at least at the beginning of the season).  Palm trees line the center field walls.  Two sets of bleachers are on each side of the infield.  They are five rows high and sit maybe ten across.  Thankfully, canopies cover them, so they are shaded.  The seating is very close to the field; you’re up close to the action.  A thick chain link fence protects not only the bleachers but also the dugouts.   It impedes the view of the game. The field has a basic scoreboard in left field showing strikes, balls, outs, the inning, and runs per team.  It is best seen from the first base bleachers during day games, as the chain link fence blocks the view from the third base set. The team has an announcer, who calls the game extremely well, though his voice volume is low, and sometimes you need to strain to hear it. Game day operations play music between innings at a perfect volume level. Neighborhood 4 The stadium is in a residential area, and while there’s not a whole lot to do in the immediate area, the stadium is a little over a mile from downtown Mesa, which has developed significantly over the last several years. Downtown Mesa has four breweries:  12 West Brewing – which serves tasty food, Beer Research Institute – which has a classic arcade in it, Oro Brewing Company, and the newest Phantom Fox Beer Co – which partners with Goat and Ram (pizza).   A cidery (Cider Corps) and Chupacabra Taproom are also downtown and offer cider, beer, and wine and a place to hang out before or after the ballgames.  Diamond’s Sports Grille, a classic sports bar, has traditional sports bar food and is just a mile from the park. For local restaurants, we recommend the delicious New Mexican fare Blue Adobe Grille, which is only a four or five-minute drive from the ballpark, and the Que Chevere (Venezuelan cuisine) on Main St. downtown. Tourist things to see and do in Mesa are the Arizona Museum of Natural History, the engaging i.d.e.a Museum (excellent for kids), or the popular cultural Mesa Arts Center. The Mesa Historical Museum has an exhibit on the Arizona Cactus League and Arizona Spring Training, as well as Mesa-specific historical exhibits. Though a little distance from Fitch Park (about 5 miles), fans may want to visit Organ Stop Pizza with its Wurlitzer Theater organ, which some say is the world’s largest pipe organ. The Delta Hotels by Marriott Phoenix Mesa is one mile away. A few lower-priced hotels, like Quality Inn or Baymont Inn, are three to five miles from the stadium. Other sports near Fitch Park during the rookie season include the WAC baseball tournament played at Hohokam Stadium at the end of May or the Pac-12 baseball tournament at Scottsdale Stadium. And, depending on schedules, fans can visit Chase Field and see an MLB Arizona Diamondbacks game or the Footprint Center and watch the WNBA Phoenix Mercury. Fans 2 The fans in the stands are players not playing that day, some local A’s fans, and others who like the game of baseball.  Some fans bring bags of baseballs to get autographs of possible up-and-coming Athletics.  It’s easy to strike up a conversation with the other fans.  You can hear discussions about the type of pitch thrown and good plays on the diamond; visitors know the game.   Probably the biggest fans are the teammates in the dugouts. Access 3 Getting to and from Fitch Park is easy and hassle-free.  It is a little over a mile north of downtown Mesa, half a mile south of Hohokam Stadium, and about two miles south of the 202.   A DBUZ bus stop is outside the stadium.  The bus service ends at 8pm during the week and 9pm on Saturdays. This may not be an option if you want to stay for the whole game, as evening games start at 6pm. Sky Harbor Airport is 11 miles to the west; Mesa Gateway Airport is 22 miles to the southeast.  Uber and Lyft are readily available in Mesa. When arriving by vehicle, drive past the ball fields and park in the area at the end of the road.  Then follow the sign to the field entrance.  It’s a short hike to the playing field. Return on Investment 5 It costs nothing except your transportation to Fitch Field and the snacks and drinks you bring.  The city doesn’t charge for parking; the team doesn’t charge admittance.   You can’t do much better than that for a few hours of baseball. Extras 2 Extras go to the city for renovating the complex and the field ten years ago.  Beginning the season earlier is favorable just because of the heat in the later parts of summer. Final Thoughts If you like baseball for baseball and can manage the heat, watching an ACL Athletics game is a worthwhile few hours out.  Be sure to check out the lively downtown Mesa area after (or before) the game.

The Stanley Cup playoffs are underway, so Stadium Journey felt it was time to do what we do best - rank the NHL hockey rinks. Stadium Journey ranks arenas based on their unique FANFARE rating scale, which incorporates a venue’s food, atmosphere, neighborhood, fans, accessibility, value, and other factors to create an overall score.  When two or more venues are tied, Stadium Journey consults its Council of Elders to break the tie.  It’s a different way of looking at venues and produces some variability in our lists that you don’t see elsewhere. As usual, we predict that this list will garner a great deal of debate. We welcome your input by joining discussions on our Facebook and Twitter pages.  We’re sure your NHL Arena ranking list differs from ours, and isn’t that what makes these lists so engaging? 1. Amalie Arena – Tampa Bay Lightning 4.57 Chris Green - The Tampa Bay Lightning have broken all expectations for a Florida hockey franchise, and their game day experience has become one of the best in the league. From the spotless interior of the venue to the bounty of food options, there is plenty to love at Amalie Arena. 2. Climate Pledge Arena – Seattle Kraken 4.43 Lloyd Brown - The Climate Pledge Arena is much more than just the newest rink in the NHL. It is an experiment in using the most current “smart” technologies to minimize (hopefully to zero) the carbon footprint the facility leaves after each event it hosts. 3. Bridgestone Arena – Nashville Predators 4.43 David Welch - Hockey in Nashville is an amazing experience, including both the in-game entertainment and the excitement of the game on the ice. But what sets Bridgestone Arena apart is the vibe of Nashville’s Broadway, which has been brought in just steps from the front doors – this feeling helps bring the party atmosphere of the area into the game. 4. Rogers Place – Edmonton Oilers 4.43 Jim Flannery - Rogers Place is a worthwhile place to visit even if you’re not there for a hockey game. There is so much to see and do in and around the building without ever walking through the gates that you could spend a couple hours just checking the place out. Once you’re through the gates, this is a beautiful building with truly state-of-the-art features that should impress most everyone. 5. Crypto.com Arena – Los Angeles Kings 4.43 Andrei Ojeda -With Crypto.com celebrating its 25th season, the Kings have had their share of great moments, rewarding their loyal fanbase with a contending team during most seasons as well as their two Stanley Cup triumphs. 6. Bell Centre – Montreal Canadiens 4.29 Dave Cottenie - Without a doubt, a trip to Centre Bell to see the Montréal Canadiens needs to be near the top of any hockey bucket list.  Although the arena itself is not earth shattering, the Canadiens put on a terrific product, even when the team is down. 7. PPG Paints Arena – Pittsburgh Penguins 4.29 Patricia Beninato - As far as NHL venues go, PPG Paints Arena gives hockey fans a top-of-the-line game experience. Due to its semi-northeastern location, it attracts hockey fans from all over the U.S. 8. Scotiabank Arena – Toronto Maple Leafs 4.14 Dave Cottenie - All hockey fans should consider making a pilgrimage to see the Toronto Maple Leafs and extend the trip to see the city of Toronto and especially the Hockey Hall of Fame.  Scotiabank Arena remains among the premier venues in the league and MLSE has done a spectacular job keeping the arena relevant for the last two decades. 9. Nationwide Arena – Columbus Blue Jackets 4.14 Greg Venuto - Nationwide Arena is clearly a beautiful and fan-friendly arena to watch an NHL game. Despite being over 20 years old, it seems new and up-to-date. It is definitely worth a visit if in town and the benefits are reasonable prices and plenty to do just outside its doors. 10. UBS Arena – New York Islanders 4.14 Ken Thorp - UBS Arena is a decent venue. The arena has enough bells and whistles to provide an adequate game day experience. They have a ridiculous amount of food choices as well as concession stands.  Stadium Operations work extremely hard to keep the fans engaged in the game. 11. Madison Square Garden – New York Rangers 4.14 Greg Venuto - MSG is certainly a must-see venue not just for avid hockey fans but for casual and non-sports fans too. The Arena sells itself plus the Garden produces a worthy day or evening of entertainment. 12. Capital One Arena – Washington Capitals 4.14 Gregory Koch - While the experience of a Capitals game at Capital One Arena has diminished somewhat since the Stanley Cup run a few years ago, it is still one of the better experiences in the NHL. Hockey fans will want to Rock the Red and check out a game here. 13. Prudential Center – New Jersey Devils 4.00 Steven Kee - The Prudential Center is a stunning facility, offering almost everything the hockey fan could ask for in the 21st century. The arena is accessible via mass transit, close to great restaurants, and provides a variety of services and features throughout the game. 14. Amerant Bank Arena – Florida Panthers 4.00 Chris Green - All-in-all, FLA Live Arena is family friendly and provides a quaint atmosphere. The last few seasons are proving that this quaint atmosphere can also swell into a roaring crowd, thanks to successful records. 15. TD Garden – Boston Bruins 4.00 Paul Baker - The TD Garden is only the third venue that the Bruins have called home in close to a century of competition, after the Boston Arena (now called Matthews Arena) and the Boston Garden. Built just nine inches from its predecessor, it is named for its sponsor, TD Bank. 16. Xcel Energy Center – Minnesota Wild 3.86 Greg Venuto - The Minnesota Wild continue to play before hockey-crazed, sellout crowds at Xcel Energy Center.  The building, while 23 years old, continues to shine as fans rock out to Shout after every Wild goal. 17. KeyBank Center – Buffalo Sabres 3.86 Robbie Raskin - KeyBank Center is a solid place to catch a hockey game in one of the best American hockey markets. Sabres fans are welcoming and friendly, the arena is comfortable and has been updated pretty well over the years. 18. Honda Center – Anaheim Ducks 3.86 Paul Baker - While hockey may not be the first thing on your mind as you wander around southern California during a warm winter day, a trip to the Honda Center provides a mighty good experience for any fan, whether you are coming from the frigid north or not. 19. United Center – Chicago Blackhawks 3.86 Greg Venuto - United Center is a must-see venue for sports fans and hockey enthusiasts alike.  If the Hawks can trend upward, a Stadium Journey to the Windy City will be even more memorable and could ignite the United Center to madhouse status once again. 20. T-Mobile Arena – Vegas Golden Knights 3.86 Lloyd Brown - The Vegas Golden Knights “broke the ice” as the first major league professional sports team to set up shop in Las Vegas. The city sells out games and the team’s performance on the ice is far above what is expected, winning the ultimate trophy – the Stanley Cup – in 2023. 21. Rogers Arena – Vancouver Canucks 3.86 Lloyd Brown - In Canada, ice hockey reigns supreme, and Vancouver was the first Canadian city on the West Coast to receive an NHL franchise. This has led to a long history of sellouts throughout the club’s 50-year existence. Packed stands lead to a great environment in the seating bowl. The seating areas fill early as the crowds do not want to miss even the warmups. 22. Enterprise Center – St. Louis Blues 3.71 Greg Venuto - The Enterprise Center is a solid venue to take in an NHL hockey game.  The arena features good food and drink choices and favorable sight lines. The fans are warm, inviting and enthusiastic about their team which is now a St. Louis tradition for over 55 years. 23. Wells Fargo Center – Philadelphia Flyers 3.71 Steven Kee - The Wells Fargo Center is still a first-class and modern building for hockey and sports fans. The atmosphere, energy, and festive spirit during the holiday season make it an ideal destination when it town. 24. SAP Center – San Jose Sharks 3.57 Dave Cottenie -The San Jose Sharks are a great experience for all NHL fans.  Their influence throughout the 90’s is undeniable and they have had great influence opening up the southern belt to NHL hockey.  A trip to the Shark Tank will be a memorable one for hockey fans everywhere. 25. Ball Arena – Colorado Avalanche 3.57 Greg Venuto - Ball Arena is a great place to visit while in Denver to take in a hockey game.  The fans are enthusiastic and the team is usually at the top of the standings. 26. Scotiabank Saddledome – Calgary Flames 3.57 Jim Flannery -The Olympic Saddledome opened in 1983, constructed in anticipation of the 1988 Winter Olympics, and has been the home of the Calgary Flames ever since.  Over the years, the Saddledome has seen a few renovations, increased seating capacity, and a couple name changes; it is now known as the Scotiabank Saddledome. 27. Canada Life Centre – Winnipeg Jets 3.57 Lloyd Brown -Winnipeg has been given a second chance with an NHL franchise and there is no chance of the fans allowing the team to move elsewhere again. They fill the Canada Life Centre for every game, cheering loudly for the local boys while organizing chants to disrupt the visiting team’s concentration. The whole town turns out in their blue-best when the Jets are in town. 28. American Airlines Center – Dallas Stars 3.57 Michael Davis - American Airlines Center is one of the finest sports venues in America, located in a great city and home to a hockey organization that seems committed to being in Dallas for a long time.  A visit to American Airlines Center to watch the Stars play is a wonderful way to spend an evening in Dallas. 29. PNC Arena – Carolina Hurricanes 3.57 Joseph Oakes - PNC Arena is routinely sold out and offers a great environment to watch Carolina Hurricane NHL hockey.  Even though the venue is approaching 25 years old, it is still a modern arena for NHL hockey. 30. Little Caesars Arena – Detroit Red Wings 3.29 Meg Minard - The NHL’s Detroit Red Wings moved from its aging Joe Louis Arena to the new, technologically-advanced Little Caesars Arena in 2017.  The new arena has many great features while still maintaining the Hockeytown history. 31. Canadian Tire Centre – Ottawa Senators 3.29 Dave Cottenie - It will be interesting to see what the future holds for the Ottawa Senators and their much maligned building in Kanata.  It must be said, however, that regardless of the situation with the Canadian Tire Centre, the Ottawa Senators are still an NHL experience and fans will still have a great time during the game. 32. Mullett Arena - Arizona Coyotes 2.86 Greg Venuto - For what it is, Mullett Arena offers a charming setting for fans who can get close to the action and see and hear everything up close.  It is not an NHL venue, but seeing top-flight players in such an intimate setting is fabulous.

Photos by David Welch, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.86 TPC Sugarloaf 2595 Sugarloaf Club Dr Duluth, GA 30097 Mitsubishi Electric Classic website TPC Sugarloaf website Year Opened: 1997 Where Legends Play Located in the northeastern Atlanta suburb of Duluth, the one-time Rollins family cattle and horse farm Sugarloaf Farms was transformed into the Greg Norman-designed TPC Sugarloaf. The 7309-yard, par 72 Bermuda fairways and bent grass greens of TPC Sugarloaf have played host to both PGA Tour and PGA Tour Champions events since its opening in 1997, when the club hosted the Bell South Classic. The PGA Tour stop would last until 2009 when it was renamed the AT&T Classic, but then TPC Sugarloaf would go without professional golf until the PGA Tour Champions added it to their schedule in 2013, with two-time Masters champion Bernhard Langer winning the inaugural event. The PGA Tour Champions is comprised of golf legends aged 50 and above; most tournaments on the tour are 54-hole events with no cut. Food & Beverage   4 Starting with the first hole, concession tents are stationed every three holes and serve a full food and beverage menu – snack tents are also set up around the course and offer a hefty selection of choices.  On course Gourmet to Go tents sell a wide variety of high-quality sandwiches, including the Georgian classic Pimento cheese, and Tuscan grilled chicken salads are also available from the tents. On course concessions also serve a wide selection of candy, chips, and other snacks. The Fan Expo area behind the 18th green offers a wider selection of foods – in addition to the standard grab-and-go set up, local pizzeria Johnny’s New York Style Pizza provides three different options, while the neighboring Snack Attack! tent serves more typical stadium type concessions such as hot dogs, pretzels, peanuts, popcorn, and nachos with cheese sauce. Another favorite during the event is Atlanta popsicle producer King of Pops, with their hand crafted, all natural popsicles, which can be found at the trademark rainbow umbrella among the vendor tents at the exposition center. When it comes to beverages there is a little bit of something for everyone; non-alcoholic beverages include Coke, Diet Coke, and Coke Zero, Sprite, PowerAde and Dasani bottled water, along with hand-squeezed lemonade. For adult beverages, attendees can choose from Michelob Ultra, Corona, and Modelo beers, with mixed drinks and wine available in the premium access areas. Atmosphere   4 Made up of three individual 9-hole tracks, the original “Stables and Meadows” courses are used for tournament play – the courses are a nod to the history of the land upon which the community was built. The front 9, the Stables course, does have some forgiving landing areas, but the greens are well protected either by bunkers or Singleton Creek, which meanders through the front side. There is little opportunity to land a shot short and run it up close to the pin. On the other hand, precision is the name of the game on the back 9, the Meadows course. Greens here are a bit less protected, but fairways are tighter, putting a premium on keeping the ball on the short stuff. In addition, Rollins Ranch Lake, centrally located on the Sugarloaf property, comes to play on the par 3 11th hole and on the closing 18th. The palatial lake front estates across the water also provide a beautiful backdrop for the 12th hole, though the lake itself doesn’t come into play on this one. The benefit of golf tournaments is that there really is no best way to take in the action – several holes have foldable lawn chairs set up around the green, for spectators to watch approach shots or to see players putting out. Some patrons enjoy following their favorite around the course for all 18 holes, while other fans take the strategy of finding a comfortable spot on the course and watching each group pass by, before heading to the 18th hole to catch the leaders finishing up their round. For those wanting a bit of it all, walking the course backwards will provide a look at each group as they come through the course.  The Saturday pin placement on 18 is typically just beyond the water hazard on the front of the green, and thus makes for some thrilling high risk/reward situations. If looking for the excitement of a possible hole-in-one, the 144-yard par 3 second hole is known to surrender more than its fair share. Whatever strategy is implored, just make sure to head to the 18th green toward the end of the day for the excitement of players making one last gasp to pick up a stroke on the leader. Neighborhood   3 TPC Sugarloaf is on the backside of the Gas South District in the Sugarloaf neighborhood of Duluth, a northeastern suburb of Atlanta, about 30-minutes from downtown. Sugarloaf is a private neighborhood, so typical access to the club is restricted. The surrounding area is where commercial properties and office parks begin transitioning to residential housing and subdivisions. The area is full of additional entertainment, restaurants, and lodging. The front gate of TPC Sugarloaf is less than a quarter mile from the back access road to Gas South Arena, which is home to the Atlanta Vibe (Pro Volleyball Federation), Georgia Swarm (National Lacrosse League), and Atlanta Gladiators (ECHL). The arena also hosts numerous concerts year-round, and Duluth is also just a town over from Lawrenceville, which is home to the Gwinnett Stripers, the AAA affiliate of the Atlanta Braves. Fans   4 The Friday round is rather lightly attended, but as the tournament progresses to the weekend rounds, the gallery swells to where each grouping has a solid crowd following. By the time Sunday’s final groups are starting their rounds, the course is abuzz with excitement for the leaders heading out. With the course situated amongst private residences, a handful of homes around the course host tournament watch parties from their backyards or decks; these gatherings tend to grow in size and exuberance as the leading groups come through on Sunday’s final round. A few of the patrons do tend to get a bit overly enthusiastic in trying to score an autograph or selfie from the golfers as they exit the 18th green, to make the trip to the clubhouse to sign their scorecard. These autograph seekers end up blocking the area for players to access the green and their carts. Also, a nearly unavoidable issue with a handful of patrons are those who have been overserved on the course, who can then become a bit obnoxious on the shuttle back to the parking lot. This is mostly a case of a very minimal number who can easily ruin the experience, making it an uncomfortable ride back at the end of the day. On the whole, however, the patron involvement at the Mitsubishi Electric Classic is a supportive and respectful group. There is a bit of playful banter between the golfers and the gallery, with an occasional call of “GET IN THE HOLE!” for a tee shot on a 600-yard par 5, as well as a few screams of “BABA-BOEY!” Access   4 With PGA Tour Champions events running Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, getting to Duluth is not as much of a challenge as it might be for midweek or evening events. Patrons park at the nearby Gas South District to be shuttled to the course, which once wheels are moving is no more than a 10-minute ride, mostly due to the 20 mph speed limits within the Sugarloaf neighborhood. The shuttle drops off just before the clubhouse, leaving patrons with just a short walk up to the 1st tee box on the Stable Course (or the 10th tee on the Meadows Course) – one of the drawbacks of the course layout is that each of the three 9-hole courses creates a loop around the outside of the property, making it difficult to join a passing gallery. The course does have a decent amount of elevation change, so patrons with mobility issues might find accessing parts of the course difficult. There are ADA carts available to assist in accessing the course, though. Return on Investment   4 Daily grounds passes start at $20 per day, with passes for all three rounds going for $54 – Ticketmaster service fees are kept reasonable at under $4. For those wanting more comfortable amenities, clubhouse access runs $75 per round, while passes to access some of the on-course club seating options do start to get a bit expensive. Veterans and active, along with first responders, can attend the tournament free of charge. Also, in a way to grow the game, children under 15 are free with a paying adult. Parking does add an extra $10 to the cost, but considering the typical prices to park at professional sporting events, this cost does seem reasonable. Concessions around the course and in the golf expo are what might be expected at sporting events, but rates are kept a bit lower than what fans may have become accustomed to – with a menu full of items costing less than $11 each, there doesn’t seem to be the same stadium sticker shock here that fans have started to become accustomed to. Extras   4 In a bit of a reflection of southern charm, rather than the typical “Quiet Please” signs held up by the course marshals as players address their ball, the signs have been altered to say “Hush Y’all, Please.” The Mitsubishi Electric Classic implements and sponsors several activities and initiatives that reach out to golf’s next generation, including a 9-hole miniature golf course set up at the tournament expo, giving kids an opportunity to hone their short game as part of their tournament experience. Also, the Georgia State Golf Association sponsors a junior chipping and putting skills competition on Saturday afternoon. As players exit the 18th green, an Autograph Station has been set up for the tournament’s youngest patrons to try to get a quick photo or autograph from their favorite golfer after the round; the Autograph Zone has even been designated for those under 60” in height or under 15 years of age. Final Thoughts The Mitsubishi Electric Classis at TPC Sugarloaf serves at a wonderful backdrop for an entertaining weekend of golf for all ages, and the Tour has done a great job promoting the game to everyone, from the first timers who might only understand the game in its miniature form to those who have already found a love for the game. Golf is unique in that as players age, there is still a viable option for them to continue playing at an elite level, which few other professional sports offer – the PGA Tour Champions is a wonderful opportunity to watch and showcase the talents of the PGA Tour’s stars of the previous generation.