Photos by Gregory Koch, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.57 Lady Pirates Softball Stadium Emancipation Drive Hampton, VA 23669 Hampton Pirates website Lady Pirates Softball Stadium website Year Opened: 1988 Capacity: approx. 500 All Ahoy for Pirate Softball! Hampton University is a historically black college (HBCU) located in Hampton, Virginia, in the southeast portion of the state. The school was founded in 1868 and is considered one of the Black Ivies. Hampton’s athletic teams, the Pirates and Lady Pirates, previously competed in the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference MEAC) along with many other HBCUs. However, in 2018, the school moved to the Big South Conference. before moving to the Coastal Athletic Conference (CAA) in 2022. Hampton's softball team plays at the appropriately named Lady Pirates Softball Stadium. This turf field on the Hampton campus is a small, intimate environment. Originally a grass field, it was later converted to artificial turf. Food & Beverage 0 There is no food or drink for sale at the Lady Pirates Softball Stadium. Fans are free to bring their own, and many do. Atmosphere 3 Walking into the Lady Pirates Softball Stadium will put you on a concourse of sorts, although there is not much here other than restrooms and some storage areas. From there, you will walk up steps or a ramp to the seating area. Several sets of bleachers are arranged around home plate. As there are only a few rows, you will have an excellent view of the action anywhere you sit, though you will be watching from behind a net due to the proximity to home plate and speed of the balls off the bat. A scoreboard in the outfield also shows the linescore for up to ten innings, even though softball is typically only seven notwithstanding extra innings. Music is played during breaks in the action, although not intrusively. There is energy from the crowd and the players in the dugouts, but in terms of what the team provides, this is a pretty standard experience. Neighborhood 3 Lady Pirates Softball Stadium is located on the Hampton University campus, so you will have to travel at least a little bit to find much of anything. The campus is bounded by a highway on one side and water on the others, so there is not much nearby other than a small strip mall with a few places to grab a quick bite. Your best option is to drive a few miles to the Coliseum area. In addition to the Hampton Coliseum itself, you will find many hotels and restaurants. The Coliseum neighborhood is nice enough, but its distance from campus is a downside in this category. The City of Hampton Hampton is at the tip of the Virginia Peninsula, sometimes known as the Lower Peninsula to avoid confusion with Virginia's Middle and Upper Peninsulas, but most often known locally as simply "The Peninsula". It is part of the Hampton Roads area, which can refer to both the region as a whole and the harbor that divides it. Across the harbor, you will find Norfolk, and beyond that, Virginia Beach. If you go to a game late in the season, you can drive about 40 minutes down I-64 to the beach and make a weekend getaway out of it, but early in the season, the weather and water temperature will not be desirable. Fans 3 The Hampton Lady Pirates typically draw a couple hundred fans a game, although in the small stadium, it can feel quite full. While they are small in number, Hampton fans bring the passion, constantly shouting and cheering the team and individual players. Many of them are friends and family of the players, but there are some locals as well. At big moments such as after Hampton RBIs, it can get quite loud in here with all the fans cheering wildly. Expect Lady Pirates fans to bring the passion for the full seven innings here. Access 4 Getting onto the Hampton campus is extremely easy. Take Exit 267 off Interstate 64, head straight through the light at the end of the exit ramp, and you’re already on campus. Parking is available in a large lot near the Convocation Center across the street from the stadium. There is a small lot right next door that some GPS apps will try to direct you to, but this is reserved for gameday personnel such as umpires and you are not allowed to park there. The Convocation Center lot has more than enough spaces, however, and it is clearly signed where softball fans should park. Once inside, it is easy to move around up and down the aisles and stairs, and there are wheelchair-accessible seats at the bottom of the bleachers. Restrooms are on the concourse and are of a more than sufficient size from the crowd. Return on Investment 5 Admission to Hampton softball games is free, and there are no other costs associated with attending beyond parking. As a result, a game here is a great value. Extras 0 There are no real extras here. It is a pretty basic experience. . Final Thoughts Hampton softball may not have the fanciest stadium, although it is certainly fancier than some. However, where the experience excels is in the Lady Pirates' loyal, passionate fans. They are not the largest in number, but they are mighty and passionate. Softball fans in the Hampton Roads area may want to head to the Peninsula to check out the Lady Pirates Softball Stadium.

Photos by Meg Minard , Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.43 Brazell Field at GCU Ballpark 3300 W Camelback Road Phoenix, AZ 85017 Grand Canyon Antelopes website Brazell Field at GCU Ballpark website Year Opened: 2018 Capacity: 4,000 Grand Canyon Baseball Upgrades and renovations often make a remarkable impact on a sports venue, and this is certainly true of GCU Ballpark in Phoenix, AZ. The Grand Canyon University Antelopes (‘Lopes for short) play their baseball games in the D1 Western Athletic Conference (WAC) at the recently upgraded Brazell Field at GCU Ballpark. GCU baseball began in 1953.  The existing stadium first opened at its current site in 1962. Grand Canyon University started transitioning from DII to DI in 2013. As part of this, the university upgraded all its athletic facilities, including the ballpark. Gone are the metal bleachers, and in their place are purple chair back seats around the entire diamond, a roof, a turf berm, and a right field patio. Other amenities include a multi-room press box, wireless internet access, and an upper-level concourse. The university installed a new video board in 2022. It looks like the school upgraded the traditional, inning-by-inning scoreboard in the left-center field wall too. The ballpark is nestled near the other sports facilities on campus: softball, soccer, track, etc. It fits in quite well on the good-looking campus. The team has done remarkably well in the WAC and has won seven WAC regular-season titles and reached the NCAA Regionals in 2021 and 2022. Food & Beverage 3 Two food concession stand counters are just inside the main home plate entrance, offering affordable snacks and beverages. Choices include hamburger, cheeseburger, bratwurst, hot dog, and three kinds of nachos: regular, thunder, and brisket ($5 – $9.50). Snacks for sale are pretzels, popcorn, Cracker Jack, candy, big purple churro, and ice cream ($3.50 – $6). Sodas run $4 – $5. The school does not serve alcohol at this on-campus facility. Sadly, the concessions no longer sell a ‘Monthly Special.’  Those were yummy specialty items or sandwiches offered a few years back. Atmosphere 3 Brazell Field at GCU Ballpark is a fine-looking sports venue, as is the rest of the school’s campus. A distinguishing white awning covers purple, fold-down stadium seats. The seats are quite wide (22”) and comfortable, with average legroom between the rows. Some seats are angled quirkily, and maneuvering through some of the stands is different. Fans must walk up and down and around to get to some seats. Handrails are available. Interestingly, a row of seats extends out over the dugouts.  The first base side gets the sun first for afternoon games. Brazell Field Odd Angle Seats, Photo by Meg Minard, Stadium Journey The nets (medium to wide thickness) extend down both baselines. The school set up nets behind the outfield fence, like at a driving range, to keep balls from going on the street or into the neighborhood. A picnic area is down the right field line with open space, tables and chairs, and a ledge to sit on.  It’s a good place to get some sun.  It is net-free, so be on the lookout for long foul balls if sitting there. The home dugout sits on the third base side. The team installed a new video board and a new traditional line scoreboard along the outfield.  The video board shows both team’s players’ names, photos, and statistics.  Intro videos are also broadcast.   Whoever operates the video board does an excellent job at updating the board with player changes promptly. A student shares a short prayer before the start of the game. If attending an evening game, fans can witness some beautiful sunsets. The game day operations have done a fantastic job lowering the music volume so you can enjoy it and still have conversations with your neighbors without yelling.  They offer promotions like a t-shirt toss or a ‘find the ball under the moving hats’ game on the video board.  The announcer’s voice is clear, strong, and easy to understand. Neighborhood 3 The ballpark is located in the northwest portion of Phoenix in what once was known as a not-so-safe neighborhood. However, safety has improved over time with the assistance of Grand Canyon University. Several fast-food restaurants like Qdoba, Chick-fil-A, Pita Jungle, and Subway are within walking distance. The Great Wall Cuisine (Mexican) and Angie & Jimmies Italian Pizza are next door. A Habit Burger Grill is at the Student Union. Downtown Phoenix, just seven miles away, has a vast variety of eating establishments. Some recommendations are Pizzeria Bianco (Italian), Breakfast Club, and Angels Trumpet Ale House (gastropub). The SunUp Brewing and the Huss Brewing Taphouse are within a few miles of the ballpark. Hotels are not close to the stadium.  We recommend driving four or five miles to mid-town where a Hilton Garden Inn Midtown or a Hampton Inn are affordable places to stay. Other sports to see in the springtime nearby are GCU basketball (men's), GCU basketball (women's), and several of the Cactus League spring training ballparks, like American Family Fields (Brewers) or Peoria Sports Complex (Mariners and Padres). The Arizona Diamondbacks – Chase Field (MLB) is seven – eight miles southeast. For golfers, the GCU golf course is nearby. Fans 3 Attendance for  ‘Lopes baseball games is not as strong as at its basketball games.  The more popular games are those against in-state rivals ASU Sun Devils and U of A Wildcats.  Depending on the opponent, you may see and hear as many visiting fans as ‘Lopes fans. Fans run the gamut from old folks to parents to students to those wanting a bit more affordable game of baseball than the surrounding spring training venues.  The biggest fans are those in the dugouts. All are respectful of the other fans and players and cheer good plays, regardless of team. Access 4 Getting to the ballpark is relatively easy as it is a mile west of I-17 on Camelback Road. It’s very easy to get to from all parts of the valley as it’s just a couple of exits north of the I-10/I-17 interchange. Several buses stop at Grand Canyon University. Check Valley Metro for fares, schedules, and routes. Sky Harbor International Airport is 12 – 13 miles from the field. A five-story garage is right next door on 35th Ave and is free of charge. Stop at the security booth and just let them know you’re going to the game.  They'll direct you to the parking garage.  The ticket booth is way past the field and away from the parking lot in a separate building. Brazell Field Parking Garage, Photo by Meg Minard, Stadium Journey Entrances into the seating bowl are on either end of the concourse, with an elevator and steps behind the home plate area. A ramp is down the right field concourse. The concourse (under the seating bowl) is spacious and does not get crowded during a ‘Lopes baseball game. The stadium has clean restrooms on each baseline under the seating bowl. Clear bags are required for stadium entry. Return on Investment 5 Tickets are $5.  The team does not charge an additional transaction fee if you purchase your tickets online. All seats are general admission.  GCU students get in for free.  You can’t beat that in Feb/March in AZ, especially compared to spring training prices. Parking is free, and concessions are reasonable. All-in-all, it’s an inexpensive way to spend a few hours on a spring afternoon or evening. Extras 3 An alcove on the concourse provides an admirable display of GCU baseball history. ‘Lopes in the Pros (arranged by MLB team), Dr David Brazell:  Honoring a Legend, and more are available to enjoy and appreciate. Brazell Field Murals, Photo by Meg Minard, Stadium Journey The new video board and scoreboard are worth mentioning again. Lastly, turning down the music volume makes this a much more enjoyable venue to visit. Final Thoughts For a more affordable baseball experience than spring training in Arizona, check out a game at GCU Ballpark.  The talent on the field is decent; the stadium looks and feels pleasant.

Photos by Richard Smith, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.57 Harford Stadium 401 Thomas Run Rd Bel Air, MD 21015 Harford Fighting Owls website Harford Stadium website Year Opened: 1968 Capacity: 1,000 The Fighting Owls of Bel Air Harford Community College is located in Bel Air, MD, roughly between Baltimore and the Delaware state line. They play in NJCAA Division I, the highest athletic level for 2-year colleges, and are a part of the Maryland Junior College Athletic Conference. The Harford Stadium is in the same Thomas Run Park area as the Harford Varsity Baseball Field. and the Harford Varsity Softball Field. The nearby APG Federal Credit Union Arena also opened in the last fifteen years. The stadium was built in 1968 and most recently updated with an artificial field turf surface in 2007. Harford has hosted various championship events at the stadium including the NJCAA District H Men’s & Women’s Soccer Championships, NJCAA Region XX Championships, and the Maryland High School Men’s and Women’s Soccer All-Star Games. In 2023 it was the host facility of the NJCAA Men's Lacrosse Championship and in 2024 it is hosting both the Men's and Women's  Lacrosse Championship. The Aberdeen Arsenal of the Atlantic League of Professional Baseball played the 2000 season at the baseball fields at Thomas Run Park. The Arsenal departed to make room for the Aberdeen IronBirds, the affiliate of the Baltimore Orioles owned by Cal Ripken, Jr. Food & Beverage 1 There technically is no food offered at the Harford Stadium but with the nearby Wawa convenience store a short walk down the paved path between fields, I count it as the field’s concession stand. The food offerings vary from hoagies, soup, quesadillas, and hot dogs. The prices are better than most concession stands. Atmosphere 2 There is not much to Harford Stadium. There is a simple old-style set of seats and that is pretty much it. There is some grass you could also sit on but we did not see anyone do that. There is not much else in terms of atmosphere as it is a JUCO-level lacrosse match game. The team does have a PA announcer who also plays some music. The field itself is a very well maintained field of play. Neighborhood 4 Harford Community College is suburban and has plenty of free parking. The area is safe and has many restaurants nearby. Naughty Dogs, like Wawa, is within walking distance and has a fun, cheap bar for pre and post-game refreshments, along with food such as pit beef. JD’s Smokehouse across the street provides another option for food and drinks and some pretty good barbecue. If you are in the mood for Mexican, La Tolteca is located just a brief distance away and is a consistently good food place. Travel into Bel Air and there are multiple chain and local options. Zen 16 Sushi Cafe and MaGerks Pub & Grill are some great options. A quick drive in the other direction is Aberdeen. Olive Tree is a local, better version of a well-known Italian chain, while Mamie’s Cafe With Love is an old-school Baltimore-style restaurant that offers free desserts with all meals. Super Chicken Rico is another choice with which you can’t go wrong. Fans 2 The attendees at most games are family members or other athletes. There may be a few residents who attend the games. The fans are knowledgeable and friendly to visitors. We did see some students which is surprising for a non-residential community college. Access 4 Harford is located just a few miles off of I-95, one of the largest highways in the northeast. But State Route 22 can be very crowded with commuters traveling between Aberdeen Proving Grounds (APG) and central Harford County. APG has become a large Army base after the last round of federal base realignment and closure activities. So leave some extra time getting to the campus. There is plenty of free parking. Towson University in Northeastern Maryland is an extension campus of the well-established state university that recently opened across from the Harford campus. Return on Investment 4 The match we attended was free for all to attend. There is a gate and they could charge if the game was big enough. Parking is free. Extras 1 The Harford Sports Complex also has two softball fields. a baseball field, as well as a convertible field that can hold softball and/or baseball games. If you get a chance to peek into the nearby APG Federal Credit Union Arena it is worth a visit as this is quite an impressive facility for a junior college. Final Thoughts The simple Harford Stadium does not necessarily impress, but it offers good sports action for the fans.

Photos by David Welch, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.71 Doug Kingsmore Stadium 114 Baseball Dr Clemson, SC 29634 Clemson Tigers website Doug Kingsmore Stadium website Year Opened: 1970 Capacity: 6,272 Where's that Tiger? Just a relay throw away from the banks of Lake Hartwell, Doug Kingsmore Stadium has been the home of Clemson Tiger baseball since 1970. Initially known as Beautiful Tiger Field, the stadium was dedicated to Doug Kingsmore, a former Clemson baseball star and three-time Clemson trustee, in 2003. Baseball at Clemson dates to before the 20th century, with the first games played in 1896 at Bowman Field, in the shadows of Tillman Hall – this is where football legend John Heisman served as the head of both the football and baseball teams. Later baseball moved to neighboring Riggs Field, which now hosts the soccer stadium, but occupied the area now used for intramural sports. Clemson baseball started as members of the Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Association in 1896 and would go on to be founding members of the Southern Conference in 1921. In 1953 Clemson was among the founding schools of the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC), where they have played ever since. Food & Beverage   5 The concession options here are a mix of the usual fare like hot dogs and nachos, with a bit of an extended menu to include corn dogs, burgers, and smoked sausage, all available as combo meals. Additionally there are daily specials, which could feature items such as chicken tenders or iced coffee. For those looking for something different, secondary concession kiosks scattered around the stadium also offer kettle corn, Cheeto-dusted popcorn, Dippin’ Dots, and shaved ice. If standard concessions are not the call, the Tiger Bites stand along the left field line serves freshly grilled bacon cheeseburgers and chili cheese dogs. However, those in the general seating area might be a bit disappointed to find that the Cajun Cafe, offering a menu of Louisiana’s finest, is only accessible to those seated in the Cajun Cafe suites – this limitation may be understandable, considering the challenge of preparing a specialty menu for such a large crowd. Atmosphere   5 Doug Kingsmore Stadium would give many minor league stadiums a run for their money, in terms of both practical amenities and entertainment value for fans. The facility offers a diversity of seating options for just about any seating preference, including up-close field level seats and more unique, non-traditional viewing areas. The seating closest to the action spans ten rows deep and is divided into premium and field level sections between each dugout, while upper grandstand seating extends from first base and wraps around behind home plate and up to third base. Additionally, there are also individual sections of outfield seating available. Many fans opt to stand along the fences down each line, or on an elevated walkway leading from left field down the third base line; even the cutout of the left-center field fence attracts a crowd. In addition, if hillside seating is your preference, Doug Kingsmore Stadium has you covered with a grassy hillside on the left field side, where many fans spread out blankets to watch the game. Lastly, for those looking for more of an old school, Wrigley Field-type vibe, a handful of fans bring tailgating chairs and sit on the walkway of neighboring Jervey Athletic Center, which overlooks the baseball field. When choosing between any of the various seating options, it is hard to go wrong. The sun does set beyond the first base side of the field, however, so seats along the third base side and left field grandstand have a tough sun field to contend with in the early innings of evening games. The in-game presentation is built around fan engagement, keeping mid-inning events to a minimum other than ad reads and an occasional round of ball cap mix-up, finish the lyric, or name the year contests.  Clemson does use a lot of mid-at bat audio drops, but it is the combination of the drops paired with the player reactions that really garner the fan involvement – there are several of these musical insertions that elicit a reaction from the players in the dugout, but it is probably the Venga Boys “We Like to Party” clip that gets the biggest reaction. The song is played on repeat when the opposing pitcher is having difficulty finding the strike zone, and becomes so annoying it is difficult to hold back a smirk when it is played for the twentieth time in a half-inning, as it seems to rattle the pitcher enough to throw ball twenty-one. The stadium layout and wide variety of seating options are great, but from an entertainment standpoint the atmosphere created is so memorable that it becomes the backbone on which the fun of the whole game experience is built. 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 under a mile from Doug Kingsmore Stadium. Situated near the northern edge of campus, the area is heavily populated with an array of bars and restaurants, making it a popular destination for both pre or 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 Doug Kingsmore Stadium's home plate gates. On campus, Doug Kingsmore Stadium is part of the athletics complex, which includes softball’s McWhorter Stadium, beyond the left field confines and just across the street from both Littlejohn Coliseum and Memorial Stadium. Fans   5 Fans here seem to pack every nook and cranny of available space to the tune of 4,000+ fans per game, one of the highest in the ACC and in the top 20 nationally. However, what sets Clemson's baseball experience apart is not just the sheer number of fans, but their active participation in creating an electric atmosphere that's among the best in college baseball. Give Clemson baseball fans a lot of credit, at a school with such a strong football following their fanbase shows up dressed specifically to support Clemson baseball. Fans dressed in football t-shirts or jerseys are the exception rather than the norm, which is not necessarily the standard at many other schools in college football strongholds. Much of the credit for setting the tone of the fan involvement in the stands needs to go to the Flamingo Gang, or at least an offshoot of the 2017 student fan group that would express its fandom by waving plastic or inflatable flamingoes about. When Clemson fans show up for a weekend series they are prepared for the full weekend, populating Jervey Meadow with pull-behind campers, RVs, and even what some might consider a tour bus – while many weekend tailgating encampments are modest, a handful go all out with elaborate tent set ups, some even including satellite television and live bands playing. Clemson fans are a passionate group regardless of the sport; they show up in large numbers to support their Tigers and are extremely involved and ready to burst into a round of “Tiger Rag” at the drop of a hat. Access   4 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 – for those parking in the handicap area, however, be alert for batting practice home runs that might leave the stadium. Visitors parking near McWhorter Stadium (softball) or in Jervey Meadow will likely access the stadium through the outfield gates, while those parking on the northern side of campus can easily enter through the home plate entrance. Regardless of the entry point, fans will find wide concourses that encircle the stadium. As you approach the grandstand the concourse splits into a field walkway and a concourse behind the grandstand, the latter which provides access to restrooms, concessions, and an apparel tent. With ample parking surrounding Doug Kingsmore Stadium and wide walkways, accessing the stadium is straightforward and hassle-free, limiting the size of crowds that might otherwise make the walkways difficult to navigate. Return on Investment   4 Midweek game tickets typically begin around $5 for a get-in-the-door price, with weekend games starting at $15 for standing room only and $20 for outfield tickets. Although these prices may seem a bit steep, considering there is no parking fee and that the game offers great entertainment value, it is a worthwhile investment. It might be a good idea to check the secondary market for discounted ticket prices, as lower priced tickets are commonly available. Extras   5 For fans of ballpark Easter Eggs, Doug Kingsmore Stadium has its fair share. A cluster of Crape Myrtles at the home plate entry are arranged in large planting beds designed to take the shape of the Clemson Tiger paw print logo. Also, a further inspection of the concourse pattern reveals striping reminiscent of tiger fur. As if any more hidden treats were needed, when you first look at the field there seems to be something off, but it might be tough to place a finger on it right away. Upon closer inspection, though, you may notice there is no warning track – much like the former home of the Cincinnati Reds, Crosley Field, rather than having a warning track, the outfield grass gently slopes to warn outfielders of a possible impending collision with the outfield fence. In yet another testament to the role the Tigers most passionate fans play in creating the elite baseball experience at Clemson, just beyond the right field foul pole are “The Cheap Seats”, a section of bleacher seating that was once a mobile fan club/tailgating set up, but has now become a fixture of outfield seating – the purple, orange, and white minibus has become synonymous with Tiger baseball fandom. The stadium is also a virtual history lesson of baseball at Clemson; Clemson greats Rusty Adkins, Seth Beer, Kris Benson, and Khalil Green, along with coaching legends Jack Leggett and Bill Wilhelm, are immortalized both with plaques at the entry point of the stadium, and with their numbers recognized on the outfield wall. The wall also boasts team championships and tallies of the number of MLB first round draft picks and players from Clemson who have gone on to reach the majors. The history lesson continues along the main entry concourse with displays of Clemson’s best teams, as well as the top players who have helped create the Clemson baseball legacy. It is always refreshing to see teams honoring the timeless traditions of their university – following the game’s last out, the Tiger players, coaches, and staff gather beyond first base to sing the Clemson alma mater, capping it off with the alma mater salute, extending their arms and shaking their hats as the song ends. Final Thoughts Clemson baseball might be one of the most interactive fan experiences in the country; there is a symbiosis between the players in the dugout and the fans in the stands that infects the stadium with a fun air that it is impossible not to get caught up in. Baseball at Clemson offers a delightful blend of entertainment and high-caliber collegiate play. The atmosphere is also organically festive, built around the fun-loving nature of the Clemson Tigers in the dugout but with spirited fans in the stands contributing to the experience. It would be hard for even the most hardened of baseball purists not to appreciate the humor and fun of it all.

Photos by Marc Viquez, Stadium Journey It’s an unseasonably warm February afternoon in Cincinnati around lunchtime. A few men sit at a counter at one of 250 chili parlors in town and engage in normal conversation about business and personal matters as they prepare to order their meals. One of the men orders a large 3-way chili and a coney with cheese on the side, while his friend sitting on the stool next to him asks for three cones with cheese, chili, and cheese on top. I begin eating my coneys with just a mound full of cheese on top and a few dashes of hot sauce. “I like it 80/20,” proclaims one of the workers at the counter. “I enjoy eating my coneys when I get home when just enough of the cheese has melted, roughly 20% of it.” Probably nowhere else in the world is anyone having this conversation, but this is the home of Cincinnati-style chili. Like many other regional foods, the brand of beef, stock, tomato, and spices is headquartered here in many parlors that dot the hilly terrain of the city and surrounding suburbs. Most Cincinnatians have pledged their allegiances to their favorite chili parlors. Gold Star Chili and Skyline Chili are the two major corporate chain parlors that have created division among residents, but others find solace at the copious independent locations that include Empress, Blue Ash, Camp Washington, Price Hill, or the Blue Jay Restaurant. The chili is poured over general amounts of spaghetti or miniature hot dogs on an oval-shaped plate and topped with amounts of finely shredded cheddar cheese.  The most popular combination is called a 3-way, which includes spaghetti, chili, and cheese; a 4-way adds onions and a 5-way has beans. The chili evolved and is now poured on top of French fries, macaroni, and cheese, open-faced burgers, or wrapped inside a tortilla with cheese and Frito chips. There is even the alligator coney in Northern Kentucky that features chili, cheese, half a pickle spear, and mayonnaise. However, something that is rarely ever heard of is eating the chili by itself in a bowl with a spoon.  Perhaps it was never intended to be a thick and hearty concoction like one would expect elsewhere in the States, but more of a topping for hot dogs. It is what Tom and John Kiradjieff did with their meat sauce in 1922 when they operated Empress Chili. The Macedonian-Greek immigrants added Mediterranean spices along with cinnamon, cloves, and nutmeg to ground beef and stock. Little did the two men know, but they were inventing Cincinnati-style chili. Their first parlor opened adjacent to the Empress Theatre in downtown Cincinnati, and if you were to look at the first menu, the coneys and spaghetti did not include cheese. That wouldn’t be until sometime in the next decade when a customer came in and asked for cheese on his coney. Soon, other chili parlors opened throughout the area, incorporating their recipes and adding items such as triple-decker sandwiches and salads. The independent parlors featured open kitchens, bar stools, and plenty of conversation between employees and customers. “Each neighborhood had its chili parlor up until the 1960s,” said Dan Woellert, author of The Authentic History of Cincinnati Chili. “They created a food industry that’s a several million dollar industry, and it is as strong as ever.” Wollert also added that this was around the same time that Gold Star and Skyline first began franchising and gathering an allegiance of customers who are now as devout about their chili as they are with their sports teams, politics, and favorite soda pop. However, you won’t find a chili parlor outside of the area in many places. Skyline has franchised outlets in nearby Indianapolis, Indiana; Lexington, Kentucky; Dayton and Columbus, Ohio; and all the way south in Miami and Tampa, Florida. Unlike other regional foods served outside their area of origin, the chili parlor is destined to be 100 percent Cincinnati. Then again, the chili wasn’t the local phenomenon when introduced in 1922, according to Woellert. “It took some time for it to become accepted throughout the area. It wasn’t until the first Skyline was franchised that you saw its popularity grow. They tried to broaden Skyline Chili elsewhere, and it just didn’t click, but it took a while here in Cincinnati.” Coneys can also be found at Cincinnati area stadiums including Great American Ball Park, Paycor Stadium, Cintas Center, Nippert Stadium, Fifth Third Arena, TQL Stadium and Thomas More Stadium. At Heritage Bank Center, home of the Cincinnati Cyclones of the ECHL, fans can enjoy chili on top of nachos and footlong hot dogs. If you find yourself traveling through the Queen City enjoying a Reds, Bengals, FC Cincinnati, Xavier Musketeers, or Cincinnati Bearcats game, make sure you visit a local chili parlor and spend some time soaking in the atmosphere and savoring the local tradition of chili. ---- Follow all of Marc’s stadium journeys on Twitter @ballparkhunterand his YouTube channel. Email at Marc.Viquez@stadiumjourney.com

The Lexington Legends announced they will join the Atlantic League for the 2021 season. The Legends had been members of the South Atlantic League since its inception in 2001 but will now become an independent team in the new loop. The majority of its clubs are located on the east coast from Long Island to Gastonia, North Carolina. Whitaker Bank Ballpark will be the most western ballpark, located 379 miles from its closest rival; however, this isn’t the first time baseball in Lexington was situated furthest away from its nearest competitor. In 1954 the Lexington Colts played barely a half a season in the Mountain States League before suspending operations on July 6. The hastily put-together ball club was the city’s first in 31 years, and it would be over 50 years before another minor league team would call Kentucky city home. Things looked fine when the ball club hosted its first game on April 24 against Kingsport. The ceremonial crowd brought out former Baseball Commissioner Happy Chandler and the Colts pounded out a 14-2 victory in front of 1,200 fans at League Park. The victory was welcoming since the team had only four days to practice and get to know each other for manager Zeke Bonura. The league only awarded Lexington a club on April 7, just 17 days before their home opener, to replace the Hazard Bombers, who were unable to field a club for the season. MSL league president Virgil Q. Wacks was enthusiastic about placing a team in the Bluegrass Capital. Wacks even came to town in hopes of meeting with anyone who would operate a franchise in the then-8-team league. Things moved swiftly with negotiations on who would operate the club, and improvements were made to the Blue Grass Athletic Park home of the Lexington Hustlers, a Negro League baseball of the past nine seasons. The Lexington Ball Club received assistance with finding players and a manager, selling tickets, and daily operations from the league and Chandler. Fans were encouraged to name the team, with the winner receiving two season tickets and ten wrestling tickets at what was now called League Park. The runner-up would win a book of 25 tickets. The club’s GM, Michael Tice opened up downtown offices in the Northern Bank building. The Lexington Herald sports editor, Ed Ashford, would be the team president, and former Chicago White Sox player Zeke Bonura was picked as the manager of the unnamed ball club. Ashford announced that there would be a limited number of shares of common stock offered to the public at $25 a share. A Lexington Colts Stockholder, File Photo, Lexington Herald “The more small stockholders we have, the more fans will have. The more fans we have, the better team will have, because we’ll have more money to spend in acquiring good players in improving the ballpark,” stated Ashford in the Lexington Herald in the April 17, 1954 edition. Tickets would go on sale a week before the first game at various locations in the city and surrounding towns. Fans wishing to purchase a book of 25 tickets, would only need to shell out $20. The price would fetch $1 for adults and 50 cents for children at the gate. The team opened the season at Kingsport and did not officially have a name, the local paper joked that it should be called the “Fleas” because of the early requirements of their schedule and its hastily thrown-together squad. The ball club would make the 500 miles round trip from Lexington only to be rained-out; they would have to turn around and open the season at home the next day at 3 pm. The team would be christened the Colts during its home opener. The name was favored by 24 people who remembered the previous professional club of the same name in the Blue Grass League from 1923. The only other moniker that received as many votes was Throurobreads or Thorobreds. The other choices had racehorse themes and included the Yearlings, Racers, Ponies, Whirlaways, Fillies, Stake Horses, Turfs, Stallions, Pacers, Trotters, Man o’ War, Jockeys, and Thoroughbred Flyers. “It has a tradition of many years, as the last professional team, a successful aggregation in the Old Blue Grass League,” said Len Tracey, who was one of the citizens who picked the name. “Its five letters are admirably adapted to newspaper headlines. There are few if any other teams in the nation that beer the same nickname.” Lexington was the most northern club and 131 miles from its closest rival in Middlesboro. It was further away from Newport (218 miles) and Kingsport (250 miles) one way. One could only imagine the bus rides on pre-interstate roads. Lexington Home Opener Newspaper Ad, File Photo, Lexington Herald If Lexington’s distance from the rest of the league members wasn’t enough of an inconvenience, the schedule was quickly thrown into chaos when the Newport Canners dropped before the season when directors failed to raise enough money to begin operations. The league went ahead with a 7-team schedule playing day-to-day, rarely knowing more than a day or two in advance where they were playing next. League president Wacks would then spend the next week looking for an eighth club to even out the MSL. The Hazard Development Association drew up a plan to enter the league. La Follette was also considered an option to fill the spot and offered two local ballparks until a proper facility would be available. Finally, the city of Lynch, Kentucky, was hoping to operate its new $30 million stadium that needed a little more seating. However, Hazard returned on April 29 but quickly dropped out 6-days later without playing a game. Just like with Newport, it was due to the financial difficulties of putting a team together in such a short time. The league was down to 7-teams once again, and the Morristown Red Sox would be the next organization to dissolve. The Sox management was unhappy with having to sit idle for as many four days because of the uneven schedule on May 17. A week later the league finally released an updated season schedule for the remaining teams. Back in Lexington, unpleasant weather canceled games or left fans bundled up at League Park watching the Colts start with an 8-11 record. The postponement was a large financial loss for the club which had to cover all operating costs. The team moved on, having specialty nights like Little League, Gift Night Ladies Night. The rainouts did allow for Satchel Paige to make an appearance with the Globetrotters baseball team playing the House of David as part of a doubleheader. Colts manager Bonura knew things would be hard and liked Lexington as a baseball town. However, little things did surprise him during his time in town. He told of a story of one of his players hailing a cab to the ballpark. The cabbie said, “there ain’t no ballpark in this town.” They then drove to the nearest gas station and were unaware of the ballpark. However, there was a time when the club failed to report to an away game in Kingsport for financial reasons on the charter bus. The Kingsport fans, aware of the situation, passed the hat around at the ballpark to net an impressive $118 that supplied the team with two meals while in town. The gesture was taken very kindly by management in Lexington, who was unaware of the act of kindness. Things were going pretty smoothly, despite the financial difficulties with many of its members. The Colts were playing .500 ball and made a move for first place in the league. The Maryville-Alcoa Red Sox announced that they would not continue unless $8,000 was raised to pay off debt. Attendance improved slightly at the ballpark, but the club switched to Morristown. It returned the next day after securing the $8,000 objective. However, they moved once again to Morristown six days later, this time for good, and renamed the Reds. Sam Bray, president of the Kingsport Cherokees, jokingly offered his team bus, all of its equipment, the franchise, plus an additional $3,000 for any responsible person who would agree to continue its operations throughout the season. Thinking that no sound person would take him off on his offer, the stunt resulted in positive PR throughout multiple media outlets and increased attendance figures at his ballpark. Lexington player getting the field ready before the game, File Photo, Lexington Herald Back in Lexington, management decided not to enforce blackouts of Cincinnati Redlegs games on home television sets. A total of 35-40 Reds games conflicted with Colts games and organized baseball agreements allowed the Lexington club to block any, if all games. The Colts opted not to interfere with the broadcasts in order not to give ill will to its fan base. Scores and updates were provided to fans at the ballpark during games. The Morristown saga concluded on July 1 when it withdrew from the league without notice, not for financial reasons, but because the owner “didn’t have time to give to it. This left the MSL with an uneven five clubs. The writing was on the wall, and the rest of the loop’s members did not hide the fact who they wanted out of the league. It was at this time that presidents of the other teams met in Middlesboro and said, “We’re sorry, but Lexington has to go.” The Colts were teetering on the brink of elimination due to poor attendance and burning through its operating budget. Wacks had indicated that $6,000 would get a team through the year before the start of the campaign. The Colts were a long bus ride from the other Tennessee and southern Kentucky teams; it only made sense to continue the season without them. However, other clubs were facing financial difficulties including the Oak Ridge Pioneers whose owner Ross Charles stated that $10,000 was needed by July 4 to continue operations, and the Harlan Smokies who almost exited the loop before additional support was provided to continue operations. Colts president Ashford indicated that when Morristown folded his club would more than likely leave the league and operate by other means than to continue once again in an odd-numbered league. “Even in this event, however, the Colts will not be disbanded. We will continue to play exhibition games with Semi-Pro teams in the area, both at home and on the road, for the next two months, retaining only those Players whose contracts are owned by us. The players who are with us an option will be returned to the teams that hold their contracts.” The Colts’ last few days in minor league baseball were during the July 4th weekend that did not have them scheduled against any league opponent. Instead, they played a two-game series against the always-game Hustlers, dropping the first game 7-0 before winning the final 6-5. On July 6, a nicely written telegram stated that they were no longer in the league. It was the custom at the time to let the last team in the league fold first. The Colts would dissolve at midnight but honored their commitment to play in Kingsport–a 4-hour drive by car on current interstate roads. However, just like the team’s first game, it was rained out. The team finished with a 34-37 record. The league would limp for another two weeks, with Wacks looking for a sixth club to replace Lexington. However, on July 20, Harlan became the fifth team to cease operations that season, and the Mountain States League gave up the ghost the next day. It had hoped to reform for the 1955 season, but it would never operate again as a professional league. The Colts would not continue as an independent ball club, although there appeared to be plenty of opportunities to do that, but enough money had been lost on the season and a few remained in town to continue the year playing semi-pro baseball for other clubs. A total of 43 men suited up for the Colts and only six of them remained on the team from April 25 to July 6. Bonura spoke at a Rotary Club meeting and believed Lexington to be a great town but would be better placed with closer rivals instead of clubs down in Tennessee to keep travel expenses down. “The club wouldn’t have made any money. You can’t enter the thing with the idea that you have a big money maker. It takes some civic-minded people who want Lexington to have baseball to back the team with the idea that over two or three years, they aren’t going to lose any money, but then they aren’t going to make any either.” Lexington would not host another professional baseball team until 2001, 47 years later. Unlike the 31-year gap between the two versions of the Colts club, many fans barely remembered the Mountain States League version that came in and went from town quicker than a thoroughbred at nearby Keeneland. It was not too uncommon for other members of the loop who were more than likely losing money and on shaky grounds themselves. Kingsport would join the Appalachian League the following year and after a one-year-hiatus, remain in the league to this day. However, except Lexington, none of the cities represented in the league still operate in a professional or summer-collegiate league at this time. The Legends would play 20 seasons before Major League Baseball announced this past December that it would be part of its revamped minor-league affiliation this season. At this time, the organization is making plans to return this season either in a summer collegiate league or in the independent Frontier League, depending on who you talk with. It is safe to say that baseball will continue in some form in the Blue Grass Capital. As questionable as baseball might appear at this time, it will be nowhere near the entropy that existed for the 90 days in 1954 when Lexington had a minor league baseball team. The quickly assembled franchise suffered from small attendance figures, a loss of money, long traveling days, and playing in a league that was losing clubs left and right. The Colts were a footnote in history. The Legends have been mainstays. Professional baseball was lost for almost 50 years, that won’t be the case with the current announcement. ——– Follow all of Marc’s stadium journeys on Twitter @ballparkhunter and his YouTube channel.

Photos by Courtesy of Baseball in Toledo The Toledo Mud Hens name is one of the most iconic brands in minor league baseball. The name has been used in Toledo since 1896, but there was a short 3-year stint where the baseball club went by the Toledo Sox. A very generic name and with no connection to parent clubs in Boston and Chicago – why did this happen? The story begins with the Mud Hens moving to Charleston, West Virginia, and renamed the Senators in the middle of the 1952 season. It was the first switch in American Association league history. Mud Hens owner Danny Medenez bought the franchise a year earlier from the Detroit Tigers and operated it as an independent franchise. Medenez stated that he lost $67,000 while averaging 1,600 patrons at Swayne Field that season. Opening night in Charleston attracted a standing-room crowd of 7,000 people at Watt Powell Park. The team attracted 42,059 fans for the first 9 games, outpacing what the Mud Hens attracted at Swayne Field in Toledo during 24 games. Toledo would be without baseball, but not for too long. The Boston Braves announced they would relocate to Milwaukee in March 1953. It resulted in the minor league Milwaukee Brewers switching operations to Toledo. The city populace pledged $30,000 in advance ticket sales with a season gate goal of 150,000 fans. Naturally, the team would continue the Mud Hens name, but the new ownership wanted to create fan interest and solicit their ideas. Surprisingly, a poll conducted by the Toledo Times resulted in 500 different nicknames from 7,500 entries with “Buckeyes” and “Braves” as favorites. Only three of the 751 tallies showed interest in retaining the Mud Hens moniker. A total of 55 names were chosen that included the following: Jets, Dons, Lakers, Papooses, Perrys, Padres, Swans, Barons, Owls, Zebras, Matadors, Wasps, Bees, Teals, Ceramics, Arrows, and Nu-Hens. A four-man committee was selected and it picked the Glass Sox as the official name. “Since Toledo is the glass center of the world and the word “sox” has long been identified with baseball, I believe the name is very appropriate,” said GM Red Smith. The name was submitted by 25 people, with Fred Schultz being declared the winner. He added that his friends gave him a “good rubbing” for his selection. From the start, the name was controversial; petitions flooded the newspapers and radio offices to reconsider and pick a new name. The moniker Chiefs finished in second place and was favored by Toledo Blade editor Joe Knack. Manager Tommy Holmes indicated that he would not have voted for the name. A few didn’t care about the new name since they would continue referring to them as the Mud Hens. It did have one fan; pitcher Bob Chipman liked it, “They’ll be shouting, here comes the old glass arm of the Glass Sox.” It might sound odd that the new club decided to drop the Mud Hens name in favor of something new, but it had been done before in town. In 1916, and after a two-year hiatus, former major league and hometown native Roger Bresnahan purchased the club from the Cleveland Indians. Mud Hens won the name-the-team contest back then, but management went another route. Two sportswriters began referring to the club as the Iron Men, leading one newspaper columnist to write, “it would be a shame to let them drop behind the rust during the coming season.” The name stuck around for a few years before the club returned to being identified as the Mud Hens in 1918. Back to the Glass Sox, the city council objected to the commercialization and puns that may arise from the name. There was a proposal to select a committee to consider a change. Former mayor and councilman Ollie Czelusta said, “If the ballclub is satisfied with the name, maybe we ought to let it pass, but I think it stinks.” A week later, Smith agreed with a fan dissident and held a vote at the ballpark to decide whether to change the name. He added that the committee chose the name fair and square, but “if the majority vote is yes, then the stage will be set up to learn what name a majority of what the fans want. Photo from Baseball in Toledo The public spoke, and on March 14, the Toledo Sox was selected as the new name, ending two weeks of the Glass Sox debacle. A statement by the club announced the following on the decision: “The Glass Sox have been amputated, and the future Toledo would be known as the Toledo Sox.” The Sox would capture the 1953 American Association pennant but transferred to Wichita, Kansas, after the 1955 campaign. A group of Toledo businessmen had plans to purchase Swayne Field and modernize it for the following season. However, the ballpark was sold for $500,000 to Kroger supermarkets and transformed into a shopping center. Photo from Baseball in Toledo Baseball would be absent in the Toledo area until 1965 when Maumee Downs was converted from a race track and into Ned Skeldon Stadium. This time, management made the sound decision and picked up the Mud Hens name for their club, a name that has blossomed into a minor league merchandise juggernaut. A small footnote to the Glass Sox name. In 1987 the Great Lakes Summer Collegiate League was founded with six ball clubs including one named the Toledo Glass Sox. They played under that name until moving across city lines and renaming themselves the Sylvania Sox before playing one season and folding after the 1995 season. In a strange, and ironic way, history repeated itself in Toledo. I guess they didn’t learn the first time. ----- Follow all of Marc’s stadium journeys on Twitter @ballparkhunter and his YouTube channel. Email at Marc.Viquez@stadiumjourney.com

Photos by Meg Minard, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.57 SMCC Baseball Field 7050 S 24th St Phoenix, AZ 85042 South Mountain Cougars website Year Opened: 1981 Capacity: 300 (approx) South of Phoenix South Mountain Community College (SMCC) Baseball Field is a very comfortable place to watch a ball game.  The venue has seating in both the shade and the sun, so sit where you want, depending on your preference.  The music volume is not obtrusive.  The fans are there to watch the game and, more than likely, their son or grandson. The South Mountain Cougars baseball team is an NJCAA – Arizona Community College Athletics Conference (ACCAC) member (also known as NJCAA Region 1 – D1).  People often refer to NJCAA as JUCO.  The baseball team began play in 1981.  Forty-six players have been drafted by MLB; four have played in the MLB.  The team won the regional championship in 2014. The conference plays its games with wood bats, so you hear the pleasant sound of a crack of the bat, not a ping. Food & Beverage 0 The Cougars do not have a concession stand at the ballpark.  Fans can bring in their own snacks and drinks. Atmosphere 3 The stadium has three sets of bleachers that run from dugout to dugout, with a smaller set just beyond the first base dugout.  A blue tarp covers the set behind home plate for fans wanting shade; the other bleachers are in the sun. The bleachers have steps to ascend to the seating; there are no ramps.  The third base set has a handrail up the middle of the seating; the other sets do not.  The bleachers are relatively new, installed in 2003. If sitting on the first base or third base bleachers, the dugouts block the view of the right and left field corners.  Sit behind home (in the shade) to see the entire game action. A medium-thickness net runs from dugout to dugout, protecting the fans in the seating area.  A section beyond the third base dugout is net-free, though the only seating there is a few picnic tables. The scoreboard is to the left of the batter’s eye and shows the basic line score.  It can be a tad difficult to read with the sun and the netting.   The field does not have lights, so only day games are played here.   The field is a lovely, green Bermuda grass turf. The game is not announced so print out rosters beforehand if you want that info.  The music person plays various tunes at an acceptable volume, as well as walkup songs for the Cougars. Intriguing tall palm trees line behind the right field fence. Fans can enjoy a lovely view of South Mountain Park/Preserve in the distance beyond the first base side. It’s genuinely about the baseball game played on the diamond. Neighborhood 3 The field is amongst the other South Mountain Community College athletic fields (soccer, track, softball, and tennis) in a complex called the Dr. Rául Cárdenas Athletic Complex. Several fast-food chains like Jack in the Box, Raising Cane’s, Five Guys, and Chick-fil-A are just south of the college.  Nearby restaurants include Pad Thai Kitchen (Thai), Sun Asian Kitchen (Chinese), Applebee’s, and Rubio’s Coastal Grill (Mexican). For other things to do in the neighborhood, the most prominent is South Mountain Park/Preserve.  The park has several trails (hiking and biking) and panoramic lookout points.  Legoland Discovery Center is five miles east, and the Raven Golf Club is just two miles from the school.  Downtown Phoenix is seven miles north. Most traditional lodging choices are at the intersection of I-10 and Baseline Rd, about four miles east:  Holiday Inn Express, Ramada, Studio 6, Springhill Suites, etc.  Check VRBO or Airbnb to see if they offer options if/when you plan on visiting. Other sports in the area include the Angels Spring Training (five miles east), the Arizona Diamondbacks, and the Phoenix Suns (both about seven miles from South Mountain Baseball Field). Fans 2 Cougar fans are mostly family and friends of the players.  You’ll see plenty of parents and grandparents rooting their kin on.  Since several of the ACCAC schools are in the Phoenix metro area, plenty of visiting fans are in attendance, too. Access 3 South Mountain Community College is south of Phoenix, AZ, about four miles west of I-10, off Baseline Rd.   It is five miles south of Phoenix Sky Harbor Airport. Fans can take Valley Metro Bus Route 70 right to the college. If arriving by automobile, two parking areas are available.  Once on campus, turn right after the line of palm trees and then left into a paved parking area.  This lot will have you walking behind the first base dugout to get to the seating area.  Or, you can continue past the line of palm trees and make a right after the softball field, and there will be parking along the roadside near the baseball field. Serviceable restrooms are available.  The seating area is not that conducive for fans in wheelchairs as there are no ramps up to the bleachers, and the backstop is quite high for someone in a wheelchair to see over. Return on Investment 5 Attending a South Mountain Cougars baseball game is free and worth a visit if you simply enjoy the game of baseball.  There’s no charge for parking and no concessions for sale.   You spend what you bring for snacks and the cost of transportation to the field.  That’s it. . Extras 2 The outfield wall has a memorial for two student-athletes killed in a van accident in March 1996.  It bears the number 7 above and the number 16 below two crossed baseball bats. The team has competed as a D1 JUCO member for the last 22 years. Even though it competes on the D1 level, the athletics program is funded at a D2 level. Final Thoughts If you enjoy the game for the game, watching a Cougars game at SMCC Baseball Field is a perfect spring afternoon out just south of Phoenix.

"Oh yeah, it’s a thing,” said a gentleman as I waited to debark from the ferry in Seattle. “You’ll find them near the stadiums. He then directed me to Occidental Avenue, which connects Lumen Field and T-Mobile Park, as the spot to try one. The street harbors a collection of street vendors, small bars, and merchandise shops. Many vendors grill hot dogs and sausages over an open flame. Perhaps, this is not a surprise to anyone from the city or who has attended an M’s or Seahawks game, but it was one of those regional foods I was uncertain about. Fans gravitate to table tops and picnic benches for a pre-game meal that is much cheaper than inside the stadium. There are a myriad of vendors lined up and down the street. It was not hard to see and smell the hot dogs cooking on the grill in front of lines of people. Next to the grill is a pan with grilled onions and a tub, or a caulking gun, filled with cream cheese. The onions slowly cook away on the grill and many stands mix them with different ingredients from salt and pepper to barbecue sauce. The bun, more like a miniature hoagie roll, is toasted with a little char and gets a coat of cream cheese. The hot dog is added and topped with onions. Fans then have a choice of additional toppings that include a variety of mustards, Sriracha sauce, barbecue sauce, jalapenos, sauerkraut, pepperoncini, and relish. It is not the kind of dog you would find in Chicago, Detroit, or New York. They look like little leaguers compared to the giant all-beef ¼ pound Polish sausage served before sporting events. The cream cheese makes the dog a little slippery, but hold on tight before. However, once you get a good grip, it’s an enjoyable experience. There are more than just Seattle Dogs offered at the various stands on Occidental Avenue. The cream cheese is the most interesting caveat to the dog and blends in well with the other ingredients, almost like it would on a toasted bagel. Perhaps that is why it is no surprise that the Seattle dog can trace its roots back to a bagel deli located in the Pioneer Square district in the late 1980s. Hadley Long is the man credited with the creation of the Seattle dog. He began serving biyali sticks from a cart in Pioneer Square with an all-vegetarian menu. He first offered toppings of cream cheese, mushrooms, sunflower seeds, and onions. It wasn’t popular, but customers asked for hot dogs served on bagel-like sticks. The bagel sticks morphed into hot dog buns, but the ingredients remained the same: cream cheese, grilled onions, and Polish sausage. A Mariners fan explains the complex taste of the Seattle Dog. “You are mistaken if you think you’re ordering a New York-style dog,” said one fan on his way to the game. “The bun situation is immaculate. It’s thick like a hoagie roll. The onions are amazing, and the sausage has a great casing and snap. It’s phenomenal.” The stands offer a few more styles f sausages that include a Spicy-Louisiana Red Hot that is half beef and half pork, a 1/2 pound kelbasa, bratwurst, and a veggie dog. You can even order a Polish dog without the cream cheese and onions. A few carts will even off their take on the cheesesteak, but that is for another article. A specialized caulking gun squirts the cream cheese onto the bun at Pioneer Square Dogs. There were long lines for many of the stands and they had their choices of where to go. Sodo Grill offered their dogs for $7, while the Pioneer Grill sold their version for $6. Another stand, Seattle Sausage, closer to the stadium charged $10. There were also meal deals for a plain Polish, chips, and a drink for $6. It might not be a Seattle dog, but it's definitely an economical option for those on a budget. On a side note, T-Mobile Park charges $12 for their version. The SoDo Grill grill beckons customers to choose their favorite sausage and toppings. T-Mobile Park, Lumen Field, and other hot dog vendors around the city serve their version of the Seattle dog. However, many are unaware of this style outside of the area. Remember, I asked if it was a thing? Visitors flock to Seattle to buy a cup of coffee from the original Starbucks, a sourdough bowl of clam chowder from Ivar’s, or a pint of beer from Fremont Brewing. A few also find a hot dog vendor or shop and purchase a hot dog with cream cheese topped with grilled onions and other condiments. The Seattle Dog is a thing. ---- Follow all of Marc’s stadium journeys on Twitter @ballparkhunter and his YouTube channel . Email at Marc.Viquez@stadiumjourney.com

Photos by Robbie Raskin, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.14 Meridian Centre 1 IceDogs Way St. Catharines, ON N7T 7W5 Niagara Ice Dogs website Meridian Centre website Year Opened: 2014 Capacity: 5,300 Niagara Through Thick and Thin Near Toronto, the world-famous Niagara Region offers a huge number of delights for visitors beyond the eponymous waterfall. It hosts a world-renowned wine country, with related fine dining, spas, and natural attractions. Nearby, the charming British village of Niagara-on-the-Lake, one time capital of Upper Canada, hosts the annual Shaw Festival of theatre amidst its historic homes converted into B&Bs. The Niagara Escarpment offers excellent hiking, and two Great Lakes feature sandy beaches.But for locals, the crowds of Niagara Falls and high prices in Wine Country are not what bring together the nearly half-million strong region, especially in the depths of winter. In the midst of all these tourist draws lies the locals’ favourite activity – the Niagara IceDogs. The OHL’s IceDogs play out of Meridian Centre in the city of St. Catharines, located at the urban heart of Niagara Region. Known as the ‘Garden City’ due to its mild climate and abundant gardens, St. Catharines is tucked in between Lake Ontario and the towering Niagara Escarpment. The city of 150 000 is the largest in the Niagara Region, and Meridian Centre has anchored its town centre since 2014. Although the arena is lovely, the past couple years on and off the ice have been difficult for the hockey club. In 2022, a human resources scandal rocked the club and forced the owners, the Burke family, to sell it. A new consortium, including the legendary Wayne Gretzky, purchased the club and restored hope for stability. But it wasn’t to be. Another scandal hit the club shortly into the new ownership’s tenure involving multiple players, bringing suspensions, fines, and forfeited draft picks. All the chaos has caught up with the club, who have struggled mightily on the ice. But the Boys in Red still have the support of Niagara, and it looks like that isn’t going anywhere anytime soon. In the meantime, Meridian Centre is an excellent place to catch an IceDogs game, in a touristic paradise. Food & Beverage 3 Niagara’s stature as a wine region of global repute has been growing momentously for about two decades so far. With that comes a culture of gastronomy that flows through St. Catharines’ hip downtown core. The food inside the arena is fairly standard for a modern OHL rink, with a couple signature items but largely ordinary fare. Just about every concession offers the usual poutine ($10.75) and pizza ($7.50), with the standout savoury item being a Chicken Parm sandwich (16.50 for a combo). You certainly won’t go hungry, but Meridian Centre isn’t exactly a culinary destination either - enjoy the restaurants of nearby St. Paul and James Streets if you’re including a meal as part of your evening. Being in wine country, though, it’s the drinks selection that sets Meridian Centre apart, as well it should. Beyond the usual ‘cheap’ imports, craft beer cans come from Oast House and Bench Brewery, with cider from Niagara Cider Co. (all $13). But where the fun really begins is Niagara wine on draught, with a small variety of local wines from Vineland Estate on tap for $14. That’s the way to drink in wine country! Atmosphere 4 Meridian Centre is best described as clean, bright, spacious, and new-feeling, even though it’s now a decade old. It also manages to avoid the cookie-cutter bowl shape with many modern rinks; an asymmetrical layout keeps things interesting. The defining quirk of the arena is its topographical situation. The arena is located in a deep ravine, at the bottom of the high land upon which downtown St. Catharines is perched. In fact, the roofline of the arena is mostly even with street level of the surrounding neighbourhood, rather than rising above it. Fans don’t enter at ground level and climb up to their seats, as usual. Here you actually enter from the roof and descend into the arena. Two footbridges connect the top level of the rink to bustling St. Paul Street, though usually only one is open for hockey. Fans descend two or three levels to the seating bowl. Strange as it may seem, the design works efficiently. Emerging from the stairwell, fans enter a concourse that wraps all the way around the arena and is wide open to the ice, meaning no one has to miss any action when leaving their seats. At the west end of the rink, the open feel is particularly notable, with a double-height open terrace. Along here there are concessions, exhibitor booths, and the interesting St. Catharines Sports Hall of Fame. The Hall of Fame is small but features interesting rotating displays, and is open to the ice, rather than tucked away into a separate room. The seats themselves are steeply pitched and comfortable, affording good views. Unfortunately they are painted in the blue and orange colours of title sponsor Meridian Credit Union, rather than the IceDogs red and black. It isn’t too distracting, as the seats are usually quite full anyway. Upstairs at the club level, a tier of suites lines each side of the rink with a spacious hospitality area at the east end. At this end, banners hang commemorating the current club’s achievements as well as the historic Blackhawks and Teepees clubs who used to play in town. In-game presentation is focused, without too much obtrusive music or advertising. The IceDogs uniquely (for Canada) employ cheerleaders, but they are relegated to a corner of the seating bowl and dance in place to any music piped in. Neighbourhood 5 Few places offer as many tourist attractions in such close proximity as does Niagara Region. Niagara Falls is twenty minutes away from Meridian Centre, with its Vegas-level glitz as well as the famous waterfall. Minutes downriver is the genteel Niagara-on-the-Lake, a world away from the light and sound of the Falls, with postcard-perfect villages set amidst vines. Here, the crowds eschew casinos and theme parks for old pubs, fine dining, historic forts, and of course wineries. Just outside the doors of Meridian Centre, downtown St. Catharines has emerged as a trendy, somewhat bohemian locale centred on St. Paul Street and James Street. Fans looking for dining or drinks on either side of the match will do well to take a stroll up St. Paul Street or James Street, a couple blocks in either direction from where the footbridges deposit you. Not far away, in warm weather, the Royal Canadian Henley Regatta is reputed to be one of the top two rowing venues on the planet. The serene course is tucked away in the tony Port Dalhousie neighbourhood and has excellent walking trails alongside. Another spot for the enthusiast is the new Canada Games Park up the hill in Thorold, where Brock University’s hockey teams play. The brand new arena was built as a showpiece of the Niagara 2022 Canada Summer Games and is truly magnificent for Canadian university sport. Fans 4 The IceDogs have struggled mightily in recent years, and attendance has definitely fallen from pre-pandemic averages of near-sellout crowds. Still, a steady core of nearly 4000 have stuck it out at Meridian Centre, which puts them in the top half of the league. That loyalty is something to be proud of, given the shambolic state of the club in recent years. As is common with most hockey in English Canada, the real unfiltered boisterous fans remain in the junior leagues, with the spotless new arenas being a more family-friendly environment. Still, IceDogs fans are fairly loud and the generic ‘Go Dogs Go’ chants and Viking claps are common. When the arena is full for a big match, though, the crowd can be one of the better ones in the OHL. When the on-ice product improves, expect a rebound to sellout crowds quickly enough. Access 5 It couldn’t be easier to get to Meridian Centre from around Niagara, as long as you can handle a short walk as part of the journey. The ravine-bottom entrance of the arena is actually right alongside Highway 406, which connects St. Catharines with southern Niagara cities of Welland and Port Colborne. That said, parking at the bottom level is extremely limited. Drivers should go up to street level in the downtown and park there. There are two large city parkades on either end of the neighbourhood, within five minutes’ walk, and lots of private parking that will cost $15-$20 for the evening. Public transport is a great way to get to the hockey, given the St. Catharines bus terminal is steps from the rink.  All local bus routes pass through the terminal as do a number of regional routes from cities like Niagara Falls. Express bus service with GO Transit, Flixbus, or Megabus comes from Toronto, Hamilton, and Niagara Falls better than every hour. Similarly, GO Trains from Toronto pass through the nearby station (15 minute walk) en route to Niagara Falls. For the adventurous American fan, there are even trains from New York City that call in St. Catharines en route to Toronto. Within the arena, concourses are wide and there are ample washrooms as would be expected of a modern arena. Lineups for toilets are rarely an issue, even during intermissions. Return on Investment 4 Single match tickets range from $15-$30 and represent the typically strong value proposition of junior hockey. Season memberships begin at roughly $450 and rise to about $1300 for the ‘Club’ seats, with their private mezzanine above one end of the ice. Concession prices are average for the OHL, and there are regularly sales on for merchandise at the team shop. Extras 4 One aspect that stands out at Meridian Centre are the classy ushers, outfitted in their bespoke red suits. These folks do a great job assisting fans and are present at every section of the seating bowl. Another point for the history on display from previous St. Catharines hockey clubs including the Teepees and Blackhawks, as well as local NHL legend Stan Mikita. Despite the newness of the IceDogs in their current iteration, they’ve done a good job absorbing the history of previous teams in the city. An extra point is deserved for the richness of the surrounding area in terms of attractions for any visitor. StadiumJourney is about 'away days' and exploring new areas anchored by sport. There is so much more for any type of traveller, all within twenty minutes of Meridian Centre; few stadia on earth can compare in this regard. Finally, a point for the enjoyable Sports Hall of Fame, worth an intermission visit. Final Thoughts The IceDogs will get better some day, eventually it will be inevitable. Until then, strong support and a great arena make a trip here worthwhile. Meridian Centre still feels shiny and new after a decade, yet it also avoids feeling like a cookie-cutter modern venue. Coupled with a charming surrounding neighbourhood and world-class tourism draws beyond it, hockey fans should definitely consider OHL hockey in St. Catharines as part of a trip to Niagara.

Photos by Dave Cottenie, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.41 FirstOntario Centre 101 York Blvd Hamilton, ON L8R 3L4 Toronto Rock website FirstOntario Centre website Year Opened: 1985 Capacity: 17,383 Rock City In Hamilton, Ontario in 1985, Victor K. Copps Coliseum opened to welcome the National Hockey League.  They never came.  Over three decades later and still no NHL, Copps Coliseum is due for a massive renovation.  To say that this process has been smooth sailing in Hamilton would be a stretch at the very least.  Renamed the FirstOntario Centre in Honour of Victor K. Copps in 2014, the arena is set to close its doors for two years at minimum in a huge overhaul of the venue.  What it will reopen to is a bit of a question.  Three main tenants called FirstOntario Centre home.  The Hamilton Honey Badgers of the CEBL, the OHL’s Hamilton Bulldogs and the Toronto Rock of the NLL.  The Honey Badgers permanently bolted for Brampton, while an expected new building in Brantford is expected to make the rebranding of the Brantford Bulldogs, a permanent one.  Only the Rock remain, and the 2024 season will be the final one in Hamilton before they make a temporary move to Mississauga.  It is fully expected that the Rock will return to the FirstOntario Centre.  The much needed renovation of FirstOntario Centre will feature a reimagining of the exterior, more premium seating, a higher capacity and more creative use of space for social areas. Founded in Hamilton in 1998 as the Ontario Raiders, the Toronto Rock were purchased by a group consisting of former Toronto Maple Leafs Assistant General Manager, Bill Watters, Tie Domi, Bobby Orr and former President of the Toronto Blue Jays, Paul Beeston, and moved to Maple Leaf Gardens in 1999.  Rebranded as the Toronto Rock, lacrosse in Toronto was brilliantly marketed and became an instant hit, while simultaneously becoming one of the most important and influential franchises in the league.  The Rock enjoyed unprecedented success, winning the Champions’ Cup four of their first five seasons in Toronto, and a total of six championships.  The Rock were sold to Oakville businessman Jamie Dawick in 2009.  In an effort to control costs and have better control of home dates, the Rock moved down the Queen Elizabeth Way and made a return to Hamilton in 2021.  The move has been a good one for the Rock and they prepare to embark on another new chapter in team history. Food & Beverage 4 The concessions at FirstOntario Centre are solid.  Hot dogs, poutine, fries, chicken fingers, onion rings, popcorn and nachos are all on the menu.  Some specific stands that may peak interest include the Canadian favourite, Pizza Pizza.  Franks & Suds offers a variety of gourmet hot dogs and the Mill Street Brewery stand offers a few deli and artisan sandwiches.  Pepsi products are the soft drink of choice at FirstOntario Centre.  Beer options include Budweiser, Bud Light, Stella Artois, Corona, Mill Street, and Goose Island IPA.  A full bar with wine and spirits can also be found. Atmosphere 3 FirstOntario Centre is in definite need of some TLC and a renovation is definitely needed.  The exterior features what used to be white siding with markings for the arena name.  Plenty of old Hamilton Bulldogs markings can be found around the exterior and interior.  A large sign at the corner of York and Bay is also not really functioning and full of rust. At the entry points on York Street, fans are greeted with some large staircases in the eighties style that would be avoided today as much as possible.  The use of concrete throughout FirstOntario Centre is evident.  Fans ascend to the main concourse, which services both the upper and lower seating areas in the style of the old Palace of Auburn Hills.  A “pop-up” merchandise area is found in the concourse along with concession stands.  Some markings for the Rock can be found also, but nothing overly interesting. The seating bowl is a simple two tier design with a small number of suites separating the upper and lower bowls.  Seats in the lower bowl have been replaced in a previous renovation, however the upper bowl has the original, multi coloured seats from 1985.  Some sections in the upper bowl are curtained off for Rock games depending on the size of the crowd to increase the feeling of intimacy of the venue.  A large crowd for the game that was reviewed meant a number of upper bowl sections were open.  The floor runs from east to west with the best picture of the centre floor logo from the north.  A simple, four-sided video board hangs in the centre of the area.  The Bill Sturrup Memorial Media Gondola hangs from the north side of the arena and the banners are on the east side.  Along with the Championship banners from 1999, 2000, 2002, 2003, 2005 and 2011 are the three retired numbers of Colin Doyle, Jim Veltman and Bob Watson and banners honouring coaches Les Bartley and Terry Sanderson who have passed away.  It definitely feels like the home of the Rock inside. The gameday production of a Rock game is high energy and excitement throughout.  The Rock City Dancers perform before the game and during some breaks and mascot Iggy participates in the pregame ceremonies and promotions.  PA announcer Mike Hancock has a low-key, fan friendly approach where he is more conversing with the fans than making announcements.  Anthem singer Scotty Newlands is among the best, and his renditions of the national anthems will give fans goosebumps.  Players are introduced through pyro and smoke.  Music is played throughout the game, even during play, and is far better than what would be played during an NBA game, focusing on classic rock.  The Rock feature individualized goal songs, which isn’t bad, considering the volume of goals that box lacrosse tends to produce. Neighbourhood 2 FirstOntario Centre is located in Central Hamilton, a fairly depressed neighbourhood that could use a bit of revitalization.  There are some spots for pre and post game fairs.  Merit Brewing, Stonewalls and George Hamilton are all close.  Leaving the immediate area and heading to Hess Village might be the best idea.  Some of the restaurants on Hess Street include the Gown and Gavel and Electric Diner. Fans looking for other sporting options in town should consider the Hamilton Tiger-Cats of the CFL and the Hamilton Cardinals of Intercounty Baseball.  McMaster University fields a number of athletic teams, most notably the Marauder football and basketball teams.  Also, visiting the Canadian Football Hall of Fame at Tim Hortons Field is a great idea.  Other tourist options include the Farmers Market, FirstOntario Concert Hall, Art Gallery of Hamilton and Canadian Warplane Heritage Museum.  The Sheraton and Homewood Suites are in Central Hamilton and options for fans who wish to stay close to the arena. Fans 4 At one point, the Toronto Rock were the toast of the league and dominated with regards to fan support.  Support has plateaued a bit and the Rock find themselves in the middle of the NLL according to average attendance.  In the 2024 season, the Rock averaged over 8,600 fans per game, good for 5th in the NLL.  In 2023, the Rock averaged over 9,400 fans per game and were 4th in the league.  Rock fans are loud and knowledgeable.  Their fanbase would fall more into the “die-hard” category.  It would benefit the Rock if they could attract more casual fans going forward.  However, moving to Paramount Fine Foods Centre in Mississauga for the 2024 season will see a drop in fans per game, but a huge increase in capacity filled with a much smaller building. Access 3 The FirstOntario Centre is located in Central Hamilton at the corner of York Blvd. and Bay Street North.  Getting there is not too difficult from the west.  It is only a couple of kilometers from Highway 403.  However, from the east, fans will have to traverse a significant portion of Hamilton.  There are a few surface lots near the arena and a couple of parking garages.  Scouting out parking before heading out is a good plan as a number of spots close to the arena are expensive at $30 for a spot.  There are bus stops along York Blvd. for fans who wish to take public transit.  Fans should consult the HSR website for fares, maps and schedules. Getting around the FirstOntario Centre is not the easiest.  There are plenty of stairs from street level to the concourse level, especially at the York Street entrances.  With a large crowd, the single concourse can get pretty crowded.  Washroom facilities are adequate for the venue. With security protocols and procedures in constant flux, Stadium Journey strongly suggests visiting the Toronto Rock and FirstOntario Centre websites for the most up-to-date security information before heading to the arena. Return on Investment 4 NLL lacrosse provides a good return on investment.  Tickets run from $43 to $76.  The opportunity to get close to the action for a decent price is far better in the NLL than in other professional sports leagues.  Concession prices are what one would expect.  Parking can be expensive, but cheap parking is available for those willing to look for it. The atmosphere at a Rock game is amazing and fans will definitely have a great time.  All for much cheaper than one would spend at an NHL game. Extras 4 An extra mark for the return of nicknames to the Toronto Rock.  A staple of the early Rock teams, every player had a nickname that was part of their introduction, a tradition that has returned to the team. An extra mark for the Toronto Rock closing Maple Leaf Gardens.  The final event at the venerable arena before renovation and rebranding by Toronto Metropolitan University was the Rock’s NLL Championship in 2000. An extra mark for the NLL everyman image.  The majority of the players in the league have other full time jobs and are lacrosse “weekend warriors.” An extra mark for the impact of the Toronto Rock on the lacrosse community in Southern Ontario.  With the building of the Toronto Rock Athletic Centre in Oakville, Jamie Dawick and the Rock have done a great job promoting lacrosse at a wide variety of levels, including the OJLL Oakville Buzz. Final Thoughts The Toronto Rock have arrived at a bit of a transition point in their successful existence.  After making a relatively successful transition to Hamilton, the Rock now face a few uncertain years as they temporarily move to a smaller facility in Mississauga awaiting the much needed renovation to the FirstOntario Centre.  Lacrosse fans will be anxiously awaiting the return of the Rock to Hamilton, hopefully sooner than later. Follow all of Dave’s sporting adventures on YouTube, Twitter, Threads and Instagram @profan9.

Photos by Meg Minard, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.14 Santa Ana Star Field 1155 University Blvd SE Albuquerque, NM 87106 New Mexico Lobos website Santa Ana Star Field website Year Opened: 2013 Capacity: 1,000 Lobo Baseball The New Mexico Lobos baseball team is a Mountain West Conference (MWC) - NCAA D1 member.   The University of New Mexico was founded in 1889, and its first baseball game played was in 1899. The team played in the former Skyline Conference from 1951 – 1962, then moved to the WAC (Western Athletic Conference) in 1963.  The Lobos transitioned to the MWC in 2000 and have since seen several winning seasons.  The Lobos have made it to the NCAA Regionals six times, most recently in 2016.  Fourteen former Lobos have played in MLB. The Lobos play their home games at Santa Ana Star Field on campus in Albuquerque.  The aging field received extensive upgrades in 2013.  The organization installed lights in the fall of 2013, and a new clubhouse opened at the end of 2016.  It sits in a complex with the Lobo Softball Field and the McKinnon Family Tennis Stadium, making for a beautiful complex near all the other sports arenas in Albuquerque. It is a very pleasant stadium in which to watch nine innings. Food & Beverage 2 The stadium has a small food truck just across from the restrooms.  Lobo Louie’s Frito Pie ($11) and BBQ pulled pork sandwiches with chips ($11) are the main dishes.  Hot dogs, nachos, and popcorn run $5 - $7.  Soda (Pepsi) and water are $5.  Beers cost $11 - $14, with Bud Light being the official beer sponsor.  Only credit and debit cards are accepted. It’s a limited offering but enough to keep you hydrated and full. Fans can bring in a sealed bottle of water. Santa Ana Star Field Concessions, Photo by Meg Minard, Stadium Journey Atmosphere 4 Bleachers run from first base to third base; the venue does not have seating down the lines or in the outfield. Two sections behind home plate are chairbacks. The sun sets behind home plate. The structure does not offer shade for afternoon games, so come prepared with sunblock and a hat. A thin net runs from dugout to dugout, protecting the fans in the seating area from foul balls. A standing area down the third baseline is net-free. The entire playing surface is FieldTurf®; only the pitcher’s mound is real dirt. The scoreboard is in left-center and shows the basic line score. It is pleasantly easy to read, even with the sun shining on it. Fans can see an amazingly spectacular view of the Sandia Mountains and the UNM football stadium beyond the outfield. Game day operations play walkup songs for Lobos players and music between innings, all at a comfortable volume (as it should be). Nice job. The announcer’s voice is clear and easily understood. Neighborhood 4 The ballpark sits adjacent to the UNM softball field and tennis courts.  It is next to The Pit (UNM basketball) and just down the road from Isotopes Park, where the Albuquerque Isotopes (MiLB) and the New Mexico United (USL-C) play.  It is a mile from the Nob Hill neighborhood, a vibrant area full of brewpubs, eateries, taquerias, pizzerias, local boutiques, and small art galleries.  Sounds from music bars fill the late-night air in this neighborhood. For breakfast, try Frontier.  A hidden gem for Korean food is Soo Bak Seoul Bowl.  For authentic, tasty New Mexico flare, visit Cocina Azul – even the rice and beans are yummy.  Unbeknownst to the rest of the country, Albuquerque is a hopping local brewery town.   Recommended breweries close to Santa Ana Star Field (though not necessarily within walking distance) are 377 Brewing, Gravity Bound Brewing, and Marble Brewery.  And there are plenty more to visit. Things to see and do while in Albuquerque include Sandia Peak Tramway, Old Town Albuquerque, Petroglyph National Monument, ABQ Zoo and Botanical Gardens, and, of course, a ride in a hot air balloon. For places to stay when in town, plenty of hotels are available at the intersection of Gibson Blvd and Yale Blvd (about a mile from the park), ranging from La Quinta to Marriott brands to Holiday Inns, many with shuttles to and from the airport. Fans 2 A good mix of fans attend the Lobos baseball games:  alumni, retired folks, students, and families. Fans howl when the Lobos score; some stomp their feet on the bleachers to make additional noise. The Lobos draw between 500 and 600 fans a game, with even more in attendance when they play in-state rival New Mexico State. Access 4 Approaching Santa Ana Star Field is relatively easy as it is less than a mile off I-25.  When entering the parking area, GPS will direct you towards the right field side.  The entrance is on the other side.  Follow the signs for the softball field and tennis courts (at the back side of The Pit). Bus Route 16 has a stop by the ballpark.  An Amtrak Station is about 2 miles from Isotopes Park.  The closest airport is the Albuquerque Sunport Airport, about a 5-minute drive to the ballpark. The ticket office and the gates open one hour before the first pitch.  The ticket office is at the back of The Pit across the parking lot.  Clear sports bags 12” x 6” x 12” are allowed, as are small clutches. Once inside the complex, the baseball stadium has a long high ramp that allows fans who can’t manage steps to get up to the seating area.  The ramp may be uncomfortable for those afraid of heights. The complex has clean restrooms with plenty of stalls. Santa Ana Star Field Ramp to Stands, Photo by Meg Minard, Stadium Journey Return on Investment 3 Attending a Lobos baseball game is very affordable. First, there’s free parking. Second, tickets are $6 general admission; you can sit wherever you want. And kids under 12 get in free. A Lobo Pride Pass ($57) gets you into all NM Lobo women’s soccer, baseball, volleyball, track & field, and softball home games. The concession prices are what is to be expected. The game day experience is excellent: good announcer, decent play on the diamond, and supportive fans. It’s well worth your sports entertainment dollar. Extras 3 The team provides good-looking rosters and stat sheets. Throughout the season, the team also offers plenty of promotions: poster, pom-pom, and t-shirt giveaways, Bark in the Park, Kids Run the Bases, and more. Be sure to check the schedule for promotion dates. And, like most other athletic facilities on campus, a wolf (lobo) statue is present. Final Thoughts Attending a Lobos baseball game is a worthwhile and affordable day or evening out in Albuquerque, NM. Be sure to visit when in the area in the springtime.

Photos by Matt Colville, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.57 Historic Sims-Galle Field 4000 Dauphin St Mobile, AL 36608 Spring Hill Badgers website Historic Sims-Galle Field website Year Opened: 1889 Capacity: 500 Oldest continuously used baseball park in the country Fenway Park and Wrigley Field – two legendary ballparks, each well over 100 years old, have both stood the test of time, and with no sign of slowing down either, they look like they will host baseball for many years to come. But neither of them can lay claim to being the oldest continuously used ballpark in the country; that title belongs to the field at tiny Spring Hill College. Located in Mobile, Alabama, the team is known as the Badgers – the school competes at Historic Sims-Galle Field, more commonly known as "The Pit". Spring Hill is a small Catholic, Jesuit college that opened in 1830 with an enrollment of 30 students – it was founded by French Bishop Michael Portier as a Jesuit seminary and boarding school. Today the college has about 1,400 students, and is the oldest institute of higher learning in the state of Alabama. In addition, it is one of the oldest colleges in the south, and is the fifth oldest Catholic college in the U.S. The Pit hosted its first official baseball game in 1889, which predates Fenway by 23 years. Even though it opened in 1889, baseball was believed to be played at The Pit dating back to the 1860s; in the early 1860s two Cuban students from Spring Hill returned to Cuba and introduced the game to the island, after they learned it playing at The Pit. These two students established the first Cuban baseball team, and are considered the fathers of Cuban baseball. Cannonballs have even been found at the field, from when Union troops seized Mobile during the Civil War – though no major battles took place here, federal troops stayed on the campus and used the field for training exercises. Spring Hill currently sponsors 16 men's and women's sports. In 2014 the Badgers moved to NCAA Division II, joining the Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Conference to compete full time after previously competing in the NAIA Gulf Coast Athletic Conference. Since joining the SIAC the Badgers have won four conference championships and advanced to the NCAA D2 Regionals three times. The field is named after Frank Sims, a former coach of the Badgers, and Stan Galle, who had a stint with the Washington Senators in 1942, but was a long-time coach for the Badgers from 1956 until his retirement in 1982. Food & Beverage   2 There are no permanent stands open here, although fans are free to bring food and drinks into the seating area. Alcoholic beverages are allowed as well, and I saw many students and fans with beers in their hands walking along the first base concourse (more on that later). Out beyond right field they have Stonisch facility, which houses the weight rooms and clubhouse on the first floor, with the second floor having a party deck that overlooks the field – I saw a lot of fans watching the game from up there as well. Atmosphere   4 One of the things that makes Sims-Galle Field feel so special is that it truly is a throwback to ballparks of the past – the stadium, if you want to call it that, remains virtually unchanged. It is basically a field nestled in between some pretty historic buildings on campus. The Lucy Administration Building, a 3-story structure that opened in 1869, is used to house the University’s main offices. This imposing structure extends from home plate down the entire first baseline to right field, and the sidewalk in front of the building provides the concourse on that side. The field is sunken in, with a fence down the baseline covered in ivy, which adds a nice touch to the historic stadium. Also, the field faces the southwest, with the historic buildings on campus providing a beautiful backdrop to the field behind home plate. In addition, behind home plate you have the beautiful St. Joseph's Chapel (c. 1910) and Burke Library (c. 1931) providing the view. The field has a few rare features – it lacks a real backstop, as a six-foot wall serves that purpose. Another unique feature is the lights; where most stadiums would have their light towers set up outside the stadium, here the light towers are located along the foul line, meaning they are actually in play, as they stand in foul territory. These lights were only installed in 2002, so prior to then every game here was played during the day. The visiting bullpen on the third base side is also located outside of the field, under a huge live oak tree that is well over 100-150 years old. There is a small bleacher-style grandstand set up behind home plate which holds about 30 people, while down the first baseline there is no seating, but plenty of fans set up lawn chairs outside the entrance to the Lucy Administration Building, which also doubles as the makeshift concourse. There is one basic scoreboard in left field, and there is also a table set up behind home plate that represents the press box, and doubles as the location from which music is played between innings. At Historic Sims-Galle Field things are kept simple, which is part of the charm of The Pit. Neighborhood   3 The Spring Hill College campus is located on Old Shell Road in the Spring Hill neighborhood, about 6 miles west of downtown Mobile. The Spring Hill neighborhood was built as a summer retreat for the wealthy in the 1800s and is mostly residential, but features many historic antebellum home and old Creole cottages, with many available for touring – if you take Dauphin Street on the back side of campus, or Old Shell Road into downtown, you get to see many of these old houses. In terms of restaurants or attractions, just down the road from the stadium is a little tavern-style bar called The Post on the Hill, best known for its craft cocktails. You are also only a few miles west of downtown Mobile, and downtown has plenty of restaurants and nightlife options worth checking out; just take Dauphin Street east a few miles and you’ll run into downtown, finding all kinds of restaurants and attractions. Fans   4 Fans showed up in droves to the most recent game I attended – there was a large mix of alumni and students lining the right field concourse. In right field just beyond the outfield is the Stonisch Baseball Fieldhouse; the first floor is used for the team’s facilities and locker rooms, while the upper deck is rented out to groups to watch the game from the balcony overlooking right field. Many students tailgate around the fieldhouse drinking, playing corn hole, and grilling, so it is definitely a festive atmosphere with no ushers or staff working the game, leaving fans free to roam around the grounds wherever they want. At Spring Hill a baseball game is the thing to do on weekends, with many of the students showing up to support the Badgers – at Sims-Galle Field it’s almost like a party with a baseball game being played in the background. Fans definitely show their pride when coming to games. The old ballpark has kind of a neighborhood feel to it, and you can tell that many of these fans here have been coming to games for generations, with a mix of older folks and young children. Access   4 Finding the campus of Spring Hill College shouldn’t be a problem, as the campus is located right off the interstate. If traveling from the north or south, I-65 will be your best bet, as the campus sits just off the Old Shell Road exit to the west of the Interstate. There are two entrances into campus: Dauphin Street from the south, with a golf course you’ll have to pass on the winding road into campus, and Old Shell Road to the north. Once on campus the field itself can be difficult to find, as it sits nestled among some buildings. However, the campus is small enough that you should be able to find it. I also recommend getting there early and spending some time walking around campus – many of the buildings date back to the 1800s, and it really is an impressive site and an absolutely beautiful Southern campus. Return on Investment   4 There is no parking fee, no ticket cost, and no concessions, but you are free to bring your own food and drinks into the stadium, and you can’t beat getting to see a true hidden gem of a stadium and a beautiful college campus – it is worth the effort to come here just to see the country's oldest ballpark. Extras   4 Notable former baseball players for the Badgers who have gone to the Big Leagues include former Tiger and Braves all-star Mobile native Frank Bolling, and his brother Milt who played shortstop with the Red Sox and Tigers in the 1950s (in 1958 the Detroit Tigers two starting middle infielders were the Bolling brothers). In addition, former players at The Pit include Cubs GM and current Yankees assistant Jim Hendry, as well as former pitcher Blake Stein, who had a brief career for the A's (98-99) and Royals (99-02). The field has also had seen some Major League action, as the 1910 Chicago Cubs played Spring Hill in a spring training game. The Badgers came up just short in the rain-shortened exhibition game, as the Cubs won 4-1 in 5 innings. However, this would not be the last professional game at The Pit, as the venue would host the Cincinnati Reds three years later, with the Reds winning 11-3. In 1924, however, perhaps The Pit’s greatest historical feat would be accomplished as Babe Ruth, Lou Gehrig, and several Yankees players visited Mobile – while in town the players made it a point to stop off at the college and take batting practice with the baseball team. Another extra for the town of Mobile's legacy with baseball; this town of a little less than 200,000 people is the birthplace of five players who have been enshrined in Cooperstown, which places it as the birthplace of more Hall of Famers than any other city in the world besides New York and Los Angeles. Hank Aaron, Satchel Paige, Willie McCovey, Ozzie Smith, and Billy Williams were all born and grew up playing on baseball fields around Mobile – Satchel Paige and Hank Aaron even played at The Pit while growing up. Another extra for the campus of Spring Hill College itself; very little has changed here since the days of the Civil War, and this campus reflects that very much with its beautiful buildings on campus. Get to campus early and take a stroll down Avenue of the Oaks – it is a stretch of campus with lively oaks stretched over the road, providing almost a canopy as you drive down the street. I also recommend just walking around the campus and viewing the architecture. Final Thoughts Historic Sims-Galle Field is truly a hidden gem of a ballpark, and one that I recommend a visit to if you are in the area, just for its scenic beauty alone. Walking the concourse at The Pit is like stepping back in time; it’s like watching a baseball game from the 1920s – baseball purists will be in heaven with a trip to The Pit.

Photos by Meg Minard, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.71 The Pit 1111 University SE Albuquerque, NM 87106 New Mexico Lobos Women's Basketball website The Pit website Year Opened: 1966 Capacity: 15,411 Women's Hoops at The Pit The University of New Mexico women’s basketball team, known as the Lobos, play their home games at The Pit.   The Pit, built in a 37-foot hole on Albuquerque’s southeast mesa, has served as home for some of the most vocal fans in the nation.  The arena has had upgrades and expansions throughout the years, modernizing it with a remodeled concessions area, video boards, ribbons boards, graphics package, constructing a suite level, and adding NBA-style locker rooms and a player’s lounge. Even though it’s 58 years old now, it is a fantastic venue in which to watch college hoops. The Lobos play in the Mountain West Conference.  The women’s team began in the 1974 – 75 season.  They have been to 20 postseason tournaments and in the NCAA Tournament eight times, with their last NCAA postseason appearance in 2022-23. Food & Beverage 3 Plenty of concession counters surround the entire concourse, with most open for the women’s games.  Be sure to walk the entire concourse, as no two counters provide exactly the same choices.  All concession stands are cashless. Choices include: Laguna Burgers ($11 - $13) Grab N Go (snacks and drinks) Louie’s Pizza Den ($8 a slice) Sugar Snack (funnel cake, ice cream, fries, nachos) Nacho Mama’s Nacho (a variety of nachos $10 - $13; most come with green chile) Paletas (A Mexican frozen treat made from fresh natural fruits) Section U Fan Zone (Frito pie, chicken tender basket, burrito, chimichanga $7 - $12) Multiple stands with the traditional choices of hot dogs, corn dogs, chips, fries, and candy With this being New Mexico, expect to find green chile in many of the offerings. Pepsi products are the soda of choice ($6 - $7).  The concessions sell a variety of canned domestic and premium beers ($10 - $11). My recommendation:  Stay away from the pizza concession stand, as the slices taste awful.   The Laguna Burgers are tasty (and can be made to order), and the nachos from Nacho Mama’s look scrumptious. Atmosphere 4 It’s called The Pit because that’s exactly what it is.  A dug-out arena with the seating below ground level.  The concourse is street-level and surrounds the top of the seating bowl. Row 1 is the closest to the concourse (not counting handicapped seats), and row 27 is the closest to the court.  Sections A – G are chairbacks; the rest are bleachers (without backs).  The seating area has much-needed handrails. The seating is cherry and silver colored (team colors), has no cup holders, and there’s no legroom between the rows. Suites are above the concession level. The arena has two video boards hung up behind each basket, which show game action and player stats.  Ribbon boards provide the score, quarter, time left, and time outs.  I recommend not getting the top four or five rows at the ends and in the corners as an overhang blocks the view of the video board. Refreshingly, game day operations do not constantly blare music.  Fans do not need ear plugs. The game day music is a good mix of the pep band and canned music.   The temperature is a tad on the cool side, so bring an extra layer if you chill easily. Game day operations turn down the lights during the introductions, so you can’t really see the players when the announcer introduces them.  This mystifies me. Cheerleaders entertain the crowd and perform at half-time. It’s about the game here, which makes this arena a fabulous place to watch a basketball game. Neighborhood 4 The Pit is part of an athletic venue complex that includes University Stadium (Lobos football) across the street and Isotopes Park catty-corner to the northeast. The Santa Ana Star Field (Lobos baseball) and Lobos Softball Field (softball) are just south of The Pit.  The Pit is aglow at night, showing off the outside beauty of the arena.  The area is well lit and has lots of security, making patrons feel safe. A mile south gets you to the nearest restaurants or watering holes; most are chain restaurants like Buffalo Wild Wings, Fuddruckers, Chilis, etc. Your best bet for local fare and nightlife entertainment is to head north to the Old Route 66 (Central Ave), Nob Hill area.  Frontier Restaurant, a long-standing UNM favorite establishment featuring traditional Mexican food and burgers, is in this area.  For traditional Irish fare, try the Two Fools Tavern.  Saggio’s and Dion’s, local pizza chains, offer good pizza and Italian fare. Several breweries are within a few miles of The Pit:  The 377 Brewery, Differential Brewing Co, Flock of Moons Brewing Co, Bosque Brewing Co, and more. For places to stay, a slew of hotels are over a mile or two away near the airport, with all the national brands present:  Hilton, Marriott, Best Western, Holiday Inn, and more.  Or check Airbnb or VRBO, if staying more than one night. When in Albuquerque, a must-visit is riding on the Sandia Peak Tramway, which transports you 2.7 miles to the top of the Sandia Mountains (not for those with acrophobia).  For those interested, Albuquerque offers Breaking Bad RV Tours.  Or a visit to the ABQ BioPark Botanic Garden & Zoo may be of interest.  With 19 Native American Pueblos in New Mexico, the Indian Pueblo Cultural Center is another must-visit. There’s plenty to see, do, eat, and drink in Albuquerque, but all over a mile from The Pit. Fans 3 Although the arena doesn’t fill up for women’s basketball, the Lobos fans are passionate and vocal.  They know the players’ names and get thrilled or disgusted depending on their play on the court. A small student section makes an appearance at the women’s games, and of course, there’s the pep band. Attendance numbers generally run between 4,000 – 6,000 a game. Access 4 The arena is on the University of New Mexico campus, one-half mile off Interstate 25.   It is across from the football stadium (University Stadium), next to the baseball stadium (Santa Ana Star Field), and diagonally across from Isotopes Park, where the Isotopes and New Mexico United play.  Various parking lots are around the venue.  Parking is free for women’s games. The Pit is about three miles from the airport.  (The Pit) University @ Avenida Cesar Chavez is the closest bus stop just in front of the main entrance.  Check the transit website for maps, fares, and schedules.  Be sure to check the time of a return trip.  Uber and Lyft are easily available with drop off and pick up in front of the main entrance. Gates open an hour before game time.  Getting through security is painless.  Fans hand their bags to security personnel, empty their pockets, and walk through a scanner.  Clear sports bags up to 12” x 6” x 12” are allowed.  Check their bag policy for more details. The concourse on top of the seating bowl does not get as crowded for a women’s game as during a men’s game.  Serviceable, but unremarkable, restrooms are scattered around the concourse.  One or two were not open at the game I attended. Plenty of handicapped parking and seating are available for those fans who need it.  Not uncommon in college sports, closed captioning is not offered. All in all, getting to and around The Pit for a women’s game is smooth and uncomplicated. Return on Investment 4 Attending a Lobos women’s basketball game is a decent value. Ticket prices run from $10 to $17.  The $10 seats are upper-level bleachers; the $17 are chairbacks.  The team has chairback rentals for $6, with proceeds benefitting the UNM Spirit Program. Parking is free for women’s games.  Concession prices are what is expected at a D1 college venue. . Extras 4 Several other items are worth noting. Lobo is the Spanish word for wolf, and the arena exhibits two wolf statues outside the main entrance. The venue’s interior displays historic timelines of Lobos basketball history all around the concourse walls, all worth reading. The atrium stands tall with a 56-foot glass tower with white steel structures.  The extensive glasswork envelopes the street level, adding light and providing views of the Sandia Mountains to the east.  It’s quite a marvel. Finally, the arena has a huge merchandise store (called the Lobo Den Store) selling all kinds of Lobo paraphernalia, shirts, sweatshirts, other clothes, hats, etc. Final Thoughts Visiting The Pit and watching a New Mexico Lobos women’s basketball game is a pleasure and an affordable way to see this historic arena.

Photos by Meg Minard, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.00 RGCU Field at Isotopes Park 1601 Avenida Cesar Chavez SE Albuquerque, NM 87106 Map It Albuquerque Isotopes website RGCU Field at Isotopes Park website Year Opened: 2003 Capacity: 13,279 Duke City Baseball Disclaimer: This is NOT a review of the Springfield Isotopes at Duff Stadium. For that, check this link. Albuquerque, NM (nicknamed the Duke City) has a long history of baseball, beginning as far back as 1880, with teams playing in various B, C, and D leagues until the mid-1950s.  Most teams were known as ‘The Dukes.'  In 1964, the Los Angeles Dodgers purchased the existing team and moved them from the aging Tingley Field to the Albuquerque Sports Stadium.  The team remained the Dodgers affiliate until the end of the 2000 season. In May 2001, city voters approved a $25 million renovation of the existing stadium.  Construction crews razed and completely rebuilt Albuquerque Sports Stadium on the same site.  Business individuals purchased the floundering Calgary Cannons and moved that team to Albuquerque for the 2003 season as the Albuquerque Isotopes (affiliates of the Miami Marlins).  The owners named the new venue Isotopes Park. The Isotopes again became affiliates of the Dodgers from 2009 – 2014.  In 2015, the team became the AAA affiliate of the Colorado Rockies when that team moved from Colorado Springs, CO. They are a member of the Pacific Coast League (PCL). Isotopes Park, officially known as Rio Grande Credit Union Field at Isotopes Park (RGCU Field), is nicknamed ‘The Lab,’ as an isotope is a science-related term.  It is a top-notch stadium to watch minor league baseball. Food & Beverage 4 The ballpark offers a decent variety of food.  Permanent concession stands and carts line the inner concourse.  Fans can carry one sealed bottle of water into the stadium. Permanent concession stands are: Batter Up! (burgers, chicken baskets, fries, nachos, flatbread, etc.) Pecos River Café (a variety of hot dog choices, Frito pie, etc.) Dions Pizza (pizza, salad, and more) Sante Fe Trail (green and red chile offerings, Hawaiian turkey leg, elotes, etc.) The Sweet Spot (ice cream, milkshakes, sundaes, etc.) Black Angus – Perico’s (New Mexican fare) All kinds of kiosks line the concourse offering Dippin’ Dots, pickles, snow cones, green chili and Philly, Bananas Foster, wild game sausages, noodles, beer, mixed drinks, and vodka lemonade. Most stands offer domestic beers and Pepsi brand sodas (beer $13.50 - $14.25, soda $6.50).  Craft Corner is a beer garden near the right field foul pole that sells several local New Mexico brews on tap. The concourse provides some drink rails to pause and watch the game.  The stadium could use a few more of them for those who like to wander. Atmosphere 4 The Isotopes organization does most things extremely well, starting with their friendly, helpful staff, the gorgeous mountain view beyond right field, and the superb public address announcer. Green fold-down seats run from foul pole to foul pole, with berm seating in right field and a picnic pavilion in left field.  The seats in the high rows behind home and third base get the shade first for day games.  The first base side seating does not get any shade and is in the sun for the entirety of day games. The Isotope dugout is on the third base side.  Nets run all the way down to just before the foul poles and are relatively easy to see through.  The only place to watch the game net-free is the berm in right field or the group picnic pavilion above the bullpens in left field. The team installed a new scoreboard in late 2022, which measures nearly 35 feet high by 110 feet wide and features a 15HD pixel layout.  It’s one of the largest in the Pacific Coast League.  It portrays a wide variety of statistics:  the lineup for the team at bat, player at bat and photo, player season stats and previous innings results, pitcher information, time, temperature, and plenty of advertisements.  Sadly, I didn’t notice any closed captioning, which the previous scoreboard offered. For the 2024 season, the team purchased two new LED auxiliary scoreboards which are situated along the Club level façade on both the first and third base sides of the ballpark.  TV monitors, just inside the first and third base entrances, list the starting lineups. The announcer’s voice is clear and loud, and it is especially helpful that music is not played over her calls.  The team game day operation does a really nice job with that.  More team organizations should take notice of how the Isotopes do it here. The batter’s eye is unusual – a cluster of live pine trees - rather than the traditional green wall.  Prior to the 2023 season, the organization had to remove the iconic center field ‘hill.’  The Isotopes did this at the request of Major League Baseball and the Colorado Rockies. Isotopes Park with Hill, Without Hill, Photos by Meg Minard, Stadium Journey The one thing that could improve the atmosphere is reducing the annoying noise snippets or songs between each and every single pitch when the Isotopes are at bat.  It’s not loud, but it’s certainly irritating.  It is more of a pleasure watching the visiting team bat because that doesn’t happen. Neighborhood 4 The ballpark sits adjacent to Central New Mexico College and the University of New Mexico (UNM) and across the street from The Pit and other UNM Lobo sports venues.   It is a mile from the Nob Hill neighborhood, a vibrant area full of brewpubs, eateries, taquerias, pizzerias, local boutiques, and small art galleries.  Sounds from music bars fill the late-night air in this neighborhood. For breakfast, try Frontier.  A hidden gem for Korean food is Soo Bak Seoul Bowl.  For authentic, tasty New Mexico flare, visit Cocina Azul – even the rice and beans are yummy.  Unbeknownst to the rest of the country, Albuquerque is a hopping local brewery town.   Recommended breweries close to Isotopes Park (though not necessarily within walking distance) are 377 Brewing, Gravity Bound Brewing, and Marble Brewery.  But there are plenty more to visit. Things to see and do while in Albuquerque include Sandia Peak Tramway, Old Town Albuquerque, Petroglyph National Monument, ABQ Zoo and Botanical Gardens, and, of course, a ride in a hot air balloon. For places to stay when in town, plenty of hotels are available at the intersection of Gibson Blvd and Yale Blvd (about a mile from the park), ranging from La Quinta to Marriott brands to Holiday Inns, many with shuttles to and from the airport. During baseball season, other sports in the area include New Mexico United (USL-C), and NM Lobos baseball and softball. Fans 3 Fans continue to come out in droves to visit Isotopes Park, especially on promotion days.  The Mariachis de Nuevo México promotion days get near-sellout crowds.  In 2023, the cumulative attendance total of 521,521 was the fifth most in all minor league baseball. Because of the history with the Dodgers, attend when the team plays the OKC Dodgers, and you’ll see many Dodger fans in attendance. Fans enjoy the game and the festivities at the ballpark. Access 4 Approaching and traversing Isotopes Park is relatively easy.  It is just a block off I-25 with plenty of nearby parking ($7) across the intersection.  Visitors or residents of Albuquerque may find it just as easy to get to via side streets versus getting on the interstate. Bus Route 16 drops fans off at the ballpark.  An Amtrak Station is about 2 miles from Isotopes Park.  The closest airport is the Albuquerque Sunport Airport, about a 5-minute drive to the ballpark. The gates open an hour before the first pitch.   Three entrances are available, with the one behind home used only for those with club or VIP tickets.   Fans are required to use clear plastic bags, no backpacks.  The concourse gets quite crowded behind home plate but opens up nicely down the lines.  Patrons can walk the entire concourse circumference.   Fans must cross a small bridge to complete the circle (fans afraid of heights and such things may find this difficult). Re-entry is not permitted. Local law officials do a fantastic job moving cars out of the parking lots after the game. All restrooms have baby changing tables.  The stadium has family restrooms on the first base and third base concourse and the Club level. Return on Investment 5 Ticket prices vary: Club level $28 - $33, Box level $18 - $23, Reserved level $16 - $21, Berm $10 - $13 (sold on game day only).  Save $4 and purchase tickets in advance.  Kids (ages 2 to 12), seniors (65+), and military get $2 off.  Add an additional $5 for Cinco de Mayo game day tickets. These prices are lower than some AAA teams and higher than others.   Buying tickets in advance and attending on weekdays will get you lower prices. Concession prices are about average as well.  And, if attending on a promotion day, fans may leave with a little goodie or see fireworks or mariachi. It’s a fun time here.   Attending a game is a great sports entertainment investment. Extras 4 Some other items are worth noting.  A Hall of Fame is inside the entry to the Club level.  It displays plaques and trophies of notable Albuquerque sports individuals.  Unfortunately, it is only available for those with Club level tickets. The remarkable Sandia Mountain view is one your eyes will be drawn to throughout the game. The history of the team’s name is unique.   It comes from the TV series The Simpsons in which Homer Simpson attempts to foil the fictional “Springfield Isotopes” baseball team’s plan to move to Albuquerque.  The concourse at Isotopes Park features four of The Simpson’s characters to tie in the theme. The Isotopes installed a new LED lighting system for the 2024 season.  The lights strobe white and red after an Isotopes player hits a home run.   It’s pretty cool.  New murals have been painted along the concourse wall and include several references to Albuquerque and New Mexico. Final Thoughts Isotopes Park is an amazing venue to take in a ballgame. The view is spectacular, the prices are reasonable, and the entertainment is enjoyable.  It’s close to the airport, so if in the Southwest, make a special trip to Isotopes Park.

Photos by Richard Smith, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.71 CCBC Catonsville Baseball Field 800 S. Rolling Road Baltimore, MD 21228 CCBC Catonsville Cardinals website CCBC Catonsville Baseball Field website Year Opened: n/a Capacity: 250 Cardinals Baseball One of the largest colleges in Maryland is largely unknown outside of the area. The Community College of Baltimore County (CCBC) has an annual enrollment of greater than 72,000 students. Created in the 1990s by a merger of Essex Community College, Dundalk Community College, and Catonsville Community, the new college kept each of those three main campuses, along with a bevy of extension campuses around the suburban Baltimore County area. The three colleges shared a common board of trustees for years but previously operated independently. Essex, Dundalk, and Catonsville have each kept their own distinct athletic identity. CCBC Catonsville began in 1957, operating out of nearby Catonsville High School. The college is located on the site of the historic Knapp Estate. There is still the manor house of the estate, as well as ruins of various historic buildings scattered around the hilltop campus. The school mascot is the Cardinals and they play ten sports. They are a member of Region XX of the National Junior College Athletic Association and the Maryland Junior College Athletic Conference. The baseball program runs out of the simply named "Baseball Field" which is next to the school's soccer and lacrosse field. Food & Beverage 0 There are no food options at or near the baseball field. You are free to bring your own food. Atmosphere 2 There is not much else in terms of atmosphere as it is a JUCO level baseball game. The team does have a PA announcer and plays walkup music for players. There are two simple metal bleachers around the main part of the field. They offer decent views of the game, although through chain link fencing. Neighborhood 3 CCBC Catonsville is a suburban community college with its main neighbor being the high school and nearby University of Maryland, Baltimore County (UMBC). You will have to venture a bit far from campus for any food or drinks. Downtown Baltimore is roughly a 15 to 20-minute drive down I-95. Catonsville's main street, Frederick Road, is filled with many food and drink options. Nearby Arbutus will also be a good source of options. We like Sorrentos in the downtown section of Arbutus for a good sub or cheesesteak before the game. Fans 3 The attendees at most games are family members or other athletes. There may be a few local residents who attend the games. The fans are knowledgeable and friendly to visitors. Access 4 The CCBC Catonsville campus is easy to access, as it is located off Route 166 / Exit 47B of I-95. There is plenty of free parking on the campus. If classes are in session you may expect to park a bit further away from the field. Return on Investment 5 The games are free to attend. That, along with the free parking, means that you can attend a good-level JUCO program at no cost. . Extras 2 Walk around campus and see the solar panels that have been added to many parking areas on campus. All of the CCBC campuses have added these and expect to get more than a quarter of their electricity from solar. This 5.1-megawatt project is expected to generate 6.5 million kilowatt-hours of electricity each year and joins the 16.1-megawatt array at Mount St. Mary’s University in an effort by local colleges to expand solar usage. There are many banners and plaques scattered around inside the nearby Jack Manley Wellness and Athletic Center displaying the various personal and team accomplishments of Cardinals athletes. Final Thoughts The CCBC Catonsville Baseball Stadium is a basic pleasant baseball field located in nice park-like setting. Although nothing fancy, it is a nice little stop for a baseball fan traveling along the I-95 corridor.

Photos courtesy of Gregory Koch Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.71 Clarke Field Western Way & Fitzrandolph Rd Princeton, NJ 08540 Princeton Tigers website Clarke Field website Year Opened: 1961 Capacity: 850 Baseball in Scenic Princeton Located on the campus of Princeton University, Clarke Field is home to the Princeton Tigers' baseball team. The ballpark is named after former major leaguer Bill Clarke, who later became Princeton's first baseball coach. 2024 is likely the last season for Clarke Field, as it will be knocked down and replaced by the Quantum Institute on the same site. No plans for a new baseball stadium have officially been announced, but there have been reports that they will move to the other side of Carnegie Lake next to the new softball stadium. Food & Beverage 0 There is no food or drink for sale at Clarke Field, but fans are free to bring their own. Atmosphere 2 Clarke Field is built sunken into a hill right next door to the Princeton football stadium. There are some chairbacks down the first base line built into the hill, but many of these seats will have their view partially obstructed by the dugout. There are also bleachers located directly behind home plate, on field level up the first base line, and on top of the hill down the third base line. These offer a better view of the field, but do not have backs. A scoreboard in the outfield also shows the line score. Overall, a Princeton baseball game is a pretty basic experience. Music is played during breaks in the action, but not loudly, and other than that, it's really just the game. Baseball purists will love it, while some others may get bored. Neighborhood 5 Princeton has that feel of a small college town. but there is certainly plenty going on here. The Dinky Bar & Kitchen, named for the NJ Transit line that connects the Princeton campus with Princeton Junction, is located in a former train station near campus. There are many more options in downtown Princeton, ranging from hoagies to seafood to pizza and more. Parking may be a challenge downtown, but there is much to do there even if you have to walk a bit from your car. Fans 2 Princeton baseball only draws a few dozen fans per game, mostly friends and family of the players. The crowd here is not particularly loud, especially with them spread out over several sets of seats. While they may make some noise following big plays, for the most part it is almost completely silent here. College baseball in the northeast often doesn't have many fans, but Princeton has a small crowd even for this region. Access 3 Free parking is available in the Stadium Drive Garage about a five minute walk from the stadium. The procedure may be slightly different on weekday afternoons, so check the Princeton website if this applies to you. The Princeton Branch of NJ Transit, more commonly known as the Dinky, is a short commuter rail line (the shortest in the country in fact) connecting Princeton's campus with Princeton Junction on the Northeast Corridor. From the station, the stadium is about a 20-25 minute walk. There are no real restrooms at Clarke Field itself. A single port-a-potty is available down the right field line, or fans can head into Princeton Stadium next door and use the real restrooms there. While the port-a-potty may be occupied at times, there should never be a line in the football stadium as those restroom were designed to accommodate football crowds several orders of magnitude more than what you will see here. Return on Investment 5 There is no charge for admission to a Princeton baseball game, or any other expenses you will incur besides gas. This makes a Princeton baseball game a great value. Extras 3 One bonus star for the Bill MacCoy memorial down the right field line by the entrance. MacCoy was a star Princeton baseball player who passed up the opportunity to go pro to join the Air Force during World War II. He was killed tragically in a training flight a week before he would have received his pilot's wings. Next to the memorial is a flagpole showing not just the American flag, as you would expect, but the flags of Princeton and whoever their opponent is that day. Finally, check out the signage on the outfield walls honoring Princeton's Ivy League Championships and NCAA Tournament appearances. Final Thoughts College baseball is often not a huge deal in the northeast, and Princeton is no exception. Still, with the stadium closing after this season, fans only have one more chance to get down to Clarke Field before it's too late. For those with some connection to the program, or who just want to see free baseball regardless of where, Clarke Field is worth the visit. It is in a gorgeous setting on an Ivy League campus, and although the experience is barebones, it is still a nice play to take in a ballgame.

Photos by Paul Baker, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.57 Wahconah Park 105 Wahconah Rd Pittsfield, MA 01201 Pittsfield Suns website Wahconah Park website Year Opened: 1919 Capacity: 3,500 Just A Little Bit of Heaven “Just a Little Bit of Heaven-Pittsfield’s Wahconah Park is Baseball as it Oughta Be” - Sports Illustrated, July 23, 1990. One of the last ballparks in the country to still feature a wooden grandstand, Wahconah Park dates all the way back to 1919. Through the ballpark’s history, 201 future major leaguers passed through the Berkshires. An additional 100 players with prior major league experience played for various Pittsfield squads. Over nearly a century of use, 14 different professional teams called Wahconah home, as well as 3 different summer collegiate teams. The current tenants are the Pittsfield Suns of the Futures League. The Suns take their name from one of Wahconah Park’s unique features. Because it was built before the advent of night baseball, little thought was put into the ballpark’s orientation. Thus, it was built facing due west, which results in occasional “sun delays” as batters would otherwise be forced to look directly into the setting sun. Food & Beverage 5 It would be hard to imagine a small ballpark the size of Wahconah Park having a more expansive and diverse menu than can be found here. There are three main concession stands here, two located under the stands, and a third located in the right field party tent area. The stands are given sun-related names such as “Sunrise Café”, “Sunset Grill”, and “the Brighter Side Grill”. Each concession stand has some unique items, increasing the overall menu at the park. All the stands cover the basics, such as hot dogs ($2.50), hamburgers ($4.00), sausage and pepper sandwiches ($5.00), and grilled chicken sandwiches ($5.00). The Sunrise Café also has chicken strips ($5.50) and Mini Corn Dogs ($4.00). The Sunset Grill features Philly Cheesesteaks ($7.00) and funnel cakes ($2.50). The Brighter Side Grill features several different items, such as bratwurst ($5.50), quesadillas ($7.00), pulled pork sandwiches ($5.00), and the most popular item among 10 year old boys, the giant turkey leg ($9.00). All the stands offer a variety of snacks, candy, popcorn, chips, and beverages. If all this wasn’t enough, there is an ice cream stand on the main concourse selling Dippin’ Dots, hard ice cream, and a variety of novelties as well. Another portable cart on the concourse area serves hot dogs with all the fixings. In addition, Papa John’s pizzas are sold at the beer stand. Wahconah Park offers a variety of food choices that many larger ballparks can’t touch. If your tastes run more towards the adult beverage, the Suns have you covered there, too. There is a beer stand on the concourse selling 16 ounce Coors and Miller Lite for $4.00. Blue Moon, Samuel Adams, and Yuengling drafts are sold here for $6.00. Cans of Blue Moon and Guinness are available at the right field barbeque stand, along with a sampling of other adult beverages. The highlight of the offerings here may be the beer shakes ($6.00), available in creamsicle, chocolate, and strawberry flavors. Also located on the concourse is a small stand selling a variety of Suns’ souvenirs. Atmosphere 5 The Suns game day staff put on an excellent show at Wahconah Park. There is a buzz in the stands during Suns games, and crowds can swell to capacity on special nights. The team offers giveaways and ticket specials on most nights, and there are giveaways and contests between innings. The Futures League tries to create an atmosphere similar to a minor league ballpark, and in Pittsfield, they succeed. Of course, the promotions budget is limited at this level of baseball. If you get a chance, check out the children’s play area in right field. The bouncey houses located in the area have a large logo of the neighboring Hudson Valley Renegades. It’s not perfect in Pittsfield, but it has its charms, for sure. Neighborhood 3 The Berkshire Mountains are a popular tourist destination during the summer months, with their popularity based largely on the arts, music, and outdoor recreation. Several hiking trails and nature reserves are located in the area, and attract large amounts of tourists. Fans looking for pursuits separate from baseball will be happy to find several high quality museums in the area, most notably the Norman Rockwell Museum, as well as the Tanglewood Music Center. Within walking distance of Wahconah Park is downtown Pittsfield, featuring several shops, pubs, and restaurants. It’s not the largest or most vibrant downtown, but it’s a got a great small-town feel to it, and is a nice area to explore on a warm summer day. Fans 3 The Suns have averaged in the neighborhood of 1,300 fans per game since joining the Futures League. This figure ranks them consistently in the top three of the league. The Suns offer group deals to the community, and it is not unusual to see birthday parties, groups, and families enjoying the action side by side. One unique aspect of Wahconah Park is that, despite the fact that it is a stadium, there is still room for kids to roam. You can find groups of kids running around playing catch or tag behind the left field bleachers, bouncing balls against the back of the concourse, or getting out some energy in the play area in right field. It’s a sight common to many summer ballparks, but not so in most minor league ballparks. Access 3 Wahconah Park is located in downtown Pittsfield, just a block away from Route 7. Pittsfield is the largest city in Berkshire County, and the third largest city in western Massachusetts. Located in western Massachusetts at the intersection of routes 9, 20, and 7, Pittsfield is easy to get to, although not served by any highways. Interstate 90 (The Mass. Pike) runs about 20 miles to the south. Fans traveling to Wahconah Park will most likely take I-90 to exit 2 (Pittsfield/Lee) and follow Route 20/7 north to downtown. Wahconah Park is located on Wahconah Street, just past the town green. Fans will enter Wahconah Park into a large paved area behind the grandstand featuring a couple of small buildings which house the souvenir stand and the beer stand. The two main concession stands are located directly ahead underneath the seating bowl. Fans may enter the seating bowl through the main breezeway directly ahead, or if looking for alternate seating, by walking in their preferred direction. There is a large set of metal bleachers in shallow left field, and a picnic area in right field. Also located in right field is another BBQ stand, a party tent, and some bouncey houses beyond the right field fence. All areas of Wahconah Park feature excellent views of the field. Most of the seating is located in the main covered grandstand. The first four rows in the grandstand consist of individual plastic seats, and the next eight rows consist of wooden bleachers with backs. The left field bleachers are angled nicely towards the field. Unfortunately, due to the tiny dimensions of Wahconah Park, all the seats have netting in front of them in order to protect fans. Return on Investment 3 Reserved seating at Wahconah Park costs $9, and general admission costs $6. Seniors are admitted for $5, and children are admitted free. Active members of the military are also admitted free of charge. Parking is free in the lot adjacent to the ballpark. The prices at Wahconah Park are a little higher than other college ballparks in the region, but are directly in line with the other ballparks in the futures league. Extras 3 Promotions, specials, and giveaways dot the Suns’ schedule. The presence of many unique menu items, in particular the beer shakes, earn Wahconah another extra point. The sense of history present here is worth a third bonus point. Final Thoughts There is a reason teams keep coming back to Wahconah Park. It’s a great, old-time facility with just enough modern amenities to keep fans happy. The ballpark may have outlived its usefulness as a professional ballpark, but it has found a home in the Futures League. The Futures League has moved into several former professional ballparks throughout New England, and Wahconah Park fits into this business model seamlessly. Follow Paul Baker’s stadium journeys on Twitter and Instagram @PuckmanRI.

Photos by David Welch, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.43 Mercedes-Benz Stadium 1 AMB Drive Atlanta, GA 30313 SheBelieves Cup website Mercedes-Benz Stadium website Year Opened: 2017 Capacity: 42,500 Mercedes-Benz Stadium – SheBelieves Cup The SheBelieves movement was launched in the months leading up to the United States Women’s National Team’s (USWNT) 2015 World Cup victory, a team that may have cemented U.S. women’s soccer as the elite team in international play. It was this team that many feel launched the USWNT into prominence as the face of female empowerment in the world of sports. The goal of the SheBelieves movement is to “inspire new generations of young girls and women to be better and strive for better”. It also strives to encourage “young girls to carve their own path” and “empower girls to reach their dreams”. United States Women’s National Team veteran forward Alex Morgan calls herself fortunate to play in the SheBelieves Cup, where she can empower the next generation. Those comments were also reflected by National Team newcomer Jaedyn Shaw, who recollects being inspired by the US team at the 2020 SheBelieves Cup in her hometown of Frisco, Texas. Considered an international friendly, the SheBelieves Cup results have the least impact on a country’s FIFA world ranking. Food & Beverage   5 When Mercedes-Benz Stadium initially opened, a priority was put on providing fans with a wide variety of concessions at the lowest prices possible. $20 can get fans all the following: a chicken tender basket with fries, a hot dog, a slice of pizza, pretzel, bag of popcorn, nachos with cheese, and a refillable Coca-Cola product. Wanting a bit more? Getting just a beer and hot dog will only set you back $7. Mercedes-Benz Stadium also gives fans what seems like an endless selection of high-end food options – there are nearly 35 different concession stands, and more than 25 bars throughout; choices run the gamut from Asian, BBQ, Jamaican, specialty burgers, pizza, and even vegan options, just to name a few. In addition, fans have the chance to experience several local and regional eateries all in one place – this includes Southern-Korean-Mexican infusion dishes at SO:KO:ME, Williamson Brothers BBQ, burgers from the legendary Holman & Finch and Farm Burger, and Papi’s Cuban Grill. Mercedes-Benz Stadium also recently partnered with Atlanta brewery Sweet Water Brewing Company, not just to sell Sweet Water products but also to establish two bars around the stadium, one located at the 100 entry level and a second on the upper 300 level. In addition, as part of the branding of the SheBelieves Cup, US Soccer has partnered with Truly hard seltzer for their product to be sold in SheBelieves Cup-designed cans. It would be difficult to ask for more when it comes to stadium concessions; Mercedes-Benz Stadium delivers on both by providing a wide variety of options at extremely reasonable prices. Atmosphere   4 With the popularity of soccer and the United States Women’s National Team being at an all-time high, the ability to fill a venue the size of Mercedes-Benz Stadium creates an exquisite atmosphere for an international event such as the Shebelieves Cup. Mercedes-Benz Stadium uses a series of overlapping triangles to create a modern feel, while complementing the eight-panel roof that can rotate open to become an open-air stadium (although the roof typically remains closed). Within the roof structure, the facing of its opening is used for the halo board that serves at the stadium’s scoreboard, and also provides an in-match video feed of the game that highlights fans and add other bits of entertainment around the concourse. Stadium architect HOK designed the stadium with a 16-story front window that serves as a “window into the city”, putting Atlanta’s skyline prominently on display, and the glass construction does just that – the eastern side of the building serves as the front door to the facility and gives fans amazing views of the area. As prescribed by international soccer standards, natural grass is installed for the SheBelieves Cup rather than playing on the synthetic sport turf that is standard in Mercedes-Benz Stadium. The nature and flow of a soccer match doesn’t really lend itself to mid-match entertainment, but during half time and in the time between matches, the in-house DJ plays popular hits as fans, mostly the younger fans in attendance, dance on the “dance cam” of the halo board. The time is also used to feature pieces highlighting the SheBelieves Cup’s mission of inspiring young girls to envision their greatest imaginable life goals, and dream of realizing them. One of the issues with hosting two matches at this cup is that attendance takes a significant hit during the match which doesn’t involve the United States – it does seem rather counter-intuitive to have the US team play first, making the first match sort of the main event, leaving the stadium virtually empty for the second match. Despite the second match in such a large stadium having much of the energy sucked out of it, supporters of the remaining international teams are still every bit as passionate in cheering for the soccer heroes and legends of their home nation. Neighborhood   5 Mercedes-Benz Stadium, in the heart of downtown Atlanta, sits just to the west of State Farm Arena. The area is thriving with points of interest and entertainment; a short walk from the facility’s front entrance are Centennial Olympic Park and the Georgia Aquarium, the largest aquarium in the United States. Directly across from the aquarium is the World of Coca-Cola, a museum dedicated to telling the history the Atlanta founded soft-drink company. Given Atlanta’s role in the fight for civil rights, several points around the city pay honor to the struggle – the National Museum of Civil and Human Rights is on the northernmost edge of the park. Also, in the nearby Sweet Auburn neighborhood visitors can find the Martin Luther King, Jr. Center, Dr. King’s birthplace, and the Ebenezer Street Baptist Church. The area just outside the gates of Mercedes-Benz Stadium is currently undergoing a makeover, as the area known as “The Gultch” is being transformed into the $5 billion development known as “Centennial Yards”. With a projected completion date of 2028, two-thirds of the buildings will be ready in time for when the World Cup comes to Atlanta in 2026, and the rest will be under construction by that time Fans   5 When it comes to supporting your country, there is a level of pride and collectivism that brings communities together. The pride in our country, and the Women’s National Team that represents it, comes with an elevated sense of fandom. Soccer fans might be some of the most diverse and inclusionary of any of the major sports. What tends to be refreshing about fans of the USWNT is they are extremely supportive of team members, with a great deal of that support coming from the demographic that is the future of women’s soccer in the United States. A stadium with more than 50,000 fans holds their collective breath as the ball enters the penalty area, waiting to exhale and react depending on the outcome of the try. Fans also release a stadium-wide gasp for a ball that sails just wide of the goal, or erupt into celebration when the ball finds the back of the net. The United States National Team supporters, dubbed the “American Outlaws”, definitely are a supportive bunch, often starting up and leading many of the chants throughout the match. Their chants and drum beating throughout helps to add to the festive atmosphere of international soccer. The attendance of 50,644 for the 2024 semi-finals of the SheBelives Cup set a record for the largest attendance for a US women’s soccer friendly on US soil in history – Atlanta has proven that the American version of football is not the only one of interest in the city and its surrounding communities. Access 4 With Mercedes-Benz Stadium’s location in downtown Atlanta, it can create some hurdles getting to the area. In a city of this size, events here can be just one of several events happening around Atlanta that day.  Also, adding to the challenge is that there is only so much parking available at the stadium, and it can get expensive. Given these challenges, using Atlanta’s subway system, MARTA, might make the most sense - the availability of MARTA at Atlanta’s Hartsfield-Jackson Airport even gives fans flying to Atlanta the flexibility of not needing a vehicle to enjoy the attractions in Downtown Atlanta. Bottom line is when bringing so many people to one location, inevitably it will create some headaches that require a bit of patience to deal with. Return on Investment   3 Tickets for the semi-finals give fans access to two matches and start at $40, but once Ticketmaster fees are applied the base ticket price jumps to nearly $60. For two matches this is a good deal, but it is disappointing that ticket prices get so inflated with fees. The best bet might be to look on the secondary market, where prices tend to be slightly lower than the face value. Parking in the area can get a bit pricy, adding to the cost. General lots around the stadium can run as much as $60 per car, with some discounted to $30. If you are willing to walk a bit, spaces around Centennial Olympic Park can be had for closer to $20, however. One source of financial relief can be found at the concession stands, which have a designated menu of highly affordable options. Each fan can probably have enough food to keep them full for under $20. Extras   5 In the weeks following the SheBelieves Cup finals, the USWNT hosts the SheBelieves Summit, which is designed to provide college students and young professionals with both networking opportunities and access to panel discussions, to help positively shape their careers. The importance of what the SheBelieves Cup represents for the youngest fans of the USWNT is not lost on the players. Many players discuss the impact the event has in encouraging young women and girls to reach their dreams, athletic or otherwise. The concourse at Mercedes-Benz Stadium does a good job of establishing a stadium feel that doesn’t make it feel like soccer is just being shoehorned into a football stadium – a series of soccer-specific displays and promotional features give fans the feeling that soccer has a home in this facility. The excitement created by the American Outlaws goes a long way in creating a fun, international soccer atmosphere throughout the stadium. In December of 2023, the United States Soccer Federation announced they would be moving U.S. Soccer’s training center to the community of Fayetteville, just south of Atlanta. In doing so, US Soccer is establishing roots in metropolitan Atlanta that will reach further than just the south Atlanta metropolitan area; an official groundbreaking occurred in April 2024, with the completion of Arthur M. Blank U.S. Soccer National Training Center slated for 2026, in time for the World Cup coming to the city. Final Thoughts The chance for fans young and old to cheer on long time USWNT heroes Alex Morgan, Mallory (Pugh) Swanson, and Lindsey Horan, as well as the heroes of tomorrow in Jaedyn Shaw, Olivia Moultrie, and Sophia Smith, is an opportunity that can create everlasting memories for the youngest of fans. In addition, the experience of witnessing some of the top athletes in the word, while representing the soil on which they play, is an extremely special experience that can be difficult to turn down, even for the casual soccer fan.

Photos by Dave Cottenie, Stadium Journey. Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.43 Canlan Ice Sports York 989 Murray Ross Parkway Toronto, ON M3J 3M4 York Lions hockey website Canlan Ice Sports York website Year Opened: 1996 Capacity: 1,200 The Lion’s (Ice) Den In 1959 York University was established in what was then North York, Ontario. A lot has changed since then. York opened their Keele Campus in 1965, which is now the main campus. The hockey team hit the ice for the first time in 1970 under the moniker York Yeomen. Also since then, York has ballooned to an enrollment of over 55,000 students making it the third largest university in Canada. North York has since been amalgamated to become part of Toronto. The Yeomen, named after the famous British guards the Yeomen Warders, commonly known as Beefeaters, were very successful early on, winning four Queen’s Cups before 2003 as well as three University Cups as National Champions. Changes continued for York. In 1996, York moved to the new Beatrice Ice Gardens on campus. The Ice Gardens replaced the York Ice Palace, which was built in 1968. The Beatrice Ice Gardens have been home to numerous events, including various NHL training camps. In 2003, in an effort to de-gender their sports teams, the era of the York Yeomen and Yeowomen ended and York rebranded all of its athletic programs as the York Lions. The arena was purchased by Canlan Ice Sports in 2007 and renamed Canlan Ice Sports York. The facility houses five NHL sized hockey rinks and an Olympic Sized ice surface where the Lions play. Success for the Lions continued with two more Queen’s Cups after 2003. At a capacity of 1,200, Canlan is the perfect size for an OUA hockey venue and provides a solid experience for university hockey fans. Food & Beverage 4 Supporting six ice surfaces in a busy hockey city like Toronto definitely has its advantages. The concession options at Canlan Ice Sports is much better than many other OUA hockey venues. In the bustling main concourse, there are two main concession areas to go along with a plethora of vending machines. The Pizzaville stand provides a wide variety of pizza options and not just the standard cheese or pepperoni slices. The other main concession stand is a Wild Wing Express stand, which ironically does not serve chicken wings. However, hot dogs, chips, candy and a variety of baked goods are on the menu. Coffee, hot chocolate and a variety of Coca-cola products are available soft drinks. For those that feel disappointment for the lack of chicken wings on the menu, fear not! Upstairs from the main concourse is a full-fledged and fully licensed Wild Wing restaurant. The is the perfect pre- and post- game spot, especially since other spots in the neighbourhood require a drive to get to. The opportunity to see the ice from Wild Wing is also there. Atmosphere 3 Canlan Ice Sports is a huge hockey complex, as one would expect with six ice surfaces. The exterior is definitely out of the eighties with not a terrible amount of consideration to the outside aesthetics. The flat roof, concrete walls and lack of windows give Canlan more of a warehouse look to it than a hockey arena. The main entrance is fairly nondescript and is nothing if not functional. Once inside, patrons will probably notice the bustling nature of a very busy facility. Concession stands, vending machines, pro shop and custom t-shirt stands are all found in the concourses which has that distinct aroma of used hockey equipment. York fans will need to head to the right upon entry to Rink 1 Centre, which is the home ice for the Lions. The York logo medallion and advertising outside the main arena, along with the York painted doors are all helpful to give the arena a little bit of a home feel. Inside the home arena, it is a fairly generic setup. The ice surface is oriented from east to west and the entire grandstand is on the north side. The south side does offer some media risers if need be, but the student-led media production takes place from behind the grandstand. Twelve rows of blue, plastic, stadium-style seats make up the seating area and are more than adequate for a league that does have some pretty uncomfortable venues. The west side wall above the ice surface has the score clock, which is very simple and only offers goals, period, time, penalties and shots. However, unfortunately, the shots are not tracked, which would be welcomed by most fans. To the right of the score clock hangers the retired number 18 of Mark Cross for the Lions. Cross was a member of the York Lions from 2011 to 2016 and went on to continue his hockey career as an assistant coach with the Humboldt Broncos and was killed in the infamous bus crash in Saskatchewan in April of 2018. York retired his number in 2018. Unfortunately, other than Mark Cross’ retired number, there is very little in the arena to scream out home to the Lions. There is some signage, but what is really lacking is any sort of acknowledgement of the six Queen’s Cups and three University Cups York has captured. A program this decorated absolutely must put up some banners at the very least. The gameday production is a simple, student-led affair. Students are at the door past the main doors to welcome fans with a smile and free programs and other promotional items. The Public Address announcer for the 2019-2020 season is female, which is fairly unusual in the hockey world. She does a very good job, but is hampered by the extremely outdated audio system at Canlan as well as the terrible acoustics of the building. There is little in the way of sound absorbing material around the arena and the sound bounces all over the place. Most of the announcements and music are at a volume that is way too loud and therefore everything is difficult to understand and enjoy. Neighbourhood 3 Canlan Ice Sports is located at the north end of the York University Keele Campus. The campus itself is located at the northern border of the City of Toronto. The campus is fairly huge and as a result walkable options for pre and post game meals are few and far between. However, a five to ten minute car ride will produce some rewards. Heading on Steeles Ave east towards Dufferin will produces some decent spots. Montana’s, Max’s and Cora are recognizable chain restaurants around that area. Some more unique spots include La Risata, Cuscatian, Hoops, and Randy’s Sports Bar and Restaurant. The north end of the city is not a terrible spot to be with regards to other entertainment options. Heading just north of Steeles will bring fans to the City of Vaughan. Here Vaughan Mills Shopping Centre can be found with a whole host of shops and restaurants. Also, a little further north will bring fans to Toronto’s premier amusement park, Canada’s Wonderland. Of course, the opportunity to head downtown with all of the options, is, of course, a fantastic idea. Other sporting options on campus include a full complement of athletic teams that is fielded by York. The football Lions play at Alumni Field @ York Stadium and the basketball Lions play at the Tait McKenzie Centre, both of which are within walking distance of Canlan. The Canadian Premier Soccer League has a presence at York Lions Stadium with the York 9. The university also hosts some of Canada’s premier tennis events at the nearby Aviva Centre. Downtown Toronto offers a massive number of sporting options. USports is well represented with the Toronto Varsity Blues (football, basketball, hockey) and Ryerson Rams (basketball, hockey). Of course the most famous Toronto teams are also found downtown. These include the Toronto Blue Jays, Toronto Maple Leafs, Toronto Raptors, Toronto Rock, Toronto Argonauts, Toronto FC, Toronto Marlies and Toronto Arrows. Fans looking for a spot to stay near the York campus are also in luck. The Best Western and Staybridge Suites are close by and great options. Fans 3 Although York only attracts a couple hundred fans per game, they have an advantage over many other programs. The small capacity of Canlan makes the building seem far more full than it really is. Games against Ryerson and Toronto have the opportunity to attract more fans, however, York students seem to be more likely to travel downtown to their opponents rather than the opposite. That being said, the odd acoustics for the arena carries over to the crowd, which also sounds larger than it really is. Access 4 Getting to Canlan Ice Sports, for the most part, is not too difficult. Located on the Keele Campus of York University, along with the other sport facilities, Canlan is located close to major streets and major highways. The campus is located near the Black Creek and Jane and Finch neighbourhoods of Toronto, south of highway 407 and east of highway 400. The northern border of the campus is Steeles Ave. Unfortunately, Steeles and highway 400 are among the busiest spots in all of Toronto. Travelling a short distance can take a very long time, especially on a Friday. Coming from out of town may require taking highway 407, which is an expensive toll road, rather than taking highway 401 and 400. The Pioneer Village stop on the TTC subway has been completed and access to the university is much easier than it has been in the past. GO Transit, York Region Transit and Brampton Transit also have presences on campus and may be options depending on the point of origin. Fans should check out the Toronto Transit Commission, GO Transit, York Region Transit and Brampton Transit websites for fares, schedules and maps. For fans that are driving to campus, there is plenty of parking available near the athletic facilities. Lots may be attended, but parking for Canlan Ice Sports should be free of charge. The ticketing area is a temporary table in front of Rink 1 Centre and credit and debit options are available. Getting around Canlan is not too difficult depending on how many other teams and games are at the complex and there are plenty of washroom facilities available for patrons. Return on Investment 4 Canadian University hockey offers a great return for a very small investment. Tickets for Lions hockey run between $7.50 and $10. Seniors, alumni and non-York students receive the discount. Children thirteen and under and York students are free of charge. The gameday production is simple, yet effective and the product on the ice is strong. York can be counted on to provide a good team in most years and the opportunity to really hear the sounds of the game up close are worth the very minimal investment. Extras 3 An extra mark for the Lions honouring of former hockey player and Humboldt Broncos assistant coach, the late Mark Cross. An extra mark for the success that the Yeomen and Lions have found on the ice with 6 Queen’s Cups and 3 University Cup championships. An extra mark for the local rivalries that York has with the Ryerson Rams and University of Toronto Varsity Blues. Final Thoughts Taking in a York Lions hockey game is a great way to get the most out of your sporting dollar. The Canlan Ice Sports York facility is appropriately sized for university hockey and offers a good experience. The bonus of having so many eating options in the facility doesn’t hurt either. Take some time when in the area and check out the Lions’ (Ice) Den. Follow all of Dave’s sporting adventures on Twitter @profan9 and on Instagram.

Photos by Chris Green, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.29 Sonoma Raceway 29355 Arnold Dr Sonoma, CA 95476 SRO World Challenge website Sonoma Raceway website Year Opened: 1968 Capacity: 47,000 Supercars in Sonoma Sonoma Raceway has a long and storied history in motorsports. Hosting the likes of NASCAR, NHRA, and IndyCar over the years, it is now home to one of the early rounds of the SRO America schedule. Being held in March/April annually, this event has slowly grown itself to a solid audience of fans, with tons of on-track action all day throughout the weekend. Fan-friendly and budget-friendly, this weekend is likely to soar to the top of the California race fan’s list of events to attend every year. Food & Beverage 3 The track has various concession stands and food trucks during the weekend, complete with the likes of burgers, waffle sandwiches, carne asada fries, and fresh grilled BBQ. The paddock cafe is also open on race weekends, giving everyone another option for food and beverages, with both inside and outside seating options. Atmosphere 3 The action on the track is top-notch as SRO World Challenge hosts no less than 10 races during the weekend across 5 different race groups. Fans can catch everything from the top-level GT3 race teams to the Touring Car and Toyota GR Cup machines of the up-and-coming racers. Four days of practice, qualifying, and racing make this one of the most jam-packed events of the year for the track and the fans, which means you won’t go long without seeing some great race action. Being a NASCAR and NHRA facility also means that seating is plentiful all around the track. RV parking spots with track views can also be purchased by fans, and the suites offer stellar views, including the new Turn 11 complex with its outdoor patio seating. One of the best viewing spots has got to be the Turn 2 terrace with seating under arbors and shade trees. Neighborhood 4 There is practically nothing immediately around Sonoma Raceway, but that makes for quite a nice location for a track. Sonoma is close enough to San Francisco and the Bay Area to make visiting one of the country’s most beautiful cities, with plenty to see and do, an easy task. However, it is just far enough away from the hustle and bustle of the city and nestled away in the beautiful hills of California wine country, to give you the country feel you want when relaxing. To the west is Novato, and to the east is Vallejo – food options include In-N-Out Burger, a California fixture, and many more. Hotels are also plentiful in both areas, and attractions range from the Golden Gate Bridge and area National Parks to the south, to wine country to the north. Fans 3 Where once sat empty seats during SRO weekends at Sonoma, now you see large groups of fans watching the action. Being a large track means even solid crowds can look spread out, but the paddock and fan zone show that fans are still showing up in large numbers as of late. Many race fans in Sonoma who want to watch pro racing without the NASCAR prices turn to this event as a great option, especially given the incredible access afforded during sportscar races. Access 2 Easily the only downside to Sonoma Raceway is the location of the track in proximity to the highway. From San Francisco, you need to take the 101, and from Oakland/Sacramento/Vallejo you have to take I-80. Both highways will take you to the 37, which is the main highway to the track. The problem? Near the track it becomes a one-lane road that widens to two lanes at times, but no wider. Thankfully when you arrive, parking is beyond plentiful around the facility, with many grandstands offering close parking spaces for those willing to drive around. Return on Investment 5 Going to the track is worth the trip for SRO at Sonoma. The facility is a must-see on any race fan’s list, making it worth the venture into Northern California. Tickets to SRO weekends are incredibly affordable, with weekend passes coming in under $100, and with the high number of on-track sessions and 10 races on the schedule, you get great value for your buck. Extras 3 Drivers host several autograph sessions on Saturday and Sunday that are open to all fans. In addition, the victory lane is right there next to the main grandstands, which means fans can celebrate with their favorite drivers and teams after each race. Finally, the paddock and garages are all open to fans, which means you can get up close to the teams and cars while they work on race setups, and you can talk to the crews during the weekend. Final Thoughts If you are looking for a racetrack in a beautiful location in one of the most picturesque areas of the country, look no further than Sonoma Raceway. The track features some quality race action for fans to see, and most of the track is visible from the same spot, a rarity in road-course racing. With affordable prices, a growing fan base, and great food options, you have plenty to look forward to as a fan when you arrive at Sonoma.

Photos by Chris Green, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.86 Sonoma Raceway 29355 Arnold Dr Sonoma, CA 95476 Sonoma Raceway website Trans-Am Series website Year Opened: 1968 Capacity: 47,000 Nor-Cal Sportscar Hype Sonoma Raceway holds the unique distinction of being a race track that actually looks smaller in person than it does on TV or video games. This bodes well for fans who are in search of a road course where you can see everything from one location. Because of this, the fan experience at Sonoma Raceway is top notch, giving you a view of almost the entire property from several vantage points. In addition, access to the paddock, as well as an expansive fan zone, makes it an enjoyable track to visit for the annual SRO America and Trans-Am/SVRA race weekends. Food & Beverage 4 Food and drinks at the track are varied in every way, from selection to price. While every food and beverage concessions stand isn’t open during the SRO or SVRA/Trans-Am weekend, you still get a solid selection. If you want your standard burger and fries with a drink, it can easily run you $10 or more. There are also standard food choices at various food stands all over the property; a smoked and barbecue food stand set up behind the main grandstand is worth the price of admission all by itself. A mountain of wood for the fire and smokers on the grill means that the scent of fresh meat fills the air – by weekend’s end, there’s no wood left, and no empty stomachs either. Numerous food trucks are also brought in, including the popular garlic fries truck. There are also hot dogs and sausages wrapped in bacon, with grilled onions on top that are worth every penny. Atmosphere 4 The Bay Area of California is already a wonderful and relaxing location, so putting a track right between the bay and wine country means you have ultimate relaxation while at the track. The addition of being able to see practically the whole track from one place means you also don’t have to strain to see the track while watching the race. During SRO and Trans-Am/SVRA race weekends, every ticket gets you free paddock access. Unlike NASCAR weekend, fans can get up close and personal to all the drivers and cars of their favorite teams, as well as be part of the victory celebrations in victory lane. Seating options are varied around the facility, giving you plenty of places to watch the race action from, depending on what you want to see. Additionally, you can go camping at the track for the weekend, keeping you closer to the action than anyone choosing to stay away from the track. Sonoma Raceway Victory Lane, Photo by Chris Green, Stadium Journey Neighborhood 4 There is practically nothing immediately around Sonoma Raceway, but that makes for quite a nice location for a track. Sonoma is close enough to San Francisco and the Bay Area to make visiting one of the country’s most beautiful cities, with plenty to see and do, an easy task. However, it is just far enough away from the hustle and bustle of the city, and nestled away in the beautiful hills of California wine country, to give you the country feel you want when relaxing. In addition, just to the north are the Napa and Sonoma Valley areas, which means premium wine-tasting opportunities are plentiful. Fans 3 The fans are among the nicest there are in racing. San Francisco and the Bay Area are full of kind people as it is, so putting a sports venue nearby makes for a wonderfully enjoyable race day experience. Being a road course, the action on the track can also be quite exciting, making for a giant roar from the fans. While initially looking empty due to the vast number of grandstands and plenty of trackside seating available, the fans still flock to both sportscar weekends in the spring. The paddock is full of fans wandering the garages, and the grandstands at the top of turn 2 are always full when the green flags fall. Access 2 Easily the only downside to Sonoma Raceway is the location of the track in proximity to the highway. From San Francisco you need to take the 101, and from Oakland/Sacramento/Vallejo you must take I-80. Both highways will take you to the 37, which is the main highway to the track. The problem? Near the track, it becomes a one-lane road that widens to two lanes at times, but no wider. Parking on site is a workout. The track is literally built on the side of a massive hill, making getting from place to place quite a task for fans. Make sure you bring your hiking or walking shoes. Return on Investment 5 Tickets for SRO America and Trans-AM/SVRA race weekends are an absolute steal. With kids 12 and under admitted free and individual daily tickets under $50 per person, you’re getting a ton of on-track racing action for an incredibly low price compared to when NASCAR visits wine country in the summer. Couple this with the expanded access for fans into the paddock area, and you have the added value that other sporting events in the area wish they could offer. Extras 5 Fan engagement goes in-depth at Sonoma Raceway, with fans’ Twitter and Instagram posts shown on the various big screens around the track. Fans can also purchase a pit and paddock pass, giving them access to the garage area where their favorite teams are working on the cars. Driver autograph sessions are also held throughout the weekend, giving fans the chance to meet their sporting heroes at the races and get some photos or an autograph during the weekend. Furthermore, last year the track even hosted a pinewood derby race for kids, and the fans were treated to a mini air show from the Patriots Jet Team before the IndyCar race. Besides the above, Sonoma Raceway is so close to the water that you can actually see the northern shores of San Francisco Bay from the grandstand. The proximity to the cities in the Bay Area makes for a wonderful vacation option, as well – getting to the Golden Gate Recreation Area is about a 30-minute drive or more, depending on traffic. Final Thoughts If you are looking for a racetrack in a beautiful location in one of the most picturesque areas of the country, look no further than Sonoma Raceway. The track features some quality race action for fans to see, and most of the track is visible from the same spot, a rarity in road-course racing. There is no doubt that Sonoma Raceway will be one of the top facilities for years to come, no matter what race you’re going to see (NASCAR, NHRA, etc.).

Photos by Chris Green, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.00 Sebring International Raceway 113 Midway Dr Sebring, FL 33870 24H Sebring website Sebring International Raceway website Year Opened: 1950 Twice ‘Round the Sebring Clock The historic Sebring 12 Hour sportscar race began in 1950 and has grown into one of the world’s most revered motorsports events during its long history. Now in 2021, the Creventic 24 Hour series has brought their annual American 24 hour race to the facility. The Sebring 24 Hours features a race twice as long as the annual IMSA event, featuring many of the same cars on track. Food & Beverage 4 There is no shortage of food vendors around the track at Sebring. From the main paddock and the ever popular Track Shack (get the Beast…it is probably the best item you can eat at the track and is only known on the secret menu at Sebring) to the various drink and snack stops around the track, you never have to go too far to get something to quench your thirst or ease the pain of hunger. The cost of everything is also what one may consider to be moderately fair, as food and snack items range from just a few dollars to $12-$14 for bigger items at the Snack Shack. Atmosphere 5 Nothing compares to Sebring – words are barely able to even describe it either. This is one giant party for everyone who attends. Some wild stories can be told of the goings on at Green Park (the infield area on the north side of the track), and perhaps it may be best to keep the young ones away from that part of the course at night. This event is unlike the 12 Hours, however, as it is much more laid back. Featuring support races and fan laps on track, this race feels more like a celebration of motorsports than the high intensity of the IMSA event. This also features a more family-friendly environment. Neighborhood 3 There isn’t exactly anything around Sebring International Raceway, as it is quite literally located in the middle of nowhere. Sebring itself is a town located in the middle of Florida, at least an hour and a half away from the nearest major city or population center. Thus, while the town of Sebring itself may have some shopping and dining as well as a few hotels, you are likely better off camping at the track and staying there the whole weekend. Fans 4 The fans at Sebring are insane! Not only are they very sport knowledgeable, but they know how to decorate their campsites. Some have gone as far as erecting massive scaffolding at their camping sites to get a better view of the action, while others prefer a ground-level chair next to a campfire. There are even make-shift bars that pop up around the facility that are fully operational and open to anyone who wants to come visit. The majority of these fans have been coming to the race for years, introduced by their parents to the event, and are now passing it on to their kids. Unlike the Sebring 12 Hours, the Creventic 24 Hours is much more family friendly. The paddock is open to all fans and there are less drunk fans roaming the grounds. Families can worry less about bringing their kids to this race, that features twice the amount of endurance racing as the more expensive event in March. Access 3 The roads in and out of Sebring aren’t exactly major highways, with the biggest road being US-27 running towards Miami to the south and Orlando to the north. There is plenty of parking at the track, however, and trams help take you from parking lots farther away from the main grandstands and paddock to points of interest around the track. You never feel like you are too far from anywhere either, as there are several perfectly placed crossover bridges around the track to get you to points of interest throughout the weekend. Any fan can also come down to the paddock and get up close to the stars and cars of the Creventic series who are in attendance. Return on Investment 4 There really is nothing like Sebring – a weekend ticket gets you into all the action Wednesday through Saturday and you can come and go as you please. While ticket prices can soar over $100 a person for the 12 Hours, tickets for the new Creventic event are much less expensive, meaning you can easily bring a family of four to this event for the same price for one person at IMSA. Extras 5 Taking in the race at Sebring has its perks for fans, with various autograph sessions being held throughout the race weekend. In addition, fans also have the opportunity to get into the paddock area of the track free of charge, giving you an up-close view of the teams as they prepare for one of the biggest races of the year. Before the main event on track, all the teams bring their cars out to the front stretch for a fan walk before the race starts, and fans can come see the cars and drivers up close before they head out onto the track. Then after each race, the victory celebration is held in the new victory lane complex at the track, giving fans access to an area of the track that was previously farther away on pit road. Final Thoughts Thinking about visiting a sports facility of great historic value with incredibly exciting action for you to see during the entire event? Look no further than the Sebring 24 Hours. This race has it all, and you get twice the amount of racing as you would for the annual IMSA race in March. It is hard to put into words what a weekend at Sebring feels like, but as the sun sets each day and the roar of engines fills the air, you can understand why this track has become one of the biggest draws in all of sports, let alone racing.

Photos by Chris Green, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.86 Portland International Raceway 1940 N Victory Blvd Portland, OR 97217 Portland International Raceway website Year Opened: 1960 Capacity: 86,000 Portland’s House of Speed Take premier sportscar racing and put it on a historic track in the Pacific Northwest, and you have yourself a race weekend at Portland International Raceway. The track hosts rounds for the likes of Trans-Am, SVRA, and IndyCar, as well as various SCCA and club racing events. However, the average fan who may remember those halcyon days of Champ Car past will be disappointed to see that very little, if anything, has changed in the last 20-plus years. That said, several improvements were made two years ago, including newly paved roads and the expansion of food offerings throughout the facility. Food & Beverage 3 Where once stood only a sole concessions stand, fans now see a wide variety of food options. The main stop is the Fast Track Grill in the outer paddock; here you can find items like fish & chips ($11), burgers ($8.50-$9.50), BBQ sandwiches ($10-$11), nachos ($6-$8), and much more. Drinks range from $2.50 to $4. The inner paddock also features a similar concessions stand near the dirt track for some events, while several food trucks line the fan zone just outside the track near the crossover bridge. In addition, down near the Shelton Chicane grandstands, fans are delighted to find pop-up coffee, drink, and snack booths as well. Atmosphere 3 The track is located in a beautiful part of America – the Pacific Northwest is known for being green and having great weather. However, recent years has brought with it economic strife, including a dramatic surge in the homeless population around the facility. Nearly every road in and out of the track is lined with tent cities. Something this track has, however, that no others on the sportscar schedule have, is volcanoes in the background; a quick look to the east from any point on the track will reveal the towering peak of Mount Hood, and to the north, Mount St. Helens rises above the landscape. Portland International Raceway - Racing Past Mt Hood, Photo by Chris Green, Stadium Journey For fans, the track offers various vantage points all around the track in the form of grandstands or viewing mounds. The grandstands are primarily wooden bleachers on the outside of the front straight, however, making for a less than comfortable sitting situation. Furthermore, the inner grandstands at Turns 1 and 2, now renamed Shelton Chicane, are metal, which means they are scorching hot under the summer sky; these stands also have no backs to the seats either. Restrooms are not plentiful, and while portable restrooms are located throughout the property, the comfort of more permanent restrooms would be welcomed. Neighborhood 4 Portland International Raceway is located in a city park in the extreme northern reaches of Portland, just across the Columbia River from Vancouver, WA. Vancouver has plenty to see and do, including the Fort Vancouver National Historic Site, or for nature lovers, Mt. St. Helens and Mt. Hood are each an hour from the track, offering great nature trails and mountain scenery. A few minutes to the south of the track is the city of Portland. Here you can find everything you want and need, from shopping and dining to sports and recreation. The International Rose Test Garden and Pittock Mansion are popular stops, while Salt and Straw and Voodoo Donuts are both a must-visit when it comes to food in the city. For somewhere to stay, Portlander Inn and Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott Portland North are both across the street from Portland International Raceway itself. Fans 3 The fans have been going to the Rose Cup Races for decades, but now, more seem to show up nowadays than in previous years to see some of the best racing in the country. The track is set up to offer great viewing areas for fans all around the circuit, and campers and pop-ups can be seen all down the backstretch. However, while the fans may spread out, the grandstands themselves never fill up fully, which can make for a rather empty-seeming track at times. This is especially distressing as part of the allure of motorsports is the fans packing the grandstands, and thus making it feel like a rocking place. Access 5 Portland International Raceway is so easy to get to that you can literally throw a stone over the I-5 wall and have it land in the track parking lot. Located off exit 306/307 on I-5, the parking lot offers plenty of parking, both at the main entrance area of the track and inside the main gate past the outer paddock. Signs are also plentiful in the area to help you get to the track when you are looking for the circuit. Return on Investment 5 Tickets for the Rose Cup race weekend are very inexpensive, with general admission tickets running just $20 for either Saturday or Sunday, with 3-day tickets costing $50 – parking is included in the 3-day ticket option. The track also offers a car-corral ticket which includes parking, a 3-day ticket, and a free lap around the track. Overall, this means a weekend trip with the family to the races can be really affordable compared to many tracks and race weekends. Prices are similar for SVRA and Trans-Am SpeedTour weekend, which features some of the top vintage racing in America. Extras 4 Race weekends here feature a fan autograph session for all the major racing series involved, and fans also have plenty of access to the paddock areas on both sides of the track for all of the series. In addition, several vendors also set up their shops, as well as sponsor displays, along the front stretch grandstand area. Finally, a car show is also a frequent sight on race weekends to help draw in the Portland car culture. Final Thoughts Taking in a race at Portland International Raceway is one that can really be affordable. However, the track still lacks several amenities that could make this facility truly one of the best on the schedule for fans. That said, the venue still remains one that is unique in sportscar racing due to its location in the beautiful Pacific Northwest. Tremendous potential exists here, and with great weather and great racing on site, it is easy to see why fans have been flocking to this track for nearly 60 years.

Photos by Gregory Koch, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.29 Preston Field 99 Stadium Dr Westminster, MD 21157 McDaniel Green Terror website Preston Field website Home of the Green Terror Located in Westminster, Maryland, you will find McDaniel College, home of the McDaniel Green Terror athletics program. McDaniel competes in Division III of the NCAA, in the Centennial Conference. The school was originally known as Western Maryland College, after the railroad, not the region, but changed its name in 2002 as the railroad is long since defunct. The Green Terror baseball team competes at Preston Field on the McDaniel campus. It is located adjacent to Kenneth R. Gill Stadium, home of McDaniel football, and several other McDaniel athletic facilities. There are several different possible stories for where McDaniel's unique nickname came from, but all stem around someone describing the athletes as "green terrors" or something similar in some long-ago media report. Food & Beverage 0 There is no food or drink for sale at Preston Field, but fans are free to bring their own. Atmosphere 2 As mentioned above, Preston Field is located on a hill that makes up the McDaniel campus, surrounded by trees and several other McDaniel athletic facilities. There are several sets of bleachers at the field, although they are nowhere near each other. A couple of sets behind home plate are off-center at an odd angle and behind a metal fence, making viewing difficult. A few bleachers further down the line offer a better view, but may still be partially obstructed by the padded protector on top of the fence. It will be below eye level, but may still obstruct a portion of the field. Some fans choose to stand behind the backstop directly behind home plate. It offers a good view, but there is no place to sit A scoreboard is located in the outfield and shows the linescore. It is a pretty basic gameday experience. Music is played between innings and between McDaniel batters, but not between pitches or visiting batters. However, depending on what else is going on at adjacent fields, you may hear music from there at virtually any time during the game, including during live action, which is normally a major no-no. Neighborhood 3 Westminster is a suburb, or perhaps exurb, of Baltimore, but is quite a good distance from there. It is a small town, but that does not mean it has nothing to offer. Your best bet is to head downtown, a short distance from campus, where you will find many options. Rafael's Steak and Oysters and Maggie's are two local favorites, but there are plenty of other options as well. The downtown area is small, but certainly not empty. Fans 2 The crowd at McDaniel is mostly friends and family of the players, which is pretty typical for Division III. Those who do attend are knowledgeable about the team, coming to many games themselves. Unfortunately, the spread-out nature of the bleachers means the fans are even quieter than they otherwise would be. Access 2 If coming from Baltimore, you can take I-70 West to Maryland Route 97 north, or you can take I-795 to State Route 140. From the DC area, you will take I-270 to some local roads the rest of the way. However, you can often make good time on these local roads, so getting to the McDaniel campus is not hugely difficult. Once on campus, there are several lots near the stadium to park in, and some fans will park on the grass down the left-field line as well. There are no restrooms at the baseball field, but there are some in the football stadium down the hill that you can access during games. Return on Investment 4 Admission to McDaniel baseball games is free, and you will not incur any other costs except gas. However, there isn't enough here to earn the top score. Extras 3 Look for the water tower with the McDaniel logo looming over the field. A second star for the chance to see multiple games on the same day nearby. It is even possible to see multiple games at the same time if you plan right, as the football/lacrosse field is visible from the home plate bleachers if you turn around. Finally, be sure to check out the Western Maryland Railroad box car. It is technically part of the football field, but is visible from the baseball field and you will probably pass it on your way into the parking lot. Final Thoughts Preston Field has a unique, if not completely ideal, setup for a baseball game, with many different vantage points to watch from. Unfortunately, however, baseball is just not a huge deal here (not unsurprising for a school of this size in this part of the country) and the facility and gameday experience reflect that. Still, baseball fans in the area may want to check out a baseball game here. It's hard to argue with free baseball, especially with a name as awesome as the Green Terror.

The Arena Football League is starting back up again, and Tim Capper joins us to give us the ins and outs of the new league, and what to expect. 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: 2.43 Don '63 and Chris '88 Cook Field 1073 North Benson Road Fairfield, CT 06824 Fairfield Stags website Cook Field website Year Opened: 1951 Capacity: 350 The More Things Change Baseball has been played at the site of the Alumni Baseball Diamond since Fairfield University first sponsored a varsity team in 1951. Aside from renovations completed in 2017, the facility has remained largely the same over its 70-plus years of use. However, big changes were announced in 2024. In January it was announced that the facility had been renamed the Don ’63 and Chris ’88 Cook Field in honor of former Athletics Director C. Donald Cook. The elder Cook served as Director of Athletics from 1971-1986. He was the first President of the MAAC and is a member of the Fairfield Athletic Hall of Fame. Cook was co-captain of the Stags baseball team in 1963 and served as head coach from 1966-1984. The field’s new name also honors Cook’s son, Christopher, who died in 2014 after a long illness. The younger Cook also played on the baseball team while a student at Fairfield. Fairfield competes in the Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference, which consists mainly of teams located in the metro New York City area. The Stags have qualified for two NCAA Tournaments, in 2016 and 2021. One Fairfield alumnus, Keefe Cato, has played in the Major Leagues. Food & Beverage 0 There are no concessions available at Cook Field. Veteran Stag fans will bring their own refreshments to enjoy during the game. During Stadium Journey’s latest visit, a food cart was parked outside the entrance to the ballpark, but it was not open. It looks like it’s only there for lacrosse games. Atmosphere 2 Baseball at Cook Field is a baseball purist’s dream. There are not a whole lot of bells and whistles here to distract from the action taking place on the field. The solid PA system at Cook Field is put to good use for between innings music and lineup announcements. A basic scoreboard in left field displays game information. For a more unique perspective at a Fairfield Stags game, take in all or part of the game from the outfield. Some dorms overlook Cook Field in right-center field, and you can find students enjoying the action on a nice spring afternoon, heckling visiting outfielders and unwinding from their studies with a few beverages. Mixed in with these students are several family members of Stag ballplayers. It’s a good-natured, fun time, and a much different experience than what you will find in the grandstand. Neighborhood 3 Fairfield University is located in affluent Fairfield, CT, a town with a population of about 60,000 located on Connecticut’s “Gold Coast” in the southwest corner of the state. Forbes Magazine rated Fairfield as the ninth best place to live in the United States, and the best place in the northeast. Fairfield University is a typical northeastern campus with lots of green space and a great college vibe. The University is located in a largely residential area, with not much for visitors to do in the immediate vicinity. Just a mile or two south of the campus is Route One, which is a commercial zone filled with restaurants and lodging options. Visitors to Fairfield will likely search out this area before or after the game. Within walking distance of Cook Field is The Levee, Fairfield’s on-campus sports bar. Serving a limited menu of basic Italian fare and beverages, it’s a decent option right after a Stags game. Also within walking distance of Cook Field are Fairfield’s other athletic facilities, including Leo Mahoney Arena and Rafferty Stadium. Fans 2 Crowds at Cook Field can be classified as “friends and family”, as attendance generally ranges from 100-250 people. Many of the fans in attendance have some kind of connection with the players on the field, and as a result are quite knowledgeable about the team and enthusiastic in their support of the Stags. Access 4 Fairfield University is located on a beautiful wooded campus in suburban Fairfield, in a region known as the “Gold Coast” of Connecticut. The campus is easily reached from Interstate 95, which travels just a few miles to the south of the university. Driving is the primary method for arriving at the Fairfield University campus.  Visiting fans will simply take exit 22 (North Benson Road-Route 135) off of Interstate 95 and head north for about a mile on North Benson Road. Fairfield University will be on your left. Be warned that the traffic in this part of Connecticut is often heavy, and traffic jams are routine. Out of town fans looking to avoid the legendary Connecticut traffic with alternative methods of transportation can take an Amtrak train to the Fairfield train station. From there, shuttle busses arrive regularly to transport students (and Stag baseball fans) to the campus 10 minutes away. More information can be found here. While Fairfield is a wonderful place to live, it’s not exactly a destination location. Fans coming to the area will most likely continue on to New Haven, located a half hour north on I-95, Hartford, an hour north on I-91, or New York, an hour south on I-95. The casinos of eastern Connecticut are located about 90 minutes to the east. The Cook Field’s grandstand seats 350 fans with a combination of chairback and bleacher seating. Fans who do not want to sit for the entire game can stake out some standing room along the top row of the grandstand. Additional vantage points are located along various points of the outfield. As mentioned above, many students will hang out here, where the dorms are located. There are plenty of parking options a short walk from Cook Field. A small lot adjacent to the ballfield and Rafferty Stadium fills up quickly, so it’s probable that you’ll have to park in either the lot beyond the left field fence, the lot on the opposite side of Lessing Field, or the garage across the street from the Leo Mahoney Arena. All are a short walk from the Cook Field grandstand. There are no bathroom facilities at the ballfield, but fans in need of rest rooms will find clean facilities at the neighboring Walsh Athletic Center, just on the other side of Rafferty Stadium. Return on Investment 5 There is no charge for attending baseball games at Fairfield University. Parking in the lots nearby Cook Field are also free of charge. Fans are welcome to bring their own refreshments into Cook Field, meaning that an afternoon of Stags baseball won’t cost visiting fans a cent. Extras 1 There isn’t a whole lot going on at a Fairfield baseball game that can be considered extra. We’ll award one extra point for the beautiful Fairfield University campus, including the area around the ballpark. Tree-lined streets, interesting backdrops beyond the outfield fence, and Rafferty Stadium located beyond the right field foul line ensure that there is plenty to look at in Fairfield. Final Thoughts Cook Field is one of those simple, yet picturesque little ballparks that dot the college baseball landscape across the country. While not a fancy or enormous ballpark, it suits this small college perfectly. Follow Paul Baker’s stadium journeys on Twitter and Instagram @PuckmanRI.

Whether it's junior, the minors, or the big leagues, hockey provides one of the best in-game experiences that any fan could ask for.  However, there is just something different about NCAA Hockey … something special.  The cozier venues make sightlines excellent and let the fan be right on top of the action.  The traditions that come with teams have been around for a long time and are unique to college hockey.  The student sections that in many places prove to be rowdier and more creative than their basketball and football counterparts.  Finally, the band puts that final touch on the experience to create that truly unique ambiance. Stadium Journey is proud to present the Top 25 NCAA Hockey Experiences (with a few extras included) according to our writers and FANFARE scoring system.  Our patented FANFARE rating system takes into account a venue's concessions, atmosphere, surrounding neighborhood, fan support, access, value, and more. When two or more venues had the same score, a Stadium Journey Council of Elders was called upon to break the tie. To see any of the reviews referenced here, simply click on the link above the photo. With the 2023-2024 season coming to an end, fans are encouraged to get out to the rink and check out some of the greatest hockey experiences in the world in 2024-2025. Here are the Top 25 (+2) College Hockey Experiences of 2024. 1. Yost Ice Arena - Michigan Wolverines 4.57 Steve Ohnsmann - Surprisingly, the Yost Ice Arena was known as the Yost Field House and was first used as a basketball arena for both the men’s and women’s programs before the Crisler Center was built in 1967. In 1973, the building was converted into an ice arena and the Wolverines hockey team has been there ever since. This is the definitive “old school” hockey arena and should be on the bucket list for all hockey fans. 2. Ralph Engelstad Arena - North Dakota Fighting Hawks 4.43 Daryn Skjefte - The Ralph Engelstad Arena is unlike anything else in college hockey. The extreme detail that goes into every aspect is vibrant and outstanding. The excitement can quite literally be felt from a mile away, and regardless of the turn-out of the game, you will have a good time. The arena is truly the best in college hockey for several reasons. This should be a spot to see on everyone’s bucket list. 3. 3M Arena at Mariucci - Minnesota Golden Gophers 4.43 Dennis Morrell - Get here to see a game, you will be talking about for weeks and months after your visit. Witnessing a game here is very special. While the fans make up a huge part of the experience make no mistake, the venue and the university add a great deal to creating a magnificent live hockey experience. 4. AMSOIL Arena - Minnesota-Duluth Bulldogs 4.43 Jared Townsend - AMSOIL is certainly one of the best college hockey game day experiences you’ll find in the state, if not the entire U.S. Midwest. It’s more than just getting your money’s worth, it’s an experience that’ll make you want to recommend attending a game here to others, even if they’re not UMD Bulldog fans. 5. Compton Family Ice Arena - Notre Dame Fighting Irish 4.43 Marc Viquez - The arena itself is a true spectacle because it looks like an older facility on the outside, but once you’re inside you see it is truly a modern and state-of-the-art venue that offers everything a fan needs in terms of food, comfort, and entertainment. 6. Kohl Center - Wisconsin Badgers 4.43 Paul Swaney - Time a visit in November and you may be able to see two games on your trip to Madison depending on the basketball and football schedules. College hockey fans should come to a Wisconsin game- it’s one of the finest venues in college hockey. 7. Baxter Arena - Omaha Mavericks 4.29 Nolan Searl - A fan favorite, and unique UNO tradition, happens after the first Maverick goal of every game as a fish gets thrown onto the ice. What started as a rogue operation was eventually embraced by the university and the fans. Once the fish is on the ice, a guy driving a mini-Zamboni with a wheelie bar comes out and scoops it up in a net. It’s pretty hilarious. 8. Agganis Arena - Boston University Terriers 4.14 Paul Baker - Boston is a hockey city at heart. And even though most of Boston bleeds the Bruins’ black and gold, there is a corner of the city along Commonwealth Avenue that proudly sports the red and white of the Terriers. In a city with no shortage of college hockey options, Agganis Arena offers an experience that may top them all. 9. Goggin Ice Center - Miami RedHawks 4.14 Marc Viquez - The Goggin Ice Center is the perfect venue for the Redhawks hockey team and provides an ideal canvas for its fans, students, and alumni to cheer on the club during the season. The program can hold its own against the best of them in the college hockey world and the Hawks fans won’t let you forget that when in attendance. 10. Magness Arena - Denver Pioneers 4.14 Matt Finnegan - A game at Magness Arena allows fans to enjoy some of the nation’s top college hockey at a reasonable price.  From families with children to rabid hockey fans, a Pioneer home game provides a great, overall experience for everyone. 11. John J. MacInnes Student Ice Arena - Michigan Tech Huskies 4.14 Paul Swaney - A journey (and it is a journey) to Houghton, Michigan to see the Michigan Tech Huskies is well worth the trip. Whether you live in the area, are a major hockey fan, or are just following your team on the road, you will enjoy what you find at MacInnes Arena. 12. Centene Community Ice Center - Lindenwood Lions 4.14 Lloyd Brown - The Lindenwood University men’s hockey program has finally leaped over NCAA Division I competition. Their home ice at the Centene Community Ice Center will immediately become one of the top collegiate hockey venues in the Midwest. 13. Tsongas Center - UMass Lowell River Hawks 4.00 Paul Baker - It’s easy to be overshadowed in the crowded Boston hockey scene, but the Tsongas Center remains as one of the better hockey rinks in the area, even after a quarter century of use. While professional hockey is no longer in the cards for this cozy mid-sized arena, The UMass Lowell River Hawks have a home that measures up to any college arena in the country. 14. Mullett Arena - Arizona State Sun Devils 4.00 Lloyd Brown - While Mullett Arena has been panned as an NHL venue due to its small capacity and lack of NHL-level amenities, it shines as the college-level home of the Sun Devils. It offers a great gameday experience for both players and fans. The Inferno student section adds to the college vibe in the on-campus arena. I guess you could say I’m the (Sun) Devil’s advocate for this new venue! 15. Matthews Arena - Northeastern Huskies 4.00 Paul Baker - Many buildings use the term “historic” as a synonym for “old”. Matthews Arena truly presents as the former, even as it continues to function as the oldest indoor rink still being used in the world. Renovations have kept the facility up-to-date without sacrificing the historic features of the rink. Matthews Arena is a must-see for any hockey historian. 16. Gene Polisseni Center - RIT Tigers 4.00 Dave Cottenie - A trip to Henrietta to see the RIT Tigers is an excellent experience that college hockey fans should consider undertaking.  Although probably not considered a bucket list venue, even among college hockey die-hards, the Gene Polisseni Center more than meets the expectations of the hockey fan and is easily competitive with other college hockey venues. 17. Martire Family Arena - Sacred Heart Pioneers 4.00 Greg Venuto - Martire Arena is a great venue to take in a hockey game.  Both families and local hockey fans should not pass up the chance to check out the impressive new facility and watch Sacred Heart as the program attempts to make its mark on New England hockey. 18. Mullins Center - UMass Minutemen 4.00 Paul Baker - The Mullins Center is an attractive on-campus facility that serves as a home for the UMass Minutemen basketball and hockey teams. Still going strong in its 30th season, the arena provides western Massachusetts hockey fans with a comfortable place to watch a recent national championship team do their thing. 19. Berry Events Center - Northern Michigan Wildcats 4.00 Paul Swaney - There is no doubt that college hockey fans should include a trip to Northern Michigan University as a spot to see great hockey. Whether you are following your team on the road or just looking for a new venue, you won’t be disappointed by what you find at the Berry Events Center. 20. Pegula Ice Arena - Penn State Nittany Lions 3.86 Paul Baker - The Pegula Ice Arena is already mentioned as one of the marquee collegiate hockey venues in the nation. Penn State hockey has likewise enjoyed a meteoric rise to be considered one of the premier programs in the nation. When you step into Pegula Ice Arena for a Nittany Lion game, be ready for one of the best game day experiences in the nation. 21. Cadet Ice Arena - Air Force Falcons 3.86 Matt Finnegan - The Air Force Academy is worth a visit for its beauty and tradition alone.  A game at Cadet Ice Arena is a different and fun way to experience the school.  The program is consistently competitive and, especially against Army or local rivals Colorado College and the University of Denver, things can get loud in Cadet Ice Arena. 22. Harold Alfond Arena - Maine Black Bears 3.86 David Welch - Hockey at Alfond Sports Arena had become a bit of an afterthought for the state since its glory days. While the fervor and passion from the students have been relatively consistent, interest from the community has ebbed and flowed with the ups and downs on the ice.  The pendulum is now seemingly swinging back to the positive, however, which has revitalized Alfond Arena into one of the more special college hockey experiences in the country. 23. M&T Bank Arena - Quinnipiac Bobcats 3.86 Paul Baker - One of the best sports stories of the last decade was the ascension of tiny Quinnipiac University to the top of the college hockey world. After a couple of down years, the Bobcats are back at the top of the polls and People’s United Center is filled with rabid Connecticut hockey fans. This hidden gem of an arena is a must-see for anyone who enjoys college pucks. 24. Silvio O. Conte Forum - Boston College Eagles 3.86 Paul Baker - If you were to Google “what an arena looked like in the 1980s,” there’s a good chance Conte Forum would top the search results. With Boston College's history oozing from every corner of the facility, Conte Forum has a cozy, intimate feel to it. With the Eagles, a fixture at the top of the national rankings year in and year out, a trip to Chestnut Hill is a must for any hockey fan visiting Boston. 25. Bentley Arena - Bentley Falcons 3.86 Paul Baker - The trend of Atlantic Conference teams moving away from local community rinks and into cozy on-campus arenas is a welcome one. Bentley Arena, with its intimate, eco-friendly design, is a great place to catch a game and a hidden gem in the crowded Boston hockey scene 26. Mayo Clinic Health System Event Center - Minnesota State Mavericks 3.86 Jared Townsend - Verizon Wireless Center isn’t as flashy as more modern hockey arenas, but the point is, it gets the job done. Whether it’s the game ticket ($16) or the concessions (all very affordable), you can have an enjoyable experience among the great fans at this arena without having to worry about spending too much. 27. Harry W. Lawson Ice Arena - Western Michigan Broncos 3.86 Steve Ohnsman - The students who attend Western Michigan University hockey games at Lawson Ice Arena are affectionately known as the “Lawson Lunatics” and visiting teams and their coaches know that they will face an additional challenge due to the Lunatics.  Lawson is the oldest and second smallest arena in its conference, but the general atmosphere is exciting and all the fans are into the game. Some of those exciting years include six appearances in the NCAA Tournament and two conference championships.

Photos by Paul Baker, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.14 Veteran’s Memorial Park 85 Eckhart St. Bridgeport, CT 06606 Sacred Heart Pioneers baseball website Veteran’s Memorial Park website Year Opened: 2009 Capacity: 500 Pioneer Baseball Sacred Heart University first fielded a baseball team in 1966. The Pioneers originally competed in Division Two, reaching the D-2 World Series in 1992. In 2000 the school elevated all of their athletic teams to Division One status. After spending more than two decades in the Northeast Conference, the Pioneers will be joining the Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference in the fall of 2024. Since joining the sport’s top level, the Pioneers have appeared in the NCAA tournament four times, most recently in 2015. Three Sacred Heart alumni (Troy Scribner, Zack Short and Jason Foley) have played in the Major Leagues. Sacred Heart played their home baseball games at The Ballpark at Harbor Yard in nearby Bridgeport from 2001-2017. When the ballpark was closed in order to convert it to a concert venue, Sacred Heart was forced to play in several area ballparks until a suitable replacement was found. In 2019 the Pioneers found a field closer to home at neighboring Veteran’s Memorial Park, right across the street from the Sacred Heart campus. Founded in 1937 as Ninety Acres Park, the park was re-dedicated in 2005. The baseball field, built in 2009, is formally named the Perry Pilotti Field after the prominent Bridgeport resident and businessman. Also located within the park are several hiking trails, a disc golf course and soccer fields. Food & Beverage 0 There are no concessions available here at Veteran’s Memorial Park. Visiting fans are welcome to bring their own refreshments to the game. Many fans stop at one of the food trucks that line up at Veterans Park along Park Avenue to pick up a snack for the game. Atmosphere 2 One wouldn’t expect an elaborate game day presentation here at Veteran’s Memorial Park. The Sacred Heart staff set up shop in a pop-up tent behind home plate. From here, the student interns play music between innings and keep the streaming services updated. The PA announcer does a nice job with lineups on surprisingly clear temporary speakers. A new scoreboard in right field displays basic game information. Fans fill up the small bleachers behind home plate or set up their lawn chairs on the hill on the first base side of the diamond. It’s a nice vantagepoint from which to catch a game, and many fans bring their dogs to bask in the sun on a warm spring day. It’s exactly the kind of low-key atmosphere you would expect at a small community ballfield such as this. Neighborhood 2 Sacred Heart University is located in the affluent Connecticut suburb of Fairfield. Veteran’s Memorial Park is located across the street, about a mile from the campus in the adjacent city of Bridgeport. While Fairfield is a really nice place to live (in fact, Money Magazine rated Fairfield as one of the top 50 places to live in the country), it’s not exactly what you would consider a destination city. Fans visiting Sacred Heart will not find many options for dining or lodging close to campus. To the north of campus on Park Avenue is a residential area, and a few miles to the south is urban Bridgeport. Fans looking for places to eat may have to drive a bit. The downtown areas of both Fairfield and Bridgeport have plenty of choices for the visiting Pioneer fan. Adjacent to the Sacred Heart campus is the Discovery Museum and Planetarium. This attraction features rotating exhibits and interactive educational displays. JP’s Diner, a 50s style full-service restaurant, is located on campus next to the William Pitt Center and Campus Field. If arriving early enough for a weekend game, locals rave about the breakfast sandwiches at The Tasty Yolk, one of many food trucks that set up shop on Park Avenue. Visiting fans looking for some physical activity after a Sacred Heart game can check out the disc golf course at Veterans Memorial Park or the zip lines at Discovery Adventure Park. Fans 2 The crowd at a Sacred Heart baseball game is a “friends and family” type of gathering. Crowds range in number between 100-200 people. Many of the fans in attendance have a personal connection with the players on the field and are vocal in their support of the home team throughout the game. With Sacred Heart’s schedule consisting largely of local opponents, it’s not unusual to see visiting fans mixed in among the Pioneer supporters. Access 3 Sacred Heart University is located in the affluent Connecticut suburb of Fairfield. Veteran’s Memorial Park is located across the street, about a mile from the campus in the neighboring city of Bridgeport. The area is easily accessed by either the Merritt Parkway or Interstate 95. Traffic in this part of the state is often heavy, even on weekends, so allot extra time to arrive at the ballpark. Parking is available adjacent to the ballpark at the John Winthrop Elementary school parking lot. From here paved paths will take you down a hill to the baseball field. Seating is available on some small metal bleachers located behind home plate. Many fans bring their own chairs to set up around the field. A most popular spot is the hill on the first base side of the field, which offers the best views in the park. Access to much of the grounds is blocked off to fans by ropes. Fans are only allowed to access the area behind home plate and the hill on the first base side of the field. Unfortunately, the dugout roofs and wrapping have the unintended effect of blocking views of the field from much of the seating area. No matter where you sit at Veteran’s Memorial Park, you will be looking through some thick chain link fencing while you watch the action. There is a building containing rest rooms at Veteran’s Memorial Park. Unfortunately, the doors to the men’s room did not completely close during Stadium Journey’s visit. Some port-a-johns nearby augment these permanent rest rooms. Return on Investment 5 Admission to Pioneer games is free of charge, as is parking in the elementary school parking lot next door to the ball field. With no concessions, visiting fans will not spend a single cent while at a Sacred Heart baseball game. Extras 1 The Pioneers honor their conference title teams and NCAA tournament appearances with graphics on the back of the visitor’s dugout and on the left field. The three Sacred Heart alumni who have reached the majors are honored on the right field fence. Final Thoughts Despite improvements in Pilotti Field over the course of Sacred Heart’s tenure here, this remains at best a nice community ball field. Rumors are swirling that the school is looking to build their own facility on or near campus. A permanent and dedicated home is long overdue for the Pioneers squad. Follow Paul Baker’s stadium journeys on Twitter and Instagram @PuckmanRI.

Photos by Eric Moreno, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.43 River Oaks Country Club 1600 River Oaks Blvd Houston, TX 77019 River Oaks Country Club website U.S. Men's Clay Court Championship website Year Opened: 1923 Capacity: 3,000 U.S. Men’s Clay Court Championship The U.S. Men’s Clay Court Championship has been a tournament on the ATP schedule since its founding in 1910. Throughout its history, the tournament has been won by a litany of all-time men’s tennis greats, including Arthur Ashe, Ivan Lendl, Jimmy Connors, and Andre Agassi. It is now the only ATP tour-level event in the United States to be played on a clay surface. Houston, the largest city in the Lone Star State, has been home to the tournament since 2001 when it moved from Orlando. In 2007 the exclusive River Oaks Country Club became host for the tourney – the club was founded in 1923 and resides in the eponymous River Oaks neighborhood near the center of Space City. Since coming to H-Town the tournament has been both popular with its patrons and successful for the tour and the club. I had never experienced professional tennis before and was unsure of what to expect on my visit; read on to learn more about what I experienced during this unique event. Food & Beverage 3 First things first – the food selection, variety, and costs at the tournament all range from great to very good. The food service company behind the event is one of the most revered in all of Houston, The Goode Company. This brand behind a chain of area barbecue joints and Tex-Mex restaurants offers up a variety of eats, including chips and queso or guacamole, brisket sandwiches, barbecue chicken sandwiches, burgers, and salads. Bottled water, sports drinks, and sodas are also on the menu. A full-service bar is on-site as well, offering up made-to-order cocktails, wine, champagne, and beer. Again, the drinks are all good and are reasonably well-priced. My sole complaint, if we can call it that, is that there is only one tent that offers up these concessions. While completely understand that the lush grounds of River Oaks don’t lend themselves to many more options, it is still an inconvenience. Atmosphere 4 I would be hard-pressed to imagine an event like a men’s professional tennis tournament taking place at a place more beautiful than River Oaks Country Club – when it comes to atmosphere, the location itself is the major selling point. Everything is immaculate, from the lush green grass to the classically styled clubhouse, to the gleaming luxury cars parked throughout the grounds on behalf of one of the tourney’s sponsors. Frankly speaking, the setting is gorgeous. The venue for the tournament, while a little outdated on the surface, still seems perfect for this type of event. Green wooden bleachers and member’s boxes look like they could easily be found at Wimbledon or Roland Garros; the facility has an old-school, luxurious charm, which I’ll discuss more in the Extras section. Neighborhood 4 The country club, as mentioned, is located smack dab in the middle of an upscale neighborhood. Once you turn on River Oaks Drive you’ll leave the rest of the city behind, and on the drive to the club, you’ll see nothing but street after street of houses and apartments. In other words, the usual dining, lodging, and entertainment options are not going to be near the immediate vicinity. However, the benefit of it being set in Houston is that tournament patrons are privy to everything that Space City has to offer. When it comes to places to eat, the immediate River Oaks neighborhood doesn’t have anything to offer. However, if you venture not too far from the venue, a wealth of options opens up to visitors. In keeping with the idea of not straying too far from the venue, dining options within a 10 to 15-minute drive include the State of Grace, chic seafood and Texas fare restaurant in the Lamar-River Oaks Shopping Center; dishes here range from freshly caught seafood, from the nearby Texas Gulf Coast to gumbo and enchiladas. On the opposite end of the spectrum is Barnaby’s Café, a neighborhood joint that is, as a bonus, pet friendly. Baby back ribs, burgers, and Barnaby’s signature French dip sandwich are just some of the highlights. In terms of entertainment, visitors might be surprised to know how many green spaces are located right here in the heart of Space City. Very close to River Oaks are both Memorial Park and Buffalo Bayou Park – millions of people visit Memorial Park each year, and for good reason. It has miles of hiking and cycling trails; food trucks; an award-winning municipal golf course; baseball, softball, and soccer fields; and volleyball and tennis courts. Buffalo Bayou, on the other hand, is a sprawling 160-acre park that very much keeps the terrain as close to natural as possible, and offers bike and kayak rentals, picnic areas, playgrounds, public art, and food trucks for visitors. For lodging, if you venture a short way from the club, your options run the gamut from five-star boutiques to affordable motels. Examples of this include St. Regis Houston and DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Houston - Greenway Plaza – you’re sure to find something that fits your budget and is fairly close to the tournament. Fans 4 I wasn’t sure what to expect on my visit to this year’s tournament. I’ve admittedly only ever watched tennis in the past when it was time for one of the major tourneys, and those events are hugely popular and highly attended, but I just wasn’t sure about a regular tour stop. To say I was impressed would be a bit of an understatement. The final weekend of the tournament saw the venue completely sold out. The grandstands were full and the grounds – as there were passes sold just to be on the grounds during the event – were crowded the whole day that I was there. In the stands, these were proper tennis fans, engaged and vocal at the right moments. There were, however, also quite a few folks who arrived late – though that might have to do with what’s discussed in the Access section below – and that’s the only reason I’m not giving the Fans section a 5. Access 3 Access is always a thorny issue for me when reviewing a venue in Houston. It is a great city with a tremendous number of places to visit, things to do, food to eat, games to watch, etc., and we can easily count the Clay Court Championship as one of these things to do. However, it becomes tricky for one reason: traffic. To get to River Oaks Country Club, you are going to have to drive or ride in some form of motorized vehicle. In all fairness, Houston has great public transportation, but you won’t be able to take that to get close to River Oaks. So again, you’ll need to drive or ride in a car most likely to get here, and Houston traffic is notorious. You will get stuck in it at least once; it is inevitable. You will need to consider that as you make your way to the tournament. Once at the club parking is very limited, and things bottleneck as you make your way up the main drive. Valet parking is an option, and you can get it right at the entrance if that’s a route you want to go. There is also a shuttle service running hourly for those who want/need to park outside the grounds. In addition, another nice perk is that free bicycle cabs are also provided. Return on Investment 4 Tickets to this event are a little on the higher end, especially for the grandstands on championship weekend. General admission tickets to just get onto the grounds run anywhere from $15 to $35, depending on which day of the week you want to attend. While you won’t be able to get to the court beyond walking through, there is quite a nice area, complete with tables, umbrellas, and benches, where the matches are broadcast to a large television. Tickets to sit in the stands will run you several hundred dollars or more, again depending on the day you attend. I preface this by saying I’ve never been to a professional tennis tournament before, but this seems commensurate with what you should expect for an event like this – you are getting high-level, competitive, professional tennis at prices that are about average for this sport. Extras 2 There isn’t much in the way of Extras at the tournament; the event is treated very much with reverence and class, which shows up in every detail of it. There are plenty of spots on the grounds perfect for photo ops, however, the giant tournament bracket is one of them. Fans can also shop for souvenirs at the tournament store, or for fine goods at a pop-up jewelry store. Plus, attendees get to stroll the grounds of this historic and regularly closed-off club. Final Thoughts I enjoyed my first exposure to professional tennis. The action on the courts was thrilling, and the athletes were even more impressive to watch in person. A venue like River Oaks Country Club is not one I get the chance to experience regularly, so I enjoyed the opportunity to take it in. Sports fans, especially those in this area of Texas, should make an effort to take in the U.S. Men’s Clay Court Championship. Follow Eric Moreno's Stadium Journey on Twitter at @EricMoreno6477.