He is up to 115 out of 136. Andrew joins us to discuss the updated favorites and what comes next. Follow Andrew's Stadium Journeys at www.collegefootballtour.com                                                                                                                                                                                                                                         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 Chris Green, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.00 State Farm Field House at Wide World of Sports Lake Buena Vista, FL 32830 NIT Tip-Off website State Farm Field House at Wide World of Sports website Year Opened: 2006 Disney’s Newest College Basketball Tradition College basketball in-season tournaments are all the rage lately, and another traditional tournament has found a new home at Disney’s ESPN Wide World of Sports. Previously held in New York City, the NIT Tip-Off has moved to Orlando, featuring four teams from around the country. This event features plenty of action for an affordable price in a stellar location. Held inside State Farm Field House, this is a popular stop around the Thanksgiving holiday for fans of participating teams. Held at the same time as the ESPN Events Invitational, the NIT Tip-Off takes the evening slate of games each day, while the Invitational takes the afternoon time slots.   Food & Beverage   4 There are usually a lot of options at Wide World of Sports – inside State Farm Field House itself, concessions include burgers ($9.50), house salads ($10.50), hot dogs ($9.50), Mickey Ice Cream Bars ($6.50), and Mickey Pretzels with cheese ($8.50). Drinks include beer and alcohol at a stand just across the hall from the food stand, as well as bottled water ($4), coffee ($4.50), and fountain soda ($6) at the main stand in the corners. The beer garden concession stand also features burgers and pretzels with beer ($13-$15.75) that includes optional refills ($8-$9) and Powerade ($5.50). Deserts include Mickey Ice Cream Bars or frozen lemonade cups ($6.50). The arena also includes a Wetzel’s Pretzels location, selling their famous hot pretzels in various options, as well as soda.   Atmosphere   3 State Farm Field House at Wide World of Sports features a lot of exposed metal beams in the architecture, and its curved roof amplifies the noise and lighting inside. The overall aesthetic of nearby facilities, including Champion Stadium, are carried over here as well. The arena has one concourse level, meaning you can walk up or down to your seats easily. ESPN logos are all over the facility, including NIT Tip-Off logos. Neighborhood   5 The sports complex is located just off Osceola Parkway, literally across the street from the new entrance to Disney’s Hollywood Studios; because of this you’re not far from pretty much everything you need on your trip. For obvious reasons, the best place to stay would be at any of the Disney Resorts – guests of the resorts get free bus transport to and from the arena. The closest hotels, Disney’s Pop Century and Disney’s Art of Animation, are two of the park’s lowest priced resorts. For food, anywhere on Disney Property is a go-to; Kona Café at the Disney Polynesian Resort is a popular stop for sushi and a south seas flavor for dinner, while California Grill at the top of Contemporary Resort is also a popular go-to for a more upscale experience. In addition, popular tourist stops include EPCOT, Magic Kingdom, Hollywood Studios, and the Animal Kingdom theme parks. Also, Disney Springs, which is accessible via bus and car, is home to countless restaurants, bars, and shopping opportunities for the whole family. Fans   4 The games are played among four teams, meaning you get two games per day/per ticket. Tickets are sold by day, which means if you go to catch both games, you may notice one game is more or less popular than the other, depending on the fans who traveled for each team. While this can lead to some generally sparse attendance at times, the atmosphere is no-less electric. The noise is also amplified inside, so each dunk and three-pointer seem to garner loud cheers regardless of the attendance in the building, and since everyone has made the trip to Disney, you generally have a lot of families who are attending the games, making for a more family-friendly atmosphere than some team’s home games might have. Access   4 Getting to Wide World of Sports is pretty easy, but traffic for certain games can be a pain. Parking is free in all parking lots for this tournament, including right close to the main entrance. Now that the roadways have been re-routed in the area, access to the facility is easy when getting onto the property; there is signage all over Disney’s property leading you to Wide World of Sports, and getting off the main road is easy thanks to the new flyover.   Return on Investment   5 Tickets are very affordable, ranging from just $30 for the upper sidelines and $25 for the baseline, up to $40 for the lower sidelines and $60 for lower center court; all seating is first-come, first-served general admission within each seating area. Additional hospitality can also be purchased, for example tickets all-you-can-eat food with drinks costs $110, with your choice of high top or couch seating areas at floor level behind the basket. This VIP area behind the baseline gives you what amounts to courtside seating and viewing in your own section, complete with tables, chairs, couches, and several TVs that show not only the game you are watching live, but other games on TV as well. Extras   3 The facility features a popular picture spot at the main entrance next to the Wide World of Sports globe. There also are numerous sports facilities all throughout the area, including various other events that may be going on, from cheerleading competitions to youth soccer tournaments. TV screens throughout Wide World of Sports are also constantly playing various ESPN channels, fully immersing you in sports. Finally, during the championship game Mickey Mouse makes an appearance in special basketball-themed attire, and the tournament MVP is presented with a framed Disney World basketball jersey as their trophy.   Final Thoughts The NIT Tip-Off is a welcome addition to ESPN Wide World of Sports – having it scheduled at the same time as the ESPN Events Invitational gives fans the option to catch even more basketball than previous years of the tournament. Additionally, being located in such a family friendly location, this is an ideal tournament to visit in late November, especially for those fans looking to escape the colder weather up north.

Photos by Richard Smith, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.14 Esbjornson Gymnasium North Campus Drive Glassboro, NJ 08028 Esbjornson Gymnasium website Rowan Profs website Year Opened: 1963 Capacity: 1,150 Glassboro Profs Rowan University is a public university in Glassboro, New Jersey. Founded in 1923 as Glassboro Normal School, it was formerly known as Glassboro State College from 1958 until 1992 and Rowan College of New Jersey from 1992 to 1997. The university has an enrollment of just less than 20,000. Rowan University has 18 sports teams. They are a member of the NCAA in Division III, competing in the New Jersey Athletic Conference (NJAC). The teams are named the Profs (short for Professors, a nod to the university's 1923 opening as a school to train educators), and the mascot is named Whoo RU. The most successful team at the school is the Profs football team, which is regularly a contender for the national title, having gone to the Amos Alonzo Stagg Bowl five times (1999, 1998, 1996, 1995, 1993) and the national semifinals in 1992, 1997, 2001, 2004, and 2005. Esbjornson Gymnasium, also known as "Esby Gym", is home to Profs' basketball, swimming and diving, and volleyball. The venue was named after Roland A. Esbjornson, a physical education professor, athletic director, and head coach of basketball and baseball at Glassboro State College. Opened in 1963, Esby Gym was updated with new bleachers in 2008. Food & Beverage 2 There is a nice concession stand in the gymnasium's lobby. Prices are incredibly cheap. You won’t want to make the limited options your main meal, but at the same time, your wallet will be happy. Atmosphere 3 The venue is a pretty basic small college gym with seats on both sides of the court. Many of the games, such as the one we attended, are doubleheaders with the women's teams so you may see many fans come and go. When students are in session, especially during weekday games, there will be much more of a student presence which will make for a better atmosphere. Neighborhood 4 Glassboro is a borough within Gloucester County, New Jersey. It is considered to be within the Philadelphia metropolitan area. Glassboro is crisscrossed by several major roads. These include County Route 553, Route 47. and Route 55, while U.S. Route 322 (much of which is also Mullica Hill Road) passes from east to west. There is no current passenger train service to Glassboro but the proposed Glassboro–Camden Line, an 18-mile (28.97 km) diesel multiple unit (DMU) light rail system is planned to stop nearby. Fans 3 The fans are about what you expect for a small college venue. The students can make it better at the games they attend. Rowan is a member of the New Jersey Athletic Conference which has all of its current full members are public universities in New Jersey (SUNY New Paltz will join the NJAC as a full member, becoming the NJAC's first-ever full member located outside of the state of New Jersey). This means that fans from other schools, and especially parents of the athletes, are very likely to be in attendance. Access 3 Rowan is easy to get to, but since it is a major university you should research ahead of time your best entrance to the campus. If attending a weeknight game during the semester give yourself a bit of time. We like to use the entrance near 500 Joseph L Bowe Blvd. Return on Investment 4 Attending a Rowan game is about on the same price level as high school athletics. Tickets can be had for $5 at the door. Parking is free but check on parking regulations, especially for weeknight, in-semester games. Extras 3 The lobby is filled with cases of all the awards for the various Profs teams. Rowan/s various sports fields are located right by the gymnasium and worth a visit to check out. There are cool owl-branded tables in the lobby next to the concession stand. Final Thoughts Rowan University plays a good level of basketball and the opponents of the NJAC do offer some skilled opponents, which makes a game here a good value for the sports fan.

The Trans Am Series Presented by Pirelli weaves its way across North America each year, showcasing some of the best racing in all of motorsports. A mix of seasoned pros and young guns take to the track in fire-breathing racecars that thrill fans all over. This season saw a unique mix of circuits on the schedule, hitting some of the best tracks that fans have been flocking to for years. Tracks are ranked according to Stadium Journey's patented FANFARE rating scale, which takes into account a venue's food and beverage options, race day atmosphere, surrounding neighborhood, fan support, access (both inside and outside the track), return on investment, and an extra category for anything that doesn't fall in the other categories. When two or more tracks receive the same score, a Stadium Journey Council of Elders is consulted to break the ties. To view the complete review for each track, just click on the link below the photos of each event. Let the thunder roll on the 2024 Trans Am Series rankings… (All reviews by Chris Green) 1. Road America 4.14 The summer of racing at Road America includes numerous events for the race fans to attend; a popular one for fans to attend is Trans Am weekend. Held over the past few years as a standalone event, this weekend features the likes of International GT, FRP, and PSSA. While not as popular as other track events at Road America, this one is no less worth a visit. 2. CTMP 3.71 Canadian Tire Motorsport Park (also known as Mosport) is one of the best-known race courses in Canada, and indeed around the world. The return of the Trans Am series highlights the annual Labour Day Sprints weekend, which also features the NASCAR Pinty’s Series, FR and F4 Americas, Radical Cup Canada, and others. 3. Lime Rock 3.71 Despite the best efforts of the track’s neighbors, Lime Rock Park is a historic and popular racing facility hidden away in northwestern Connecticut. Nestled in a small valley and surrounded by stunning forests, this New England center of speed is small yet fierce, attracting race fans from around the globe to its secluded curves. After hosting the likes of IMSA and SRO World Challenge over the past few years, the classic Memorial Day race weekend now features SVRA vintage racing and Trans Am action. 4. Road Atlanta 3.71 Nestled an hour north of Atlanta, Michelin Raceway Road Atlanta offers some iconic sights and non-stop racing action over four days in the fall. This track offers plenty of great viewing areas and camping, helping the Atlanta SpeedTour rise quickly as one of the best events of the year for fans in Trans Am and SVRA. 5. COTA 3.57 As if to cement the stereotype of everything being bigger in Texas, Circuit of the Americas (often called COTA for short) in Austin provides no better example of this. Indeed, the site of the annual US Grand Prix for Formula One is also host to myriad other races throughout the year, including the Vintage Racing World Finals during the Trans-Am and SVRA SpeedTour race weekend. 6. Sebring 3.57 The start of the race season shows up early in Florida, and Sebring is a perfect place to celebrate that. The annual SpeedTour weekend, featuring SVRA, TransAm, and International GT, showcases sportscar racing’s past and future. Held each year in late February, this race is a great place for families and car enthusiasts, complete with car shows and thrilling race action. 7. Watkins Glen 3.43 Since they first began racing here in 1948, the speedway has attracted some of the greatest racers in all of motorsports, across a wide variety of manufacturers. Now, this history is celebrated yearly when SVRA, Trans-Am, and IGT take to the track. Sadly, 2024’s event saw increased ticket prices, an earlier date thanks to NASCAR’s shifting schedule taking over the September weekend previously used, and the annual vintage festival no longer happening on the same weekend. 8. VIR 3.00 The famed Virginia International Raceway has been a favorite visit among sportscar racers for decades. The winding roads through the hills of rural southern Virginia are challenging for many, while also providing a beautiful, verdant backdrop for some of racing’s best to test each other’s mettle. The annual SpeedTour weekend at the track features Trans-Am, SVRA’s vintage racing, and the FR and F4 series, showcasing open-wheel racing’s future talent. 9. NOLA 3.0 Touted as an un-tapped motorsports market for years, NOLA Motorsports Park is located outside of New Orleans near TPC Louisiana in Avondale. The one-time host of IndyCar racing has seen the likes of SRO America and others come and go over the years. However, the SVRA and Trans Am SpeedTour weekend has quietly become a staple on the schedule, giving fans something to help their racecar cravings. 10. Gateway 3.00 The sound of race cars is not an uncommon sound around World Wide Technology Raceway; the track hosts the likes of IndyCar, NHRA, and NASCAR every year. However, the Trans Am and SVRA SpeedTour weekend at the track is a new kind of race for the facility since its debut in 2023, as it features pro racing and sportscars on the track’s infield road course layout. This means a new kind of racing is available to fans in St. Louis that hasn’t been around for many years. 11. Pitt Race 2.86 Taking over and renovating an old racetrack into a modern facility is no easy task, yet the folks at Pitt Race have done exactly that. Formerly known as Beaver Run, Pittsburgh International Race Complex is a well-manicured racetrack just under 45 minutes northwest of Pittsburgh proper. The layout is challenging, featuring lots of elevation changes and technical corners. 12. Mid-Ohio 2.86 Mid-Ohio was known for being a top-level destination for car racing, but the quality at the facility has fallen off in recent years. The facility provides exciting racing and has loyal fans, but unfortunately that is where the positives end; the traffic issues getting in and out aren’t much help either. However, in 2024 ARCA joined Trans Am, SVRA, and F4/FR’s SpeedTour weekend for a Friday show, adding stock cars to the weekend slate.

For their latest 30 for 30 documentary, "The New York Sack Exchange," ESPN tackles the often contentious chemistry of the one the greatest defensive fronts in NFL history. Daniel O'Connor, who was interviewed for the doc, came up with the fun moniker. O'Connor, a retired police officer and a multi-award winning author of crime and horror fiction, took a few moments to discuss the doc, the Sack Exchange - Mark Gastineau, Joe Klecko, Marty Lyons and Abdul Salaam - and his experiences as a New York Jets fan. You can find his work on his Amazon page. Still Photo from ESPN's 30 for 30 documentary, "The New York Sack Exhange" STADIUM JOURNEY:  So when did ESPN interview you for the doc? How long did they speak to you for? What was the process like? DAN O'CONNOR:  They interviewed me last February at Mandalay Bay in Las Vegas. The NFL was in town for the Super Bowl. I was actually a bit surprised that they found me and reached out. A nice surprise. They were great and I was interviewed for about an hour. I knew that my screen time would be probably less than a minute because in the grand scheme of the New York Sack Exchange, I'm a miniscule part, but I was so honored to be included. The process was basically a two camera shoot with a crew of maybe 5 people. Very professional crew. Likeable people. STADIUM JOURNEY:  Were you pleased with the finished product? Was it what you expected? DAN O'CONNOR:  Very pleased. I love how maybe the world will get to see what a phenomenon those four guys were. I've met them a few times, including in 1981, a few days before that final regular season game when they mauled Lynn Dickey and the Green Bay Packers in a game to clinch a playoff spot. My family was also invited by the team to the game - and pregame festivities - in 2003 when they honored the Sack Exchange at halftime. That was special because there is a photo of our two young daughters with the players. STADIUM JOURNEY: What was it like to follow the Jets in 1980? Fondest memories? Worst?  DAN O'CONNOR :  You know, it was never easy being a Jets fan - which has somehow continued through today, despite the roster the current team has. The first year I ever watched sports - I was 8 or 9 years old - the Jets, Mets, and Knicks all won championships. I thought that might become a semi-regular occurrence. You live and learn. 1980 was the end of a dark spell for the team. They quickly improved to playoff level. By the way, yes it's a coincidence, but the 1981 Jets were 0-3 when the New York Sack Exchange nickname was officially announced in Jets Report magazine. They went 10-2-1 the rest of the way and made the playoffs. STADIUM JOURNEY:  Describe attending a football game at Shea Stadium. Best seats?  DAN O'CONNOR:  I never had great seats at a Shea Stadium football game. Back then I was lucky to just be able to afford any tickets. But it was fun wherever I sat. The first game I attended was in 1970. The mostly Joe Namath-less Jets weren't any good, but I lucked into seeing them defeat the playoff-bound Purple People Eater Minnesota Vikings, 20-10. That was the conclusion of a 3 game winning streak during which they also upset the Fearsome Foursome LA Rams on the road. The Jets won only four games that year, but three of them were consecutive. STADIUM JOURNEY:  Compared to what they offer at Citi Field, they didn't offer much as far as concessions at Shea. How'd you feel about the cuisine and beverages at Shea? DAN O'CONNOR:  I was thrilled to get a hot dog. I do know that later on, when I became a dad, my girls would love an ice cream sundae in a plastic Mets mini-helmet. So would I. O'Connor with Fireman Ed. Photo courtesy of Dan O'Connor STADIUM JOURNEY: Where did you do your Shea pre-game and post game, if at all? DAN O'CONNOR:  For me and my friends, it was all about a pregame barbeque in the parking lot. Sometimes postgame as well. STADIUM JOURNEY: Did any of the Sack Exchangers ever personally acknowledge you for coming with the moniker? DAN O"CONNOR:  All four members of the Sack Exchange have thanked me in person for the name, and also with autograph inscriptions. It's funny. They seem to sometimes remember that I gave them that name, and yet at other times, they get fuzzy about its origin. Here is the timeline of that name: August, 1981: The Jets Report announces the "Name The Front Four" contest. September 1981: I'm announced as the winner. A week or two after that announcement, fans hold up a "NY Sack Exchange" bedsheet banner at Shea Stadium. The TV broadcast picked up on it. Shortly after that, Jets trainer Pepper Burruss begins printing out a locker room spreadsheet, making the sacks appear to be Wall Street trades. The media picks up on that and begins to attribute the nickname to Burruss. He has since said to me, and to the media, that he did not create the nickname. He merely picked up on it and created the spreadsheet. There is still confusion about all of that, despite me having physical proof of all of it. There was never any mention of the term "New York Sack Exchange" before the Jets Report September issue announcing it, and me. I'm happy that NFL Films and ESPN took the time to get it right. Several books have also reported it correctly, including " Sack Exchange: The Definitive Oral History of the 1980s New York Jets " by Greg Prato. STADIUM JOURNEY: If you were there, what do you remember about the last Jets game at Shea? DAN O'CONNOR:  Wasn't there, but it was sad nonetheless.  STADIUM JOURNEY: How'd you feel about the move to the Meadowlands? Did you follow the team there? DAN O'CONNOR:  I want the Jets in New York, but I have attended games in New Jersey. The feel of Shea Stadium was much different and better. I remember reading that it had become a dump, but I didn't know any better and I loved it. STADIUM JOURNEY: There are rumours that Jets are returning to Queens. Is there any truth to this?  DAN O'CONNOR:  There have been rumors for so long. I'll believe it when I see it. Jon Hart is  @Manversusball

Photos by Chris Green, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.00 Flagler Credit Union Stadium 777 Glades Rd Boca Raton, FL 33431 Boca Raton Bowl website Flagler Credit Union Stadium website Year Opened: 2011 Capacity: 29,419 Your Florida Bowl Alternative In a state where numerous bowl games take center stage, one could be forgiven for overlooking the Boca Raton Bowl – it isn’t held in a giant NFL stadium, but instead in a small market on-campus facility. One of many games played in Florida’s temperate winter climate every year, this game continues to move on with better and better matchups. For the teams who get this bowl berth, the warmth and proximity to the beaches is a welcome sight. For fans traveling to this game, its affordability is nearly unmatched, and with a newer stadium and solid choices for fans for food and beverage, you get a great option to catch some bowl season action.   Food & Beverage   4 The food options at the Boca Raton Bowl are actually quite impressive, and the prices are not that high compared to most major sporting events. Burgers ($8-$9), soda ($5), and fries ($8-$10) will cost less than at most stadiums you go to. What sets the Boca Raton Bowl apart is the wonderful bar on the main concourse, which makes up the Delray Hyundai Deck. This full-service bar features TV screens, a nice aesthetic, and other smaller food vendors next to it that make it easy to grab a beer ($7-$8), an arepa ($10-$12), and some fries, all in one area. Another plus is the convenience of the concession locations on the lower levels – you never have to walk too far to find somewhere to grab food, which can be an issue at other stadiums. The other side of Flagler Credit Union Stadium (formerly FAU Stadium), opposite the party deck, features a full-service Subway location, complete with restaurant-style seating inside an air-conditioned storefront ($8-$13 for subs). There is also the Chick-fil-A stand on the main concourse of the sun deck, featuring chicken sandwiches ($9), chocolate chip cookies ($4), and waffle chips ($4). If you want something for your sweet tooth, a Jeremiah’s Italian Ice booth is also open ($8).   Atmosphere   4 Yes, a college bowl game already comes with a base level of excitement – it is a bowl game, after all. However, when the two teams playing are from non-Power 4 conferences, it’s a little hard to get the energy rolling; most of the teams in these conferences are smaller programs in smaller cities, and therefore have smaller fan bases that are less willing to travel. In fact, in the Boca Raton Bowl’s first few years of existence, despite having a sellout the first year and a near-sellout the second, the actual butts-in-seats count is below that, leaving large open areas in Flagler Credit Union Stadium that look bad on television; this lack of fans means a much lower noise level. That doesn’t take away from the beauty of the stadium, however – the Atlantic Ocean is visible from the upper levels and suite boxes on the west side of the stadium. The warm ocean breeze is also there to greet fans all game long, and the swaying palm trees make for one great backdrop behind the southern end zone.   Neighborhood   4 Boca Raton is a beautiful part of Palm Beach County. In addition, FAU’s campus is clean, South Florida-esque in appearance, and visually appealing overall. Also, not far from the campus is a beautiful strip mall that plays host to PF Chang’s, J. Alexander’s, Shake Shack, Whole Foods, Barnes & Noble, and more. Equidistant from the east of campus is the Atlantic Ocean, where you can find beautiful beaches, as well as the Gumbo Limbo Nature Center, where visitors can get a look at some of coastal Florida’s natural habitats and inhabitants, thanks to boardwalks through the mangroves and natural butterfly gardens. Near the beach hotels are easy to find – the official hotel of the most recent game was Wyndham Boca Raton, just on the other side of I-95 from Florida Atlantic University’s campus. Another close place to stay is Renaissance Boca Raton right next door. What Boca Raton lacks in nightlife more commonly found in Miami and Fort Lauderdale, the area more than makes up for in relaxation. In addition, Palm Beach International Airport isn’t far from Boca Raton, with airports in Fort Lauderdale and Miami less than an hour away as well.   Fans   3 The fans of the teams who play in the Boca Raton Bowl are usually sparse, leaving open areas in the seating areas. However, this is college football, and the passion of the fans is palpable. The Boca Raton Bowl has previously featured non-Power 4 teams, but that is starting to change. Regardless of what teams are playing, however, the fans who come to the game are very loyal and leave nothing to chance as to who they are there supporting. Access   5 Getting to Flagler Credit Union Stadium is easy to do – unlike several sports teams and colleges where the campus stadiums are miles away from the highway exits, the home of the Boca Raton Bowl is quite literally bordered by I-95 in Boca Raton. Also, just a few miles west is the Florida Turnpike. Once off the exit from I-95, the FAU campus is immediately visible. Parking is quite plentiful, and even if you get stuck in a lot or garage that is a little further from Flagler Credit Union Stadium, the walk is not very far and is through a beautiful campus. Parking on site is $20 per car. When you arrive at the stadium the entry is simple, as each ticket has a dedicated entry gate. Also, once inside the signage is well placed, showing fans where to go for seats. Return on Investment   4 As the game is one of the early bowl games and not as big of a spectacle, tickets are less expensive than usual, so it won’t break the bank to go see a college bowl game. End zone tickets cost $32, while sideline seats go for $57; suite and club seats go from $450 to $600. If you are a fan or alumni of one of the participating schools, there are various fan zones and alumni parties that take place on game day, giving you multiple options for celebrating with fellow die-hards, thanks to special ticket packages. In addition, if you want a family fun atmosphere the Boca Raton Bowl is perfect – not too long a drive to be within manageable driving distance of both South Florida and the Treasure Coast, the easy-going vibe at the game makes it perfect to bring the little ones to. Extras   4 The fan zones outside are chock-full of freebies – from giveaways to concerts, fans can get tons of swag from the various booths outside Flagler Credit Union Stadium. Another bonus is the addition of charging stations; Flagler Credit Union Stadium recently added mobile charging stations so you can recharge your phone or tablet at the game, making it very convenient to get a power boost for your device. And after you get that boost, take a photo and post it to Instagram, and it may show up on the big screen – the Boca Raton Bowl showcases fan photos throughout the game on Flagler Credit Union Stadium’s Jumbotron, giving you the chance to be famous for about 10 seconds. Fans can also grab a photo next to the statue of Howard Schnellenberger just inside one of the main entrances; this is a popular photo spot for fans of the famous coach, or just sports fans in general.   Final Thoughts If you are willing to drive the distance to Boca Raton, then you are in for an easy-going treat. No, the crowd may not have Flagler Credit Union Stadium bursting at the seams, and no, it may not be the biggest roar you’ve ever heard when one of the teams scores, as you sit in an open section of the stadium. But you will not often find a college bowl game with affordable food, tickets, and easy access that won’t stress you out.

Photos by Chris Green, Stadium Journey This yea r’s Pop-Tarts Bowl and Cheez-It Citrus Bowl will stand out from the rest when it comes to the game day experience. Showcased during a special tasting event, these two games will feature specialty concession items available only during the games at Camping World Stadium, each featuring either Pop-Tarts or Cheez-It as part of the ingredients. Already two of the top-draw bowls on the annual Bowl Season slate, fans at this year’s games can look forward to several unique creations. Chad-Jan Neuman, Senior Executive Chef at Camping World Stadium and Levy Restaurants says the menu is the result of long hours of hard work from all parties involved. “It’s been six hard months of work between Kellanova and Levy Restaurants, sharing information, sharing recipes, sharing ideas,” said Neuman. “We enjoyed it because [you] can see how everything was taking form.” During the tasting event we were able to sample several of these offerings – let’s take a dive into them and how they stack up: Pop Tarts Bowl PB&J Pop-Tarts Bavarian Pretzel - described as “a warm freshly baked pretzel topped with creamy peanut butter, strawberry jam sauce and Frosted Strawberry Pop-Tarts toaster pastry pieces,” this is by far one of the more unique items on the menu. Chef Neuman says perfecting this item took a lot of work to balance the flavors involved. “We had to make sure we had balance between the sweet and the sour,” said Neuman. “The pretzel is very salty, and we had to make sure we had the right amount of peanut butter and jelly, and the right amount of pop tarts, to make sure we do not overwhelm the product.” PB&J Pop-Tarts Bavarian Pretzel Boston Cream Pie Pop-Tarts Trifle - listed as “a decadent mix of new Frosted Brownie Crunch Pop-Tarts Crunchy Poppers, Chantilly cream, vanilla pudding, and chocolate sauce,” this desert item adds a touch of Pop-Tarts flavor to a classic desert that is sure to be a favorite among fans. “We had to make sure it was approachable, it was cool, and it was unique,” said Neuman of the desert menu items. "You want to make sure its approachable to everybody, not just to kids but also to adults.” Boston Cream Pie Pop-Tarts Trifle Game Time Snack Mix - this “sweet and salty snack mix featuring Cheez-It Original, Frosted Strawberry Pop-Tarts Crunchy Poppers and Fudge Brownie Pop-Tarts Crunchy Poppers” offers the perfect game-day version for everyone’s favorite snack mix. The Pop-Tarts pieces add a sweet side to the salty mix, while the Cheez-It Original pieces round out the mix perfectly. Game Time Snack Mix Other items on the menu for fans to experience at this year’ s Pop Tarts Bowl in clude: Strawberry Pop-Tarts Trifle - a decadent mix of new Frosted Strawberry Crunch Pop-Tarts Crunchy Poppers, Chantilly cream, vanilla pudding, and strawberry sauce. Hot Fudge Pop-Tarts Waffle Cone Bowl Sundae - frosted Hot Fudge Sundae Pop-Tarts with vanilla ice cream, chocolate fudge sauce, whipped cream and sprinkles served in a waffle cone bowl.- End Zone Celebration Brown Sugar Cinnamon Pop-Tarts Cheesecake; New York-style cheesecake topped with Frosted Brown Sugar Cinnamon Pop-Tarts tidbits and dulce de leche. End Zone Celebration Strawberry Pop-Tarts Cheesecake - New York-style cheesecake topped with Frosted Strawberry Pop-Tarts tidbits and strawberry sauce. Cheez-It Citrus Bowl The items for the Cheez-It Citrus Bowl featur e the ever popular Cheez-It snacks. Here, sweet and savory mix together for more unique flavors. Let’s take a look at some of the items we were able to sample: Cheez-It Tender Dog - this star item featuring “[a] chicken tender, beer cheese sauce, Cheez-It Crunched Foot Long Roll, [and] crispy fries” is topped with jalapeño slices and strawberry sauce drizzle. For Chef Neuman, this item instills the most pride. "The tender dog was the final one we finished,” said Neuman. "We didn’t want to just make a hot dog. We wanted to make something between a tender and a hot dog that was also loaded. You can really feel the flavor.” Cheez-It Tender Dog Walking Cheez-It Nachos - this “bed of Extra Crunchy Snap’d Cheez-It crackers, nacho cheese sauce, chuck wagon chili dip, [and] green onions” is a new take on a recent classic. Showcasing the flavor of Cheez-It crackers in a nacho form, this item will be sure to delight fans. Walking Cheez-It Nachos Mac and Cheez-It Nachos - this “Macaroni in a creamy extra sharp cheddar sauce with Extra Big Cheez-It crackers, queso, bacon and green onions” is another take on the above classic. Full of cheesy flavor, this one mixes the salty of the crackers perfectly with the savory of the pasta. Pimento Cheez-It Board - featuring “local cured meats, cheese, fruit, [and] vegetables,” this premium board features an excellent pimento cheese dip that compliments the Cheez-It crackers perfectly. Pimento Cheez-It Board Other items on the menu for fans to experience at the Cheez-It Citrus Bowl incl ude: Swicy Cheez-It Bird Dog - this southern favorite consists of crispy chicken tenders topped with beer cheese sauce, jalapeños, Hot & Spicy Cheez-It crackers and roasted raspberry chipotle sauce served in a steak roll. Loaded Cheez-It Brisket Potato Skins - baked potato skins topped with overnight-braised tender beef, creamy extra sharp white cheddar cheese sauce and Cheez-It White Cheddar cracker crumb topping. Hot Honey & Cheez-It Pepperoni Pizza (“Kordeezy Cheezy Pizza”) - charred pepperoni with Mike’s Hot Honey, tomato sauce, mozzarella and a White Cheddar Cheez-It cracker garnish. Loaded Chili Cheez-It Crunch Dog - a foot-long all-beef frank topped with chunky chili, jalapeño cheese sauce, white onions and hand crushed Cheez-It Original crackers. Cheez-It Pimento Cheez & Bacon Burger - a char-grilled double patty, Cheez-It pimento cheese, Crunchy Original Cheddar Cheez-It Topping and smoked applewood bacon. For Chef Neuman, creating the above items meant collaborating with numerous people from both Levy Restaurants as well as Kellanova, and he looks forward to seeing the fan reactions at the game. “You can see it in their faces,” said Neuman. "You can see how they enjoy it when they take that first bite and then come back for the same product and certain items, and you can see it in their eyes. When they taste it, that’s the most exciting thing.”

Photos by Chris Green, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.43 Camping World Stadium 1 Citrus Bowl Pl Orlando, FL 32805 Pop-Tarts Bowl website Camping World Stadium website Year Opened: 1936 Capacity: 65,000 A Master Class in Bowl Sponsorship Marketing Previously known as the Camping World Bowl, the Pop-Tarts Bowl features matchups between teams from the ACC and Big 12 – this usually provides for some solid games between fan bases that are loyal and passionate. Add this to the weather in Florida in December, and you have a great recipe for a perfect evening watching college football. While this would make a bowl game notable in its own right, the Pop-Tarts Bowl has taken things to another level; a masterful use of marketing genius, this bowl game has gone all-in with its Pop-Tarts sponsorship, ushering in a golden age of viral marketing that fans can experience in and around game day.   Food & Beverage   5 Finding food at Camping World Stadium is easy. For those in the suite levels, the food options are incredibly plentiful; the main suite on the recently renovated west side of the stadium features a full-service bar and buffet. From the majority of food vendors a quality hot dog will cost you $7; nachos are $7.50, popcorn is $5.50, and fries are $7. The best food option remains anything from the 4 Rivers BBQ booths, a local barbecue chain that has gained popularity in recent years thanks to its quality meats and sauces. Offering both BBQ nachos and BBQ pulled pork sandwiches for $16 each, this is a can’t miss option. Pizza from Little Caesar’s runs $12 for cheese or pepperoni, while for beverages, a domestic beer runs $11 and premium beer is $13. Bottled water runs $5.50, while a bottled soda will cost you $6.50. Premium seltzer runs $15, with cocktails ranging from $15 to $23. The Pop-Tarts Bowl even features two specialty cocktails, one for each team ($15 for a single, $23 for a double). However, the big star here is without a dou bt the Pop-Tarts and Cheez-It concessions that incorporate those items into various recipes – these unique creations are available during both the Pop-Tarts Bowl and the Cheez-It Citrus Bowl, thanks to the partnership between Levy Restaurants and Kellanova. Featured Pop-Tarts items include the Hot Fudge Pop-Tarts Waffle Bowl Sundae ($10), Boston Cream Pie Pop-Tarts Trifle ($10), Strawberry Pop-Tarts Trifle ($10), and even a PB&J Pop-Tarts Bavarian Pretzel. Cheez-It items include the Walking Cheez-It Nachos ($13), Mac and Cheez-It Nachos ($13), Loaded Chili Cheez-It Crunch Dog ($13), and the fan favorite Cheez-It Tender Dog. These items, along with several others, make up arguably one of the best and most unique concession menus in college sports.   Atmosphere   5 The game itself is almost assured to be a great matchup – pitting top-level teams from the ACC and Big 12, exciting matchups are part of the expectation at the Pop-Tarts Bowl. On top of that, the stadium itself is a great venue; the venue has seen continued improvements over the years, with the north end zone being filled in on the second level for stadium seating. While the beautiful view of the lake just beyond the stadium’s gates has now been blocked, the filled in bowl looks and feels more like a traditional stadium. Football in Florida in December means stellar weather, and Florida’s perfect winter climate is on full display here, with temperatures rarely lower than the 50s. The pre-game pageantry of the band performances, the exciting game action, and the feel of a bowl-game matchup all make the Pop-Tarts Bowl an exciting game to be a part of. There is also plenty of beautiful scenery, with downtown Orlando just to the east and lakes to the north and south of the stadium. The Pop-Tarts Bowl also features plenty of traditional college football experiences; the pre-game and halftime performances traditionally feature both of the schools’ bands, and there is also a pre-game fan fest that includes live music, photo opportunities with mascots, band performances, VIP tents, and interactive displays. Camping World Stadium is excellently decorated too, with bowl-game logos and sponsorship activations all over the stadium. The Fan Fest also features photo ops with the previous year’s edible mascot in shrine form, as well as the game’s trophy. Pop-Tarts giveaways are plentiful, and merchandise is sold at numerous tents all over the stadium’s concourses.   Neighborhood   5 What can you say about downtown Orlando? With Camping World Stadium within walking distance of downtown, fans can park in any of the various lots and garages downtown, then walk to and from the stadium along Church Street, the hub of Orlando’s rebirth as a foodie and entertainment destination. The City of Orlando has become a sports-thirsty destination over the last few years – with the explosion in popularity of Orlando City  and the Orlando Pride , and a renewed interest in the Orlando Magic , the City Beautiful loves sports. There are suburbs to the west of Camping World Stadium, with the downtown city center to the east. There are also tons of hotels nearby, and since the venue sits next to I-4, getting to other resorts and hotels in the greater Orlando area is not hard to do either. If you want to stay somewhere nearby, Aloft Downtown Orlando and the Grand Bohemian Hotel Orlando are right in the middle of downtown. For food, the Orlando sports faithful flock to the numerous bars and eateries on South Street and Church Street in downtown. For attractions, Walt Disney World and Universal Studios Orlando are both mere minutes south of the downtown area.   Fans   4 The fans at the Pop-Tarts Bowl are loyal and usually travel well. The lower bowl usually fills up for this game, meaning the sound level will get pretty high when the crowd gets into the game. For bigger matchups, upper level seating has also been opened up to accommodate fans. That said, while 2022’s FSU  vs. Oklahoma  matchup saw 61,000 fans pack into all levels of the stadium, the last two editions of the game only saw the lower two levels opened, with the entire upper deck empty. Access   5 Camping World Stadium sits just a stone’s throw from I-4, literally just off the 408 highway. Getting there is not difficult from the local roads either, as most are multi-lane, and signage is well placed for the parking areas. Parking on site is plentiful and easy to find. For those without a parking pass, you can find parking in various nearby parking lots and from those selling parking in their front yards. Public transport is also available in the area, making getting to Camping World Stadium an easy process.   Return on Investment   4 Tickets to the Pop-Tarts Bowl start at just $38 for middle-deck end zone seating, going all the way up to $48 for lower level end zone, $72 for corner seating, $109 for sideline seats, and $175 to $217 for club level seats. Parking is plentiful in numerous lots, both at the stadium and in private lots nearby. The thing that sets this game apart from the rest is the incredible marketing and sponsorship activations.   Extras   3 Fans can take photos next to numerous bronze statues around the property, which were donated by artists of note. Fans can also pick up numerous giveaways at the pre-game Fan Fest next to Camping World Stadium. During the game, Pop-Tarts merchandise and logos is visible all over the stadium, from the unique concessions to the branded on-field performances.   Final Thoughts This game is without a doubt one of the best examples of incorporating a sponsor into the bowl game’s identity. After years of rotating sponsors, the Pop-Tarts Bowl seems to have found a fantastic partner that has created a cult following around the game. From a trophy that features a working toaster to an edible mascot, it is hard to argue with the marketing genius of the Pop-Tarts Bowl. And if fan response is any indication, it is going to be hard to top it anywhere else.

Photos by Paul Baker, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.71 MassMutual Center 1277 Main St. Springfield, MA 01103 American International College hockey website MassMutual Center website Year Opened: 1972 Capacity: 6,800 Done With D-One   American International College was founded in 1885 by Calvin E. Amaron to provide a place for local French-Canadian residents to pursue higher education. Today, AIC boasts an enrollment of around 2,200 students in 37 undergraduate and postgraduate programs.   AIC’s athletic teams are nicknamed the Yellow Jackets and compete in Division Two’s Northeast-10 Conference alongside other small colleges in New England. AIC’s hockey team has competed in Division One since 1998. One AIC alumnus, Dave Forbes, has played in the National Hockey League.   The first hockey team to represent AIC played in 1948. For many years, the school competed in ECAC Division Two, moving down to Division Three when D-2 hockey dissolved in 1984. In 1998 the MAAC started sponsoring hockey, and AIC joined as an associate member, elevating their program to Division One. The Yellow Jackets were a fixture at the bottom of the conference, losing 20 games or more in 18 out of 19 seasons beginning in 1999.   A new era for AIC hockey began in 2016 with the hiring of Eric Lang as head coach. The Yellow Jackets won their first conference championship and qualified for their first NCAA tournament in 2019. They upset top-seeded St. Cloud in the opening round, considered one of the biggest upsets in tournament history. AIC won their conference title for four consecutive seasons from 2019-2022, qualifying for three NCAA tournaments during this time (the 2020 tournament was cancelled due to the COVID pandemic).   In November 2024 American International announced that they would be moving the hockey program back to Division Two for the 2025-26 season as part of their “Pathways to Progress” plan, which addresses budgetary and enrollment concerns at the school. The hockey team will join the Northeast-10 Conference alongside the other Yellow Jacket squads.   The MassMutual Center has served as the home of AIC hockey since 2016. The arena, built in 1972, was originally named the Springfield Civic Center. It served as home to the NHL’s Hartford Whalers in 1978 when the Hartford Civic Center’s roof collapsed. As part of 2005 renovations to the facility, the largest convention center in western Massachusetts was built adjacent to the arena. Located just a mile away from the AIC campus, the facility also serves as home to the Springfield Thunderbirds  of the American Hockey League.   Food & Beverage 2   Only one concession stand is open for AIC hockey games at the MassMutual Center. The Hot Dog Nation stand sells Nathan’s hot dogs, pretzels, popcorn, and assorted snacks. Pepsi products are featured at the MassMutual Center.   Fans looking for an adult beverage can step next door to the Sam Adams stand, where a selection of brews from the local craft beer giant are available, as well as Coors Light drafts. An assortment of canned mixed drinks and wine can also be purchased here.    Atmosphere 2   No matter how hard you try, a crowd of 200 or so in a 7,000-seat arena is not going to make a ton of noise. The giant video board hanging at center ice is put to good use with replays, crowd shots and sponsor ads. Music plays over the arena’s solid sound system and the PA announcer adds a bit of energy to the proceedings. Unfortunately, there’s little else going on to add to the game day experience at the MassMutual Center. Neighborhood 4   While downtown Springfield has long had a reputation as a less than desirable place to be, that has begun to change in recent years. With the construction of the MGM Springfield Casino across the street from the arena and convention center, the number of options for visitors to downtown Springfield is constantly increasing.   Fans looking for places to eat will now find several choices near the MassMutual Center. Locals flock to the nearby Red Rose Pizzeria, a Springfield institution that has been in business since 1963. The Student Prince Cafe and Fort Restaurant offers traditional German fare, and Theodore’s Blues, Booze and BBQ offers great examples of what they advertise in their name. There are additional options in the casino, including the Chandler Steakhouse, TAP Sports Bar and Cal Mare.   Likewise, there is no lack of places to stay downtown. The Springfield Marriott, Holiday Inn Express and Sheraton Springfield Monarch Place are within walking distance of the arena. Of course, the casino has plenty of rooms from which visiting fans can choose.   Springfield’s biggest attraction is located just a mile away from the MassMutual Center across Route 91. The Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame is open year-round and has more than enough basketball memorabilia on site to satisfy even the most rabid hoop fan.   The Dr. Seuss National Memorial Sculpture Garden is located a short walk from the MassMutual Center. While there you can see bronze statues of the Cat in the Hat, Horton the elephant, and many other favorites. Also located in this complex are the Dr. Suess Museum, the Springfield Science Museum and the D’Amour Museum of Fine Arts.   Fans 1   As you might expect, attendance has really bottomed out at AIC hockey games since the announcement that the team was leaving D-1. While attendance numbers were never exactly strong at AIC to begin with, average has dropped to around 250 fans per game at the end of 2024, ranking them next-to-last in all of Division One. Only Stonehill draws fewer fans. A Yellow Jacket crowd is what we at Stadium Journey call a “friends and family” crowd, which is very unusual to see at this level of the sport.   Stadium Journey visited Springfield on a Saturday afternoon during the semester break, so there were no students in attendance for this game. There were under 200 fans in the building. Even though the MassMutual Center is only a mile from campus, there has never been a strong turnout from the student body. The Yellow Jackets’ quirky schedule, with many afternoon and weekday games, has never done the team any favors. Access 3 The MassMutual Center is located in downtown Springfield, MA, a city of over 155,000 residents. Springfield is the third largest city in Massachusetts and the fourth largest city in all of New England. The MassMutual Center is easy to get to, as it is just a few blocks from Interstate 91. Interstates 291 and 90 (the Mass Pike) run just a few miles away. Springfield refers to itself as “The Crossroads of New England.”   Springfield’s Union Station , with hubs for Greyhound, Peter Pan and Pioneer Valley Transit bus lines as well as Amtrak and CT Rail trains, is located only a half mile from the arena. Several Pioneer Valley Transit bus routes stop at Court Square, right across the street from MassMutual Center. Plentiful parking can be found at the MGM Casino garage, in surface lots in the area, or on-street for fans who want to search for it.   So, why only an average access score? The Civic Center parking garage across the street from the arena’s front entrance is being totally rebuilt. The $35 million project, which began in 2022, is expected to be completed sometime during the 2024-25 season. The new garage will feature retail and restaurant space at ground level, an outdoor plaza, and parking for 800-900 cars. But for now, construction has shut down Bruce Landon Way, altering traffic and entry patterns for visitors. If you don’t know the area well, your easiest option is to park at the MGM Casino and walk to the arena.   With the tiny crowds at AIC games, getting around the facility is not an issue. All fans are seated on the south side of the rink. You’ll have plenty of room to spread out, and lines won’t be an issue at concession stands or in the restrooms.   Return on Investment 5   Tickets to Yellow Jackets games are sold as General Admission for twelve dollars. There is ample on-street parking in the vicinity of the arena, which is free on nights and weekends, just pay attention to the hours that meters are in operation. Free parking is also available at the MGM Springfield Casino garage a short walk from the arena. Extras 2   American International has recognized their recent success by hanging banners honoring the team’s Atlantic Conference championships and NCAA tournament appearances.   While the move to the south side grandstand has eliminated access to the Springfield Hockey Hall of Fame plaques, the banners honoring Indians, Kings, Falcons and Thunderbirds champions are still visible to fans, and the banners honoring luminaries including Willie O’Ree, Eddie Shore, Bruce Landon and more are visible during AIC games.   Final Thoughts   American International College was the feel-good story of college hockey just a few years ago. But the changing economics of the sport has claimed its first victim in this tiny western Massachusetts school. AIC will not return to the MassMutual Center for the 2025-2026 season, but they have not announced where they will play. A return to the Olympia Ice Arena  in West Springfield, their home from 1998-2016, is likely.   Follow Paul Baker’s stadium journeys on Twitter  and Instagram  @PuckmanRI.

Photos by Eric Moreno, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.84 Amon G. Carter Stadium 2850 Stadium Dr Fort Worth, TX 76129 Armed Forces Bowl website Amon G. Carter Stadium website Year Opened: 1930 Capacity: 45,000 Lockheed Martin Armed Forces Bowl They have been playing the Lockheed Martin Armed Forces Bowl  in Fort Worth, Texas, at historic Amon G. Carter Stadium on the campus of Texas Christian University (TCU)  since 2003. Formerly the Fort Worth Bowl, the game has featured numerous title sponsors and conference affiliations through the years, before settling on the current iteration. Since 2020, the game is now a contest between teams from the SEC and American Athletic Conference, and is sponsored by defense and aerospace manufacturer Lockheed Martin. The 2024 rendition of the game pitted the Oklahoma Sooners , who were making their debut in the game, against the Navy Midshipmen  in their third appearance in Fort Worth. The game, held at one of the most historic stadiums in Texas, if not the country, has been a great boon to the city of Fort Worth, and has annually become one of the better bowl games on the calendar, both because of its matchups and also its cause. Celebrating the entirety of the nation’s military forces, spirits are always high at the contest no matter who wins.   Food & Beverage   4 The concession stands and kiosks at Amon G. Carter Stadium have pretty much everything you could want to consume at a football game – there are burgers, hot dogs, nachos, popcorn (both the regular and kettle varieties), pretzels, etc. If you are looking for something beyond the norm, you can find chopped barbecue sandwiches, funnel cake, pizza by the slice, beef and chicken fajita tacos, and chicken tenders courtesy of local favorite Chicken Express . There are also  specialty flavored popsicles, thanks to Frios Gourmet Pops , and ice cream by Dippin’ Dots . For drinks you can purchase fountain soda (regular, or large in a souvenir TCU cup), bottled water, and sports drinks, and beer at almost every stand. Specialty beer kiosks are also sprinkled throughout the main concourse.   Atmosphere   4 Bowl games bring their own unique atmosphere to the contests; they often pit foes with no real history against one another, so there is no real sense of rivalry between the two. This animosity is often the driving force of the atmosphere in college games. However, the Armed Forces Bowl, as mentioned, honors America’s armed forces (as implied by the name) and that elicits a whole host of emotions. Patriotism is front and center from the outset, with a flyover and giant flag spanning the field while the National Anthem is played. Halftime sees a new crop of recruits taking their oath of enlistment at the 50-yard line, while service members can be found all through the stands, dressed in their finest. It’s not the Army-Navy Game, but it does make you proud to be an American, especially when one of the service academies is one of the participants. The bowl also has two merchandise tents available for fans to get gear from the game and/or branded swag from each participating team. There is also a memorabilia auction table where you can bid on signed jerseys from some of each program’s all-time great players – little things like this make the game feel even bigger.   Neighborhood   4 Fort Worth is almost an anti-Dallas – though Fort Worth is in close proximity to Big D, Forth Worth doesn’t carry with it much of the flash and flair associated with Dallas. Fort Worth still maintains the big city size and amenities of its sister city, though. If you’re coming in for the game, the main point of interest in Fort Worth proper is the Fort Worth Stockyards . An experience in and of itself, the Stockyards have attractions like museums and honky tonks, as well as rodeos and restaurants – it is a living time capsule to Cow Town’s wild and wooly days. If you go, you have to stay for the cattle drive that happens twice a day. The stockyards are less than a 20-minute drive from Amon G. Carter Stadium. Quite honestly, this is going to be your best bet for attractions, eating, and lodging if you’re attending the Armed Forces Bowl. Amon G. Carter Stadium, and TCU  by extension, are in an interesting part of the city. The school and its athletics facilities are smack-dab in the middle of a residential neighborhood, and the streets that lead into and out of the area – complete with TCU purple signage – are all lined with homes. So with that in mind, you’re going to have to do a little driving to get to anywhere to eat or stay when attending this bowl. The nearest dining option is Enchiladas Ole’ , a Tex-Mex spot that has been a local favorite for years. As its name implies, enchiladas are on the menu, along with fajitas, tacos, margaritas, and more. In addition, just across the Trinity River is Woodshed Smokehouse , a legit barbecue spot where you can sample classic Texas brisket, ribs, and sausage. For lodging, unless you’re investing in a vacation rental, you’re not going to find anything within walking distance of Amon G. Carter Stadium. However, there are quite a few options that aren’t too long of a car ride away, including Hyatt Place Fort Worth/TCU  and The Rosen House Inn . As always, your budget is your only limit.   Fans   4 The 2024 rendition of the Armed Forces Bowl pitted the Oklahoma Sooners against the Navy Midshipmen . With Fort Worth being just under a three-hour drive from the Sooner State, it was anticipated to have a pretty good crowd; it turned out to be a sellout game with the stands awash in crimson and cream. This gave what could have been a fairly benign game against two teams that had only played each other once way back in 1965 some much-needed energy. The (decidedly pro- OU ) crowd was into the game the entire time, even when the outcome became well in-hand for the Mids . The 2024 game was one of the few recorded sellouts – and it ended up having the largest attendance in the game’s history – that have happened, but it always helps to have a) someone in close proximity to the Dallas/Fort Worth Metroplex and b) a service academy.   Access   3 Amon G. Carter Stadium in Fort Worth is about a half hour drive from Dallas Fort Worth International Airport. If you’re coming in from out of town, this is going to be your best bet to fly in. Driving to the stadium, the exit for TCU  is clearly marked off Interstate 20, but you will be driving through a neighborhood to get there, as mentioned earlier. Once on site, there are no fewer than 15 official parking lots for the stadium, which should offer you a good variety of options to choose from. I would recommend purchasing parking ahead of time, as lots do tend to fill up. During the Horned Frogs  season, some homes in the neighborhood do rent out their driveways and parking areas for games, but I did not see much of any of that for the bowl game. My one caveat is that these neighborhood streets were not designed to accommodate traffic and they do bottleneck pretty badly the closer you get to the stadium. I would use caution and give yourself plenty of time to get to the game during your visit.   Return on Investment   4 Prior to the game, I found tickets for the Armed Forces Bowl on several after-market sites for around $50 each. This seems like a pretty good bargain for the caliber of teams that you’re going to get in this game each year. The SEC is a conference full of big brand college football teams, and there are several teams on the rise in the AAC. Parking varies wildly, but the most affordable I was able to find was $25 at a satellite lot near the campus. Concessions were still at their TCU  pricing, so that’s not too bad. You can get a nice Chicken Express combo meal for around $10. I’ve seen costs way higher at other bowls, so this is not too bad of a bargain for fans.   Extras   4 Both teams almost brought their full assortment of game day pageantry with them, including their mascots and cheer and dance squads. Oklahoma  brought the full compliment of The Pride of Oklahoma Band  with them to the game, and they performed the halftime show. Navy  brought the equivalent of their pep band, and they performed from the stands during the game. The Armed Forces Bowl brought their own mascot, Freedom , to the game. The staff also went out of their way to make sure the breaks in the action were filled with patriotic events, such as honoring the wives of service members, playing the song of each branch of the military, and recognizing veterans in the stadium. It truly felt like the bowl game was bigger than what it was, and that is a good thing.   Final Thoughts I personally love all bowl games, and I knew I was going to enjoy myself at my first visit to the Armed Forces Bowl, no matter what, but this exceeded even my expectations. Amon G. Carter Stadium is in my top five favorite college stadiums in the country. I love its architecture and its history, and I even love how it was plopped down in the middle of a neighborhood. The game was great, which on paper it should not have been, but that’s the quirk of bowl season. The bowl organizers did a great job of presenting themselves and what they stood for. The Armed Forces Bowl will more than likely never equal the importance of those selected by the College Football Playoffs, but I think fans will enjoy it nonetheless. Add this one to your bucket list. Follow Eric Moreno's Stadium Journey on Twitter at @EricMoreno6477 .

Photos by Chris Green, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.00 Camping World Stadium 1 Citrus Bowl Pl Orlando, FL 32805 Cure Bowl website Camping World Stadium website Year Opened: 1936 Capacity: 65,000 10 Years of Cure Bowl Greatness Having played several years at Exploria Stadium  and a year UCF’s FBC Mortgage Stadium after that, the Cure Bowl returns home to Camping World Stadium in 2024. Home to the Citrus Bowl  and the Pop-Tarts Bowl , this facility already features everything needed for bowl-level college football game day experiences. Aside from that, the Cure Bowl continues to be the only bowl game each year to raise money for charity, donating profits to cancer research. With an upgrade in venue and continued growth, this bowl continues to impress after 10 years of exceptional football matchups.   Food & Beverage   4 Finding food at Camping World Stadium is easy. For those in the suite levels, the food options are incredibly plentiful – the main suite on the recently renovated west side of the stadium features a full-service bar and buffet. For the majority of food vendors, a quality hot dog will cost you $7; nachos are $7.50, popcorn is $5.50, and fries are $7. The best food option remains anything from the 4 Rivers BBQ booths, a local barbecue chain that has gained popularity in recent years thanks to its quality meats and sauces. Offering both BBQ nachos and BBQ pulled pork sandwiches for $16 each, this is a can’t miss option. Pizza from Little Caesars runs $12 for cheese or pepperoni, while for beverages, a domestic beer runs $11 and premium beer is $13. Bottled water runs $5.50, while a bottled soda will cost you $6.50. Premium seltzer runs $15, while cocktails range from $15 to $23.   Atmosphere   3 Football in Florida in December means stellar weather – Florida’s perfect winter climate is on full display at the Cure Bowl, with temperatures rarely lower than the 50s. In addition, the pre-game pageantry of the band performances, the exciting game action, and the feel of a bowl-game matchup all make the Cure Bowl an exciting game to be a part of. There is also plenty of beautiful scenery, with downtown Orlando just to the east and lakes to the north and south of Camping World Stadium. The Cure Bowl features plenty of traditional college football experiences; the pre-game and halftime performances traditionally feature both school bands, and there is also a pre-game fan fest that includes live music, photo opportunities with mascots, band performances, VIP tents, and interactive displays. Camping World Stadium has seen continued improvements over the years, with the north end zone being filled in on the second level for stadium seating. While the beautiful view of the lake just beyond the venue’s gates has now been blocked, the filled in bowl looks and feels more like a traditional football facility. The biggest downside of the Cure Bowl is that only the lower concourse level is open to fans, meaning access to the main concourse that encircles the stadium is blocked off. That said, it does help to condense the fans who are in attendance, making it feel fuller than it actually is.   Neighborhood   5 What can you say about downtown Orlando? With Camping World Stadium in walking distance of downtown, fans can park in any of the various lots and garages downtown, then walk to and from Camping World Stadium along Church Street, the hub of Orlando’s rebirth as a foodie and entertainment destination. The City of Orlando has become a sports-thirsty destination over the last few years – with the explosion in popularity of Orlando City  and the Orlando Pride , and a renewed interest in the Orlando Magic , the City Beautiful loves sports. There are suburbs to the west of Camping World Stadium, with the downtown city center to the east. There are also tons of hotels nearby, and since the venue sits next to I-4, getting to other resorts and hotels in the greater Orlando area is not hard to do either. If you want to stay somewhere nearby, Aloft Downtown Orlando and Grand Bohemian Hotel Orlando are right in the middle of downtown. For food, the Orlando sports faithful flock to Lion’s Pride, as well as Schumann’s Jager Haus. For attractions, Walt Disney World and Universal Studios Orlando are both mere minutes south of the downtown area.   Fans   3 The atmosphere at the Cure Bowl is different from most, as all those in attendance are helping to contribute to a worthy cause. The crowd is smaller than some of those at bigger bowls – this is partially a result of the Cure Bowl tie-ins, which usually result in smaller schools from mid-level conferences being invited, with Ohio and Jax State  highlighting the most recent match-up.   Fans nonetheless can get a taste of the pageantry of bowl games. As with all bowl games, the fans who do travel are the most diehard for their respective schools, so even lower attendance games in large stadiums feel like a massive crowd is cheering with each play on the field. Additionally, the Cure Bowl is very family friendly, thanks to its cancer research focus. The game also invites cancer survivors to the game, celebrating their spirit during the matchup with an on-field presentation. Finally, the Cure Bowl also features the post-game trophy presentation that championship events are known for, completing the championship feel of the event for fans in the stands.   Access   5 Camping World Stadium sits just a stone’s throw from I-4 and is literally just off the 408 highway. Getting there is not difficult from the local roads either, as most are multi-lane, and signage is well placed for the parking areas. Parking on site is plentiful and easy to find. For those without a parking pass, you can find parking in various nearby parking lots and from those selling parking in their front yards. Public transport is also available in the area, making getting to Camping World Stadium an easy process.   Return on Investment   5 Tickets to the Cure Bowl start at just $35, with most of the stadium available for $50-$65. Parking is plentiful in numerous lots around the stadium as well as in various private lots nearby, running in the $20-$50 range depending on how close you prefer to park. For bowl tickets, this is relatively affordable, and given that the profits from the game go directly to cancer research, it is hard to find a better value for your buck in the bowl game world. The Cure Bowl also offers an official pre-game tailgate for $85 – this exclusive tailgate area inside the fan fest section of the stadium parking lot includes free drinks and food, as well as band performances from both schools.   Extras   3 Unique to the Cure Bowl is the survivors march, with fans and cancer survivors marching to Camping World Stadium with the school bands, akin to what you’d find at major soccer games. In addition, as fans enter the facility they can pick up signs that say “I Fight For ____” – the blank space is used to write the name(s) of loved ones they may know who have had cancer. There is also a silent auction with plenty of items up for bid from past games, with proceeds going to cancer research.   Final Thoughts The Cure Bowl is a great game that continues to build on a history of tradition in Central Florida, offering fans the chance to make a difference while watching their favorite team on the field. With the return to Camping World Stadium, you can be assured that the game day experience feels more like that of a big-time matchup in a proper football stadium.

Photos by Dave Cottenie, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.43 Hagersville Memorial Arena 36 Sherring Street North Hagersville, ON N0A 1H0 Hagersville Hawks website Hagersville Memorial Arena website Year Opened: 1956 Capacity: 500 __________________________________________________________________________________ Hagersville’s Gem Normally thought of as a hotbed for lacrosse, the community of Hagersville has a little hockey history as well. Hagersville is immediately south of the Mississaugas of the Credit Reservation and the famed Iroquois Lacrosse Arena has a Hagersville address, which explains the link to lacrosse. Hagersville is a community of around 3,100 in Haldimand County and is home to the Hagersville Hawks of the Junior C, PJHL Bloomfield Division. Hagersville is also known for being the birthplace of Jay Silverheels, Tonto from 1950s Lone Ranger TV show and Rush’s Neil Peart. Four-time Olympic Hockey Medalist Becky Kellar also calls Hagersville home and her accomplishments are celebrated outside the arena. The Hawks began in 1992 as a Junior D team where they were very successful. They moved to the Niagara Junior C Hockey League in 2013, which was eventually absorbed into the PJHL. The Hagersville Memorial Arena is a throwback arena, one of those arenas where patrons comment that they “don’t make them like this anymore.” The arena was built in 1956 and has a capacity of 500. It is a truly unique facility and a place that truly needs to be experienced. Food & Beverage 3 In the lobby of the Hagersville Arena there is Mel’s Snack Shop, a small concession. Hot dogs, popcorn, pretzels, candy, chocolate, chips and cookies are on the menu. Coke and Pepsi products are available as well as coffee, tea, juice, energy drinks, Gatorade, water and slushies. Upstairs, beer and alcohol are available in the Blueline Club. Atmosphere 4 The exterior of Hagersville Arena features dark siding with a peaked roof and grey brick. It is clear that the lobby was an addition at one point. A sign displaying the accomplishments of Becky Kellar is right in front of the arena for all fans to see upon entry. Entering the arena, fans come to a small lobby and are met with temporary tables to facilitate ticket sales and the 50/50 draw. Trophy cases in the lobby have a number of interesting nuggets and artifacts. One case is specifically dedicated to the Hawks and houses all of the awards that the Hawks present annually. Past the lobby, into the arena fans are struck by the uniqueness of the facility. Wooden support beams meet at a high peak over the ice to support the roof with silver insulation. There is not a ton of space in this arena, but they definitely make the most of it in Hagersville. The ice surface is southeast to northwest oriented. To see the centre ice logo and get that perfect picture, fans will want to be on the short, northwest end, which is unique in and of itself. The Blueline Club is in a room above the lobby on the northwest end and has windows that look out to the ice. A portrait of Queen Elizabeth II hangs above the benches on the northeast side and further aids with that old school atmosphere. A small pressbox is found on the opposite side and welcomes everyone to the Hawks Nest. The walls are littered with minor hockey banners. Championship banners from the Junior D days hang on the southeast end along with a banner honouring the accomplishments of Becky Kellar. New scoreboards hang on each end below the wooden peaks and were funded by Hawks superfan Murray Johnson. The southeast scoreboard has his picture right beside it. The Blueline Club also has the Hagersville Wall of Fame and more artifacts from team's past. The seating in the arena consists of wooden bleachers with four rows in each section that are quite steep. The entirety of the bleacher sections are made of wood, not just the planks to sit on. The gameday production is pretty simple in Hagersville, but also a bit unique compared to other PJHL experiences. A 50/50 draw and program raffles are the promotions. The Hawks actually have two different announcers. A young girl announces the penalties and goals, while an older man does more of the hyping of the crowd. It provides an interesting dynamic that is unique. A red goal light and siren speakers sit atop the press box and signify a Hawks goal. Neighbourhood 2 Hagersville is located southeast of Brantford. It has the small town feel to it and there are a few options for pre or post game food or drink. Plank Road Taps & Grill, Rise n’ Shine Cafe, Rollins Smokehouse, Burger Barn and MJ’s Diner are all options. The Six Nations Arrows and Six Nations Chiefs, among other junior lacrosse teams, call the Iroquois Lacrosse Arena home, but play during the summer months. For other sporting options, heading to Paris or Brantford or taking in the rival Dundas Blues or Glanbrook Rangers would be the best idea. Chiefswood Historic Site and Bell Homestead are other tourist options. For fans wishing to stay in the area, Jays Motel and Restaurant is an option along with other B&B spots. Heading into Simcoe or Brantford would be the best idea for chain hotels. Fans 3 It is difficult to assess fans in the PJHL as many teams do not publish attendance figures and the league does not compile the statistics for comparison. The Hagersville Hawks average around 200 fans per game. At the time of writing, in the 2024-25 season, the Hawks averaged 202 fans per game and 216 the previous season. The fans that are in attendance are generally loud and supportive of the team, a bit more than the average team. Access 4 Hagersville Memorial Arena is located in the community of Hagersville, part of Haldimand County. It is in the northeast corner of Sherring Street and Athens Street. Getting to the arena is not difficult. It is just east of Highway 6, which runs south from Hamilton. There is free parking on site. For fans wishing to take public transit, there is some limited transit that services Hagersville. Fans should consult the Southern Ontario Transit website for fares, schedules and maps. The age of Hagersville Memorial can make getting around a little bit of a challenge, but not too bad. Those with mobility issues may find the seating area a bit challenging. The washrooms are adequate for the facility. Return on Investment 5 Tickets for the Hagersville Hawks are $10 with students and seniors getting in for $8 and children only $3. Parking is free and concession prices are good. The product on the ice is decent in the PJHL, but experiencing a classic facility like Hagersville Arena puts the experience over the top and makes the return that much better. Extras 3 An extra mark for the Hagersville Memorial Arena as a classic, old-school hockey barn. An extra mark for the Hagersville Arena as a community hub and the Hawks as a team with a strong community feel to them. An extra mark for the rivalry Hagersville has with Glanbrook, Dundas and other members of the Bloomfield Division. Final Thoughts There is something to be said for getting to experience hockey in an old-school hockey barn like the Hagersville Memorial Arena while it is still possible. Taking in a Hagersville Hawks game offers a glimpse into the past when hockey was a simpler game. Fans will definitely love the arena and will make plans for a return! Follow all of Dave’s sporting adventures on YouTube, Twitter, Threads and Instagram @profan9.

Photos by Chris Green, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.43 McDougald-McLendon Gymnasium 1801 Fayetteville St. Durham, NC 27707 North Carolina Central Eagles website McDougald-McLendon Gymnasium website Year Opened: 1955 Capacity: 3,116 Classic Gymnasium Basketball There is something to be said whenever college basketball is played in an old school gymnasium instead of a modern-day sports arena. Sure, you lose some of those creature comforts you have come to expect from newer facilities, but instead you gain a rich history and tradition that simply oozes from the very walls you walk past. This idyllic image is perpetuated through the game day experience at North Carolina Central University’s McDougald-McLendon Arena. For women’s basketball, a sport growing year after year, NCCU fans have come to appreciate the history mixed with athletic success. You get all of that here, thanks to an old college gymnasium that embraces that mantra and showcases its past for all to see.   Food & Beverage   2 The biggest downside to games at NC Central is the lack of concessions – only two concession stands exist inside the facility, with some games only having one open. On top of that, the menu is incredibly limited in scope. However, what may be lacking in variety certainly makes up for it in affordability. Chips or candy can be purchased for $3, while all drinks as well as fresh popcorn come in at $5.   Atmosphere   3 There is a lot of history to be respected in Durham when it comes to college basketball, and NC Central has played a big part in that. When wandering the halls of McDougald-McLendon Arena, nearly every inch of wall space is occupied by plaques and photographs honoring past school athletes from countless disciplines and decades. Several trophy cases show off the school’s haul of athletic hardware from nearly 100 years of college sports excellence, while large display cases in the hall corners show off historic photographs of everything from past presidents visiting the campus to sports highlights. In addition, a plethora of banners hang in the rafters above the court, honoring various national championships and NCAA Tournament appearances. Retired numbers of both men’s and women’s basketball players are also visible. On top of all that, the arena itself is constructed with old materials that make 100 fans feel like 1,000 when it comes to noise levels. All the seats on the main and upper levels are painted wood, and the walls are old fashioned brick, while a vaulted ceiling gathers and returns the crowd’s cheers with great effect. The place has an aged look to it, from paint peeling in spots from the ceiling to the muted colors of the hardwood court – it’s everything true college basketball fans have come to love about the sport in its purest form. Perhaps the lone modern touch here is the live DJ that plays during game breaks and during pre-game warmups.   Neighborhood   4 The area around NC Central is mostly residential, but just beyond lies the greatness of the greater Raleigh-Durham area. Just a 20-minute drive from RDU airport, the campus lies within a short distance of countless dining and shopping areas. Hotels are also plentiful in the area, with downtown Durham just a few minutes away from NCCU’s campus.   Fans   3 Eagles fans are diehards; even on a weekday game during the depths of winter break, a solid contingent of loyal fans across all ages can be found at McDougald-McLendon Arena watching NC Central women’s basketball. Fellow student athletes are also frequently in attendance, and on top of that, the games always have a family friendly atmosphere. And thanks to the building itself, even a small crowd sounds loud and intimidating to visiting teams. While not every game is a sellout, every game has a segment of loyal fans, from current students to decade’s old graduates supporting their Alma Mater.   Access   5 For McDougald-McLendon Arena, exits on nearby Durham Highway 147, and the further away I-85 and I-885, can bring you straight to the campus gates. Once there, free parking for women’s basketball games is plentiful quite literally across the street in the Latham Parking Deck. Numerous other lots are available nearby as well. Once inside, ushers and security are available to help direct fans to their seats.   Return on Investment   4 Tickets to NC Central women’s basketball games start at just $20 for general admission; those seats make up the majority of the seating at McDougald-McLendon Arena. Two sections in the upper level at mid-court are reserved seating, going for $30 a ticket, and that is it. In addition, with free parking and cheap snacks and drinks, a family can easily visit a game at McDougald-McLendon Arena without breaking the bank.   Extras   3 As before, countless memories flow through the halls at McDougald-McLendon Arena. For college sports fans both casual and diehard, a walk throughout the main concourse here is well worth the time, giving you an appreciation for the school’s long history of barrier-breaking achievements. During women’s basketball games, a fan is also selected to shoot a half-court shot to win a prize pack. Finally, the campus bookstore is located in the Latham Parking Deck across the street from the arena itself, giving fans the perfect chance to load up on Eagles gear before the game to show their support.   Final Thoughts If you’re looking for a unique and historic college basketball experience, look no further than McDougald-McLendon Arena. Located in the heart of college basketball territory, just a few minutes’ drive from downtown Durham, the NC Central women’s basketball team enjoys the gift of playing inside a historic site that showcases the school’s rich athletic history. What it lacks in creature comforts and modern touches, it makes up for in quality vibes.

Photo by Marc Viquez, Stadium Journey If you are making plans to visit Indiana this summer, cross Kokomo off your list. The Jackrabbits announced on social media that they will sit out the 2025 season. The Kokomo Jackrabbits are taking the 2025 season off. The Northwoods League club announced on social media that “due to various unforeseen circumstances” the team would be unable to compete this summer. The decision comes less than three months after a lawsuit between the city and club ownership. The city of Kokomo and Kokomo Baseball LLC, the limited liability company ROC Venture, claimed that it did not renew the lease of the stadium as recognized. According to an article in the Kokomo Tribune , The lease, according to the city’s complaint filed with Howard County Circuit Court, requires the owners of the Jackrabbits to give the city written notice no later than 90 days before the agreement ends if it wants to renew for another five years. The Jackrabbits claimed it had a verbal agreement for the next five years during a virtual meeting on May 17; however, the city argues that no written notice was given last season. Because of that, the team had to vacate Kokomo Municipal Stadium  by September 30, when the lease expired. Jackrabbits management added. “While this necessarily doesn’t mean the end of the Jackrabbits, however as it stands, the future holds more questions than answers right now.” The Jackrabbits were founded in 2014 as members of the Prospect League but moved to the Northwoods League in 2019.  It marked the first time an organized summer baseball team was in town in 53 years since the Midwest League’s Kokomo Dodgers. ------ Follow all of Marc’s stadium journeys on Twitter @ballparkhunter   and his YouTube channel .  Email at Marc.Viquez@stadiumjourney.com

Photo courtesy of Boston.com Recently, the University of Vermont (UVM) Catamounts surprised just about everyone but themselves by winning the NCAA men’s soccer national title, their first ever. While the Cats had never been to a Final Four before this season, they had made two Elite Eight appearances, most recently two years ago. For a majority of this season though, the Cats flew somewhat under the radar. However, they went on a magnificent post-season run, winning three road NCAA playoff games, including a cross country jaunt to U San Diego, before winning two games in Cary, North Carolina. Brian McLaughlin, the Catamounts play by play announcer, took a few minutes to discuss this historic season, as well as some other miscellaneous fun, including his experiences with Vermont Green FC. Here's Brian broadcasting the highlights of this year's America East championship game:    STADIUM JOURNEY:  How did the Cats pull this off? Not only did they win it all, but they did it, except for one game, on the road. Of course, they have great talent, but a lot of teams have great talent. BRIAN:  The core of players who had previous wins in the tournament were able to instill belief in the very talented newcomers. Leaders Zach Barrett and Adrian Schulze Solano were massive parts of that, but Mike Bleeker who transferred in from American, also became a big part of the leadership group. This was a team that felt they belonged on any field they showed up at. The tone setting center-back pairing of the hulking Max Murray and Barrett made sure that no opponent was ever comfortable with the ball. Then of course, they got such timely goal scoring. Yaniv Bazini was the star for much of the run, but when David Ismail, Marcell Papp and Max Kissell are chipping in with Barrett and Murray - both dangerous on set pieces – it’s a brutal attacking group to keep off the scoreboard for 90 minutes. And I haven’t even mentioned Sydney Wathuta who was maybe the best isolation winger in the country. Niklas Herceg was also fantastic during the tournament run and made countless important saves, which every championship soccer team needs.    STADIUM JOURNEY: What's next for the Catamounts? They have a lot of talent graduating. Do you have any idea who's returning?  BRIAN :  Of course there's a chance players who still have eligibility remaining do not return, and they lose such a massive group of long-time contributors, so it will be a daunting task. But if the young guys do stick around a core of Herceg, Kissell, Ryan Zellefrow, Andrew Millar, Jeremy Tsang and Nick Lockerman is not a bad starting point. And others as well will be back who contributed to this run. These coaches have proven to be outstanding recruiters and have developed loads of talent over the last few seasons. I would anticipate more key additions both from the States and international talent pools to fill some of those gaps vacated by the longtime Catamounts.    STADIUM JOURNEY: Perhaps your most memorable call was for the Catamount  women's  soccer team, which is featured here: How does a broadcaster prepare to make a call for the ages? How do you find those words at that precise moment? Is this something they cover at Penn State? (Brian is a Penn State grad.) BRIAN:  I try not to script anything before the game even if I know there's a chance the game has a memorable ending. Sometimes you can’t help it like Dalen Cuff for this UVM national title. “Don’t Call them Cinderella! You can call them national champions” is almost definitely pre-planned in some way, but he still delivered it with authenticity, and it felt natural. He absolutely nailed it. It is most important to feel natural and not forced. That Basa call was honestly me just letting it rip in the moment and people really enjoyed the result. In my mind, I just want to make sure I know why this game matters and why this moment matters and try to use my voice to match the emotion of the moment. Whatever comes out is hopefully concise and clean. If I had to redo the Basa call, I probably wouldn’t scream her name for so long, but I think people really related to the emotion in my voice and felt I matched the moment well even if what I said wasn’t perfect. As for what they taught at Penn State, I think we definitely were always discussing what makes a great highlight call. You want authority in your voice. Connect the moment to what makes it meaningful. Try to have punch in your voice without a straight scream or a growl sound. And you don’t want to be too wordy, especially on tv. My approach is a bit different for radio. Luckily, I went to school with some people who were also broadcast nerds, and we would constantly be evaluating each other and announcers on TV. I still take notes on the best broadcasters in the game to try to implement things they do into my own skill set. As for big moments nobody is better at the moment than Ian Eagle who uses wit and humor mixed with a great vocabulary or Kevin Harlan who has such an awesome voice and delivery and a mastery for the language.  Photo courtesy of Brian McLaughlin   STADIUM JOURNEY: Vermont Green FC, which has a rabid following, has a special place in your heart. What makes this USL League Two squad such a special experience? Explain the magic. BRIAN:  Rabid following may be putting it lightly. There has been a lot made of the incredible fan support for UVM in Cary for the College Cup, and I think Vermont Green deserves some credit for helping grow this soccer crazed community. They have built such a distinct culture in Burlington during the summer. It’s an environment that you just want to be around - so many smiling faces at games, passionate community members who have a love for soccer. Or maybe many who don’t, but they relate to the broader message of creating climate justice through sports. The branding is bold and colorful. The games are loud and rowdy. The social media is engaging and feels down to earth. It’s fun for the players who also happen to play such a delightful brand of attacking soccer. They have great coaches who develop the on-field talent and invested leaders who care about every single detail of their organization. And UVM has only helped assist Vermont Green as a partner. It’s become a really special bond between the two, and they share a fanbase in many ways. They have built such a wonderful culture in such a short time, and it has transformed many locals into soccer fanatics. I do not think it’s a surprise that their explosion has coincided with Vermont’s national title.    STADIUM JOURNEY: So a fan wants to hit a soccer or basketball game in Burlington. What are a few spots you'd recommend for before and after the game? Hidden gems? BRIAN:  Well, it depends what time of year. Burlington feels like two different towns from winter to summer. If you are in town for a Vermont Green game over the summer, I love to find places on the waterfront by Lake Champlain. Foam Brewers is a great spot by the water with outdoor seating. You can’t go wrong with most of the breweries regardless of the time of year with Zero Gravity as a standout in my mind. Vivid Coffee is a phenomenal coffee shop that I love and sometimes has watch parties for games. For breakfast or lunch, Handy’s Lunch is an old school diner and is a must stop. Postgame downtown classics like Halvorson’s or Ken’s Pizza are solid as ever.    STADIUM JOURNEY: You mention that your time behind the mic in the Northwoods League and the Cape Cod League were pivotal in your development. What's it like to cover summer league baseball? Is it as good as it sounds? BRIAN:  Those summers were some of the best of my life. Far from glamorous and I will say I was an unpaid intern on both occasions, and I would really recommend any college student try to find a paid internship first. But calling 70 plus games in about 75 days in the Northwoods is still the time of my life where I think I took the biggest step as a broadcaster. Reps are so important. While I didn’t have such a wild schedule on Cape Cod, I met some outstanding friends and had the chance to watch some incredible baseball talent. Current Yankees catcher Austin Wells was the star of my Yarmouth-Dennis Red Sox team, and he was just one of many future big leaguers. That is a very competitive league for broadcasters, and I was fortunate to get to meet many future stars in the broadcast industry, and it honestly forced me to grow and improve just so I could keep up. I also think I played about 200 rounds of mini golf at Pirates Cove over a 3-month internship.    Photo courtesy of Vermont Public STADIUM JOURNEY: So you've worked games all over the northeast and elsewhere. What are some venues that are worth visiting? BRIAN:  Well if you haven’t been to Gutterson Field House for a UVM hockey game that place is pretty special. I would also say that Centennial Field, home of the Vermont Lake Monsters, is a pretty neat and classic small baseball stadium. I have been fortunate to see so many basketball arenas around New England and Yale’s John J. Lee Amphitheater stands out in my mind. I will always refer to Providence’s Gym as “The Dunk,” and that place and those students have a well-earned reputation. Again, I will say any of the Cape Cod Baseball League has to be a bucket list item for sports fans. It really feels like a trip back in time to when things were simpler. All the fields are unique and have different dynamics to them.    STADIUM JOURNEY: How did you get into broadcasting? Did you play a lot of sports growing up or were you always on the sideline doing play by play? BRIAN:  It was probably when I was about 14 that I started to realize playing shortstop for the Chicago Cubs wasn’t very likely. I played sports my entire life and knew that I wanted to work in sports in some manner. I always liked the idea of broadcasting and paid close attention to the broadcasters probably without knowing it but because I was such a massive sports fan. I had the opportunity to shadow Penn State’s legendary radio broadcaster Steve Jones when I was in middle school. I went to Penn State knowing that I wanted to study journalism but wasn’t sure if I wanted to end up writing or broadcasting. But the moment I had my first broadcast of a State College High School soccer game I knew that I was drawn to being behind the mic. Things only took off from there and by the end of my freshman year of college, I was a full-on sports broadcaster nerd. I was fortunate to go to school that put me on the air right away so I could learn on the fly and work through growing pains. Many of my best friends in college were also involved in the broadcasts in some way, and I have had countless mentors who gave me advice on how to achieve my goals.    STADIUM JOURNEY:  What were some of your favorite calls? BRIAN:  I’ll start with anything from Ian Eagle or Kevin Harlan. Harlan’s “Goooooooood” is one I think about a lot in basketball. He always has the perfect emphasis and knows when to bring it out. Eagle is more creative and relies on his humor. He has had some really memorable moments: “He is not human!” or just a simple “Oh Yeah!” which I really love on TV. Joe Davis had some monster moments recently in the World Series. Jim Nantz just makes every moment feel big, especially on golf broadcasts. I’m not a Celtics fan but love Drew Carter’s work for the Celtics on television and have laughed really hard at some of his recent calls for Payton Pritchard: “Pitch Please” and “Where’s my money?” These are great examples of how to have fun in the booth while still providing a highlight worthy call.  And I have to mention Hall of Famer Pat Hughes on the radio for my Cubs' classic home run call: “It’s got a chaaaaaaance. Gone!” I imitated that so much growing up playing wiffle ball in my front yard.  Jon Hart is  @manversusball

Photos by Chris Green, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.29 The Ritz-Carlton Golf Club 4040 Central Florida Pkwy Orlando, FL 32837 PNC Championship website The Ritz-Carlton Golf Club website Year Opened: 2003 A Family Golf Celebration The PNC Championship is a quietly growing tradition in the world of professional golf. Held each year since 1995, the tournament features Pro-Am pairings with some of the PGA Tours legends and their family, often their children, playing alongside. The four-day event is split into two components, with Thursday and Friday played as de-facto practice rounds, while Saturday and Sunday count as a 36-hole tournament for the yearly crown. Held in Orlando at The Ritz-Carlton Golf Club, this affordable event is a great option for those looking for a more relaxed pro golf atmosphere.   Food & Beverage   5 There are numerous food vendors at the PNC Championship, with the majority of them located around the fan zone adjacent to the 18th green. Here, you can find everything from local food trucks and vendors (BBQ from $12-$19 and street tacos from $9-$14) to established chains (Chicken Salad Chick for $14 and Flipper’s Pizza from $13-$14). Tournament booths also offer food and drinks, including breakfast sandwiches ($10), beer ($9), hard seltzers ($7-$9 for single cans and $40-$50 for six-packs that include a banded cooler bag), wine ($14), and cocktails ($7-$15). In addition, around the course smaller vendors with snacks and drinks are located between Holes 5 and 6, as well as between Holes 14 and 15.   Atmosphere   4 The Ritz-Carlton Golf Club is a stunning facility for professional golf. Located in Orlando just minutes from the theme parks, this luxury resort features Ritz-Carlton and JW Marriott resorts on property. The towers of these two resorts dominate the landscape, while lush green palms and pines remind you that you’re still in Florida. Played in December, the weather for the PNC Championship is almost guaranteed to be perfect year after year, thanks to Central Florida’s ideal climate in the winter. The course is large and spread out, meaning you may have a lot of walking to do during the event if you want to see multiple holes, however. Unfortunately, unlike most pro tournaments there are only two small grandstands on the course, located at the first tee box and at the 18th green. The tournament does offer complimentary tickets to all active duty and retired military for the weekend, and also features the Pepsi Patriot’s Pavilion on the 17th green. Here, military and their families can enjoy complimentary drinks and snacks with their own dedicated seating area overlooking the penultimate hole on the course.   Neighborhood   4 The area around the course is a mix of residential and tourist. Not far from the course is International Drive, home to numerous shops, restaurants, and tourist attractions like Sea World and ICON Park. Hotels are plentiful as well, the two luxury resorts on property notwithstanding.   Fans   4 The fans at the PNC Championship are diehard golf fans. Tickets to the tournament are limited by the organizer to specifically reduce crowd sizes on the course, allowing for a more relaxed and enjoyable experience, so you won’t find those signature massive oceans of fans following Tiger Woods or Vijay Singh from hole to hole like you would at other tournaments. Additionally, the event is incredibly family friendly, meaning you will see many young golf fans in attendance from day to day, thanks in part to the event’s affordability. Another plus is that the event is a no-autograph event, meaning the resellers and autograph hounds found at other tournaments are not to be found here, a welcome change for the casual fan.   Access   5 Parking at the PNC Championship is plentiful – free parking is available nearby at Sea World Aquatica water park, with free fan shuttles available to drive you back and forth from the lot to the main entrance. Paid parking is also available on site, with several lots open at the course itself. Getting to the course is also easy, thanks to its location on John Young Parkway, just a few minutes from Highway 417. The parking lot at Aquatica is also easy to access, with exits from both Highway 408 and I-4 leading you right to the parking lot. Once at the course, signage is plentiful for access around the course.   Return on Investment   5 Tickets are incredibly affordable for the PNC Championship. Thursday and Friday single day grounds access passes cost just $36, with upgraded tickets available for $75; these include parking on site at the course itself, as well as access to the covered VIP viewing area on the 18th green. Saturday and Sunday tickets start at $45, with the same VIP upgraded tickets going for over $400 per day, thanks to the inclusion of premium parking, free food and drinks, and private restrooms.   Extras   3 The course features a pro shop that sells both course specific merchandise as well as hats, shirts, and flags featuring the PNC Championship flag. The fan zone also features several sponsor activations, including golf swing analysis, free giveaways, and merchandise vendors. Finally, fans can watch the players warm up at the putting green as well as on the driving range, both located right in the heart of the fan zone.   Final Thoughts The PNC Championship is a great event for golf fans to watch some of the greatest players in the game compete in a fun, family friendly atmosphere. Often competing alongside their children, this tournament is both competitive and relaxed. With incredibly affordable ticket options, free parking, and countless concessions, this may be the best professional golf tournament in Florida when it comes to per-dollar value and pure enjoyment of the game.

Photos by Michael Davis, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.00 Toyota Stadium 9200 World Cup Way Frisco, TX 75034 Frisco Bowl Website Toyota Stadium website Year Opened: 2005 Capacity: 20,500 Scooter’s Frisco Bowl The Scooter’s Coffee Frisco Bowl is one of the earliest college football bowl games of the post-season. The game is played at Toyota Stadium in Frisco, Texas, home of the Major League Soccer team, FC Dallas . The bowl game started in December 2017 and has been hosted by a few corporate sponsors; DXL was the original sponsor in 2017, followed by Tropical Smoothie Café, before moving to the current sponsor, Scooter’s Coffee. Toyota Stadium has a capacity of only 20,500, which is plenty, as the bowl attendance is well under the capacity. The highest attendance for the Frisco Bowl is 15,801, achieved in 2021 when the University of Texas-San Antonio  defeated San Diego State 38-24.   Food & Beverage   3 The concessions at the Frisco Bowl are decent – Toyota Stadium has a good variety of options at its concession stands, including alcohol selections, but at major sports-level prices. The main stands offer most of your typical stadium fare, such as hot dogs, nachos, burgers, brats, chicken tenders, pretzels, peanuts, packaged candy, and cinnamon-glazed nuts, but they also throw in a bunch of less commonly found items, such as chicken tinga nachos, buffalo cauliflower bowls, hot garlic sausage, and a brisket hot dog. The stadium’s drink selection provides Coke products throughout the Frisco Bowl. The alcohol selection is also abundant, due to the stadium being a major sports venue, with plenty of choices throughout the stadium at the concession stands or from the mobile carts – you can find alcohol ranging from both canned and draft beer to wine and high-end specialty cocktails. Just be prepared to pay high prices for alcoholic drinks.   Atmosphere   3 The atmospheres at smaller bowl games are usually similar to each other, as the teams are traveling to a venue outside their familiar pre-game set-ups. Therefore, the team’s traditional entrance into the stadium, as well as the tailgating on weekday evenings, is less common. At the most recent game, for example, West Virginia  just held a small pep rally with fans in the parking lot. The Scooter’s Frisco Bowl has plenty of seating, as attendance is historically small with this bowl. Toyota Stadium only has seating along the two sidelines – the north end zone has a bare stage, while the team bands are seated behind the south end, where the National Soccer Hall of Fame is located. During the most recent version, both participating schools brought their bands, along with their mascots and spirit squads – for this Frisco Bowl a large shout-out goes to the University of Memphis band. Their high energy throughout the night kept the atmosphere going, as the play on the field was lackluster until late in the game.   Neighborhood   4 Toyota Stadium is located about 30 miles north of Dallas in Frisco, Texas. Outside the stadium is a small, quaint area of restaurants and shops, but the city of Frisco is much bigger with an approximate population of 165K. Some fans may recognize the Frisco name as having one of the nicest minor league baseball stadiums; nearby Riders Field  is home to the Frisco Roughriders. The restaurants outside Toyota Stadium are plentiful – a couple of great options close to the stadium include Green Gator and Blue Goose Cantina. Others are within a short drive; for BBQ you can’t go wrong with Hutchins, and there is also Babe’s Chicken for a unique family-style dining experience. There are a few things to do and see while you are in Frisco, helping to keep your trip local. Toyota Stadium is home to the National Soccer Hall of Fame, which can be entered by using the Main Street side of the stadium. Frisco is also home to the National Videogame Museum, which features a huge collection of game consoles, all of which are playable, including a classic video game arcade. In addition, a few miles south on the tollway in Dallas is The Star, namely the headquarters, practice fields, and home of the Dallas Cowboys . This facility can be toured daily and has plenty of restaurants and shops to explore. There are three hotels close to Toyota Stadium: Courtyard Dallas, Holiday Inn, and Comfort Suites, but other options are abundant within driving distance.   Fans   3 The fact that fans travel to watch their team play bowl games that don’t matter outside the college football playoff says a lot about them. The loyalty, dedication, and love of the fans are what truly make the bowl games special. The Frisco Bowl is usually played on a weeknight and is one of the first bowls of the bowl season. The fans in attendance at the most recent game were solid, which is expected when it comes to bowl games – very loud and engaged in the game.   Access   3 There are two airports, Dallas-Fort Worth International and Dallas Love Field, which are both about the same distance (25 miles) from Toyota Stadium in Frisco. The city is a city of about 225,000 in population, about 30 miles north of Dallas, and part of the DFW Metroplex. That said, there is no direct public transportation from either airport, so you will likely have to drive to get to Frisco and Toyota Stadium. The best plan is to stay up in the Frisco area, as the Frisco Bowl is played at 7 pm on a weeknight; coming from outside the Frisco area in the early evening can be time-consuming for travelers. Toyota Stadium is not far from the Dallas Tollway, and the stadium and parking have plenty of signage, so the ingress and egress are fast once you get there. Due to the small attendance, walking around the stadium to restrooms and concessions takes little time away from your seat. However, the stadium’s security does cut off the National Soccer Hall of Fame end zone from other ticketholders, so most fans don’t have full access to the stadium. Return on Investment   3 The Scooter’s Coffee Frisco Bowl is at a perfect venue – if your team is one of the participants, then the investment may be worthwhile. Otherwise, it is a little high in cost for the casual local fan who doesn’t care about either school. Tickets range from $30 for the end zones to $65 for midfield and $55 for sideline seating (there is an ESPN Zone VIP ticket that starts at $149, but I don’t know what that entitles a fan to experience). The cost of VIP parking is $20; otherwise, parking is free. The cost of concessions is really where the ROI hits a negative. However, this is a bowl game and most people have spent a lot of money to travel here, so the Scooter’s Frisco Bowl is on par with other ESPN bowls in terms of return on investment.   Extras   2 The Frisco Bowl is played in a top sports venue and makes good use of the facility – holding the FCS National Championship here, as well as various high school football games, helps the operations team prepare to make this event almost perfect. The Frisco area also has a lot to offer, without fans feeling the need to spend time in the larger city of Dallas. Final Thoughts The Scooter’s Frisco Bowl is part of ESPN Events, a division of ESPN, which owns and operates a portfolio of 34 collegiate sporting events nationwide, flooding the college football scene with college bowl games that the majority of football fans don’t care about, let alone would get excited by. The Scooter’s Frisco Bowl may be wonderful for the teams/fans that participate, and a wonderful boost to Frisco’s economy, but a must-see bowl game it is not. Disclosure: Due to the renovations of Toyota Stadium for the MLS tenant, FC Dallas , the FCS National Championship will move away from Frisco in 2025; how this will affect the 2025 Scooter’s Frisco Bowl remains to be seen.

Photos by Paul Baker, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.29 Daniel S. Horgan Arena 403 Oxford St. Auburn, MA 01501   Anna Maria men’s hockey website Daniel Horgan Arena website   Year Opened: 1974 Capacity: 1,500 AMCATS MIH   Anna Maria College is a private Catholic college located in Paxton, Massachusetts. Founded as a women’s college in 1946, it became coeducational in 1973. Today the school boasts an enrollment of 1,500 students who study in six graduate and undergraduate schools.   Anna Maria’s athletic teams are known as the AMCATS, which is an acronym derived from “Anna Maria College Athletic Team Sports.” The school started sponsoring men’s and women’s hockey in 2018. Beginning in the 2024-25 season, the Amcats hockey teams joined the Massachusetts State Collegiate Athletic Association. Neither team has appeared in the NCAA D-3 Tournament yet. Both teams play off campus: the men’s team plays at the Horgan Arena in Auburn, and the women’s team plays at Buffone Arena in Worcester.   In the 1970s Bobby Orr and the Big, Bad Bruins were taking Massachusetts and New England by storm. The demand for ice skating rinks all over the region skyrocketed. The Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR) responded to this demand by building dozens of rinks all over the state. One of these rinks was Horgan Arena in Auburn, a town in central Massachusetts located just to the south of Worcester.   Daniel S. Horgan served as the chief engineer for the Massachusetts Department of Public Works. He settled in Auburn and served as the President of the Auburn Rotary Club. Mr. Horgan passed away in 1973, before the completion of the hockey rink. In recognition of his service to the community, the rink was named in his honor.   Food & Beverage 2    There is a small snack bar in the lobby that serves up a variety of snacks for visiting fans. In this chilly rink, hot coffee, hot chocolate, and tea are the most popular items. If you’re in the mood for something cooler, a variety of slushies are available. Also on the menu are pizza slices, hot dogs, and an assortment of breakfast sandwiches. Fans looking for snacks can grab some nachos, popcorn, pretzel bites, cookies, or ice cream treats. If you’re looking for a soda, candy, or chips, the vending machines in the lobby have you covered. Pepsi products are featured at Horgan Arena.   Atmosphere 2   Community rinks like Horgan Arena don’t have much in the way of amenities that are conducive to creating a lively game-day atmosphere. The Anna Maria staff do their best with the limited resources they have. The DJ does double duty as the PA announcer, filling the rink with noise during play stoppages and doing a nice job keeping fans up to date on game information from his post behind the penalty boxes. If sitting near the temporary speakers set up here, be warned that it will be loud. The DJ here plays more hip-hop music than you may be used to hearing at a hockey game. As someone who is not a fan of the genre, his selection of music is outstanding, if a bit out of place at a hockey game.   There’s a basic scoreboard on the west end of the rink that displays score and time. Some banners are hanging around the facility recognizing the different teams that call Horgan Arena home, but little to identify this as the home of the Amcats besides a small sign under the scoreboard.   Neighborhood 2   Horgan Arena is part of the Auburn Recreational Complex, which also includes a baseball field, softball field, tennis court, basketball courts, dog park, and track. Much of the surrounding area near the Complex is residential, but with two interstates cutting through the area, there is also a significant commercial presence in the area.   The Auburn Mall is a short drive away for fans looking to do a little shopping. Routes 12 and 20 contain the majority of the businesses in town, and fans will find all the typical chain options as they drive through Auburn. Fans looking for some local flavor should check out J. Anthony’s Bar and Grill, Bar One and Sushi, and the Bentley Pub. There is a Comfort Inn and a Holiday Inn Express and Suites near the arena should you be looking to stay in the area after the game.   Fans 1   As you would expect, a crowd at an Anna Maria hockey game is what we at Stadium Journey would call a “friends and family” crowd. Stadium Journey visited Horgan Arena on a snowy Saturday night during semester break, and the crowd in attendance numbered about 50 hardy fans. Everyone in the stands appeared to have some sort of connection with the players on the ice and were enthusiastic in their support of the home team. With the Amcats’ schedule consisting entirely of New England teams, chances are you’ll see a good turnout from visiting fans as well. With the Anna Maria campus located 11 miles away in neighboring Paxton, there’s not a big turnout from the student body. Access 4   Horgan Arena is located in the center of Auburn, MA, a town of about 17,000 residents located just to the southwest of Worcester. Interstates 90 (the Mass Pike) and 290 intersect right near the rink, making it easily accessible from all points in Massachusetts and beyond. The rink itself is located in a mixed residential and commercial neighborhood, which will give visiting hockey fans a few options for things to do before or after an Amcats game.   If anyone has ever been to any of the DCR rinks in Massachusetts, you will notice that they all have an identical design. If you have ever been to a UMass Dartmouth game at Hetland Arena in New Bedford , you’ll be sure to feel a case of déjà vu.   There is a large parking lot adjacent to the arena. Fans will enter a small lobby where the skate shop, vending machines, and snack bar are located. The visiting locker room is also here. It’s also the place to be during intermission, as it’s the only place in the building with heat.   As you enter the rink, seating on the near side consists of molded bleachers while seating on the far side consists of wooden bleachers. There is a standing room available at either end of the rink. Bathrooms are located to your left as you enter. You will be sharing the restrooms with the home team (well, the men’s room). Nets obstruct views of the ice from all points in the facility.   Return on Investment 4   Admission to an Anna Maria hockey game is seven dollars for general admission seating. Parking is free in the large lot adjacent to the rink. Concession prices are reasonable, and visiting an Amcats game is an affordable entertainment option for central Massachusetts sports fans. Extras 1   While nothing is going on at an Amcats game that can be considered extra, an extra point is awarded for the team’s name itself. The acronym is a most clever alternative to the typical Wildcats and such.   Final Thoughts   With the great availability of rinks in the greater Worcester area, it’s kind of surprising that the Anna Maria men’s hockey team has chosen to play so far from campus. Perhaps as the program becomes more established, they will move to a facility closer to home. For now, Horgan Arena serves as an adequate, if unspectacular, home for the Amcats. ----   Follow Paul Baker’s stadium journeys on Twitter  and Instagram  @PuckmanRI.

Photos by Paul Baker, Stadium Journey Harry A. Gampel Pavilion FANFARE Score: 3.86 Harry A. Gampel Pavilion 2095 Hillside Rd Storrs, CT 06269 Connecticut Huskies website Harry A. Gampel Pavilion website Year Opened: 1990 Capacity: 10,299 The Basketball Capital of the World   The University of Connecticut bills itself as “The Basketball Capital of the World.” While fans from certain corners of the country may take issue with this self-designation, a solid argument can be made for its veracity. Not only was the game of basketball invented just a few miles up the road in Springfield, MA, but since 1995 UConn has brought home a combined 17 national titles. The men’s team is reigning back-to-back champions and has won six titles. Their success pales compared to the uber-successful UConn women’s team, which has brought an incredible 11 trophies home to Storrs.   Home for Huskies basketball is the on-campus Harry A. Gampel Pavilion. Built-in 1990, the venue is named after the UConn class of 1943 alumnus who donated one million dollars towards the arena’s completion. The facility serves as home to the men’s and women’s basketball and women’s volleyball teams. The Huskies play a portion of their schedule every season in downtown Hartford at the XL Center,  which has a larger capacity.   Both Husky basketball teams boast impressive resumes. In addition to their six national titles, the UConn men’s team has qualified for 37 NCAA Tournaments and has reached 7 Final Fours. 41 Husky alumni have played in the NBA, including Naismith Hall of Famer Ray Allen.   The women’s team has won 11 national titles, qualified for 35 NCAA Tournaments, and has reached 23 Final Fours. 20 UConn players have been selected in the first round of the WNBA draft, with five of them being the first pick overall. 49 Husky alumni have played in the WNBA, including Naismith Hall of Famers Rebecca Lobo and Swin Cash. Food & Beverage 4   There’s not a whole lot of room at Gampel Pavilion for concession stands. There are cramped concession areas tucked into the four corners of the gym. Stands run by UConn dining offer stadium basics, such as Husky Dogs, burgers, calzones, and mini chicken tacos. Fans looking to save a few dollars can grab a combo meal. There’s a decent variety of snack foods here, too, so hungry Husky fans can pick up some pretzels, nachos, fried dough, popcorn, or even mozzarella sticks.   Coca-Cola products are featured at Gampel Pavilion. Fans looking for adult beverages will find a selection of beer, wine, and mixed drinks at the main stands as well as stands set up specifically for alcohol sales. UConn has partnered with local breweries to make some specialty beers for UConn fans, including Husky Hops by Kinsman Brewing, TwoConn Easy Ale by Two Roads, and UConn Territory by Urban Lodge.   Fans looking for some more unique menu items will find what they’re looking for at stands operated by local favorites Bear BBQ and The Family Brick Oven Pizza. Stadium Journey recommends the Bear Attack, a tray of mac and cheese and cornbread crumbles topped with your choice of brisket or pulled pork.   Atmosphere 5   When you visit Storrs, be ready for a professional show and a raucous atmosphere. Recent renovations have modernized the look and feel of the gym, and the staff here have kept pace. The sound system is top-notch, and the proceedings are moved along with an emcee who keeps the volume and energy level up throughout the game. His counterpoint is the professional PA announcer, who will add the appropriate energy level to the proceedings while keeping the fans informed of the goings on.   The new video boards on either end of the gym are put to good use throughout the game with hype videos, replays, crowd cams, and more. There are giveaways, t-shirt tosses, and other contests to keep the casual fan involved. A student hit a half-court shot during Stadium Journey’s visit to win a $2,000 scholarship.   The student section is packed with rowdy students who come complete with their chants, songs, and routines designed to distract the opponent and entertain themselves. The pep band plays during stoppages and the cheerleaders perform and participate in the promotions. Johnathan the Husky roams the arena interacting with fans. Not content to let the students have all the fun, some UConn superfans get involved in the fun, leading cheers at designated times during the game. Neighborhood 3   The University of Connecticut is located in the village of Storrs, part of the town of Mansfield. Downtown Storrs is located just outside the entrance to campus. Storrs has a population of just over 15,000 residents, which pales in comparison to UConn’s enrollment of 32,000. It’s no surprise that the 4,000-acre UConn campus dominates this small town.   Visitors to Storrs can still find some solid dining options in town. After the game, head to the Mansfield Town Square, where Blaze Pizza, Dog Lane Café, and MOOYAH Burgers are located. Visitors looking for lodging options in town may want to look at the Graduate by Hilton or Spring Hill Inn. If you want more information about things to do in Storrs, check out DowntownStorrs.com .    Since there aren’t a ton of options near UConn, many fans coming to the area will move on to Hartford, located about a 30-minute drive to the west, or the twin casinos of Foxwoods and Mohegan Sun, located about 45 minutes to the southeast.    Fans 5   As you might imagine, demand for tickets for the two-time defending champions is high. For the 2023-24 season, the Huskies sold out 13 home games and boasted their highest average attendance since the 2005-06 season. Stadium Journey visited Storrs on a Saturday afternoon near the end of semester break and Gampel was filled to the rafters with crazed Husky fans. Even the student sections were packed, even though school was not yet back in session.   UConn basketball is the hottest ticket in the state, and fans are proud to call the Husky hoops teams their own. Fans are into the action in a big way, and Gampel can get loud when the Huskies are on a roll. You’ll be sure to find a mix of students, diehard UConn fans, alumni, and locals when you visit Storrs. Despite how hardcore the fanbase is here, this is a place where you can feel comfortable sporting the opposition colors.   Reported attendance for every game thus far in the 2024-25 season has been a sellout of 10,299, even for the so-called “lesser” games that generally drew smaller crowds in the past. Access 3   The University of Connecticut is located in rural Storrs, a small village located about a half-hour drive east of Hartford. Storrs is not directly served by any highways, so fans visiting Gampel Pavilion will have to navigate some country roads to reach campus. Interstate 84 runs about seven miles north of UConn. Complete driving directions to Gampel Pavilion can be found here .   Gampel Pavilion is located on the southwest edge of campus alongside UConn’s other athletic venues, including Tuscano Family Ice Forum , Elliot Ballpark ,  Marrone Stadium, and Burrell Field. Fans who have not been on campus in a while may be surprised by the changes in the area, as the baseball, softball, soccer, lacrosse, and hockey teams all have received new venues in recent years.    There is plenty of parking within a short distance of Gampel Pavilion for fans arriving by car. The South Garage is located right across the street from the arena, with several surface lots, and the larger North Garage is located about a five-minute walk down the street. Just be ready for a slow egress after the game.   Fans enter Gampel Pavilion through one of four entrances at each corner of the facility. Located near these entrances are concession stands and restrooms. There is a single small walkway located halfway up the seating bowl that circles the court. Fans can watch the action while moving around Gampel, but there is no room to stop and loiter here.   Lower-level seats at Gampel are individual blue folding stadium seats. One side of the upper-level seating consists of these same stadium seats, while the rest is made up of molded bleachers without backs. With Gampel’s small size, all seats are right on top of the action and offer excellent views of the court.   Getting around Gampel Pavilion can be difficult, particularly at halftime. Plan your trips around the arena carefully.   Return on Investment 2   With the high demand for UConn tickets and the smallish capacity at Gampel Pavilion, tickets can be difficult to come by. A quick scan of the UConn website shows ticket prices starting at $69 but with only single tickets available as of this writing in mid-January. A look at secondary ticket sites shows even the cheapest tickets starting at $90 and above. It looks like your best bet is to get tickets early on in the season.   Parking in the South Garage right across the street from Gampel Pavilion costs $20. We’ll assume the North Garage is priced similarly. Concessions prices at Husky hoops games are also a bit on the high side, especially when compared to other venues in the area. Extras 5                                                                                                 Gampel Pavilion is split evenly in half, with each side of the facility dedicated to one team. It’s refreshing (and only fair) to see the tremendous women’s program receiving its due here.   Recent renovations to the Gampel Pavilion have removed some of the clutter in the place and have modernized the displays of Husky hoop success. Check out the banners honoring national titles, Hall of Famers, UConn Ring of Honor members, and more.   J. Robert Donnelly Husky Heritage Sports Museum is located just a few minutes from Gampel Pavilion. It is billed as the ultimate destination for Husky fans. Click here  for more information.   UConn Bookstore – While there are no souvenir stands inside Gampel Pavilion (where would you put them?), the UConn Bookstore is right across the street. They have an extensive selection of Husky merchandise, with specials available every game day.   Stadium Journey’s top recommendation for any trip to Storrs is a visit to the UConn Dairy Bar. The Dairy Bar, operated entirely by students, has been in operation since 1953. All products are made fresh on-site. While enjoying your ice cream you can see the cows grazing in the adjacent fields.    Final Thoughts   For some reason, it feels like UConn and Gampel Pavilion get overlooked when people talk about the best college programs and venues in the country. Maybe it’s because no one thinks about New England as a college hoops hotbed. But if you’re planning a basketball Stadium Journey, Gampel should be on your shortlist. Gampel Pavilion combines the best of big-time college basketball with the best of small-town college life. ____   Follow Paul Baker’s stadium journeys on Twitter  and Instagram  @PuckmanRI.

Photos by Terry McCutchen, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.43 The Field House 2600 S. Neal Street Commerce, TX 75428 East Texas A&M Lions website The Field House website Year Opened: 1950 Capacity: 3,055 East Texas A&M University Men’s Basketball East Texas A&M University, formerly Texas A&M University-Commerce, is the fifth-oldest state college or university in Texas, having been founded in 1889. The school opened under the name East Texas Normal College as a training school for teachers in Cooper, Texas. After a fire destroyed the original campus, the school was relocated to its present-day location; the name was changed to East Texas State Normal College when it received full state funding in 1917. In 1923, the school again changed its name, this time to East Texas State Teachers College.   The school voted to remove the word Teachers from its name in 1957, then added university instead of college in 1965, becoming East Texas State University. In 1996, the school was voted into the Texas A&M system, thus becoming Texas A&M-Commerce – this name was used until November 2024, when the school became East Texas A&M to better connect with the region where most of its traditional students reside.   With an enrollment of 11,500 in 2023, this is the third-largest university in the Texas A&M University System. Located in Commerce, which is on the northeast corner of the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex and only 60 miles from downtown Dallas, most of the current student body hails from either the metroplex or one of many small towns in northeast Texas.   ETAMU’s mascot is the Lions, and the school sponsors twelve varsity sports, which have competed since 2022-23 at the NCAA Division I level in the Southland Conference; previously the sports teams had been members of the Lone Star Conference for most of their history. The men’s basketball team was formed in 1916 and won the first of over 20 conference championships in 1931 – they won the NAIA National title in the 1954-55 season and have made the national tournament 19 times.   The home of Lion basketball is The Field House. Built in 1950, The Field House is designed in the shape of an airplane hangar and covers over 69,000 square feet, most of which is continuous hardwood flooring set up to accommodate multiple basketball and volleyball courts. The Quonset-shaped building is quite a contrast to the rest of campus, which is mostly an expanse of new, modern buildings made of brick, lots of glass, and state-of-the-art architecture. With moveable stands, the massive open space and 58’ 58-foot ceilings in The Field House can host five full-court basketball games at the same time. Rumor has it this is the largest non-stop hardwood floor west of the Mississippi River; it is unique and a peek back into a time long past.   Food & Beverage   3 Concessions in The Field House are unspectacular but do offer many of the basic items you have come to expect – food choices include hot dogs, nachos, popcorn, pretzels, assorted chips, and candy, while drinks include Powerade, water, Coca-Cola products, and Dr Pepper. Alcoholic beverages available include Bud Light, Michelob Ultra, White Claw, Beatbox Wine, Dallas Blonde, and local lager Tupp’s Bold Gold.   There is only one concession window with one or two workers, but that is sufficient. The only time there may be a wait longer than one or two people in line is during half-time. Prices are a little higher than what is expected for this level of play, with drinks costing between $4.75 and $7 and snacks costing between $3 and $6, except for nachos which are $7.50, and Beatbox Wine which is $8.   Atmosphere   4 Basketball games inside The Field House are entertaining for all ages. Because the school is located in a smaller community, the NCAA D-I athletics contests are consistently the top entertainment option around here. The Lions are supported by a cheer squad, a dance team, a pep band, and fans of all ages from Commerce and the surrounding towns.   On one end of the gymnasium, there are two large inflatables for children to play on before and during games – the inflatables are within eyesight of the visitor stands and one end of the home stands. When I asked if these were set up at all home games, the gentleman from the inflatables company stated that they were, and said this allows their kids to play so the adults can enjoy the game.   There are crowd participation games that take place during long stoppages of play, and there is also half-time entertainment – at the game I most recently attended there was a game of “basketball” musical chairs involving several children, followed by a scrimmage involving a couple youth basketball teams. All the activities planned created an environment where there was very little downtime when there was no action on the court.   Neighborhood   3 East Texas A&M is located in the northeast Texas community of Commerce. Commerce has a population of approximately 10,000, one of the smallest university towns in the state of Texas. Being in such a small town the college is the center of activity, as well as the largest employer and biggest attraction in the region.   If driving into town from the Dallas area via Highway 24, the main entrance to campus greets you as you enter town. Most of the buildings seen from the road are new and built using sustainable techniques that meet Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) certification.   The area across Highway 24 from the university consists of convenience stores, fast food restaurants, and major chain stores that reside in Commerce. The neighborhoods that surround ETAMU include a mixture of apartment complexes and modest single-family homes, as well as small duplexes and other rental properties. Within a half mile of campus sit historic, century-old houses that were original to the city. At games during Christmas break, before the start of the spring semester, there is not much life on or around the campus.   If looking for a meal before or after the game, there are a few restaurant choices in town – Luigi’s Italian Restaurant and Lone Star Eatery Grill & Bar are both across the street from campus, while Lulu’s Burgers  and Mariscos del Golfo  are both just a few minutes’ drive away. Fast food establishments across the street from ETAMU include Braum’s, Chicken Express, Sonic, McDonald’s, and Domino's.   For a small town, Commerce has just a few viable hotel options, which include Magnuson Hotel , Lion’s Den Extended Stay , and The Yellow Rose of Texas . Hotels in Greenville, a short 20-minute drive away along Interstate 30, include Hampton Inn & Suites , Best Western Plus Monica Royale , and Comfort Inn & Suites , among others. Sulphur Springs is 30 minutes away along I-30 as well and also has multiple hotel options. In addition, if you are coming from the north Paris and Sherman are both within an hour’s drive, and both have plenty of accommodations to choose from.   Fans   4 Lions fans are a loyal and supportive group; this loyalty is displayed by cheering during the game, led mainly by the pep band, cheerleaders, and the student section. The support led by these three groups goes deeper than just simple cheering, however, as there are also organized chants for specific actions by the opponents. For example, after an opponent substitution, the crowd will count the steps of the player heading to the bench until he is seated, at which time they all yell at top volume, “SIT DOWN!”. Also among the fans are groups of youth basketball teams from surrounding areas, as well as older adults – at a recent game I attended there were three different youth basketball teams in attendance.   Access   3 The Field House at East Texas A&M is easily accessible, sitting on the north end of campus just one block east of TX-24. It sits behind Memorial Stadium, easily visible – just look for the enormous maroon Quonset hut-style building that looks like an airplane hangar. Parking is plentiful, with a large lot extending from the football stadium past the gym, allowing fans to park within a short walk of the entrance. There is no charge for parking, which is an added benefit.   Return On Investment   3 All tickets inside The Field House are general admission, costing $10 or $15 depending on how high in the stands you prefer to sit. A limited number of courtside seats are also available for $30. In addition, once conference games begin in late December, there is at least one men’s and women’s doubleheader against the same opponent for one ticket price.   Concession prices are slightly more here than at most comparable-sized schools, but this is offset by free parking and the no-cost children’s play area.   Extras   3 Free parking within steps of The Field House is worth extra recognition; most schools have prioritized and monetized prime parking spots, so the sacrifice of this income for general public parking is well appreciated.   The unique, historic building that is The Field House provides a memorable game experience – while void of many modern amenities, the gym is a step back in time and a reminder that this is not professional basketball, but a game being played by college students.   What the pep band adds to the atmosphere during the game is worth an extra shout-out; the choreographed chants directed at the opposing team are entertaining, and also help to give some home-court advantage to the Lions.   Final Thoughts East Texas A&M Lion basketball, as a member of the Southland Conference, provides a quality game experience. The game day activities are sure to entertain fans of all ages. Considering The Field House is a venerable edifice, an afternoon or evening spent on the campus of ETAMU is well worth the time invested.   Though there are no current plans in place that I am aware of, I would suggest putting a trip to the northeast Texas campus near the top of my basketball bucket list, to avoid missing a game in the historic Field House.

Photos by Dave Cottenie, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.29 EverBank Stadium 1 Everbank Stadium Dr. Jacksonville, FL 32202 Taxslayer Gator Bowl website TIAA Bank Field website Year Opened: 1995 Capacity: 67,814 80 Years of Gator Bowl Of the plethora of end-of-the-season NCAA College Football Bowl Games, the Gator Bowl stands out as one of the longest-tenured.  Established in 1946, the Gator Bowl enjoyed its 80th edition in 2025.  Normally played after the hustle and bustle of the New Year's Day games, the Gator Bowl has been a staple in Jacksonville, Florida, and is among the most prestigious of the second-tier Bowl games. Since 2012 the title sponsor for the game has been TaxSlayer.com and there was even a short tenure when the bowl was titled the TaxSlayer Bowl.  The game currently features teams from the SEC, Big Ten, and/or ACC.  The 2025 edition pitted the Duke Blue Devils against the Ole Miss Rebels. Home for the TaxSlayer Gator Bowl is EverBank Stadium in Jacksonville, home of the NFL’s Jacksonville Jaguars.  Built in 1995, EverBank Stadium replaced Gator Bowl Stadium and was built for the NFL.  EverBank Stadium is due for a $1.4 billion renovation and should be ready for the 2028 NFL season.  For the TaxSlayer Gator Bowl, the field is renamed the Bill Gay Grounds, making the official home of the Gator Bowl, Bill Gay Grounds @ EverBank Stadium.  Bill Gay was the founder of W.W. Gay Mechanical Contractors Inc. and the former chair of the Gator Bowl Association. Food & Beverage 3 The concession selections at EverBank Stadium are okay, but not over the top for an NFL facility.  The majority of items fans will find on the menus are typical stadium fare including burgers, hot dogs, popcorn, chicken tenders, pizza, and fries.  There are several stands in the main concourse that serve alcoholic beverages and the beer selection is focused on major domestic brands.  Coca-Cola products are the soft drink of choice here and there are a few spots with self-serve options. Atmosphere 3 The main entrances for EverBank Stadium are from the east and west.  The west entrance is the most significant as it has the largest gathering area in front and the statue of the Jaguar for the NFL team.  The exterior gives off 1990s-era vibes with huge ramps visible from the outside.  It is not unattractive and there is some glass at the main west entrance.  Before heading to the stadium, checking out the Jacksonville Veterans Memorial Wall on the west side is a good plan.  The Gator Bowl makes good use of the facilities in the area.  Flex Field is the practice facility for the Jags and hosts the pregame tailgate, which is free for fans to enter.  Once inside, fans can head to Daisy’s Place, the covered pavilion that is home to the pre-game pep rallies for each team.  There is little in the way of markings for the Gator Bowl inside the stadium, and it is clear to fans that this is the home of the Jacksonville Jaguars.  Inside the seating bowl, fans will find two tiers of seating, with a massive lower level.  For the 2025 edition of the Gator Bowl, the upper deck was closed off.  The field runs from south to north, and the best spot for the 50-yard line logo photo is from the west.  However, when choosing seats, fans will want to do some research and ensure that they are on the side of the team that they are supporting.  It is not critical but will aid in the enjoyment of the game for fans who have a horse in the race.  At the north and south ends, there are massive video boards, which are used well throughout the game and are crystal clear.  There is a small pool that is glassed in at the upper level of the north end, but it was not in use for the 2025 game.  The seats are ready for replacement as they are faded and from a vintage where making seats smaller and cramming more in was the order of the day. The gameday atmosphere at the Gator Bowl is solid.  The pregame tailgate is in the Flex Field practice facility across the parking lot.  Fans who enjoy the school bands will love this game as the bands perform three times, once each at the pep rally in Daisy’s Place, pre-game, and halftime.  Other events take place during the week that are part of the Gator Bowl festivities.  A 5K race and pep rallies at Jacksonville Beach are highlights of the week’s events. Neighborhood 4 EverBank Stadium is located in Downtown Jacksonville.  There are a number of spots for fans who want some pre or post game food or drink.  Intuition Ale Works, Tailgate Bar & Grill, Flavorikan, All American JAX, Chart House, Southern Grill and Avenue Gril are all options.  There are other sporting options in Jacksonville and some may even coincide with the Gator Bowl.  EverBank Stadium is also the home of the Jacksonville Jaguars .  Just west on Adams Street are VyStar Ballpark and VyStar Veterans Memorial Arena, homes of the Jacksonville Jumbo Shrimp  and Jacksonville Icemen  respectively.  UNF Ospreys  basketball or JU Dolphins  basketball may also be of interest for fans.  Other tourist attractions in Jacksonville include the Fairgrounds, USS Orleck Naval Museum, MOSH museum and Southbank Riverwalk.  Jacksonville Beach is also a good option.  For fans wishing to stay near the stadium, the Hyatt Regency Jacksonville is a good option. Fans 3 Second tier bowl games are often dependent on the matchup that they can secure.  The Gator Bowl is no different.  The 2025 version of the game featured the Duke Blue Devils and the Ole Miss Rebels.  The attendance for the game was just over 31,000.  This was well below what would be considered a normal Gator Bowl crowd.  This lead to the upper deck being completely empty.   Access 4 EverBank Stadium is located in Downtown Jacksonville, just north of St. John’s River and encircled by Gator Bowl Blvd. The junction of Highway 115 and Highway 1 is just north of the area and I-95 is about 3.5 km to the west.  Getting to the area, therefore, is not that difficult.  There are a number of surface parking lots in the area.  Pre-Purchasing parking using a parking app is a good idea, especially for fans from out of town.   For fans who wish to take public transit, there are buses on AP Randolph Blvd.  Fans should consult the Jacksonville Transit Authority  website for fares, schedules and maps.  Getting around the stadium is not terribly difficult, although the concourses are a bit on the narrow side.  The washroom facilities are adequate at the stadium. Return on Investment 3 Tickets for the TaxSlayer Gator Bowl start at $50 and go up to $165.  When purchasing bowl game tickets, patience is a virtue and the secondary market can offer good deals closer to the game, especially if the matchup is not involving high demand teams.  Concession prices are what one would expect and parking will cost some money.  The gameday atmosphere at the Gator Bowl is great and fans will definitely enjoy the experience. Extras 3 An extra mark for the longevity of the Gator Bowl, with the 2025 edition marking the 80th Anniversary of the game. An extra mark for the charities that the Gator Bowl foundation has donated money to. An extra mark for the 2010 edition of the Gator Bowl, which marked the final game in iconic Florida State Coach Bobby Bowden’s career. Final Thoughts The longevity of the TaxSlayer Gator Bowl shows that the organizers must be doing something right.  Although a second tier bowl game, fans will still enjoy the atmosphere at Bill Gay Grounds @ EverBank Stadium.  It will be interesting to see what the future holds for the Gator Bowl once the renovation of EverBank Stadium commences.  The game will temporarily be bumped to a different site and will definitely offer a different atmosphere upon its return to Jacksonville. Follow all of Dave’s sporting adventures on YouTube , Twitter , Threads  and Instagram @profan9.

Facing a $24 million budget deficit for the upcoming fiscal year, Sonoma State University, a public university that is part of the California State University System, announced a slew of budget cuts last week, including the cessation of all eleven of its sports programs at the end of the 2024-25 academic year. The cuts were announced via email by University administrators with virtually no notice to the student body or staff. In the email, administrators stated the cuts were being made to “best serve its current and future students and adapt to a changing higher education landscape.” In addition to the entire athletic department, more than 60 other employees will be losing their jobs. The art history, dance, earth and environmental sciences, economics, French, gender studies, philosophy, theater and women’s studies programs are all being eliminated. Administration pointed to a decade-long decline in enrollment and a resulting loss of tuition, scholarships and grants as a main reason for the budget deficit and need for cuts. The school’s current enrollment stands at under 8,000 students, including both undergraduate and graduate students. Sonoma State athletics has enjoyed some success over the years, winning national titles in women’s soccer in 1990, men’s soccer in 2002 and men’s golf in 2009. Five Sonoma State alumni have reached Major League Baseball (Marshall Brant, Daniel Barone, Tommy Everidge, O’Koyea Dickson and Scott Alexander). Pro Football Hall of Famer Larry Allen attended Sonoma State. Seawolves teams have competed in 105 NCAA Division II Tournaments across 13 sports in their history. In the week since the announcement, there have been actions taken by people trying to save jobs and programs at the school. A complaint has been filed with the Office of Civil Rights, claiming that the school’s decision targets minority students unfairly. The Athletic Department at Sonoma State is more diverse than the student body at large. Meanwhile, affected students try to figure out what happens next, while trying to hold on to what they’ve built at Sonoma State. "On one hand, we're trying to get them somewhere else, but on the other hand we're asking them to fight and that's a lot to put on them," said assistant soccer coach Benjamin Ziemer. "It takes commitment from our family and our friends to get us the opportunity to go to college, and to have that take from athletes and non-athletes alike, it just breaks my heart because I know probably a good amount of those students are not going to be able to go to college again somewhere else," said Joseph Sotelo, a golfer and third-year student.

Photos by David Welch, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.29 Ramsey Center 92 Catamount Road Cullowhee, NC 28723 Western Carolina Catamounts website Ramsey Center website Year Opened: 1986 Capacity: 7,826 Catamount Country Basketball has been played at Western Carolina University since 1928 when it was a junior college. Just a year later, the school would be chartered as a four-year teacher’s college named Western Carolina Teacher’s College. Originally playing as members of what is now the Conference Carolinas starting in 1930, Western Carolina would continue this partnership until 1969 when they left the NAIA ranks to join NCAA’s Division I. After starting their transition as an independent program for the 1969-70 season, the Catamounts have played as members of the Southern Conference since 1977. The highlight of Western Carolina basketball likely came in 1963 when the Catamounts advanced to the NAIA national championship game before losing to Texas Pan-American. 1996 would see another major high-water mark in Catamount basketball history, as the team won the Southern Conference tournament and advanced to their only NCAA Tournament appearance in school history. The 16 seeded Catamounts would give the number 1 seeded Purdue Boilermakers all they could handle, before falling in the final minutes by a score of 73-71. Western Carolina basketball has had three on-campus homes, first playing at Breese Gym which was a product of the Works Progress Act of the New Deal in 1939, until that venue was replaced by Reid Gym in 1956. Reid Gym would be home to Western Carolina basketball for 30 years until it was replaced with today’s home, Liston B. Ramsey Regional Activity Center. All three of these facilities are still in use on campus.   Food & Beverage   3 Concessions are available both on the concourse and on the court level. Options are a bit on the limited side, but the staples are taken care of – hot dogs, personal sized pizzas, jumbo pretzels, and nachos with cheese sauce are available, along with the familiar candy, popcorn, and chips. Both alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages are offered. Soft drinks are from the Pepsi family, as is bottled water and Gatorade. A handful of hard seltzers and teas, as well as wine, are also available. Typical nationally recognized beers are offered, as are Sierra Nevada's’ Hazy Little Thing and the Western Carolina Catamount-branded Paws Pilsner.   Atmosphere   3 Ramsey Center is a multi-use facility that hosts concerts, graduations, and other large events, so it is considerably larger than the typical crowd basketball might draw. The upper levels of seating are tarped off, which helps to concentrate more fans around the court itself, while student seating runs the entirety of the seating bowl behind the team benches; both of these go a long way in creating as much of a home court advantage as possible. The seats here are colored with a gradient pattern that emulates the setting mountain sun, which does a good job bringing the personality of the western Carolina mountains into the Ramsey Center. In a bit of subtlety, the interior lighting also creates a purple hue as the backdrop for the arena. A four-sided overhead scoreboard shows a video feed of the game; despite the screens being a bit on the smaller size, they fit the size of the Ramsey Center perfectly. A secondary screen at one end of the court provides individual player statistics, but it uses a screencast computer display which can be a bit busy to sort through. Alternatively, the opposite walls of the seating area have more traditional, time-score-foul scoreboards. In a bit of a throwback to a past era of college basketball, the Cathouse pep band is a featured part of breaks in the action at Ramsey Center, and while popular music still has its place as part of the game experience, the Cathouse band really dominates the time during stoppages in play. Many breaks in the action are filled with on-court games involving both students and members of the general fan base. Though some of the games are what might be found at many other sporting events, a handful are unique twists on old favorites. In all, the game is a fun experience that just seems to be missing the air of excitement that consistency in the win column would bring. Over the past two decades, the Catamounts have struggled to string together consecutive winning seasons, with just two during that period – the atmosphere is right for a truly electric experience that comes with consistent winning. With four coaches since 2017, though, being able to build a stable program appears to have been a challenge; such is life for small school programs, whose coaches who are often poached by schools in larger conferences following a successful run.   Neighborhood   3 On campus, Ramsey Center is in the Western Carolina University concentration of athletic facilities. The eastern concourse of the arena overlooks the adjacent Bob Waters Field at E.J. Whitmore Stadium , home of Catamounts’ football. The town of Cullowhee is nearly exclusively made up of Western Carolina University, so there are a limited number of places to grab a bite to eat near campus. One stop might be Rogers Bros., whose menu is typical pub grub, while Nobel Residence Hall on Centennial Drive houses a selection of options, such as Chili’s and Subway, along with a taproom for local Innovation Brewing. The neighboring town of Sylva has a larger selection of restaurants, both chain and locally owned, as well as the main brewing operations for Innovation Brewing. Throughout the winter months, the Tuckaseegee River is a popular spot for fly fishing. The area is also known for its numerous waterfalls through nearby Cashiers, Franklin, and Highlands. In addition, the Blue Ridge Parkway that runs just west of Cullowhee is known for its picturesque drives. Though Cullowhee itself might not have an abundance of stops to fill the time before or after a game, the area has plenty of options to make a full day of a trip to Catamounts basketball.   Fans   3 Crowds at Ramsey Center do tend to be a bit on the smaller size, averaging roughly 1,800 fans per game; this puts the Catamounts in the lower half of the Southern Conference in terms of attendance overall. Students do their part showing up to support Catamounts basketball – a line for students starts forming more than an hour before the doors open. While students fill much of the seating behind the benches, however, they tend to be a bit more reserved in their enthusiasm, other than a cluster of them at center court. Credit should be given, though, to the Catamounts pep band and their efforts to create a home court atmosphere. Support for the basketball program seems to be split evenly between students and alumni/community members.   Access   3 With no direct interstate access in the immediate vicinity, Cullowhee, North Carolina is not a town that one would just happen upon while passing through the area. The town is most readily accessible from the south via US Highway 23, or from northern points by way of US-74. The mountainous nature of its surroundings also limits the number of roads leading to Cullowhee. Parking is available in close proximity to Ramsey Center, with surface lots concentrated on the west and northwestern sides of the arena – both of these lots are just a short walk across the street. A large parking garage is also found to the south. Inside the facility, an exterior concourse runs around the entirety of the arena and is wide enough to make navigation pretty easy. The top of the seating area is also wide enough to allow fans to move to almost any other part of the arena without losing their view of the court – this set up is a small, but nice feature that helps simplify getting around the arena.   Return on Investment   4 Online tickets for Catamounts basketball games start at $11 for adults and $6 for children. A $3 fee is added to online ticket purchases, so you should factor in roughly $15 per ticket when you attend. Concessions prices at Ramsey Center are as forgiving as you will probably find at any other college basketball arena; given these low costs, the primary factor in terms of return on investment may simply be the time associated with traveling to Cullowhee.   Extras   4 Catamount mascot Paws is an active part of the game experience – the purple accented mountainous feline makes its way around the stands, helping lead the rounds of the Western Carolina fight song, stopping for photos, and assisting with on-court contests. The wall of the southwest entry point displays the story of Henry Logan, who became the first Black intercollegiate athlete in the state of North Carolina in 1968. Logan was a four-time NAIA All-American and still holds the school record for points in a game (60), points in a season (1,049), and career scoring average (30.7). Logan also led the nation in scoring as a senior, averaging 36.2 ppg. The rafters of Ramsey Center recognize the retired numbers of Catamount legends, as well as the accomplishments of the teams that call the venue home, namely men’s and women’s basketball, and volleyball. One banner of note that hangs amongst the Catamounts retired numbers is one recognizing Ronnie Carr, who made the first three-point basket in college basketball history. Western Carolina also might display the largest American flag in all of college basketball during the singing of the National Anthem ; just prior to the start of the song, a massive flag unfurls at the visiting end of the floor, an impressive display of patriotism.   Final Thoughts Western Carolina does a good job at taking what could easily feel like a dated facility and bringing a modern feel to it, helping to create a comfortable college basketball atmosphere that nicely complements the game on the court. But the experience goes beyond just the comfort of the arena – there also seems to be a special connection between the athletic program here and the surrounding community. Unlike larger schools with massive followings, Western Carolina appears to have a deep emotional bond with its students, alumni, and community members; this close-knit relationship helps makes the game experience truly special, going beyond just the action on the court.

Photos by Chris Green, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.71 Ocean Bank Convocation Center 11200 Southwest 8th Street Miami, FL 33199 Florida International Golden Panthers website Ocean Bank Convocation Center website Year Opened: 1986 Capacity: 5,000 College Basketball in Miami’s ‘Burbs FIU basketball isn’t exactly steeped in historic excellence – known more for their hiring and firing of Isiah Thomas as their head coach a decade ago than for consistent winning, the FIU program has had a rough go of it the last few years. Ironically, the team’s facility seems to show the same dreary emotion; in an arena that looks state-of-the-art from the outside and in the lobby, the reality of what awaits inside is rather disappointing. The exterior and lobby are a result of a facelift that makes the venue initially welcoming, akin to that of the Tampa Bay Rays. While the program is doing the best with what they have, however, it clearly shows its age and deficiencies.   Food & Beverage   3 There isn’t anything spectacular about the Ocean Bank Convocation Center concession stands, nor is there anything inherently bad. Food is not very expensive either; cheeseburgers cost $9, hot dogs are $8, and salted pretzels are $7, while treats like candy ($3), and chips ($3), cotton candy ($6), and ice cream ($8) are also available. Drinks are $4 for water, soda, or Gatorade, but you can also find lemonade ($3) and Celsius ($8). Beer ranges from $8 to $9.   Atmosphere   2 The best thing here is the unique floor design that FIU’s court features – with waves crashing onto a beach on one side and tropical palm trees on the other, the floor definitely stands out. That, however, is where the uniqueness ends. The arena echoes a lot with poor acoustics, so the little noise that is made by the few fans in attendance is amplified, oddly making it seem even more empty. Also, the extremely old lighting in the rafters hums loudly whenever it is turned on, making the arena feel every bit of its nearly 40 years of age. The upper stands were rarely ever opened all the way for fans, and in recent years have been completely folded back into themselves, creating seating only in the bottom-most sections. The blue folding seats have seen an upgrade in recent years, but still remind you more of old high school gymnasium seating than Conference USA college basketball, and the entire inside of the arena seems old, stuck in the midst of the 1980s. In fact, it’s hard to tell any difference between now and when the arena was used for the filming of an episode of Miami Vice, thanks to the wood paneling used for the end zone and upper-level seating sections. The upper concourse is no longer open to the public due to the small size of the crowds, so fans enter at the ground floor and continue into the arena through the ground floor instead of walking up to their seats. The nicest part of the arena is the exterior of the main entrance, which is complete with new entry doors, ticket booths, landscaping, and a statue of a Florida Panther, while the second floor features suites that are available but rarely used.   Neighborhood   3 FIU’s arena is located on campus, which makes it convenient to attend for students. Unlike stadiums in the middle of a city, though, there is a sense of security on campus, as you are seemingly separated from the rest of the neighborhood around it. However, there still remains the issue of how that surrounding neighborhood looks, and it isn’t exactly the best in Miami. However, upgrades have come to the Sweetwater area in recent years, thankfully, making it better. While Sweetwater is a town known locally for its political corruption and severe street flooding during hurricanes, a recent increase in restaurants and high-rise apartments across from campus has meant that the immediate area looks better than before. Put a college campus in the middle of it, and you have FIU. The campus itself is growing by the day, with new construction all over the place and new buildings popping up. Ocean Bank Convocation Center is on the far west end of campus, situated in a corner near FIU’s tennis courts and a parking garage. Very few hotels are nearby, making the idea of an overnight trip hard if you want to stay close to the action.   Fans   2 It is hard to get really excited about college basketball when few fans show up. Most students who do show up only stay for part of the game, often coming and going throughout the evening – few are actually passionate fans who follow the progress of the team on a game-by-game basis. Some student athletes do attend to support friends on the team, but that also is on an “as I was passing by” basis. One of the most disappointing things is the fact that the arena, as old as it is, looks even more so without fans, and the lack of excitement and electricity in the facility is hard to ignore during college basketball games.   Access   3 Getting to any stadium at FIU isn’t too hard, but traffic can sometimes be problematic. As is typical in Miami, traffic backs up right around the exits nearest FIU’s campus on a daily basis. If you find yourself hoping to get to a game and rush hour happens to have lasted a little longer that day, you may be in for a late arrival. That said, plan accordingly and give yourself more time than you think you’ll need – the campus is right off Florida’s Turnpike.   Return on Investment   3 Tickets for FIU basketball start at just $8 for general admission seating, and go up to $10 for assigned seats. Courtside seats are impressively priced at just $60, a steal for college basketball in a big market. Parking is plentiful nearby in school lots (Lot 10) and garages (Panther Garage 3), both of which offer parking which can be paid for using your phone. The investment in a ticket, travel, and concessions may be affordable in terms of what you get back, but there simply isn’t anything to get overly excited about here – for the same amount of money and investment of time and travel, one could travel to the eastern side of Miami for another NCAA basketball experience that far outperforms FIU in a better location, or you could go north to Boca Raton for an FAU basketball game .   Extras   3 There are often giveaways to students and fans at FIU basketball games, and that is never a bad thing.  FIU’s mascot Roary is also a frequent visitor to games, mingling with fans and trying to pump up the energy. Lastly, the FIU dance team, cheerleaders, and band are always on hand to liven up the experience, including the use of a spiral wheel and inflatable mascots to distract visiting free throw shooters.   Final Thoughts FIU basketball is doing the best they can with what they have been given. The face lift to the arena was much needed, and has improved the fan experience, but not by much. Unfortunately, a lack of success on the court, mixed with not having a rich history, means this program is often overlooked and skipped by fans in the over-saturated sports market that is Miami.

Photos by Richard Smith, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.29 Goldfarb Gymnasium University Parkway Baltimore MD 21218 Johns Hopkins Blue Jays website Goldfarb Gymnasium website Year Opened: 1965 Capacity: 550 Gold for the Blue Jays Johns Hopkins University is often known for its successful lacrosse programs but it has many sports teams that are very successful. The university was named after its first benefactor, the American entrepreneur, abolitionist, and philanthropist Johns Hopkins. And yes, his name was “Johns”, not “John.” Don’t look like an outsider by pronouncing it wrong. The university is one of the most recognized colleges in America. Thirty-six Nobel Laureates have been affiliated with Johns Hopkins over the years. Famous departments in the university include the Krieger School of Arts and Sciences, the Whiting School of Engineering, the Peabody Institute, the Applied Physics Laboratory, and the Bloomberg School of Public Health. There are also, of course, world-famous affiliated medical hospital campuses as well. The Johns Hopkins University’s sports teams are called the Blue Jays. Most of their teams are Division III and are members of the Centennial Conference, while lacrosse is Division I and plays in the Big Ten. Fencing competes in the Mid-Atlantic Collegiate Fencing Association and the Eastern Women’s Fencing Conference. Goldfarb Gymnasium opened in 1965 and is home to the Blue Jay men's and women's basketball, volleyball, wrestling, and men's and women's fencing teams. Food & Beverage 1 There are no permanent food stands inside of Goldfarb Gymnasium. You should be able to find a vending machine for a quick drink or snack, but you should plan for anything more. Atmosphere 4 Goldfarb Gymnasium is part of the Newton H. White building. There is a nice videoboard, as well as a couple of other scoreboards. It is a bit hard to keep up with the action as so much is happening at the same time. The gym is very small, smaller than many high school gyms. Only half of the seating is used for fencing and may even be only half pushed out even then. You may have to stand to watch the action. Fencing will also likely use the auxiliary gym next door as well as the main Goldfarb Gym. The auxiliary gym has no fixed seating. Because of its small size, both gyms can get very loud. Neighborhood 4 The University is located in the Charles Village and Homewood neighborhoods of Baltimore. There are numerous bars and restaurants in the Charles Village area where Hopkins is located, such as THB Bagels, Gertrude’s at the BMA, and One World Café. The Baltimore Museum of Art, or BMA, is located right next door to campus. Try and stop by and see some of the great masters of the art. It is a real treasure of a museum. And it makes quite a unique pre-game ritual. Baltimore is a great metropolitan city, with many fun and exciting places to spend time both before and after a game. Relatively close to the university is the Mt. Washington neighborhood that straddles I-83 South (known as the Jones Falls Expressway, or the JFX, by locals). The Mt. Washington Tavern is an excellent restaurant with both a fine food and bar food type of menu. The place is large, and there always seems to be room for more. Parking is the biggest problem here, so it would be worth paying the nominal valet charges. There is a Doubletree Hotel located across the street from the university. Right down the street is Miss Shirley’s Café on West Cold Spring Lane. Their fried green tomatoes are quite tasty. They are also quite well known for their breakfast offerings. Also close to Johns Hopkins is the Hampden neighborhood, with its variety of quirky shops and restaurants. Fans 4 The venue is small but you cannot underestimate the fans and the atmosphere they bring to the game. Access 3 The university is not far from the Jones Falls Expressway (I-83). Take the Coldspring Lane exit east and go south on Roland Avenue and it is a short drive to the university. There is paid parking around the campus. Parking may be free on weekends but that varies depending on other events happening on campus. Return on Investment 4 There is no charge to attend regular-season games at Goldfarb Gymnasium. The biggest cost of attendance will be parking, which will vary greatly depending on the day or time. Extras 3 The JHU Hall of Fame in the lobby will show the storied history of the lacrosse program, as well as other teams on campus. The Baltimore Museum of Art is a great place. The highlight of the museum is the Cone Collection. That collection includes works by artists including Matisse, Picasso, Cézanne, Manet, Degas, Gauguin, Van Gogh, and Renoir. Check out the hallway behind the gym and you will see even more history and successes of past Blue Jay teams, not just the ones in the Hall of Fame section. Final Thoughts Goldfarb Gymnasium is a small venue, but watching a cool sport such as fencing, as well as the low cost, you might want to stop in while in the Baltimore area.

For writer Matt Caputo, hockey heaven isn't in Montreal, Edmonton or Boston. It's in Danbury, Connecticut, which is about ninety minutes north of NYC and an hour south of Hartford. Caputo, an adjunct professor at Western Connecticut, is the Damon Runyon of Danbury hockey. Most recently, for the New York Post , Caputo wrote about the first Hawaiian male to play professional hockey . "The Flyin' Hawaiian" plays for the Danbury Hat Tricks, Danbury's current minor league team. You might be familiar with Danbury from the very entertaining Netflix documentary, Crimes and Penalties. A cross between  Slap Shot and The Sopranos, the doc chronicles the trials and tribulations of the Danbury Trashers, the now defunct ultra-popular minor league team. Matt took a few moments to discuss his passion for Danbury hockey and a few other fun things. STADIUM JOURNEY: So, what made you go all in on Danbury hockey? Describe the magic. MATT CAPUTO: Before I get into that, I want to thank you for the invitation to chat with Stadium Journey. I’m in awe of everything the site does to support true sports fans. Being a frequent reader, this is so humbling. To answer your question, I was 25 years old and working at the New York Daily News and a former editor there, Bruce Diamond, tapped me on the shoulder - very much like a hockey coach might - and asked me if I’d be interested in trying out for a new Brooklyn-based pro hockey team playing at the Aviator Sports Center at Floyd Bennett Field. The thing was, I hadn’t played hockey in over a decade and even though I had absolutely no equipment, I told Bruce I’d go try out for the team that Sunday. The next day, a buddy drove me all over Brooklyn to find new equipment and my first pair of hockey skates in ages. I skated around a bit, tried some drills, but the whole thing was crazy. The league, the Northeast Professional Hockey League (NEPHL), was a mess from the start. The season started with three teams, and it was a disaster. Danbury wasn’t in the league, but during the tryout, I learned that the city had evolved into this low-level minor league hockey hot bed in the wake of the Trashers. After the Trashers, people kept trying to start low-level leagues with Danbury as the anchor location of the circuit. When the NEPHL folded, Brooklyn joined the newly forming Federal Hockey League where the Danbury Whalers would take the ice. I knew Danbury from having gone to college there for one year back in 2002-2003, and as I started driving up there to check out games, I realized the community had been deeply impacted by the independent pro hockey culture. Eventually, I convinced a great editor I worked with at Penthouse , John Bolster, to let me write a story that focused on the Danbury Whalers and the lives of the players, staff and fans. I spent a long weekend wandering around the city and hanging out in the rink. I found the people there to have been deeply impacted by the pro hockey tradition that started with the Trashers. I wanted to write about how something so far from the spectacle of big-league sports could fill hearts and win minds. Danbury hockey might not be the stuff of the New York Rangers, but there’s no convincing the local fans that the NHL is more important. So, Penthouse  was sold in a sealed plastic bag at newsstands and bookstores so that you couldn’t just look through the mag and check out the article. It was a shame because people knew about it but could not find it in most cases. The story never appeared online. Late last year, I worked with Dominick Alessandro – a graphic designer and artist who created the Trashers logo and has worked with corporate clients like Pepsi, Colgate and Goya – to re-release the article as a limited edition zine. The first 50 sold raised $1,000 for the Danbury Hat Tricks Booster Club. We brought the story out for its 10-year anniversary. It’s available on Etsy. In 2021, the Trashers documentary, Untold: Crimes and Penalties , came out on Netflix, and I wrote a story for Connecticut   Magazine that aimed at bringing people up to date with the story of Danbury hockey. It was like the Penthouse story but set in the 2021-2022 season. I have also written stories about or related to Danbury hockey for the New York Post and The Hockey News . Right then, I decided I was going to write a book about the Hat Tricks. I went on a few road trips at the end of that season, but ultimately set the book during the next season, wherein Danbury won it all. I pretended to be the equipment manager for the Hat Tricks and rode along for most of the road games the second half the year and mingled with the fans at home games all season. We’re looking for a publisher. STADIUM JOURNEY: Why should someone put the Danbury Ice Arena on their stadium bucket list? What's so special? MATT CAPUTO:  The first thing that comes to mind is the intimacy of the venue itself. There are a lot of great views of the ice. When the Federal League started, Danbury Arena was probably the biggest venue in the league and today it’s one of the smallest. Still, I think every team in the league would rather own a building with a capacity for 2,500 people than rent a much larger venue like other teams do. In Danbury, we’re right on top of the action. The fans sitting in Section 102 have full-on conversations and arguments with players from the other team. This season, an opposing coach threw a water bottle at those fans. During the championship season, I often sat in Section 200 – across from the bleachers – where we the fans are merciless in their pursuit of chirping the opposition. One night, Donnie Olivieri of the Binghamton Black Bears was waiting for the puck to drop. I decided that uttering the “You’re out of your element, Donnie” line from The Big Lebowski would be appropriate, but it backfired. Olivieri scored right off the faceoff and pointed right up at me, placing his index finger over his lips to symbolize that he’d silenced the crowd. STADIUM JOURNEY: What are some must-try spots to pre-game in Danbury? MATT CAPUTO:  If I’m looking for pizza, I go to Stanziato’s Wood Fired Pizza where they have a fantastic menu, super-friendly staff and a pizza named after me. The “Prof. Caputo” combines red, vodka and pesto sauces on one tasty pie. There’s TK’s American Café, which is one of Connecticut’s all-time great sports bars. There are like two dozen TVs, 76 flavors of chicken wings and sports stuff everywhere. Lastly, a lot of the diehards go to the Polish American Citizens Club on Ives Street, where, if you’re in the loop, you can enjoy cheap beers and eats in a really cool clubhouse setting. STADIUM JOURNEY: Where do you go if you want to hang with players after the game? And will the players give regular Joes the time of day? MATT CAPUTO:  Danbury Arena opened a great axe throwing lounge in a space that was once used for storage on the second floor of the arena. It’s called the Axe Tricks Lounge, and the fans who are truly invested in the team mingle there with the players after every game. The Hat Tricks do a great job visiting schools and connecting with kids after the game, but the players in Danbury have always been great about mingling with fans. There are some tight friendships between current and former players and fans of the team. STADIUM JOURNEY: As far as the morning after the game, is there a go-to spot to refuel? MATT CAPUTO:  Holiday Diner is one place you wouldn’t leave hungry; they have classic diner food and milkshakes the kids love. STADIUM JOURNEY: How similar is the Hat Tricks' Federal Prospects Hockey League to the one portrayed in Slap Shot ? MATT CAPUTO:  The Fed is an independent professional sports league. It governs itself. Just like in Slap Shot , we see player-coaches and all the crazy travel that goes into a league that now stretches from Michigan to Mississippi. That said, there’s freedom and creativity in the Fed, it’s not ruled by commercial and corporate interests like the big leagues are. That liberty translates into a lot of fun for fans. It might not be the highest level of player, but it helps players, coaches, broadcasters, sales people and others advance to better jobs. STADIUM JOURNEY: Connecticut has become a hub for elite college hockey. Quinnipiac, UConn and Sacred Heart look like sure things to make the NCAA tournament this year. Yale won the national title in 2013.  What's unique about each of these institution's hockey facilities? MATT CAPUTO:  I had the chance to write about the Quinnipiac, UCONN and Sacred Heart arenas for Connecticut Magazine a couple of years ago. They are all great places to see games, though I don’t get into college hockey as much. I think what makes them unique is that they are part of a new era of college sports. College hockey, and college soccer, to a degree, have always been a little under-utilized by the NCAA. There’s a lot more buzz around college hockey now that all those Connecticut schools have their own on-campus rinks. STADIUM JOURNEY: And your school, Western Connecticut AKA WestConn, is starting a hockey team this year. What can fans expect? MATT CAPUTO:  WestConn has a long tradition of doing college athletics the right way and I expect nothing less. I’m not aware of all the details yet, but I know they plan to play at Danbury Ice Arena. WestConn football and basketball have always enjoyed local support, and I feel strongly that people will support an NCAA DIII hockey team. I’m looking forward to checking it out. (Editor's Note: Western Connecticut will be joining the newly-formed Little East Hockey Conference for the 2025-2026 season along with several other D-III colleges from throughout New England, including UMass Dartmouth, where Stadium Journey President Paul Baker works as an announcer. Instant rivalry.) STADIUM JOURNEY: You're a Queens, New York native, and you've also written about Mets fandom. What do you most remember about Shea Stadium - good, bad, ugly? MATT CAPUTO:  The good has always been that I can get there quickly: Q47 bus right outside my front door went to the 7 Train and I could be at Shea inside a half hour. I always felt like the dimensions were bad; it had a deep outfield that seemed a little unorthodox, but it was a great place to watch a game, and the energy could reach a frenzy if the team was  winning. I remember once giving an usher $5 to let us sit in box seats right before a terrible downpour and rain delay. We were soaking wet just waiting for the Mets and Expos to start playing again. When they did, it felt like there were only 500 people there. The ugliest nights I can remember at Shea Stadium were on the Irish-themed nights when the legendary Irish rock band Black 47 played. Nico Wormworth was their manager; his father was the great jazz drummer Jimmy Wormworth, I remember grabbing his attention during Black 47’s set and chatting with him. The crowd there was crazy and relentless during the entire night, people were urinating everywhere instead of using the restrooms. STADIUM JOURNEY: You wrote a well-known piece for The New York Times on emergency goalies . Has an emergency goalie ever been upgraded to a team regular? What's the greatest emergency goalie success story? MATT CAPUTO:  Sure, in some cases, emergency goalies are often younger players or less experienced guys who are trying to get their chance. Obviously, that’s mostly in the minor leagues. In the NHL, I don’t think any emergency goalie has been invited to training camp or back to the show in any way. Dave Ayers, who drove the ice-resurface machine for the Maple Leafs, got into the game for the Carolina Hurricanes during the 2019-20 season and helped them defeat the team he worked for. Mostly, that story is about how people live their life and how they spend their time. It’s what I like to write about. STADIUM JOURNEY: Of course we had to ask. With hockey booming in Connecticut, is there any chance that the Whalers make a return to the nutmeg state? MATT CAPUTO:  There’s no doubt that people love hockey here, but there are a few things working against it. First: Hartford has a great new AA baseball stadium, a fantastic set-up for USL soccer and there’s still a fanbase for the Wolf Pack. Obviously, you’ve also got UCONN men’s and women’s basketball, as well as football playing in the city. There are some, but not a ton, of corporate interests who could support an NHL team. I think when the NHL looks at expansion, they’re looking at places where the population is growing. People forget that Phoenix was one of the fastest growing cities in Americaat one point. What Hartford does have working for it is that the love of hockey that is so strong in the area. If Springfield Mass and New Haven are counted in the metroplex, then you’ve got a region where there's a strong base of genuine hockey devotion. The Boston Bruins will probably never let it happen, but it never made sense to me that the New York City metropolitan area has three teams, and New England has but one. I’ve heard the Governor has had serious talks with the NHL about what it would take, but that’s the last I’ve heard of anything solid. Matt Caputo can be found on Instagram @MattCaputo Jon Hart is  @manversusball

Photos by Richard Smith, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.71 Jordan Court in Hitchcock Arena University Ave. Mechanicsburg, PA 17055 Messiah Falcons website Jordan Court in Hitchcock Arena website Year Opened: 2017 Capacity: 2,000 The Falcons Nest Messiah University is a private interdenominational evangelical Christian university in Grantham, Pennsylvania, although the mailing address is in nearby Mechanicsburg. The university began as Messiah Bible School and Missionary Training Home and was part of the Brethren in Christ Church. The name changed over the years going from Messiah Bible School to Messiah College, and in 2020 Messiah University. The university is now interdenominational and not part of the Brethren in Christ Church but still is evangelical with an influence in the Anabaptist, the Radical Pietist, and the Wesleyan holiness movements. The Falcons mascot is named Flex, although he was previously known as Fandango. The Falcons compete in Division III of the NCAA and are a member of the Middle Atlantic Conferences. The Falcons receive some of the biggest support in Division III and boast some of the best attendance of all schools at that level. The Falcons have been very successful in athletics. The men's and women's soccer teams won the NCAA Division III National Championship in 2005, 2008, 2009, and 2012. The Falcons men's soccer team are eleven-time national champions. Messiah University is the only NCAA college to win the men's and women's soccer national championships in the same year, and they have achieved that distinction four times. There also have been national championships in women's softball, and women's field hockey, and numerous individual championships in wrestling and wrestling. The Falcons baseball time are five-time conference champions in 2003, 2005, 2008, 2011, and 2012. Jordan Court in Hitchcock Arena opened at the beginning of the 2017-18 academic year after being renovated. Jordan Court is home to Messiah men’s and women’s volleyball, men’s and women’s basketball, and wrestling. Food & Beverage 3 There are no permanent food stands open for basketball games. The arena is attached to the student center which has a cafe, and there are vending machines all around. There is a sign saying no food or drink in the arena itself. Atmosphere 4 Hitchcock Arena has a true arena-like feel, more than a normal small college gym. This does make it have a pretty good college basketball experience. Messiah does have a very engaged sports fan base, so expect it to get loud at times. The PA system is also very loud, louder than we usually experience at college events. You can also expect music to have contemporary religious music mixed in with secular music. Neighborhood 3 There is not much of a neighborhood in Grantham but one can venture into Mechanicsburg and/or Harrisburg for more things to do before or after a game. There is a Primanti Bros. Restaurant and Bar in Camp Hill if you are feeling like eating a large meal. Vitality Bowls in Mechanicsburg could be a healthier option. Fans 4 Messiah has one of the best fan bases around . They support Falcon sports, no matter which one. If visiting on any given weekend, you are likely to find multiple games going on around campus, with each a healthy attendance . Access 3 Messiah University, itself, is not that hard to access as it is located nearby the Pennsylvania Turnpike, I-83, I-81, and U.S. Route 15. There should be plenty of parking available on campus but check regulations for weeknight games. Return on Investment 5 There is no charge for attending a game at Hitchcock Arena. Parking is also free around campus. Extras 4 The attached student center has a nice cafe and college bookstore which is worth checking out. Go to the nearby Criste Tennis Courts to find a delightful swinging bridge that crosses Yellow Breeches Creek. There is a campus fitness trail that offers a great walking trail around a good part of the Messiah campus. The Climenhaga Homestead is a historic house on campus that was built by the first dean of the college (Asa Climenhaga) as a way to become better connected to the campus and its students. The homestead now houses guest rooms, meeting rooms, and conference facilities. Final Thoughts Messiah University is already a great spot to watch sports with some very engaged fans usually in attendence.

Photos by Chris Green, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.71 Daytona International Speedway 1801 W International Speedway Blvd Daytona Beach, FL 32114 Rolex 24 at Daytona website Daytona International Speedway website Year Opened: 1959 Capacity: 167.785 America’s Crown Jewel Endurance Race The historic Rolex 24 Hours at Daytona is one of the most well-known sports car races in the world. An endurance battle that attracts the best manufacturers and drivers from around the world, this race is on any true race fan’s bucket list. Aside from that, it should be on the bucket list for any sports fan in general. Unlike other historic and thrilling endurance races that are better suited for a more mature audience (looking at you, Sebring 12 Hours ), the Rolex 24 is without a doubt one of the most family-friendly races around. Kids 12 and under are free, and there is plenty to see all race weekend long.   Food & Beverage   5 There is plenty to eat at Daytona in the paddock and beneath the grandstands in the main concourses. From drinks, coffee, and traditional stadium fare to more eclectic choices, the variety is impressive. The main stop is the paddock cafe, featuring chicken tenders and fries ($15), cheeseburgers and fries ($15), hot dogs ($6), corn dogs ($7), nachos ($7), beer ($9-$11), soda ($5.50), and various other snacks. During the 24 Hours there are also a variety of places to get food throughout the infield for fans. From the various bars that pop up near the main displays to simple hot dog and arepa stands around the main walkways, you will never have any issues finding something to eat. Moreover, several food trucks also set up shop in the infield midway area, meaning you can get some unique food options on the go.   Atmosphere   5 There’s nothing quite like being at a 24-hour endurance race; the feeling is electric as the race begins in the afternoon. Then as the sun sets, the lights come on and the look and feel of the race takes on another face – the smell of race fuel, the glow of the brakes in the cold night, the sound of engines roaring lap after lap. The infield campfires grow more numerous and the party picks up only as the night darkens. Later, as the morning creeps back, a sense of urgency comes in as the end nears. And when the checkered flag falls, the celebration begins. Mix into that a weekend full of pre-race support events, practice sessions, and qualifying laps, and you have no shortage of on-track action to see. The track itself is stunning as well – the updates to the main grandstand, thanks to the Daytona Rising project a few years ago, have made the seating outside the infield extremely comfortable for fans. Also, with main concourses that are easy to navigate and concession stands all over, it feels more like a visit to a professional sports stadium for the Super Bowl than it does a car race. On Wednesday night, various drivers, teams, and cars gather across the street at the Twenty-Four Premier at One Daytona fan fest. Racecars are towed from across the street and put on display, and fans can participate in both autograph and driver Q&A sessions.   Neighborhood   4 Daytona is a party town from days gone past when tourists flocked to the beaches during the summer months. However, the sun isn’t always so warm in North Florida in January. Nonetheless, the beaches are still just a few miles away from the track. In addition, right across the street from the track sit numerous stores, malls, and restaurants – from Chipotle and Panera to Olive Garden and Longhorn Steakhouse, there are plenty of places to shop and eat during your stay.   Fans   5 The fans at the 24 Hours are like no others in racing – they are diehards who know the sport inside and out and are not afraid to show their allegiance to their favorite driver, team, or car manufacturer. They also know how to party like few others, but are also among the most welcoming in the sport. Any one of the various campsites will have a campfire going with a TV playing a broadcast of the race – you’re always welcome to pull up a chair and take in the atmosphere. Access   4 Parking at the 24 is plentiful – not only are there on-site parking lots for those with various parking passes, but the track also hosts various off-site parking options for fans to use, as long as you’re willing to walk. That said, a big downside is the traffic leaving the race Sunday after the checkered flag, which can lead to major backups for fans who stay to see the finish. For those who would rather take a ride, trams are also available to shuttle you in and out of the track from numerous parking lots, as well as to take you from one point to another at the track itself. Lines for tram stops may fill up fast, however, due to the massive crowds, so make sure you bring some patience when it comes to using the tram system on race day. You also can wander the facility as you wish, with any ticket granting access to both the stadium grandstand seating and infield viewing areas. On top of that, Daytona International Airport is literally across the street from the track, and hotels in the area are numerous, including Daytona Marriott Autograph Collection Hotel, Hilton Garden Inn, and others.   Return on Investment   5 The Rolex 24 is a race to be added to any sports fan’s list of must-see events, let alone any race fan. Tickets for this race weekend can get up there in price for a full camping package, but when you consider the quality of the product on the track, the length of the actual race you’re seeing, and the history made every year at the event, it’s hard to argue value versus cost. Two-day weekend tickets for just the Rolex 24 race itself are $115, while a full weekend ticket is $155. Suites are available for $900 for the Harley J’s Suite and $4000 for a four-day lounge pass. Perhaps the most unique ticket option, however, is the Taste of the 24 ($130-$175) – this price includes your event ticket with infield access, while also offering a special catered food selection from local chefs and restaurants during the Rolex 24, starting Saturday.   Extras   4 The 24 Hours race is home to multiple days of racing action, including support races in addition to the main event. Also, most tickets get you into the garage and paddock area at Daytona, which features fantastic views of the track and paddock from the rooftop patio decks. Fans can also get a look into the team preparations, thanks to the viewing windows in each garage bay. Fans can also look forward to autograph sessions throughout the weekend; by far the biggest is on Friday, when all the drivers line up in the garage area to greet fans. But the biggest plus that few other races offer is the fan walk before the race starts on Saturday – fans can get up close to the cars on pit road, wander the front stretch banking, relax on the grass, and have an up-front seat for the driver introductions. Many of the displays in the infield midway also feature giveaways or unique viewing locations, such as the Lexus lounge on top of their trailer.   Final Thoughts Taking a trip to Daytona for the Rolex 24 Hours is a visit worth taking. Anyone who is a race fan should attend, and with Daytona’s recent seating upgrades, watching the race from either the infield or the main grandstands is more comfortable now than ever before.

Photos by Terry McCutchen, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.43 The Field House 2600 S. Neal Street Commerce, TX 75428 East Texas A&M Lions website The Field House website Year Opened: 1950 Capacity: 3,055 East Texas A&M University Women’s Basketball East Texas A&M University, formerly Texas A&M University-Commerce, is the fifth oldest state college/university in Texas, having been founded in 1889. The school opened under the name East Texas Normal College as a training school for teachers in Cooper, Texas. After fire destroyed the original campus, the school was relocated to its present day location in Commerce, Texas. The school received full state funding in 1917, and in 1923 changed its name to East Texas State Teachers College. The school voted to remove the word Teachers from its name in 1957, and changed to a university in 1965, becoming East Texas State University. In 1996 the school was voted into the Texas A&M system, thus becoming Texas A&M-Commerce – this name was used until November 2024 when the school became East Texas A&M in an effort to better connect with the region where most of the traditional students reside. With an enrollment of 11,500 in 2023, this is the third-largest university in the Texas A&M University System. Located in Commerce, in the northeast corner of the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex and a mere 60 miles from downtown Dallas, most of the current student body hails from either the Dallas metroplex or one of many small towns in northeast Texas. ETAMU’s mascot is the Lions; the school sponsors twelve varsity sports and have competed since 2022-23 at the NCAA Division 1 level in the Southland Conference; previously the teams were members of the Lone Star Conference for much of their history. The women’s basketball program began in 1971, making the Elite Eight in 2007 and having qualified for the national tournament five times since their founding. The home of Lady Lion basketball is The Field House. Built in 1950, The Field House is designed in the shape of an airplane hangar and covers over 69,000 square feet, most of which is continuous hardwood flooring lined for multiple basketball and volleyball courts. The Quonset-shaped building is quite in contrast with the rest of campus, which consists mainly of new, modern buildings made of brick, lots of glass, and state-of-the-art architecture. With moveable stands, the massive open space and 58’ ceilings can host five full-court basketball games simultaneously. It is believed to be the largest non-stop hardwood floor west of the Mississippi River; unique and a peek into a time long past.   Food & Beverage   3 Concessions at The Field House are unspectacular but do offer many of the basic items you have come to expect. Food choices include hot dogs, nachos, popcorn, pretzels, assorted chips, and candy. Drinks include Powerade, water, Coca-Cola products, and Dr Pepper. Alcoholic beverages available include Bud Light, Michelob Ultra, White Claw, Beatbox wine, Dallas Blonde, and local lager Tupp’s Bold Gold. There is one concession window with one or two workers, which is sufficient. The only time there may be a wait longer than one or two people is during halftime. Prices are a little higher than what you might expect for this level of play, with drinks costing between $4.75 and $7 and snacks costing between $3 and $6. Nachos do cost $7.50 and Beatbox wine is $8.   Atmosphere   4 Basketball games inside The Field House are entertaining and fun for all ages. Due to the fact the school is located in a smaller community, NCAA D1 athletics are consistently the top entertainment option nearby. The Lady Lions are supported by a cheer squad, dance team, and pep band, as well as fans of all ages from Commerce and surrounding towns. On one end of the gymnasium, there are two large inflatables for children to play on before and during games. The inflatables are within eyesight of the visitor stands and one end of the home stands. When asked if the inflatables were featured at all home games, the gentleman from the inflatables company stated that they were, to allow kids to play so adults could enjoy the game. There are crowd participation games at Lions games that take place during long stoppages in play, as well as half time entertainment. At the most recent game I attended, there was a relay race between a group of young children followed by a scrimmage between two youth basketball teams – all these activities created an environment where there was very little down time when there was no action on the court.   Neighborhood   3 East Texas A&M is located in the northeast Texas community of Commerce. Commerce has a population of approximately 10,000, one of the smallest university towns in the state of Texas. Located in such a small town, the school is the center of activity, largest employer, and biggest attraction in the region. If driving into town from the Dallas area via Highway 24, the main entrance to campus greets you as you enter town. Most of the buildings seen from the road are new and built using sustainable techniques that meet Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) certification. The area across Highway 24 from the school consists of the convenience stores, fast food restaurants, and major chain stores of Commerce. The neighborhoods that surround ETAMU include a mixture of apartment complexes, modest single-family homes, and small duplexes and other rental properties. Within a half mile of campus sit the historic, century-old houses that were original to the city. For games during Christmas break prior to the start of Spring semester, there is not much life in and around campus. If looking for a meal before or after the game, there are a few restaurant choices in town.  Luigi’s Italian Restaurant and Lone Star Eatery Grill & Bar are both across the street from campus, while Lulu’s Burgers  and Mariscos del Golfo  are both just a few minutes’ drive away. Fast food establishments across from ETAMUl include Braum’s, Chicken Express, Sonic, McDonald’s, and Dominos. For a small town there are just a few viable hotel options, including Magnuson Hotel , Lion’s Den Extended Stay , and The Yellow Rose of Texas . Hotels in Greenville, a short 20-minute drive away on Interstate 30, offers Hampton Inn & Suites , Best Western Plus Monica Royale , and Comfort Inn & Suites , among others. Sulphur Springs is 30 minutes away on I-30 as well, and also has multiple hotel options. Alternatively, if you will be coming from the north, Paris and Sherman are both within an hour’s drive and have plenty of accommodations to choose from.   Fans   4 Lady Lion fans are loyal – their support is displayed through cheering during the game, led mainly by the pep band, cheerleaders, and student section. The support of these groups goes deeper than simple cheering, as they have organized chants for specific actions by their opponents. For example, after an opponent substitution, the crowd will count the steps of the player heading to the bench until she takes her seat on the bench, at which time they all yell at top volume, “SIT DOWN!”. Also among the fans here are groups of youth basketball teams from surrounding communities, as well as many senior adults. At a game I recently attended, there were three different youth basketball teams in attendance.   Access   3 The Field House at East Texas A&M is easily accessible, sitting on the north end of campus just one block east of TX-24. It sits behind Memorial Stadium, easily visible – it will be the enormous maroon Quonset hut-style building that looks like an airplane hangar. Parking is plentiful with a large lot extending from the football stadium past the gym, allowing fans to park within a short walk of the entrance. There is no charge for parking, which is an added benefit.   Return On Investment   3 The experience overall provides about what you would expect for the cost involved. All tickets are general admission for $10 or $15, depending on how high in the stands you prefer to sit. A limited number of courtside seats are available for $30. Once conference games begin in late December, there is also a men’s and women’s double header against the same opponent for one ticket price during every home game. Concession prices are slightly more at The Field House than at most comparably sized schools. This is offset by free parking and the no cost children’s play area.   Extras   3 Free parking within steps of The Field House’s entrance is definitely worth extra recognition. Most schools have prioritized and monetized prime parking spots, so the sacrifice of this income for general public parking is well appreciated. The unique, historic building that is The Field House provides a memorable game experience. While void of many modern amenities, the gym is a step back in time and a reminder that this is not professional basketball, but a game being played by college students. What the pep band adds to the atmosphere during the game is worth an extra shout out; the choreographed chants directed at the opposing team are both entertaining, and also help give some home court advantage to the Lady Lions.   Final Thoughts East Texas A&M Lady Lion basketball, as members of the Southland Conference, provides a quality game experience – the activities are sure to entertain fans of all ages. Stepping into the confines of the venerable building is like taking a stroll into the past; an afternoon or evening spent on the campus of ETAMU is well worth the time invested. It was recently announced that a new multimillion dollar event center has been approved. There is no planned date or other details available at the time of this article, however. Nevertheless, I would suggest putting a trip to this northeast Texas campus near the top of your basketball bucket list, to avoid missing a game in The historic Field House.

Photos by Richard Smith, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.00 GCU Arena 3300 West Camelback Road Phoenix, AZ 85017 Grand Canyon University website GCU Arena website Year Opened: 2011 Capacity: 7,000 Havoc House Grand Canyon University is a large private Christian university located north of downtown Phoenix, AZ. 20,000 students attend the physical campus with another 70,000 doing so online. The university opened in 1949 and has been located in Phoenix in 1951. Grand Canyon University has been controversial in that it has held a for-profit status for many years. The school is trying to shed that status but so far the federal government is not convinced. That for-profit status has made some other colleges unhappy about Grand Canyon playing NCAA basketball, although recently much of that controversy has been cooling. Grand Canyon University offers over 200 bachelor's, master's and doctoral degree programs through its nine colleges. Grand Canyon University is a member of NCAA Division I with most sports participating in the Western Athletic Conference. The school's mascot is the Antelope. One of the most famous alumni is comedian Bill Engvall, while businessman Jerry Colangelo is maybe the person most known as having a Grand Canyon affiliation. The Grand Canyon University Arena, most often referred to as the GCU Arena, was opened in 2011. Just over three years after opening, GCU Arena closed on March 3, 2014, to undergo a massive remodel that saw an addition of 2,000 more seats. Food & Beverage 3 GCU Arena has five concession stands offering a decent amount of food offerings at a very good value. The Qdoba offerings or the burger are our recommended choices. Pepsi is the cola brand of choice and there is no alcohol sold. Atmosphere 5 It is quite weird that a new arena went through a massive remodeling so soon after it opened, but the additions made a very good arena even better, as well as larger. The new upper deck addition did create some weird things in GCU Arena. The upper deck itself has some support straps that hang into view, but luckily they don’t impede views much. There are also some weird seats under the upper deck along the north part of the arena. They are very nearly enclosed and make a theater kind of seating area. We really liked that seating area very much. It is unlike any other seating area we have seen before. The game atmosphere is pretty amazing. We will touch on the student section under the Fans area, but there is so many things that enhance the experience here. There is a band, cheerleaders as well as the perfect amount of basketball cheer to make it a special place. Just one note, the arena is very loud, both from the fans as well as with the music played. Much of the concourses are carpeted and likely will see wear and tear quicker than a tiled or concrete floor. Neighborhood 3 Grand Canyon University is located in a very urban and sometimes rough neighborhood. There may not be too many local establishments that a sports fan will enjoy in the direct area so it may be best to do those kinds of things away from the arena. The university claims to have lowered crime rates in the area, as well as increasing property prices. The university also does a good job of engaging and working with the local neighborhood to try to become a good neighbor. Posting and the Highland Food Hun are some local options for food. Otherwise, downtown Phoenix is likely where a fan will need to look for good restaurants and bars. Rise Uptown Hotel is a good hotel option. If the GCU Hotel opens for guests again that is another good choice as it is right on campus. Fans 5 The student section alone makes it that this arena gets a full set of stars for fan support. That student section, called the “Havoc”, deserves a place alongside all great student sections in the country. It may even be at the top of that list. They are loud and proud throughout the entire night. They are cheering, singing, dancing and creating a great atmosphere unlike almost any this reporter has witnessed previously. We also saw the students rush into the arena, run up the stairs all in the search for the best seat. It was quite a sight. The other fans in the arena are nearly just as joyous and engaged as the students. They may not dance and sing as much as the students, but they clearly know the game and enjoy the basketball experience. Access 4 The university is located north of downtown along 33rd Avenue. The access to the area is good and the free parking at either the large garage off of 33rd Avenue or other nearby parking lots makes getting to a game fairly easy. Security checks are outside of the arena itself and makes it an easy way in to the venue. Return on Investment 4 The Antelopes offer fairly cheap tickets, sometimes far under $20. With the decent priced concessions and the free parking, the return on investment here is strong. . Extras 4 The Jerry Colangelo Museum is located next to the arena and showcases items from the businessman’s life and career in and outside of basketball. Colangelo was a star basketball player at Illinois as well as being identified with the United States Olympic Team. A vault of Bibles is buried underneath center court. The unique upper deck and related seating makes for some interesting extras to see here at the GCU Arena. There is a very good team store located at the entrance level of the arena. Final Thoughts GCU Arena is a gem of an arena that offers a great basketball atmosphere with a student section that rivals any other in the nation.