Deaf Awareness Night at NY Islanders, Photo by Gary Noll The NHL New York Islanders recently held a successful Deaf Awareness Night at UBS Arena in Elmont, NY. What made it successful? Mostly, the communication technology the organization provided to sports fans who are deaf or hard of hearing. The Islanders offered an ASL (American Sign Language) PIP (Picture in Picture) on the giant center-hung video scoreboard. The signer communicated the messages the PA Announcer delivered as well as signed the national anthem. The signers were a part of in-game contests and activities and signed all game penalties. UBS Arena, ASL PIP, Photo by Gary Noll The media individuals provided closed captioning on the main scoreboard for all video features that had spoken words. UBS Arena, Closed Captioning on Scoreboard, Photo by Gary Noll The ribbon board provided not only game penalty and scoring announcements (goals and assists) but sponsor’s advertisements, stadium safety data, and mobile captioning instructions. UBS Arena, Pertinent Information on Ribbon Board, Photo by Gary Noll Finally, several sponsors were available on the concourse: Olive Osmond Hearing Fund whose mission is to improve and provide educational, musical, and hearing resources available to the deaf and hard of hearing. Mill Neck Foundation , a Long Island Family of Organizations whose nonprofit groups are dedicated to creating a world in which Deaf and Hard of Hearing individuals are included, empowered, celebrated, and embraced as equals through quality education, employment, audiological and spiritual programs, and services. The tables serve as a good meeting point between parties. The Mill Neck table provided ASL interpreter services for this event. Mill Neck Foundation Table with ASL Interpreters, Photo by Gary Noll Sadly, the New York Islanders lost the game to the Los Angeles King 3–2 that evening. Nonetheless, many deaf fans immensely enjoyed their evening at the arena and were easily able to follow along with the game. Kudos to the New York Islanders who deserve an A+ in their efforts to make sporting events accessible to all sports fans. The Islanders are planning a Deaf Awareness Night next season, so check their schedule. Here’s hoping more and more sports arenas and stadiums incorporate technology for deaf sports fans to enjoy and follow the game day action on a more regular basis. Note: Special thanks to Gary Noll for sending Stadium Journey this information and photos. Gary advocates for live closed captioning and ASL on video boards in sports arenas. He also provided guidance to the NY Islanders organization on making Deaf Awareness Night the fantastic success it was. Gary Noll with Sparky and Justin Ormond at UBS Arena

Photos by David Welch, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.57 Gas South Arena 6400 Sugarloaf Pkwy Duluth, GA 30097 Georgia Swarm website Gas South Arena website Year Opened: 2003 Capacity: 14,316 Gas South Arena – Georgia Swarm Lacrosse has long been popular in the mid-Atlantic, northeastern states, and throughout Canada, but the sport’s popularity in the south has just started to blossom in the last decade. The growth of lacrosse in Georgia has been helped by the addition of the Georgia Swarm of the National Lacrosse League. The NLL is a 15-team indoor lacrosse league with teams throughout the United States and Canada, playing their inaugural season in 1987. Indoor lacrosse is a combination of field lacrosse, played within a hockey rink on sports turf, with the production level of professional basketball. Food & Beverage 3 Gas South Arena takes a unique approach to concessions – rather than individual stands spread out around the concourse, Gas South has two food court-style areas flanking the arena's main entry points. Gas South Arena is a cashless facility, so only cards are accepted. The food court has options from some local, popular eateries. Slices of Johnny’s Pizza run $6-$8, with garlic knots for $9. Arena Dogs & Deli serves both traditional and specialty hot dogs in the $7 to $8 range, which can be made into combos including chips and soda for an extra $7. The Cantina has Mexican food, including nachos, walking tacos, burritos, and tacos, all ranging from $8 to $12. The Georgian Grill has burgers, grilled chicken, and jumbo hot dogs. Slow Pour Brewing offers a fully stocked bar for mixed drinks along with canned or draft beers, wine, and seltzers. There is an extensive selection of Georgia craft brews available as well. The overall quality of food and drink here is decent, so the higher prices are not completely out of line, but snacks and soft drinks seem a bit inflated. Atmosphere 4 The National Lacrosse League is a sixty-minute sensory explosion of music, strobe lights, and a high-energy stadium announcer. There is non-stop action, both on the field and in the stands. NLL lacrosse offers a high level of entertainment from the initial face-off to the final horn. The excitement starts from the moment the Swarm mascot, Stinger, comes out to a darkened arena, highlighted by strobe and spotlights as player introductions begin. As the energy leading to game time amps up, so does the music that is played throughout the game. The game presentation is similar to that of the NBA; the in-game announcer does an excellent job of providing a running commentary of the action while engaging fans. Neighborhood 4 Gas South Arena is in the still-developing Gas South District of the Sugarloaf. The area is a bit of a transition point between a heavily commercial area with office buildings, shops, and restaurants versus residential sub-divisions. The Gas South Convention Center is also part of the Gas South District. At this time there are currently two hotels at the arena’s property, Embassy Suites, and Holiday Inn, but a third hotel, Westin, is under construction. The Sugarloaf area has been well developed over the years and offers many other accommodations directly around the arena. In the area immediately bordering the Gas South District there are over a dozen options to eat before or after the game. In the early 2000s, Gwinnett County prioritized building venues for national acts and professional sports. Not only do the Atlanta Gladiators of the ECHL share Gas South Arena with the Swarm, the AAA affiliate of the Atlanta Braves, the Gwinnett Stripers , play at Coolray Field, less than 10 miles north on Interstate-85. Fans 4 Georgia Swarm lacrosse has an extremely passionate fanbase – attendance appears to sit around half to two-thirds full. Though seating in the upper level of the arena is a bit sparse, the field level is much more packed with fans. Within the league, the Swarm’s attendance ranks in the lower third. Despite lower attendance numbers compared to the rest of the league, fans are a key part of the excitement here. One of the fun aspects is following a goal by the Swarm when almost the entire fan base begins pumping their arms up and down, as they bounce to Chelsea Dagger by The Fratellis, all while the arena’s horn goes off. All-in-all, even though a bit on the less numerous side, the fans add a lot to a fun experience. Access 4 Getting to Gas South Arena is at the mercy of Atlanta traffic on I-85. Luckily, most of the Swarm’s games are on Saturdays and Sundays, so that does help alleviate the crush that Atlanta traffic can have. Parking is available at the lot in front of the arena, or the garage directly next to it. Most fans will enter the arena through the main entrance into a two-tiered lobby with a wrap-around concourse to access their seats. The lower seating bowl is easily accessible and has manageable sloped aisles to navigate. Return on Investment 3 Tickets for upper-level seats start at $12 if purchased the week prior to the game; the walkup rate jumps to $15. On the high end, tickets on the glass start at $63 and jump to $69 as a walkup. The get-in-the-door price makes tickets rather affordable, but if you want to be close to the action it can get expensive, quickly. Factoring in $10 for parking as well as the concessions prices, the overall return on investment borders on becoming an expensive evening out. Even though being close to the action really highlights the speed of the game, the upper-level seating is every bit as enjoyable. Extras 3 Through pre-game recognitions and community outreach initiatives, the Swarm does a fantastic job at recognizing the history of lacrosse and its indigenous roots. The Georgia Swarm makes the evening entertaining. Stoppages in play are full of fan interactions. There is also a game-long scavenger hunt of Swarm apparel around the arena, plus a series of on-field contests and t-shirt tosses. The Swarm’s mascot, Stinger, actively engages fans around the stadium and in the stands. Stinger does a wonderful job entertaining young fans during the game. Final Thoughts While lacrosse has been somewhat of a niche sport, it is not due to a lack of excitement. The field game itself is high scoring, with constant action, and the box version of the game is every bit as much, with excitement and entertainment added to it. It is difficult to attend a Georgia Swarm game and leave feeling like it was not an enjoyable time.

Photos by Marc Viquez, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.43 Indiana Farmers Coliseum 1202 E 38th St Indianapolis, IN 46205 IUPUI basketball website Indiana Farmers Coliseum website Year Opened: 1939 Capacity: 6,300 The Jags Are on the Prowl The IUPUI Jaguars returned to the Indiana Farmers Coliseum on the Indiana State Fairgrounds for the first time since the 1978-79 season in 2014. However, the facility is much different than it was when the men’s program last played in the building. The coliseum underwent a two-year, $63-million renovation that resulted in much-needed changes including wide-open concourses, an updated main lobby, terrazzo flooring, exposed steel and wooden beams, and a stylized new basketball court. It was a dramatic change from the team’s previous home on the downtown campus-the IUPUI Gymnasium. Known as “The Jungle,” to fans the Jaguars’ previous home was a cozy 1,200-seat facility that served the team since 1982. Another change was when the Jags moved to the Horizon League on July 1, 2017, after previous seasons in the Summit League. In 2003, the basketball team won its lone conference championship title. The team’s digs six miles north of their downtown campus is a bold move and perhaps an even bolder statement in the university’s direction with its basketball program. However, as the move away from campus bring out the Jaguar faithful and more hometown supporters to the Indiana State Fairgrounds? Food & Beverage 3 In comparison to Indy Fuel hockey games at Indiana Farmers Coliseum, not all of the concession stands are in operation during IUPUI games. There are two concession stands open behind the 200/100 sections. The items include pizza (plain and pepperoni), hot dogs, burgers, nachos, pretzels, and popcorn. Pepsi products are served in 16 and 32-ounce cups. Beer is offered on draft and includes Bud Light and varieties from local standards Bier Brewerng, Centerpoint, and Black Dog Atmosphere 2 There is a small splattering of patrons throughout the lower-level seating concourse. The upper level is closed for the men’s basketball game. A student section is visible, but there are no signs, painted faces, or acts of revelry as with other area college facilities. A live D.J. ejects excitement to the crowd with live music and cheering. The team’s official mascot, Jawz, does his best to stir up the crowd during the game. The main lobby is a nod to another era with vintage photos, resurfaced original facility seating, and art deco ticket booths. There is a small table selling IUPUI merchandise in front of the closed gates of the Indy Fuel gift shop. The coliseum makes for a fantastic place to watch basketball and the team’s stylish court is emblazoned with the Indianapolis skyline – it makes it one of the keenest in the state. However, it is a very calm atmosphere and one that should have its moments in the future. Neighborhood 2 If you happen to attend a weekend game, make sure to make a visit to the Hook’s Drugstore Museum located within seconds of the coliseum on the fairgrounds. The old drug store houses the world’s largest selection of drug store memorabilia from old lanterns, signage, medicine boxes, shelves, and an old-fashioned soda fountain where they still make drinks and sell candy. Admission is free, but it is a wonderful place to visit and take a step back in time. A few miles north in South Broad Ripple is Taste Cafe, featuring gourmet sandwiches, soups, and salads. Lava Lips is a hot sauce bar where one can try as many sauces as they want on the Scoville Scale and also pick up a couple of bottles. The SoBro Cafe features vegan, vegetarian, and carnivorous items that are made from scratch. If you desire something a little fancier, then Mama Carolla’s is the area’s best spot for Italian cuisine in an authentic setting. Fans 2 There are passionate fans at the game and perhaps a weeknight game while class is in session might result in a different atmosphere. The Jaguar faithful do their best to cheer on the team and support hometown college basketball. I truly believe that with the team’s brand new state-of-the-art arena, you will see a few more fans attending games shortly. Access 3 The crowds are not big for games and getting in and out of the fairgrounds is quick and easy. The price to park is $10, but they did not charge during our visit. I am not sure if this is the case for all Jags home games. There are two entries at either Fall Creek Parkway or 38th Street; with the best choice at Fall Creek. Once inside the coliseum, the concourses are a little narrow, but easy to walk around if one desires a scenic tour around the renovated arena. Return on Investment 3 The ticket prices are $10 for adults and $7 for youth (ages 3-12). The ticket prices are for any seat in any section of the coliseum. The school could have set up a few price points to gain an extra few dollars from patrons, but it is a nice nod that tickets are just one price and very affordable in the frenzied basketball-loving Hoosier state. Extras 2 The Jaguars have a very sleek-looking basketball court and a silhouette of the Indianapolis skyline. The Jags earn another extra for having only one price point for their ticket sales; a very simple and easy way to purchase a ticket to the game at Indiana Farmers Coliseum. Final Thoughts The relocation from the small gymnasium to the spacious coliseum adds another venerable and enjoyable “fieldhouse” to the city of Indianapolis. It is an arena that has its share of history, the Indiana Pacers called it home in the ABA from their inception in 1967-1974 and hosted the Indiana State High School Championships during World War II. At this point, the coliseum is looking at starting a few more basketball traditions within its walls. ------ Follow all of Marc’s stadium journeys on Twitter @ballparkhunter and his YouTube channel . Email at Marc.Viquez@stadiumjourney.com

Just when you thought you were ready to go back to the ballpark, a baseball team rebranded. Welcome the Lexington Counter Clocks of the Atlantic League. However, what is a counter clock, and why is a baseball using it as its moniker? According to the team website: "Kentucky has an edge. A spirit. Once, it was tradition to race horses on the grass, running clockwise. This came from the British. But we raised and raced the finest horses, so we declared our independence. Our horses would race counterclockwise on dirt." "The world — and baseball — followed our lead. We heard from hundreds of community members during our rebranding process. In listening sessions, surveys, and one-on-one conversations. We heard about horses, bourbon, baseball, and why we all choose to call Kentucky home. One thing became clear: we’re proud of our culture. And we’re not afraid to blaze a new trail, even if everyone else is running backward." It is a racing term to connect to the state's horse racing industry. I am not sure the average person ever thought about this, but it is true. In the United States, all race tracks, auto-included, are counterclockwise. You learn something new every day with baseball, don't you? Nathan and Keri Lyons, owners of Vintage South Development, a residential development company based in Nashville took over the club in October and also introduced two names for its new logos: Hoss the horse and Dinger the clock. The colors are red, white, and blue. The team scrapped the Legends identity that has been in use since baseball returned to Lexington in 2001. The club was known for its handlebar mustache cap that was once sold in all 50 states in the US. The team went from an affiliated club in the South Atlantic League to an independent club after the 2020 season and, with new ownership, necessitated a fresh new look for the ball club. The Legends name and mustache logo were quite popular among baseball fans and there will be more than likely a share of distractors of the new look. A worker at the ballpark stated that "there has been quite the buzz" following the announcement today. Besides the new logo, there is construction taking place at the ballpark that will include renovations of the restrooms, club and suite areas, and an extension of protective netting. MY THOUGHTS I wasn't expecting a change and had not even heard rumblings of one from the community, so this surprised me today. Despite the Legends branding being enshrined in the community for 23 seasons, new ownership made changes that might take some time for many to adjust. The three logos are simple, clean, and without unneeded wordmarks or flourishes. Simplicity is not a bad thing, but these new marks might not be for everyone. It’s a branding that will look good on print and social media. I will have to see how it looks on team jerseys The backward C logo will look pleasing on the left chest of a white uniform and a cap. It appears to be the primary logo, perhaps another version could have been created for this purpose. The horse and jockey logo are my least favorite of the three; maybe it’s the face of the jockey, the plumpness of the horse, or that it could be improved a bit more to make it look sharp. However, the star of the show is Dinger the clock. He is gruff, mean, and carries a big stick. I am not sure what 9 o'clock means on his face, but perhaps it creates his nose and the letter "L". This would have been a nice new look, but Dinger takes it to the next level. The one complaint might be the hazy red outline and the legs. The Counter Clocks are not the first unusual name to hit the ballpark, and it won't be the last. We will have to wait and see when the Clocks take the field on April 28. ------ Follow all of Marc’s stadium journeys on Twitter @ballparkhunter and his YouTube channel . Email at Marc.Viquez@stadiumjourney.com

Photos by Lloyd Brown, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.14 Ronnie G. Childress Field at Hennon Stadium Catamount Rd Cullowhee, NC 28723 Western Carolina Catamounts website Ronnie G. Childress Field at Hennon Stadium website Year Opened: 1978 Capacity: 1,500 Mountain Cats With Bats Western Carolina University (WCU) is part of the North Carolina University System. It is in Cullowhee, NC, and has a student body of 12,000 students. The largest majors at WCU are the Applied Sciences, Business and Arts and Science programs. Sports teams at Western Carolina are known as the Catamounts. Catamounts are a breed of mountain cats that are indigenous to this section of the Great Smokey and the Blue Ridge Mountains. The baseball program at WCU is headquartered at Ronnie Childress Field at Hennon Stadium. Hennon Stadium opened in 1978, and underwent renovations in 1990, 1991, 2002, 2003 and 2009. The stadium is located at the southern end of the WCU campus. The stadium holds 1,500 fans in two sets of bleachers and one main grandstand. The grandstand sits directly behind home plate and is covered by a roof structure. This helps to cover this premium seating area from the wintry elements that are possible during the early spring section of the schedule. The restrooms and a concession stand are in a brick structure on the plaza behind the grandstand. The baseball Catamounts play in the Southern Conference. Over the years the team has won 12 regular season championships and 10 conference tournaments championships. The team has appeared in 12 NCAA tournaments. The school sees Appalachian State University as their main rival. Catamounts Signature Seasons, Photo by Lloyd Brown, Stadium Journey Food & Beverage 3 There is one concession stand at Hennon Stadium. It is located on the plaza behind the grandstand. It serves the typical baseball standards. Items available include 8-inch Papa John’s pizza ($8), BBQ sandwiches ($7), hot dogs ($5), nachos w/cheese ($5), popcorn ($4), chips ($3), candy ($3), peanuts ($4) and pretzels ($4). Drinks include Pepsi brand sodas ($4), frozen lemonade ($5), Gatorade ($4) and bottled water ($3). Beer is not served at Western Carolina baseball games. There is a brick dining area on the plaza next to the concession stand. It has tables and chairs for fans who may not want to balance their food and drinks on their laps in the stands. Atmosphere 3 The atmosphere at games held at Hennon Stadium is electric, as home sports competitions at the school are very popular due to its isolated location in the mountains. The stands are often full of students, faculty, and townspeople. The seating bowl at Hennon Stadium includes two sections of bleacher seating down the first and third base lines. Season ticket holders and major donors are seated in chairback seats in either a roof-sheltered grandstand behind home plate or at the field level of both the bleachers and the grandstand. The field at Hennon Stadium has dimensions of 325’ LF and RF, with the dead away CF being 390’. The outfield features some interesting elements, as there are two sections of the outfield wall that are 20 feet high and 100 feet long. The pair are known as the “Purple Monsters.” Neighborhood 3 The “neighborhood” surrounding Hennon Stadium is the Western Carolina University campus and the small unincorporated community of Cullowhee, NC. The university is the lifeblood of the town, as Cullowhee has no downtown area, just a few stores lining Highway 107. Townspeople rely on the sports and cultural programs sponsored by the school for their entertainment. The Mountain Heritage Center on the WCU campus offers special activities throughout the year. The closest lodging to the school is the Holiday Inn in Sylva, NC, which is about 7 miles north of the campus. The other major employer in the area is the Cherokee Resort and Casino located about 15 minutes north of the casino. Nature plays the major role as a neighbor to the WCU campus. The school is located at the intersection of the Great Smokey Mountains and the Blue Ridge Mountains. They provide a stunning backdrop for any outdoors activity at the school. Asheville, NC is the closest large city to the Western Carolina campus. It is located 52 miles north of WCU via some very winding mountain roads. Fans 4 The fan base of the Catamounts is the students, faculty, and townspeople of WCU and the town of Cullowhee. They are a hearty bunch that attend the games no matter how inclement the weather is in this mountain community. The stands are filled with people wearing the purple and gold colors of WCU. It is like a family reunion at each game, as both WCU and the Cullowhee community are small enough that everybody knows each other in the area. The students at WCU are honored for their loyalty with some prime seats in Hennon Stadium. The “Cat Cage “section is in the first row of seats directly behind home plate at field level, where they can support the Catamounts and good naturally rib the umpires and the opposition. The fanbase is usually friendly to supporters from the opposition. They realize the visitors have made quite an effort to be present at a game in this isolated area, and they want to be good hosts. Access 3 WCU is in an isolated area, more than 50 miles from an interstate or a major city. Any route you take to get to the school is going to take you through some very winding mountain roads, with some steep inclines along the way. On the other hand, you will be rewarded with some of gorgeous scenery you can imagine. Directions from Ashville; Take I-40 West to exit 27 (Highway 74 West) Follow Highway 74 West to exit 85 in Sylva, NC. At the third light in Sylva turn left onto Highway 107. Head south on Highway 107 to the campus, which will be on your left. Once you are on campus, turn right and follow road past football stadium. You will eventually reach the four-story parking deck. The baseball stadium is just beyond this parking deck. Directions from Atlanta: Take I-85 North to I-985 North, exiting to your left. I-985 eventually becomes GA 365 North, and then US Highway 441. Continue Highway 441 until you reach Dillsboro, NC. In Dillsboro turn right onto Business 23. At Highway 107 head south to the campus, which will be on your left. Once on campus, turn right and follow the road past the football stadium. You will eventually reach a four-story parking deck. Park for free in this parking deck. The baseball stadium is located behind this parking deck. Return on Investment 3 Attending a Catamounts game at Hennon Stadium will not leave your wallet empty. Parking at Childress Field at Hennon Stadium is free in the parking deck adjacent to the stadium. Overflow parking is available in the smaller lot beyond the outfield walls. Tickets are $9 for Catamount baseball games. You should pay cash at the park for your tickets, as any online purchases or credit card purchases have a service charge of $2 added to the cost. The prices charged for concessions are very reasonable compared to other college venues. Extras 3 One extra must go to the gorgeous mountain scenery that surrounds the WCU campus. It forms a beautiful backdrop for games at Hennon Stadium. Stunning View from Hennon Stadium, Photo by Lloyd Brown, Stadium Journey The pennants from each school in the Southern Conference fly at the top of the bleachers at Hennon Stadium. The Catamounts have a winning percentage of .700 in games played at Hennon Stadium. Final Thoughts Childress Field at Hennon Stadium offers one of the most stunning locations in all of college baseball. The Blue Ridge and Smokey Mountains form a gorgeous backdrop to Catamount ball games. You’ll also experience a friendly crowd that is a very welcoming to visitors to their small town.

Photos by Richard Smith Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.71 Decker Sports & Recreation Center Arena 1021 Dulaney Valley Rd. Towson, MD 21286 Goucher Gophers website Decker Sports & Recreation Center Arena website Year Opened: 1991 Capacity: 1,200 Home Of The Gophers Goucher College is a former all-women’s college located in Towson, Maryland, a northern suburb of Baltimore. The college opened in 1885 as the Women’s College of Baltimore City changed its name to its current name in 1910 and went coed in 1986. Goucher moved to its present suburban location northeast of the county seat of Towson in Baltimore County in 1953. The college is named in honor of its founding member, John Goucher, and his wife, Mary Fisher Goucher. Goucher College is a private co-educational liberal arts college. It was originally affiliated with the Baltimore Conference of Methodist Episcopal Church but currently has no real church affiliation. The college has approximately 1,480 undergraduate students studying in 33 majors and 1,200 students studying in graduate programs. Notable alumni include Rear Admiral, U.S. Navy, Chaplain of the United States Marine Corps Margaret G. Kibben, Maryland State Delegate John A. Olszewski, Jr., and frequent John Waters actress Mary Vivian Pearce. Goucher athletic teams are known as the Gophers. The college competes in NCAA Division III as part of the Landmark Conference. The Decker Sports & Recreation Center Arena opened in 1991. The 1,200-seat arena was built in 1991 as part of the expansion of the original Lillian Welsh Hall. The arena has hosted events such as various concerts and the Pride of Maryland Tournament which features nine Division III men’s basketball teams in a three-day, 12-game tournament. Food & Beverage 1 There is no permanent food stand at the Decker Sports & Recreation Center Arena. At the women’s and men’s doubleheader, I attended, there was a Chick-fil-A booth selling chicken sandwiches, but they left as soon as they sold all of their products. Make sure to eat before or after the game as this arena is not a good place for food concessions. Atmosphere 2 The arena is very nice, but it is basically a high school type of setup. As you enter the arena you will find wooden grandstands sitting along two sides of a basketball court. The only thing I found interesting is how far away the grandstands sit from the actual basketball floor. Maybe they are expecting a huge need for floor-side seats at some point. Neighborhood 4 The Goucher College campus has been used for a few scenes in the Netflix series House of Cards, so expect to recognize the stone buildings from a few scenes there. Towson is a semi-urban environment with a very large shopping mall and numerous restaurants in the area. Try the Charles Village Pub in the heart of downtown Towson for good food and drinks. Some other great options are The Crease, Glory Days Grill, Sushi Hana, and Zia’s. Baltimore is also a quick drive away. Check out the Federal Hill neighborhood, south of the Inner Harbor. There are a few fun restaurants and bars here. Abbey Burger Bistro is one great choice. The beer selection is good, and they offer a dizzying array of burger choices, which are all likely to satisfy. Fans 2 The only real fans who attend the games are friends and family of the players. A few scattered students attend, but it is not a big event on campus. Access 4 Goucher is located right off the Baltimore Beltway/I-695. The only negative is that Towson is a busy area and traffic can be bad at some times. The college itself is pretty and quite suburban. You will find plenty of parking close to the arena, although a night game may mean that parking could get tight at times. Return on Investment 5 The games are free to attend. So, although the level of play is quite low, the free parking and admission make this a great value for sports fans. Extras 1 Goucher College has a nice little athletics hall of fame located in the Decker Sports & Recreation Center Arena lobby. Final Thoughts The Decker Sports & Recreation Center Arena is a pretty basic, low-level arena located in a nice suburban setting of Baltimore. It is not worth making a trip going just for a Goucher Gophers game, but if you are in the area you will enjoy the game for its low level of investment.

Photos by Joseph Oakes, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.14 Cassell Coliseum 675 Washington Street, SW Blacksburg, VA 24061 Virginia Tech Hokies website Cassell Coliseum website Year Opened: 1962 Capacity: 9,275 The Hokies “Cassell” Virginia Tech first started playing basketball at Cassell Coliseum in 1962. It is not only the home of the men’s basketball team, but also women’s basketball, volleyball, and wrestling. Virginia Tech has bounced around conferences over the past 30+ years, playing in the Metro Conference, Atlantic 10, and Big East. Since 2004, Virginia Tech has found a home in the ACC. This move gradually brought new life into the program, and the Hokies even won the ACC in 2022 With Tech’s recent basketball success, the argument can be made that Cassell Coliseum is now one of the toughest places to play in the ACC. Food & Beverage 3 Cassell Coliseum offers standard concession fare, just enough to get you by, but nothing special. The following are offered at the concession stands Hot Dogs ($2.50), Nachos ($2.50), Soft Pretzel ($2.50), popcorn ($2.50), candy ($4), peanuts ($4), and chips ($2.30). Fountain Coca-Cola beverages are offered for $6 for a large and $2.50 for a regular size. Dasani bottled water is also available for $2.50. Cassell Coliseum is a cashless venue so only credit and debit cards are accepted at concession stands. Atmosphere 5 Upon entering Cassell Coliseum, you are immediately greeted by Hokie Stone which is so predominant on campus. The seating bowl is a single level and you enter about halfway up. All seats are fold-down cushioned seats. One unique factor of the seating bowl is the steepness of the seats. Therefore, all seats are essentially right on top of the court. Be aware though that it is a steep climb up the steps, especially if you are sitting near the top. Since there is only a single seating bowl, there are no suites or premium seating areas. This does not take away from the atmosphere, however; as the fans are right on the court, and all the noise and energy create a loud environment. There are two 18 feet x 29 feet video boards above each goal. These do a great job of providing video replays and updating the score. All students plus the band sit behind one of the goals. They are known as the Cassell Guard and are constantly jumping and chanting, which provides a great home-court advantage for the Hokies. Due to the design of Cassell Coliseum, there is not a bad seat in the house. However, if you are scared of heights, we recommend sitting in the lower half of the coliseum due to the steepness of the seating bowl. Neighborhood 4 Since it is in the middle of campus there is not much to do within walking distance of the ballpark before or after a game. However, Virginia Tech’s campus is gorgeous with its rolling hills, sidewalks, and Hokie stone. Lane Stadium is right next door to Cassell Coliseum, and it is worth a walk around if you have never been. If it is your first time on campus, try to spend some time walking around campus. Be sure to stop by the April 16th Memorial near the Drillfield dedicated to the victims of the Virginia Tech shooting. If you take a stroll down Main Street Blacksburg, you will find several food options including local eateries as well as chain restaurants such as the Maroon Door, Mellow Mushroom, Five Guys, and Jimmy Johns. If you like the outdoors, this is the place for you as there are many activities in the surrounding mountains like hiking and canoeing. Home2Suites is less than a mile from campus and is a great place to stay if you are in town overnight. There are also several other hotels around Blacksburg and Virginia Tech. Fans 5 Virginia Tech fans are known for their passion for football, but their passion for basketball is no less. For ACC games expect close to a capacity crowd each game. Every ACC game was sold out in 2022-23. And did we mention that Cassell can get loud? The steepness of the seating bowl and the close confines of the building make it loud when the fans get into the game. Expect to hear one side of the crowd to chant “LET’S GO” and the other side “HOKIES” at several points throughout the game. Access 4 Virginia Tech’s campus is easily accessible from I-81, about 10 miles away on US 460. Take the Southgate Dr. exit off of US 460, then turn left onto Beamer Way. Cassell Coliseum will be on your right just past Lane Stadium. Parking is available adjacent to Lane Stadium just across Southgate Dr. Be sure to use the app indicated on the signs to pay for parking, which is $6. It is about a 5-minute walk to the Coliseum. Be aware that a clear bag policy is in place, and it is well enforced. If you do not have one, they are available for sale at the CVS Pharmacy next to campus and at the Walmart in Christiansburg. Once inside, there is a single concourse that wraps underneath the seating bowl. One thing to keep in mind as you look for your seats, odd-numbered seats are located on one side of the aisle, and even-numbered are on the other side. The restroom and concession areas are all very clean, and easily accessible on the concourse. Handicapped accessible seating is located in several seating sections as you enter the seating bowl. Return on Investment 4 Tickets for non-conference games are $20. For higher-profile ACC games, tickets are $50; while for lower-profile games they are $30. This may seem a little steep, but compared to their ACC peers, this is quite a deal. Often tickets for many games can be found at lower prices on the secondary market. Concessions at Cassell are also more affordable compared to their peers. Extras 4 At many sporting events, it is often difficult to get pictures with or even get close to the mascot. But credit to Virginia Tech for having the Hokie Bird mascot walk around and take pictures with young fans on the concourse before the game. A second extra point for the fun in-game promotions. One of these is free Smithfield Bacon: if the opponent misses two straight free throws in the second half, everyone in attendance receives a coupon for free Smithfield Bacon. A third extra point to the free popcorn that is available once the gates are opened. Arrive early and you will get free popcorn. A fourth extra is for the family restrooms which is helpful for those with small kids. Final Thoughts Cassell Coliseum is old, cramped, and probably not on anybody’s list of ACC basketball meccas; however, the intimateness adds to the charm. When attending a game at Virginia Tech, you will find a passionate fan base, a loud arena, and some of the top basketball in the country.

Photos by Aaron S. Terry, Stadium Journey One of the more unique traditions in sports, and of course it would have to be part of MLS soccer, is the “Beer Snake” at Audi Field, home of D. C. United. During the match, fans in the supporters end zone will create a weaving, winding ‘stack’ of empty plastic beer cups – starting in the first row, the ‘snake’ will eventually be built up enough to reach the top of the section. The tradition is even continued by XFL fans, whose DC Defenders share the stadium with D. C. United in February through April. Throughout the latter half of the game, fans can watch as the Beer Snake is painstakingly constructed – empty cups are tossed toward the snake, and fans will collect them into short stacks, and then pass those stacks along to be incorporated into the main snake. Fans can watch as the snake gets longer and longer, adding more and more curves as the number of cups multiplies, eventually winding its way to the very top. And if you are lucky, at that point you may see the start of a second snake, once the first snake reaches the supporter end zone’s apex. While unique, however, the tradition is not without controversy – the tradition was apparently suspended in 2022, as there were several complaints from fans about their rowdier comrades spilling beer all over them in their cup-tossing exuberance; a few fans were even captured on video throwing full and half-full cups of beer in their zest to increase the snake’s length. But in 2023, lighthearted heads prevailed, and the Beer Snake construction crew is now back in business, albeit including additional stern warnings from stadium staff about beer-throwing and its consequences. Now if you make the trek to our nation’s capital, you can see the Beer Snake once again, and even help build it if you are sitting on that end, in all its serpentine glory.

Photos by David Welch, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.43 Russell C. King Field at Switzer Stadium 429 N Church St Spartanburg, SC 29303 Wofford Terriers website Russell C. King Field at Switzer Stadium website Year Opened: 2004 Capacity: 2,500 Russell C. King Field at Switzer Stadium Wofford College is less than two miles from downtown Spartanburg, South Carolina, but a quick walk around campus makes you feel a world away. For decades, the Terriers played at Law Field that sat on the site of their current home. When Wofford made the jump to Division I, Law Field did not meet minimal size requirements, so Wofford moved to the cross-town Duncan Park in the mid 90s. The Terriers would call Duncan Park home for 8 years, but would move back to campus in 2004 with the opening of Russell King Field. Wofford has played as members of the Southern Conference (SoCon) since their move to Division I in 1997 – the Terriers were SoCon tournament champions in 2007, and back-to-back regular season champions in 2021 and 2022. Food & Beverage 2 Russell King Field does not have a traditional concession stand, but what it does have is the 429 – the Road Boss food truck which is part of the Wofford food system. While having a food truck as a concession stand is a novel idea, it falls short of expectations when it comes to food options; the main options of substance are either a hot dog or nachos. There are also a handful of snack choices, such as the traditional baseball peanuts, Cracker Jack, and sunflower seeds. Drinks consist of bottled Coke products or PowerAde. Atmosphere 3 Russell King Field sits at the bottom of an embankment, at the end of an oak tree-lined drive. During the spring months, after the trees have filled out with their canopy of leaves, it is quite a stunning sight. The stadium blends in so well with its surroundings that if walking up from behind the press box, it would be difficult to tell there was even a baseball field here. Upon approach, it has the feel of an amphitheater. The seating bowl is made up of nine rows of permanent seating, spread out into five sections from dugout to dugout. The middle three sections are covered with a steeply sloped roof. Many fans choose to bring lawn chairs to set up on the concrete pad along the top of the seating area, or along the hillside on each side of the field. Other than the small press box at the top of the seating area, the stadium has no built-in amenities. Restrooms are conveniently available, however, at the adjacent Richardson Hall, which could quite easily be peppered with foul balls, or at the food truck providing concessions at the neighboring soccer field. The natural grass, symmetrical stadium plays a bit small, but is offset a by a roughly 10’ fence. Down the lines the distances run 325’ with 385’ power alleys, and 395’ to straightaway center field. Hot cloudless days will make seats under the overhang a popular option, as would the hillside seats along the first baseline in the shade of the oak trees. Neighborhood 4 A train trestle with “Wofford” painted across it welcomes visitors to the southeastern edge of campus. Russell King Field is neighbored by the school’s softball field, soccer pitch, Snyder Field, and the newly built Jerry Richardson Hall that houses locker rooms, athletics offices, and student housing. Wofford’s campus is less than 2 miles from downtown Spartanburg, so there is a wide variety of food, lodging, and entertainment options just minutes away. The University of South Carolina-Upstate is less than 4 miles away, also. A bit further from campus, in the neighboring town of Greer, is the BMW manufacturing plant and Zentrum Museum. Fans 3 Wofford has a sizeable fanbase given the size of its student body. The crowd is seemingly three-quarters family and alumni, and the other one-quarter is students. Adults in the crowd tend to be the most vocal of the bunch. Students come and go throughout the game, but are not the ones to create a substantial home field advantage. With an enrollment of just over 1,800 students and an average attendance of about 400 fans per baseball game, the Terriers draw well in comparison to the size of their student body. Access 4 Wofford is easily accessible from nearby I-85, or from I-26 which passes through just south of Spartanburg. These main arteries of travel provide rather direct routes from Ashville, Columbia, Charlotte, and Atlanta. Once at the Wofford campus, parking is available on the first base side of the field. If this lot is full, there is a good amount of on-street parking along the perimeter of campus. From that point, it is just a short walk to the field. With free admission, there is not a gate entry point to pass through and there does not appear to be enforcement of a clear bag policy. A handful of fans even brought small coolers with drinks and snacks. Return on Investment 5 When the only thing you must invest in when going to a Wofford baseball game is time, it is time well spent. While concessions are a bit limited, the prices are affordable and the day will not break the bank. The picnic tables along the third baseline also encourages fans to bring a picnic lunch to enjoy during the game. Extras 3 The aforementioned picnic tables that line the hillside along the third base line are a nice touch, and create space for a great afternoon picnic lunch as you take in a game. The large oak trees along the right field line create a great deal of shade, and provide wonderful aesthetics. Spartanburg does not have much of a skyline, but Denny’s Tower, the corporate headquarters for the diner’s chain, is prominently visible in the distance behind right field. Final Thoughts Russell King Field offers a wonderfully beautiful environment for baseball, paired with a rather quality team. From the oak-lined drive to the meticulously maintained grass, to the simpleness of berm seating and players watering down the infield on their own, baseball at Wofford is an overall pleasant way to spend an evening or afternoon.

Photos by Gregory Koch and Richard Smith, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.57 Tiger Softball Stadium Auburn Dr Towson, MD 21204 Towson Tigers website Tiger Softball Stadium website Year Opened: 2015 Capacity: 500 Towson Softball Towson University is the second-largest public university in the State of Maryland. Located just north of Baltimore, it is home to approximately 21,000 college students, of which 18,000 are undergraduates. Their football team played for the 2013 Football Championship Subdivision National Championship, falling short to North Dakota State. The basketball team has also had scattered success over the years, most notably in the early 1990s under coach Terry Truax, with guards Kurk Lee and Devin Boyd in the old East Coast Conference. The Truax-led teams made it to two straight NCAA tournaments in 1990 and 1991. Towson is also known for their impressive gymnastics program. They have been the 1968 AIAW Division II National Champions, 1995 and 1998 USA Gymnastics NIT Champions, 3-time Calloway Invitational Champions, 15-time ECAC Champions, and 2007 USA Gymnastics National Champions. The Tigers’ softball team plays their home games at Tiger Softball Stadium which opened in 2015. Food & Beverage 1 There is a simple concession stand located at Tiger Softball Stadium that sells basic options such as soda, water, chips, and candy. It is a simple affair and you will want to eat elsewhere for a real meal. The concession stand is not open for all games, especially weekday afternoon games. Atmosphere 2 This is a basic stadium with a small set of stands located behind home plate. There is a mix of chairback seats and bleachers. A standard, simple scoreboard is located beyond the outfield. They do have a PA system for music and simple game announcements. Neighborhood 3 Besides Johnny Unitas Stadium and SECU Arena, nothing is right by the field. Even though you may have to drive to most places, Towson is a semi-urban environment with a very large shopping mall and numerous restaurants in the area. Try the Charles Village Pub in the heart of downtown Towson for good food and drinks. Some other great options are Glory Days Grill and Sushi Hana. Baltimore is also a quick drive away. Check out the Federal Hill neighborhood, south of the Inner Harbor. There are a few fun restaurants and bars here. Abbey Burger Bistro is one great choice. The beer selection is good, and they offer a dizzying array of burger choices, which are all likely to satisfy Fans 4 For many years, Towson was known as a commuter school. But in the last couple of decades, there has been an increase in residence students. Students are starting to come to games in more significant numbers. There are also many other fans who appear to be either locals or family of the players. Access 3 Towson is located right off the Baltimore Beltway/I-695. The only negative is that Towson is a maze of roads getting to the Osler and Auburn location of the sports complexes. Tiger Softball Stadium is hidden behind SECU Arena and may not be easy to find. Parking is free and plentiful, but be careful to check regulations for weekday matches. Return on Investment 4 There is no admission charge and the simple food menu is reasonably priced so the return on investment is quite good. Extras 1 The only real extras are the unique location (hidden by an arena and the nearby loading dock) and the Towson Softball banner along the outside of the field. Final Thoughts Tiger Softball Stadium is not a place you will normally search for an amazing sports experience, but if you happen to be in the area it is a cheap way to enjoy a game of softball.

Photos by Dave Cottenie, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.00 Bud Walton Arena 1270 W Leroy Pond Dr. Fayetteville, AR 72701 Arkansas Razorbacks website Bud Walton Arena website Year Opened: 1993 Capacity: 19,368 Woo Pig Sooie Hoops There is not much bigger in Arkansas after the football season is over than Arkansas Razorbacks basketball. Located in Fayetteville, the second largest city in the state with a population of just over 98,000, the University of Arkansas is the biggest attraction in the city. Founded in 1871 as Arkansas Industrial University, the University of Arkansas boasts a current enrollment of over 30,000. The Razorbacks have been playing basketball since 1923 and the peak of their success was the 1994 run through the Final Four to become National Champions. The Razorbacks currently play in the Southeastern Conference of the NCAA, where they have played since 1991, becoming the first domino to fall in the demise of the Southwest Conference. The home for the Razorbacks is Bud Walton Arena. Known as the Palace of Mid-America, Bud Walton Arena opened in 1993 and is widely accepted as one of the most difficult places to play for opponents. The court is named after National Championship coach Nolan Richardson and the arena is named after James “Bud” Walton, co-founder of Wal-Mart, who made a sizable donation for the construction of the arena. Nolan Richardson Court at Bud Walton Arena is one of the largest on-campus arenas in the country and provides a unique NCAA basketball experience that fans should consider getting. Food & Beverage 4 The circa nineties design of the Bud Walton Arena combined with the homogeneous design of the concession stands give the impression that the food selection is fairly pedestrian. Nothing could be further from the truth. A closer look will give fans an insight into the wide variety of concession items available. All of the expected items can be found at the arena, however, the selection goes far beyond just hot dogs and popcorn. Pulled pork, brisket, tacos, nachos, and a variety of pizza options are available. The stands all look the same, so some investigating is necessary. Coca-cola products are the soft drinks of choice at Bud Walton Arena. Bud Light and Michelob Ultra are the available beer selections. Atmosphere 4 The Bud Walton Arena is not an overly attractive Arena from the exterior. There is plenty of brown brick and there are materials that could have been used that are far less attractive. There just isn’t much to wow people walking by. It fits into the area of campus where it is located, with the other athletic facilities. Once inside the Bud Walton Arena, fans will immediately notice the concourses and their dedication to all things Razorbacks. Red and white are the dominant colors and there are plenty of items to keep the interest of fans doing some treasure hunting. There are large displays honoring significant players from specific eras. For example, the display from the nineties features Lee Mayberry, Todd Day, and Oliver Miller. The massive display commemorating the 1994 National Championship, including the massive retro Sports Illustrated cover is a spot fan will want to stop and take a look. When fans enter the seating bowl, the enormity of the facility will quickly become apparent. Two tiers of red seats that go right up to the floor provide excellent sight lines. The court runs from west to east and the best spot to get the perfect Center logo picture is from the south side. Above the center court, there is a state-of-the-art videoboard, fitting a major college program. On the east side, the basketball banners hang above the court. Individual honors for Sidney Moncrief, Corliss Williamson, Eddie Sutton, and Nolan Richardson hang to the left of the conference championship banners, and further along, the line is the 1994 National Champions banner. Banners for appearances in the 1941, 1945, 1978, 1990, 1994, and 1995 Final Fours flank the other banners. The gameday atmosphere is that of a typical, major college basketball program, turned up a notch. The band sits in the southeast corner and they are excellent. The band is the focus of the atmosphere, however, the Razorbacks do employ two gameday hosts who end up pushing a crowd that doesn’t require all that much pushing. The music played over the PA is unusually loud and not necessary at all. The Razorbacks have several mascots. Arkansas has a live mascot, Tusks, but it is unclear if it is at basketball games and it was not at the game reviewed. Costumed mascots Big Red, Sue E., Pork Chop, and Boss Hog can be found at games, and courtside, helping out with the cheerleaders and dance team. Overall, a lot is going on for an Arkansas basketball game Neighborhood 3 The University of Arkansas is located west of what would probably be considered Downtown Fayetteville. Heading to the east of the campus, which is rather large, would be where fans would want to head to find some pre or post-game spots for food or drink. Boulders and Brews, Brewski’s Draft Emporium, Pickleman’s Gourmet Cafe, and Yancey’s are all decent options. For other sporting options, the University of Arkansas fields a full complement of athletic teams, chief of which is the football team, which plays on campus at Donald W. Reynolds Razorback Stadium . The baseball team plays at Baum Stadium at George Cole Field . The Razorbacks are often referred to as “The State of Arkansas’ Professional Team.” There is some Minor League Baseball that can be found in nearby Springdale, where the Northwest Arkansas Naturals play at Arvest Ballpark. As for other tourism opportunities, fans may want to take advantage of the focus on the outdoors in the areas surrounding Fayetteville or use the numerous hiking or biking trails. Checking out the live music venues along Dickson Street may be of interest also. For fans wishing to stay near campus, heading west will bring them to several hotel options, including the Best Western. Fans 5 When a college experience is being compared to a professional experience, you know it is the place to be! Arkansas fans are among the best in college basketball. Arkansas boasts the highest attendance in the SEC, which is saying something considering that blue-blood Kentucky is in the conference, and averages over 19,000 per game. The importance of Arkansas basketball is further underlined as the Razorbacks boast the second-highest average attendance in the entire NCAA, second only to Syracuse, who play in the massive JMA Wireless Dome, which also hosts Syracuse football. Not only do the fans come out in droves, but they are among the loudest and most intimidating in all of college basketball. This is shown through the “Woo Pig Sooie” chant, which can be heard throughout the game. Visiting fans won’t take very long to get a handle on the practice and soon they will be calling the hogs along with the natives. Access 4 Getting to Bud Walton Arena is not that difficult. The University of Arkansas campus is just east of I-49, the main artery in Fayetteville. A short jaunt down Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd will bring fans to the edge of campus. Parking can be found on campus or at nearby Fayetteville High School. Fans looking for public transit to the game can check out the Razorback Transit website for fares, schedules, and maps. Walking around Bud Walton Arena is not difficult, but can be a bit crowded at times. Washrooms are adequate for the crowd in attendance. With the state of security at major sporting events in constant flux, Stadium Journey strongly urges fans to check the Bud Walton Arena and Arkansas Razorbacks websites for the most up-to-date security requirements and procedures including bag policies. Return on Investment 4 Once football season is over, Arkansas basketball is the biggest ticket in town. Tickets are often sold out and the secondary market is the place to look, where prices can assuredly be inflated. When preparing for this review, there were no seats available on the primary market for the majority of the season suggesting that all of the games were sold to season ticket holders and students. Concession prices are what fans would expect and parking will not go for an exorbitant amount. The return fans can expect is one of the best atmospheres in college basketball, with fans who turn out to support their team in greater numbers than their blueblood counterparts. Extras 4 An extra mark for the Walmart shareholders meetings being held at Bud Walton Arena. An extra mark for Arkansas is THE ticket in the state. An extra mark for being one of the toughest places to play basketball as an opponent. An extra mark for WOO PIG SOOIE Final Thoughts The Arkansas Razorbacks provides one of the best environments for college basketball in the country at Nolan Richardson Court at Bud Walton Arena. A trip to Fayetteville may not be high on the bucket list for basketball fans at first glance, however, when all of the factors are put together, it definitely should be! WOO PIG SOOIE!! ---- Follow all of Dave’s sporting adventures on Twitter @profan9 and Instagram .

Photos by Richard Smith, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.86 APG Federal Credit Union Arena 401 Thomas Run Rd Bel Air, MD 21015 Harford Fighting Owls website APG Federal Credit Union Arena website Year Opened: 2012 Capacity: 2,552 Home Of The Fighting Owl Harford Community College is located in Bel Air, MD, roughly in between Baltimore and the Delaware state line. It was founded in September 1957 as the “Harford Junior College.” In 1971 the name was changed to its current college designation. The Harford Fighting Owls play in NJCAA Division I, the highest athletic level for 2-year colleges, and are a part of the Maryland Junior College Athletic Conference. Having played in the antiquated Susquehanna Center gym since its 1968 opening, Harford wanted to update its facilities. So in 2011, the college began an extensive remodel of the facility. As part of the remodel was the addition of this 2,552-seat arena. Aberdeen Proving Grounds Federal Credit Union provided sponsorship in another surprising turn for this community college building. While sponsorships are the norm nowadays in the stadium world, a sponsor program for a small 2-year college building is pretty new on the landscape. The name is often shortened to the equally hard-to-say APGFCU Arena. The arena opened in late 2012 for the men’s and women’s basketball season, as well as a performance of the Harlem Globetrotters. Food & Beverage 2 There is a basic concession stand offering a small array of foods at a decent price. The arena does have a liquor license, but they will not sell those products during college basketball games. It is nice that there are some soda machines around the arena. Atmosphere 2 To be honest, the fan atmosphere is not very impressive. A community college audience gets a lot of family members and a few interested community members, but very few students. The arena staff may try to engage the fans with interactive games and giveaways. It is a basic atmosphere but fair for this level of play. Neighborhood 4 Harford Community College is in a suburban location and has plenty of free parking. The area is safe and has many restaurants nearby. Naughty Dogs is within walking distance and has a fun, cheap bar for pre and post-game refreshments, along with food such as pit beef. JD’s Smokehouse located across the street provides another option for food and drinks and some pretty good barbecue. If you are in the mood for Mexican, La Tolteca is located just a brief distance away and is a consistently good food place. Travel into Bel Air and there are multiple chain and local options. There are numerous options, such as MaGerks Pub & Grill, around the area. A quick drive in the other direction is Aberdeen. Olive Tree is a better version of a well-known Italian chain, while Mamie’s Cafe with Love is an old-school Baltimore-style restaurant that offers free desserts with all meals. Super Chicken Rico is another choice with which you can’t go wrong. Venture into nearby Havre de Grace, and the options expand dramatically. Try the Tidewater Grille and Vineyard Wines. Washington Street Books and Bahoukas Beer MuZeum are all interesting shopping options in this quaint waterfront town. If you do go to Havre de Grace, make sure to stop at the elegant Concord Point Lighthouse. Fans 1 The team mascot, Screech The Owl, may also be in attendance and tries to get the crowd fired up. A community college audience gets a lot of family members and a few interested community members, but very few students. Access 4 Harford is located just a few miles off of I-95, one of the largest highways in the northeast. But State Route 22 can be very crowded with commuters traveling between Aberdeen Proving Grounds (APG) and central Harford County. APG has become a very large Army base after the last round of federal base realignment and closure activities. So leave some extra time getting to APGFCU Arena. Towson University in Northeastern Maryland is an extension campus of the well-established state university that is located across from the Harford campus. Return on Investment 4 APGFCU Arena is noted as being the largest arena in northeast Maryland. That is a somewhat silly pronouncement with Maryland being a relatively small state. But the arena is already seeing its schedule filled with various events and concerts. Basketball crowds will not be its bread and butter alone. The general admissions seats are the best value and are priced fairly. Most games are doubleheaders with the men’s and women’s teams so that adds to the value. Extras 3 The arena staff does do a good job of promotions. They treat your experience here as if you are at a major college. It would be very easy to not do this with the small crowd, but they never give up. The Chesapeake Center is the name for the rest of the building that the APG Federal Credit Union Arena is connected to. Check out the rest of this facility, as the 2011-2012 renovation changed the look and feel of this building dramatically. The rest of the Harford Community College campus is worth taking a look at. The college has added buildings and facilities numerous times over the past 15 years. A small rural college is now a major suburban educational institution. Final Thoughts This is a pretty impressive facility for a community college. It will be interesting to see if other colleges of this size try to follow suit. The product on the court is pretty good, especially the high-scoring women’s team and the Maryland Junior College Athletic Conference offers some good and quality competition. Just don’t expect to see the largest crowds around, as that is not likely to change any time soon, even with a fine facility.

Photos by Lloyd Brown, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.43 LECOM Park 1611 9th Street West Bradenton, FL 34205 Pittsburgh Pirates Spring Training website LECOM Park website Year Opened: 1923 Capacity: 8,500 LECOM Park Celebrates Its Centennial Major League Baseball’s oldest Spring Training ballpark celebrated its 100th Birthday in 2023 as LECOM Park in Bradenton marked its centennial year. The park was known as McKechnie Field up until 2017 when it became LECOM Park as a part of a naming rights agreement with the Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine. (Whew! Aren’t you glad the stadium uses the acronym version of that name?) Many regard LECOM Park as the “Fenway Park of Spring Training” as it is the third oldest baseball stadium in major league baseball after Fenway Park and Wrigley Field . The Pittsburgh Pirates call it their spring home. As you can expect, the stadium has undergone several renovations in its lifetime. One renovation was the result of heavy damage due to a hurricane. The other two took place in 1993 and 2013. The earlier renovation replaced the seating that had been in the stadium for 70 years as well as the mechanicals in the ballpark. In 2008 lights were added to the field, as prior to that only day games were played. The 2013 renovations enhanced the fan plaza and added bleacher seating in the left field area. The current dimensions at LECOM Park are 335’ in left field, 400’ to dead center, and 335’ in right field. The current capacity is 8,500 fans, making it the fourth-largest park in the Grapefruit League. One of the nicest things about LECOM Park’s location is its close proximity to several other parks in the Grapefruit League. This makes it possible for you to see the Atlanta Braves or the Baltimore Orioles on the same day as the Pirates game. Food & Beverage 5 LECOM Park offers a wide range of foods at very reasonable prices. However, if you are looking for a Primanti sandwich you are out of luck. LECOM vendors provide baseball standards and Florida fare. Most of the food vendors are located behind the home plate and first baseline bleachers. However these vendors can have long lines at points during the game, and you might find shorter lines closer to your seats along the third baseline or in the outfield sections of the stadium. Here’s an overview of the food vendors available at LECOM Park: Pirates Cove is located along the first base concourse. It offers pulled pork sandwiches, jumbo hot dogs, cheeseburgers, veggie burgers, brats, fried fish sandwiches, and Italian Ices ($6 - $9.50). The Home Plate Express is behind the largest grandstand on the Fan Plaza. They sell baseball standards including pizza slices ($5), nachos ($5), popcorn ($6.50), chips ($3) and pretzels ($6). The Hot Corner Deli on the third base side of the field offers a wide variety of sandwiches for $10, garden salads for $6, and chef salads for $9. The Snack Station is located at the base of the videoboard in center field. They offer Loaded BBQ Pork fries at $10, chicken tenders with fries ($11), a chicken sandwich for $7, and Cracker Jacks for $5. Select stands offer some decidedly Florida-style food. This includes grouper tenders ($14.75) and gator bites ($13.75)! The Craft Corner Beer stand offers craft beers in cans ($7.25), craft draft beers ($7.75), and a Big Storm Brewery Growler for $16. All stands offer Pepsi brand soft drinks ($6) and bottled water for $5.50. You’ll find a wide assortment of brand beers at the stands, along with dedicated stands for Southern Tier ($9), Yuengling ($9), and Leinenkugel ($9). Atmosphere 5 It is immediately apparent that you are at one of the most historic stadiums in baseball when you arrive at LECOM Park. The exterior skin of the stadium is constructed of Florida Spanish Mediterranean-style stucco, and a majority of the seating is covered by a roof or a canopy. The steel girders are all exposed, showing you how the stadium was built. The first thing you will come to after the ticket takers is the fan plaza. It is filled with booths selling all kinds of foods and baseball memorabilia. You will also see all sorts of fan participation games taking place, as well as some Adirondack chairs to rest in if you need a break from the action. As you head to the seating bowl, you’ll notice there are multiple sections of the grandstand surrounding the infield. The largest grandstand is directly behind the plate, and it is covered by a steel roof. The press box is also in this section of the stadium. On each side of the main grandstand is covered seating extending down the baselines. If you arrive early enough, head towards the fence along the first baseline. This is known as Autograph Alley, and during the pregame period, multiple Pirate players are available to sign autographs. After visiting the infield sections of the stadium, head out to the outfield seating areas via the boardwalk. This boardwalk allows you to walk 360 degrees around the field. If you head down the third baseline you will come to another set of bleachers that have a canopy to protect fans from the sun. You will also notice the palm trees and flags that form a backdrop to the outfield seating areas. The palm trees provide some shade for the fans, and give a more tropical feel to the stadiums. The black, gold, and white flags represent championship years for the Pirates organization. The white flags denote division championship years, the black flags denote years when the Pirates went to the World Series and the gold flags represent years when the Pirates won the World Series. In center field, you’ll reach the Boardwalk BBQ area, which is a group area for groups of 25 people or more. The large center field video board towers above this section of the field. As you head to the right field section of the outfield, you’ll notice the drink rails atop the outfield walls. They extend the rest of the way to the right field foul pole. The drink rails are available only in this section of the outfield, as rails in the other sections would block the view of people sitting in the bleachers. If you are getting thirsty as you walk around the stadium, do not worry… you will soon see the Kona Brewing Tiki Hut… it is not a mirage! Fans Atop the Boardwalk at Lecom Park, Photo by Lloyd Brown, Stadium Journey As you complete your tour around the field, take time to reflect on the 100-year-old stadium’s history and all of the baseball immortals that once played on this diamond! Neighborhood 4 LECOM Stadium is located at the corner of 17th Avenue West and Ninth Street West. This site puts it right in the middle of a city neighborhood in Bradenton. The surrounding area is very artsy, with the Village of the Arts right next door. There are many restaurants and shops within walking distance of the park. You might want to have a pre or postgame drink at Darwin Brewing, which is just across the street from the ballpark. A visit to the nearby Bishop Museum of Science and Nature provides you with an up-close look at the lives of the Florida manatees at their aquarium. The Hampton Inn Downtown Bradenton offers the closest accommodations to LECOM Park. Fans 4 Like most teams, the Pirates have a very loyal fan base. However, the Pittsburgh fan base is especially loyal, despite the dearth of Pirate championships in recent years. Spring training always offers hope that this year will be different, and Pirate fans are also eager to leave Pittsburgh’s harsh winters behind to enjoy the warm and sunny Florida weather. Many of these fans are very traditional, and they appreciate the heritage of LECOM Park and that it has not been discarded for a shiny new Spring Training stadium. Another portion of the crowd is the baseball chasers. While not aligned with a specific team, they are baseball fans who want to experience Spring Training in as many stadiums as possible during their Florida trip. LECOM Park benefits from this, as it is very close to stadiums used by the Atlanta Braves, the Baltimore Orioles, the Minnesota Twins , and the Boston Red Sox . The final component comes from the residents. Bradenton is a haven for retirees and empty nesters, and they can enjoy major league baseball in their home city for two months each year without the hassle of driving in a major city or having to pay major league prices to go to a game. Access 4 LECOM Park is easy to get to from I-75 via State Route 64 West. Finding the LECOM Park is easy… it is much harder to find a place to park. LECOM Park has very few dedicated parking spaces to the facility itself. However, you will find plenty of businesses, churches, and charities that are more than willing to let you use their parking lots at the same price charged by LECOM Park. Once at the stadium, the gates open two hours prior to the first pitch. This allows you plenty of time to wander the ballpark or check out the many concession stands and the Pirates Clubhouse Store on the plaza. The stadium increased its accessibility in 2013 with the construction of a boardwalk to and from the outfield stands, allowing you to walk 360 degrees around the playing field. Return on Investment 4 A day out at a Pirates game in Bradenton is much more affordable for fans than other Grapefruit League facilities. First off, the parking at the stadium is limited, but you can always find area merchants, churches, and charities that offer up their parking lots and charge the same $10 fee that is charged in the stadium lots. Tickets at LECOM Park are offered up at multiple price points depending on where you want to sit. Infield box seats are $33, Infield Reserved Third Baseline seats are $31, Baseline Box seats are $27, the Left Field Bleachers seats cost $20, and the First Baseline Grandstand seats are $19. We urge you to buy your tickets well in advance, as this offers you more choice in the location. The Pirates tickets frequently sell out, especially during the Centennial year of the stadium. Extras 5 Unlike most Spring Training facilities, the Pirates practice and maintain their training facilities away from their game facility in Bradenton. Pirate City is located six miles from LECOM Park. LECOM Park is also the home field for the Bradenton Marauders of the Florida State League. The Marauders are the Class A minor league affiliate for the Pirates. Among the players who have played at LECOM Park are Roberto Clemente, Hank Aaron, Babe Ruth, Willie Stargell, Bill Mazeroski, and Ted Williams. Play was suspended during World War II. LECOM Park was used for military equipment storage during those years. During its lifetime LECOM Park has served as the Spring Training home of the Pittsburgh Pirates, the Milwaukee Braves, the Philadelphia Phillies, the Boston Red Sox, and the St. Louis Cardinals. Be sure to say “Thank you” to the ticket taker, the usher, or any of the folks who work the concession stands or in the team store. They are all volunteers from the Bradenton Pirates Boosters Club. The club staffs all the positions except the groundskeeping staff, at no cost to the Pirates. In addition, the booster club raises money throughout the year to make enhancements to the stadium possible. Final Thoughts LECOM Park has been a Pirate’s treasure for 100 years, putting it on equal standing with only Wrigley Field and Fenway Park in baseball history. The team's dedication to preserving the field and maintaining low prices for its fans is something to be admired. If you have never been to Bradenton for a Pirates or Marauders game, it is well worth it to visit next time you are in the area.

Photos by Paul Baker, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.43 W.B. Mason Stadium 320 Washington St. North Easton, MA 02356 Stonehill Skyhawks lacrosse website W.B. Mason Stadium website Year Opened: 2005 Capacity: 2,400 Skyhawks Lacrosse On April 5, 2022, tiny Stonehill College, a private Catholic school located in Easton, Massachusetts with an enrollment of 2,500 undergraduate students, announced it was moving all its athletic teams to the NCAA Division I level, effective in the fall of 2022. Prior to 2022, Stonehill was a member of the Northeast-10 Conference in NCAA Division II. Upon its elevation to Division One, Stonehill joined the Northeast Conference. Stonehill’s athletic teams competed for years as the Chieftains. In 2002 the school decided to change its nickname. After considering several options, Stonehill officially changed its nickname to the Skyhawks in 2005. This name has no connection to a bird or animal but does have a connection to the school’s history. After the school’s property was purchased by the Congregation of Holy Cross, an airfield on site was leased to the Navy during World War II and to private companies afterwards. The airfield was closed in 1955 as the college grew, but the Navy continued to use the land for training exercises and would employ the Skyhawk aircraft between 1954–1995. W.B Mason, a business supply company headquartered in neighboring Brockton purchased the naming rights for the facility. The company, led by CEO and Stonehill alumnus Leo Meehan, pitched in $1.5 million of the $4 million construction cost of the stadium. The playing field is dedicated in honor of Tim “Cogs” Coughlin, a class of 1980 alumnus and member of the Stonehill football team, who lost his life in the attacks on the World Trade Center. In addition to serving as home to the Skyhawks lacrosse team, W.B. Mason also serves as home to Stonehill’s field hockey, football and track and field teams. Food & Beverage 0 There are no concessions sold at W.B. Mason Stadium for lacrosse games. Fans are able to bring their own snacks in to enjoy while watching the game. Hot beverages from the nearby Dunkin’ are popular choices on chilly Massachusetts spring afternoons. Atmosphere 2 There are a lot of sports fans out there who have never experienced a lacrosse game. For those of you who have yet to see a game, you’re missing out. An afternoon at a lacrosse game is a lot of fun, and the Stonehill staff use the resources at W.B. Mason Stadium to put on an entertaining show. There’s a basic scoreboard in the north end zone which displays basic game information, and a PA announcer who performs his job in an unobtrusive manner. Music plays during play stoppages, but that’s not where most of the noise comes from. As a rule, lacrosse fans are boisterous in their support of the teams down on the field. The crowds at a Skyhawks game can be described as a “friends and family” type of crowd, but what they lack in quantity they make up for in quality. With the compact footprint of the Northeast Conference, you’re likely to see a good turnout from visiting fans as well. Neighborhood 3 Stonehill College’s suburban location and sprawling campus belies its location in a bustling area with many dining and lodging options for visiting fans. State routes 123 and 138 intersect at the southwest corner of campus. Both routes are pretty busy local roads, lined with strip malls filled with the usual national chains alongside a few local eateries in both directions. Stadium Journey recommends checking out Stoneforge Grill or Brach’s Grill and Tap for your pre- or postgame meal. While you may not find many attractions in the immediate vicinity of Stonehill, Boston is located just a half hour’s drive to the north. Visiting fans will find no shortage of things to do there. Fans looking for lodging options closer to school should check out the Residence Inn by Marriott right by Route 24. More information about local accommodations, restaurants and attractions can be found here . Fans 2 The majority of fans in the stands have a personal connection to the players on the field, and are enthusiastic in their support. A Skyhawks crowd can most accurately be described as a “friends and family” type of crowd. Stadium Journey attended Stonehill’s second-ever home game as a Division One squad. For both of the Skyhawks’ first two games, attendance has been announced in the vicinity of 200 fans. These figures appear accurate, but as mentioned before, what a lacrosse crowd lacks in quantity, they make up for in quality. Expect crowds to grow as the weather warms. Access 4 Stonehill College is located in suburban North Easton, MA, directly to the west of the city of Brockton and 25 miles south of Boston. The campus is easily accessible, as both Interstates 495 and 93 lead to Route 24, which runs north-south just a mile from W.B. Mason Stadium. The stadium is located on the western edge of campus, adjacent to some of Stonehill’s other athletic facilities, including Lou Gorman Field , Merkert Gymnasium and the Sally Blair Ames Athletic Complex. Fans will find ample parking in the lot in front of the McPhaidin Library located a short walk from the stadium. The entrance to W.P. Mason Stadium is located on the southeast corner of the facility, with the grandstand on the opposite west side of the stadium. Seating consists of a single grandstand that runs the length of the field. The center sections contain individual molded plastic seats, with the rest of the seating consisting of metal bleachers without backs. This new grandstand is fully ADA compliant and easily accessible for all fans. With the smaller crowds present at Skyhawks lacrosse games, there is plenty of room to spread out. Unfortunately, the presence of a track surrounding the field pushes the seats a bit further from the action. This is a common feature of the multi-purpose fields that are found at smaller schools. Rest rooms are located in the Sally Blair Ames Athletic Complex, with additional port-a-johns are available behind the grandstand. Return on Investment 5 Admission to a Skyhawks lacrosse game is free of charge, as is parking. With no concessions, you can attend a game here without spending a cent. Extras 0 There’s not a lot going on at a Stonehill lacrosse game that can be considered extra. That’s not a knock on the experience by any means. Final Thoughts Stonehill has built themselves a nice group of athletic facilities to create homes for their fledgling Division One program. While the women’s lacrosse team doesn’t get the publicity that some other sports at the school receive, taking in a game at W.B. Mason Stadium is an affordable, entertaining way to spend a nice spring afternoon. Follow Paul Baker’s stadium journeys on Twitter and Instagram @PuckmanRI.

Photos by Eric Moreno, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.29 Alamodome 100 Montana St San Antonio, TX 78203 San Antionio Brahmas website Alamodome website Year Opened: 1993 Capacity: 72,000 San Antonio Brahmas – Alamodome The early months of 2023 saw the second revival of the XFL , this time under the auspices of Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson and his business partners. This third iteration (XFL 3.0?) brought with it a new franchise in the Alamo City with the San Antonio Brahmas . Virtually every startup/experimental/spring/minor league football league has set up camp in San Antonio over the years. Running the alphabet gamut, San Antonio has been home to the WFL (San Antonio Wings), USFL (San Antonio Gunslingers), WLAF (San Antonio Riders), CFL (San Antonio Texans), AAF (San Antonio Commanders), Arena Football League (San Antonio Force and San Antonio Talons), and the New Orleans Saints for a brief spell following Hurricane Katrina. Since the early ‘90s, all these fledgling teams have called the venerable Alamodome their home. The Riders, Texans, Saints , Talons, and Commanders all preceded the Brahmas at the Dome. As always, the pro football-starved citizens of San Antonio have whole-heartedly embraced their new team and are one of the highest-attended teams in the XFL (just behind the St. Louis club), once again making the Alamodome a must-visit spot on the pro football landscape. Food & Beverage 4 While most of the Alamodome’s concession stands are not open on XFL game days (as the lower bowl on the concourse level is all that is available for seating), what is offered is still pretty darn good. As I have mentioned in other reviews of the Dome, there recently was a great emphasis to expand the food and beverage fare at the stadium – this included brining in local and regional chains with pared down, specialty menus for fans. These recent additions include local faves Los Barrios Mexican Restaurant (street tacos), Earl Abel’s (fried chicken), Big Bib BBQ (brisket sandwiches), Lagniappe Today (cajun nachos and tots), Rebecca Creek Distillery (liquor and cocktails), and the Alamo Beer Company (beer, of course, including a signature XFL brew). Other national brands on site include Papa John’s Pizza, Johnny Rockets, and Nathan’s Famous Hot Dogs. There are also plenty of other non-branded stands on the main concourse offering up the standard hot dogs, nachos, pretzels, popcorn, bottled sodas, waters, and beer. Speaking of beer, the new Te Amo Micheladas stand serves up the refreshing Mexican-style cocktail. Atmosphere 2 The XFL and the Brahmas will pretty much get a pass this inaugural season as this new iteration tries to get its footing on the sports landscape. With that said, there is still some work that needs to be done in terms of Atmosphere at the Alamodome for the Brahmas. When it comes to the stadium’s main tenants, the UTSA Roadrunners , there is signage, coloring, and banners aplenty. However, for the new team in town, there is not much if anything to be found. The team has converted the two merchandise areas to selling Brahmas gear, and the two emcees that host the games do their best to fire up the crowd (which does sport a surprising amount of Brahmas gear, both store bought and homemade) and get them to follow along with the “Horns Forward” chant. One pretty fun feature is the augmented reality that the team employs on the fan cam. Fans showing up on the jumbotron, through the magic of digital technology, suddenly have either their faces painted yellow and black or are sporting brahma horns. Neighborhood 5 The one thing that has continued to bring pro sports and big events continuously throughout the years to San Antonio and the Alamodome is its location. Situated near two major highways in the middle of the Alamo City’s popular and energetic downtown, the Dome is ideally suited for big-time sports. The Alamodome is within walking distance of the eponymous and legendary Alamo , famed San Antonio River Walk , lush Hemisfair Park , and awe-inspiring Tower of the Americas . All of these are must-see sites when visiting San Antonio, especially for the first time, and all can be seen either before or after (most) XFL games. When it comes to dining, this area of the city has an abundance of dining options, including some of the best in the region. The Historic Pearl has, in the past decade or so, become the go-to spot for those looking to sample some of the city’s finest food – some highlights include Bakery Lorraine , which is a classic French bakery and serves up delicious treats like house-made macarons and croissants. Another spot not to be missed is the award-winning Cured , which can be best described as a charcuterie forward restaurant. When it comes to places to stay, downtown San Antonio has you covered. There are dozens of options to suit everyone’s budget. There are also quite a few that are a short walk from the Alamodome; these include Staybridge Suites San Antonio Downtown Convention Center and City View Inn & Suites . There are also vacation rentals aplenty in the area, as the Alamodome abuts a residential neighborhood – again, it all depends on your budget. Fans 4 As a lifelong resident I am still continually amazed at how much San Antonians flock to each and every one of these teams that come to town. Thus far in their infancy, the Brahmas have proven to be a hit with the fans. I attended what was only the second home game in team history, and I was blown away by the amount of Brahmas apparel that was seen in the crowd. Fans came dressed in luchador masks; fans came face-painted, some with horns, some without. I even saw someone in a full Captain America-style outfit, modified with the Brahmas’ colors. The fans were loud, tried to get a wave going numerous times, and did their best to participate in the emcees’ “Horns Forward” chant. This is a city all about loyalty, especially with its sports teams – if the Brahmas can stick around, crowds at the Alamodome will only get bigger. Access 4 The Alamodome is located directly off State Highway 281/37, between Interstates 10 and 35 and a 14-minute drive from San Antonio International Airport, which has flights from destinations far and wide at all hours of the day. San Antonio is an hour and a half south of Austin, three and a half hours west of Houston, and four and a half hours from the Dallas/Fort Worth Metroplex. Parking is plentiful at the Alamodome with two paid lots ($20); parking is also available at houses and businesses around the stadium. If you would rather not drive yourself to the game or take a rideshare, San Antonio’s mass transit option, VIA Metropolitan Transit , has park and ride options you can take that will run you less than $3 per person roundtrip. Return on Investment 3 Tickets for Brahmas games start at $29 per person. The merchandise was a little on the pricey side, with the cheapest t-shirt option around $30. Concessions are what they are, cost wise – the closest comparison would be a high-end minor league ballpark in terms of dollars. The bargain is in the parking, especially if you use park and ride, rideshare, or one of the driveways in the area. To be quite honest, the football on the field is a little rough right now in the XFL. I think there is plenty of room for improvement in the presentation of the product, as well. However, if you’re a sports fan or a football junkie, this will tide you over ‘til the regular season starts in the Fall. Extras 1 There is not much in terms of Extras at XFL games; I can only assume this is being done to keep operating costs down. This includes no cheerleaders, mascots, nor other types of football trappings to engage fans. There was supposed to be a tailgate area/fan zone set up before the game I attended, but that was rescheduled due to the weather. The Brahmas do employ a DJ, so there is that if it’s something you’re interested in. The team also promotes its head coach, NFL great Hines Ward , quite a bit. There are also contests giving away signed swag sprinkled in during the breaks in the action. Final Thoughts I’m a football fan and a lifelong San Antonian – I’ve seen pretty much every one of the defunct teams that I mentioned above, and I supported all of them as well. I want this iteration of the XFL to succeed as a fan; I think it’s better for the sport if one of these spring leagues can sustain itself long-term. With that in mind, I think you have to be a true fan of the sport, or someone from this area, to want to come and see a Brahmas game at the Alamodome. With a little time, I’m hoping the experience will become more of a must see. Follow Eric Moreno's Stadium Journey on Twitter at @EricMoreno6477 .

Photos by Richard Smith, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.14 Athey Park 108 Gibson Ave. Chestertown, MD 21620 Washington College Shoremen website Athey Park website Year Opened: 2007 Capacity: 500 On The Shore Washington College is a college in Chestertown, Maryland which was granted its charter in 1782. It is the 10th oldest college in the United States and one of the few to have received support from George Washington to honor him. The original desire was to have this college as the Eastern Shore Campus of a public “University of Maryland” with Annapolis’ St. John’s College the Western Shore counterpart. That obviously did not happen. Each year, Washington College awards the nation’s largest undergraduate literary prize. Since 1968, the Sophie Kerr Prize has been presented to one graduating senior who demonstrates the greatest literary promise. Washington has had sports since the 1800s, with the baseball team dating back to the 1870s, likely the oldest team on campus. Men’s teams are known as the Shoremen; women’s teams are known as the Shorewomen. The facility is named in honor of long-time athletic director and coach Edward L. Athey. A new field was installed in 2007 and the current stadium architecture and press box were completed in 2009. Food & Beverage 1 There are no permanent food options at the stadium, although it looks like some parents and fans occasionally bring and sell some offerings at some games, especially on weekends. Atmosphere 4 The field is a very nice low-level college field. The small grandstand fills quickly and many fans sit on their own chairs around all parts of the field. The North Commons student housing lines the outfield view and offers a great view. The actual grandstand does suffer from some obstructed views from the on-the-field press box. Neighborhood 4 Chestertown is a town and county seat of around 5,000 in Kent County, Maryland, and is located on what is known as Maryland’s Eastern Shore. It is 1.5 hours from Baltimore and Philadelphia. The nearby downtown district of Chestertown is full of history and sites for visitors, along with some nice shopping and dining. BAD Alfred’s Distilling, the Evergrain Bread Company, and Play It Again Sam are good spots for dining. Check out the High Street Town Dock and see if there are any charter boat trips through companies such as the Chester River Packet Company. Wilmer Park and the nearby area around the Hodson Boathouse at Washington College make for some nice waterside walking on a nice day. Fans 3 There was a decent number of fans, but as with most northeast college teams, many of the fans are friends and family of the players. There was a decent number of college students attending the game, although it did seem that their attention was pretty low. Access 3 The actual town of Chestertown is not an issue getting around and accessing, but the problem is how isolated from major urban areas the town and college are. You will have to go way out of your way to visit Washington College. There may also not be much parking on campus as it is a historic campus and if there are many events going on, the available spots could be hard to find. Leave yourself plenty of time to find a good spot. The North Commons area may be a good place to start, but make sure to follow parking guidelines, especially for weekday events during regular school semesters. Return on Investment 5 Games are free to attend at Athey Park. The team does offer free roster sheets behind home plate. For the low cost of attendance, the return on investment is great. Extras 2 The North Commons student housing view and the ability to walk around the outside of the entire field is a nice extra. The offering of roster sheets is a nice extra as well. Final Thoughts Although Athey Park is not worth a long, out-of-the-way drive, if you are on the Eastern Shore of Maryland, stopping in for a game is a fun experience.

Photos by Richard Smith, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.43 Waldron Family Stadium College Ln Emmitsburg, MD 21727 Mount St. Mary's Mountaineers website Waldron Family Stadium website Year Opened: 2006 Capacity: 1,000 Mount Lacrosse In between Washington, DC, and Gettysburg, PA sits the second oldest Catholic university in America. Mount St. Mary's sits on 1,400 acres at the base of the Catoctin Mountains. Shockingly the sports teams at university use the Mountaineers moniker for their sports teams. Lacrosse has been pretty up and down at “The Mount.” In 2010 they had a very good 12-win season, a school record, and were awarded a bid to the NCAA tournament. In 2011, the Mount won the first-ever Northeast Conference Championship in the league's inaugural season. Head coach Tom Gravante has been at the university since 1995. Although lacrosse has done well at times, basketball is one of the biggest sports at the college in terms of success. Mount St. Mary's has had some success in other sports, most notably track. In the 1988 Olympic Games, Mount St. Mary's athlete Peter Rono won gold in the 1500-meter run. Waldron Family Stadium was opened in 2006 and is named in honor of Trustee Emeritus Eugene Waldron, and his family. Food & Beverage 3 There is a small, but nice concession stand at Waldron Family Stadium. You will not want to have your entire meal at this stand, but if you are in the mood for $2 sodas and $2 hot dogs, then this is the right place. There are some nice seating options right in front of the concession stand where you can still watch the game action. Atmosphere 4 The Waldron Family Stadium is a pretty simple facility with a few sets of grandstands on one side of the field. It offers a nice view at a nice level off of the field. There are seatbacks in a few of the sections closest to the press box. The field is an all-weather synthetic field turf that also is the home to women's lacrosse and the university's soccer programs. The stadium also offers great views west towards the rest of campus and the sloping mountains of western Maryland. Neighborhood 3 There is nothing within walking distance of the campus. You will need to make a short drive into town to find any food or drink options. Emmitsburg is a pretty small town but does have some interesting places that draw people to the area, besides just the university. The town is the home of the National Fallen Firefighters Memorial, National Emergency Training Center, and Emergency Management Institute. Also in the immediate area are some very notable Catholic attractions. It is a Catholic pilgrimage site and is the location of the Basilica and National Shrine of St. Elizabeth Ann Seton as well as the site of the National Shrine Grotto of Our Lady of Lourdes. A trip to the area demands a visit to the grotto even if you are not religious. It would be hard not to be impressed with the quiet awesomeness found here. Nearby Thurmont also has some attractions of its own, including Cunningham Falls State Park and Catoctin Mountain Park, which contains the presidential retreat of Camp David. Just note if you are hiking in the woods and see signs to turn around or be shot, these are not jokes. Frederick is about 30 miles away, while Baltimore (60 miles) and Washington, DC (70 miles) are the closest large cities. Back in Emmitsburg, the best food option is The Ott House Pub downtown. This bar and restaurant is a great mix of locals, firefighters, and university students. The food menu will not blow you away but their wings, as well as their hot roast beef sandwich, will certainly hit the spot. Check to see if they have a local beer from Flying Dog Brewery on tap. Gettysburg is 13 miles north. If you have time to visit the massive amounts of memorials and battlegrounds you should do so. Just plan ahead as crowds are enormous at many times of the year. Fans 3 Lacrosse fans across Maryland are extremely knowledgeable about lacrosse. Fans here at the Mount are no exception. Access 4 Sure Emmitsburg can feel like it is in the middle of nowhere, but it really is not. The major highway, Route 15, divides the campus. This route runs from Frederick in the south, northwards towards Gettysburg in Pennsylvania. Waldron Family Stadium and the rest of the PNC Sports Complex is located on the east side of Route 15, while the main part of the university campus is located on the west side. A well-lit and secured tunnel connects the two parts of the campus. Return on Investment 4 I had originally come to Mount St. Mary's to see a baseball game but when I saw a lacrosse game about to start I went and checked on prices. I was glad to see $5 general admission tickets. There are also group and youth tickets available for even cheaper. Those are bargain prices, especially for a Division I-level sports team. . Extras 3 Check to see if there are any other games in the PNC Sports Complex while you are at a game. I was early for a baseball game and just happened to stop in to watch this lacrosse game. The athletic complex is very well organized for this kind of endeavor. There was also a tournament going on at the complex's tennis facility. Check out the massive field of solar panel arrays that the university has installed near the athletic complex. The solar farm produces more than 22,000,000 kilowatt hours of emissions-free electricity per year. The view is another extra. Although not large mountains, more like large hills, the mountains that the university sits along are very nice and offer great views. Final Thoughts Mount St. Mary's Waldron Family Stadium is a simple, but well-appointed venue to watch a high level of lacrosse action. With extremely fair prices and good concession offerings, this stadium is a must-visit.

Photos by Joseph Oakes, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.86 John Paul Jones Arena 295 Massie Rd Charlottesville, VA 22903 Virginia Cavaliers website John Paul Jones Arena website Year Opened: 2006 Capacity: 14,593 Home of the Cavalier Women John Paul Jones Arena opened in 2006 and has a seating capacity of 14,593. It is the home for both the Cavalier men’s and women’s basketball teams. The modern arena is luxurious and features a center-hung scoreboard with four video screens that were updated in 2017, a spacious lobby with two large video displays, as well as a lighting system that was updated in 2019. The arena has a classic architectural look that fits in with the University Grounds. This review looks at the women’s basketball experience at John Paul Jones Arena. Food & Beverage 4 John Paul Jones Arena has a good selection of food offerings for those looking to grab a bite to eat at the game. These include Papa Johns's personal pan pizza, cheese or pepperoni ($9), Hoo Dog ($4), Popcorn ($5), Pretzels ($5), Nachos ($5), and Candy ($3). Pepsi products are sold at JPJ: Bottomless Souvenir Soda ($10), Souvenir Soda ($7), Small Soda ($4), and bottled water ($4). Atmosphere 4 John Paul Jones Arena is a great venue to watch a college basketball game. There are two levels on three sides of the building, while one of the endzones has just a lower level and a small upper level. The majority of the seating for women’s basketball is on the lower level, with most seats being cushioned. The seating behind the basket where the pep band is located is in the bleacher with no back. Seats in the lower level are close to the action. There is a large four-sided video board, as well as ribbon board that provide the score, time, game updates, etc. There is also closed captioning available for those hard of hearing. The UVA pep band sits in one endzone and is very engaged throughout the game. The Cavalier mascot also makes his way around the seating area during games taking pictures with fans. Reserved seating and general admission are available for UVA women’s games. The three-center sections on with side of the court are reserved, while the remaining seats are general admission. Neighborhood 5 John Paul Jones Arena is located on the picturesque University of Virginia campus, which was designed by President Thomas Jefferson. Monticello, Jefferson’s home, is also located just a few miles from campus and is a great spot to visit if in town for a couple of days. Michie’s Tavern is located nearby Monticello and features a hearty midday buffet lunch based on 18th-century southern recipes in their rustic dining room. If you are looking for an area to eat, shop, and just walk around, make your way to downtown Charlottesville. This area offers many local eateries and shops and is an overall nice place to stroll around on game day. If you enjoy the outdoors, there are many mountain activities around Charlottesville including hiking and camping. Also located in Charlottesville is the popular Carter Mountain Orchard, where you can buy fresh apples and enjoy a great view overlooking Charlottesville. Fans 4 UVA curtains off a portion of the upper level for women’s basketball games. That said, the UVA women have a faithful following. One can expect 2-3K for most games, however games against rival Virginia Tech or the annual Play 4 Kay game have higher crowds. When Stadium Journey for the final game of the season, there was over 6K in attendance and the lower level was nearly full/ Access 4 Charlottesville is located right off of Interstate 64, about 1 hour west of Richmond. John Paul Jones Arena is located on campus but is fairly easy to access from US 29 and US 250. Free parking is available on gamedays in the parking garage adjacent to the arena. JPJ is in the vicinity of the athletic complex which consists of the baseball stadium, softball stadium, lacrosse stadium, and track and field complex. Both the ticket staff and security personnel are friendly. Keep in mind that there is a clear bag policy, though. Once you enter the main lobby, you are actually on the 200 level. To access the lower level seats, you must take the stairs or elevator down. The concourse is noticeably clean but can seem narrow, especially before and after games. The restrooms are clean, and plentiful, and have diaper-changing tables. There is plenty of handicap-accessible seating available at the top of the lower level. Return on Investment 5 Women’s basketball offers a great way to take in basketball without paying the prices that you do for men’s games. Reserved seats are $12 and general admission seats are $8. Parking is also free, and concession prices are reasonable. Extras 1 Smithfield Foods offers a great promotion at UVA games. If the opponent misses two free throws in the second half, everyone in attendance receives a coupon for a free pack of bacon (up to a $10 value) when you exit the game.

Legends have passed through the Ontario Hockey League on their way to hockey immortality in the NHL. Names like Bobby Smith, Larry Robinson, Scotty Bowman, Darryl Sittler, Bobby Orr, and Wayne Gretzky are all revered icons throughout the top junior hockey league in Canada, which makes up one-third of the three-pronged Canadian Hockey League. The face of the OHL has changed over the years. At one time dominated by musty barns that smelled like youth hockey, the OHL now features several shiny, new hockey palaces to give the league a keen balance of old a new. Stadium Journey has taken to rank the experiences of all 20 experiences in the Ontario Hockey League. The scores are all very close, however, in every case, high marks for Return on Investment are present in each experience. This makes the OHL a prime spot to invest some entertainment dollars and get the most out of that hard-earned money. 1. Kitchener Rangers - Dom Cardillo Arena @ Kitchener Memorial Auditorium - 4.43 Dave Cottenie - The Rangers are a cornerstone franchise in the Ontario Hockey League. The affiliation with the New York Rangers is long gone, but the moniker and colours have remained in Kitchener. The Rangers have enjoyed several league titles in the regular season, four OHL championships, and two times been crowned as Memorial Cup Champions, the top team in the entire Canadian Hockey League. Home for the Rangers since their inception has been the Kitchener Memorial Auditorium. Designed as a mini Maple Leaf Gardens, The Aud remains one of the most unique venues in a league where new venues are becoming increasingly homogeneous. The arena with the main ice is named after the former beloved mayor of Kitchener, Dom Cardillo, making the home of the Rangers the Dom Cardillo Arena at Kitchener Memorial Auditorium. The Rangers provide one of the best experiences in the entire Canadian Hockey League and are a must-see for all junior hockey fans. 2. Ottawa 67’s - TD Place Arena - 4.14 Dave Cottenie - There are plenty of uniforms from bygone eras that are so gaudy that it boggles the mind that they ever did the job. The “barber pole” version of multi-striped uniforms falls into this category. However, one team that has stuck with the barber pole is the Ottawa 67’s … and it works. The red, black, and white stripes of the 67’s jerseys have been a staple for the team since their inception in 1967. One of the cornerstone franchises of the Ontario Hockey League, the 67 derives their name from not only their inception but the founding of Canada as an independent country in 1867. The 67’s are one of the most successful franchises in the league, both on and off the ice and are owned by the Ottawa Sports & Entertainment Group, who also claim the CFL’s Ottawa RedBlacks as part of their portfolio. 3. Guelph Storm - Sleeman Centre - 4.14 Dave Cottenie - In 1991, with plans to replace the Guelph Memorial Gardens underway, the Dukes of Hamilton, who were formerly the iconic Toronto Marlboros, would be moving to Guelph to become the Guelph Storm. Although not normally considered a cornerstone franchise of the OHL, the Storm have been among the most consistent both on the ice and at the turnstile. The Storm have participated in the Memorial Cup tournament on six occasions and won the J. Ross Robertson Cup as OHL champions four times. There have also been several NHL players who have donned the Storm jersey over the years. 4. Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds - GFL Memorial Gardens - 4.00 Dave Cottenie - If there is one thing above all that the Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds are known for, it is their connection to the greatest hockey player ever, Wayne Gretzky. In 1977, the Greyhounds selected the slender, sixteen-year-old with the third pick in the midget draft. Gretzky would not disappoint by scoring a Greyhound record 182 points in his only season in the Soo. It would be the Soo where the legend of 99 was born. Upon arriving in the Soo, Wayne was distraught to find his coveted number nine, which belonged to his hockey hero, Gordie Howe, was taken by Brian Gulalazzi. After a few games wearing fourteen, Greyhounds coach Muzz MacPherson suggest that Gretzky just double the nines and the most legendary number in sports was born. 5. London Knights - Budweiser Gardens - 4.00 Dave Cottenie - The London Knights were founded in 1965 as the London Nationals in the OHA. Their colour scheme and logo mimicked the Toronto Maple Leafs and their blue and white. In 1968 the Nationals would be reborn as the London Knights. The Hunters purchased the Knights at the perfect time as the City of London agreed to build a downtown arena to replace the London Ice House. The John Labatt Centre opened in 2002 and helped usher in a new era in the OHL of new or renovated facilities and quickly became the gold standard in arenas in the league. Since the opening of what was later renamed the Budweiser Gardens, success at the turnstile and on the ice coincided and the Knights, who were also-rans, in the OHL for years enjoyed their best seasons ever. Going from a nightmare to a dream come true has been an amazing ride for the fans in London and there are no signs of slowing down. 6. Kingston Frontenacs - Leon’s Centre - 3.86 Dave Cottenie - Junior hockey in Kingston dates back to the forties with the Kingston Victorias, who were eventually renamed the Frontenacs, after Louis de Buade de Frontenac, Governor General of New France in the 1600s. The current franchise would join the OHA as the Kingston Canadians. They would be renamed the Kingston Raiders for one season before being sold. After the sale of the team, the return of the Frontenacs would usher in a new era for the team. Current owner Doug Springer would purchase the team in 1998. Although the Fronts have not enjoyed a ton of success on the ice, with only two East Division Championships to show for their efforts, the Frontenacs experience has improved significantly and remains a great option for sports fans. 7. Oshawa Generals - Tribute Communities Centre - 3.86 Dave Cottenie - One of the cornerstone franchises of the Ontario Hockey League is the Oshawa Generals. For many years, Oshawa, Ontario was the Canadian incarnation of the Motor City, with General Motors having a massive presence in the city, including the Canadian headquarters. The Generals moniker, therefore, has no link to the military, but to the car manufacturer. The current home of the Generals was also originally named the General Motors Centre. With a lineage that goes back to Oshawa’s favourite adopted son, Bobby Orr, the Generals are one of the most successful teams to ever take the ice in Ontario. The Generals hold the record for most J. Ross Robertson Cups as OHL Champions, with 13. The Generals also boast an impressive five Memorial Cups, which is also more than any other current Canadian Hockey League franchise. The Generals were founded in 1937 and were forced to take a hiatus in the fifties when their home arena burned down. The Gens resurfaced in 1962 and are currently owned by Rocco Tullio. 8. Niagara IceDogs - Meridian Centre - 3.86 Robbie Raskin - Niagara Region, to the south of Toronto, offers a huge number of delights for visitors; the iconic Niagara Falls, sun-splashed wineries, the historic charm of Niagara-on-the-Lake, beaches, fine dining, and just about everything else needed for the perfect holiday. But for locals, the crowds of Niagara Falls and high prices in Wine Country are not what brings together the nearly half-million-strong region, especially in the depths of winter. In the midst of all these tourist draws lies the locals’ favourite activity – the Niagara IceDogs. 9. Hamilton Bulldogs - FirstOntario Centre - 3.86 Robbie Raskin - The American Hockey League eventually opened up in Hamilton, first with Vancouver’s farm team, then Montreal’s. Finally, the Bulldogs, as they were known, won the 2007 Calder Cup. However, the carousel continued as the club moved to Laval, Quebec, to be closer to their NHL parents. Instead, the storied Belleville Bulls OHL team moved to Hamilton (itself replaced by Ottawa’s new AHL farm team, the Belleville Senators). And once again, a championship banner will rise at the Coliseum (now named FirstOntario Centre). The Bulldogs – as an OHL club – are the 2018 Ontario champions. They now compete for the Memorial Cup and a shot at national glory but as the famous black-and-yellow colours associated with the city have achieved newfound success, the hopes for some stability rise, and the dream for the eventual return of NHL hockey continues. ** The Hamilton Bulldogs will be relocating to Brantford, Ontario for the 2023-2024 season ** 10. Sudbury Wolves - Sudbury Community Arena - 3.71 Dave Cottenie - The Sudbury Community Arena is in the twilight of its Ontario Hockey League life, and fans need to take advantage of the opportunity to see this facility host the Sudbury Wolves while they still can. The expected opening of the Kingsway Entertainment District, which will provide a new event centre home for the Wolves, is not far off, in 2025. There is understandable excitement for the new arena by the locals, but it will be sad to see the Sudbury Arena close its doors to junior hockey for the last time. Simply put, the Sudbury Arena is an old-school hockey barn. 11. Windsor Spitfires - WFCU Centre - 3.71 Dave Cottenie - Upon their establishment in the OHA in 1975, the home for the Spitfires was the venerable Windsor Arena. It was truly a Canadian hockey barn if ever there was one. The Windsor Arena was beloved by fans and players alike, but far from an acceptable venue for OHL hockey based on current expectations. In 2008, the City of Windsor opened the Windsor Family Credit Union Centre, the new home for the Spitfires, securing their existence in the border city for seasons to come. Hosting the Memorial Cup would have been impossible at the Windsor Arena. Led by the ownership group of former NHL players Bob Boughner and Warren Rychel, along with their partners Stephen Savage, John Savage, and Brian Schwab, the Spitfires are experiencing an era of prosperity on and off the ice. 12. Erie Otters - Erie Insurance Arena - 3.71 Patricia Beninato - If you’re a hockey fan, an Erie Otters game is fun and relatively inexpensive, even if you throw in a hot dog, a beer, and a t-shirt. It’s kind of sad, though, that more fans don’t seem to take advantage of the surrounding neighborhood, preferring to get their food and drinks inside the arena and not wanting to hang around before or after games. Maybe it’s not a destination arena, but if you’re in the area and want to see future NHL stars up close and hang out with some loyal hockey fans, you can do worse than Erie Insurance Arena. 13. Peterborough Petes - Peterborough Memorial Centre - 3.71 Robbie Raskin - The small city of Peterborough sits at the southern entrance to Ontario’s vast ‘Cottage Country’ where farmland gives way to countless lakes and forests. Since 1956, it has been home to the maroon-and-white Petes, and the hockey club has been deeply tied to the city’s sense of identity ever since. The Petes’ alumni roll is a laundry list of great players and managers over the decades, including seven Hall of Famers. They’re the oldest continuously-operating team in the OHL and have won the league nine times and the national Memorial Cup championship once. Frustrating to their fans is that the only team with greater success is their hated rivals, the Oshawa Generals. 14. Sarnia Sting - Progressive Auto Sales Arena - 3.57 Dave Cottenie - The Sting has been a consistent team in the West Division for the majority of their duration in Sarnia. In 2015 the Ciccarellis sold their stake in the Sting to a pair of former NHL players, Derian Hatcher and David Legwand. Both now have active roles in the team, with Hatcher also acting as head coach. Despite their consistent success on the ice, the Sting are still looking for their first J. Ross Robertson Cup as OHL champions. Despite the lack of championships, the Sting have produced several 1st round draft picks for the NHL including Trevor Letowski, Nail Yakupov, Mike Van Ryn, Alex Galchenyuk, and their favorite son, Steven Stamkos. 15. North Bay Battalion - North Bay Memorial Gardens - 3.57 Dave Cottenie - In 2013 the Ontario Hockey League made a triumphant return to North Bay, Ontario. After the North Bay Centennials had their run from 1982 to 2002, they left for Saginaw, Michigan under a cloud of mistrust and bad feelings. The hockey light would shine again in the Gateway to the North after the local fans provided next-level support for the Nipissing Lakers, a newly formed university team. Brampton Battalion owner and Trivial Pursuit founder Scott Abbott would bring his OHL team from outside of Toronto north to the banks of Lake Nipissing in search of greater fan support. Moving the team to a military city like North Bay made the team name and moniker suddenly make a whole lot more sense. 16. Barrie Colts - Sadlon Arena - 3.43 Dave Cottenie - Sadlon Arena offers a solid junior hockey experience that is not uncommon in many other markets. From the exterior, Sadlon Arena has a bit of a barn-like appearance with a rounded, elongated roof, which can be seen from Highway 400. Oriented from west to east, the most eye-catching feature of the arena is the Horsepower Sports Bar, which offers a unique brick facade to the front of the building with awnings. 17. Owen Sound Attack - J.D. McArthur Arena @ Harry Lumley Bayshore Community Centre - 3.14 Dave Cottenie - On the banks of Georgian Bay sits the smallest market in the Ontario Hockey League. In 1989, the Guelph Platers, who had been in Guelph since 1968, made the move north to the Grey-Bruce area of Ontario. The Owen Sound Platers were to be sold to a businessman out of town which would require relocation. The “Super Six,” would come together to purchase the team and keep them in Owen Sound. Brian Johnson, Dr. Robert Severs, Fay Harshman, Frank Coulter, and Peter and Paul MacDermid, a group of local business owners, would keep that can-do attitude alive in Owen Sound and the Attack have remained viable and competitive in the Ontario Hockey League. The hard work culminated in the Attack’s 2011 J.Ross Robertson Cup as OHL Champions and a berth in the Memorial Cup. 18. Saginaw Spirit - Wendler Arena @ Dow Event Center - 3.00 Dave Cottenie - When owner Richard Garber brought the Centennials to Saginaw, it took them some time to get their feet under them as they did not make the playoffs their first three years in Michigan. Success for the Spirit would be challenging as they would boast one lowly division title in their 25 years in Saginaw. Garber would bring in additional ownership including Brandon Bordeaux, Jimmy Devellano, and former Red Wing, Chris Osgood. With a small city population of under 50,000, currently a poor team on the ice, and economic challenges in Central Michigan, the Spirit are having a bit of a rough go. That being said, there is still hope that Michigan’s hockey spirit can continue to thrive in the OHL. 19. Flint Firebirds - Dort Federal Credit Union Event Center - 2.86 Dave Cottenie - When Peter Karmanos sold the Plymouth Whalers of the Ontario Hockey League to the IMS Hockey Corporation and Rolf Nilsen there were several eyebrows raised. IMS also owns the local arena, which has negotiated a naming rights deal with Dort Federal Credit Union, and the newly crowned Firebirds would be an interesting tenant. There are more than enough doubters when it comes to the Firebirds viability in Flint, but IMS is chugging along and they want everyone to get behind and Believe in Flint. 20. Mississauga Steelheads - Paramount Fine Foods Centre - 2.71 Dave Cottenie - It was once the house that Don Cherry built. The bombastic, former centerpiece of the “Coach’s Corner” intermission segment of Hockey Night in Canada was bringing Junior Hockey to Mississauga and spearheading the opening of the Hershey Centre. A decade as the Steelheads has passed and hockey in Mississauga once again is at a tipping point. Owner Elliot Kerr has made public his frustrations with the lack of fan support and mused that maybe the Steelheads should be elsewhere. Home for the Steelheads is the now-renamed Paramount Fine Foods Centre. The arena is similar to other modern OHL facilities and offers plenty to be positive about. However, Junior Hockey in Mississauga is in trouble and the question as to the location of the Trout in five years is a mystery yet to be answered.

Photos by Paul Baker, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.71 Beirne Stadium 1150 Douglas Pike Smithfield, RI 02917 Bryant Lacrosse website Beirne Stadium website Year Opened: 1999 Capacity: 4,400 Bryant Bulldog Lax Beirne Stadium, formally known as The David M. ’85 and Terry Beirne Stadium, was dedicated in honor of the Bryant alumnus, longtime University Trustee and his wife, who are among the largest benefactors of the University. Originally built in 1999 as Bulldog Stadium to coincide with the debut of the school’s football team, the facility holds 4,400 fans and serves as home to the Bulldog football and lacrosse teams. Renovations to Beirne Stadium took place in 2018, which included the installation of permanent lighting (making this the first college stadium in Rhode Island with permanent lighting) and the same FieldTurf surface used by the New England Patriots at Gillette Stadium. Speaking of the Patriots, the team used this site for their training camp from 1976-2002. After competing for several seasons in the Northeast Conference, Bryant joined the America East Conference on July 1, 2022. Despite only existing since 2009, the Bulldogs have qualified for five NCAA tournaments, most recently in 2021. They may best be known for their 2014 tournament appearance, when they upset the number-2 ranked Syracuse Orangemen in the opening round. Food & Beverage 1 The concession stand, located on the south end of the main grandstand, is open during Bulldog lacrosse games. Operated by other Bryant sports teams as a fundraiser, only basic snacks are sold during games. Fans can pick up some chips, cookies or candy along with bottles of Coca-Cola products here. Fans are also able to bring in snacks to enjoy during the game. Atmosphere 3 Lacrosse games, more so than many other “minor” college sports, attract dedicated fans and promote a fun atmosphere. From the moment you enter the large parking lots at Bryant University and work your way through the many tailgating setups here, you’ll know you’re in for a good time. The party zone at field level in front of the Strength and Conditioning Center is a popular place from which to continue the festive atmosphere during the game. What lacrosse fans may lack in quantity, they more than make up for in quality. Many of the fans in attendance have a personal connection with players on the team, and are boisterous in their support of the Bulldogs. The metal floorboards at Beirne Stadium are most conducive to noisemaking, and many fans love to stomp their feet after a big play or to rile up the crowd. With the Bulldogs’ schedule consisting of many local teams, it’s not unusual to see a good turnout from visiting fans as well. There is a video board at the northeast corner of the stadium which is put to good use with replays, graphics and the occasional hype video. The sound system is excellent, with music and PA announcements augmenting the action on the field. Neighborhood 2 Bryant University is located in Smithfield, RI, about a twenty-minute drive from Providence. Although Smithfield is a very nice place to live, it’s certainly not a destination location, and there is not much to see or do near the Bryant campus. Dining options near Bryant University are few. Parente’s Restaurant is a favorite of students, as much for its location near campus as for its reasonably priced comfort food. J’s Deli serves up an impressive variety of submarine sandwiches and Blackie’s offers traditional neighborhood pub grub. Several national chain restaurants and shopping options are located about a 10-minute drive away on Route 44. Fans visiting from out of town should take the 20-minute drive to Providence, which has no shortage of top-notch restaurants. The same can be said for lodging options in Smithfield. There are a few decent options on Douglas Pike near campus, but visitors may be better served to check out Providence or Boston for places to stay or things to do. Twin Rivers Casino is in nearby Lincoln. If spending time in a casino is on your agenda, the twin resorts of Foxwoods and Mohegan Sun are located an hour away over the Connecticut state line. Fans 3 As mentioned earlier, lacrosse fans are a different breed, wholly dedicated to their teams and vocal in their support throughout the game. A lacrosse game is a fun place to be on a beautiful spring afternoon, and fans are welcoming to newbies and even opposing fans. Stadium Journey attended Beirne Stadium on a beautiful April Saturday afternoon with an announced crowd of about 500 in attendance. This appears to be a pretty typical lacrosse crowd at Bryant. The crowd mainly consists of family members and friends of players with a few members of the student body thrown in for good measure. Remember that the lacrosse season begins in February and goes until May. Crowds in this part of the country start off small and grow as the weather warms throughout the season. Access 4 Bryant University is located in suburban Smithfield, Rhode Island, 13 miles from Providence. The campus is most easily accessed by car. Visitors to Bryant will simply take exit 15B off Interstate 295. The campus is just over a mile away from the Interstate on Route 7. Beirne Stadium is located on the northern edge of the Bryant campus alongside the school’s other athletic facilities, including Conaty Park and Chace Athletic Center . For many years Bryant was primarily a commuter school, so there are ample parking lots around, including adjacent to the stadium. Fans using public transportation to arrive at Bryant will find a Rhode Island Public Transportation (RIPTA) bus station on the Bryant campus, offering service every 40 minutes to downtown Providence. T.F. Green Airport is 20 miles away, with Boston’s Logan Airport an hour’s drive away. Train service to the area is provided by Amtrak, which has its downtown Providence station 20 minutes away. Beirne Stadium consists of two sets of stands, a 3,200-seat structure on the home side, which houses the press box, locker rooms, and restrooms, and bleachers that can hold up to 1,200 on the visitor’s side. Most of the seats in the larger structure are metal bleachers, with three hundred individual bucket seats located in the center sections. There is a walkway along the front edge of the grandstand, so choose seats a row or two up from the bottom to avoid obstructions. For those fans requiring handicapped access, there is ample seating at the front of the grandstand, as well as some room fieldside to stand (or sit) and take in the game. Paved paths run around the exterior of the field. There are two restrooms underneath the stands that serve the facility. They are large enough to accommodate a typical Bryant lacrosse crowd. Return on Investment 5 Tickets to Bulldog lacrosse games are sold as general admission seating for $10. Discounts are available for youths and seniors. With free parking in the large lot adjacent to the stadium and inexpensive concessions, an afternoon at a Bulldog lacrosse game is a most affordable entertainment option for Rhode Island sports fans. Extras 1 An extra point is awarded for the Bulldog theme going on at Beirne Stadium. Twin bulldog statues guard both entrances to the facility. Throughout the game you are likely to bump into IronClad Tupper II, a live bulldog who can be seen roaming around Beirne Stadium all afternoon. Even if Tupper is not at the game, you’re sure to bump into several four-legged lacrosse fans during your visit. Even canines that don’t identify as bulldogs are welcome. Final Thoughts Beirne Stadium is an intimate, comfortable facility, which fits the needs of Bryant lacrosse perfectly. It’s a wonderful place to spend a beautiful Rhode Island spring afternoon enjoying some tailgating and sports action. Follow Paul Baker’s stadium journeys on Twitter and Instagram @PuckmanRI.

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

Photos by Richard Smith, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.57 Harford Stadium 401 Thomas Run Rd Bel Air, MD 21015 Harford Fighting Owls website Harford Stadium website Year Opened: 1968 Capacity: 1,000 The Fighting Owls of Bel Air Harford Community College is located in Bel Air, MD, roughly between Baltimore and the Delaware state line. They play in NJCAA Division I, the highest athletic level for 2-year colleges, and are a part of the Maryland Junior College Athletic Conference. The Harford Stadium is in the same Thomas Run Park area as the Harford Varsity Baseball Field. and the Harford Varsity Softball Field. The nearby APG Federal Credit Union Arena also opened in the last ten years. The stadium was built in 1968 and most recently updated with an artificial field turf surface in 2007. Harford has hosted various championship events at the stadium including the NJCAA District H Men’s & Women’s Soccer Championships, NJCAA Region XX Championships, and the Maryland High School Men’s and Women’s Soccer All-Star Games. In 2023 it will be the host facility of the NJCAA Men's Lacrosse Championship. The Aberdeen Arsenal of the Atlantic League of Professional Baseball played the 2000 season at the baseball fields at Thomas Run Park. The Arsenal departed to make room for the Aberdeen IronBirds, the affiliate of the Baltimore Orioles owned by Cal Ripken, Jr. Food & Beverage 1 There technically is no food offered at the Harford Stadium but with the nearby Wawa convenience store a short walk down the paved path between fields, I count it as the field’s concession stand. The food offerings vary from hoagies, soup, quesadillas, and hot dogs. And the prices are better than most concession stands. Atmosphere 2 There is not much to Harford Stadium. There is a simple old-style set of seats and that is pretty much it. There is some grass you could also sit on but we did not see anyone do that. There is not much else in terms of atmosphere as it is a JUCO-level lacrosse match game. The team does have a PA announcer who also plays some music. Neighborhood 4 Harford Community College is in a suburban location and has plenty of free parking. The area is safe and has many restaurants nearby. Naughty Dogs is within walking distance and has a fun, cheap bar for pre and post-game refreshments, along with food such as pit beef. JD’s Smokehouse located across the street provides another option for food and drinks and some pretty good barbecue. If you are in the mood for Mexican, La Tolteca is located just a brief distance away and is a consistently good food place. Travel into Bel Air and there are multiple chain and local options. Zen 16 Sushi Cafe and MaGerks Pub & Grill are some great options. A quick drive in the other direction is Aberdeen. Olive Tree is a better version of a well-known Italian chain, while Mamie’s Cafe with Love is an old-school Baltimore-style restaurant that offers free desserts with all meals. Super Chicken Rico is another choice with which you can’t go wrong. Fans 2 The attendees at most games are family members or other athletes. There may be a few residents who attend the games. The fans are knowledgeable and friendly to visitors. We did see some students which are surprising for a non-residential community college. Access 4 Harford is located just a few miles off of I-95, one of the largest highways in the northeast. But State Route 22 can be very crowded with commuters traveling between Aberdeen Proving Grounds (APG) and central Harford County. APG has become a very large Army base after the last round of federal base realignment and closure activities. So leave some extra time getting to the campus. There is plenty of free parking. Towson University in Northeastern Maryland is a brand new extension campus of the well-established state university that recently opened across from the Harford campus. Return on Investment 3 The match we attended was $5 for the general public and free for students and staff. While parking is free, it seems that even the small amount of $5 is more than it needs to be. There is little reason to charge other than get some work experience for the students working the gate. The low cost of concessions at nearby Wawa does help in making it more reasonable. Extras 2 The Harford Sports Complex also has two softball fields. a baseball field, as well as a convertible field that can hold softball and/or baseball games. If you get a chance to peek into the nearby APG Federal Credit Union Arena it is worth a visit as this is quite an impressive facility for a junior college. Final Thoughts The simple Harford Stadium does not necessarily impress, but it offers good sports action for the fans.

Photos by Aaron S. Terry, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.57 Findlay Toyota Center 3201 Main St Prescott Valley, AZ 86314 Northern Arizona Wranglers website Findlay Toyota Center website Year Opened: 2006 Capacity: 6,200 Turnaround City The Northern Arizona Wranglers started playing indoor football just three seasons ago, the third indoor football franchise to play in Prescott Valley, Arizona. The Indoor Football League (IFL) Wranglers won just 1 game during the 2021 campaign, but amazingly, came back the following season to win 12 games, and then went on to win the 2022 IFL National Championship, stealing a 47-45 victory over Quad City. The Wranglers home arena is Findlay Toyota Center, a multipurpose 6,200-seat venue that was previously home to hockey and NBA G League basketball, as well as hosting the two prior indoor football teams in the city. Despite its small size, the venue offers some pretty solid amenities for indoor football. Food & Beverage 5 Findlay Toyota Center has a wide range of food and beverage options, and perhaps more important, offers most of them at very reasonable prices. Fans can choose from burgers, chicken tenders, pulled pork sandwiches, hot dogs, corn dogs, pizza, fries, popcorn, pretzels, nachos, nuts (chocolate-covered, cinnamon-covered, or salted), Dippin’ Dots ice cream, kettle corn, cotton candy, funnel cake, churros, shaved ice, and packaged candy, with some items starting as low as $4. Drink selections are just as varied, including coffee, cappuccino, hot cocoa, fresh-squeezed lemonade, Gatorade, energy drinks, bottled water, Pepsi products, and a range of alcoholic beverages from beer to hard seltzer to mixed drinks. Fans should plan to wander around the small concourse to check out all the options. Atmosphere 3 The Northern Arizona Wranglers have a great PA announcer, a cool mascot, and an amazing dance team to keep fans entertained and engaged throughout the game. There is also a team store on site if you want to pick up any Wranglers gear, and plenty of fans tailgating in the parking lot before games. The facility itself, however, is a bit lacking in some of the amenities you may be expecting based on visits to other professional venues – for example, the videoboards are quite small, and it can be hard to keep track of down and distance based on the static scoreboards as well. There aren’t any on-field games like you may see at other arenas, and the facility does not offer free Wi-Fi, which is odd for an arena that boasts mainly mobile ticketing. On the plus size, all the seats have chairbacks, and there are several “deluxe” seating options, such as the floor-level club seating and the Bucky’s Casino suite level. Fans are also invited out to an after-party/coach’s show with the team at Buffalo Wild Wings following the game. Neighborhood 3 Prescott Valley is in a small town about an hour north of Phoenix, but there is plenty of shopping right across the street from Findlay Toyota Center, and plenty of restaurants in the area, both fast food and otherwise. The town of Dewey-Humboldt, sort of a tourist destination thanks to the old west deco buildings along its tiny main street (even the Subway restaurant), is about 10-15 minutes south of Prescott Valley along Highway 69, and the Agua Fria National Monument (Native American petroglyphs and local wildlife) is not much further. Fans 3 The Northern Arizona Wranglers have a really solid fan base, who are loud enough and engaged in the game, but there are just not that many of them in the stands, likely due to the small city they are pulling from. For such a small venue the empty seats are a bit noticeable. Access 4 As long as you don’t mind the drive from Phoenix through the lonely desert, access to Findlay Toyota Center is remarkably easy – there is free parking right outside the stadium, and there is plenty of room in the concourse to move around, little to no lines at the concession stands and team store, and more than enough bathrooms. The only negative is that the facility does not offer Wi-Fi, even though you are directed to purchase mobile tickets when you go to the Wranglers website; fortunately, if you go to the ticket office they can print your ticket out for you if you are unable to pull it up on your phone. Return on Investment 4 Tickets to Wranglers football start at around $35 including ticketing fees, which is a great deal for this level of sporting event – add in the free parking and low-cost concessions, and you have a wonderful return on investment, better than a lot of similar venues. Extras 3 The biggest plus is that the team did win a National Championship last year, so you are likely going to see a good product on the field. The staff also does have some promotions and special events at certain games, for example at the last game I attended the flag bearers during the National Anthem were all decked out in Revolutionary War-era apparel. Final Thoughts While it may not have the over-the-top feel some sports fans may crave, a visit to a Northern Arizona Wranglers indoor football game at Findlay Toyota Center is a pleasant experience that won’t break the bank. With its proximity to Phoenix, you can also likely pair a game with some other sports down south (Arizona has 2 other IFL teams in the state, for example, as well as the Phoenix Suns and the Arizona Diamondbacks ), if you want to make a weekend of it. I recommend seeing an indoor football game if you have never seen one, and Findlay Toyota Center would be a great place to start.

Photos by Paul Baker, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.86 Bob Ford Field at Tom and Mary Casey Stadium 1400 Washington Ave. Albany, NY 12222 Albany Great Danes Lacrosse website Bob Ford Field at Casey Stadium website Year Opened: 2013 Capacity: 6,394 Great Dane Lacrosse The University of Albany first sponsored a lacrosse team in 1970. The Great Danes began to play in Division III, where they qualified for three NCAA tournaments before moving up to Division II for the 1995 season. The highlight of their six seasons of competition in Division II was finishing as national runners-up in 1997. UAlbany moved up to Division I for the 2000 season. Since moving to the sport’s top division, they have experienced a great deal of success, qualifying for ten NCAA Tournaments and reaching the Final Four in 2018. Among the Great Dane’s lacrosse alumni is Lyle Thompson, who is considered one of the sport’s all-time greatest players. Thompson won the Tewaaraton Trophy, given to college lacrosse’s player of the year, in 2014 and 2015. He is the only player to win the award twice. His brother, Miles, shared the award with Lyle in 2014. The Great Danes lacrosse team traditionally played at John Fallon Field, located just to the north of Casey Stadium. As the lacrosse program grew in popularity over the years, the 2,500-seat venue became too small for the team’s needs. In 2015 the Danes played their first game at Casey Stadium and continue to play there today. Bob Ford Field at Tom and Mary Casey Stadium is named for the longtime football coach at UAlbany. Ford also served as the men’s lacrosse coach from 1971-1973 and as the school’s Athletic Director from 1978-1982. Ford retired after the 2013 football season, coaching for one year in a stadium named for him. The facility was given its current full name after Tom and Mary Casey donated $10 million to the school in 2015. Food & Beverage 2 There is one concession stand open during the Great Dane lacrosse games. A basic menu is offered here featuring hot dogs, pretzels, popcorn, chips, and assorted snacks. It’s not the most diverse menu around, but it will do the job if you need a snack during the game. Pepsi products are featured at Casey Stadium. No alcohol is permitted inside the venue during lacrosse games. Atmosphere 4 Lacrosse games generally feature a fun, party atmosphere. As you approach Casey Stadium you’ll notice the tailgate setups in the season ticket holder lot. Fans will get here pretty early to prepare themselves for the game. The tailgates are not as numerous as they are on football Saturdays, but that doesn’t diminish the atmosphere here. Lacrosse fans in general are a bit louder and more enthusiastic than many of their counterparts. It’s no different at UAlbany. The many family members in attendance seem to make their presence known. With a good turnout by the student body, the stands at Casey Stadium are filled with noise and activity. There’s a video board in the south end zone that is put to good use with game stats, videos, and graphics. The sound system is excellent, with music playing during all stoppages. The PA announcer does a great job of injecting some energy into the proceedings. Shooting contests for younger fans in attendance and t-shirt tosses add to the fun atmosphere. Neighborhood 3 Casey Stadium is located on the southern edge of the University of Albany campus near the school’s other athletic facilities, including Varsity Field and SEFCU Arena . The University of Albany is located in northwest Albany, out near the airport. Downtown Albany and the state capital are located about a 15-minute drive away. The area around campus, particularly along Route 20 (Western Ave.), features a great many dining options in the vicinity of the University. A complete listing of dining options can be found here . You’ll find many options for lodging on the north side of campus near Interstate 90. You can find a listing of all local hotels here . Fans 4 Lacrosse fans just seem to be a different breed. When compared to fans at a school’s other sports, lax fans appear to be just a little louder, a little more involved, and a little more connected to the team than other fans. At UAlbany, Great Dane lax fans fit this description to a “T.” The lower-level stands are abuzz with enthusiasm and noise throughout the game, particularly when the Great Danes are playing well. Albany draws between 1,000 and 1,500 fans per game at Casey Stadium. There’s a good turnout here from the student body and the requisite amount of family members in the stands. Remember that the lacrosse season runs from February through May. Crowds increase in number as the weather warms throughout the season. Even with larger crowds in attendance, there’s plenty of room to spread out at Casey Stadium. Access 4 The University of Albany is located in the northwestern part of New York’s capital city, right by the intersection of Interstates 90 and 87. The downtown area is about a 15-minute ride from campus. The Albany airport is just a 10-minute ride to the north. Casey Stadium is situated on the southern edge of the sprawling campus, near the school’s other athletic facilities. Entering campus via Route 20 (Western Ave.) gives visitors the easiest access to Varsity Field. There is a small parking lot adjacent to the stadium which is reserved for season ticket holders. Other visiting fans will be forced to park in the more distant Dutch lots, located about a half mile from the stadium. Fans will also be forced to pay a premium for the privilege. The area around the athletic facilities is well-manicured with wide sidewalks for easy access. Casey Stadium consists of a single large grandstand on the west side of the field, with a berm on the north end of the facility. Bleachers on the east side of the field are not utilized for lacrosse games. A narrow concourse runs along the top of the lower deck. Center sections of the lower deck contain individual stadium seats, while the remainder of the seating consists of metal bleachers without backs on both levels. Views of the field are excellent from all seating areas. The restrooms are clean and large enough for a typical Great Dane crowd. Lines are not an issue here or at the single open concession stand. There’s even a small souvenir stand on the main concourse. Return on Investment 2 Tickets for Great Dane lacrosse games start at $30 for chairback seats in the central grandstand sections, with lower-level bleacher seats priced at $25 and upper-level bleacher seats priced at $20. Children’s tickets are discounted at $10. Add on a two-dollar handling charge, and tickets to a UAlbany lax game are not cheap! Likewise, you’re going to pay to park at UAlbany. Parking in the preferred lot adjacent to the stadium will cost you $20 if you can even get in. Generally, these spots are reserved for season ticket holders, with a few spots available on a game-to-game basis. Parking in the Dutch lots, about a half-mile walk from the stadium, will still cost you $15. Fans looking for free parking can park on the far side of Varsity Field in the lot behind the Management Services Center. It’s a good walk to get here. Judging by the number of cars here, it’s not an option chosen by many fans. Concession prices are not outrageous for a sports venue but overall, you will spend a bit more money at a UAlbany lacrosse game than you might expect. Extras 1 Digital programs are available for all fans in attendance. There’s a small pro shop on the concourse which sells Great Dane gear. Flags of all the America East Conference teams fly atop the east side bleachers. Final Thoughts During their time in Division One, the Albany Great Danes have been a constant presence in the postseason. At Casey Stadium, the team enjoys a modern, comfortable home at which fans can enjoy some quality lacrosse. ---- Follow Paul Baker’s stadium journeys on Twitter and Instagram @PuckmanRI.

Photos by Lloyd Brown, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.00 Tropicana Field 1 Tropicana Dr St. Petersburg, FL 33705 Tampa Bay Rays website Tropicana Field website Year Opened: 1990 Capacity: 31,042 Swinging with the Rays The Tampa Bay Rays and Tropicana Field are often seen as one of the less popular outposts in the MLB. We feel like it is best not to judge a book by its cover, however. The stadium exterior is not inviting at all, as it is a concrete shell with little or no ornamentation. To some extent, this is to protect the stadium from the hurricanes that the region experiences frequently. Unfortunately, it was built before the technology was available to have a retractable roof. It is the only stadium in the MLB with a fixed roof, The team is looked at as one of the teams with the lowest payrolls in the league. This is true, but the Rays also have one of the most competitive teams in the Eastern Division of the American League. They typically earn a wild card spot in the playoffs regularly. Once inside the ballpark, we find that the Tampa Rays staff does everything possible to ensure that you have an enjoyable experience at the game. The park does have a better-than-average concessions program, and there are some unique activities available over and above the game itself to keep you and your family entertained. You also need to remember that there are no seats where you must deal with the sun in your eyes or where you must deal with the hot and humid weather Tampa experiences in the summer. Food & Beverage 4 Tropicana Field offers a better-than-average food and beverage program. Some concession stands are set up on the concourses, while others are set up in food halls off of the concourse. of the stadium. The first and third base food halls will mirror the same food items, so you will be able to find your favorite food close by. Bird and Batter feature a menu filled with chicken delicacies, including chicken sandwiches and tenders. Pacific Counter offers an exotic menu that includes sushi bowls, seaweed salads, and spam musubi. Tampa is also known for its Cuban sandwiches, which are found at the Cubanos stand in section 121. The Budweiser Porch in center field is home to even more concessions including RumFish, which offers mahi mahi fish tacos and firecracker shrimp. If you prefer sit-down dining, two restaurants in Tropicana Field will allow you in hours before the gates open. The Outfielder Bar and Grill and Baseball and Rec offer great food and allow you to beat the crowds by parking early at the stadium. You still would need to wait 90 minutes before the first pitch to get to your seats in the ballpark. The widest selection of beers in Tropicana Field can be found at the Craft Beer Corner at Section 136 or the Coppertail Brewery at Sections 113 and 122. Note: Tropicana Field is one of the few MLB ballparks that allows you to bring in food or water. Food must be an individual serving, wrapped, bagged, or contained in a soft-sided container that meets bag requirements. Bottled water must still be sealed and be less than one liter. If you have children with you, you can bring in one sealed juice container per child. Atmosphere 2 Once you’ve entered the seating bowl, it may take you a few minutes to get used to the interior of Tropicana Field. The roof is very high, but below it are several suspension wires and steel girder walkways. It is important to know that these areas are considered “in play”, so a ball that bounces off of one of these areas can be caught for an out or can result in an inside-of-the-park home run if the team in the field is delayed long enough in playing the active ball. The concourses at Tropicana Field are narrow and not open to the field. They can get very congested both before a game and during breaks in the action. Another awkward feature of Tropicana Field is the concourse, which goes 360 degrees around the stadium but requires you to go down a flight of stairs once you reach the outfield as the concourse drops one floor below the rest of the walkway. One thing you need to be aware of when finding your seats at Tropicana Field is the numbering system for the sections inside of the ballpark. The sections do not run consecutively. Even-numbered sections are to the east of home plate, and odd-numbered sections run to the west of home plate. This was very confusing for a first-time visitor. The Rays seldom open the upper-level seating area in the Tropicana Dome due to low attendance at games. While this means that all available seats are close to the action, it detracts from the atmosphere at the games. Neighborhood 3 There are several things to do before and after a Rays game. The Salvador Dali Museum offers a look at the work of the eccentric artist and his fascinating creations. A second attraction located close to Tropicana Field is the Florida Aquarium. It allows you to meet more of the Rays family and many other sea creatures. You won’t have to go far to find food and drink after a Rays game. The Green Bench Brewing Company is right next door. The Central Avenue District is also nearby and is home to many bars, breweries, and restaurants. Fans 2 It is no secret that Tropicana Field and the Rays are having a difficult time filling the seats, despite having a very competitive team. The published capacity of the stadium is 42,735, but that includes the 300 level of the stadium, which is usually covered by a tarp and is unoccupied for all but a few games or when the Rays are in the playoffs. The capacity then drops to 25,000, making Tropicana Field the smallest stadium in the MLB by capacity. Many people point to the location and design of the stadium as reasons for the lack of support. The stadium is more than 20 miles from the city limits of Tampa, and drivers have only one route they can take to the stadium due to Tampa Bay. A second issue has to do with the allegiances of the fans in the Tampa area. A large segment of the baseball fans in the Tampa/St. Pete area is retirees who moved to the area and bring their allegiance to the teams located where they lived for most of their lives. Other fans have allegiances to teams based in their area during spring training. Tampa is home to the Yankee's spring training, and when the team comes to Tampa in the regular season, it often results in more Yankees fans in the building than Rays fans. The Red Sox are based in nearby Ft. Myers, and they also bring a large fan base to outnumber the locals when they play at Tropicana Field. Finally, the Rays face a great deal of competition in drawing fans to games. They must compete with both the Buccaneers and the Lightning for the local sports dollar. Both of those teams have won multiple championships in their sport/ played in their sport’s championship games. Access 3 A little geography lesson is necessary when trying to get to a Rays game. Despite the team name, Tropicana Field is located in downtown St. Petersburg rather than downtown Tampa. Traffic can be a bear getting around Tampa Bay in the evenings, so allow plenty of travel time to the stadium. Once you get to Tropicana, we find the parking situation to be very easy. The lots have plenty of space for the typical attendance at Rays games. Others find the best way to get to and from the stadium is by using one of the rideshare services. Drivers are widely available in the area, so the wait for a ride is usually very short. Another option for visiting fans in the St. Petersburg area is to check and see if your St. Pete hotel offers a shuttle to and from the games, as many hotels/motels do offer this service. Often the hotel will have tickets available for games as a service for their guests. The second option is to take public transit to a game. The PTSA bus system that serves St. Petersburg has a Route 15 bus that does have a stop at Tropicana Field. The parking lots at Tropicana Field open four hours before the first pitch. Tailgating is permitted and even encouraged. No charcoal grills are allowed. No access to the interior of the ballpark is allowed 90 minutes before the first pitch. At that point, you may enter the ballpark through any of the venue’s six main gates. We have already addressed the issues with the crowded and narrow concourses once you are inside the Tropicana Dome in the Atmosphere section of this review. Return on Investment 3 Let’s start with the best news. Tickets to Rays games are amongst the cheapest in MLB. The average ticket price for the Rays is $26. This places it as the second lowest ticket price in the MLB after Oakland. You’ll also find that there are good views of the action from almost anywhere in the ballpark. The furthest seats from the field are at the 300 level, which is not even open unless the lower levels are sold out. You do need to know that some games are “premium priced” and have more expensive tickets. These would include games against their division foes… the Boston Red Sox and the New York Yankees. (The Yankees spring training facility is in Tampa, and they have many local fans as a result). Parking at Tropicana Field is $15. The concessions program offers a wide menu of items at reasonable prices. Extras 4 Tropicana Field offers a unique experience while you are at the game at no extra charge. The Ray Touch Tank is near section 150 in right-center field. The 10,000-gallon water tank features several cownose rays. You may safely touch them, as their barbs have been removed. Unfortunately, the Ted Williams Hitter’s Hall of Fame formerly at Tropicana Field has closed permanently. Rays Tuch Tank at Tropicana Field, Photo by Lloyd Brown, Stadium Journey Another activity at Tropicana Field that is kid friendly is a visit to Raymond’s Tree House in right field. Raymond is the team mascot who is very friendly. He is a blue furry creature (the team says he is a “sea dog”…we’ll take their word on that) His tree house is a playground that offers several games and other activities. Make sure to visit the Tree House during the fifth inning, as Raymond will personally greet you and he will pose for a picture with your child. Adults might want to sneak over to the nearby photo booth, where you can pose for your baseball trading card! Hurricane Ian did major damage to the Rays spring training stadium and facilities in Port Charlotte, Florida. This forced Tropicana Stadium into emergency use as the site for the Rays entire home schedule of Grapefruit League games. If the Rays game does not completely satisfy your baseball itch, consider attending one of the nearby Florida State League games nearby. The stadiums in Dunedin, St. Petersburg, Tampa, and Ft. Myers are all close to Tropicana Field. In the spring these stadiums serve as the spring training home of the Blue Jays, Phillies, Yankees, Twins, and Red Sox. Once the regular season begins, these stadiums are turned over to their minor league affiliates. It is a great way to see the stars of tomorrow. Final Thoughts It is no secret that the home of the Rays is seen as the ugly duckling of MLB stadiums. Its’ exterior has no appeal and its support system of wires and beams have resulted in a set of ground rules to cover plays where the ball has hit a beam or support wire. On the other hand, the Rays are a very talented team and frequently go to the playoffs. The members of the Rays gameday staff in the stands are also cited by many visitors to the Bay area as being extremely helpful and going out of their way to ensure that fans have a good time at Tropicana Field. Here’s hoping that the Rays can finally negotiate a deal for a new stadium located on the Tampa side of the Bay, as the team’s lease with Tropicana Field expires in 2028.

Lacrosse is the fastest game on two feet and once again the National Lacrosse League is taking up residence in Albany. Can Dave convince Paul that box lax is as great as the outdoor game? Grab a beer and join Paul and Dave for the FIRST lacrosse episode of Stadium Journey's Obstructed Views. 🥍🥍 You can find Stadium Journey's review of MVP Arena and the Albany FireWolves gameday atmosphere here.

Photos by Aaron S. Terry, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.29 Dollar Loan Center 200 S Green Valley Pkwy Henderson, NV 89012 Vegas Knight Hawks website Dollar Loan Center website Year Opened: 2022 Capacity: 5,567 Sin City Indoors The Vegas Knight Hawks started playing indoor football at Dollar Loan Center in 2022; the team is owned by Bill Foley, owner of the NHL’s Vegas Golden Knights (hence the team name). The Knight Hawks currently compete in the Indoor Football League (IFL), which was founded in 2008. The atmosphere inside Dollar Loan Center certainly feels like fabulous Las Vegas – spotlights and strobe lights in different colors are constantly flashing and roving the stands, there is tons of loud, boisterous music, and the crowd, despite the arena not being very full, adds significantly to the noise level. Food & Beverage 4 There are plenty of food options inside Dollar Loan Center, including a full-size restaurant and bar called Craggy Range. There are also several smaller bar areas and several Marketplace concession stands, each with different food options, but all including a wall of refrigerated drinks of all types, including lots of beer and soda choices. Rosati’s Marketplace, for example, offers up an Italian theme with beef sandwiches, calzones, pizza, and even cannolis, while other Marketplace stands offer Shack Bites chicken, pulled pork, mac ‘n cheese, loaded baked potatoes, burgers, chicken sandwiches, hot dogs, and even eggplant burgers. Each Marketplace stands also offers up a sweet treat of some kind - Rosati’s has cannolis, while other stands offer beignets or funnel cake, and you can also get cotton candy or packaged candy. Note that the food at all these Marketplace stands is served as grab-and-go using hot plates, so I was a little skeptical that it might be stale, but they seem to replenish constantly, and the food was quite fresh, hot, and good (I recommend the Italian beef or the Shack Bites). The only drawback is that all the concession prices at Dollar Loan Center are on the high side (think $15 for a main dish), as you might expect from a pro sports arena nowadays. Atmosphere 5 As mentioned, the atmosphere here is electric – the stands aren’t full by any means, but the fans are loud; based on the noise level alone you wouldn’t be able to tell the arena is half full. There is also a great dance team, a great mascot, and a great P. A. announcer constantly asking the fans to “Caw Caw”. I already mentioned the spotlights and strobe lights, and when the team comes onto the field additional pyrotechnics and smoke are accompanying them through the tunnel. The arena itself is also amazing – not surprising given its location; besides all the bar areas and standing rails (places to eat your food or drink your beer so you don’t have to bump elbows trying to eat in your seat), there are TVs throughout the concourse, so you don’t have to miss any of the action while going to get something to eat. All the seats have chairbacks, and the scoreboard above the field is massive, making it easy to see replays, and there are even “Knight” elements like castle towers sporting Knight Hawks flags on the upper level. Neighborhood 5 What can I say about Las Vegas, other than it is fabulous? Dollar Loan Center is in Henderson, so is about 15-20 minutes (maybe half an hour with traffic) from all the glitz on the strip, but still close enough if you want to make a weekend of it – and why would you not? Henderson is better positioned, however, for one of the other major attractions in Nevada, that is Hoover Dam (probably 10-15 minutes on the east side of Henderson, on the NV-AZ border). Hoover Dam offers half-hour or hour-long tours where you can go inside the dam, and there are also multiple overlooks if you want to view it or take photos. Fans 3 I struggled with this rating a bit – Dollar Loan Center is not even half full during Vegas Knight Hawks games, but the fans are so loud it would be hard to tell that if your eyes were closed. The fans who are there are engaged and seem to be enjoying themselves. Part of the reason for the low turnout is likely the subpar 6-10 record the Knight Hawks earned last season, so I expect with more success on the field, you will see the turnout climb much higher. Access 4 There is a little bit of traffic getting to Dollar Loan Center, due to the fact the arena is right across the street from a shopping center, and there aren’t any roads that connect them, causing congestion. In addition, there are several stoplights nearby you have to navigate through, which are not timed well, making it hard to get all the way across in one go. Note that you should be careful with your GPS – the individual payday loan facilities (managed by the venue’s sponsor and namesake) all around town are also called Dollar Loan Center, so make sure you are looking at the arena itself, on Green Valley Parkway. Parking on-site costs $15, which is reasonable, and you can park very close to the building even if you arrive at the last minute. Then, once you physically enter Dollar Loan Center, access becomes as easy as pie–wide concourses, plenty of room to move around, short lines to get into the building and at the concessions (due to the grab-and-go set up), plenty of bathrooms, and the ability to pretty much sit wherever you want. The best place to sit, of course, for arena football is in the first or second row behind the end zone, so you can catch a football if it leaves the field of play (in arena football fans are usually allowed to keep these loose balls). Return on Investment 5 Tickets to Knight Hawks football start at around $35 including ticketing fees, which is a great deal for pro sports, and the parking cost is reasonable. The only potential downside is the high cost of concessions, but the amazing atmosphere easily makes up for it. Extras 4 There isn’t much in the way of a halftime show, but the dance team and other staff are constantly tossing things to the crowd, including t-shirts and mini footballs (and even cold hard cash during one specific promotion). You can also get autographs from the players and dance team following the game, and there are tons of tables set up in the concourse where fans can get freebies of all sorts, including hand sanitizer, candy, pens, mini footballs, and the like. There is also a full-size team store inside Dollar Loan Center, as well as a couple of smaller team gear, stands. Final Thoughts Visiting Dollar Loan Center for a Vegas Knight Hawks game is worth it – the atmosphere inside the arena is superb, there are food options to meet any need, and getting around the arena is not a chore – you are guaranteed to have a blast, not to mention you are in Vegas, baby! This is the perfect opportunity for that Vegas getaway you’ve been wanting, and if you have never seen indoor football before, this is the perfect way to start.

Photos by David Welch, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.29 Robert and Mariam Hayes Stadium 8711 Phillips Rd Charlotte, NC 28223 Charlotte 49ers website Robert and Marian Hayes Stadium website Year Opened: 2007 Capacity: 3,000 Robert & Mariam Hayes Stadium: University of North Carolina–Charlotte 49ers Baseball came to the campus of the University of North Carolina-Charlotte in 1984 after playing their first five seasons downtown, away from their northeast Charlotte campus location. The original field was dedicated in 1988 as the wonderfully alliterative, Phillips Field, following a donation from local businessman Tom Phillips, who would pay for lights to be installed at the Niners’ home diamond. The field would receive a major facelift in 2006 through a nearly $6 million gift from North Carolina philanthropist Mariam Cannon Hayes; those renovations transformed the baseball facilities at Charlotte into the gem it is today. Food & Beverage 5 Hayes Stadium has two concession stands built into the lower level of the grandstand – their menus are slightly different, so make sure to check both before deciding on a meal. There are many typical concession items, such as hot dogs, burgers, fries, and chicken fingers. The availability of chili on the menu, though, takes some of the drab usual concession suspects and puts a whole new face on them. And one side of the concession stand also offers items from the popular regional southern restaurant Bojangles. Beverage choices include Coke products, PowerAde, and bottled water. The stadium also offers seltzers, wine, domestic beers, and craft beers from local Cabarrus Brewing Company. There are also the Charlotte 49ers branded Gold Rush Lager and Axe to Grind IPA. Overall, Charlotte takes traditional concessions and brings them to another level – it’s not just hot dogs, it’s chili dogs; it’s not just burgers, it’s jalapeno bacon cheeseburgers; it’s not just grilled chicken, it’s grilled chicken with Swiss or a Philly version of chicken with peppers and provolone. The Niners knock it out of the park with their concession offerings. Atmosphere 4 Hayes Stadium is a beautiful brick structure that sits down at the bottom of a small hill from neighboring Jerry Richardson Stadium . A statue of a baseball player in the upper entry plaza welcomes fans as they make their way under the canopy of trees, down multiple levels of brick stairs to the front of the stadium. Upon entering the main gates fans are greeted by a spectacular view of the university’s surrounding athletic facilities and heart of Charlotte’s campus. After admiring the backdrop, the combination synthetic infield with natural grass outfield really pops out as being unique; the green infield with yellow-toned grass outfield really complements the school’s green and gold color scheme well. The grandstand sits above field level and is made up of two sections of seats – the lower level consists of six rows of individual seat backs that run dugout to dugout, while the upper level is made up of aluminum benches with back supports. There is no covered seating in the stadium, however, so there is little escape from the elements be they sun or rain. Some fans looking for shade find themselves in the entry ways which run below the press box, creating a covered area. The seating bowl faces southeast, so the stadium itself can provide natural shade for games later in the day. With Phillips Drive running just beyond the right-field fence, it plays a bit short at 315’. The fence bows out a bit to accommodate the Niners bullpen, and probably shortens the wall to closer to 310’, before stretching out to 370’ in the right-center field power alley. Center field plays a touch short at 395’, while the left-center fence matches its partner at 370’, and the wall then wraps around to a more standard 335’ in left. For most of the game, the field's action is kept as the sole focus of entertainment. There are occasional drops of sound effects, but not to the point where every foul ball is accompanied by a slide whistle or the sound of breaking glass. A rather ominous tone is played when the pitcher gets two strikes on a batter, in anticipation of an impending strikeout. Neighborhood 4 Hayes Stadium is nestled in the heart of UNC-Charlotte’s athletic facilities. The university calls the stadium “a crown jewel on the camps”, which plays well off the city’s moniker “The Queen City.” The stadium is a bit of a transitional location between the school’s athletic facilities and the academic, administrative, and residential buildings on campus. The Charlotte campus is distanced from the hustle and bustle of downtown Charlotte, but that does not equate to a lack of entertainment and recreational options. The UNCC campus is on the city’s light rail line, so accessing Truist Field , home of the AAA Charlotte Knights, is just a short walk from the Convention Center stop. Also, Charlotte Motor Speedway is less than 5 miles north on Concord Highway, and has NHRA and NASCAR events in April and May. The area around campus is made up of several office buildings, regional chain restaurants, stores, a mall, and hotels. Even though there is not the feel of being in the heart of Charlotte, there are still plenty of options when it comes to filling time before or after a game. Fans 4 Games at Hayes Stadium are typically close to one-third of the stadium’s full capacity of 3,000. Fans tend to fill the lower-level seating area, and some can be rather boisterous in their support of the 49ers, or maybe even their opposition to the visiting team. The crowd appears to be a mix of alumni and parents of players, with a smattering of students spread out around the seating area. Fans remain actively engaged in both their support for the home team and in their heckling of the visitors. Overall, the 49ers fans recognize and show appreciation for good baseball, and do not typically take the natural chatter of college baseball too far. Access 5 The UNCC campus is a touch over 2 miles off I-85 which runs through Charlotte. Charlotte's Lynx light rail system has multiple stops at the Charlotte campus, which makes getting from downtown rather easy. There are two stops for UNCC’s campus, both about the same distance to Hayes Stadium. For fans driving to the facility there is a limited amount of parking available at Jerry Richardson Stadium . Free parking is also available at the CRI parking deck – make sure to bring your ticket with you and listen for an announcement regarding validating your parking. Even though parking directly at the field can be a bit challenging, Charlotte does everything it can to make getting to the field as easy as possible. There is one entry point into the stadium which fans pass through to a wide-open walkway between the levels of seating. The wide walkways help to eliminate chokepoints that can make it difficult for fans to navigate the stadium. Return on Investment 4 With field level seats running $10 and bleacher seats just $5, prices are very reasonable. When you consider free parking and relatively inexpensive concession prices, fans are definitely getting their money’s worth when attending a 49ers game. Extras 4 The 49ers have retired five numbers in program history: Bo Robinson (4), Joey Anderson (5), Brian Shifflett (7), Tim Collie (15), and Adam Mills (31). Those retired jerseys are recognized down the third base line. The baseball promotional staff has organized promotions for all their weekend games, along with several gate giveaways. Friday games are Friday Flight Nights featuring beer and hot dog ticket packages, followed by Saturday Bingo Nights and Sunday Family Fun Days with family friendly ticket packages and kids being able to run the bases after the game. The right centerfield wall proudly displays the program’s conference successes and NCAA tournament appearances. While Robert and Mariam Hayes Stadium is already an impressive facility, as part of Charlotte’s EverGreen Master Plan there are plans to improve it even further. Seated is planned to be extend down both lines, a shade canopy would be added around the top of the seating bowl, and a standing room only pavilion would be added, with many other improvements for the staff and players. Final Thoughts At initial thought, many might not give baseball at Charlotte much attention, but it definitely is a hidden gem on the college baseball scene. From the facilities, to the scenic back drop and baseball atmosphere created, baseball games at Charlotte provide a wonderful experience for even fans who might not have a rooting interest in the game.

Photos by Aaron S. Terry, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.00 Tucson Arena 260 S Church Ave Tucson, AZ 85701 Tucson Sugar Skulls website Tucson Arena website Year Opened: 1971 Capacity: 8,692 Arizona’s IFL At present the Indoor Football League has 14 teams, 3 of which are located in Arizona – the Northern Arizona Wranglers, the Arizona Rattlers, and the Tucson Sugar Skulls, which probably have the best team name in the league. The Rattlers and Sugar Skulls have the same owners; the Rattlers have been so successful in their 30-year run (winning 6 championships in that time), it only made sense for the owners to create a second team in 2019. The Sugar Skulls play in Tucson Arena, the arena inside Tucson’s convention center. The arena is shared with minor league hockey’s Tucson Roadrunners , as well as a club hockey team from the University of Arizona. The facility has a maximum capacity of 8,962 fans and was built in 1971 – the complex is listed on the National Register of Historic Places due to some of the acts it has hosted, including the Ice Capades and Elvis Presley. Food & Beverage 4 Tucson Arena offers 2 tiers of concessions – when fans enter the facility they will most likely progress onto a walkway at the top of the seating bowl. This walkway holds a slew of higher-end concessions, including Mexican (nachos, tacos, etc.), Chick-fil-A, a pretzel and churro vendor, gourmet cheesecake by the slice and brownies, and hot mini donuts, along with a couple of beer vendors, with prices a little on the high side, for example, $9 for a Chick-fil-A sandwich or hot pretzel with beer cheese, and $12 for tacos, nachos, or the quesadilla. But if you walk down to the lower 100 level (either by walking down through the stands or by walking back out to the outer concourse and using the back staircase), there are 2 “hidden” concessions stands, one on each side behind/under the 100 level seating – this concession stands offer a smaller selection of lower priced options (hot dogs, popcorn, nachos, and packaged candy), as well as bottled water, soda, and draft domestic or premium beer. Admittedly the quality of the concessions downstairs is not quite as good as the upper level, but they do come in a little cheaper if you are trying to keep to a budget – think $4 for a pretzel (add $2 for cheese) and $7 for nachos. Atmosphere 3 The best thing about a Sugar Skulls game is their mascot – a skeleton-faced individual decked out in Skulls team gear. He is constantly roaming the field pumping up the crowd, often jumping up and dancing on the wall around the field, and directly interacting with the crowd in the first row. He also participates in some of the on-field contests, for example when two fans are invited onto the field to try and kick a field goal to win a prize, or at the end of the third quarter when fans toss mini footballs into a bucket at midfield – the balls are numbered, and any fan who gets their ball in the bucket has a chance to win a prize as well. Besides the mascot there is also a dance team, the Sugar Dolls, and plenty of loud music being played, especially favorites like YMCA and Sweet Caroline, where the music is turned down at certain parts and fans are asked to sing the words. All the seats are also soft chair backs, which is a plus, but there is only one scoreboard on the far end, making it hard to see replays, and there are not very many fans in the stands (more on this later). Neighborhood 3 Tucson Arena is not far from downtown Tucson, so you can find plenty to see and do not far from the venue, including myriad restaurants, the most common of which are Mexican, being that this is the southwest. A couple of non-Mexican options are Reilly Craft Pizza and Drink , known for its upscale thin crust pizza creations and beer garden, and Hub Restaurant & Ice Creamery , which offers ice cream of course, but also several seafood options, as well as lighter fare like sandwiches and salads if you are looking for lunch. There are also plenty of hotels in the area. Another great attraction to be on the lookout for is the Sonora Desert Museum , a few miles west of the city – this is a great way to look at some of the local flora and fauna. You can even look a cougar right in the eyes from about 1 foot away (through a thick pane of glass, fortunately). Also, as you travel up and down I-10, you may get to see some trains passing you – the area is still a hotbed for railroad activity. Fans 2 At the most recent game I attended, the game went into overtime and by the end of it, there were hardly any fans still in attendance. There was not a ton to begin with either, but to have so many of them trickle out during a close game was a little disappointing, and even at its fullest the low attendance made the arena seem very empty. Don’t get me wrong – there were certainly a few diehards in attendance, dressed in full regalia as you will always see at any sporting event, but overall the attendance was lackluster. It may take time for the team to build up more of a fan base, being a newish team. Access 3 Traffic is not too bad getting to Tucson Arena, but I would suggest parking across the street from the venue and walking over, rather than parking in the small parking deck right next to the convention center. The cost is $10 either way, but it took a while to get out of the parking deck, which given its small size (only 3 levels) should not have been the case. Access inside the convention center is a little odd as well – I mentioned what I called the back staircase earlier, and if you use that, it feels like you are walking through the dingy bowels of the convention center to get to your seat. On some level it is kind of cool, because you can walk right up behind the end zone where the players and Sugar Dolls are, and no one will stop you because that is technically one way to get to your seat, so from that perspective you can get a close view of the inner workings of a game. However, the main end zone is set off a little from the field, meaning fans can’t stand under the net and try to catch footballs after kicks like you can at other indoor football venues. Return on Investment 3 Tickets to Tucson Sugar Skulls games start at around $25 including ticketing fees, which is pretty reasonable, although they made me buy 2 tickets for 1 person because you aren’t allowed to leave a single seat in the row. Otherwise, I think the price is certainly fair, and parking and concessions are not out of line depending on what you get, but except for the mascot the experience inside is a little lacking. Extras 3 The Sugar Skulls do all the normal things you generally see at indoor football games, like the music and the on-field contests, but there isn’t a whole lot that stands out besides their cool team name and their mascot. The Sugar Dolls do a nice job, especially if you are sitting in the main end zone where they perform for most of the game (when they are not out on the field itself). I did notice the Sugar Skulls have cheaper team gear than other teams in the area, so that is a plus if you are looking for a souvenir of your visit. They also did have a local musician do a guitar solo for the National Anthem at the last game I attended, which was pretty sweet. Final Thoughts If you are in the area, a visit to Tucson Arena for a Sugar Skulls game should be somewhat enjoyable, but if you are willing to travel a little further north, some of the other indoor football teams in the region offer a bit more as part of their experience and have venues that are a little less dated.

Photos by Gregory Koch , Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.86 Veterans Memorial Park 270 Veterans Memorial Drive Harrisonburg, VA 22807 James Madison Dukes website Veterans Memorial Park website Year Opened: 2010 Capacity: 1,500 Diamond Dukes Nestled in the scenic Shenandoah Valley town of Harrisonburg, Virginia is the campus of James Madison University. JMU’s athletic teams, known as the Dukes, compete in the Sun Belt Conference, having moved from the Colonial Athletic Association for the 2022-23 season. The Dukes softball program is best known for their miraculous run to the 2021 Women's College World Series, where they defied all expectations by reaching the semifinal. They were one win away from reaching the final series, but lost two in a row to number one overall seed Oklahoma, eliminating them from the double-elimination tournament and ending their miraculous run. The Dukes call Veterans Memorial Park home. This facility is shared with the baseball team, who plays in the adjacent stadium. Although the two facilities have separate entrances, they share many common facilities including a concourse that snakes between the two stadiums. Food & Beverage 3 A concession stand is located directly to your left as you come in, in between the softball and baseball stadiums, and offers a good range of options. Cheeseburgers, hamburgers, hot dogs, veggie dogs, sausage, and chicken tenders make up the main course options. Nachos, soft pretzels, fries, popcorn, candy, sunflower seeds, chips, and peanuts are available as well. To drink, fans can enjoy bottled soda and water, as well as hot chocolate and coffee. In an effort to be environmentally friendly, the water comes in aluminum cans rather than the typical plastic bottles. Prices are affordable - the only thing that costs more than $5 is the chicken tenders, and those come with fries. Atmosphere 4 Fans will enter Veterans Memorial Park for softball to the right of the ticket booth, although the window has been shuttered for quite some time as the Dukes no longer charge for admission to regular season games here. Nonetheless, the signage is still up, so look for the sign that says "Tickets" and enter the gate to the right of that. The one to the left is used for the baseball stadium and is closed for softball home games. Despite this, it is possible to walk along the concourse into the baseball stadium, and one will need to do this to access the concession stand and souvenir shop. However, to get to the stadium itself, you will walk right from the entrance, then up some steps or an elevator to the seating area. From there, seating is available both above and below the walkway you will enter onto. There are a few chairbacks behind home plate underneath the press box, and everything else is bleachers with backs. All seating is general admission, so arrive early if you want a chairback. The Dukes do a great job of keeping fans involved with promotions. From trading card giveaways of a different player every home game, to the Scream for Pizza (whoever screams the loudest gets free Domino's pizza), to name that tune and trivia contests to win a free hot dog at the concession stand, fans will definitely stay engaged here. Neighborhood 3 Harrisonburg is a quaint town in the beautiful Shenandoah Valley of Virginia. Although this doesn’t have the excitement of the big city, there is plenty to do here, including the Virginia Quilt Museum. For meals, there are plenty of options depending on your budget. The famous southern chain Cook Out has a location five minutes from campus, which serves up burgers, chicken sandwiches, and other options. Try one of their trays for a great value, as it comes with two sides and a drink for around $8. If you’re looking for something more upscale, or at least something with table service, the Magpie Diner and Macado's are both local favorites. Fans 5 Dukes fans pack Veterans Memorial Park for softball game in and game out. The game we attended had close to a thousand fans in a 1,500 seat stadium and this is typical for what they draw. Fans wear the school color of purple and cheer their team on throughout the game. Some are friends or family of the players, but most are just loyal JMU fans . The team also partners with many local youth groups, including youth softball teams, so expect to see a lot of kids in attendance, many of them clad in their team's uniform. The crowd here can get quite loud, especially after big moments such as JMU home runs. Their passion is bold and unwavering, and they help make this an electric place to watch a softball game. Access 3 Veterans Memorial Park is located a few miles off Interstate 81 via exit 247B. After exiting onto Market Street, continue a short while before turning left onto Martin Luther King, Jr. Way. Continue for about a mile and a half before the road ends at High Street. Continue through the light and you will be in the parking lot. You will need to navigate a roundabout in the middle of the parking lot to wind up in the lot nearest the stadium – other areas serve the Veterans Memorial itself or other parts of the park, although you can park there if the stadium lot fills up. Getting around the stadium once you get inside is easy enough, although it is a bit confusing to have to walk up and back down. Foul balls regularly fly onto the concourse so be careful while you are walking down there. A staff member will normally shout “Heads up!” when a ball is heading that way but be alert yourself anyway. Restrooms are located directly to the left of the entrance and are of sufficient size for the crowd. When getting out of the stadium, you may have to wait at the traffic light for a few minutes as the timing of the cycle was not designed for such traffic patterns as occur postgame, but once you get out, you should not encounter any problems. Return on Investment 5 Admission to softball games at JMU is free of charge, concessions are affordable, and parking is free as well. When combined with the fantastic atmosphere, that makes a trip to a James Madison softball game an excellent value. Extras 4 One star for all the banners and signs throughout the stadium honoring James Madison softball history, including the Women's College World Series appearance in 2021. There are free programs and JMU softball trading cards available at the marketing table. Fans who collect all the trading cards by attending every home game will receive a prize at the end of the season. A third star for the merchandise shop to the left of the concession stand selling JMU gear,. A fourth and final star for the potential to see both a JMU softball and baseball game in the same day if you time your trip right, or at least get the chance to explore two venues in one. Final Thoughts The excitement at a James Madison Dukes softball game is still palpable, even two years after their Women's College World Series appearance. This is a program on the rise, and the move to the Sun Belt Conference should enable that continued growth. The Dukes have some passionate and boisterous fans and a facility to match. Softball fans in the Shenandoah Valley will definitely want to spend an afternoon at a James Madison game here.