With this episode of the Stadium Journey podcast, recorded on April Fools Day, we look at some of the biggest fools in sports. Audio versions of the Stadium Journey podcast can be found by searching HIAC Talk Radio wherever you look for your favorite podcasts. Video simulcasts of all the Stadium Journey podcasts can be found on Stadium Journey's YouTube page. Join us live as we record every other Monday on our social media streaming channels.

Photos by Gregory Koch, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.86 UMBC Stadium 5523 Research Park Drive Baltimore, MD 21227 UMBC Retrievers website UMBC Stadium website Year Opened: 1976 Capacity: 4,500 Retrieve the Fans Although UMBC athletics is best known for the basketball team’s shocking upset in the NCAA Tournament over Virginia in 2018, the men’s lacrosse team has been one of the school’s most successful programs over the years. The Retrievers won the America East Conference regular season title five years in a row from 2005-2009 and have made the Division I Tournament seven times. The Retrievers play on campus at UMBC Stadium, which is part of a larger complex which also includes the baseball and softball fields. The soccer stadium and UMBC Event Center are located nearby as well. In 2022, UMBC Stadium and the surrounding fields were renovated, adding a new fan plaza, upgraded concession stand, and other areas to improve the fan experience. Food & Beverage 3 There is one concession stand at UMBC Stadium located on the fan plaza in between UMBC Stadium and the baseball field, right by the entrance. The menu is pretty decent and includes pizza slices (cheese and pepperoni), grilled chicken sandwiches, pulled pork sandwiches, and hot dogs. Snacks include candy, chips, soft pretzels, popcorn, trail mix, and granola bars. Soft drinks, bottled water, and alcohol are available for purchase as well. Prices are a bit on the high end but not outrageous. Atmosphere 4 Walking into UMBC Stadium will put you on a fan plaza of sorts, added in the latest set of upgrades. There is some standing room area right there where some fans choose to watch, or you can walk down to the metal bleachers along the sideline. A track surrounds the entire field, but you should still have a great view of the action. A scoreboard will be located to your right which also shows saves and shots, although those are not always updated in real time. Between the roar of the crowd, the action on the field, and the numerous vantage points from which to watch a game, UMBC Stadium is an excellent atmosphere in which to take in a lacrosse match. Neighborhood 3 UMBC Stadium is located on campus in the Baltimore suburbs, and there is not much going on in the immediate vicinity. Even elsewhere in town, there isn’t much other than a few chain restaurants. UMBC won a hard fight with the US Postal Service to get a Baltimore mailing address, but it isn’t actually located in the City of Baltimore. Your best bet is to make the short drive to the actual city, perhaps to the Inner Harbor neighborhood, where you will find many restaurants and other entertainment options. Fans 5 UMBC Retrievers fans pack the bleachers and the plaza at UMBC Stadium every game. Although they don't usually sell out, the crowds number in the thousands. Fans are loyal, loud, and represent UMBC's spirit of true grit. They never give up on their team, they will stay until the end and be as loud at the final whistle as they were at the start. Lacrosse is the state team sport of Maryland (but not the state sport, which is jousting) and Marylanders love the sport more than residents of any other state. While UMBC has its loyal and large fan base, expect there to be a good number of visiting fans in attendance if they are playing another Maryland school. Access 4 UMBC's campus is located a short distance of I-195 and I-95. The former ends where it meets the latter and continues as Maryland Route 166. Follow that a short distance and follow the signs for UMBC's campus.. Parking is available along Hillside Circle (pull-in spaces, not parallel, although those who prefer to back into the space will not be able to due to the street pattern) as well as in lots near the UMBC Event Center. All are a short walk from the stadium. Once inside, there is plenty of room to move around or watch the game from different vantage points as noted above. Restrooms are next to the concession stand and are of a sufficient size for the typical crowd. The one thing to keep in mind is that lines at the ticket window and getting into the stadium can move slowly close to gametime, so buy your tickets in advance and arrive early. Return on Investment 4 Tickets to UMBC lacrosse games cost $10 for adults, $8 for seniors and children 6-12, and free for UMBC students and children six and under. For one of the nicest lacrosse venues in the country, in the state and city where the sport is most popular, this is an excellent value. However, the pricey concessions do bring this score down a notch. Extras 4 Being part of the UMBC Stadium Complex, the UMBC Stadium is basically three venues in one. Fans can also check out the softball and baseball venues while they’re here. There are free programs and other promotional giveaways at a table near the concession stand and baseball field. Merchandise is sold out of a tent by the entrance. A final star for the banners honoring UMBC lacrosse achievements. Final Thoughts The recent upgrades to UMBC Stadium have done wonders to improve the experience here. What was once a pretty basic stadium has turned into a crown jewel of lacrosse. There are so many outstanding college lacrosse options in the Baltimore area that it's hard to describe any of them as a "must-see", but if you are in the area and see UMBC is playing at home, you will want to check out a Retrievers game.

I never paid attention to the National Invitational Tournament. I was not aware that it was no longer laid at Madison Square Garden. However, when my alma mater, Indiana State University, did not receive an at-large bid for the NCAA Tournament, my attention fell to the NIT. Tonight, Indiana State will face off against Seton Hall University in the championship game at the Hinkle Fieldhouse. The game will be a sell-out of 9,100 fans for a pro-Indiana State crowd whose fans will only have to make a 70-plus mile drive from Terre Haute.  Seton Hall fans from New Jersey made a lengthier trip (700 miles) to see their team compete in the historic venue. Both teams felt their season record earned them an at-bid large in this year's NCAA Tournament, and many fans felt snubbed. Indiana State captured the regular season title in the Missouri Valley Conference with a 28-5 record; The Hall finished with a 20-12 record in the competitive Big East Conference. Both teams accepted the invitation to play in the NIT with the chance to host three more games at home. The Sycamores sold out the 9,000-seater Hulman Center in Terre Haute, while the Pirates hosted three games at their campus venue, the 1,316 Walsh Gymnasium in South Orange, New Jersey. The Sycamore crowd accentuated the Hinkle Fieldhouse for the semi-final games on Tuesday. Fans dressed in royal or sky blue pack the Chatham Tap bar and restaurant a few yards away from the arena. Inside, the game feels like a home crowd with 99.9 percent on hand for a 100-90 victory over Utah on Tuesday night. However, the game feels like a regular Butler home game. Except for the NIT logo placements on the court, it was business as usual with lengthy lines for food and beverage, congestion behind the players’ bench and TV crew for fans walking to their seats, and the cheer team and band provided entertainment between TV timeouts. I grew up in New Jersey and cried when Seton Hall lost to Michigan in the 1989 NCAA Final Four championship game. I later attended Indiana State and was privy to winning basketball, not compared to what has taken place this season with the Sycamores. For both fan bases, to see their basketball teams play meaningful games in April is more than a consultation prize for not making the tournament. The NIT does not have the prestige it once had but don’t tell that to the Sycamore fans who will be selling out the championship game tonight at 7 pm EST. It will be quite the spectacle. --- Follow all of Marc’s stadium journeys on Twitter @ballparkhunter and his YouTube channel. Email at Marc.Viquez@stadiumjourney.com

Photo by Lloyd Brown, Stadium Journey The NBA is the second-most popular sports league in the United States in virtually every measurable metric, trailing only the juggernaut that is the NFL. The NBA has become a global sport with millions of fans in virtually every corner of the globe. However, with that rise has come an exponential rise in cost for said fans. The experts at Fadeaway World analyzed all 30 NBA teams to determine the most and least affordable teams for fans to follow. They determined their rankings by looking at the combined costs for tickets to a home game along with a team jersey, a 16-ounce beer, and a hot dog. When the numbers were tallied, the Memphis Grizzlies came out on top as the most affordable team in the NBA, with games at FedExForum costing fans an average of $159.74 per game. The second most affordable was the Atlanta Hawks, with their games at State Farm Arena costing fans $164.38 on average. Rounding out the top five most affordable teams were the New Orleans Pelicans ($166.62), Detroit Pistons ($182.38), and Portland Trailblazers ($184.87). “It is interesting to see how drastically the average cost differs for fans of different NBA teams,” said Nemanja Vukasinovic, CEO of Fadeaway World. “By calculating the average cost of a home game ticket, a unisex jersey, and the cost of a beer and hot dog at each stadium, we can identify which team’s supporters can expect to shell out the most money this season.” On the other end of the proverbial spectrum, the New York Knicks proved to be the most expensive team for fans to follow; games at Madison Square Garden cost fans an average of $334.74 to attend. The Golden State Warriors were second, with games at Chase Center costing $332.50. The Boston Celtics ($318.36), Los Angeles Lakers ($300.37), and Dallas Mavericks ($269.74) rounded out the top five for most expensive. Photo by Brian O'Sullivan, Stadium Journey “The Boston Celtics are currently at the top in the latest Power Rankings, reflecting their high cost to attend their games, whereas the Memphis Grizzlies are currently 27th, hence their lower cost for supporting fans,” explained Vukasnovic. “It would be fascinating to observe any changes in these current prices as a result of teams moving up or down in the Power Rankings.” ----- Follow Eric Moreno’s Stadium Journey on Twitter at @EricMoreno6477. Visit Eric Moreno’s writer’s portfolio site at ericmoreno.contently.com.

Most people don’t think of Hawai’i (we are using the native Hawai’ian spelling in this review) when they talk about baseball. However, baseball in the Islands has a longer history with the sport than the mainland U.S. It was brought to this Pacific outpost by one of baseball’s pioneers, Andrew Cartwright, who moved to the Hawai’ian Islands (then known as the Sandwich Islands) in 1849. He laid out the first dimensions of a baseball field in Honolulu. The field is still in existence in a local residential neighborhood. His gravesite is located nearby and can usually be found covered by baseball caps and baseballs left by fans who have made the pilgrimage to the area. Baseball in Hawai’i by Jim Vitti explores the rich history of baseball in the Hawai’ian Islands. It traces the beginnings of the sport in 1849 up through the present. Along the way, he talks about the famous teams, ballparks, and notable figures that have played a significant role in the growth of the sport in the area. The first recorded baseball game in Hawai’i took place in 1866 and featured teams known as the “Natives” and the “Foreigners”. King Kalakaua (Hawai’i was a kingdom until it was annexed by the U.S. IN 1898) attended a game in 1875, and the first inter-island game between a Big Island team and a team from Maui took place in 1883. The first teams in the Islands were based on the different plantations that played in the aptly named Plantation League. A second league was known as the Hawai’i Baseball League. There was also an AJA League. This was made up of Americans of Japanese ancestry. (As a side note: Hawai’i has such a diverse population that it has never had segregated teams, beating mainland U.S. teams by more than one hundred years.) The mainland U.S. baseball community took note of baseball in Hawai’i in the 1920’s. Many ballplayers barnstormed through different areas of the country to earn extra money in the offseason. Among these early visitors were A.G. Spalding, John McGraw, and Casey Stengel. Babe Ruth began regularly visiting the Islands in 1933. He frequently did hitting exhibitions on Waikiki Beach and often went surfing afterward with Duke Kahanamoku. He also traveled to Kilauea and hit baseballs into the Volcano’s crater. Lou Gehrig began visiting in 1934. The first native islander to play in the major leagues was Prince Oana with the Phillies in 1934. World War II brought an end to these barnstorming tours but ironically strengthened the links between the mainland and the Hawai’ian Islands. Many baseball stars were stationed in Hawai’i during the war at one of its many military bases. Players included such well-known figures as Joe DiMaggio and Peewee Reese. There was a great deal of competition between the branches of the services to have these “ringers” play on their team for intra-service competitions. The celebrity ballplayers often put on fundraising exhibition games with proceeds going to pay for war bonds. One of these events brought in $500,000… a staggering amount in those days. After the conclusion of the war, the floodgates of players visiting the Islands grew. Players including Yogi Berra, Enos Slaughter, Whitey Ford, Duke Snider, Mickey Mantle, and Billy Martin often visited the Islands in the offseason. Former enemies became friends, as teams from Japan started to visit the islands for exhibition games. A staggering number of MLB players are native Hawai’ians or played for the Hawai’i Islanders minor league team in the Pacific Coast League. This list includes such well-known names as Benny Agbayani, Bo Belinsky, Rafael Belliard, Barry Bonds, Bobby Bonds, Clete Boyer, Joe Charboneau, Pat Corales, Ron Darling, Dave Dravecky, Sid Fernandez, Charlie Hough, Mike Lum, Jerry Manuel, Hank Oana, Joe Pepitone, Lenn Sakata, Bobby Valentine, Johnnie Williams, and Wally Yonamine. The Hawai’i Islanders were the first affiliated team from Hawai’i with major league baseball. They were originally the AA affiliate with Kansas City Athletics and played in the Pacific Coast League. The Islanders would have later affiliations with the California Angles, the Washington Senators, the Chicago White Sox, the San Diego Padres, and the Pittsburgh Pirates. The Islanders were in minor league baseball from 1961- 1987. They returned for a brief period from 1993-1997. The Islanders were led by future MLB managers Bob Lemon, Doug Rader, Roy Hartsfield, Bobby Valentine, Tom Trebelhorn, and Chuck Tanner. The team also featured some well-known announcers over the years, including Harry Kalas, Al Michaels, Les Kieter, and Mel Proctor. Many future MLB players spent at least some time with the Islanders. They include Ichiro Suzuki, Jason Giambi, Aaron Boone, Buster Posey, and Todd Helton. Hawaii also has intra-island leagues. They feature teams with names such as the Sting Rays, Beach Boys, Cane Fires, Man-O-Wars, and the Whalers. College baseball has also been remarkably successful on the Islands. The University of Hawaii has had a baseball program since 1917. In 1923 the University of California was the first team from the mainland to send a team to compete against the locals. Many other teams have followed, especially teams from cold weather climates that come for an early season series in the warmth of Hawai’i. The University of Hawai’i has been highly successful in NCAA baseball. In a 30-year span, the team has been to postseason competition eleven times. It won the NCAA baseball title in 1979 and finished as the runner-up for the title in 1980. The program has sent 127 players on to professional baseball. The most famous ballparks associated with baseball in Hawai’i are Honolulu Stadium and Aloha Stadium. Honolulu Stadium opened in 1926 and was known as the “Termite Palace”, as it was completely built out of wood. It hosted every level of baseball competition until 1976. It seated a little over 20,000 fans at its largest capacity after several renovations. Its long existence is a miracle, as termites are a major pest in the warm Hawai’ian climate. The all-steel Aloha Stadium has served as its replacement since 1976. It is better suited as a football stadium, as it has a capacity of more than 50,000. It is better known for hosting the Hula Bowl and the NFL Pro Bowl. Even Aloha Stadium is now under a massive renovation. The University of Hawai’i also features the Les Murakami Baseball Stadium, with a capacity of 4,312. In addition to college baseball games, it also hosts the Hawai’i Winter Baseball League games. The stadium is also famous for its terrific views of Diamond Head. So, what explains the success of baseball in the Hawai’ian Islands? Two possible explanations are the long history of the sport in the Islands and the area’s climate that allows the games to go on year-round. Another explanation could be the Islands’ position midway between the U. S. and Japan… two countries where the sport is considered the national sport. We feel a key to the success of baseball in the Hawai’ian Islands is the strength of the youth baseball programs in the state. Teams from the Islands have been the Junior Little League World Champions four times (1984, 2000, 2001, and 2007). Little League teams from Hawai’i have won two Little League World Series (2005, 2008) and come in second twice (1988, 2010). At the Pony League level of competition, Hawai’ian teams have come home with four world titles (1969,1980, 1979, and 1989). Finally, the Hawai’i representative won the American Legion baseball national title in 1980. Baseball in Hawai’i provides a detailed history of the sport that goes back to the days when Hawai’i was still a kingdom and baseball was in its infancy on the mainland. Readers will be surprised at the role the Hawai’ian Islands have played in baseball on the world stage. We recommend Baseball in Hawai’i to any serious student of the game.

Photo by Lloyd Brown, Stadium Journey The NBA is the second-most popular professional sports league in the United States – this is especially true online and with social media. New research from online sports betting site Casinos Sweeps attempted to determine which team was the most popular in the NBA. Researchers analyzed the number of Instagram followers each NBA team currently has; this also revealed each team’s most followed player. It should come at no surprise that the Los Angeles Lakers were revealed as the most followed team, with a staggering 192.5 million followers on Instagram between their team accounts and those of their individual players. Their most popular player, also no surprise, was found to be future Hall of Famer LeBron James; the four-time MVP has an amazing online following of 159.5 million. The Golden State Warriors came in second with a combined 126.5 million followers; 55.9 million of those belong to their most followed player, Steph Curry. Rounding out the top five were the Los Angeles Clippers with Russell Westbrook, the Chicago Bulls with Lonzo Ball, and the Dallas Mavericks and Kyrie Irving. “All teams have had a significant impact on the NBA’s overall popularity, both in the US and internationally … it is fascinating to see which ones have ranked the highest,” a spokesperson from Casinos Sweeps said in a news release. “However, the popularity of each team can change dramatically with new stars, management strategies, and on-court success, so it will be interesting to see how the rankings change in future seasons.” Image courtesy of Casino Sweeps ----- Follow Eric Moreno’s Stadium Journey on Twitter at @EricMoreno6477. Visit Eric Moreno’s writer’s portfolio site at ericmoreno.contently.com.

Long before major leagues had a team and stadiums in the southern United States, there were the Atlanta Crackers and Ponce de Leon Ballpark. The Crackers were the most powerful team in minor league baseball throughout their 64-year existence, paving the way for the Atlanta Braves to become the first major league franchise in the southeastern portion of the country. The Crackers: Early Days of Atlanta Baseball by Tim Darnell provides an in-depth look at the team and its accomplishments between 1901 and 1965. During that period, the Crackers had the best record of any baseball team other than the New York Yankees. They took home 17 Southern Association championships in less than 65 years. First…. Why the name Crackers? Some suggest it relates to the definition of a “southern cracker” a derogatory term for a poor white southerner. However, it is much more likely to be a shortened form of the word Firecrackers, the name of a baseball team that preceded it in the Atlanta area. Baseball had been extremely popular in Atlanta ever since the Civil War ended, as it took resident’s minds off the massive destruction the area had experienced during the war. Teams sponsored by schools and local businesses came and went during the 1865- 1900 period. The Crackers benefitted from having a wealthy owner from being a member of an established league in the Southern Association, and strong leadership in the front office, as John Heisman served as the team president. Heisman is more widely known as one of the most successful innovators in college football, and at the time was the head football coach at Georgia Tech. By its tenth season, the team had already won four Southern Association pennants. The Cracker's home during those years was in Ponce de Leon Ballpark in downtown Atlanta. It was built on land the team owner already owned and took its name from a natural spring located nearby that promised a long life and other healthy benefits from its waters. The stadium was constructed in a natural bowl with a steep hillside forming its outfield limits. A railroad track was atop the hill just beyond right field. There was also a pair of magnolia trees in deep right-center field. The ballpark opened in 1906, and it was built out of wood, for $60,000.  The Cracker's success on the field, meant success at the ticket office, as they led the league in attendance nearly every season. Pullen Library Digital Collection, Georgia State University. Unfortunately, the ballpark burned to the ground in 1923. This forced the team to relocate to Georgia Tech’s Grant Field for the remainder of the 1923 season. A local businessman financed a new concrete and steel stadium for $250,000. The field was named R. J Spiller Field in his honor. The stadium was state of the art for its times, as it featured individual seats bolted into the concrete base, replacing the benches of the previous stadium. The grandstand seated 9,800, while the outfield bleachers held 5,000 more fans. One set of bleachers was for white fans, while the other was for black fans. The scoreboard in center field was changed by hand, and the starting lineups were announced by megaphone to the grandstand. The Magnolia trees and the railroad tracks atop the hill form two unique stories about Ponce de Leon Park. The Magnolia trees were considered in play and outfielders had to watch where they were going to field a fly ball. Only two players, Babe Ruth, and Eddie Mathews, hit official home runs into the tree and had the ball stay up in its branches. The second story involves a train headed north on the tracks at the exact moment a home run was hit by the Cracker's Bob Montag. A few days later a railroad engineer came to the park with a coal dust-covered ball. The home run had landed in the coal compartment of the train and traveled to Nashville and back… more than five hundred miles. It was duly listed as the longest home run ever hit in the Southern Association history. In 1932 the Crackers were purchased by the Coca-Cola Company, which is based in Atlanta. This gave the team deep pockets for operations, as teams were not affiliated with the major leagues then. They also placed Earl Mann as the team’s general manager, a title he would hold until 1959. He was an excellent judge of playing ability, and he also had the funds that would allow the team to pay higher salaries than the other Southern League teams. From 1935 through 1965 the Crackers would win eleven league championships. You might wonder how the Crackers were so successful. Here is a list of just some players and managers who wore a Crackers uniform at some time in their careers… Leo Durocher, Luke Appling, Paul Richards, Ralph “Country” Brown, Eddie Mathews, Tim McCarver, Jack McKeon, Gene Mauch and Chuck Tanner. Their radio announcer, Ernie Harwell, was traded to major league baseball for a catcher. Harwell went on to the Baseball Hall of Fame as the radio announcer for the Detroit Tigers. There is no word as to what happened to the catcher. Baseball was a very segregated sport for most of the Crackers’ existence. Ponce de Leon Park always allowed blacks in a segregated set of bleachers in the outfield. There was also a team known as the Black Atlanta Crackers. They played in both the Negro National League and the Black Southern League. To make ends meet, they would barnstorm through the South, playing local teams. They played most of their home games at Morehouse College and Morris Brown, two HBCU colleges in Atlanta. The team also played at Ponce de Leon Park when the Atlanta Crackers were playing out of town. A breakthrough occurred in 1948 when the Crackers hosted the Brooklyn Dodgers and Jackie Robinson in a three-game exhibition series. This would be the first integrated baseball team in the Deep South. Even though trouble was anticipated, Robinson was warmly welcomed by both the black and white record crowds that turned out for the series. No racial incidents occurred, and the Crackers added Nat Peeples, their first black player, in 1954. Minor league baseball faced some tough years in the 1940s, as many of the top players served in the armed forces during World War II. After the war, the minor league teams started becoming affiliates of the major league teams for financial reasons. This took some of the local ownership nature of the clubs out of the equation. Baseball began to be televised in the mid-fifties and early 1960’s, which also drove down live attendance at games. The Southern Association closed in 1961, resulting in the Crackers moving to the International League for its last four seasons. Major league baseball was on its way to the Deep South, as Atlanta lobbied both the Kansas City Athletics and the Milwaukee Braves. The Braves would move to Atlanta in time for the 1966 season. Ironically, the Crackers would not play their final season in their longtime home at Ponce de Leon Ballpark, instead playing at the brand-new Atlanta Fulton County Stadium, the future home of the Atlanta Braves. In 1965 Ponce de Leon Ballpark was torn down and replaced by a retail center. The railroad tracks atop the hill have been replaced by the Atlanta Beltline, a recreational trail. All that remains of the ballpark is the lone magnolia tree that stands in center field. When longtime Crackers General Manager Earl Mann died, his ashes were spread at the base of the tree. The Crackers: Early Days of Atlanta Baseball is a terrific read for anyone who loves baseball history or for any native Atlantan.

Photos by David Welch, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.86 J.I. Clements Stadium 2476 Southern Dr Statesboro, GA 30458 Georgia Southern Eagles website J.I. Clements Stadium website Year Opened: 2005 Capacity: 3,000 Hail Southern! When considering some of the top college baseball experiences in the nation, teams from the ACC and SEC often come to mind, and rightfully so. However, teams in some of the less spotlighted conferences in the south also offer top-notch baseball experiences. In the southeast Georgia town of Statesboro, the Georgia Southern University Eagles of the Sun Belt Conference have quietly established themselves as one of the best-kept secrets in NCAA college baseball. Food & Beverage 4 Concessions offer more than just the typical ballpark fare. While you will find the stadium classics like hot dogs, peanuts, candy, chips, and soda, the options extend further to include burgers, chicken fingers, and fries. Also available is the uniquely southern delight, boiled peanuts in classic and Cajun flavors. This idea of boiled peanuts might raise an eyebrow, but after getting past the initial unfamiliarity, they do tend to become a bit addicting. Cocktail carts on each side of the concourse offer a wide selection of alcoholic beverages, including canned cocktails, wines, hard seltzers, and local craft beers such as Golden Road Brewing’s Mango Cart and Fire Maker Brewing Company’s Georgia Southern, the latter branded Hail Southern Golden Ale. Concession rates are kept reasonable, which makes them that more inviting. The only drawback is a lack of local eats that seemingly could easily be incorporated into the food options, but on the whole the concessions are done rather well. Atmosphere 4 The brick exterior of J.I. Clements Stadium is quite simple, mainly consisting of the press box tower, which also incorporates a section of suite seating. The remaining exterior of the stadium is filled out by the back walls of the restroom and concession buildings. In 2017 the outfield wall underwent a significant makeover, with the transformation of right field into the 24-foot "Blue Monster”. Similar to its taller relative in Boston, the famed Green Monster, this shorter, southern version has the ability to turn potential doubles or home runs into singles – it adds an interesting element to line shots hit to right field. The dimensions of the outfield wall create a field that plays a bit short up the middle, measuring 360 feet to the power alleys and just 385 feet to center field. Each foul line extends 330 feet, with the right field wall making it a bit more challenging than getting one out to left field. The game's presentation is low-key, maintaining the focus on the game itself. While there are a handful of concourse and scoreboard games, fans are not bombarded with them constantly throughout every half-inning break. The stadium is built into the natural contours of the land, with seating running from the home plate side of the Eagles dugout around to the end of the visiting dugout, along the first baseline. Much of the seating consists of aluminum bleachers with back support, while the three sections directly behind home plate feature individual seatback chairs. A grassy section beyond the visiting dugout is designated as standing room, but it's often filled with kids playing. The seating bowl offers little relief from the sun during day games, with only a small part of the concourse behind home plate providing shade. As the game progresses, the seats behind home plate and toward the third base side receive shade first, while those toward the first base side remain in the sun for most of the game. If looking to view the game from different vantage points around the stadium, ushers guard their sections rather thoroughly. Tickets are checked promptly upon sitting in a section, regardless of how empty the seating may appear. For a unique stadium experience, just beyond the right-center field wall is the YellaWood Deck – this standing room only section offers fans an outfield view of the game, but also allows them to bring their own items to grill. While the deck is an intriguing concept, it does pose some logistical challenges when it comes to accessing the rest of the stadium. Neighborhood 4 The recently revitalized Blue Mile, connecting campus to downtown Statesboro, features several bars and restaurants. Notable establishments such as the renowned BBQ joint Dolan's, as well as the popular nightlife spot Gnat's Landing, are found along this path. On the opposite side of campus, Dingus MaGee's is another favorite spot for grabbing a bite and a pint. Across from the athletics parking lot, a cluster of chain restaurants lines Fair Road. Options include Arby’s, Cookout, Papa John’s, Dunkin’, and Zaxby’s. Among these, Cookout offers the most diverse menu, with its drive-in style and wide selection of milkshakes. Sports enthusiasts visiting Statesboro may have the opportunity to catch a match of the South Georgia Tormenta FC of the USL League One, or the women’s squad in the USL W League. Both teams play at Optim Sports Medicine Field, just off the southwest corner of campus. For those craving a larger city atmosphere, the Georgia port city of Savannah is approximately an hour east on I-16. Fans 4 Statesboro is a community known for its strong support of local teams, particularly the Georgia Southern Eagles. Fans consistently fill the stands at J.I. Clements Stadium, with typical attendances hovering around 2,500 fans per game, putting the stadium at over 80% of its full capacity. This level of attendance creates an electrifying atmosphere throughout the game. Students typically occupy the sections behind the visitor dugout, and enthusiastically voice their opinions about every miscue by the opposing team. While their energy adds to the liveliness of the game, the student section sometimes crosses the line with their taunts. This can create some awkwardness, especially since the visitor seating is in the neighboring section. To manage any potential conflicts, an usher is stationed at the edge of the dugout to intervene if necessary. Access 3 Getting to Statesboro can be a bit challenging due to its distance from major cities. Savannah, the closest big city, is still an hour's drive away, while Macon, the next closest Georgia city, is almost a 2-hour drive. Those traveling from central and northern Georgia will become well acquainted with the Georgia countryside along Interstate I-16. Once in Statesboro, the heart of the Eagles athletics district is wedged into the northern reaches of the Georgia Southern campus on the south side of town. Parking is available in a large lot along Fair Road, located next to Georgia Southern Softball Complex and behind the tennis complex and the recently retired Hanner Fieldhouse. Another parking lot is situated closer to the stadium, but may be trickier to locate if you are unfamiliar with the area. The stadium has two main entry points, one along the first base side of the field and another behind home plate. Both entrances lead directly to the concourse encircling the top of the seating bowl, making it easy to access seats. Return on Investment 5 Tickets start at $10, which is comparable to the average ticket price within the conference. This rate becomes even more appealing due to the availability of free parking in the lots surrounding the stadium. For those looking to save on ticket prices, tickets can sometimes be found on the secondary market for as low as $1, though fees typically bring the total closer to $6. With reasonable concession prices and no parking fees, attending a baseball game at Georgia Southern offers fans great value for their money. The main expense would be the costs associated with simply traveling to Statesboro. Extras 3 J.I. Clements Stadium pays homage to the rich history of baseball at Georgia Southern. Plaques on the concourse narrate the stories of the stadium’s namesake J.I. Clements, coach Jack Stallings' 23-year career, and contributor Lamar Hennon. Additionally, photos of the 1973 and 1990 Georgia Southern teams that advanced to the College World Series in Omaha adorn the concourse. The beloved Georgia Southern mascot, Gus, would not miss a chance to support his Eagles. Gus makes his rounds through the stadium during the game interacting with kids, fans, and giving the visiting fans a bit of good natured razzing. The team clubhouse, situated along the first base side of the stadium, commemorates the Eagles’ NCAA regional appearances, and also features the ret Final Thoughts Currently, a fundraising campaign is underway to complete upgrades to the Eagles clubhouse and player development facilities, as well as to add seating along the top of the home dugout. These renovations aim to modernize the stadium and enhance its overall appeal. Georgia Southern baseball consistently fields a highly competitive team that frequently contends for the Sun Belt Conference regular season title. While the Sun Belt may not get as much attention as some of the larger conferences in the south, the league undoubtedly plays a high level of baseball. From a well laid out stadium in an intimate setting to a game presentation where the action on the field is kept the focus of attention, J.I. Clements Stadium offers fans a high-level baseball experience. Georgia Southern baseball is also well supported both by the town and the college community, which complements the overall atmosphere.

Photos by Paul Baker, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.71 Brown Softball Field 235 Hope St. Providence, RI Brown Bears softball website Brown Softball Field website Year Opened: 2017 Capacity: 250 Brown Bears Softball The Brown Bears softball team received a new stadium on the same site as their old field in time for the 2017 season. A group of donors led by Mark Attanasio, Brown class of 1979 alumnus and owner of the Milwaukee Brewers, provided $5 million in grants that were used to refurbish both the baseball and softball fields. Those renovations featured the installation of synthetic turf at the stadium, sunken dugouts, a new backstop, expanded batting tunnels and bullpens, and a new and improved scoreboard and press box. In addition, new chairback seating was installed in the seating bowl. Brown softball competes in the Ivy League, which has sponsored competition since 1980. During that time, the Bears have won five conference titles, three of them outright. Their most recent Ivy crown was won in 2004. Brown has qualified for one NCAA tournament, losing both of their games in the 1997 tourney. Food & Beverage 1 On certain days throughout the Bears spring schedule, the Bruno Eats food truck is present at the Erickson Sports Complex. Operated by Brown Dining Services, it offers a rotating menu throughout the season. Visiting Bears fans may find a seclection of burgers, tacos, or other snacks available on a given weekend. If you happen to visit Brown on a weekend when there is no food truck on site, fans are welcome to bring their own snacks to enjoy during the game. On chilly spring Rhode Island afternoons, it’s not unusual to see many fans enjoying warm beverages from the local Dunkin’ or Aroma Joe’s. Atmosphere 2 The game day atmosphere at college softball games, at least in the northeast, is a bit more laid back than fans may be accustomed to, even by standards in this area. You shouldn’t expect an elaborate presentation with a lot of bells and whistles. Music is played over a decent sound system between innings and batters, but most of the noise here comes from the players on the field, who sing, chant, and encourage each other throughout the game. A simple scoreboard in left field displays basic game information. The PA announcer gives fans lineup information without being too over the top or intrusive. The fans, who are likely parents or friends of the players, make their own share of noise. It’s a simple experience, but a lot of fun. Neighborhood 5 The Brown Softball Field is a part of the Erickson Athletic Complex on the eastern edge of Brown’s urban campus. Located in Providence’s affluent East Side neighborhood, there is much to do in the immediate vicinity of the complex. Most of Brown’s athletic facilities are located here, including Meehan Auditorium, the Paul Bailey Pizzitola Sports Center, Stevenson-Pincince Field and Murray Stadium.  Brown Stadium is located about a mile away. Just a couple of blocks from the Athletic Complex is Thayer Street, Brown’s main street and the East Side’s main commercial drag. Numerous cafes, restaurants and shops can be found here, including Brown’s bookstore and the Avon Cinema, which dates back to the early 20th century. Other notable areas in the East Side a short walk or drive from Brown University are Hope Street, Wayland Square and Wickenden Street. All have their own bohemian vibes and feature great local restaurants, shops and bars. Of course, downtown Providence is located just at the bottom of College Hill about a mile away from campus. If you’re visiting Providence from elsewhere, this is likely where you will find lodging options in addition to numerous additional dining choices. Providence has a well-deserved reputation as one of the finest small cities in the country for foodies. Visitors to the area will find more than enough choices to satisfy even the most adventurous of palates. If staying in Providence isn’t appealing enough, Boston is an hour’s drive to the north, with the mansions and beaches of Newport about 45 minutes south. Fans 2 The fans at Brown softball games can be described as a “friends and family” type of crowd. Attendance at Bears games generally ranges between 50-100 fans per game. With a multitude of events going on simultaneously at the sports complex on spring weekends, it’s not unusual to see fans roam from game to game over the course of the afternoon. Most of the fans at the Brown Softball Field have a personal connection to the players on the field and are very enthusiastic in their support of the Bears. With Brown playing a schedule loaded with local teams, it’s not unusual to see a solid turnout from supporters of the visiting nine. Access 3 The Brown Softball Field is located in Brown University’s athletic complex on the East Side of Providence. While the Brown University campus is located near both Interstate 95 and 195, there is no direct way to get to or from campus. If driving, one must navigate a maze of neighborhood streets before arriving at the facility. If attending a game during a weekday, Providence can be a tough city in which to get around. The 2024 closure of the Washington Bridge, the main way to access Providence from all points on the East Bay, has only made getting into the city more difficult. Several RIPTA buses run regularly to nearby Thayer Street, and the Brown campus is just a short distance from Brown Softball Field. Check the RIPTA website for schedules, fares and route maps. Parking is available for Brown softball at no charge in any of several small lots shared by the university’s athletic venues. A map to these lots can be found here. Fans unable to find a spot in the lots will find free on-street parking in the streets around the stadium. Finding an available spot is usually not too hard to do on weekends. Patient visitors should be able to find spots within easy walking distance of the ballpark. The Brown Softball Field is located in a remote corner of the Erickson complex, beyond Murray Stadium. The small grandstand contains some individual folding stadium seats directly behind home plate, with metal bleachers with backs further down the lines. There are no permanent rest room facilities at Brown Softball Field. Fans will have to make do with a pair of port-a-johns located beyond the outfield fence. Return on Investment 5 There is no charge to attend a Brown softball game. Fans are welcome to bring in their own refreshments, and parking is free in the Erickson Complex parking lot or on the streets in the area. Going to a Brown Bears softball game will not cost you a cent. Extras 1 Bears Ivy League championships and tournament appearances are posted on the outfield fence. Final Thoughts College softball in the northeast may be somewhat of an afterthought in the crowded spring sports scene, but an afternoon spent at a Brown softball game is an enjoyable and affordable way for local sports fans to spend a beautiful spring Rhode Island day. Fans planning to visit Providence should keep in mind that the college softball season takes place mostly during the months of March and April, when the weather in New England can be fickle and unpredictable. Postponements and schedule changes are common occurrences. It’s best to make your plans flexible if possible. Follow Paul Baker’s stadium journeys on Twitter and Instagram @PuckmanRI.

Photos by Paul Baker, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.71 Murray Stadium 235 Hope St Providence, RI 02912 Brown Bears baseball website Murray Stadium website Year Opened: 1959 Capacity: 1,000 Brown Bears Baseball Brown University has played baseball on the site of Murray Stadium since 1959. Originally known as Aldrich Field, the facility was rechristened as “Attanasio Family Field at Murray Stadium” in 2017 in recognition of the role Mark Attanasio, Brown class of 1979 alumnus and owner of the Milwaukee Brewers, played in securing funding for the renovations to the baseball and adjacent softball fields. Those renovations featured the installation of synthetic turf at the stadium, sunken dugouts, a new backstop, expanded batting tunnels and bullpens, and a new and improved scoreboard and press box. In addition, new chairback seating was installed in the seating bowl. Brown has qualified for the NCAA Tournament only once in their history, in 2007. They have yet to make it to the College World Series. 39 Brown alumni have made it to the major leagues, but this number includes only one player since the 1930s. Rhode Island native Bill Almon was the first overall pick by the San Diego Padres in 1974 and went on to have a 15-year major league career. In 2023 the Bears made history when Olivia Pichardo became the first woman to be named to a Division One baseball roster. She appeared in one game that season as a pinch hitter. Food & Beverage 1 On certain days throughout the Bears spring schedule, the Bruno Eats food truck is present at the Erickson Sports Complex. Operated by Brown Dining Services, it offers a rotating menu throughout the season. Visiting Bears fans may find a seclection of burgers, tacos, or other snacks available on a given weekend. If you happen to visit Brown on a weekend when there is no food truck on site, fans are welcome to bring their own snacks to enjoy during the game. On chilly spring Rhode Island afternoons, it’s not unusual to see many fans enjoying warm beverages from the local Dunkin’ or Aroma Joe’s. Atmosphere 2 As you would expect at a small facility like Murray Stadium, A basic game day presentation is in order here at a Brown baseball game. With a small crowd in attendance sitting close to the action on the field, baseball purists will enjoy hearing the chatter on the field, coaches barking out instructions to their players, and the ping of the bat on ball. Brown’s athletic staff give fans what they need, and not a whole lot more. A simple scoreboard in right field displays basic game information. The PA announcer gives fans lineup information without being too over the top or intrusive. Music plays in between batters and innings at a decent volume. Fans can enjoy conversations with their neighbors without having to shout. There’s a lot of room around the ballfield for younger fans to roam and chase down foul balls. Fans can exchange a foul ball to the press box in exchange for a chocolate bar and a Brown sticker. Neighborhood 5 Murray Stadium is a part of the Erickson Athletic Complex on the eastern edge of Brown’s urban campus. Located in Providence’s affluent East Side neighborhood, there is much to do in the immediate vicinity of the complex. Most of Brown’s athletic facilities are located here, including Meehan Auditorium, the Paul Bailey Pizzitola Sports Center, Stevenson-Pincince Field and the Brown Softball Field. Brown Stadium is located about a mile away. Just a couple of blocks from the Athletic Complex is Thayer Street, Brown’s main street and the East Side’s main commercial drag. Numerous cafes, restaurants and shops can be found here, including Brown’s bookstore and the Avon Cinema, which dates back to the early 20th century. Other notable areas in the East Side a short walk or drive from Brown University are Hope Street, Wayland Square and Wickenden Street. All have their own bohemian vibes and feature great local restaurants, shops and bars. Of course, downtown Providence is located just at the bottom of College Hill about a mile away from campus. If you’re visiting Providence from elsewhere, this is likely where you will find lodging options in addition to numerous additional dining choices. Providence has a well-deserved reputation as one of the finest small cities in the country for foodies. Visitors to the area will find more than enough choices to satisfy even the most adventurous of palates. If staying in Providence isn’t appealing enough, Boston is an hour’s drive to the north, with the mansions and beaches of Newport about 45 minutes south. Fans 2 The fans at Brown baseball games can be described as a “friends and family” type of crowd. Attendance at Bears games generally ranges between 100-200 fans per game. With a multitude of events going on simultaneously at the sports complex on spring weekends, it’s not unusual to see fans roam from game to game over the course of the afternoon. Most of the fans at Murray Stadium have a personal connection to the players on the field, and are very enthusiastic in their support of the Bears. With Brown playing a schedule loaded with local teams, it’s not unusual to see a solid turnout from supporters of the visiting nine. Access 3 Murray Stadium is located in Brown University’s athletic complex on the East Side of Providence. While the Brown University campus is located near both Interstate 95 and 195, there is no direct way to get to or from campus. If driving, one must navigate a maze of neighborhood streets before arriving at the facility. If attending a game during a weekday, Providence can be a tough city in which to get around. The 2024 closure of the Washington Bridge, the main way to access Providence from all points on the East Bay, has only made getting into the city more difficult. Several RIPTA busses run regularly to nearby Thayer Street, and the Brown campus is just a short distance from Murray Stadium. Check the RIPTA website for schedules, fares and route maps. Parking is available for Brown baseball at no charge in any of several small lots shared by the university’s athletic venues. A map to these lots can be found here. Fans unable to find a spot in the lots will find free on-street parking in the streets around the stadium. Finding an available spot is usually not too hard to do on weekends. Patient visitors should be able to find spots within easy walking distance of the ballpark. Murray Stadium is located on the far side of the Erickson complex, beyond Stevenson-Pincince Field. Recent renovations to the facility changed some of the seating in the small grandstand from bleachers to individual folding stadium seats. Metal bleachers with backs remain in the furthest sections down the lines. There is some standing room at the top of the seating bowl. There are no permanent rest room facilities at Murray Stadium. Fans will have to make due with several port-a-johns located behind the press box. Return on Investment 5 There is no charge to attend a Brown baseball game. Fans are welcome to bring in their own refreshments, and parking is free in the Erickson Complex parking lot or on the streets in the area. Going to a Brown Bears baseball game will not cost you a cent. Extras 1 Brown displays information about their long athletic history throughout the Erickson complex. At Murray Stadium you will find plaques honoring Edward Aldrich, the Murray family and the Attanasio family, all of whom are namesakes of this facility. Final Thoughts Murray Stadium isn’t fancy, but it’s an intimate, comfortable place to watch some quality baseball on a beautiful spring New England afternoon. Fans planning to visit Providence should keep in mind that the baseball season takes place mostly during the months of March and April, when the weather in New England can be fickle and unpredictable. Postponements and schedule changes are common occurrences. It’s best to make your plans flexible if possible. Follow Paul Baker’s stadium journeys on Twitter and Instagram @PuckmanRI.

Photos by Gregory Koch, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.43 V. Earl Dickinson Stadium Hanover Street Fredericksburg, VA 22401 Mary Washington Eagles website V. Earl Dickinson Stadium website Fly Like an Eagle Located in Fredericksburg, Virginia, the University of Mary Washington plays its baseball games at V. Earl Dickinson Stadium within the Battleground Athletic Complex. Located just off campus, the Battleground is home to several of the Eagles' athletic teams. In addition to baseball, there are facilities here for UMW's soccer, field hockey, lacrosse, track & field, and softball teams. Food & Beverage 0 According to the UMW website, there is a concession stand at V. Earl Dickinson Stadium, and there is a window behind home plate by the stairs to the seating area that could plausibly have one. However, the window was closed when Stadium Journey visited and it is unclear if it is ever open. Atmosphere 2 V. Earl Dickinson Stadium has several sections of bleacher seating, accessible via stairways and ramps through a brick exterior facade. All seats are behind netting but otherwise offer excellent views of the action. A scoreboard in the outfield shows a linescore and other basic information. A UMW baseball game is a pretty basic experience. Music is played during some breaks in the action, but is quiet and unintrusive. Most of the music is the standard ballpark background music, but the decision to play some pregame British sea chanteys over the PA system (on St. Patrick's Day, of all days) was certainly an interesting choice. Neighborhood 4 The Battleground Athletic Complex, of which V. Earl Dickinson Stadium is a part, is located just off I-95 in Fredericksburg. It is in a residential area near the UMW campus, but if you head back towards Route 3, you will find many options. The Metro Diner is a local favorite, and Cook Out serves up burgers and more at a great value. There are many other options up and down Route 3 from Mexican to Salvadoran to Thai to Mediterranean cuisine. However, you may have to drive a bit to get there. Fans 3 The University of Mary Washington draws a typical crowd for Division III baseball. Most of the fans are friends and family of the players, alumni, or others with some connection to the university. You will usually see a good number of visiting fans as well, who will probably fall into one of the aforementioned categories. The crowd here is pretty casual, cheering big plays but otherwise are not particularly involved. Access 4 V. Earl Dickinson Stadium is just off I-95 in Fredericksburg, so it is easy to get to. However, keep in mind the portion of I-95 between Washington and Fredericksburg is one of the most congested stretches of highway in the nation, so allot extra time. The extension of the Express Lanes to Fredericksburg will help alleviate traffic if they are running southbound at the time of your trip, but if you want to use them to speed by traffic, expect to pay a massive toll unless you have at least three people in your vehicle and the EZ-Pass Flex transponder set in the right mode. Once at the Battleground, free parking is available in a lot in the back of the complex or a smaller one by the entrance. The latter one will put you closer to the stadium but may fill up quickly with game personnel. You should have no problem parking in the back lot, as it never fills up, but you will have to walk a few minutes down a gravel hill to the stadium. Restrooms are located behind the grandstand. They are small, but as there are very few fans who show up, they are of a sufficient size. Keep in mind the players do not have their own restroom, so if you are using the men's room, you may encounter them in there and will want to yield to them so they can get back to the field quickly. Return on Investment 4 Admission to all UMW baseball games, with the possible exception of conference and NCAA tournament games, is free. Parking is also free, so you won't pay anything to attend. However, there isn't enough here to earn the top score. Extras 0 There are no real extras here. This is baseball at its most basic level. Final Thoughts V. Earl Dickinson Stadium is a modern ballpark and baseball fans in the Fredericksburg area or with some connection to the University of Mary Washington may want to check out a game here.

Photos by James Hilchen and Marc Viquez, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.57 Werner Park 12356 Ballpark Way Papillion, NE 68046 Omaha Storm Chasers website Werner Park website Year Opened: 2011 Capacity: 9,023 Good Times in Omaha Opened on April 11, 2011, Werner Park is home to the Omaha Storm Chasers, a Triple-A affiliate of the Kansas City Royals. At an initial cost of $36 million, the ballpark replaced Rosenblatt Stadium as the home of the then-Omaha Royals. With a capacity of 9,023, it offers plenty of seating for fans to enjoy a game. The ballpark is located in unincorporated Sarpy County, southeast of Omaha. In 2015, Werner Park hosted the Triple-A All-Star Game. Slight renovations have occurred since its opening, largely to host other sports. Among the renovations are a retractable pitching mound and a new building in left field to house equipment and staff. The NCAA Omaha Mavericks played some of their home games at Werner Park and its most recent addition is that of Union Omaha, a member of the United Soccer League, League 1. Food & Beverage 3 The ballpark is only accepting card payments and no cash. Concession stands run throughout the open concourse with plenty of different food options for all tastes. The basics are covered quite well. Among the highlights are some great BBQ (behind first base). I’d recommend the pulled pork sandwich, but there are a few options to choose from, including brisket. Hot Dog Nation sits behind home plate and serves up numerous types of hot dogs. In the left field corner, you can pick up some Valentino’s Pizza, which is a local staple. Behind third base is the Papillion taco guy. Chicken, pork, or brisket tacos are all available and all great. The entrees at all the stands will cost from about $8-14, with snacks being $3-$5. Pepsi products are the soda choice with prices ranging from $3-$6 depending on size. Water, Gatorade, and hot chocolate are also available. A good assortment of local craft brews along with your typical domestics is readily available throughout the park. 25 oz cans of Bud and Busch Light run $11, with 12 oz cans being $6. For local flavor, give the Ale Storm beer a try. Atmosphere 4 There is a lot to like around Werner Park. Wide concourses and an open look greet you when walking through the gates. Concessions and restrooms largely run from foul pole to foul pole. The Storm Front, the team store, sits behind home plate and carries both Storm Chasers gear along with Union Omaha items. Despite the recent proclivity of teams to extend netting, Werner Park’s netting runs from dugout to dugout, so pay attention when sitting in the outfield areas. The Centris Family Fun Zone sits in the left-field corner. There is a litany of different things for kids to do and the cost is $6 per child. Grass berm seating encompasses a large amount of the outfield with the only break being in center field. In addition to the batter’s eye, the bullpens sit above the center field wall. A neat aspect of the ballpark allows you to walk all the way around and have a great view of the field from anywhere. A couple of final features worth noting sit behind the outfield walkway in the center field. There is a half-court basketball court along with a whiffle ball field for those who want to take a few innings away from the game. Also, directly behind the bullpens and batter’s eye in the Autism Action Quiet Zone. Folks who need a break from the noise and bustle of the game can go there and the noise and distractions are very minimal. One final and important note for all you taller fans out there. The writer of this review is 6’4” and my brother is 6’5”. We had no issue with legroom and could move our knees back and forth freely without banging them into the seats in the next row. What a welcome surprise! Neighborhood 2 The area around the ballpark has changed a bit since Werner Park was built. Most of the recent development has been residential, which doesn’t leave much in the way of bars and restaurants to relax before or after the game. About a mile away, Phoenix Food and Spirits serves up more than typical bar food and is a really good choice for both food and drinks. The other options are all upwards of 3-4 miles east, with numerous sit-down and fast food options, including Runza, a Nebraska staple, in that area. It’s also worth noting that Omaha boasts Charles Schwab Field, which hosts the College World Series annually along with Creighton Bluejays baseball. So, if you plan on attending a Storm Chasers game in June, check the schedule, you may be able to take in this fantastic event as well. Fans 3 Like much of minor league baseball, Omaha has the traditional mix of hardcore fans and those out for more of a social experience. The majority of fans were into the game and having a good time. Access 4 The ballpark sits off Highway 370, east of I-80. There is plenty of parking close to the stadium. Once inside, wide concourses are evident and welcome. Restrooms are spaced very well around the ballpark as are concessions. As with most ballparks, there is a clear bag policy here. Return on Investment 4 The cheapest tickets are berm seating along with the Sunbelt Bakery Home Run Porch, which runs for $10 and $11 respectively. The baseline box seats (outfield reserved) are $16, while the priority boxes (infield reserved) are $20. Club seating (behind home plate) is $25. Parking is $5. With what is a standard concession cost range, you get a good value when taking in a game at Werner Park. Extras 5 An extra point for the great statue of Omaha native and Hall of Famer, Bob Gibson. Gibson’s statue greets you as you walk in the entrance gate behind home plate. Wide concourses get an extra point. Getting caught in a walking traffic jam is never any fun. Even on nights with big crowds, that isn’t likely here. Along the sections on the first base, side isareRoyal” heroes displays. Former Royals are honored with their uniform displayed on one side and their achievements on the other. Some unique landscaping is evident throughout the ballpark. It is very well done and makes the scenery off the field more pleasing. A quiet zone for folks who need some time in a quiet area is often overlooked. This is a very welcome area for those with sensory issues. I can't give a sixth point, but the legroom for taller fans is a very welcome and appreciated perk. Final Thoughts When baseball fans hear Omaha, they usually think College World Series, but don’t sleep on Werner Park and the Omaha Storm Chasers. The ballpark has a lot to offer. From some great food and drink to a relaxed and fun baseball atmosphere, Werner Park is definitely worth a look. ---- Follow my sports journeys on Twitter and Instagram: @stadiumjwriter

Photos by Chris Green, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.00 NOLA Motorsports Park 11075 Nicolle Blvd Avondale, LA 70094 SpeedTour Weekend website NOLA Motorsports Park website Year Opened: 2011 Racing in The Big Easy Touted as an un-tapped motorsports market for years, NOLA Motorsports Park is located outside of New Orleans near TPC Louisiana in Avondale. The one-time host of IndyCar racing has seen the likes of SRO America and others come and go over the years. However, the SVRA and Trans Am SpeedTour weekend has quietly become a staple on the schedule, giving fans something to help their racecar cravings. Food & Beverage   2 There aren’t any fixed locations for concessions stands at NOLA Motorsports Park, which means fans must rely on outside vendors who are brought in via food trucks and temporary food stations. Mostly located near the main event center building, fans can often find local food trucks here, as well as some grilled meat food vendors. Local restaurants are also brought in from time to time. Atmosphere   3 The track itself is challenging enough to drive, according to drivers. The unfortunate part is the massive lack of fan access. The only seating is a group of small grandstands that exist behind pit lane, allowing for a view of the finish line and the small section of the esses across the track. Fans also have access to the second floor balcony of the event center, unless it has been reserved for hospitality. Here, you can get an elevated view of the final few corners. A small portion of the back half of the property is also usually open to fans, with a few viewing mounds available for fans to pitch tents or set up chairs; this offers alternate views of the final few corners. However, no fan access is permitted for over half of the entire outside of the circuit, meaning watching anything that happens elsewhere at the track is near impossible. Future plans have been touted for added viewing mounds, a walking path that encircles the track, and more grandstands, but little to no progress has been made since that was announced several years ago. Neighborhood   3 The track itself is a good 15-20 minute drive from New Orleans proper. Located across the river and to the southwest of the city, not much is located immediately next to the track. The nearest section of hotels and restaurants is several miles north near the Huey P. Long Bridge in Jefferson and Elmwood. That said, there are plenty of things to do in New Orleans, from the vibrant jazz scene to the National WWII Museum. Hotels are also plentiful in the city, and thankfully, traffic is minimal compared to rush hour in larger metropolises. Fans   3 The fans in New Orleans have very little when it comes to motorsports to satisfy their cravings throughout the year. Abandoned by IndyCar after just one year, the track sits mostly unused by professional motorsports series aside from testing. Therefore, SpeedTour weekend is without a doubt the biggest weekend of the year for NOLA Motorsports Park, and features numerous fan activities. Autograph sessions for F4 and FR drivers are held throughout the weekend, giving you a chance to meet some of the brightest future stars of open-wheel racing. Trans Am also offers fans the chance to get up close to the drivers and cars during their grid walk on race day. And with the paddock open to all fans, you can see some of the best vintage cars in racing while the crews work on them. The fans also love their racing, and fill in the few fan areas around the track rather well. Access   4 To get to the track itself, you just have to go south on Highway 90. From there, exit onto Lapalco Blvd and follow the signs to the facility off Nicolle Blvd. Here, parking is free and plentiful on site. One plus to the track having limited access means it is easy to navigate the areas of the track you can get to. Return on Investment   3 Tickets to the SpeedTour start at just $20 for a Friday ticket, and go up only to $30 for a Saturday or Sunday only ticket. Weekend passes for four people are available for just $150, and VIP parking passes are $20 a day or $35 for the full weekend. This makes the NOLA SpeedTour one of the most affordable race weekends in the region, let alone New Orleans. Extras   3 The facility features a fan store inside the event center. Here you can purchase shirts, hats, and other items from the track commemorating your visit. The circuit also features an open victory lane, allowing fans the chance to get up close and personal to the winners and their podium celebrations. Finally, the track also has a go-kart facility on site, giving fans the chance to race against friends during the weekend. Final Thoughts NOLA Motorsports Park is located in a great location just outside of a popular destination city. While access is limited to fans, the potential exists for great things at this track. Thanks to the affordability of SpeedTour weekend, this is a great option for race fans in the region to get some professional racing in, while not breaking the bank or having to drive too far.

Photos by Chris Green, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.29 Ted Hamilton Field College of the Desert Palm Desert, CA 92260 College of the Desert Roadrunners website Ted Hamilton Field website A Diamond in the Desert Tucked away in the beauty of the Palm Springs area lies College of the Desert. Here, baseball is played in a picturesque setting. Situated in the city of Palm Desert, just south of Palm Springs in the Coachella Valley, College of the Desert is a small yet beautiful campus with various sports programs that participate in the Inland Empire Athletic Conference. While the sports options in the greater Palm Springs area are limited, this small diamond may well be worth a stop. Food & Beverage   1 There are no concessions stands at Ted Hamilton Field, but outside food and drinks are allowed for fans. Nearby on campus fans can also find a few vending machines. Atmosphere   4 The facility at Ted Hamilton Field is simple enough. Once you enter the main gate, right field features a big lawn for fans to set up chairs with a view of the field, as well as of the pitching warmup mounds. Behind home plate is a small grandstand. Just to the left of home plate is a small bench between two large shade trees. The seating areas are almost always in the shade, providing welcome relief from the sun’s hot rays. A large scoreboard is also featured in the outfield, as well as the team’s championship banners. The vista beyond the fence is idyllic for the area; countless palm trees framed by desert mountains. Behind home plate and beyond left field, snow-capped mountains loom. Indeed, this small corner of the campus is a beautiful and relaxing site, simple in construction and purpose. Neighborhood   4 The area around campus is a mix of neighborhoods and retail. Palm Springs airport is but a short 15-minute drive north. To the immediate south, a National Parks visitor center and twisting road into the mountains awaits visitors seeking the nature and tranquility of the mountains above. Less than a mile southwest of campus lie countless restaurants and shops, including the high end El Paseo district. The nearest highway is I-10 to the northeast, while hotels are plentiful in the general area. Hiking is of course a major draw to the area, as are the Palm Springs Air Museum and the Tramway. Fans   3 The fans who attend Roadrunner games are a mix of locals, students, and friends and family of the players. Even for mid-week early afternoon games, fans still fill in along the fence line and the shaded sections of grandstands. Access   4 To get to College of the Desert, take either I-10 or Highway 111. Free parking is plentiful in Lot 24 across the street from the main entrance. Fans are warned, however, that foul balls may be an issue when parking here. Return on Investment   5 Tickets to College of the Desert baseball games are $5. At the main entrance, signs are set up with QR codes to scan to purchase tickets on your phone. Combined with free parking, this makes Roadrunner games extremely affordable for the whole family. College baseball is always filled with excitement for diehard sports fans, and the possibility of seeing one of tomorrow’s stars on the field is certainly a draw as well. Extras   2 The stadium is located near the college’s tennis and softball fields, as well as adjacent to the school’s football field, making visiting multiple other sports an easy thing to do. The stadium’s ability for fans to walk over and see the bullpens up close is also a unique feature, as some baseball facilities have those separated from fan areas, especially in lower-league colleges. Final Thoughts While Coachella Valley and the greater Palm Springs area may not be a haven for sports, College of the Desert has done a good job of providing something for the baseball-starved fans nearby. A beautiful backdrop provides a perfect setting to watch tomorrow’s stars take the field – coupled with incredibly affordable pricing, this is a no-brainer for sports fans visiting California’s desert paradise.

Photos by Gregory Koch, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.00 Maryland SoccerPlex 18031 Central Park Circle Boyds, MD 20841 Old Glory DC website Maryland SoccerPlex website Year Opened: 2000 Capacity: 4,000 Old Glory Rugby Old Glory DC joined Major League Rugby in 2020, playing its home games at Cardinal Stadium on the campus of the Catholic University of America. Unfortunately, that inaugural season was cancelled after only a few games due to the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic in March. Old Glory returned the next year, but moved to the suburb of Leesburg in Northern Virginia, about an hour outside the District. In 2024, Old Glory moved again, to the Maryland suburbs, at the Maryland SoccerPlex in Georgetown. Old Glory attempts to rebrand the SoccerPlex as the Maryland RugbyPlex for rugby matches, but this name is by no means official, so this review will use the correct name. Food & Beverage 4 There are several different food options available at the Maryland SoccerPlex for Old Glory DC matches. A Paisano's pizza stand is located behind one end line and offers pizza as well as other related options. Along one sideline is a food truck selling empanadas. Next to it, fans can buy many food options out of a tent, including burgers, hot dogs, bratwurst, pulled BBQ chicken, and assorted snacks. Alcohol is also available to fans of age. Prices are reasonable, with grill items costing $5 each. Food truck items are slightly more expensive. Atmosphere 4 The SoccerPlex is an intimate 4,000-seat arena with seats on both sides of the field, consisting of plastic or metal bench seats, and only the top row located right at the top of the concourse has backs. All seats provide an up-close view of the action, and there is a scoreboard located in one corner of the field. Old Glory DC makes a decent effort to promote the game here, and there will often be a match involving local amateur teams before or after Old Glory plays. The fans also create a significant amount of energy which contributes to the atmosphere, which will be discussed in that section. Neighborhood 2 The SoccerPlex is located in Gaithersburg, about half an hour outside Washington, D.C. It is located in a sprawling complex in a residential area, and there is absolutely nothing within walking distance. Fans will have to drive several miles back towards I-270 before they will find anything useful. There are a number of shopping centers located on Maryland Route 118 once you get close to the interstate that contains mostly chain restaurants, but these are several miles away. If you’re looking for a more natural setting, Hoyles Mill Conservation Park is located just north of the Plex and offers scenic hiking trails and beautiful green space. Fans 3 The SoccerPlex will be about half full for a typical game, maybe a little bit more. However, that does not mean the fans are quiet. Chants of "O-G-D-C" can be heard throughout the game, and after Old Glory scores a try, the place will erupt in cheers. Old Glory almost never sold out their previous venues, and it doesn't look like that will change despite the move, but those who do show up know the game, know the team, and are passionate about Old Glory. Many of them are season ticket holders who go to almost every game, but there are plenty who only go to a game or two a season as well. Access 2 Getting to the stadium is relatively easy – take exit 15B off of I-270 and proceed for several miles to the stadium. That’s where the good news ends. Although there are a large number of lots throughout the SoccerPlex, only a couple are right next to the stadium. Although the stadium crowd alone may or may not be enough to fill them up, there are often other sporting events going on in the complex on the same day. If that is the case, the lots may already be full when you arrive even if you get there sometime before gates open. Seeing as you don’t really want to arrive at 9 in the morning for a night game just to be able to park close by, you may have to walk a bit to get to the stadium. There is a small set of restrooms located in one corner of the concourse, but it is nowhere near large enough for the crowds, so numerous port-a-potties are scattered throughout the concourse as well. Between these, there should be no wait to use one of them if you need to. Getting out of the parking lot after the game can be a challenge, especially if other events in the SoccerPlex are letting out at the same time. The roads in the complex are small and narrow and not designed to accommodate large crowds. Most of the lots only have one exit. If you have someplace to be after the game, plan accordingly. Return on Investment 4 Admission to OGDC games is $20 for general admission seats. Concessions are reasonably affordable and parking is free. As a result, a rugby match for Old Glory DC can be a decent value. Extras 2 Look for the team store on the concourse selling OGDC merchandise. Just outside the stadium, there is an exhibit from the United States Department of Agriculture on the history of turfgrass. There’s probably some fan out there who would be interested in that. Final Thoughts Rugby is a small but growing sport in the United States, and Old Glory DC is no exception. Their fan base is passionate and loyal, if small, and the team's popularity is growing in the DC area. There are ongoing discussions for the team to build a new venue closer to DC, and when that happens, the popularity may rise further. Until then, hopefully they can at least develop some stability at the SoccerPlex.

Photos by Matt Colville, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.14 Smoothie King Center 1501 Dave Dixon Dr New Orleans, LA 70113 New Orleans Pelicans website Smoothie King Center website Year Opened: 1999 Capacity: 17,900 Laissez les bons rouler at "The Blender" For most people when it comes to New Orleans, they think the Crescent City is a football town. After all, this is the South, and New Orleans has a love affair with the Saints and LSU football that remains unmatched by most major cities. However, for some people New Orleans can be considered a pretty big basketball town as well, and like the long and winding Mississippi River that runs through the city, New Orleans has a long and winding history with hoops that rivals its football history. First there was future Hall of Famer Larry Brown, who would lead the 1968 New Orleans Buccaneers to the ABA Finals. Then in 1974 the NBA placed an expansion team here, the New Orleans Jazz – the Jazz were led by former LSU star and Louisiana sports icon "Pistol" Pete Maravich, a man considered the greatest ball handler ever. Venue and attendance issues playing in a cavernous Superdome, combined with never making the playoffs, plagued the Jazz from the beginning, however, causing the team to relocate to Utah in 1979, where they remain to this day. Over the next 23 years, New Orleans would be without a professional basketball team, but the city would have plenty of great basketball moments – it was in New Orleans where Michael Jordan won his first championship, as his UNC Tar Heels won the college tournament in 1982. It was also where Indiana coach Bob Knight would win his third and final championship in 1987, and where UNC coach Dean Smith would win his second and final championship in 1993; ultimately the Crescent City has hosted seven Final Fours as of 2024. The newest era of basketball in New Orleans began in 2002, when the Charlotte Hornets moved here and began play at Smoothie King Center, located right next door to Caesars Superdome. Re-named the Pelicans in 2013, the Pels have added another chapter to New Orleans' rich and storied sports history thanks in part to names such as Baron Davis, Jamal Mashburn, Chris Paul, Anthony Davis, and now Zion Williamson, who have all donned Hornets/Pelicans jerseys over the last 23 years. Food and Beverage   4 When you're in a culinary staple of a city like New Orleans, you can expect nothing less when it comes to concessions here, with over 30 points of sale where you can get food and drink throughout the arena. Smoothie King Center also has only two levels (100 and 300), so it doesn't take long at all to go up and down between floors. On the 100 level you can find different stands, each with their own unique New Orleans flavor. Tip Off offers jambalaya and alligator sausage dogs, while Nola Nachos offers custom and specialty Cajun or seafood nachos, or check out Krispy Krunchy Chicken for friend Cajun chicken tenders and wings. You can also get pizza by the slice at Parish Pizza, or gourmet burgers from Back Court Burgers, while for New Orleans seafood try Pier 121 for fried catfish, oysters, or shrimp po-boys. There are even portable stands that sell Creole fixins' like red beans and rice and gumbo, and if you like spicy Cajun food then you are in luck coming to a Pels game. The 300 level features 14 stands, with many of them the same stands as on the first floor; the only notable difference being the addition of Sweet Shack, which is a decent sized candy store. Make sure you get some pralines, as New Orleans has some of the best pralines in the world. For beverages there are plenty of drink offerings, as well as several bars you can sit down at located throughout the arena. The great thing about the bars is they are open to the public – on the 100 level at the main entrance there is Jameson Sports Bar with over 20 beers on tap, while on the 300 level there is a bar called Shooters, with big screen TVs and excellent views of downtown New Orleans. Alternatively, for a unique setting try Hennessey Lounge, located on the north side of the 300 level; this dimly lit lounge area features couches, and provides a much more intimate and less crowded spot than any other bar in the arena. While at Hennessey you can purchase plenty of domestic or imported beers, in cans or on draft. Be sure to try one of Faurborg Brewery's local beers on tap – this east New Orleans brewery offers custom beers for the region such as Velvet Voodo, Westwego West Bank IPA, Golden Cypress, and Beignet Au Lait (flavored after Cafe du Monde's famous beignets). New Orleans is also known for their daiquiris, and you can find plenty of daiquiris at most of the bars on the concourse, including two daiquiri only stands. And of course Smoothie King Center has a Smoothie King located inside the venue; at the 100 level near the main entrance you can get a smoothie in any of their delicious flavors. Atmosphere   4 Nicknamed "The Blender", Smoothie King Center opened its doors in 1999 as New Orleans Arena, with the sole purpose to attract an NBA franchise. The building was purposely built unfinished, to take into account any renovations the building would require to land a team. The Blender is slowly beginning to show its age, and has received some flack in recent years as not being up to comparison with other NBA venues. The Blender also doesn't really stand out amongst the New Orleans skyline, being overshadowed by its neighbor next door, Caesars Superdome. But for everything the arena is lacking, and in a city known for its partying, the Pels gameday staff does an excellent job trying to make it an exciting and festive atmosphere. You'll know it's Pelicans gameday in New Orleans as soon as you lay eyes on Caesars Superdome and Smoothie King Center heading into the city, as both venues will be lit up from the outside with red and blue LED lights (Pelicans colors), along with searchlights lighting up the sky in all directions. There are two entrances into the arena, on the north and east sides – I recommend entering at street level on the north side, which is the main entrance, and outside the arena there is usually a jazz or brass band playing as you enter, and the street is sometimes blocked off for a street party. You’ll enter the facility into a wide-open and spacious lobby and have a chance to be on TV, as Pelicans Live, the official pre-game show on Bally's Sport, is set up broadcasting with former Hornet point guard David Wesley leading the crew. Next door is the huge team store that was recently renovated for last season, as well as another cool exhibit, on the northwest side of the first floor concourse, in the Louisiana basketball history display. Here you can find wall exhibits and touch screen displays of some of the past figures in Louisiana basketball history. You can also find a display showing the history of all the different college basketball programs in the state, and on the wall as you walk the long hallway, you'll find all the high school jerseys of all the basketball programs in the state. A large pelican statue is also located near the displays, which makes for an excellent photo opportunity. Upstairs on the 300 level you'll also find other exhibits, such as an arcade area and a replica locker room area with all the players’ jerseys and shoes in their lockers – you can compare your wingspan to Brandon Ingram, or measure your shoe size versus Zion Williamson. The entire north and east side upper concourse is glass as well, providing you with excellent views of the New Orleans skyline. Once in the seating bowl the arena is separated into two levels, with 40 club suites and 16 premiere suites that make up the 200 level. There is also the semi-private Hub Club located above Section 118; the club features premium seating for 127 fans, and also features a full-service bar. There is also a part of the Hub Club open to the public with TVs and a large bar that overlooks the arena floor. The in-house DJ is also located right here in the Hub Club, playing music over the arena PA system. Above center court hangs a large videoboard that shows a pretty impressive cool intro video when the Pels make their intro. The video really captures the essence and spirit of New Orleans, and has a dark voodoo theme, featuring the players backdropped by various places around New Orleans and in the French Quarter. The game day staff also does an excellent job during timeouts; you'll find the in-house emcee doing various promotional contest and giveaways. The t-shirt cannon they have is huge and has the ability to shoot up to 50 shirts into the stands at one time, and they also have staff in the rafters throwing out shirts to those in the upper decks. Neighborhood   4 ‘Tis no other city in the world like New Orleans, but there is more than just Bourbon Street and drunken tourists. If you come to New Orleans you'll find a very rich and storied city filled with lots of culture, music, and attractions for all ages, as well as some of the best foods, some of which can only be found here. Smoothie King Center is nestled among the skyscrapers of the Central Business District (CBD) – in this neighborhood you’ll find mostly high-rise and government buildings, but the CBD does have a few attractions worth checking out. For example, about a mile south is the National World War II Museum, a must visit if in New Orleans and the largest collection of WWII memorabilia in the country. A few other attractions nearby include Harrah's Casino, Saenger Theatre, and Roosevelt Hotel, which hosts an amazing Christmas lights display. Also, across the street from the Roosevelt check out Orpheum Theatre, an old vintage 1920s theatre with a downstairs speakeasy called Double Decker. Compared to most big cities, New Orleans actually has quite a small metro area, so no matter where you are in the city you are less than 10 miles from all the attractions. The French Quarter is a must visit when in the city – most people associate the French Quarter with Bourbon Street, but there are so many more sights to see around the Quarter besides that, including Jackson Square, the French Market, Jax Brewery, St. Louis Cathedral, and many other historic sites and museums. It's impossible to list all of the restaurants in New Orleans, but must visits in the French Quarter include Cafe du Monde, Mother’s Restaurant, and Pat O'Brien's, which is famous for its hurricane drinks and dueling pianos. About a block south of the arena you'll also find a Walk On's as well as Dave and Buster’s, either of which can be a great pre-game spot. New Orleans also has a few family friendly options, including the Aquarium of the Americas located just off the French Quarter on the river. You can also either take a riverboat or streetcar uptown to visit the Audobon Zoo, or the Garden District is only about a ten minute drive from the Superdome, where you can take a tour of many historic houses. City Park also makes a great visit for the family as well, just for its gardens alone. Fans   4 After the Charlotte Hornets moved here overnight in 2002, they had a hard time establishing a solid fan base in the Crescent City. The Hornets had a rough start from the beginning – for one, moving to a small market already dominated by the Saints didn't help matters either, not to mention the devastating effects of Hurricane Katrina in 2005, which forced the team to temporarily relocate to Oklahoma City. The team also didn't have a lot of winning seasons during those first ten years; not even superstar players like Chris Paul and Baron Davis could help the lowly franchise. Ultimately it would take football to save basketball, as the team was purchased by Saints owner Tom Benson in 2012. The team would get a complete re-brand in 2013, being re-named after something that suited the region a little better: the state bird of Louisiana, the pelican. The mascot's name even suits the area more, as "Pierre" the Pelican has a name that matches Louisiana's French and Creole history. Pierre walks the arena throughout the game and is very active; he even has his own little area where he hangs out with the kids, on the 300 level near the arcade. The secondary mascot is a giant walking baby in a diaper that is modeled after Mardi Gras' famous king cake babies – though this latter mascot has been voted the NBA's creepiest, this is New Orleans and everything is different here, so what can you expect? The baby mascot has become a big hit with fans in the city since coming over from the old New Orleans Baby Cakes AAA baseball team. With the Saints affiliation and the Benson Family owning the team, the team re-brand has only been positive for the franchise, bringing in a new wave of fans. Walking the concourse you'll find a lot more people wearing not only Pelicans gear and Zion # 1 jerseys, but also Saints jerseys or Drew Brees jerseys. Walking the hallways you can also expect to find many Saints tickets sales executives trying to sell tickets for football season, and when you are at Saints games expect to find Pelicans executives trying to sell basketball tickets. The partnership between the two has only benefitted both teams, as well as helped the city and both franchises recover from Hurricane Katrina. The Pelicans average about 17,200 fans per game, which as of last season ranked near the bottom of the NBA. However, the building only holds 17,900, so take that into account when you hear about the Pelicans not drawing well. Access   3 Getting to Smoothie King Center should be easy no matter where you're coming from – the arena is located behind the Superdome to the west, so you may not see it if coming from the east, but just look for the Dome. Interstate 10 will be the main way you come into to town; if coming from the west use Exit 13A onto Clairborne Street, while if coming from the east use Exit 235B. Navigating the one-way streets and aggressive drivers to get to the arena once in the city may pose some issues though. Also, New Orleans isn't exactly known for their nice streets, as many of the streets are congested and need of lots of upkeep. On the property there are seven covered parking garages and two public surface lots that hold over 7,000 cars, including five parking garages surrounding the Superdome and two Smoothie King Center.   Parking is actually pretty cheap, with parking in the garages costing between $12 and $15 depending on which one you park at. There are tons of public lots and garages scattered throughout the Central Business District as well, where you might find cheaper parking, but it will require walking a couple of blocks to the facility. Certain areas around the neighborhood can get kind of sketchy after dark, so take that into account if you decide to park in the city and walk to the game. I advise against parking at any lots under the interstate along Clairborne Street or north of the CBD, as these areas aren't exactly the safest. However, once inside the arena you should have no problem getting around, as the concourses are wide enough to allow frequent flow, and due to having so many concession stands they tend not to back up. The arena is also quite small with only two public levels, so you shouldn't have any issues traversing your way around while inside. Return on Investment   5 Coming to a Pels game is a great return on investment, as the Pels remain one of the cheapest tickets in the NBA. Like most NBA teams the Pels have dynamic ticket prices, where tickets to certain games against big opponents cost more than others, and pricing also depends on whether the Pels are having a winning season or not. Most games are pretty reasonable, and you can get tickets in the upper deck for most games between $8 and $15 – for certain teams like the Lakers, Celtics, and Warriors, however, expect to pay between $50 and $100 to sit in the upper deck. Weeknight games are the best games to attend as these will be some of the games where you can park and get a ticket for less than $20, which is an absolute steal to see some of the best basketball players in the world; this season’s team is one of the hottest, young teams in the NBA, led by Zion, Brandon Ingram, and C.J. McCollum. New Orleans is also a very vibrant city filled with amazing foods, cultures, and of course Mardi Gras. It is a city everyone should visit at least once, so just by coming to Crescent City you are getting your money's worth. Extras   5 One extra for all the big events Smoothie King Center has held over the years; besides the Pelicans the venue has also held the NBA All-Star Game three times (2008, 2014, and 2017), and has been a popular host for March Madness, serving as a first and second round site for the Men's NCAA Tournament twice (2007 and 2010), as well as hosting the Sweet 16 in 2011. The arena has also hosted two Women's Final Fours (2004 and 2013), as well as the first and second rounds of the 2008 NCAA Women's Tournament. The 2012 SEC Conference Basketball Tournament was also held here in 2019, not to mention the 2024 SEC Gymnastics Tournament. Besides the Pelicans, the Blender was also the home of the New Orleans Brass ECHL hockey team from 1997 to 2002, as well as home to the New Orleans VooDoo arena football team, from 2004 thru 2008, and again from 2011 thru 2015. Another extra for the Louisiana basketball exhibits on the first floor – in a region not traditionally known for basketball, the exhibits do an excellent job honoring the players, colleges, and high schools of Louisiana. They have exhibits on the wall as well as interactive touch screens; some of the players honored include those who went to college or high school in the state, names such as Shaquille O'Neal, Karl Malone, Kim Mulkey, Elvin Hayes, and Joe Dumars. Smoothie King Center even has exhibits on the old New Orleans Hornets and Jazz franchises, including old jerseys and programs, plus a special exhibit on "Pistol" Pete Maravich, who was considered a folk hero in Louisiana due to his days at LSU and with the Jazz. You could easily spend 15-20 minutes just reading the exhibit text if you love sports history. One extra for the name change in 2013 from the Hornets to the Pelicans – the cool thing about the history of New Orleans professional sports franchises is they all have nicknames that tie into the spirit and culture of Louisiana. The Saints, Jazz, Brass, Zephyrs, Baby Cakes, Gold, and Buccaneers are all names of past and presents sports teams in New Orleans; now the basketball nickname fits the identity of New Orleans, and the Pelicans staff do an excellent job at marketing that name. One extra for the Saints-Pelicans partnership that formed when Tom Benson purchased the team in 2012; even though Mr. Benson is no longer with us, his wife Gayle is the sole owner of both the Saints and the Pelicans. The two franchises even share a training facility, as the Pelicans indoor training facility is located in part of the Ochsner Sports Complex in Metairie, which also includes the Saints indoor and outdoor training facilities.

Photos by David Welch, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.71 Thomas Stadium 410 Lee Street Johnson City, TN 67604 East Tennessee State Buccaneers website Thomas Stadium website Year Opened: 2013 Capacity: 1,000 In the Shadows of the Mountains, Under Skies of Blue Opened as a full stadium in 2013, Thomas Stadium became the home field of the East Tennessee State University Buccaneers baseball after 55 seasons at the off-campus Howard Johnson Field.  The Bucs had shared the field with the Johnson City Cardinals of the affiliated Appalachian League, now known as the Johnson City Doughboys, of the summer collegiate version of the Appy League. Members of the Southern Conference since 2013, East Tennessee State is still in search of their first SoCon baseball title since returning to the conference after a 9-year stint as members of the Atlantic Sun Conference. During their stay in the A-Sun, the Bucs would claim the 2013 tournament championship, advancing to the NCAA baseball regionals. Food & Beverage   3 Concession choices are a bit light when it comes to items of substance. Outside of a hot dog or nacho chips with cheese, there is not much by way of filling options. However, while entrees are limited, there are several snacks, including  candy, chips, pretzels, and peanuts. Drinks include Pepsi products, Gatorade, and bottled water. Alcohol is sold but is limited to White Claw, Miller Lite, Michelob Ultra, and Coors Light. With several craft breweries just a mile away, it is a bit disappointing local craft beers are not available. Atmosphere   4 Upon their initial approach to Thomas Stadium, fans are greeted by a small, brick entryway with ticket windows on either side; most likely the window to the first base side of the field will be open to purchase tickets. Visitors pass through a small rotunda of East Tennessee State baseball history before making their way to the seating area. From here the nearby Round Knob and Buffalo Mountain are on display in the foreground, while the mountains of the Appalachian Trail are visible in the distance. Thomas Stadium has a fully FieldTurf surface backed by a symmetrical, 8’ wall running 325’ down each line, 370’ to each power alley, and 400’ to center. A traditional inning-by-inning scoreboard is topped by a large LED board, which was not working during the visit when this review was conducted. The seating bowl is built into the side of a rather large embankment. A steep grassy area runs down the third baseline where strategically placed landscaping deters fans from accessing the area, but there are no signs asking fans to stay out. While watching the game from the grassy hill can be relaxing, the pitch of the embankment would make it difficult to sit anywhere other than at the very top. In a bit of an old time baseball tradition of “stealing” a peak of the game from outside of the stadium, some fans choose to watch from the small berm of the neighboring apartment complex’s parking lot, rather then coming into the stadium. Tracks of the East Tennessee Railroad pass just beyond the right field fence, bringing back a bit of nostalgia from the early days of baseball, when many fields were located close to the town train depot. It is not uncommon for a train to pass by during the game, or during pre-game warmups. The in-game presentation is very reminiscent of a typical minor league game, just without scoreboard games and interactions. Down times between pitches are filled with a trumpeted call of “CHARGE,” or a variety of other audio drops designed to rattle the pitcher. Their use at almost every opportunity does seem to be a bit of overkill, and comes close to crossing a line of inserting itself a bit too much into the game at times. A nice amenity for those seated in the covered section behind home plate is the overhead heater that runs the entirety of the section, providing some relief from the possible chill of the Tennessee mountains during night and early season games. Covered seating is available in the section behind home plate, which does provide relief from the sun. Those looking to take in some sun, but not wanting to have the glare in their faces. will want to look for a seat along the first base side of the field. Neighborhood   5 Thomas Stadium is set in amongst a handful of off campus housing and apartment complexes, just outside downtown Johnson City off West State of Franklin Road, which runs through downtown and to the East Tennessee State University campus. Johnson City is a stealthy, hip town with a vibrant arts scene, several breweries, and restaurants in its downtown area, just over a mile from Thomas Stadium. King Commons Park is a popular gathering area where adults can grab a pint, while kids play on the nearby playground or explore the stream that runs through the greenspace. A bit closer to the stadium, the former buildings that made up the East Tennessee & Western North Carolina Depot have been repurposed into the popular Burger & Barrell, Yee-Haw Brewing Company, and the White Duck Taco Shop. The downtown area has no less than a half-dozen breweries in the few city blocks that make up the area. The city has also done a wonderful job moving into the 21st century while keeping its 19th century charm. Fans   3 Johnson City has a long history of baseball, dating back over 90 years, when they began hosting the Appalachian League. This love of baseball in Eastern Tennessee runs deep and is still evident today. Averaging close to 400 fans per game, ETSU ranks in the top half of the Southern Conference in attendance. In addition, Buccaneer fans do a good job of making that 400 seem to be much larger, with their boisterous support of the Bucs – the East Tennessee State faithful are into the highs and lows of every inning. Access   3 Thomas Stadium is less than two miles off I-26 that runs locally from Asheville, North Carolina to nearby Kingsport, Tennessee. I-26 meets up with I-81 15 miles outside of Johnson City; I-81 is a bit more of a traveled interstate, running east of Knoxville up through the northeastern states. Accessing Thomas Stadium is rather straightforward. A sizable parking lot is positioned outside of the first base side of the stadium, just a short walk to the front entrance. A smaller parking lot runs along the outside of the third baseline, but does present more danger of wayward foul balls. Fans enter a small rotunda that accesses either side of the stadium to an upper-level concourse around the top of the seating bowl. Due to the press box and television camera location, fans must return to the rotunda to access the opposite side of the field. It is not that it is cumbersome to get to the other side of the seating bowl, but just a bit inconvenient. Return on Investment   5 Reserved seating behind home plate between each dugout goes for $10, while general admission seating goes for just $5, and extends from the dugouts down each line. Reserved seating does come with overhead cover, so the extra might be worth the expense, but $5 seating would be just fine too, as plenty of the seats in these areas will be in the shade for a majority of the game. Parking is also free, so even $10 with no parking fee is a great deal. Despite limited concession options, prices are kept reasonable and not subject to stadium inflation. Extras   3 The entry rotunda provides fans a deep look at the history of Buccaneer baseball. On display is an extensive biography of the career of former ETSU baseball player and coach, Jim Mooney – a part of the St. Louis Cardinals legendary “Gas House Gang,” Mooney won the 1934 World Series. The careers of other Bucs who have gone on to professional baseball are also recognized, most notably Atlee Hammaker – Hammaker most recently starred for the San Francisco Giants and earned All Star honors in 1983. Both sides of the grandstand have large patches of grass that give kids an area to play or toss a baseball around during the game. A small but nice touch is the open-air radio booth; games when the window is open give fans in nearby seats real time play-by-play commentary of the game. Final Thoughts Johnson City has a rich baseball history dating back nearly a century, and the Buccaneers have played a large role in building the area’s love of the sport. From the days of sharing the historic Howard Johnson Field with the Appalachian League teams in the city, to opening their own stadium, the history of baseball here goes a long way in curating the city’s love of the sport. Thomas Stadium gives visitors a highly enjoyable college baseball experience with an atmosphere that is extremely supportive of the Buccaneers. Even though Johnson City might be a bit challenging to get to, all that the city has to offer more than makes up for the time it might take to get here. In all, baseball at ETSU is a sneaky, impressive college baseball experience.

Photo by Dave Cottenie, Stadium Journey A study from online sportsbook My Betting Sites Canada has revealed the NHL teams most supported by European fans. While 13 different teams ranked as the favorite in at least one country, the overwhelming favorite team by the majority of European fans is the 13-time Stanley Cup champion Toronto Maple Leafs. Researchers with the betting site analyzed Google Keyword Planner data and determined the number of searches for NHL teams and related info, such as “Toronto Maple Leafs score” or “Boston Bruins highlights,” over a 12-month period. The searches were tabulated by team across 47 major European countries. “To illustrate the favorite teams across Europe, each team was given a score according to its rank in every country,” said a spokesperson for the site in a news release. [Five] points for ranking 1st, 1 point for ranking 5th, etc. This score was dubbed the ‘European ranking score.’” Out of the 47 countries that were analyzed, Toronto ranked first in 23, including in large countries like the United Kingdom, Italy, Spain, and Portugal. One of the highest search volumes for Toronto came from Sweden, where ice hockey is particularly popular. The overall European Ranking Score for the Maple Leafs was 168. “Whilst ice hockey is enormous in Canada, and experiences great popularity in the US with the NHL spanning the two countries, it’s a relatively underrepresented sport in much of Europe where soccer takes much of the limelight from all other sports,” said Ben Smith, Website Manager at My Betting Sites Canada. “With this, it’s interesting to see the teams that European fans of the game chose to follow, perhaps due to a lack of televised hockey, and huge travel demands for spectating live matches.” In distant second place on the rankings was the Boston Bruins with a score of 119, followed by the New York Rangers (74), Florida Panthers (66), and Vancouver Canucks (27) rounding out the rest of the top five. Research results courtesy of My Betting Sites Canada ----- Follow Eric Moreno’s Stadium Journey on Twitter at @EricMoreno6477. Visit Eric Moreno’s writer’s portfolio site at ericmoreno.contently.com.

Photos by Meg Minard, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.86 Mesa Community College Baseball Stadium 1833 W Southern Ave Mesa, AZ 85202 Mesa Thunderbirds website MCC Baseball Stadium website Year Opened: 1966 Capacity: 600 Mesa Thunderbirds Founded in 1963, Mesa Community College (MCC) campus sits on the southwestern part of Mesa, AZ between Gilbert and Tempe. The athletic teams started play 1966 and are part of the NJCAA – Arizona Community College Athletic Conference (ACCAC). The baseball team, first known as the Hokams, began play in 1966, became known as the Thunderbirds in 1974. The Thunderbirds have won four National Titles since their origin, the latest in 2014. It has reached the NJCAA World Series 13 different seasons and has been the ACCAC champions a multitude of times. The on-campus stadium is a decent looking stadium with block dugouts, sturdy shaded bleachers, restrooms, an immaculate green diamond and plenty of parking. Field dimensions are 330’ down the foul lines and 400’ to straight away center, a pretty standard layout. The college built the stadium in 1966 but I suspect they constructed the bleacher seating and canopies in later years. Food & Beverage 0 A small, two-window concession stand is on the stadium premises before entering the seating area. The Athletic Public Relations department told me this is not used very much as the crowds are just too small. Fans can bring in outside food and drink for their enjoyment. Atmosphere 3 Mesa Community College Baseball Stadium is an attractive looking venue with clean shiny bleachers and a lush green field. Two separate sets of red canopy-covered bleachers are the seating choices for fans. The set behind home is for Thunderbird fans and the one by third base is designated for visitors. To watch the game net-free, sit on the third base side bleachers. Bring a cushion. The canopies provide needed shade for afternoon games; the sun sets behind the stands. No noticeable area is available for lawn chairs. Located above the right field wall is an easy to read, manual scoreboard. Several players do an excellent job at updating the balls, strikes, outs, hits, errors and runs in a timely fashion. The stadium does not have lights installed; teams only play day games here, usually 12pm and 3pm. The outfield wall highlights 22 names – all former MCC athletes who have made it to the major leagues. Past the left field wall is the football stadium (with lights). Take notice of the uniquely designed Performing Arts Center beyond the first base side. Depending on a flight’s approach path, fans can watch planes descend as they head toward Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport. To me, the best feature about this game day experience (besides the baseball game) is no music, at all, during the game. It’s the pleasant noise of crowd chatter and the sound of encouragement from teammates. Speakers emit some pregame music at a comfortable sound level but it ends when the game starts. It’s truly a blessing in this age of non-stop noise. Neighborhood 3 The Mesa Community College campus itself is across from a hospital. The campus is exquisitely xeriscaped, has a planetarium, and a performing arts building. On campus activities shut down because of the pandemic but expect an abundance of entertainment once this is behind us. Fast food places surround the campus. Korean (Hodori), Mexican (Los Sombreros), an Olive Garden (Italian), a Longhorn Steakhouse are a few of the sit-down restaurants within walking distance. A few miles south of campus is the Arizona Wilderness Gilbert Brewpub and east just off US 60 and Stapley Dr is a favorite of mine, the Beer Research Institute (good IPAs and excellent lunches). Downtown Mesa is less than five miles northeast from the campus where visitors can find several breweries and taprooms (12 West Brewing, Chupacabra Taproom, Oro Brewing), pubs, restaurants (Pete’s Fish & Chips, Gus’s World Famous Fried Chicken, and plenty more), and even a cidery (Cider Corps). Enjoy breakfast before a noon game at First Watch, just across US 60 on Dobson. Hotels are prominent less than two miles east on Southern Ave and Alma School Rd and include Courtyard Marriott, Double Tree by Hilton, LaQuinta, etc. Of course, visiting Arizona in the spring means spring training. Mesa offers two parks: Sloan Park (Cubs) three and ½ miles north and Hohokam Stadium (Athletics) about six and ½ miles northeast. Fans 2 Fans tend to be mostly men, though some parents make the trip. As several teams in the ACCAC are within an hour’s drive, visiting fans draw a decent number. Very few children attend weekday afternoon games. Fans are generally quiet when watching the game, except for teammates. This first season after the COVID pandemic (2021 season), 65%+ of the fans still do not follow the ‘wear a face mask’ rule. Access 4 Located on the northeast corner of US 60 and Dobson Rd, the school is easily accessed by car. It is 20 min east of Phoenix Sky Harbor Airport. Valley Metro Bus Route 96 stops outside the campus but it looks like that only runs on weekdays. The closest light rail stop is Sycamore Ave and Main St where a healthy 2.1 mile walk will get fans to the park or they can jump on the 96 bus going south (on weekdays) from the light rail station and get off at the college. However, the best bet is to drive there. Plenty of free parking is on hand with the Southeast Parking Lot closest to the field. The bleachers are wheelchair accessible with ramps leading up to the bottom platform. Handrails are provided for ascending the few rows of bleachers. Blue taped X’s on bleachers indicate physical distance seating. I haven’t quite yet figured out whether fans should sit on the X’s or not sit on them. Fans comply with the physical distancing but not the face mask rule. Clean restrooms are located in the same building as the concessions; four stalls in the ladies’ room. Bags are not required to be plastic nor clear. Moving around once on campus and near the park is simple and easy. Return on Investment 5 Free. Soaking in the sun, listening to the sounds of the game and the crack of the bat, removing oneself from life’s everyday hustle and bustle, and simply passing time on a lovely Arizona spring afternoon doesn’t get much better than a Thunderbirds game at Mesa Community College. Extras 3 The manual scoreboard deserves an extra mention. Most enjoyable is having only the crowd noise and no loud piped in music. The team’s championship years are proudly painted on back of one of the dugouts easily seen when entering the park. Lastly, the stadium was the site of a Kris Bryant prank, sponsored by Red Bull Energy Drink, where he pretended to be a potential new player joining the team at practice one day. It’s a short, fun video. Final Thoughts If you just want to get out of the house for a few hours one spring afternoon in the Valley of the Sun, taking in a game at Mesa CC Baseball Stadium hits the spot.

Photos by Meg Minard, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.86 Central Arizona College Baseball Stadium 8470 N Overfield Rd Coolidge, AZ 85128 CA College Vaqueros website CAC Baseball Stadium website Year Opened: 1970 Capacity: 650 DB9ers Central Arizona College (CAC) has seven campuses with the main one (Signal Peak Campus) in rural Coolidge, AZ. The college serves Pinal County students. It features on-site housing options for students, caliber athletic programs, and provides arts and entertainment for the community. The baseball team – Vaqueros, aka DB9ers, began as a club team in 1970 and joined the NJCAA in 1972. They are in the ACCAC (Arizona Community College Athletic Conference), region 1. The team has been to the world series six times winning three championships, most recently in 2019. Nineteen CAC players have made it to the majors including Ian Kinsler, Tom Pagnozzi, and Doug Jones. The team plays on the ballfield on the Signal Peak Campus, which has a newly installed grandstand, deserving of a winning team. Food & Beverage 0 Concessions are not available for sale at the ballpark. Fans can bring snacks and drinks into the park, most likely needed if staying for both games of the frequent doubleheaders played. Atmosphere 3 If watching the game of baseball is your enjoyment pleasure, then a visit to a Vaqueros game is the ticket. The field has been in existence since 1970, however, the grandstand is brand shiny new; completed during the 2020 pandemic season. Gone are the old dilapidated bleachers, shade cloth covering, and chain link fence backstop. In its place is a grandstand with a permanent cover, eight rows of bleachers with backs, holding 450 fans. The center seating section contains 40+ green plastic stadium fold-down seats with names on them (presumably of individuals who contributed to the construction costs). The top row encompasses a closed press box. A ramp is available on the third base side with several places on the bottom floor for wheelchairs. Handrails are readily available for climbing the steps in the grandstand. An ‘easy-enough-to see-through’ net runs across the entire grandstand seating area to protect fans from foul balls. Much better than the old chain link fence. Three sets of older bleachers sit down the first baseline beyond the visiting team dugout. No handrails on those and one set of bleachers is under a tree allowing for some shade. Fans bring lawn chairs and watch the game from this shaded area as well. No net is in front of this seating area. Not uncommon, no lights grace the playing surface. Only day games are played. A dot matrix scoreboard in the left field shows the basic line score; it’s a little hard to read on a bright day. The three national championship years are proudly displayed on the outfield wall underneath the scoreboard. The right field wall highlights CAC players’ numbers who have made it to the majors. Small trees line the outfield wall making it a picturesque view. Behind the grandstand is Signal Peak so players on the field get a nice few as do those fans sitting down the first baseline. CAC Baseball – Grandstand and Signal Peak, Photo by Meg Minard, Stadium Journey The team plays music between innings and home team players each have walk-up songs. More importantly, the volume is not intrusive and fans can still have conversations without yelling at each other. Nice job. Neighborhood 1 The campus is about seven miles west of Coolidge’s downtown core. Farms, ranches, desert, and open land run in between the two. The campus is peaceful and has a calming effect driving through on a Saturday morning. The big attraction in Coolidge is the Casa Grande Ruins National Monument. The monument highlights preserved remains of an ancestral Sonoran Desert people’s farming community and “Great House” and it is an educational stroll through the park on a spring day before a game. Arizona Community College has the visually stunning Don P Pence Performing and Visual Arts Center. That is closed because of the pandemic (2020 – 2021) but if visiting once this is over be sure to check its schedule for events and entertainment. For places to eat, the Casa Palomino Restaurant offers delicious Mexican fare. For more of a bar type environment, Gallopin’ Goose may be worth checking out. It’s a bar that serves food, has an outdoor patio (but it’s the smoking area) and bands perform on weekends. I only saw two independently owned motels in Coolidge. For traditional brands, head to Casa Grande, AZ (8 – 9 miles from campus) and right off the I-10 Interstate. Seventeen miles from campus is Francisco Casa Grande, a former sports resort and training facility for the San Francisco Giants with a baseball bat shaped swimming pool and lush golf course. Baseball fans can drive down to Tucson and watch a U of A Wildcats game, a Pima Community College baseball game, or head northwest towards Phoenix and catch spring training games or other ACCAC teams such as Mesa Community College. Fans 3 Teammates are the biggest fans. Some scouts and lots of players’ parents are in attendance. Because Central Arizona College is about an hour or less from several of the other schools in the conference, often a contingent of visiting team fans attend the games. Fans in the stands are vocal and encourage the players and politely mutter, under their breath, about certain umpire calls. Access 3 Since Coolidge is in rural Arizona (about an hour from Phoenix, an hour 15 mins or so from Tucson), getting to the campus is best by car. There is the Cotton Express (local bus service) and the Central Arizona Regional Transit (CART) bus service (Florence to Casa Grande). It operates Monday to Friday, however, CART canceled stops to the campus (spring 2021) because of the pandemic. Heading southeast on I-10 from Phoenix to Tucson, CAC is about four miles off the interstate. Plenty of parking is available next to the stadium. Be aware of speed bumps when traveling through campus. The grandstand provides ramps, spacing between seats is comfortable, sidewalks are plenty wide. The Shipping/Receiving Building across the street houses clean, automated, touch-free restrooms. Return on Investment 5 Attending a game is free. The Vaqueros provide rosters in a cubby on the front center edge of the grandstand. If you’re a fan of watching baseball, it’s worth the drive (most Saturday games are doubleheaders). And, the team wins and expects to win; a nice combination. Extras 5 Several other items are worth mentioning. First, that peak behind the grandstand? Players run that mountain every morning for conditioning. Wow. The team’s jersey is fetching. Green jerseys tops with DB9ers in a yellow trimmed panel/banner across the chest. Next, the college built respectable bullpens and batting cages for the baseball team just a few years ago. The motto DB9 is present throughout the team and stadium. Its meaning is classified, but what I gather, it is a belief system and style of play that represents past, current, and future Vaqueros ballplayers. It helps build this championship team. Finally, the team expects to win. Final Thoughts If in the neighborhood or traveling between Tucson and Phoenix in the spring, take a side trip to Coolidge and visit the Casa Grande Ruins National Monument and a winning baseball team in the Central Arizona College Vaqueros, aka DB9ers.

Photos by Matt Colville, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.00 Pete Taylor Park at Hill-Denson Field 3321 W 4th St Hattiesburg, MS 39401 Southern Miss Golden Eagles website Pete Taylor Park at Hill-Denson Field website Year Opened: 1984 Capacity: 5,200 To the Top of the Roost In the Pine Belt region of Mississippi lies a beautiful and very intimidating place to play college baseball. The overall game experience and atmosphere here rivals some of the best that college baseball has to offer, inside Pete Taylor Park at Hill Denson Field. The ballpark is named after Southern Miss alum Pete Taylor, while the playing surface pays homage to another Southern Miss legend, former coach Hill Denson. The ballpark opened in 1984, and since then over one million fans have watched baseball at “The Pete.” Pete Taylor Park currently seats 5,200, routinely selling out and placing the Golden Eagles among the top teams in the country in terms of attendance, consistently finishing in the top 20 nationally every season. In 2009 the Golden Eagles reached the College World Series, helping to elevate the program to a level of play like never experienced before. In addition to the 2009 trip to Omaha, the Golden Eagles have competed in 19 NCAA Regionals and won 5 C-USA Tournament Championships; in their first year in the Sun Belt Conference (2023) they won the conference championship. The Southern Miss Baseball program’s inaugural season was 1913, and since then the Golden Eagles have competed as an Independent (1913-1982), in the Metro Athletic Conference (1983-1995), and in C-USA (1996-2022) before joining the storied baseball Sun Belt Conference last season. Often, when Southern Miss Baseball is brought up, people make mention of Clint King, Jeff Cook, Brian Dozier, and Todd McInnis, or younger fans remember names like Matt Wallner, Nick Sandlin, Hursten Waldrep, and Kirk McCarty. A very proud program in Hattiesburg is coming off one of its most successful runs in program history, hosting back-to-back Super Regionals over the past 2 seasons. The Golden Eagles also boast seven consecutive 40-win seasons while beating the likes of Arizona State, Florida State, LSU, and Ole Miss in postseason play – there is a reason why Hattiesburg has gained the nickname of "Baseburg.” Food & Beverage   3 There are plenty of concessions at Pete Taylor Park, with three built in stands and several pop-up stands located along the concourse. The three permanent stands offer the basics of hot dogs, chicken tenders, fries, sausage dogs, and hamburgers, but everything is grab and go to speed up the lines. There is one permanent stand down the first baseline under the bleachers, and two located under the bleachers behind home plate. Another stand is the BBQ stand located down the third baseline which offers pork sandwiches and brisket. There is also a Chick-fil-A stand set up, as well as a Dippin’ Dots location. Coca-Cola is the official soft drink of Southern Miss Athletics; if you purchase the souvenir cup for $7 you can get $1 refills throughout the game. There is one area where you can purchase draft beer for $10-$12, and you can purchase canned beers (domestic and premium) at any of the stands for $8-$10. The beer is even grab and go like you would see at a grocery store – make sure to check out the Southern Miss exclusive Gold Rush beer, brewed in Hattiesburg at Southern Prohibition Brewing, which also makes for a great place to hang out after the game. St. Thomas Catholic Church sits beyond the outfield fence and shares a parking lot with Pete Taylor Park. On Fridays during Lent, they host a weekly fish fry. So, when the Golden Eagles are playing on Fridays during Lent, I recommend going out to the parking lot and getting a plate of some of Mississippi's best catfish. Everyone is friendly and it's almost like a small tailgate out there on Friday nights during games; Father Tommy has even been known to bless the stadium before big games. Atmosphere   5 Pete Taylor Park is a beautiful ballpark situated on the north side of campus. The ballpark sits nicely tucked away next to some apartments and the church, with the first base grandstand the only thing visible from the street entrance. The facade’s grey and brick exterior blends in nicely with the surrounding apartments and the Welch Baseball Center, which looks like a giant gray house in front of the stadium mixed in with the apartment buildings. The 6,000-square-foot Welch Center opened in 2002 and is an indoor practice facility with team offices for the baseball team. Because of the way the park is built it looks quite small from the outside, but once inside the park you can see how they fit everything in such a small area, and it’s not as crammed as you would expect. The intimidating three-story press box also stands out from the road, and is one of the first things you notice when walking through the park. There are two main entrances; the main one behind home plate and the entrance to The Roost, which is down the first baseline. As soon as you enter the gate you walk up into a spacious and open concourse underneath the bleachers, which is completely covered for the most part – the only areas not covered are down the first baseline to the area extending to right field. Walking the concourse you can tell Southern Miss takes great pride in their baseball program, as banners of past players and the team’s NCAA Regional appearances line the ceiling as you walk to your seat. Right before you walk out into the bleachers is a giant "Thank You Scott Berry" banner, honoring the winningest coach in program in history, who retired after the 2023 season. There is also a giant banner of the 2009 team that went to Omaha under the first base bleachers. There is also a merchandise stand set up as soon as you enter on the first base side; the merchandise stand is especially popular because it is one of the few places where you can get the Southern Miss parrot head jerseys they wear every year, which are based on Jimmy Buffett, who went to school here in the late 1960s and is probably the school's most famous alum. The stands themselves are four sections of metal bleachers down the first and third baselines, with the seats behind home plate and the dugouts being black and gold chairbacks. You would have a hard time believing this ballpark is over 35 years old; the concourse remains very clean and there’s no sign of aging anywhere on the facade. The grass field at Pete Taylor Park for many years was nicknamed Scott Berry's Garden, because the coach would spend hours before every game making sure the field was immaculate, carefully inspecting every blade of grass – every speck of dirt had to be just right. But in 2020 the grass was replaced with an artificial turf field that provides a much fresher look, and prevents having to put the tarp on the field during the frequent Mississippi rainstorms, although fans still refer to it as Coach Berry's Garden. Southern Miss also installed a large videoboard in left field in 2021 that replaced the old, outdated scoreboard. The videoboard shows highlights of in game action and stats, as well as a pretty cool intro video when the Eagles take the field. Neighborhood   4 Hattiesburg (aka The Burg) is a decent-sized city of about 50,000 people, so it has everything you could want in a city, but still retains that college town feel. The Burg has a wide selection of bars and restaurants, but unlike most college towns they are not located near each other – instead they are spread out throughout the city. A cool little spot near Pete Taylor Park to check out is the Long Leaf Trace; what was once a railroad is now a paved trail that runs right through campus; it is also possible to get on the Trace and ride a bike into the city. A couple of places within walking distance to campus from the Trace include Patio 44, Brewsky's, and 4th Street Bar – if you are looking for vintage Southern Miss memorabilia then 4th Street Bar is your place. Another popular spot on the Trace about a half mile away from campus is Colludium Brewing Company, Hattiesburg's newest brewery. Colludium has a nice outdoor patio overlooking the Long Leaf Trace, and makes for a great spot to have a beer before the game. Closer to downtown you'll also find popular spots like Keg & Barrel, The Porter, Hattiesburger, Fairley Wings, and Nostalgia. As a southern city, Hattiesburg has its fair share of restaurants centered on the local fare; popular spots include Crescent City Grill, Brass Hat, Midtown, Chesterfields, Ed's Burger Joint, Strick’s, and Murky Waters BBQ. There is also plenty to be had for all ages – for families there's the Hattiesburg Zoo and Serengeti Springs Water Park. Downtown also features the popular Pocket Museum, Mississippi's tiniest museum; located in an alleyway downtown, the popular museum has a different theme each month (we can't tell you where the alley is because part of the charm of the Pocket Museum is being able to find it). For shopping there are plenty of chain stores, as well as Turtle Creek Mall, while another popular spot is the Lucky Rabbit – located downtown, Lucky Rabbit is a two-story vintage thrift store with tons of antiques and local Southern Miss memorabilia. Or if you are into the outdoors, in addition to the Long Leaf Trace there is Paul B. Johnson State Park, just south of Hattiesburg and an excellent spot for camping. In addition, another popular pastime is rafting down the Okatoma River that runs right through Hattiesburg, all the way to the Coast. Fans   4 Southern Miss boasts one of the most loyal fanbases in all of college baseball. Year in and year out attendance is amongst the best in the nation. On weekends The Pete can see 5,500-plus fans pass through the turnstiles, and this dedication is rewarded with a top 20 national attendance ranking annually. Fans in The Burg are also staunch supporters of their head coach – as a program the Southern Miss head coaching job has not experienced a lot of turnover, with only 5 different head coaches over the past 65 years. With national title aspirations in football out of reach, the Southern Miss fanbase has seized the opportunity to support their Golden Eagles on the national stage in baseball. Fans throughout Pete Taylor Park and the Right Field Roost are truly knowledgeable about both the history of the program, as well as how the landscape of college baseball pertains to them. Located behind the right field wall and down the right field line are reserved parking spaces for 40 vehicles, several grills, and numerous props readied at a moment’s notice to highlight the follies from the opposing team; this area is known as the Right Field Roost. The Roost is a true compliment to how the State of Mississippi does baseball. In Oxford or Starkville you can find plenty to do in both outfields, and the same holds true in Hattiesburg. Alumni, students, families, friends, children playing catch, players in the bullpens being heckled, home runs tossed back, and Southern Miss legends Hill Denson and Brian Dozier making appearances are just a few things you may encounter in the Right Field Roost at Pete Taylor Park. The Roost, as it is more affectionately known, is where the diehard fans take in the action. Fans commanding props, train horns, and offering up wisecracks while enjoying a cold beverage make for an exciting and intimidating atmosphere, and a great day at the ballpark. Another popular place to take in the action is the 16 oz. Lounge down the first baseline extending to the visitor's bullpen – this a concrete, bring your own chairs section, but it is also where some of the rowdier fans take in the action. Fans here start arriving more than two hours before the game just to get their spot. It is a party atmosphere here with fans drinking in their chairs and heckling the opponent's bullpen and right fielder; the only downside is there are obstructed views showing home plate, while the visiting dugout takes up the view down the line. Access   4 Hattiesburg may be one of the more accessible towns in the state. Nicknamed the Hub City, it used to be a prominent railroad hub back in the day for the people wanting to get from the coast to Hattiesburg. Conveniently located about an hour and a half from the coast, New Orleans, Jackson, Meridian, and Mobile, Hattiesburg sits right in the middle of it all. This proximity makes a weekend series very doable for the many alumni who live along the coast and in Jackson, and the roads to the Burg aren’t rural either like the ones you would take to the schools up north in Starkville and Oxford. You will not miss the USM campus when coming to town, as the campus is located right on the corner of Highway 49 and Hardy Street, two of the main roads through the city. Interstate 55 runs to the west of the city, and you could take that as well, but you may run into considerable traffic on Hardy Street. The ballpark is on 4th Street just across from campus to the north. If coming for a weekend game you can find plenty of parking on campus, and the USM campus is also quite small for a D1 school, so no matter where you park you won’t have to walk far. Once in the ballpark the concourses are navigable and clean, though they are a little dark since they’re under the grandstand. You should have no problem getting around, though, as you are free to roam the park. Return on Investment   4 With the recent rise of the Southern Miss Baseball program came increased demand for seeing some of the best college baseball in the country. In 2023, for the first time ever tickets to every game sold out, making it nearly impossible to get tickets through the athletic department. Instead, the only way to purchase tickets now is through secondary sites – in fact this year, the athletic department tickets sold out well before the season started. In addition, if you purchase season tickets and are not able to attend a particular game, you can always re-sell it through the Southern Miss app. This makes tickets easier to come by, and fills up the bleachers that were otherwise empty for a few games when people wouldn't show. Bleacher seating tickets are really hard to come by as well; most of the time standing room only tickets are available, however ushers rarely check, so it's possible to go sit in the bleachers for certain games even if you have SRO seats. I would definitely recommend a trip to the Burg to watch Southern Miss baseball – almost any weekend, expect to see a full house and a top matchup with a team that has a good chance at going to a Regional, not to mention Hattiesburg is a wonderful college town, and Pete Taylor Park has one of the best atmospheres in the whole country. Extras   4 The Southern Miss Baseball program has had over 90 players drafted, with a total of 22 players making it to The Show. As of last season there are three former USM players on the MLB rosters in Twins outfielder Matt Wallner, Guardians pitcher Nick Sandlin, and White Sox catcher Chuckie Robinson. Some of the more notable Golden Eagles include 2x All-Star in the 60s, third baseman for the Giants Jim Davenport, as well as famous sidearm pitcher Chad Bradford who had a 12-year Big League career, along with perhaps the greatest player to come out of Southern Miss in All-Star and Gold Glove winning second baseman Brian Dozier, who had a 9-year Big League career – before that he took Southern Miss to their first, and so far only, College World Series appearance. The greatest punter to ever play football was also one of the greatest pitchers to ever play at USM; Ray Guy had a standout baseball career, getting drafted by the MLB three times from 1971-73, including in the third round in 1973 by the Cincinnati Reds. Ultimately he pursued football and had a Hall of Fame career with the Raiders from 1973-1986. The Golden Eagles have also only had five head coaches over the last 60 years, and all five of them have left a mark on Pete Taylor Park. In the mid-80s former coach Hill Denson, for whom the field is named, planted the tall pine trees in the Right Field Roost. In 2022 the late former coach Corky Palmer, who guided the Golden Eagles to their only CWS appearance, had his number 44 retired – his number is painted on the turf in the on-deck circles. So, you have Coach Berry's Garden, Hill Denson's trees in right field, Corky Palmer's number in the on-deck circles, and Coach Pete Taylor for whom the ballpark is named, follow by current coach Christian Ostrander guiding the Golden Eagles beginning last season. One extra point for the Longleaf Trace that runs right beyond the outfield at Pete Taylor Park; this 45-mile bike trail is Mississippi’s premier running, biking, and hiking trail, which starts in downtown Hattiesburg and goes west along a portion of an abandoned railroad line. The Trace is known for its scenic beauty, and makes for a great stroll before the game. It’s also possible to access all of Southern Miss’ athletic venues from the Long Leaf Trace, as it runs right by the softball and soccer facilities, and is across the street from the basketball and football stadiums. Another point because Pete Taylor Park has hosted its fair share of postseason baseball; Hattiesburg has been selected as an NCAA regional host site three times (2003, 2017, and 2022), has hosted back-to-back Super Regionals in 2022 and 2023, and has also seen a Metro Athletic Conference tournament, as well as seven C-USA tournaments. Over the years The Pete has welcomed opponents such as LSU, Alabama, Mississippi State, Florida State, Ohio State, Cal State-Fullerton, Tennessee, Vanderbilt, Baylor, Missouri, Ole Miss, TCU, Tulane, Rice, and East Carolina. Now with Southern Miss joining the baseball rich Sun Belt Conference, which sent four teams to the Regionals in 2023, on any given weekend series at Pete Taylor Park you are getting to see a potential postseason team play. Another extra for The Roost, providing one of the best atmospheres in all of college baseball. In Mississippi, college baseball season is almost as revered as college football season, and the atmosphere and experience in The Roost prove why Southern Miss is such a big baseball school, and why college baseball is so big in Mississippi.

Photo by Michael Davis, Stadium Journey It should come as no surprise to even the most casual of fans, but the Dallas Cowboys are really popular. In virtually every corner of the country, and in a lot of places outside the U.S. borders, you’ll find die-hard fans of ‘Dem Boys – and now we have some quantifiable proof of this popularity. New data studied by online betting site CSGOLuck revealed that the five-time Super Bowl Champion Cowboys were the most searched for team outside of the state of Texas. Researchers analyzed the Google keyword searches for NFL teams outside of their home state for all 50 states over the past year. Data that was utilized included individual searches for all 32 NFL teams, as well as searches for each team name along with the word “tickets” next to it. The Cowboys were far and away the most searched team, averaging close to 21,000 searches outside of Texas each month. Unsurprisingly, Oklahoma had the most fans, averaging 2,032 searches per month, followed by California – longtime home of the Cowboys training camp – with 1,938 searches. The team that came in second in this popularity poll was the Arizona Cardinals. Located in Glendale, Arizona, the Cardinals averaged just under 16,000 searches per month, with Missouri – former home to the Cards – being the state where they had the most fans, followed by Illinois. “The fandom for an NFL club is not limited within states but is widespread,” a spokesperson for CSGOLuck said in a news release. “Fans can develop an affinity for a particular team due to several reasons such as family ties, team success, player allegiance or a team's culture or style of play. Also, with increasing technology and media coverage, it is now easier than ever for fans to watch and support their favorite NFL teams regardless of where they live.” Coming in last in terms of popularity were the Indianapolis Colts; the two-time Super Bowl champions averaged just over 1,600 searches per month. The nearby states of Illinois and Ohio produce the most Colts fans outside of Indy. Research results courtesy of CSGOLuck ----- Follow Eric Moreno’s Stadium Journey on Twitter at @EricMoreno6477. Visit Eric Moreno’s writer’s portfolio site at ericmoreno.contently.com.

Each summer millions of Americans flock to one of the 30 MLB stadiums to enjoy a baseball game. Their attention, for the most part, is on the players from both teams on the field. However, there is a much larger team operating behind the scenes to ensure that fans have a fun time at the ballpark and that their respective teams are playing at their top performance level. Working at the Ballpark by Tom Jones explores the many functions people perform at the ballpark to enhance the fan experience and their team’s chances of delivering a win for the home team He does this through interviews with a wide variety of players, staff and the media. Chapters explore the front office, the dugout, the field of play, the bullpen, the stands, the electronic and print media, and the clubhouse. The Mover’s and Shakers chapter looks at the front office of several clubs and includes conversations with owners, general managers, and directors of player personnel. It also features a discussion with a principal in the architectural firm of HOK Sports on how the fan experience is central to the design of the ballpark. The In the Dugout section looks at the role of the manager, the various specialty coaches and the trainer in putting the best team possible on the field each night. The Field of Play chapter features several players, an umpire, and a ballboy and gives readers an overview of the gameday schedule, which begins several hours before the first pitch. This includes watching tape on the opposing team, batting practice, and strategy sessions with the coaches. The unique world of the relief pitcher is covered in the Bullpen section of the book. It features conversations with the bullpen coach and members of the relief staffs of many teams. The In the Stands section focuses on the many ways that teams focus on the fan experience. The ticketing staff discusses the ins and outs of choosing the best seats available for the fan, while an usher discusses their role in guiding the fans to their seats, as well as being a point of contact for any questions a fan might have about the location of a stadium amenity. A peanut vendor and a beer vendor discuss their roles in the very important area of fan concessions. The Eyes and Ears chapter discusses the role of media in the stadium experience. It includes conversations with a beat writer, a sports columnist, and a sports talk show host. The section also looks at the in-game staff which includes the scoreboard operator, the public address announcer, and the official scorekeeper. The closing chapter of Working at the Ballpark explores the many supporting roles staff plays in the fan experiences. A member of the community affairs department discusses the role the team plays in the nonprofit world. The director of merchandising shares how they create new products each season to meet the fan demand for the latest apparel and other team products. This chapter also covers the important role of support staff in working on team needs. The clubhouse manager is a jack of all trades, as they are responsible for feeding the players before and after the game, doing the laundry, as well as preparing the clubhouse for the next game. The head groundskeeper discusses the ins and outs of having the field in the best possible condition for each game. The Director of Team Travel shares his many tasks for road trips, including reserving planes, making hotel arrangements in the visiting city, and making sure buses are available to pick up and deliver the team to the stadium, the hotel, and the airport. Tom Jones provides fans with unique insights on all the staff necessary to put on a major league game. His use of conversations with the people who fill these roles gives a real authenticity to his narrative. We think any true baseball fan will enjoy Working at the Ballpark and its behind-the-scenes look at a day at the ballpark.

Photo courtesy of the UFL On Thursday March 14, the recently revamped United Football League (UFL) announced that the host site of the 2024 UFL Championship Game will be the home of the St. Louis Battlehawks, The Dome at America’s Center. The game will take place on Sunday, June 16 with kickoff scheduled for 5pm ET on Fox. “Selecting the championship game location is more than just the stadium, but the community and the fanbase that surrounds it,” said UFL President and CEO Russ Brandon. “This is why we are proud to bring our Championship to St. Louis – a city that has loved and embraced spring football from the start.” The new spring football league emerged from a merger between the United States Football League (USFL) and the XFL. The current league is comprised of eight teams who will take part in a 10-game schedule this season, culminating in two conference playoff games before the championship. The league is comprised of teams from each former league: the Arlington Renegades, Birmingham Stallions, D.C. Defenders, Houston Roughnecks, Michigan Panthers, Memphis Showboats, San Antonio Brahmas, and St. Louis Battlehawks. “After setting league attendance records for all five St. Louis Battlehawks home games during the 2023 season, we’re thrilled to welcome the UFL Championship game to the Gateway City in 2024,” said Kitty Ratcliffe, President of Explore St. Louis. “St. Louis is the ideal home for this title game, and The Dome at America’s Center stands ready to welcome UFL fans from around the nation for what promises to be a signature event for the region.” In 2023 the Arlington Renegades won the XFL Championship with a 35-26 victory over the D.C. Defenders, while the Birmingham Stallions won 28-12 over the Pittsburgh Maulers for their second consecutive USFL Championship. “Both the XFL and USFL had incredible Championship games last year with some of the most exciting play of the season – and I expect it to be even better this year,” said UFL Executive Vice President of Football Operations, Daryl Johnston. “I'm so excited for our players and coaches that will have the opportunity to compete for a Championship in a setting like The Dome. It will be an experience like none other for the teams lucky enough to play in the UFL Championship game.” The Battlehawks proved to be one of the more successful teams last season, leading both leagues in fan attendance with a total of 175,121 fans for their five home games in 2023; this included a record-setting 38,310 that turned out for their home opener. “St. Louisans are excited to welcome the UFL championship game and tens of thousands of enthusiastic fans to our city,” said St. Louis Mayor Tishaura O. Jones. “Soon, UFL fans from across the country will learn: Kaw is the law.” The Renegades, led by College Football Hall of Famer Bob Stoops, and the Stallions, led by Skip Holtz, are again expected to be contenders for the championship in the new league. The inaugural league will kickoff on Saturday, March 30 with a clash between the two reigning championship teams. “To have our fans see us in that game would be awesome,” said Anthony Becht, Head Coach of the Battlehawks. “There's no doubt the Dome will be rocking. This also puts a little more added pressure on us to do what we need to do to be in that game, but everybody's end goal is to get into the Championship, so our focus remains the same.” ----- Follow Eric Moreno’s Stadium Journey on Twitter at @EricMoreno6477. Visit Eric Moreno’s writer’s portfolio site at ericmoreno.contently.com.

Photos by Paul Baker, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.57 Memorial Field 4 Crosby St Hanover, NH 03755 Dartmouth Big Green football website Memorial Field website Year Opened: 1923 Capacity: 11,000 The Hill Wind Knows Their Name Football has been played at Dartmouth College on the site of Memorial Field since 1893. The current concrete-and-brick grandstand on Crosby Street was constructed in 1923 as a memorial to students and alumni who perished in World War I (that’s not a typo, World War ONE). Over the years the stadium has seen many changes, including the addition of permanent stands on the east side of the field and a complete demolition of the main grandstand and press box while keeping the grandstand’s historic outer shell intact. The Field Turf playing surface, the 8-lane Tartan Track surface, and the adjoining Leverone Field House and Floren Varsity House are all of more recent vintage than the stadium’s classic ivy-covered façade. The Dartmouth Big Green compete in the Ivy League and boast a storied tradition that includes a National Championship in 1925, a record 19 Ivy League championships and 11 alumni inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame. 43 Dartmouth alumni have played in the National Football League. Food & Beverage 2 There are a pair of concessions stands operated by Dartmouth Dining as pop-up tents in opposite corners of the facility. A basic menu is served, comprising of hot dogs, burgers, sausage and pepper sandwiches and assorted snacks. Coca-Cola products are featured at Memorial Field. Alcohol is not sold at this facility. On the plus side, the quality of concessions is good, and no item costs more than five dollars. Atmosphere 3 There’s something special about going to a game far from the bright lights of big-time college football. The atmosphere is laid-back, the pressure is minimal, the fans are friendly, and everyone seems to be having more fun. This is true at Dartmouth, where, while the stuff happening around the game may seem silly, the students certainly seem to be enjoying themselves. During play stoppages students come onto the field to kick field goals, participate in trivia contests and race across the field while putting on a football uniform. The small band performs before the game and at halftime, complete with a repertoire of really bad jokes and choreography designed to show just how wacky and anti-establishment these Ivy League students are. For those fans looking for a more traditional game day presentation, there is a video scoreboard in the south end zone which is put to good use with game information, promotions and entertainment during play stoppages. There is a cheerleading squad which performs throughout the game and participates in the entertainment with t-shirt tosses and pizza giveaways. Hawkers roam the stands selling programs. Neighborhood 5 The campus of Dartmouth College dominates the landscape of the small town of Hanover. The small-town feel is straight out of a Norman Rockwell painting, particularly if you visit later in the fall while the leaves are changing color. The small downtown, with its public Green as the focal point, is perfect for exploring before or after the game. On a typical fall Saturday you’ll find no shortage of people walking around the downtown enjoying the weather before settling in for a long New Hampshire winter. Main Street bustles with a wide variety of places to eat. Check out Murphy’s on the Green or Lou’s Restaurant and Bakery for a true taste of Hanover. If you’re looking to stay in town, the Hanover Inn has rooms that overlook the Green. Memorial Field is located on the southeast corner of the Dartmouth campus, alongside other athletic venues including Thompson Arena, Red Rolfe Field, Leede Arena, and Scully-Fahey Field. It’s a short walk to both the Green and Main Street. Fans 3 Attendance at Big Green football games can fluctuate wildly, depending on the opponent. Typically, the Big Green average around 6,000 per game, which places them just under the overall Ivy League average. Considering that Dartmouth is the smallest school in the Ivy League, along with having the smallest stadium and the smallest area population base, these figures are not too shabby. Your typical Big Green crowd is laid-back and friendly. You’re not going to see rabid, drunken fans here in Hanover, and that’s how it should be at a facility like this. Locals, alumni and students combine to make the atmosphere at Memorial Field almost scholarly, as one might expect at a stadium covered in brick and ivy. There doesn’t seem to be a large turnout by the student body, which may hold back the overall noise level. Ivy League fans traditionally travel well, so it’s not unusual to see a significant number of visiting fans in the stands on any given Saturday. Access 4 The town of Hanover, New Hampshire is located in New England’s Upper Valley on the shores of the Connecticut River and the New Hampshire-Vermont border. Although the area may be off the beaten path, it’s easy to get to. Interstates 89 and 91 meet a short distance from Dartmouth, making the trip here an easy one. Busses run from nearby Manchester, an hour to the southeast, and to Logan Airport in Boston, a two-hour drive away. There is a train station on the other side of the Connecticut River in White River Junction, Vermont. The town of Hanover boasts a population of just under 12,000 residents, which swells when the 7,000 or so Dartmouth students show up. The small town is easily navigated, with numerous parking lots and ample on-street parking in the area on game days. All parking lots are a short walk to the stadium, with shuttles available for those parked a bit further away. Memorial Stadium is the smallest football venue in the Ivy League, as recent renovations reduced capacity to 11,000. These renovations improved the safety and comfort of the old grandstand, allowing for more room and accessibility. Unfortunately, the track which runs around the football field pushes the grandstands back a bit, but all seats feature good views of the action. The new rest rooms are clean and large enough to accommodate a Big Green crowd. Lines to concessions and rest rooms are minimal. Return on Investment 5 Tickets for Big Green football games are priced at $15 for adults and $10 for youths. Parking is free in the parking lots within walking distance of the stadium, and there is ample on-street parking in the neighborhood. Even if you have to feed the meter for a while, it won’t cost more than three dollars for your spot. Concessions are moderately priced, with no item costing more than five dollars. Extras 3 The stadium was built as a memorial to the 3,407 Dartmouth students who served in World War I, including 112 who lost their lives. The memorial was subsequently expanded to include students who fought in the Korean War, Civil War, and World War II. There are several plaques honoring their sacrifice near the main entrance. Dartmouth honors their football history with banners commemorating their league championships lining the front of the stands and with flags flying across the top of the old Crosby Street grandstand. Another extra point is awarded for the major renovations to the stadium that managed to keep the historic flavor of the venue (most notably the Crosby Street façade) while upgrading the facility to modern standards. Final Thoughts If you were to imagine what an Ivy League football stadium would look like, you would probably imagine features like an old-timey looking brick façade with ivy vines climbing it, a main-street full of small shops and eateries, a walkable campus with interesting architecture, and a stadium full of laid back, but invested fans. In tiny Hanover, NH, you have all these things. They add up to a Stadium Journey that may be far off the beaten path, but one well worth taking. Follow Paul Baker’s stadium journeys on Twitter and Instagram @PuckmanRI.

Photos by Paul Baker, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.57 Edward Leede Arena 6 South Park St Hanover, NH 03755 Dartmouth Big Green basketball website Edward Leede Arena website Year Opened: 1987 Capacity: 2,100 Big Green Hoops The Edward Leede Arena is home of Dartmouth’s basketball and volleyball teams. It is named in honor of the class of 1949 alumnus, who was captain of Dartmouth’s basketball squad and one of the school’s leading all-time scorers. Leede Arena is located within the John W. Berry Sports Center, which also contains squash and racquetball courts along with locker rooms, offices and suites. The Berry Sports Center was dedicated in honor of John Berry, whose $5 million donation to Dartmouth athletics was the largest to the program at the time. The Berry Center was built to replace the old Alumni Gym, which still stands next door. It was built on the site of the old Davis Rink, the home of the hockey team from 1929 to 1975. Dartmouth adopted a shade of forest green as its official color in 1866. Starting in the 1920s the school’s athletic teams were referred to as the “Indians” until the nickname came under criticism in the 1970s. The nickname “Big Green” refers to the Dartmouth Green in the center of campus. Despite qualifying for seven NCAA Tournaments and appearing in a pair of Final Fours (1942 and 1944), The Big Green have not played in the Big Dance since 1959. This is the longest active tournament appearance drought in Division One, and the second longest in history. Since 1959, Dartmouth has only had ten winning seasons, most recently in 1999. Six Dartmouth alumni have played in the NBA. Food & Beverage 2 There are a pair of concession stands located in the first-floor lobby. These stands feature a very basic menu, with hot dogs, pretzels, popcorn, ice cream novelties as well as assorted snacks comprising the menu. Bottles of Coca-Cola products are sold here. There is no alcohol allowed inside the Berry Sports Center. What the concession stands lack in variety, they more than make up for in value. No items here cost more than five dollars. Atmosphere 2 As you might expect at a small gymnasium at an Ivy League school, the gameday atmosphere at Dartmouth has a very old-school feel to it. The pep band, cheerleaders and dance squad provide noise and entertainment throughout the game, and the arena’s DJ provides music during play breaks without being overly loud. Simple scoreboards on either end of the gym provide basic game information while the PA announcer keeps fans updated without being too intrusive or over the top. There is not a great turnout from the student body, and those students in attendance don’t make a lot of noise or add a lot of energy to the proceedings. The fans at Leede Arena are supportive of the Big Green, but are not overly loud or enthusiastic. They will let their displeasure be known to the referees on occasion. The youth groups in attendance bring a certain energy to the gym. This is a place where you can feel very comfortable bringing the whole family. Neighborhood 5 The village of Hanover, New Hampshire boasts a population of about 9,000 citizens, not much larger than Dartmouth College’s enrollment of 6,350 students. As you would expect, there is a great small-town feel to Hanover. The Dartmouth Green acts as a focal point for all town activities and the campus is worth a stroll to experience its classic Georgian architecture. Located just a five-minute walk from Leede Arena, Main Street features a bunch of shops and restaurants and is a great place to explore during your visit. Highlights include the Dartmouth Co-Op, where you can pick up some Big Green gear, Lou’s Restaurant and Bakery for a snack, and Murphy’s on the Green for a traditional pub experience. There are a good dozen eateries located within a few blocks here on Main Street. Should you wish to stay in Hanover, there are lodging options located in this area as well, including the Hanover Inn and Six South Street Hotel. Visitors looking for other things to do in the area will find a wealth of outdoor options, including the Appalachian Trail, which runs right through Hanover. In the snowy winter months of the basketball season, several ski resorts are located just a short drive away. For a unique and quintessential small-town New England experience, cross the Connecticut River into Vermont and visit the Norwich Inn. It’s said to be the inspiration for the television series Newhart. The Inn features a quaint, small pub that seats about 25. Despite its small size, the Inn brews their own beers and features an excellent pub menu. Fans 2 Basketball clearly plays second fiddle in the Dartmouth winter sports scene to hockey. An average hoops crowd at Leede Arena numbers around 700 fans, which is well below the Ivy League average. Even though the Dartmouth student body shows in small numbers, there is a good turnout from locals, who are friendly to visitors and will gladly tell you about the trials and tribulations of the Dartmouth athletic program in recent years. Fans are into the action on the court and will voice their displeasure with the results when appropriate. Access 3 Dartmouth College and the small town of Hanover, New Hampshire may be well off the beaten path, but that doesn’t mean it’s difficult to get to. Located just a few miles from the intersection of Interstates 89 and 91, Leede Aena is located near the school’s other athletic facilities, including Memorial Field, Red Rolfe Field at Biondi Park, Thompson Arena and Scully-Fahey Field. Driving is easily the most efficient method to arrive in Hanover, but there are bus and car services that run from Manchester, located an hour to the southeast, and to Logan Airport in Boston. Also, Amtrak has a train station just across the Connecticut River in White River Junction, Vermont. There is ample on-street parking in the immediate vicinity of Leede Arena, as well as a large parking lot adjacent to nearby Thompson Arena which features free parking. If you happen to park at the Thompson or Dewey lots, shuttle busses run between Dartmouth’s athletic facilities. These can be very convenient if you visit Hanover on a frigid winter day. Fans will enter through a nondescript entrance into the Berry Center’s ground floor. Ticket booths are located just inside this entrance. Visiting fans will find a pair of small concession stands, the basketball lounge and restrooms on this level. To get to the seating area, stairs will lead fans to the second floor, where Dartmouth’s 15 squash and racquetball courts along with the entrances to Leede Arena are located. Sections 1-4 are located on the west side of the basketball court, with sections 5-8 located on the east. To access the opposite side of the gym, one must leave Leede Arena, pass through the squash courts, and enter onto the opposite walkway. Fans enter Leede Arena on either side of the basketball court onto a walkway located atop the seating bowl. Fans walk down to their seats, although some fans choose to take in the action from this aisle. Most of the seating consists of wooden bleachers without backs that are sold as general admission seating. Sections 2 and 3 are reserved seating consisting of individual folding stadium seats. With Leede Arena’s cozy confines, all seats provide excellent views of the action. Return on Investment 3 Ticket prices for Big Green basketball games may run a little higher than you would expect. Chairback seats cost $22, while general admission bleacher seats are priced at $17. Youths aged 14 and under receive a five-dollar discount on general admission seating. Should you wish to splurge for a courtside seat, it will cost you $60. Parking is free in the Thompson Arena lot located about a quarter mile from the Berry Sports Complex. There is plenty of on-street parking in the neighborhood, just be aware of when meters are in effect. Concessions are affordably priced, with no items costing more than five dollars. Free roster sheets are available to all fans. Extras 1 Dartmouth honors its basketball history throughout Leede Arena. In the main lobby are displays honoring the history of both the men’s and women’s programs. Inside the gym banners hang from the rafters honoring conference championships and tournament appearances for both programs. Final Thoughts Dartmouth basketball fans may pine for the “good old days,” but they continue to show up at Leede Arena to support the Big Green. This old-school gym will never be confused with big-time basketball, but if you bring your squash racquet, you may be able to squeeze in a game at halftime. At how many Division One gymnasiums can you say that? Follow Paul Baker’s stadium journeys on Twitter and Instagram @PuckmanRI.

Photos by Paul Baker, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.71 Scully-Fahey Field Summer Court Hanover, NH 03755 Dartmouth Big Green lacrosse website Scully-Fahey Field website Year Opened: 2000 Capacity: 1,600 Big Green Lacrosse in the White Mountains Scully-Fahey Field is named in honor of Donald Scully, class of 1949, and Peter Fahey, class of 1968. Scully was a member of Dartmouth’s lacrosse and soccer teams as an undergraduate. He was a midfielder and three time All-American. Scully scored 107 goals, a school record that stood for 30 years. Fahey was a member of the school’s basketball and track teams. Four of his children also graduated from Dartmouth, and three of them played lacrosse for the Big Green. Scully-Fahey Field is situated within the Chase Field Complex, near Thompson Arena. It was constructed at a cost of $4.4 million, and features seating for 1,600 fans and lights for night games. Dartmouth has won three Ivy League championships over their history, and have qualified for the NCAA tournament once, in 2003, losing in the first round. Food & Beverage 0 There is no food sold at Dartmouth lacrosse games. Experienced Big Green fans simply bring their own snacks and beverages into Scully-Fahey Field. Atmosphere 3 Overall, the gameday atmosphere at a Dartmouth lacrosse game is similar to other venues across the country. The party starts in the parking lot, where you can find fans tailgating before the action begins. It’s a much more laid-back scene than you would find at a football game, but that’s part of the charm. Some fans even hightail it out to the lots at halftime to sneak a quick snack and drink. There’s not a whole lot of extra activity going on during a lacrosse game, but the action down on the field more than makes up for it. The fans in attendance, many of whom have a personal connection with the players on the field, are really into the action. Neighborhood 4 The town of Hanover, New Hampshire boasts a population of about 11,000 citizens. The population increases by over fifty percent when Dartmouth’s 6,300 students roll into town. As you would expect, there is a great small-town feel to Hanover. CNN and Money rated Hanover as the sixth best place to live in the United States. Weather permitting, visiting fans will want to take the short walk to The Green, which is usually the hub of activity in the town. While the weather early on in the lacrosse season in New Hampshire can be brutal, and there may be a couple of feet of snow on the ground when you visit Hanover, the downtown area is still worth a visit. The Dartmouth campus boasts classic Ivy League architecture, or you can head down Main Street and explore the shops and eateries that line the street. For a town of this size, there is no shortage of places to eat or drink, all of which are located a short walk from Scully-Fahey Field. The Appalachian Trail runs through Hanover, and there are a great many outdoor activities available for visitors to the area to sample as well, should you be visiting before the weather warms up. Several world class ski resorts are located just a short drive from Hanover should you be visiting the area during the spring skiing season. Fans 3 The NCAA doesn’t release attendance figures for lacrosse, so judging lacrosse crowds empirically becomes a bit difficult. Lacrosse season begins in February, so one might think that crowds would be sparse early in the season, but this isn’t always the case. Lacrosse fans show up in February the same as in April. In addition, the fans who do show up are really enthusiastic about the action going on down on the field, and are very knowledgeable about the sport. Lacrosse fans travel very well, so it’s not unusual to find a significant amount of visiting fans at any game. Also, dogs are welcome at Scully-Fahey Field, so you may see several in attendance. Access 3 The small town of Hanover, New Hampshire may be somewhat off the beaten path, but it’s easy to get to. Located near the intersections of Interstates 89 and 91, the Dartmouth campus is located only a couple of miles from the highway. Driving is easily the most efficient method to arrive in Hanover, but there are bus and car services that run from Manchester, located an hour to the southeast, and to Logan Airport in Boston. You can get more information here. Also, Amtrak has a train station just across the Connecticut River in White River Junction, Vermont. The Dartmouth campus dominates the small town of Hanover, and Scully-Fahey Field is located on the southeast edge of campus alongside the other athletic facilities. Signs direct out-of-town drivers to the best parking spots for the day’s athletic events. There is a large parking lot adjacent to Scully-Fahey Field in between the lacrosse stadium and Thompson Arena which features free parking. Directions can be found here. Seating at Scully-Fahey Field consists of metal bleachers. The first row is about five feet above ground level, so all seats offer great views of the action. There is some standing room near the entrance where fans can still take in the action while stretching their legs. There are no restrooms at Scully-Fahey Field, but the facilities at Boss Tennis Center next door are open for Big Green lax fans. Return on Investment 5 There is no charge for early-season games at Dartmouth. Once the team enters Ivy League conference play, tickets can be had for seven dollars for adults, with youths admitted for four dollars. Parking is free in the lot adjacent to the Scully-Fahey Field. It’s entirely possible to attend a game here without spending a single cent! Extras 1 There’s not a whole lot going on at Dartmouth lacrosse that can be considered extra, but the team does give out free programs to all fans. Also, getting to bring your four-legged friends to the game has to count for something. Final Thoughts Scully-Fahey Field is a simple, but solid facility. If you feel like braving the cold weather in New Hampshire during February and March, it’s a solid, affordable place at which to take in some top-notch college lacrosse. If you visit the wonderful small town of Hanover at the right time, it’s possible to also take in some hockey, basketball or hit the slopes while you are there. Follow Paul Baker’s stadium journeys on Twitter and Instagram @PuckmanRI.

Photos by Paul Baker, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.57 Thompson Arena 4 Summer St. Hanover, NH 03755 Dartmouth Big Green hockey website Thompson Arena website Year Opened: 1975 Capacity: 3,500 Big Green Pucks Thompson Arena was designed by noted architect and structural engineer Pier Luigi Nervi, the “Poet in Concrete,” renowned for buildings he designed for the 1960 Rome Olympics. It was built in 1975 to replace Davis Rink, the home of Dartmouth hockey from 1929 to 1975. The facility was named for Dartmouth class of 1928 alumnus Rupert C. Thompson, who was a major benefactor of the arena. Dartmouth adopted a shade of forest green as its official color in 1866. Starting in the 1920s the school’s athletic teams were referred to as the “Indians” until the nickname came under criticism in the 1970s. The nickname “Big Green” refers to the Dartmouth Green in the center of campus. Hockey has been played at Dartmouth since 1906. The Big Green have qualified for four NCAA Tournaments, most recently in 1980. The squad has reached the Frozen Four every time they have played in the tournament, reaching the finals in 1948 and 1949. Eighteen Big Green alumni have played in the National Hockey League. Food & Beverage 3 There are concession stands in opposite corners of the arena. Basic stadium fare is served here, with hot dogs, pizza slices and nachos anchoring the menu. There’s a good selection of snack items available, including popcorn, pretzels, churros and ice cream novelties. You can even pick up a piece of fruit should you be so inclined. Coca-Cola products are featured at Thompson Arena, along with a selection of hot beverages which come in handy on a cold New Hampshire winter night. No alcohol is sold at this on-campus facility. A bit of variety is achieved in the concessions menu with the inclusion of the Boloco stand, which features a variety of burritos. Hungry fans can choose from chicken, steak or vegetarian fillings. Atmosphere 2 Thompson Arena is a fairly old-school facility without a lot of modern amenities. For example, the rink still employs an old dot-matrix scoreboard hung at center ice. As you may expect, the game day presentation is pretty basic and reserved, especially when compared to the many newer arenas in the area. The Dartmouth athletic staff do a lot right here, with a nice sound system and an enthusiastic PA announcer keeping fans appraised of the action and the energy level up. T-shirt tosses and youth skates during intermissions keep casual fans involved. However, without a strong presence from the student body and arena staples like a pep band, there’s only so much energy a small crowd can generate. Still, the fans are into the game, knowledgeable about their team and enthusiastic in their support. Many fans in attendance have been coming to Big Green games for decades and will gladly tell you about the good old days when Dartmouth squads were more successful. The compact footprint of the ECAC means that there is likely to be a strong turnout from visiting fans during your visit. Visits from traditional Ivy League rivals bring out a stronger fan presence throughout the season. Neighborhood 5 The village of Hanover, New Hampshire boasts a population of about 9,000 citizens, not much larger than Dartmouth College’s enrollment of 6,350 students. As you would expect, there is a great small-town feel to Hanover. The Dartmouth Green acts as a focal point for all town activities and the campus is worth a stroll to experience its classic Georgian architecture. Located just a five-minute walk from Thompson Arena, Main Street features a bunch of shops and restaurants and is a great place to explore during your visit. Highlights include the Dartmouth Co-Op, where you can pick up some Big Green gear, Lou’s Restaurant and Bakery for a snack, and Murphy’s on the Green for a traditional pub experience. There are a good dozen eateries located within a few blocks here on Main Street. Should you wish to stay in Hanover, there are lodging options located in this area as well, including the Hanover Inn and Six South Street Hotel. Visitors looking for other things to do in the area will find a wealth of outdoor options, including the Appalachian Trail, which runs right through Hanover. In the snowy winter months of the hockey season, several ski resorts are located just a short drive away. For a unique and quintessential small-town New England experience, cross the Connecticut River into Vermont and visit the Norwich Inn. It’s said to be the inspiration for the television series Newhart. The Inn features a quaint, small pub that seats about 25. Despite its small size, the Inn brews their own beers and features an excellent pub menu. Fans 3 In the seasons since the pandemic, Dartmouth has averaged about 2,200 fans per game at Thompson Arena. This ranks them around 40th among all the teams in Division One, just under the national and Ivy League averages. While hockey is the marquee winter sport at Dartmouth, there’s not a huge presence by the student body at most Big Green hockey games. Much of the crowd in attendance is made up of locals and families out to enjoy an affordable night of entertainment. Fans are enthusiastic and supportive, but not rowdy. You can feel comfortable bringing the family to a Dartmouth hockey game. With the compact footprint of the ECAC conference, it’s not unusual to see a decent turnout from visiting fans. Access 4 Dartmouth College and the small town of Hanover, New Hampshire may be well off the beaten path, but that doesn’t mean it’s difficult to get to. Located just a few miles from the intersection of Interstates 89 and 91, Thompson Arena is located to the southeast of the Dartmouth campus, near the school’s other athletic facilities, including Memorial Field, Red Rolfe Field at Biondi Park, Leede Arena and Scully-Fahey Field. Driving is easily the most efficient method to arrive in Hanover, but there are bus and car services that run from Manchester, located an hour to the southeast, and to Logan Airport in Boston. Also, Amtrak has a train station just across the Connecticut River in White River Junction, Vermont. There is a large parking lot adjacent to Thompson Arena. The main entrance to the rink is on its west side. Fans will enter into a small lobby, where the ticket booths are located. After a quick security check, fans will find themselves on a 360-degree concourse that wraps around the top of the seating bowl. All seats in Thompson Arena are plastic bleachers with backs. The steep pitch of the seating bowl ensures great sight lines no matter where you sit. There is plenty of standing room all around the facility, along with accessible places for fans. Concession stands and rest rooms are located in opposite corners of the facility. Lines can get long during intermission, so plan your trips wisely. Return on Investment 5 All seats at Thompson Arena are priced at $15. Youth aged 3-15 can purchase tickets discounted to $10. Parking is free in the lot adjacent to the hockey rink. Concessions are moderately priced, with no single item at the main stands costing more than five dollars. Free roster sheets and posters are available for all visiting fans. Put together, a night at a Big Green hockey game is a most affordable entertainment option for local sports fans. Extras 3 As you might expect from a team that’s played as long as Dartmouth, there’s a lot of history to the program. This history is displayed throughout Thompson Arena. On the east end of the building are banners commemorating conference championships and tournament appearances from both the men’s and women’s teams. Sharp-eyed fans will also see a bunch of banners honoring figure skating titles on the west end of the rink. Photos of alumni who have played in the National Hockey League and who have represented their countries in international competitions line the concourse. There are also displays chronicling the history of Dartmouth hockey, hockey Hall of Famers and more. If you happen to visit Hanover for a matchup with rival Princeton, be prepared for a barrage of tennis balls to rain down onto the ice after Dartmouth’s first goal. Why? During a road game against Princeton in 1998, a Princeton student threw a single tennis ball at the Dartmouth goaltender after the Tigers scored their first goal. When Princeton came to Dartmouth later in the season, the Big Green student body responded by throwing not just one tennis ball onto the ice after the first Dartmouth goal, but several hundred. The tradition continues to this day. Final Thoughts Thompson Arena is one of those unique old hockey barns that make Stadium Journeys so interesting. While Dartmouth fans will gladly tell you about the Big Green’s good old days, they continue to support the team through thick and thin. Follow Paul Baker’s stadium journeys on Twitter and Instagram @PuckmanRI.

Photos by David Welch, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.43 Sewell-Thomas Stadium 241 Paul W Bryant Dr Tuscaloosa, AL 35401 Alabama Crimson Tide website Sewell-Thomas Stadium website Year Opened: 1948 Capacity: 5,867 Rammer Jammer, Yellow Hammer The first thing that comes to mind when thinking of the SEC is probably the championship level of football in the conference, and with good reason, as SEC teams have won 15 of the last 30 College Football National Championships. Over that same time frame, SEC baseball has been nearly as impressive, winning college baseball’s ultimate prize 14 times. While the Alabama Crimson Tide have not been one of the six different SEC programs to claim a national championship in that time, they have established themselves as one of the teams to contend with in arguably the deepest college baseball conference in the nation. Alabama has called the now Sewell-Thomas Stadium home since 1948, when the then Thomas Field opened on the corner of the current day Paul “Bear” Bryant Drive and 2nd Street. Sewell was added to the stadium’s name in 1978 in honor of former Crimson Tide player, coach, and National Baseball Hall of Famer Joe Sewell. 2015 would see major renovations that would send Alabama to Hoover to play their home schedule, and give “The Joe”, as it is lovingly known, a face lift that might make many minor league teams jealous. Food & Beverage   4 Concessions at Sewell-Thomas Stadium offer fans a rather wide variety of options, including combo plates of burgers or chicken tenders with fries, chicken nachos, cheese fries, or the traditional ballpark hot dog. Snacks and candy are also plentiful. Much like concessions in the neighboring Coleman Coliseum, one of the concession stands is also dedicated to sweet treats and the ever popular Dippin’ Dots. Beverages come from the Coca-Cola family of soft drinks, along with Powerade and Dasani bottled water. In addition, Sewell-Thomas Stadium sells various alcoholic beverages, from domestic and premium beers, hard seltzers, pre-mixed cocktails, and individual servings of wine. While there is a decent selection of concessions, prices do seem to be a bit high even for sports stadiums. Atmosphere   4 The exterior of Swell-Thomas Stadium uses a great deal of brick, accented with concrete and arches to create a rather impressive exterior. Field level seating, though just a few rows deep, runs nearly foul pole-to-foul pole, with upper-level seating of the grandstand a bit lopsided, running from even with third base to nearly the entire length of the right field foul line. Suites and the press box top the grandstand behind home plate, while right field seating is made up of multiple levels of grassy berms – the first two levels, below the outfield concourse, are reserved for students, with the sections above the right field concourse for general admission seating. The field does play a bit small with both lines going 320’, power alleys 360’, and deep center at 390’. Left-handed batters do have a slight advantage, as the outfield wall to right is a lower 8-foot height compared to the 12-foot chain link that makes up the rest of the outfield wall. The lone scoreboard sits just beyond the right field fence and includes the typical line score, sitting just below a large LED screen with batter statistics, previous at bat results, lineup, pitch count and pitch speed, and the next inning’s lineup. The game presentation at Sewell-Thomas Stadium is rather similar to that of a minor league game, with mid-inning contests and games on the scoreboard, conducted by an in-game host. When considering seating options, the sun sets behind the first base stands, so seats along that side of the field, or the right field pavilion, should eliminate contending with its rays. A roof also runs over the upper level of seating from dugout-to-dugout, which provides plenty of protection from the elements. Neighborhood   5 Sewell-Thomas Stadium is located toward the southeastern corner of Alabama’s campus, so it is a bit separated from the main concentration of extracurricular activities in Tuscaloosa. The surrounding area is heavily populated with off campus student housing, along with chain and international restaurants; the Druid City Brewing Company Tasting Room is also just a short distance from the backside of Coleman Coliseum. The primary entertainment district of Tuscaloosa, “The Strip”, is just over a mile from the southeast athletics neighborhood – this area is full of shops, restaurants, bars, and nightlife. But for those in search of a bit more toned-down experience, that might not have as much of the college life excitement, further up The Strip across Queen City Avenue, in Tuscaloosa’s downtown, is a bit more of a mature vibe with watering holes, restaurants, more boutique shops, and several hotels. In addition, just off the I-20/I-359 interchange, about a 5-minute drive from downtown, is another cluster of hotels and several chain restaurants. Tuscaloosa is a classic college town where the university drives much of the heartbeat of the community. Visitors would be hard pressed to find locals who are not either somehow tied to the school, or who are not ardent supporters of at least one of the Alabama athletic programs. These ties go a long way in developing a sense of pride that permeates throughout the Tuscaloosa community. Fans   4 SEC baseball fans might be just as diehard as their football counterparts, just in smaller numbers. Of the top 25 NCAA teams in terms of attendance, SEC teams claim 11 of those positions. Nevertheless, despite falling in the bottom half of the conference in attendance, the Crimson Tide is still in the top 25 nationally at roughly 3,500 fans per game. It is not just that fans show up, either – they are active participants in creating a fun college baseball atmosphere. They might not be as raucous as other fan bases in the conference, but Alabama fans show up and are supportive; much of that credit needs to go to the student section that inhabits the first couple of sections of tiered berm seating in right field. Access   4 Interstate 20 and two US highways feed into Tuscaloosa, making Sewell-Thomas Stadium conveniently accessible for fans traveling from any direction. Free parking is available in the Capstone parking garage across Paul Bryant Drive from the left field entry point. Two other access points, a cluster of three gates at the home plate entry, and a third in the right field corner, help ease crowds both as gates open and for fans leaving. An outer concourse also runs behind the grandstand housing concessions, restrooms, and the Babe Ruth McAfee Hall of Fame. In addition, the field concourse runs completely around the seating area, allowing fans to navigate the stadium while still being able to keep up with the game. Thought was obviously given to fans having unobstructed views of the game, as seating is elevated above walkways to keep those walking around the concourse from blocking the view of those in the upper sections. The sections are also kept reasonably open, which helps keep fans from having to get up for those trying to get to their seats in the middle of a row. Return on Investment   4 Pricing is different for non-conference and conference matchups; for mid-week games and early season non-conference series tickets start at $10, with conference series starting at $15. These rates are a bargain when considering SEC baseball as the country's best collegiate baseball conference. Even with such decent ticket prices, tickets on the secondary market can go for as low as $1 before fees. One great perk is that parking in the Capstone garage is conveniently located and free of charge! However, concessions are a bit inflated, but eating at the game is not a necessity, and the most expensive items are avoidable – the snacks and other ballpark mainstays at Sewell-Thomas Stadium are much more reasonably priced. Extras   5 The Babe Ruth McAbee Hall of Fame gives fans a look at Alabama Crimson Tide baseball history – from players who have played professionally to displays about some of Alabama’s most successful teams, as well as stories of Crimson Tide record holders and artifacts from major moments in program history. Stories of the stadium’s namesakes, Joe Sewell and Frank Thomas, are posted along the concourse on each side of the field. Sewell was an Alabama baseball player, coach, two-time World Series Champion with the Cleveland Indians (1920) and New York Yankees (1932), and National Baseball Hall of Famer, while Thomas led the Crimson Tide to two of the eighteen college football national championships they claim, in 1934 and 1941. Alabama does a lot in recognizing the history of athletic successes. Outside the stadium beyond the right field line, the Sarah Patterson Champions Plaza recognizes the founding coaches of each team, along with conference and national titles won by each program. More in line with extras from a stadium and game experience standpoint, for parents looking to give their children a bit of an opportunity to get out of their seat and expel some pent-up energy, a decent sized playground also sits just by one of the left field fences, and there are no concerns of bombardment from potential home run balls, as this area is covered by netting. Finally, in a top-notch, classy move, following wins and the team handshake line, Alabama baseball players make a beeline to the student section to thank them for their support, as the players make the rounds with high-fives for fans leaning over the right field wall. Final Thoughts Baseball at the University of Alabama has quietly blossomed into one of the high-level baseball programs not just in the SEC, but nationally. While the team on the field fills the stadium with plenty of excitement, the positives do not stop there. Considering the in-game fan engagement, fan support, and additional perks enhancing a day at Sewell-Thomas Stadium, Alabama offers one of the top-tier college baseball experiences in the country.

Photo by Andrei Ojeda, Stadium Journey Earlier this week the San Francisco Giants announced that after 24 seasons they will be parting ways with beloved PA Announcer Renel Brooks-Moon. “As a Bay Area native, it has been the honor of my lifetime to serve on the mike and in the community for the Giants for 24 years,” the 65-year-old said in the news release. “My very first game on April 11, 2000, I shall never forget, because the job has always been bigger than me. Representation matters, and it is my great hope that my time in the booth has inspired little girls, young women and people of color to pursue their dreams even if those dreams seem impossible, because impossible dreams can come true. “To my successor, best of luck, and enjoy every minute of it! To the talented young control-room crew, I could not be prouder of you all. And last, but certainly not the least, the fans: 100% the best fans in all of baseball, many of whom have become personal friends. I can’t thank you enough for your overwhelming kindness and support. I will miss you all the most. Go Get 'Em Bo Mel!” The news came as a shock to baseball fans throughout the Bay Area. In the past quarter century the presence and voice of Brooks-Moon at Oracle Park was synonymous to the game day experience along with the sweeping views of the bay and their three World Championships. Brooks-Moon was the second female PA Announcer for the San Francisco Giants replacing Sherry Davis, who held the position from 1993-1999. Aside from being the first female PA Announcer to announce during the World Series, Brooks-Moon has been honored by many organizations, including American Women in Radio and Television, Multi-Ethnic Sports Hall of Fame, 100 Black Women, Bay Area Black Journalists Association and Girls, Inc. She is in the Bay Area Radio Hall of Fame, and former San Francisco Mayor Gavin Newsom proclaimed "Renel Brooks-Moon Day" in her honor on March 18, 2005. San Francisco Giants announcer Renel Brooks-Moon addresses the crowd during a Wall of Fame induction ceremony before the game between the San Francisco Giants and the Los Angeles Dodgers at Oracle Park on Sept. 17, 2022, in San Francisco. Photo Courtesy of Lachlan Cunningham/Getty Images In light of her separation, Brooks-Moon on Wednesday was named 2024 Woman of the Year by the California State Assembly on Wednesday by District Supervisor Matt Haney. On Thursday Giants President and CEO Larry Baer announced  that the Giants won’t have a permanent replacement for Brooks-Moon to start the 2024 season. Instead, they will use “rotating voices” in the 2024 season. Baer also stated that the team hasn't started the search for a replacement yet  but will “soon,” adding that it will take time because Brooks-Moon “is a legend” and leaves “tough” shoes to fill. With Baer practically admitting the organization was not prepared to find her replacement, perhaps now would be a great opportunity for those of you out there to submit an audition tape to team president Larry Baer to be among the “rotating voices” of PA Announcers during the 2024 season. Who knows, maybe just maybe you could be the next legendary voice of Oracle Park though as Baer alluded to earlier Brooks-Moon “is a legend” and leaves “tough” shoes to fill. Follow and view all of Andrei’s Los Angeles journeys on Instagram @thestadiumjourneyman and @dreiinla and on TikTok @dre1nla.