The Twin Cities (Minneapolis/St. Paul) have a rich history with baseball dating back to 1859. A new book, Historic Ballparks of the Twin Cities by Stew Thornley, provides a fascinating look at the various stadiums in the Twin Cities that housed the minor league, major league, and university-level baseball teams over the last 160-plus years. The first recorded baseball game in the Minneapolis/St. Paul area was in1859. In these early years, these games took place in open fields with no fencing to regulate the attendance of fans. The first stadium to enclose the playing fields was Red Cap Park in 1876. It served as the home for several teams, as the sport was made up of neighborhood or company teams. It would be 1884 before the first organized teams competed in a regulated league. At first, the two Twin Cities were in a very competitive battle to recruit a major league team to their area as it would be a major feather in their (baseball) cap in promoting the city. St. Paul’s first ballpark was known as the West Seventh Street Grounds. It had a capacity of 2,400 and featured hitching posts for the fan’s horses. Minneapolis answered by building the Portland Park Grounds, with a capacity of 3,300 and hitching posts for 100 horses. It was also located near the trolley line that served the city. In 1889 Minneapolis opened Athletic Park with space for 3,000 fans. Unfortunately, the wooden venue was destroyed by fire shortly after it opened. It reopened in 1894 and served the city for more than 15 years. A group led by Charles Comisky, who later owned the Chicago White Sox, then built the Dale and Aurora Grounds, also known as Comisky Park, in St. Paul. A replacement was built in 1903 and was nicknamed the “Pillbox” due to its small size. Eventually, St. Paul and Minneapolis were in the same league and were competing on the field as well as off the field. The Minneapolis team played their home games at Nicolett Park, while the St. Paul squad called Lexington Park home. Lexington Park was a keeper, as the St. Paul Saints would call it home from 1897 to 1956. It was eventually torn down in 1958. Minneapolis also built a long-term ballpark at Nicollett Park. It would play there from 1896- 1955. Eventually, the Minneapolis side of the ballpark war won out, as the Minneapolis suburb of Bloomington was chosen to host the former Washington Senators in a new ballpark named Metropolitan Stadium. It opened in 1957 as the home of the Minnesota Twins. In a way, Minneapolis delivered an olive branch to St. Paul, as the team nickname and logo referred to the area as the Twin Cities. In 1961, the Minnesota Vikings expansion franchise was added as a stadium tenant, making Metropolitan Stadium one of the first stadiums to host both an MLB and an NFL franchise. Both teams would play at Metropolitan Stadium through 1981 when they both moved to the indoor Hubert H Humphrey Metrodome. Metropolitan Stadium was torn down and the Mall of America now occupies its footprint. The Metrodome allowed both the Vikings and the Twins to play indoors, as it increased the fans’ comfort in a temperature-controlled environment. It also eliminated any games lost to bad weather. They would be joined by the University of Minnesota football team and the Minnesota Timberwolves as tenants at the facility. The Timberwolves were a short-term rental, as they were just waiting for the Target Center to be built. The Metrodome became famous for the noise level generated by fans in one of the first indoor football facilities. The Metrodome did have some drawbacks, as its air-supported roof collapsed twice under the weight of the snowpack that had formed on top of the roof. The baseball field also had issues, as the turf caused unpredictable bounces that led to many errors. The Metrodome would serve these teams from 1982- 2009, with the Twins moving to Target Field and the Vikings eventually returning to the site when the new Vikings stadium was built on the footprint of the Metrodome. Target Field has been a huge success, as it has reenergized development in the downtown Minneapolis area. Its innovative design has been recognized, and it has also achieved LEED Gold status for its “green” design. St. Paul has not stood still in ballpark development. The St Paul Saints moved from their longtime home at Midway Ballpark to CHS Field in downtown St. Paul. It offers an increased amount of seating, wider concourses, and more shade from the sun than its predecessor. The stadium also includes the City of Baseball Museum, which does a fantastic job of educating fans about baseball in the Twin Cities. Historic Ballpark of the Twin Cities is a must-read for any ballpark chaser or baseball fan. It offers a timeline/roadmap for historians and sports fans alike. Fortunately, the modern-day ballparks are all located along the light rail system in the Twin Cities, making it easily accessible for sports travelers.

Photos by Lance Sutehall, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.86 Devlin Fieldhouse 6811 Freret Street New Orleans, LA 70118 Tulane Green Wave website Devlin Fieldhouse website Year Opened: 1933 Capacity: 4,100 Roll Wave The oldest active college basketball arena in the south is Tulane’s Devlin Fieldhouse. In use since the 1930s the Devlin Fieldhouse is the home of Green Wave basketball and volleyball. It was built with the proceeds from the football team’s appearance in the 1932 Rose Bowl and the nickname “Rose Bowl Gym” was given to the venue as a result. The Tulane Green Wave men’s basketball program was involved in a point-shaving scandal in the 1980s that led to the program being dissolved for four seasons. In 1989 the program was revived with the arena getting a renovation and was named for Tulane alum Avron Fogelman.  The Green Wave made the NCAA Tournament in 1992, 1993, and 1995. The Green Wave has not made the big dance since the 1990s but with Ron Hunter at the helm of the program things are looking up. They compete in the D1 American Athletic Conference. Food & Beverage 3 There are two concession stands in the arena with one being in the lobby while the other is in the upper concourse. Standard stadium fare includes popcorn ($5), nachos ($5), hot dogs ($5), burgers ($7), peanuts ($4), and pretzels ($4). Coca-Cola is the soft drink provider with bottled drinks costing $4 and beer is also sold for $8. The concession stands are cashless. Atmosphere 4 Devlin Fieldhouse is a small arena and if not for the fact that a sign says “Devlin Fieldhouse” you would not know you are entering a Division One college basketball arena. The lobby inside is small with a bell and a Tulane logo before you walk through a glass door to the seating bowl.  There is a lot of green in the arena including the out-of-bounds area on the court, the seats, the walls, and the banners. The seats are all close to the court with the furthest seat on the sideline only 14 rows away, thus creating an intimate atmosphere for Green Wave basketball games.  The students are on one side of the court and they give opposing teams a lot of grief. The band and cheerleaders also definitely play their part in keeping the energy up during games. I will add an extra point for the LED light shows during breaks in game action. Neighborhood 5 Tulane University is located in one of the top tourist destinations in the United States. On the campus of Tulane is Yulman Stadium, the home of Green Wave football. Yulman Stadium was built on the site where Tulane Stadium used to be and where three Super Bowls, Saints games, and Sugar Bowls were played. Across the street from the campus of Tulane University is Audubon Park and the Audubon Zoo. This area is perfect for a family-friendly outing. Restaurants near the Tulane campus include Jamila’s Cafe for Tunisian food, Ted’s Frostop Diner for burgers, and Dat Dog for hot dogs. Bars to check out include The Boot, Phillip’s, and Bruno’s Tavern. Lodging options a couple of miles away include the Adler Hotel, Hampton Inn, and St. Charles Inn.  If you are planning to stay in New Orleans for a few days you should consider heading towards downtown and the French Quarter for the full New Orleans experience. Fans 3 Tulane does not have the largest fanbase and the Devlin Fieldhouse is not always packed. The game I attended had a packed crowd but at least a third of the crowd was pulling for the visiting team. That being said the fans that do pull for the Green Wave get invested in the game and cheer and jeer when appropriate. I will give a point for some of the chants the students gave the refs.  Access 3 To get to the campus of Tulane University from I-10 Westbound you turn off Exit 234C onto Highway 90. Turn left onto State Street before making another left on Freret Street. From I-10 Eastbound turn off on exit 232 onto Carrollton Street before turning left onto Nelson Street and an immediate right on Short Street. Turn left on Claiborne Avenue and make a right on Broadway before making a left on Freret.   Free parking is at the Loyola RecPlex garage which is across the street from the Tulane campus. There are enough restrooms inside but the lobby can get cramped during a game with lots of spectators and there are only two concession stands. Return on Investment 5 Tickets go for $8 for bench seating on the baselines or $18.50 for chairback seating by the sideline. With free parking, reasonable concession prices, and a historic venue to check out this is a great deal! . Extras 4 In 1969 and 1970 the venue was home to the American Basketball Association’s New Orleans Buccaneers.  President Gerald Ford announced the end of the Vietnam War in Devlin FIeldhouse in 1975. Ford would not be the only President to speak at Devlin as then Senator Barack Obama gave a speech in 2008 during his presidential campaign. During the 2021-2022 season, the arena was home to the NAIA’s Loyola Wolf Pack basketball teams. The Wolf Pack men’s team ended up winning the 2022 NAIA National Championship. Final Thoughts Catching a Tulane Green Wave game at Devlin Fieldhouse may not be the first thing on your list when visiting New Orleans. However, it is an underrated venue and experience given that you are attending the oldest active Division One men’s basketball arena in the South.

Photos by David Welch, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.86 Jerry Richardson Indoor Stadium 601 Cummings St Spartanburg, SC 29303 Wofford Terriers website Jerry Richardson Indoor Stadium website Year Opened: 2017 Capacity: 3,400 Jerry Richardson Indoor Stadium – Wofford Terriers The roots of what is now the home court of the Wofford Terriers started on the gridiron during the mid to late 1950s, when tight end Jerry Richardson established himself as a standout on the field for the Terriers. It was in the business world though where Richardson would experience his greatest professional achievements – after starting multiple successful businesses and serving as a CEO, Richardson brought professional football to Charlotte, North Carolina as owner of the Carolina Panthers . Through all the professional successes Richardson enjoyed, he gave much of the credit to the time he spent at Wofford. Jerry Richardson’s accomplishments in the business world put him in a position to give back to the college he held so dear; Richardson would give an estimated $250 million back to Wofford, including the $40 million to build what would end up being Jerry Richardson Indoor Stadium. Since joining the Southern Conference at the start of the 1997-98 season, the Terriers have established themselves as one of the top teams in the conference, tied with Chattanooga for the most NCAA tournament appearances (5) during that span. The crowning moment for Wofford came in 2019 when the 7th-seeded Terriers stunned the Big East's Seton Hall Pirates to reach the NCAA Tournament's Round of 32 for the first time in program history.   Food & Beverage   4 Jerry Richardson Indoor Stadium houses two concessions stands with a decent variety on their menu, offering chicken sandwiches and tenders, burgers (including a veggie option), Papa John’s pizza, and several snacks. The real eye opener on the menu, though, has to be the fried pickles, which you are not going to find at most stadium concessions stands. The 51 Club, exclusive to Terrier Club donor season ticket holders, provides fans with some bit higher end food options, along with beer, wine, and mixed drinks. Coca-Cola products are the beverage of choice, with Powerade and Dasani bottled water offered throughout the general seating area. Other than the suites and the 51 Club, alcoholic beverages are not available.   Atmosphere   4 The exterior of Jerry Richardson Indoor Stadium oozes sophistication – limestone and sleek black accents frame tall, narrow windows, creating a modern yet classic feel, while the soaring foyer welcomes fans with a marble floor, emblazoned with a simple “W” underscored with “Wofford”. Staircases flank each side of the entrance leading to the concourse level. Ticket offices can be found on either side of the main level. The charm of the parquet floor with the Wofford W at center court perfectly complements the overall elegance of the arena. In a time when gaudy floor designs appear to be in vogue, the simplicity and classic feel of the parquet almost seems comforting. Rather than the center hung, four-sided scoreboards common at most arenas, Jerry Richardson Indoor Stadium has four large rectangular boards, one hung in each corner, providing fans with a live feed of the game and real time statistics. Each one also has a ribbon board below giving the time, score, and team foul information; this definitely opens up the playing area, keeping it from feeling too small. Wofford provides diverse seating choices throughout the arena, ranging from traditional courtside chair backed stadium seats to the student section bleachers dubbed, “The Boneyard”. In addition, luxurious, open-air suites are situated in each of the corners, which have the feel of theater box seating. A second level of seating along the sidelines provides fans with a view not often seen in the Southern Conference. Additionally, a drink rail encircles the seating area, providing a convenient option to enjoy the game without a feeling of being confined to your seat.   Neighborhood   4 Wofford College is situated within 2 miles of downtown Spartanburg, providing a number of dining, accommodation, and entertainment options just minutes away from the campus. West Main Street, running alongside Morgan Square, has been transformed by the closure to make way for parklets, enhancing the appeal of the lively downtown district. Within the campus, the athletics district on Wofford's eastern edge hosts Jerry Richardson Indoor Stadium, along with Russell C. King Field  for baseball and Gibbs Stadium ,  which serves as the home of Wofford football. The Wofford campus is amazingly designed with stunning architecture and meticulously maintained grounds.   Fans   3 Typically, attendance ranges from 1,200 to 1,800 fans, but in-state rival Furman draws near sellout crowds of students, alumni, and opposing fans, creating an electrifying atmosphere. Casual fans planning to attend a Wofford game would want to mark this particular match-up as a must see. On a game-by-game basis, Wofford students consistently turn out and contribute significantly to the game's atmosphere right from the tip. With an undergraduate enrollment of just over 1,800 students, the student section, consisting of around 300 students, represents a substantial portion of the student body.   Access   4 Located at the crossroads of two significant interstates, Spartanburg, South Carolina benefits from I-85 connecting Atlanta and Charlotte, as well as I-26 linking Columbia, South Carolina, to Asheville, North Carolina. With these key arteries running through the southeastern region, the area is readily accessible. Parking is plentiful at Jerry Richardson Indoor Stadium in the gravel and grass lot opposite the stadium, requiring only a brief walk. The grassy parking may be a bit tricky for some, particularly if contending with rainy conditions. Upon entering, ticket scanners for fans are positioned on both sides of the grand entry point, which serves as the sole entrance to the arena. Majestic staircases on each side of the entryway guide visitors to an internal concourse encircling the top of the main seating area. Visitors with mobility limitations can access the second level by use of the escalator on the left side of the foyer. The concourse level gives fans plenty of space to navigate. The area above The Boneyard, where students gather before heading to their seats, around to the 51 Club can become somewhat narrow, especially with fans standing along the drink rail. While these obstacles may not pose an issue for most games, popular match ups that draw large numbers of fans can lead to some congestion.   Return on Investment   4 Starting at $10 for kids and $16 for adults, ticket prices are reasonable but on the higher side for SoCon – when factoring in free parking, however, the overall cost is in line with expectations for the conference. Additionally, concessions are reasonably priced, making the overall experience a worthwhile investment.   Extras   4 A tribute to Jerry Richardson, whose financial support and commitment to Wofford College served as the driving force behind the construction of the $40 million facility, includes a replica of his Wofford football jersey and a brief biography detailing Richardson's journey from Wofford tight end to NFL player, to co-founder of Hardee's which ultimately led to becoming the owner of the NFL's Carolina Panthers . This tribute is situated in an alcove overlooking the grand entry. On the opposing side of the entry foyer, a matching alcove proudly showcases the trophies and nets that the Terriers cut down, commemorating the five Southern Conference Tournament titles they have won. As a tribute to Wofford, after the game players, staff, and the cheer squad line the 3-point arc, joining the students of The Boneyard and the WOCO BAND in singing the school's alma mater. Unlike many colleges and universities whose pep bands are made solely of students, the WOCO BAND includes not just students but also alumni, fans, local high school students, and other community members looking to make a commitment.   Final Thoughts Jerry Richardson Indoor Stadium is a facility that if you didn't know what you were looking for, could be easily overlooked as the campus basketball arena – at first glance its majestic architecture may give the impression that it is one of the college's buildings designed for hosting formal galas, rather than basketball games and volleyball matches. The elegance and sophistication of the building is evident in nearly every aspect of the arena, from the entrance to the suites to the general seating, and even down to the meticulous detail of the fully encircling drink rail. The entire game experience at Jerry Richardson Indoor Stadium goes beyond giving fans a basketball game in a beautiful facility; it highlights everything there is to love about college basketball.

Photos by Gregory Koch, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.57 PPL Center 701 Hamilton St Allentown, PA 18101 Lehigh Valley Phantoms website PPL Center website Year Opened: 2014 Capacity: 8,578 Phantom of the Hockey Arena Located in Downtown Allentown, Pennsylvania, is the PPL Center, home of the Lehigh Valley Phantoms of the American Hockey League (AHL). Since 2014, the Phantoms have been the top-level minor league hockey affiliate of the nearby Philadelphia Flyers. Previously, the Phantoms played in Glens Falls, New York, and before that, at the Spectrum in Philadelphia, which they had moved into after the Flyers moved out. The PPL Center seats just over 8,500 fans and is currently celebrating its 10th anniversary as the home of the Phantoms. Food & Beverage 5 The PPL Center has a wide range of concessions that will satisfy every fan. Traditional items such as hot dogs and burgers are available, but you will find many specialty items as well. Q BBQ sells several barbecue options, including pulled pork, brisket, and nachos topped with barbecue meat. Donnybrook Sausage sells several different kinds of sausage. Burger Prime sells not just classic cheeseburgers but multiple specialty burgers as well, with a wide range of toppings. Fans can also buy pizza, chicken parmesan sandwiches, and much more. For those with a sweet tooth, Italian ice, and frozen custard are available at the Rita's stand. Alcohol is available for those of age as well. Atmosphere 4 The PPL Center is a raucous atmosphere right in the middle of Flyers Country. The orange and black color scheme shared by both the Phantoms and the parent club can be seen throughout the arena. All seats have a good view of the ice, and you will hear every hit against the boards, every smash of the puck, and more. The Phantoms have a mascot named meLVin (yes, that is the correct capitalization), who is a bright yellow character full of mayhem in the same vein as Gritty and the Philly Phanatic. Whether it's annoying fans of the visiting team, causing chaos in the crowd, or heading out onto the ice before the game, meLVin is sure to cause beautiful chaos in the arena. Before the game, the Phantoms starting lineup is introduced as flames shoot from the ice and players emerge from a cloud of smoke. Multiple pregame hype videos get the crowd roaring and ready to go. After every Phantoms goal, the PA announcer will announce "Phantoms...." and the crowd will shout "Goal" in response before the announcer says the scorer. Neighborhood 3 The PPL Center is located in Downtown Allentown, and while you may pass through some questionable neighborhoods driving to the arena, the immediate area should be safe. Chickie's and Pete's, a legendary Philadelphia area sports bar and crab house chain, is located right next to the arena. Fagley's Allentown Brew Works is a couple of blocks away. The Renaissance Hotel Allentown shares a parking garage with the arena for fans looking for a place to stay overnight. Fans 4 The Phantoms have consistently ranked in the top 10 of the AHL in attendance. Phantoms fans are proud and loud, and the fact that most of them are also fans of the parent club, Flyers, certainly helps. The crowd noise can get quite loud here at times, and when the Phantoms score, the arena will erupt with cheers. Expect to see an arena full of fans wearing orange and black, whether those are Phantoms or Flyers jerseys. The crowd here loves their team and isn't afraid to show it. Access 3 The PPL Center is located in downtown Allentown, several miles from I-78 and US 22, so fans will have to drive on city streets to get to the arena. There are several parking garages and surface lots located near the arena, which can be reserved in advance and cost between $5 and $10. We recommend using the lot that is directly attached to the arena. You can just take the elevator to the ground floor and walk through a door that will put you in the lobby of the arena. Keep in mind that although the Arena Garage allows drivers to back into their spaces, the other garages, which are owned by the City of Allentown, do not. Keep this in mind if you're one of those drivers who insist on backing into parking spaces. The concourses of the PPL Center are wide enough to accommodate even sold-out crowds but sometimes take meandering routes around luxury suites. Fortunately, it is very clearly singed where to go. Return on Investment 3 Tickets for Phantoms games start at $23 for upper-level seats, and standard seats go up to about $55 at center ice. VIP club seats will cost more. Concessions are about average price, and parking is reasonably priced as well. All in all, a Phantoms game is a decent value for your money. Extras 3 One bonus star for meLVin, one of the most exciting mascots in the AHL. Look for the display of the concourse featuring photos of every member of the team, including meLVin. A team store on the concourse offers a wide range of Phantoms merchandise. Final Thoughts The PPL Center can be a fun place to take in a minor league hockey game. With a crazy mascot and a loyal fan base that rocks the team colors every game, the Phantoms experience is well worth checking out for hockey fans in Eastern Pennsylvania.

Most people assume that the history of baseball parks in Los Angeles got its’ start in 1962 when Dodgers Stadium opened. After all, everyone knows that it is the third oldest stadium in Major League baseball. But did you know that Angels/Anaheim Stadium is the fourth oldest ballpark in the majors?  How about the fact that a Wrigley Field existed before the iconic home of the Cubs was built in Chicago? These and many other interesting facts are available in the book Los Angeles’s Historic Ballparks by Chris Epting. California was a mecca for baseball at the majors, minors, and company levels due to its year-round comfortable weather. Before either major league stadium was built, the city had been used for several major league spring training camps. The Cactus League in Arizona had not yet come into existence. The earliest ballpark in Los Angeles dates to 1887. It was known as Chutes Park and was located inside of an amusement park. In 1911 it moved next door to become Washington Park Stadium, where it operated from 1912-1925. Brookside Park was another early ballpark. It opened in 1914 in the Los Angeles suburb of Pasadena, where it served as the spring training home of the Chicago White Sox. In 1988 it was renamed in honor of its hometown baseball legend, Jackie Robinson. The first Wrigley Field opened in 1925 as the home of the Los Angeles Angels of the Pacific Coast League. It served as their home park from 1925-1957. Among the baseball immortals to play at Wrigley Field were Babe Ruth, Joe DiMaggio, and Mickey Mantle who were on a barnstorming tour by the Yankees when they played several Pacific Coast League teams. The stadium was also used as a stand-in for movies/ television shows including Pride of the Yankees, Angels in the Outfield, and Home Run Derby . The stadium featured an Art Deco style of architecture with a red tile roof, so it would fit in with the residential neighborhood that surrounded it. It had a capacity of 20,500 and included a feature that would be copied in Chicago… the outfield walls were covered with ivy. An early program used at the ballpark listed the following concession items and their prices… beer for 35 cents, hot dogs for 25 cents, Coca-Cola’s for 15 cents, and popcorn for 15 cents. Those were the days! Catalina Island also served as a spring training home for the Chicago Cubs from 1922-42, 46-47, 50-51. The players would arrive by ship for the training camps. Another early ballpark was Gilmore Field, which was the home for the Pacific Coast League Stars from 1939-1957. It was also popular with the Hollywood Stars, as its opening was attended by Jack Benny, Al Jolson, Bing Crosby, and Gary Cooper. The stadium also hosted spring training for the Pittsburgh Pirates. The space it occupied is now home to CBS Television City. The suburb of Burbank was home to Olive Memorial Stadium from 1947 -1952. It served as a PCL stadium and as the home park for the St. Louis Browns spring training camp. One of the earliest industrial leagues in the country was in the Los Angeles suburb of Long Beach. It featured a stadium built by Shell Oil Company for its workforce. It was a very basic facility, as the borders of Shell Oil Field were outlined by the Model T cars surrounding the playing field. Oil derricks lined the outfield fences. No word on whether the early pitchers were “oiling up” the balls! Other cities in the greater Los Angeles area that had ballparks were Las Palmas, San Bernadino, and Palm Springs. Each of these ballparks served as a spring training home for a major league team. We’ve now come full circle to the present major league residents in the Los Angeles area. The Brooklyn Dodgers were the first to arrive in 1958. Dodger Stadium had not yet been built, so the Los Angeles Coliseum served as its first West Coast home from 1958-1962. The Coliseum is oval-shaped, which resulted in a very unusual layout for the field. The left field fence was only 251 feet from the plate. A net was hung atop the fence and a ball had to go over the net to be a home run. Meanwhile, fans in right field were sitting more than 700 feet from the plate. The outfielders had a lot of ground to cover! The Dodgers went to the World Series the second season they played in the Coliseum, and as a result, were able to reach an attendance record of 93,103 for one of their games. The Dodgers would move on to Chavez Ravine and Dodger Stadium in 1962. The Angels were created as an expansion team in 1962. They would share Dodger Stadium with the Dodgers until their stadium in Anaheim opened in 1966. Los Angeles’s Historic Ballparks does a superb job of covering the early ballparks in the City of Angels. Many of these park sites have been obliterated by time, development, and the Los Angeles freeway system. Fortunately, Chris Epting was able to travel to many of these sites before they disappeared. His photos accompanying each chapter bring alive the history of these early ballparks and the many baseball immortals that played on their fields.

Photos by David Welch, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.43 Hanner Fieldhouse 590 Herty Drive Statesboro, GA 30458 Georgia Southern Eagles website Hanner Fieldhouse website Year Opened: 1969 Capacity: 4,325 Final Curtain Call for Hanner Following the 2023-24 basketball season, the Georgia Southern Eagles will be leaving their home of the past 55 years for a new $64 million facility, the Jack and Ruth Ann Hill Convocation Center . While the new facility comes with much anticipation, there is also much to appreciate and look back on in fondness as the Eagles leave their nest. Initially established as the Georgia Teacher College Professors, the school transitioned to the Georgia Southern College Eagles in 1959. The Eagles have played as members of the Sun Belt Conference since the 2014-15 season, having previously been a part of the Southern and Trans-Atlantic Conferences, as well as spending time as an independent program upon their jump from NAIA to NCAA in 1970. Since joining the NCAA, Georgia Southern has played in three NCAA tournaments (‘83, ‘87, ‘92), have been selected for three Post Season NITs (‘88, ‘89, ‘06), and have played in one CBI tournament (‘17).   Food & Beverage   2 Concession stands can be found in the court level lobby down the stairs from the main entry point. The menu offerings are somewhat limited, featuring typical stadium fare such as hotdogs, soft pretzels, popcorn, chips, and various candies. Beverages include various options from the Coca-Cola family, with Dasani water also available. For those looking for alcoholic beverages, Hanner Fieldhouse offers a selection of Budweiser products, including beer and seltzers. For a bit more flavor, craft beers from Wicked Weed are also available, as are Cutwater premixed cocktails.   Atmosphere   4 From the outside, the brick and concrete facility might be a bit less than impressive, but once they step into the playing area, fans are seemingly teleported back to a time when towns shut down for games because the entire population was at the gym. Upon entering the seating bowl the fold-down, wooden seats along the upper level of sideline seating, not to mention the wooden benches at each end of the court, give the feeling that Jimmy Chitwood ( Hoosiers ) might run out from the locker room to take the floor. Court level seating, while a bit more comfortable, does not have the same charm as the wooden relics in the upper seating area. A row of court side seats run the length of the sideline opposite the team benches, only broken up by the center court press table. Regardless of your seat, you will be close to the action and have a clear view of the floor. However, the railings of the stairs in the upper seating area, along with the clear plastic used in the openings, can slightly interrupt the view of the court for those seated in the first few rows of the upper level. Due to a low roof line here, the use of an overhead scoreboard is impractical. Instead, LED ribbon boards span the width of the court on either end, serving at the arena scoreboards. While this setup may pose some minor limitations for certain in-game features, it brings a sense of relief as fans are spared from being bombarded with ads and commercials during breaks in the action. The promotions staff wonderfully engages fans through on-court contests, primarily featuring the Eagles youngest fans, and by simply allowing the pep band, cheer squad, and dance team to “do their thing” in entertaining the crowd until the ball is back in play. The simple act of giving these groups the stage to showcase their talents significantly contributes to energizing the fans and keeping them actively involved in the game.   Neighborhood   4 Downtown Statesboro has every ounce of charm that would be expected from small town America. A mile from the northern edge of Georgia Southern’s campus, Main Street Statesboro is home to several shops, restaurants, and coffee shops. The recently revitalized Blue Mile, connecting campus to downtown Statesboro, is dotted with bars and restaurants. Notable establishments like the well-regarded BBQ joint Dolan's, and the popular nightlife spot Gnat's Landing, are found along this path. On the opposite side of campus, Dingus MaGee's is another favored spot for grabbing a bite and a pint. For those seeking a larger city atmosphere, the Georgia port city of Savannah is conveniently located about an hour east on I-16.   Fans   4 Georgia Southern fans are a loud and supportive bunch – it is not uncommon for those in court side seats to be a bit more reserved, but at Hanner Fieldhouse they might be some of the more rambunctiously supportive groups. The Georgia Southern student section, the Hanner Hooligans, do a lot to bring a lively atmosphere to Hanner Fieldhouse. Though they do have a section all for themselves, it seems as if the students are more spread out than that, albeit mostly concentrated in the court level seating behind the team benches. As a whole, the Georgia Southern fan base shows a high level of appreciation and participation when it comes to the cheers and chants led by the spirit squads. Eagles fans contribute to a unique and vibrant experience inside Hanner Fieldhouse, an atmosphere that might be overlooked in a larger venue, but undeniably adds to the distinctive charm of Hanner.   Access   2 Statesboro can be a bit challenging to get to. The closest bigger city, Savannah, is still an hour's drive away, while the next closest Georgia city, Macon, is nearly 2 hours. Fans coming from central and northern Georgia will definitely get familiar with the Georgia countryside along Interstate I-16. Once in Statesboro, the core of its athletics neighborhood is wedged into the northern reaches of the Georgia Southern campus on the south side of town. Parking is available in the large lot along Fair Road, behind the tennis complex and baseball’s J.I. Clement Stadium . This leaves a short walk to the front doors of Hanner Fieldhouse – parking directly in front of Hanner Fieldhouse is reserved for season ticket holders and doners. While there are some interesting quirks to navigating Hanner Fieldhouse, one being the only concession stands are located in the court level lobby, downstairs from the main concourse, there is one concourse that encircles the break between the upper and lower levels of seating. This walkway is wide enough to accommodate fans moving in different directions, but with endline seating starting in the concourse, there is a bit of having to navigate around the legs of those seated in the front rows.   Return on Investment   4 Tickets start at $10 for general admission seats at the ends of the fieldhouse, while reserved seats with sideline views will run $15. There is also a $3 service fee added to the transaction. While this fee is a bit of an annoyance, it is better than the Ticketmaster fee that is added to each ticket sold on top of the total transaction. Tickets are not outrageously priced to the point that it would be a deterrent to attending a game. Concession prices seem comparable to most smaller sports venues; as expected there is a premium markup on alcohol. Cash payment is not accepted here, so prices might be subject to convenience fees, which does not tend to be all that coinvent.   Extras   4 The wooden seating around the upper level of Hanner Fieldhouse is a rarity, and creates a very special atmosphere that is almost a time capsule of basketball history. GUS, the Georgia Southern mascot, is an active part of the game experience, and often leads the crowd in chants during breaks. Banners of retired numbers in Georgia Southern basketball history recognize the careers of Scotty Perkins, Chester Webb, Jeff Sanders, and Michael Curry. Following the game, in an ode to their university the cheerleaders and pep band join with alumni to sing the Georgia Southern alma mater.   Final Thoughts While new facilities are generally much anticipated and create a great deal of excitement for a fan base, there is always a bit of historical relevance that is left behind that can never be duplicated. There are definitely aspects of Hanner Fieldhouse which are either outdated or inconvenient, due simply to limitations in being able to improve them, which moving to a new facility can remedy, but one thing that will be difficult to recreate is the air of special basketball that is Hanner Fieldhouse.

Photos by David Welch, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.00 Hank McCamish Pavilion 965 Fowler St Atlanta, GA 30332 Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets (WBB) website Hank McCamish Pavilion website Year Opened: 1956 Capacity: 8,600 Women's Basketball at McCamish Originally opened as Alexander Memorial Coliseum in 1956 as the home court for Georgia Tech basketball , the arena has been more than just the nest for the Yellow Jackets. In 1996 it was used for Olympic basketball, and following a tornado that struck downtown Atlanta in 2008, the arena played home to the SEC tournament following extensive damage to the Georgia Dome, creating a need for the tournament to be relocated on short notice. Nicknamed the “Thrillerdome”, the arena also served as the home court of the Atlanta Hawks  during the demolition of The Omni and construction of the now State Farm Arena, as well as the home of the Atlanta Dream  of the WNBA. After 55 years and being the fourth-oldest arena in the ACC used for women’s basketball, the facility was in need of significant upgrades – rather than building a completely new arena, the coliseum was retired in order to undergo $50 million in renovations, giving birth to the newly reconstructed McCamish Pavilion. Since the completion of renovations and moving back into their home to start the 2012-13 season, McCamish Pavilion has given Georgia Tech women’s basketball a definitive home court advantage, with the team winning 63% of their games at home.   Food & Beverage   3 A lone concession stand gives fans a menu that is quite standard, featuring hot dogs, nachos, pretzels, and an assortment of sweet treats. However, the presence of Chick-fil-A provides a wider selection of choices, offering their classic chicken sandwich, its spicy counterpart, and grilled chicken wraps. Additionally, various Chick-fil-A desserts, as well as their wonderfully tart lemonade and sweet southern tea, enhance the overall concessions experience. With Coca-Cola’s headquarters less than a mile away, it would almost feel sacrilegious for Tech to offer anything other than Coke products. Concessions also provide fans with a wide choice of alcoholic beverages; seltzers, wines, spritzers, macro brews, and craft beers from New Realm Brewing Company, including two Georgia Tech-branded beers. While the availability of Chick-fil-A is a welcome addition, the prices are significantly marked up, nearly double those found in the restaurant.   Atmosphere   3 After the 2011 season, the facility underwent a $50 million, 20-month renovation. The upgrades involved reconfiguring the seating bowl, widening the concourse, and adding club seating, an upper balcony, and an entry plaza. These changes give the arena a significantly more modern feel and addressed much-needed updates. The corner panels and underside of a relatively smaller center court-hung scoreboard incorporate honeycomb accents, perfectly complementing the school's Yellow Jacket moniker. A dark-colored roof and dark-colored seats and arena support structures effectively establish a dark background, framing the court as the primary focal point for the action. While the game remains the central focus, the traditions of Georgia Tech complement the fan involvement during most stoppages in play. Fans enthusiastically rise to their feet during the initial notes of the fight song "Ramblin' Wreck from Georgia Tech", or in anticipation of the 4th Quarter's “Buzzweiser song”, a rendition of a Budweiser jingle during which fans energetically alternately bob up and down, joining in the chant, "IF YOU’VE SAID BUUUUDWEISER, YOU’VE-SAID-IT-ALL!" . The band, along with the cheer and dance squads, contributes to the classic college basketball atmosphere. While there are a few in-game hosted features during timeouts, they more-or-less complement the pep band and spirit squad as the main focal point of breaks in the action.   Neighborhood   5 The Georgia Tech campus is in Atlanta’s midtown neighborhood – McCamish Pavilion itself is on the northern most reaches of campus, in an athletics neighborhood of sorts. The tennis complex, outdoor track, baseball’s Mac Nease Ballpark at Russ Chandler Stadium,  and even Hyundai Field at Bobby Dodd Stadium  can be seen in the distance.   Georgia Tech’s campus will never be confused with being a college town by any means, but if strolling the heart of campus it can be easy to forget you are in one of the nation’s largest metropolitan areas.   Being in midtown, the area around Georgia Tech provides nearly an endless number of food, lodging, and entertainment choices. Just across the Downtown Connector, several entertainment venues and restaurants line Peachtree and Juniper Streets. Tech is also only slightly over a mile away from Centennial Olympic Park, surrounded by attractions like the Georgia Aquarium, College Football Hall of Fame, and World of Coke. Just off the western edge of campus, the nationally renowned Antico Pizza and late-night hangout spot Northside Tavern are popular locations. In addition, the Georgia Tech Hotel and Conference Center is conveniently located near campus, but is just one of several lodging options in the area.   Fans   3 According to NCAA statistics , Georgia Tech women’s basketball averages roughly 1,800 fans per game, which is in line with the national average – the Power Five conferences (ACC, Big Ten, Big XII, Pac10, SEC) average 1,900, so the night-in-night-out attendance here is comparable with similar teams around the country.   At a capacity of 8,600, McCamish Pavilion is one of the smaller arenas in the ACC, but it does create a more intimate atmosphere where fans are closer to the action on the floor, and their passion has more of an impact on the game than it might in a larger arena. Fans are supportive throughout, celebrating baskets and defensive stops accordingly, even in late game situations of a lopsided game. A lot of credit needs to go to the Georgia Tech pep band who, while not filling the breaks in the action with music, are passionately rooting on the Yellow Jackets.   Access   4 Getting to McCamish Pavilion for a Yellow Jackets game may pose some challenges, but knowing some of the workarounds can ease some of the traffic frustrations. McCamish Pavilion is conveniently located off Atlanta's Downtown Connector just off 10th Street in midtown Atlanta. However, keep in mind this intersection is often highly congested, especially during the evening commute. For fans coming from the northwest side of Atlanta via I-75, moving to the right as soon as you see the 16th, 14th, and 10th Street exit sign will alleviate difficulties with merging at the last moment; easy rule of thumb – when in doubt, merge right. For those on I-85, taking the opportunity to turn right onto Techwood Drive can help avoid congestion on the exit ramp. Unfortunately, fans arriving from the south via the Williams Street exit may not experience the same relief from backups along 10th Street. The recommended parking lot for the arena is the McCamish lot (E65) located directly behind the arena. Additional parking is available in the garage on 10th Street, diagonally across from the facility (E66), as well as street parking along Fowler Street—be sure to check street signs for any parking restrictions. When using GPS for parking behind McCamish Pavilion, note that the gate is frequently closed for women’s basketball. Instead use the entrance on Fowler Street, which provides easy access to the back entrance of the arena. While Atlanta does have a serviceable subway system, MARTA, the most accessible stop for McCamish Pavilion is still a half-mile walk.   Return on Investment   5 Tickets here go for just $7, making the experience extremely affordable. The affordability of tickets helps to offset slightly higher concessions prices. When factoring in that parking is free, however, the overall investment is well worth it.   Extras   5 When McCamish Pavilion essentially replaced Alexander Memorial Coliseum, its floor found a new purpose as trim around the arena's support structures – the Yellow Jacket and “GT” logos from the old coliseum now adorn the ceilings and a section of the wall in the Calloway Club. Buzz, Georgia Tech's mascot and one of the most recognizable figures in college athletics, roams the stands during games, engaging kids, students, and anyone eager for a photo opportunity. The Yellow Jackets women’s basketball program strives to make their program accessible with their devoted supporters. For $35, season ticket holders are able to access open practices, a meet-and-greet with the team, a tour of the locker room, and the opportunity to participate in pre-game “chalk talks” on several occasions throughout the season; this provides insight into the preparation that goes into each game. The regular season and post season successes of the Tech’s women’s basketball program are recognized with banners in the rafters. Of the recognitions, the 1992 WNIT Championship team not only earned their own banner in the rafters, but also recognition among the honorees and NCAA Final Four teams in the support beams of the main entry point. One of the great experiences of college athletics are the traditions tied to them; in the minutes following the final horn, the Tech pep band's final performance, “ The Horse ”, gets those still in attendance up to dance with the band and spirit squad. During the drum break, band members scatter around the arena until the end of the break to complete the piece. Legend has it that band members are then forbidden to play their instruments again until after midnight, or risk bringing bad luck to the team against their next conference opponent.   Final Thoughts Georgia Tech women’s basketball has the pieces in place to build an overall exciting college basketball experience, but a handful of the aspects that support the overall positivity of the women’s basketball experience might also be working against it. A university in the heart of a major metropolitan area will commonly have endless competition for viewers simply given the number of options there are in the immediate vicinity. This does not take away from the excitement under the dome of McCamish Pavilion, however.

Photos by Matt Colville, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.00 Hancock Whitney Stadium 500 Stadium Dr Mobile, AL 36608 Senior Bowl website Hancock Whitney Stadium website Year Opened: 2020 Capacity: 25,450 The NFL Draft begins in Mobile For 75 years the country's top college football players have converged in Mobile, AL, for the annual Senior Bowl. What was once just a football game featuring the best players from the North taking on the best players from the South, has now evolved into a weeklong event for the NFL as the official kickstart to the NFL Draft. It is usually held the weekend before the Super Bowl and the day before the Pro Bowl. The Senior Bowl is much more than a regular all-star game, but an annual tradition on the NFL's calendar as coaches, scouts, and front office personnel from all 32 NFL teams are on hand for the weeklong festivities to get their first glimpse at their teams’ next star players. The game has played host to some of the greatest players ever to grace the NFL – a whopping 56 players enshrined in Canton have all come through Mobile en route to their Hall of Fame careers. The Senior Bowl traces its beginnings to 1950 when it was played in Jacksonville, FL; in 1951 the game was moved to Mobil where it has been played ever since. The game is played on the campus of the University of South Alabama at the brand new, state-of-the-art Hancock Whitney Stadium, which opened in 2020. There's probably a good reason that the game has stayed in the Port City after all these years, and that is because Mobile can be considered the birthplace of Mardi Gras, and Senior Bowl Week takes place right in the middle of Mardi Gras season. The Gulf Coast's love affair with football, combined with Mobile's hospitality and festive carnival spirit, make this the perfect recipe for an event like this. It is no wonder NFL scouts rave about coming to Mobile every year.   Food & Beverage   3 There is no shortages of concessions here with ten permanent stands throughout the facility. The usual fare of hamburgers ($5), corn dogs ($4), hot dogs ($3), nachos ($3), pretzels ($3), and popcorn ($2) can be found, but they also sell chicken sandwiches ($7), Conecuh Sausage ($6), and pork nachos ($6). They also have a chicken tenders and fries combo ($7) and a Philly cheesesteak combo ($8). Coke is the soft drink provider with 32 oz. drinks for $4, or you can get a 20 oz. Dasani bottled water ($3). They also have three custom stands built into the concessions – a Cotton States BBQ stand on the southwest corner, a pizza stand on the northeast concourse, and a taco/nacho stand on the southeast side of the concourse. Foosackly’s, a Mobile-area chicken chain, has their food truck set up on the concourse as well. There are several beer stands located throughout the stadium which sell 16 oz. Michelob Ultra and White Claw ($7), or Bud Light, Miller, and Coors ($6). The concessions here sell mixed drinks as well, and you can also get beer from the permanent concessions stands.   Atmosphere   5 As mentioned the Senior Bowl is more than just a game; it is a full-fledged event in itself filled with fan fests, parades, food, entertainment, and concerts that take over the city for 5 days. You can definitely tell that this is Mobile's premiere sporting event every year. From 1951-2020 the game took place downtown at Ladd-Peebles Stadium, but in the early 2000s the aging stadium was beginning to fall on hard times, and the game was at risk of moving cities. Fortunately, since the opening of Hancock Whitney Stadium in 2021 the game, as well as the event's festivities, now have a much more intimate experience. The 25,500 seats are the perfect size for an event like this – the stadium is designed so no matter where you sit, you are close to the field and have a perfect view of the field. You will also not miss any action on the field as you walk the wide and spacious concourses. In the south end zone is a large videoboard that shows stats and game action as shown on NFL Network; this videoboard is also the second-largest board in the State of Alabama. The huge team store in the south end zone that is open for South Alabama  games is closed for the Senior Bowl. However, there are four pop-up tents inside the stadium, and several outside the stadium, selling Senior Bowl gear (shirts, hats, helmets, programs, footballs, etc.). For the Senior Bowl, the Michelob Ultra Terrace in the south end zone is turned into a private club sponsored by the NFLPA – it is quite an impressive setup with couches and a full spread set up in the club. It is also quite intimidating to see the NFL's logo on everything throughout the game, from the NFL coaches coaching the game and NFL cheerleaders on the field, the game is even played under NFL rules. The Senior Bowl has a pretty big Hall of Fame, a who's who of NFL Legends. So, during the game it is not uncommon to see former big-name former players standing on the sidelines. Reese's is also the main sponsor of the Senior Bowl, so expect to see plenty of orange and Reese's logos throughout the stadium as well. The Reese's mascot walks around, and the Saints  cheerleaders hand out Reese's as you enter the stadium. And if you have a ticket to the private Hargrove Club on the West side of the stadium, they have a giant Reese's chocolate fountain and candy station up there. Many of the traditions that fans were familiar with at Ladd-Peebles Stadium have carried over to the new site, for example, before the game Mobile's famous Azalea Trail Maids make an appearance at midfield as the teams are introduced. The trail maids are high school senior girls who are chosen to be the official ambassadors for the city of Mobile; the maids wear bright colored and long dresses, meant to evoke Mobile's Southern charm and hospitality. The Azalea Trail Maids have become sort of synonymous with the Senior Bowl and with the city of Mobile. Another yearly tradition at the Senior Bowl is the HBCU band that entertains fans during the game. Known for having some of the best marching bands in college football, the HBCU bands are a sight to see and hear as they dance while they perform. For 2024 the Talladega College Marching Band entertained the crowd during the game and at halftime, while in years past Jackson State , Southern , Florida A&M , and Grambling State have all had their bands play at the Senior Bowl.   Neighborhood   3 The University of South Alabama's campus is located in a residential area on the far west side of the city of Mobile. There are a few restaurants in the vicinity for you to check out – Fuzzy Tacos, Mellow Mushroom, Ollie's Mediterranean Grill, and Heroes' Sports Bar are just some of the places to visit in the area. Mobile's famous chicken joint Foosackly’s is in the area as well and is extremely cheap, or for BBQ, Dreamland, an Alabama staple, has several locations in Mobile. To experience Mobile at its best I recommend taking the 15 to 20-minute drive into downtown where most of the attractions and nightlife are located. If you take Government Street or Dauphin Street into downtown pay attention to the many historic buildings that line this stretch. Mobile is a very historic city, and this is evident by its many antebellum mansions and historic buildings that date back to the 1800s. The entire downtown area retains that French Quarter feel like in New Orleans; Dauphin Street is even like a smaller scale Bourbon Street, but with fewer people. The Senior Bowl also takes place during prime Mardi Gras season. When it comes to Mardi Gras most people think of New Orleans, but Mobile is actually considered the "Birthplace of Mardi Gras". If you are into that sort of thing then you have to see a Mobile Mardi Gras parade. After the Senior Bowl game they usually have a parade downtown, so I recommend attending it if you have never experienced Mardi Gras before. For more on the history of Mardi Gras in Mobile, I recommend checking out the Mobile Carnival Museum located downtown. Mobile's top tourist attraction is the USS Alabama, a huge battleship that was used during World War 2 and is located in Mobile Bay – the ship is now a museum, and you can take a tour of it. For other attractions in downtown Mobile you have the Mobile Museum of History located in the old building that was used as City Hall during the Civil War. Also nearby is historic Fort Conde, a replica 1800s fort located above the Mobile Bay Tunnel and built to guard the entrance to the Port City in the 18th and early 19th Century. For kids and families you can also visit GulfQuest Maritime Museum or the Exploreum Science Center, with all kinds of hands-on exhibits.   Fans   5 The unique thing about attending a game like the Senior Bowl is seeing all the different fan bases the game attracts. Mobile is prime SEC country, so you will find a lot of people representing LSU , Mississippi State , Ole Miss , and Georgia .  And of course, the majority of the crowd are either Alabama  or Auburn  fans. With the intense college football season over by the point the Senior Bowl takes place every year, the hatred between the different schools' fanbases is not evident here – you'll find Alabama  and Auburn  fans talking amongst each other as friends for one day only. Hancock Whitney Stadium also has a small capacity of 25,000 and the game usually sells out. The Mobile Sports Entertainment Authority goes all out making this a top-notch fan experience. Since moving to the new stadium, they have the Senior Bowl Fan Fest located outside the south end zone, where you'll find various vendors, food trucks and displays, such as the U.S. Army simulator and photos with the Saints cheerleaders. They also have different hands-on football exhibits and bounce houses, as well as a few race cars, and an exhibit where you can get your own football card made by Panini. In addition, there are several other public and private tailgate spots scattered around the grounds, including one that features a pre-game concert. And for the kids, many of the school mascots make the trip to Mobile, so they are constantly walking around the tailgates and getting their pictures taken. If that wasn't enough for the fan engagement, the various events and festivities that take place during the week are both public and private. On Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday they have practices in the morning that are free and open to the public. The practices are set up like an NFL Draft combine with players running various drills, while NFL scouts and head coaches look on and take notes. They also have various media events and Q&As with current and past players at the local Saenger Theatre. During the day on Friday the players do different community events around town and visit local children's hospitals, and then on Friday night they have huge a Mardi Gras parade through the streets of downtown Mobile, with the players, coaches, and mascots taking part in the parade. To top it all off, after the parade they end the week by having a huge concert that takes place in Mardi Gras Park downtown – the Revivalists, Nelly, and Counting Crows are just some of the bands who have played in year's past.     Access   3 Unfortunately, the one drawback to the game being moved is just getting to Hancock Whitney Stadium; Mobile is a very spread-out town, and the South Alabama campus is located on the far northwest side. Unfortunately, there is no easy way to get to campus, as you will be navigating highways once you get off I-65 or I-10. If coming from the east I recommend taking I-10 to I-65 North and then taking Exit 5A onto Springhill Ave. Travel west for 5 miles until you reach University Blvd, and the campus will be about a mile south at the corner of University and Old Shell Road. There are 3 entrances into campus, and I recommend taking the main entrance on Jaguar Blvd in front of the baseball field . Parking is $10, but it is possible to find free parking the further away you park from the stadium. The stadium is kind of hidden on the back side of campus, but there is plenty of free parking near the basketball arena and baseball stadium . There are three entrances into the stadium, with the main entrance being on the south side. Lines tend to back up the closer it gets to game time, but once inside the facility the concessions lines run smooth, and the concourses are very wide and don't look as crowded as they actually are.      Return on Investment   4 Tickets for the Senior Bowl range from $15 for general admission in the north end zone upper deck, to $55 for the chairbacks on the west side of the stadium. Every seat in Hancock Whitney Stadium has good sightlines, so no matter where you sit you are guaranteed to get a great view. I consider this is an absolute bargain to see some of the best college football players in the country, and not only that, but all the fan events and just being able to attend practice for free make this event worthwhile. You never know who the next big NFL player you are going to see is, and you never know which NFL Hall of Famer you'll spot walking the sidelines during the free practices – for a 2024 practice I spotted Terrell Owens and Jerry Rice having a chat on the sidelines. To top it all off, Senior Bowl week takes place during Mardi Gras season, so you are able to watch college football greatest players, and then afterward watch some of the best Mardi Gras parades in the country.   Extras   5 One extra for the level of fan engagement the Senior Bowl provides – all the events that take place during the week make Mobile a must-visit during Senior Bowl week. This is all possible thanks to Executive Director of the Senior Bowl Jim Nagy, who took over in 2018. A longtime scout for the NFL, his vision for the game was to make Mobile a destination city for the NFL, and establish this game as the unofficial start of the NFL pre-draft process, which led to the saying "The Draft Starts in Mobile". With Nagy in charge of operations, the Senior Bowl has a full-time staff of scouts, event coordinators, social media coordinators, and sponsorship sales coordinators that work full time during the year to make sure the entire weeklong event operates smoothly. If you want to see something cool then I recommend visiting the Riverview Renaissance Hotel in downtown Mobile, the official hotel and headquarters for the Senior Bowl during the week; you never know which NFL head coach or former NFL player you'll run into while visiting. It is quite unique to walk the streets around the hotels and see the different NFL coaching staffs walking around downtown Mobile. While you are at it check out the Convention Center across the street from the Hotel, home to media row during the week. Inside you'll find all kinds of podcasts and draft shows set up broadcasting their shows, everyone from the top sports media conglomerates like ESPN and Bleacher Report, to the average fan who just decided to start a podcast or show, is set up broadcasting on the second level. Another extra for all the past big players and coaches who have been a part of this game over the years. Some of the 56 Pro Football Hall of Famers who have played in this Game include Terry Bradshaw, Mean Joe Greene, Franco Harris, Joe Namath, Walter Payton, and Derrick Thomas, while some of the current NFL players who have come through Mobile include Josh Allen, Jalen Hurts, Justin Herberts, Derek Carr, Dak Prescott, Davonte Smith, Deebo Samuel, Cooper Kupp, and Baker Mayfield. In addition, a whopping 20 former NFL coaches enshrined in Canton have coached in the Senior Bowl including Don Shula, Bill Walsh, Mike Ditka, Bill Cowher, and Tony Dungy. Something special they do every year for the game is induct the newest members of the Senior Bowl Hall of Fame – the former players or coaches are then honored on the field during the game. For the 75th Anniversary of the game in 2024 the Senior Bowl made a 75th Anniversary Team. Before the game they had each player make a special entrance into the stadium, with many of the players wearing their Pro Football Hall of Fame jackets as they entered the stadium. Some of the players named to the Senior Bowl 75th Anniversary team include Brett Favre, Dan Marino, Shaun Alexander, Hines Ward, Terrell Owens, Michael Strahan, Aaron Donald, Brian Urlacher, Richard Sherman, and Pat McAfee. One extra for the stadium playing host to the South Alabama Jaguars football team; entering the 2024 season the Jags  have a record of 17-9 record at Hancock Whitney Stadium. The Jags  have also played in two bowl games and have had two players drafted since the opening of the stadium. Hancock Whitney Stadium also hosts the 86 Ventures Bowl every December.

Every baseball fan knows that Fenway Park and Wrigley Field are the two oldest stadiums in Major League Baseball. However, did you know that Wrigley Field was not the original name of the ballpark… or that it was not built to house the Chicago Cubs? These, and many more interesting facts, are found in Chicago’s Wrigley Field by Paul Michael Peterson. Weeghman Park was built by Charlie Weeghman, a Chicago millionaire, to house his baseball team, the Chicago Federals, who played in the Federal League. The new stadium was built in an astounding two months and opened for business on April 23, 1914. Unfortunately, the Federal League failed financially just one season later, closing in 1915. Weeghman was not deterred, as he then purchased the Cubs of the National League and moved them to his new ballpark. Weeghman was ahead of his time, as many of baseball’s longtime traditions were innovations introduced at his ballpark. He was the first owner to allow fans to keep foul balls that went into the stands, and the first to build concession stands in a ballpark. In 1919, Weeghman ran into financial difficulties and sold the Cubs to chewing gum millionaire William Wrigley, Jr. Wrigley then renamed the ballpark “Cubs Park." The first few years of Wrigley’s ownership were lean, both on and off the field. In 1926, the ballpark was finally christened as “Wrigley Field.” He recruited some of the top players of the era, and the results on the field changed dramatically. By 1927 the team was drawing more than a million fans per season. By 1929 the team was playing in its first World Series. The senior Wrigley died in 1932, and his son, P.K. Wrigley took over the team and the ballpark. He was responsible for one of the defining features at Wrigley Field, the planting of the ivy on the outfield walls. This was to protect the players from injury by running into the brick wall, but he also saw that it would be an amenity in making the park more fan-friendly. Another feature that still stands today is Wrigley Field’s manual scoreboard. This was added to the park in 1937 by Cubs front office genius Bill Veeck. He also produced the concept of the “pennant race.” The Wrigleys were avid sailors on Lake Michigan. Their boats were often decorated with pennants won in races. Veeck added pennants to the top of the scoreboard, arranging each team’s flag in the order of the league standings. In 1921 Wrigley Field became the first two-sport stadium in major league sports. Bill Veeck saw that the stadium sat empty after the baseball season and was not generating any income for more than half of the year. He reached an agreement with George Halas to have the Chicago Bears of the NFL play their home schedule at Wrigley Field. The shape of the field was not ideal for football but it was squeezed in between the first base dugout and the left field wall. The Bears would continue to play at Wrigley Field through the 1970 season. One tradition that did end was Wrigley’s reluctance to add lights. P.K. Wrigley was agreeable to adding lights as early as 1941, but World War II was underway, and the steel in the light towers was required for the war effort. Stadiums throughout the country were also under orders to follow the “blackouts” required at night, as there was a fear that enemy bombers would find a lighted field an attractive target. Later, the residents of the neighborhood surrounding Wrigley Field fought against lighting the field, as they did not want the noise and traffic created by night games to interfere with their lives. Finally, on August 8, 1988 the lights went on for good. A more recent development is the creation of viewing areas atop the apartment buildings that surround the park. These areas often include bleachers, bars, and food service. The Cubs went to court to prevent these additions, arguing that it was stealing business away from the team. Eventually, an agreement was brokered, where the Cubs receive a licensing fee from each building that houses one of these structures. We have chosen to focus on the structural and historical aspects of Wrigley Field in this book. However, readers will find that Chicago’s Wrigley Field is filled with the tales of the Billy Goat Curse, the exploits of famed announcer Harry Caray and the Bleacher Bums, as well as the records set by Cubs Hall of Famers Ernie Banks, Ron Santo, and Billy Williams.   We know readers will enjoy this look at one of baseball’s most unique ballparks.

Photos by Dave Cottenie, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.14 Slush Puppie Place 1 Tragically Hip Way Kingston, ON K7K 0B4 Slush Puppie Place website Year Opened: 2008 Capacity: 5,614 The Oldest Rivalry in Hockey *On February 16th, 2024, the Leon’s Centre was officially renamed Slush Puppie Place, 8 days after the 2024 review of the Carr-Harris Cup On March 10, 1886, Lennox Irving scored the only goal for Queen’s University against Royal Military College on the frozen Kingston Harbour.  There were few things recognizable in this watershed matchup, recognized as the Oldest Rivalry in Hockey, to the game that is played today.  Fast forward 140 years and Queen’s and RMC still meet on the ice multiple times each year.  However, since 1986 it has been for the Carr-Harris Challenge Cup.  Beginning in 2012, the game has been played at the neutral site Leon’s Centre, home of the OHL’s Kingston Frontenacs, and a major local event that draws the largest gate by far for either team.  The game is named after Professor Robert Harris, who was the first professor of civil engineering and architecture at the Royal Military College of Canada in 1879.  He would later become an engineering professor at Queen’s University and would adopt the name Carr-Harris to honour his late mother Sarah Carr.  Over the years, the Carr-Harris name has been prominent in Kingston and associated with railway construction projects, military projects, and sporting events. The most recent home of the Carr-Harris Cup is the Leon’s Centre.  Set to be renamed Slush Puppie Place sometime in 2024, Leon’s Centre was built to keep the Frontenacs in Kingston in 2008.  It has gone through several different names including the K-Rock Centre and Rogers K-Rock Centre.  At a capacity of 5,614, the Leon’s Centre is a hub for Eastern Ontario’s live entertainment and OHL hockey and is the perfect location for a major university event like the Carr-Harris Cup. Food & Beverage 3 Being an OHL venue, Leon’s Centre offers the expected OHL concession items at some different stands.  Canada’s own Pizza Pizza offers a variety of pizza options as well as hot dogs and pretzels; Barracks Grill offers burgers, chicken fingers, hot dogs fries and poutine; YGK Eats offers pizza, hot dogs and nachos; and Smoke’s Poutinerie offers a variety of different poutine concoctions.  The soft drinks of choice at Leon’s Centre are Coca-Cola products.  There are also a few different beer options including Molson Canadian and Heineken.  Look for the Riverbend Brewing stand for a local craft beer option.  The Molson Canadian Brewhouse offers a standup bar area for patrons to gather and get a drink. Atmosphere 4 Leon’s Centre is an attractive building in a premier location in Kingston.  It is located in the Inner Harbour neighbourhood just steps from the water.  The exterior is a mix of grey brick, silver siding,g, and glass which gives the 2008 building a clean and modern look.  The northeast side of the building is where fans can find the ruins of the original Fort Frontenac, which was originally erected in 1673 and currently has a heritage marker to denote its historic value. Inside the Leon’s Centre fans enter directly into the main concourse, which is light coloured, clean,n and bright.  It is a horseshoe configuration and does not allow patrons to do a full 360-degree walk.  The pillars in the concourse feature murals of major acts that have played at Leon’s Centre.  Of special note is the pillar with the visage of Gord Downie, lead singer of Kingston’s favourite sons, The Tragically Hip, who died way too young.  Also of note in the concourse are the members of the Kingston and District Sports Hall of Fame.  There are always fun nuggets for treasure hunters to find in local halls of fame.  In Kingsto, those include NHL legends Kirk Muller, Doug Gilmou,r and Don Cherry.  Temporary merchandise tables for both Queen’s University and Royal Military College were present in the concourse. When fans enter the seating bowl from the lower concourse, they will find a single tier of seating with another concourse above the seats.  The ice runs from west to east and fans who wish a picture of the Kingston Frontenacs logo on centre ice should sit on the south side.  The press box is found on the south side above the upper concourse along with suites that form a horseshoe with the west side open.  Frontenacs honoured numbers and other banners hang on the west wall and a large poster hangs at the top of the east side delineating Leon’s Centre as the home of The Tragically Hip.  A decent video board hangs above centre ice. The gameday production for the Carr-Harris Cup takes a normal OUA hockey production up a notch.  The Queen’s bagpipes and band are found in the upper concourse and west end of the arena and play pre-game, during some stoppages, and after the Queen’s goals.  The RMC band is in an adjacent section in the west end and also plays throughout stoppages.  The game begins with an old-time crier proclaiming the Carr-Harris Cup open and introducing the teams entering the ice surface.  The crier is very Kingston, however, is required to yell without the aid of a microphone and is therefore difficult to understand.  A member of the Carr-Harris family is also present for the ceremonial first face-off.  Unfortunately, the PA system at Leon’s Centre is not terrific and it can be difficult to understand announcements.  At the first intermission, the Queen’s Gaels figure skating team performs to the delight of the crowd.  At the end of the game, the MVPs of both teams are presented with their awards, and the Carr-Harris Cup is also presented to the winner. Neighbourhood 5 The Leon’s Centre is located in the Inner Harbour neighbourhood of Kingston, probably the best place to be in the city.  Just across the harbour, which is where the very first matchup between Queen’s and RMC took place, the picturesque campus of the Royal Military College of Canada can be seen.  Queen’s University campus is a decent walk to the west.  The heart of the tourist section of Kingston, the Inner Harbour offers a plethora of bars and restaurants for pre or post-game food and drink.  Some of the options include Chez Piggy, Red House, The Toucan, Merchant Taphouse, The Heist, Melt & Grill, Harper’s Burger Bar, Iron Duke on Wellington, and Wooden Heads. There are also several sporting options available in Kingston.  Leon’s Centre is the primary home of the Kingston Frontenacs  of the OHL.  The Queen’s Gaels field several athletic teams including hockey at their regular home, the Kingston Memorial Centre , basketball ,  and football .  The RMC Paladins also have hockey at their regular on-campus home, Constantine Arena , among other sports.  Other tourist options in Kingston include Fort Henry, the Canadian Penitentiary Museum, Bellevue House, and the Original Hockey Hall of Fame.  Fans wishing to stay near Leon’s Centre can choose the Delta or Holiday Inn which are steps from the arena. Fans 5 The Carr-Harris Cup, along with The Frosty Mug  and Crowchild Classic, is among the best-attended USports hockey games each year.  The game traditionally draws between 3,500 and 4,000 fans a year.  That is somewhere in the neighbourhood of 17 to 40 times what a normal Queen’s or RMC game will attract.  It is an event with the majority of fans in attendance from one of the two schools.  This is especially excellent for RMC which has a very small student population of around 1,100.  RMC also uses the Carr-Harris Cup as a big alumni event.  The students in attendance add to the atmosphere and the small but mighty RMC contingent are very loud.  The most popular chant at the Queen’s students from the RMC students is “Daddy’s Money” pointing out the perceived entitled nature of Queen’s students.   Access 4 Leon’s Centre is located in the Inner Harbour neighbourhood of Kingston encircled by The Tragically Hip Way, Place D’Armes, King Stree,t and Ontario Street or Highway 2.  The main entry to Kingston is Highway 401, which is significantly north of Leon’s Centre.  Traffic should not be an issue but fans coming from out of town will have a long way to traverse through town.  An alternate way to Leon’s Centre would be taking the Kingston-LaSalle Causeway, which comes from the opposite side of the harbour.  There are some open parking lots south of the arena, but there is a cost and be warned, they are very messy due to not being paved.  For fans who wish to take public transit, there are bus stops on Barrack Street and Ontario Street.  Fans should check the Kingston Transit  website for fares, schedules, and maps. Getting around the Leon’s Centre is not too difficult, however, fans need to recognize that there are no 360-degree options for walking around the arena.  Washroom facilities are good for the arena. Junior hockey security protocols are changing.  Fans are encouraged to consult the Leon’s Centre website for the latest security protocols including prohibited items and bag policy. Return on Investment 5 The Carr-Harris Cup is one of the premier events in OUA hockey, yet the price of tickets does not reflect that.  Adult tickets are only $15.  Concession prices are decent and there will be a cost for parking.  That being said, the experience of a Carr-Harris Cup is unlike anything else and worth the small cost.  OUA hockey is already a great value and the Carr-Harris Cup takes that up a notch. Extras 3 An extra mark for Queen’s and RMC sharing the oldest hockey rivalry in the world. An extra mark for the connection that the game and schools have kept with the Carr-Harris family. An extra mark for the Carr-Harris Cup as one of the premier events on the USports calendar. Final Thoughts In the sporting landscape where costs are rising exponentially, fans are required to re-evaluate their sporting dollars.  It is especially unique for fans to experience a premier event for such a small investment.  The Carr-Harris Challenge Cup brings just about everything that a fan could want.  The oldest rivalry in hockey with the Queen’s Gaels and RMC Paladins, a great sense of history, a great venue, an excellent city to visit, and a whole lot of fun. ----- Follow all of Dave’s sporting adventures on YouTube , Twitter , Threads  and Instagram @profan9.

Danville & Burlington are joining the Old North State League, but don't worry they are not leaving the Appalachian League. The two new teams will be owned and operated by Knuckleball Entertainment, who own the Burlington Sock Puppets and Danville Otterbots of the Appy League. They will play a partial schedule this season. Ryan Keur, Knuckleball Entertainment owner, and Alec Allred, CEO of the Players League, began talk of expanding into the Burlington and Danville markets over a year ago. Allred was the co-founder of the ONSL before moving on to The Players League last year. “Ryan approached me in November or December with the idea, and we all loved it! Burlington and Danville are great baseball cities, and we can't wait to be a part of their communities. Ryan is an incredible operator, and we know he will add much value to the Old North State League.” The new teams will call Burlington Athletic Stadium and Dan Daniel Memorial Park home. Sock Puppets GM Anderson Rathbun sees it as an opportunity as an avenue to further that mission and be able to give twice the amount of athletes the experience that we have been able to provide athletes these first three seasons as the Sock Puppets. “We are always exploring avenues that allow us the opportunity to activate our stadium in a fan-centered, entertainment-focused way. The way the Sock Puppets schedule broke out with a few open weekends and the Old North State League looking to expand into new markets, it was a perfect fit. We see this as an incredible opportunity to try new things that will stimulate the stadium atmosphere and elevate the energy fans will experience when they watch a baseball game here in Sockville.” The two new teams will announce their names in the next few weeks. They will play a part-time schedule of 13 games and won't be eligible for the ONSL championship. The plan is to transfer to full-time and beyond next season. According to Allred, this was due to finalizing everything between the two sides late in the year. “The Old North State League had already announced the schedule, and the by-laws were finalized. So we all felt that the best way forward was to go ahead and insert them into the infrastructure and operations and give them league opponents to play in 2024 without the ability to compete for a championship this first year.” The new teams will be separate entities from the Puppets and Otters, who will play their 24-game schedule in the Appy League. Danville will release the new team's name on February 28, while Burlington will wait until March 7 to unveil their club's new name. "The addition of an Old North State League team here in Danville is a perfect fit for all involved," said Otterbots GM Austin Scher. "The members of our incredible fan base, which grows by the year, now have even more opportunities to enjoy affordable family fun and high-level baseball. Additionally, folks can look forward to some antics that have never before been seen at this ballpark. It's new. It's wild. It's different, and I think fans across the country will have a new favorite hat in baseball." The ONSL season will begin on May 18. ------ Follow all of Marc’s stadium journeys on Twitter @ballparkhunter  and his YouTube channel . Email at Marc.Viquez@stadiumjourney.com

Photos by Joseph Oakes, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.14 Robins Center 365 College Rd Richmond, VA 23173 Richmond Spiders website Robins Center website Year Opened: 1972 Capacity: 7,201 The Spiders’ Web The 2023-24 season marks the 52nd season of basketball being played at the Robins Center. The Robins Center opened as the home of the Richmond Spiders teams in 1972. A $17 million renovation in 2013 transformed the arena into one of the premier facilities in the Atlantic 10. These renovations included four new videoboards, upgraded seats, premium seating options, and terrace hospitality areas. The Spiders have consistently competed against and beaten some of the top programs in the nation. Spider basketball fans are passionate and regularly fill the Robins Center, to make it one of the top home-court atmospheres in the Atlantic 10.   Food & Beverage 4 Simply put, the concession options at the Robins Center are impressive. The Robins Center concession stands offer standard concessions including hot dogs, hamburgers, cheeseburgers, nachos, soft pretzels, popcorn and peanuts. However, the following additions are what set the concessions apart. Papa John’s Pizza, Chicken Sandwiches, and Dippin’ Dots Ice Cream are all available on the concourse. Other options include candy, caramel corn, peanuts, fruit snacks, fruit cups, veggie cups, and chips. Fountain Pepsi products are available as well as Dasani bottled water. The University of Richmond started selling beer and wine to the general public at men’s games in 2018, and in doing so became the first Division 1 school in Virginia to sell alcohol to the general public at basketball games.   The Robins Center is a cashless venue. Lines can tend to get long during halftime, but other than that are not bad.   Atmosphere 4 The seating bowl of the Robins Center is a single level surrounding the court and offers great sightlines. Entrances to the seating bowl are about halfway up, with half of the seating above the portals and half below. All seats are chairback and are angled toward the court, with the exception of the student section which is bleacher seating. There are four giant video boards at the top of each of the four corners of the arena. Along with video replays, they provide the score and stats such as points and fouls for each player. Above each of the four video boards in the corners is a terrace/suite level.   There is a small pep band in one end zone in the student section. Richmond is the only D1 school that has a Spider for its mascot and the school does a great job promoting this. Not only is there a Spider mascot that makes his way around the court during the games, but there are two giant spiders projected onto the ceiling above the court. Also, the pre-game video incorporates a giant spider and web to make you almost feel like a spider is crawling out of the video board and into the crowd!   Neighborhood 3  The Robins Center sits in the northern part of campus between Robins Stadium (home of Richmond basketball) and Pitt Field (home of Richmond baseball). Many of the parking lots in the vicinity of these three venues are used for basketball parking. The campus is beautiful, clean, and well-kept. Westhampton Lake is a short walk from the stadium and is a great place to bike or jog around. There is also a bridge that crosses the lake with a nice gazebo on one side.   Richmond is the capital city, so in the downtown area, there are many museums and the capitol building, that can be visited. If you are looking for a variety of shopping or dining options, take a 15-minute drive to the Short Pump area which offers several restaurants and a two-level outdoor mall.   Marriott is the official hotel of the Spiders, so if you are looking to spend the night check out the Visitors Guide for a list of Marriott hotels in the Richmond area that offer special U of R rates.    Fans 5 Spider fans are very passionate about their basketball team, and the majority of fans in attendance are clad in red Spider gear. For a typical game, expect at least 6,000 fans to be in attendance. For the last two seasons, Richmond has averaged 6,000 fans. The Spiders’ sold out five games in 2022-23, and several games in 2023-24. Due to the intimate design of the arena, the fans are right on top of the court, and it does not take much for it to get loud.   Access 4  The University of Richmond’s campus can be a little tricky to navigate if it is your first time. However, if you point your GPS to the Robins Center, you should be fine. Be aware that there are only two-lane roads leading to campus, so allow extra time. General parking is free and available behind the Robins Stadium  press box. This is only a 2-3 minute walk to the Robins Center. Many of the other lots immediately around the Robins Center are for parking pass holders only. The lots are well-signed and the parking-lot attendants are friendly, so just follow their lead.   Both paper and mobile tickets are available for Spiders’ games. The ticket office is on the College Road side of the arena. Entrance to the arena is easy as there is no clear-bag policy and the security staff are not overbearing. There is a single concourse under the seating bowl. It is spacious and clean, and the portals to enter the seating bowl are well-marked.   Return on Investment 5  In a day where prices to attend sporting events seem to continue to rise, the prices to attend a Richmond basketball game are a breath of fresh air. Tickets to a typical Atlantic 10 conference game range from $10-27. However, $5 tickets and BOGO (buy one, get one free) deals are offered to select games. Throw in affordable concessions, free parking, and free game programs and it is well worth the cost to see some of the top “mid-major” basketball in the country.   Extras 4 The Robins Center has a Family Fun Zone on the concourse, that provides games and activities for kids and families. Another bonus is the free parking at various points around campus and the friendly staff. A popular pre-game promotion among Spider fans is the Basketball and Brews for select games. This is an add-on to your ticket that includes a pre-game craft beer taste testing session with five local breweries and restaurants. The arena has also hosted various political events including the 1992 Presidential debate between George Bush, Bill Clinton, and Ross Perot; and an address by President Barack Obama in 2011.   Final Thoughts  The Robins Center is frankly a great venue for college basketball. It is the perfect size for the Spiders, in the middle of campus, and the fan base consistently fills it up. Due to the design of the arena, one could argue it offers a better experience than VCU’s Siegel Center across town, which does not have the best sight lines. Richmond also has an attractive home schedule each season. The Atlantic 10 schedule is always great, and the Spiders have had an attractive non-conference schedule for many years as well. If you are in Richmond and are a college basketball fan, it will pay you to visit the Robins Center to catch a game. You will find a great college basketball atmosphere against some great competition.

Photos by Dave Cottenie, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.43 Guelph Gryphons Athletic Centre 50 Stone Rd. E Guelph, ON N1G 2W1 Guelph Gryphons basketball website Guelph Gryphons Athletics Centre website Year Opened: 2016 Capacity: 2,200 From Aggies to Gryphons The Ontario Agricultural College was founded in Guelph, Ontario in 1874.  One of the oldest institutions of higher education in the province would grow to engulf the MaDonald Institute and Ontario Veterinary College as the University of Guelph in 1964.  Guelph would grow to nearly 30,000 students at the time of writing, making it one of the larger universities in Canada.  The OAC would compete athletically as the Aggies.  With the advent of the University of Guelph, the moniker of the Gryphons was adopted.  The Guelph Gryphons first basketball team hit the floor in 1964 and have enjoyed various degrees of success over the years.  The Gryphons’ success culminated in a Wilson Cup as conference champions in 1990 and a W.P. McGee Trophy recipient as National Champions in 1974. For years the on campus home of the Gryphons was the small, yet intimidating W.F. Mitchell Athletic Centre.  Named after the Guelph Athletics Director of 33 years, the Mitchell Centre was known for its boisterous fan support.  The growing university required a more comprehensive approach to athletics and a new basketball facility was part of that vision.  The Guelph Gryphons Athletic Centre opened in 2016 and pushed the idea of what a state of the art facility was in USports.   Food & Beverage 2 The main concession at the Gryphons Athletic Centre is in the main lobby near the main entrance and offers a small and simple selection of snacks.  Popcorn, cotton candy, chocolate, chips and granola bars are all available.  Bottled water, soda and Powerade are the beverages that are available.  Alcohol is not available at basketball games. Atmosphere 4 The exterior of the Guelph Gryphons Athletic Centre is attractive and features a unique roofline with smart-looking red and dark grey siding.  It is right along Ring Road and very prominent from the street as opposed to some other embedded athletic facilities.  The main entrance for the Gryphons Athletic Centre on Ring Road is the Garney Henley Entrance, named after the basketball coach from 1966-76 who would lead the Gryphons to the National Championship.  Henley also is a member of the Canadian Football Hall of Fame after playing 16 years in the CFL for the Hamilton Tiger-Cats and won 4 Grey Cups.  A large display touting Henley’s accomplishments can be found in the lobby, immediately upon entry to the Athletic Centre.  Along the northwest hallway, past the bright and clean lobby, is the Gryphons Athletic Hall of Fame.  Smartly designed with separate areas for Athletes, Builders and Teams, fans can find enshrinements for the 1974 and 1990 basketball teams, among other honourees.  The Gryphons Athletic Centre connects to the Mitchell Centre, and University of Guelph recreation facilities are also found here. Entering into the seating area of the Guelph Gryphons Athletic Centre, fans will immediately notice how bright the area is with plenty of natural light allowed in.  The playing surface is sunken and fans enter on a running track which circles behind the seating area.  The court runs from northeast to southwest.  Each of the four sides surrounding the court has a set of retractable seats with the northeast and southwest bleachers going right to the floor and northwest and southeast elevated.  The northwest side is the spot to get the perfect centre court logo picture and has plastic chair seating as opposed to plastic benches.  A temporary merchandise table can be found in the south corner of the track.  Media facilities are above the track on the northwest side.  Overall the gym is bright and clean and professional looking.  Guelph boasts of a centre hung, four-sided videoboard, which is unique for this level of basketball.  On the game that was reviewed, which honoured the 1974 National Championship team, a banner for the National Champions hung on the northwest side.  However, this banner placement seemed temporary. The gameday presentation is fairly simple.  The PA system is excellent and music is played during the pregame and breaks which is not uncommon.  The mascot, Gryph, can be found traversing the crowd during many games.  The south corner has a large, inflated Gryphon arch, which players enter the floor through.  Guelph has a very strong, student run media production for its athletic teams. Neighbourhood 4 The Guelph Gryphons Athletic Centre is located on the campus of the University of Guelph, on the west side of the city.  As a large university, there are a number of bars and restaurants just off campus that will service the students.  Some options include The Shakespeare Arms, Beertown, The Burger’s Priest, Guelph BBQ and Borealis Grill.  Although none are that far, hopping in the car to get off campus and towards Stone Road would be the best idea.  For other sporting options, the Guelph Gryphons field a full complement of athletic teams including hockey  and football , which are also on campus.  The Sleeman Centre is near and the home of the OHL’s Guelph Storm  and the Guelph Royals  hit the diamond in the summer months.  Perhaps the highlight of the Guelph Gryphons athletic calendar is The Frosty Mug , which is also played at the Sleeman Centre.  Other Guelph tourist options include the River Run Centre for plays and concerts, the Guelph Civic Museum and McCrae House, birth home of John McCrae who wrote the poem “In Flanders Fields.”  For fans wishing to stay near campus, the Delta is an available option. Fans 3 Assessing OUA basketball fans is difficult as attendance figures are not normally published.  Anecdotally, the Gryphons enjoy a decent following and definitely do not play in front of a full complement of empty seats.  Some of the atmosphere from the Mitchell Centre seems to have been lost and the fanbase is not nearly as loud or boisterous.  There is definite room for improvement, but the Gryphons are not the least supported team in the OUA.   Access 5 The Guelph Gryphons Athletic Centre is located on the east side of the campus of the University of Guelph.  It is located with the other UofG athletic facilities and is immediately west of East Ring Road.  Fans will have to traverse the city a bit in getting to campus as it is located south of Highway 7 and east of Highway 6.  The main artery through Southern Ontario is Highway 401, and Guelph is a few kilometers to the north.  There is plenty of parking on the opposite side of East Ring Road and behind the hockey arena.  There is usually no charge for parking during athletic events.  For fans who wish to take public transit to the game, there are Guelph Transit bus stops on Ring Road that lead through campus.  Fans should check out the Guelph Transit  website for fares, maps and schedules.  Getting around the Guelph Gryphons Athletic Centre is not difficult at all and the entrance to the basketball seating area from the track is good for those with mobility issues.  The washroom facilities are adequate for the arena. Return on Investment 5 There are few bargains in sport on the same level as OUA basketball.  Adult tickets to see the Guelph Gryphons are $10 with youth and staff going for $5.  Students of the University of Guelph are free.  Basketball tickets are actually doubleheaders with the women’s basketball team playing either before or after the men.  Concession prices are decent and parking can be found on campus for free.  The investment for the Gryphons is very low and fans can easily bring the family.  The product on the court is very good and fans will no doubt enjoy themselves.  Overall, the return on investment for the Guelph Gryphons is excellent. Extras 2 An extra mark for the University of Guelph investing in their athletic programs with up to date facilities. An extra mark for the high quality, student-run broadcast at the University of Guelph. Final Thoughts A steadfast member of the OUA, the Guelph Gryphons offer a basketball experience in one of the premier facilities in the conference.  Taking in a game at the Guelph Gryphons Athletic Centre is very enjoyable and it won’t come close to denting the pocketbook. Follow all of Dave’s sporting adventures on YouTube , Twitter , Threads  and Instagram @profan9.

It has been a busy month in organized baseball with pitchers and catchers reporting to camp, new baseball uniforms causing a disturbance, and a slew of rebrands popping all over the MLB partner and summer collegiate leagues. The changes have been quite noticeable with designs from many prominent studios. However, are they worth purchasing a cap or t-shirt? Jason Moragas tracks new identities for baseball teams on his Twitter page and is the ideal person to critique a few of the new changes. He joins me to review three new identities that begin with a return of a familiar name in Lexington, Kentucky. Lexington Legends, Atlantic League Marc Viquez:  The Legends are back after a one-season hiatus and look better than ever. Studio Simon in nearby Louisville evoked many elements of the team’s original identity with a new character called “Mighty Lex”. In fitting with today’s baseball imagery, he is a character that will fit right in with the best of them. Jason Moragas:  What a rush. I am in the minority when I say that I liked the Counter Clocks branding – the history behind the name, the suite of logos, everything other than the putrid home white jersey with the giant “C” in the center of a button-down jersey with red piping. However, I am pleased to see the return of the Legends branding. The name is iconic: “Lexington Legends.” MV:   Surely, you jest about the Counter Clocks branding! I will stand by the swinging clock logo, but the rest was terrible. Thankfully, the baseball gods have corrected a misfire in Lexington by bringing back orignal team owner and investors to resuurect the Legends name. JM:   It just sounds right. I give a good amount of kudos for modernizing the look. The addition of the Mighty Lex character is very welcome. It is how teams should “modernize” and adapt to the current minor league branding landscape without changing their history and identity. Great job! MV:  I agree with you as well. Studio Simon created another superstar image and bravo for Temerity Baseball for making the name change. If you ever needed a blueprint on how to correct a wrong, this is how you do it. It’s good to have them back in town. Tri-State Coal Cats, Appalachian League MV:  There is a new team in the Appalachian League called the Tri-State Coal Cats. The name pays homage to the local coal mining industry and features the colors of Coal Black, Cool Grey, and Marshal Green. It’s an sleek look that plays it safe for the new team and will look good on team merchandise. Dylan Winters, a Marshal University Athletics graphic designer, designed the new look for the club. JM:  The green is vibrant against the gray and black used in the club's branding. The Coal Cats are hardly the first team to take inspiration for their look from local mining history; they took a unique twist on the baseball-branding sub-genre by incorporating Marshal's iconic green.  MV:  They pleasing to the eyes, and the ball club plays it very safely. There's nothing cartoony about them, and the name isn't silly. It makes sense that a team in West Virginia went with a coal mining theme; thankfully, it didn't name itself the miners. JM:  I’m a big fan of the “Cat” and “Paw” logos and how they are seemingly made from coal. It ties the whole identity together nicely. Also, and I do not know if this was intentional, but “Coal Cats” nearly sounding like “Cool Cats” should create some good merch or social media opportunities. All-in-all, baseball’s return to Huntington will be fashionable. MV:  Cool Cat? That is a hidden gem of a song by Queen from the "Hot Space" album. They should use the song after home wins. It’s a well-balanced look of emblems that will look great on team merchandise, from caps, t-shirts, and hoodies.  JM:  It’s safe to say that the new era of the Appalachian League is well underway. Seeing all the teams rebranded in 2021 was exciting, but the Coal Cats are our first new franchise in the league since becoming unaffiliated and shifting into the world of collegiate summer ball. I’m happy to say that the first one is good.  Lancaster Stormers, Atlantic League MV:  After 20 years, the Lancaster Barnstormers are no more. They have rebranded as the Lancaster Stormers. The new logo features a bull’s head with a lightning bolt on its forehead. The team name and city appear above it. It is not the flashiest of logos, one person pointed out, that it looks like a D-3 athletic logo. JM: For seemingly no reason, the team decided to drop the “Barn” from its name and primary logo and now goes simply by the Stormers. I consider this to be a downgrade. The notion that team names and logos must be “intimidating” or “fierce” is archaic. MV:  This is a head-scratcher for me; what is wrong with going by your nicknames like the New York Knickerbockers and Portland Trail Blazers? JM:  With the migrant and re-branding of the Lexington Legends (formerly Counter Clocks) and the West Virginia Power (now Charleston Dirty Birds), the quick lifecycle of the Wild Health Genomes, Gastonia Honey Hunters, and Spire City Ghost Hounds, there has not been much consistency to rely on from the league.  MV:  Thankfully, Sky Design Studios of Florham Park, N.J., released a few secondary marks. The one that stands out is the roundel logo with a barn withstanding an electrical storm. This logo has everything: a rooster, lightning bolts, dark skies, a baseball field, and a double X, honoring the 20th year of the franchise. This logo will adorn the sleeves, but it should be the primary mark. JM:  The modern minor leagues have many personality styles, and the Barnstormers were one of baseball tradition and local connection. I’ll miss the branding greatly. It is not to say that the new Stormers logo is bad; it is not, but it is a different vibe for the franchise. MV:   That is the word that I was thinking of. The vibe is different, and perhaps a couple of new jerseys and logos with the Stormers nickname could have sufficed. The Pennsylvania Dutch calligraphy in the wordmark is a welcoming choice, but is this an example of doing too much to an already solid brand? We will find out soon. ------ Follow all of Marc’s stadium journeys on Twitter @ballparkhunter  and his YouTube channel . Email at Marc.Viquez@stadiumjourney.com

Photos by Eric Moreno, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.29 McCarthey Athletic Center 801 N Cincinnati St Spokane, WA 99258 Gonzaga Bulldogs website McCarthey Athletic Center website Year Opened: 2004 Capacity: 6,000 The Kennel Before I get too far into this review and effusing all the virtues of Gonzaga basketball and McCarthey Athletic Center, first a caveat – I love Gonzaga University. I am an alum and a fan and up until this visit, had never been able to see a game in the historic Kennel. A visit back to Spokane to see a Zags game has long had a special place on my bucket list. With that out of the way, everything else I say is 100% accurate and true about my review. First, a bit about The Program . The Zags have sold out every home game at the Kennel since it opened in 2004. Every. Single. Home. Game. This has created an atmosphere and a home-court advantage that is matched, but not exceeded, by only the bluest of college basketball’s blue blood. Now, how about some numbers? Since 1966 Gonzaga has been their regular season conference champion on 28 occasions, has won their conference tournament 21 times, has made the NCAA Tournament a staggering 24 years in a row, made it to the Sweet Sixteen every year since 2015, and has twice been runners up to the national champion. Head Coach Mark Few , now entering his 25th season at the helm of the Zags juggernaut, has been responsible for leading 26 different All-American players. While the saying around Spokane is that the Cinderella slipper still fits, the days of people being unaware of the Bulldogs are long over. Virtually all of this winning has been done from McCarthey Athletic Center…the Kennel. It is a special place and if you read on, I’m sure you’ll understand why.   Food & Beverage   4 When it comes to food and drinks at the Kennel there are very few frills, but it will all suit your needs. There are numerous stands sprinkled throughout the main concourse – the vast majority of these stands offer up traditional game day fare like hot dogs (although sausage is also on the menu), burgers, chips, candy, popcorn (kettle corn is also an option), sodas, bottled water, and sports drinks. There are Pizza Hut and Ben & Jerry’s kiosks that serve pared-down menus of those popular chains. You can also find a noodle bowl stand, a street tacos stand, and a barbecue stand. You’ll have plenty of options at the Kennel, except for when it comes to alcohol, as that’s not available, so keep that in mind.   Atmosphere   5 Our FANFARE scoring system only goes up to “5”, or else I’d give McCarthy a “100” in terms of atmosphere. I admit I haven’t been to some of the palaces of college basketball like Rupp Arena , Dean Smith Center , or Cameron Indoor Stadium , but I have been to quite a few college basketball venues over the years , and have never experienced anything like the Kennel. From the statue of Spike (more on him in a bit) at the front entrance, to the banners hanging from the rafters – so many banners – to the retired numbers of the greats adorning the walls, you know immediately that this is a serious place for basketball. In addition, the Zag Shop is conveniently located near the main entrance to help supply you with all those last-minute or must-have Gonzaga souvenirs. All this plays second to the energy that’s inside the building. I arrived a good two hours before the opening tip and was fortunate to watch that energy build and build until it exploded, with the Zags gaining possession of the ball first. I will talk more about the fans coming up, but the Kennel Club, aka the student section, is the best that I’ve ever seen in person.   Neighborhood   4 Spokane has come a long way since I first set foot there close to a decade ago. Downtown has been revitalized with new boutique hotels, specialty stores, and top-tier restaurants – that is not to say the charm of this old industrial town has been polished off completely during its recent glow-up. Gonzaga University and McCarthey Athletic Center are located in an area of town that is known as the University District. No less than five – including Gonzaga – institutions of higher learning have campuses and satellite facilities in the area. That being said, it is only a short five- to seven-minute drive from campus to downtown Spokane. Spokane, like much of this part of the country, has a culture and environment that fosters outdoor activity; whether it is hiking and biking skiing and snowboarding, or kayaking and paddleboarding, all of it can be found in Spokane proper. One of the best places for visitors – and it’s a spot that I go back to often – is Riverfront Park . This sprawling green space is smack-dab in the heart of the city. It’s got walking/running/cycling areas, sprawling green lawns, areas for ice skating, a century-plus-old carousel, a gondola skyride over Spokane Falls, and public art galore (look out for the Big Red Wagon and the garbage goat ). You need to visit this park if you come to Spokane, if for nothing else but the viewing areas for the falls, which are breathtaking. Another point of interest for history and entertainment buffs is Bing Crosby Museum  right on the campus of Gonzaga. Arguably the most famous alum of Gonzaga, the legendary crooner and award-winning actor was born in Spokane, and his former home is situated where it has always been, on campus. The museum has the largest collection of Crosby memorabilia and is a great slice of true Americana. For dining, I’ll admit that I’m an old soul and prefer to eat at places that are, I guess on the side of being less than trendy. However, I like what is good, and Spokane has plenty of that. A couple of places I want to recommend highly are Frank’s Diner and One Tree Cider House . Built inside of an old train car, Frank’s Diner is an all-day breakfast joint that also serves up all those classic comfort food meals. I love a good breakfast, and this was arguably the best I had during my week in eastern Washington. As for One Tree Cider House, it is exactly what its name implies – it serves up craft hard ciders, many of which are cooked up by One Tree, and also has a nice bar food menu that is perfect for date nights. In terms of lodging, there are a few options within walking distance of campus. Your closest options include Ruby River Hotel  and Courtyard by Marriott by Spokane Downtown at the Convention Center . The latter is across the river from campus but is navigable via the nearby bridge. Downtown Spokane also has a ton of other options for travelers.   Fans   5 I’ve already alluded to this, but I was blown away by the fan response at the Kennel. I have heard for years about the legendary sellout streak, which has been the chief culprit in delaying my first game here. It’s one thing to hear about it and it’s one thing to see it on television, but it is another sensation altogether to experience that crowd in person. Watching the seats gradually fill up until the start of the game was amazing. The student section is incredible, and this is one of the most knowledgeable fanbases I’ve ever seen. A lot of games will have an usher prevent fans from heading back to their seats while the action is going on; the Zags fans I saw knew this empirically; I’ve never seen that before. It was a loud environment, and the energy didn’t diminish until late in the fourth quarter when the game was already well in the Zags hands. I can’t explain enough about how impressive this was. Hopefully, these two   videos  will help demonstrate what my words are failing to convey.   Access   4 Spokane is tucked away in the far eastern corner of Washington state. It does have a decent-sized airport in Spokane International Airport  with lots of direct flights, especially if you’re coming from the West Coast. The airport is also a short 10-minute drive from the Gonzaga campus. If you’re coming from out of town, the closest major city is going to be the Seattle/Tacoma metroplex, which is roughly four and a half hours due west. Once in Spokane, if you choose not to drive around or use a rideshare, the Spokane Transit System runs buses all across the city, with several stops at and near Gonzaga University. Once on campus parking is gloriously plentiful and refreshingly free around the arena. There are also parking garages should you choose to get out of the elements, but prices for those vary.   Return on Investment   4 Now we get to the rub of things. As I mentioned earlier in the review, the Gonzaga Bulldogs have had a sellout at every game at the Kennel. It is virtually impossible to score a ticket, even on the secondary markets ( here is the Zags ticket policy just for reference). With that in mind, this is the only non-positive I can say about games at Gonzaga. Concessions are affordable and parking is free. If you can get a ticket, that’s fantastic and you are going to have an amazing time.   Extras   4 The Zags have a lot of the traditional pomp and circumstance that most schools have. For example, though they’re small but mighty, the Bulldog Band  adds immeasurably to the overall atmosphere of the Kennel. They start playing before the opening tip and do not let up until well after the final buzzer. The band perfectly complements the Gonzaga Cheer Team and Bomb Squad , the latter being the Zags dance team. The cheerleaders can be found down on the court, exhorting fans and the Zags on, while the Bomb Squad performs at halftime for men’s and women’s basketball games, as well as during home volleyball games at McCarthey Athletic Center. Last, but certainly not least is Spike , the beloved Gonzaga mascot. The Zags didn’t have a costumed mascot until 1985, but Spike has been a fixture ever since. “He” displays a ton of energy and enthusiasm, and is a great asset to all Bulldogs home games.   Final Thoughts Alright, I hope the enthusiasm I had for my visit comes through in this review. This is easily the best college basketball venue that I’ve gotten to visit; I am confident in the assumption that if you are to somehow find yourself able to go to the Kennel to see a Zags game, you’ll come away feeling the same. Go Zags! Follow Eric Moreno's Stadium Journey on Twitter at @EricMoreno6477 .

Photos by David Welch, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.43 James and Sis Brown Athletic Center 9416 Fincher Road Waleska, GA 30183 Reinhardt Eagles website James and Sis Brown Athletic Center website Year Opened: 1982 James and Sis Brown Athletic Center - Reinhardt University Eagles College basketball comes in all different shapes and sizes – from the bright lights of the blue blood of the game through each of the three levels of NCAA basketball, to junior colleges and throughout the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics, (NAIA), and beyond. Reinhardt University, established in 1883, saw the arrival of basketball nearly a century later. The opening of the James and Sis Brown Athletic Center marked the beginning of basketball at Reinhardt, with women’s basketball starting the following year. Since becoming a member of the NAIA in 2000, Reinhardt basketball first played as a member of the Southern States Athletic Conference from 2000 to 2009, and in the Appalachian Athletic Conference since then.   Food & Beverage   1 A small concession stand is located just outside of the gym. The concession stand doesn’t have a lot to offer that is going to fill stomachs, but there are chips, candy, popcorn, and soft drinks from the Coca-Cola line of beverages. Prices are reasonable, so fans do not face the high markups they might be accustomed to at larger venues.   Atmosphere   3 As with several college basketball facilities at smaller schools, the basketball gym here is part of the student wellness center. Wooden bleachers line each side of the floor; one long section of ten rows behind the bench and two separate sections of eight rows along the far sideline of the court. Students make up most of the seating across from the team benches, while alumni, community members, and parents occupy the bleachers across the way. A handful of fans also stand along the near-end wall. The basketball experience at Reinhardt can be best described as simple but refreshingly so. In a time where sporting events seem to fill every stoppage of play with a contest, advertisement, or something to keep the attention of fans, at Brown Athletic Center there is not a lot to take away from the spotlight that is kept on the game (other than the cheerleaders).   Neighborhood   2 Situated in the rural Georgia town of Waleska, with a population less than the enrollment of Reinhardt, Waleska is a “no traffic light” type town, neighbored by the outmost reaches of the suburban Atlanta city of Canton. While the immediate vicinity around Reinhardt's campus may lack notable points of interest, history enthusiasts can explore the Funk Heritage Center on Reinhardt’s campus. This museum looks at the lives of southeastern Native Americans and European settlers, with a special focus on the historical "Trail of Tears" that originated in the northern Georgia region. Visitors in search of a less educational and more competitive experience might want to pay a visit to the Callahan Golf Links, just over 2 miles toward Canton from the Reinhardt campus. While Waleska does not have much to offer when it comes to restaurants, within 5 miles of campus just off Reinhardt College Highway, the Laurel Canyon Village shopping plaza does have Mexican and Asian restaurants, pizza, Laurel Canyon Brewing, and a supermarket that is known to have spectacular sandwiches made by their deli. For a better selection, Canton has a wide choice of restaurants for just about all taste buds.   Fans   3 The Eagles receive a good amount of support from their students and the local community. Reinhart enrolls just over 1,000 students, while Waleska’s population is recorded at just under that number, so the few hundred fans in attendance is a decent turnout. Eagles fans are a supportive bunch. They are quick to celebrate good plays and pivotal baskets, express displeasure towards officials after questionable whistles, or throw some good-natured heckling toward opposing coaches contesting debatable calls. While these game situations do seem to light a spark under those in attendance, the overall feeling doesn’t necessarily create an overly tough environment for opposing teams to play in.   Access 2 There are just two options for reaching Waleska: either via Waleska Highway (Highway 108) or the more traveled Reinhard College Parkway (Highway 140). Both routes are a bit of a challenge, as they require traveling off Interstate 75 from the west or I-575 from the north or east. Ample parking is available at the James and Sis Brown Athletic Center, with a front lot and an additional one towards the rear. Fans will enter the lobby to a front desk where admission is paid and then can enter the gym floor either to the left or right. Though not exclusively so, the left side of the seating is mostly populated by students, while other fans are typically in the bleachers behind the team benches. Return on Investment   4 Admission to basketball at Reinhart runs $10 which includes access to both men’s and women’s games. Children 12 and under are free. When factoring in free parking and affordable concession prices, the overall cost is very reasonable.   Extras   2 The lobby of the James and Sis Brown Athletic Center honors the achievements of the Eagles athletic programs, showcasing team and individual accomplishments – including athletes honored in the Reinhard Athletics Hall of Fame, All-Americans, and team championships. Despite its smaller size, the venue's intimate atmosphere brings fans close to the action on the floor and nearly allows them to be part of the coach's huddle during timeouts.   Final Thoughts Basketball at the NAIA level offers so much to appreciate which may often go unnoticed. While you can easily find things in the lower levels of college athletics that cannot compare to the higher levels, what makes sports such a great experience is the passion and atmosphere that goes along with the game at any level. Reinhardt basketball at the James and Sis Brown Athletic Center lives up to the expectation of providing fans with a fun game experience, coupled with the school spirit that makes the college game exciting regardless of the level.

There are few basketball teams that are more legendary than the Boston Celtics. They have won 17 championships and have featured some of the most iconic teams ever to dribble a basketball. Is the TD Garden comparable to their venerable home, the Boston Garden? Is it all that is expected of it? Grab a beer and join Paul and Dave and catch the latest episode of Stadium Journey's Obstructed Views. You can find Stadium Journey's review of TD Garden and the Boston Celtics game day experience here.

Photos by Joseph Oakes, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.71 Doak Field at Dail Park 1081 Varsity Dr. Raleigh, NC 27606 North Carolina State Wolfpack website Doak Field at Dail Park website Year Opened: 1966 Capacity: 3,048 Home of the Pack 9 Across the nation, the popularity of college baseball has increased drastically over the past several years. This is the case at NC State, as well, as attendance and interest in the Wolfpack baseball program are at an all-time high. A few years ago, extra bleacher seating was added in left field to push the capacity over 3,000, and those seats have remained in place ever since. Much of this increased interest is due to the success the program has experienced the past few years. NC State has hosted NCAA regionals in 2012, 2013, 2016, and 2018; and hosted the program’s first ever super regional in 2013. That same year (2013) the Pack made their second-ever trip to the College World Series in Omaha. The Wolfpack also reached college baseball’s promised land again in 2021. Doak Field is currently in the midst of a $15 million renovation, which included adding new seats, a new video board, and new LED lights before the 2023 season. Enhancements to take place after the 2024 season will include premium space, concession upgrades, and shaded areas. Even though Doak Field may not be considered one of the ‘premier’ ACC venues, it does provide the Wolfpack faithful with a wonderful facility to watch some of the best college baseball in the country.   Food & Beverage 4  For those fans who come to the ballpark hungry, there are several choices to fulfill their desires. There is a large tent dubbed the Wolfpack Grill directly behind the press box, where hot dogs and hamburgers are grilled on-site. These are great options at the Doak. Two other permanent concession stands offer a wide variety of choices including Loaded BBQ Nachos, Pizza Hut Personal Pan Pizza, Chick-fil-A Sandwich, Hot Dog, and Pretzel. Snack items include popcorn, peanuts, Cracker Jacks, sunflower seeds, candy, and Carolina Kettle Chips. Howling Cow Ice Cream from NC State’s Creamery is also available. Beverage options include bottled water, bottled soda (Coke products), and Powerade. Premium and craft beer options are also available.   Atmosphere 4  Since NC State’s men’s basketball and football teams both play off-campus, it is nice that the baseball facility is still located on campus. Dormitories rise beyond the left field wall and pine trees line the right field wall, which gives Doak Field a quaint college atmosphere. While the location of Doak Field has been the home of the Pack 9 since 1966, the current seating areas, press box, office tower, concessions, and restrooms were all built in an extensive renovation in 2002.   The majority of the seating at Doak Field is below ground, with a spacious open concourse running above the seating area. All of the seating in this area are red chair back seats, which have cup holders. While the chair back seating is nice, these seats are a tad cramped, with not much legroom. At the end of the seating area down the left field line is a spacious grassy berm for general admission seating. Above the berm is a section of bleacher seats that also have chairbacks.   The playing surface at Doak is natural grass, with all of the foul ground being artificial turf. There is a new videoboard beyond the right field wall, which features line scores, stats, player bios, and video replays. There is not a bad seat in the house; however, the sun sets over the first base side of the stadium. If you are sitting on the third base side for an early evening game, the sun will be in your eyes until it sets as you look toward home plate.   Neighborhood 3  Since Doak Field is located on campus, there are no eateries within walking distance of the ballpark. However, there are a couple of places within a mile of Doak Field. If you are looking for something quick before or after the game, Cook-Out is the place for you. It is located down the street from campus on Western Boulevard and is famous for its “trays” which feature a burger (or chicken sandwich), two sides, and a drink for less than $8.   Amedeo’s Italian Restaurant is also located on Western Boulevard across the street from campus and was started by a former Wolfpack football player. There is a large variety of NC State memorabilia located throughout the restaurant, and their Italian food is some of the best in the area.   Being located in Raleigh, there is no shortage of other activities to participate in when visiting the city. A good activity before or after a game would be to take the short drive to downtown Raleigh and take a stroll around the state Capitol. The North Carolina Museum of History and the North Carolina Museum of Science are both located within a block of the state Capitol.   The closest hotel to campus is Aloft Raleigh on Hillsborough Street directly across the street from the NC State Bell Tower.   Fans 4 The fan's support at most college baseball parks around the country depends on two things: the weather and the time of the game. This is often true at NC State as well. Early-season games on a Tuesday afternoon in 40-degree weather will typically draw 1,000 fans or less. However, as the weather warms up, one can expect 2500-3,000 plus fans, especially for a weekend game. Weeknight games against local rivals, such as East Carolina, will also draw capacity crowds.   NC State fans are both loyal and passionate, and when the Pack has an ACC power on the ropes, expect the Doak to be rocking. It is not uncommon to hear the Wolf-Pack chant ring our when the Pack is playing well. Pack fans can be rough on the umpires in a good-natured way. Expect to hear “Come on Blue!” when a ball or strike call does not go the Pack’s way.   Access 5  Aside from rush hour traffic, Doak Field is easily accessible from both I-40 and I-440. If coming to a game on a work night, it is wise to add a few minutes to work your way through Raleigh traffic. Raleigh-Durham International serves the Triangle and is about a 20-minute drive from NC State. Parking for baseball games is free in the West Deck on Varsity Drive, just off Western Boulevard. It is about a five-minute walk to Doak Field from the West Deck. Fans without a season or weekend parking permit will need to obtain a free virtual parking permit for any games Monday-Friday that begin before 5 pm. The permit will allow fans to park on the West Deck. Fans can park in this location for any games beginning after 5 pm Monday-Friday or on the weekends without having to request a virtual permit.   The main entrance at Doak is located near the ticket office behind the home plate. While there is a gate down the third baseline, it is reserved for students only. Security is present at the games but only checks large bags and purses. NC State fully utilizes mobile ticketing.   Once inside Doak, you will notice a large concourse that runs above the seating bowl. The concourse offers an outstanding view of the field, and often many Wolfpack faithful will just stand on the concourse to watch the game while talking with other fans. Men’s restrooms are on the first base side, while women’s restrooms are on the third base side. Handicapped seating is available on the concourse above the seating bowl.   Return on Investment 3  NC State utilizes a sliding ticket pricing schedule as early-season non-conference games are $5-10, while non-conference games later in the season and conference games are $10-20. Typically, the only single-game tickets available are in the left field bleachers or standing room only. Occasionally you can find game tickets cheaper on the secondary market, as the majority of the stadium is sold out through season tickets, so many season ticket holders will sell tickets for games they cannot attend for $10-15.   Extras 3  One neat aspect of attending a game at Doak Field is the duck call that plays when “ducks are on the pond” (Pack players on base). This tradition was started years ago by two gentlemen who would sit behind home plate and blow their duck calls when the Pack had players on base. For weekend games, the NC State mascots (Mr. and Mrs. Wuf) are usually in attendance. Another extra is the picnic tables on the concourse that offer a view of the game.   Final Thoughts  While Doak Field may not be known as a highly regarded ballpark, it is still a great ballpark and a fun experience for college baseball. Upcoming renovations should further improve the fan experience!

Photo courtesy of Lucky Gambler With Major League Soccer (MLS)  returning for the start of a new season on February 21, i-gaming site Lucky Gambler  studied which were the most- and least-affordable clubs to be a fan of. According to a press release, researchers from Lucky Gambler indexed all 29 MLS teams and weighted them by eight factors.   “When going to a soccer game, the cost of a ticket isn’t the only expense involved, as costs of travel, food, and hotel can also be included,” said a spokesperson for Lucky Gambler in their news release. “Today, even jerseys are becoming more expensive than the price of one game ticket. MLS stadiums are now above the 20,000 average fans per match threshold, but numbers vary greatly by venue.”    These factors were determined to contribute to the average fan's experience at an MLS game. Leading the way in terms of most affordable were Minnesota United FC  and Allianz Field – the St. Paul, Minnesota-based club was determined to cost fans an indexed score of 81.91 per game.   The eight factors that determined the cost were game tickets, the average cost of a jersey, the median cost for a one-night hotel stay that is within two miles of the stadium, the average cost of a meal at an inexpensive restaurant in the city, the number of hotels within a two-mile radius, the average cost of a taxi within one kilometer, the number of jerseys available, and the cost for a one-night stay in an Airbnb.   FC Cincinnati  at TQL Stadium is the second most affordable team scoring 72.34 out of 100 in the index. Minnesota United and FC Cincinnati were virtually equal across the eight factors, with one deciding metric separating them. On the other end of the spectrum, New England Revolution  was deemed the most expensive team for fans, with a score of 43.17.   “The average cost of living in Foxborough is about 38% higher than the national average and about 11% higher than the Massachusetts state average,” the spokesperson said. “Therefore, it doesn’t come [as] a surprise that New England Revolution [is] the most expensive team to be a fan of. [While] Minnesota United is the cheapest team, with the cost of living in Minnesota at 3% lower than the national average.” ----- 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: 2.29 Freitas Ice Forum 509 Stadium Road Storrs, CT UConn men's hockey website Freitas Ice Forum website Year Opened: 1998 Capacity: 2,000 Freitas Ice Forum The Mark E. Freitas Ice Forum, named after Husky hockey player, benefactor, and class of 1981 alumnus Mark Freitas, opened in 1998 to replace the outdoor UConn Ice Arena and coincided with UConn hockey’s elevation to Division One status. Food & Beverage 2 There is a snack bar located in the lobby, which is staffed by a local non-profit group raising funds for their charity. It’s not an uncommon practice in arenas and stadiums across the country, but I was surprised to see it in such a small venue as the Freitas Forum. There are two registers present to serve the entire crowd, and these two are plenty on most nights. Short lines do form during intermission, but there is plenty of time to get your food and return to your seat before the next period begins. The menu here is basic, consisting of hot dogs ($4), nachos ($4/$6.50), pretzels ($4), peanuts ($4), popcorn ($3.50/$5.50), and assorted snacks. Coca-Cola products are featured ($3.50/$4.50/$6.00), with bottled water ($4) also available. Since the arena is often a very chilly place to be, coffee and hot chocolate are also offered ($3). Alcoholic beverages are not sold at the Freitas Forum, per NCAA regulations. As you might expect for an operation of this size, the quality of the food items is not the greatest. Atmosphere 2 Upon entering the Freitas Forum, it appears to be the type of standard local rink you would find in any town or city. The walls are aluminum, as are the bleachers. Credit should be given to the game day operations staff at UConn for taking what could be a boring, plain backdrop and attempting to infuse some life into the game day experience. You will find your typical hard-rock music during play stoppages, some giveaways and promotions during intermissions, and a great deal of staff around for a venue of this size. Too much intrusion from the PA announcer or DJ would certainly feel out of place in such a small venue as the Freitas Forum, so kudos to the staff here for striking a nice balance. Neighborhood 3 The tiny town of Storrs, Connecticut is dominated by the university. Storrs’ population of 10,000 is overshadowed by UConn’s undergraduate enrollment of 16,000, with an additional 5,000 enrolled in graduate programs. The university is located over a sprawling 4,000 acres, and is largely self-contained, which is a necessity given Storrs’ rural location. Fans looking to stay in Storrs will find their choices limited. Most fans who come to the area will do so as a day trip, moving on after the game to the larger cities of Hartford, 45 minutes away or Boston, located 90 minutes from the UConn campus. The twin casinos of Foxwoods and Mohegan Sun are located a short 45 minute drive from Storrs. Fans 2 Fans at UConn, as in much of the rest of New England, know their hockey and are into the action throughout the game. Rules need not be explained, and heaven help the referee who isn’t calling the game well. The stands were full of families, alumni, and good old hockey folk. It says a lot about the support a team has when an arena can be half filled for a Saturday afternoon game during the winter semester break. There were not many students to be found on this afternoon, but again, that is entirely due to the fact that classes were not in session. Access 2 The University of Connecticut is located in rural Storrs, Connecticut, a village in the town of Mansfield. The campus is a 45 minute drive from Hartford, the capital and largest city in the state. Fans wishing to drive to the UConn campus will be well served in knowing that no highway serves Storrs directly, and a drive through the scenic eastern Connecticut countryside is necessary no matter what direction one is coming from. The closest interstate is route 84, which runs in a north-south direction connecting Hartford with the Massachusetts Turnpike. From I-84, fans will have to navigate local highways to the UConn campus. For fans traveling by train or bus to UConn, be aware that there are no stations in the town of Storrs. However, the Union Station Shuttle transports round trip from the Storrs campus to Union Station in Hartford. The closest airport to the UConn campus is Bradley International Airport just north of Hartford. Shuttles are available to the airport from the university. The Freitas Forum is located on the southwest edge of the University of Connecticut campus in eastern Connecticut. Adjacent to the hockey rink are several other athletic fields and buildings, as well as the impressive Shenkman training center and Gampel Pavilion, the largest on-campus basketball arena in New England. For fans requiring special seating once at the Freitas Forum, access to much of the rink is not available to you. The seating areas are only accessible by climbing a set of stairs to reach the seats. However, fans requiring special seating will be pleased to know that the handicapped seating is located directly on the glass at the end of rink. There are one set of bathrooms located in the main lobby. The restrooms are surprisingly large for a venue of this size. There were no lines to be found, even during intermission. Return on Investment 4 Tickets to a UConn hockey game are very inexpensive for collegiate hockey at this level, with reserved seats going for a mere $8. Reserved tickets will get you a seat on the larger side of the arena, where there are nine rows of metal bleachers. The last row of the bleachers has seatbacks, while the other rows consist of only benches. The remainder of the arena consists of general admission seating, which cost $7. There are six rows of bleachers on the far end of the arena, also consisting of metal benches without seatbacks, with the exception again being the last row, which has seatbacks. There are five rows of bleachers on either end of the rink. Seniors can attend a UConn game for $4, and tickets will cost students a mere $3. Parking is free in the spacious lot adjacent to the Freitas Forum. The lot is large enough that there is no backup after the game, and fans can be on their way home quickly. The prices at UConn rank them as one of the most affordable options in all of college hockey. Extras 1 The Freitas Forum does not contain a lot of the bells and whistles one would find in many athletic venues these days. There are a few trophy cases scattered around the spacious lobby that showcase mementos from UConn hockey’s short history. Final Thoughts At UConn, hoops are king (and queen), and football is gaining quickly in popularity. Hockey, in many regards, seems to be nothing more than an afterthought. The Huskies have only been playing at the Division One level since 1998, and have not enjoyed a winning season since 2000. The hockey program does not offer scholarships, and it is difficult to maintain a winning program with such a restriction. Granted, the basketball teams cast an enormous shadow over the rest of the athletic program, but the hockey team cannot escape this large shadow with the restrictions currently in place. The Freitas Forum, while perfectly serviceable, does not match up with the top-notch facilities enjoyed by many other athletic programs at the university. Follow Paul Baker’s stadium journeys on Twitter and Instagram @PuckmanRI.

Photos by Lloyd Rothwell, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.29 ANZ Stadium Edwin Flack Ave Sydney Olympic Park, NSW 2127 Australia Sydney Thunder website ANZ Stadium website Year Opened: 1999 Capacity: 82,500 Thunder Sticks ANZ Stadium was opened in 1999 as Stadium Australia and was built to serve as the main stadium for the Sydney 2000 Olympic Games. The capacity was originally 110,000 however after renovations following the Games the stadium now seats a maximum of 82,500 people (oval configuration). Located at Sydney Olympic Park, ANZ Stadium is arguably the premier sporting venue in NSW particularly when it comes to the various football codes, hosting events such as the NRL Grand Final, NRL State of Origin, FIFA World Cup Qualifiers, and rugby union test matches. The venue also features retractable seating allowing the playing surface to be configured as either rectangular or an oval. While the Sydney Cricket Ground remains the stadium of choice for major cricket games in the harbour city, ANZ Stadium has played host to a Twenty20 International. In addition to representative sporting events, ANZ also sees numerous tenants play regular or semi-regular games including Greater Western Sydney Giants (AFL), Sydney Swans (AFL), Canterbury Bulldogs (NRL), South Sydney Rabbitohs (NRL), Wests Tigers (NRL) and the NSW Waratahs (Super Rugby). The Sydney Thunder was formed in 2011 as one of two Sydney based teams for the new Big Bash League (BBL), Australia’s domestic Twenty20 cricket competition. This league is played over a six week period during the height of summer to maximise exposure to families enjoying the traditional holiday period. The Thunder represents Western Sydney and regional areas of NSW. They have yet to experience much on-field success and have generally been overshadowed by their more glamorous cross-town rivals, the Sydney Sixers. In fact, at the time of the match attended for this review, the Thunder had lost their past 16 games. Twenty20 cricket has taken off in recent years and is a shortened version of the game designed to maximise excitement and entertainment. While many traditionalists have found T20 difficult to accept, it is clear that it is attractive to a whole new market who finds a dynamic three hour game much more interesting than the rigours of a five day test match. Domestic cricket in Australia has traditionally been state-based, however the BBL was restructured around cities to conform to the international norm. All eight BBL teams are therefore brand new identities. The league is still experimenting with how to maximise the performance of its product. The 2012-13 season saw a downturn in crowd attendance with many critics blaming scheduling, however this looks to have been reversed for the 2013-14 season. Food & Beverage 3 ANZ Stadium is well equipped to deal with large crowds, meaning an abundance of food and beverage outlets, although not all are open during Thunder games. The offerings are fairly standard for a venue of this nature, and are quite pricey. Hot food includes burgers ($8.70), pies ($5.20), sausage rolls ($4.80), hot dogs ($5.80) and hot chips ($5.70). Also available are assorted sandwiches ($7), baguette sandwiches ($10), Caesar salad ($12.50) and fruit salad ($8.90). Soft drinks (600ml) are provided by Coca-Cola ($5.20) and bottled water is $4.60. Crisps and other small confectionery items such as ice creams and chocolates can also be purchased. Several combos are on offer and include a sausage roll, pie, hot dog or burger, with hot chips and a drink for between $14 and $17.50. There is also a sushi / water combo for $14. Alcohol is served at several bars with fairly standard options including beer (Toohey’s New $7 or Light $6.50) and wine $7.20. Note that a disposable carry tray is an additional $1. While the bars do a steady trade, many patrons seem to shun the food on offer at the stadium, instead opting to bring their own snacks or meals from the many takeaway options located nearby. The easy conclusion to draw is that while the variety is reasonable for a venue of this size, it is expensive. Atmosphere 3 ANZ is a great venue for sport, no doubt about it. Many amazing moments have occurred here during a relatively short period of time. However, there really is no escaping the fact that this stadium is much better suited to football these days. The pitch faces across the oval to allow for more seats to be situated at either end which makes sense, but is a bit awkward. Also, because so many different sports and teams use the venue, there is little that can be done to create much of an atmosphere that is specific to the Thunder. There is a mascot and cheerleaders, but in such a large stadium the crowd can’t really connect with them. The atmosphere is also not very intimate as crowds average around 10,000. Most of the seating is limited to lower bowl in an attempt to combat this, but it still feels like a cricket game is being played in a large football stadium. Neighborhood 4 ANZ Stadium is the centrepiece of Sydney Olympic Park. Many of the venues used during the Sydney 2000 Olympics are on site including Allphones Arena and the Sydney Olympic Park Aquatic Centre – both legitimate venues and attractions in their own right. Over 5,000 events are held within the precinct each year. There are also numerous hotels, bars, and restaurants within the park. My recommendation is certainly to take advantage of this prior to the game, particularly in relation to food. As well as fast food there are options covering Thai, Vietnamese, Japanese, Italian, and modern Australian cuisine. Personally I like to enjoy a great steak at Ribs and Rumps (8 Dawn Fraser Ave). It is worth mentioning that Sydney Olympic Park is big and you need to be prepared to walk a bit to find your preferred restaurant as well as from the parking station if you choose to drive. Fans 3 The Thunder fans are really committed to their team. They’re engaged in the game and decked out in Thunder-green merchandise. However, crowds only average 10,000 per game which is the lowest of any BBL team. Lack of on-field success is obviously a factor here, but parent body Cricket NSW must be concerned regardless. Western Sydney should be an ideal location for a BBL franchise with a large population including many people with Indian and Sri Lankan heritage who are normally heavily attracted to cricket. There is no doubting the difficulty in establishing a brand new sporting identity from the ground up, however the Thunder have yet to hit the mark in attracting fans. Access 4 While SOP hosts many events, not many seem to coincide with Thunder games. However, this is worth checking when deciding to attend a game. If there aren’t any clashes, parking and getting around the precinct is quite easy. Casual parking is $4 an hour or $20 per day. The P1 parking station is probably your best bet. Public transport is also easily accessible with the train station only a short walk away. Given the size of the venue compared to the size of crowd, moving around the stadium is easy and bathrooms are plentiful. While ushers will check tickets before entering any reserved seating areas, once past this point you can probably choose your seat without too many hassles. Return on Investment 3 Ticket prices are reasonable. Reserved seating is $30 for adults with reductions for juniors and concessions, along with family deals. I recommend this option because you are seated at either end of the pitch; in my opinion the best place from which to watch cricket. General admission is very reasonably priced at $20 for adults and $5 for children 15 or under. The Thunder has also created a section called “The Beach” which has been built on one side of the stadium adjacent to the playing surface. This is the most expensive place to sit with adults paying $40 for a seat here. Despite the novelty, given the location, I don’t think this would be worth it. Overall, the return on investment is average. Hopefully the Thunder can attract more fans and create a better atmosphere which would make for a more exciting event. Extras 3 The Thunder receives three extra points. The first is because they play trial games in the lead up to the BBL at suburban grounds in their catchment areas including Blacktown, Western Sydney, and Wollongong in regional NSW. The second extra point is for the practice nets located outside the stadium on the side near P1 – get here early and see the players warming up. The third extra point is for the Thunder attracting Mike Hussey to their team for the 2013-2014 season. Hussey is one of Australia’s best cricketers of recent times and although he has now retired from international cricket, still has incredible ability. He has been largely responsible for keeping the Thunder competitive recently. Final Thoughts The Thunder does a lot of things right. They are very active on social media and connect well with their fans across their catchment area. Their fans are committed and have bought into the Thunder identity. ANZ Stadium is also a great sporting stadium, however whether it will truly be accepted as a cricket venue remains to be seen. Hopefully the Thunder can start to win and attract more people to games which will certainly help.

Photo by Brian Wilmer, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.29 Millis Center 922 W College Dr High Point, NC 27262 High Point Panthers website Millis Center website Year Opened: 1992 Capacity: 1,750 Panther Pride High Point University may be familiar to fans across the nation for a number of reasons. The primary reason for most people to know the university is this extensive feature on its grounds and impressive perks offered to students. The school's beauty and appearance will certainly catch one's eye upon arrival. A large part of that beauty can be found in the Millis Athletic and Convocation Center. Just over twenty years old (for the most part -- the gym is inside Alumni Hall, which opened in the 1950s), the facility perfectly fits among its surroundings. The building is flanked by large windows and grand white columns, along with a statue of the Panther mascot. Once inside, the structure is a great blend of modern conveniences and intimate atmosphere. If you crave a small-gym feel with the trappings of a gigantic arena, this may just be your place. Food & Beverage 3 One will not find a culinary paradise at the Millis Center, but there is enough variety available to calm your cravings at a fair price. There are a few entrees, including Domino's pizza slices ($2), hot dogs ($2), gourmet pretzels ($2.25) and nachos with cheese ($2.50). For a simple snack, choices include popcorn ($2), candy ($1.50 for regular sizes, $2 for theater sizes), gum (10 cents), Air Heads (50 cents), peanuts ($2) and chips ($1.50). Coca-Cola serves as the bottler for the facility. Sodas and Powerade are available in bottles ($2), with water a slightly less expensive option at $1.50. The building's lone concession stand can be found in the lobby, just outside the main entry to the arena's seating area. Atmosphere 4 The Millis Center is a rather intimate setting, to say the least. The building seats a mere 1,750 fans, which ensures that every fan has a great view of the action. The media seating and team benches are on the same side of the arena, allowing certain fans -- more on them in a bit -- to be just a few feet from the floor. There are just six rows of seats on the sides of the floor, allowing for incredible proximity to the floor from each reserved seat. Additional seats are available behind both baskets, in the form of semi-fixed seating and bleachers. Before we proceed, let's again recap the close-up seating we referenced. Though there are no real suites in the Millis Center, there are special chairs just off the floor that are reserved for dignitaries and local businesses. The chairs are emblazoned with the names of the individual seat holder or company represented. The High Point pep band can be found just behind one of the baskets. The group is quite loud -- aided by the setting of the arena -- and talented. Be sure to arrive early to a Panther game, as you will be treated to a mini-show from the band, employing a diverse playlist in the process. There is not a conventional video component to the scoreboard, as the primary board is a low-profile, center-hung structure that shows the basic required game statistics. The underside of this board displays the school's interlocking "HPU" logo on a purple background. The lack of video component on this board, however, is remedied by the placement of four individual video boards around the arena. The boards display the in-game action, as well as pre-produced video packages, in-game promotions and advertisements for upcoming games. If noise is a concern for you and you are attending a key game, bring ear plugs. You very well may need them. Of course, if you want to simply immerse yourself in the atmosphere, a couple of ibuprofen may do the trick. Neighborhood 2 High Point University is located in a more residential area of the city, leaving very little in terms of walkable dining or entertainment options. There are a couple of options about a half-mile from the arena along Lexington Avenue, including Lubrano's Pizza and Kozzy's Grille. For more plentiful options, however, it is recommended to make the two-plus mile drive back to North Main Street, where dining choices of every stripe can be found. High Point is in the Piedmont Triad region of North Carolina, just miles from Greensboro and Winston-Salem. Though a trip to the other portions of the region is not required to dine, find recreation or sleep, either market can be accessed within a half-hour. This opens up even more entertainment and dining options, should you need them. Fans 5 It is, of course, reasonably easy to fill a smaller arena, so that fact obviously comes into consideration when talking about the fans at the Millis Center. That said, the fans at High Point routinely pack the arena and make noise for the hometown Panthers. High Point draws quite well, even for games against lesser schools. The night I attended featured a record crowd of 1,780. The game was close throughout, with High Point pulling out a last-second victory. The crowd was specifically complimented by the players and coaches for their involvement from beginning to end. The school also occasionally conducts "black-out" promotions, encouraging fans to wear black in support of the team. Despite the team wearing silver or white home jerseys instead of black, the sight of black shirts throughout the stands is quite impressive. Access 3 The Millis Center is located directly in the center of campus, just steps from a guard house. There is no parking whatsoever near the building. Therefore, you will need to park on the outskirts of campus and take a shuttle (check the Millis Center website linked in this article for a parking map) or walk nearly a mile from your car to the gym. If you have plans to stay for any period of time after the game, those plans will also be quickly thwarted. The public address announcer makes the "last call" for shuttle service shortly after the final buzzer, so make your celebration a quick one, or your walk will be a lengthy one. Once inside the building, though, the facilities are spotless. There is plenty of room to walk in the hallways that contain the restrooms and concession area, limiting any possible crowds. The restrooms are clean and appointed in a modern fashion. The main bottleneck -- such as it is -- occurs as you return to the floor from the restroom area. If the stands are crowded, there will be many fans standing on the floor, so you may need to navigate around those fans to return to your seat. Return on Investment 3 The lower-level seating in the Millis Center is primarily reserved for Panther Club (the school's booster group) donors and students. These seats might be available through an external marketplace, but it is wise not to count on their availability. This leaves upper-level balcony seating available for fans, and these seats can be purchased for $12. These seats are behind the basket and are the furthest from the floor in the facility. Considering seats can be found for lower prices closer to the floor at just about every Big South institution, one would really have to want to be at a Panther game to rank this a top value. Despite this, however, a ticket, slice of pizza and drink will total $16. This is not the best deal in the conference, but will also not require a second mortgage. Extras 3 There is a stand that sells High Point merchandise just outside of the arena doors, located toward the restrooms. If you need a Panther shirt or other form of memorabilia, the ability to purchase your gear just steps from your seat is a nice touch. The prices are about what one would expect when buying items at a game. If you look around at the walls of the arena, you will notice nods to the school's athletic history. Banners hang just above the seating area behind the basket honoring great players and coaches in High Point's past. Additional banners honoring championships among High Point basketball and volleyball hang from the wall behind the team benches. The Panthers have enjoyed a good number of regular-season and conference championships, and these are commemorated on the purple and white signs. The actual design of the building also deserves some note. As we previously mentioned, the building features prominent columns that make it a perfect architectural fit on the campus. If you look to the left (going toward the gym) or right (going between the gym and restrooms or concession stand), you will notice the university's pool through a series of windows. For those who like to admire buildings, the Millis Center is quite the interesting structure. Final Thoughts Though the Millis Center may not be a 20,000-seat facility with all the latest modern trappings, there is much to be said for its existing layout. There is tremendous action on the court, as the Big South Conference regularly produces some of the best mid-major basketball in the country. The fans are loud and present from the first tip to the final horn. Sure, you won't confuse yourself for being in a seat at Cameron Indoor , for instance, but the Millis Center provides a wonderful snapshot of basketball at this level.

Photos by Paul Swaney, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.57 John F. Savage Arena 2801 W Bancroft St Toledo, OH 43606 Toledo Rockets website John F. Savage Arena website Year Opened: 1976 Capacity: 7,300 Rocket Men In November 2008, Toledo University unveiled the work of $30 million in renovations to Savage Arena, as well as the new Sullivan Athletic Complex. What emerged was an arena with a new scoreboard, new playing floor, suites, loge seats, new sound system and lighting, and a glass-enclosed lounge serving dinner for up to 200 spectators during a game. The Sullivan Athletics Complex includes the Varsity T Hall of Fame, the Rocket Shop, as well as a new ticket office. The end result is a beautiful facility which makes for a great day of college basketball. Savage Arena is home to both the men’s and women’s basketball teams, as well as the Rocket volleyball team. The venue seats 7,300. Food & Beverage 4 It’s a fairly typical concession array for a college basketball arena with one notable exception. Savage Arena is unlike the vast majority of collegiate venues in that they serve beer. This includes Budweiser, Bud Light, Yuengling, Coors Light, LaBatt Blue, and Mike’s Hard Lemonade ($6 for a 16-ounce cup). Wine is available as well. Outside of that aberration, you’ll find brats ($4.50), hot dogs ($3.50), soft pretzel ($3.25), popcorn ($3.50), chicken tenders ($5.50), grilled chicken ($5.50), and pizza ($4). None of these are exceptionally good or bad, and the prices seem to be on par with other similarly-sized facilities. They occasionally also offer BBQ beef sandwiches ($5.50) on a limited basis. Atmosphere 4 They’ve really done a good job with the renovations at Savage Arena. You enter the building and are greeted with the Varsity T Hall of Fame, with images of the many great athletes that have worn the midnight blue and gold over the years. The basketball team has made only four appearances in the NCAA Tournament, but I take some personal pride in seeing my first cousin, Jimmy Swaney among the Hall of Fame honorees. Swaney guided the Rockets to back-to-back tournament appearances in 1979 and 1980, including their only Sweet Sixteen appearance (1979). You’ll also find a life-size photo of Jimmy and all his afro glory in the concourse. That one concourse wraps around the arena, winding behind the seating area along the sidelines and within view of the court along the baselines. You’ll notice many banners hanging in the arena, with the vast majority being gold and belonging to the women’s basketball team (including the 2011 WNIT Championship). Blue banners hang for the men’s accomplishments. The scoreboard is center-hung with four-sided video, and player stats. It is the perfect size for this arena, and gives fans everything they would need to add to the enjoyment of the game. There’s one other small scoreboard above the Toledo student section on the end nearest the Toledo bench. The student section is bleacher seating, while every other seat offers a chairback with above average leg room, but no cup holder. Loge seats and the front row of courtside do offer cup holders for your drink. One additional unique touch is the Joe Grogan Room, a restaurant/club area that is available for fans with club seats, loge seats, or suite access. The pep band is very good, and should be given more opportunity to play. There is also a nice team shop, Rocky’s Locker, near the athletics hall of fame that is worth your while to visit if you are looking for a souvenir from your visit. Neighborhood 3 As you approach the University of Toledo campus, you’ll find plenty of chain restaurants, and hotels, including the Ramada Toledo Hotel and Conference Center. There are several bars and restaurants that are more unique to the area, but they are more likely places you would drive to rather than walk. Jed’s on Campus offers great wings, along with burgers, sandwiches, and wraps. Fans 3 The student section is interesting in that it is segregated between the two ends of the court. On one end, nearest the opponent bench, the fans stand the entire game and cheer adamantly supporting their Rockets. On the other end, closer to the Toledo bench, the students seem more indifferent, some stand and some sit, and their enthusiasm is based on how the game is going. The remainder of the arena is engaged as you might expect. Even with a lot more luxury seating options, the arena can get loud when the Rockets go on a run or need a defensive stop. Access 4 Parking is a breeze. As you enter campus, you will be given the option to either park on your left in the nearby parking garage, or drive forward toward a lot. Both options are $5, but you will want to choose the parking garage on your left. Primarily this is so you won’t have to be delayed by pedestrians when exiting the lot. In either case, parking and exiting is pretty painless. You can expect to be on your way within five minutes of reaching your car. Inside the arena, the concourse is wide and easy to move around. Bathrooms are large and clean. Return on Investment 4 Tickets are very affordable with seats going for $7 for an adult seat, or $3.50 for a child. This is a great place to take the family for an athletic event. There is a pesky $1.50 “web fee” for each seat when ordering tickets online that I find mildly annoying, but the overall price is hard to argue with. When you add in parking and concessions, a family of four can easily see a game for around $50. Extras 3 One extra point for the floor being named Bob Nichols Court. Nichols coached the Rockets for 22 years, including the golden era of Toledo basketball in the 70’s and early 80’s. He passed away in 2013, and the tribute of naming the floor after him is well deserved. Another extra point for the cool rocket design that is part of the main seating area, adding a great aesthetic component to the arena before the game. One final extra point for the competitiveness of MAC basketball. There always seems to be great balance in this conference, and it produces great games. Final Thoughts I have personally attended a game at nearly every basketball arena in the MAC, and Savage Arena is one of my favorites. The renovations really turned out well and have produced an excellent home for the Toledo Rockets and their supporters.

Photos by Stefano Romagnoli , Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.29 Artemio Franchi – Montepaschi Arena Viale dei Mille, 3 Siena, Italy 53100 Italy Robur Siena website Artemio Franchi – Montepaschi Arena website Year Opened: 1938 Capacity: 15,373 Siena Soccer The Artemio Franchi – Montepaschi Arena stadium is the main facility for football in the city of Siena. The stadium is the scene of the home matches of Robur Siena. It was built in the late 1930’s and was inaugurated on December 8, 1938 with a friendly match between Siena and Empoli. A few days later, on December 11, the stadium hosted Siena vs Pisa, a match for the Serie B championship, the second national division in Italy. The stadium was expanded in the second half of the twentieth century: the discovery tribune was made in 1955, the lighting system was added at the football season 1969/1970, the curve Jolly (or Robur), and the curve San Domenico were built between the end of 1980’s and the end of 1990’s, and finally, the promotion of Siena in Serie B, 1999/2000, and then in Serie A 2002/2003, required other extension works. Today, the total capacity of the Artemio Franchi – Montepaschi Arena stadium is 15,373 spectators. Since 1986, the facility has been named after Artemio Franchi, a Siena citizen and president of the UEFA (Union of European Football Associations) from 1973 to 1983. Food & Beverage 3 In the tribune “Danilo Nannini” there is a bar with the following options: coffee € 1; sandwiches from € 2.50 to € 3; pizza and cakes € 2, pasta € 4. Between the first and second half of match Siena vs Sampdoria we bought a cake and a glass of tea, costing us € 3.5. There is another bar in the area reserved for the supporters side. Before going to the stadium we had lunch in a local restaurant with typical dishes of Tuscan cuisine (mixed cured meats, cheese, croutons and “pici”, special handmade spaghetti) at € 17. This would be my recommendation if you’re taking in a match at Siena. The concessions are about average for Italian football, but while in Tuscany, you are much better served when trying some of the authentic cuisine at any of the nearby restaurants. Atmosphere 3 The tribune “Danilo Nannini” is the only covered seating in the stadium and has a capacity of 1,264 spectators. The staircase “Paolo De Luca” and the curves “Robur” and “Vittorio Beneforti” are without coverage, so keep that in mind when purchasing tickets. “Curva Ospiti” (3,000 seats) is reserved for supporters accompanying the guest team. Between the playing field and the stands are still visible parts of the old athletics track. The most anticipated match is against Fiorentina . The match between Siena and Fiorentina are called “Derby Guelfi-Ghibellini.” Many fans are also present for the games against Juventus, Inter, Milan, Napoli, Roma and Lazio. Neighborhood 4 The city of Siena is divided in different “Terzi”: “Terzo di Camollia”, “Terzo di Città”, “Terzo di San Martino”. The Artemio Franchi – Montepaschi Arena stadium is located in the “Terzo di Camollia,” in the north of the city. In this area of Siena are also numerous attractions including the “Fortezza Medicea,” the house shrine of “Santa Caterina” and the “Rocca Salimbeni.” Give yourself plenty of time to explore the many treasures of this city. According to Roman legend, the city was founded by Senius, who was the son of Remus. The city itself is at least 2,400 years old. Fans 2 The most passionate fans of Robur Siena follow matches from curve “Robur.” If you are choosing only one game to attend, then you will want to see one of the derby matches against Fiorentina. Siena’s supporters base is smaller than many of the more well-known teams in Serie A, but the small and intimate setting helps to elevate the overall fan experience. Access 3 To reach the Artemio Franchi – Montepaschi Arena stadium from northern Italy (Florence, Bologna, Milan), you can take the A1 highway at “Firenze Certosa” and then take the “Firenze-Siena” motorway. However, if you are coming from the south (Rome, Naples), then the best route is the A1 highway at “Valdichiana” and then take the road “Bettolle-Siena.” Once you arrive in town just follow the signs for “Stadio.” There is ample parking, with some areas reserved for visiting fans. Return on Investment 4 In the 2012-2013 Serie A season, ticket prices range between a minimum of € 10 for the two curves, “Robur” and “Beneforti,” with discounts for students, to a maximum of € 45 for the staircase “Paolo De Luca.” Tickets for the covered tribune “Danilo Nannini” are more difficult to find and will likely be sold out for most matches, so if you plan to sit here, then be sure to get tickets well in advance. Extras 4 The historic center of Siena has been declared a UNESCO world heritage site. “Fortezza Medicea” is the seat of “Enoteca Italiana” where you can learn and taste the best Italian wines. There are many local culinary products that deserve a taste. Finally, not far from Siena, there are many spas where visitors can relax in the hot water.

Photos by Sean MacDonald, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.43 OceanFirst Bank Center 400 Cedar Ave West Long Branch, NJ 07764 Monmouth Hawks website OceanFirst Bank Center website Year Opened: 2009 Capacity: 4,100 College Basketball at the Jersey Shore Monmouth University is a small private institution located in West Long Branch, New Jersey, just a mile from the Jersey Shore. Although their men’s soccer team has achieved some moderate success recently, their basketball squad has only four tournament appearances, winning a single play-in game over Hampton in 2006. The school was a member of the Northeast Conference until 2013 when all but football moved to the Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference (MAAC). With their arena being named the rather uninventive Multipurpose Activity Center (MAC), you could say they play in the MAAC MAC. [Editor’s Note: The arena is now called OceanFirst Center]. Don’t let the boring name or my stupid joke turn you off though; the MAC is a surprisingly enjoyable place to watch college basketball. Opened in 2009 to replace the aging Boylan Gymnasium, the MAC holds 4,100 fans and includes a 200-meter indoor track above which some of the seats are temporarily installed during basketball games. It’s new, clean, and has a few ways to keep you entertained during all the media timeouts. Food & Beverage 3 There are two concession stands here that do brisk business throughout the game. The main stand is right inside the entrance, while the other is in the far corner. Offerings are slim, but there are some items you won’t see at other small schools. First, the typical offerings of hot dogs ($3), a pizza ($6), and popcorn and pretzels ($2 each) are inexpensive. Candy is also $2 and homemade chips are $3. The specialty items include three types of sandwiches (Buffalo Chicken, Meatball Parm, and Chicken Parm) at $5 apiece and Chile Cheese Nachos at $6. Add chips to any sandwich for just a dollar and another buck gets you a fountain beverage, normally $2 by itself. I had a Chicken Parm sandwich and it was decent and filling, but what you would expect from something made an hour or two before and left on a heating stand. One thing you will avoid here is the nachos, as there is a local taco restaurant offering free tacos and nachos about 30 seconds away from the main concession stand. A few other sponsors provide free samples too, which enhances the overall food and beverage score a bit. Atmosphere 4 With a capacity of 4,100, the MAC is the largest on-campus basketball facility in the conference. There are two seating levels along three sides of the court with the single-level student section in one end zone. Above the student section is a standing area, which is generally filled with students chatting with friends and families allowing their youngsters to take advantage of the room to run around. When the seats are nearly filled, there is a great buzz during the game as fans are chatting and make noise. As in all college basketball games, there are eight media timeouts, and here at Monmouth, they have a plan for each one to keep you in the game. There are the usual cheerleader and dance team performances, a three-point shooting contest, a t-shirt toss, and a Happy Birthday sing-a-long among others. The MC goes by the name Showboat and he can be a bit annoying at times with his over-the-top demeanor, acting like it is minor-league baseball instead of low-level college hoops. Regardless, the overall atmosphere is healthy and fun and you should enjoy your time here. Neighborhood 2 The campus is about four miles from the Garden State Parkway, quite small, and surrounded by quiet residential areas. Midway between the highway and the campus lies the Monmouth Mall, the largest shopping center in the area, and there are several family restaurants such as Chili’s, Buffalo Wild Wings, and Applebee around there but I did not notice any establishments worth stopping for. The northern edges of the Jersey Shore are just a mile east. There are several bars and restaurants that cater to Monmouth students, and although they are probably not hopping in the winter, they seem to be the only places worth checking out if you are looking for something to do before or after the game. Fans 3 Even when the arena is 95% full many fans don’t seem particularly interested in the game itself. A large number of the student section had cleared out at halftime during my most recent visit (I believe many belonged to the football team, there for Miles Austin’s jersey retirement ceremony), but even the fans in the areas I sat were having more fun playing pranks on each other than taking in the action. Seating arrangements are haphazard in some places and I was forced to take a spot up top, not a problem in a small arena such as this but something that could be annoying if you had a good seat, to begin with. Overall, the fans don’t seem to care if the team wins or loses. Access 4 If you are living in or visiting New York City and want to get out to Monmouth, transit is probably your best option if you don’t have a car. New Jersey Transit’s North Jersey Coast Line takes just over 90 minutes to the Long Branch station, with some trains requiring a transfer at Newark Penn Station. From Long Branch, you can try the two-mile walk to the MAC or take a bus. Check Google Maps or NJ Transit for details. Fares are not cheap, with an off-peak one-way ride going for $15. Elberon is the other nearby station, but that is about 1.5 miles from the MAC so you might save a few minutes if your train stops there. If you decide to drive, use Google Map’s avoid tolls option to plan the cheapest route, which will take about 90 minutes from Manhattan including traffic. More than likely though, you will be driving through the area, which is the preferred option. Monmouth is about four miles east of the Garden State Parkway, exit 105 onto Route 36 then right onto Route 71. The Parkway is a toll road, but not ridiculously overpriced like some. Parking is free on campus and there are two lots right next to the entrance off Larchwood Avenue. Inside the arena, there is plenty of room to move around. The Leon Hess Champions Hall has TVs along the walls that are tuned to the game and other sports channels, which make a nice halftime distraction. The seats have small chair backs that fold up, and are comfortable enough, although you might be a bit cramped if your row is full. Washrooms are next to the main concession stand and are more than enough for the crowd. Return on Investment 5 Standing at the northwest corner of campus, the MAC is a good-looking building with a white roof over beige bricks. Visiting at night I was unable to capture it properly with a photo, but it still has that new venue feel. The box office is right next to the entrance, and tickets are $12 at the window for center-court seats in the upper section. The court is not big, so there are no bad vantage points here. You may prefer to stand behind the end zone here as it gives you a better view of the play developing and leaves you closer to the concession stand, as well as giving you room to move around and take pictures from different angles. Although the team was terrible in the 2013-2014 campaign, the overall atmosphere, free parking, good food options, and cheap tickets make this an unexpectedly good road trip destination. Extras 3 The sculpture of a large hawk out front of the MAC is quite nice and worth a point. A point for the TVs showing the game above the concession stands, as well as those in the Leon Hess Champions Hall, which were tuned to other college basketball games that evening. Finally, a point for all the free stuff being given out by sponsors throughout the complex. Final Thoughts Monmouth is not a school that most people know about and certainly only true college hoopheads would be adding this one to their bucket list. But if you enjoy live sports and are in Northern New Jersey at some point, you should consider a visit to the MAC. This is one place where you can’t judge the book by its cover; the Multipurpose Activity Center offers a lot more than you would expect from a small college program like Monmouth and is worth a look for any stadium traveler.

Photos by Sean MacDonald, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.71 H.O. Clemmons Arena 1500 L.A. Prexy Davis Dr Pine Bluff, AR 71611 Arkansas-Pine Bluff Golden Lions website H.O. Clemmons Arena website Year Opened: 1982 Capacity: 4,500 Fine Stuff at Pine Bluff In 2010, the University of Arkansas-Pine Bluff Golden Lions won the opening game in the NCAA Tournament, the last time it was played before the First Four was introduced. The Lions went on to lose their first round match to eventual champion Duke and returned to relative obscurity in the Southwestern Athletic Conference (SWAC), widely considered to be the worst of the 32 conferences in Division I basketball. That doesn’t mean they should be ignored though, and although we at Stadium Journey left them as one of our last college basketball venues to review, they are definitely not the least. The Golden Lions play in H.O. Clemmons Arena, part of the Health, Physical Education and Recreation Complex on campus. Built in 1982 and renovated in 2006, the arena is named for Hubert O. Clemmons, who served in the university’s athletic department in various capacities for 56 years. He coached the basketball team from 1957-77 and was responsible for bringing them back into the SWAC in 1997 after a 20-year absence. Although Clemmons Arena is a typical campus facility, it offers the dedicated sports traveler a unique experience and is worth a visit for those who might be in the area. Food & Beverage 2 There is a single concession stand with a plastic menu listing standard options. The most expensive items are $4, including all-beef hot dogs, Polish sausage, Frito pies, and small nachos with cheese. Judging from what I saw, the nachos should be avoided, as they do not seem to be filling, but the other choices are acceptable. I tried a hot dog and found it to be better than average. Add chili to any order for $1. Other snacks include pickles for a dollar, popcorn and jumbo cookies for $2, chips for $1.50, or peanuts for 75 cents. Being a campus venue, no alcohol is for sale, but you can have bottled water or bottled soda for $3. Atmosphere 3 The court has large stands on both sides that are set back about 15 feet from the sideline, so seats slightly off the floor are a better option. One side has about eight rows of dark seats with chair backs, which seemed to be reserved, while the rest are general admission benches. The most important thing is to sit on the side closest to the main entrance as the speakers from the scorer’s table across the court are pointed in that direction and if you sit on the other side, you will not be able to hear the announcements very well. During the media timeouts the 80-member band that takes up the baseline benches will often strike up a tune and there are dancers on the benches next to them who have an interesting routine. There are also your typical cheerleaders, some of whom can do about 15 consecutive backflips in what is an impressive display. One thing I like is that the P.A. announcer gives updates on other UAPB athletic events as well as SWAC basketball games taking place. It’s a verbal out-of-town scoreboard if you will. Neighborhood 2 Pine Bluff is a rural community about 40 miles south of Little Rock. There is not much near campus, which is surrounded by a residential area and several churches. The closest attraction is the Arkansas Railroad Museum, which is open from 9 am to 2 pm from Monday to Saturday. In terms of eateries, the Colonial Steak House is just two miles south of campus and gets very good reviews, while Gino’s Pizzeria seems more suitable for those on a budget. If you are visiting on a weekend, make sure to get your beer on Saturday, as Arkansas doesn’t allow alcohol sales on Sunday. Fans 3 There was a crowd of over 4,300 at the game I attended, a great turnout for a school with an enrollment of about 3,300 students. Many of the fans are long-time supporters who know each other and there is camaraderie apparent as many fans greet friends throughout the game. The student body is well represented, but not particularly interested in the game itself. Early in the second half a sizable group left after some angry words were shared. Many others followed anticipating some fisticuffs perhaps, only to return minutes later disappointed as “nothing happened.” Not something I have seen before or want to see again. Access 4 UAPB’s campus is just north of downtown along University Drive, with the HPER building on the west side along L.A. “Prexy” Davis Drive. Do not use the 1200 University Drive address that you might find online, that is the general university address. Parking is free and there is a lot right next to the arena, and another, more open one at the corner of Watson and Davis. You can ignore the warning signs threatening you with a towing, as the lots are not checked during the evening. Inside there are two entrances to the gymnasium with one right next to the main entrance and the other hidden in an opposite corner. As mentioned, use the first one and sit on that side to hear the speaker. Should you prefer muffled sounds, you should not cross to the other side inside the gymnasium but exit the gym and find your way to the second entrance. Return on Investment 3 Tickets were listed at $15, quite high for this level, although that included two games as the Lady Lions played before their male counterparts and I was charged only $10 for the men’s game, typical for low-level Division I college hoops. Of course, the SWAC is not great basketball, but it is still Division I and you won’t regret your outlay here. Extras 2 I’m giving a point for the band which had 80 members and kept the crowd entertained during the breaks as well as the eight dancers next to the band who were very energetic in their sparkling silver uniforms. As well, a point for the banner celebrating the 2010 opening game win which is the largest in the entire gymnasium. Final Thoughts H.O. Clemmons Arena is not a place that most sports fans are going to put on their list of must-see venues, but that doesn’t mean it should be ignored. The crowd is lively and the game is probably the most interesting thing going on in Pine Bluff. If you are in Central Arkansas and the Golden Lions are at home, consider a visit and back the SWAC.

Photos by Paul Swaney, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.43 Alfred D. Boyer Stadium Western Ave & University Dr Macomb, IL 61455 Western Illinois Fighting Leathernecks website Alfred D. Boyer Stadium website Year Opened: 2006 Capacity: 500 Baseball at Boyer Stadium Opened in 2006, Alfred D. Boyer Stadium is the minimal, yet functional home of the Western Illinois Fighting Leathernecks baseball team. The stadium’s namesake is a 1972 graduate of WIU, and donated $150,000 toward the facility’s construction. The seating capacity is an intimate 500 green plastic seats, found in seven rows behind the home plate area. Western Illinois competes in the Summit League. Since joining the league in 2008, the Leathernecks have generally finished closer to the bottom of the league than the top. In fact, it’s been since 1984 that Western Illinois has finished on top of the regular season standings, back when they were part of the now defunct Mid-Continent Conference. Fans have to go quite a ways back for any big names to come out of their baseball program. The Reuschel brothers, Paul and Rick, played in Macomb in the early 1970’s, while Gene Lamont was a member of the Leathernecks in the 1960’s. Food & Beverage 1 There is one small concession stand offering Coke products and bottled water ($2), along with assorted candy ($1). The 20-ounce bottled soda offerings include Coke, Diet Coke, Sprite, Powerade, and Dasani water. Don’t come hungry if you come to a Western Illinois game. Fans are free to bring their own food and drink, but no alcohol is permitted. It would be a wise decision to pack something to get you through the contest. Atmosphere 2 The game day presentation is very bare bones, so a lot of the atmosphere is dependent upon the game and the weather. This can be a great place to spend a warm spring day. There are no lights at Boyer Stadium, so you know you’ll be seeing a day game. There are seven rows of green plastic chairs behind home plate, with three rows in front of the concourse, and four additional rows behind the concourse. There are no cup holders, and the leg room is about average. There are a few picnic tables down the right field line, so fans may choose to pack a picnic and have a place to spread out their food. More fans choose to sit along the left field line, in part because the Western Illinois dugout is on that side. Here you’ll find fans with chairs or blankets that they brought with them, or fans who simply choose to stand along the fence. Also on the third base side, the school put out two sets of bean bag toss (also known as cornhole) for fans to use. This is an especially good distraction should you have young kids with you during your visit. The field itself is a dirt and grass field, which always adds to the fan experience (as opposed to an all-turf field). The outfield is fairly large with the distance down the left field line being 325 feet, and 330 feet to the right field foul pole. Straightaway center field is 395 feet to the wall, and the power alleys are 365 feet to left center, and 375 feet to right center. The scoreboard is less than adequate, as it doesn’t display hits or errors. There’s a simple line score, with the current balls, strikes, and outs as well as the number of the player at bat. A one sheet program is available along the first base side. If you like to keep score at the game, you’ll need to have your own scorecard as the program simply gives you each roster, the WIU schedule, and a few other odds and ends. Neighborhood 3 Boyer Stadium is located near the other Western Illinois athletic facilities including Western Hall and Hanson Field . It is about a two mile walk, or six minute drive to get to the quaint downtown Macomb. Chicks on the Square is a popular stop to pick up some of their “chicken lips,” which are essentially very large chicken tenders drenched in their exceptionally good Buffalo sauce. There are also a couple of TVs here, and a decent beer selection. Pag’s Pizza is also located in the Square. It’s a modest pizzeria serving only pizza, pasta, and pop. But their thin crust is really good, and may be the kind of thing that you want to order to go and take to the field with you. Fans 2 As is the case with many fan bases in the Midwest, you’ll find mostly family and friends at a Western Illinois game, along with a few students who decide to come out to watch a few innings. On the one hand, these fans really have a personal interest in the outcome, or at least a player. On the other hand, there aren’t a lot of them. This results in a fairly laid back, but pleasant atmosphere when seeing a Leathernecks baseball game. Access 3 There is some parking available along the left field side of Boyer Stadium, but it is also marked as student parking for the dormitory across the street. Several fans park here, and it doesn’t seem to be closely monitored, so if you can find a spot, you’ll probably be alright. Keep in mind though that these spots can easily be hit by foul balls, so park at your own risk. Parking is also available nearby at Western Hall, where there is a much larger lot, and then there’s just a short walk over the ballpark. This is probably the safer bet. In either case, parking is free of charge. Port-a-potties are available as your restroom facility, although you could also cross the street and use Western Hall, which will almost assuredly be open with more proper facilities should you prefer that. Return on Investment 4 Parking is free, admission is free, and the most you’ll likely spend on food is $3 per person (although all you’ll get is a sugar high). It’s hard to quibble with a sports experience at the Division I level that will cost you nothing. If you’re in the area and the weather is nice, then this is a fine way to spend your afternoon. . Extras 2 On the outfield walls, you’ll find a tribute to two former Leathernecks who died before their time. Devin VanBrooker is memorialized by a sign that reads, “In Loving Memory,” from Mom, Dad, and Tony. VanBrooker died in a motorcycle accident in 2010 at the age of 21. He was a left handed pitcher for the Leathernecks. Another sign down the left field line reads, “Forever a Leatherneck,” and memorializes both VanBrooker, as well as Stan Hyman, the WIU all-time winningest baseball coach, who passed away in 2009 after a battle with leukemia. Hyman led the Leathernecks for eight seasons and amassed 116 victories during his time as coach. Final Thoughts If you are a fan of the Leathernecks, or are following your team to Macomb for a game, you will have a very comfortable experience at Boyer Stadium. While this venue is on no one’s bucket list, it is a fine facility in which to enjoy college baseball.

Photos by Lloyd Rothwell, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.14 Marvel Stadium 740 Bourke St Docklands, VIC 3008 Australia Carlton Blues website Marvel Stadium website Year Opened: 2000 Capacity: 53,359 The Blues at Etihad Stadium Etihad Stadium opened in the year 2000 and is home to five AFL clubs (Carlton, Essendon, North Melbourne, St Kilda and Western Bulldogs), as well as the Melbourne Victory of the A-League and the Melbourne Renegades cricket team of the Big Bash League. Etihad has a capacity of 53,359 and features a retractable roof; the only such venue currently used by the AFL. Although technically a multipurpose venue, Etihad was built primarily for AFL and effectively replaced Waverly (VFL) Park. The stadium has been used for international one-day cricket, international rugby league, NRL, and international rugby union (including the 2003 Rugby World Cup and 2006 Commonwealth Games 7s). Currently privately owned, the AFL is set to assume ownership in 2025. In September 2018, the stadium was renamed for a fourth time, to Marvel Stadium. Carlton was founded in 1864 and is arguably one of the most successful clubs in AFL history, having won a record equalling 16 premierships, the most recent in 1995. The Blues were a powerhouse through the 1990s, fielding a side chock-full of stars and coached by four-time premiership coach, David Parkin. Pulling on the famous navy blue jumper in this era were players such as Stephen Kernahan, Greg Williams, Stephen Silvagni, Anthony Koutoufidies and Craig Bradley, to name just a few. The first decade of the 2000’s was a pretty lean time for Carlton with off-field dramas as much to blame as on-field performances. Shrewd recruitment and greater stability in management saw some improvement in more recent times, with three successive finals appearances between 2009 and 2011. Carlton had a long and storied 109-year history at Princes Park before moving to Etihad in 2005. Some home games are also played at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) to accommodate larger crowds. Food & Beverage 3 The overarching feature of the food and beverage at Etihad Stadium are the exorbitant prices. Unfortunately this is a major complaint of AFL fans in Melbourne as the cost of taking a family to the football continues to rise. A basic pie or sausage roll costs $4.80, a hot dog $6, hot chips $6.60, and wedges $8.50. It only gets worse from here with a cheeseburger priced at $9, bacon and cheeseburger $10.50, and fish and chips $11.50. Add drinks and the pain in your hip pocket continues to grow. Soft drinks cost $5.20 while the cheapest full strength beer is Carlton Draught at $7.20, which is apparently only available for day games. There are more options on the ground level so if your seats are on the second or third levels, consider getting your food before you head up the stairs or ramps. Probably the only deal worth mentioning in terms of value is the Locker Room Bar and Cafe (much more a bar than a cafe) which has express lines offering four Carlton Draughts for $28. Atmosphere 3 Hosting five different clubs makes it difficult to create a unique atmosphere for the Blues; indeed at the entrance there are plaques detailing each of the clubs that calls Etihad home. There is little in the way of Carlton paraphernalia either inside the stadium or in the area surrounding the venue. The venue does provide a slight nod to AFL history with the northern end known as the “Lockett End,” recognising the AFL’s greatest ever goal scorer, Tony Lockett, and the southern end the “Coventry End,” named for Gordon Coventry, the man Lockett passed to gain the record. The western side of the ground is adjacent to the Yarra River and West Gate Bridge, with nice views from behind the level three seats. The seats themselves are quite small and cramped, and are an irritant if people need to get in and out of your row. The higher levels provide a good view but you should be prepared for quite a climb up either the stairs or ramps. The ground level rows towards the back of the seating bowl are impacted by the level two overhangs. It won’t really affect your view of the game but will be in your sight line. Video screens are located in opposite corners. Neighborhood 3 The Docklands area of Melbourne is an urban renewal project by the Victorian Government. Historically linked with maritime usage, the government hopes the area will become a tourist mecca for the city. So far this hasn’t quite materialised. There are plenty of cafes and restaurants in the area but appear to mainly rely on game day traffic. Etihad is close enough to the Central Business District that heading back into the city is most likely your best option after the game where you can experience all that Melbourne has to offer. Fans 3 Given their history of success over the years Carlton has built a solid fan base and attracts a crowd on average of between 35,000-45,000 spectators. However, the game I attended most recently the fans seemed to only really get loud as they built a lead on the scoreboard. As with most AFL clubs, the fans proudly display their colours. There’s no doubting the commitment of Carlton fans but as a crowd they do not make for a particularly boisterous sporting event. Access 4 There are several options for parking nearby although as they are provided by commercial parking operators, expect to pay $20. The closest train station is Southern Cross which is only a short walk from the ground. Etihad is also walkable from the city meaning you’ve got several easy options to get to your game. The stadium is quite easy to move around however it is worth reinforcing that it is somewhat of a chore to climb up to level three. Return on Investment 3 Tickets to see Carlton play at Etihad don’t come cheaply. Prices range between $25 and $62 with the average around $45. Add to this the price of food and you’re looking at an expensive game of AFL. Extras 3 Carlton at Etihad receives three extra points. Worth noting are the aisle numbers which are particularly effective in helping you find your seat, the overall ease of entry into the stadium and the junior games at halftime. There are also a few promotional activities during the breaks. Final Thoughts Etihad is a modern stadium that receives plenty of use throughout the year. Given it is one of only two AFL venues in the city of Melbourne it is worth a visit but make sure to budget accordingly.

Photos by Paul Baker, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.14 Doyle Field Priest St Leominster, MA 01435 Wachusett Dirt Dawgs website Doyle Field website Year Opened: 1931 Capacity: 500 Home of the Dirt Dawgs The Wachusett Dirt Dawgs play their home games at Doyle Field, the most utilized public park in the city of Leominster. The Doyle Field complex consists of a football/soccer field, a lighted baseball field, a running track, and a playground. The name “Wachusett” comes from the neighboring mountain, which is the highest point in Massachusetts east of the Connecticut River. The term “Dirt Dawg” refers to a scrappy, hard-nosed player, and came into use in the region in the early 2000’s to describe Red Sox players such as Trot Nixon and Dustin Pedroia. Food & Beverage 2 There is one temporary concession stand located on the first base side of the field. The menu offers the basics, with hot “dawgs” ($2), burgers ($4), pizza slices ($2), pretzels ($2.50), and fried dough ($4) among the offerings. Thirsty fans can purchase cans of soda or bottles of water for a dollar, and bottles of Powerade for $2. Fans looking for something a little different can try a corn dawg for $2.50. The burgers and dogs are grilled to order, and are definitely worth the price. New this year at Doyle Field is the beer garden, located beyond the center field fence. Cans of Coors Light ($3), Sam Adams, Yuengling, and Wachusett (naturally) can all be had for $3.50. Fans visiting the beer garden be warned, you will be 400 feet away from any other fans, and are confined to the beer garden area for the duration of your beverage. Atmosphere 2 The staff at Doyle Field try hard to create a fun environment for families and other fans, and the atmosphere at Dirt Dawg games has improved by light years over previous seasons. The typical between batter and between inning music can be heard, as well as occasional on-field promotions for the kids. Another new addition for 2014 is Baseball Bingo. Fans can win prizes by filling out a bingo card filled with random baseball plays. One problem with the setup: many of the squares require these events to happen in later innings, and winning cards must be handed in by the end of the sixth inning. It’s a minor hiccup that can be easily fixed. Neighborhood 2 Doyle Field is located in a residential neighborhood just off of North Main Street and close to Route 2. About a mile from Doyle Field on Route 2 is a shopping district with several shops, restaurants, and offices. There is not a large local dining scene here in Leominster, but there are several chain restaurants here to satisfy any hungry baseball fan. Leominster is hardly a destination city in its own right, but is near to Worcester and Boston. Fans visiting the area from out of town would be best served to spend their time in the larger cities. Fans 1 In a league full of teams playing in former minor league ballparks, the Dirt Dawgs struggle to attract large crowds to cozy Doyle Field. Even on big event nights such as Opening Night, the Dawgs only attract between 100-200 fans. Those fans who do show up generally have a connection to the players on the field, so they are knowledgeable and enthusiastic about the game at hand. Access 3 Route 2 runs east-west across northern Massachusetts, and less than a mile from Doyle Field. Fans traveling from to Leominster from the north or east will arrive at Doyle Field by taking Interstate 495 to route 2, turning onto Main St. (from the east) or North Main St. (from the west), and then turning onto Priest Street. Fans traveling from the south or west will take Interstate 190 to route 2, and follow the directions listed above. Leominster is located about a half mile north of Worcester, and about an hour west of Boston. The ball field is located on the far side of the Doyle Field complex, behind a track. Fans can reach the ball field via a couple of cement walkways that line the complex. Once at the baseball field, the cement ends, but the area is still easily passable. There are bathrooms located in the field house here, but they could really use a little TLC. Return on Investment 4 Admission to a Dirt Dawg game is $4.50 for adults, $4 for seniors, and $3 for youths. Free parking is available in a large lot across the street from the park, but be warned, it’s a decent walk to the ballpark. With reasonably priced food, a night at Doyle Field is an affordable night out for the family. Extras 1 While the Dawg’s staff have come a long way with their game night entertainment, this is still the bottom of the Futures League food chain. There is not too much going on at Doyle Field that can be considered extra. A free roster sheet is available, but that is about all. Final Thoughts One reviewer once called Doyle Field “one of the 10 worst facilities we have ever seen”. While I wouldn’t compare Doyle Field to Fenway Park, it’s certainly not that bad. Many improvements have been made here by the city and the team, both to the playing surface and to the overall ballpark experience. The results are apparent. Doyle Field is now a serviceable, if not overly remarkable, place to take in a ballgame. Follow Paul Baker’s stadium journeys on Twitter and Instagram @PuckmanRI.

Photo Courtesy of Carolyn Stapleton Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.71 Farris Center 201 Donaghey Ave. Conway, AR 72035 Central Arkansas Bears website Farris Center website Year Opened: 1972 Capacity: 5,500 Farris Assessment The Farris Center is the home of the University of Central Arkansas Bears basketball program. The arena opened in January 1972 and seats 6,000. Nestled in the typical college town of Conway, Arkansas, the Farris Center is a multi-purpose arena that also houses many classrooms. As with any arena of its age renovations took place in 2010 that included new scoreboards and signage. Two years later a new floor was added to the building. The school’s only NCAA Tournament appearance took place in 2005 at the Division II level. However, its most famous alumni is 6-time NBA champion and Basketball Hall of Famer Scottie Pippen. Food & Beverage 2 The Farris Center is a small venue, and as a result the concession selections are sparse to say the least. Sadly, most high school facilities will have better concessions. The selection is extremely limited, and I could only find one concession area the entire time I was there. The few stands the Farris Center does have carry soft drinks (Pepsi products), popcorn, hot dogs, nachos, and candy. Atmosphere 2 This gym is a very small one, although that is not necessarily a bad thing. The atmosphere in the Farris Center is lively despite its size. While it is not the most fun atmosphere you will find, it is great for families who want an inexpensive college basketball experience. The PA announcer was a plus in this category, as he did a good job of keeping the crowd engaged in the activity on the court. The classrooms in the hallways around the gym area also add a sort of academic feel to the setting, reminding us something we often forget: That colleges are for more than just sports. Neighborhood 2 The Central Arkansas campus is very pleasing to the eye. It is obvious that the school, like many others across the country, has made campus beautification a priority. However, there is also very little on campus for non-students to do. Conway is a traditional college town though, so you will not have to go far to find something to do. It has many of your chain restaurants, but also some nice local places like Mike’s Place and Stromboli’s. Woolly Hollow State Park is nearby for those who enjoy the outdoors, and the Faulkner County Museum for those who would like to learn the history of the area is also worth checking out. Fans 3 The crowd was bigger than one might expect given the size of the facility and the town. The fans were also very invested in the game, which is always nice to see at smaller venues. The fans were particularly when you consider how many of them were there. The stands were less than half full and the top level of seating was actually blocked off. While the fans in the stands were invested in the game, many others were in the hallways socializing. It was an interesting, unique aspect of the experience. It sounds like a negative, but it did not feel like one. Access 3 Parking can be found pretty close and cheaply. As with many venues, the farther you are willing to walk, the more likely you can find free parking. The seating is a bit uncomfortable, and I found it difficult to stay in my seat for extended periods without stretching my legs. The lobby and hallways around the gym were a bit awkward, and it took a little exploring to get from the lobby to the actually seating in the arena. This is not a huge problem though, because it is a very short exploration. The restrooms are extremely old-fashioned, but they were also extremely clean and well-kept. Return on Investment 5 From what you have already read, you might be thinking that a trip to the Farris Center is not worth your time. However, the return on investment is strong when you consider that a general admission ticket costs just $2. Courtside tickets were only $8. You will not find any other venue where a family of five can get in for $10. Say what you want about the size of the Farris Center, but its value is one of the best out there. Extras 2 One extra point goes to the Farris Center for allowing local elementary school students perform at halftime. These students danced their hearts out for everyone, and the crowd was just as enthused for them as they were for the game. It is important for college basketball programs to be involved in the community. Another extra point is for Scottie Pippen’s jerseys, which hang in the hallways of the Farris Center where he played college ball. The fact that Pippen came out of a place as small as Central Arkansas just proves that greatness can come from anywhere. His Team USA, Chicago Bulls and Central Arkansas Bears jerseys hanging in that hallway add a neat bit of history to this arena experience.