Bluey & Bingo pose with their fans, Photo Courtesy of the Kane County Cougars Attending a minor league baseball game on a Sunday afternoon during the dog days of summer can be somewhat drab. The crowd, depending on the weather, could be sparse, and the atmosphere somewhat vapid. However, that was not the case when I attended a Kane County Cougars game in Geneva, Illinois, this past weekend. The place was packed, and it was all due to a cartoon dog named Bluey. Bluey is an animated preschool television series from Australia that airs on Disney Junior and Disney+ in the United States. He is a Blue Heeler puppy with an abundance of energy, imagination, and curiosity about the world. She lives with her father, Bandit; mom, Chilli; and younger sister, Bingo. The cartoon is a worldwide phenomenon that has resulted in merchandise from t-shirts, hats, knapsacks, toys, hoodies, and stuffed animals. I only know of the cartoon because my little niece and nephew made me watch it one day when I was babysitting them. I do not have kids of my own, but watching Bluey and her adventures over and over for more than a few hours can be somewhat nerve-wracking for someone my age. However, it was slightly better than the Bubble Guppies from when my oldest nephew was 5-years-old. I was unaware of their appearance, but as I approached the stadium, I knew it was not going to be your typical game. I pulled into one of the three parking lots at Northwestern Medicine Field. Staff members were abundant guided cars to parking spaces, and families with children descended upon the ballpark. I enjoyed the large crowd at the game, but I felt like a sardine packed with thousands of fans on the narrow grandstand. Folks waited in line for food and drink, kids walked with parents to their seats, and many more enjoyed the game from the two lawn seating areas down each foul line. However, there were more kids behind the outfield wall in the kid zone and petting zoo area. The KidZone is behind the right-field deck area and offers eight different areas of play, including a slide, bounce house, t-ball, and obstacle course. There is also a snack shack with food, plus picnic tables for the adults to monitor the kids. The area includes a petting zoo and pony rides, adding to the excitement for the little ones. It is one of the better kids' areas I have seen at a minor league or independent ballpark. Pony rides at the Cougars game, Photo by Marc Viquez, Stadium Journey However, once the stadium PA announced the arrival of Blue and her sister Bingo, the kids gravitated toward them. The two cartoon dogs waved to their adorning audience from atop the upper deck suites between the 3rd inning. Soon, a crowd lined up down the third base line and up the stairs.  I have seen other cartoon characters and Baseball Hall of Famers at games. I remember a line that lasted almost 9-innings to see Andre Dawson in Lakewood, New Jersey, and tables set up before games to see Goose Gossage in St. Paul, Minnesota, and Rickey Henderson in Nashville, Tennessee. However, none of these lines were as long as Bluey and Bingo. The sun was out, and the temperature was cooking, but that did not stop parents and their children from waiting to see the two cartoon stars from Australia. A few reports had the wait time at 90 minutes, while other parents complained about being in the hot sun and not being able to watch the game. Parents were complaining about the characters needing breaks during the appearance and the location of where they were at the ballpark. Unfortunately, I did not get an up-close picture of either of them. I was restricted to the main concourse and unable to get upstairs unless I wanted to cut the line and get a few mean stairs from 6-year-old boys and girls. I asked a few of them in line what Bluey’s last name was, and they told me it was Heeler (this was a trivia question I got wrong a few weeks ago at my local bar). They were super fans. Fans wait in line for Bluey, Photo by Marc Viquez, Stadium Journey I left the game a few innings early to beat the rush of cars exiting from the parking lot. As I made the long trek back to my car, I heard a little kid behind me crying out loud. He kept repeating that he did not want to go home and that he wanted to stay. I first thought that he was having such a great time that he didn't want it to end. However, I soon discovered that his parents did not take him to see Bluey because they did not want to wait in line. All I could hear was this little boy, no more than 6 years old, crying about wanting to see his favorite cartoon character. At his age, I was afraid of such characters (Mickey Mouse scared me until I was 10). I would be remorseful if I didn’t feel empathy for the little guy. He had probably been looking forward to this day for quite some time. For him, to be this close and not see him would be rather traumatic. I hope he doesn't hold this against his parents for the rest of his life. However, he will grow out of liking Bluey and move on to other things, perhaps Little League baseball, but for all the little tikes that were at the game, thank you for adding a wonderful atmosphere to the afternoon. The old stadium has a lot to offer to fans of any age. It is what makes treating a baseball game a special event. ----- Follow all of Marc’s stadium journeys on Twitter @ballparkhunter   and his YouTube channel .  Email at Marc.Viquez@stadiumjourney.com

Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.57 Brentford Community Stadium 166 Lionel Rd N London, Brentford TW8 9QT England Map It Brentford FC website Brentford Community Stadium website Year Opened: 2020 Capacity: 17,250 Bees New Hive After 116 years at their much-loved Griffin Park home, Brentford FC finally have a brand-new stadium, fit for the Premier League. It is less than a mile from their former home, made famous for having a pub on each corner of the ground. The new campus, next to the River Thames in the west of London, includes a 17,500 stadium, 910 homes and a new public square. The development partner for the move was EcoWorld London and the principal stadium contractor was Buckingham Construction Group Limited. Work began in 2018 and an estimated £71 million pounds later, on the 1st Sept 2020, the stadium opened with a friendly match v Oxford United. London Irish, the professional rugby union side, also moved in (from the Madejski Stadium ) for the 2020/21 season. Brentford’s first season in their new stadium was mostly played behind closed doors due to the C19 pandemic. The season had a happy ending with the club gaining promotion to the Premier League, their first foray into England’s top-flight since 1947. Viewed from above (on google maps) you can see what an incredible feat of engineering it was to fit the stadium campus into the tightest of spaces. Three railway lines frame the site and cause the main structure to rise and fall in the corners. The perimeter is a mix of tight alleyways, a closed off road, and paved walkways. It’s tight, intimate but well worth a visit! Food & Beverage 3 Outside the ground, those narrow walkways mean very little space for street sellers or food kiosks. The Express Tavern looks to be the closest pub. South of the stadium, around Kew Bridge, there are various bars, restaurants, and food stores. ‘One over the Ait’ bar and restaurant is worth a visit and boasts views over the Thames. Adjacent, you’ll find a Costa Coffee and Sainsburys. On the south side of the bridge, the Cricketers on Kew Green serves food and drinks and looks out over the local cricket pitch, quintessential English dining! Once inside the stadium, there are a good number of food kiosks in each concourse. The queues moved quickly on our visit and the staff was friendly and efficient. A pint of Guinness cost £6, London Pride £5.50 or an alcohol-free Peroni £3.75. Soft drinks are £2.50. Now the gentrification of English football is nearly complete you can also get a Gin & Tonic for £6 or a glass of Sauvignon for £6.50! Food options included a Chicken Balti Pie for £4.50, a sausage roll for £3.95, and for those drinking the wine and gin, a Moroccan Tomato and Chickpea Pie! No burger and chips here. How times have changed! Confectionary items are £1.50. The local beer ‘London Pride’ is recommended, coming from the Fullers Brewery just 2.5 miles away. Add the balti pie to your order and for £10 you will be fed and watered and ready to enjoy the game. Atmosphere 4 The stadium boasts 2,930 premium seats, five premium lounges, 400 square metres of roof solar panels, and two large scoreboards above the half-way line. The four distinct stands are simply named North, South, East, and West. Three of the 4 stands have more than one tier, the north stand being the smallest with just one bank of seating. The main (south) stand is the largest of the four, towering over the rest of the stadium it contains the main hospitality areas, players changing rooms, and media provision. In theory, all seats are covered but as is often the case, the first few rows of seats will probably not stop the English weather giving you a soaking. The away fans are housed in a section of the east stand. The most vocal home fans are found opposite, in the west stand. Neighborhood 4 The regeneration of this part of West London continues, with high rise flats still under construction. Particularly to the south of the ground, it’s a lovely and intimate part of the city. Kew Gardens, the bars around Kew Gardens underground station and the Kew Green cricket pitch (and pub opposite) are all particularly pleasant. Attraction wise if the world famous Botanical gardens are not your thing, a visit to the nearby Fullers Brewery for a tour is recommended. Of course, any football trip to London means you have access to one of the most visited capital cities in the world. Hang around in Leicester Square, visit Buckingham Palace or watch one of the world’s oldest democracies in session in Westminster. For the football, stay in the ‘Coach and Horses’ on Kew Green which has rooms, a bar and food all available, and experience the ‘village’ feel just a mile from the ground. Alternatively, the modestly priced hotel chain Travelodge has various venues nearby, the closest is known simply as ‘Kew Bridge.’ Fans 3 Brentford fans are very much in the ‘glass half full’ stage of support for their club. At the time of writing, they are getting used to their brand-new stadium and enjoying early life in the premier league. Of course, losing Griffin Park will be a cause of consternation for some. The new stadium however brings revenues and opportunities which would have been hard to realize in their old home. Their average attendance at Griffin Park hovered around 10,000 but they should comfortably sell out 17,500 seats regularly in their new ground. ‘Hey Jude’ is the fans’ anthem of choice, expect it to hear it a few times as the Bees fans make themselves heard. Fulham are the main local rivals, intensified in recent seasons as the clubs both vied for promotion. QPR and Chelsea are the other geographical rivalries. Access 3 Obtaining a ticket may prove difficult whilst Brentford ply their trade at English football’s top table. For premier league matches, prices are split into 2 categories. Category A against London rivals and larger Premier League clubs and the rest are Category B. In the family area (located in the north stand) tickets prices are at their cheapest with adults £30 and children £10 (£25 and £10 for Cat B games). Around the rest of the stadium, for adults, tickets are between £40 and £60. Concessions (65+ and 18yrs-24yrs) range from £30 – £50. You will probably need to be a Brentford season ticket holder, member (My Bees) or an away fan to be sure of obtaining a ticket with demand currently very high. For early rounds of the League Cup or pre-season friendlies, tickets were just £10 and there was much more availability to the general public. Purchase tickets from the club website or for enquiries email tickets@brentfordfc.com Disabled fans can purchase and request carers tickets by phone (0333 005 8521). There are 150 wheelchair spaces in total. Premium / hospitality seats can be secured via the premium seats link. The Bretford FC website has its own guide to visiting the new stadium. We’d suggest you don’t drive into the immediate area around the ground. Park a few miles south in say Richmond, or west of the stadium and you can pay minimal parking prices, then use public transport. On our visit, a local school close to the stadium was charging an exorbitant £15 to park. The club do have access to parking and have details on their website here. Kew Bridge is the nearest railway station which brings you out directly to the footprint of the stadium. There are also Chiswick and Brentford stations, but they are around a 30-minute walk away. Kew Gardens or Gunnersbury are two underground (and overground) stations which leave just a 20-minute walk. The club suggests the following bus routes 237, 267, 65, H91 and the 391 to get to and from the stadium. Alternatively, cycle for free and use one of 300 cycle spaces at the ground. Entry to the ground is via lettered entrances into the North, South, East and West stands. The QR code found on your ticket, phone or print at home paperwork will need to be scanned to gain entrance. Our visit, one of the first games with fans, saw some issues with the technology but these should be ironed out quickly as everyone gets used to visiting their new home. Away fans are asked to head to Capital Interchange Way, then cross the railway bridge to gain access to the ground. Inside the stadium the concourses are not cavernous given the tightness of the stadium footprint. In the West stand this is alleviated by toilets and food kiosks on two levels, ensuring things were not too crushed. Return on Investment 4 West London, a premier league side with a brand-new stadium, isn’t going to be cheap. Ticket prices, accommodation in London, visiting attractions and £5 a pint can make a large dent in your wallet. However, if you are smart about your visit you don’t have to break the bank. Choose an early round of the cup or a pre-season friendly and tickets are just £10. Travel can be relatively inexpensive with evening car parking in Richmond just £3.05 from 5pm. A return train ticket to Kew Gardens is just £5.60 leaving a 20-minute walk to the stadium. Food and drink will always be pricier in the capital but our visit for the visit of Forest Green Rovers in the League Cup gave us change from £50. Extras 4 Additional TV screens, set into the roof of the stand, mean fans who cannot see the main screens still get to engage. Brentford continue to issue a printed programme. With some clubs in the UK only putting their programmes ‘online’ it’s refreshing to see the programme booths doing good business before the game. Recycling of the plastic beer containers is encouraged with receptacles on the walls of the concourses where you can place your empty drink holder avoiding littering and waste. Provide an email address when you buy your ticket, and on the day of the game, you’ll receive an email from the club with all the latest travel information and team news. Final Thoughts With the tightness of the ground, the overlooking high-rise flats, the multi-coloured seats, and on the day of our visit, a bright blue sky, the venue has a distinctly Spanish feel. The atmosphere certainly benefits from the intimate feel. The unusual sharp corners of the structure due to the train lines make this anything but a standard ‘out-of-the-box’ new stadium. With all the sights of London town less than 45 mins away, or some time spent in and around the delightful Kew area, a visit to this stadium is thoroughly recommended.

Photos by Greg Venuto, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.71 Enterprise Center 1401 Clark Ave St Louis, MO 63103 St. Louis Blues website Enterprise Center website Year Opened: 1994 Capacity: 19,022 St. Louis is No Longer Singing the Blues The St. Louis Blues were born in 1967 and in 2019 they reached the pinnacle of the NHL by winning their first Stanley Cup championship. From 1967 to 1994 the Blues played at St. Louis Arena before moving to The Enterprise Center formerly Scottrade, Savvis and Kiel Center. The building is owned by the City of St. Louis. The arena seems a bit older than some of the modern buildings but a recent renovation has kept the arena relatively up to date. The Enterprise Center also hosts concerts, WWE, Disney on Ice and the Missouri Valley Conference Tournament in March.  The Blues feature a local band which entertains before and during each game on a stage built during the renovations.  Blues fans are supportive and many sport jerseys.  The team is lucky to be the only professional team in the city that plays during the late fall and winter months. Food & Beverage 4 There is a wide array of food and beverage choices. The arena does an impressive job of highlighting local food including beer.  Some of the choices include tacos, barbeque (Sugarfire), St. Louis style pizza and toasted ravioli.  Pepsi products are the beverage of choice and there is St. Louis’ own AB (Anheuser Busch) Beer Garden and Brews of the Lou for non Budweiser choices.  There is also a Shake Shack on the lower level, 3 Stripes Pizza and Hi-Pointe Drive-In (burgers and sandwiches). Beer runs $13.99 for a 25 ounce can, Premium Draft beer is $11.49, 16 ounce bottle is $9.99 and $6.49 for soda (Pepsi products) while bottled water is $5.99. St. Louis style hot dog (provolone cheese, bacon, onions, mustard and banana peppers) is $13.99.  A regular hot dog or a pretzel with cheese are both $9.99.  Two tacos at Mission Taco are $9.49. There are also full bars and grab and go areas for beer and soda purchases which reduces wait times. Atmosphere 4 As you enter the arena running parallel to Clark Avenue at Gate 2, fans pass through Hall of Fame Plaza (installed in 2015), which features bronze statues of Blues icons Brett Hull, Al MacInnis and Bernie Federko. Once inside the rafters are filled with many Division and Conference Championship banners including the 2019 Stanley Cup Championship banner. Banners also recognize the retired numbers of MacInnis, Hull and Federko, along with brothers Bob and Barclay Plager, Brian Sutter, Doug Wickenheiser, Bob Gassoff and announcer Dan Kelly. Assisted Listening Devices are available from the Guest Experience Center located on the Plaza concourse across from Portal 19. Devices are handed out on a first come, first serve basis and are provided free of charge. The scoreboard shows the players on the ice and often updates the total ice time for each skater.  The leg room is average.  The concourse is wide enough for fans to move around but bathroom lines cause gridlock in between periods. Another Enterprise Center staple is superfan Ron Baechle. Since 1990 Baechle, also known as the "Towel Man" or "Towel Guy," is shown on the big screen from section 314 waving his towel and igniting the crowd after every Blues goal. The new center scoreboard is a welcomed addition. The three-ton board features twelve screens and is almost twice as large as the old scoreboard. The LED ribbon board added to the first mezzanine level was the first complete 360-degree ribbon board display in the NHL and has a display area of 2,800 sq. ft. Several other lighting and sound upgrades were also made throughout the arena.  Enterprise Center sports an encompassing 4,100 square feet Team Store on the main level and stocks an extensive collection of Blues apparel, accessories and novelties. Store locations are also on the Mezzanine and PNC Premier levels. The three-year renovation completed in 2022 included a Beer Garden on the first level complete with a stage for live performances. The Blues have a live band on stage performing before game and during intermissions as part of their Rhythm and Blues campaign. Club and Terrace Level seats were all updated and the Clark Avenue Club and The Ledge were added with new food and drink options. A Blues Fan Deck was added behind the goal that St. Louis defends twice. Neighborhood 4 The arena is in Downtown West with many attractions close by including the Stifel Theater, CityPark home of St. Louis SC and Union Station. St. Louis City Hall and many of the municipal buildings are also in close proximity. Busch Stadium  and its Ballpark Village entertainment complex are within walking distance or one stop away on the Light Rail. The St. Louis Wheel is next to Union Station and serves as an excellent observation point. It is open year round and features 42 climate control gondolas than can carry up to eight passengers. The famous Gateway Arch is about one mile walk. For lodging, Curio Collection (Hilton Hotel), Courtyard Marriott, Fairfield Inn and 21c Museum Hotel and Drury Inn are just a few of the many hotels nearby. Fans 4 The Blues averaged 18,049 last year which is basically a sell out every night. The Blues are averaging 18,074 in 23-24 so the economy had not curtailed ticket sales. The crowd is enthusiastic, despite not a lot of artificial noise.  Louie, a polar bear, is the St. Louis Blues mascot and on this visit was not often visible.  The Cheerleaders are located in the Cheer Deck.   The organ is a pleasant sound and plays The Blues Come Marching In after each St. Louis goal and the crowd responds with a resounding “Let’s Go Blues!” chant.  At the conclusion of the national anthem, the fans replace: Home of the Brave  with Home of the Blues !  The Blues do a nice job of mixing stadium anthems with songs played by the organ.  Everything is played at a decent decibel level. The arena’s most recent tradition is the playing of John Denver’s “Take Me Home, Roads” in the third period and the crowd responds enthusiastically.  The song was first played during the 2019 Stanley Cup run. Access 4 The Enterprise Center is easily accessed either by expressway or by public transit. There are plenty of parking lots nearby and prices range from $15-$25.  There is also a light rail system (called MetroLink) that stops conveniently at Civic Center. It costs $2.50 per ride and $5 for a one day pass.  Amtrak stops at nearby Union Station. There are four gates at Enterprise.  The main gate is 2 and all gates open 1.5 hours before the event starts and 15 minutes earlier for season ticket holders.  The area is walkable and there are a number of restaurants and hotels in the vicinity. The bag policy is clutches no larger than 4” x 6” x 1.5” are permitted after visual inspection and will not be subject to x-ray screening. Return on Investment 3 Ticket prices are about average for an NHL game. Upper bowl seats for a weeknight can be had for around $52 but those seats increase to around $90 for weekend games. The lower bowl is about $90 for a weeknight in the corners and elevates to $150 and up for weekend dates. The fan cost metric in 2022 ranked the Blues near the middle of the league at $421.54 (20 out of 32) which includes four non-premium tickets, two beers, two sodas, four hot dogs and two souvenir hats. Extras 3 The team was named after the W.C. Handy song “St. Louis Blues” from 1914 and the song is played by organist Jeremy Boyer before every game. The arena hosts a variety of events throughout the year. In April 2025, the arena will host the College Hockey Championships better known as the Frozen Four. Final Thoughts The Enterprise Center is a solid venue to take in an NHL hockey game.  The arena features good food and drink choices and favorable sight lines. The fans are warm, inviting and enthusiastic about their team which is now a St. Louis tradition for over 55 years.

Photo Courtesy of Marc Viquez, Tony Ray, Craig Smith, Melinda Stierns, and Kelly Larsen Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.14 Wade Stadium 101 N 35th Ave W Duluth, MN 55807 Duluth Huskies website Wade Stadium website Year Opened: 1941 Capacity: 4,200 Old-School Baseball at “The Wade” Wade Stadium has been hosting baseball since 1941 and the old, venerable facility has shown its age in recent years. It has changed little since it constructed 381,000 bricks from a nearby neighborhood street 77 years ago. However, over time, the old ballpark needed dire repairs, which finally occurred before its 75th anniversary. In 2014, the stadium received $4.6 million in renovations to help resurrect the deteriorating historic ballpark. The year before the portion of the exterior walls along the first base side collapsed. The ballpark was also known as having the worst field conditions in the league due to an outdated drainage system that would cause cancellations with the slightest of rains. In 2015, Wade Stadium was rechristened with a new artificial surface, lights, scoreboard, and much-needed care to the brick walls. Both players and fans welcomed the improvements and it was becoming a state-of-the-art facility. At this time, ownership is hoping that the second phase of renovations can take place towards the grandstand and concession areas. The Duluth Huskies of the Northwoods League have called the historic stadium home since 2013 along with local area high school baseball programs. The Huskies have averaged between 1,300 to 1,600 fans per game and have been league finalists in 2004 and 2013. The ballpark was the longtime home of the Duluth Dukes from 1941 to 1970 in the original Northern League. In 1993, a new Dukes team debuted in the independent Northern League and operated until 2002. Originally named Duluth Municipal All-Sports Stadium, its current name is for Frank Wade, owner of the Dukes from 1935 to 1953, who died on January 12, 1953; a year later on February 3, 1954, the stadium was renamed Wade Municipal Stadium. Food & Beverage 3 Wade Stadium has improved its concession areas in recent years providing fans with normal ballpark fare and items that should spark interest in a first-time visitor to the stadium. The prices are reasonably fair and fall in line with other ballparks in the Northwoods League. There are now three separate concession stands and two beer stands that accept credit cards. The main concession stand is behind the 3rd base grandstand entrance and Section D. The Short Stop Concession stand offers hand-scooped and packaged ice cream, hot dogs, brats, hamburgers, nachos, popcorn, and Pepsi products. The Brickyard Grill includes much of the same items but differs with the inclusion of 4 cheese Polish, chili cheese dogs, and Harley’s nachos (pulled pork, cheese, BBQ sauce on nacho chips, coleslaw, potato salad). There is also an assortment of candy, cotton candy, peanuts, and freshly popped popcorn. Photo Courtesy of Untappd Local Mad Paddle Brewing Company produces Huskies Lime Drive, an American Lager with a taste of lime. The brewery also sells Cosmic Lounge (New England IPA0 and Bent Hop (IPA) at the ballpark. Fans can also find Coors Light, Miller Light, High Life, Summer Shandy, Twisted Tea, Duluth Cider-Gitch, and other wines and hard seltzers. Atmosphere 3 When you have an older stadium such as Wade Stadium there is going to be an atmosphere of respect towards the building. There is a wow factor when you first approach the building bare witness to the brick-laced exterior. The simplicity of the entrance also adds a touch of nostalgia, but it’s once you are inside that you either appreciate the place or find it cumbersome. The covered grandstand offers two sections of bleacher seating with seat backs for added comfort, eight pillars hold up the roof that supports a small press box, and bleacher seating extends down the first and third base sides of the stadium. The brick design is also evident inside the building down the right field and left field lines where tall light towers also make their presence. Picnic tables are situated in the right field area that provides a nice view of the historic grandstand. Harley D. Husky can be spotted almost anywhere in the stadium, the official team mascot is a favorite among fans of all ages. Underneath the grandstand is a tight and narrow concourse that houses many of the concession areas and bathrooms. It is a design that is quintessential Americana and fits perfectly here at “The Wade.” Fans get a chance to meet up and mingle before making their way back to their seats. A nice social mix of fans creates a true sense of community identity. Neighborhood 3 The Wade is located three miles from the impressive and vibrant downtown scene that is making Duluth one of those sexy new towns everybody has to visit during the summertime. The ballpark is located in a residential neighborhood on the west side of town and driving is recommended to get to many of the restaurants and entertainment in the area. The dining options are almost endless with restaurants that include fine dining, breathtaking views of Lake Superior, and places to enjoy typical pub fare. Sir Benedicts offers outdoor seating with views of the lake and happy hour 7 days a week, Clyde Iron Works uses wood fire ovens to serve pizza in an urban industrial environment, and Black Woods Bar and Grill is famous for ribs, rotisserie chicken, and steaks. A complete directory can be found here . Duluth is home to a few breweries and a distillery. Canal Park Brewing Company, Hoops Brewing, Blacklist Brewing, Bent Paddle Brewing Company, and Vikre Distillery are within the downtown area and provide a way to enjoy some of the area’s finest beers and hard liquor. The city was voted the “Best Town Ever” by Outdoor Magazine. There are over 6,834 acres of city parkland, 178 miles of wooded trails, 16 designated trout streams, plus scenic drives, walks, or bike rides along Lake Superior. Visitors can spend a day on the water with a harbor cruise, charter fishing, sailing, kayaking, or paddle boarding. Stadium Journey tip-give yourself at least 2-3 days in town, you will be surprised by what Duluth has to offer and how scenic the city is from up on the hill down to the lake walk. If you ask me, spend an extra day in Duluth before heading two hours south to Minneapolis-St. Paul. Fans 3 The fans have hovered around a base average of 1,348 per game since the Huskies' inception in 2003. With that being said, attendance did see an increase in 2015 (the first year of field renovations) and 2016 (where a record of 1,611 fans per game watched a 30-43 ballclub). The collegiate summer team appeals to many since games begin in late May or early June and the nights are not as chilly as they are in early April in this part of Minnesota. The folks in the audience are a collection of individuals of all ages rooting for their home team or enjoying a night out at “The Wade.” If you are lucky, you might even get a chance to talk to a few old-timers who can tell you stories about the place from many seasons ago. Access 4 The Wade was built with old bones and houses one main concourse underneath the grandstand that is home to concession stands, bathrooms, and entrances to the seating of the ballpark. They are narrow and somewhat cramped but with crowds of around 1,300, never cumbersome. The occasional weekend or firework promotion will swell the crowd and concessions lines could get long, but generally move rather quickly. The stadium is about a 5-minute drive from I-35 and parking is abundant around the facility. Downtown is about 3 miles from the stadium and is best accessed by car or Uber/Lift. Parking is free in the main lot or behind the stadium using the 35th Ave. W access near right field. Additionally, parking is available at the Wheeler Athletic Complex across Grand Ave. Return on Investment 3 The cost of a ticket to a Huskies game is $11 for grandstand seating and $12 for reserved seating; as with most baseball clubs, there is a savings of $2 if tickets are purchased in advance. Weekly promotions include $5 tacos in a bag on Tuesday, 25 percent off hot dogs on Wednesday, $5 domestics on Thursday, $5 wine on Friday, $4 pints of Bent Rail Light Lager before Saturday games, and $6 ice cream sundaes on Sunday afternoon. On Wednesday, the team partnered with The Duluth Experience to offer a package that includes a 30-minute tour of the stadium, a shuttle ride to and from Bent Paddle Brewing Company that includes four flights of beer, and a game day ticket for $25. Extras 3 The Wade stands out due to its exterior finish of repurposed stone. There isn’t another stadium like the one here in Duluth, and its appearance harkens back to baseball of a different era. The recent improvements have made the stadium a much better place for fans and players. The synthetic turf field holds up better to the rain, the updated drainage system causes fewer delays and cancellations, and the updated scoreboard is a welcome sight. Players offer autographs after every game near the first baseline picnic area. Final Thoughts Wade Stadium is an old-school, simple, vintage, and charming ballpark. It should be loved by many, but perhaps scorned by few who don’t necessarily enjoy watching games at baseball’s closest thing to a time machine-a 77-year-old building. However, take in the smell of a hot dog or freshly popped popcorn, hear the crack of the baseball, and watch a few kids laughing. It is good baseball, no matter the decade. ------ Follow all of Marc’s stadium journeys on Twitter @ballparkhunter and his YouTube channel . Email at Marc.Viquez@stadiumjourney.com

Photos by Chris Green, Stadium Journey UCF this week announced several upgrades to the school's on campus football stadium, some of which are already underway. Leading the way is improved cell connectivity, thanks to newly installed MatSing lens antennas. Each antenna pod contains 50 individual concentrated antennas, providing better and stronger coverage to each area within the stadium itself. This will provide a stronger wi-fi signal for stadium guests. Fans may recognize the name as the same cell service antennas already in use at AT&T Stadium in Texas, Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas, Raymond James Stadium and Amalie Arena in Tampa, and Hard Rock Stadium in Miami. The new antennas will feature AT&T to begin, with additional providers expected to be added in the near future. Perhaps the biggest and most visible addition to the stadium is that of new LED stadium lighting. The new LED lights meet the current NCAA championship-level play standards for both vertical and horizontal lighting. “Our fans will see an enhanced in-stadium experience and our broadcasts on ESPN and Fox networks will be championship quality based on the LED additions,” said Terry Mohajir, UCF vice president and director of athletics. The number of lighting fixtures will increase by 50%, and allow UCF to take advantage of the Dynamic Scene Control System. This adds the ability to add color and flickering lights to the game-day experience. The stadium will also add new lighting for entrances and common areas - installation of the new lighting system is already underway on campus. and will be completed before the team's home opener against Kent State on August, 31, 2023.

Photos by David Welch, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.71 Reese Smith Jr. Field 635 Champion Way Murfreesboro, TN 37130 Middle Tennessee State Blue Raiders website Reese Smith Jr. Field website Year Opened: 1979 Capacity: 2,600 Reese Smith Jr. Field – Middle Tennessee State University Blue Raiders About thirty miles south of Nashville is the town of Murfreesboro, Tennessee, home of the Blue Raiders. Middle Tennessee State athletics garnered a great deal of notoriety with the men’s basketball program’s 15-over-2 upset of Michigan State in the 2016 NCAA basketball tournament. The women’s program has also seen its own successes, first in the Sun Belt Conference and now in Conference USA. The track and field program has been highly touted in its own right. Middle Tennessee State baseball has seen its own successes, having made 13 NCAA tournament appearances in the program’s NCAA Division I history. Food & Beverage 4 The Blue Raiders concession stand offers a well-rounded selection of options. There is the typical ballpark fare of hot dogs, burgers, nachos, popcorn, and peanuts. What sets concessions apart though are some of the secondary items – Italian sausage, various versions of mac and cheese (BBQ, Korean style BBQ, and sriracha chicken), pulled pork nachos, and bacon grilled cheese help liven up what might be an otherwise typical concessions menu. The Blue Raiders offer Pepsi products, Gatorade, and bottled water, along with various domestic beers, craft beers, and hard seltzers. Atmosphere 3 Reese Smith Jr. Field is almost an exclusively brick facility, trimmed with the university’s strong hue of blue. Season ticket seating consists of four rows of blue seatbacks that run dugout to dugout, as well as along some of the upper grandstand directly behind home plate; there are only a handful of these seats available for purchase though. General admission seating makes up most of the second tier of seating and mostly consists of multiple rows of aluminum benches with seat backs. The Blue Raiders play on mostly natural turf, with a synthetic turf halo around the home plate area. The field plays with symmetrical distances around the uniform, 8-foot fence. Both lines run 330’, power alleys go 365’, and center field 395’. The medium-sized scoreboard sits over the right centerfield wall and provides fans with player-by-player, in-game statistical information, inning-by-inning scoring, and pitch speed. Between innings, the time is filled with a handful of fan-interactive activities, either in the stands or as features on the scoreboard. The grandstand is uncovered, which can create a bit of an uncomfortable experience if there happens to be rain or extremely hot, sunny weather. The only place to escape and get relief from the elements is in the concourse area below the stadium, where you cannot see the game being played. Neighborhood 3 Reese Smith Jr. Field is at the front of the Middle Tennessee State campus, amongst most of the other on-campus athletic facilities. The university’s football field, Floyd Stadium, is a towering presence behind the left field wall – the football stadium is so close to the baseball field that the back side of some of the concession stands and restrooms there are used to tout the baseball successes in conference and NCAA tournament play. Middle Tennessee State University’s campus is just under two miles from downtown Murfreesboro, which features numerous shops and restaurants built around the town square. One of the more popular eateries here is Jack Brown’s Beer and Burger Joint. Civil War buffs might enjoy a visit to the nearby Stones River National Battlefield that is about 5 miles from the MTSU campus. Fans 3 The Blue Raiders have a decent turnout at their baseball games, but they probably will not be breaking attendance records. For the most part fans are engaged in the game, but are more reactionary to the action on the field, rather than anticipating or willing the Blue Raiders to a big play or strikeout in a key situation. Access 3 The Middle Tennessee State University campus is conveniently located less than 4 miles from I-24. Even though it is not directly off the interstate, it is still easy enough to get to. Once at the stadium, parking is a bit trickier. There is some parking alongside the stadium, but while classes are in session these spots can be tough to come by. There is also a large lot in the area, but due to ongoing construction, navigating from the lot to the field is a bit of a challenge. Once at the stadium, ticket booths are adjacent to the main entry point that leads to the concourse area below the seating bowl. Here fans are instantly greeted by the concession stand before making their way up the aluminum stairs to the main seating area. For the most part, all seating is accessible from this location. There are some areas for fans to stand down the line, but it is limited mostly to the third-base side of the field. Return on Investment 4 With general admission tickets running $5 and reserved seats $10, ticket prices are consistent with most other schools of its size. However, there just doesn’t seem to be much reason to pony up the extra $5 to sit closer to the field. Parking is free and concessions are priced reasonably, so a day with the Blue Raiders comes at a reasonable price. Extras 3 The Lee Victory Wall of Champions looms over the left centerfield wall – the large blue wall lists the conference and tournament championships, as well as the NCAA Regional appearances. The school’s fight song is played after each home run; this goes a long way in creating the atmosphere that is unique to college baseball. The radio broadcast is played throughout the concourse to allow fans to keep up with the game while grabbing concessions or taking a quick restroom break. Final Thoughts Baseball at Middle Tennessee State is a nice college baseball atmosphere that lends itself to an overall enjoyable game experience. While it might not be a destination visit for baseball enthusiasts, it is located just outside of Nashville, so it is easily paired with a visit to the Music City as a part of a bigger swing of baseball in the heart of Tennessee.

Photos by Richard Smith, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.43 Michael J. Hagan Arena 2450 N 54th St Philadelphia, PA 19131 St. Joseph’s Hawks website Michael J. Hagan Arena website Year Opened: 1949 Capacity: 4,200 The Hawk Will Never Die Saint Joseph’s University is a Jesuit university located in the Overbrook neighborhood of Philadelphia and the Lower Merion Township along the historic Pennsylvania Main Line. Founded in 1851 it is the seventh-oldest Jesuit university in the United States. The Hawks participate in the Atlantic 10 Conference, as well as the Philadelphia Big 5. The university’s motto is “The Hawk Will Never Die” which is why the Hawk mascot never stops flapping his wings. In 2014, the Hawk mascot was named the “Best College Basketball Tradition” by NCAA.com. Hagan Arena was previously known as the Alumni Memorial Fieldhouse until a major renovation was finished in 2009. Although not technically a new arena, the extensive remodeling efforts mean the arena is generally considered a newer facility. The older facility sat 3,200 with most of the 1,000 extra seats in Hagan added to the student section. On October 26, 1967, the Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr spoke at the Fieldhouse. The new arena was named after Michael Hagan, a 1985 graduate who donated $10 million toward the project. The renovation was part of a larger project called “With Faith and Strength To Dare: The Campaign For Saint Joseph’s University.” Food & Beverage 2 The food offerings at Hagan Arena are pretty limited. There are a couple of food stands in the lower and upper lobbies offering the very basic food items. I wouldn’t waste too much time getting food at the game as there are too many options in the area for pre and postgame enjoyment. If they are selling Philadelphia style pretzels at a table in the main lobby that is one of the best food bets. But once they are sold out, they are all gone. No replenishment here. Atmosphere 4 The advantage of essentially building a new venue in the old bones of an older building is that the new facility is still small and intimate. Everything and everyone are tightly packed in. That allows for a loud and intimidating environment. The student section is right off of one end of the court. They are loud and intense. Adding more student seats to the old arena was a smart move. Also located by the students is a nice pep band and a good set of cheerleaders. The Hawk mascot with its never-ending flapping wings is also a pretty funny sight. The poor person inside the costume is certainly getting a good workout. Neighborhood 4 St. Joseph University is located on the Main Line in Philadelphia. This area has some of the wealthiest towns in the country, including Lower Merion, Radnor, and Gladwyne. Larry’s Steaks offers traditional Philly cheesesteaks across from the Hagan Arena. That is a good option for food, although a true Philadelphia native may prefer their own cheesesteak establishment instead. Landmark Americana is a really good bar and restaurant also across the street that serves good food and drinks. There are many food options in and around the area. Peace a Pizza (4 Station Road, Ardmore, PA) has good pizza by the slice, often with some unusual options. 333 Belrose Bar & Grille (333 Belrose, King Of Prussia, PA) is worth a bit of drive for high-end dining. Wayne, PA is another popular area to explore before games. Pipeline Tacos and Teresa’s Next Door are good choices for food and drink respectively. Of course, the city of Philadelphia is close by so many options exist in that large city. May I suggest Philip’s Steaks at 2234 West Passyunk Avenue if you want to try a cheesesteak away from Larry’s. Fans 4 The student section is very loud. and the rest of the crowd also does a good job of providing a good game atmosphere. The close and intense environment allows the fans to engage very well. St Joseph Hawks Student Section, Photo by Richard Smith, Stadium Journey The arena is not too big, so getting a seat may be a bit hard as these games fill up nicely. Neighboring Atlantic 10 school LaSalle is a hard ticket to get when they come to town. Access 3 The university is located on Route 1, not very far from I-76 (Schuylkill Expressway). Route 30 is also located close to the arena. Parking is plentiful across from the arena. There is a $10 parking charge. Public transportation is close by as you can take a SEPTA train from 30th Street Station in downtown Philadelphia to the area. Check the schedules for night and weekend games. Return on Investment 3 Tickets can be pricey. For Atlantic 10 games expected to start at least $25, with prices easily going higher for close sideline seats. These are expensive tickets, but this is also a high caliber basketball environment in a fancy part of town, so one almost expects to pay this kind of price. . Extras 4 The never-ending flapping wings of the Hawk is an interesting thing to see. There are plenty of historical trophies, plaques, and banners around the arena and the nearby practice facility. Make sure to spend some time taking a look at some of the greats of Hawks past. The old versus new aspects of the arena is quite a thing to see. The arena feels like an old arena. But then all the seats are nice and there are actual bathrooms and room to move in the lobby, which you will not usually see in the older facilities. Also, check out the student section. It is one of the closest to the floor student sections I have seen. And they take advantage of that intimacy by being quite a force against the Hawks opponents. Final Thoughts Hagan Arena is a unique mix of the old and new. The old design of the arena ensures that the sound and intensity will be there for all games, but the newer amenities make sure that the fans will enjoy coming to a game.

Photo by Lloyd Brown, Stadium Journey One of the great ways to get up for the 2023 college football season is to visit the College Football Hall of Fame in Atlanta, GA. The Hall of Fame relocated to Atlanta from South Bend, IN in 2014. This is not your typical museum-type of Hall of Fame filled with busts of college football's greatest players. While college football’s immortals are saluted in the Hall of Fame Rotunda, this venue also offers 52 exhibits and interactive experiences that celebrate, educate, and simulate the experiences college football brings to the country every Saturday. Your interactive experience starts as soon as you buy your tickets, as you will enter the Hall of Fame through the player's tunnel to the roar of the crowd. The tunnel brings you to the Quad, which includes a three-story wall of more than 770 football helmets from every college football team in the country. A separate wall features a canvas depicting 36 of college football’s greatest plays, players, and coaches. The Quad also includes a registration station where you can register the lanyard you have been provided with your favorite college football team. This will be your key to opening many of the interactive exhibits in the HOF with info on your preferred team. Next, it is time to check out your football skills at the Chick-fil-A Peach Bowl Field. This is a 45-yard indoor football field set up with stations to test your kicking, running, and passing skills. After you complete your abilities at these stations, you can check out your efforts on the 36-foot-high video boards. The first floor also includes a media wall filled with more than 50,000 pieces of digital content on college football’s greatest players, coaches, and teams. The second floor contains many interactive exhibits, as well as some of the most valuable trophies associated with college football, including the Heisman Trophy and the College Football Playoffs Championship Trophy. The Fan’s Game Day exhibits take visitors through the many experiences a fan enjoys on a typical Saturday afternoon, including tailgating, pep rallies, and getting hyped up for the game. Interactive activities include Fight Song Karaoke, where you use your lanyard to pull up your school’s fight song, or you can have your face virtually painted in your team’s colors. Two popular interactive activities are sitting behind the ESPN Gameday desk to pick your team as the winner of that day’s game, and calling a play featuring your team from a virtual press box. The last virtual reality experience on this floor allows you to enter the field of 14 of the top college stadiums in the country. You will also find several educational exhibits on the second floor. These include the evolution of football equipment, football’s greatest rivalries, and salutes to the football programs at America’s service academies and the HCBUs located around the country. The top floor contains the Hall of Fame Rotunda. The rotunda features glass walls with the names of all the inductees to the College Football Hall of Fame by the year they were inducted. There are several kiosks in this area where you can pull up a full bio on a HOF member, and even see videos of their greatest plays. The kiosks also allow you to pull up inductees by a school, which in some cases will be several players. After paying respects to the college’s greatest players and coaches, make sure to check out the great gift shop on the first floor. You will also want to make sure to hold on to that lanyard you were issued upon entering the College Football Hall of Fame. When you get home you can access and relive all the fun experiences you had with family and friends. College Football Hall of Fame 250 Marietta Street, NW Atlanta, GA 30313 CFBHall.com (404) 880-4800

Photos by Chris Green, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.14 State Farm Field House at Wide World of Sports Lake Buena Vista, FL 32830 ESPN Events Invitational website State Farm Field House at Wide World of Sports website Year Opened: 2006 Disney’s College Basketball Tradition College basketball in-season tournaments are all the rage lately, yet one Central Florida invitational has remained for many years. The ESPN Events Invitational Tournament, hosted yearly at the ESPN Wide World of Sports at Walt Disney World Resort in Orlando, has become a staple of the NCAA slate. Featuring teams from around the country, this event features plenty of action for an affordable price in a stellar location. Held inside State Farm Field House, this is a popular stop around the Thanksgiving holiday for fans of participating teams.   Food & Beverage   4 There are usually a lot of options at Wide World of Sports – inside State Farm Field House itself, concessions include burgers ($9.50), house salads ($10.50), hot dogs ($9.50), Mickey Ice Cream Bars ($6.50), and Mickey Pretzels with cheese ($8.50). Drinks include beer and alcohol at a stand just across the hall from the food stand, as well as bottled water ($4), coffee ($4.50) and fountain soda ($6) at the main stand in the corners. The beer garden concession stand also features burgers and pretzels with beer ($13-$15.75) that includes optional refills ($8-$9) and Powerade ($5.50). Deserts include Mickey Ice Cream Bars or frozen lemonade cups ($6.50). The arena also includes a Wetzel’s Pretzels location, selling their famous hot pretzels in various options, as well as sodas.   Atmosphere   3 State Farm Field House at Wide World of Sports features a lot of exposed metal beams in the architecture, and its curved roof amplifies the noise and lighting inside. The overall aesthetic of nearby facilities, including Champion Stadium, are carried over here as well. The arena has one concourse level, meaning you can walk up or down to your seats easily. ESPN logos are all over the facility, and past champion banners are hung above the VIP seating area. Neighborhood   5 The sports complex is located just off Osceola Parkway, literally across the street from the new entrance to Disney’s Hollywood Studios – because of this you’re not far from pretty much everything you need on your trip. For obvious reasons, the best place to stay would be at any of the Disney Resorts – guests of the resorts get free bus transport to and from the arena. The closest hotels, Disney’s Pop Century and Disney’s Art of Animation, are two of the park’s lowest priced resorts. For food, anywhere on Disney Property is a go-to; Kona Café at the Disney Polynesian Resort is a popular stop for sushi and a south seas flavor for dinner, while California Grill at the top of Contemporary Resort is also a popular go-to for a more upscale experience. In addition, popular tourist stops include EPCOT, Magic Kingdom, Hollywood Studios, and the Animal Kingdom theme parks. Also, Disney Springs, which is accessible via bus and car, is home to countless restaurants, bars, and shopping opportunities for the whole family. Fans   4 The games are played among four teams, meaning you get two games per day/per ticket. Tickets are sold by day, which means if you go to catch both games, you may notice one game is more or less popular than the other, depending on the fans who traveled for each team. While this can lead to some generally sparse attendance at times, the atmosphere is no-less electric. The noise is also amplified inside, so each dunk and three-pointer seem to garner loud cheers regardless of the attendance in the building, and since everyone has made the trip to Disney, you generally have a lot of families who are attending the games, making for a more family-friendly atmosphere than some team’s home games might have.   Access   4 Getting to Wide World of Sports is pretty easy, but traffic for certain games can be a pain. Parking is free in all parking lots for this tournament, including right close to the main entrance. In addition, now that the roadways have been re-routed in the area, access to the facility is easy when getting onto the property; there is signage all over Disney’s property leading you to Wide World of Sports, and getting off the main road is easy thanks to the new flyover.   Return on Investment   5 Tickets are very affordable, ranging from just $45 for the upper sidelines and $40 for the baseline, up to $60 for the lower sidelines and $80 for lower center court. All seating is first-come, first-served general admission within each seating area. Additional hospitality can be purchased – tickets for all-you-can-eat food with drinks cost $110, with your choice of high top or couch seating areas at floor level behind the basket. This VIP area behind the baseline at court level gives you what amounts to courtside seating and viewing in your own section, complete with tables, chairs, couches, and several TVs that not only show the game you are watching live, but also other games on TV as well. Extras   4 The facility features a popular picture spot at the main entrance next to the Wide World of Sports globe. There also are numerous sports facilities all throughout the area, including various other events that may be going on, from cheerleading competitions to youth soccer tournaments. TV screens throughout Wide World of Sports are also constantly playing various ESPN channels, fully immersing you in sports. Finally, during the championship game Mickey Mouse makes an appearance in special basketball-themed attire, and the tournament MVP is presented with a framed Disney World basketball jersey as their trophy. Additionally, during the first game of the tournament, Mickey Mouse made a surprise appearance for autographs and photos with fans who wanted to participate during halftime. Final Thoughts The ESPN Events Invitational is certainly one of the longer running in-season college basketball tournaments, and it is easy to see why. Since 2006, teams like Notre Dame , FSU , Gonzaga , Memphis , Villanova , FAU , and others have hoisted the Tournament's trophy. Being located in such a family-friendly location, this is an ideal tournament to visit in late November, especially for those fans looking to escape the colder weather up north.

Photos by Marc Viquez, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.00 Berry Bowl 1 Berry Ln Logansport, IN 46947 Logansport High School Berries website Berry Bowl website Year Opened: 1973 Capacity: 5,830 The Home of Felix the Cat The Logansport High School Berries might just have one of the most interesting nicknames in the state of Indiana. However, do not expect to see a bushel of berries as the school’s mascot running around the gym, but rather a feline character named Felix the Cat. He is recognized as the state’s oldest mascot having been adopted in 1926. There are variations of the story, but they all seem centered around a stuffed black and white cat doll named “Felix” by the players. The most reliable theory states that during the 1926-27 season a stuffed animal was presented to star player Raymond “Curly” Hupp by coach Cliff Wells. During an important game that saw the Berries down by 20 points, Felix was taken from the locker and placed in the center of the floor. The Berries were victorious, and Felix became a good luck charm and the official mascot of the team. This wasn’t the first time Felix was used for good luck, the New York Yankees used him as a symbol during its pennant-winning season in 1922. As for why the school is known as the Berries, there is no definite answer to that question. The first mention was “Loganberries” which can be found in the local newspaper in 1922 and was mentioned periodically. At the time school was known as the Red Devils, but in December of 1925, the local paper began using Berries to describe the basketball team. Perhaps the name Berries was better suited for print or maybe it rolled off the tongue better than Red Devils or Red & Black, another name that was used at the time. One theory states the name came from a popular saying during the 1920s, “That’s berries,” a popular term Flapper Decade that was used to describe something that was the “best”. Another theory is that it comes from the loganberry, a hybrid of wild blackberry and raspberry first cultivated in 1881 by horticulturist James Harvey Logan. The name was officially adopted by the school in 1955 (when both the football team adopted the name after being known as the Red Devils) When the school dedicated its new gym in 1927, it was suggested by the press to name it the Berry Bowl. The old venue sat 5,000 with standing room only and was truly shaped like a bowl with 17 rows of wooden seats on concrete bleachers surrounding the playing court. In 1973 the name would carry over to its current modern basketball gymnasium that has more of a box shape, but the Berry Box just wouldn’t sound right. The current Berry Bowl features a floor that is believed to be the first of its kind in a high school gym in Indiana to feature a stain whitewash technique that is more common on professional courts. The new court was installed during the summer of 2017. Food & Beverage 4 The Berry Bowl has a large concession stand near the entrance of the gymnasium offering the usual goodies found at most Indiana high schools, but with a twist. Two small flat TV screens offer combo meals that save customers a few dollars and credit cards are accepted, a huge benefit to anyone who doesn’t carry cash in their purse or wallet. The idea was that of Brian Strong, an Athletic Director who wanted to mirror what customers would see at a movie theater. Hot dogs and nachos are available with Spanish sauce. A common topping for hot dogs in town is a spicy, tangy version of a chili or coney sauce. The sauce is homemade for all games and compliments the pork hot dog that is served on a steam bun; they sell for $2.50 apiece. A Spanish dog can be found at Haps and B&K locations in town, but why bother, when you can enjoy one while watching the game from the stands? A regular hot dog costs $2, a slice of pizza $2.50, and a small bucket of popcorn is $1.50. Combo meals are available with a Pepsi product for a small discount. Other concessions stand items include donuts, cotton candy, bananas, and caramel corn. A smaller concession booth is located underneath the lower seating level. Atmosphere 4 The Berry Bowl is compacted into a design that mirrors a box of chocolates, or perhaps chocolate-coated berries, and offers a similar design to the gyms built in its era of the 1970s. However, it is the decorations of its famous mascot Felix that adds a lot of character to the facility and furthers it from other venues in the state. Felix is everywhere from a welcome sign at the entrance that proclaims him as the first mascot in the state, to padded wall coverings behind one end of the court, menu boards, and signage above lower court seating. However, the largest display is the 22-foot Felix center court logo. It is not common to hear visitors ask what the connection between the school name and Berries is, but feel free to turn around to tell them if you happen to know the history of the name. The main entrance offers enough room to move around and get a good look at the court down below. This area features the main concession stand, a few tables, and booths selling merchandise or raffle prizes, and a trophy case that honors the 1925 state basketball champions, the Berries lone state title. Bleacher-style seating is featured on both levels and includes an area for fans who need assistance with walking at the top level against the railing, along with a small bleacher section directly behind one end of the court–this area is usually filled for all games and puts the fan the closest to the action underneath the rim. There is not too much room for players underneath each basket, a few inches separate the student-athlete from either a set of padded walls or bleacher seating. The game begins with the Berries marching onto the court as the crowd stands and applauds. Cheerleaders circle the middle of the court and a mascot Felix dances and cheers along with them in unison. Felix also greets fans young and old before tip-off at the entrance of the game before joining in with the student section and band during the game. Neighborhood 3 Logansport is a small town of 18,396 located in Cass County-70 miles northwest of Indianapolis. The town features the main drag offering chain restaurants and plenty of hotel options. However, there are a couple of local establishments that should be a stop before or after the game. Mr. Happy Burger, AKA Hap’s East, is a staple among the residents in the area. There is a lot to choose from and that may be the hardest decision. They are known for their pork tenderloin sandwiches, Hap’s Delight which is smothered in tartar sauce, and Spanish dogs which are topped with spicy homemade chili and also poured over nachos. There is also an ice cream shop that offers cones, sundaes, and milkshakes for dessert. Old Style Inn is another highly recommended restaurant that serves brisket and a blue cheese steak salad. The ambiance of the establishment features a retro corner pub; wood paneling, and a tin ceiling. Fans 4 The Logansport faithful enjoys watching the Berries and proudly represent the team colors of red and black at home games. Older fans line up along the railing on the upper concourse porch for a birds-eye view of the court. Many have been coming to games even before the gym was constructed, and a new generation of fans can be spotted, perhaps a few years from becoming fully ingrained in the Berry culture. Access 4 There are no interstates to take you into Logansport and GPS can be spotty at times in the area. The best access from Indianapolis is to travel north on State Road 31 pass Kokomo and take State Road 35 into town. There are no signs leading to the high school or the Berry Bowl. Once inside the gymnasium, it is easy to get around the spacious venue. Bathrooms are located on the lower floor and outside the corner of the upper concourse. There is also ample parking in front of the gymnasium with staff helping direct cars before and after each game. Return on Investment 4 A visit to Logansport can make for a nice relaxing day trip off the beaten path of the city, sprawling suburbs, and congested interstate. There is quite a bit to enjoy inside the Berry Bowl and when tickets are $5 and concession prices even cheaper, it is a fitting way to stretch your sports entertainment wallet. Kids will enjoy the free Felix the Cat decals and parents can take the whole family out to eat at Mr. Happy Burger after the game. Extras 5 Felix the Cat is everywhere inside the building; a character that is older than Mickey Mouse and Donald Duck has found a home here in Logansport. His image is a welcome addition to the traditional, and sometimes all-too-common, school nicknames and logos throughout Indiana. The menu boards are pretty impressive on bright color flat-screen TV at the concession stands. The concession stand also accepts credit cards, a rarity in Indiana at high school gyms. The school nickname Berries may sound like an odd name, but there is the lore behind its genesis, and both students and alumni have embraced the name. It is considered by many fans and high school hoop enthusiasts as one of the best names in the state. There are mascots in other gymnasiums, but Felix seems to outdistance them in energy and zeal. He greets fans of all ages at the entrance to the facility, dances with the cheerleaders, and energizes the crowd during the game. The art deco lettering for the school’s hall of the legion is an ingenious touch harking back to the school’s only state championship. Lettering you would expect to find from a building constructed in the 1920s or 1930s adds a little shimmer inside the building. Final Thoughts When you think of Logansport High School you think of Felix the Cat and its unique nickname Berries. The Berry Bowl provides a wealth of information about its unusual nickname and its legendary school mascot. Fans are also treated to homemade Spanish dogs, easy access around the gym, and don’t need to carry cash to purchase concession items. There is a college-like feel at the game in a few areas that go a long way for the casual fan. The Berry Bowl is the “berries.” _______ Follow all of Marc’s stadium journeys on Twitter @ballparkhunter and his YouTube channel . Email at marc@stadiumjourney.com

Photo by Marc Viquez, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.57 Port Arthur Stadium 425 Winnipeg Ave. Thunder Bay, ON P7B 6P7 Thunder Bay Border Cats website Port Arthur Stadium website Year Opened: 1951 Capacity: 3,031 Summer Baseball Across the Border Unless you’re an avid hunter or camper there likely has never been a reason for yourself or your family to venture anywhere near Thunder Bay, Ontario. This is arguably one of the most remote communities of more than 100,000 people on the continent as it’s located at the end of a winding four hour drive from Duluth, MN to the southwest. It sits eight hours east of Winnipeg and six hours west of Sault Ste. Marie. However, it’s a prime shipping port for Lake Superior and its pristine wilderness draws in outdoor enthusiasts. The community also has a hidden gem of a ballpark, Port Arthur Stadium, the home of the Northwoods Leagues Thunder Bay Border Cats. Thunder Bay’s location has never had it comfortably in the footprint of any league, but since the 1990s, the now-defunct Northern League and now the Northwoods League, have extended their Upper Midwest geography north and into Canada to take advantage of this park’s potential. The park dates back to the 1950s and was used exclusively for local town ball teams and also the occasional Canadian junior tournament until the professional Thunder Bay Whisky Jacks arrived in 1994. The team’s clever nickname, and teal-based colors, were a reflection of the 1990s and the team was a cult favorite in magazines but never a success at the box office. The team left after 1998, but along came the Border Cats in 2003 who enjoyed moderate success at first, but who now mostly play to crowds in the low hundreds as well. Food & Beverage 3 There is the usual array of ballpark from food from hot dogs to peanuts. However, down the third base line there is a stand offering barbecue pulled pork sandwiches and on the opposite side an ice cream stand for the warm summer months. On Saturdays with a ticket purchase, fans can order a steak, potato, and beer for $35. Local Sleeping Giant Brewing Company offers products at the ballpark and tall boys are $5 on Thirsty Thursdays. Atmosphere 2 Port Arthur Stadium is a classic ballpark from the post war boom that is definitely appreciated in a league such a summer collegiate league. The concession stands are underneath the covered grandstand and it is a ballpark design for the focus of watching baseball. Still, there is a lot of fun to be hand at Border Cats games. Unless the Border Cats are playing a playoff game (where sellouts are frequent), the crowd on most nights will top out in the low hundreds. On nights where it’s cool that number might even been in the dozens. Still, the sight lines are nice and the roof contains the sounds of the game and creates a stereo effect for your ears. It’s a relaxing night, even if it can be dull. It’s a shame, because while the park clearly shows its age, with chunks of concrete missing, the overall condition of the facility is amazing. The main grandstand extends from base to base wrapping around home with seats 3,000, all individual plastic seats. The seats begin five feet off the ground and extend up 20 rows, with all fans walking up to their seats. A roof covers all but the last few yards of seats down both baselines and a press box sits atop the roof. A drawback is that mesh netting runs the length of the seating structure. The staircases are very narrow (a throwback to the 1950s), and some steps have worn away so it can be dangerous in spots. The interior of the grandstand is also very tiny, with a hallway that is only slightly bigger than that inside a home, expected to flow fans to concessions and restrooms, but remember this wasn’t built for professional baseball. Still, the interior is painted bright white and red and the facilities underneath are kept clean. Neighborhood 3 The ballpark is located in Port Arthur (Fort William is another city that combined to form Thunder Bay in the early 1970s) and you’ll hear plenty of untrue rumors about safety. The stadium itself sits next to the 1981 Canada Summer Games Aquatic Centre, which is still used as a city recreation center, and also a small hockey rink (this is Canada). Beyond right field is a former little league field that has been allowed to go into disrepair and is now used as a dog park. Just beyond center field is a major commercial strip that includes everything from chain restaurants and megastores to a gentlemen’s club. Fans 2 Sadly, there just aren’t many. Thunder Bay has had a checkered past of supporting teams for not only baseball but also hockey (though Lakehead University has been a box office success recently). The excuses are plentiful and the dozens of fans at the game you attend will be quick to tell them to you from weather, to the lack of media exposure. Access 1 Unless you fly into Thunder Bay (which is very expensive), your likely trek will be from Duluth, Minnesota, hugging Lake Superior. On a map it doesn’t look far, but because it’s a two-lane road in the wilderness it takes up to four hours and that doesn’t include the 10 minute stop at the border. Once inside the ballpark itself, the concourse is easily manageable and crowds are never near capacity for most games. The signs for bathrooms and exits/entrances are clearly marked. Return on Investment 3 Getting to Thunder Bay is a hassle, but at the end is a gem of a ballpark that otherwise wouldn’t have been seen. Port Arthur Stadium isn’t one of the classic minor league ballparks, nor should it be considered as such, but is worth a visit as it’s been fairly well maintained. Just noticing how small the aisles and hallways are further brings into perspective how much bigger society has gotten in general. The club offers weekly promotions that include Mega Mondays where it is all you can eat for $32, Toonie Tuesdays where kids tickets, pizza slices, and pop are just $2, and Weenie Wednesdays where hot dogs are just a loonie. Extras 4 Thunder Bay is home to the largest grain elevators in North America and they provide the backdrop/skyline of Thunder Bay beyond centerfield. The city itself also offers a number of picturesque views of Lake Superior and the wilderness that surrounds the civilized areas. If you’re one into hunting or fishing or camping, this is definitely a place to checkout and maybe make the ballgame something that is done on a day into town. Final Thoughts Port Arthur Stadium is a throwback but ideal for Northwoods League baseball. The team is under new ownership and hopefully there will be a few new changes to the gameday experience, but still provide baseball in town for the foreseeable future.

Photos by Richard Smith, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.57 Anderson Field 236 N Grantham Rd Dillsburg, PA 17019 Messiah Falcons website Anderson Field website Year Opened: 1962 Capacity: 300 The Falcons Nest Messiah University is a private interdenominational evangelical Christian university in Grantham, Pennsylvania, although the mailing address is in nearby Mechanicsburg. Anderson Field is part of the larger Starry Athletic Complex. The university began as Messiah Bible School and Missionary Training Home and was part of the Brethren in Christ Church. The name changed over the years going from Messiah Bible School to Messiah College, and in 2020 Messiah University. The university is now interdenominational and not part of the Brethren in Christ Church but still is evangelical with an influence in the Anabaptist, the Radical Pietist, and the Wesleyan holiness movements. The Falcons mascot is named Flex, although he was previously known as Fandango. The Falcons compete in Division III of the NCAA and are a member of the Middle Atlantic Conferences. The team receives some of the biggest support in Division III and boasts some of the best attendance of all schools at that level in the "Olympic" sports. The Falcons have been very successful in athletics. The men's and women's soccer teams both won the NCAA Division III National Championship in 2005, 2008, 2009, and 2012. The Falcons men's soccer team are eleven-time national champions. Messiah University is the only college in the NCAA to win both the men's and women's soccer national championships in the same year, and they have achieved that distinction four times. There also have been national championships in women's softball, and women's field hockey, along with numerous individual championships in wrestling and wrestling. Food & Beverage 2 There is a small concession stand near the baseball field called the Falcon Hut. It offers cheap concessions from a limited menu. it is a nice little facility but it doesn't offer much if you are looking for more than a small snack. Atmosphere 4 The Starry Athletic Complex is a great little complex to watch sports. You have to access it via a covered bridge. Each of the various fields offers great views and a fun environment for each of the Falcons sports teams. Anderson Field is a simple field hockey setup with a small grandstand. There are also many other areas to watch field hockey around the field. We think the best place to watch is via your bag chair along the small hill south of the field. Anderson Field has a carpet turf which is the preferred surface for the top field hockey programs in the world. The facility includes full lighting for evening practices and games. It looks like it will not change, but the new Stadium East Building as part of the campaign should help operations at Anderson Field. The new concessions will also be a great addition. Messiah's "A Warmer Welcome Campaign" is an ongoing effort to enhance the outdoor athletic facilities at the Starry Athletic Complex. The Campaign is set to include a new concession and hospitality facility that will serve Messiah’s entire outdoor athletic complex, expanded and enhanced new seating for lacrosse and softball fans, and improved dugout areas for the baseball field. Neighborhood 3 Starry Athletic Fields Complex is south of the main Messiah campus. There is not much of a neighborhood in Grantham but one can venture into Mechanicsburg and/or Harrisburg for more things to do before or after a game. There is a Primanti Bros. Restaurant and Bar in Camp Hill if you are feeling like eating a large meal. Vitality Bowls in Mechanicsburg could be a healthier option. Fans 4 Messiah has one of the best fan bases around . They support Falcon sports, no matter which one. If visiting on any given weekend, you are likely to find multiple games going on, with each a healthy attendance . Access 3 Messiah University, itself, is not that hard to access as it is located nearby the Pennsylvania Turnpike, I-83, I-81, and U.S. Route 15. You may have more issues once on campus. The university is easy enough to get around, but the Starry Athletic Fields Complex is located to the south of the main Messiah campus, across an old-style covered bridge. Once across the bridge, there is a medium-sized parking lot that could fill quickly. We ended up parking across the campus and walking as there were so many events going on, not just at the athletic complex. This was not a bad thing, as we found a nice little walking trail, along with a swinging bridge. You need to be aware that the main parking lot might not work out for you. Return on Investment 5 There is no charge for attending a game at Anderson Field. Even if there was, you could easily watch the game for free along the south side of the field. The limited offerings of the Falcon Hut are also very good with prices. Extras 4 The ability to easily watch so many sports without almost any extra walking is a great extra. Go north of the nearby Criste Tennis Courts to find a delightful swinging bridge that crosses Yellow Breeches Creek. Once across the bridge above look for the campus fitness trail which offers a great walking trail around a good part of the Messiah campus. The Climenhaga Homestead is a historic house on campus that was built by the first dean of the college (Asa Climenhaga) as a way to become better connected to the campus and its students. The homestead now houses guest rooms, meeting rooms, and conference facilities. Final Thoughts Messiah University is already a great spot to watch sports, but with the upcoming "A Warmer Welcome Campaign" it may go to another level. Anderson Field is a simple place but is one that offers a great place to spend a bit of time.

Photo by Jason Bartel, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.14 MacGregor Park 5225 Calhoun Houston, TX 77021 Texas Southern Tigers website MacGregor Park website Year Opened: 1925 Capacity: Tiger Baseball by the Bayou A member of the Southwestern Athletic Conference (SWAC), Texas Southern baseball is finding success despite playing their games in a city park. MacGregor Park is a no-frills college baseball experience, but is also home to a team that won the SWAC in 2015 and 2017, sending the Tigers to Regional play in each of those seasons. So even though it may not be a high-end fan experience, the baseball is still quite enjoyable. Located in Southeast Houston, MacGregor Park is a quiet little area nestled in next to Brays Bayou. If you’re looking to go to a park and catch a little NCAA baseball at the same time, this is the perfect place to do so. Food & Beverage 0 This is a bring-your-own-food-and-beverage experience. There are picnic tables in the park that you can set up and enjoy a meal on, or you can just bring whatever you want with you into the bleachers. There is no security so as long as you’re abiding by City of Houston rules; otherwise you’re good. Atmosphere 2 There’s something about being able to hear every little conversation happening around you that makes baseball like this so entertaining. Add to that having the ping of the bat right in your face, plus getting to listen to the players and coaches throughout the game, and you have yourself a pretty unique experience. The whole experience can really remind you of a quaint Little League game. The chain link backstop and baseline fences are lined with wooden bleachers, and there are two small speakers attached to a microphone and computer for your in-game entertainment. No shade, no amenities, just you and the baseball. There are songs played on the speakers, and the Texas Southern players have walk-up songs, so it’s not like it’s totally silent at MacGregor Park. There are sometimes even in-game bingo contests going on, so you can find some side activities to fill the dead time. My recommendation is to either bring your own chair and sit somewhere down the foul line, or bring a pad of some sort and sit anywhere in the bleachers. There is no real advantage to sitting in any particular spot. Neighborhood 2 There’s not a lot happening in the immediate area around MacGregor Park, but you aren’t too far away from the University of Houston, where you’ll be able to find more. Also downtown Houston is only about a ten minute drive away, as well as the Medical and Museum Districts. If you’re looking for something to eat that’s close, you’re probably going to want to check out Ray’s BBQ Shack . It’s just a block away from MacGregor Park, and is a very good food option to either eat in or pick up and take to the game with you. Alternatively, The Address is a very popular bar located on Old Spanish Trail right next to Highway 288, about five minutes from the park. A short drive away from MacGregor Park is the University of Houston’s main campus, with the actual Texas Southern University campus just a little bit further away from the ballpark. But if you’re looking to make a day of it, you’re probably better off going across 288 to the Museum District . Here you’ll find 19 different museums, so there’s something for everyone. You can also visit the Houston Zoo in this area, or downtown Houston is just another ten minutes or so drive north. Old Spanish Trail, which is the main road that goes to MacGregor Park, eventually makes its way near NRG Stadium , home of the Houston Texans , so there are plenty of hotels that are several miles away on this particular road. But if you want something a little bit closer and a little bit cheaper, there are Mainstay Suites, Econo Lodge, and Summit Inn, all located at Old Spanish Trail and Hwy 288. Fans 3 With this particular crowd, there’s not many people here that aren’t either friends or family of the players. But this also makes the small number of fans at these games passionate, and gives a very family feel to the game. Not to mention the actual family picnics happening and players making their way out to the cars in between innings. Access 4 It’s very easy to get to this stadium, and the entirety of MacGregor Park offers plenty of free parking for those wishing to attend the game. Just be aware that if you park too close to home plate you might have your windshield smashed by a foul ball. If you don’t want to drive, there are also METRO bus stops all around the park. It’s best to use their website to plan out how to do that in a timely fashion. Return on Investment 3 There are no tickets. Free general admission and no security lines means you can bring your food with you, or if you need to do work you can even set up a laptop. And with the bleachers just sitting around behind the backstop, moving around is very easy if you’re wanting to get a different vantage point during the game. It’s free, and you can bring your own food, all while watching Division-1 college baseball. So there’s certainly nothing to complain about on the price of attending Texas Southern baseball games. And if you’re okay with the wood bleachers or can bring your own chair, then you’re certainly going to be fine here. . Extras 1 I’m going to give an extra to the porta-potty sitting out in the park behind the dugout that serves as the players’ only bathroom choice during a game – it’s certainly unique. Final Thoughts MacGregor Park is not the place to go if you’re expecting luxury or want a unique baseball experience – this is a place you go if you want the simplicity of baseball while being located just minutes from the center of one of the biggest cities in the country. There’s a certain charm to it, but don’t come without being prepared.

Photos by Lloyd Brown, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.14 Haynes and Carolyn Hill Stadium at Lynn Cottrell Park 201 Barlow Rd Dahlonega, GA 30597 North Georgia Nighthawks website Haynes and Carolyn Hill Stadium at Lynn Cottrell Park website Year Opened: 2009 Capacity: 222 There’s a Softball Park in Them Thar Hills! The University of North Georgia (UNG) opened in 1873. It is in Dahlonega, GA, and has a student body of 18,046. Its’ largest areas of study are biology, psychology, and business. The University of North Georgia is one of only six senior military colleges in the U.S. Students are not required to be in the military programs at UNG, but a sizable percentage of the student body does enroll in the military sciences area of study. The athletic team at UNG are known as the Nighthawks. They participate in sports at the Division II level of the NCAA as a member of the Peach Belt Conference. This conference includes smaller schools from the states of Georgia, Florida, and South Carolina. The home of Nighthawks softball is the on-campus Haynes and Carolyn Hill Stadium, more popularly known as simply “The Hill”. It is in Lynn Cottrell Park, UNG’s Outdoor Athletic Complex. It opened in time for the 2009 season and has a seating capacity of 222, plus a terraced area beyond the outfield walls. Major improvements since its’ 2009 opening include the addition of the FieldTurf artificial turf in 2014 and the installation of a new video board in 2020. The softball team is a longtime powerhouse in Division II softball, as it has won 50 or more games per season six times since moving into The Hill. This includes seven trips to the NCAA Division II Championship round and four visits to the Division II Super Regionals. The Lady Nighthawks were the National Champions for Division II in 2015. They have won eleven Sun Belt Season Championships since the stadium opened, as well as fourteen Sun Belt Tournament Championships. The NCAA has also recognized The Hill as an excellent facility, as it served as the site for the Southeastern Regionals of Division II from 2009-2012 and 2014-2019. North Georgia University firmly believes that the stadium and its ongoing improvements have been a boon to its recruiting efforts. Food & Beverage 4 There is one concession stand located at Coleman Field House. The stand is well-staffed, and the lines move quickly. The stand serves a very basic ballpark standards menu. However, the prices at the concession stand are much lower than we find at most college venues. The menu includes hot dogs ($3.75), nachos ($3.75), pretzels ($3.50), candy ($2.25), and chips ($1.25). The stand carries Coca-Cola brand beverages ($2) and bottled water ($2). Beer is not sold on the University of North Georgia campus. Atmosphere 4 Haynes and Carolyn Hill Stadium is a great place to enjoy a Nighthawks softball game. It is a very modern facility, as it opened in only 2009. The ballpark features the blue, gold, and white team colors of UNG. The ballpark is in a valley, between several forested hills, which form a backdrop beyond the outfield walls. The grandstand is located behind home plate, and it features some very comfortable chairback seats. Fans have a great view of the action no matter where they are in the bleachers. The entire field, including the infield base paths, is made of a synthetic surface. This is due to the harsh weather conditions in February when the softball season gets underway. The Nighthawks have very few rainouts during the season. The ballpark also features a state-of-the-art electronics package. There is a large videoboard in left-center field behind the outfield wall. It was installed in 2020. The videoboard features each batter’s name and background information as they come to the plate, in addition, it also provides information on the upcoming games. The sound system at The Hill is extremely clear. Neighborhood 4 UNG is in Dahlonega, GA. Dahlonega was the site of the first Gold Rush in the U.S. in 1828. Gold in very small amounts can still be found in the area. The city of Dahlonega is located 66 miles north of Atlanta in the North Georgia mountains. The heart of Dahlonega is Courthouse Square, which is just two blocks east of the UNG campus. The square is filled with unique shops, great restaurants, and services that fill the everyday needs of both the year-round population and the UNG student body. The old courthouse in the square is now home to the Dahlonega Gold Rush State Historic Site Museum. Among the more popular businesses located on the square are the Dahlonega Brewing Company, and the iconic Smith House Inn and Restaurant. The Smith House Inn opened in 1899 and is still an active lodging site. Its’ restaurant is famous for its family-style dining, and it is packed regularly with both locals and tourists. Dahlonega hosts several festivals each year, with the biggest being Gold Rush Days in October. This festival celebrates both the town’s heritage with gold and the fall leaf colors in the North Georgia mountains. The area is also a hub for the wine industry in Georgia. There are more than 15 wineries amongst the hills surrounding the town. The surrounding mountains also draw many outdoor enthusiasts to the area for hiking, white water rafting, and mountain biking. For more information on things to do during your stay in the area, go to www.dahlonega.org . Fans 4 The fan base at Nighthawk games consists of students, parents, and family members of the players as well as the townspeople of Dahlonega. UNG and the townspeople of Dahlonega share a great town/gown relationship. UNG is the only sports game in town, other than the lone high school in the county. Fans proudly wear the UNG colors, even if they have no official link to the school. Access 4 The UNG campus and The Hill are located 66 miles north of Atlanta. They are easily reached via Highway 400 and US Highway 19. Once in Dahlonega, turn left at Morrison Parkway. Go 1.5 miles and turn left at Barlow Road. Parking and the ballpark will be on your left. Directions from Atlanta: Take Highway 400/US 19 North for 32 miles. When Highway 400 ends, continue on Highway 19 North for 8 miles. Turn left at the red light for South Chestatee Street (US 19) This will bring you up and over a steep hill that overlooks the city of Dahlonega. After you have passed the hospital, go down the hill to the next traffic light. Turn left onto Morrison Moore Parkway. Turn left on Barlow Road. The parking lot and The Hill will be on your left. You can park in any space in the lot. Gates to the ballpark open one hour before the first pitch, leaving you plenty of time to watch batting practice or visit the concession stand in Coleman Field House. Return on Investment 5 You will not break the bank when you attend a softball game at Haynes and Carolyn Hill Stadium. Parking is free anywhere within the Lynn Cottrell Athletics Park. Ticket prices are $10.00 for General Admission seats and $7.00 for Seniors/Students/Military. The items at the concession stand are priced well below the typical costs charged at most college venues. Programs for the softball games are free, as they are digital, and are available by snapping a photo of the QR code at the entrance to the ballpark. Lodging in the area can be found for less than $100 during the softball season. Extras 4 The University of North Georgia turns 150 years old in 2023. Several special observances will be held throughout the season, highlighting the athletic achievements of various Nighthawk teams over the years. Dahlonega gold covers the steeple of the Price Memorial Hall on the UNG campus and the Georgia State Capitol Dome in Atlanta. As an active Senior Military College, UNG still has military observances of Reveille, Retreat, and Taps. While only students in the military studies programs observe Reveille and Taps, all students, faculty, and staff stop when Retreat is sounded at 5 pm. They stop whatever they are doing and put their hands over their hearts and face the Drill Field while the Colors are taken down and the cannon on the field is fired. Zac Brown of the Zac Brown Band is a native of Dahlonega and he took classes at UNG. Final Thoughts Haynes and Carolyn Hill Stadium provide a better-than-average experience for small college softball fans. Its’ state-of-the-art facility offers a beautiful setting amongst the North Georgia mountains, with an electronics package that you would expect to have at a much larger school. The fan base is a model of town/gown cooperation, with everyone wearing the school colors. Finally, the town of Dahlonega offers visitors plenty of things to do before or after the game.

Photos by Chuck Utech, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.00 Mall of Asia Arena Mall of Asia Complex Bay City, Pasay City 1309 The Philippines Barangay Ginebra San Miguel website Mall of Asia Arena website Year Opened: 2012 Capacity: 20,000 Mall of Basketball If you like your basketball to be one part rugby, one part three point shooting, and one part rock concert, then the Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) is for you. Here is a quick primer. The PBA played its first game in 1975 and is the first professional basketball league in Asia, and second oldest in the world, behind the NBA. The PBA features 10 teams. Rules are a mix of NBA and international. A season is comprised of three “conferences” called the Philippine Cup, Commissioner’s Cup, and Governors’ Cup. Winning all conferences in a given season is called a “Grand Slam.” Each conference has particular roster requirements and ends in playoff with a champion. The Philippine Cup rosters are comprised of players of Filipino descent. This Cup is widely thought of as the most prestigious of the three. For the Commissioner’s Cup, the ninth and tenth place teams from the previous conference are allowed one import no taller than 6′ 11”. The remaining teams have a 6′ 9″ restriction. In Governors’ Cup play, the rule is 6′ 5″ for all teams. Barangay Ginebra San Miguel (Ginebra) has been a member of the PBA since 1979, beginning as Gilbey’s Gin. They are by far the most popular professional team in the Philippines. They have won eight championships. Unlike basketball in the United States, there are no home arenas. There are two main facilities that host PBA games, the Smart Araneta Coliseum (site of the Thrilla in Manilla) and the Mall of Asia Arena (MOA). In times where Smart Araneta and MOA are busy, Philsports Arena and Cuneta Astrodome are used instead. MOA is the crown jewel of venues in the Philippines. In addition to a regular PBA slate, it is the home of the University Athletic Association of the Philippines and served as the main venue for the 2013 FIBA Asia Championship. In 2013, the NBA played a preseason game to a capacity crowd featuring the Houston Rockets and Indiana Pacers. In just two short years it has also hosted concerts of international acts such as Taylor Swift, Bruno Mars, Lady Gaga, Nicki Minaj, Aerosmith, and the Jonas Brothers. Boosted by a nearby first class shopping experience and excellent atmosphere, a trip to MOA is highly recommended if you’re looking for a sporting event in Manila. Food & Beverage 5 Food and beverage of all types is available and easily accessible from a plethora of concession stands at Mall of Asia Arena. The main concessions popular with the local crowd feature standard arena food. Tubs of popcorn are 70 and 95 PHP (standard conversion is about 43 PHP to 1 USD). A bacon cheeseburger is 100 PHP while a hot dog wrapped in bacon served on a bun is 80 PHP. Local beer San Mig Light and San Mig Pale Pilsen is served in a 12 ounce cup for 65 PHP. Looking for something different? Try Kobe Kroquette. These are deep fried mashed potatoes with panko coating. They come in different varieties. I sampled a mix and match 3 pack for 75 PHP. I asked for the most popular and was given ham and cheese, crabstick, and seaweed, which are served with tonkatsu sauce. They are quite enjoyable. Searching for a different type of ethnic cuisine? Next down the line is Jamrock Patty Cafe and their famous Jamaican patties. These are a beef-stuffed delicacy with a pastry crust. A regular patty is 65 PHP or with cheese is 75 PHP. In addition, there are stands for pizza, tacos, chicken sandwiches and ice cream. Starbucks and Krispy Kreme also have booths. Cost is very affordable. Want a mixed drink? Tanduay Rhum has a booth and a rum and Coke is only 100 PHP. Atmosphere 5 One main gate on the south side of the complex allows inside access. There is a huge line, but security is quite efficient in moving everyone inside. There are essentially five levels for seating: Patron, lower box, suites, upper box and gallery. Patron seating includes courtside and is on the main floor. Escalators escort fans to their desired section. I recommend sitting in the box seats. The gallery seating does allow for the lowest price at 125 PHP, but is also in the 500 level. Lower box seats are 550 PHP and allow for a great view and crowd experience. Mall of Asia Arena features a large, state of the art center court hanging video board. Live action is shown as well as game statistics. Music during a regular season game is a standard instrumental beat that is usually played at all venues in The Philippines. During the playoffs, both teams have drum lines that sit on each side of the gallery and duel all game, replacing the instrumental beat. Popular music is played during breaks and intermissions. Because the PBA does not play more than a doubleheader in any night, the crew for all venues is mainly the same. Both teams are announced as “Your” team. Inside, the announcer is very well understood. He speaks English nearly throughout except when asking for everyone to rise for the National Anthem. Although fan support may be lopsided, the announcer does a great job of hyping big plays for both teams. “Japeth Aguilar for THREEEEE!” Also the voice is quite discernible for explanations such as “technical foul on the bench for disrespecting a game official.” Sound is distributed well in MOA, which is excellent, because even during roars from the crowd, the announcer can make his call. During intermissions a team of three guys appear on the court and shoot t-shirts into the crowd with a slingshot. I appreciate that they shoot those high into the cheap seats. At halftime, one of those fellas sports a harness with backboard on hoop on top and they pass around a small ball to fans to shoot. Made baskets win a prize… a two day supply of Vitamin C. In addition, they have a game where two contestants are at mid court, attached to a bungee cord. The goal is to advance to their respective hoop, dragging the other along, and make a basket. That is very entertaining. Want to challenge a friend at a three point shooting contest? On the second level is a regulation hoop and three point arc. Free of charge, one can hoist as many jumpers as they can. Two staffers grab rebounds and send balls back on a rack for continued shooting. Neighborhood 4 Located two blocks from Manila Bay, MOA sits in a shopper’s paradise. Across the street is the spacious Mall of Asia. The mall is currently the 10th largest in the world. It is estimated that 200,000 people visit the mall daily. Nearby are hotels, casinos and a business district. Fans 4 I really do not know if I have enough superlatives to describe the PBA fans. They are supportive, smart, and quite vocal. The fan experience alone is well worth the price of admission. It is very enjoyable. There are two main chants one can expect to hear at a Ginebra game. “D-Fense!” and “Ginebra!” (EE-NEH-BRAH!). When a team makes a big shot, fans from that squad will hold up a jersey or handmade banner (ranging from poster board and magic marker to a fancy, stitched felt sign) of the player. Same with a great steal or block. Most of the “super” fans are behind the respective hoops. They are quite mindful to not keep the sign up too long and impede the view of the spectator behind them. Access 3 MOA is easy to get to, whether by taxi, bus, or jeepney, but it is located on the Western side of Metro Manila. A 45-60 minute taxi ride is approximately 300 PHP. There are bus and jeepney stops as well as a railway nearby. For visitors unfamiliar with the area or travel, I recommend a taxi. There is plenty of parking outside the arena and across the street at a mammoth parking ramp. Outside parking allows for tailgating. Again, there is a long line for getting in the gate, but it moves briskly. Outside food, drink and items like strollers and umbrellas are not allowed inside. They can be checked at the entrance. Inside the arena it is very handicap accessible. There are plenty of guards and security as well as assistants to make sure getting to a seat is a breeze. The concourses are wide and also afford views of the bay and surrounding area. Smoking? The second floor has a large smoker’s lounge which also serves beer and soda. The arena and mall both feature taxi bays for a quick exit. Return on Investment 4 A PBA game at MOA is a joy. One can sit in a box seat, enjoy a variety food, drink and spend less than 1000 PHP. The entertainment level is high for the cost. Since there are hotels as well as casinos fairly close by so one staying in that district could go to a game for a significantly lower price. Extras 3 It is disappointing that there are no programs for PBA games. The tickets are generic. There is however, merchandise available. T-shirts and jerseys of the teams are available ranging from 300-650 PHP. In addition, Team Philippines hats are available for 395 PHP. Goods are still on sale from the 2013 preseason NBA game as well at a reduced cost. Restrooms in MOA are easy to access, large and sparkling clean. Views from the arena of the area are special, and even more so after dark. The environment is supportive, family-friendly and fun. Viewing a game at MOA is a definite must.

Photos by Chris Green, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.00 Arnold Field 180 1st St W Sonoma, CA 95476 Arnold Field website Sonoma Stompers website Year Opened: 1949 __________________________________________________________________________________ Stompin’ Baseball The Sonoma Stompers are a relatively new addition to the wide Bay Area sports scene. Nestled blocks from downtown Sonoma, CA, the team makes their home at tiny Arnold Field. The stadium itself is a Sonoma County Regional Park named in honor of past Sonoma resident General Henry “Hap” Arnold. Arnold Field is also dedicated to supporting youth athletics in the Sonoma area, with the field being run and supported by the volunteers of the non-profit Sonoma Valley Athletic Corp. Open since 1952, the facility can see its history traced to the late 1940s when the Sonoma Valley Athletic Club looked for a new site to build a baseball field. Food & Beverage 4 There is only one concession stand at Arnold Field, but the selection is pretty solid. This mini version of the Kenwood Palooza Brewery and Gastropub has many items on the menu for various tastes – salads range from $11 to $12 with items such as various burgers ($14-$16), lobster rolls ($18), hot dogs ($12-$13), and 10” wood fired pizzas ($13) populating this impressively varied menu. Atmosphere 3 Arnold Field itself is not much more than a high school baseball field equivalent. Several rows of metal bleacher seating behind home plate are located under a tarp to shield fans from the sun, but lack backing for a more comfortable experience. Special patio seating is located in left field along the third baseline, but that is little more than a few umbrellas with patio chairs underneath them. General admission tickets get you into the outfield grandstands beyond the left outfield wall. Unfortunately, one must literally walk through the visiting team’s bullpen to get there, only to find it in need of a dusting off of the local spiders and their webs. Neighborhood 4 The town of Sonoma is steeped in history, with various National Park Service museums and historic sites around for visitors to see. Food options include the popular pizza spot Mary’s Pizza Shack as well as Plaza Grill, and Arnold Field is also just blocks away from Sonoma Plaza, where you can find plenty of local shops to satisfy your buying needs. In addition, being located in the heart of Sonoma Valley means that the wine country beckons to visitors from all around. The closest hotels to the stadium are the El Dorado Hotel, Sonoma Hotel, and the Best Western Sonoma Valley Inn. Fans 2 The fans who show up are pretty loyal for the Stompers. Unfortunately, since the field is small, the crowds are small as well. On top of that, most stay in and around home plate, with few actually venturing beyond the third base side to the outfield seating areas. Access 3 To get to Stompers games, one must take some smaller side roads. State Road 12, which runs right through Sonoma itself, is your best bet from the north and east, while Routes 116 from the west and 121 from the south offer the other main connectors to Route 12. Once in Sonoma, the stadium is located just a few blocks north of Sonoma Place off 1st Street West. Here you will find plenty of parking for free just steps from the main gate to the ballpark. Return on Investment 3 Tickets for Stompers games start at $10 for general admission, then go up to $12-$18 for grandstand seating and $20 for club level patio seating. However, with concessions prices above the average for independent and minor league baseball teams in general, you may want to watch your spending for food while at the stadium. Given the lack of a roaring sports feel in the facility, those searching for a bigger crowd atmosphere will be better off looking to the metropolitan Bay cities for Athletics and Giants games. Extras 2 The team’s mascot roams the stands during games to meet fans and take photos; the team also hosts some giveaways and theme nights throughout the year. Final Thoughts Though an enjoyable overall experience, the Sonoma Stompers are squished into an aging yet historic ballpark in Sonoma Valley. While the history is certainly there, Arnold Field lacks some of the finer touches. When compared to independent league stadiums from around the country, it is hard to put a finger on why fans should seek out the Stompers over more established teams in other cities. Nonetheless, Stompers fans still show up at games and have provided a good base from which the team can truly grow.

Photos courtesy of Gregory Koch Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.43 E.B. Henderson Sports Complex 4200 Connecticut Avenue NW Washington, DC 20008 UDC Firebirds website E.B. Henderson Sports Complex website Year Opened: 1977 Capacity: 1,500 Firebirds of Fury The University of the District of Columbia, known as UDC for short, is a historically black college (HBCU) and the only public university in the District of Columbia. The school was founded in 1851 and is located in the Van Ness neighborhood in Northwest Washington. The school's athletic teams are known as the Firebirds and compete in Division II of the NCAA, in the East Coast Conference. The Firebirds' basketball team plays their home games at the E.B. Henderson Sports Complex on the UDC campus. Known by the generic name Building 47 until 2022, about its number on the campus map, the arena was renamed after UDC alumnus Edwin Bancroft Henderson. Although few know his name, Henderson's contributions to the game of basketball were immense, He taught physical education in D.C.'s public schools in the early 1900s, teaching Black children at a time when the schools, and society in general, were still segregated. He is credited for introducing the game of basketball to the Black community in the Washington region, and later elsewhere in the country, at a time when Black people were forbidden from even attending games involving white players, let alone playing in them. He has been called the Father of Black Basketball for all his work behind the scenes. Food & Beverage 1 The lobby at the E.B. Henderson Sports Complex contains what appears to be a concession stand, but when Stadium Journey visited, it was closed and blocked off by yellow caution tape. It may be open for some games but was not on this occasion. There are vending machines in the lobby that sell soft drinks and bottled water, so it does get one star here. Atmosphere 4 Walking through the front doors of the E.B. Henderson Sports Complex will put you in a lobby with a trophy case, restrooms, and vending machines. Turn right to get to the arena doors, then walk through them to get into the arena itself. There are two sets of plastic bleachers, one on each side of the court. Although this is larger than many Division II gyms, you will still have a great view of the action wherever you sit. There are video boards on both baselines that also show player stats, a rarity at this level. The player stats scroll through player by player, which can be confusing until you figure out what it is showing. After a violation by UDC's opponent (traveling, double dribble, etc.) the PA announcer will often shout "You can't do that!" before declaring that UDC now has possession of the ball. There is a dance team at UDC games, but they mainly stay in the stands to do their routines rather than come out onto the court. Neighborhood 4 The UDC campus is located in the Van Ness neighborhood in Northwest Washington D.C. You will find many places to eat or drink nearby, including Sfoglina Italian and Pho 14. The Tenleytown neighborhood is about a 15-20 minute walk away heading west on Van Ness Street and offers even more options. Fans 2 UDC averages a couple hundred fans a game if that. Those who do attend are quiet for the most part but can get worked up over bad calls by the refs or bad plays by the Firebirds. They do cheer good plays as well when they occur. There does not appear to be a large student turnout at Firebirds games - it is mostly friends and family of the players plus some locals. Access 5 Getting to the UDC campus is very easy, whether you are driving or taking public transit. The Van Ness-UDC Metro stop on the Red Line is located right next to campus, an easy walk from the arena. You can also park in the campus garage a short walk away, entering off Van Ness Street. Parking in the garage is officially $8 for 1-3 hours and $12 for 3-6 hours, so depending on how early you get there and whether you are attending a doubleheader with the men's and women's teams, expect to pay somewhere in this range. That being said, when Stadium Journey visited, the parking pay machines were down and the gate was up, allowing us to park for free, so you may get similarly lucky. Restrooms are available to the left of the front doors of the building and are of a more than sufficient size for the crowds that turn up for basketball games. Return on Investment 3 Tickets are $15, which is on the high end for Division II, but certainly won't break the bank. There may be a substantial charge for parking as well. All of this means a UDC Firebirds game is merely an average value, no more, no less. Extras 5 Look for the firebird statue outside the doors to the E.B. Henderson Sports Complex, referencing UDC's unique mascot. A second star for the statue of E.B. Henderson himself nearby, honoring his significant contributions to the sport. Once you get into the lobby, look for the trophy case honoring UDC athletic achievements. Finally, when you are in the arena itself, check out the 1982 National Championship Banner and the jersey honoring former Firebird and Harlem Globetrotter Charles "Choo Choo" Smith. Rather than display a replica of his college jersey, they display a replica of his Globetrotters one. Final Thoughts UDC doesn't get nearly the attention of the Division I basketball schools in the DC area, nor is the experience comparable. Still, hoops fans in the area may want to check out a Firebirds game. Considering the men's and women's teams often play doubleheaders, it can be a fun way to spend an entire afternoon watching basketball.

Photos by Richard Smith, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.71 Kenneth R. Gill Stadium 99 Stadium Dr Westminster, MD 21157 Green Terror website Kenneth R. Gill Stadium website Year Opened: 2012 Capacity: 1,434 Home of the Green Terror McDaniel College is a private four-year liberal arts college in Westminster, Maryland. It was established in 1867 and until 2002 was known as Western Maryland College. The name of the college did not reflect the geographic placement of the school as it is not located in the western part of the state. Instead, it was named for the Western Maryland Railroad, which shared some common board members. The new name of the college honored alumnus William Roberts McDaniel and his 65-year association with the school. Westminster is located 30 miles northwest of Baltimore and is a far suburb of that city. Over 160,000 people live in the area and the surrounding area of Carroll County, Maryland. The football team at the college has had a long history. It was back in 1891 when the first game was played against rival Gettysburg College. The Green Terror was a powerhouse in college football from 1925 to 1934. During this decade the Terror Squad had three undefeated seasons. The Green Terror was nationally ranked and beat schools such as Boston College, Bucknell University, University of Maryland College Park, Georgetown University, and Temple University. Baltimore’s Memorial Stadium was a second home for many of the school’s games. Another historic moment for the school’s program was in 1992 when McDaniel became the first college football team to play in Russia. Against an all-Europe team, The Green Terror won 47 to 4. The unique Green Terror’s name stems from how teams would describe the Western Maryland players as “Terrors” on the field. The name stuck and since 1923 they have been known as the Green Terror. McDaniel College plays as a member of the Division III Centennial Conference against schools such as Johns Hopkins University, Ursinus College, and Franklin & Marshall College. The current stadium grounds have been the home to the Green Terror for most of the program’s history, much of that as Hoffa Field. In 2012 McDaniel opened the new Kenneth R. Gill Stadium during halftime ceremonies of that year’s Homecoming football game. The new stadium includes new seating, concessions, press box, coaches’ rooms, observation boxes, plus the Sydney Albrittain Hospitality Suite. The fields of McDaniel College/Western Maryland College were also the summer training camp of the Baltimore Ravens until the 2011 season when the team chose to relocate spring training to their main Owings Mills, Maryland facility. The old Baltimore Colts had also used the college as a training ground for many years. Food & Beverage 3 There is one single concession stand located behind the new grandstand. It is a simple affair, but it is a great place for cheap hot dogs, hamburgers, and the general basics. Nothing costs more than $5. It is basic, but a place for a quick bite and nothing more. Atmosphere 4 The atmosphere is very good at the game, but it is a bit divided. Tailgating is such a big deal here at McDaniel, so most of the fans gather in that area east of the football field. They can watch the game all while enjoying their party. This has been a longstanding tradition here. But it does mean that the fans in the main grandstand, oddly enough, seem to be away from the main part of the action. Tailgating at Gill Stadium, Photo by Richard Smith, Stadium Journey The new stands are very nice. There are some seats with seatbacks, but the rest are simple bench-type seating, although there is a large amount of legroom, which is nice. There is a small concourse under the grandstands which houses the small concession stand and some history of the school and its athletic programs. The only other issue is that the track that surrounds the football field does keep the fans a bit away from the game action. There is a nice scoreboard on the south end of the field. The school also has the requisite cheerleader squad to help in the game atmosphere. Neighborhood 4 Westminster, being a far suburb of Baltimore, is in a pretty traditional suburban setting. Baugher’s Restaurant and Farm Market is located nearby to campus and is one of the best family-type restaurants around and offers no better place to buy fresh produce. Downtown Westminster is also not far away. Here you can find some good choices such as O’Lordan’s Irish Pub and Restaurant and Maggie’s. Fans 4 The tailgate setting here at this small college is one of the strongest around. In 2011, McDaniel was ranked 6th in the country for best tailgating by The Weather Channel, due to the ability for fans to park their cars practically on the field and actually grill & drink, a tradition that dates to the 1920s. McDaniel College was also ranked in Southern Living Magazine for the top 20 of the “South’s Best Tailgates.” These are great football fans. McDaniel can have an average attendance of over 5,000 and highs as much as 7,200, although the actual stadium itself holds dramatically less than those figures. The stadium grandstands themselves seem to offer a great deal less in the terms of fan atmosphere. The fans over on this side tend to be a bit quieter than the tailgating ones. Access 4 The parking can be a bit tight as it is a small college and there are only so many places to park. Parking is free, although you can choose to pay $10 for close parking, as well as pay for tailgate spots. Westminster is a small town so large crowds can easily overwhelm the streets around the school. Plan and it won’t be a large issue. Route 140 is the main route from the Baltimore area towards Westminster and it stems from the end of Baltimore’s I-795. Access to Baltimore, Washington D.C., and central Pennsylvania is fairly easy. Return on Investment 4 Attending a Green Terror game is free. That is incredible that for absolutely nothing you can attend a game with such a good atmosphere. Even if you do end up paying for parking the value here is strong. Extras 3 The tailgate scene alone deserves some attention. Being able to watch the football game while still attending your tailgate event is a nice twist. Stop by some of the parties and make some new friends. The Western Maryland Railroad caboose is located next to the playing field and in the heart of the tailgate zone. The iconic piece of memorabilia just looks cool and can be a great meeting place for friends. The school also uses it as a home to game-time merchandise sales. Also, make sure to take some time to view the plaques about the school’s athletic history located in the stadium concourse. Final Thoughts McDaniel College is a great place to watch a game, tailgate with some friends, and soak in some local athletic history all in the same great location.

Photos by Joe Molski, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.00 Hayden Field 3701 Victory Pkwy Cincinnati, OH 45207 Xavier Muskateers website Hayden Field website Year Opened: 1935 Capacity: 500 Xavier's Hayden Field Hayden Field has been home to the Xavier University baseball team since the team started playing there in the 1920s. There were many renovations to get it to its current dimensions (left field: 310 ft, center field: 380 ft, right field: 310 ft). The major work took place in 2010 when a new playing surface, brick backstop, and dugouts were added to the home of the Musketeers. The stadium is named after J. Page Hayden after a donation was made to its construction. It has a capacity of 500 spectators. The Cincinnati Steam also plays home games during the summer in the Great Lakes Summer Collegiate League since 2006. Food & Beverage 3 Due to Covid-19, there was a limited selection of food and drink at Hayden Field. If you saw Subway, McDonald’s, or Starbucks in the stands, it was brought from the outside, which is allowed. The small concession cart carried Pepsi products, along with bagged chips and Gatorade. Those 21 and older could enjoy alcoholic beverages like Budweiser and WhiteClaw. Atmosphere 3 As my first ever college baseball game, I loved the rowdiness from the fans and the dugouts. The shouting after a strikeout or the benches-clearing after a home run was awesome, and it added an element missing from the professional level. The limited fans there would have been the most passionate, as only players on Xavier got tickets to give away. Students sat on the hill across a noisy parkway, so their impact was limited. The view of the Xavier campus brightens the somewhat vapid ballpark along with lush green colors of a nearby lawn and trees that serve as the batter’s eye in dead center field. A campus building is directly behind the right-field wall where championship banners are proudly displayed. A simple scoreboard is also located near this area of the field. Neighborhood 4 Hayden Field sits directly across from the Xavier main campus on Victory Parkway in Cincinnati, Ohio. Right near Dana Ave and I-71, the neighborhood around the campus has been transformed in the past few months. Right in between Avondale and Evanston, you can enjoy a walk around before the game. Fans 3 With a limited amount of tickets to be given out, there were only friends and family at this game. Still, the limited sets of fans provided plenty of noise. Students sat on the hill across busy Victory Parkway, with an occasional chirp or jeer heard between breaks in traffic. Access 4 Easy access from I-71 and Dana Avenue makes this field and the campus very easy to get to from any highway or part of town. Sitting right next to the university’s soccer field, a nice parking lot, and parking in the university across the street, make a game very easy to attend. Return on Investment 5 An adult ticket is $5, a youth ticket is $3, and a student gets in free with ID (I did not test my University of Cincinnati ID card). And you can bring your food, getting to see Division 1 games for almost for free can not be beaten. . Extras 2 There is a fence beyond the left field line protecting the busy street, which is Victory Parkway. I wonder how many times that has been hit in a game? An extended warning track has a little incline in the final feet to the wall. It seems like an unnecessary hazard to have in left field, but nothing like a little home-field advantage. Final Thoughts There was a collision between the shortstop and second baseman chasing a pop-up and pausing the game for some time in the first inning. The benches were yelling at each other after every strikeout or an extra-base hit. Some Xavier players signed a baseball and gave it to one of their professors in the stands. This game had all of it. Hayden Field is the perfect college baseball stadium. The sound of the bats and the yells from the dugouts will have me coming back for more baseball soon.

Photo by Andrei Ojeda, Stadium Journey As the Los Angeles Clippers  play out their final season at Crypto.com Arena, excitement is building toward their move to the Intuit Dome  come Fall of this year. With the Clippers strongly competing for the top spot in the Western Conference, along with the excitement of this year’s team and the anticipation of the opening of their new home, the Clippers wasted no time in rebranding their look with a new logo along with new uniforms for the 2024-25 season .  https://twitter.com/LAClippers/status/1762138370116055305 https://twitter.com/LAClippers/status/1762244028140237067 With construction still ongoing the Clippers aren’t the only ones wasting any time in anticipation for the opening of the Intuit Dome.  Two teenagers, likely juveniles, snuck inside the unfinished construction site of the new Clippers arena, adding to the recent news of the graffiti-plastered Oceanwide Plaza  project across Crypto.com Arena.  A video of their mischief was uploaded to TikTok earlier this week. It shows the two boys hopping a wall and entering Intuit Dome where they shot baskets, deployed a fire extinguisher on a practice court, and appeared to climb onto the roof and the rafters above the main court. This isn’t the first time a TikToker has broken into a local venue or construction site as Dodger Stadium  and nearby SoFi Stadium  have also been featured in TikToker videos.  Unbeknownst my knowledge of the events that took place inside the unfinished venue, on the day I had a chance to pass by and snap some shots (No pun intended) outside the future home of the Clippers, I later happened to cross paths on Prairie Avenue with a media member, one of several in the vicinity covering the headline, and she expressed the potential danger of trespassing in the construction site, as explained by one of the construction workers via KTLA. “It’s unfortunate. They’re doing it as a thrill. But they’re putting their lives at risk,” Walter Zuniga, an Intuit Dome construction worker, said. “If you haven’t been trained … especially at night… not knowing what’s behind you, you could fall into a trench. It could even cost your life.” Inglewood Mayor James T. Butts has said he plans to contact the teens involved and their parents. Because of their juvenile status, their names cannot be released. ---- Follow and view all of Andrei’s journeys on Instagram @thestadiumjourneyman  and @dreiinla  to view his journeys throughout Los Angeles.

Photos by Lloyd Brown, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.29 Hank Aaron Stadium 755 Bolling Brothers Blvd Mobile, AL 36606 Year Opened: 1997 Capacity: 6,000 Getting By On The BayBear Necessities Mobile has a long and proud history with baseball, as five Baseball Hall of Famers (Hank Aaron, Willie McCovey, Satchel Paige, Ozzie Smith and Billy Williams) were born and grew up in this Gulf Coast port city. The Mobile BayBears minor league franchise has sent more than 130 players to the major leagues in the 20-plus years of the franchise’s existence. These include such present-day stars as Justin Upton, Jason Bay, Jake Peavy and Max Scherzer. In 20 years, the BayBears have brought home four Southern League Championships and five Division Championships. There is no doubt Mobile is a great baseball town. The team annually puts a competitive team on the field at Hank Aaron Stadium. However, the stadium itself has become the weak link in the franchise’s operation. Built in 1997, the stadium has suffered from less than adequate maintenance, in some cases not meeting league standards (field lighting), while also losing more home dates to weather than any other Southern League field due to inadequate drainage. It also suffers in comparison to new Southern League stadiums in Biloxi, Pensacola and Birmingham. The attendance in the 6,000-seat stadium now averages 1,700 people per game, the league’s lowest average attendance. Hank Aaron Stadium is now the oldest stadium in the Southern League. The issue has become a tug of war between the franchise, which has not paid rent to the city for its usage of the city-owned stadium in several years, and the City of Mobile, which under the lease is committed to keeping the stadium in good shape. The real losers in this situation are the wonderful fans of Mobile, who are caught in the middle. Unfortunately the BayBears’ parent team, the Los Angeles Angels, has no say in the matter. Food & Beverage 4 The concession stands are numerous enough that you will not encounter any lines. A sampling of the baseball food menu includes hot dogs ($3.50), hamburgers ($5.50), cheeseburgers ($6), chicken tenders ($5), and corn dogs ($4). Drink selections include domestic beers ($4.50) and sodas ($4), and bottled water ($3.50). In addition to the normal baseball fare, some locally-produced items are also on the menu. These include Conecuh sausage dogs produced in Evergreen, Alabama, and they are available as a combo meal with a 20-ounce soda and chips or fries for $11. Fairhope Brewing Company, another local vendor, provides its brewing best for $5.75 for a 16-ounce draft. A new concessionaire manager has dramatically expanded the menu to highlight many of the culinary specialties of the Gulf Coast region. One game each month includes an Eat Alabama Seafood Show-Off, featuring local restaurants. Fans get to sample the various dishes, and the item voted the tastiest that night is added to the concession menu for the rest of the month. Categories include gumbo, shrimp, oysters and a Best of Seafood competition at the end of the season to determine which item will be permanently added to the concession menu. The partnership with Eat Alabama Seafood extends to the mascot race held at each ballgame, with the featured contestants being a fish, a shrimp and an oyster. The race is a fan favorite. Atmosphere 2 The first impression you have of Hank Aaron Stadium is the exterior, and that impression is “dated.” The entry area is constructed of low brick, which leads you into what appears to be a concrete seating bowl. Once through the gates, you enter a wide concourse, which contains the various concession stands. Also, the concession stands’ locations in the concourse do not allow for any view of the action on the field while you are in line. As you enter the seating area of the stadium, you will notice the seating areas are the reverse of what you what you would find in a typical stadium. The luxury suites are located at the field level, rather than atop the stadium. As a result, the front row of seats behind home plate is much further away from the field than in most stadiums. The closest seats to the field itself are located beyond the dugouts along the first and third baselines, which provide less than great angles to see the field of play. The stadium also has two seating levels, but not in the traditional upper and lower deck design. The level break is actually an inner concourse which circles the field. The problem is that this concourse constantly has people circulating through it, so if you are in the first 3-4 rows above it, your view is obstructed for much of the game. One suggestion concerning seat selection — if you are not utilizing one of the 24 air conditioned suites at field level, consider the grandstand/general admission level. In addition to saving you money, the seats in this section are covered by a roof to protect you from the heat of the summer sun or shield you from the frequent showers that pass through this area of the Gulf Coast. You will get somewhat of a retro feel when looking out on the field of play, as every inch of the outfield wall is covered with advertising from Mobile area merchants. There is some berm seating behind the outfield walls, but the nearest services (restrooms, etc.) will be found along the third base line in the BayBear Beach area. The beach area has activities for the kids, as well as some picnic tables for families/groups to sit together. Neighborhood 3 There is no neighborhood, so to speak, in the immediate vicinity of Hank Aaron Stadium, as it is located immediately off the I-65 interstate. However, the city of Mobile offers a wide variety of attractions, due to its location along the Gulf Coast and its historical beginnings going back to 1702. Among the most popular attractions are the USS Alabama, moored in Mobile Bay, the beautiful Bellingrath Gardens and Home, and its numerous historic districts. Mobile also claims the title of holding the first Mardi Gras celebration, dating back to 1703. Across Mobile Bay is the small town of Fairhope, which is noted for its arts community and its many antique stores. Mobile is also a foodie’s delight, with cuisine derived from Creole, Cajun, French, Spanish and African-American origins. Among the most popular restaurants to choose from are Mama’s on Dauphin, Wintzell’s Oyster House and Dreamland Bar-B-Que. For dessert, try a Mobile Moonpie in flavors and dishes you never dreamed of. There are numerous lodging selections within a two-mile radius of Hank Aaron Stadium along the I-65 corridor. These include the Homewood Suites by Hilton, the Hampton Inn I-65/Airport and the Mobile Marriott. Fans 3 The fans in Mobile are among the most loyal in the Southern League. For a majority of the 20 years the BayBears have existed, they have led the league in attendance. They are well aware that one of the BayBears of today may become the next Max Scherzer or Justin Upton in the big leagues. It is only in recent years that their numbers have dwindled due to issues with the stadium. For the past several years, the team has been last in attendance in the Southern League. Each night of the week features something special for the fans: Funday Sunday allows the kids to run the bases and throw the ball around at the game’s conclusion and is also Bark in the Park day. Monday Matters is a night where charitable giving is promoted, as fans bringing in donations of food, clothing or books receive free tickets. Two-for-One Tuesday offers half price on all tickets, and Thirsty Thursdays are set aside for half-price drinks for designated products. Fireworks Fridays round out each week with a bang. Access 4 Hank Aaron Stadium is easily accessed via the Government Avenue exit off of I-65. This is the first exit north of the I-10/I-65 interchange. Once you exit, you simply take Bolling Brothers Boulevard directly to the stadium. This is only a two-lane access road, so it does become congested at the end of the game. Once in the park, the stadium is easily navigated via wide concourses. There are adequate concession facilities and restrooms, so you should not encounter any major lines. Return on Investment 4 The BayBears offer an entertaining night of baseball at family friendly prices. Tickets are offered at the following levels: Field Level ($16), Club Level ($13), Center Box ($10), Baseline Box ($9) or Grandstand/General Admission ($8). Children under the ages of 12, seniors (60 years and older) and military members get a $2 discount on each price level. Parking at BayBears games is $3 (there are no alternate lots nearby). The concession prices are in line with the typical baseball fare offered, and the new Gulf Coast Seafood entrees are a big addition. Extras 3 The BayBears’ front office is doing an admirable job in providing the best possible experience for the fans, despite the stadium’s structural issues. They have done a great job in highlighting Mobile’s proud baseball heritage in a number of ways. The most obvious symbol of this heritage is the relocation and placement of Hank Aaron’s boyhood home in front of the stadium. In addition to its heritage status historically, its insides have been converted into a museum highlighting Hank Aaron’s career from the playgrounds of Mobile to a minor league stop in Eau Claire, then on to his major league career with the Milwaukee/Atlanta Braves, where he hit 755 home runs. The museum is open 9-5 Monday-Friday and all home game evenings. There is a $5 admission charge, but it is well worth it. Another extra is the placement of a plaque honoring the five Mobile natives who have been inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame (Hank Aaron, Willie McCovey, Satchel Paige, Ozzie Smith and Billy Williams). BayBear Beach is a unique play/picnic area for families attending the games.

Photos by Lance Sutehall, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.00 Caesars Superdome 1500 Sugar Bowl Dr New Orleans, LA 70112 New Orleans Bowl website Caesars Superdome website Year Opened: 1975 Capacity: 73,208 New Orleans Bowl One of the first bowl games to be played every bowl season is the R+L Carriers New Orleans Bowl. The game is traditionally a matchup between programs from Conference USA and the Sun Belt Conference. Hosted at the Caesars Superdome, the New Orleans Bowl has seen great games and electric atmospheres, particularly if local teams such as the Louisiana Ragin’ Cajuns are playing (they have played seven times). Food & Beverage 4 You may have a hard time deciding what to eat while you are at the Caesars Superdome given that you have a lot of options to choose from. Keep in mind the concession stands are cashless. Local options such as jambalaya ($14), sausage po-boys ($14), shrimp pasta ($16), and a Creole crawfish pie ($10.50) are on the menu. The standard stadium foods include hot dogs ($6.50), pizza ($10), wings ($14), nachos ($10), double cheeseburgers ($14), chicken tenders ($13) and pretzels ($8). You can wash down your food with bottled water ($5), coke products ($6) and sweet tea ($6). If you want alcohol, be prepared to drop some dollars as Budweiser or Coors products are going to cost you $10.50 for small beers or $14.50 if you want a larger beer. You can also buy wine ($11) or cocktails ($17). There are several options in the Caesars Superdome but for a real New Orleans food experience I recommend eating at a restaurant pregame or postgame. Atmosphere 3 One drawback of the New Orleans Bowl is that the Caesars Superdome’s capacity is significantly larger than the game’s attendance in recent years. The bowl has not seen a crowd of over 25,000 fans since 2016. However, being in a dome makes smaller crowds louder and typically there will be at least one team that’s close to New Orleans bringing an excited contingent of fans. Neighborhood 5 If you are only coming to New Orleans just to see the Caesars Superdome you are doing New Orleans completely wrong! No matter if you are a single adult looking for a good time or you want to visit some attractions with your family you can find plenty of things to do in the Big Easy. For those looking for family-friendly activities, the Audubon Aquarium is right next to the Mississippi River at Woldenberg Park, the Audubon Zoo is 5 miles away from the Caesars Superdome, and there are several museums including the National WWII Museum. Of course, New Orleans is famous for its nightlife, especially in the French Quarter. There are a plethora of restaurants for you to enjoy a night on the town. For po-boy’s try out the Voodoo Tavern, stop by the Cajun Dragon Grill for your Cajun cravings, or hit up Cafe Du Monde for a beignet. The French Quarter also has plenty of bars if that is what you are looking for. Fans 4 While the fans do not fill the Caesars Superdome to the brim the supporters that do show up get behind their teams. Fans of all ages paint their chests, get loud, chant their team's chants, and get excited when a big play happens. 15,000 fans at the New Orleans Bowl can sound like 50,000 fans at another game. Access 5 If you are coming to New Orleans from far away the Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport is only 13 miles away from the Caesars Superdome. Getting to the Caesars Superdome is a breeze because there are two exits off Interstate 10. There are seven parking garages and two surface lots at the Superdome but parking there is going to cost you $35. You can secure a spot in a parking garage for under $10 within a mile of the Superdome if you plan. If you are staying in the French Quarter I would recommend leaving your car and either walk to the Superdome or take a taxi. Once inside the Caesars Superdome, the concourses are easy to navigate and there are plenty of restrooms. Return on Investment 3 The ticket prices for the New Orleans Bowl are higher than comparable bowls around the region. They are $60 for corner seats and $80 if you want to sit closer to midfield. If you buy a $60 ticket, drop the $35 for onsite parking, have a po'boy, and wash it down with a small beer you would spend $120 by yourself, $200 for a hangout or date, and $360 for a family of four. This price is on the high side for a bowl game featuring C-USA and Sun Belt teams. However, not many bowl game venues are the caliber of the Caesars Superdome. Extras 4 New Orleans is one of the most unique cities in the United States and is worth checking out at least once in your life. There is a yoga session at 7:30 am the morning of the game on the turf of the Caesars Superdome. If you register and participate you get a complimentary ticket to the New Orleans Bowl. The Caesars Superdome is scheduled to host Super Bowl LIX in 2025. The Caesars Superdome shares a complex with the Smoothie King Center, the home for the NBA’s Pelicans and a popular concert venue. Final Thoughts The New Orleans Bowl may not be a Super Bowl, CFP National Championship, or a Sugar Bowl. But to the teams playing in the game, it’s a chance to play in a historic NFL stadium with their families and fans cheering them on. For fans, it's an opportunity to see one of the most unique and historic sports venues in the United States.

Photos by Talladega Superspeedway and Lloyd Brown, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.00 Talladega Superspeedway 3366 Speedway Boulevard Lincoln, AL 35096 Talladega Superspeedway website Year Opened: 1969 Capacity: 78,000 The Need For Speed Talladega Speedway opened in 1969 as Alabama International Motor Speedway, a name it kept until 1989. The Speedway is located on the site of a former military airfield, which was chosen due to its proximity to I-20 and its location between two of the South’s largest cities (Atlanta, GA, and Birmingham, AL). Talladega Motor Speedway is often referred to as the “Big One” due to it having the largest oval track at 2.66 miles and its seating capacity for more than 80,000 fans. It has also had the reputation as one of the fastest and wildest tracks in the NASCAR circuit, as it sees racing at speeds in excess of 200 mph and is also known for its spectacular accidents. The Superspeedway is one of the busiest racetracks in NASCAR, holding races at all levels of competition throughout the year. Its main two races are the GEICO 500 held in the spring and the YellaWood 500 held in the fall. Food & Beverage 3 Unlike most sports, Talladega does allow food and beverages to be brought into the Speedway. Walk in fans can bring in food if it is in a sealed and prepackaged container. Drinks must also be sealed, with no glass bottles allowed. Coolers must be soft-sided and no larger than 14” X 14” X 14”. RV’s and campers in the track infield face no limits in what they bring in… resulting in some amazing spreads of food over race weekend. Most of the food options available at Talladega will be of the standard sports event variety (i.e., hamburgers, hot dogs, nachos, corn dogs, BBQ sandwiches, biscuits, and Coca-Cola soft drinks.) The concession stands are equally spread out on the concourses underneath the stands and in the infield. However, there are a couple of strictly Talladega creations. The “Big One” meatball sandwich is a one-pound meatball, and it includes mozzarella and pepper jack cheese, pork BBQ sauce with a wrapping of ground beef. It is served with spaghetti or simply as its own dish. The second specialty item is the Talla-Mento Dogwich. This entrée consists of a hot dog, split in two, on a bed of buffalo cheese sauce and topped with pimento cheese. There are some major food stands serving a more diverse menu. These include Big Bill’s, the Garage Grill and the Pit Road Grill. The Bama Bier Garden offers both Budweiser and Miller brand options, along with the local Back Forty craft beer. Fans in the Garage Experience option are eligible for the value pricing of concession offerings. This includes $2 hot dogs and 20-ounce soft drinks, $3 16-ounce beers, hamburgers, BBQ sandwiches, nachos and pretzels, or $4 to supersize any of the above foods. Atmosphere 4 Talladega Superspeedway has the longest track in the NASCAR circuit. This means the stands overlooking the track are not as high vertically, as they extend horizontally the length of the straightway. This results in the fans being much closer to the action than at other tracks. Fans have several options and price points to choose from on seating at the track. Tower seating atop the stands ranges from $105 - $145, and seats at the concourse level are priced at $97- $129. Grandstand seats run $65 - $95. Car parking ranges from free to $20 a day. The price of parking depends on how far the parking space is from the track. Remote lots feature tram transportation to the track. Many fans prefer to make a weekend out of the race and enjoy infield camping. These packages range from $120-$625 with variables including the number of days at the track and other add-on amenities. One popular option is the YellaWood Pit Road Club. This is an elevated area overlooking the pit row action. This costs $470 and includes the Talladega Garage Experience. Talladega Superspeedway conducted a three-year upgrade fan experience project known as the “Transformation”. This project had the goals of creating a package of activities for fans to enjoy, increasing the number of RV spaces in the infield, and the construction of the Pit Road Club. This project resulted in the creation of the Talladega Garage Experience. This package includes the opportunity to watch the pit crews prepping the cars in the garage before the race, access to the pre-race ceremonies, access to special food offerings with a value-priced menu, and access to Iron Alley, which is an area featuring the history of the Talladega Superspeedway. The Talladega Garage Experience costs $89 per day. Neighborhood 4 The sprawling Talladega Superspeedway complex is “the neighborhood” for most race fans. It offers its own temporary lodging options, food services, bathing facilities, and entertainment options. Many race fans will not leave the Superspeedway property between Friday through Sunday night of race weekend. The area outside of the raceway property and along I-20 mostly consists of fast-food restaurants. One seated food option we highly recommend is Rick’s Crossroads Grille located just north of I-20. The food is great, and the prices are quite reasonable. There are two lodging options located at the exits that lead you to the track. They are the Comfort Inn Talladega and the Days Inn Lincoln. The actual city of Talladega is 8 miles south of the track. It is a town of 15,000 people. Most of the food options are of the fast-food variety and lodging options are limited, as there simply is not a demand for lodging except on race weekends. We do recommend a visit to the Davey Allison Memorial Park, which is discussed in the Extras section of this review. Fans 5 A vast majority of the fans who come to the Talladega Superspeedway are there strictly for the racing experience. However, others treat the weekend like a festival or a state fair experience. For those fans, there is nothing that beats the “Big One on the Boulevard”. This event takes place on the Friday night prior to the races. It includes a concert, a parade, jello wrestling, fan participation activities with various sponsors booths, and all kinds of food and adult drinks. We can best sum up this event by saying “What happens at the Big One… Stays at the Big One”! First-time fans should bring their cameras, a good set of earphones/ear plugs as well as sunscreen and a hat. The Speedway action is quite noisy, and the southern sun can bake you on a daylong event. Access 4 The Speedway is easy to get to from I-20, as it is located just south of I-20, midway between Atlanta and Birmingham. From Atlanta: Take I-20 West to Exit 173 in Alabama. Turn left at the exit and proceed two miles. From Birmingham: Take I-20 East to Exit 168 in Alabama. Turn right and proceed 4 miles. Parking lots are located on both sides of the road. Camping sites are in grass fields on land in between the street and I-20. Free trams will transport fans from the more distant parking areas and the track. Parking is also located on the track perimeter as well as in the infield. Parking fees will depend on how close the lots are to the racetrack. The fees also are determined by the number of days the fans are staying at the Speedway, as many fans come as early as the Friday before the race, while others choose to attend only on Sunday, the day of the race. Entry lanes for the Speedway are arranged by the parking area, making the traffic flow run very smoothly. Return on Investment 4 It is impossible to estimate a value on the cost of attending a race at Talladega Superspeedway, as 1) there are so many variables involved, including the number of days at the track, the location of your seats, whether you are seated in the stands or watching from the infield 2) it will depend on what add -on’s you may have purchased. Some of these costs are covered in the appropriate section of this review, while others appear below. Many race fans choose to rent scanners to enhance their race day experience. They are available at the track for a fee of $47.95. The scanners allow the fans to hear the communications between the drivers and their pit crews in the infield. The scanners also provide some protection from the noise generated by the cars on the track. For many race fans, price is not a consideration, as race weekend at Talladega is a family tradition passed down through the generations. In addition to the family reunions, fans look forward to seeing friends at the event on an annual basis. These memories and experiences are priceless. The Talladega Superspeedway operates on a cashless basis. Extras 4 Several movies have been made about the Speedway. They include Stroker Ace and Talladega Nights: The Ballad of Ricky Bobby. The International Motorsports Hall of Fame is located just to the right of the Speedway entrance. It is open year-round and has a huge collection of racing memorabilia and exhibits from all types of motorsports. Track tours also leave from this site. Prices for museum tours are $15 for adults, $12 for seniors, and $7 for children. There is a separate fee for the tours. The tours are $15 for adults and $9 for children. The town of Talladega is several miles south of the Speedway. It does play an important role in the NASCAR world as it is the home of the Davey Allison Memorial Park and the Texaco Racing Hall of Fame. Allison was seen as the future of the sport when he died in a helicopter crash in the Speedway infield in 1993. The Walk of Fame features plaques depicting racing’s top drivers and their career records in a lovely park-like setting just south of the town square. Each year Talladega Superspeedway opens its track to the public. For a $50 donation, you can take 2 laps around the track in your own vehicle. Proceeds from the Track Laps for Charity event go to the Boy’s and Girl’s Clubs of Alabama. Final Thoughts Along with Daytona, the Talladega Superspeedway is one of the longest and most popular tracks in the NASCAR circuit. It is famous for petal to the metal racing, resulting in spectacular wrecks and furious sprints to the checkered flag.

Photos by Gregory Koch, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.57 McMullen Hockey Arena 64 Greenbury Point Road Annapolis, MD 21402 Navy Midshipmen hockey website McMullen Hockey Arena website Year Opened: 2007 Capacity: 695 Blue and Gold McMullen Pretty much all sports fans know about Navy football, and most are aware of at least some of the Navy’s other varsity sports. The lacrosse team has been successful in recent years, and the basketball team produced NBA legend, David Robinson. However, few people know that the Navy also has a college hockey team. The Midshipmen don’t play hockey at an NCAA level – rather, they play club hockey in the ACHA. Navy’s premier and best-known club team compete in Division 1, the highest level of the league, although they have a D2 team as well that attracts significantly less attention. For this review, we attended a D1 game, as that is the Navy’s top-level team and the one that gets the primary focus. Navy plays their home games at McMullen Hockey Arena, which forms part of the Brigade Sports Complex. The BSC is also home to the Navy’s tennis teams and contains a fitness center. It contains enough seating for 695 fans, but with standing room, it can hold over 2,500. Food & Beverage 1 There are a few vending machines in the lobby of the arena which sell snacks as well as hot and cold beverages. However, there is no concession stand or snack bar here. We recommend you eat before or after the game. Atmosphere 4 Although McMullen Hockey Arena is not an NCAA rink, it is nice enough to be. Once you head from the lobby through the glass doors into the ice rink, you will walk around the ice itself and up a set of bleachers. All seats are benches with backs and provide an excellent view of the action. A center-hung scoreboard provides information on the score, time, and penalties for fans to keep track of. As this is club hockey rather than NCAA or professional, there are no extended breaks in the action for the team to do anything except for intermission or if one of the teams calls a timeout. As a result, you will not see some of the things you might see at a different venue. Nonetheless, the Midshipmen do keep fans engaged by playing music to pump up the crowd during stoppages in play, and it seems to work. It can get loud in McMullen at times, especially late during close games or when the Navy scores a goal. Neighborhood 5 Annapolis is a small-sized city of about 40,000 people, but that doesn’t mean there’s nothing to do. There’s a shopping center located across from the arena with a few basic restaurants, but you can find far better food a short drive away. Annapolis is located on the Chesapeake Bay, there are plenty of great seafood restaurants nearby, including Buddy’s Crabs & Ribs, The Boatyard Bar & Grill, and the Sailor Oyster Bar, all located within a couple of miles of the arena. If you want an authentic sweet treat after your meal, The Boatyard sells the official state dessert of Maryland, Smith Island Cake, which is made fresh on Smith Island daily and brought up by ferry. The real attraction, though, is the U.S. Naval Academy itself. The grounds are beautiful, and there’s so much history, so be sure to take a tour while you’re in town. Keep in mind, however, that driving onto Academy grounds is prohibited without proper military clearance. There is a shuttle available from the football stadium or you can park downtown and walk onto the post. Fans 4 Navy draws remarkably well for a club hockey team, with most games having a standing room-only crowd. While typically the only game that completely sells out is the one against the rival Army, the building will be mostly full night in and night out. The fans who show up are passionate and cheer the Mids on for the duration of the game. Many regulars go to just about every game, but there are also families and other fans who show up to just one or two games a year. Regardless, the fans are passionate and it can get quite loud in here. Access 4 Although getting onto Academy grounds is extremely difficult, the BSC is not actually on the post. Therefore, you should have no problem just driving up to the arena and parking in the parking lot nearby. The main route into town is U.S. Route 50, and once you get off via one of several exits, it is only a short drive to the rink. There are bathrooms in the lobby which are spacious and clean, and fans should have no problems walking around the rink itself. Return on Investment 4 Tickets are $10 for adults, $5 for children, and free for Midshipmen. Considering the intimate setting and the fact that the atmosphere here is comparable to an NCAA rink, this is a good deal. Extras 3 Several banners are hanging on the walls honoring great Navy hockey teams as well as the annual Crab Pot Tournament. The Crab Pot is Maryland’s version of the Beanpot , and usually (though not always) features four in-state ACHA schools. In the lobby of the BSC, you will find several additional displays honoring Navy hockey, featuring photographs and old newspapers that show the history of this program. A third and final star for the fact that McMullen Hockey Arena has several open skates a week for the general public, giving kids and families a chance to skate on the same ice as the players. Depending on the timing, one of these sessions may wind up being immediately before or after the Navy game, meaning fans can experience both in one trip. Final Thoughts Although Navy hockey is not at an NCAA level, you wouldn’t know it from walking inside the McMullen Hockey Arena. This is a remarkable facility with great fans and a great atmosphere. While there are undoubtedly some naysayers who will insist this isn’t “real” college hockey, the Navy has done a good job of proving them wrong.

Photos by Marc Viquez, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.00 Lloyd E. Scott Gymnasium 1350 W. 2nd St. Seymour, IN 47274 Seymour High School Fighting Owls website Lloyd E. Scott Gymnasium website Year Opened: 1970 Capacity: 8,228 Pretty Big Things in Seymour, Indiana Hours before the game, fans brave chilly conditions in long lines that snake around the massive gymnasium. They pass the time bundled up, checking their phones, or perhaps enjoying a hot cup of coffee or hot chocolate. The tension builds as tonight’s winner advances to semi-states. As the sunlight fades and dusks settle upon the crowd, the doors open up and fans quickly rush through many of the various entrances into the building. Ushers feverishly tear off tickets with fans rushing to their seats. The lights of the cars now shine through the dark skies lining up the streets and looking for an elusive parking spot. The lines have dissipated outside of the gym by now, and the seating bowl quickly fills up with fans from both visiting high schools. Students, alumni, and hometown fans are now engulfed in Hoosier Hysteria. Lloyd E. Scott Gymnasium in Seymour, Indiana, holds a whopping 8,228 people and is home to the Seymour High School Fighting Owls. Dedicated in 1970, it was renamed in honor of Scott 1998, who coached the boys’ basketball team from 1961-1974. In March 2019, the building became the largest high school gym in the nation after an independent study was conducted by members of the Indiana High School Basketball Historical Society. They counted every seat meticulously and Seymour became the new king of the gyms over the New Castle Fieldhouse . Seymour’s actual capacity of 8,228 was more than New Castle’s actual count of 7,829. That would change in January of 2021 when New Castle officials added seats to boost its capacity to 8,424 to claim the title of the largest gym in the nation, and probably the planet. We may see another tilt sometime in the future. The Owls were 233-99, won 11 sectionals, 6 regionals, and 5 times were semi-state finalists during his tenure. His 1969-70 squad went 29-1 and Scott was instrumental in building the new gym for the Owls. He was inducted into the Indiana High School Hall of Fame in 1981 and served as its president from 1983-1987. During the regular season, it is home to the Owls basketball program, but it’s also home to regionals, sectionals, and semi-state games during high school tournament time in Indiana. Its strategic location in between the major cities of Indianapolis and Louisville, Kentucky, off of I-65, makes it the ideal location for various teams in this portion of the state. Before the gym opened up, the Owls played at Shields Memorial Gymnasium from 1941 to 1970. The old building was then used by the middle school, and a bible college, and is now privately owned. It is now privately owned and in squalid conditions. There had been numerous ideas for repurposing the old building but none have been either feasible or practical. Food & Beverage 3 Seymour follows a standard blueprint of concessions that exist in many gyms across the state. There are multiple concession stands on the upper and lower concourse offering some of the lowest menu prices around. Available items include Papa John's pizza slices (regular or pepperoni), Chick-Fil-A sandwiches (regular or spicy), popcorn, candy, and Orange Leaf frozen yogurt. Pepsi products are available by bottle. Atmosphere 5 When you have a building that can seat 8,100 fans the atmosphere will be intense and thrilling. It is even more exciting when you have dedicated fanbases that travel to the game and make the gym their home away from home. New Albany High School is located about an hour south of Seymour on the Ohio River and can routinely fill the gym up with its fans. The seating section is broken into an upper and lower level with a wrap-around section on top. Seats are of the pullout bleacher mold and the gym does not feature a standard scoreboard directly over the center court. Instead, there are four separate scoreboards in each corner of the lower level and two more above each backboard. The large gym features banners for the home school Owls and an oversized team logo at the center court. There is also a collection of accolades, team photographs of all championship sports teams, and memorabilia in the exterior hall of the building. However, the interior of the gym is absent of banners from the school’s history dating back 100 years. The majority of the atmosphere comes from the teams and their supporters. The student sections are lively through every point scored during the game. The cheerleaders provide plenty of school spirit as they lead the cavalry at crucial moments. Songs played over the loudspeaker are echoed throughout the building, and it is not uncommon to hear the students sing along in unison. Neighborhood 3 Seymour is a town of 17,503 people located in southern Indiana. The picturesque town offers rolling hills and beautiful homes as you head to the game off the interstate. There is plenty of regional and national food chains in and around the interstate exits, but check out the various local establishments that offer some fine food and drink. Larrison’s Diner for some great home-cooked food. The building has been serving delicacies since the 1940s and its appearance looks like it has not been changed for some time; recommendations include bison burgers, ribeye sandwiches, pork tenderloins, shakes and malts, and breakfast items. El Nopal is considered the best Mexican food in town. Schwätzer's German Restaurant and Rails Craft Brew & Eatery are two other options in town for great food. There are also a collection of places for a pint. Rails Craft Brew & Eatery offers pub food, steaks, sandwiches, and pasta dishes. Chateau de Pique Winery and Brewery are highly recommended for a tasting or two. The Seymour Brewing Company offers great pints and houses the Brooklyn Pizza Company where one can also get a stromboli and a calzone. Fans 5 As indicated earlier, when the gymnasium is filled to a standing room only the atmosphere is electrifying. This also means that the fans create much of that electricity well before the opening tip-off. Jennings County Panthers fans, from nearby North Vernon, encompassed close to 90 percent of the gym’s capacity. Their opponent was from a little further away in Evansville. Access 4 Seymour High School is located off of I-65. Take Exit 55 (IN-11) towards Seymour/Jonesville and proceed a little over 4 miles towards town, turn right onto East 6th St/IN-258, and make a left about a mile later onto Community Dr. The high school will be on your right. There are multiple entrances to the building, bathrooms are located in the exterior walls of the gym, and it can be quite crowded moving in and out of your seats during highly attendant games. Return on Investment 4 Tickets for regular-season games are $6, while sectionals, regional, and semi-state games are $7 to $12 for single games. These prices are in line with the rest of the state's high school programs. The gym’s size is impressive, but when it is full, it’s amazing to look around and watch the fans get into the action on the court. Concession prices are extremely affordable and parking is plenty but does get crowded, around the facility. Extras 4 One star for the affordable concession prices; one dollar for a hot dog. Two stars for the old Shields Gym that served as home for the Owls from 1941-1970. The 4,000-seat arena still possesses its original wooden permanent bleachers, but it is in disarray. You cannot enter the gym, but you can take pictures from the outside. The third fourth and final point is for its location and an ideal spot for sectional, regional, and semi-state games during tournament time. If you want to know the definition of Hoosier Hysteria, see a game at the Scott Gym in March. Final Thoughts Lloyd E. Scott Gymnasium is one of the many great places to be during tournament time in Indiana. Dedicated fan bases, frantic crowds, and future collegiate stars are all that make Hoosier Hysteria come alive every March. Located a little over an hour away from Louisville and Indianapolis, it is recommended to take in a high school basketball when in Indiana. ------ Follow all of Marc’s stadium journeys on Twitter @ballparkhunter and his YouTube channel . Email at Marc.Viquez@stadiumjourney.com

Photos by Dave Cottenie, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.57 Goldring Centre for High Performance Sport 100 Devonshire Place Toronto, ON M5S 2C9 Toronto Varsity Blues website Goldring Centre for High Performance Sport website Year Opened: 2014 Capacity: 2,000 The Gold(ring) Standard Along with McGill and Queen’s, the University of Toronto formed what would become USports in 1906. The Varsity Blues would take the court for their first basketball season in 1907 and the rest is, as they say, history. Or is it? A team that has not been blessed with a tremendous amount of success as compared to other Toronto programs, the basketball team is entering new territory in the OUA (Ontario conference of USports) through technology and their facility. Toronto has surprisingly never brought home a National Championship in basketball, but has brought home the Wilson Cup as Conference Champions in 1995. For the balance of their existence, the Varsity Blues called the Athletic Centre on Harbord Street home. Slightly removed from their other athletic facilities in Varsity Centre, the University of Toronto was prepared to bring Varsity Blues basketball back home in a sparkling new athletic facility. With a very significant donation from the Goldring Family, the Goldring Centre for High Performance Sport was born, just across the street from Varsity Centre. Former Varsity Blues basketball player Ron Kimel added a donation of his own and part of the Goldring Centre was the Kimel Family Field House. In 2014, the Kimel Family Field House at Goldring Centre for High Performance Sport opened to the Varsity Blues basketball program and the over 88,000 students enrolled at UofT. A unique design and using technology like no other program in the province, the Varsity Blues now have the Gold(ring) standard when it comes to basketball facilities. Food & Beverage 2 Concession options at the Goldring Centre are not massive. Pizza, hot dogs, popcorn, candy, chips, chocolate bars and protein bars are the totality of the food menu. Soda, water, coffee, tea and hot chocolate are the options for beverages. Coca-Cola products are available for soda options. What the Goldring Center lacks in variety, is made up for with value. There is nothing over $5 on the menu and most items fall below the $3 mark. Soda is sold for a cool $1.50. The concession stand is below the main atrium, outside Kimel Field House and also sells some Varsity Blues swag. Atmosphere 4 Directly across the street from Varsity Centre, the Goldring Centre for High Performance Sport is sleek and clean. A huge recreation facility that also houses University of Toronto fitness facilities, the exterior has huge windows and lots of natural light pours into the upper atrium. The fitness centre can be seen from outside and the shades of greys and blacks are carried throughout the building. Tickets are scanned in the atrium and fans are directed to the Kimel Family Field House, which is two levels below. Just outside of the Field House, the stark colours and creative use of light continue and the sleek, modern look is not lost. A table with attendant is ready to greet fans with programs and other promotional materials. The attendant actually gets up and greets, welcoming fans, which is a very pleasant surprise compared to many other experiences, both professional and amateur. Entering the Kimel Family Field House, fans are struck with the most unique of basketball venues. Toronto keeps with the sleek and modern look, and technology that is ahead of the curve in the OUA is present. Black is the predominant colour around the court. The walls of the Field House and the entirety of the upper levels are all dark black. The court runs from south to north with the east grandstand the spot to be for the perfect picture. The seating area consists of twelve sections of folding bleachers that surround the court. Most games see a few sections that remain folded. The centre court sections feature comfortable, folding, plastic stadium seats with the remaking seats being moulded plastic buckets. An upper level is available for media, production and special groups. Current championship banners from various sports hang over the balconies but none are for sports that actually play in the Field House. Considering the vast history of Toronto basketball, a nod to Wilson Cups that the Varsity Blues have captured over the years would be a welcome addition. At the north end of the court is a modern video board which Toronto uses very well in a modern fashion. The south end of the court also features a ribbon board on the fascia of the balcony. The game day production for the Varsity Blues is fairly simple. The player entrances and introductions are done with the house lights off and aided by spotlights. The Blues’ mascot, True Blue brings a giant UofT flag to centre court for the opening video and introductions. The Toronto Pom team performs during breaks and aids in the pregame festivities. Music played is a mix of modern rock and hip-hop, which is to be expected. Neighbourhood 5 The neighbourhood surrounding the Goldring Centre is excellent. The Goldring Centre is on the University of Toronto’s St. George Campus in the University neighbourhood of downtown Toronto. It sits in the shadows of Toronto’s iconic CN Tower, which can be seen across the stadium from Bloor Street. There are plenty of spots along Bloor for pre and post game food and libations. The Duke of York, Bedford Academy, Hemingway’s, the Museum Tavern and Proof are all options within a two minute walk. Possibly the best option would be Gabby’s, a laid back spot with great food. Favorites like Tim Hortons and Starbucks are also right there among other chains. Among the other university buildings, the Royal Conservatory of Music is right next door to Varsity Centre and the Royal Ontario Museum is on the same block. Queen’s Park and the Ontario Legislature are not far off and heading toward the lake will bring patrons through Toronto’s theatre district. The iconic Eaton Centre is not far off for shoppers and Harbourfront has a plethora of other entertainment options. Not to be missed would be the Hockey Hall of Fame. For fans looking for other sporting options, there are a multitude. The Toronto Varsity Blues field a full range of athletic teams and football is found right in Varsity Centre at Varsity Stadium. Varsity Centre is also the home to Varsity Arena, home of Toronto Varsity Blues hockey. A twenty minute walk will bring fans to the Mattamy Athletic Centre which is the home of the Ryerson Rams and the former Maple Leaf Gardens. Rams basketball is played inside at Coca-Cola Court while hockey is played above at Mattamy Home Ice. Toronto’s third university, York University is located at the north end of Toronto. York Stadium is home for York Lions football, the Tait McKenzie Centre is home for basketball and Canlan Ice Sports York is the home for hockey. There are, of course, a multitude of professional sports options in Toronto also. The Scotiabank Arena is home for the Toronto Maple Leafs, Toronto Raptors and Toronto Rock. The Rogers Centre is home to the Toronto Blue Jays. Over at Exhibition Place, BMO Field is shared by the Toronto Argonauts and Toronto FC, while across the parking lot, the Coca-Cola Coliseum is home for the Toronto Marlies. There are also a ton of accommodation options for fans wishing to stay in Toronto. Some of the closest to Varsity Centre include the InterContinental Toronto Yorkville and The Windsor Arms Hotel. Fans 3 It is difficult to assess the fan situation at OUA basketball experiences. In most cases, attendance figures are not reported so comparing average attendances for different teams is nearly impossible. Also, OUA basketball fans are measured in hundreds and not thousands. That being said, the game that was reviewed probably had a couple hundred fans in attendance, which is not out of line for this league. The fans in attendance were engaged and supportive of the Varsity Blues. A small group of student supporters led the fans with their drum. Access 4 The St. George Campus of the University of Toronto is located in the university neighbourhood of downtown Toronto. It is north of the Gardiner Expressway, west of the Don Valley Parkway and quite significantly south of Highway 401. Getting to this part of Toronto by car can be a little tricky. Traffic is always an issue. There are a number of surface lots that surround the university and parking can be found at a reasonable rate. Probably the best way to get to this part of Toronto would be the subway. There are two subway stops within a block of Goldring Centre and they are connected to both main subway lines. Buses and streetcars are also not too far away from Goldring Centre. Fans interested in public transit can check out the Toronto Transit Commission website for maps, schedules and fares. The ticketing window is on Devonshire Place, on the outside of Goldring Centre. Lineups are not an issue, which is a good thing because lining up outside in the Toronto cold can be cumbersome. Getting around the Goldring Centre is pretty easy, however fans will have to traverse a few staircases. Washrooms are on the same level as Kimel Family Field House and heading to the washroom is not much of a hindrance. Return on Investment 4 USports basketball remains a fantastic value for the entertainment dollar. The Toronto Varsity Blues are no exception. Adult tickets for a Varsity game run $8. Staff, seniors, youth and students are a mere $5. Children under 9 get the big discount and are free. Although getting to Goldring Centre can be a little pricey compared to other USports basketball experiences, Toronto basketball does provide a solid return for the investment. Extras 3 An extra mark for the Varsity Blues’ rivalries with the Ryerson Rams and York Lions. The rivalry with Ryerson is getting stronger with Ryerson seeing improvements on the court to coincide with their own new athletic facility. An extra mark for the deep history of the University of Toronto and their place as a founding member of USports. An extra mark for the University of Toronto pushing the envelope and creating a basketball venue that rivals any in the country. Final Thoughts There is absolutely no comparison between the Goldring Centre and the old Athletic Centre. Toronto now has one of the top basketball facilities in the country. It will be interesting going forward to see if Toronto can capitalize on their facility and translate that into better recruiting classes and stronger teams on the court. However, it is undeniable that the Goldring Centre and Kimel Family Field House have given Toronto a new gold standard. Follow all of Dave’s sporting adventures on Twitter @profan9 and on Instagram.

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

Photos by Marc Viquez, Stadium Journey Indiana is known for its high school basketball game with fieldhouses and gyms among the biggest on the planet. Crowds of over 7,000 are the norm, but the state also proves it could attract similar crowds for its high school football games during the school year. The Mudsock Game is the football game between the Fishers High School Tigers and the Hamilton Southeastern Royals. The rivalry game between the two schools in Fishers, Indiana, has been an annual event since the 2007-08 school year when Fishers High School began operations. The heated contest brings out an atmosphere like any other in the Indianapolis area. The Mudsock Award was created as a traveling all-sports trophy for the 19 combined varsity sports; it’s awarded to the high school that wins the most games throughout the year. Each team wins a plaque if they win against the opposing school.  A blue “H” or a red “F” is attached to the trophy to commemorate each winning year.  VIP Seating with food, tables, and extra bleachers are brought in for the big game, Photo by Marc Viquez, Stadium Journey. This year’s game took place at HSE. Special VIP sections with catered food, bleachers, and tables were set up behind the goalpost at $75 a ticket. Additional bleachers were also brought in for the game, attracting crowds between 8,000 to 10,000. It is quite the spectacle for a high school football game in September. As day turned into night, the evening cooled off slightly with the colors of Fishers red and HSE blue on each side of the gridiron. Banners, smoke machines, and students with painted faces were seen and heard, along with alumni who packed the aluminum bleachers to watch a thrilling game between the in-town rivals. The atmosphere was better than some college football and minor league baseball games I visited this past year. The concession areas were filled with fans waiting in line and students enjoying the last days of summer. The two schools have an enrollment of over 7,000, and it felt as if the entire student body was in the stadium tonight. The student section swings their cell phone flashlights back and forth after each touchdown. Fishers blow off red smoke after a Tiger’s score. The two sides go back and forth with chants and friendly banter that rival the college football game between nearby DePauw and Wabash in the Monon Bell contest. However, where does the Mudsock name originate from? It is such a peculiar name and one that would make an excellent name for a summer collegiate baseball team if the city ever builds a ballpark to complement the new area it will have for minor league hockey, indoor football, and professional volleyball, but what is a mudsock?  Fishers was founded as a town in 1872, but due to the swampy nature of the soil that covered people’s socks, the community acquired the nickname “Mudsock.” This is one of the theories behind the nickname, but the town would make national headlines less than a decade later on November 19, 1881. The name comes from an infamous brawl in 1881. The 24-hour raucous made national headlines and became known as the “Battle of Mudsock”. Fishers was a lawless town at the time and there were two rival saloons, one owned by Hampton West and the other by the Farrell brothers. Each establishment had its loyal followers. At 4 pm on a Saturday, a group of men walked into West’s saloon and got into an argument with another group playing pool. A gentleman by the name of George McCoy tossed his hat at the face of Adam Lynn, resulting in Lynn knocking him out. McCoy was quickly thrown out of the bar and everyone continued drinking and getting riled up. The Fishers Student section shows their pride during the game, Photo by Marc Viquez, Stadium Journey. An hour later, McCoy returned with reinforcements and the fisticuffs broke out again. Benjamin Fouch brought brass knuckles to the fight and everything from knives, beer faucets, and pool balls were used that soon traveled to the Farrell brothers saloon across the railroad tracks. After a night’s rest, fighting started again at 10 AM at West’s saloon, but a few folks brought in guns to chase away attackers. The sheriff and his posse soon came to break up the mele and restore order. In the end, Fouch was dead,  32 other people were injured, one of the saloons burned to the ground, and another one closed for good.  However, the 'Mud Sock’ name was not taken too kindly by the residents, and to shed its rough reputation, a newspaper article in 1907 announced that it was not an appropriate name. Hamilton Southeastern shows off their colors and support for the Royals, Photos by Marc Viquez, Stadium Journey. Fast forward over a century later, and the Mudsock name lives on between the two high schools in town. This year’s contest was won thrillingly by Fishers, 37-35. The Royals led 27-7 at halftime before staging a 3rd quarter rally. After the game, the Fishers's student section stormed the field to surround their football heroes.  The students and fans cheered on long after the game underneath the dark skies. Red fireworks went off in the distance, and HSE players walked back to their locker rooms. It was another battle, but one that was settled on the football field. There will be more Mudsock games from now until spring, but tonight, this was the place to be for Friday Night Football in Indiana. ------ Follow all of Marc’s stadium journeys on Twitter @ballparkhunter   and his YouTube channel .  Email at Marc.Viquez@stadiumjourney.com

Photos by Richard Smith, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.57 Hawk Stadium 31040 Backbone Rd Princess Anne, MD 21853 Maryland-Eastern Shore Hawks website Hawk Stadium website Year Opened: 2008 Capacity: 1,000 UMES in Princess Anne The University of Maryland – Eastern Shore (UMES) is a Historically Black Land-Grant University located on the DelMarVa Peninsula just south of Salisbury, Maryland. Founded in 1886 the university has gone through several names: Delaware Conference Academy, Industrial Branch of Morgan State College, Princess Anne Academy, Maryland Agricultural College and Maryland State College before switching to its current name in 1970. The 745 acre campus has many programs and degrees with hotel and restaurant management, fashion merchandising, construction management and professional golf management being some of the biggest, along with engineering. The Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference (MEAC) is made up of historically black colleges and universities (HBCUs) located between Florida and Delaware. Only nine of the 13 member MEAC schools field teams in baseball. Bethune-Cookman University has been dominating the MEAC for nearly two decades. UMES is a charter member of the MEAC. UMES has had limited success in sports until recently. The UMES women’s bowling team won the NCAA Bowling Championship in 2012 and is the most consistent team on campus. In 2015 the men’s basketball team played in their first postseason in 30 years, as they played in the first round of the CollegeInsider.com tournament. Once a big time football program, UMES ended their program in 1979. There is still some talk of bringing the football team back into action. UMES is tied with Florida State for the most alumni appearing in a single Super Bowl game. In the 1968 game (Super Bowl III) between the New York Jets and the Baltimore Colts, UMES was represented by five alumni: Earl Christy (1961 – 1964), Johnny Sample (1954 – 1957), Emerson Boozer (1962 – 1965), Charlie Stukes (1963 – 1967), and James Duncan (1968 – 1971). NFL player and coach Art Shell attended UMES. Other famous alumni are Clarence Clemons of the E Street Band and Jamaican track star Merrecia James. Hawk Stadium was remodeled in 2008, but very little other information is known about the small, simple facility. It is located in a convenient spot on campus. Food & Beverage 2 There is a small table setup behind the home dugout selling some simple food items. Hot dogs are $1, hamburgers $2 and sodas $1. The prices are fair but if you want more you need to bring your own. It is unclear if this table is set up for all games, or just because it is a weekend game. Atmosphere 2 There is not too much of Hawk Stadium. There is a single grandstand made up of metal bleachers that run from dugout to dugout. A few rows of bench seating is all there is. The view is through and above a chain link fence. You feel pretty separated from the field of play. The angle is also low so some outfield action seems hard to see. The simple scoreboard in left center was not working the day of this review. A PA announcer does a good job introducing players and playing music. No scorecard or program was seen. Neighborhood 2 There is nothing much right around UMES. Historic, as it is recognized, Princess Anne is right outside the campus. It is a nice town, but there is not much really going on in the quaint village that would really make you want to spend much time there before or after a game. There are some restaurants in the area. Peaky’s provides good seafood dishes, with the offering of the iconic Smith Island Cake a pleasant surprise. Lynn’s Kitchen is a decent Chinese restaurant. Besides that, Princess Anne doesn’t offer much except fast food places like Popeye’s, Hardee’s and McDonald’s. It may be a good idea to head the 10 miles or so north into Salisbury where there is a plethora of restaurants. The Evolution Craft Brewing Company at 201 E Vine Street has a great tasting room and restaurant. Fans 3 As with most northeast college baseball stadiums, the bulk of the fans tend to be family or friends of both teams. There are a number of local residents who seem to be regulars at the games. The fans are knowledgeable and friendly to visitors. Access 3 There should be plenty of parking around the stadium, especially on weekend games. Some daytime in-semester games could be a bit busier. The main problem with UMES is that it is isolated on the DelMarVa Peninsula, relatively far from any real city. The only time that UMES feels like it is not out of the way is if you happen to stop by on the way to an early summer/late spring trip to Ocean City. Maryland. Route 50 that cuts through Salisbury is the main path for most visitors to that beach vacation spot. Of course, being south of Salisbury, means that even on the way to the beach, UMES is a bit out of the way. Princess Anne will never be anything but out of the way for most people. Return on Investment 4 UMES baseball games are free to attend and parking is also free. This coupled with the cheap prices for food make this a good investment for a true baseball fan. You will use quite a bit of gas getting to the game in somewhat isolated DelMarVa Peninsula. Maybe coupled with a trip to Ocean City, it would make the trip to a game somewhat palatable. Extras 2 The UMES athletic facilities have a strange little mini golf course located on an old basketball court right behind the stadium. It is not opened for general use but it is a strange little sight. Maybe it is used for student activities? The campus is also a nice little quiet place that warrants a quick walk around. The new Student Services Center building looks very nice. Final Thoughts Hawk Stadium is a very basic baseball facility. And the MEAC can offer some interesting baseball games, so the low cost of attending a game can make it worth attending this out of the way stadium.

Photos by Aaron S. Terry, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.86 Alumni Coliseum 521 Lancaster Ave Richmond, KY 40475 Eastern Kentucky Colonels website Alumni Coliseum website Year Opened: 1963 Capacity: 6,500 Ballin’ in Richmond Alumni Coliseum, otherwise known as Paul S. McBrayer Arena, is located in Richmond, Kentucky, and opened in 1963. The venue has a capacity of 6,500, and is currently home to Eastern Kentucky University’s men’s and women’s basketball teams, as well as EKU’s women’s volleyball team. The court itself is named after Paul McBrayer, a former EKU basketball coach. The venue is unique, in that its ceiling is made entirely of wooden beams, and is believed to be the largest such ceiling in existence. Food & Beverage 3 While Alumni Coliseum does not offer a ton of choices at its concessions stands, there is more than enough variety to suit most tastes. Food options include chicken sandwiches, tacos, burgers, hot dogs, brats, and pizza; these items range in price from $3.50 to $4.75. Snack options include popcorn, chips, candy, nachos, soft pretzels, peanuts, cookies, and Dippin’ Dots, which cost between $1 and $4. The food quality is actually fairly good for a sports stadium, especially the burgers (simple, but tasty). Drinks available at Alumni Coliseum include all of the basics, such as bottled soda (Pepsi products), bottled water, Gatorade, coffee, and hot cocoa, all of which cost $2.50 to $3. No alcohol is sold here, as the venue is located on a college campus. There are two types of concessions stands at Alumni Coliseum – the main ones are permanent, and the others are just plastic tables set up in the concourse. The tables only take cash, so if you specifically want a burger, cookies, or Dippin’ Dots, make sure you bring some cash. But all of the other items can be purchased from the main stands, which take cards. Atmosphere 3 Alumni Coliseum is a decent basketball venue, with a good crowd, and some nice features. Alumni Coliseum appears very imposing from the outside, but seems a little smaller once you get inside. The basketball court itself only has seating on three sides (along both sidelines and behind one backboard), but the video screen is located behind the opposite backboard, so is easy for all fans to see, even though it is not that big. See a video of the layout here: One nice feature of Alumni Coliseum is that the walls in the concourse are lined with trophy cases and plaques showcasing different teams’ accomplishments, as well as commemorating notable players and coaches. There are also flags outside on the plaza, and massive posters for both the men’s and women’s basketball teams adorning the wall outside the front entrance. Most of the seats are wooden bleachers, but there are three sections of metal chair backs (lower level along both sidelines, and upper level on one sideline). The lower-level chair backs are reserved for donors, but the upper-level chair backs are definitely worth the extra $2 they cost, since they are more comfortable than the bleachers. Neighborhood 2 There is not a lot to do in the small town of Richmond, besides visit the university. However, there are several decent restaurants near Alumni Coliseum, and the town has a little Civil War history, as well. About a mile from the stadium, near I-75 on your way into town, there is a Hooters and a Logan’s Roadhouse, either of which would make a fine hangout for before or after the game. But if you are looking for something more local, check out Madison Garden on Main St (northeast of Alumni Coliseum) – Madison Garden offers pretty standard bar fare, including wings and burgers that they are well-known for, but the real draw is that they serve over 175 different beers. Richmond was the site of one of the bloodiest battles in the Civil War, and there are a couple of monuments in town memorializing the battle, including the Visitor’s Center and Battlefield Park. There are a number of hotels about a mile from Alumni Coliseum, ranging from Holiday Inn to Comfort Suites. Most of them are located off I-75 to the west of the venue, but there are also a couple on the northeast side of campus. Fans 3 The fans at Alumni Coliseum are very loud and supportive of their team, and the venue draws a pretty good crowd. During a typical game in a good year, a men’s basketball game will draw between 4,000 and 5,000 fans, or about two-thirds full. Most of the fans wear team colors, and stay fairly loud throughout the game. The student section is clearly marked, but the students do not seem any louder than the rest of the fans, if not less so. Regardless, the concourse is absolutely deserted while the game is going on, so that definitely shows how engaged the fans are. Access 4 Alumni Coliseum is easy enough to find in the daytime, since it is located on a hill and is thus very visible. However, at night, it is a different story – the venue is surrounded by other campus buildings, so the only way you can really get there is from the main drag. Parking is free right outside the Coliseum’s main entrance (on the south side), so that is a major plus. Most fans enter on that side, and there are two ticket booths there, one of which only takes cash. Since the crowd is small, the concourse is rarely crowded and there is plenty of room to move around. There are more than enough bathrooms to accommodate everyone, and the lines at concessions are almost non-existent since there are multiple stands you can buy from. Once you get into the arena itself, there is a walkway that divides the upper and lower seating areas so you can still watch the game as you make your way to and from your seat. Return on Investment 3 Tickets to EKU basketball games are very cheap and concession prices are very reasonable. The atmosphere is not over the top, though, so unless you just want to see a game, there are other venues nearby which provide a lot more energy. Ticket prices are $10 for general admission, and $12 for upper-level chair backs ($8 for youth). Nothing at the concessions stands is over $5, and parking is free. Extras 2 Alumni Coliseum has some great architectural features, some of which are more easily seen during the day, such as the impressive entrance and the plaza outside, but the wooden ceiling is also notable. Having the trophy cases and plaques on display inside is also a nice touch, instead of having them hidden away in some museum far away. Final Thoughts Alumni Coliseum has some nice features but the crowd, while decent, is on the small side and probably won’t blow you away. That said, if you live nearby, it may be worth a visit to take in a game here, but it may not be a venue to travel very far for.