Photos by Chris Green, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.86 Watkins Glen International 2790 County Route 16 Watkins Glen, NY 14891 Sahlen’s Six Hours of The Glen website Watkins Glen International website Year Opened: 1956 Capacity: 38,900 The 6 Hours of Excitement The Wakins Glen 6 Hours began in 1948 at the famed road course in the finger lakes region of New York. Since then, the race has attracted some of the greatest racers in all of motorsports, across a wide variety of manufacturers. Now, the race is a staple of the 4th of July weekend, a beacon for race fans in New England who want to spend their summers immersed in the sound and spectacle of speed. Food & Beverage 4 Watkins Glen International has a lot of food vendors, with most of them located in the main paddock and fan zones near the front stretch. Those fans looking to visit the outer parts of the track may have slimmer pickings than those watching the finish line. That said, the choices in the fan zone are pretty varied, ranging from BBQ to burgers and hot dogs, with other options like gyros and tacos also available. Food trucks also line up inside the paddock area. Atmosphere 5 Watkins Glen International is located in New York’s finger lakes region, making the facility a beautifully located sports venue. The area is full of beautiful trees, meaning fans can find some shade in the hot summer sun. In addition, the track is laid out to be one of the fastest road courses in North America, if not the world, making the on-track action some of the most exciting in all of sportscar racing. For a raceway filled with history (the track regularly hosts NASCAR, SRO World Challenge, and Trans-Am, and has also hosted the likes of IndyCar, Formula 1, and others in the past), you cannot help but feel like you’re witnessing yet another chapter when you attend the 6 Hours of the Glen. Neighborhood 3 The track itself is about 5 minutes south of the town of Watkins Glen, nestled on the southern shores of Seneca Lake. The town is beautiful and quaint, but lacks proper hotels and popular chain restaurants. Nonetheless, there is plenty to do and see here. For those willing to drive, the town of Ithaca is just a half hour east, where you can find hotels, restaurants, and shopping in the same town that is home to Cornell University. For lodging, the historic Seneca Lodge and the Falls Motel are two of your closest options, and for food, Seneca Harbor Station and Nickel’s Pit BBQ are two popular destinations. In addition, sightseers routinely flock to Watkins Glen State Park for stunning hiking through a canyon of waterfalls, as well as Lakeside Park to watch the stars rise over the waters of Seneca Lake. Fans 4 The fans at Watkins Glen International are once again a cross-section of sportscar racing diehards. The 6 Hours is a race of endurance and skill, and most of the fans on site have been coming since they were kids. New York racing fans are among the best in the country, and know how to throw a great party – the camping grounds are full all weekend long, and the fans know who to cheer for when the race is on the line. Access 2 The biggest downside in getting to Watkins Glen International is its relatively isolated location – the nearest major highway is I-86 to the south and west, at least a 40-minute drive. Traffic can back up, as the roadways in and around the track are all one lane each way. During heavy race days, however, the traffic is opened up to be one way only heading in or out of the track. Once at the track, parking is plentiful all around, and navigating the track’s tunnels, bridges, and walkways can be daunting, as the facility is rather large. Track maps are placed throughout the venue, though, making getting from place to place a little easier. Return on Investment 5 The Watkins Glen 6 Hour race is a hallmark of the sportscar racing world. One of the four North American Endurance Championship races, winning this race is a big deal in the sport. The weekend also features several warm-up races before the big event, which means fans will have plenty of time to see some great action on track throughout the weekend. This is the perfect weekend summer racing getaway for the whole family if you want to mix the great outdoors, camping, and exciting summer sports. Extras 4 There are always several autograph sessions throughout the weekend for fans to meet their favorite drivers in each respective series. The track also has several fan zones to get you up close and personal with show cars, as well as to pick up some free giveaways. Fans can also wander the paddock area for free, giving you a great look at the teams working away at their machines. Final Thoughts The Watkins Glen 6 Hour race is one of the best racing traditions in North America, if not the world, and being held at historic Watkins Glen International is no doubt a part of what makes the race so great – the track is fast, the fans pack in the facility, and the action is top notch. This is a must-see race on any sports car racing fans’ bucket list.

Photos by Jarred Townsend, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.86 Mayo Clinic Health System Event Center 1 Civic Center Plaza Mankato, MN 56001 Minnesota State Mavericks men’s hockey website Mayo Clinic Health System Event Center website Year Opened: 1995 Capacity: 5,280 Experiencing Mankato Hockey at Verizon Wireless Center Since opening its doors in 1995, Verizon Wireless Center in Mankato, Minnesota has served as home to the Minnesota State Mavericks hockey team (both men’s and women’s). The 5,280-seat venue located downtown replaced All Seasons Arena, a much smaller venue built in 1973 on the Minnesota State University Mankato Campus. Today All Seasons Arena serves as the team’s practice facility. Over the past 20 years, Verizon Wireless Center has seen its fair share of name changes because of altering sponsorships – having previously been known at different times as Mankato Civic Center (95-98), Midwest Wireless Center (98-07), and Alltel Wireless Center (07-09). Needless to say, if the arena’s walls could talk, they’d tell you the quintessential story of Midwest hockey: devoted fans who have over the years, watched the Mavericks battle against opponents in the Western Collegiate Hockey Association (WCHA) conference. In recent years, the team has experienced a renewed amount of success, earning conference tournament championships in both 2014 and 2015. Note: In 2019, the venue name changed from Verizon Center to Mayo Clinic Health System Event Center. Food & Beverage 4 While Verizon Wireless Center may not have as many food options as some other hockey arenas, it serves up quality. The Lonestar Brat is a highlight, featuring a coney bun with BBQ pulled pork, jalapenos, and shredded cheese ($4.75). Another great choice is the Pulled Pork Nachos ($5.50), and if you wish, you can add jalapenos, onions, and additional BBQ sauce. Other interesting highlights include the Chicken Bacon Ranch Quesadilla ($4), the Buffalo Chicken Wrap (5.50), the Black Bean Quesadilla ($4), and the Caesar Chicken Wrap ($5.50). Meanwhile, your more basic options are as follows: Hot dog ($3.75), chicken strips with either ranch, honey mustard, or blue cheese ($5), cheese curds ($5.50), nachos ($3.50), popcorn ($3), potato chips ($1.50). Pizza fans need not despair, Pizza Ranch serves by the slice ($3 to $4), with options including Pepperoni, Sausage, Cheese, and Roundup. Being located off campus has its benefits, as Verizon Wireless Center is allowed to sell alcohol and thus, features a full bar. 16 oz cans of beer cost between just $5 and 6 dollars. $5 options include Bud Light, Budweiser, Coors Light, and Golden Light, while $6 options include Stella Artois, Organ Grinder, and Stella Artois Cider. Meanwhile, on tap (all $5), you’ll find Organ Grinder and Mad Butcher IPA. Another interesting bar option: is wines from Chankaska Creek Ranch, a winery located in Kasota, Minnesota. And what would a hockey experience be without dessert? Frozen custard from Culver’s is a favorite, especially for kids attending the games. Overall, food and beverage pricing is very affordable, and the food is superb. Atmosphere 3 As with most collegiate hockey venues, Verizon Wireless Center’s atmosphere comes to life thanks to the fans and the action on the ice. The view of the rink is spectacular and there’s hardly a bad seat in the house. No matter where you are, you feel close to the action. The arena’s corridors, however, are a bit narrow and not the most visually appealing (concrete flooring and brick walls for the most part, albeit the floor, does feature some interesting painted designs here and there). Otherwise, the atmosphere is great in the stands, yet is a much larger letdown elsewhere in the arena. Neighborhood 5 Verizon Wireless Center is located in a great part of the downtown area and within walking distance of many other Mankato hotspots – many of which you can also access by parking in the ramp of the Civic Center Plaza (where the arena is located within). Popular restaurants in the area include Olives Restaurant (Mediterranean), Number 4 America Bar & Kitchen (an upscale bistro & bar), the Bicker Inn (popular Irish pub), Rounders Sports Bar & Grill, Pub 500 (bar with live music), New Bohemia (features great tap options). Aside from the hockey arena, Civic Center Plaza also features reception and banquet halls, a conference center, hotels, and other amenities. Overall, it’s a great part of town that’s kept up well. There’s plenty to explore in the area. Fans 4 Fans are loyal, engaged, and quick to participate verbally in matches. You can expect them to know the players by name, and cheer them on accordingly. After experiencing a considerable amount of success during the 70s and 80s, Mankato hockey has recently returned to success under head coach Mike Hastings. During both the 2014-2015 and 2015-2016 seasons, the Maverick’s men’s team has claimed conference tournament championships. Meanwhile, Coach Hastings has won over 60% of his games since taking over in 2012. The games seem to be decently attended, albeit there were a noticeable number of empty seats when I went. However, the fans who did attend seem highly devoted and most are probably regulars on a game-to-game basis. Access 5 Access is great. There are a couple of nearby parking garages and if spots are available, one of the nearest garages within Civic Center Plaza provides free parking during the games. The only drawback, however, is that the ramp can perhaps fill up fast and if you arrive late, you’ll want to find another lot or park on the street. Otherwise, there are a couple of other lots in the area where you can expect to pay no more than $5 for parking. No matter where you park, however, you really shouldn’t expect to walk more than 2 to 3 blocks to get to the arena’s main entrance. Return on Investment 4 On average, tickets cost around $16, and no matter what section you’re in, you’re bound to have a good seat in the house. Once you get in, it’s a good idea to take advantage of the affordable concession prices – whether it’s a beverage (i.e. beer) or one of the amazing food items. Overall, the whole experience is reasonably priced and your enthusiasm for what happens on the ice will likely determine the level of satisfaction you leave Verizon Wireless Center with. It’s not particularly the most impressive arena (the corridors can be bland), but it gets the job done. Extras 2 Walking around the narrow corridors of the arena, you’re likely to notice some wall wraps sporting imagery of Mavericks hockey players on the brick surface. It adds an interesting touch to otherwise, somewhat uninteresting parts of the arena. Another interesting tidbit about recent Mavericks history is the fact that they’ve remained in the WCHA, even after 2/3rds of the conference’s member teams jetted either for the National Collegiate Hockey Conference or the Big 10 in 2011. Meanwhile, as other teams including Bowling Green State University and North Michigan settled into the division, the Mavericks remained resilient throughout – in recent years, reaching new heights of success under current head coach Mike Hastings. For that, they deserve much credit. Final Thoughts Verizon Wireless Center isn’t as flashy as more modern hockey arenas, but the point is, it gets the job done. Whether it’s the game ticket ($16) or the concessions (all very affordable), you can have an enjoyable experience among the great fans at this arena without having to worry about spending too much.

Photos by Chris Green, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.29 Ocean Speedway Santa Cruz County Fairgrounds 2601 E Lake Ave Watsonville, CA 95076 Ocean Speedway website Year Opened: 1960 Capacity: 2,200 Short Track, Cali Style Ocean Speedway is a little-known gem in the California racing circuit, known to diehards and locals alike. Well-hidden off the PCH, this corner of California speed has been the home to future NASCAR stars like Kyle Larson as they worked their way up through the short track ranks. Only a minor drive north of Weather Tech Laguna Seca , this track is the perfect side-stop for fans visiting in town for races farther south, or venturing along the Pacific Coast Highway. Food & Beverage 3 While the selection at Ocean Speedway is limited to the traditional sports fare, the quality here is top notch – everything is made or grilled fresh. Hot dogs and corn dogs run you $4.75, while a chili dog costs $7. The most expensive item on the menu is worth every penny (Tri-Tip Sandwich at $9.75), with two other alternatives costing $8.75 each (Polish Sandwich or Linguisa Sandwich). Burgers run from $5.50 to $6.75, with a side of fries costing anywhere from $5.75 for regular fries to $8 for chili cheese fries. Drinks include water ($2.50-$3.50), soda ($2.75-$3.75), and coffee/hot cocoa ($3). Snacks include peanuts, Cracker Jack, or sunflowers seeds for $2.75, or candy (including Red Vines) for $3. Atmosphere 4 Located at the Santa Cruz County Fairgrounds, Ocean Speedway is outside the town of Watsonville, meaning you have that true small-town feel when driving to the track. To the east are mountains, and to the west is the Pacific Ocean and its beautiful beaches. The track is a high banked dirt track, which means the mud will be flying with every race on the track, so bring goggles just in case. The seating area at Ocean Speedway is a bit old and weathered looking, but that gives you the feeling that you’re at an old, history-filled house of speed. Neighborhood 4 The area around Ocean Speedway is beautiful California coastal towns – an hour north is the San Francisco area, and an hour south is the Monterey coastline. The beach is just a few minutes west, while the forests are just a few minutes to the east. For lodging, fans can pick from numerous hotels and motels, with Best Western Rose Garden Inn and Holiday Inn Express & Suites Watsonville being two of your closest options to the track. Straw Hat Pizza and Erik’s DeliCafe are two local favorites for food, and for visitors, the Forest of Nisene Marks State Park and Natural Bridges State Beach offer quintessential California nature and sights, just a short drive to the north along the PCH. Fans 4 The fans at the track are mostly locals, and they know their racing. Drivers, stats, and history are all topics that the fans in the stands know in great detail. The fans are welcoming to visitors as well, and are happy to help flesh out the latest points standings, which create the biggest drama on the track. Access 2 Getting to the track, you will have to abandon the major highways of California for some winding local roads. Located off East Lake Drive, drivers on the 101 Highway will have to exit and cross through Hecker Pass, which winds through the coastal hills and mountains. Alternatively, if you’re taking the Pacific Coast Highway, turning off on Main Street will get you on your way east to Ocean Speedway. Return on Investment 4 Parking and tickets are just a few bucks for fans, and all seating is general admission, meaning the cost for taking the kids and family out to the races isn’t going to be anywhere as high as other bigger races. Aside from the drive over to Ocean Speedway if you aren’t local, getting in won’t break your bank, or your stress level. Extras 2 Ocean Speedway offers handicap seating at specific grandstands at the track, for those in wheelchairs to be able to catch the action. Pit passes are also available for fans who want an up-close view of the racing action behind the scenes. Final Thoughts For a hidden California racing gem, Ocean Speedway is a great option, especially when adding it to an already scheduled sports trip through the Golden State. The racing is exciting, the prices are low, and the value offered is high.

Photos by University of North Alabama Athletics and Lloyd Brown, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.57 Braly Municipal Stadium 521 N. Royal Ave. Florence, AL 35632 North Alabama Lions website Braly Municipal Stadium website Year Opened: 1949 Capacity: 14,215 The Pride Of North Alabama The University of North Alabama (UNA) was founded in 1830. It is Alabama’s oldest public university. Today it has a student body of 9,500 students enrolled in more than 300 lines of study. Its largest majors include Nursing/ Health Professions, Music, Business, Computers/IT, Education, and Social Services. These programs are held on the 130-acre main campus in Florence, Alabama. The athletic teams at the university are known as the Lions. The football program at UNA has a very distinguished record during its more than 110 years of existence. It was a powerhouse in the Division II level of competition. It made it to the Division II playoffs 21 times and won three Division II National Championships (1993,1994, 1995). The Lions were the only Division II Championship team to ever visit the White House. In 2018, the school voted to move up to the FCS level of competition. They played the 2018 season as an independent. In 2019 the university joined the Big South Conference in football only. The other sports at UNA play in the Atlantic Sun Conference. The football program became eligible for conference championships as of the 2022 football season. The home of the Lions is the 14,215-seat Braly Municipal Stadium. It opened in 1949. The stadium is named for Thomas Braly, a local coach and school administrator in the area for many years. The stadium is located just a few blocks from the University of North Alabama. The stadium is owned and managed by the Florence, Alabama City School District. The stadium is used by both the UNA Lions and the Florence Falcons High School football programs. Food & Beverage 2 The concession stands at Braly Stadium are located on the concourse beneath the grandstands on both sides of the field. No alcohol can be sold in the stadium as the facility is run by the school system. The offerings are what you would expect in a stadium run by the school board. In other words, your typical stadium basics. They have hot dogs, nachos, candy, popcorn, and pretzels. Bottled water and Coca-Cola brand sodas are also on the menu. Atmosphere 3 Braly Stadium is a functional stadium that will not overwhelm you. It was designed in an era when the “extras” were not even dreamed of. World War II had just ended and just going to a college or high school football game was considered a luxury. The stadium has seating on either side of the field, with the home side being much taller and having much more capacity than the visitor’s side. For the most part, it is bench seating. Both the band and the student body members are sitting in the lower seats, with the alumni and Lions Athletic Club members sitting in the prime seatbacks along the fifty-yard line. There is a very impressive three-level press box atop the home seating area. It houses both the electronic and newspaper media. We can understand how this stadium kept the Division II Championship Game for so long, as it was one of the nicest press boxes we have seen. The press box also houses a hospitality room for members of the Lions Athletic Club. The field is used by multiple teams during the week since it is run by the local school system. Because of the heavy wear and tear, the school system has invested in a very state-of-the-art artificial turf surface. The stadium also has a very nice video board/scoreboard behind one of the end zones. Neighborhood 5 The University of North Alabama and Braly Stadium are located in Florence, Alabama. Florence is a city of 40,000 residents. It is located in an area known as “the Shoals.” The Shoals are a group of four small cities along the Tennessee River. Florence is the largest of these four cities and offers the most in the way of lodging, attractions, and restaurants. The Shoals were made famous by the music industry and what is called the “Muscle Shoals Sound.” This refers to the many recording studios that worked with many of the top singers in the music industry. Alabama, the Rolling Stones, Aretha Franklin, and others all traveled to this small city to be a part of that sound. The Music Tour of the Shoals offers visits to the FAME Studio and the Muscle Shoals Sound studios. Another popular attraction is the W.C. Handy Birthplace and Museum/Library. He was known as the “King of the Blues.” The Helen Keller home is also open for visitors in nearby Tuscumbia. There are a surprising number of hotel choices in Florence. The closest ones to the stadium are the Hampton Inn Midtown and the Holiday Inn Express. Dining choices are also plentiful. The Marriott Shoals 360 Degree Grille offers a 360-degree view of the Tennessee River and the surrounding area from its perch atop the local Marriott Hotel. Barbeque is a way of life in these parts. We found Bunyan’s BBQ had us licking our fingers after we finished our ribs. Birdy’s Sports Grille is a great place to catch some of the late games on their multiple sets of TVs. Fans 5 The University of North Alabama has been blessed with one of the most loyal fan bases in the country. The Lions have an average attendance of 9,500. The team earned their loyalty long ago with the string of appearances in the Division II playoffs and National Championships. Now that the team has upped its game in the FCS level of play, the fans are even more enthused about the program. The Lion Athletic Club has seen its membership increase which helps with the expenses of playing at the FCS level, as there is a much greater expense due to travel. We also have to take our hats off to the cheer team, the ROAR dance team, and the UNA Pride of the Lions Band for keeping the energy going during the action and for providing a great pregame and halftime show. The University of North Alabama has some great athletic traditions. The first is Leo III, the live lion who lives in the George L. Carroll Lion Habitat on the UNA campus. His habitat includes rocks, a pond, and a stream with running water. Leo III has been recognized as the #1 Best Real Animal Mascot in College Football on several occasions. He is open for visitors from 8am-5pm on a daily basis. Another tradition is the Lion’s Pride Rock. This is a granite rock with the pawprint of Leo III impressed into it. The rock is placed in the end zone before each game so the team members can touch it for good luck in the game that follows. There are also several sets of lion statues on the UNA campus. The most impressive is the Pride of the Lions, which features an adult male and female lion with their cubs. One last tradition is the Victory Flame. It is on the UNA campus. After a Lions win, everybody goes over to the campus to watch the Flame be lit. Access 3 One of the main issues as far as access to Braly Stadium is its distance from almost any major city. UNA and Florence, Alabama are located in the northwest corner of the state of Alabama. It is quite a distance from any interstates as well. Florence is 118 miles from Birmingham, 76 miles from Huntsville, and 127 miles from Nashville. The best route from I-65 is as follows: From Birmingham: Take I-65 North to exit 310. Go right on AL-157. Turn right at Huntsville Road (County Road 32). At the roundabout take the first exit for Royal Avenue. Stay on Royal Avenue until you reach Stadium Drive and Braly Stadium. Parking near Braly Stadium can also be difficult on game days. You can prepay for a space, but getting to it can be an issue. We strongly urge fans to park at the UNA campus and take the free shuttle bus to the game. The buses run continuously throughout the game, so you should not have a long wait for the next bus. Parking is free and plentiful on the campus. Return on Investment 3 Braly Stadium offers tickets at several price points depending on where you want to sit at the stadium. The visitors stand's seats are all priced as General Admission, which is $12 on both sides of the field. The home side of the field has a much larger grandstand and charges by location. The Outer Bench seats are along the 20-yard lines at the bottom of the grandstand and are $20. The Prime Bench seats are along the 40-yard lines are low in the grandstand and cost $25. The most expensive seats are designated for Lion Athletic Club members and cost $50. The $50 also covers perks like seatbacks rather than bench seating, preferred parking near the stadium, and access to the Grady Liles Hospitality Room at Braly Stadium. Parking at Braly Stadium is $12. We strongly urge you to prepay to get a spot anywhere close to the stadium. Better yet, park at the UNA campus for free and ride the free shuttle to the games. The concession stand prices at Braly Stadium are very reasonable. However, the number of menu items is very limited. Extras 4 George “Goober” Lindsey from the Andy Griffith TV show played quarterback for the University of North Alabama. He is now a member of the Alabama Sports Hall of Fame. The University of North Alabama has begun raising funds to build a new, on-campus stadium. This project is known as the Bank Independent Stadium project. This project is very important for the school, as Braly Stadium is 74 years old and lacks many of the amenities found in modern stadiums. The new stadium would also be managed by the university rather than the school board, giving the college much more flexibility in scheduling events and offering more perks to major donors to the school. The design phase for the new stadium got underway in 2023 and the school hopes to be in a new facility by the 2026-2027 school year. Braly Stadium hosted the Division III National Championship football game from 1986 to 2013. This allowed the Lions to win all three of their National Football Championships on their home field. Harlon Hill was a star football player for the Lions. He went on to a long career in the NFL, where he was the NFL Rookie of the Year and the MVP, while he played for the Chicago Bears. The Harlon Hill Trophy is awarded to the top player in the Division II level of competition each year. It is the equivalent of the Heisman Trophy that is given at the FBS level of play. The University of North Alabama football program was the first school in Alabama to integrate its team in 1968. Final Thoughts The University of North Alabama is thrilled to be an FCS-level school, as they were a dominant program at the Division II level. For now, their longtime home at Braly Stadium provides an adequate facility. However, the future for Lions football is bright, as a new on-campus stadium is in the design phase of planning.

Photos by Michael Davis, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.71 Mountain America Stadium 500 E Veterans Way Tempe, AZ 85281 Arizona State Sun Devils website Mountain America Stadium website Year Opened: 1958 Capacity: 53,600 Arizona State Football Mountain America Stadium, formerly known as Sun Devil Stadium, is the home of the Arizona State University Sun Devils football team. Arizona State is one of the Big 12 Conference’s newest members after formerly being a member of the PAC-12 Conference. Mountain America Stadium was built in 1958, with a seating capacity of 30,000. Over the years, the stadium reached its peak capacity of 74,865 when the National Football League’s Arizona Cardinals shared the stadium. The stadium’s current capacity of 53,600 is due to the five-year, $304-million renovation that was completed in August 2019 – the renovations were completed in five phases and included having sections of the upper deck removed, a new structure built behind the south end zone, the east and west side of the lower bowl and loge level rebuilt, installation of a new video board, and the completion of club areas. Besides previously housing the Arizona Cardinals , the stadium was also the original home of college football’s Fiesta Bowl  game, as well as hosting other college bowl games. Super Bowl XXX, which featured the Dallas Cowboys  and Pittsburgh Steelers in front of 76,347 spectators, was also played at Mountain America Stadium – this was the first time the Super Bowl was played in Arizona, which has now hosted the NFL showcase three more times in the Cardinals new home, State Farm Stadium.   Food & Beverage   4 Mountain America Stadium offers a wide variety of food options – there are the basic food items for fans, the outside food vendors, and, starting this season, a game-by-game food item. The basic food items covered on the Fork’em menu include hot dogs, Italian sausage, nachos, popcorn, peanuts, and candy, with costs for these items ranging from $4 to $7 dollars. Alternatively, the outside food vendors include Venezia’s for pizza lovers, Chick-fil-A, Authentic Burros for Tex-Mex, and Pardon my Cheesesteak – all of these latter vendors have higher priced items than the basic stands, but the quality and taste are more consistent, and the portion sizes are more filling. The game-by-game food item can be found on the Arizona State website before each game; at the most recent game I attended, it was Alligator po’boys, consisting of fried alligator on a hoagie bun with coleslaw and spicy sauce. The cost was $15, but it is a good marketing idea and worth a try. The concessions serve Coca-Cola products here; a souvenir soda is $8, but they also offer a refillable soda for $30, which, if you get small cups from the free water tubs, would be a good option for a family. Frozen lemonade is $7.50, while Dasani bottled water is $5. The alcohol sales offer plenty as well, as there are numerous options for beer, both domestic and local breweries, as well as hard seltzer and wine. For beer lovers, I would suggest stopping by Pitchfork Draft House to find a draft of your liking during the game. Overall, the food and beverages at Mountain America Stadium have improved over the past years, moving the concessions here to above average compared to other stadiums.   Atmosphere   3 Throughout college football, the atmosphere begins well before gates open – Arizona State’s tailgate scene is impressive and stretches for several blocks around Mountain America Stadium. Before the gates open, there is the Devil Walk, as the team approaches the stadium accompanied by the spirit squads and the ASU Sun Devil Marching Band, known as "The Pride of the Southwest." The team comes onto the field along with opening fireworks and the band playing, as the excitement hits an incredible vibe. The view of the field is also excellent throughout the stadium, even though most of the seating is just metal benches with backs. There are chairback seats on the ASU sideline in the lower bowl, in the 200 sections, however, as well as on the visitor side between the 25-yard lines. The Arizona State Gameday crew does a great job during the game. However, the student section in the Inferno leads the excitement throughout the game. Fireworks and Sparky, the two ASU mascots, can also be seen doing push-ups after each Arizona State score. Overall, the atmosphere is what fans expect when it comes to watching Power 4 football; Arizona State is a great addition to the other Big 12 Conference venues.   Neighborhood   5 Arizona State University is in Tempe, Arizona. The city of Tempe has grown to 185,950 (as of 2022), and the university is the heart of the city. Phoenix, Mesa, and Scottsdale are a short distance from the campus. The main pre-game activities are on Mill Avenue, just a few blocks from Mountain America Stadium, and there are numerous places nearby to meet up before the game. The Sunbar, Fat Tuesday, Varsity Tavern, and Pedal Haus are all options, but my choice is Varsity Tavern, which offers plenty of large TV screens to watch other games on during the day. For Brewery seekers, there is also the Four Peaks Brewing Company nearby. Tempe has many attractions nearby, the biggest being the Phoenix Zoo, the Desert Botanical Gardens in Papago Park, and Tempe Beach Park along the Salt River. For shopping and other restaurants, there is the Tempe Marketplace on E Rio Salado Parkway, an open-air shopping center with restaurants including Thirsty Lion, Portillo’s Tempe, and Spinato’s Pizzeria and Family Kitchen. The lodging near the stadium is abundant, as near the venue, you can find AC Hotel Phoenix Tempe/Downtown, Graduate Tempe on East Apache, and Hyatt Place Tempe/Phoenix. There is also easy access from the airport hotels using the light rail – one of my favorites is Crowne Plaza on Washington Street, walkable from the airport, or a light rail ride from Arizona State University.   Fans   3 The Arizona State Sun Devils have filled about 90% of the stadium over the past 5 years. The Sun Devils have a large fan base that is strong and shows up even in the desert heat – the heat and loud fan base give Mountain America Stadium a real home-field advantage. The loudest noise here comes from the ASU student section; Arizona State has one of the largest undergraduate student bodies in the country, and when they show up, the atmosphere changes to another level.  The students sing the fight song, shake their keys during kickoffs, and yell throughout the game. This season, the student section is even breaking records with their attendance.   Access   4 Mountain America Stadium is on the campus of Arizona State University, located just off University Drive, which you can get to from various highways around the Phoenix metro area. There is also Phoenix’s Valley Metro light rail system that can drop you off in front of the stadium – the light rail is the best option both financially and in terms of time, but there is plenty of parking at the stadium if you decide to drive. The closest parking is for season ticket holders; these lots are filled with tailgaters before the game. However, other parking lots nearby cost $20 to $40, depending on the location. One recommendation has been to use the app called ParkWhiz to find cheaper parking, while another cheap option is Orbit. Fans in the Tempe area can take Orbit free of charge until 10 pm on weekdays, Saturdays, and until 8 pm on Sundays. If you are not a Tempe resident, you can park at the Tempe Library Complex on the southwest corner of Southern Avenue and Rural Road and catch the Orbit from there. Mountain America Stadium’s gates open 90 minutes before kickoff, and all areas in the facility can be accessed from any gate. The entrance process into the facility, however, is the only reason the score for this section is not a 5 – having to go up some stairs to enter the stadium, going through rapid metal detectors, and having mobile tickets scanned at kiosks is a workout. Once at the top of the stairs, though, you are above the lower bowl, and there is easy access from there with good signage throughout the stadium. Arizona State athletics uses the clear bag policy – to enter the venue bags must be clear plastic, vinyl, or PVC and not exceed 12″ x 6″ x 12″, such as one-gallon clear plastic freezer bags (Ziploc or similar), small clutch bags (no larger than 4.5″ x 6.5″) with or without a handle or strap, or seat cushions & seat cushions with a back (no pockets, 18″ or less in width). Overall, Mountain America is an easy adventure to get to, whether you are local or from outside the Phoenix/Tempe area.   Return on Investment   4 Sun Devil football tickets range from $9 to $175 per person depending on your seat selection, which at present could be the lowest in the Big 12 Conference. In their inaugural year in the Big 12, the Sun Devils won’t play a true rival, as the Territorial Cup matchup with Arizona  is in Tucson.   Extras   3 The legacy of the late, great Pat Tillman is alive and strong in the Arizona State University football program – a statue erected in honor of the former Sun Devil, who lost his life serving in the US Army, greets the team as they enter the field from their tunnel. A unique experience while in Tempe is to Hike ‘A’ Mountain (Hayden Butte); once at the top, there are spectacular views of Tempe, the ASU campus, and the surrounding area. The upgrades to Mountain America Stadium help Arizona State University keep up with modern times and provide a top-class football facility for fans. ASU also has one of the coolest mascots in college sports, namely Sparky the Sun Devil.   Final Thoughts Mountain America Stadium is a wonderful venue to watch college football. The local area is also great to visit, with wonderful weather in the later part of the season. The facility and team are not usually thought of as among the big programs in the country by fans, but they definitely should be. If you are ever in the Phoenix area during college football season, I highly recommend taking a game at Mountain America Stadium.

Photos by Matt Colville, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.00 Library Field Ave of The Oaks Mobile, AL 36608 Spring Hill College Badgers website Library Field website Year Opened: 1981 Soccer Under the Oaks Spring Hill College is a small Jesuit College located in Mobile, Alabama. The College opened its doors in 1830 with an enrollment of only 30 students. Today the College has about 1,400 students and is the oldest college in the State of Alabama. It is one of the oldest colleges in the South and the fifth oldest Catholic college in the U.S. Nicknamed the Badgers, during the 2014-15 school year the school moved up to D2 and joined the Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (SIAC) after competing in NAIA since 1981. The Badgers currently sponsor 18 NCAA sponsored sports, all in the SIAC, except men’s and women’s soccer which are in the Gulf South Conference. Since joining the GSC the men’s soccer team has had some success advancing to the Gulf South Conference tournament three times (2018, 2019, & 2021). The best season for the Badger’s men’s team was in 2018 when they won the GSC and advanced to the D2 NCAA tournament for the first time ever. Heading into the 2022 season the men’s team has a 54-59-1 record since joining the NCAA. The women’s team on the other hand hasn’t had as much success – since joining the GSC the women have only won 10 games in 7 seasons. The Badgers soccer clubs compete on campus at the beautiful Library Field. Nestled among hundred-year oaks and azalea bushes, the field is an excellent place to take in a soccer match just for its scenic surroundings alone. Coming to a soccer match here, or just coming to the Spring Hill campus in general, it’s easy to see why this college has been voted by Southern Living Magazine as the number one most beautiful college in the South. Beautiful Avenue Entrance to Spring Hill College Campus, Photo by Matt Colville, Stadium Journey Food & Beverage 1 Library Field is basically just a giant open field so there are no permanent or temporary concessions here on site. As the soccer match just takes place in a big open field you are free to come and go as you please, and you are allowed to bring food and drinks. There are also several picnic benches scattered around the pitch with people sitting down having a bite to eat. But my recommendation as it could be a hot day would be bring some water, as they do not sell any and none of the campus buildings were open on my most recent visit, to get to a water fountain. Atmosphere 4 Spring Hill College is known for its sprawling and scenic campus. From the over 100-year-old buildings to the many azalea and rose gardens, walking around the campus can be quite breathtaking. At almost 200 years old the college has remained virtually unchanged since the Battle of Mobile Bay during the Civil War. The whole campus sits on a big hill overlooking the city, and the views can be quite stunning as you pull up and see the beautiful St. Michael’s Cathedral overlooking Mobile. But the most awe-inspiring part of the Spring Hill campus has to be Avenue of the Oaks. If you come into campus on the north side you drive right down this road; this quarter mile stretch of road has been deemed one of the top photographed spots in the state, and even the South for that matter. Thousands of giant hundred-year-old oak trees cover both sides of the road, providing a canopy over the road blocking almost all sunlight. At the end of the road sits the giant Stewartfield House, which was built in 1849 and now serves as a wedding venue. Avenue of the Oaks runs north and south on campus, and there are giant fields on both sides of the road – these are Library Field to the east and Dorn Field to the west. Library Field is a huge rectangle-shaped field where the Badgers’ men’s and women’s soccer programs play. The pitch has a beautiful backdrop with Avenue of the Oaks providing the view on the west side, while three historic school buildings provide the backdrop on the east side. The school’s library is the biggest of the three and the one that stands out the most – perhaps that’s how the field got its name. On the north side of the field sits a small scoreboard and a small four-foot wall with ivy wrapped around it. On the south side is a small parking lot as well as the Badgers beach volleyball facility. The team benches are located on the west side with the teams sitting under the giant oaks. The east side features one set of small metal bleachers, which end up getting packed out with fans so it is kind of crammed. There is additional seating on some picnic benches scattered around the field, or you can go sit on the steps of the Byrne Library which I saw many people doing. You are also free to bring chairs and tents to the game which I saw people doing as well. Neighborhood 3 Spring Hill College is located in a residential area of Mobile, but this is also one of Mobile’s oldest neighborhoods. The campus is located on Dauphin Street just west of downtown Mobile. Along the way on Dauphin Street are many beautiful antebellum homes, many of which are available for touring. The campus is located in a residential neighborhood so there isn’t much in terms of things to do. However, you are only a few miles west of downtown Mobile, and downtown has plenty restaurants and nightlife options worth checking out. Just take Dauphin Street a few miles east and you’ll run right into downtown Mobile – that far end of Dauphin Street is filled with plenty of restaurants and bars. Fans 4 Spring Hill College is a very small private college where many of the students live on campus. This works out great for the Badgers sports teams, as they have large student support and often get a lot of student turnout for all their teams. The school hasn’t fielded a football team since 1941, so students make up for lack of a football program by showing up in great numbers for all the other sporting events on campus. Because people can come and go it’s hard to get a count on attendance, but I would say at any given time there are a couple hundred people in the vicinity. When the men’s soccer team is playing expect to see almost the entire women’s soccer team in attendance watching, and when the women’s soccer team is playing, almost the entire men’s team is there as well. At the most recent game I was at, school had just started so I saw many students and a few baseball players looking on. Many of the soccer players at Spring Hill are from other countries, so one thing I liked was that they bring their own customs and traditions over. You’ll find many fans with flags from their home country or favorite European team. Many fans will engage in different chants, and they always get rowdy when the Badgers score – this definitely makes up for the lack of a PA announcer and music, as there aren’t any at Library Field. Access 3 Finding Spring Hill College shouldn’t be a problem as the campus sits just off I-65. If traveling north and south the interstate will be your best bet. There are two main entrances into the campus, one from the north and one from the south. The south entrance is the faster entrance into campus – you can take Exit 4 at Dauphin Ave and the road to campus is right there. You’ll have to travel through the golf course, but you arrive where all the main buildings are. For the scenic entrance you can take Exit 5A at Spring Hill Road, and then get on Old Shell Road and the north side of campus is right there. The Avenue of the Oaks entrance is at Old Shell Road. There is plenty of free parking on campus. If you come from the south side there is a main lot right there by the baseball field; there is also a lot on the south side of Library Field, near the Beach Volleyball Court. Return on Investment 3 Tickets are free, parking is free, and just by coming here you are on one of the most gorgeous college campuses in the South. You won’t be blown away by the action on the field, but the scenic setting more than makes up for it. Also, all the different fans who are in attendance make it a great experience and something different than I was expecting. I was pleasantly surprised to see European soccer fans chanting and flags flying from different countries at a D2 soccer match. Extras 3 Spring Hill has a number of historic athletic facilities on campus as well. The Badger Baseball team plays on the south side of campus at historic Stan Galle Field . Nicknamed “The Pit”, the ballpark officially opened in 1889, but baseball is believed to have been played on the field dating back to the 1860s, making it the oldest continuously used ballpark in the country. Stan Galle Field, Photo by Matt Colville, Stadium Journey The Pit has played host to multiple MLB exhibition games and has welcomed the likes of Hank Aaron, Babe Ruth, Lou Gehrig, Satchel Paige, and Billy Williams – all have all played on Spring Hill’s campus over the years. The Pit is about a 5-minute walk from Avenue of the Oaks and I definitely recommend a walk over the historic field if you are on campus. The gate to the field was open on the day I last visited, so I was able to walk out on the field and get some pics. The backdrop of the field is gorgeous with the historic Lucy Administration Building providing the view. The Badgers also have a historic football program as well. From 1901 to 1941 the Badgers played at Dorn Field, which is the other field located along Avenue of the Oaks. They competed in the Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Association and the Dixie Conference. Dorn Field played host to some early versions of the big-time college football programs we see today – Alabama, Auburn, LSU, Mississippi State, and Southern Miss all visited the Spring Hill campus during the 1920s and 30s. The Spring Hill Club Rugby team uses the field now, but there is a small section of wooden bleachers still left over from when the Badgers had a football program. Another extra just for the beauty that is Spring Hill College – from Avenue of the Oaks to the Stewartfield Mansion, to the beautiful St. Michael’s Cathedral and Southern architecture, Spring Hill College is something straight out of a William Faulkner novel.

Photos by Meg Minard, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.29 Jackson Field 1850 6th Ave Greeley, CO 80639 Northern Colorado Bears website Jackson Field website Year Opened: 1927 Capacity: 1,500 Greeley Baseball - University of Northern Colorado Jackson Field is a part of the UNC Jackson Field Sports Complex which also contains the women’s soccer field – Jackson Stadium. The field is named after Charles N. Jackson, a UNC trustee who helped purchase the land in 1927. It has been the site for Bears baseball since the late 1920s. In the fall of 2004, the venue got a new infield surface and improvements were made to the outfield. The field has real grass and real dirt. No lights are at this ball field so all games are played during the day. There’s nothing better than a Sunday spring afternoon baseball game and the UNC (University of Northern Colorado) Bears do a fine job at providing a pure baseball-only experience. The Bears play in the WAC (Western Athletic Conference) as an affiliate member. Most sports of UNC are in the Big Sky Conference, but the Big Sky doesn’t have baseball so UNC baseball joined the WAC in 2014. The UNC Bears have been to the College World Series ten times but not since 1974. For baseball purists, a pleasant time can be had at a UNC Bears baseball game as it is about the game, the players, and the team(s). Food & Beverage 1 One lone concession truck is behind the home plate area. It offers the minimal standard fare. Hot dogs and nachos are $3.75, soft drinks (Pepsi) are $3, Gatorade, water, and hot cocoa are $3. Popcorn, chips, candy, peanuts, and dill pickles range from $1.50 – $3. Alcoholic beverages are not offered at a Bears game. Save that for the many breweries in Greeley. Recommendation: Bring a bottle or two of water and your own snacks to hold you and the family over during the game. Then visit the many dining choices Greeley has to offer. Atmosphere 3 Beyond the left field fence are colorful new town homes. Beyond center field is a nice set of trees. Over the right field fence is a ropes course. All quite picturesque in their own right and it makes for a nice backdrop variety when watching the game. Seating is general admission and is first come, first served. There is no charge for tickets. Ten rows of aluminum benches are on the first and the third base sides; the third base seating area is half the width of the first base side as the third base is the visiting team’s side. Some aluminum seats with backs are above the home plate / press box area. Handrails are not provided. All of the benches in the stadium are in the direct sun. A few folks are clever and stand/sit underneath the bleachers behind home plate. Recommendation: Bring a seat cushion or seat back as well as some sun screen. A net surrounds the entire seating/viewing area with zero places to watch the game net free (unless, of course, you are one of the players, coaches, or umpires). No lights are at the stadium so all games are played during the day. This is especially nice later in the April/May time frame as spring approaches and the temperatures are warmer. It is all about the baseball game here. Music is played between innings with the volume level perfect as one can still converse with other fans in the seating area. The PA announcer has a clear voice and records the player’s at bat, player changes, and summarizes inning activity coherently. Perfect for those who keep score. The standard scoreboard is perched just behind the right center field wall with balls, strikes, outs and a tally per inning for runs displayed for each team. It fits well with the basic game day experience but is a tad difficult to read as the bottom line is faded. It does not appear there is a grounds crew as many of the players/coaches groom the field prior to the game. Neighborhood 4 Greeley is the 12th largest city in Colorado and it is very much a college town. It is a little over an hour drive northeast of Denver, CO; about an hour southeast of Cheyenne, WY. The stadium is in a quaint residential area about two blocks from the central campus. Plenty of places are available to eat/drink before or after a game with Chipotle and Cheba Hut within walking distance (1/2 mile). A bit further in the downtown area (about a mile and a half from the stadium) are The Mad Cow Saloon & Eatery, Rio Grande (Mexican), Roma Restaurant (pizza and beer). A different place to check out for breakfast or lunch is Barnstormer’s Restaurant located in the small general aviation Greeley-Weld County Airport about four miles from the stadium. Click here for the Downtown Greeley Restaurant & Nightlife Guide for even more options. For those who enjoy a good craft beer or two, Greeley has several breweries: Brix Brewery & Taphouse, WeldWerks Brewery, Crabtree Brewing, Wiley Roots Brewing, and more. For other tourist activities when in town, check out the Centennial Village, a living historical museum of life in Colorado over 100 years ago. One can also visit the Colorado Model Railroad Museum. Other sports in the area include UNC basketball at the Bank of Colorado Arena , and one may be able to catch a double header with the nearby Colorado Eagles (AHL) in the early part of the season. Most hotels are about a mile from Jackson Field, the closest brand name hotel is the Clarion Hotel downtown, which is near many of the eateries and tourist attractions. A Doubletree by Hilton is located at Lincoln Park (also near the downtown area) about a mile and a half from the field. It is a very safe neighborhood in which to walk and visit. Fans 3 The Bears fans show up and they stay till the very end of the game. Fans are parents, girlfriends, fellow students and a mix of neighboring residents. The biggest supporters seem to be the ballplayers themselves. All are encouraging and supportive of each other and the players. The first base side is the Bears’ home side and most of the cheering is heard from that section. Most fans are clean as they deposit their garbage in provided containers and do not place them on the flooring below the bleachers. Nice job! Access 5 Jackson Field is located at the corner of 18th St and 6th Ave in Greeley, CO just two blocks from the Central Campus of the University of Northern Colorado. Getting to the arena from out of town is okay. Greeley is not located right off any interstate and one must travel ten or more miles from any interstate on four-lane state highways. Once in Greeley getting to the ball field is relatively easy as it is a small town. There is no noticeable local or public transportation options, though the field is walking distance from the main campus area. Otherwise, driving is the recommended method to get to the stadium. When arriving at the facility, I’d recommend parking your vehicle in the farther parts of the parking lot; not near the entrance because of the short distance to the field and potential foul balls. Another decent option is parking a distance down 6th Ave. Street parking close to the stadium (especially behind the third base area) is also prime foul ball territory and is not recommended. The closest airport to Greeley is DIA (Denver International Airport) which is a little over 50 miles away. Not close but not too far when traveling to the Rocky Mountains. And there are plenty of flights in and out of the airport. Restrooms are surprisingly ample and clean before, during, and after the game and no lines are apparent. The concourse is behind the seating area (the bleachers) and is plenty wide for traversing between innings. Return on Investment 5 Free parking, no charge to get into the game, concession prices at an adequate rate (and one can bring outside food and drinks) all makes this a perfect return on money spent. And being able to watch just a game without all the other frills and entertainment makes it a perfect destination for the baseball purist. Extras 3 Be sure to pick up a roster sheet placed on a table just to the left of the entrance. Having a ropes course behind the right field wall has got to be a unique feature around a ballpark. Although not uncommon in mid to low-major conferences, seeing the coaches and players groom the playing field is different. Not stadium related but a unique incident occurred at the game of this review. A bat was broken (NCAA uses aluminum bats) and half the barrel flew down the third baseline. Final Thoughts Greeley is a nice college town. Jackson Field is a nice ballpark. If you’re heading to or live in northern Colorado, I’d recommend catching a game one weekend day in the spring. Would I go again?Absolutely.

Photos by Aaron S. Terry, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.14 Elliott T. Bowers Stadium 620 Bowers Blvd Huntsville, TX 77340 Sam Houston State Bearkats website Elliott T. Bowers Stadium website Year Opened: 1986 Capacity: 14,000 New Orange in the FBS Fresh off their FCS National Championship in 2020, the Sam Houston Bearkats have now leaped to the big time, joining the FBS for the 2023 season. Though smaller than many D1 football venues, Bowers Stadium offers a great atmosphere for college football, with an almost blinding amount of Bearkats orange on hand. Food & Beverage 3 Bowers Stadium has fairly basic concessions at stands in the middle on each side of the field – hot dogs, burgers, nachos, and Frito pie are available, as well as snacks such as peanuts, chips, and candy, plus soda, bottled water, and beer. There are also satellite stands along the walkway around the concourse which sell drinks and a few snack items. The secret item, though, and the best value by far at the facility, is the brisket nachos sold in the Bearkat Pavilion – the deck in the southwest corner. Tasty and filling, these nachos only cost $9, compared to $8 for most of the other main dishes. Atmosphere 3 The Bearkats have tailgating outside in the parking area, a great student section, a large band and spirit squad, and lots of orange – including the mascot. On the home side, the upper half of the seats are all bright orange chairbacks, all with cupholders, while the lower half are bleacher benches. There is a grass berm next to both sets of stands which is used by a few fans, as well as the best seats in the house, the aforementioned Bearkat Pavilion. Surprisingly not many fans sit up there, which is odd as they are certainly the most comfortable chairs you can find, and only steps away from their own concessions stand. Neighborhood 3 Bowers Stadium is located about an hour north of Houston’s George Bush Intercontinental Airport in Huntsville, TX. The on-campus stadium is surrounded by parking lots, Sam Houston’s other athletic fields, and campus buildings. There are a few fast food restaurants nearby, as well as a Buffalo Wild Wings about three miles away. Huntsville is home to about 45,000 people and is most well-known as the home of Sam Houston, who led the Texian army in the decisive victory at the Battle of San Jacinto, and later became the first president of the Republic of Texas. The university is of course named after him, and there is a giant statue of him along I-45, a few miles south of Bowers Stadium. Fans 3 Sam Houston has great fans, and most of them show up in orange – the student section is formally known as the Bearkat Student Fan Zone, and they sit in the Kat Kage on the visiting side of the field. The student section may seem a little empty at kickoff, but tons of students will fill in during the first quarter, so it will be pretty full during the second and third quarters. Unfortunately, a lot of the students also tend to leave early, even during a close game. Overall Bowers Stadium will not sell out for most games, making it a little easier to move around, and letting you sit wherever you want. As their transition to the FBS continues, I expect the fan base to grow. Access 3 Bowers Stadium has metal detectors at all entrances (hand wanding, not walk-through scanners) – most home fans enter on the north or west sides, while those on the visitor side/in the student section enter on the north or south. If you enter on the north side, you can walk either to the east or west stands, but if you enter on the south side there are two separate entrances, so you can only go to one or the other. There is no re-entry offered at the venue, so if you want to change sides during the game, you have to walk around the pathway to the north end, as the south end (where the athletics building is) does not connect. If you come toward Bowers Stadium from the east, the roads and parking lots are all blocked off for those with passes, so you will be routed away from the stadium and will have to loop back around. The better option is to approach from the west or north, and the best place to park is in the tailgating lot right behind the scoreboard. The cost to park here is only $25 (you can pay at the gate, you don’t need to pre-pay) and if you drive around that lot a little you can park a few steps from the gate. Return on Investment 4 Tickets to Sam Houston football games are only $10 for general admission, and again you can pay at the door and get a paper ticket (if you don’t buy in advance). This is probably the cheapest ticket you can get in the FBS, and for the atmosphere, I think this is a good return on investment. The concessions may seem a trifle on the high side but are pretty standard for this level of college football, and they are cheaper than you will find at many college football venues nowadays. Extras 3 They fire off a cannon (courtesy of the ROTC) every time the Kats score, and there is a Bearkats Hall of Fame in the athletics building next to the field. Final Thoughts While this may be not the biggest and worst college football experience in the state of Texas, attending a game at Sam Houston State University is a fun time, and well worth the trip if you are in the Houston or Huntsville area.

Photos by Paul Baker, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 1.57 Memorial Field 100 Fruit St Concord, NH 03301 Year Opened: 1936 Capacity: 2,000 Where the Wild Things Aren’t In 1997 the Watertown Indians of the New York-Penn League were looking for a new home and scouted out several facilities throughout the northeast. One of the cities they looked at was Concord, New Hampshire, the Granite State’s capital. The Indians played a three-game series at Warren H. Doane Diamond at Memorial Field, which turned into five games when a couple of makeup games were added. The series was well-enough attended that it led to a renovation of the stadium. While no pro team came calling (the Indians franchise was transferred to Staten Island in 1999), the Concord Quarry Dogs of the New England Collegiate baseball league did call the field home from 2001-2007. The team led the league in attendance their inaugural year and the Dogs made the postseason in both 2002 and 2003, but attendance took a sharp nosedive in 2004 with the arrival of the Double-A New Hampshire FisherCats 20 miles down the road. The club would relocate to Holyoke, Massachusetts. The New Hampshire Wild are one of the founding members of the Empire Professional Baseball League, an independent league that began play in 2016. It is a low-budget league meant to give players recently graduated from college or with little professional experience an opportunity at staying in shape and providing them the chance at being signed to higher level league contracts. The field was built in 1936 and was mainly used as a high school and amateur baseball field. It is named after former Concord High School and amateur baseball coach, Warren Doane. When the Wild are not occupying the facility, Concord High School and the Concord American Legion baseball team can be found on its diamond. The Wild played its first season at Arthur and Martha Pappas Field on the campus of Franklin Pierce University in Rindge, before sitting out the 2017 campaign in search of a new home. Memorial Field has a seating capacity of 2,000 and finally, after over two decades, pro baseball of some sort finally arrived at the stadium. Food & Beverage 0 There is no food or drink available at Memorial Field. There are two soda machines by the building that houses the restrooms and maintenance shed, but they do not work. Luckily, fans are welcome to bring in their own food and beverages to enjoy during the game. Atmosphere 1 When the crowd at a ballgame numbers around a dozen, there’s not a whole lot of noise that they can generate. On the plus side, when the crowd is this small, fans in attendance are able to hear the chatter in the infield, coaches barking instruction to their players and all the noises that go along with a baseball game. The Wild gameday staff does what they can to create a typical minor league ballpark experience. Players stride to the plate with individualized songs, and music is played between innings. In a humorous twist, the versions played at Memorial Field are often covers of popular songs. For example, “Nothin’ But A Good Time” is not played by Poison, “Rock and Roll All Night” is not played by Kiss, and in the ultimate travesty, “Centerfield” is not played by John Fogerty. Since we are firmly in Red Sox Country, “Sweet Caroline” by Neil Diamond makes the cut. Neighborhood 3 Memorial Field is located on the south side of Concord, New Hampshire just off Interstate 93 near Concord High School and New Hampshire Hospital. Downtown Concord is a couple of miles away, and most of the capital city’s attractions can be found here. New Hampshire is a popular summer destination for New England residents, and the White Mountain tourist attractions are located about a half hour to an hour’s drive north of Concord. New Hampshire’s largest city, Manchester, is located twenty minutes south of Memorial Field. Fans 1 The Empire League does not release attendance figures, and with good reason. The Wild average between 10-20 fans per game at Memorial Field. You read that right, and I did not leave off a zero. Those fans who do attend Wild games are obviously passionate about the team and are into the action on the field. This is not a place where fans will get loud and rowdy, as it would just attract a lot of unwanted attention from everyone in the ballpark. Access 3 Memorial Field is part of a larger 36-acre community park in southern Concord. Also located here is a football stadium, tennis courts, basketball courts, and soccer fields. There is ample parking at the facility, but the ballpark is set back a ways from the lot, necessitating a short walk across a field to arrive. Memorial Field is a simple park, consisting of metal bleachers without backs that stretch around the field from third to first base. There are breaks in the stands behind the two dugouts. All seats offer good views of the field, and with the tiny crowds present, fans can sit wherever they want. Lining the outfield are a row of pine trees, which seems to be a common feature in many New Hampshire ballparks. There are restrooms a short walk from the ballpark in the maintenance building. Return on Investment 3 Admission to a Wild game will cost you five dollars. Parking is free of charge in the lot a short ways from the ballpark. Attending a Wild game will certainly not break the bank. Extras 0 The gameday presentation at a New Hampshire Wild game is about as bare-bones as it gets. There is nothing here that can be considered extra. Final Thoughts The Empire League bills itself as a league for those players who aren’t ready to give up on their professional dreams and some players have indeed parlayed their stints in the circuit into contracts with higher-level pro leagues. The presentation is decidedly bare-bones, with little promotion or fanfare. While there is nothing particularly wrong with Memorial Field, A trip to see the Wild would be a worthwhile one only for the most dedicated of ballpark chasers. Follow Paul Baker’s stadium journeys on Twitter and Instagram @PuckmanRI.

Photos by Eric Hasman, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.14 TD Ballpark 373 Douglas Ave Dunedin, FL 34698 Dunedin Blue Jays website TD Ballpark website Year Opened: 1990 Capacity: 5,509 Canada in Florida TD Ballpark opened in 1990. It is the home of the Single-A Dunedin Blue Jays and the spring training home of the Toronto Blue Jays since 1977. The ballpark is built on the site of Grant Field, which was the original home of the Jays. The city of Dunedin and this location are the only home that the Blue Jays have ever had since their inception as a franchise in 1977. While many teams have shifted spring training venues over the decades and in some cases moved back and forth between Florida and Arizona, Toronto’s relationship with Dunedin has been a constant and the Blue Jays are synonymous with this suburban bedroom community on the outskirts of St.Petersburg/Clearwater. In November 2019, the Jays announced that TD Bank had acquired naming rights for the renovated stadium, which would be renamed TD Ballpark Food & Beverage 3 The food choices are your basic minor league items including pizza ($4.75 for pepperoni less for cheese), hamburger ($5.75), hot dogs ($3), chicken strip with fries ($7.50), nachos ($4.75), and pulled pork sandwiches ($6.50). Coke products are $3-$5, and draft Budweisers are also $5.25. Additionally there are cans of Labatt, Corona, and Landshark available ($5.75). There are a few items that are interesting like frozen Minute Maid ($4.50) or a veggie burger ($5.50). What is also appreciated is the nod toward the team’s Canadian fans. There is poutine (fries covered with gravy and cheese) for $6.00, and maple/bacon flavored potato chips. Atmosphere 2 This ballpark is like many of the Florida League stadiums. It is rather bland. Nothing really stands out. But the place could use some renovations. The scoreboard is like a high school facility with no video. The seats are fixed, they don’t fold up/down and they face straight ahead and not turned toward the mound. The bullpens for both teams are way down the lines or in the outfield. It is very difficult to see who is warming up. One nice aspect of this ballpark is that there is plenty of cover for those sunny day games. There is nothing for the kids to do. The Jays should get a bouncy house or playground to help entertain the youngsters that have trouble sitting in a seat for nine innings. Neighborhood 4 TD Ballpark is located within a residential neighborhood and adjacent to the Jays’ spring training practice facility. There are a couple of bars within a couple of blocks of the stadium. The bars are typical neighborhood bars and not tourist traps. Approximately a mile away from the park is downtown Dunedin. This area is bustling with shops, restaurants, and bars. It is a very nice area and parking is easy too. Fans 2 The fans that show up and have a good time. You’ll find several fans with a scorebook intently watching the game and keeping track of every pitch. The fans know their team and are very friendly. Unfortunately, there just aren’t enough fans to create much of an atmosphere at the typical game. Access 5 Getting to the park is easy. It is located on Douglas Avenue about a mile west of US-19. The stadium is well served with easily drivable boulevards to get you in and out. Public transportation is not an option. Parking is available on the stadium grounds but there isn’t a lot of it. Parking on the grounds is free so that is a good thing. During spring training when the crowds are much larger, some of the homes surrounding the ballpark property sell spaces on their front lawns. Return on Investment 3 The price of a ticket is $7 and you are able to move all over the ballpark to view the game from different areas since there are no reserved seats. This place is for the old school baseball people. If you are looking for all the modern entertainment options found at many ballparks today, then this is not the place for you. Extras 3 The Canadian tilt that can be found at the ballpark is really enjoyable. Even the Canadian flag was next to the American Flag. Sadly though, they do not play O Canada before the game. During my visit, before the game they played Robin Sparkles-Let’s Go To The Mall (from the TV show How I Met Your Mother – Robin is from Canada and a former teen pop star). The distances on the fences are in feet and meters. Also, they play the Toronto Blue Jays’ anthem and fight song, “OK Blue Jays” during the 7th inning stretch. The “Canadian” food, poutine and the maple/bacon potato chips are a nice touch. Final Thoughts The ballpark could be better with just a few tweaks (sans any renovations). Have some Canadian beers, more Canadian foods or maybe some fresh fish options (they are in Florida) and step up the condiments, at least add hot peppers. Try some more between innings contests or entertainment or something in the concourse area. Also, maybe conduct some renovation to allow some seating / viewing from the outfield area since you can’t currently do this.

Photos by Gregory Koch, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.71 Shentel Stadium 1122 Ralph Shockey Drive Winchester, VA 22601 Shenandoah Hornets website Shentel Stadium website Year Opened: 2001 Capacity: 3,000 Oh, Shenandoah! Shenandoah University is located in scenic Winchester, Virginia, in the Shenandoah Valley. The university has an enrollment of about 2,100 students, and its athletic programs, known as the Hornets, compete in the Old Dominion Athletic Conference in the NCAA’s Division III. Shentel Stadium is home to the Hornets’ football team as well as its field hockey, soccer, and lacrosse programs. It opened in 2001 and has been renovated several times since then. Food & Beverage 4 There are several different food and beverage options located at tents and tables behind the home bleachers. The main tent features hot dogs ($5), bratwurst with peppers and onions ($6), and cheeseburgers ($4), all of which are grilled fresh right there. Snacks include nachos ($4), popcorn ($5), and candy ($2 for regular size or $1 for small size candy bars made right on campus). Soda is $1 for a small can, while Gatorade, sweet tea, and bottled water are available for $3 at this stand. On cold days, you can get hot chocolate for $3 and coffee for $2. Another table sells slices of pizza from a local pizzeria and a third sells freshly made kettle corn that you can watch them make. Oddly enough, the prices of drinks are different here than at the main stand – bottled water costs $1.50 at the pizza table and $1 at the kettle corn table, despite being the same size and brand as the $3 water at the main tent. The main tent accepts credit cards but the other two tables do not so bring cash if you want pizza or kettle corn. Atmosphere 4 Shentel Stadium is located in a beautiful setting, in the scenic Shenandoah Valley, and that alone can add value to the atmosphere. All seats are bleachers without backs except for a few sections of reserved chair backs at midfield on the home side. There is a scoreboard behind one end zone that can also show video, although it seldom does. Shenandoah also has a band, cheerleaders, and a dance team that keeps the crowd engaged and promotes a lively atmosphere. All in all, Shentel Stadium has an impressive atmosphere for Division III. Neighborhood 3 Winchester is a small city located in the beautiful Shenandoah Valley. There are several restaurants located near campus, ranging from sports bars to barbecue to homemade ice cream. Since Shentel Stadium is located right off the highway, pretty much everything in Winchester is right there. While Winchester certainly isn’t a bustling city, it does have that small-town charm. History buffs may also want to visit the many Civil War sites in and around Winchester, which played a major role in the conflict. The city changed hands 72 times during the war and was known as the Shuttlecock of the Confederacy. Fans 3 Shentel Stadium seats 3,000 fans, and on average the Hornets draw between 1,000 and 2,000 to each game. Although this is not a huge crowd, those who attend are passionate about the Hornets and knowledgeable of their team and the game. They’ll cheer loud for all four quarters and aren’t afraid to get on the case of the referees if calls aren’t going their way. This is Division III, the lowest level of the NCAA, and the crowds reflect that, but those who do show up are loyal to their team and contribute to the atmosphere here. Access 4 Shentel Stadium is located right off Interstate 81 – you can see the back of the scoreboard from the highway and cars driving past from inside the stadium. If coming from the east or west, you will likely need to take State Route 7 or U.S. Route 50 at least part of the way – although they’re not interstates, you can usually make good time on these roads. Once you get off the highway, you can park in the lot next to the Wilkins Athletic Center for $5 or lots or garages further away for free. Keep in mind the lots right next to the stadium are reserved for pass holders – you need to park on the other side of the Athletic Center, not the side closest to the stadium. Staff is on hand to direct you to the right place. Return on Investment 5 Tickets start at $5 for general admission bleacher seats, which is a great deal. If you want a reserved chair back at midfield, this will cost you $12 in advance or $15 the day of the game. Tickets cannot be ordered online, only by phone or in person, and general admission seats cannot be ordered in advance at all. However, games rarely if ever sell out so you should be fine waiting. There is not a bad seat in the stadium, so if comfort is not a concern, we suggest buying the bleacher seats. Extras 3 There is a giant hornet statue located between the stadium and the Wilkins Center representing the team’s mascot. Programs are for sale for just $1 and contain rosters, photos, and other information on the Hornets and their opponent. A third and final star for the staff at Shentel Stadium, who are extremely polite, friendly, and helpful throughout our visit. Final Thoughts Although a trip to Shentel Stadium is a far cry from Division I football, that is not necessarily a bad thing. This is a quaint but beautiful facility where you can watch college football at an affordable price. While the quality of play may not be what you see at Division I, the fans don’t seem to care, and a visit to a Shenandoah football game can be an enjoyable way to spend a Saturday afternoon in the Shenandoah Valley.

Photos by Richard Smith, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.71 William P. Hytche Athletic Center 1 Backbone Rd Princess Anne, MD 21853 Maryland-Eastern Shore Hawks website William P. Hytche Athletic Center website Year Opened: 2000 Capacity: 5,500 Eastern Shore Birds 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. UMES is a charter member of the MEAC. 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. The William P. Hytche Athletic Center is named after William P. Hytche Sr., who served as the school’s president from 1975 to 1997. Food & Beverage 3 When you walk into Hytche Athletic Center there’s a hallway to the right and a hallway to the left, and the doors to the court straight ahead of you. If you head to the right, you’ll get to the one concession stand at the center. The stand only takes cash, but the selection is respectable as long as all you need is a snack as opposed to a full meal. Hot dogs ($2) and Wing Dings ($3) are the entrees while candy ($1.25), chips ($1), gum ($0.25), bottled drinks ($2) and bottled water ($2) are the sides. The prices are great, with nothing being more than $3. Atmosphere 3 As soon as you walk into the athletic center, you are greeted by an employee sitting behind a folding table selling tickets. Once you get past the ticket tables, you can truly appreciate the Hytche lobby, which features plaques, portraits and free posters. The plaques are part of the University of Maryland Eastern Shore Athletic Hall of Fame, and really make a great impression to anyone who enters the venue. There are also glass cabinets that hold UMES memorabilia, such as a basketball recognizing Tee Trotter, a point guard from the early 2000s that scored over 1,000 career points with the Hawks. With the sun able to come through the glass roof and cast a shadow inside, it really is a nice-looking lobby as you make your way through the doors into the actual gym. Inside the gym, you’ll quickly realize that basketball isn’t the only sport it hosts. Track & field and gymnastics events also seem to be held in the gym, as there is a lot of extra room around the actual court with mats and ladders stacked all around. There are even a few racquetball courts inside the gym. The good part is that there was a lot of room to walk around on my visit and I never felt stuck, crowded or pushed either getting to my seat or going back out to the lobby. 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 2 The game of this review was not especially packed, but the students were not back from winter break so that was to be expected. The team also appears to draw a decent amount of locals to watch the good quality of basketball that the MEAC conference offers. 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 3 The price is good for Division I basketball. Coupled with the decent concession pricing and no parking fees, the return on investment at UMES games is very good. Extras 3 The bleacher setup along the endlines is pretty unique. And seeing the racquetball courts along the edge of the arena is also a unique site. Also make sure to check out the many banners for the successful women’s bowling team. That is not something you see at all schools. 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. Unique End Line Seating at Hytche Athletic Center, Photo by Richard Smith, Stadium Journey Final Thoughts When you put it all together, a day at Hytche Athletic Center has its perks and offers a unique experience, especially for the kids. There’s a lot of room to improve overall, especially in entertainment and atmosphere. If the Hawks start bringing more wins to Hytche, expect to see more fans coming out, creating an improved atmosphere.

Photos by Lloyd Brown, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.86 Gas South Arena 6400 Sugarloaf Pkwy Duluth, GA 30097 Atlanta Gladiators website Gas South Arena website Year Opened: 2003 Capacity: 11,500 Atlanta’s Gladiators Return To Their Coliseum The Atlanta Gladiators have returned to their home ice at the Gas South Arena after going on hiatus during the 2020-2021 season during the pandemic. They are anxious to regain their status as one of the top teams in the ECHL’s South Division of the Eastern Conference. They have been successful, where their predecessors, the Flames and the Thrashers, failed…. at the box office. Gas South Arena seats 13,000 for hockey and the team often sells out its games. In addition to the lower bowl, the arena offers 30 corporate suites, two party suites, and a separate, more upscale set of concessionaires on the club level. Founded in 2003, the Gladiators have sent more than 20 players on to play in the NHL. Food & Beverage 5 The Gas South Arena offers a wide variety of food concessions at reasonable prices. The concessions stands are arranged in a food court format, allowing fans to eat at tables before returning to their seats. Una Fettina offers pizzas ($6 per slice), and subs ($6 for a meatball or Italian sausage) at its stand. Arena Dogs and Deli serves regular ($6) and specialty dogs ($8) at its stand, along with BBQ nachos ($6). The Georgian Grille serves everything grilled. This includes hamburgers ($15), chicken sandwiches ($9), and chicken tenders ($10). Sides and snacks include popcorn ($6), peanuts ($5), pretzels ($4), and candy ($4). The concession areas sell Coca-Cola brand products, including bottled water ($5), and Coca-Cola brand sodas ($5). Alcoholic drinks are sold at the Terrapin Tap Room and the Slow Pour stands. Terrapin carries the following IPA: Hopsecutioner, Los Bravos High, and Hazy for $11. Imports and drafts include Blue Moon, Dos Equis, Heineken, and Luau Krunckles for $9. Slow Pours features the following IPA: Nostalgia, Southernality, Queen Lotus Hazy Cocktail Royale and You Are My Density for $11. Atmosphere 4 Gladiator games are decidedly family-friendly affairs. Many of the games take place on Fridays or weekends, with several matinee games. A typical weeknight game starts at 7 pm to ensure it will not cut into the sleep time for children. This plan comes from a concerted effort by the Gladiators to reach families and youth. Youth hockey is extremely popular in the metro Atlanta area, and it is not unusual to see a large group sitting together in their respective team jerseys. The team also does a great deal of charity work and outreach in conjunction with the local school system, which is the largest in the state. Every game honors a school in the system and the parents, teachers, and students from that school turn out in force. They are thrilled when Maximus the Lion, the team’s mascot, comes into the stands to have his picture taken with the group. The team also attracts fans with its theme games with the Gladiators donning special jerseys. Examples of this are Star Wars Night, Halloween, Movie Nights, etc. Fans are encouraged to dress similarly. After the games, the player’s jerseys are auctioned off with proceeds going to charity. Neighborhood 4 The Gas South Arena is the anchor facility for the Gas South District, Gwinnett County’s primary convention/sports and theatre complex. The complex includes the Gas South Arena, a Performing Arts Center, a special events center, and an exhibition hall. The Gas South District is in Duluth, GA. The District has a wide range of restaurants, hotels, and shopping malls to choose from before or after a game. They are listed in our links section. Fans 4 The Gladiators fan base consists of fans who followed Atlanta’s two failed NHL franchises, the Flames, and the Thrashers. These fans are savvy about the intricacies of the game and are the most hardcore and loyal fans the team has. They make up a significant percentage of the season ticket base, as they never miss a game. Many of the fans are transplants from the North who either grew up playing hockey or watching the game. Access 3 Gas South Arena is located just a few short blocks off exit 108 from I-85 in Duluth, GA, a northeastern suburb of Atlanta. It is hard to miss the exit, as the Gas District has a massive electronic message board along the expressway advertising its upcoming events. Parking at the arena is spacious and plentiful, but there are only two main entrances and exits out of the lots, so after the games, the traffic can back up. If you arrive early, try to get a spot near the exits. There is no public transportation servicing the Gas South District. Return on Investment 4 The Gladiators provide a high-quality product on the ice that is very affordable for the family. Tickets range from $25 – $35, depending on seat location, with discounts given for season tickets or four-game packages. General Admission seating is available to groups at the ends of the rink for $11. Food and beverage items are priced to fit family budgets. Parking at the Gas South Arena is $5 per car. If you are coming in from out of town there are restaurants and lodging options at all price points within a three-mile radius of the Gas South District. Extras 3 Over time, the Gladiators have been affiliated with the Chicago Blackhawks, the Columbus Blue Jackets, the Phoenix Coyotes, and the Boston Bruins. They are currently an affiliate of the Ottawa Senators. The Gas South Arena also serves as the home of the Georgia Swarm of the National Lacrosse League The nearby Sugarloaf Mills Outlet Mall is the largest outlet center in Georgia. It includes a Bass Pro Shop, a Medieval Times Dinner Theatre, and outlet versions of Nieman-Marcus, Saks Fifth Avenue, and Eddie Bauer. Final Thoughts Hockey fans are happy to see the Gladiators return after their pandemic hiatus. The stands are starting to fill up again as we enter the busy holiday season. A night out with the Gladiators is great entertainment at a reasonable price.

Photos by Marc Viquez, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.86 Gary West Side Gym W 9th Ave & Gerry St. Gary, IN 46406 West Side Leadership Academy Cougars website Gary West Side Gym website Year Opened: 1969 Capacity: 7,217 Gary’s West Side Cougar Den Gary West Side High is nicknamed the Cougar Den and when it opened in 1969 it was recognized as the largest box gym in the world. It houses 7,216 seats and that season hosted its first regional game. Today, the gym seats 6,402 people due to water-damaged balcony bleachers on one side that were replaced with plastic molded seating. The West Side Leadership Academy was founded in 1968 as West Side High School. When it opened it had an enrollment of 3,000 students, the largest high school in the state. Today, enrollment is 900 and the school is now a college preparatory high school that offers dual credit, and advanced placement courses. Food & Beverage 3 A nice-sized concession stand is located in the main concourse area outside the gymnasium offering the basic standards of items found at other Indiana high schools. Fans can choose from hot dogs, popcorn, nachos, candy, and soda pop. The prices are reasonable and cost between $1 to $3 per item. The options make for a nice snack but if hungry, it is advised to visit somewhere else before or after the game. Atmosphere 3 The gym offers seats on two levels of seating with the upper rows of bleachers accessible via staircases on each side. The bleacher seats pull in and out on the top level depending on the crowd and the event taking place at the school. There are two basic scoreboards on each wall of the gym. The gym features life-sized photos of past championship teams and coaches that are displayed on one side of the wall along with championship banners. The PA announcer does a nice job getting the crowd into the game and the Cougar cheerleaders add to the soundtrack of the game with multiple cheers and dance routines. Neighborhood 2 The ballpark suffers from being in a neighborhood where most visitors go out to venture after the game. The stadium is near the exit and entrance ramp to I-90 and most visitors will look elsewhere for after-game options in the neighboring cities or perhaps somewhere closer to Chicago. Gary was the home to the 18th Street Brewery and Taproom which is regarded among the state’s craft beer and is now located a few miles down the road in Hammond. Also in the area in Munster, Three Floyds Brewpub is the state’s most recognizable craft brewery. The brewery and restaurant is a busy spot, but fans flock here for year-round selections of Alpha King, Yum Yum, Gumballhead, Jinx Proof, and Lazersnake. Michael Jackson’s boyhood home is located at 2300 Jackson Street. Fans of the King of Pop can take photos of the old home and also, during daylight hours only, venture to Broadway to the closed Palace Theater that permanently displays the Jackson Five playing “tonite.” Gary is near the Indiana Dunes National Park which offers trails for hiking and sandy beaches for cooling off during the summer. Michigan City Outlet Mall offers a few hours to search for deals, and Chicago is less than a half-hour away by car. Fans 2 The crowd is energetic during the game and everyone is focused on the action on the court. After the game, a few fans talk about some of their favorite memories and how the crowds used to be only a few short seasons ago. Games against nearby rival Gary Roosevelt are the best bet to see the old-fashioned school spirit. Access 4 The school is located two miles north of I-80 and the gym and school offer a large parking lot. The gym itself is situated in the back of the high school and the main road. The gymnasium offers a main concourse with a concession stand and bathrooms and fans will have easy access to moving around the gym. Return on Investment 2 The ticket prices are $6 which is common with other gymnasiums in the counting. The concession prices are fairly inexpensive and the crowd is always up for a night of basketball. Gary is not far off the beaten path of other facilities in Chicago and nearby high school gyms in East Chicago and Michigan City, Indiana. Extras 2 The gym has two old-fashioned ticket booths near the main entrance of the venue. The two ticket booths add a nice touch to the facility. The gym earns a second point for the wall art and murals in the outer concourse. There are also jerseys of former athletes from the school who made their way to the professional ranks. Final Thoughts The Cougar Den is in the top ten of high school basketball gyms and is worth a visit if you are in the vicinity. It does not stand out like other facilities in the area but its size and history are well worth a visit if you are a fan of Hoosier Temples.

Photos by Lloyd Brown, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.57 CoolToday Park 18800 South, W Villages Pkwy Venice, FL 34293 Atlanta Braves Spring Training website CoolToday Park website Year Opened: 2019 Capacity: 8,000 The Braves New World CoolToday Park opened in 2019 as the new spring training home of the Atlanta Braves. However, the stadium only hosted the last spring training game at the park in 2019. The spring training games with fans in the stands were wiped out by the pandemic in 2020-2021 and the lockout in 2022, so the 2023 season is only the second opportunity to see a Braves game in person at Cool Today. The stadium’s location is shown as North Port, which is actually a suburb of Venice, FL. The stadium has 6,300 seats, but it has a berm capacity of 1,800 people, bringing total capacity to 8,000 fans. The field has dimensions of Left Field: 335 feet; Center Field: 400 feet; Right Field: 325 feet. Food & Beverage 3 The food and beverage selection at CoolToday Park is both delicious and varied in selection. While most ballparks feature just the standard, safe staples, CoolToday Park explores some unusual offerings. We start with the Tomahawk Tiki Bar (I know… politically incorrect!) along the left field foul line at the venue. It offers burgers ($14), tacos ($14), subs, sandwiches, po boys ($14), quesadillas ($14), and salads ($10). It opens to the public on non-event days for Happy Hours from 11am to 4pm, with $3 Bud Lights, Michelob Ultra, and $5 craft beers. We did not say it was cheap. It is a Tiki Bar…. Drink a few $3 beers and you will not feel the pain in your pocketbook for a few days! The variety of foods comes with the other concession stand offerings. Along the third baseline is the Florida Fish Camp. It features fried fish with hushpuppies and fries and is served in a tackle box for $12. Other items on the Fish Camp menu are shrimp and conch fritters. The Chicken Coop offers both fried and grilled chicken plates, which include fried pickles and boom boom sauce for $10. Atlanta’s own Chick-fil-A is also on-site, selling its specialty at the same price as any of its retail stores…. and never on Sundays! Other stands along the concourse are Salsa Supreme, Dawg’s N Burgers (please note: there is only one way to spell “dog” in Georgia!), Sausage Shack, and Greenfield’s Ice Cream. Oh, if you still have a desire for another drink… there is a Landshark Landing on the first base side of the stadium. We rate the quality and variety of food and beverages at CoolToday Park very highly. Unfortunately, we find the prices charged for food and drinks to be extremely expensive. Atmosphere 5 You begin to enjoy the atmosphere at CoolToday Park before you even enter the ballpark. The exterior skin of the stadium features large murals featuring the team logo as well as photos of Braves elites Bobby Cox, Warren Spahn, Eddie Mathews, Tom Glavine, Hank Aaron, Chipper Jones, Greg Maddux, and John Smoltz. These players are also recognized with their numbers on display on the plaza outside the park. It makes for a great selfie location. Once inside the park, the first two things you will notice are its openness and the 360-degree concourse. The concourse is open on the field side so you will not miss any of the action on the field while you are away from your seat. This openness also allows the breeze in the area to keep you cool throughout the game. The 360-degree concourse allows you to travel to all the different concession stands and the opportunity to check out the action on the field from different angles. The stadium has two levels of seating. A majority of the stadium bowl is below the concourse level, bringing the fans very close to the action. An upper level (known as the Terrace level) offers suites and very limited single seats at a premium charge. These seat locations have air conditioning and controlled access to a bar and the Smokehouse BBQ restaurant. CoolToday Park offers a state-of-the-art electronics package. This includes a video board in left-center field, three LED boards along the concourse and TV’s along the concourse so that you will not miss any of the action during visits to the concession stand. Neighborhood 2 The Braves are the owners and developers of CoolToday Park. The plan was to develop the property around the stadium for retail, restaurants, and possibly some hotels. This would be in keeping with their very profitable Battery development adjoining Truist Park in Atlanta. These plans have been unproductive thus far, due in part to the pandemic and the slowing down of the economy. There is some thought that the absence of a Florida State League team to occupy the stadium after the Braves return to Atlanta for the regular season has been a factor in the situation. The only restaurant in the area at this time is JoJo’s Stadium Café and Pub, which is located on Tamiami Trail just before the intersection with South West Village Parkway. Its motif features the Brave's red and blue colors, with plenty of Braves memorabilia on display. The closest lodging to the stadium is at exit 191 of I-75, or in Venice, FL along the Gulf Coast. Fans 4 The Braves have always drawn well at their spring training locations going all the way back to their days at West Palm Beach. This dates back to being the first MLB team in the Deep South, and to their days as “America’s Team” on Superstation 17. Former Braves owner Ted Turner was a pioneer in Cable TV, and telecasting his team’s games to the entire country was a cheap way to fill air time and create a fan following in the South. The fans soon were coming to Braves games at Atlanta-Fulton County Stadium and Turner Field, both of which were located along I-75. So it only follows that those Braves fans would travel just a few hundred miles further south on I-75 to see Spring Training games and enjoy the Florida weather. The Braves recent string of Division Championships, appearances in the World Series, and a World Series Championship in 2021 have only strengthened and enlarged the Braves Nation. Although politically incorrect for many, the Braves fans continue to perform the Tomahawk Chop when the Braves are in scoring position, despite the best efforts of the team. Access 3 CoolToday Stadium is easily accessed from exit 191 (River Road) off of 1-75. Once you arrive at the stadium there are 1,000 parking spaces, many of which are designated for disabled persons. There are bicycle racks outside of the park for those who prefer this alternative form of transportation. There are three entry gates to CoolToday Stadium. Gate 1 will bring you in on the first base side of the stadium. Gate 2 brings you in on the third base side of the stadium. Gate 3 brings you in at the Tomahawk Tiki Bar, which is also open for business when there is no game scheduled. The closest airport to CoolToday Park is the Sarasota-Bradenton Airport. It offers direct flights from Atlanta, but few connecting flights. The Tampa International Airport is the next closest airport and offers many more connecting flights. Gates open a full two hours before the first pitch. This allows fans plenty of time to check out the various concession stands and the team store before going to their seats. Once inside of CoolToday Park, the accessibility is excellent. The park was built well after the Americans with a Disability Act was passed, so the park meets, and most often exceeds ADA Requirements. There are shuttles which come out to your parking space to the stadium and return you after the games. Elevators are available to get you to any level of the park. The concourses are wide and easy to negotiate, and there is plenty of designated wheelchair-viewing seats along the concourses. Return on Investment 3 Tickets to Braves spring training games are available at several price points. They include tickets behind the plate at $60; behind the dugouts cost $55; tickets down the foul lines beyond the infield at the lower level for $50 and tickets in the upper (also known as Terrace level) at $45. The least expensive seats at CoolToday Park are the bleacher seats in the Truist Pavilion high above deep center field at $34, and the space on the grass berm in left field for $20. However, many fans purchase the least expensive ticket and station themselves along the drink rails along the concourse, which encircle the entire field, for the whole game. The Braves have built the parking fee into the ticket prices so you will not have to pay an additional fee to park when you arrive at the park for a game. CoolToday Park has more than 1,000 parking spaces. Food prices are very expensive compared to their true cost and value. This brings this segment of our stadium ratings well down from any other segment. Extras 5 The Braves played both Team Puerto Rico and Team Dominican Republic at CoolToday Park in 2023 as part of the World Baseball Classic. CoolToday Park was very close to the path of Hurricane Ian. However, it sustained much less damage than its sister Grapefruit League stadiums in Port Charlotte and in Ft. Myers. Repairs were completed at CoolToday Park well in advance of the 2023 Spring Training season. In the offseason, the ballpark hosted a Jingle Jam celebration during the Christmas holidays. The Jingle Jam included a 5 K run, a holiday market, carnival games, and a tree lighting ceremony. CoolToday Park also hosted several Big Ten baseball games and the Mizuno College Invitational Tournament. The Braves spring training complex adjoining the stadium offers six major league sized practice fields. Fans are welcome to watch the action on these fields at no cost. Final Thoughts The Braves are once again serving as the developers for their home stadium, as the plans are to build hotels, restaurants, and shops in the empty lots that adjoin the CoolToday venue. Revenues from these businesses will be added to the Braves bottom line for use when they need to resign current players or go after free agents. The graphics package that covers the stadium exterior is unlike any other stadium in the Grapefruit League. It cements the Braves brand in people's minds, much as its days when former owner Ted Turner’s early cable TV network introduced them to the country as America’s baseball team in the 1970s.

Photos by Aaron S. Terry, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.86 Greensboro Coliseum 1921 W Gate City Blvd Greensboro, NC 27403 Carolina Cobras website Greensboro Coliseum website Year Opened: 1959 Capacity: 23,000 Third Time’s the Charm The southeastern United States has seen a resurgence of indoor football of late, with several new teams being created in the past couple of years in North Carolina, South Carolina, and Georgia. The Carolina Cobras are one such team, founded in 2018 as part of the National Arena League – this is Greensboro’s third try at indoor football, having had two prior teams that each folded after only two seasons (the Greensboro Prowlers of 2002-03 and the Greensboro Revolution of 2006-07). The Greensboro Coliseum Complex opened in 1959, and was once one of the largest venues in the South, with a capacity of over 23,000. The venue has been expanded and renovated multiples times in the past several decades, however, and is now a sprawling complex that consists of multiple locations for sporting events – one of the conference areas inside the complex is occasionally used for roller derby (as well as the odd male review), while the fieldhouse outside the main complex is home to the Greensboro Swarm of the NBA’s G League. Besides hosting the Carolina Cobras, the main arena inside the complex is also used by UNCG’s men’s basketball team, as well as for ACC basketball tournaments and sometimes NCAA tournament games. Food & Beverage 4 Greensboro Coliseum does not have a huge variety of food and beverage options at its concessions stands, but it has more than enough to get you by for a couple of hours. The biggest plus is the full-size bar inside the concourse, which has plenty of tables to sit at, but also a “drinking ledge” overlooking the action, so you can watch the Carolina Cobras while you sip your adult beverage. Food options here include basics such as burgers, hot dogs, chicken tenders and chicken sandwiches, pretzels, nachos, popcorn and kettle corn, peanuts, fries, chips, glazed nuts, packaged candy, cotton candy, and funnel cake. Prices are on the moderate end, with a burger and fries costing $8.50, and a hot dog costing $4. Drink selections include coffee, bottled water, bottled or fountain soda (Pepsi products), smoothies, daiquiris, and beer, wine, or liquor. Coffee runs $2.50, soda and bottled water start at $4, and beer and wine start at $8, with liquor starting at $10. The best deal in terms of drinks is the refillable soda for $8. Atmosphere 4 Greensboro Coliseum provides a great atmosphere for arena football, with lots of entertainment and giveaways for fans during breaks in the action (although the lack of a mascot is conspicuous). The staff puts on the typical fan contests such as tricycle races, and free t-shirts are tossed out at multiple points during the game. League rules differ on whether balls that go into the stands can be kept, but in the National Arena League fans in the end zone are asked to trade them in for a team-themed ball, while fans on the sidelines can keep them. Unlike other indoor football stadiums, some of which are pretty low-key, Greensboro Coliseum boasts a 4-way scoreboard above the field which shows replays of key moments in the game. There is also a lot of crowd noise, which adds to the fun atmosphere even though the arena is not sold out; in fact you can see black curtains behind the fans in the upper deck, blocking out all but the first three rows on that level. But even if you sit up there, the sightlines are great because all the seats are so close to the action, and all the seats are plush chair backs, so you can watch in comfort all game long. Neighborhood 4 Greensboro Coliseum is near UNCG’s campus, so there are some nice restaurants in the area, but also a lot of fast food and other eateries that cater to students. To the south are an aquatic center and an amphitheater, and there are numerous parks and green spaces a little further out. Stamey’s Barbecue is across Lee Street from the coliseum, and is a great choice for before or after the game, especially if you are new to Carolina and need to taste our version of the classic. Or if you are looking for something more upscale, you can find places a few blocks away such as Hops Burger Bar or Scrambled Southern Diner. While Greensboro, NC is not a huge city by any stretch, there are plenty of historic sites and other attractions in the area if you plan to be in town for the day or for the weekend. The most popular site is probably the International Civil Rights Center and Museum, which commemorates the sit-ins that occurred here in Greensboro in the 1960s – these sit-ins were actually some of the most influential and significant protests of the entire Civil Rights movement. You can also visit the Greensboro Science Center, which includes an aquarium, zoo, and hands-on activities for the kids. Or, if you are a military history buff (or aspire to be), you can visit Guilford Courthouse National Military Park, and learn about Nathaniel Greene’s actions during the Revolutionary War; this museum does a great job teaching visitors about some lesser-known battles that actually had a huge impact on the outcome of the war. Fans 2 While there are lots of empty seats right now at a typical Carolina Cobras game, the team can be forgiven since they are almost brand new – given the fun atmosphere in the arena, the team is sure to grow its fan base over time; perhaps this iteration of indoor football in Greensboro will prove to have some staying power. The best place to sit inside the Greensboro Coliseum during a Cobras game is in the upper deck right behind the goal posts – this represents your best chance to catch a game ball, as most of the extra point tries wind up there. Access 5 Getting to the Greensboro Coliseum Complex is very easy, as the venue is just a few miles off the freeway using exit 219 off I-40. There is a massive parking lot around the facility where you can park for $10, and there will be plenty of space since the arena does not sell out during Cobras games. Once you get inside the complex, there is plenty of room to move around, and no lines at the concessions or bathrooms (again due to the small crowd size) – the only downside to this is that some of the concessions stands might close early due to lack of sales. You might have to stand in line at the fan shop, however, as fan gear is sometimes in high demand, especially when the team runs sales promotions on Carolina Cobras items. Return on Investment 4 Single game tickets to Carolina Cobras games at Greensboro Coliseum start around $14, although the team sometimes does have buy-one-get-one-free sales. Considering the experience you get, this is a fair price, and will be especially worthwhile if you end up taking home a game ball or free t-shirt. Extras 4 While the lack of a mascot is disappointing, the staff more than makes up for it with the entertainment and giveaways offered. You will see the Carolina Cobras cheerleaders/dance teams perform several times during the game, and at half time the staff will bring in such entertainers as the “Disc Dogs,” which consists of a woman tossing frisbees to various dogs, who make amazing leaps and catches from end zone to end zone – the Disc Dogs regularly perform for the military. The free t-shirts are also a plus, as is the chance to catch a game ball; even if you have to trade it in for a team ball, that is still an awesome souvenir to take home. The Cobras also give away free game programs, which some professional sports charge for. Final Thoughts Arena football is a lot of fun to watch because the games are generally so high scoring, and seeing a game at a really nice facility like Greensboro Coliseum makes it even more enjoyable, with the comfortable seats, nice sight lines, and pleasant atmosphere. Take advantage if you have the opportunity, and get your football fix in during that long drought between February and August.

Photos by Spencer Collins, Greg Salo, & Treg Owings Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.00 Bailey-Brayton Field 855 Fairway Ln Pullman, WA 99163 Washington State Cougars website Bailey - Brayton Field Year Opened: 1980 Capacity: 56,000 Baseball at Bailey-Brayton Field Bailey-Brayton Field is the home ballpark for the Washington State Cougars baseball team. The 3,500-seat stadium opened in 1980 and was named after two of the program’s managers: Chuck Bailey and Bobo Brayton. They racked up 1,765 victories between the two of them during their tenures at the university. Brayton was the skipper of the Cougars when the new stadium opened, and he was allowed to spend up to $20,000 to transport parts of the old Sicks Stadium from Seattle to campus. It included the bleacher seating, foul poles, and fencing. However, only the poles and wire fencing were used at the new stadium. The stadium has changed a bit since debuting as Bailey Field, and the changes have included the addition of lights (the first for an NCAA ballpark to do so in the Pacific Northwest), FieldTurf, and, most recently, the $10 million Cougar Baseball Complex that houses locker rooms, cardio and weight room, academic area, team meeting room, and coach’s office completed in 2020. Cougars baseball began in 1982 and has been played regularly since 1898. During that time, the ball club made 16 NCAA Tournament appearances and appeared in four College World Series, finishing as runners-up to Texas in 1950. Food & Beverage 3 A concession stand is located near the entrance of the park (3rd base side) and sells a variety of food and drink items. Besides the concession items of fries, nachos, pretzels, Coca-Cola products, and candy, there is also a grill serving burgers and sausages. There is a loaded fry that comes with bacon bits, cheese, and jalapenos for a different take on the ballpark classic. It is fenced off, and alcohol consumption is allowed only in the designated area of the beer garden. One must finish their drink before returning to their seat to watch the game. MillerCoors products are available by the can. Atmosphere 3 Fans enter the ballpark by the 3rd base side through the Miller Plaza. There are steps leading to the main gates featuring lighting and banners of former ballplayers. The gates themselves are decorated with a cougar inside a baseball emblem, and the grandstand itself is built up against a grass and dirt hill. The seating bowl is open to the elements and features a concourse at the bottom and the top that allows visitors a chance to move around to see the game from different vantage points. Most of the seating is bleacher seating with plastic bottoms with no backs, while a selection of seating behind the home plate features backs. Directly behind the fencing between the diamond and the concourse are the box seats for donors and sponsors of the program. There is a video board in the left-center field installed in 2011 that offers two panels for pitchers and batter stats. Gates open 90 minutes before the games, and all bags must be soft and no larger than 14x8x14 and fit underneath your seat. There is no smoking anywhere inside or near the ballpark. Neighborhood 2 The ballpark isn’t close to much walking-wise except for student housing and dorms, and if you drive into downtown Pullman, you will find a nice selection of restaurants and bars in this college town. They include Paradise Creek Brewery, Foundry Kitchen, My Office Bar & Grill, Porch Light Pizza, and the Lumberyard for farm-to-table fresh food. Fans 3 It was a rather cold day during the review of the stadium. However, the student section was there to “Give ‘Em the Chair”. Fans hold up plastic chairs when an opposing batter is sitting two strikes. They are joined by the school’s mascot Butch T. Cougar in the chanting and cheering. The rest of the fans provided the typical backdrop for a college baseball game to round out the fan experience. Access 4 Bailey-Brayton Field is located on the east side of the camps near the football stadium and the basketball arena. The seating bowl and concourse layout make it easy to move around, and there is ample parking near the ballpark for easy access by car. Return on Investment 4 Attending a Cougars baseball game will cost between $7-$10 for adult tickets and $6 for seniors (age 60 plus and children ages 2-17). Parking is free around the stadium, but permits are required in the Green 5 Beasley lot. Extras 2 The recent ballpark upgrades to improve the experience earn an extra point. These include the fencing, university signage, and the team's new locker rooms. Fans “Give ‘Em the Chair” by holding up plastic chairs when an opposing batter is sitting two strikes is a nice tradition to enjoy while at the game. Final Thoughts An ideal spot for baseball in the part of the state, but bring a blanket for the early spring games. The atmosphere is enjoyable and stadium improvements make it a wonderful way to spend nine innings.

Photos by Jason Karp, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.29 Holt Arena 550 Memorial Dr Pocatello, ID 83209 Idaho State Bengals website Holt Arena website Year Opened: 1970 Capacity: 12,000 The Dome That Time Forgot Here’s a trivia question: What is the oldest indoor football stadium still in use? The answer, of course, is Idaho State University’s Holt Arena; home of the Bengals. Holt Arena opened in 1970 as the nation’s first indoor football stadium on a college campus and is predated only by the Houston Astrodome. The arena also houses the home court of the Idaho State Bengals men’s basketball team, ISU’s indoor track and field programs, and it hosts concerts, track meets, rodeos, trade shows and many other events. Originally called the Mini Dome, Holt Arena isn’t really a dome at all. It’s an arched roof structure sitting right on top of the ground like a giant quonset hut. The shape is not unlike the numerous potato warehouses scattered all over southeastern Idaho. The building was the inspiration of former ISU athletic director Milton “Dubby” Holt who it might be said, was way ahead of his time. What the building lacks in architectural beauty it makes up in versatility. Idaho State is a charter member of the Big Sky Conference and competes in the Football Championship Subdivision (FCS) of Division I college football. Food & Beverage 2 Concession stands are located in the entrance corridors behind the grandstands on either side of the arena. The offerings are very basic, but prices are a bargain compared to any other division one college sports venue I’ve been to. A huge bucket of popcorn is $3, a hot dog is only $2, and a small soda is $2. There’s no beer on sale inside the arena, but there was beer available at a stand in the parking lot. Fans can exit and re-enter the arena with their ticket stub to enjoy some tailgating at halftime. Atmosphere 2 Walking into Holt Arena feels like entering a time warp. The late sixties and early seventies utilitarian motif has not changed. The molded plastic seats throughout the arena colored in drab orange, green, and gold will take you back to the Brady Bunch days. However, one huge noticeable improvement is the modern artificial turf that replaced the thinly padded brillo like surface that made Holt Arena feared by opposing teams. The current surface is the same used by the Dallas Cowboys. Another unusual feature is the goal posts hang from the ceiling, so that is one less obstruction for the players to run into. There are equally sized grandstands along both sidelines and no end zone seating. The seating is close to the action. There’s adequate leg room between rows and the plastic seats are more comfortable than the typical metal bleachers found in most college stadiums. The students and band occupy the south side. Visiting fans are located in Section M, also on the south side. With the Bengals struggling, the arena is a little more than half full, but even a small crowd can generate some good noise under the enclosed roof. The PA announcer does a good job of keeping the crowd informed on down and distance and tries hard to get everyone excited on 3rd downs with mixed results. Neighborhood 3 The setting around Holt Arena on the north side of the ISU campus is very parklike with wide expanses of trees and green space. In fact it would be quite a lovely setting for an outdoor stadium. This sentiment is reinforced by viewing ISU’s new practice field just south of the arena among the trees, grass, campus buildings, and the hills overlooking Pocatello. Unfortunately, the beauty of Pocatello’s surroundings is hidden under the ugly roof of Holt Arena during the game. Pocatello, with a population of about 54,000, is a nice clean town in southeast Idaho. There are an abundance of outdoor recreational opportunities in the area including big game and bird hunting, fishing, and skiing. If touring the area, the Craters of the Moon National Monument and Preserve, an ancient volcanic feature, is well worth checking out. The ISU campus is located in a residential section of Pocatello just off of I-15. It’s convenient for visiting fans to stay at one of the many hotels off Pocatello Creek Road at exit 71 (one exit north of the ISU exit) such as the Clarion, Super 8, or Red Lion. There are also several restaurants there including Perkins and the Sandpiper. Downtown Pocatello is about 8 blocks west of Holt Arena via tree lined streets. When downtown, check out the Portneuf Valley Brew Pub, a nice find in a part of the country where brew pubs aren’t so common. Fans 2 Idaho State fans have been longsuffering as the Bengals haven’t won a lot of games over the years. But when the Bengals do have a winning season, such as their fantastic run in 2014, and the fans show up in greater numbers, Holt Arena becomes a significant home field advantage. But even in the midst of a tough losing season, the Bengal fans that make it to Holt Arena wear their Bengal gear with pride and cheer with enthusiasm. I’ve always found Bengal fans to be polite and friendly to visiting fans. They’re just out to have a good time and don’t seem to take things too seriously. Access 3 In the far flung, widespread Big Sky Conference, Idaho State might be the easiest road trip for the most of the Big Sky teams. Pocatello is located at the junction of I-86 and I-15. Holt Arena is right off I-15. Take exit 69, follow Clark Street to S. 15th Avenue and you’ll come right to the huge paved Holt Arena parking lot. There is plenty of room in the large parking lot and the cost to park is only $5. The parking lot is immediately adjacent to the arena so it’s a short walk from your car to the entrances. The area around the arena appears to very walkable and bikeable from the rest of the ISU campus and the residential part of Pocatello. The two sides of the arena mirror each other with twin entry corridors. Once inside, the concession stands and restrooms are in the corridor with several portals leading inside the arena. Section numbers are well marked above the entrances. Pay attention to what section you plan to sit in. If you enter on the wrong side you will have to leave the building and go around on the outside. There is not a concourse inside the building to take you all the way around the field. Restrooms are clean and functional and there aren’t any significant lines or crowding. The staff at the entry doors and the entry portals into the arena are polite, friendly, and helpful. Return on Investment 3 Ticket prices range from $17 to $24, parking is $5, and the concession prices are very reasonable. ISU football is a relative bargain compared to other division one football locations, and no matter how bad the weather is outside, it’s always warm and dry inside the dome. Extras 1 A bonus point for the kicking tee-fetching dog , all decked out in a Bengal jersey. The dog flawlessly retrieves the kicking tee off the field after every Bengal kickoff to a big round of applause from both home and visiting fans. Final Thoughts Holt Arena was built at a time when multi-purpose stadiums were all the rage. As the years have gone on, the multi-purpose stadium is fading into history. Holt Arena used to be ahead of its time. It could easily accommodate all of ISU’s sports teams in climate controlled comfort if scheduling would allow. But some sports just need to be played outside, and the building has fallen behind as other college teams spruce up their arenas and stadiums. Holt Arena is in need of some multi-million dollar renovations to bring it up-to-date. Perhaps opening up the sides to allow in natural light would help. Or better yet, construct a new, more reasonably sized basketball arena next door and then rip the roof off and have an outdoor stadium. I’m sure these ideas have passed through ISU – it’s just that such changes would cost tens of millions of dollars. And other than appearances, the building seems to be working just fine.

Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.29 Bell Centre 1909 Avenue des Canadiens-de-Montreal Montreal, QC H3B 5G0 Montreal Canadiens website Bell Centre website Year Opened: 1996 Capacity: 21,302 Les Habitants Historiques One of the most beloved works of Canadian literature is The Hockey Sweater by Roch Carrier. It tells the story of a young boy in rural Québec and the horror of receiving a Toronto Maple Leafs hockey sweater in error. It tells of the love for Maurice Richard and the importance of hockey. Quite possibly, Carrier provides the best explanation for the love that Quebecers have for Les Habitants. The Montréal Canadiens are the oldest team in the National Hockey League, having been in action since 1909 and they boast twenty four Stanley Cup Championships, more than any other team in the league. They are as synonymous with hockey as the New York Yankees are with baseball and the Boston Celtics are with basketball. Simply put, a trip to see the Canadiens should be at the top of any hockey fan’s bucket list. In 1996, the Canadiens left their venerable home at the Montréal Forum to the brand new Centre Bell. Taking a little time to feel lived in and home, the Bell Centre is now as good an NHL experience as there is. In 2009, the Canadiens were welcomed back into hockey royalty as they were sold once again to the Molson Family, who remains their owner to date. With a hockey dynasty in tow as well as the Bell Centre, the Molsons have seen the Canadiens, once again, become one of the most valuable teams in the NHL. Food & Beverage 5 Centre Bell offers a concession scene that is as good as any other in the NHL. The city of Montreal is a culinary leader with probably the most locally unique cuisine in the country. All of the expected regulars can be found at Centre Bell. Local favourite, Lafleur hot dogs are prominently featured in the arena and are joined by Pizza Pizza stands. Fans may be prepared to look for mais soufflé, frites or croustilles as opposed to popcorn fries and chips. On the main or upper levels, poutine and peanut butter brownie cheesecake will catch the attention of fans. However, the best options may be found in the sub level, where M2 Marché MTL offers a very unique culinary experience. Tex Mex, BBQ, Italian sandwiches, burgers, sushi and specialty hot dogs can all be found at five different, food court style restaurants. Coca-Cola products are the soft drinks of choice at Centre Bell. A curious characteristic of the patrons of Centre Bell is that beer is not the overwhelming alcoholic beverage of choice as it is in most other arenas. Molson Export is the most popular beer in the arena but Coors Light, Molson Ultra and Heineken are among other varieties available. Wines, spirits and especially coolers are very popular at Centre Bell Atmosphere 5 Located in the heart of Montréal, Centre Bell is similar to other arenas in that it is almost inconspicuous due to the surrounding high rises. It is possible to be two blocks from the arena and not even know it. The exterior of Centre Bell is fine; not unattractive but not overly special either. Before the game, or even when around the arena during a non-game time, it is a must for fans to head to the east side of the arena where La Cour Rio Tinto resides. This square is a terrific meeting place and has a ton of history to it. The bronze statues of Guy Lafleur, Maurice Richard, Jean Beliveau and Howie Morenz represent distinctly different eras for the Habs. On the wall behind the Richard statue are 24 marble plaques, each for a Stanley Cup victory. On the opposite side of the statues are permanent displays for each of the retired numbers in Canadiens history including Jacques Plante, Dickie Moore, Doug Harvey, Maurice Richard, Emile Bouchard, Elmer Lach, Howie Morenz, Bernie Geoffrion, Jean Béliveau, Henri Richard, Yvan Cournoyer, Ken Dryden Serge Savard, Patrick Roy, Bob Gainey, Larry Robinson, Guy Lafleur and Guy Lapointe. The logo commemorating the history of the team and a GoHabsGo sign are also great photo opportunities. There are also a number of large bricks on the ground commemorating important moments in Canadiens history, like when Jacques Plante became the first goaltender to wear a mask. Pregame festivities are found here and muskoka chairs and propane fireplaces are put out for the perfect meeting place. Entering Centre Bell will lead fans past a few displays. Young fans may want to hang out in Youppi’s corner featuring the former mascot of the Montréal Expos and current Habs mascot. The upper concourse has displays for all of the members of the Canadiens Ring of Honour. They are also displayed on the walls behind the seating bowl. Montreal Canadiens Ring of Honour include those whose numbers are retired and Toe Blake, Scotty Bowman, Pat Burns, Guy Carbonneau, Joseph Cattarinich, Chris Chelios, Sprague Cleghorn, Leo Dandurand, Dick Duff, Bill Durnan, Herb Gardiner, Tommy Gormon, George Hainsworth, Joe Hall, Tom Johnson, Aurele Joliat, Newsy Lalonde, Rod Langway, Jacques Laperriere, Jack Laviolette, Jacques Lemaire, Frank Mahovlich, Joe Malone, Sylvio Mantha, Hartland Molson, William Northey, Ambrose O’Brien, Buddy O’Connor, Bert Olmstead, Didier Pitre, Sam Pollock, Donat Raymond, Ken Reardon, Mark Recchi, Denis Savard, Frank Selke, Steve Shutt, Babe Siebert, Rogie Vachon, Georges Vezina and Gump Worsley. The history continues in a corner featuring the team pictures of all of the Stanley Cup winning teams and other artifacts. The seating bowl continues to drip with history. The retired banners hang proudly as well as the Stanley Cup banners for 1916, 1924, 1930, 1931, 1944, 1946, 19523, 1956, 1957, 1958, 1959, 1960, 1965, 1966, 1968, 1969, 1971, 1973, 1976, 1977, 1978, 1979, 1986 and 1993. A nice touch is the Montréal Expos banner for the retired numbers of Rusty Staub, Tim Raines, Andre Dawson and Gary Carter. The seating bowl itself is huge with a capacity of over 21,000 red stadium seats and a press box that hangs over the seating bowl so as not to obstruct any views or take up any space. The game day production balances traditional with modern. Traditional organ music is played during the pregame and once the warmups happen, modern music takes over. The Habs feature an original goal song to the team and Youppi can be found around the arena. Overall, this place drips history and is unlike any other. Although the Habs may feel a little in your face from a distance or when watching on television, it is hard not to get into the spirit and feel some goosebumps when you are in person. Neighbourhood 5 Montréal is one of the great cities in North America. Located right downtown, Centre Bell is situated perfectly near bars, restaurants and hotels. A pregame meal at La Cage, right in Centre Bell is a great idea if planned properly. Other great options within seconds of the arena are Bier Markt, Ye Olde Orchard and Madisons. The Sheraton, Marriott and Best Western are all within walking distance, which is the best option. The Bell Centre is also two blocks from Sainte-Catherine Street, which has more options than can be listed here. Other sporting options in Montréal include CF Montréal of Major League Soccer that play at Stade Saputo and the Montréal Alouettes of the CFL that play on the nearby campus of McGill University at Percival Molson Memorial Stadium. The McGill Redbirds also play football at Molson Stadium, as well as basketball and hockey at the McGill Sports Centre and McConnell Arena. The Concordia Stingers, UQAM Citadins and Montréal Carabins also field USports teams at a variety of campus facilities. One more must do for hockey fans in Montréal is to head to the former Montréal Forum, which now houses offices and a movie theatre, to take in a little more hockey nostalgia. There are plenty of other Montréal attractions around, including the Olympic sites from the 1976 games and the Biodome. Coming to town for the Jazz Festival or Comedy Festival may also be of interest. Fans 5 Les Habitants have enjoyed some of the greatest fan support in any sport. Consistently near the top of the attendance standings with a huge capacity at Centre Bell, sellouts are a forgone conclusion for the Canadiens. Habs fans take it to a whole new level, with a noise level that rivals just about any fanbase, and a dedication that is like no other. In Montréal, hockey is like theatre. Fans do not head for the exits during play or hang out in the concourses during the game. Hockey is paramount in Montréal and everything else is window dressing. Although they have been accused of being arrogant, it is difficult to argue with the dedication that Habs fans display. Access 3 Centre Bell is located in the heart of Downtown Montréal and is not the easiest place to get to. Montréal traffic is as significant as that of its sister big cities like Toronto and Los Angeles. Centre Bell is located just north of Highway 136 and south of Highway 138. However, these are not fast moving, especially during rush hours or when fans are heading toward a game. The best ideas for the easiest traversing of Montréal traffic during game day are to either take public transit or to stay in one of the numerous hotels within walking distance of the arena. Within a few steps of Centre Bell, there are numerous public transit options including bus stops, the train station and subway stations. Fans should investigate the Société de Transport de Montréal website for fares, maps and schedules. There are a few parking garages in the immediate area, however, getting out of Downtown after the game is even more challenging than getting to the arena. Gridlock is a real issue with those garages all emptying to the narrow, Downtown Montréal streets. Montréal Canadiens fans are unique in that the focus is much more on hockey than anything else that is part of the experience. That being said, getting around the concourses is extremely easy, during gameplay. Getting around the arena during intermissions and before or after the game is a lot more challenging. There are decent washroom facilities at Centre Bell, but expect lines during those peak times. With the coronavirus pandemic and continuously changing security measures, Stadium Journey recommends that fans consult the Montréal Canadiens and Centre Bell websites for the most up to date security procedures and requirements before heading to the arena. Return on Investment 3 According to the 2021-2022 NHL Fan Cost Index, the Montréal Canadiens are in the upper echelon of expensive experiences. Coming in at over $550 in the index, the Canadiens come in at 7th, almost $100 north of the league average. Although the Canadiens and their fans provide one of the greatest hockey environments in the world, it is undeniable that it is an expensive proposition. However, it remains undeniable that the Canadiens are a bucket list experience for all puckheads! Extras 4 An extra mark for the epic rivalry the Habs share with the Boston Bruins, which is the true Montréal rival as opposed to the Maple Leafs An extra mark for embracing the history and successes of the franchise more than any other team in the NHL. An extra mark for the peppering of Français throughout the game. Fait du Bruit! Le But! An extra mark for the experience at the old Montréal Forum, which is a great spot for some Habs nostalgia. Final Thoughts Without a doubt, a trip to Centre Bell to see the Montréal Canadiens needs to be near the top of any hockey bucket list. Although the arena itself is not earth shattering, the Canadiens put on a terrific product, even when the team is down. The fans add to the dynamic more than any other fanbase in the NHL. Finally, a trip to see the Habs is as much a trip through hockey history as any experience there is.

Photos by James Hilchen, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.14 Tal Anderson Field 2850 S 67th St Omaha, NE 68106 Omaha Mavericks website Tal Anderson Field website Year Opened: 2021 Capacity: 1,500 Tal Anderson Field Tal Anderson Field is home to the Omaha Mavericks of the Summit League. Anderson Field opened on March 5, 2021, in a game which saw the Mavericks drop a 10-3 decision to fellow Omaha team, the Creighton Blue Jays. The venue is named after Tal Anderson, a longtime supporter of the program and a former catcher on the team. The field is located directly next to Connie Claussen Field, home of the Mavericks softball team. The stadiums share part of the facility, which include the restrooms and concession areas. Prior to this venue, the baseball team played at numerous locations throughout Omaha. The stadium was completely financed through private money and is a huge upgrade from the prior venues the team has called home. Food & Beverage 3 The ballpark is cashless, so be sure and bring a card. The menu here isn’t extensive. There’s everything you would expect and nothing you wouldn’t expect. That being said, the prices here are worth at least an extra star in this category. Food options range from $2.50-$3. Your choices are hot dogs, brats, nachos, chips, pretzels, popcorn, peanuts, and candy. Drinks are $2.50 and your choices are Pepsi products (bottles), coffee, hot chocolate, water, and Gatorade. Beer tallboys run $7 and include Bud, Bud Light, Busch Light, Blue Moon, and Leinenkugel’s. Atmosphere 4 There is one entrance, in the right field corner. Upon getting to the top of the steps, you get a great view of the entire park. Stadium seats run from dugout to dugout, with grass berms from the dugouts to foul poles and part of the outfield. The lone concession area and press box sit behind home plate along with the restrooms. A nicely groomed synthetic surface gives the field an aesthetically pleasing look. The video board sits beyond the right-center field wall and is visible from everywhere in the park. The simplicity of the layout really adds to the experience here. As typical, there are some on-field promotions throughout the game. A nice touch here is the sound system. The walk-up music and other audio can sometimes bombard the senses. Here, the music is certainly loud enough but hardly overwhelming. Neighborhood 2 The ballpark is in an area that houses other sporting venues, medical centers, some residential spots, etc. As such, there isn’t much to walk to if you are looking for food or drinks before or after the game, but there are some options within a short drive. The closest food options would be either Mai Thai Omaha or Jimi D’s which serves both Italian and traditional American food. For drinks and traditional bar food, head north on 72nd St and stop by the Pipeline Tavern. For lodging, there are also a few options, mostly near the 72nd St exit off I-80. Your best bets here are the Doubletree by Hilton and the Courtyard Marriott. Be sure and check the schedule while you are in town. You may be able to head to downtown Omaha to catch a Creighton Blue Jays game at TD Ameritrade Park (home of the College World Series), or head out to Werner Park to take in an Omaha Stormchasers (AAA) game. Fans 3 The Mavs have a decent following. The stands weren’t near full, but those there were loud and seem to be regular attendees as everyone appeared to know each other. They knew the players and sensed the important parts of the game. Access 4 There is a clear bag policy in effect here. The ballpark is located just east of I-80 in Omaha. Take the 72nd St exit and you’ll be there in a couple minutes. Be sure to have your GPS as there aren’t signs directing you from all directions. Upon arrival, there is plenty of parking across the street. From there, a quick walk up some stairs and you are at the park. Once inside, getting around is no problem whatsoever, the restrooms are more than sufficient for a typical crowd, and although there is only one concession stand, when there is a line, it moves very quickly. Return on Investment 4 The tickets are on the high side for college baseball. Adults are $15 and kids can get in for $7. You can buy premium seating for $20 but the stadium has great seats throughout, so it is worth saving a few bucks on tickets. Parking is free and with the low concession prices, attending a game here is a really good deal. . Extras 2 If you schedule things right, you can see a doubleheader since the baseball and softball teams share the same area. A fun challenge for kids, if you get a foul ball, you can bring it back for free ice cream. Final Thoughts Tal Anderson Field is a massive step up from the many different venues the team used to play at. There is nothing fancy here, but this is a really nice and relaxing place to watch a college baseball game. Follow my sports journeys on Twitter and Instagram : @stadiumjwriter

Photos by Marc Viquez, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.29 Ford Center 5600 Division St. Evansville, IN 47715 Ford Center website Evansville Purple Aces website Year Opened: 2011 Capacity: 10,000 It’s All Aces in Evansville The Ford Center in downtown Evansville, Indiana has been to the home to the University of Evansville men’s’ basketball program since 2010. The construction of the $127.5 million facility helped bring the university into the 21st century replacing the 54-year-old. The venue hopes to be the centerpiece of entertainment for the city incorporating a gorgeous design that is both modern and contemporary. The facility holds 8,930 spectators for basketball games and features 21 suites that can accommodate a wide range of individuals, curved spaces that offer wide open window scenes to the downtown area, and every seat is padded for comfort. It is the type of venue the city has been searching for and very impressive for a basketball team in the Missouri Valley Conference. Food & Beverage 3 There are various concession areas throughout the main concourse that offers hot dogs, bratwurst, chicken tenders, pizza, mini corn dogs, French fries, popcorn, pretzels, and nachos. The prices are reasonable, and there is something for everyone. The more unique options are highlighted by chipotle cheddar burgers, loaded nachos with chicken or beef, pork tenderloin sandwiches, and grilled chicken sandwiches. The nachos are big enough to share for two and are a bargain at $8. If you are with the kids, they will enjoy chicken tender baskets and Dippin’ Dots ice cream. Bud and Bud Light cans sell for $7.25 a can and local Carson’s Red Dawn and Tin Man Rivet are on tap for $8. Wine and well drinks are also available costing between $7.25-$8. Atmosphere 3 There is a large contingency that attends games throughout the season. The arena is a modern facility that would look beautiful and stunning in most major downtown locations. It does not have a lot of history or character, but it’s a beautiful place to watch a basketball game and when you’re surrounded by thousands of screaming fans, it’s easy to get into the game. For these reasons, the atmosphere borderlines on good to great. There are two levels of seats inside the Ford Center, but the majority of the seating upstairs is closed off by a black tarp. The bottom section on one side is wide open and features a party area that serves alcohol. The arena feels like a hockey facility that also incorporates basketball, but there are still some great views and angles inside and outside of the court. The main halls outside of the playing area may remind many of the KFC Yum! Center in Louisville, Kentucky, where open concept windows, arched wooden paneling, and modern design add a special ambiance. However, there seems to be a lot of empty space inside the arena that seems wasted. For example, the majority of fans convene in about half of the concession area and are not spread out all around the concourse where there could be more food options set up. There is a lot of room for portable stands, merchandise tables, and information kiosks that could add a lot of potential to this arena. Neighborhood 3 The Ford Center is in a nice part of downtown that appears to be up and coming. Fans walking the streets before and after the game are within a stone’s throw away from the Backstage Bar and Grill, Milano Italian Cuisine, and the Children’s Museum. Less than two miles away is Franklin Street which offers a few additional great restaurants including Lamasco Bar, Gerst Haus, and on Saturdays from late June to September the Franklin Street Bazaar. Tin Man and Carson’s Brewery are two great places for craft beer, especially Carson’s where one can sample 25 different beers including Vanilla Cow, Sweet Leaf, and Red Hot Harlot, cinnamon-infused honey blonde ale. Tami will serve you quite well in the tasting room. There are plenty of lodging options in Evansville. They include the Fairfield Inn, Courtyard by Marriott, Hilton Garden Inn, Holiday Inn Express and Suites, and Baymont Inn & Suites. The only decision is price and location, but you’re sure to find a nice price somewhere in town. Fans 4 Everybody loves a winner and when the Aces are winning the fans come out in masses. Everywhere you look around the arena there are fans sporting the colors of purple and orange. You can also hear the decibel levels reach outstanding proportions based on the number of buckets scored by the home team. They really enjoy a winning team and when they play inside a beautiful arena, you’re going to have some loud and passionate fans. Access 4 Being a downtown location you would think it would be difficult to find a parking spot. However, that is not the case for the Ford Center. There is free parking a couple blocks away from the arena in vast lots. Many locals complain about the distance, but the walk does not seem to be that much of a problem. Inside the arena, there are plenty of restrooms that serve both men, women, and families. Return on Investment 3 The tickets are reasonable for most basketball games played at the Ford Center. One could grab a ticket for as low as $15 or as high as $45. It all depends on how much you want to spend for a college basketball game. When you include free parking and affordable concession prices, you have a pretty good deal. Extras 3 The arena has all the bells and whistles of a modern 21st-century sports and entertainment facility. The fans are incredibly loud inside the facility. It might just be the acoustics inside the building, but the cacophony from the 6,000 or so in attendance is ear piercing In the main lobby, there is a very nice display of Aces history that includes the five Division II championships won by the team between 1959 and 1971 under legendary coach Arad McCutchan, along with famous alumni including Jerry Sloan. There is also a memorial to the 1977 Air Indiana Flight 216 crash that killed 24 members of the basketball team. Final Thoughts What I enjoy most about the Ford Center is that the modern, sleek, and state of art facility is perfect for the city. It does not try to be something it’s not. It’s a great entertainment option for southwest Indiana and should be home for Purple Aces basketball for many more decades. It’s definitely an eye-catching facility, and being able to take in a game at affordable prices with free parking makes this a great option.

Photos by Paul Baker, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.29 Bridgewater Ice Arena 20 Bedford Park Bridgewater, MA 02324 Stonehill Skyhawks men's hockey website Bridgewater Ice Arena website Year Opened: 1995 Capacity: 500 Stonehill Hockey On April 5, 2022, tiny Stonehill College, a private Catholic school located in Easton, Massachusetts with an enrollment of 2,500 undergraduate students, announced it was moving all of its athletic teams to the NCAA Division I level, effective in the fall of 2022. Prior to 2022, Stonehill was a member of the Northeast-10 Conference in NCAA Division II. The hockey team would begin life in Division I as an independent, as Stonehill’s new home, the Northeast Conference, does not support hockey. While in D-II, Stonehill won three NE-10 conference championships Both the men’s and women’s hockey teams play their home games at the off-campus Bridgewater Ice Arena. This public rink, located 12 miles from the Stonehill campus, features two NHL-sized rinks, a full-service café and seating for 500. The complex also plays host to numerous high school teams as well as the Bridgewater Bandits of the USPHL. Stonehill’s athletic teams competed for years as the Chieftains. In 2002 the school decided to change its nickname. After considering several options, Stonehill officially changed its nickname to the Skyhawks in 2005. This name has no connection to a bird or animal but does have a connection to the school’s history. After the school’s property was purchased by the Congregation of Holy Cross, an airfield on site was leased to the Navy during World War II and to private companies afterwards. The airfield was closed in 1955 as the college grew, but the Navy continued to use the land for training exercises and would employ the Skyhawk aircraft between 1954–1995. Food & Beverage 3 There is a snack bar located at the back end of the lobby. The menu here isn’t as extensive as other snack bars you’ll find in community rinks, but there are enough choices here to keep all fans satisfied. A combination of breakfast and lunch foods are available here. Breakfast sandwiches, burgers, chicken nuggets, grilled cheese sandwiches and meatball subs can be purchased here. If you’re just looking for a snack, an assortment of muffins, candy, popcorn and pop tarts are available. Pepsi products are featured, with hot chocolate and coffee popular choices in this chilly rink. Many fans bring their own beverages in, with lots of Dunkin’ coffee observed in the stands. There are also vending machines in the lobby should the snack bar not be open during your visit. Atmosphere 1 The game day atmosphere at a Stonehill hockey game is a bare bones one to be sure. With the facility’s physical limitations, you wouldn’t really expect anything more. A simple scoreboard at the far end displays basic game information, while a surprisingly good sound system plays music during play stoppages. The PA announcer goes about his business in an understated manner. There are no promos or contests during the game to distract and there is little to no noise from the sparse crowd in attendance. There is little evidence at Bridgewater Ice Arena that a Division One hockey team even plays here. The USPHL’s Bridgewater Bandits are the primary tenant, with a sign advertising their presence on Bedford Street along with a large banner hanging at center ice. The pro shop here sells Bandits gear, but no Stonehill swag. The only mention that the Skyhawks even play here are a pair of banners hung in a far corner of the rink. Neighborhood 2 Given Bridgewater Ice Arena’s location in an industrial park, you wouldn’t expect any attractions or lodging options in the immediate vicinity of the rink. However, there are places to be found a short drive away. Downtown Bridgewater is about two and a half miles away to the north, with Route 44, a local route connecting Providence and Plymouth, passing by three and a half miles to the south. Numerous dining and lodging options can be found in either direction. Barrett’s Alehouse and Fireside Grille are local favorites located close to Bridgewater Ice Arena. Visitors to Stonehill looking to explore more than just the immediate neighborhood may gravitate to Boston, a 45-minute ride north or Cape Cod, a 30-minute ride to the southeast. A half-hour drive can also bring you to the historic seaside towns of Plymouth or New Bedford. Visitors to the area will find plenty to do in any of these locations, even during the winter months of the hockey season. Fans 1 It’s early on in Stonehill’s Division One tenure (Stadium Journey attended the Skyhawks’ third ever home game at BIA). An individual associated with the team stated that crowds so far have numbered between 75-100 fans. These numbers appear to be accurate, which places the Skyhawks firmly at the bottom of the NCAA attendance rankings. Hopefully the team will be able to create a following as the program continues to grow. Most of the fans in attendance appear to have a connection with the players on the ice. With the BIA located a dozen miles from campus, there is little to no representation from the student body at games. The women’s team, which began play this season, has been enjoying slightly larger crowds in their inaugural season. Access 4 Bridgewater Ice Arena is located 12 miles from the Stonehill campus in suburban Bridgewater, Massachusetts. Situated in a small industrial park just off Route 18, it is very easy to get to from any direction. Interstate 495 passes just a few miles to the south of the rink. Directions to the rink can be found here . There is plenty of free parking in the lot adjacent to the facility. The Skyhawks play in the east rink, one of two rinks in the facility, which will be on your right as you enter the lobby. Seating consists of metal bleachers that run along the length of one side of the rink. There is some standing room at the near end of the ice. Nets are hung at both offensive zones, but the center sections are free from obstruction. Rest rooms are located just off the lobby and are more than large enough for a typical Stonehill hockey crowd. Be warned that the rink is very chilly, so dress appropriately. Return on Investment 5 There is no charge to watch a Skyhawks hockey game. Parking is also free in the arena parking lot. It’s entirely possible to go to a Division One hockey game without spending a cent. Even if you decide to get a snack while at the game, you certainly won’t be breaking the bank. Extras 0 There isn’t a whole lot going on at a Skyhawks hockey game that can be considered extra. This experience is about as bare bones as it gets. Final Thoughts The trend in Division One hockey in recent years has been for the smaller schools to move out of community rinks and into new rinks built on campus. As tiny Stonehill College begins competition at the sport’s top level, they find themselves at one of these community rinks. It’s proving to be an inauspicious beginning for the Skyhawks. Here’s a guess that the Bridgewater Ice Arena won’t be a long-term home for Stonehill. Follow Paul Baker’s stadium journeys on Twitter and Instagram @PuckmanRI.

A small Indiana town between Indianapolis and Fort Wayne is the center of college basketball one night in December. The annual Taylor University Silent Night Game is not your typical college basketball game. The small Christian college in Upland has an enrollment of 2,376 plus, but it becomes the center of attention on a frigid December night. The Silent Night Game might be one of the best traditions you have never heard about. It began in 1997, but students have attended the game in pajamas since the late 1980s. Students camp out days before the game to secure a prime spot inside the gym; once they are allowed to enter on game day, they are dressed in elaborate costumes. Students are dressed up as burgers, Krispy Kreme employees, highlanders, ducks, and Minions. The rest of the general admission ticket holders wait inside the lobby before they find a seat an hour before the game. The festivities include students taking shots and dunks on the open net, singing in unison, and showing off their light bracelets.  When the game begins, the gymnasium is quiet except for players' sneakers squeaking on the court. No one peeps until the 10th point is scored; when it happens, the entire student section storms the court in celebration. It is a spectacular scene with the multiple colors of the costumes dripping onto the basketball court. After everything is over, the students go back to their seats, and the game begins, with cheering and screaming from the entire audience. Taylor’s opponent was Moody Bible College, who looked more like the Washington Generals at times during the game. The Trojans had a series of dunks and fast-break plays that excited the crowd, which remained active throughout the night. Several students run onto the court during timeouts to put on small skits, students sing renditions of popular songs, and Indiana Governor Eric Holcomb makes an appearance during halftime. The students surrounding the court are about three rows deep and hover as close to the court as possible.  The game ends with the singing of “Silent Night” in the final minutes of the game. The entire building sings shoulder-to-shoulder the traditional Christmas song that caps off a magical night on the campus of Taylor University.  Taylor has an impressive 26-1 record, and The Silent Night tradition is more than just a basketball game—it’s a testament to the power of community, the creativity of students, and the joy of shared experiences. It stands out in the landscape of college sports for its combination of humor, celebration, and reverence. ------ 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 Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.57 Camping World Stadium 1 Citrus Bowl Pl Orlando, FL 32805 Citrus Bowl website Camping World Stadium website Year Opened: 1936 Capacity: 65,000 Florida’s Other New Year’s Day Matchup The annual Citrus Bowl matchup is steeped in college football history, having been around since 1947. While many may look to the typical “New Year’s Six” bowl games for college football greatness, the Citrus Bowl has been one of the other top bowl games during the season that commonly brings two of the top programs together for a titanic clash. Coupled with a long history in the Central Florida community, the Citrus Bowl offers something for everyone in the family, and is arguably one of the best ways to spend New Year’s. Food & Beverage 4 Finding food at Camping World Stadium is easy. For those in the suite levels, the food options are incredibly plentiful. The main suite on the recently renovated west side of the stadium features a full-service bar and buffet, and outside of that are several bars with comfortable tables, chairs, and couches. In the main concourse the north end zone features a taco stand as well as some other food options. For the majority of food vendors a quality hot dog will cost you $4.50, while a chef’s choice game day hot dog costs $7; nachos are $5, popcorn is $4.50, peanuts run $4.75, and a large pretzel costs $4. In addition, arepas are available all over the stadium for fans to get a taste of Florida. But the best food option remains anything from the 4 Rivers BBQ booths, a local barbecue chain that has gained popularity in recent years thanks to its quality meats and sauces. If you’re a nacho fan looking for something bigger, the Rio Grande Pork Nachos cost $10, and include shredded lettuce, cheese, and tomatoes, and can also have chicken added for no charge. A rice bowl runs just $10 with pork or chicken, black beans, and diced tomatoes. A cheeseburger with fries costs $12, as do chicken fingers with fries. A spicy buffalo chicken sandwich with pepper jack cheese and fries also runs $12, while a side of fries by itself costs $4.50. For beverages, a regular beer (Bud Light or Budweiser) costs $8, a large beer runs $11, and an import beer (Stella Artois) costs $11. Bottled water runs $5, while a bottled soda will cost you $5.50. Atmosphere 5 The atmosphere at Camping World Stadium is electric, and thanks to the Citrus Bowl being a game between two power conference foes with great records, you are bound to get a solid matchup that excites even the most modest of fans. The pre-game pageantry of the band performances, the exciting game action, and the feel of a bowl-game matchup all make the Citrus Bowl an exciting game to be a part of. There is also plenty of beautiful scenery, with downtown Orlando just to the east and lakes to the north and south of the stadium. The upper deck is open, and for good reason, as the game regularly attracts crowds that can reach nearly 60,000 fans. Being in Florida in January also means the weather is almost always perfect, rarely getting cooler than the 50s. The fans erupt with every big play, and the pageantry of college football is on full display. Neighborhood 5 What can you say about downtown Orlando? With Camping World Stadium within walking distance of downtown, fans can park in any of the various lots and garages downtown, then walk to and from the stadium along Church Street, the hub of Orlando’s rebirth as a foodie and entertainment destination. The City of Orlando has become a sports-thirsty destination over the last few years – with the explosion in popularity of Orlando City SC and a renewed interest in the Orlando Magic , the City Beautiful loves sports. There are suburbs to the west of Camping World Stadium, with the downtown city center to the east. There are also tons of hotels nearby, and since the venue sits next to I-4, getting to other resorts and hotels in the greater Orlando area is not hard to do either. If you want to stay somewhere nearby, Aloft Downtown Orlando and the Grand Bohemian Hotel Orlando are right in the middle of downtown. For food, the Orlando sports faithful flock to Lion’s Pride as well as Schumann’s Jager Haus. For attractions, Walt Disney World and Universal Studios Orlando are both mere minutes south of the downtown area. Fans 5 Camping World Stadium holds 65,000 fans, and almost every year all the seats are packed. The crowd still explodes with cheers, and the event is one of the most family-friendly games around. With the teams being from Power 5 conferences the fan bases travel very well, leading to a packed crowd of over 60,000 screaming with fervor for their favorite team on the field. The electricity that resonates through the stands makes this a game that fans look forward to attending. The tailgating pre-game is also widespread, with parking areas several blocks away playing host to big parties all the way up to kickoff. But the best part is that the fans are a mix of traveling fans and locals, as the community embraces the game fully regardless of the competitors on the field. Access 5 Camping World Stadium sits just a stone’s throw from I-4 and is literally just off the 408 highway. Getting there is not difficult from the local roads either, as most are multi-lane, and signage is well placed for the parking areas. Parking on site is plentiful and easy to find. For those without a parking pass, you can find parking in various nearby parking lots and from those selling parking in their front yards. Public transport is also available in the area, making getting to Camping World Stadium an easy process. Return on Investment 4 Tickets to the Citrus Bowl are likely to go quickly, with the game selling out most premiere tickets right after the teams are announced. You may also pay a bit more for this game, both at face value and on the secondary market, due to the quality of the teams participating. Getting the experience of a college bowl game is always enjoyable for sports fans in general, and getting to watch one in Florida in the winter makes it even better. Orlando is blessed with great weather, never too cold or too hot in January, meaning you will be comfortable no matter where you are from. Extras 4 The Citrus Bowl features plenty of in-game awards given away to athletes and local volunteers. Also, the pre-game and halftime performances feature both of the school’s bands, adding to the college pageantry fans know and love, and there is also a pre-game fan fest that includes a pre-game concert, photo opportunities with mascots, band performances, VIP tents, and interactive displays. Finally, the Citrus Bowl also features the post-game trophy presentation that championship events are known for, completing the championship feel of the event for fans in the stands. Final Thoughts The Citrus Bowl is one of three bowl games in Orlando, and while it may not be as inexpensive as the Cure Bowl , it is no less worthy of your attendance; the marquee matchup at the Citrus Bowl makes for a great game product on the field – it is the gold standard for Bowl Season in Central Florida. Camping World Stadium is also much more enjoyable since its recent renovation, and that means you will feel a lot more comfortable during your visit. Fans often marvel at the comfort of the facility and its ease of movement throughout the concourse – this is definitely one of the top sporting events in the whole state of Florida every year, if not the country.

Photos by Cory Sims, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.14 Fred Bramlage Coliseum 1800 College Ave Manhattan, KS 66502 Kansas State Wildcats website Bramlage Coliseum website Year Opened: 1988 Capacity: 12,528 Bramlage Coliseum - The Octagon of Doom The Kansas State Wildcats have been a team of extremes for decades, either making a run of Final Fours from 1948-1964 or missing the tournament entirely for a dozen straight years in the 90s and 00s. The fans pack the "Octagon of Doom" when the hated Jayhawks are in town, but you could have a bleacher to yourself if you attended many other games. That makes Bramlage either one of the loudest venues in college basketball, or one of the tamest. In recent years, the team usually overachieves based on its talent, sharing a piece of the Big 12 regular season title in 2013, and claiming an upset over top-ranked Oklahoma at home in 2016. But, this is a school and fan base that worships at Bill Snyder Family Stadium , so oftentimes the achievements of the hoops squad are somewhat ignored. Following the departure of successful and beloved coach Frank Martin, and the hire of the uninspiring Bruce Weber, the future of Wildcats hoops is unknowable. Bramlage is nearing 30 years old, so the concourse feels a little dated with its ruffled concrete walls and lack of windows. But, there are a lot worse ways to waste a Winter day in Manhattan, Kansas than to attend a home game in the Purple Hell. Food & Beverage 3 Nothing unique here, although the prices are modest. My general opinion on food at a two-hour basketball game is to limit it to snacks and find a good local place before or after the game, and Bramlage delivers in that respect. Pretzels, nachos, and popcorn can be had at just about any concession stand, as well as Pepsi products in a small or souvenir size. You can also find brats, burgers, and chili cheese dogs for between $5 and $6, so go for it if you're really that hungry. There is also a nacho cart in one corner of the concourse, but there's no unique ingredients or anything memorable about it. The only local food stand that sticks out is a table set up by the Friendship House which serves homemade baked items, BBQ sandwiches, and bierocks (welcome to the heartland). Atmosphere 3 There is a single concourse at the top of the arena, and all the seats descend down from there, kind of like a bowl. That seems to keep the noise in and makes the whole place feel cozier than the nearly 13,000 capacity. Of course, all of that makes for a fairly raucous environment, given the right opponent. The students, like at any college basketball game, are good for a lot of yelling and creative sign-holding, and they also stand the whole game (as they should). There are regular seats for the higher budget crowd, but a majority of the seating is metal bleachers. There is a pep band, but most of the music is piped in through speakers. A lot of song choices seem to come from a Jock Jams type compilation album. Beside that, the fans love Darude's 1999 techno song "Sandstorm" more than I will ever love anything or anyone. There was literally a student holding a sign saying "We want Sandstorm." When they put that CD in the boombox, generally following a KSU mini scoring run, the Octagon of Doom quickly turns into the underground rave scene your parents used to hear about on the evening news. Do they not realize that a dozen other schools prominently use that song at sporting events, and that it's not a Wildcat original? Neighborhood 3 Manhattan is known as the Little Apple, and that is where the comparisons to the more famous Manhattan ends. This town, about two hours west of Kansas City, is more or less the last city of any size before you hit Denver eight hours later. It is truly a college town, which is a good thing, but it also has a military feel due to the nearby Fort Riley. Because of this, you see a lot more purple and digitized camo pattern than you would ever expect to see in the Big Apple. The university, and in particular, the sports complex is not located in the heart of the city, which means you aren't able to walk from the famous Aggieville over to Bramlage, which is too bad. Aggieville is the bar and restaurant district named for a time when Kansas State University used to be called Kansas State Agricultural College. On a weekend night, there is a large crowd of undergrads and soldiers enjoying the atmosphere at any one of nearly 20 bars or clubs. Because of the quantity of options, there's rarely a line or cover charge for any of these hot spots, and they've all carved out a niche in the saturated market. One great place to stop prior to a game is Varsity Donuts. It's right in Aggieville, and is well-known for tasty and unique offerings. There's plenty of casual chains in the district (Pita Pit, Jimmy John's, Chipotle to name a few), as well as several local pizzerias/delis/taverns. Local boutiques and KSU fan gear stores put a bow on an area that's worth a couple hours of your time. Fans 3 The Wildcat faithful are most fervent at the football games. But, when the hated Kansas Jayhawks make the annual trek to Bramlage, the claws come out. I do believe that a KSU fan's identity is half loving K State, and half hating KU. They loathe the "chickenhawks" coming over from "Snob Hill." It's gotten so bad in recent years that the AD and school president, amongst others, have had to issue apologies for the behavior of the fans, and most notably, the marching band. However, if you're not sensitive to a few F-bombs, then a KU-KSU game is one of the better sports experiences in college basketball. The fans arrive early, they chant loud and often, and they are actively engaged in the game, booing every unfair foul (all of them). The claws retract when the Jayhawks leave town. They may mostly fill the stands when a highly ranked opponent visits, but many games are not well-attended or very exciting. Part of this is because a sizable portion of the alumni live in Kansas City, and it's just too difficult to get to Manhattan for weeknight games when the drive takes as long as the game itself. Access 4 Although getting to Manhattan might be difficult for the masses, once you're there it's easy to get tickets and get to the game. Because the football and basketball venues share space on the edge of campus, away from downtown, there is plenty of parking lots and space for the crowds. Parking is $10, and you're best off paying that to park in a lot, because there's nowhere within walking distance to be able to park for free. There are enough scalpers around that you can easily pick up a ticket walking into the arena, and once you're inside it's easy to find seats, concessions, restrooms, etc. There can be a traffic jam exiting the parking lot at the end of the game, but you end up right on the street that takes you around town to the highway. Return on Investment 3 Tickets to many home games can be had for less than $10 online, so the investment, outside of a major rivalry game, is minimal. Parking doesn't cost much, so your biggest investment is time spent getting to the arena, assuming you don't live in Manhattan already. However, in life you generally get what you pay for, so if you are really interested in going to a KSU basketball game, splurge and pay the $100+ dollars to watch the Wildcats and the Jayhawks . The game is rarely a blowout, and every so often the Cats pull an upset and the fans storm the court. As a neutral observer, or a Wildcats fan, there're few sites more entertaining. Extras 3 KSU has some interesting traditions that make the atmosphere unique. First off, the nickname for Bramlage, the Octagon of Doom. This started up in earnest back in the Frank Martin years when the Cats were playing good ball and made a run to the Elite Eight. The arena is built into a hill in an octagon shape, so when the Wildcats are good, I suppose other teams may find their doom in the octagon. Additionally, the slogan "EMAW" is something only KSU fans would use. "Every Man a Wildcat" has found a renewed popularity on the campus, so don't be surprised if you see it plastered across signs and shirts all over town. Finally, the Wabash Cannonball . Prior to the game, and at least once during the game, the band plays the Wabash Cannonball and the students, and much of the crowd, rock forward and back in harmony. They seem to be really enjoying themselves, but to the outsider, it's something of a mystery.

Photos by Will Halpern, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.14 Rhodes Stadium 1 Stadium Dr Elon, NC 27244 Elon Phoenix website Rhodes Stadium website Year Opened: 2001 Capacity: 13,100 The Phoenix Rise at Rhodes Stadium Founded in 1889, Elon College started its football program twenty years later. Spending time in the North State and South Atlantic Conferences in the NAIA and then in Division II, Elon rose to the Division I ranks in 1999, ninety years after the football program began. Known first as the Fightin’ Christians, they decided to adopt a more inclusive name as they entered the NCAA’s top division. The name “Phoenix” comes from the 1923 fire that destroyed much of campus – the trustees wanted to make the school “rise from the ashes” like a phoenix. The following year the school became Elon University. Starting out in the Big South Conference, in 2003 the university joined the Southern Conference, where they stayed for the next eleven years before finally moving into the Colonial Athletic Conference where they compete today. The team first played off-campus at Burlington Athletic Stadium in neighboring Burlington, but since 2001 they’ve called the on-campus Rhodes Stadium home. Food & Beverage 5 Rhodes Stadium boasts a wide variety of local food options. This is surprising for an FCS school, where usually you expect basic stadium food and not much more. The food is also reasonably priced as well; a hot dog or a slice of pizza is just three dollars. An Elon Pit Beef Sandwich, which consists of beef, sweet onions, and horseradish ketchup on a potato roll will set you back only seven dollars, while six dollars can get you Vegan Chick’n Nuggets or San Guiseppe’s Local Sausage of the day, and that’s all at one concessions stand. Cockadoolemoo, a food truck, offers either wet or dry rub ribs, or you can get a mixture of both, as well a pulled pork sandwich with your choice of either Eastern-style Vinegar or Western-style Tomato (or both!). Given Elon’s location right in the middle of the geographic NC BBQ debate, and given that 80% of Elon students are from outside the Tar Heel State, the choice allows those new to the battle for BBQ supremacy to weigh in for themselves. Bojangles Cajun Filet Sandwich, as well as crab cake and vegetarian crab cake sandwiches, round out the main courses, and the Nutn’ But Luv stand offers pecans, almonds, and cashews. For popcorn, Charlie’s Popcorn and Kettle Corn is the place to go, while for dessert, Pelican’s Snoballs offer thirteen different flavors of Italian Ice, or at the local Smitty’s Ice Cream stand you can choose from among eight different flavors. Pepsi is the soft drink option here, and while alcohol sales are expanding at college football stadiums, Rhodes Stadium does not offer any adult beverages at the moment. Atmosphere 5 Rhodes Stadium is definitely not a large stadium by any means, as the total capacity comes in at 11,250, but that doesn’t mean there isn’t more space to pack in fans. The stadium has seating on both sides – those on the east side (sections 108-112) are bleacher seating that is usually taken by those rooting for the visitors. The west side seating has two levels, with sections 200, 201, 206-208, and 105-107 being standard bleacher seating, while sections 202-205 have chair backs. Sections 101-104 are reserved for students, and the rest of the seating area consists of lawn seating, with the south side being known as Phoenix Hill. The hill allows people to relax and take in a game on the grass from almost anywhere around the stadium, unlike most stadiums where lawn seating, if it exists at all, is usually behind an end zone. If you’re looking to sit in the shade, it’s important to arrive early as (especially during early-season games) those seats can fill up quickly. There is a video board in the northeast corner of the stadium next to the Alumni Field House, and Elon like most schools, has a cheerleading squad and a mascot, and their marching band “The Fire of the Carolinas” is fantastic. The fact that the stadium doesn’t have a track means that fans have an even more intimate view of the field. The fans are passionate and can make the stadium loud on game day, which provides a perfect combination of a relaxing and electric place to take in a game. Neighborhood 3 Rhodes Stadium is located on the north end of campus alongside the other athletic facilities such as Latham Park and Rudd Field, home to the baseball and soccer programs, as well as the Elon Bell Tower, and across the street from the new Schar Center, which is home to Elon’s men’s and women’s basketball and volleyball teams. Elon is a small college town, with the university encompassing the town of Elon and vice versa. That being said, there are places to check out near Rhodes Stadium – a mile and a half away right on the Elon-Gibsonville border is The Mission: The Tacos for the South, where Mexican meets Southern with options such as The Carolina Pork Taco with pimento cheese, roasted pork and BBQ sauce, and southern nachos, with pork, BBQ sauce, chorizo, and sour cream. Or, a short fifteen-minute walk south of the stadium is Tangent Eat and Bar with unique kinds of tacos for under four dollars each. For example, there are the chicken and waffle taco, bahn mi tofu taco, and fried green tomato taco, as well as fried rice and fried corn on the cob, along with a great drink selection. It is also worth driving to neighboring Burlington – about a ten-minute drive southeast – to Hursey’s Bar-B-Q, which offers incredible Piedmont style BBQ (a combination of both Eastern and Western) with delicious sandwiches and plates, and some of the most incredible hush puppies ever served. The town of Elon itself doesn’t have much to do, though it is worth taking a walk around campus, as Elon was voted the prettiest campus in the country by the Princeton Review a number of times. However, Burlington is just a short drive away and there is a fair amount to do there. Animal lovers can check out the Animal Park at the Conservators Center to see more than twenty species of animals up close, including lions, tigers, and wolves, while those who enjoy shopping can check out Granddaddy’s Antique Mall, take a stroll in historic downtown Burlington, or shop at Alamance Crossing, or a little further away at the Tanger Outlets in Mebane. History buffs can check out the Alamance Battleground in Burlington, a pre-revolutionary war battleground where farmers clashed with Governor Tryon’s Regulators in 1771. Or, those with children can visit City Park in Burlington which features a playground, train, boat ride, and an early twentieth-century carousel being refurbished and expected to be finished in 2021, or you can drive down to Graham for the Children’s Museum of Alamance County. The closest hotel to the stadium (a half mile away) is the luxury twelve suite Acorn Inn, but if the prices are too steep or rooms are sold out, the next closest hotels are about a ten-minute drive south in Burlington, where you’ll find a number of the classic hotel chains such as Best Western, Courtyard by Marriott, and Country Inn and Suites. Fans 4 Elon University has an unfortunate situation in certain ways; it’s located within an hour of four Power Five ACC schools in Wake Forest , Duke , UNC , and NC State , and therefore has a lot of bigger dogs to contend with. Also, Elon has a student body of just under 7,000 students so normally in that situation it would be easy to expect sparse crowds. However, as Elon has moved into the Colonial Athletic Conference and built a competitive football program, fan attendance is on the rise. Elon averaged 7,387 fans two seasons ago and 8,267 last year; both were good for sixth in a twelve-team conference. However, context is important as the programs they rank behind include the likes of Richmond, James Madison , and Delaware , all of whom have claimed national championships and have established themselves over the years as forces in the conference. Elon is continuing to build a winning tradition, having only been in Division 1 Football for twenty years and the competitive CAA for five seasons. The fans are loud and passionate, decked out in Maroon and Gold, and there is a fun tailgating scene. The crowd is engaged throughout the game, cheering on their Phoenix. There is also a sizeable student presence which is nice to see from a smaller school. As Elon continues to win, and become a fixture in the CAA, the fan support likely will continue to increase. Access 3 Rhodes Stadium is a beautiful place to watch a football game, but getting to the stadium can sometimes prove challenging. Parking lots open five hours before game time, so it is worth getting to the game fairly early, as traffic closer to game time does get a little tough, especially as you approach campus. Parking is located in the Hunt B Parking lot behind the Schar Center, across the street from the stadium, for ten dollars. There is also parking at the Arts West Parking lot a bit further away. It’s free of charge, but it’s a bit of a walk and there are no shuttles. Handicap parking is available in that lot as well as in three other lots around campus, though a permit is required to park in the other lots around campus, such as the Global Neighborhood Hunt A and Ingrid lots where handicap parking can be utilized. Elon does offer Biobus service from campus to Burlington, Gibsonville, and other surrounding areas, however on Saturdays these services are limited and no public transportation to Burlington is offered. This can be a challenge because Elon does not have a Greyhound or Amtrak Station, and while Burlington has an Amtrak Station, on Saturdays there is no public transit to get from the station to campus, so if you don’t drive, rideshares like Uber or Lyft would be your best option, which can be a little expensive. The main gate gets you in through the south end zone, and getting into the stadium is not too hard. The concourses are fairly wide though at times they can get a little congested. Bathrooms are clean and there is plenty of handicap seating throughout the stadium. Return on Investment 4 Ticket prices at Elon are not too expensive and are generally around twenty dollars. Add the reasonable food prices and, though parking is a little steep, it comes out as a very solid deal to take in an Elon Phoenix game in a scenic intimate setting at Rhodes Stadium. Extras 5 One point goes to the stadium itself – not every college football stadium has such great sightlines. Proximity to the action, either in one of the seating sections or on the lawn, contributes to a positive game experience. Point number two goes to the wide variety of affordable and local cuisine that Rhodes Stadium offers, while another point is for The Fire of the Carolinas (an appropriate name for the Phoenix’s band), which is one of the better smaller school bands I’ve heard. The fourth point is for the amount of tailgating around the stadium, a real addition to the pregame atmosphere, and the final point goes to Elon’s campus, a plausible candidate for prettiest campus in the country. Final Thoughts Elon University can be easy to miss if you’re just driving along I-40 across North Carolina. And, while it doesn’t have bigger conference ties that schools like NC State , UNC , East Carolina , or App State might have, a football game at Rhodes Stadium is absolutely worth attending. There is the close proximity of the action, there’s the fun of weighing in on the battle for BBQ Supremacy, there’s getting a scoop of Smitty’s Ice Cream, and finally there’s listening to the sounds of The Fire of the Carolinas while watching the passionate fans decked out in Maroon and Gold cheer on their Phoenix. Elon is getting more settled in the Colonial Athletic Conference, and with the team performance improving and fan attendance increasing, the Phoenix is truly rising up to become one of the top tier football experiences in North Carolina.

Photos by Aaron S. Terry, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.71 Lone Star Park at Grand Prairie 1000 Lone Star Pkwy Grand Prairie, TX 75050 Lone Star Park at Grand Prairie website Year Opened: 1997 North Texas Turf Lone Star Park at Grand Prairie is one of only 4 tracks in the state of Texas that offer live horse racing and is considered by many to be the best of the bunch. Opened in 1997, Lone Star Park hosts thoroughbred racing from April thru July, and Quarter Horse racing from September thru November. The facility has a mile-long dirt track in addition to a seven-furlong turf course, which sits inside the larger dirt oval; on a typical race day might see both courses in use. Food & Beverage 5 There is all manner of food and beverage options at Lone Star Park, starting with hot dogs, ice cream, pizza, and Mexican on the lower level, as well as several bar areas with full selections of alcohol. Prices vary widely, with main dish items such as hot dogs and slices of cheese pizza starting at $6, and you can also get snacks or desserts like packaged candy and cookies starting at $2. There are also better options, including full-service restaurants, on the second and third floors if you want to purchase premium seating. Most of the food is located inside the main building, but there are a couple of kiosks outside with very small selections of alcohol, plus bottled water and popcorn. Atmosphere 5 The facilities at Lone Star Park are stellar – there are inflatables for the kids, multiple seating areas inside and out so you can get as close to or as far from the action as you want, and there is even a live band playing during the races. But like any horse racing course, certainly, the name of the game is the wagering, and you will find plenty of betting windows (staffed with live attendants to take your bets) and betting machines inside the venue (as well as a couple of ATMs – please bet responsibly). I prefer the live staff option, as I am not always certain what some of the betting terms mean. The wagering lines can get a little long at times, especially just before the off, so you are better off going right after the end of each race. There is a walking ring on the other side of the facility from the track, where you can see the horses parade around before they go onto the track, and you can also see the winning relations (and horse) in the winner’s circle following the race. The seating areas include partially covered seats with chairbacks, or you can sit at tables in the sun closer to the track if you need space to set your food or drink, or to peruse your racing program. There is also a large area of covered seating about 200 feet away from the main building, which has additional tables and chairs – this is near where the stage is for the live band, just outside the west entrance of the main building. Neighborhood 4 Lone Star Park is located about halfway between Dallas and Fort Worth, nestled in between Arlington and Irving. There is some construction going on in the immediate vicinity to create a major league cricket stadium on the site, and there is also an entertainment venue already on site called Texas Trust CU Theater which hosts concerts and other events. Additional development is also planned on the property, so in a couple of years, you can expect to see a variety of new restaurants, shopping options, and hotels, making this a bit similar to the Texas Live! entertainment district (currently being built but partially completed) next to Globe Life Field in Arlington. If you are looking for additional entertainment options, there is plenty to be seen in Dallas proper or in Fort Worth. For example, you may be able to catch other sporting events on the same weekend if you want to make a doubleheader of it – baseball season is in full swing, and the NBA or NHL may have some games nearby if the Mavericks or Stars make the playoffs. You are also in the right season for spring football, with both the Arlington Renegades of the XFL and the arena football Frisco Fighters having games nearby if you choose the right weekend. Fans 5 There are plenty of “fans” in attendance, making wagers and taking a look at the horses – you will hear plenty of cheers (as well as a few screams of agony) urging on the right horse (or bemoaning the loss of a favorite). People here really seem to be enjoying themselves as they walk around taking in the sights, listening to the band, or enjoying a drink or some good food – you will see plenty of smiles on people’s faces as they enjoy the beautiful day at the track. The folks here are also very friendly, and are very willing to share tips or stories of success and failure; you will also see many groups of friends and families out and about, enjoying their time. Access 4 Getting to Lone Star Park is pretty easy – there is not much around the venue at present, so traffic in and out of the site is almost non-existent, and you can park for free in the “outer” parking lot. Parking in the lot closest to the facility will run you $20, but in my opinion, that option is not worth it; the further parking lot is empty enough that you can park near the front, and with only a few extra steps of walking save some money. Once inside there are plenty of bathrooms, and in general, there is plenty of room to move around the concourse and the track. Most of the concessions don’t have any lines to speak of, given how many different options there are – the only downside is you might have to wait in line at one of the betting windows or betting machines or for the ATM. A pro tip here – there is a much less used ATM on the far side (away from the West entrance where most people enter from the parking lot), so if you go over there you shouldn’t have to wait, although the betting windows and betting machines on that side seem to be about the same. Return on Investment 5 The cost to get into Lone Star Park is only $15 for basic admission, plus $5 for a racing program if you want to see the odds and scratches. The price for the 2nd and 3rd levels runs a little bit more, and on some days they will sell out of those better seating options – on the plus side if you sit on the upper floors you can watch from the inside and get a better view of the race since you are higher up, but you can’t get as close to the horses that way. Extras 5 I already mentioned the live band and the number of different seating options, but the grounds are also beautiful. Being able to see both turf racing and dirt racing on the same track is also a plus (note that the turf racing here is slightly harder to see than the dirt racing, given the turf course is inside the dirt track). There is also a little gift shop inside if you want to grab a souvenir, and there are some statues around which you can get pictures of; you can also pet some of the horses (not the racehorses but the horses ridden by the park staff). And finally, I have to mention the hat contest – you will see plenty of people dressed up in their finery to go racing, including many, many elaborate and beautiful hats being worn. Final Thoughts I would recommend a visit to Lone Star Park if you can make it; this is the best race course I have ever been to and the best racing experience I have ever had.

Photos by Chris Green, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.71 Al Lang Stadium 180 2nd Ave SE St Petersburg, FL 33701 Tampa Bay Rowdies website Al Lang Stadium website Year Opened: 1947 Capacity: 7,227 Getting Rowdy in St. Pete Taking in a Tampa Bay Rowdies game can be a bit of a surreal experience. Here in the middle of downtown St. Petersburg, Florida, sits a former Minor League Baseball stadium that has been transformed into the home of a professional soccer team, where fans tailgate and march through the city center before singing the entire game in support of their favorite team. This is definitely not something you would expect to see in the south, and yet, it stands out as an incredible game day experience. The fan support in St. Pete is high for the Rowdies, as proven by a referendum that was overwhelmingly approved by voters to renovate and fully transform Al Lang Stadium into a premiere MLS facility last year. While the team eventually fell short in their bid for an MLS franchise, the roots of the passion that could make the eventual move successful are easily visible here. Food & Beverage 4 The best thing about the food at Al Lang Stadium is its affordability. A beer ranges from just $6 to $9, with soda and bottled water averaging $4. A burger is just $6 and a hot dog just $4, making the Rowdies insanely affordable compared to most professional sports teams. There is even a concessions stand open in the kids zone just for your child, which features snow cones, cotton candy, and ice cream. The quality of the food is also top notch, with everything made fresh in front of you. Atmosphere 4 The atmosphere is electric, to say the least. The entire game is filled with the songs and chants from Ralph’s Mob as they keep the excitement going. The fans explode with a roar whenever the Rowdies score a goal. The surrounding area provides a beautiful backdrop for a night of soccer. And to make things even better, the fans are allowed onto the edge of the field after some games to get player autographs, take photos, and get an up-close look at the pitch at Al Lang Stadium. In addition, the stadium’s big-screen scoreboard provides great replays of each important moment on the pitch, as well as stats and information about what is happening throughout the rest of the league. For those who are into social media, there are even special Snapchat filters for the games, helping fans connect and express their support in a host of ways. The stadium itself is clean and easy to navigate, but the aged look of the stadium is hard to escape. Neighborhood 5 St. Petersburg is a growing city on the rise. It is a mix of vacationers, college students (USF has a campus literally steps away from the stadium), and professionals mixing with both city and suburban folks. The neighborhood around Al Lang Stadium is evolving into a high quality of life location that features some of the best hole-in-the-wall eateries you can imagine, with traditional shopping and dining (CVS, Publix, and others are there to help meet your shopping needs). Hotels and resorts vary from motels a few blocks away to the beautiful Hilton in the heart of downtown that puts you literally across the street from the main gate. Just steps away are a SpringHill Suites and a Hampton Inn for lodging options. In addition, situated right on the beautiful waters of the Gulf of Mexico, the beach is right next door to the city, just a few minutes’ drive away. Often rated among the greatest beaches in the country, relaxation under the sun is easier than ever. Not to be forgotten, the people are gracious, kind, and welcoming, making even the most travel-weary fan at the game feel like they’re right at home. For history buffs, a trip south to Fort De Soto State Park is a must. Fans 5 The mere fact that there are seats in some parts of the stadium is funny, as some fans never sit in them for the whole game. Ralph’s Mob, the team’s official supporters club, stands the whole match, singing away for their favorite team and giving the opponents a hard time all the while. It is what one would imagine proper football to feel like as a fan, with all the passion, while remaining family-friendly. Something you notice right away is the number of kids and families at the game. There are a ton of children watching the game with their parents, and it adds to the family-friendly atmosphere. Access 5 Getting to Al Lang Stadium is as easy as possible, with I-175 and I-375 branching off I-275, literally ending on the street in downtown St. Pete that leads to the main entrance. How much easier is it to find than that? Parking is easy with various lots around Al Lang Stadium charging anywhere from $5 to $10. The Rowdies have their own officially sanctioned parking lots and garages around town to help fans find the best place to park. The parking is also plentiful, regardless of how busy the game is going to be, which makes for an easier time finding a spot for those who aren’t familiar with the area. The stadium itself isn’t very big, so getting to your seat is also easy once you’re inside. Return on Investment 5 There are few sports experiences in Florida as rewarding and enjoyable as a Rowdies game. They really know how to put on a show, party it up, and have fun all at the same time. The price of tickets can be as low as $26 for a seat at Al Lang Stadium, and kids’ tickets are just $10. This makes for one of the most affordable professional soccer experiences in the country, let alone the state of Florida. Add to this the affordability of food and drinks at the game, and a family of four can go to a game and get food, while still having money left over for souvenirs. Extras 5 The Rowdies fan club, Ralph’s Mob, have a massive tailgate before each game, and then march down to the field. Their path takes them through the heart of St. Pete in a wide circle complete with drums, flags, and fans singing the songs of Rowdies nation. The team also has a special beer named after them – Big Storm Brewing Company brews Tampa Bay Rowdies Lager, which is available for purchase at Al Lang Stadium. Lucky fans can also win the “Best seats in the house” at Al Lang Stadium. These premium recliners are set up on a riser along the sideline, and offer an up-close view no other seat gives fans. Something else Al Lang Stadium has that few other venues have is one of the best views in sports. On one side, the grandstand provides a great view of the towering buildings of downtown St. Petersburg. On the other, a view of beautiful Tampa Bay greets fans – it is hard to argue with the aesthetics of the facility’s surroundings. Something few fans may realize is that Al Lang Stadium sits in the middle of the course layout for the annual IndyCar Series Grand Prix of St. Petersburg. During race weekend, the stadium doubles as a photographer’s stand during the race. When walking through the parking lot, you can see the rumble strips on the ground and the red lines painted on the roads around the stadium, that show where the barriers are laid out on race weekends. Finally, each Rowdies fan gets the chance to win $1,000 in a contest the team conducts. The game day programs each contain a new code, and each Tuesday after the game the winning code is announced, with the fan holding that code taking home a cool stack of cash. Final Thoughts Tampa Bay may not have an MLS team like they once did, but the Rowdies’ USL program certainly provides the same level of excitement and fun.In the meantime, whether you’re looking to take the whole family or just go solo for a night of sports, the Rowdies will provide a safe, fun, and enjoyable event in a great central location for young people and families alike, in one of the nation’s fastest growing cities.

Photos by Tyler Huskinson, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.43 UCCU Ballpark 800 W University Parkway Orem, UT 84058 Utah Valley Wolverines website UCCU Ballpark website Year Opened: 2005 Capacity: 2,500 Wolverines At Brent Brown The Utah Valley Wolverine baseball team made its debut at home on March 24, 2005, but it wasn’t until June 13, 2007, that the venue was officially named Brent Brown Ballpark. The stadium holds 2,500 seats and can accommodate an additional 2,500 spectators on the grassy berm along the third baseline and in left field. Brent Brown Ballpark is not hitter friendly by any stretch. It is 305 feet and 312 feet to the left and right foul poles respectively, however, both ends have short fences. It is a long 408 feet to dead center with a high fence, and the state-of-the-art scoreboard sits in a right-center field with a high fence as well. College baseball isn’t something that draws much interest or excitement in Northern Utah. While Brent Brown Ballpark is a venue worth visiting, I would recommend visiting when the Rookie League Orem Owlz is playing and not for the UVU Wolverines. Food & Beverage 4 Brent Brown Ballpark offers the regular stadium fare with hot dogs, pretzels, candy, and soft drinks and the prices are reasonable. The concession stands also offer more unique items such as the Philly Cheesesteak and Mixed Fried Vegetables. Beer is not offered at this venue which is most likely due to the fact that the ballpark is located in Utah County which is quite possibly one of the most conservative counties in the nation. There weren’t many spectators at the games, so the concession lines were never very long. The ballpark has eight concession booths and only two of them were open during the entire game. At the only entrance to Brent Brown Ballpark, a sign warns spectators that absolutely no food and drink are allowed. Atmosphere 3 There are a total of three baseball parks along the Wasatch Front which host college and/or minor league teams, and all of them have been constructed so that spectators may enjoy a view of a section of the Rocky Mountains. The first base side contains the most seating possibilities to avoid the sun. The grassy berm along the third base side and left field get the most sun and exposure to other elements. Shade can also be found along the very top rows of the stadium in every section. The concourse allowed for plenty of space for the crowd I observed. If the stadium experienced a sell-out crowd, the concourse could become very crowded. The seats are hard plastic with cup holders for convenience and the pitch of the seats allows for unobstructed views from any spot in the stadium. The playing field is well-manicured grass, with the only con being a short warning track. Spectators are right on top of the playing field and with the exception of preference for exposure to the elements, there really isn’t a bad seat in the stadium. The home dugout is on the third base side, and the visitor dugout is on the first base side. The team’s bullpens are on corresponding sides and they are uncovered from the field of play with very easy spectator access. The scoreboard is high quality for a college baseball stadium, and the fact that the stadium is also home to the Owlz doesn’t hurt. The scoreboard displays the home photo roster, score inning by inning, pitch count, and whether the result of a batter on base is ruled as a hit or error. Willy the Wolverine is an involved and energetic mascot. I have seen him at UVU basketball games and he does a good job there as well. The home team walk-up music is personalized and the music selections between innings are current and/or relevant. The marketing department strategically waits until the first three full innings are over before doing promotions in the middle of the innings, which I thought was a very smart thing to do considering the size of the crowd. Neighborhood 3 The ballpark and the main UVU campus are located right off Exit 269 on I-15 and because of the location, there aren’t any points of interest or restaurants I would recommend walking to from the ballpark. However, because the ballpark is located right off a main thoroughfare connecting Orem and Provo, there are several dining options within a short five-minute drive. Some examples of the offerings are Smashburger and Carraba’s Italian Grill. Walking to the stadium is very safe and there is free parking on campus. Fans 2 The crowd knowledge seems to be pretty good. There is actually quite a large fan base for baseball in Utah. There weren’t too many visiting fans since the visiting team was from New York. There weren’t any particular chants or habits of note. The one saving grace was the crowd and its half-hearted attempt at, “Take Me Out to the Ballgame,” during the seventh-inning stretch. Access 5 The UVU campus and ballpark are located right off I-15. It can literally be seen from the freeway. There is an airport in Utah County but is not a major airport. Salt Lake International Airport is a 90-minute drive depending on traffic. The concourse is more than adequate for the crowd I observed, but could get crowded during a sell-out. The restrooms are very clean and there is plenty for the crowd on hand. The stadium has several areas to accommodate those with handicap accessibility needs. Not that it was a concern to me, but there was no security check at the only gate entrance. Return on Investment 4 All tickets to UVU baseball games are $5 and for those looking for a cheap outing during a warm spring day, it’s a great place to go watch baseball without much hassle. There isn’t a bad place to sit in the stadium and it’s a nice place to watch a baseball game. I wouldn’t necessarily go out of my way to attend another UVU baseball game, but I wouldn’t be against going again either. Extras 3 One extra point is awarded for the fact there is a team store on the concourse. Even though it isn’t much bigger than an average family room, it still exists and provides fans an opportunity to purchase merchandise. One extra point goes to the playground located just outside the concourse along the third base side of the stadium. One more extra point goes to the player banners along the concourse, the larger-than-life lineup card, and the banner displaying the team achievements.

Photos by Marc Viquez, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.29 Reuben D. Behlmer Memorial Gymnasium 1500 East Michigan St Indianapolis, IN 46201 Arsenal Tech website Reuben D. Behlmer Memorial Gymnasium website Year Opened: 1928 Capacity: 3,000 The Granddaddy of Indianapolis High School Gyms The Reuben D. Behlmer Memorial Gymnasium was built in 1928 and is one of the grand old high school basketball facilities in Indianapolis. The two-tiered arena is home to the Arsenal Tech High School Titans who have a storied tradition including four state finals appearances and two 4A state championships. The 3,000-seat venue is not known for its large crowds during the regular season, but it packs them in during the Indianapolis City Tournament and regional play, annually attracting crowds that surge over the 4,000 mark at times. Originally called the Boy’s Gym and then the West Gym, the facility underwent major renovations in the mid-1970s and for many years after was able to keep its old-school charm with beautiful hues of forest green, a well-weathered court, and stylishly curved ramps leading to the second tier. It still has a lot of character, but the campus where the building is located has even more history. Arsenal Tech rests on a 76-acre piece of forestry land east of downtown Indianapolis. It was originally established in 1861 as an actual state arsenal, providing munitions for the Civil War. The first soldiers arrived in 1865, but by the early 1890s, the general movement spread throughout the nation to abandon such facilities. The arsenal would be used to create haversacks and knapsacks during the Spanish-American War, but its days supporting war efforts would cease when the last sunrise gun went off on April 3, 1903. On September 12, 1912, Arsenal Tech High School opened for the class to help alleviate the overcrowded conditions at the city’s two other high schools. The largest high school campus of its kind in the state has many of its original buildings still intact that include the soldiers’ barracks, entrance guardhouse, officers' residence, and powder magazine. Food & Beverage 1 Two small tables are located on each level of the gym that offer candy, nachos, and bottled drinks. Many of the items cost between $1 and $2 and are perfect to snack on during the game. Unfortunately, due to large crowds, there does not seem to be adequate room for a concession booth or stand anywhere in the gymnasium. Atmosphere 5 The atmosphere quickly smacks you in the face and reminds anyone from out of town that high school basketball still matters here in the state. A sense of excitement envelops the old gymnasium for a sectional play that attracts an overflowing crowd who are there to witness one of the six local Indianapolis teams play over the three-day event: Tech, Cathedral, Lawrence Central, Lawrence North, North Central, and Warren Central. The building itself has a definite old charm feel to it with cramped tight quarters, rustic railings, and a sense of history. Banners are hanging up celebrating past championships, retired jerseys, and, in the main lobby, trophies on display behind glass cases. There is so much moving around by people that it is hard to take in some of the historic charms that exist in this building. Neighborhood 3 Arsenal Tech is nestled between an ultra-hip and a dodgy neighborhood east of downtown. The electric Mass Ave is located less than a mile away from campus; a neighborhood that has its unique charm and vibe, much different than downtown Indianapolis. There is a collection of restaurants, bars, breweries, and boutique shops that make this a great destination before and after a basketball game at Tech. Mimi Blue Meatballs offers flavorful meatballs with delectable side dishes in a quaint, nostalgic setting. Bakersfield is a local favorite that offers nine different tacos, tortas, and tequila. The Eagle is famous for fried chicken, Union 50 has a warm ambiance with live music, and Pizzology makes some of the best pizzas in the city. Fans 5 The fans generate an amazing zeal for the game. They line up in the cold waiting for tickets even if they are told that they are sold out. Once inside they clamor for a space to sit and watch the game, enjoying every moment. It is hard not to bump shoulders with someone and have a conversation about the game. There is not an empty seat or corner in the arena, something you do not see at many sporting events. Access 2 The campus of Arsenal Tech is an old establishment with some buildings dating back to the time of the Civil War. There is parking throughout the school, but spaces quickly fill up hours before the game. There are free shuttle buses providing folks who had to park on neighborhood streets or somewhere else on campus. After waiting in line for your ticket, it is wise to get to an empty seat and remain there for the entire game. It is cumbersome to maneuver through the dense crowd that overtakes the small arena. Return on Investment 4 Tickets cost $6 for a single game or $10 for two games, making it quite a deal to watch top-level basketball. Many of these men who are playing on this court will eventually start at major colleges and possibly the National Basketball Association within a few years. You’re practically seeing the equivalent of the junior hockey leagues of Canada. The parking is free and with Mass Ave being very close to the facility, it’s one heck of a way to enjoy a Friday night. Extras 3 The crowd is the star of the night with over 4,000 people in attendance. A very impressive number, since many minor league basketball operations would love these types of crowds at their games. The shuttle buses make life a lot easier for many fans trekking to the building. Parking spots are at a premium and many have to search throughout campus and the neighboring streets to park their cars. Luckily free shuttle buses bring people to and from the game in warm comfort. The gym and campus possess a lot of character that is hidden by the mass of people at the game. The facility dates back to 1928 and has a few stories to tell; a return engagement might be recommended during the regular season to fully appreciate the arena. Final Thoughts Attending this particular sectional was truly something that I will remember for the rest of my life. There were all the characteristics of Indiana high school basketball to observe. Fans waiting in line in the cold winter air, sold-out tickets, people nestled up against one another at their seats, and the joy of watching your team win the game and move on in the tournament. I was told by many that these days have dearly dissipated, but that was not the case here at Tech on the night of Sectionals. Perhaps the oversized crowd of fans bolstered the ambiance, but I don’t think I would have had it any other way.